Category Archives: Music News

From Cash Money to Cultural Currency: Why Lil Wayne Deserves His Super Bowl Moment

Posted on by
Reply

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Lil Wayne (Photo source: instagram @liltunechi)

New Orleans vibrates with music and has given the world artists who have changed the soundscape. Lil Wayne stands as one of those artists. As jazz notes float through the French Quarter, Wayne’s Lil WeezyAna Fest, founded in 2015, filled the Smoothie King Center with fans and the sounds of a legend. Wayne is a cultural icon and hometown hero, celebrated as such. However, even though he can pack an arena, Wayne will be found standing outside of the Super Bowl as a performer.

Kendrick Lamar being chosen earlier this year as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime performer has caused a stir in the industry for several reasons. The biggest: The game will be held in New Orleans, and many believe Wayne should have been given that opportunity.

Wayne has been a fixture in hip-hop culture since 1991 when he signed to Cash Money Records at age 9, becoming the label’s youngest artist. His signing was the start of a revolution. His years with the Hot Boys laid the foundation for Cash Money, and his solo career would show the world what Wayne was capable of.

The numbers tell the story.

“Tha Block Is Hot” went platinum. “Tha Carter III” moved 1,005,545 copies in its first week and went octuple platinum. “Tha Carter IV” sold 1,184,103 copies in its first two weeks, and “Tha Carter V” crossed the million-unit threshold in sales and streams.

Wayne has 186 entries on Billboard’s Hot 100 and is a five-time Grammy Award winner. The numbers he has amassed are impressive; however, his greatest impact came through his mixtape run. The “Dedication” and “Da Drought” series changed the game, introducing us to Lil Wayne the MC, who recorded these legendary tapes in hotel rooms and tour buses.

Wayne’s influences are hailed by today’s notable artists like Young Thug, who tapped into Wayne’s melodic offerings to create his own style. Kendrick Lamar hails Lil Wayne as his favorite rapper. We also can’t forget to mention that Wayne built Young Money and provided the world with Drake and Nicki Minaj, fundamentally altering hip-hop’s landscape.

Considering Wayne’s global impact, it’s easy to understand why he and many of his fans feel an opportunity was taken from him. Since Roc Nation has been at the helm of the Super Bowl selection process, it has been more rap-friendly, and Lil Wayne would seem like the perfect fit based on his legacy alone.

Wayne hasn’t been without flaws along his journey. In 2020 he was locked up for a firearms charge for which he received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump and he has had some unfavorable and controversial political stances when it comes to Black people. Even during these challenges he managed to stay consistent and provide music to his fans. 

However, on the heels of a fiery battle between Kendrick and Drake, and the smash hit “ Not Like Us” playing at every sporting event and homecoming across the country, one could say Kendrick’s selection was the smart decision.

While many may debate this, one thing that can’t be debated is Lil Wayne’s legacy. On Nov. 2, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and his longtime rival and New Orleans native Master P presented him with a key to the city.

Wayne addressed his thoughts on not performing at the Super Bowl during Lil WeezyAna Fest:

“When the first Super Bowl was here, I made sure I bought tickets at the beginning of the season, and you know I did the same when I moved to Miami. I was wishing my team made it, and guess who made it that year? The Saints,” Wayne said. “I was able to give my mama that suite. She was able to bring my family and other people from New Orleans, and they had a ball. That moment I said to myself, ‘I want to be on stage for the Super Bowl one day in front of my mom.’ And I worked my ass off to get that position, and it was ripped away from me. But this moment right here, they can’t take this away from me.”

Young Thug’s Freedom: How His Prison Release Could Reshape Hip-Hop’s Future

Posted on by
1

By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Young Thug during his RICO trial (Photo source instagram: @thuggerthegoatt)

Hip-hop culture stands at a crossroads. Young Thug, born Jeffery Williams, was released from prison after serving two and a half years behind bars due to Georgia’s RICO case against him. Before Judge Whitaker delivered her sentencing – 15 years of probation and specific conditions – Williams shared a poignant statement about his lyrics and influence.

“I understand rap lyrics. I understand how they could be twisted. I understand what they could do to the minds of people… I promise you, I’m 100% changing that,” Williams said. With notable gravity in his voice, he added, “I’m older. I’m grown now. I’m smarter, there’s more things to rap about.”

In many circles, Young Thug is considered one of the greatest of all time. His statement will likely reverberate throughout the industry, marking both a moment of potential redemption and highlighting the complex relationship between artistic expression and legal liability.

History of Lyrics on Trial

Adriane Love, the Fulton County chief deputy district attorney, read Williams’ lyrics in the courtroom, connecting them to real-life events. This practice echoes rap’s early years when the genre faced intense scrutiny.

The criminalization of rap lyrics isn’t new:

  • Late ’80s: Ice-T’s “Cop Killer” drew national attention, forcing its removal from Body Count’s album
  • 1988: N.W.A received a warning letter from FBI Assistant Director Milt Ahlerich about their content
  • 1989: 2 Live Crew released “As Nasty As They Wanna Be”
  • 1990: Judge Jose A. Gonzalez ruled the album obscene and illegal to sell

These events led to collaboration between the Recording Industry Association of America, the Parents Music Resource Center and the National Parent Teacher Association to create the Parental Advisory sticker.

The Science of Sound

Scientific research demonstrates music’s profound effect on our minds and emotional states. In Harvard Medicine, Allison Eck writes, “Music also lights up nearly all of the brain – including the hippocampus and amygdala, which activate emotional responses to music through memory; the limbic system, which governs pleasure, motivation and reward; and the body’s motor system.”

These findings validate Williams’ concern about lyrics’ influence on listeners, extending the conversation beyond mere entertainment to public responsibility.

A New Era for Hip-Hop

Williams’ case and statement potentially open doors for transformation while raising questions about artistic expression. His acknowledgment forces artists to consider legal ramifications when writing lyrics.

Lil Durk’s ongoing legal challenges may provide the next test case for using lyrics as evidence. Known for violent narratives and raw storytelling, Durk’s existing catalog could face scrutiny if prosecutors choose this approach.

The Legal Debate

Using rap lyrics as evidence draws both support and criticism. Prosecutors argue lyrics can provide crime insights, while civil rights advocates and defense attorneys contend this practice unfairly targets hip-hop culture compared to other genres.

The Future of Music

Williams’ statement about expanding subject matter suggests broader artistic horizons. His influence could inspire artists to embrace lighter themes, potentially shifting away from trap music, gangster rap and drill – subgenres often associated with violence.

A Cultural Crossroads

Hip-hop emerged from Black and Brown communities’ struggles, using available resources to transform lives and influence global culture. Today, rap music stands as one of America’s most significant cultural exports.

The genre now faces creative challenges requiring new approaches to storytelling. While Williams’ declaration points toward positive change, its long-term impact remains uncertain. Still, his commitment to transformation marks a significant step forward for hip-hop culture.

Tyler, The Creator Returns With His Most Personal Album Yet on ‘CHROMAKOPIA’

Posted on by
1

By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

In an era where music drops like confetti on New Year’s Eve, Tyler, The Creator chose a Monday morning to gift the world “CHROMAKOPIA”, his most introspective and sonically ambitious project to date. The unconventional release time – reminiscent of the bygone Super Tuesday era – proved strategic, allowing fans to live with the music rather than rush through it during the weekend chaos. The strategy paid off; the album currently sits at No. 1 across all genres on Apple Music.

From the opening notes, it’s clear Tyler hasn’t just evolved – he’s ascended. The production on “CHROMAKOPIA” is nothing short of masterful, with layered instrumentation that rewards repeated listens. In an age where the bridge has become a lost art in music composition, Tyler deliberately weaves them throughout the project, creating textural depth that’s been sorely missed in contemporary hip-hop.

On “Thought I Was Dead,” Tyler channels Kendrick Lamar’s delivery while maintaining his distinctive voice, showcasing a technical prowess that proves he’s still pushing his boundaries as an MC. His flow switches are calculated and purposeful, each one serving the narrative rather than showing off for sport.

But it’s the personal revelations that make “CHROMAKOPIA” a watershed moment in Tyler’s discography. His mother appears throughout the album via interludes, dropping wisdom like bread crumbs leading to the album’s emotional core. On the gut-wrenching “Like Him,” Tyler confronts the void left by his absent father, while his mother offers an unprecedented apology for keeping his father at arm’s length. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability from an artist who’s typically guarded about this particular pain point, despite his well-documented close relationship with his mother.

The featured artists on “CHROMAKOPIA” feel less like guests and more like carefully chosen collaborators in Tyler’s vision. Daniel Caesar, Teezo Touchdown, Childish Gambino, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Lil Wayne, ScHoolboy Q, and Doechii each bring their unique flavors to the table. The standout collaboration comes from Doechii on “Balloon,” where she delivers what can only be described as beautiful aggression, her energy perfectly complementing the track’s ambitious production.

“Take Your Mask Off” emerges as an early fan favorite, while “Judge Judy” showcases Tyler’s signature wit and wordplay. “Sticky,” featuring the powerhouse combination of GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne, demonstrates Tyler’s ability to curate unexpected yet perfect collaborations.

The album’s title, “CHROMAKOPIA”, seems to reflect its nature – a spectrum of emotions, sounds, and experiences that paint a complete picture of an artist at his peak. The meticulous attention to storytelling, coupled with moments of raw vulnerability, positions this album not just as one of Tyler’s best works but as one of 2024’s strongest musical offerings.

When Tyler, The Creator first emerged as the wild-eyed leader of Odd Future, few could have predicted this level of artistic maturity. “CHROMAKOPIA” isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to growth, both personal and artistic. It’s the work of someone who’s mastered their craft while remaining unafraid to expose their scars.

What Tyler has created here isn’t just music – it’s a masterclass in vulnerability, production, and artistic evolution. As 2024 draws to a close, “CHROMAKOPIA” stands as a monumental achievement from an artist who continues to push himself and his art form forward.

“When The Sun Shines Again”: The Visual Masterpiece Behind Common and Pete Rock’s Latest Hit

Posted on by
Reply

Hip-hop heavyweights Common and Pete Rock are riding high on the success of their first full-length collaboration, “The Auditorium, Vol. 1.” The duo recently dropped a fresh video for “When The Sun Shines Again,” a standout track from the album released this summer to critical acclaim.

The visually striking clip, helmed by directors Marleaux Desire and ILLIMITEWORD, features guest appearances from neo-soul crooner Bilal and De La Soul’s Posdnuos. It’s the latest in a series of videos showcasing the album’s artistic vision, with Pete Rock’s signature boom-bap production providing the sonic backdrop.

Common and Rock wrapped up their 19-stop “The Auditorium Tour” last Friday with a bang, packing New York City’s Webster Hall. The tour’s finale capped off a whirlwind week in the Big Apple, which included a sold-out three-night, six-show residency at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club.

The pair’s creative synergy hasn’t gone unnoticed by the industry. They recently snagged four BET Hip Hop Awards nominations, including nods for “Best Duo Group” and “Impact Track” for their socially conscious joint “Fortunate.” Common’s razor-sharp wordplay earned him a “Lyricist of the Year” nomination, while Pete Rock’s masterful beats landed him in the running for “Producer of the Year.”

“The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” out now on Loma Vista Recordings, marks a high point in both artists’ storied careers. Common’s introspective rhymes and Pete Rock’s soul-drenched production create a perfect storm of old-school authenticity and contemporary relevance.

Two of the genre’s most respected veterans serves as a potent reminder of rap’s enduring power. With “The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” Common and Pete Rock aren’t just nodding to hip-hop’s past – they’re carving out its future.

Watch Common and Pete Rock’s ‘Dreamin’’ Video and Catch Them on Their U.S. Tour

Posted on by
Reply

Today, Common and Pete Rock released the music video for “Dreamin’”—watch it HERE. The video, filmed in New York City, features both artists alongside a collection of personal home videos from Common’s career, offering fans a unique glimpse into his life. It includes rare clips with legends like J Dilla, Dr. Maya Angelou, and Queen Latifah, as well as intimate moments with his daughter, family, and friends. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Raven Jackson and produced by Kristian King, Pulse Films, and There We Go Films, the video beautifully captures the theme of dreams becoming real and the song’s heartfelt vibe.

Tomorrow, Common and Pete Rock kick off The Auditorium Tour in Del Mar, CA, bringing their new album to life on stage. The tour includes 18 stops, hitting cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Nashville, and Boston, before wrapping up with a three-night residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City from September 23-25.

The Auditorium Tour Dates:

  • Wed, Aug 28 – Del Mar, CA – The Sound
  • Thurs, Aug 29 – Los Angeles, CA – United Theatre
  • Fri, Aug 30 – Napa, CA – Blue Note Jazz Festival
  • Tues, Sept 3 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
  • Fri, Sept 6 – Dallas, TX – The Echo Lounge
  • Sat, Sept 7 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre
  • Mon, Sept 9 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
  • Tues, Sept 10 – Charlotte, NC – Fillmore
  • Wed, Sept 11 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
  • Fri, Sept 13 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva
  • Sat, Sept 14 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
  • Sun, Sept 15 – Washington DC – 930 Club
  • Tues, Sept 17 – Red Bank, NJ – The Vogel
  • Wed, Sept 18 – Boston, MA – House Of Blues
  • Fri, Sept 20 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
  • Mon, Sept 23 – New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (2 shows per night)
  • Tues, Sept 24 – New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (2 shows per night)
  • Wed, Sept 25 – New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (2 shows per night)

Catch them live for a tour unlike any other!

Robert Glasper and J. Ivy hit the Ravinia stage on August 14, 2024

Posted on by
Reply

Summertime Chi is in full swing! On August 14, 2024 two Grammy-award winning artists take the Ravinia stage to offer up their amazing talents. Robert Glasper and Chicago’s very own J. Ivy are guaranteed to deliver a night of music and spoken word that will be unforgettable. 

Robert Glasper, an otherworldly pianist also known for his jazz, rap and R&B fusion is a musician who is sought after all over the world. He has worked with Herbie Hancock, Brittany Howard, Talib Kweli, Common, Lalah Hathaway and so many more. The five time Grammy-award winner brought home the Best R&B album in 2013 with Black Radio and Best R&B song with “Better Than I Imagined” featuring HER and MeShell Ndegeocello. He also won an Emmy in 2013 for Original Music and Lyrics in Ava Duvernay’s documentary 13th. 

Glasper is a genre bender who has the ability to tap into the senses of his audience and deliver a message through his music. His live performances are a soundscape that opens up the world to the imagination and genius composition of one of the world’s greatest musicians. 

J. Ivy, a world renowned spoken word artist, hit the burgeoning poetry scene in Chicago in the late 90’s and was introduced to the world via Kanye West’s aka Ye’s debut album College Dropout. Ivy’s poem on the song “Never Let Me Down” ft. Jay Z and Kanye West is one of the most inspirational spoken word pieces ever shared with the world. Ivy’s insightful wordplay and motivational nature has allowed him to travel the world uplifting hearts and minds. In 2023 Ivy won the  Best Spoken Word Album Grammy for his project The Poet Who Sat By The Door and followed it up in 2024 by winning it again with his album The Light Inside. 

The pairing of these two powerhouses will be an evening filled with great music and high inspiration. Check them out on the Ravinia stage on August 14, 2024. Buy tickets here.

Kendrick Lamar drops video for “They Not Like Us”

Posted on by
1

Kendrick Lamar dropped his highly anticipated music video, for “They Not Like Us” on July 4th. Its already making noise and sparking up conversation. Directed by Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar the video showcases Kendricks approach to his rap feud with Drake. This battle, a clash of titans is at its core a profound exploration of authenticity, Black culture and Hip Hop.

Kendrick having his show, “The Pop Out – Ken and Friends ” happen on Juneteenth and releasing the video for “They Not Like Us on July 4th, displays the intensity, precision and intentionality of his assault on Drake. The video features Kendrick dancing with his children and his fiancée Whitney, He also gives Dave Free directors credit for the video. These glimpses into his personal and business life look to dispel any rumors surrounding a relationship between Dave Free and Whitney, something that Drake spoke to on “Family Matters. Kendrick asserts himself sharing a glimpse of his personal journey showcasing unwavering confidence and resilience to the culture.

The battle between Drake and Kendrick is unprecedented in its intensity and strategic timing, all the way down to how and when songs were released along with the artwork that accompanied them. Drake’s use of AI to mimic Tupac and Snoop Doggs voice on “Taylor Made” freestyle showcased a new approach to battling. Even with that bold approach Kendrick has managed to stay ten steps ahead through his lyrical prowess and sometimes haunting delivery.

The video for “They Not Like Us’ might be the final blow of this battle unless Drake has something up his sleeve. Kendrick has delivered some impactful blows and has left significant dents in Drake’s armor. In this moment Kendrick is king. He is carrying the weight of rap on his shoulders while simultaneously uniting the west coast.

In many peoples minds what Kendrick has been able to accomplish has positioned him among the greats of the culture. What do you think?

Check out the video below.


Apple Music Reveals Their Top 10 Albums – and It’s Not What You’d Expect!

Posted on by
Reply

After a week of building anticipation with their countdown of the top 100 albums, Apple Music has finally unveiled their list of the top 10 albums, and the results are surprising. While the usual legends make appearances, it’s Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” that claims the top spot. This choice might throw many for a loop, especially those who expected the likes of Michael Jackson or Stevie Wonder to dominate. Instead, Michael Jackson’s record-breaking “Thriller” sits at #2, and Stevie Wonder’s often-hailed best album of all time, “Songs in the Key of Life,” is placed at #6. These placements alone are sure to stir up controversy and conversation.

Crafting a list like this was undoubtedly a daunting task, and some of the greatest albums, like Kanye West’s “College Dropout” or “Graduation,” didn’t even make the cut.

“Putting this list together was a true labor of love, both in that it was incredibly difficult to do and in that we are all so passionate about it,” said Zane Lowe, Apple Music’s global creative director and lead anchor for Apple Music 1. “We were tasked with selecting the 100 best — that’s practically mission impossible. But as music fans, it was also amazing to really take a minute and sit and think about the music and albums and artists that we love so much in this context. If this list sparks more debate among fans outside of Apple Music and gets people talking passionately about the music they love, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”

Given her achievements, it’s not entirely shocking that Lauryn Hill would take the top spot. In 1999, she swept the GRAMMYs, taking home five awards for “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” including Album of the Year, Best R&B Album, Best New Artist, Best R&B Song, and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance – the latter two both for “Doo Wop (That Thing).” Hill has toured for nearly 30 years on the strength of one major release and continues to sell out shows.

Does Lauryn deserve the top spot? Let us know what you think. Check out Apple Music’s top 10 of the top 100 list below:

  1. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill
  2. Thriller – Michael Jackson
  3. Abbey Road – The Beatles
  4. Purple Rain – Prince & The Revolution
  5. Blonde – Frank Ocean
  6. Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder
  7. good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe Version) – Kendrick Lamar
  8. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
  9. Nevermind – Nirvana
  10. Lemonade – Beyoncé

Common and Pete Rock speak wise words on new single ‘Wise Up’

Posted on by
Reply

Real rap is making a comeback. Off the heels of what might be the greatest rap battle ever between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (Kendrick took the win), super producer Pete Rock and the Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy award-winning Common have dropped a video for their single “Wise Up.” This track is the lead-up to a highly anticipated album from these hip-hop legends. Common has publicly said this project could be some of his best work yet.

“‘Wise Up’ represents the union of a New York producer and a Chicago MC doing the hip-hop we love. It embodies the spirit of where we come from—the boom bap, the basement—but it also feels fresh and new. We chose this as the first joint because it captures a new sound and a new light while speaking directly to our hip-hop family,” says Common.

To launch “Wise Up,” Common and Pete Rock teamed up with director Marleaux Desiré to create an inspiring and creative visual presentation. Many of the shots are in Harlem, in front of Allah School in Mecca, home of the 5% Nation. This setting strengthens the release’s message, as “Wise Up” is a mantra that brings about understanding, the best part of life.

The video captures the street-level community stories they represent in their new single, visually depicting the themes of the song. It features visual ideations from ILLIMITÉWORLD and still photography by creative director Alonzo Hellerbach.

Pete Rock says, “Working with Common was a breath of fresh air. We both connected to a higher power, which helped us tap into our greatest level of creativity. We constructed an amazing project! Common has an incredible soul, so it was easy to connect with someone on the same page as me.”

The Sounds of “Water & Garri”: Tiwa Savage’s Journey from Music Icon to Film Producer

Posted on by
Reply

Tiwa Savage, the anointed queen of Afrobeats, unveils her latest artistic venture with the release of “Water & Garri,” a feature film accompanied by a soundtrack that she personally curated. Premiering on Amazon Prime Video, the film’s release is perfectly synchronized with the soundtrack, available through EMPIRE, highlighting Savage’s meticulous approach to her craft.

“Water & Garri” transcends the traditional boundaries of film and music, offering a lush, auditory experience comprised of ten original tracks. Tiwa Savage collaborates with a dynamic roster of artists across genres, including Grammy-nominated Olamide and Ayra Starr, respected Nigerian singer-songwriter ASA, Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist Richard Bona, gospel sensation Zacardi Cortez, and emerging talents such as Black Sherif, Young Jonn, MystroSugar, and The Cavemen.

The soundtrack is a rich tapestry of Afrobeat, Afropop, amapiano, R&B, gospel, and even elements of mainstream trap and pop. Variety magazine praises the soundtrack for its “heavy use of live instrumentation and ambient sound effects,” which enhance the immersive experience, while Savage’s signature overtone-singing adds a unique texture.

Tiwa Savage expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting the creative freedom it afforded her. “People expect a certain sound from me, but in doing a soundtrack, I could experiment,” Savage says. She emphasizes her commitment to infusing African culture into her work, whether through fashion or music, celebrating the beauty of her heritage.

The film “Water & Garri” is a significant milestone in Savage’s career, marking her debut as both lead actress and Executive Producer. Set in the vibrant yet tumultuous environment of Cape Coast, Ghana, the film follows Aisha, an ambitious fashion designer who returns to her native Eastside after a decade in the United States. Confronted with escalated violence and unresolved tensions, Aisha navigates reconnecting with her past while confronting personal guilt.

Directed by Meji Alabi, the film features compelling performances by Mike Afolarin, Andrew Bunting, and Jemima Osunde, woven together with captivating cinematography that brings the story of “Water & Garri” to life.

Reflecting on her illustrious career, Tiwa Savage celebrated the 10th anniversary of her debut album “Once Upon A Time” in July 2023. Her journey since then has been marked by significant achievements including collaborations with global icons like Beyoncé, Chris Martin, and Nas, and a historic win at the MTV European Music Awards as the first female Best African Act. Her tours in North America and Europe were highly successful, and in 2023, she performed at the Coronation Concert for King Charles II, representing The Commonwealth. Looking ahead, Savage is set to headline a major concert at London’s Wembley Arena in 2025, continuing to elevate her status as a global music phenomenon.

Listen here