Blackway’s “What I've Been Missing” Album Bridges Ghanaian Roots and Brooklyn Grit
Blackway’s What I've Been Missing album masterfully combines his Ghanaian heritage with the dynamic energy of Brooklyn, offering a unique blend of hip-hop and Afrobeats that narrates a cross-continental journey." We discuss it here!
By: Jayla Smith
Let me tell you about an album that's been on repeat for me lately—Blackway’s latest masterpiece, What I've Been Missing. This album is more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a journey that beautifully merges his Ghanaian heritage with the unmistakable energy of Brooklyn. If you’re a fan of hip-hop with a twist of Afrobeats, this is the album you’ve been waiting for.
A Personal and Musical Journey
Blackway has outdone himself with this one. "Sika Mami," the standout track, is a perfect example of his genius. It’s a seamless blend of melodic Afrobeats and sharp hip-hop, showcasing his incredible versatility. This album is Blackway’s most personal work to date, a heartfelt homage to his roots and experiences.
And he didn’t do it alone. The album features some heavy hitters like Nasty C, Feyi, and his longtime collaborator, KoKo. Each artist brings something special to the table, making this LP a rich tapestry of sounds and stories.
Notable Achievements
Blackway is no stranger to success. He’s been named a Tidal Rising Artist and graced the cover of Rolling Stone in December for the Bacardi x Rolling Stone A.I.bum with Boi-1da. If you’re into hip-hop, you’ve probably heard his killer track "The Return of Mansa Musa" with Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beatz from the album BlockBusta.
Remember "What Up Danger" from Marvel’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse? That was Blackway, and it’s racked up over 297 million streams. He even brought Shaq out of rap retirement for "King Talk" in May 2023. Talk about making waves!
Blending Cultures Through Music
“What I've Been Missing” is a celebration of Blackway’s dual heritage. It’s an album that transcends borders, blending the vibrant rhythms of Ghana with the gritty beats of Brooklyn. Each track invites you to step into Blackway’s world, where cultures collide in the most beautiful way.
Connect with Blackway
If you’re not following Blackway on Instagram, you’re missing out. Catch up with him at @iamblackway for all the latest updates. And trust me, you’ll want to listen to “What I've Been Missing” here. It’s an album that’s sure to resonate, whether you’re an Afrobeats aficionado or a hip-hop head.
Blackway’s What I've Been Missing isn’t just an album; it’s a narrative that bridges continents and cultures, offering a fresh take on contemporary hip-hop infused with the vibrant energy of Afrobeats. Don’t sleep on this one—it’s a testament to Blackway’s artistic genius and a must-listen for anyone who loves music that tells a story.
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New York City Considers Declaring JAY-Z's Birthday an Official Holiday
Legislation is underway to potentially establish Jay-Z's birthday as an annual holiday in New York City. We discuss it here!
Jay Z attends the "Men in Black 3" premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. 16/05/2012
Credit: Steve Vas/Shutterstock
By: Adonis Armstrong
There's a possibility that JAY-Z's birthdate might be designated as an official holiday in New York City. As per ABC 7 New York, New York City Council members have proposed legislation to declare December 4, the rapper and mogul's birthdate, as "JAY-Z Day" in recognition of his significant cultural and societal contributions.
“The global phenomenon that is JAY-Z—born Shawn Carter—is widely known as an artist, mogul, husband and father, wealth builder, and supporter of economic development and community causes.”
Louis and several other Councilmembers have forwarded the proposal to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations. This resolution is set for review during the 2024 session of the New York City Council, commencing on January 3.
“Dec. 4 as JAY-Z Day announces to the world how this Brooklyn son can be all things, including loved by his community. In the spirit of celebrating Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, establishing an annual celebration to recognize a homegrown hero while proclaiming our municipal support is fitting.”
In the earlier part of this year, the Brooklyn Public Library unveiled the "Book of Hov" exhibit, showcasing a range of items and memorabilia linked to JAY-Z's remarkable career. Drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors, this exhibit will continue to be accessible to the public until December 2023.
NYC councilwoman seeks to declare each December 4 "Jay-Z Day"
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Gunna Sells Out Barclays Center in First Show Since Jail Release
Gunna's electrifying comeback show at Barclays Center sets the stage for his A Gift and A Curse Tour, featuring fan-favorite hits and a display of support for Young Thug. We Discuss it here!
Gunna performs in concert in the Netherlands
Credit: Ben Houdijk/Shutterstock
By: Joshua Martin
Gunna set the stage ablaze in his first sold-out show, 'The Gift,' since being released from jail, and the fans loved it. He performed every song off of his new LP from start to finish. The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, was the site where the YSL affiliate graced the stage for the first time since his release in December 2022.
His set include hits songs like "Hot," "Back At It," and most notably the viral hit "F*kumean."
Gunna performs “fukumean” for the first time pic.twitter.com/YeV1hnkZzb
— YOUNG STONER LIFE (@YoungStonerLife) September 10, 2023
Gunna also showed support for YSL leader Young Thug, opening the show with a large sign that read “Free Jeffrey” according to reports. Young Thug’s legal name is Jeffrey Williams Jr.
Gunna performed Young Thug’s verse on “Hot” during his concert in Brooklyn tonight.
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) September 10, 2023
“Free Jeffery” pic.twitter.com/yB29vJCZV9
Gunna’s performance at the Barclays Center was the first of two shows he has scheduled for this month. His next show, 'The Curse,' will take place at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on September 28.
Gunna is currently on tour, promoting his latest project, 'A Gift and A Curse,' which has received mixed reviews due to allegations of him cooperating with his YSL co-defendants last year. This controversy explains why he has never performed the song live. Despite the criticism, the album has earned Gunna his first top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist with "F*Kumean," which peaked at number 3 in July.
Gunna also partnered with PLUS! and the nonprofit Goodr for 'The Gift.' $1 from every ticket sold was donated to the Goodr Foundation, an organization that, according to their website, "strives to end world hunger by cultivating countless resources." If his Los Angeles show draws a substantial audience, it wouldn't be surprising to see a full-scale tour in the near future.
YSL RICO Trial Update
While Gunna is free and performing, his YSL peers are looking at a much bleaker situation. Thug and seven other defendants are facing numerous charges relating to the group's operations in Atlanta. Despite the trail starting in January, jury selection is still ongoing. In spite of renewed pleas for Young Thug to receive bond, he and many of his peers remain behind bars. The trail is set to resume in October, with many legal experts projecting that the case could last another six to 8 months.
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Las Vegas Police Conduct Search Warrant In Connection To Tupac Shakur Murder
Las Vegas police conducted a search warrant related to the long-dormant murder case of rapper Tupac Shakur, which could potentially unveil crucial information regarding the accomplice involved in the incident. We discuss it here!
By: Omar Cook
It’s been over 25 years since the murder of Hip-Hop icon Tupac Shakur and the mystery surrounding his death has led to countless conspiracies and speculation, but there may be a breakthrough coming. On Tuesday, July 18, the Las Vegas police conducted a search warrant related to the long-dormant murder case of rapper Tupac Shakur, as announced by the department.
"LVMPD can confirm a search warrant was served in Henderson, Nevada on July 17, 2023, as part of the ongoing Tupac Shakur homicide investigation," the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated, according to ABC News. "We will have no further comment at this time.”
In connection with the decades-dormant murder case of rapper Tupac Shakur, homicide detectives gathered sufficient evidence to execute a search warrant at a local Henderson home, as reported by investigators to ABC. Nevertheless, the specific purpose of the police search and the home's link to the case remain undisclosed.
The world of music was shaken on September 7, 1996, as news of a shooting incident involving the acclaimed lyricist spread throughout the world. Tupac Shakur, widely recognized for his roles in Juice andPoetic Justice, the multi-talented artist was attending a boxing match alongside Suge Knight in Las Vegas when the tragedy struck. While riding in a black sedan on Las Vegas Boulevard, a white Cadillac approached and unleashed a hail of gunshots, inflicting multiple gun wounds on the 25-year-old artist. Tupac was quickly transported to the hospital, but tragically, six days later, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Despite his untimely demise, Shakur's legacy continues to flourish with the release of numerous posthumous albums, books, documentaries, and films with the most recent project released being Dear Mama which is streaming on Hulu.
Since the incident, no suspect has been identified, resulting in minimal progress in the case. Many people have drawn connections between Shakur's death and that of rapper Notorious B.I.G., who also was killed in a drive-by shooting in Brooklyn six months later.
Just last month, Sekyiwa Shakur, Tupac's sister, graciously received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on her brother's behalf. Sekyiwa expressed the profound impact that Tupac had on the world in a heartfelt speech. “Tupac knew deep down that he was always meant for something great,” she stated. “And as his little sister, I had the privilege to watch that greatness unfold.”
During 2015, Las Vegas authorities disclosed to the Los Angeles Times that the investigation had hit a roadblock not due to insufficient evidence, but because "individuals in Shakur's entourage declined to cooperate" with the inquiry. However, after the recent execution of the search warrant, the gathered evidence will be brought before a Las Vegas grand jury. While law enforcement speculates that the primary gunman may have passed away long ago, investigators conveyed to ABC their optimism that this fresh evidence might provide leads to identify the gunman's collaborator.
Although authorities suspect that the primary shooter has likely passed away, investigators expressed to ABC their optimism that this recently discovered evidence could potentially unveil crucial information regarding the accomplice involved in the incident.
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