Sullivan Drops New Single "Hold On"
Southern rapper Sullivan dropped a new single called “Hold On” ft Mike J. This track has a laid back vibe where he talks about staying strong and pushing through.
By: Omar Cook
Southern rapper Sullivan dropped a new single called “Hold On” ft Mike J. This track has a laid back vibe where he talks about staying strong and pushing through. Sullivan dropped his album Evil Scientist earlier this year. Check out the song below!
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William Prize Drops New Single "Im Not Perfect"
North Carolina rapper William Prize dropped a dope new single called "Im Not Perfect" where he talks some of his pitfalls and faults from his past! Listen to it here!
By: Omar Cook
North Carolina rapper William Prize dropped a dope new single called "Im Not Perfect" where he talks some of his pitfalls and faults from his past! Prize recently dropped his album Mind Games and is continuing to bring the heat with new music. Check it out below!
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Trey Forever Drops New Single "Anxious"
R&B artist Trey Forever dropped a new song called "Anxious". Listen here!
By: Omar Cook
R&B artist Trey Forever dropped his first single since releasing his “2 Days N Forever” EP earlier this year. Trey Forever dropped a hot new song called “Anxious”, which tells the story of patiently waiting for that person you truly want. This a laid back vibe that is sure to be on repeat!
Trey Forever - So Anxious (Official Audio)
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My Letter To Nipsey: "Your Music Helped Inspire Me And Keeps Me Going"
With the tragic death of one of Hip Hop’s icons, staff writer James Teague pens an open letter to Nipsey Hussle, discussing the impact the music has had on his life and millions around the world!
By: James Teague
Throughout my 28 years of living, I was never the type that cried over a celebrity’s death. It just wasn’t my style. I managed to handle such celeb deaths such as Bernie Mac, Michael Jackson, & most recently, Mac Miller. For the most part I’ve gained an idea of how I’m able to handle death simply because it is simply part of the life process. However, with your passing this past Sunday evening, things really hit different for me. I was in the middle of recording my Upcoming podcast when I had got the news. I was shocked and didn’t know how to feel about the incident and when a picture of your body popped up on my Twitter time line, I got sick. I could only pray and wish for the best for you. But then God called you home and that tore the entire team up.
For the first time ever, I found myself locked in a bathroom crying and shedding tears over your death. This incident came as a complete left turn that just ruined my entire productive Sunday. It was so crazy for me realizing and seeing myself crying over your death because it was as if I had lost a family member/mentor. Your music has helped shaped my way of thinking and has gotten me through the tough years in my life. I was introduced to your music back in 2009 when “Hussle in the House” dropped. I was intrigued by the energy you were spreading on that record and had me thinking you was the spawn of Snoop Dogg.
That following year I followed you on your new Mixtape “The Marathon” and that mixtape played a pivotal role during my sophomore year in College. Your music along with all of the other peers that was involved in the “Blog Era” helped play a huge role in me growing into becoming the Man that I am today. The one song that stood out the most to me from your mixtape was “Bigger than Life,” the final cut that played right after “I Don’t Give a Fuck.” At that time, I couldn’t completely comprehend all of the things you were saying on that record, however I knew and understood that everything you were speaking on came from a place of sincerity. That was the day I really had became a fan of your music.
Your whole entire catalog has played a tremendous role in my life as I was transitioning from college kid to college graduate to young adult making his way through life. Your coming out party to the world was the infamous “Crenshaw” mixtape hosted by DJ Drama, which is probably one of my top favorite projects from you ever right next to Victory Lap the album. I remember during this time period I was fresh out of college working in my moms office while just starting off my freelance writing career writing for Elite Daily. I remember when you were talking about the “Proud to Pay” campaign, we all were nuts for thinking what we thought because it was so out of the ordinary and out of the box. Me personally I was intrigued by this but wasn’t sure what to expect from charging your CD $100.
Nipsey Hussle - Crenshaw Blvd
But sure enough you stuck with your guns and when the music was officially released, it did the proper numbers it was supposed to. You even had Jay-Z show his support by buying 100 copies of your CD. It just goes to show that real recognizes real and he saw the potential in you from jump street. As a Black Creative that’s still working towards creating a plan that matches the vision of where I see my life trajectory, your music has helped inspire me and keeps me going through this Marathon we call life. Giving us free game, telling us to trust the process and trust our gut and to have the upmost faith in ourselves and what we do.
Throughout these years leading up to God calling you home, you’ve shaped yourself into becoming the example of what a strong powerful black man is supposed to be and for that I’m forever grateful for you giving all of us the gems we needed to hear. It sucks that you were taken away from us so soon because you were JUST starting to get into your prime. From being fresh off go a Grammy Nomination for your classic debut album Victory Lap to releasing your new single Racks in the Middle with Roddy Rich and also working on creating a collaborative effort with Meek Mill. You also were focusing a lot more on building your community up through new business ventures.
God bless your family, especially Lauren London and your kids because they really need to be surrounded by as much love as possible. Nipsey you may no longer be here with us in the physical form but through your music, interviews and wise words spoken, your spirit will forever live on in us. I think I can speak for all creatives and entrepreneurs affected by this death when I say we HAVE to continue keeping your legacy alive through our work and endeavors. More than ever now, it’s up to us to really focus and shape ourselves into discovering our potential and putting our best foot down in our endeavors. Either way it goes, The Marathon continues for us and we’re going to hold you down and celebrate your life by picking up where you left off. Long Live Neighborhood Nip !!!
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Reggae Sensation Etana Talks Grammy Nomination And Breaking Barriers For Women In Reggae
Female reggae sensation, Etana, was the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category. We talked with Etana about her Grammy awards experience and breaking barriers for women in Reggae!
By: Omar Cook
Female reggae sensation, Etana, was the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category. The last time a female artist was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nomination. Etana’s Reggae Forever album was nominated alongside Black Uhuru for As the World Turns, Ziggy Marley for Rebellion Rises, Protoje for A Matter of Time and Grammy Award winners for Best Reggae Album, Sting & Shaggy for 44/876.
Etana, whose real name is Shauna McKenzie, is a soulful singer and songwriter. She made international waves with her fifth album Reggae Forever which debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number one. Her fourth album I Rise also debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number one and her album Better Tomorrow debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number seven. Etana made history as the first female with back-to-back top albums on the Billboard Reggae Chart. Her unique sound blends Roots Reggae with flavors of Folk, Soul, and Jazz.
Etana is an artist that is breaking barriers for women in Reggae and her success is giving other women pursuing a music career inspiration to keep pushing. Etana speaks about her 2019 Grammy Awards experience and hitting the red carpet at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA!
Etana - Free Part 2
We talked with Etana in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING MUSIC AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
Etana: I've been singing since I was eight years old. I wanted to be a nurse or a doctor but music called me in and I knew music was it for me. I started professionally in music in 2000.
QUESTION: MUSICALLY, WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN HELPING YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY AND WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?
Etana: Bob Marley, Jay-Z, Bruno Mars, Beyonce to Dolly Parton. They sing about their own life experiences. That speaks to me. When you listen to songs that explores life experiences especially to things that we can all relate to, you're sure to love it. I feel my music connects with people as they can relate to my songs either they have those same experiences or may be experiencing it right now.
Etana on the Red Carpet at the Grammy Awards 2019
QUESTION: YOUR ALBUM REGGAE FOREVER WAS NOMINATED FOR BEST REGGAE ALBUM THIS YEAR AT THE GRAMMYS! WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL FEELING WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE NOMINATED AND WHAT WAS THE GRAMMY EXPERIENCE LIKE SHARING THE NOMINATION WITH OTHER GREAT REGGAE ARTISTS SUCH AS STING, SHAGGY, BLACK UHURU, AND ZIGGY MARLEY?
Etana: So excited! It's an honor that Reggae Forever has been recognized by the Recording Academy with a Best Reggae Album nomination and to be amongst these talented nominated artists and award-winning artists. I'm truly delighted to have made an album independently that was well received by so many people around the world.
QUESTION: YOU WERE THE FIRST FEMALE IN 21 YEARS TO BE NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY AWARD IN THE BEST REGGAE ALBUM CATEGORY. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON REPRESENTING WOMEN IN REGGAE AND WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED TO BREAK BARRIERS?
Etana: Having five albums that have all rocketed to the Billboard Reggae Chart is impressive. Being the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category is monumental. The last time that a female was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nomination. I'm a reggae artist who wants to preserve and grow our music and to promote love and inspire, so that it makes way for endless opportunities for reggae artists to have. Women in reggae have come a long way but we still have a long way to go and I intend on breaking as many closed doors and barriers as much as possible.
Etana - I Rise | Official Music Video
QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS YOUR BEST SONG/PROJECT EVER RELEASED AND WHY?
Etana: All of them! I'm proud of all of them! My album Reggae Forever. I was extremely happy when I learned that my first independent project made it to number one and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae album. The album is distributed by Tad's Records. I think audiences appreciate that Reggae Forever was independently produced, it's eclectic and the main message is love as well as it tells many stories and keeps the listener engaged.
QUESTION: WHAT PROJECTS CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
Etana: I'm in the process with my sixth studio album and I’m looking forward to releasing a single from that album soon. I will be going on tour in the U.S. this year and will be touring the U.K and other countries.
For up-to-the-minute news and information on my music and shows, visit www.etantathestrongone.com and follow at Facebook @OneEtana and Instagram @EtanaStrongOne and Twitter @EtanaStrongOne.
QUESTION: HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC TO PEOPLE AND WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM OTHER ARTISTS IN YOUR GENRE?
Etana: My sound blends Roots Reggae with flavors of Folk, Soul, and Jazz. My music has a bit of everything for everyone. It is wonderful to see many audiences deeply connected to my music.
QUESTION: WHAT SACRIFICES HAVE YOU HAD TO MAKE TO SEE YOUR DREAM BECOME A REALITY AND WHAT ARE SOME OBSTACLES THAT YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Etana: We all go through hardships and sacrifices especially experiences throughout our life that shape us. Everything that I have experienced up to now has shaped me into the person I am today. I'm still learning and growing and feel that through hard work, perseverance, determination, knowledge, and self love is important to have and to continue it through life.
QUESTION: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND YOUR MUSIC IN 5 YEARS?
Etana: I want to continue to make hits and to continue to make great music that people want to listen to. Two levels up at a time or more.
Etana - Spread Love (Official Music Video)
QUESTION: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
Etana: Always work hard, keep improving your music and sound and believe in yourself.
QUESTION: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE SOME KEYS TO BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL MUSIC ARTIST?
Etana: Keep learning and growing. Continue to make great music and for longevity. Knowing as much about the business of music is important as well.
QUESTION: WITH IT BEING BLACK HISTORY MONTH, MUSIC HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS! WHAT LEGACY ARE YOU LOOKING TO LEAVE BEHIND WITH YOUR MUSIC?
Etana: African American musicians and producers have made huge contributions to the history of music. As an African American female it is important to continue to enrich the culture of music. I want to make a lasting impression in the minds and hearts of little girls and boys of all races, religion, and lifestyles, all across the world.
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Nayome Drops New Single "What You Need"
R&B singer Nayome dropped a hot new single called “What You Need”! Nayome brings a soulful vibe to this track and is showing us that real R&B still exists.
By: Omar Cook
R&B singer Nayome dropped a hot new single called “What You Need”! This up and coming artist out of Texas has been consistent with dropping good music and is not slowing up since dropping her debut EP R E C O V E R E D + in 2018. Nayome brings a soulful vibe to this track and is showing us that real R&B still exists.
“My homie Billy sent me a collection of beats and when I came across this particular beat, I was like, “Ohhhh wait a minute now, we gone have to do something to this one.” The words, “You tell me…What you need” were the first words to slip out of my mouth before I gave the whole track a listen. That pretty much set the tone for the song and I wanted to challenge myself to become more lyrical with this song. So I really settled on the feeling of loving someone so much, that one be willing to just be ready to do about anything they need. (Cant relate haha) but I wrote in the perspective of speaking to myself and what I would want. “Living in a different era wit cha, I wanna spend my endeavors with ya. I want you to invade my space and lay with meh till eternity,” Thats quite the feeling and I wouldn’t want to settle for anything less. What you need is really referring to what I desire. I hope when people listen they are reminded of their loved ones or excited about their desires.” - Nayome
CHECK IT OUT HERE!
Find this song on all major platforms here — https://fanlink.to/bsvp
Nayome - What You Need
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Lona Drops New Single "Time 2 Time"
Houston rapper Lona dropped a new single called “Time 2 Time”! In this track he discusses situationships and how people find comfort in these types or relationships. Lona dropped his album 346 back in October and is starting the year off right with some hot new music.
“The inspiration came from women in my past & things i’d been going through. It was me looking in the mirror asking myself how I end up in similar situations. So the song was kind of me owning up like I know you don’t want me but I play along cause I like the company, usually because of the lack of self worth. I really wanted people to maybe see part of themselves in the record, cause situationships dominate this time we’re in.”
CHECK IT OUT HERE!
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Joshua Sheeran Drops New Single "Blessings"
Joshua Sheeran dropped a hot new single called “Blessings”! Coming off of his recent EP titled Only If You Knew, this artist isn’t slowing up with bringing you some dope vibes.
By: Omar Cook
Joshua Sheeran dropped a hot new single called “Blessings”! Coming off of his recent EP titled Only If You Knew, this artist isn’t slowing up with bringing you some dope vibes.
“I had just got up from hanging with my homie Jaz. I remember going to her crib with friends and her family. I had met her mom years ago and we just clicked super well. Jaz mom threw the lob for me to get with her daughter. Lol so we started kicking it more. Jaz came over one morning and I told her I was gonna make a song in 30 minutes. This was created, I caught a melody and flow. Freestyled every verse and the hook. It was a funny ass process for sure.”
CHECK IT OUT HERE!
Joshua Sheeran - “Blessings”
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10 Years Ago Drake Dropped His Classic Mixtape "So Far Gone"
10 years ago today dropped his classic mixtape So Far Gone! This nostalgic tape stamped Drake as a music artist showing that he had much more to offer outside of acting.
By: Omar Cook
10 years ago today dropped his classic mixtape So Far Gone! This was Drake’s third official mixtape after Room For Improvement and Comeback Season. It’s crazy the amount of growth and success we’ve seen from Drake over the years, and it’s inspiring. I can remember watching Drake on Degrassi, then “Replacement Girl” with Trey Songz dropped and I was damn, Jimmy rapping now? Jimmy was just who he was at the time, but Drizzy has evolved into a straight hitmaker who seems to be shooting 100 percent from the field. Just about every project has been solid, and So Far Gone is debatably one of his best projects.
It’s hard to even choose a favorite track from this project as this is one those rare mixtapes where you can listen all the way through, no skips. Drake has switched up his flow delivery over the years but still has managed to stay atop of the music charts by evolving with the times, but this tape is classic Drizzy and gives you nostalgia. It’s almost hard to believe it’s been 10 years since this tape dropped, I can even remember when it dropped because I had it on repeat. I was senior in high school when this came out and “Brand New”, “Ignant Shit”, and “Best I Ever Had” saw about 10 plays respectively a day from me. The vibes on this tape were unreal and “Brias Interlude” and “A Night Off’ took this tape to the next level with the R&B feels.
Who really knew that Drake would blow up to be one of the biggest artists in the world, but he stamped himself with this mixtape and showed that his talent went way farther than acting. Check out the tape below and comment what your favorite track from this classic mixtape was.
Drake - Lust For Life [So Far Gone Mixtape]
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Where Were You When The College Dropout Released?
On February 10, 2004, The College Dropout by Kanye West was released. Whether you love or hate Kanye West now, you can’t deny the social impact this album had in 2004 and beyond.
The College Dropout by Kanye West
By: Eric Lewis
On February 10, 2004, The College Dropout by Kanye West was released. I remember where I was vividly. I had just moved back home to Louisiana from Houston, Texas. It was a turbulent time for me. I had been in Houston for almost 2 years with hopes of making a name for myself in the 4th largest city in America. My relationship at the time was a real rocky one, and my little girl was almost 2 years old. I was feeling down on myself and at a job where I felt I wasn’t appreciated. I knew this menial job was something just to have, but I still had the feeling in my heart of something greater eventually coming for me. I would gravitate to music to be my outlet and my escape from the trapped feeling I had. This was around the time Jay-Z was riding high with the “retirement album”, The Black Album. One of my favorite songs on the album, Encore, was heavy on my mind. I kept thinking to myself (like I'm sure millions of people thought as well) that a song produced by Kanye West could do no wrong. But...an album with Kanye West the rapper???? It would probably have to be one of those albums that grows on me. Nevertheless, I literally spent my last 15 dollars on The College Dropout. I didn’t get paid until Friday, but something told me to go and get it. It couldn’t be that bad....
I can honestly say it changed my life.
Kanye West - The College Dropout
It was like the album spoke of what I was feeling at the time...almost to the core. There is this one line that sticks on the very first song, We Don’t Care, when he says “this is for my Ni**** outside all winter cuz this summer they ain’t finna say next summer I'm finna...” That spoke to me!!! How many times have we said “yo, I'm gonna go hard this year so next year can be lit!!”, only to have the next year roll around and you’re in the same boat as last year? I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. This album spoke of the person who is not only trying to figure out what happened in the past, but what’s happening now and how prepared we really aren’t for the future. College in my eyes is still a debatable subject on whether or not it’s needed to be successful, but that’s another conversation as a whole. The College Dropout told the story of someone who didn’t finish college, but worked their ass off to make it in society. Because regardless of what they tell you or portray in High School, this shit is hard. If you hustle hard, believe in yourself and don’t give up, success will come.
I wasn’t ready for The College Dropout, but I was ready for change in my life. This album helped usher in the new mentality I’ve lived by since then. Whether you love or hate Kanye West now, you can’t deny the social impact this album had in 2004 and beyond. It inspired millions of people, including myself, to get off our asses and do something amazing. So here’s to one of my top 5 favorite albums of all time, The College Dropout.
Eric Lewis
@TheTmPLife
Meet James Teague, contributing writer to 247 Live Culture!