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According to Akon, Canada dominates the hip-hop music industry

According to Akon, Canada dominates the hip-hop music industry

There is a shift in hip hop’s dominance, according to Akon. As recently as last week, Konvict Muzik’s owner stated that the South is no longer in charge and no longer calling the shots in the music industry.

Akon said during an appearance on the ”Big Homies House” podcast that Atlanta, for sure, has been a driving force in hip hop, but the true dominating force in this genre has to be Canada, he said. Continuing, he went on to say that they were dominating the music industry. You have The Weeknd, you have Justin Bieber, and they have Drake, Tory Lanez, and Others.

As far as the Black mecca of the South is concerned, the entrepreneur said it is not all lost. The city that represents some of hip hop’s biggest figures has a significant cultural influence that cannot be ignored.

My point is not about influence, but rather from a business perspective. Atlanta has a huge influence because everything those guys in Canada are is a product of this city. Don’t get that twisted. Akon said Atlanta was the place where urban music was born.

At the beginning of the new millennium, Atlanta took over the hip hip music scene. In spite of the fact that the South had been established in the industry since its early days, it was only after artists like Outkast and Goodie Mob made it known that the region had something to say that it became recognized globally as the new center for hip-hop music.

According to him, During the time of Lil Jon and JD introducing the 808 to the world, Atlanta changed how people perceived hip hop. When Atlanta came, it brought culture. They brought color, style, fashion, and influence. Before it was New York and then California, but now it’s Atlanta that brings culture.

Sonny Digital: A Rising Star in the Music Industry 

Sonny Digital: A Rising Star in the Music Industry 

Image credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com 

Sonny Digital, a talented artist and producer based in Atlanta, has been making waves in the music industry for over a decade. Known for his contributions to the trap subgenre, Sonny Digital has worked with some of the biggest names in hip hop, including Future, Kanye West, and Travis Scott. While he initially gained recognition as a producer, Sonny Digital has recently shifted his focus to his own artistry as a rapper. With the release of his latest single “Could Be Worse,” produced by Buddah Bless, Sonny Digital continues to establish himself as a standalone artist. 

“Could Be Worse”: A Showcase of Sonny Digital’s Lifestyle and Success 

The new single, “Could Be Worse,” is a testament to Sonny Digital’s ability to flex his lifestyle and success on wax. The catchy chorus showcases his confidence and swagger, with lyrics like “All black truck, that mean it’s time to put in work, how you ain’t got no crib, but you got a Louis purse? Baby, I’m kinda confused, can you tell me how that work?” Sonny Digital effortlessly blends braggadocio with clever wordplay, creating a captivating track that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish. 

Accompanying the single is a visually stunning music video directed by Decat. In the video, Sonny Digital can be seen in the midst of a photoshoot, sporting high-end threads and exuding confidence. The simplicity of the video allows Sonny Digital’s personality and style to shine through, further enhancing the impact of the song. With its sleek visuals and captivating storyline, the music video for “Could Be Worse” is a testament to Sonny Digital’s artistic vision and attention to detail. 

Sonny Digital: From Producer to Standalone Artist 

While Sonny Digital has made a name for himself as a producer, with his beats providing the soundtrack for numerous hits, he has always had aspirations of being recognized as a standalone artist. In an interview with REVOLT, Sonny Digital expressed his desire to focus on his own artistry and step out of the shadow of his production work. He stated, “I’m focused on me and what I got going on as far as my artistry. I’m cool on the producing, been producing for a long time, and I got people coming up to me and they don’t know if I’m Metro [Boomin] or Sonny… so I’m done with that though. I’ll do it as a side job.” 

Sonny Digital’s transition from producer to standalone artist is evident in his recent releases. Songs like “Guess What,” “Since 91,” and “Vet” showcase his unique style and lyrical prowess. With each new track, Sonny Digital proves that he can hold his own as an artist, delivering captivating performances and thought-provoking lyrics. “Could Be Worse” is just the latest addition to his growing discography and serves as a testament to his evolution as an artist. 

Sonny Digital’s Impact on the Music Industry 

Sonny Digital’s contributions to the music industry cannot be overstated. As a producer, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of hip hop, particularly within the trap subgenre. His collaborations with artists like Future, Kanye West, and Travis Scott have resulted in some of the biggest hits of the past decade. Tracks like Future’s “Same D**n Time,” 2 Chainz and Kanye West’s “Birthday Song,” and ILOVEMAKONNEN and Drake’s “Tuesday” have become anthems within the hip hop community, further solidifying Sonny Digital’s status as a hitmaker. 

However, Sonny Digital’s impact extends beyond his work as a producer. As he continues to establish himself as a standalone artist, he is inspiring a new generation of musicians and producers. His ability to seamlessly transition between roles serves as a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. By stepping out of his comfort zone and pursuing his own artistry, Sonny Digital is setting an example for aspiring artists, showing them that it’s possible to carve out their own path in the music industry. 

Conclusion 

Sonny Digital’s journey from producer to standalone artist is a testament to his talent, creativity, and dedication. With his latest single “Could Be Worse,” Sonny Digital continues to push the boundaries of his artistry, showcasing his unique style and lyrical prowess. As he forges his own path in the music industry, Sonny Digital is inspiring a new generation of artists and leaving an indelible mark on the hip hop landscape. Keep an eye out for his upcoming projects, as Sonny Digital is undoubtedly a rising star with a bright future ahead. 

Jadakiss Over 25 Years of Greatness

Jadakiss Over 25 Years of Greatness

Jadakiss, He is known for being one third of the East Coast hip hop group The Lox as well as being a member of Ruff Ryders and for his solo work. He is currently signed to both Def Jam Records and his own label, D-Block Records, which he founded with the other members of The Lox. Jadakiss has released five studio albums, with the most recent being Ignatius on March 6, 2020. Recently destroying the Diplomats in a Verzuz battle Jada is said to be at a all time high in streams.

Starting out with Ruff Ryders then signing with Bad Boy, Puff Daddy at the time shortened the group’s name from The Warlocks to simply The LOX. They made their first appearance on The Main Source’s 1994 LP “Fuck What You Think” on the track “Set it Off.” They immediately began writing and performing on hit songs with fellow Bad Boy artists, including Puff Daddy’s “It’s All About the Benjamins” and “I Got the Power”, Mase’s “24 Hrs. to Live”, Mariah Carey’s “Honey”, Mary J. Blige’s “Can’t Get You Off My Mind” and The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Last Day”. The group developed a close relationship with B.I.G., during which time Jadakiss especially was taken under his wing. The LOX’s first hit song was a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. in the wake of his 1997 death, titled “We’ll Always Love Big Poppa”. The song was chosen as the B-side to Puff Daddy’s smash hit B.I.G. tribute song “I’ll Be Missing You”, and received widespread commercial success, achieving multi-platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

BAD BOY’S FALL OUT

The success and reception of the song opened the door for them to write more of their own songs, and in 1998, the LOX released their debut studio album, “Money, Power & Respect”. The album was both a commercial and critical success, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and went on to achieve platinum status. Though the record was successful, The Lox grew unhappy with Bad Boy Records and Puff Daddy’s, radio friendly production, feeling it conflicted with their image.

CONTINUED SUCCESS

Following the release of their debut album, the group left the label to sign with Ruff Ryders Entertainment. They released their second album, We Are The Streets in 2000, through Ruff Ryders. The album was once again a success, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the US Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. It featured production from Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and spawned one single, “Ryde Or Die, Bitch” featuring fellow Ruff Ryders artist Eve.

THE GOLDEN YEARS

Jadakiss began embarking on a solo career in 2001 and his debut album, “Kiss Tha Game Goodbye”, was released in August on the Ruff Ryders/Interscope label. The album featured popular guests and producers such as DJ Premier, The Alchemist, DMX, Eve, Snoop Dogg and Swizz Beatz and was commercially successful, going on to be certified gold by the RIAA and selling over 200,000 copies during its first week of release. Despite commercial success, the album received negative reception from critics who criticised the album for being repetitive and uninspired. Jadakiss has acknowledged the criticism as valid, saying the record was done less out of inspiration but rather out of contractual obligations to Bad Boy.The album produced three singles, “We Gonna Make It” featuring Styles P, “Knock Yourself Out” and “Put Ya Hands Up”.

Jadakiss followed this album with “Kiss of Death”, released in June 2004. It features guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Eminem, The Lox, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Nate Dogg, DJ Quik and more. His song “Why?”, featuring Anthony Hamilton and produced by Havoc of Mobb Deep, became one of the year’s biggest hits, spawning a remix featuring Styles P, Common and Nas. “Why?” remains Jadakiss’ biggest hit, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also garnered controversy for a line in which Jadakiss claims that he believes George W. Bush planned the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Another single from the record, “U Make Me Wanna,” featuring Mariah Carey peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was both a commercial and critical success, receiving better reviews than his previous album and debuted at number 1 on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums charts.

In late 2007, Jadakiss signed to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records, a move Jay had been trying to arrange for a long time. The move came on the heels of increased D-Block/Roc-a-Fella collaborations; in 2006, Jadakiss and former rival Beanie Sigel collaborated on DJ Khaled’s album Listennn… the Album, and in 2007, on Freeway’s album “Free At Last”. Styles P appeared on a radio freestyle with Freeway and Sigel, and also appeared briefly in the video for Jay-Z’s American Gangster single “Roc Boys,” in which he throws up the famous Roc-a-Fella sign, “the Diamond.”

In 2009, Jadakiss released his much-delayed and anticipated third studio album, “The Last Kiss”. The first single, “By My Side” featuring Ne-Yo was released in October 2008. Two more singles, “Can’t Stop Me” and “Death Wish” featuring Lil Wayne, were released in 2009. One more single, “Who’s Real”, featuring Swizz Beatz and OJ Da Juiceman released later that year.

In 2010, Jadakiss left Roc-A-Fella records. In 2011, he was featured on two DJ Khaled tracks, one of them titled “It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over”, featuring Mary J. Blige and Fabolous, and the remix of “Welcome to My Hood,” also featuring Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Mavado, Birdman, Ace Hood, Fat Joe, Game, Bun B and Waka Flocka Flame. On April 26, 2012, Jadakiss released his mixtape Consignment, hosted by DJ Drama.

On June 4, 2013, Jadakiss released the first single from his upcoming fourth studio album, “Top 5, Dead or Alive” titled “Big Boy Dialogue”, featuring vocals from The-Dream. The album was scheduled to be released during September or October 2013,but after much delay, the album was finally released on November 20, 2015. It features guest appearances from Akon, Future, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, Nas, Nipsey Hussle Styles P, Puff Daddy, Sheek Louch, Swizz Beatz, Wiz Khalifa and Young Buck, and was supported by 2 singles, “Jason” featuring Swizz Beatz, and Ain’t Nothin’ New featuring Ne-Yo and Nipsey Hussle. The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, and received positive reviews from critics.

Jadakiss, He is known for being one third of the East Coast hip hop group The Lox as well as being a member of Ruff Ryders and for his solo work. He is currently signed to both Def Jam Records and his own label, D-Block Records, which he founded with the other members of The Lox. Jadakiss has released five studio albums, with the most recent being Ignatius on March 6, 2020.

Signing with Bad Boy, Puff Daddy at the time shortened the group’s name from The Warlocks to simply The LOX. They made their first appearance on The Main Source’s 1994 LP “Fuck What You Think” on the track “Set it Off.” They immediately began writing and performing on hit songs with fellow Bad Boy artists, including Puff Daddy’s “It’s All About the Benjamins” and “I Got the Power”, Mase’s “24 Hrs. to Live”, Mariah Carey’s “Honey”, Mary J. Blige’s “Can’t Get You Off My Mind” and The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Last Day”. The group developed a close relationship with B.I.G., during which time Jadakiss especially was taken under his wing. The LOX’s first hit song was a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. in the wake of his 1997 death, titled “We’ll Always Love Big Poppa”. The song was chosen as the B-side to Puff Daddy’s smash hit B.I.G. tribute song “I’ll Be Missing You”, and received widespread commercial success, achieving multi-platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

BAD BOY’S FALL OUT

The success and reception of the song opened the door for them to write more of their own songs, and in 1998, the LOX released their debut studio album, “Money, Power & Respect”. The album was both a commercial and critical success, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and went on to achieve platinum status. Though the record was successful, The Lox grew unhappy with Bad Boy Records and Puff Daddy’s, radio friendly production, feeling it conflicted with their image.

CONTINUED SUCCESS

Following the release of their debut album, the group left the label to sign with Ruff Ryders Entertainment. They released their second album, We Are The Streets in 2000, through Ruff Ryders. The album was once again a success, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the US Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. It featured production from Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and spawned one single, “Ryde Or Die, Bitch” featuring fellow Ruff Ryders artist Eve.

THE GOLDEN YEARS

Jadakiss began embarking on a solo career in 2001 and his debut album, “Kiss Tha Game Goodbye”, was released in August on the Ruff Ryders/Interscope label. The album featured popular guests and producers such as DJ Premier, The Alchemist, DMX, Eve, Snoop Dogg and Swizz Beatz and was commercially successful, going on to be certified gold by the RIAA and selling over 200,000 copies during its first week of release. Despite commercial success, the album received negative reception from critics who criticised the album for being repetitive and uninspired. Jadakiss has acknowledged the criticism as valid, saying the record was done less out of inspiration but rather out of contractual obligations to Bad Boy.The album produced three singles, “We Gonna Make It” featuring Styles P, “Knock Yourself Out” and “Put Ya Hands Up”.

Jadakiss followed this album with “Kiss of Death”, released in June 2004. It features guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Eminem, The Lox, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Nate Dogg, DJ Quik and more. His song “Why?”, featuring Anthony Hamilton and produced by Havoc of Mobb Deep, became one of the year’s biggest hits, spawning a remix featuring Styles P, Common and Nas. “Why?” remains Jadakiss’ biggest hit, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also garnered controversy for a line in which Jadakiss claims that he believes George W. Bush planned the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Another single from the record, “U Make Me Wanna,” featuring Mariah Carey peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was both a commercial and critical success, receiving better reviews than his previous album and debuted at number 1 on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums charts.

In late 2007, Jadakiss signed to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records, a move Jay had been trying to arrange for a long time. The move came on the heels of increased D-Block/Roc-a-Fella collaborations; in 2006, Jadakiss and former rival Beanie Sigel collaborated on DJ Khaled’s album Listennn… the Album, and in 2007, on Freeway’s album “Free At Last”. Styles P appeared on a radio freestyle with Freeway and Sigel, and also appeared briefly in the video for Jay-Z’s American Gangster single “Roc Boys,” in which he throws up the famous Roc-a-Fella sign, “the Diamond.”

In 2009, Jadakiss released his much-delayed and anticipated third studio album, “The Last Kiss”. The first single, “By My Side” featuring Ne-Yo was released in October 2008. Two more singles, “Can’t Stop Me” and “Death Wish” featuring Lil Wayne, were released in 2009. One more single, “Who’s Real”, featuring Swizz Beatz and OJ Da Juiceman released later that year.

In 2010, Jadakiss left Roc-A-Fella records. In 2011, he was featured on two DJ Khaled tracks, one of them titled “It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over”, featuring Mary J. Blige and Fabolous, and the remix of “Welcome to My Hood,” also featuring Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Mavado, Birdman, Ace Hood, Fat Joe, Game, Bun B and Waka Flocka Flame. On April 26, 2012, Jadakiss released his mixtape Consignment, hosted by DJ Drama.

On June 4, 2013, Jadakiss released the first single from his upcoming fourth studio album, “Top 5, Dead or Alive” titled “Big Boy Dialogue”, featuring vocals from The-Dream. The album was scheduled to be released during September or October 2013,but after much delay, the album was finally released on November 20, 2015. It features guest appearances from Akon, Future, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, Nas, Nipsey Hussle Styles P, Puff Daddy, Sheek Louch, Swizz Beatz, Wiz Khalifa and Young Buck, and was supported by 2 singles, “Jason” featuring Swizz Beatz, and Ain’t Nothin’ New featuring Ne-Yo and Nipsey Hussle. The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, and received positive reviews from critics.

In 2016, The Lox released their first album in 16 years, title “Filthy America…It’s Beautiful”. The album featured guest appearances from Fetty Wap, Mobb Deep and Gucci Mane, and peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200.

On February 29, 2016, Fabolous posted a picture on Instagram with Jadakiss with the caption, “Freddy vs. Jason coming soon”, hinting at the release of a joint project with Jadakiss, titled Freddy vs. JasonOn April 2, 2016, Fabolous and Jadakiss released a freestyle of Future’s “Wicked” from Purple Reign that was scheduled appear on Freddy vs. Jason, but did not make the final cut of the album. They also revealed that it would not be a mixtape, but instead a full album.

On October 31, 2017, the album’s first and only single, “Stand Up” featuring Futurewas released. On November 21, 2017, it was announced that the album title was changed to “Friday on Elm Street”. The album was released on November 24, 2017, and features guest appearances from Future, Jeezy, Styles P, French Montana and Yo Gotti.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A KING IN THIS GAME FOR MULTIPLE DECADES…..

Forget everything you just read and use some critical thinking… From 1994 to 2020, how drastically the music sound, business, owners and fans have changed and grown. Being able to create classics like “Why” and still drop street music illustrating his harsh come up. Standing toe to toe with the top artist of 3 generations in the hiphop world, not losing motivation when times got hard and groups split up, not losing the motivation during hard times and bad contracts and not losing the authenticity of yourself as an artist. Jada has given game in the music and outside the music with his actions leading to his longevity. Forever a staple in Hip-Hop Jadakiss goes on the first ballot for the Hall of Fame, Jadakiss goes 1st all Hip-Hop team as a starter and forever embedded in the history of our culture.

In 2016, The Lox released their first album in 16 years, title “Filthy America…It’s Beautiful”. The album featured guest appearances from Fetty Wap, Mobb Deep and Gucci Mane, and peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200.

On February 29, 2016, Fabolous posted a picture on Instagram with Jadakiss with the caption, “Freddy vs. Jason coming soon”, hinting at the release of a joint project with Jadakiss, titled Freddy vs. JasonOn April 2, 2016, Fabolous and Jadakiss released a freestyle of Future’s “Wicked” from Purple Reign that was scheduled appear on Freddy vs. Jason, but did not make the final cut of the album. They also revealed that it would not be a mixtape, but instead a full album.

On October 31, 2017, the album’s first and only single, “Stand Up” featuring Futurewas released. On November 21, 2017, it was announced that the album title was changed to “Friday on Elm Street”. The album was released on November 24, 2017, and features guest appearances from Future, Jeezy, Styles P, French Montana and Yo Gotti.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A KING IN THIS GAME FOR MULTIPLE DECADES…..

Forget everything you just read and use some critical thinking… From 1994 to 2020, how drastically the music sound, business, owners and fans have changed and grown. Being able to create classics like “Why” and still drop street music illustrating his harsh come up. Standing toe to toe with the top artist of 3 generations in the hiphop world, not losing motivation when times got hard and groups split up, not losing the motivation during hard times and bad contracts and not losing the authenticity of yourself as an artist. Jada has given game in the music and outside the music with his actions leading to his longevity. Forever a staple in Hip-Hop Jadakiss goes on the first ballot for the Hall of Fame, Jadakiss goes 1st all Hip-Hop team as a starter and forever embedded in the history of our culture.

Rick Ross enters into cryptocurrency and NFT market

Rick Ross enters into cryptocurrency and NFT market

THE WORLD’S FIRST-EVER NFT AUCTION OF AUTOMOTIVE ART WILL BE HELD BY RICK ROSS IN CRYPTOCURRENCY 

With the release of his history-making debut, Rick Ross is the latest hip-hop star to make a splash in the cryptocurrency market. 

In a report from Forbes, the music mogul and producer duo Cool & Dre teamed up with Porsche 911 art car designer Rich B. Caliente to create an NFT. 

As Rick Ross wrote in an email, “Painting with the can as art is both a way to express the culture and to do something new and creative.” 

In sum, Caliente stated, “We had a lot of synergy and energy while doing this project.” A tangible asset is created when all of our relationships and passions are brought together. 

Slashdot, a management consulting firm affiliated with the NFT, helped launch the Bitcoin collaboration. In contrast to most NFTs, the Porsche auction also included ownership of the art and the purchase of the car. 

Forbes reports that Producer Dre from Cool & Dre said that NFTs will prosper in the music space. Being able to keep our creations is satisfying and exciting. 

Based upon the Metaverse and 3D animation the Porsche 911 NFT was built upon, Slashdot co-founder Brad Flaherty described the Porsche 911 NFT as a virtual reality creation that will “come to life inside of a digital world.” 

A portion of the proceeds from the NFT auction, reported by Reuters last Friday (June 4), went to the South Florida-based Irie  Foundation. Up until June 14, blockchain cryptocurrency, Ethereum, will be accepted as payment for the NFT. 

With the market getting bigger and bigger, music-cryptocolumbia collaborations represent a huge opportunity. In addition to the NFT space, hip-hop artists such as Waka Flocka have also gotten involved as a way to return money and ownership back to creatives. 

Among the musicians who have entered cryptocurrency and NFT are Lil Yachty, Akon, Quincy Jones, and many others. 

This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.