Rakim to Release ‘God’s Network: Reb7rth’
Rakim is set to release his first solo studio album in almost 15 years. The album, titled God's Network: Reb7rth, will be available on July 26. We discuss it here!
Rakim poses with Patrick Ewing shoes in support of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop project: The 33 Hi x Rakim Black/Gold.
Photo Cred: Rakim Via Instagram
By: Joshua Martin
Legendary Rapper Rakim is set to release first studio album in over 15 years and marks the first full length album entirely produced by the Hip Hop legend.
According to Matthew “M80” Markoff, executive producer of Rakim’s forthcoming project, the album is titled God’s Network: “Reb7rth”. The album will include guest appearances by DMX, Nipsey Hussle, Prodigy, Method Man, Snoop Dogg, B.G. and more.
The project’s first single, “REB7RTH (N.W.A.) featuring Kurupt and Masta Killa, is set to be released on June 21st coinciding with the pre-order launch of the album. Pre-order copies will include autographed posters, vinyl copies, CDs, cassettes, digital downloads, merchandise and other items.
During a recent interview with VIbe magazine, “The Paid In Full” rapper spoke about his plans to release new music despite being over the age of 50.
“There’s no limit to greatness, keep going. And that’s what Hip-Hop listeners gotta understand, man. If we still have the passion and we still love Hip-Hop and the music is good, there’s no reason to put a limit on age. Hip-Hop, we have people that’s over 60 that were born under Hip Hop, that still listen to Hip Hop, today. So do they have to keep listening to old school music or can we facilitate music for the listeners that’s still fans.”
God’s Network: Reb7rth will be released on July 26th, marking the resurgence of one of the genre’s most legendary figures. It will also be the first album for Rakim since his 2009 release, ‘The Seventh Seal.’
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Nas Celebrates 'Illmatic' Anniversary with String of Live Shows in Vegas
Nas has announced that he will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Illmatic with a series of three symphony concerts in Las Vegas. We discuss it here!
Nas performing on the NY State of Mind Tour at Daily's Place in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, on September 23, 2023.
Photo Cred: April Visuals
By: Joshua Martin
Nas will continue the celebration of Illmatic’s 30th anniversary with a trio of orchestra-backed live performances in Las Vegas. Dubbed ‘Nas With the Las Vegas Philharmonic,’ the 3 day event will take place during Labor Day weekend at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.
The Hip Hop legend gave a statement about performing in Las Vegas and how this experience will be one of the most unique performances of his career.
“Las Vegas has always served as a creative outlet for my music, and these performances will take that to the next level. I am excited to partner with the Las Vegas Philharmonic to bring this first-of-its-kind performance to Encore Theater and to showcase my music to my fans in Las Vegas in a whole new way.”
Nas’ debut album was released on April 19, 1994. Illmatic is widely regarded amongst hip-hop scholars and fans alike as one of the most significant bodies of work Hip Hop has ever produced. The impactfulness of this album led to its induction into the Library of Congress in 2021, one of only a handful of rap albums to earn that distinction. The rapper and businessman’s seminal album was credited with ushering in a new era of gritty New York street smart lyricism.
In April, the 50-year-old lyrical icon took to instagram to salute his collaborators on the album while also sharing a pair of vintage photos looking back at its creation.
“I had a dream I could get my favorite producers to produce on my debut album. I knew exactly what I wanted and how it should be. But I didn’t know anyone except for Paul, so I asked him would he connect me to them all. The cool soul brother that he is helped me line it up. On April 19th we smashed sh*t.”
Official album commemoration activities kicked last month as well. Nas has released a slew of new exclusive merchandise including crewnecks, hoodies, T-shirts, leather jackets and more. “The World Is Yours Rapper” also announced plans for a fifteen-date tour in Europe kicking off in Finland on October 22nd and ending in London on November 15th.
Tickets for ‘Nas With the Las Vegas Philharmonic’ will go on sale Friday (May 24) at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster. Prices start at $69.95, plus applicable fees.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Buried Beneath the Beef: Kendrick vs. Drake Beef Opens Up Discussions Behind Stereotypes
The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar opens up the discussion about misogyny and sexism that permeate hip-hop culture. We discuss it here!
Kendrick Lamar and Drake Ignite the Hip-Hop world with rap feud
By: Jamila Gomez
The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has been a longstanding topic within the realm of hip-hop, captivating fans and critics alike. While much of the discourse surrounding their feud often centers on lyrical prowess, artistic vision, and cultural impact, there's an underlying narrative that often goes overlooked—the role of Black women's trauma.
Both Drake and Kendrick Lamar have risen to prominence within the music industry, garnering accolades and acclaim for their respective bodies of work. However, their approaches to addressing issues of race, identity, and gender have been markedly different, and it's within this divergence that Black women's trauma becomes a focal point.
Drake, known for his introspective lyrics and melodic style, has often been criticized for his portrayal of women in his music. While he's undeniably talented and has produced numerous hits, his songs have frequently been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and objectifying women. From references to "side chicks" to lyrics that depict women as disposable conquests, Drake's music has been called out for its problematic portrayal of female relationships.
On the other hand, Kendrick Lamar has earned praise for his socially conscious lyrics and unapologetic exploration of Black identity. His albums, such as "good kid, m.A.A.d city" and "To Pimp a Butterfly," delve into themes of systemic oppression, racial injustice, and the complexities of growing up Black in America. However, even within Lamar's body of work, there have been moments where his portrayal of women has been called into question, with critics highlighting instances of misogyny and sexism in his lyrics.
At the heart of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef lies a broader conversation about the intersectionality of race and gender. Black women, who occupy a unique position at the nexus of multiple forms of oppression, often find themselves marginalized and overlooked in discussions about hip-hop culture. Their experiences of trauma, whether it be from systemic racism, misogynoir, or sexual violence, are often silenced or dismissed in favor of centering the narratives of Black men.
In the context of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef, Black women's trauma becomes a battleground upon which their respective fan bases vie for dominance. While some may argue that Drake's music perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces patriarchal norms, others may point to Kendrick Lamar's lyrics as a more authentic reflection of the Black experience. In either case, it's Black women who bear the brunt of the trauma, forced to navigate a landscape where their voices are often drowned out by the cacophony of male egos.
As the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar continues to play out in the public eye, it's imperative that we center the experiences of Black women and acknowledge the ways in which their trauma shapes and informs the broader cultural conversation. Only by confronting the misogyny and sexism that permeate hip-hop culture can we begin to create a more inclusive and equitable space for all voices to be heard.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Dionne Warwick Headline Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees
Celebrate the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's newest inductees like Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, and Dionne Warwick. Catch the ceremony on October 19th in Cleveland, airing later on ABC and Hulu. We discuss it here!
Mary J Blige poses at the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA.
Photo cred: Kathy Hutchins
By: Joshua Martin
Congratulations to all of the new musicians who will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. “Music’s highest honor” was headlined by R&B songstress Mary J. Blige, American funk group Kool & The Gang, Hip Hop royalty A Tribe Called Quest, and the great Dionne Warwick along with many others for their priceless achievements throughout their amazing musical careers.
Congratulations to the #RockHall2024 Inductee Class for achieving Music's Highest Honor! 🤘 Learn more about this year's Inductees here: https://t.co/6X9ozk4jQ1 pic.twitter.com/nIEja6t5ZT
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) April 22, 2024
The full list of 2024 inductees and their respective categories are as follows:
Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest in the Performer category; Jimmy Buffet, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield in the Musical Excellence Award category; Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thorton in the Musical Influence category; and Suzanne De Passe in the Ahmet Ertegun Award category.
During an airing of American Idol Sunday (April 21st), fellow Hall of Famers Lionel Richie and Ryan Seacrest announced the entire list of nominees. Stiff competition, there were reportedly 15 well deserving acts that didn't make this year's cut. Some of those acts include Mariah Carey, Eric B. & Rakim, Sade, Jane’s Addiction, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, and the late great Sinead who passed away in 2023.
Filled with emotion, the legendary “Be Without You” singer took to Instagram to celebrate the momentous achievement. Sharing a clip with the caption: “Beyond Grateful!!!!!!! This is incredible!!! God always has the final say!!!! Thank you to my fans all over the world!!!! Tears of Joy!!!!”
The 39th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place this fall on October 19th in Cleveland, Ohio. The event will be aired on ABC as a special at a later date and will be available on Hulu the day after the live ceremony.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Childish Gambino Teases New Music Premiere Sunday Night
Childish Gambino announced plans to release two new albums while debuting some unreleased material on his GILGA Radio livestream. We discuss it here!
Donald Glover poses on the red carpet at the 30th Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Photo cred: Featureflash Photo Agency
By: Joshua Martin
Donald Glover a.k.a. Childish Gambino kept his promise following a tweet on Sunday, where he promised new music in a stream on Instagram Live. The 40 year old shared with fans that his highly anticipated project will be two albums not just one.
“We’re releasing Atavista, but after that, there’s the final Childish Gambino album, a soundtrack for the fans.”
He later announced the final Gambino record would be titled Bando Stone & The New World, which will double as the soundtrack for his upcoming film by the same name. A radio-style ad for the project indicated that the soundtrack is coming this summer via RCA.
Before the ‘Atlanta’ star hosted the GILGA Radio stream on IG, a fan took to X/Twitter to ask if he’d be debuting new music.
GILGA Radio tonight @ 11pm pst.
— donald (@donaldglover) April 14, 2024
live streamed on instagram @ @donaldglover
Earlier this year, Glover teased that he would be releasing a new version of his 2020 project 3.15.20, now titled Atavista. He also previewed new music during the stream, a previously leaked song titled “Human Sacrifice” and a few updated tracks from 3.15.20. A completed version of the song “Little Foot Big Foot” (formerly known as “35.31”) featuring Atlanta rapper Young Nudy was also played and will soon get a music video.
“My fans are great and have been so patient and are starving—this album is for you guys.”
The book is set to be released this fall on October 8th. E-book and audiobook versions will be available upon release. Sean’s next album is also set to drop later this year and it’ll be his first since 2020’s Detroit 2.
2024 has been an eventful year for ‘Sean Don’. His current single “Precision” has eclipsed over 3 million Spotify streams and he also recently performed on one of the most recognizable stages in music today, teaming up with NPR for a special Tiny Desk performance.
Big Sean: Tiny Desk Concert
Glover’s latest music came in 2023 in the form of features. Teaming up with Summer Walker on her track “New Type” and DJ Quik and Jason Martin’s “MORE DOLLARS, MORE SENSE 1994.” He also contributed to several songs on the 2022 EP Swarm. Recently, he popped up as a surprise guest during Tyler The Creator’s Coachella set, where the duo performed “Running Out of Time” from Tyler’s 2019 album, Igor.
Glover has also been quite busy in front of the camera as well, most recently appearing in the Amazon Prime series, Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Special 'Coming Home' Celebration to Honor Usher with Key to Hometown
Usher, commemorating his legacy, will be present at a celebration in Chattanooga, Tennessee, his hometown, later this month to receive the city's keys. We discuss it here!
Usher at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards at the Forum, Los Angeles, CA on August 24, 2014
Photo cred: Featureflash Photo Agency
By: Joshua Martin
R&B superstar Usher Raymond is set to receive a key to his hometown in a special ‘Coming Home’ celebration on Saturday, April 20th.
In partnership with UTC (the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) and Chattanooga Business Elite (CBE), the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County will host the special community-wide ‘Coming Home’ ceremony for their hometown hero.
In a statement, Usher thanked his childhood home for the continuous support and for providing the spark that ignited his music career.
“The city of Chattanooga provided a spark that ignited the fire in me to pursue my dreams as a singer and I’m thankful for the support I received from so many great family members, friends, and mentors so early in my journey. Thank you for the honor, I look forward to celebrating with you all.”
Prior to his iconic Super Bowl Halftime Show, Mr. Raymond received the key to the city of Las Vegas for his musical contributions to the city with his three year-residency. Prompting Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly to ecstatically praise the talented artist's many accomplishments.
“The pride in Chattanooga during Usher’s iconic Super Bowl halftime show was palpable. We know as a smaller city we punch way above our weight when it comes to the talent our city produces, and Usher is one of the finest examples of that talent. He’s going to feel the love when he comes home to McKenzie Arena on April 20th. I look forward to seeing y’all there.”
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp also spoke highly of Usher.
“From his days at Orchard Knob and Dalewood to the pinnacle of the music industry, Usher is one the great talents who have come through our public school system. I hope other young boys and girls across Hamilton County see Usher’s rise to the world stage and know that they have the same potential.”
The free celebration will be held at the McKenzie Arena on the beautiful campus of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Tickets are required for entry however and are limited to only two per person. 3,500 tickets will be available online beginning Friday April 12th at 10 a.m. ET on a first come, first served basis.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Big Sean Expands Résumé with New Book on Mental Wellness
Big Sean will debut his 'Go Higher' book, focusing on mental wellness, marking his entry into the world of authors later this year. We discuss it here!
Big Sean attends the premiere of Creed III at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX.
Photo cred: Joe Seer
By: Joshua Martin
Detroit native Big Sean adds author to his impressive list of titles as he blesses his fans with a new book on mental wellness inspired by authors bell hooks and Deepak Chopra. The title of his upcoming book is ‘Go Higher: Five Practices For Purpose, Success and Inner Peace’ and is categorized as a self help book.
Big Sean's new book 'Go Higher'. Photo Cred: SIMON ELEMENT
Sean recently shared in a video message released to social media that he will be making his debut as an author this fall and in the video he can be seen gushing over a project that he claims took “years in the making.”
“I’m excited about a lot of things dropping this year but aside from the music, it’s another project that’s been years in the making and it’s finally time.”
In the announcement, he went on to add…
“Anyone who knows me since I signed my record deal knows if you look at my old YouTubes I’ve always been about speaking from the heart, following your intuition and checking in with yourself mentally because that’s how I was raised. That’s the upbringing that was surrounding me with my family. It was a lot of elevated thinkers. They’d give me gems and these books from authors Deepak Chopra, Sadhguru, bell hooks, and others that I eventually read. If it wasn’t for them lessons and methods that I applied to my life, I fasho wouldn’t be here today, period.”
Following an 2022 appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast, ‘On Purpose With Jay Shetty’, Sean credited the host as the person who pushed him towards writing the book.
“He was like, ‘Bro you gotta write a book. It’s a lot of people that you come from where you come from that don’t know how to get from point A to point B [and] look like you. They know they’re meant for more, just don’t know where to start.’ So, I wrote my first book.”
The ‘I Decided’ rapper concluded with…
“I took all the lessons I learned, all the philosophies mixed with real-life experiences and condensed what works for me into these five strategies that really will teach you what success mean to you and show you what your purpose is if you don’t already know and show you how to find inner peace through all the turbulence of life.”
The book is set to be released this fall on October 8th. E-book and audiobook versions will be available upon release. Sean’s next album is also set to drop later this year and it’ll be his first since 2020’s Detroit 2.
2024 has been an eventful year for ‘Sean Don’. His current single “Precision” has eclipsed over 3 million Spotify streams and he also recently performed on one of the most recognizable stages in music today, teaming up with NPR for a special Tiny Desk performance.
Big Sean: Tiny Desk Concert
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Keyshia Cole Reveals Upcoming Album, Pays Tribute to Late Mother During Concert
Keyshia Cole revealed plans for a new album and honored her late mother during a recent concert. We discuss it here!
Keyshia Cole
Photo cred: Steve Jennings/Wire Images via Getty Images
By: Joshua Martin
Fans of Keyshia Cole are in luck, as the chart topping R&B singstress announced a new project is on the way during a recent performance at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles as a part of “The Love Hard Tour” alongside Trey Songz and K. Michelle.
The 42-year-old Oakland, California native made the announcement in front of a raucous crowd, showing gratitude towards her adoring fans and supporters. As the tears flowed, an emotional Cole also gave a shout out to her late mother, Frankie Lons, who passed away in July of 2021.
Keyshia Cole announces 8th album during tearful fan thank you & tribute to late mother pic.twitter.com/IY75IwyI10
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) March 31, 2024
“I wanna say I appreciate you. If you ever bought an album… Album eight right now on the way. I wanna give a shout-out to my mom Frankie. If you watched the reality show, if you watched her…I just wanna say thank you. You helped change my life.”
Keyshia explored the relationship dynamic between her and her mother and how it impacted her musical journey in the 2023 biopic Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story.
This untitled 8th album will be the “I Don’t Wanna Be in Love” singer's last since 2017’s ‘11:11 Reset’ which included hits like “You” and “Incapable” and her first full length project since her mother’s untimely death due to an accidental drug overdose. Cole has released numerous projects since then, most notably her recent collaboration with R&B icon Monica for The Color Purple soundtrack. Anticipation for her latest release is at its highest.
Check out more highlights of Keyshia’s L.A. performance below:
Keyshia Cole hits the #lovehardtour pretty in pink to perform “Let it Go” pic.twitter.com/UsOiN8D3IW
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 31, 2024
.@KeyshiaCole sings “I Should Have Cheated” during her set at #lovehardtour pic.twitter.com/KqL6txyfCU
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 31, 2024
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Westside Webb Talks the Release of His New Album 'Player Games, Pt. 3'
Long Beach rapper Westside Webb is shaking up the hip-hop scene once again with the release of his highly anticipated album, 'Player Games, Pt. 3'. We spoke with Westside Webb in an exclusive interview!
Westside Webb
“The message that I’m bringing is still motivation, inspiring, and hustle.”
By: Omar Cook
Long Beach, California - Long Beach rapper Westside Webb is set to shake up the hip-hop scene once again with the release of his highly anticipated album, Player Games, Pt. 3. This marks the third installment in the acclaimed "Player Games" series, following the success of the first two albums.
“Part 1 and part 2 I was still finding myself as an artist, still finding my flows, and getting confident behind the mic. Part 3, I really indulged in myself and found myself as an artist. Found my flows and certain topics I wanted to get at, and catching different cadences and pockets. That was the difference on that fasho” said Westside Webb.
The album features 10 tracks that you vibe to all the way through. One of the hottest tracks on the album is “Champagne & Good Vibes” featuring K2icyy! This is the type of song you have to play in the car with the speakers blasting. “Champagne & Good Vibes” a real feel good track talking about wealth and abundance. Another must listen to track is "Like Me”.
“Like me is crazy. Like me is one of my favorite tracks though because, I didn’t like it at first. I had it on another beat and I wasn’t feeling it…at all. I actually wasn’t even gonna put that song on the project. And my manager, he came to the crib and I played it for him, he was like ‘nah you gotta put this on. The people gone feel this.’ So I took his advice and listened to it. My homie Lonzo sent me another beat, and I started rapping the lyrics to Like Me on the beat and it fit perfectly.” said Westside Webb.
Westside Webb - Player Games 3
Player Games, Pt. 3 features a dope lineup of collaborations, including tracks with K2icyy, Jeaux, Polyester the Saint, Courtney Bell. With each artist bringing their unique style and flavor to the table, the album is exactly what fans need.
There is a good variety of sounds on this project, with several songs to keep you uplifted and motivated but there’s also a couple songs like “Cabo 4 the Weekend” and “For You” that bring a romantic vibe. “I tried to cater to the women a little bit more.—-I tried to throw some songs in there that the ladies could feel” said Westside Webb.
Westside Webb wanted to make sure that he put out songs on this project from the fans perspective, so that when they’re singing the songs, they can visualize themselves. “I just want the fans to know just keep pushing, keep striving for greatness. Keep doing better in whatever you doing” said Westside Webb.
Westside Webb
Between the collaborations and the high production value on each track, it’s clear Webb has a good supportive team around him, helping him pump out quality projects. “I gotta give all the thanks and the glory to God for sure. I want to thank my family. They’ll always be a big inspiration for me” said Westside Webb. “Definitely gotta thank Knowledge and Lonzo, all of the producers that are on this project.”
Known for his dope flow, motivational wordplay, and authentic lyricism, Westside Webb continues to captivate audiences with his raw talent and authenticity. Player Games, Pt. 3 is no exception, showcasing Webb's evolution as an artist while staying true to his roots.
Player Games, Pt. 3 is now available on all major streaming platforms. This is a project that will motivate anyone listening it, coming from one of Long Beach's finest.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Jhene Aiko announces “The Magic Hour'' Tour Featuring Coi Leray, Kiane Lede, Tink and Umi
Jhene Aiko announces “The Magic Hour'' tour featuring an amazing lineup of Coi Leray, Kiane Lede, Tink and Umi. We discuss it here!
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Jhene Aiko arrives at Spotify's Second Annual Secret Genius Awards held at Ace Hotel on November 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Credit: Parisa Michelle via Shutterstock
By: Joshua Martin
Jhene Aiko announces “The Magic Hour'' tour featuring an amazing lineup of Coi Leray, Kiane Lede, Tink and Umi. It’s not the eagerly anticipated Twenty88 album featuring fellow artist and husband, Big Sean, but fans of the California songstress will be able to see her perform live in select cities across the U.S. and Canada this summer.
“The Magic Hour” will be the R&B star's first headlining tour in 5 years but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Grammy nominated singer was forced to cancel the same tour back in 2020. Since then, Aiko has been mainly focused on the nurturing of her and Big Sean’s son, while also producing “Sleep Souls” albums geared towards rest assistance for children and adults.
Sleep Soul: Relaxing Nature & Rain Sounds With Green Noise - Soft Blankets
Finally this summer fans will get the opportunity to see her perform her timeless and mesmerizing hits live.
General admission and presale tickets are currently available across various platforms including her official website jheneaiko.com. Check out the complete list of tour dates below.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Jeezy Takes Lead in Producing 'Hip-Hop And The White House' Documentary
Jeezy is set to produce a new documentary titled 'Hip Hop and The White House' as part of '&360', a documentary anthology series by Andscape. We discuss it here!
Jeezy at the Premiere Of Columbia Pictures' "Bad Boys For Life" held at TCL Chinese Theatre on January 14, 2020 in Hollywood, California.
Photo cred: Silvia Elizabeth Pangaro
By: Joshua Martin
While many fans of the Snowman may mainly know of his immaculate work in the recording studio, the Atlanta native does have a new project in the works but it's not an album. Jeezy has been confirmed as the executive producer of the upcoming documentary Hip-Hop And The White House. The doc is set to explore the relationship between one of the most powerful cultural movements of the past 50 years and the most influential person on the planet, the President of the United States.
Hip Hop and The White House is the first of many to come from Andscape’s pending non-fiction anthology collection as a part of “&360”’s goal to explore the influence of Black culture on American society.
The documentary is written and directed by Jesse Washington. Washington, who is also credited as executive producer, has been a senior writer with Andscape since its inception as The Undefeated in 2014.
“We feel this is the perfect time to discuss how hip-hop has influenced presidential politics, and to ask what we can expect from the culture in this upcoming election season. &360 provides an incredible opportunity to explore and illuminate important stories that have never been fully told. I’m looking forward to passing the &360 baton to the next storyteller and seeing new visions come to life.”
Hip Hop and The White House is the first of many to come from Andscape’s pending non-fiction anthology collection and is based on the work and research by their team of journalists.
“Mr. 17.5” is not only working behind the scenes on this project but is also narrating the documentary. The doc begins with Jeezy taking the audience on a journey that begins in the 1970’s and revolves around the political landscape that created conditions of oppression and neglect that ultimately created Hip-Hop, while continuing to chronicle the evolution of Hip-Hop culture.
Interviews and commentary are featured from a range of musical talent that includes Common, YG, KRS-One, Roxanne Shante, Bun B, Farai Chideya, Curren$y, Dave “Davey D” Cook, Grandmaster Caz, Waka Flocka Flame, and more.
Hip-Hop And The White House is set to debut this spring on April 22nd, with all documentaries in the anthology being featured on their streaming platform upon release.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
247LC Entertainment Artist Dexter Kelly Releases His New EP 'Thanks to You'
247 Live Culture Entertainment Hip-Hop and R&B artist, Dexter Kelly, has released his highly anticipated EP titled Thanks to You. We discuss it here!
Dexter Kelly Releases His New EP 'Thanks to You'
By: Vianca Mireya
Los Angeles, CA - 247 Live Culture Entertainment Hip-Hop and R&B artist, Dexter Kelly, has released his highly anticipated EP titled Thanks to You.
Dexter Kelly, is an established, rising star in the music and entertainment industry. His fusion of genres and expressive storytelling makes him a true innovator. His unique style combined with his stage presence has allowed him to build a path to success that continues to open the door to other opportunities.
Thanks to You is an EP rooted in the language of love. With it being peak romance season, Kelly focuses on expelling his feelings on the ups and downs of love. With songs focusing on every angle and narrative, this project is already resonating with a broad audience. In this EP, you can hear and distinguish between his styles and versatility as an artist. During the development of his project, Kelly has collaborated with different artists on his tracklist as well including Ravon the Don, JMO II, and Theo as featured artists.
Dexter Kelly - Diva
Dexter Kelly’s EP release marks a very significant milestone in his career. As he continues to grow as an artist, his impact will be worldwide.
Thanks to You is now available on all major streaming platforms. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting releases from Dexter Kelly as he continues to make his mark.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
247 Live Culture Named Top 60 Music News Websites & Best 15 Black Music Magazines
247 Live Culture earned major recognition through Feedspot’s esteemed rankings, securing spots on the “Top 60 Music News Websites” and “Best 15 Black Music Magazines” lists. 247 Live Culture ranked #10 and #7 on the lists respectively, solidifying its place among the entertainment and music industry’s best publications. We discuss it here!
By: Omar Cook
247 Live Culture is thrilled to share the news of its inclusion in Feedspot’s esteemed rankings, securing spots on the “Top 60 Music News Websites” and “Best 15 Black Music Magazines” lists. 247 Live Culture ranked #10 and #7 on the lists respectively, solidifying its place among the entertainment and music industry’s best publications. Feedspot, a prominent content discovery platform, recently revealed its highly anticipated rankings, recognizing 247 Live Culture as a leading hub for music news globally.
Renowned for its commitment to curating and spotlighting exceptional online content, Feedspot evaluated thousands of music platforms, considering criteria such as content quality, social media influence, consistency, and reader engagement. 247 Live Culture’s dedication to delivering top-tier entertainment news, along with exclusive interviews featuring celebrities and emerging artists, played a pivotal role in clinching this coveted recognition.
247 Live Culture continues its aim to serve as a primary resource for exclusive entertainment and music news, in addition to offering insights into Black culture, lifestyle, and hair and beauty tips. Over the years, we have cultivated a devoted readership by consistently delivering high-caliber content that resonates strongly with a diverse Black audience worldwide.
Founder and CEO of 247 Live Culture, Omar Cook, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Being acknowledged as one of the foremost music platforms globally by Feedspot marks a significant milestone for 247 Live Culture. This achievement underscores the dedication of our team and the steadfast support of our readers. Our mission has always been to provide pertinent and captivating content that informs and empowers the Black community across various spheres, particularly within the entertainment industry. This recognition reaffirms that we are indeed on the right trajectory.”
We extend heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated team, passionate contributors, loyal readers, and supporters, whose collective efforts have made this accomplishment possible. Stay tuned for further insights into entertainment and music from us as we embark on this thrilling journey together to enlighten Black America. Thank you for being a key part of our 247 Live Culture family!
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Kendrick Lamar Wins Best Rap Album at 2023 Grammy Awards
Kendrick Lamar takes home the Grammy for Best Rap Album for his groundbreaking album "Mr. Morales & The Big Steppers" at the 2023 Grammy Awards, solidifying his position as a leading force in hip hop. We discuss it here!
BARCELONA - MAY 30: Kendrick Lamar (rap artist) performs at Heineken Primavera Sound 2014 Festival (PS14) on May 30, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.
Credit: Christian Bertrand via Shutterstock
By: Adonis Armstrong
Kendrick Lamar took home three awards at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards for his critically acclaimed album, Mr. Morales & The Big Steppers. He won Best Rap Album and added two wins Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for his lead single “The Heart Part 5”. This marks K. Dot with 17th Grammy wins and solidified his place as one of the most influential and successful rappers of his generation.
The album which was released in 2022, was a venture from Lamar's previous works and saw him explore new themes and styles in his music. Mr. Morales & The Big Steppers was met with widespread praise from fans and critics, who hailed the album as a triumph of hip hop and a testament to Lamar's artistry.
In his acceptance speech, Lamar thanked his family, friends, and fans for their support, and dedicated the award to the next generation of rappers who he hopes will continue to push the boundaries of the genre. He also used the platform to address social and political issues, calling for change and encouraging young people to be active in their communities.
Lamar's win was a triumphant moment for the hip hop community and a testament to the genre's growing influence and impact on popular culture. K. Dot, who has always stood out from most of his peers, once again demonstrated his ability to create innovative and meaningful music that resonates with audiences around the world.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
1TakeOcho Talks The Release Of His Latest EP "Ocho III"
Compton artist 1TakeOcho talks the release of his latest EP titled Ocho III, with some dope features including 1TakeJay, Kalan.FrFr, Tyler J., 1TakeQuan, Griff Tyler, and Xian Bell!
“I want to let everyone know that you can do it. Whatever it is that you want to do, you can do it. Put the work in and stop making excuses. Also, go get that Ocho III EP. It’s out on all platforms. Give it a listen and share it if you like it.”
By: Omar Cook
Compton artist 1TakeOcho dropped his new EP titled Ocho III. 1TakeOcho has been consistently dropping heat since his first project Ocho.
“The name of the project started when I dropped the first Ocho EP. I didn’t know what else to call it so I kept it simple and used my name. I wanted to drop this EP because it’s been almost 9 months since my last project dropped and in between that I dropped one single which was “Love” ft. my guys Griff Tyler and Xian Bell. It was time for me to drop some more content, build my catalog for people, and get heard some more. And also it’s the summer!”
1TakeOcho has set a high standard for himself and his fans by releasing top quality music with consistency. You can hear the growth from project to project as he pours his real life into the lyrics.
“This particular EP shows a lot of growth in my music as far as the quality of the music as well as the videos I’ll be putting out for it. The cover art is me with my college degree, my graduation cap, a football, and a mic which symbolizes my journey in life. I recently just finished school while working a job and pursuing my music career. I just want to motivate people and let them know that anything is possible and forget all the excuses. As long as you put the work in, stay dedicated, passionate, and consistent, everything will fall in place for you.”
1TakeOcho - Different ft. Kalan.FrFr (Official Music Video)
The project features 8 hot tracks with some dope features including 1TakeJay, Kalan.FrFr, Tyler J., 1TakeQuan, Griff Tyler, and Xian Bell! This is a project that has no skips as each track has it’s own feel from upbeat tracks like “Homebody” to a more mellow track like “Right By You”. Our personal favorite: “Homebody”, a song you’ll have on repeat!
“A must listen to track in my opinion is all of them lol my favorite track on there changes all the time. One day I’m loving “Homebody” more than anything. The next day I’m loving “Right by you” more. Another day “Walk Through” becomes my favorite.”
1TakeOcho - Homebody ft. 1TakeJay (Official Music Video)
1TakeOcho has already dropped 3 videos to accompany his EP for his tracks “Homebody”, “Different”, and “Love”.
“The quality of music and the visuals for it is what separates it from my previous stuff. Although my previous project “Undeniable” had good quality, the goal is to outwork yesterday. Or in other words outwork yourself and your previous work. I feel like that’s what I’m doing.”
1TakeOcho already has plans to continue to release new music and visuals and is establishing himself as one of the top rising artists on the West Coast. With a solid mix of R and B and rap, this project has a track for just about any mood.
“Hopefully y’all will be seeing my name and face more often. I feel like I’m going in the right direction by putting out good content and staying consistent with it.”
Check out the full project below!
1TakeOcho - Realize
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Alternative R&B: A Love Letter To Black Culture
Alternative R&B, which is at times referred to as Indie R&B, is a style of music that originated in the late 2000s, drawing inspiration from its sister-genre of contemporary R&B and serves as an abstract painting of our resilience and ability to transform. We discuss the rise of Alternative R&B here!
By: Cory Utsey
The genre of rhythm of blues, also known as R&B, has remained a staple in the Black community since it first took roots in the 1940s.
As a culmination of blues-inspired music, fast-paced rhythm, jazz, and light-hearted lyrical content, these songs hold the power to take listeners through a euphoric ride full of love, life, and redemption.
The term “rhythm and blues” was coined by music journalist Gerald “Jerry” Wexler in an attempt to replace the then-popular phrase “race music”, which was labeled offensive, while also marketing this new sound that had become popular in Black circles.
As the genre began to be associated with Black adolescence and late-night club scenes in the 1950s, it started to be seen as low-quality in comparison to Jazz music, which was regarded as a more refined form of Black expression. However, as R&B began to incorporate funk and soul, along with relatable lyrics about love, it was seen as more of an umbrella term for contemporary Black expression.
Nowadays, R&B and each of its sub-genres are easily accessible and highly revered-- especially alternative R&B.
Alternative R&B, which is at times referred to as Indie R&B, is a style of music that originated in the late 2000s, and it draws inspiration from its sister-genre of contemporary R&B.
Contemporary R&B combines elements of traditional R&B with lush, disco-like production and a distinct rhythm that is reminiscent of early hip-hop. It is best represented by artists such as Beyonce, Michael and Janet Jackson, and Usher.
Alternative R&B, on the other hand, takes some of those same attributes that are found in contemporary and traditional R&B, and fuses them with more prominent bass and vocals that almost feel like an echo.
As a versatile style of music, no two artists sound the same.
The airy, angel-like voices of singers like Brent Faiyaz or SZA can reel you in as they talk about toxic love and heartbreak, while Leven Kali and Syd might make you feel like you are seated on a cloud, so long as you tell them what you like. Solange might facilitate Black pride while providing a haven for different aspects of the Black experience, while Xavier Omar and Lucky Daye might have you aching for that “Old School” love.
The Internet - Girl (Official Video) ft. KAYTRANADA
Lucky Daye - How Much Can A Heart Take (Lyric Video) ft. Yebba
The subject matter varies from love and sex, to spiritual anecdotes and commentary on what is going on in the world.
If music has been a canvas for the expression of our pain, our joy, and our love, then alternative R&B is an abstract painting of our resilience and ability to transform.
Alternative R&B is the sister, the cousin and the love-child of the many different genres in which Black people have made a mark, and it is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic genres to top the charts in today’s day and age. It is a love letter to Black creativity and Black culture.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
A Look Into Hip Hop's Most Anticipated Artists And Projects In 2021
2021 is gearing up to be another dope year for Hip Hop releases. We take a look at some of Hip Hop’s most anticipated artists and projects for 2021!
By: James Teague
As we’re gearing up for an amazing new year (and yes it’s still going to be a great year regardless of everything covid-19 related), more new music is on the horizon for this new year to continue serving as our life soundtrack for the year. Even though there were some great gems that dropped last year, music 2020 was said to not really have a lot of impact due to the world getting altered because of COVID-19.
With everything going on whether it was with COVID, the presidential election, or the protests/riots that were all going on in America, I found lots of music lovers were not necessarily keeping up with all the latest new music that released each and every week. Hence why some of the albums released that I thought were going to do well actually didn't due to COVID-19. Luckily this year is a fresh start and we’re starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel with this entire living situation. Here are some of my most anticipated artists that I'm looking forward to releasing new music this year.
TDE
The current Best Rap Label Top Dawg Entertainment has had a very quiet 2020 for the most part but it appears since SZA dropped her singles, the label is getting up for another busy year. It wouldn't feel right for me if i did each artist alone so i decided to do the entire roster in its entirety in this section.
KENDRICK LAMAR - Between the numerous rumors surrounding his upcoming album, him moving in silence for the entire year and only popping out to the public on several occasions, there is no telling of what's going to happen with this next Kendrick album. What we can all say is that a lot has gone on since his last album DAMN, which was released in 2017, and everybody is wondering what he has to say for this next go round. This is one of the reasons why I'm going to always be excited for a new Kendrick release.
SZA - Just like Kendrick, SZA has also been under radar since her debut album CTRL and pops out seldomly. Her two brand new singles “Hit Different” and “Good Day” have me ready and anxious for SZA’s upcoming album. The people have been very very anxious for SZA to release new music and were to the point of frustration where they were taking things out on Punch through Twitter. Between that and watching SZA through her social media living and experiencing life, I expect the new album to be as amazing as her debut.
JAY ROCK - The OG member of the label Jay Rock has been quietly working since his last album Redemption dropped in Summer of 2018. Since the pandemic, he’s grown his hair out and looks like he’s been in the zone with making music and living life. I'm interested in hearing what he has to say this time around whenever it's time to release his new album.
SCHOOLBOY Q - Coming off his last album Crash Talk, Schoolboy Q has always been staying busy on the feature tip. It’s either the features or social media whenever we see him, whether it's playing the daddy role with his daughter or if he’s out playing golf. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed Crash Talk as an album from front to back, I can also understand why some of the fans felt like they were let down by this album. Q has said sometime after the album dropped that he was already back to work on his next album. From what I’ve heard through the grapevine, I'm hearing that Groovy Q is back on his Blankface/Habits and Contradictions vibes for the next album.
ISAIAH RASHAD - I don't have a clue as to why Zaywop is taking forever with releasing his album but he is the only member on TDE right next to Ab Soul who hasn't released a brand new album since 2016 with The Sun’s Tirade. He’s been previewing brand new music here & there on his instagram live. Whether he drops an album this year or not, I'm looking forward to hearing from Zaywop musically soon. He has been away for far too long.
DRAKE
The anticipation for his new album Certified Lover Boy is at an all time high right now. Since last year between all of the Drake leaks and his last project Dark Lane Demo Tapes, Drake has really been in his bag on the music tip. It felt like since his last interview with Elliot Wilson on rap radar, it feels like he’s been more focused than ever making sure the new album is quality material. All of the leaks and his last project have shown me that we haven't seen anything yet for Certified Lover Boy. It’s supposed to be coming out sometime this month but we shall see and find out.
PARTYNEXTDOOR
It felt good hearing back from Party after releasing his album PartyMobile, after being on a hiatus from releasing new music. Now that we’ve had time to properly digest the new album, I think it’s time for Party to work on a brand new album and the reason that I say that is because since he was away for so long prior to Partymobile, it feels more appropriate that new music should start dropping.
G-HERBO
I've always been a fan of G-Herbo’s music since the beginning of his career back when he was calling himself Lil Herb. But ever since hearing his new song “Statement”, it’s become my 2021 song for the year. It makes no sense how many times I’ve had this song on repeat. Between the Dipset “I Really Mean It” sample and Herbo rapping forreal, the aura of that entire song sounds so refreshing and focused. I'm looking forward to 25 The Album , the title of his upcoming album. I don't know what's going to happen this coming album, but if he has more song quality sounding like “Statement”, then I'm very excited for this brand new album coming.
K-CAMP
After releasing Kiss 5, one of the better albums of 2020, K Camp made it clear that in 2021 he was coming for the number one spot. Every year, K Camp drops a new project and every year he always has a hit record kept in the tuck. I expect this year to be no different.
RODDY RICCH
I'm very interested to see where Roddy Ricch is going to go with his Sophomore Album. Coming off having such an incredible year in 2020 with his debut album, Please Excuse Me for Being Anti-Social, Roddy has kept himself busy with doing his features while also staying out of the way during this global pandemic. Roddy said earlier that he was in no rush to put out a brand new album and that he likes to take his time with creating his next album. He was able to win a lot of people over with the music that he was making but I'm interested to see what level is going to be able to take when it comes to the sophomore. He strikes me as a young man who is about his business and wants to make sure that he shows up each day as his best self. I'm looking forward to seeing what lemons that life will give to Roddy in order for him to tell his story on the album.
FUTURE
Instagram pictures surfaced of DJ Esco , Metro Boomin, and 808 Mafia all being back in the studio working together which prompted the rumors of Monster 2 possibly being in the works. Now as far as I know, I cannot say if that’s really going to be true. However, I did see that Future deleted all the pictures off of his Instagram page and whenever you see an artist do something of that magnitude, then that means get in formation because it looks like there’s going to be a new album due to us at any given day/moment.
YOUNG THUG
Even though Thugger is always active on featured guest tracks abd collaboration projects, it almost feels like forever since we've heard a solo album from him. So Much Fun exceeded my expectations and has been in my album rotation for a while still to this very day. It appears Thugger is getting ready for Slime Language 2 with the lead single Take it to Trial Featuring Gunna and Yak Gotti. This looks like this going to be a Young thug and friends album but i'm glad to hear that Thug will be releasing brand new music this year.
LIL BABY
Cheers to another rapper who had the best 2020 yet in regards to hip-hop music. Lil Baby has done enough hits, songs, features, all for the year to help him get to where he's supposed to be. Having said that, for some reason it feels like some people are still not giving Baby the respect he truly deserves. From the awards show not properly nominating him as one of the better artists whether the nomination is for the album or him as an artist. He’s already closed off on the features and is back in the lab cooking up brand new music from what i'm hearing. Even with all of the success coming to him, Lil Baby is still hungry to show and prove to the real ones that he’s here to stay.
NIPSEY HUSSLE
Word has got out through J Stone, one of Nipsey’s close friends and collaborators, confirmed that there will be a brand new Nipsey Hussle album that’s going to be released soon. J Stone had revealed on the The Bootleg Kev podcast that there’s so many verses Nip has done where he thought that he's heard everything. For me personally, as long as Nipsey’s team is involved in the process of making this album, then I'm all for this release. It was messed up knowing that he was in work already with his next album and the collaboration project with Meek only for him to pass away unexpectedly.
PUSHA-T
Daytona came out back in 2018 and yet it feels like it's been out for almost half a decade. There’s been rumors of a Pusha/Madlib project for a while now that haven't been confirmed yet. However in another interview, Pusha had confirmed his upcoming album so far is produced by Pharrell and Kanye West. He also said that it should be almost done very soon. We’ve only heard about Pusha’s music ever so often lately. The last time we heard from Pusha was about his drake diss verse on Pop Smoke’s Posthumous deluxe album, Shoot for the Star, Aim for the Moon. I'm already expecting the music to be very superior but I'm just ready for a brand new album coming very soon.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Josh Cozy Talks The Release Of His EP "Black Smilez"
North Carolina artist, Josh Cozy discusses the production of his new EP Black Smilez! Check it out here!
“We go through so much, and we always see pain = success and nah. Like, I wanted to show we can smile and win too.”
“Black Smilez yo, like cliche as that is lol. Just overall a good ass, window down feeling! The ability to disconnect from all negativity for the duration of the project and enjoy some smooth, fun ass sounds.”
By: Omar Cook
North Carolina artist, Josh Cozy dropped his new EP Black Smilez!
The title of this EP stemmed from overall what I wanted to see/reflect onto others. Black Smilez, cause yo.... we go through so much, we always see pain = success and nah. Like, I wanted to show we can smile and win too. Everything doesn’t have to be a bad story before greater things.
The project features 8 tracks that you can run through with no skips. It has a feel good feeling and a good vibe that you can measure in similarity to a Goldlink project. It’s been a minute since he dropped his last project Only If You Knew, and when asked what separates this project from the last he says,
Happiness. Production. Quality.
I haven’t made anything with this type of quality before. From writing, to engineering, to beat selection. I really stepped my game up on this one and the people surrounding me. My team Black Smilez, they helped out so damn much. My boy Jae crafted the final thing so well.
Every track is dope in its own right but one stands out from the others and that’s “Doves” feat. Depore Grenade & Techsolo which will have you playing it on repeat. It has that 90s Tribe Called Quest, Pharcyde type vibe. “Your Honey” feat. Nijah Brunea, Danielle P Williams & Drew Prince is also a vibe that can’t be missed on this project.
Doves! That joint is super fly. The hook by my boy Depore is just amazing vocally. My homie techsolo hopped up there and rode that beat beautifully. I think it came together super super well. Overall the people’s fave so far numbers wise also. I enjoyed the production and witty bars from it!
With all of the craziness going on around us in the world, this project comes out in perfect timing providing some positive relief. You can definitely see the growth in his overall production on his tracks and his delivery.
I’m 100% happier finishing this and listening straight through. The work and restarts that went into this. The overthinking. The constant traveling needed to get tracks done. The daily FT calls to adjust things within the tracks. All things I wouldn’t change because I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m super proud of this. Proud of my homies around me who helped and I really hope this impacts people the way it did me.
If you’ve been following his music, you have noticed the name change from Joshua Sheeran to Josh Cozy. Often times we see artists early in their careers rebrand themselves for better marketing.
Joshua Sheeran to Josh Cozy was really more so a marketing stand point. I felt the Cozy thing had better branding for me individually and would get me away from the ‘EdSheeran’ traffic and things. Also, it felt like a fresh start. A rebrand. A whole newness in who I wanted to be as an artist. I feel now I’m really gonna push all my artistic boundaries and enjoy this.
Josh Cozy always comes through with some dope vibes and it won’t be surprising if you start to hear this artist playing on mainstream radios across the country soon. You can tell that he is authentic in what he says on his music as he discusses relatable topics and his beat selection is always A1. Download the project on apple music and stream it below!
Doves (feat. Depore Grenade & Techsolo)
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
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!