On November 2, 2024, Live Nation Urban, in partnership with Culture Creators, will debut Lil’ WeezyCon—a dynamic addition to the annual Lil WeezyAna Fest in New Orleans. The inaugural event will take place at The Fillmore from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering high-level networking opportunities with thought leaders, creatives, artists, and young professionals.
The event encourages participation from college students, high school seniors, and community organizations, providing a platform to connect with industry leaders in sectors they aspire to join. Designed with empowerment in mind, Lil’ WeezyCon will feature professionals in entertainment and entrepreneurship who will share their expertise and insights. Students from Dillard University are taking part in producing the event, with volunteers from LSU, Xavier University, and other local schools helping ensure it has a lasting impact throughout the city.
Tickets for the event are free, and college students with a valid ID will receive VIP access.
“We knew we wanted to do something special with this year’s festival, and tapping the Culture Creators Foundation to help us create Lil’ WeezyCon felt like the perfect way to engage the community and bring college students into the mix,” said Brandon Pankey, Vice President of Live Nation Urban. “This partnership allows us to expand beyond music and create an experience that leaves a lasting impact on young professionals and emerging creators.”
Industry leaders from Amazon, Ebony, and SoundExchange will be among those offering insights to attendees through panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. Topics on deck include music industry trends, media representation, and its cultural impact.
Lil’ WeezyCon will conclude with the Lil WeezyAna Fest Thank You Brunch on Sunday, November 3, at 10 a.m. at the House of Blues in New Orleans.
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.
Can the Genre Move Past Violence and Find a New Voice?
By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre
Lil Durk, a cornerstone of Chicago’s drill music scene, was recently arrested in Broward County, Florida, on charges linked to a murder-for-hire scheme. This arrest has sent shockwaves through both the rap community and fans worldwide, not only because of the gravity of the accusations but also because it highlights the delicate balance between art and street life—a balance that drill music has both celebrated and blurred for over a decade.
The Origins of Drill: From Chicago’s Streets to a Global Movement Drill music emerged in Chicago’s South Side in the early 2010s, reflecting the harsh realities of life in under-resourced neighborhoods. With its grim beats, haunting melodies, and brutally honest lyrics about gang violence and survival, drill quickly became the voice of a generation grappling with poverty, systemic neglect, and crime. Chief Keef, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the genre, catapulted drill into the mainstream with “Don’t Like”, recorded while under house arrest. The accompanying video, shot in his grandmother’s living room, embodied the rawness of the movement: unpolished, urgent, and unfiltered.
Drill music became an audio diary of real-life conflicts. Lil JoJo’s murder in 2012, just hours after he posted a video taunting rivals, underscored the genre’s connection to actual street violence. As artists like King Louie, G Herbo, and Lil Durk rose to fame, they carried with them the weight of these street rivalries. The music was not just entertainment—it was a survival mechanism, both documenting and driving conflicts, often amplifying tensions between factions like O Block and Tookaville.
Drill’s Global Reach: From London to New York What began in Chicago soon found new life across the Atlantic. In London, artists like Skepta and Headie One embraced drill’s style, giving birth to UK drill, a subgenre that fused Chicago’s original sound with the distinctive grime beats of British hip-hop. The UK’s adaptation added a new lyrical flair and further spread the genre’s influence into European rap scenes.
In New York, drill took on a new identity thanks to artists like Pop Smoke, whose infectious hits like “Dior” and “Welcome to the Party” fused traditional drill beats with melodic hooks. New York drill evolved into a hybrid of Chicago’s original intensity and more commercial-friendly sounds, helping drill achieve mainstream global success. These adaptations have made drill a dominant force not only in the United States but also across the Caribbean, Australia, and Africa, becoming a powerful cultural export from Chicago’s streets.
However, while drill’s growth has elevated many artists, it has also carried the genre’s reputation for inciting violence. Diss tracks, which call out rivals directly or refer to fallen enemies, have become both a hallmark of the music and a trigger for real-world retaliation. This violent connection, unfortunately, remains drill’s Achilles’ heel.
Lil Durk: A Career Marked by Triumph and Tragedy Few artists embody the duality of drill music like Lil Durk. Over the past decade, Durk has become not only one of Chicago’s most successful exports but also one of its most controversial. He’s achieved Grammy recognition and released multiple platinum albums, but his career has been marred by the loss of friends and family members—many of whom have fallen victim to the violence that the music both reflects and perpetuates.
In 2021, Durk’s brother, DThang, was fatally shot outside a nightclub near Chicago, adding to a long list of personal losses. One of Durk’s closest collaborators, King Von, was also killed in 2020 in Atlanta during an altercation with associates of Quando Rondo. These losses deepened Durk’s connection to the very conflicts that drill music has documented.
Most recently, Durk was named in a civil lawsuit filed by FBG Duck’s family, accusing him and his OTF label of placing a $100,000 bountyon Duck’s life, leading to his murder in the Gold Coast district of Chicago in 2020. Federal authorities claim that the murder-for-hire plot was part of an escalating war between factions tied to O Block and Tookaville. The lawsuit argues that record labels profited from the violence, capitalizing on the fame generated by street conflicts that were amplified through diss tracks.
The Arrest: A Turning Point for Durk and Drill? Durk’s arrest in October 2024comes at a time when the hip-hop industry is facing increased scrutiny over artists’ involvement in criminal activities. Young Thug is currently on trial under RICO charges, and rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is also under investigation. These high-profile legal battles reflect a growing effort by law enforcement to crack down on the blurred lines between music and street activity.
Just days before his arrest, Durk seemed to be turning a corner, hosting an international day of prayer in Chicago and receiving keys to the cities of Broadview and Bellwood. Many saw these gestures as a sign of redemption—a potential shift away from the violence that has defined much of his career. However, his recent arrest threatens to undo that progress and raises questions about whether drill artists can ever truly escape their past.
What’s Next for Drill Music? Lil Durk’s arrest could mark a pivotal moment for drill music. With rising concerns over violence, the genre is at a crossroads. Some believe that the arrest of key figures like Durk could signal the beginning of the end for drill as we know it, as law enforcement continues to scrutinize artists with street affiliations. Others argue that the genre will evolve, shedding its violent roots while maintaining its gritty authenticity.
For many fans, drill represents more than just music—it’s a lifeline and a form of storytelling that captures the struggle of young Black men navigating systemic inequality. Artists like Durk, Chief Keef, and G Herbo have used music as a way out, proving that art can be a powerful tool for both self-expression and survival. However, as the genre’s violent reputation persists, the question remains: Can drill music evolve without losing its essence?
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.
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.”
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.
Kelis is pulling no punches as she readies a tour for the 20 year anniversary of her album Kaleidoscope. In an interview with The Guardian she shares how she didn’t get paid for her first 2 projects that were exclusively produced by the producing duo. The publishing deal did not work in her favor. “I was told we were going to split the whole thing 33/33/33 which we didn’t do” she continued “Their argument is “Well you signed it” I’m like: “Yeah I signed what I was told, and I was too young and too stupid to double-check it” Kelis story is one that is quite prevalent in the music industry.
When asked why she isn’t angry about the situation Kelis states “To be honest with you, I think if it were not for my faith, I feel like that would probably be the case. It’s very clear to me, especially being on a farm, that whatever you put into the ground that is what’s going to come back to you.
Kelis life in the industry has been extremely public. Her ex-husband is the legendary rapper Nas. They were married from 2005 to 2009. She has one child with him. In 2018 Kelis made claims of Nas abusing her mentally and physically. Nas has since denied all of those claims on an Instagram post. Kelis addresses why she is so outspoken in more detail during The Guardian interview “Well I’m a very private person and whether it’s the stuff with the Neptunes and being assaulted in the home, I fought so hard to have my own voice, even with the umbrella of these men looming over what I was trying to do. I’m not broken. But I don’t feel like protecting the sanctity of the Black man anymore.” she said
Kelis will be starting The Kaleidoscope tour on March 3, 2020 in Europe.
Look this video is NSFW, hell its not safe for most things. Anyway, looks like Troy Ave who is currently home from jail and who just got shot in the head a few days ago decided he wanted to step it up a few notches.
So…he filmed a porn and added his song to it.
I want to say I’m surprised but the lack of talent that permeates this industry is being covered up with stunts like this. Let’s see where this takes his career.
In November of 2012 I decided that I would not set a resolution for 2013. My goal was to be deliberate and purposeful as to what I wanted to attract into my life during 2013. I listed my Top 10 Intentions for 2013.
About a week ago a good friend of mine Lashawn Williams the Arts and Culture Editor of Gapers Block reached out to me with an idea. She suggested that I do a recap of my year in order to be clear about the accomplishments that I have made.
I thought that was a great idea, and because I did The Top 10 Intentions for 2013 it has afforded me the ability to look back and see how my intentions have panned out over the past 12 months.
Now…let’s take a look at my year…..
2013 Precise Year in Review
1. Have a stronger connection to the creator and keep my vibration high.
This is an ongoing journey and after this amazing year I know for a fact that this connection has grown and is continuing to get stronger in each moment. I know the creator is real and I understand that we have been given the tools to achieve greatness. My eyes are open wide and I am more in tune with who I am and the ability and gifts that I have been blessed with. I am grateful to the creator for this.
2. Develop stronger more meaningful relationships with my family and friends.
I have been blessed to have a circle of family and friends that are very supportive. This year has allowed me to be more attentive and has given me insight as to who has my back. I have met so many new people and strengthened relationships that I thought were over. The treasure is with our friends and family and I honor them.
3. Be the creator I am supposed to be.
This year I have embraced the fact that I am a creator. I have been more deliberate as to how this message of positivity and power is and will continue to be delivered to the world. I wrote some great video treatments and some amazing songs. The more creative and bold that I am the more I attract other creative people. Let’s continue to build. Greatness is on the horizon.
4. Finish 5 projects sell 100k independently
I didn’t finish 5 projects; However I did finally finish “Ladies Love Mixtapes”, filmed the video for the lead single “Take Our Time”. The listening session for ‘The Anti Skinny Jeans LP” at The silver Room was successful and “A Hate You Can Trust” by The Guild a project I am prominently featured on was released.
5. Go on World Tour and perform for sold out stadiums.
The world tour and sold out stadiums didn’t happen YET, but I did A LOT of shows, the most notable was The Main Stage at The Silver Room Block Party. I also made a couple of trips to Indiana. One trip was to perform at Hype Magazines 11 year celebration, then I went to Indianapolis to perform at Pure Passion West and I was interviewed by Taj Longino of TWTTV.com
6. Be more fearless.
Eliminating fear from our lives is what allows us to move without doubt. The moment we tear down this wall the blessing come. Im knocking down a brick in each moment. I am more open and more willing to be vulnerable.
7. Increase the flow of prosperity to me in the form of money and health.
I lost 30lbs this year!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!! I got a new car!!! As a result of the shows that I have done the prosperity continues to flow.
8. Be the voice of Hip Hop Conscious Artists
I was featured in Yahoo Voices as Chicago’s most motivational Hip-Hop Artist. Thank you Jolie du Pre.
See The ENTIRE Interview RIGHT HERE!! SHARE and COMMENT.
I visited Indianapolis for a show and met up with Taj Longino of TWTTV (http://talkwithtaj.com/) We discussed everything from the violence in Chicago, its musical legacy, the importance of good health and the music industry. Please Leave comments and share. http://precise.bandcamp.com/
