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June 19, 2017

Here Are 5 Songs We Play 4 Years Later Continued

Without further ado, the next song on the list is Skizzy Mars’ “All Say” off of his 2014 mix tape Pace.

Initially, I heard Mars by chance on Spotify Free listening to Super Duper Kyle. After awhile, Spotify will diverge from the artist, or playlist for those with Spotify Premium, and began to play similar artists. Well, Mars was perpetually the similar artist I was designated, more specifically his song “Like This”, and its hooking first verse. This was in the fall of 2015, my sophomore year in college.

“I got short comings, we got more coming,” Mars said. “What was in that shot ’cause I need more of it.”

So, I did what almost every millennial would do after constantly hearing a song they liked, search the artist on YouTube, and pray to the music Gods there was more good tunes coming (See What I did there?). Fortunately, there were, and while there’s a slew of songs I could’ve selected for Mars, “All Say” is the most relateable to me in a catalog of songs that feel like the soundtrack to the life of millennials, and their drugged, loving, sexy, heartbroken lives.

I like “All Say”, because it’s about a girl from Mars’ past that stood out from the rest, as she liked who he truly is, Myles Mills, and not Skizzy Mars.

“I guess you love Myles, not that Skizzy Mars sit,” Mars said in the first verse. “Now this indica got me so lethargic. Looking for a real girl on some Lars sit.”

Please, appreciate the “Lars and the Real Girl” movie reference. While he’s a rapper, Mars said he could hold conversations about Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders, or a conversation about industrialism or gentrification, not just rap. “All Say” hit home in the second verse, as I just to be involved with an ivy girl that attended the University of Pennsylvania.

“I don’t know, I could just tell we had a future, but she’s enrolled at an Ivy, and me I be acting stupid,” Mars said. “I be rappin’ bout money and drugs; and drugs and b*tches, but, I’ve been searching for something that’s different.”

If you like what you heard, other songs I like by Mars are the following: “Numb”, “Lucy”, “Chemistry”, and “No Curfew”.

Following behind “All Say”, another one of my top five favorite songs is Blackbear’s “wish u the best” off of his most recent album digital druglord.

Honestly, the first time I heard Blackbear I wasn’t a fan, as it wasn’t until last year in 2016 when I woke up from sleeping on him. As a fan of Super Duper Kyle, I was google searching to see if the “Happy Camper Tour” he was opening for Hoodie Allen on was coming to Philadelphia. I noticed Blackbear was on the tour as well, but didn’t think much of it until I heard the song “Champagne & Pools” with the three aforementioned names on it in promotion of the tour.

“Is it the house that I live or the things that I can give am I a fool, yeah,” Blackbear said in the hook. “For thinking I was different. Apart from all these Soho House guys that take you out. I wonder if you feel a thing.”

Ironically, I was playing Blackbear’s songs, anticipating him coming to Philadelphia with Kyle. Unfortunately, Blackbear left the tour before the Philadelphia stop, but that didn’t stop (Did you see what I did there?) me from rediscovering his music, and I’m glad I did.

I like “wish u the best”, because when the album was initially released the lyrics paralleled my life spot on, especially the opening lyrics.

“Just used my last one percent to text you, that s*it wasn’t worth it…,” Blackbear said in the first verse. “Funny how when I don’t care, these feelings all resurface.”

Looking back, we’ve all had a time where we regretted giving out our number, let alone texting someone first. Contrarily, you might’ve been the person someone regretted giving their number to, more so guys than girls. At the time of the song’s release, I was both, and gets weirder, as it was with the same person.

The chorus indicates Blackbear’s chaos with this female has ended with the bar “I would wish you the best but you already had it”.

Ultimately, the song’s right place, right time vibe to me was cemented in the outro.

“2016 was catastrophic, I deserved it,”Blackbear said.

For Blackbear, 2016 was filled with what appeared to be a toxic relationship, and a life threatening case of pancreatitis. For me, 2017 was filled with a major car accident, and acclimation to Western Pennsylvania after transferring out here for my remaining two years of undergrad.

“wish u the best” will resonate with me the rest of my life as one of those songs that reminds you know precisely what was going on in your life every time you hear it, good or bad.

If you like what you heard, other songs I like by Blackbear are the following: “Girls Like U”, “Flirt Right Back”, “make daddy proud”, and “Slide Thru”.

No One Does NSFW Quite Like This

The Culture

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June 15, 2017

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John Legend’s On The Verge of EGOT Status

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June 15, 2017

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John Legend’s On The Verge of EGOT Status

John Legend won a Tony Award Sunday night for his efforts as co-producer of Jitney, which subsequently won the award for best play revival, according to Broadway.com.

August Wilson’s Jitney follows a group of men who try to earn a living by driving unlicensed cabs, or jitneys, in the 1970s, according to Billboard. But, Legend has proven his versatility as an executive producer, taking on projects South side With You and Underground as well.

“Enlighten, inspire and entertain. I feel like those are the things we look for in projects,” Legend said to Billboard. “Obviously, my day job continues to be music, but I feel like we want to put out art that makes the world more interesting and more beautiful, and we’ve been able to do that.”

With the Tony Award, Legend is one award from EGOT status, or winning an award in all four American entertainment awards. It was in 2015 when Legend began his quest for EGOT status, intentional or not. Assisted by Chicago rappers Common, born Lonnie Lynn Jr. and Rhymefest, born Che Smith, Legend wrote “Glory” as the theme song for the 2014 film Selma.

Additionally, the song peaked at no. 49 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and won multiple Grammys in addition to a 2015 Oscar for best original song. You can check out the video for the song here.

Also, Common co-starred in the film as Civil Rights Movement leader James Bevel. Bevel was director of Direct Action and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). In this role, Bevel masterminded three victories during the Civil Rights Movement: the 1963 Birmingham Children’s Crusade, the 1965 Selma voting rights movement, and the 1966 Chicago open housing movement.

Legend is now an Emmy Award away from EGOT status, and he could earn a nomination for his song “In America” he created for WGN America’s Underground. We look forward to Legend obtaining said status.

Let us know what you think below!

Meet South Africa’s Inclusive All-Black, Black Metal Band

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June 14, 2017

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Meet South Africa’s Inclusive All-Black, Black Metal Band

Demogoroth Satanum is South Africa’s first all-black, black metal band, hoping to connect black fans to a new genre of music while connecting white fans to the 99 percent black population of their city.

Ideally, the band wants to connect people to a genre they love without worrying about which race historically played that sound of music. It’s going to be a daunting task for the band, but time will be our judge.

“You’re breaking into this scene that’s like white people only,” The band’s vocalist Sthembiso Kunene or Tyrant, said to Uproxx. “That was hard, getting our first performances and s*it. Will they take us seriously?”

In my opinion, I believe everyone has one shot, or an first impression. So, it’s up to Demogoroth Satanum to seize the opportunity. Initially, they must build a fan base within South Africa, then branch out to other parts of the continent. If all goes right, the band can begin to go on the road, or tour, and monetize themselves. Keep in mind, this is if all goes right, not including adversity. In this scenario, after a tour the band could decide to go major, or stay independent.

Back to reality, the band’s natives to a country with a history of segregation. However, perhaps Bob Marley had it right when he said, “one thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

Coincidentally, the launched a series of showcases called “Punk Fuck” in their hometown, building a fan base and touring morphed into one somewhat.

“We’re trying to get more black people involved by playing here,” Tyrant said. “We thought ‘F*ck it, we’re tired of going out there.’”

But, Satanum isn’t closing the door on their potential white fans. Tyrant said the band’s trying to get white people to come to Soweto more, as it had been very, very rare to see in the past.

The band’s country is only approximately 20 years removed from Apartheid, leading to a lot of tension among races. But, the band wants to be that bridge that connects races together moving forward.

“So, there’s a sitload of tension, and we’re trying to break that fcking tension,” Tyrant said. ” Once our country breaks that racial tension, then we can f*cking move on.”

It’ll be interesting to see how the band fares. You can check out their website here, and let us know what you think below!

PREMIERE: Kyle Rapps Delivers New Single ‘Latrell’

New Music

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June 14, 2017

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PREMIERE: Kyle Rapps Delivers New Single ‘Latrell’

Introducing Kyle Rapps…

For those unfamiliar with Hip Hop artist Kyle Rapps, he hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan, but uprooted to Princeton, New Jersey where he was raised, graduating from Rutgers University with a BA in Spanish. As of 2015, Rapps resides in Mexico City, Mexico, and is signed to Mishka NYC Records. According to his SoundCloud, he’s released one EP back in 2014 titled European Tic Tacs alongside Hefna Gwap.

Additionally, he’s released three other albums in 2013, 2015, and 2017, respectively. Formerly known as Skeptik, dating back to College, Rapps, born Kyle Sutton, officially made the switch in 2010, and to celebrate he released the single “Love, Love” featuring KRS-ONE. Yes, the legendary KRS-ONE. Rapps has also collaborated with Joell Ortiz, U-N-I, and Talib Kweli.

Today, Kyle Rapps’ is back with his latest offering “Latrell,” an upbeat, introspective track that aids it’s genius to the art of storytelling. Still not available on SoundCloud, you can stream the track on the big three streaming services (Apple music, Tidal, and Spotify), or buy it, and support the independent artist, through iTunes and Google play.
The track, one of my new favorites, is just under two minutes, but doesn’t shorten the consumer of quality, as less is more sometimes. It opens with a voice on tape (VOT) of an news anchor announcing Latrell Sprewell’s, former professional basketball player, year long suspension for his infamous 1997 attack on P.J. Carlesimo, his Head Coach at the time, during a Golden State Warriors practice.

Rapps spends the intro talking to the listener, about a failed attempt he had with a woman who identified as lesbian. But, no need to feel sorry for Rapps, as he explained right before his verse that he already slayed, or had sex, with the “girlfriend” of the female that rejected him.

Essentially a track that parallels Rapps’ recklessness to Sprewell’s, the hook is Rapps taking a minimalist approach, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. With an eerily distinct vibe, thanks to the 4/20 friendly beat, the song slows down time and picks you up for a two minute high before thrusting you back down into reality.

For your listening pleasure, we have included the Soundcloud below.

To learn more about Kyle Rapps, click the link here: http://smarturl.it/KyleRappsLatrell

Uncovered: Here’s Our Five Favorite Songs Since 2013

The Culture

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June 13, 2017

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Uncovered: Here’s Our Five Favorite Songs Since 2013

It was the summer of 2013 when I first heard a Super Duper Kyle song. My cousin, and I were joyriding on the interstate. The song changed my view on life. Over the years, a slew of songs have had the same impact. So, I’m starting an article series highlighting my top five favorite songs of all time, dating back to 2013. It’s hard to rank them, so I’m going to list the songs, and let you decide.

Kyle’s “View From Hollywood” is the first to appear on the list. I like this song for a couple reasons. First, the music video introduced me to Patagucci. Also, I can relate to the lyrics without having to interpret it differently than its intended message.

In fact, after thoroughly listening to Kyle I wasn’t concerned with having a perceived image, appearing cool, or anything like that. I only wanted to be myself, circling back to how Kyle’s music changed my view on life. To further explain, check out this Kyle interview, starting at the 9:30 marker. Essentially, the moment you accept who you genuinely are is when you’ll be able to genuinely love yourself.

Essentially, the song highlights Kyle’s journey in the music industry up until that point in his life. He was getting bigger, but he didn’t make it big yet. And, this was before he told me that in 2016.

“They can all talk,” Kyle said in the first verse. “I already know one day I’mma glow, glow, blow, blow.”

To highlight as many artists I can, I’m only selecting one song per artist on this list. That said, a close second-place song by Kyle I like is “A Okay” off of Beautiful Loser as well, as any song on that album is gold. From the archive, another song I like is “Sumthin Inside”. To round things out, I also like “Want Me Bad” featuring Cousin Stizz, and “Deepest Part of Me”. I use the latter as my radio show intro.

For more music like this, check out my Spotify playlist here.

Following behind “View From Hollywood”, another one of my top five favorite songs is…come back next week to find out.

Why Can’t Funkmaster Flex Let Go of Tupac Grudge?

The Culture

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June 13, 2017

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Why Can’t Funkmaster Flex Let Go of Tupac Grudge?

According to Uproxx, actor Mickey Rourke said to TMZ that Funkmaster Flex, and anyone who talked down on late rapper Tupac, to “look him up” for a fight.

First and foremost, I’m not here to discredit anything Flex has done for hip hop pertaining to his catalog as a dj, rapper, and producer. The issue has to do with Flex’s comments about one of the greatest of all time in rap history, and not to mention a deceased individual who can’t defend them self. For that alone, I applaud Rourke for defending his friend.

Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time Flex, born Aston Taylor Jr, has said something about Tupac. Flex made disparaging remarks regarding Tupac, but fellow West Coast rapper Dom Kennedy wasn’t tolerating it. In 2011, Kennedy took a shot at Flex on the track “The Homies” off of his The Original Dom Kennedy mixtape.

“Sit I heard Funk Flex say that Pac ain’t shit, and I hope when you see him that he slap your mouth,” Kennedy said. “Don’t be looking for me ngga, im at your house real early in the morning ‘fore you back on out.”

Additionally, Kennedy said to Complex he would’ve felt wack if he didn’t address Flex’s comments, and he had nothing to lose, as Flex was never playing the independent artist’s songs anyway.

Fast forward to 2017, Flex is doing the same thing again, whining on Instagram this time. However, like in 2011, we don’t know what Flex’s beef with Tupac is. But, unlike in 2011, Flex is now raining on Tupac’s parade, as his biopic All Eyez On Me is set for release on June 19th.

Flex, let it go, man. Tupac’s dead, and you’re attempt to tarnish his legacy, while it may work (hopefully not), paints you to as an old, bitter man. Kudos to Rourke and Kennedy for intervening.

Let us know what you think below!

What Actually Makes Clothes Cool?

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June 13, 2017

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On a typical non summer day, my jeans are Levi’s. From the waist up, a hoodie of the following: Patagucci, American Rag, or an artist’s merchandise. On my feet: Converse, Vans, Adidas, or Air Jordan 1 Mids.

My go to store is Macys, online never in store. Honestly, I procrastinate a long, long time. Occasionally, I’ll be followed around the store, because of it. Anyway, after pondering the quintessential question I am left without a definitive answer once again.

Essentially, I’m wondering what makes clothes cool. Sometimes, I’ve seen people wearing expensively priced clothing that make them look normal. However, I’ve also seen people wearing inexpensively priced clothing that made them look like a million bucks.

Exhibit A, here’s a picture of rapper, singer, songwriter, and model Nicki Minaj.

For the record, I’m not attempting to bash anyone, but simply prove a point. Obviously, Minaj, and her $70 million dollar net worth, probably paid a pretty penny for the dress. But, if you take the dress off of Minaj and put it on someone else the difference is significant. Essentially, a women that’s not famous wearing this dress would consider it another piece of clothing in her wardrobe.

Additionally, another question arises: does the clothes make the person, or does the person make the clothes. All in all, the dress is elevated by Minaj wearing it, but just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it makes people look like a million bucks. However, some clothing pieces elevate the subject, making them look better. But, now we’re entering the slippery slope.

Bottom line, clothes should express a person, nothing more, nothing less. Buying clothes for the sole purpose of making yourself look like a million isn’t wise, as unless you’re raking in money like Minaj, you might go broke over clothes. Ideally, you want to find a balance of clothes that express yourself, and don’t break the bank, buying expensive clothing, like Minaj, when best fit and not just because.

To round things out, we have exhibit B. Here’s a picture of rapper Super Duper Kyle. Like myself, he wears vans, Patagucci, his merchandise, or whatever expresses himself best. And, Kyle looks pretty cool in this picture to me. At the end of the day, what makes clothes cool is you. Sometimes, the clothes make you cooler, but it starts with you. Clothes is a material thing anyway.

Let us know your thoughts below!

As The Saying Goes, If You Know Better Do Better

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June 13, 2017

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As The Saying Goes, If You Know Better Do Better

In almost every debate, there’s people extremely against the subject, and you have people extremely for the subject. Also, there are those that are neutral, but it’s arguable that subconsciously the neutral people know what side they’re on. So, while there’s typically a legal ruling to determine who’s right in a debate, there’s also an ethical issue. Furthermore, those issues relate a person’s moral principles.

“Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right,” Former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt said.

With that being said, we will now examine a time in history when it was known what the right thing to do was, but it wasn’t acted out. We will now shift our attention to that time in history.

The time in history I’m talking about is when the united formation of activist movement Black Lives Matter (BLM) took place in 2013. The movement was founded by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi.

Essentially, the activist group was formed due to the murders of unarmed black men, but they also want to obtain equality for African Americans pertaining to issues outside of police brutality. To clarify, an activist is a person who campaigns for some kind of social change.

Additionally, African Americans are just over 2.0 times more likely to be killed by police, opposed to Caucasian Americans, according to a 2016 Washington Post article. Interestingly enough, All Lives Matter (ALM) was created in response to BLM, because BLM overlooks the importance of other kinds of people, according to ALM.

So, the previous quote looms large in this situation. In my opinion, BLM was not created to put down other races, but to indicate the importance of African American lives. Unfortunately, African Americans are being shot and killed by police, and when the details come out later on a majority of the killings aren’t deemed rational.

To drive home the point, BLM isn’t prioritizing one race over another, in my opinion, but it’s the reality of the social conditions African Americans are going through in 2017. Coming from my perspective as an African American male, the fact that people, of all races, felt they had to start a movement saying black lives mattered indicates that African Americans don’t feel equal to other races.

To round things out, we must look at the debate as an ethical issue. While there’s no legal ruling on BLM yet, ALM was deemed a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Back to the ethics, I genuinely don’t believe BLM is a hate group. Also, I honestly don’t understand how anyone can be against the movement, based on a person’s moral principles.

All in all, BLM wants the killings of unarmed blacks to stop, and equality for all. Remember, ALM was created in response of BLM, so perhaps some people in favor of ALM don’t want equality, and the killings to stop. If that’s the case, there’s a big problem in America, as killing anyone who’s unarmed is wrong, and equality is right. Ultimately, it comes down to knowing what’s right, and doing what’s right.

Your thoughts?

Lil Aaron Hoped To Become Big In The Music Industry With No Label

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June 8, 2017

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Lil Aaron Hoped To Become Big In The Music Industry With No Label

Lil Aaron’s opening for Blackbear on the “Digital Druglord Tour”, coming to Philadelphia June 30th. But, it wasn’t an easy path for rap/rock genre artist to where he is now, establishing a fan base on the road every night. In fact, Aaron was late to the Twitter party, joining in August of 2014, but he’s obtained just under 23 thousand followers since then.

Aaron’s accomplished the feat with one project, EP GLOWING PAIN$, released in 2016. The Indiana, Indianapolis native started his musical debut wasting no time introducing his story to listeners on the first track of the same name of the EP “GLOWING PAIN$”

“You, you don’t know me,” Aaron said. “You never knew me anyway. Let me tell you how I managed to get out. Went from sleeping on my manager’s couch; running out of battery power; trapping off a laptop; just so I could go and put my hand to my mouth uh.”

Aaron’s debut album explores his unique sound of mixing pop-punk attitude with the new genre of autotuned rap, according to Genius. Not bad for a guy who began his career as a songwriter. After writing a track titled “Damn”, Aaron transitioned from behind the scenes to the full-fledged artist.

“I had always planned on being an artist, but I always wanted it to be at the right time,” Aaron said to Pigeons and Planes.”But when we put that song together, it made sense.”

Aaron doesn’t possess the traditional mainstream look, sporting green hair (Shout out to Dennis Rodman). But, Aaron said to Pigeons and Planes with the internet the people in power don’t have to select you to be successful in the music industry.

Since the release of GLOWING PAIN$, Aaron has released one single. “Escalade” featuring Blackbear in the promotion of their tour together. Interestingly enough, has obtained just under 140 thousand monthly Spotify listeners, and is unsigned, as he states in the sixth track “GO 2 HELL” off of his EP.

“Everyone tryna say it’s the cosigns, but I did this s*** without a label,” Aaron said.

But, my favorite track off of the EP is the fifth track “4 MORE DRINKS/PINK FENTY SLIDES”.

“I’m four more drinks to faded,” Aaron said. “Know you f*** with me girl you ain’t gotta say it. We rolling blunts on blunts let’s smoke til we sedated. Yeah, I think I’m four more drinks to faded yeah.”

Essentially two tracks in one, approximately halfway through the track the beat switches up.

“Pink Fenty slides pull them panties to the side,” Aaron said. “I’ma hit it one time, bet I never hit it twice. Rocking pink Fenty slides shawty it’s gon’ be a long night.”

As the majority of independent artists do, Aaron has his own merchandise as well. You can purchase merchandise here. I’ve been eyeing the Patch Hoodie for some time now and may make a move on it. However, the goggles, a fan favorite, is perpetually out of stock and garned interest from fellow rapper Skizzy Mars who proposed an Alone Together Vans for GOING PAIN$ goggles in a now-deleted tweet (Did you do it, Aaron?)

To date, each of the seven tracks on his EP has obtained at least 114 thousand plays on SoundCloud. “Drugs” tops the other six tracks with approximately 560 thousand plays. In fact, Aaron, now residing in Los Angeles, California, has obtained just under 15 thousand followers on the audio platform website with just 10 uploaded tracks.

Aaron, 23, has obtained a celebrity fan in the form of Kylie Jenner, who played Aaron’s songs on her Snapchat. Also, he’s good friends with fellow artist Kiiara. More on that, Aaron’s also good friends with a slew of artists and can be seen interacting or appearing with them on social media platforms Twitter and Instagram.

After careful consideration, I’ve dubbed the group the ‘millennial generation’. Additionally, a millennial is anyone born from 1982-2004, according to The Atlantic.

The group consists of the following: Lil Aaron, Blackbear, Olivia O’Brien, Super Duper Kyle, Garrett, Treez Lowkey, Mars, Pell, Travis Mills, and Brandon Wardell. Additionally, the list mainly pertains to music artists, but Garrett does a lot of Mars’ artwork, And, Brandon Wardell is a comedian, and the king of Twitter but was featured on an Aaron song alongside Mars.

We look forward to seeing Lil Aaron when he comes to town on June 30th.

Public School Unveils Three Bold Colorways For The Air Jordan 12

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June 8, 2017

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Public School Unveils Three Bold Colorways For The Air Jordan 12

Public School co-founder Maxwell Osborne revealed a new colorway of the ongoing collaboration of the air Jordan 12. Taking to Instagram, Osborne posted a preview of the latest model, which is now available in a strikingly beige colorway. Originally unveiled back in February, Osborne has even alluded to the success of the aforementioned silhouette and a possible pop up shop that is slated to appear soon!

What do you think?

Cop or drop?

Public School Unveils Three Bold Colorways 1

Public School Unveils Three Bold Colorways

Check out the photos above and stayed tuned!

Our Top 10 Albums of 2017 So Far

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June 8, 2017

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So it’s officially summer and all the mega media companies have declared the 30 best albums of 2017 so far Tuesday, so we decided to consolidate the list to our own 10 favorite albums of 2017 so far. Let’s get to it!

In our opinion, Khalid’s American Teen album comes in at no. 10. The debut of Khalid, the album debuted at no. 9 on the Billboard 200 with approximately 37,000 album equivalents in its first week.

To follow up, Kehlani’s Sweet Sexy Savage checks in at no. 9. Another debut, the album landed at no. 3 on the charts with just under 60,000 album equivalents in its first week.

After that, one of our favorites Rick Ross’ Rather You Than Me makes an appearance at no. 8 on the list. A late career resurgence, this album debuted at no. 3 on the charts with just over 100,000 album equivalents in its first week

And, Big Sean’s I Decided followed for the no. 7 spot. The emergence of Big Sean continues with his consecutive no. 1 album. The album moved just over 150,000 album equivalents in its first week.

Half way home, Joey Badass’ All Amerikkkan Badass claims the no. 6 spot. A Johny Shipes product, Badass remained consisted with his second album, moving just over 50,000 album equivalents in its first week.

Of course, Migos had to appear on the list, checking in at no. 5. It appears the Migos can do no wrong, obtaining a no. 1 album this year with approximately 131,000 album equivalents.

However, perhaps a bit of controversy at the no. 4 spot with the selection of Lil Yachty’s Teenange Emotion. The numbers aren’t what we expected, but he still managed to crack the top five with just under 50,000 album equivalents.

Barring down for our top three, Future’s HNDRXX lands at no. 3. Apart of a two week, two album roll out, we have only three words, percocet, molly, percocet.

With two spots left, and Drake and Kendrick Lamar still not on the list, there was controversy, but Drake’s More Life takes the no. 2 spot. While better than Views, the fact he had to release this project to abolish concerns of him falling off puts him at no. 2

Without further ado, our no. 1 spot on the list goes to Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. Lamar may have overtaken Drake for the spot pertaining to rap with this one.

Let us know what you think below!

Another Solo Jay Z Album Is Not What’s Missing In Hip Hop

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June 7, 2017

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Another Solo Jay Z Album Is Not What’s Missing In Hip Hop

According to Hypebeast, the mysterious 4:44 ads of late mean a new Jay Z album is in the making.

They are hinging their hat on the album title being 4:44 or The Blueprint 4. However, the last installment in the blueprint series came in 2009, The Blueprint 3. And, Jay Z hasn’t released an album since 2013, Magna Carta Holy Grail.

Noteworthy, Beyonce’s, Jay Z’s wife, fourth album was titled 4 as well. Then again, 4:44 could pertain to Jay Z’s 22 day vegan challenge.

“There’s something spiritual to me about it being my 44th birthday and the serendipity behind the number of days in this challenge,” Jay Z said to Life+Times. “22 (2+2=4) coupled with the fact that the challenge ends on Christmas day, it just feels right.”

But, there’s also a chance 4:44 pertains to a Jay Z and Beyonce joint album, as their respective birthdays are December 4th and September 4th.

Essentially, no one knows what’s going on, but hoping it pertains to new music.

Honestly, another solo Jay Z album is not needed. However, a joint album with Beyonce may turn heads. The last collaborative effort on Jay Z’s part was with Kanye West on Watch the Throne, released in August of 2011. The album debuted atop the Billboard 200 with approximately 436,000 first week sales, and was Jay Z and Kanye’s respective 12th and 5th number one album in the United States.

While that’s all good and gravy, a solo Jay Z album may be able to produce as much, if not more, but it’s arguable whether or not the content will be up to par with The Black Album, and his albums before that.

Since his return, though he’s maintained great first week sales numbers, say American Gangster, the content isn’t what it used to be. In fact, Jay Z refers to Kingdom Come as his worst album, and it sold approximately 680,000 copies in its first week before streams.

Obviously, Jay Z is one of the top five rappers of all time, if not number one, but for the protection of his legacy another album is not needed.

What do you think? Please comment below!

Pell Established Independence Supporting Other Artists’ Tours

Hip Hop

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June 7, 2017

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Pell Established Independence Supporting Other Artists’ Tours

It was by chance I discovered Pell. It was just over a year that Dom Kennedy had released his second studio album Get Home Safely, and I was starving for the next release. So, a “Dom Kennedy” google search would surely satisfy my hunger, or at least I thought it would. However, what I found was not Dom Kennedy news, but rather a interview with Pell talking about Dom Kennedy (Great SEO usage for the website as well).

At the time of the interview, one of Pell’s 10 favorite songs was Dom Kennedy “When I Come Around.”

“Dom Kennedy’s cadence isn’t methodical, it’s passionate and his own,” Pell said. “As he wraps you into the rhythm of his rhymes, you can’t help but notice how cool and convincing he is with his words.”

I didn’t know it at the time, but I was reading an article on one of favorite artists in 2017. At the moment, all I knew about Pell was he was from New Orleans, Louisiana, he sounded nothing like the traditional New Orleans rapper, and he was touring to promote his debut album Floating While Dreaming, released in May of 2014. But, I had new music to listen to, and the discovery of Pell was on.

The project earned praise as one of the top independent releases of the year. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, Pell moved to Jackson Mississippi. He attended Mississippi State University before pursuing music full-time where he met his manager Jacob Reed.

The first track “Dollar Store” on the album immediately caught my attention. Reflecting on his old job and time at college, Pell takes listeners back to the year 2012 with his lyrics.

“Back in 2012, thought professors couldn’t use me,” Pell raps. “So I thank god for this loose leaf, I’ll be writing ‘til I’m woozy. I’m gone, to the moon, and I’ll be back soon.”

It was with lyrics like that Pell was able to promote his debut album supporting Yonas in the spring of 2014 on his “The Up All Night Tour”. In fact, Pell was able to promote his album, and introduce himself to a new audience, supporting the following subsequent artists: G-Eazy, Kidness, and Kehlani. Additionally, Pell performed at SXSW three consecutive years from 2014-2016, and has played at a slew of other festivals.

As an independent artist, supporting the aforementioned artists was pivotal for Pell’s fan base establishment. Interestingly enough, G-Eazy remixed the second track “Eleven:11” coincidentally on Floating While Dreaming. The track was released in May of 2015, approximately a year after the album’s release.

After opening for Kehlani in the summer of 2015, Pell self released his follow up to his debut album as well in the form of EP LIMBO, released in November of 2015. Finally, Pell was headlining his own tour in Spring of 2016 promoting the EP. And, in February of 2016 Pell was in Philadelphia at The Barbary when I conducted my first interview for the purpose of an article, reporting for my old college’s newspaper The Montgazette.

Around this time, The Fader dubbed Pell, 25, as the creator of a new “dream rap” genre. In a city that’s home to Master P and Lil Wayne, that was an amazing accomplishment.

Pell, born Jared Pellerin, was nothing but nice, as he welcomed me into his tour van before the interview. Yeah, Pell was a rapper, but it was in that moment I realized rappers are people, too. I noticed Pell still had his Twitter notifications on as he took out his phone during the course of interaction. So, believe it or not, artists may or may not reply, but more likely than not saw what you posted about them.

In 2017, Pell has just under 16 thousand Twitter followers, and a follow up to LIMBO has not been released. At the Barbary, Pell said he was producing more, and working on his sound, so fans shouldn’t expect anything in the immediate future.Additionally, Pell has just over 622 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, approximately 37 thousand SoundCloud followers, and just under 12 thousand YouTube subscribers.

Since releasing LIMBO, Pell has a gang of singles, most recently “Jam”. He also appeared on two tracks on Skizzy Mars most recent release Alone Together. Also, he has cool merchandise you can purchase here. Oh, and Pell’s brother Micah Pellerin, 28, played defensive back in the NFL, most recently in 2014.

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