Death of Juice WRLD Raises The Discussion Of Drug Abuse In Hip Hop Culture
Hip Hop has always been at the forefront of growing trends in America, with drug use becoming a major focal point in the last decade. The recent death of Juice WRLD raises the discussion of drug abuse In Hip Hop culture! We discuss it here!
By: Omar Cook
Hip Hop for the last 40 years has been at the forefront of growing trends in America, with every decade bringing in new waves of rappers and new styles. This particular decade of the 2010s I have noticed a growing trend of glorifying drug use and it’s becoming disturbing with lives being lost unfortunately.
Just recently we lost 21 year rapper Juice WRLD to an overdose of prescription drugs. 21 y’all. The crazy thing is that this could have been prevented, and it was his own doing. We also lost legendary Mac Miller to the same issue. While these guys make some dope music, it’s obvious that hard drugs have become a major issue.
This time period is weird because it’s like, when did glorifying drugs and being high alllllll the time become the thing to do? You hear rappers daily speak about using percocets, codeine, Xanax, Molly, cocaine, etc. What issues are plaguing these rappers so much that these drugs become the only option? Hitting the blunt a few times wasn’t enough???
These rappers perpetuate this lifestyle into the minds of an already impressionable generation that holds onto rap lyrics like gold. And killing themselves in the process. I just want to say before I keep going, glorifying these drugs and being high all the time is not the wave. These are the signs of a junky.
J Cole spoke about the issues of drug abuse and drug addiction on his song “Friends” on his album KOD.
You running from yourself and you buying product again
I know you say it helps and no I'm not trying to offend
But I know depression and drug addiction don't blend
Reality distorts and then you get lost in the wind
And I done seen the combo take niggas off the deep end
One thing about your demons they bound to catch up one day
I'd rather see you stand up and face them than run away
I understand this message is not the coolest to say
But if you down to try it I know of a better way
Meditate
J. Cole - FRIENDS
We don’t get to hear about the lives of regular citizens that are lost due to these drug problems, only when celebrities or music artists die because of it. How many more people have to pass away before we start labeling this as a real problem? It would be easy to say stop supporting music that encourages this drug culture, but that would be irrational because this is a generational problem. There are a number of artists that push drug culture and normalize depression and sadness in their music.
My issue is not with the artists that choose to live this lifestyle because these are grown people making their own decisions, but the fact that their are kids and teenagers coming up that feed off of these young rappers is where this becomes a major problem. Hip hop will continue to be a major influencer but at what point do we start pushing music that speaks on real issues or encourages its audience to do better instead of continuously pushing music that sets us back?
It is very unfortunate what happened to Juice WRLD as this was another young black live lost, but he is also fully responsible for his actions. Anyone that chooses to abuse drugs will have to deal with the consequences that comes with it. The solution…don’t do drugs.
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Kafar Myers Drops Visual For "Self Privilege Freestyle #1"
New Jersey Rapper Kafar Myers dropped a dope visual to his song "Self Privilege Freestyle #1"! Kafar is set to drop his new mixtape Self Privilege next week. Listen to the track here!
By: Omar Cook
New Jersey Rapper Kafar Myers dropped a dope visual to his song "Self Privilege Freestyle #1"! This song features a true hip hop feel and as soon as the beat drops, Kafar comes on hard with raw lyrics that you can feel! Kafar is set to drop his new mixtape Self Privilege next week and if the rest of the tracks sound anything like this one, it’s for sure to be full of hits. He also dropped his project Testimony this year which featured 10 tracks.
This artist is more than just a rapper as he also has written two poetry books, Soulful Of Me and Soulful Of More with the latter dropping earlier this year. Check out the video below!
Kafar Myers - Self Privilege Freestyle #1 (Dir. Painfully Gifted Visuals)
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Taz Tikoon Talks Music Inspiration, Best Projects And More!
Virginia Rapper Taz Tikoon sat down with us in an exclusive interview to discuss how she came up with her name, music inspiration, and her best projects to date!
By: Omar Cook
Virginia Rapper Taz Tikoon sat down with us in an exclusive interview to discuss how she came up with her name, music inspiration, and her best projects to date! Check out the full interview below!
Who’s Hot? Exclusive Ep. 1 | Taz Tikoon Talks Music Inspiration, Best Projects And More!
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LijahT Drops New Song "Sins Away"
West Coast rapper LijahT dropped a new song called “Sins Away”! The track features a sample of J. Cole’s song “St. Tropez”. Listen here!
By: Omar Cook
West Coast rapper LijahT dropped a new song called “Sins Away”! The track features a sample of J. Cole’s song “St. Tropez”. LijahT is keeping his momentum rolling after releasing his album LIJ earlier this year. Check out the song below!
LijahT - Sins Away
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Lamar Jay Performs Live At 247LC Fall Showcase
West Coast singer Lamar Jay performed live at our first 247 Live Culture Fall Showcase at Late Sunday Afternoon in Los Angeles! Check out the full performance here!
By: Omar Cook
West Coast singer Lamar Jay performed live at our first 247 Live Culture Fall Showcase at Late Sunday Afternoon in Los Angeles! Lamar headlined the event which featured rising artists Jhamasa, Chari’ Joy, Yapi Drew, and Lijah Turner. Check out the performance below!
Lamar Jay Performs Live @ 247LC Fall Showcase
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THEMOSTCRITICAL Talks Doing #OneTakeTwosday For 30 Consecutive Weeks
West Coast rapper THEMOSTCRITICAL created a weekly visual freestyle campaign that has been going strong for over 30 consecutive weeks! Check out what he had to say about how this idea was put into motion!
By: Omar Cook
West Coast rapper THEMOSTCRITICAL created a weekly visual freestyle campaign that has been going strong for over 30 consecutive weeks! This rising artist uses his creativity and an authentic approach to putting together lyrics to create a weekly challenge that people can look forward to. Check out what he had to say below about how this idea was put into motion!
“One Take Twosday (#onetaketwosday on IG) was an idea that came from me desiring to execute a more effective and sustainable marketing strategy/campaign than I had at the time, and to that point overall. In a word - I needed to get my name out there way more. That's every independent artist's dilemma to get to the next phase of their career to me. The compounded issue with that, you learn, is that sh--t is expensive af. In money or manpower. And the higher you aim to rise the more that it becomes an "and," not a question of "or."
To start though, most of us don't have either. I realized this demise time and time again: You pour your heart and resources, and money into a project - album, mixtape, or full-length single accompanied by the most industry-standard music video your budget can possibly afford (or more), release it to the world with the highest hopes that this is the one that's going to take you from this level to that level, or at least make you the hometown hero, then...6 months later...you still can't even get enough views to fill your small high school gym. Devastating. It's absolutely crushing. On top of that, since you gave everything you had materially, it's going to be another 6+ months before you can follow up with an equally satisfying effort.
The cycle repeats itself until you get too exhausted from trying to no avail, or too much time passes you by and you cannot gain or maintain relevance. So, you go live in the "real-world" because it's just not working. I've seen it firsthand and been on the edge of falling victim to the aforementioned outcome. All of this is the "industry" side of the music industry that we as true independent artists fail to grasp. There is a whole entire marketing department and engine propelling our favorite artist's given-project forward to our ears around the world. Still to this day even in the DIY internet age.
With that being said, if you want to have a chance in the industry on any level, you have to think like the industry, not just the musician. Unless you're fortunate enough to have an entity, or a team thinking like that for you. Again, most of us do not at first. That was the spark of the campaign. That level of understanding, finally. After countless unsatisfying results. The next inspiration was observing the current landscape of the ways music is consumed, marketed by my peers and contemporaries, and my place within it all, to determine what might work best for me in my world.
I came to a few conclusions based on my personal experience: 1) Instagram is the hottest social media platform out, currently, for consumers and brands alike (the brands follow the consumers, and the consumers love Instagram right now. If I wanted my brand to grow in trend with the times it had to have an active presence on Instagram. 2) The power of video is stronger than it has ever been in history, especially for musicians. 3) Content...rather CONSISTENT content is King in order for any brand to prosper on IG. 4) As an emerging artist or brand on Instagram, you must utilize it as a media outlet in the same way as (and in place of) TV...no one is watching television anymore, everyone is watching Instagram...and television broadcasts shows.
Therefore, an emerging brand such as myself must put on a show in some way, shape, or form to stand out in it's infinite sea of content. In so many words, you have to give people something to look forward to watching consistently. 5) Music videos are obviously the key remote marketing tool for a musician aside from the inherent music itself...but that shit can get EXPENSIVE as we've been over. And without outside investors or funding...it can get ugly when you're talking about trying to replicate the process in a consistent marketing campaign.
After witnessing the great success of a completed 30-day freestyle challenge on Instagram by LA-rapper Quincy White, along with the success of an attempted 365-day song release challenge embarked on by Black OC with a local artist, I was convinced that some sort of elongated weekly-release challenge, ideally, year-long, powered by IG's 1-minute video attribute was the most prominent, cost-effectively sustainable, and realistically achievable campaign that I could execute and replicate to market my brand best as I gathered the necessary resources for full-length releases.
Now, over 30 consecutive weeks-in, I can confidently say this one of the best and most effective ideas of mine brought to fruition. The quality and quantity of growth I've seen is amazing and often hard to believe. The reception has been more gratifying than I could've imagined. It's something that my fans will remember and smile on years from now, and talk about as something they got to see from-the-ground-up, no gimmicks or clout-schemes.
My Day Ones will always know that this was real and they witnessed it start from nothing. Because of its authenticity it's gained me some true, loyal believers. I've inspired many people in the effort, and inspired myself to go for the seemingly impossible like never-before. It's been affirmation, and reaffirmation, of my, and more importantly, our, power and potential to achieve whatever we desire. And that's the biggest reward of the whole idea made-manifest.”
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T. Mason Drops New Visual For "Hard To Find"
Rapper T. Mason dropped a dope new visual for his song “Hard To Find” which is a single off his latest project Got Home Late! Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Rapper T. Mason dropped a dope new visual for his song “Hard To Find” which is a single off his latest project Got Home Late! The song has a laid back vibe with the perfect visuals to go with it! T. Mason has been rolling this year with great releases and this video is no exception! Check it out below!
T. Mason - Hard To Find (Directed by B.Rxb)
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Jae Breeze Discusses His Latest Album "Crxwn"
East Coast artist Jae Breeze dropped his third album called Crxwn! Check out the project and what he had to say about it here!
“This album is a statement to say that I’m here to stay in this music game. I’m more comfortable with trying new things vocally and opening up more to the listeners. This is my best work yet.”
“I just want to thank everyone who has listened to the album, and shared the album with others. Y’all are the real goats and I’m here to be Carolinas Finest. This is my best piece of work to date and I hope you enjoy. Thank you!”
By: Omar Cook
East Coast artist Jae Breeze dropped his new album called Crxwn! The album features 10 tracks and host of features from other rising artists including William Prize and Joshua Sheeran.
“I decided to name the album “Crxwn” because I wanted to tell a story about myself and a status where I feel like I am at right now. I feel like I’m at a peak where I can’t be touched.”
If we had to compare this artist’s sound to anyone, it would be similar to Casey Veggies. Jae Breeze brings a dope flow and a positive overall message to his lyrics.
“The message Is basically to tell upcoming artists that sometimes this music game can be tricky, especially in your everyday life. Sometimes you reached a certain point in your career where you’ll have to cut ties, recover relationships because your significant other isn’t used to this type of lifestyle, etc. People can expect to hear a background story about how far I’ve come as an artist to where I’m talking about life, what I’ve been through & how I’ve overcame those obstacles, to dealing with complications in my relationship, etc.”
There are several dope tracks on this album, but two of them really stood out. “Look At You” and “Carolina’s Finest” are our personal picks for favorites but the project is solid all the way through.
My favorite track would be “Crxwn with a X” because I touch on how things has changed prior to my release of this album. From the love I’ve been receiving from different fans, to having to cut ties with people I thought were close.
Jae Breeze definitely made a statement for himself as an up and coming artist and you should definitely be on the lookout for his future projects! You can find it on all platforms.
“This album is a statement to say that I’m here to stay in this music game. I’m more comfortable with trying new things vocally and opening up more to the listeners. This is my best work yet.”
Check out the project below!
Jae Breeze - Crxwn With a X
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T. Mason Drops New LP "Got Home Late"
“Its overall message comes from me battling with infidelity and faithfulness in my relationship. The temptation from wanting success, as well as the things that tend to come with it.”
Rapper T. Mason dropped his highly anticipated LP Got Home Late! Check it out here!
“This project is not one to just skim through. You can appreciate and grow with over time. Especially if you have been in any relationship that was meaningful to you at one point in time. That could be a bad memory or a good one. The important thing is that it will spark conversation between both men and women. ”
By: Omar Cook
Rapper T. Mason dropped his highly anticipated LP Got Home Late! This is only his 2nd project release and it’s been a minute since dropping his debut project The T. Mason EP.
This release is somewhat similar in regards to sound, but different in terms of growth. It is a more polished sound with an actual narrative. This is only my second project to date so I wanted to solidify my lane and sound. I also wanted to give a product that listeners could grow with throughout my career. A controversial project that could rebuild or destroy your relationship. So kids use it wisely .
Got Home Late features 10 tracks and this is a can’t miss project as this is one of those projects you need to play all the way through. T. Mason brings a smooth vibe over mellow beats throughout the whole LP with lyrics that just about anyone can relate too.
Its overall message comes from me battling with infidelity and faithfulness in my relationship. The temptation from wanting success, as well as the things that tend to come with it. Like women smh. I’ve always battled with giving a relationship my all. There is always something I end up doing to F@!% it all up. This project is me telling that story.
T. Mason is definitely an artist that everyone should be on the look out for and this project is solidifying him as one of the most under the radar artists out right now.
The title in itself means so many things. It’s a phrase I’ve said many times to my significant others. Whether if I was out late actually working in the studio, or if I was out late with other women. It’s about the many arguments and fights I had. If I couldn’t speak to my girl or call her that night, I would just say it was because “I got home late. “
Every track on this project is dope, but a couple that stood out were “Act Right”, “Main Focus”, and “Bri’s Interlude”.
My personal favorite track is “Bri’s Interlude”. It came from a vulnerable place. It’s a song exposing my desires for love, as well as other women. But in the same breath, I am telling the love of my life that those are my old ways. I’m letting her know I’m a better man and she has nothing to worry about even though I’ve cheated before. That is why I say, “Temptation keep calling me, I don’t know if Ima call her right back. So many women who part of my past.” That track was a real conversation, just like the other 9 tracks on the project.
Check out the LP below and be sure to add it to your playlist!
T. Mason - Cruise Control
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Maui Max Drops New Video For His Single "Ball"
East Coast rapper, Maui Max dropped a new video for his single, “Ball”! The song’s overall message is to boss up, and BALL, of course.
By: Omar Cook
East Coast rapper, Maui Max dropped a new video for his single, “Ball”! Maui Max brings a dope delivery to this track which will be featured on his upcoming project Everything Works Out Fine. The song’s overall message is to boss up, and BALL, of course. Definitely a song that needs to be added to your playlist!
Maui Max - BALL (Prod. LaCoMusic)
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Shawn Tuck Talks The Release Of His Mixtape "Product Of My Environment"
West Coast rapper Shawn Tuck dropped his first project Product Of My Environment, and it certainly did not disappoint. We talked with Shawn in an exclusive interview about the making of this mixtape!
By: Omar Cook
West Coast rapper Shawn Tuck dropped his first project Product Of My Environment, and it certainly did not disappoint. Shawn hails from Orange County, California, born and raised and is a former collegiate football player who turned to music. This project features 10 songs that you can run through with no skips. It features a dope blend of vocals and real life lyrics that keeps you nodding your head all the way through. This artist has an original flow and sound that is unique and will definitely have you looking forward to the next project. If you’re needing something to vibe to, this is for you.
We talked with Shawn Tuck in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: What was your inspiration for the title of this project?
Shawn Tuck: I went through a number of title options actually. But, when I started getting closer and closer to setting a release date, I started thinking to myself that I wanted people to know me for me and what I am really about. When it comes to my stage name it’s just Shawn Tuck, there is no persona to hide behind, so all the way down to my name, i’m the Product Of My Environment.
QUESTION: What do you want people to know about your music and this project?
Shawn Tuck: What I want people to get from my music, is that it really is music that you can vibe to, something you can ride to, but at the same time turn up too. Being that this is my first project, I tried my best to give it an “album” feel as best as I could.
QUESTION: What do you feel is a song that people MUST listen to on this project?
Shawn Tuck: I got a few that I think honestly, but I’ve been getting the best response from ‘On The Low’. That’s definitely a rider right there.
QUESTION: How did you generate ideas for the songs on this mixtape?
Shawn Tuck: To be honest it kind of all just fell into place. I would just find beats and then write/freestyle to them and I just started to see a pattern of how the songs laid out and it just perfectly reflected my life to where I’m at right now.
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Shawn Tuck: Shoot, I’ve been making music for about 9 years now. It all started when I was out at The University Of Idaho on a football scholarship. We would be parties and I would find myself tucked off in the corner free styling to beats. I wasn’t necessarily great but I could kind of tell it came with ease and sometimes would have people ask me if I had written what I just rapped.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Shawn Tuck: My family, meaning my wife and my daughter. I just want to be able to provide the best way that I can. For me, success is seeing my daughter grow into this great human being with still being able to see qualities of myself in her. It’s a constant reminder to let me know I’m doing a good job. Especially when others vouch for me.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Shawn Tuck: I would say passion! Just because I want this so bad and I feel like you can hear it in my music.
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Shawn Tuck: Man! A LOT!! From working 3 jobs, working at chipotle, currently working preload for UPS just to be able to have hours through the day to spend with my daughter AND to be able to get stuff done musically!
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Shawn Tuck: Just keep going, stay true to you, and stay genuine!
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Kafar Myers Drops Video For "Ex's and Dubs"
East Coast rapper Kafar Myers dropped a dope visual for his single “Ex’s and Dubs" where he talks about dealing with past relationships. Kafar details the difficulties of falling in love and moving on, check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
East Coast rapper Kafar Myers dropped a dope visual for his single “Ex’s and Dubs" where he talks about dealing with past relationships. Kafar details the difficulties of falling in love and moving on, check it out below!
KAFAR MYERS - EX'S AND DUBS (PROD OTHELLO BEATS )[SHOT&EDITED BY PAINFULLY GIFTED VISUALS]
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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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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
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21 Savage Is Just The Latest Victim Of A Corrupt ICE Organization
21 Savage recently talked about the border control issues on his song “A Lot” and is now facing his own immigration case. But why now? This case brings more light to just how corrupt ICE is.
By: Omar Cook
We’ve seen all the memes, and of course we all had jokes because to everyone’s surprise, we were all shocked to find out 21 Savage was from London. But what’s not funny is that 21 Savage is actually facing deportation and has been arrested and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa. No one wants to see someone go through this and it just so happens that all of this happening after he released his new album where he called out ICE and gained control over his masters. Coincidence?
21 Savage, whose real name is Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph came here at the age of 7 and has been in America for almost 20 years. He is currently on 23 hour lockdown and being held with no bond despite already having a pending U-Visa application filed since 2017.
21 has had a handful of support from the rap community and Jay Z even stepped in to hire a lawyer for him. "In addition to being a successful recording artist, Savage deserves to be reunited with his children immediately," Jay-Z said. Alex Spiro who is the attorney representing him said, "We are not going to stop until he is released, bonded out or in front of a judge," he told TMZ. "What we have here is someone who overstayed their Visa with an application pending for four years—not a convicted criminal that needs to be detained and removed but, by all accounts a wonderful person, father, and entertainer who has a marijuana offense which was vacated and sealed."
Many people have touched on the fact that this case has gathered a lot of attention due to the fact that ICE actually went after a rapper and that there wasn’t this type of energy and support when children were being detained at the border.
This is simply untrue as the border situation with kids being held in cages was trending for a while and received tons of support. We were all outraged, and still are. What’s happening with 21 Savage is it’s own case and he deserves just as much as supports as anyone else. The fact that people have to pit two situations against each other to make any one of them seem less important is ridiculous. Either way it goes, ICE is the problem despite whoever the people being detained are. At the end of the day, the common conclusion here is there needs to be changes made in the way immigration is handled in our country, period.
21 Savage talked about the border control issues on his song “A Lot”, saying “Been through some things so I can’t imagine my kids stuck at the border / Flint still need water / People was innocent, couldn’t get lawyers.” And ironically he gets arrested not too long after the release. Why only now do they come after him? It’s not like he’s been in hiding, he’s been in the spotlight for a minute! Only when he switched up his rap with some socially conscious lyrics does this occur. Salute to 21 Savage for bringing more awareness to issues with ICE but now we wish him nothing but the best as he fights this case. This can end up being a blessing in disguise because a case like this will bring more attention to some of the issues that immigrants face everyday when dealing with ICE.
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Malcolm Taylor Drops "Protect" Music Video
Philly rapper Malcolm Taylor dropped a dope visual to his song “Protect” which is a track off his latest album Protect Your Energy. Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Philly rapper Malcolm Taylor dropped a dope visual to his song “Protect” which is a track off his latest album Protect Your Energy.
Check out the video here!
Malcolm Taylor - Protect - Prod. by Prapi C
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Who's Hot? 7 New Artists You Need To Know Vol. 3
We're giving you our 3rd edition 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!
By: Omar Cook
We're giving you our 3rd edition 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. William Prize
“I’m motivated to do what I love! I’m chasing a lot of the things that people usually associate with success, but the main thing I’m after is happiness, self love, and things of that nature.”
East Coast rapper William Prize definitely fits the mold of an under the radar lyricist! Prize is a recording artist, and partner CEO of AZUS Records hailing from Fayetteville, North Carolina. He graduated from 71st high school in 2012, served in the armed forces for a while and is now pursuing a bachelors in audio engineering. Aside from music, Prize finds passion shooting photography and playing basketball. This is an artist with a soulful vibe with lyrics that you can feel. Keep your eyes out for Prize because this is someone you need in your playlist!
CHECK OUT HIS MUSIC BELOW!
William Prize - Brown Paper Bag Freestyle
2. Malcolm Taylor
“What motivates me is my purpose. My purpose is to be that voice that inspires others, and motivate them in an artistic way. ”
Philly rapper Malcolm Taylor uses his talents to paint a vivid picture with his lyrics based on his life experiences and uses his voice to spread a conscious, positive message. Malcolm has been making music for about 6 years and has a versatility in his flow that makes each song feel different and keeps you entranced with the story telling. He remains authentic to his own delivery and separates himself from mainstream artists with his own style. This is an artist you need in your playlist.
CHECK OUT HIS MUSIC BELOW!
Malcolm Taylor - PRAY PRAY PRAY
Malcolm Taylor - Can I Live
3. Tahji
“I love to be the best at what I do. I played a lot of sports growing up and this puts me in that same mode. I also want to provide for my family doing what I love. This is life now.”
Midwest rapper Tahji is definitely on the come up. Tahji is a dope lyricist who hails from Detroit, Michigan and has been rapping most of his life. Tahji has been recording music for about 6 years and graduated from Belmont College with his bachelors in 2015 and played basketball and ran track in college. He currently has two EP’s out on all digital Streaming services right now titled “Genesis” and The One” and is looking to drop a new project this spring. This rapper tries to tell life stories through his music and has an original delivery that needs to be heard. Don’t sleep on this up and coming artist!
CHECK OUT HIS MUSIC BELOW!
Taj E-The One
Taj E - Oochie Wally Freestyle
4. Cellus Hamilton
“I think success is accomplishing a goal you set in advance. I’m motivated by listening to the radio and realizing that these young people are only doing what they hear, which means that I must make a change. ”
Atlanta rapper Cellus Hamilton has been rapping since the age of 8, Hamilton has travelled around the country and a few cities internationally, declaring his message of hope to the world. In 2014, he released his debut album “The Most Beautiful” which was followed by his sophomore release “We Are and We Shall” in 2017. Both albums have peaked on the Hip-Hop charts solidifying Cellus in the Hip-Hop world. Hamilton currently lives in New York where he serves at his local church and tours on weekends. If you haven’t heard of Cellus Hamilton, make sure you get familiar!
CHECK OUT HIS MUSIC BELOW!
Cellus Hamilton - Higher ft. Chavis Flagg
5. Leeta Lauxkeyy
“These days I’ve become my own influence. I used to get so discouraged when I’d see other artists/friends that I’ve helped out numerous times, not even think of me. I realized I have to look within and push myself if music is really what I want to do. ”
Bahamas singer Leeta Lauxkeyy brings a sexy, laid back vibe that is original to her own sound. This vibe setter has been been living in Orlando since 2013 when she came to the states for school. She attended Full Sail University in Florida and majored in Recording Arts & Engineering. She credits her school experience to giving her the extra push to engineer her own music. Leeta has a dope sound with a playlist that is full of vibes! You can look forward to her upcoming EP dropping this spring. This up and coming singer is sure to put you in the mood with her laid back tone.
CHECK OUT HER MUSIC BELOW!
6. Kafar Myers
“The part of making music I love the most is recording in the studio! It’s my escape from the whole world. It’s like all the problems and others things are on mute. Also I love performing and seeing people enjoy my music in person.”
East Coast rapper Kafar Myers is the real deal! Myers was born in Union County, New Jersey and spent his adolescent years in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. Myers credits listening to a J. Cole album for getting him to the art of storytelling. “I felt like he was speaking to me — I was fascinated by how he put images in my head off of words. It was mind blowing!” Myers creates a 90’s nostalgic vibe mixed with a dope delivery and down to earth lyrics. Aside from his love of making music, Myers is also a self-published author and put out his first book of poetry titled ‘Soulful Of Me’ . Myers currently has two mixtapes out called “No Hope Neglected” & “Adolescent Journal”. Artists like this, is the reason we do artist of the week, to bring you that hidden talent, and this artist is talented to say the least!
CHECK OUT HIS MUSIC BELOW!
7. Sullivan
“I don’t do much describing, I just let the tunes speak for themselves. Anybody who enjoys good music regardless of their preferred genre, can find something to appreciate about my music. Just know that only the smoothest and most playerest mfs listen to my music”
Sullivan is a dope Southern lyricist with an original sound. If you like Wiz Khalifa, you’ll enjoy his vibe as he makes music for the smokers. This up and coming rapper hails from Huntsville, Alabama and attended Tuskegee University. Sullivan recently dropped a an album titled “Evil Scientist”! Sullivan has a laid back flow that is shown throughout his music and is definitely an artist to watch out for!
CHECK OUT HIS MUSIC BELOW!
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10 Rap Albums You Should Have On Your Radar For 2019
2018 was a good year for hip hop with some dope projects being released. With the New Year, here are 10 rap albums you should have on your radar for 2019!
By: James Teague
Not only does the New Year bring fresh new clean slate in our lives but it also brings us new potential musical classics. 2018 was really a doozy with the music releases. It was to the point where some people were debating whether or not there was too much music being released. Though it has been the new year for some time, we’re still anticipating the new musical releases that are coming. Everybody is gearing up for artists that are releasing new music this year. Here’s a list of my top 10 anticipated artist whose projects that I’m looking forward to for the new year.
1. Schoolboy Q - TBD
At the height of Top Dawg’s evolution, it never surprises me when they set the tone each year when it’s album time for the roster. Schoolboy Q is one of the top anticipated releases within the squad that i’m looking forward to. We last heard from Groovy Q back in 2016 on his Sophomore album, Blankface LP. He’s been spotted killing features here & there. It’s been reported that Q was close to finishing his album but he pushed the album release back due to the sudden death of his good friend/comrade Mac Miller. According to Q, when he spoke about this at a concert, he said he wasn’t ready to release it because of having to do interviews and being asked to speak on Mac’s Death. It appears that Q got his mind right and is ready to go with the new release. Im so excited to hear what’s to come this time around from Groovy Q.
2. Isaiah Rashad - TBD
Outside of Q, another member of the Top Dawg family, Isaiah Rashad, is gearing up for their new album release as well. Isaiah has actually been real quiet since the release of his sophomore album The Sun’s Tirade. While we already know how Kendrick, Jay Rock, & SZA can roll on album releases, i’m real interested to see and hear which direction is Zay going with his music releases.
3. Dreamville - Revenge of the Dreamers 3
Following the Revenge of the Dreamers 3 sessions all throughout 2019 so far has been one of the best moments in hip-hop even in the early stages of the new year. Watching the sessions from the outside in via social media is like being a kid walking into a candy store. It also felt like it was an exclusive invite only fan club as each and everyday, rappers, artists, Musicians, & certain media members were invited to the sessions. Everything on IG from the Invites to the pictures/ video snippets, Seeing theses sessions unfold right before our eyes through Dreamville in an organic way will be amazing. Nothing’s for certain on whats going to come from these sessions but all of the music released, whether it makes the compilation album, someone else’s album, or serves as a single loosie, seeing that the ROTD 3 session playing a role into bringing this moment for life and I believed this topic was here for years.
4. J. Cole - The Fall Off
There was already an announcement of Cole’s next album “The Fall Off” during this KOD run. The last thing that we’ve heard on the status of the album was that he was “Working on it” according to a Tweet made. If you have been under a rock lately, it appears that Cole was re-inspired and has been in the studio more often working with his peers and exploring different producers. Seeing Cole expand himself to different artists and producers is cool and i’m anxious to see if this is going to play a part in creating his next album.
5. Future - Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD
Even though initially Future dropped 4 projects last year ( curated Superbly Soundtrack, DJ Esco Presents Kolor Blind, Beast Mode 2 & Wrld on Drgs tape with Juice Wrld), it still really felt slick light year musically. It felt as though we didnt necessarily see or feel his presence like that (unless you were glued to his IG) At the top of the new year that, he announced his next album The WZRD is scheduled for release on 1/18 and it’s included a documentary accompanied by the album which was released on 1/11. The tracklist dropped today and what i’ve gathered was that this album be a mix of FUTURE & HNDRXX, his last two major albums released in 2017.
6. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Bandana
One of the better underrated rappers in the game, Freddie Gibbs has blessed the listeners with two projects this past year; Freddie and his collaboration with Curren$y called Fetti from his collaborating has been still riding the wave of his project released last year with Kenny Beatz titled, Freddie. It’s been announced already about the release of Bandana with Madlib. Freddie has been dropping heat all 2018 and so I expect it to be the same coming from him this year.
7. 21 Savage & Young Nudy - 4L Gang The Album
Both 21 Savage & Young Nudy were making their rounds this past year when they respectively dropped their solo projects, (Slime Ball 3 from Nudy & I Was > I Am from 21) for the streets to hear. Both projects ended up being amazing and helps continue to solidify both of their positions in the Atlanta rap world. It was announced at the end of the year that 21 & Nudy were planning to a collaborative project and have dropped a single out titled “Since When.” At the Beginning of the new year, a poll was made on twitter asking to help 21 decide which projects to start on between Savage Mode 2, Without Warning 2, a New Album, or the 4L Gang album. Safe to say it was officially decided the 21/Nudy album was going to be priority for the new year.
8. Rick Ross - Port of Miami 2
Rozay has been teasing us about Port of Miami 2 through his tweets, from telling Just Blaze happy birthday and thanking the Justice League. Rather You Than Me was one of the top albums to be released in 2017, one of my personal favorite recent Rozay albums. I’m interested to see where the sound is going this time with Port of Miami 2.
9. Chance The Rapper - TBD (Chance’s Solo, Chance/Kanye Good Ass Job & Chance/Childish Gambino)
Aside from the features and some loosies given to us, that time we received a full blown project from Chicago’s friendly neighborhood rapper Chance the Rapper was back in 2016 with Coloring Book. It’s already expected that he has a few projects that are on the way; including his own Solo album and two collaborative albums; one with him & Childish Gambino and the other with Kanye for GOOD Ass Job. He’s been real tight-lipped about the new album but stay tuned.
10. Pusha-T - TBD
I don’t have a lot of details on this album but through the grapevine, i’ve heard that Pusha T would be releasing an album this year. There’s not a lot of information regarding this but at this point, anything is possible with The President of GOOD Music.
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Joshua Sheeran Talks "Only If You Knew" EP Release
Rising artist Joshua Sheeran dropped a hot new EP titled Only If You Knew! Sheeran compiled an 8 track EP that is full of good vibes! We talked with this artist in an exclusive interview, check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Rising artist Joshua Sheeran dropped a hot new EP titled Only If You Knew! Sheeran compiled an 8 track EP that is full of good vibes! We talked with this artist in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Question: What was your inspiration for the title of this project?
The title ‘Only if you knew’ was curated from ideas of feeling misconceived. Like, I’m always the one looked at for joy, smiles, good family, financially situated and having everything together. But that’s not the case at all. So far from the perfection they see in me. Only if they knew what it takes to even be happy most days and even try.
Question: What do you feel is a song that people MUST listen to on this project?
The intro, ‘Only if you knew’ and the track ‘Issues’. Both of these have problems that have plagued me and followed me around for awhile now. I finally broke those curses. Also, honorable mention to ‘rain, 2019’ that was like everything I needed to hear, from myself.
Question: How did you generate ideas for the songs on this EP?
Literally every song was from a piece of my life. Every single moment happened, all joy, all the pain, all the good and all the glory. It all happened. I’m thankful to be able to make it through those storms.
Question: What separates this project from your past projects?
My vulnerability. Everything previously written kinda related to my life but not on such a personal level like this. These tracks talk about me head on. Before it was me skating around topics but to move on in life, I felt these things had to be said/written/performed/recorded. Not to lay in these thoughts but to grow up.
Check out the EP Below!
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Antoine Banks Drops New Video "Holding On"
Rapper Antoine Banks dropped a new music video for his song Holding On, where he talks keeping faith and persevering through tough times.
By: Omar Cook
Rapper Antoine Banks dropped a new music video for his song Holding On! In the song, Banks talks keeping faith and persevering through tough times.
“I wrote the song because I wanted to give people a sense of strength while facing trials and tribulations or any struggles. I wanted people to know that sometimes you can find strength in those moments of weakness if they just hold on”
Check out the full video here!
Antoine Banks - Holding On