John Legend Earning EGOT Is Important For Black Entertainment
John Legend is the first African American to earn EGOT status, an accomplishment that is raising the bar for all of black entertainment!
JC Olivera/WireImage - John Legend Earns EGOT
By: Omar Cook
In 2018, there are still a lot of firsts to be accomplished by black people and John Legend just set the stage for more walls to be torn down. John Legend is now the first African American to earn EGOT status! John Legend is one of the youngest people ever to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
154.2k Likes, 1,121 Comments - John Legend (@johnlegend) on Instagram
Legend recently won an Emmy at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards for producing the best variety special winner, "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert." Add that to go along with 10 grammys. The man is talented. Legend won an Oscar in 2015 for his song "Glory" which was featured in the film Selma and in 2017 he earned a Tony for his role as a co-producer for the Broadway production of "Jitney."
161.6k Likes, 1,622 Comments - John Legend (@johnlegend) on Instagram: "Before tonight, only 12 people had won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony in competitive categories...."
This is not only a win for John Legend, but a win for black culture and the next generation of black creators and entertainers that can see that major success is attainable on all levels. This is an inspiring win that black people can hold their heads high for. Black youth need positive role models to look up to and be able to see that they can follow in the same footsteps.
Being the first black anything is an accomplishment and this one is major. To accomplish EGOT in entertainment just speaks to the level of talent and commitment to success that John Legend has and this should be seen as motivation for anyone that trying to make a name for themselves. Thank you John Legend, for showing us that dedication to creativity will not go unnoticed.
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Drake and Meek Mill Squashing Their Beef Is What Hip Hop Needed
Drake and Meek Mill hit the stage together in Boston to squash a longtime beef! We discuss it here!
“We need more peace in the world, we need more love in the world. Meek Mill that’s my brother, that’s my nigga from day one”
By: Omar Cook
Faith Evans and Mary J. Blige fought at Diddy's house in the Hamptons. Cardi B and Nicki Minaj got physical during fashion week. Mac Miller was found dead in his home. In what has been a week full of unforeseen storylines in the hip hop world, add this one to the list. Drake and Meek Mill just ended their beef. Wild.
Drake and Meek Mill Squash Beef In Boston
Drake hit the stage in Boston for a stop on his Aubrey and the Three Migos tour Saturday night, and in the plot twists of all plot twists, Drake brought out Meek Mill to perform Dreams and Nightmares. "We need more peace in the world, we need more love in the world. Meek Mill that's my brother, that's my nigga from day one" Drake said on stage. This what hip hop needed!
Drake and Meek have been beefing since 2015 when Meek accused Drake of having ghostwriters to write his songs. Meek also had an issue with Drake not shouting out Meek’s Dreams Worth More Than Money album, Since then, the beef has been fueled with a bevy of diss tracks.
A surprising as this is, it's only fitting that this beef has come to end because Meek has been filled with a new energy since his release from prison. The rapper has been on a mission to fight for criminal justice reform since his release and holding onto a petty rap beef would just be a distraction to the cause. Drake really doesn't need anymore beef as he already went at it with Pusha T to kick off the summer.
Will this mean we will see some music between the two artists in the future? Time will tell, but or now we can just enjoy the black unity.
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J. Cole Posts Much Needed Message To The Music Industry In Light Of Mac Miller Death
J Cole Posts Much Needed Message To The Music Industry In Light Of Mac Miller Death
By: Omar Cook
We all heard the unfortunate news of the passing of talented rapper and producer, Mac Miller. Mac Miller passed away due to a drug overdose at the young age of 26. There were millions of tweets celebrating the rappers life, but one in particular stood out and that was from J Cole. His tweet and Miller's death brings attention to the ugly truths that some people deal with, and thats the overuse of drugs. Drug culture and using drugs to cope with certain things is a bigger issue than a lot of people realize.
Instead of dealing with issues head on, a lot of people turn to drugs rather than talking to friends or family about their problems. Drug use is over glorified in hip hop culture and honestly that needs to change. J. Cole touched on the subject on his recent album KOD with his song "Friends." Listen to it below.
J. Cole - “Friends” Music Video
Unfortunately, a lot of times we get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to check up on friends and family and don't realize they're going through something. Particularly, in the black community, mental health is an issue that often isn't taken seriously and people lack the courage to speak up and get help for their issues. Drug use is the easy way out, but unfortunately it doesn't always end up with the best results.
If you're battling with an issue, think about who you can talk to before turning to a hardcore drug that will do nothing more than suppress the feelings for a limited time. And if you know you haven't reached out to your loved ones the way you need to, you never know if they're needing someone to talk to and you can change that person's life.
Mac Miller will forever be remembered for the dope music that he gave us but his death will also serve a purpose that drug use is an issue that needs to dealt with. Thank you for the music and may you rest in peace.
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Joe Budden Takes Shots At Eminem In Latest Podcast Episode
Joe Budden takes shots at Eminem via the latest episode of The Joe Budden Podcast. We discuss it here!
Joe Budden Takes Shots At Eminem In Latest Podcast
By: Omar Cook
In the aftermath of Eminem dropping his 10th studio album Kamikaze, rappers have begun to fire back at Em after he called out a few people on his records! Em took shot at Joe Budden on his track "Fall" is here. Budden was a former member of Slaughterhouse with Em. Of course Joe Budden being Joe Budden, the retired rapper responded the best way he knows how, via the latest episode of his The Joe Budden Podcast.
Budden popped off the podcast saying "Since you’ve been in this megastar cocoon. That’s what happens to the megastars, y’all stay in cocoons. you popped off quick. They sheltered you your whole fucking career. Who was selling records like that? You fucking superstar n----s been sheltered and bored. Machine Gun Kelly is right. Y’all been slaves to your own superstardom."
He Continued "I heard the album, and because I don't think you know all the members that were in the group, I don't really think you know our history...Let me tell you what Joe Budden has thought this entire time. I've been better than you this entire fucking decade!" Ouch.
And of course he did'n't stop there. "In my rapper brain, I'm a content n---a. You gotta say something. You have not said anything for the better part of a whole fucking decade...How could I be mesmerized by someone I thought I was better than? You don’t think it’s odd that you’ve said my name more as adversaries more than when I was there."
Joe Budden never shies away from how he feels but sheesh, this was probably a stretch, to say that he was better than Em. It will be interesting to see how Eminem responds as he is not one to hold his tongue either.
Eminem also recently called out rapper Machine Gun Kelly who fired back at Em on his diss track "Rap Devil." Not many people have the balls to fire back at Eminem but this track was definitely a banger to say the least. Eminem's album is currently on track for his album to debut No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Listen to to the full podcast episode where Joe Budden fires back below!
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Nomi Sutton Releases “R E C O V E R E D +” EP
R&B artist Nomi Sutton released her highly anticipated first EP titled “R E C O V E R E D +.” Listen to what Nomi had to say about her new project here!
Up and coming R&B artist Nomi Sutton released her highly anticipated first EP titled “R E C O V E R E D +.” Nomi Sutton is a rising singer out of Texas who is beginning to come into her own. We asked Nomi a few questions about her new EP, check it out below!
Question: What was your inspiration for the title of this project?
The inspiration behind this product was my walk towards finding myself. When I first started writing music I was going through a rough time in life and just recently I find myself recovered from a lot of my circumstances. “R E C O V E R E D +” is all about a time period where I found healing within many aspects of myself.
Question: What do you want people to gather from listening to your EP?
Nomi: I want people to really catch the feelings within my songs. Whether it’s my song “Fair Warning” which is a warning for those who step a foot into one’s life or “Tonight” which is completely contradicting that and represents someone who is willing to let someone in because a good night is needed. I just want people to relate and be able to jam out.
Question: What do you feel is a song that people MUST listen to on this project?
Nomi: MUST listen to “Tonight.” It might be my favorite song on the EP. This song just makes me want to get up and dance and I’ve never felt that way personally about one of my songs. So this particular song was the first challenge at an upbeat song for me and I’m very proud of the final product.
Question: How did you generate ideas for the songs on this EP?
Nomi: With this being my first project, I typically would listen to a series of beats over and over till I could identify the vibe that the beat was giving me. Once I identify the vibe, I just try my best to make sure that the central message is communicated clearly to my listeners.
Question: Is there anything else you want people to know about your music and this EP?
Nomi: That I am already working on the second project and I am very excited to release my first project because this is my first EP ever!!! I have a lot of different vibes on this project so I’m sure one could relate and jam out to one of the songs! I’m very excited to be fully committed to music now and the thought of making more music is exciting for me. Make sure to stay tuned!
Stream the full EP on Itunes!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/r-e-c-o-v-e-r-e-d-ep/1433855414
Nayome - “Fair Warning” Music Video
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The Best Summer Anthems Of 2018 | 9 Songs That You Need in Your Playlist
We’re giving you a list of the some of the 9 best summer anthems of 2018! See if your favorite song the cut here!
By: James Teague
For some reason the vibes for Summer 2018 were different and I couldn’t put my finger on why. Maybe the current climate of our lives is playing a role. All that I can say is that the season is almost over and we don’t truly have an anthem to define our Summer this year. There’s usually a song that’s already been decided by the masses already. There's some songs you can say that fell into that Summer 18 category and after careful living and observation, I’ve picked out a couple of songs that can be nominated as the best summer anthems 2018. You can be the judge and decide which song is considered to be the anthem of Summer 18.
Ella Mai - Boo’d Up
This song was originally on Ella Mai’s Ready EP which was released last year. But somehow it resurfaced this year and created a life of its own. I appreciate the “Trust the process” story. Ella Mai is deserving of all this attention she’s getting. Everybody loves it especially the guys.
Ella Mai - “Boo’d Up” Music Video
Drake - Nice for What
It’s not Summer without Drake giving us an anthem to enjoy amongst the current time of our lives. From the song to the visual, you can tell this was dedicated more to the women out there working hard and looking good simultaneously. He made it clear for the women that this was the summer to start acting up and letting the men know what time it was.
Drake - “Nice For What” Music Video
YG - Big Bank
Everybody loves a rachet west coast style single from YG alongside DJ Mustard on the production boards. It felt good to hear Mustard & YG linking back up again for Stay Dangerous. You can't help but do your dance when “My b*tch drive an all white range/ Couldn't hit if you n*ggas had aim..” first comes on.
YG - Big Bank ft. 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj (Official Music Video)
Jay Rock - WIN
This isn’t just a song, it’s a life mantra that the people strive to live for in life! This was the perfect song to officially kick off Jay Rock’s run with Redemption, which happens to be one of top rap albums so far in 2018. Once again the TDE brand remains strong.
Jay Rock - “Win” Music Video
Tory Lanez ft Rich The Kid - Talk to Me
I was having a tough time trying to choose between BID and Talk to Me but the chorus alone for Talk to Me is so catchy that it just rolls off of your tongue with ease. Tory is planning to drop a new project Love Me Now right after releasing his Sophomore Effort Memories Don’t Die.
Tory Lanez, Rich The Kid - “TAlk tO Me” Music Video
Drake - In My Feelings
When I first heard this record on the night Scorpion released, I already knew this was going to be a smash single! Between the New Orleans influence and Drake giving City Girls a huge look, it had all of the ingredients for a successful moment. And it all kicked off when IG comedian Shiggy started the “In My Feelings” challenge.
Drake - “In My Feelings” Music Video
Khalid ft Ty Dolla Sign & 6lack - On the Way
The visual and vibe of this song gave me 90s vibes with a twist. It’s always great to hear feel good R&B records that you just automatically know is going to stand the test of time especially when hearing great young R&B acts. Ty Dolla is currently on his run with some of the best guest features in 2018 so far! Meanwhile everyone is anticipating 6lack’s next album release at any moment.
Khalid - “OTW” featuring 6LACK, Ty Dolla $ign (Official Music Video)
Valee ft Jeremih - Womp Womp
The rising stardom of Chicago rapper Valee has been a trajectory to watch this year from his debut EP GOOD Job, You Found Me to watching other rappers try and imitate his rap flow. This is one of the records that helps highlight who Valee is as an up and coming artist. I'm looking forward to hearing his next project with Cardo Got Wangz to see where he’s going to go next with his music.
Valee featuring Jeremih - “Womp Womp” (Official Music Video)
Tyga ft Offset - Taste
With all of the constant slander and jokes that the masses have made towards rapper Tyga, we forget about his ability to keep a hit record under his belt. At first I wasn’t sure what to think about the reactions to the song, but after listening and living with this song, I was sold. Between that, his other record Swish, and his new LA Leakers Freestyle, I’m liking what he’s doing with his music and hope he continues this streak of great music.
Tyga - “Taste” featuring Offset (Official Music Video)
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Who's Hot? 7 New Artists You Need To Know
We're giving you a list of 7 of the hottest new artists that may be flying under your radar! These are artists who are ready to change the landscape of hip hop and let their talents fly! Check them out here!
We're giving you a list of 7 of the hottest new artists that may be flying under your radar! These are artists who are ready to change the landscape of hip hop and let their talents fly! Check them out here!
1. Sonta Me'Shay
“What motivates me is God, my Mom, my Family, My Team, those who believe in me & those who don’t. I define success as true peace, inside and out.”
Sonta Me'Shay is a versatile hip hop artist from Chicago who can sing and put together an edgy rap verse! This rising artist is apart of Machine Group Entertainment which features artists such as G Herbo, Tink and many others! Sonta has had great success on youtube with some of her songs You Ain't Shit, Final Goodbye, Friends, AndWord To My Ex, all gathering millions of views! Sonta is definitely an artist to keep your eye on in 2018!
Check out her music below!
Sonta - “ Who is She” Official Music Video
2. Lona
“I just let the music speak for itself. I’m a man of few words by choice and I consider myself versatile when it comes to music so I just make whatever I feel at the time. My new project is definitely for driving, late nights, thinking, friends and relationships though. It’s a time piece of where I’m at right now, something people can live to.”
This is definitely a name you need to keep your eye on. At just 21, he has a dope collection of music but he is best known for his songs "Have U", "Let U Tell It", and "Real Luv". This is a talented hip hop artist who brings relatable music as well as a sense of realness to his lyrics. Lona gives off Kid Cudi vibes as he's able to switch between a relaxing melody tone and real rap! Expect to be hearing his name more in the near future!
Check out his music below!
Lona - “Real Luv” Music Video
3. Antoine Banks
“I use the word “relatable” a lot. I enjoy telling stories, I enjoy when people listen to my music and feel like I’m speaking about their personal life experiences or even their life in general.”
Antoine Banks is one of those rappers who you're going to want to say, "I knew about him before the hype!" With a lot of rappers resorting to commercial rap and mumble rap, this dude stays true to the game! This artist out of Odessa, Texas brings a real feel to his music which is truly relatable to our generation. His flow and lyrics is what makes him stand out from the crowd to deliver true authentic hip hop!
Check out his music below!
Antoine Banks - “Visions of Forever” Music Video
4. Lijah Turner
“This is real feel hip hop! Honestly that trap music, autotune mumble rap bullshit don’t come out my mouth.”
There aren't many rappers out there that make music that stays true to themselves and retain their own creativity throughout their music, but this is one of those artists who keeps it real in every song! Real rap is still alive, and this west coast artist is making sure that people understand what that is! Lijah Turner is severely underrated but his talents won't be hidden for long. Turner brings raw content to his lyrics and makes music for fans who can truly appreciate his authenticity.
Check out his music below!
5. WAASIKeso
“I would describe our music as real and relatable because we are vulnerable with things such as relationships, depression, our personality and what we think. One song might feel like a nighttime ride by yourself, the next might feel like a summer day drive to the get some food with the homies. We try to capture different with every song.”
WAASIKeso is the modern day Eric B and Rakim. This duo out of Florida is exactly what hip hop needs. The duo of WAASIShade and WAASIKeso compliment each other perfectly and they will not be a secret for too much longer. Running through their playlist, it's hard to find a song that makes you want to press skip. Real hip hop, real lyrics, and real authenticity is what this duo brings to the table and the flow in which they deliver their content is unmatched.
Check out their music below!
Waasikeso - “Soul Food” Music Video
6. Laolu
“I just love creating and being around others who have genuine love for the art of music, nothing beats being around musicians and just seeing the enjoyment on their faces. The love of music motivates me and overcoming depression and making music again.”
The U.K. has bevy of talented artists, and this singer out of London is another product of a growing hip hop presence in England! Laolu puts her truths in her music, and brings realness to each song. This artist has a voice that will have you sit down and play all of her music on repeat. Laolu has openly talked about battling through depression and her own personal battle has sparked creativity in her music, and this is definitely music that many people can relate to.
Check out her music below!
Laolu - “How to Feel” Music Video
7. Nomi Sutton
“Knowing that I can do everything through Christ gives me a faith that constantly motivates me to keep pushing towards my passion. My mom is also someone who told me from the beginning to pursue my passion for singing. I also want her to have everything she wants so if it takes me there that would be such a blessing to have the opportunity to bless her and others.”
Nomi Sutton brings her own original sound to her music, matched with a voice that can make ou close your eyes and create your own visual. Nomi is a fairly new artist of Texas and is still growing her music catalogue but the music she has put out will make you want to keep an eye out for her next releases. Nomi's music is laid back and relaxing, music that is perfect for summer vibes!
Check out her music below!
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The Legacy and Impact of Rapper XXXTentacion
XXXTentacion was an up and coming rapper who reached millions of people with his music and helped some with depression, but domestic violence accusations have many people refusing to look past his talents! We discuss his legacy and impact that XXXTentacion left behind!
By: Abina George
June 18, 2018, brought news of an unexpected and devastating event. Police pronounced XXXtentacion, a contemporary rapper, dead at 2:40 pm in Miami, Florida. The rapper was murdered during a robbery while he was shopping at area motorcycle dealers. His unexpected murder has brought forth a debate concerning violence and the absolution of violent crime upon death.
XXXtentacion was an up and coming Soundcloud rapper whose debut album, 17, was released last year. The album was an eclectic mixture of violent rap along with moving ballads that drew listeners to his unconventional, yet alluring musical style, uniting an otherwise diverse group of followers.
While critics praised his musical abilities and appealing music, his image was marred by reports of his violent behavior. XXXtentacion was accused of violently assaulting his then-pregnant girlfriend and causing her severe medical issues along with a miscarriage. The rapper was currently on trial for the crime during the time of his death.
Also, during his stay in prison for the above crimes, he assaulted his cellmate for simply staring at him during his prison stay. The rapper boasted of the incident on a radio show, claiming to assault his cellmate, who he believed was gay, as a way of showing dominance.
The headlines have been filled with news of XXXTentacion and tales of his alleged assault of pregnant ex- girlfriend and other violent encounters with other parties. He was accused of heinous violence and was amid a trial for these alleged offenses. He was also accused of other assaults, robberies, and other crimes.
News of his death rattled social media and many fans expressed their loss and condolences on his passing while others shared a suspected video of the rapper immediately after his death. His death also caused a strange transformation among his fans and the public in general. Although his death was untimely and he himself was a victim of violent crime, many seem to want to absolve him of the crimes he committed during his lifetime.
XXXtentacion Interviews with No Jumper Podcast
Many people flocked to social media to pay their respects to the late artist. Along with the statements of loss, many people took to defending the rapper's actions in life since he befell a tragic and untimely death. The most common phrases “He was young, he could have changed,” or “We all do dumb things while young,” attempts to lessen his actions as common and acceptable for youth.
Attacking others, regardless of age, is never acceptable for members of society. XXXtentacion killed his unborn child with the abuse of his ex-girlfriend, nearly killed her and his cellmate, and many want to forget about the abuse since he can no longer face legal judgment on the matter. Fans choose to gloss over his memory and only remember his music, not the all-encompassing content of his character. According to his actions, he was on a path of continued abuse. XXXtentacion’s mentality was that he had to violently beat those around him into a submissive position so that his ideal of masculinity was fulfilled. He laughed and joked about the harm he caused others and bathed in his supposed position of control and domination.
XXXtentacion’s death was tragic, and presumably not his fault. The trail bloodshed he created, on the other hand, was of his own doing. He gravitated towards criminal activities and relished in the pain of those around him.
XXXtentacion lived life as the perpetrator of many crimes and confident in his position of control. The abuse of his ex-girlfriend and others endured from the rapper’s rage cannot be forgotten because he himself became a victim. XXXtentacion held an aura of violence around him and ultimately violence became his very own downfall.
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Childish Gambino Drops New Music Video to His Single "This is America"
Childish Gambino delivers a politically motivated music video with his song "This is America".
By: Abina George
The music industry hasn’t heard from Donald Glover since his 2016 release of “Awaken, My Love!” Childish Gambino, as he is known within the music world, has remained quiet without a hint of new music. Yet, his time spent during this hiatus was dedicated to the cultivation of the single “This is America.”
Whilst the country decries scenes depicted in much of hip-hop as obsessed with the sexualization of women and the promotion of extreme party life, Glover has delivered a scathing critique of society in a mesmerizing video.
The music video opens with a man in white pants and light beige shirt walking towards a chair centered in the middle of an empty warehouse. As he picks up the guitar laying in the chair and takes a seat, the camera pans slightly to the background where Childish Gambino stands facing away from his audience. “We just want to party. Party just for you.”
He begins to dance. Glover’s moves are controlled and calculated. He dances with complete focus on his movements and glides over to the guitarist, now devoid of guitar and head covered like a hostage, pulls a pistol from the back of his trousers, poses, aims, and shoots the seated man.
His actions move from beautiful to grotesque while his shooting pose is highly reminiscent of the “Jim Crow” figure of earlier American advertisements. Childish Gambino’s dancing is only an act to sate viewers and distract from the atrocities the occur. A group of adolescent dancers then moves behind him, joining Glover in the execution of dances. While the group entertains with their coordinated routine, chaos erupts in the background.
The scene cuts to a shot of a choir praising. Childish Gambino enters through a door dancing his way in front of the choir. He is tossed a gun from off camera and guns down the singers, echoing the violent church massacres that have plagued the United States in recent years and placing the gruesome capability of automatic weapons on display all at once. He bounces away as weapon wielding protesters and a police car blur behind him.
Childish Gambino - “This is America” Music Video
The guns in the video are always carefully and respectfully handled after each shooting. They are laid gently on red cloth and carried safely away. These tools treated with more care than any of the people. Glover gives such care and effort to his movements, a testament to how he tries to please the audience among all the homicide and violence behind them. He sings “I’m so pretty” shortly after someone falls presumably to their death in the background.
Children mingle on the rafters above all the turmoil, observing the destruction and videotaping all the transgressions of their elders prepared to follow the path of those that came before them.
As Gambino and the accompanying school children perform the latest dance crazes, the white horse of the apocalypse gallops in the distance behind them provoking conclusions of the antichrist descending upon the nation and producing war. The scene ends with the children running and Glover resting in a position resembling firing a handgun. He pulls out a joint, self-medicating from the horrors he is experiencing and continues as society expects of him.
Donald Glover climbs onto a car with a hooded figure in the foreground and begins to dance again. “Get your money Black man.” he sings, and the camera pans out, insinuating that we are still expected to perform despite the horrors and abuse that engulf society. Keep performing and get your money. Ignore the atrocities that unfold before you.
The video concludes with Donald Glover and other African Americans running from a wrathful stampede. His eyes are engorged as he exerts himself for fear of his life. The fear and terror madden him, and he races for his life. This is America.
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4 Female Rappers That Should Be On Your Radar
Hip-Hop has always been a genre of music that’s been about raw expression and passion and women are killing the game right now! Here are 4 female rappers that should be on your radar!
Hip-Hop has always been a genre of music that’s been about raw expression and passion. First making its’ debut to the world in the mid-1970s, it combined the elements of street knowledge, street fashion, beatboxing and of course boisterous rhythmic chanting known as rapping. Hip-Hop artists use the 16 bars that rap verses usually are to tell the stories of oppression and social injustices that specifically affected marginalized people.
I was first introduced to hip-hop as a young girl by my dad, and it has remained one of my favorite genres of music until now. Not a day goes by that I don’t listen to a hip-hop track. There is nothing like the therapeutic vibes it provides. If you ask any real hip-hop fan they will be able to tell you how it has acted as a savior for them, often helping to express sentiments they didn’t even know they felt. Whether I am feeling explicit or ebullient, there is a song that exists within the genre to parallel that.
Through the years, hip-hop has transitioned from vulgar story-telling to “club music,” often being watered down by “artists” that truly don’t understand the true essence of the genre. However, there are a few musicians that make in their missions to remain faithful to what real hip-hop is. Below I have decided to highlight 4 women that are bringing real artistry to this male-dominated genre. They are all unapologetic, beyond talented, and sure to be household names in the hip-hop industry very soon. Be sure to view the list now!
#1. Nitty Scott
Nitty Scott is an Afro-Latina rapper by way of Brooklyn. On her latest project Creature , she tells the narrative of what it’s like to be a queer black woman in today’s society. True to her Afro-Borinquen heritage, her music is heavily influenced by the essence of her roots. Scott’s sound is often filled with tribal drums, African-style chanting and lyrics that assert the importance of women’s liberation.
#2. Azealia Banks
Originally from Harlem, Azealia Banks is not a name that is necessarily new to the rap game. In fact, most people have heard of her and even acknowledged she’s talented. However, after she made some mistakes, people stopped checking for her and her music. Well some years have gone by, (some) growth has been made, and Ms. Banks is making her epic return to show the world why they fell in love with her in the first place. Banks sound is very old-school Harlem, often paying homage to the underground drag queens scene. Her fusion of hardcore rapping and 80s-style singing are architected to perfection.
#3. Lizzo
Lizzo is a body-positive and bodacious rapper that hails from Houston, TX. Lizzo makes it very clear she unapologetically loves herself and every ounce of what she stands for is reflected in her music. Her lyrics are often filled with the sentiments of embracing your true-self and challenging the status-quo. Lizzo’s sound is just as gallant as her verses, and is very reminiscent of the 60s soul era.
#4. Noname
Noname Gypsy, now simply known as, Noname is a spoken word artist turned rapper from Chicago. What I love most about her music is how she makes such bold political statements over almost majestic beats, creating the perfect balance to her incredibly heavy lyrics. If peace had a sound it would be Noname’s music, the airy vibe of her instrumentals puts you in a trance-like state and is guaranteed to distress your entire life.
“Sunny Duet” x Noname ft. TheMIND
I hope you all enjoyed the list! Don’t forget who told you about them first. Xo,
Deveney M.