by Laghe Andrews | Dec 22, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image Credit: credit: Jacob giampa / Shutterstock.com
Drake, the iconic rapper, has once again closed out a remarkable year. Reflecting on his numerous victories, Drake also took the opportunity to address his critics in a candid year-end video message.
A Recollection of Noteworthy Achievements
Drake’s 2023 journey has been nothing short of spectacular. His projects For All the Dogs and its updated version For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition have been noteworthy contributions to his discography. Beyond the studio, Drake embarked on the It’s All A Blur tour, sharing the stage with 21 Savage, further cementing his place in the music industry.
“I wanna start off by thanking each and every one of you. What an incredible year. Thank you for all the love, for all the support,” Drake expressed.
Addressing the Naysayers
Drake’s gratitude towards his fans quickly transitioned into a sobering address to his detractors. His tone, sharp and unyielding, was a clear indication of his attitude towards them.
“To the rest of you, the non-believers, the underachievers, the tweet and deleters. You guys make me sick to my stomach, fam. Honestly, look at my eyes, you guys wanna do something? That’s what I thought, that’s what I thought.”
The identity of these critics remains uncertain, though social media speculation suggests that the underlying tension could be linked to Metro Boomin, a frequent collaborator.
Drake and Metro Boomin: A Complicated Relationship
Drake’s relationship with Metro Boomin has been a subject of much speculation, largely due to a cryptic tweet-and-delete incident on X (formerly known as Twitter) regarding Drake’s collaborative album Her Loss with 21 Savage. Despite the potential friction, Metro Boomin shares producer credits on the single ‘More M’s’ on Her Loss and has previously worked with Drake on the joint tape with Future, What A Time To Be Alive.
Looking Forward to 2024
Drake is set to resume his tour, now rebranded as the All a Blur Tour – Big as the What? Interestingly, J. Cole will be replacing 21 Savage as Drake’s touring partner, stirring excitement among fans and adding a fresh dynamic to the upcoming shows.
“After another successful year in the books for Drake, he reflected on his wins while also calling out his haters and naysayers.”
As Drake continues to bask in the afterglow of his recent successes, he remains unfazed by his critics. His unapologetic message to his detractors in his year-end video reflects his unwavering confidence and determination.
Drake’s journey has been a testament to his resilience against adversity, a message that deeply resonates with his fans. Regardless of the critics, Drake’s focus on his music and his fans remains unshakable, and his tenacity promises another year of remarkable success.
Despite being in vacation mode out in Turks and Caicos, Drake’s passionate address on Stake’s livestream shows his commitment to his craft and his supporters. As we look forward to 2024, one thing is certain — Drake’s influence on the music industry remains unparalleled, and his journey continues to inspire millions around the world.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 22, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
21 Savage, a renowned name in the music industry, has recently made a startling revelation about the nature of his lyrics. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, the artist, born as Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, explained that his music is primarily a work of fiction, a creative interpretation rather than a reflection of his personal experiences.
A Closer Look at Savage’s Lyrics
Fans have long assumed that the rapper’s lyrics were a mirror to his life, with their raw and gritty street-centric narratives. However, Savage has debunked these assumptions, stating, “I just think of it in my head. Some of it be based off of real life, but a lot of it be creative stories.”
The Reality Behind the Artist
In 2019, Savage’s personal life became a subject of public interest when it was revealed that he was a British immigrant, contrary to the popular belief that he was an Atlanta native. The Grammy Award-winning artist was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the grounds of being “unlawfully present” in the U.S.
The Immigration Controversy
Savage was only seven when he moved to the U.S with his parents. Unfortunately, his visa allegedly expired a year after settling in Atlanta, leading to his unlawful status. The rapper faced the threat of deportation and a ten-year ban from returning to the U.S.
Legal Troubles
Adding to his woes, Savage had a 2014 felony drug case in Fulton County on his record. Interestingly, ICE was unaware of his immigration status during his arrest.
The Fight for Citizenship
Savage had reportedly been trying to renew his visa since 2017. He even applied for a U visa petition, a provision for victims to aid law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting crimes without facing deportation.
A Happy Resolution
In October 2023, four years after his arrest, Savage was granted U.S. citizenship. With his status now legal, he was finally allowed to travel internationally. This led to a successful European tour, featuring a sold-out concert in London.
The Journey Continues
Now a U.S. citizen, Savage is looking forward to releasing his third solo album. He mentioned to Rolling Stone that the album is in the works, although the mixes have yet to be completed. This upcoming album marks his first solo venture in five years following the release of “Savage Mode II” with Metro Boomin and “Her Loss” with Drake.
The Takeaway
Savage’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the hurdles, he continues to create music, expressing himself through his unique lyrical style. While his lyrics may not be a direct reflection of his life, they are still a powerful form of his artistic expression.
Coming Attractions
Fans can look forward to Savage’s upcoming album, which promises to be another showcase of his creative genius. Stay tuned for more music news on 21 Savage and his journey in the world of music.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 22, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
The music industry mourns the demise of a legendary figure, Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler, whose influence and contributions have left a significant imprint on the world of funk and soul music. Aged 65, the Detroit Funk superstar, as he was fondly referred to, succumbed to a long battle with cancer.
The Announcement of His Passing
In a heartfelt statement released on his Instagram account, his family shared the somber news.
“We face the insurmountable responsibility of sharing the passing of Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler, Detroit’s own world-renowned ambassador of funk, soul, and electronic music, keyboardist, producer, Afro-futurist, and guiding force of light for so many. He has transitioned at the age of 65. After an extensive and noble battle with cancer, he now gracefully rests in peace and power.”
The Man Behind the Music
Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler wasn’t just a musician; he was a creative force that breathed life into the music scene. His artistic prowess was not limited to performing. He was also a seasoned keyboardist, a visionary producer, and a guiding force for many upcoming artists. His musical style was an eclectic mix of funk, soul, and electronic music, which he used to create a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Career Highlights
Fiddler’s career spanned over four decades, during which he worked with many renowned artists such as Maxwell, Brand New Heavies, Raphael Saadiq, Slum Village, Carl Craig, and Moodyman. His involvement with the legendary band Parliament-Funkadelic as a backup keyboardist and vocalist from 1985 to 1996 significantly shaped his musical journey.
In 1990, he teamed up with his brother Bubz to release the album “With Respect”. Later, in 2004, he embarked on his solo career, releasing his debut album “Waltz of a Ghetto Fly”. His sophomore album, “Afro Strut”, followed two years later, with his third album “Inspiration Information” released in 2008.
His Influence on J Dilla
One of the most significant contributions of Fiddler was his mentorship to J Dilla, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Fiddler is credited with introducing Dilla to Q-Tip and Clinton in July 1994, a pivotal moment that catapulted Dilla’s career.
Remembering Amp Fiddler
The Instagram announcement further read:
“It would be impossible to encapsulate the gravity of his energy, global impact & contributions. His life’s work, legacy, & most importantly… his love… will far exceed his earthly presence. How blessed are we, to have experienced Amp Fiddler in this lifetime. A beautiful spirit and gift of light.”
The Music Industry Reacts
The news of Fiddler’s passing has sent shockwaves across the music industry, with many expressing their sorrow and sharing their memories of the Detroit Funk legend.
GoFundMe for Funeral Costs
A GoFundMe has been set up to cover the funeral costs. At the time of this writing, the donations have surpassed the initial target of $9,000, reflecting the enormous love and respect people have for Amp Fiddler.
Conclusion
As we remember Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler, his music continues to live on, embodying the spirit of Detroit Funk and his passion for music. His influence on the music industry will forever be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians. Rest in peace, Amp Fiddler. You’ll always be our beloved ambassador of Detroit Funk.
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