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.
Renowned rapper Kid Cudi is taking a bold stride into the literary world. The talented musician announced on a recent Friday night that he has been working on a memoir, which he plans to release in the coming year.
Cudi’s Memoir: A Glimpse into the Artist’s Life
In an announcement made through X (previously known as Twitter), Kid Cudi revealed the title of his upcoming memoir, ‘CUDI.’ The name is a nod to his legal name, Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi. His fans eagerly await the release, expected around September next year.
The memoir promises to be an intimate tour through the life and mind of Kid Cudi. It will encompass his experiences, emotions, highs and lows, and the people who’ve influenced him along his journey.
“Going through my life and the journey its been so far is bringing me so much peace just talking about certain things and how they made me feel. Moments, people, aging, the fun, the madness, the darkness, such a beautiful ride,” Kid Cudi expressed.
He further added,
“I know this book will inspire you to live your life to the fullest every chance you get, reach for your dreams and work hard to bring them to reality, and keep God close. Because through all the ups and downs, He’s the one that’s never left you alone. My hope is that after you read this, you’ll have the confidence to bet on yourself, and strive to live life as a better human on this planet and spread love.”
Looking Forward: Book Signings Around the Globe
In addition to releasing the memoir, Kid Cudi also announced plans for a global bookstore tour where he’ll sign copies of his memoir. However, details about the book’s publisher and the official release date remain under wraps.
Kid Cudi and Music News: Recent Collaborations and Performances
In recent music news, Kid Cudi was spotted with the artist formerly known as Kanye West at the latter’s Vultures livestream event with Ty Dolla Sign. The two seemed to have resolved their differences, with Kid Cudi featuring on the new album with a probable song titled “Gun to My Head.”
Wrapping Up
Kid Cudi’s foray into the literary world with his memoir, ‘CUDI,’ has stirred excitement among his fans. Through his book, the rapper-turned-author hopes to inspire readers to live life to the fullest and chase their dreams. As fans await more details about the memoir and the scheduled bookstore tour, they can enjoy his recent music collaborations.
Embodying the essence of his memoir, Kid Cudi’s journey serves as a reminder to embrace one’s individuality, chase dreams relentlessly, and spread love throughout the world. As he puts it,
The MOBO Awards, a prestigious celebration of Black British music and culture, is gearing up for its grand 26th edition. For the first time ever, the awards ceremony is set to grace the city of Sheffield, transforming the Utilita Arena into a spectacular stage on February 7, 2024. With the event’s hosts and performers yet to be announced, anticipation is already sky-high. This morning, Kanya King and her team unveiled the full list of nominees, a testament to the UK’s pulsating music scene and the pervasive impact of Black culture globally.
A Stacked Year of Nominations
This year, the nominations chart is dominated by the likes of Stormzy, Little Simz, and Central Cee, each artist boasting multiple nominations.
The indomitable Stormzy has secured four nominations, including Best Male Act, Album of The Year, Song of The Year, and Video of The Year. This comes as no surprise, given the rapper’s powerful influence on the UK music scene.
Little Simz: A Quadruple Threat
Last year’s big winner, Little Simz, once again leads the pack with an impressive four nominations. She’s up for Best Female Act, Album of the Year, Video of The Year, and Best Hip Hop Act.
Central Cee: The Rising Star
Rapper Central Cee also has a strong showing with three nominations – Best Male Act, Song of The Year, and Best Drill Act.
Recognition Beyond Music
The MOBO Awards is not just about music; it’s a comprehensive celebration of Black culture in all its forms. This year, they’re broadening their scope with two new awards – the MOBO Impact and MOBO Pioneer Award, set to recognize trailblazers of Black culture.
Best Female Act in Association with Shea Moisture
This is just a glimpse of the full list of nominations for the 26th MOBO Awards. The complete list, featuring categories like Video of The Year, Best R&B/Soul Act, Best Hip Hop Act, Best Grime Act.
Wrapping Up
The 26th MOBO Awards promises to be yet another landmark event in the history of Black British music and culture. With the likes of Stormzy, Little Simz, and Central Cee leading the nominations, we’re set for a thrilling night of celebrations. Stay tuned for more updates!
A rapper’s life is not always about the glamour and fame. Sometimes, it’s about ordinary moments that turn into extraordinary creative inspirations.ASAP Rocky, one of the most influential figures in the world of hip-hop, recently proved this with his latest short film for Beats, capturing a unique studio session-interrupting diaper run.
A Sneak Peek into the Life of ASAP Rocky
In the world of music, ASAP Rocky has always been known for his unique style and fearless approach. His latest short film, a collaboration with Beats, highlights an aspect of his life that many fans might find unexpected – his dedication as a father, and how it intertwines with his work.
The Short Film
The short film, titled “Iconic Sound,” is Rocky’s brand commercial directorial debut. The film offers a glimpse into his life at home in the midst of a recording session. The session is interrupted when Rihanna, Rocky’s partner, alerts him to a shortage of diapers, sending him on an unexpected errand. The diaper run, though seemingly mundane, becomes an intriguing adventure with Rocky at the helm. The run to the AWGE Bodega is done in true Rocky style, with him sporting a pair of Beats Studio Pro headphones. This particular detail reinforces the intertwining of his music and personal life.
The “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” Track
Produced by Pharrell, the track “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” is the musical backdrop for this unorthodox journey. The song features multiple mentions of Rihanna, adding another layer of personal touch to an already intimate narrative.
ASAP Rocky subtly introduces Rihanna into his verses, adding a touch of romance to his gritty rap. For instance, in the first verse, Rocky smoothly drops the line, “My wife is erotic, I’m smokin’ exotic.” Further along in the second verse, he declares, “Pass on the sweetie, I got me a RiRi.” These lyrics not only confirm their relationship but also emphasize the deep affection he holds for her. The song also mentions a “new collab with my baby mom,” further solidifying the bond between Rocky and Rihanna. This mention has sparked interest and speculation among fans about possible future collaborations.
This unique combination of personal life, music, and commercial artistry has created a buzz in the music news circles. The short film and the track “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” together offer a fresh perspective on ASAP Rocky as an artist and as an individual. The boldness of Rocky’s narrative, combined with the relatable depiction of everyday life, adds a new dimension to his image. It unravels a story of a man who is not just a rapper, but also a partner and a father, fearlessly blending his personal and professional life.
In a world where celebrities often portray a polished version of their lives, ASAP Rocky’s candid representation is like a breath of fresh air. This exploration of his life, through the short film and the track “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n),” offers a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. It’s a testament to his nonconformity and individuality, capturing the essence of what makes ASAP Rocky a true icon in the music industry.
A wave of newness is rippling through the music industry, spearheaded by the entrepreneurial spirit of D’Anthony Bly, often recognized as “D Bly”. A champion for fresh talent and longtime manager for the sensational Coi Leray, Bly has embarked on an exciting journey with the launch of his novel management company, 11 11 Management.
A New Chapter Begins
The Boston-born entrepreneur is no stranger to the industry. Having grown up with Leray, Bly has been instrumental in shaping her brand and expanding her repertoire. The platinum hit “Players”, along with other successful singles like “No More Parties”, “Big Purrd”, “Twinnem”, and “Blick Blick” featuring Nicki Minaj, are all testament to their fruitful collaboration.
11 11 Management is set to retain Leray as a client, a move that only strengthens their bond and mutual dedication. The goal? To scout and nurture up-and-coming talent, propelling them to the next level in their creative journeys.
“Everything about this is new. We aren’t following any formulas or algorithms, but we’re finding talent we believe in and taking it to the next level.” – D’Anthony Bly
Building Brands and Breaking Barriers
While helping artists build their brand, Bly also focuses on forming strategic alliances with renowned industry players. Under his careful stewardship, Leray scored a spot on the “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” soundtrack, and developed partnerships with high-profile brands like Meta, YSL, Marc Jacobs, and Fendi.
His vision doesn’t stop at music. Bly is currently assisting Leray in establishing her very own production company, “Trendsetter Studios”, further broadening her influence in the entertainment industry.
A Longstanding Partnership
Leray’s faith in Bly is unwavering. In a heartfelt statement, she expressed her gratitude for his continuous support.
“I wouldn’t want to be in this industry without D Bly. He has opened so many doors for me and has been in my corner since the very start. He is truly a star quality manager. We are really here forever, this about longevity.” – Coi Leray
Creating Safe Spaces in the Music Industry
Bly’s dedication extends beyond the realm of music. He’s committed to championing women in the industry and fostering an environment where talent feels heard, respected, and most importantly, safe. This initiative resonates strongly with Gina Greiss, 11 11 Management’s general manager.
“Working with D Bly has given me the opportunity to experience the music industry in an innovative way. His ability to master any given task has changed the way we perceive entrepreneurship in music.” – Gina Greiss
Conclusion
D’Anthony Bly’s launch of 11 11 Management signals a fresh direction in talent management. His commitment to building brands, empowering artists, and fostering safe environments is not only redefining industry standards but also setting a solid foundation for the future of music.
This article is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into Bly’s remarkable journey and the exciting developments at 11 11 Management.
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