by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 3, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Brian Friedman / Shutterstock.com
New York’s renowned rapper, Jay-Z, may soon be honored with his own citywide holiday. With his roots firmly planted in Brooklyn, the music mogul’s birthday could turn into a significant annual event in the Big Apple.
A Birthday Worth Celebrating
Jay-Z, originally known as Shawn Carter, has created a global legacy not just as an artist, but also as a businessman, family man, wealth creator, and community advocate. His birthday on December 4th might soon be commemorated as “Jay-Z Day,” a testament to his significant contributions and the love he receives from his community.
Councilwoman Farah Louis stated, “The global phenomenon that is Jay-Z—born Shawn Carter—is widely known as an artist, mogul, husband and father, wealth builder, and supporter of economic development and community causes.”
This move aligns perfectly with the sentiment of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, recognizing a homegrown hero and showcasing the city’s support.
From Legislation to Celebration
The legislation for Jay-Z Day was proposed earlier this month by the New York City Council members. The proposal has been forwarded to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations.
Once the bill is filed with the City Council, it will be deliberated during the council’s 2024 session, starting on January 3rd. If passed, this will mark a significant milestone for not only Jay-Z but also for the music industry and New York City itself.
An Iconic Figure
Jay-Z, beyond his music, is known for his entrepreneurial ventures, philanthropic efforts, and influence within the community. His journey from the streets of Brooklyn to becoming a global icon is an inspiration for many, making the idea of a Jay-Z Day a fitting tribute to his life and achievements.
Celebrating with Family
Even before the official recognition, Jay-Z seems to be in the celebratory spirit. The rapper was recently seen enjoying a city tour with his wife, Beyoncé, their daughter, Blue Ivy, and a close-knit group of friends and family.
Conclusion
In the spirit of Hip Hop’s golden jubilee, the idea of commemorating Jay-Z’s birthday as a citywide holiday resonates with the city’s vibrant culture and its appreciation for homegrown talent. As the world awaits the council’s decision, the anticipation for “Jay-Z Day” continues to brew.
by Pharron Fields | Sep 7, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
As we inch towards the twilight of the summer season and prepare to embrace the crisp ambiance of fall, it is impossible to ignore the mellifluous voices that have serenaded us throughout the season. Mercury may still be in retrograde, but the musical cosmos is in perfect alignment, offering us an array of harmonious compositions that perfectly complement the changing seasons. As the sun sets on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, we find solace in the new creations by some of R&B’s most talented artists, helping us transition smoothly into the new season.
Among the myriad of voices, one stands out – Jorja Smith. Her long-awaited sophomore album’s title track has been shared, and it’s as emotion-inducing as Ama Lou and Xenia Manasseh’s debut albums. While we patiently wait for Chase Shakur’s debut LP, he ensures his fans are well-fed with the deluxe edition of his EP. Keke Wyatt is making a stealthy re-entry into music with the lead single from her first album in six years. Additionally, male crooners like Eric Roberson, Lendryx, Landon Thomas, and Beharie are guiding us down a soothing path that’s deeply essential.
Jorja Smith – “Falling or Flying”
Jorja Smith, who welcomed the summer with her singles, “Little Things” and “GO GO GO,” has now unveiled the title track from her highly-anticipated sophomore album, “Falling Or Flying.” During a conversation with Zane Lowe from Apple Music, Smith confessed that this track is currently one of her favorites, depending on her mood.
Smith elaborated, “This song always takes me on a journey, so right now it’s one of my favorites. Maybe because it’s coming out. But it’s funny though because that song started out completely different with me and the producers. It’s the first song we actually ever started together but it didn’t have the chorus before, and we moved everything over and did all sorts to it, and then we got this chorus. But the song has nothing to do with the album title. It’s just called that.”
The music video for “Falling or Flying” also marks Smith’s directorial debut. She had always dreamed of shooting a video in space, and this song gave her the perfect opportunity to fulfill that dream. She candidly mentioned that she wanted to journey into space with someone she loved and cherished, but they didn’t reciprocate her enthusiasm.
Smith’s new album is set to release on September 29, and music enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the release.
Ama Lou – “I Came Home Late”
Ama Lou’s debut album, “I Came Home Late,” is a testament to her profound songwriting skills. With an assortment of 15 tracks, including previously released singles “Silence” and “Caught Me Running,” the album paints a vivid picture of Lou’s artistic range.
Lou began songwriting at a tender age and released her debut single, “TBC,” in 2016, which caught the attention of Drake and heavily influenced his 2018 album, “Scorpion.” She has since dropped three EPs, providing fans with a taste of her depth before unveiling “I Came Home Late.”
Chase Shakur – “It’s not you, it’s me… it’s love”
Chase Shakur continues to tantalize his fans, who are eagerly waiting for his debut album, with the release of his deluxe EP, “It’s not you, it’s me… it’s love.” The EP follows the highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship, providing an insight into the male perspective of an emotionally-charged romance. The captivating follow-up includes three new tracks: “nite,” “exit 65,” and “you’re so lovely.”
Shakur has clarified on his Instagram that “this is NOT the album,” and is looking forward to performing these tracks live on his “It’s Still Love Tour.”
K. Michelle – “Blame Yourself”
K. Michelle is gearing up for the release of her final R&B album, “I’m The Problem,” and has shared the LP’s fourth single, “Blame Yourself.” The introspective track urges women to take some accountability and introspect whether they are the problem in their relationships.
The Memphis native sings, “You’re playing the victim all because he made you look stupid/ ‘Fore you put the blame on everybody else/ Point to the mirror and blame yourself.” Her honest and heartfelt lyrics echo the album’s premise.
Back in May, K. Michelle candidly expressed on Instagram, “I am the problem. Took me so long to solve ’em.” In a recent interview with The Shade Room, she added, “I’m gon’ be the problem regardless. The industry gonna label you. It doesn’t matter. I could try to change; I could be better, [but] no matter what I do, I’m a problem because I still stand for what I stand for and I am how I am. It just is what it is.”
LAYA – “Bet That”
LAYA’s long-awaited new EP, “BET THAT,” is finally here. The seven-track project is a confident flex, proving that LAYA is in charge of her world and isn’t budging one bit on that matter. The unapologetic anthem, “F’d Up,” set the tone for the EP, and the Staten Island, N.Y. native continued that momentum with “I Ain’t Playin’,” title track, “Bet That,” and the manic yet soulful “Psycho Bitch.”
The EP succeeds her debut EP, “Um, Hello.” If you’ve been missing out on this rising star, consider this an alert to wake up.
Raiche – “Big Daddy”
Raiche’s new single, “Big Daddy,” is a breath of fresh air as she addresses an alternative perspective from records like Usher’s “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home).” Her soothing, distinct tone captivates listeners as she sings, “You just stepped in/ What you bout to prove/ Big daddy, come take real good care of me/ Say that’s what you can be […] You know what your baby needs/ Just come through.”
The singer, with her soulful roots and alternative pop flair, recently performed at 2023’s Atlanta Funk Fest. Since her debut single in 2018, she has amassed over 20 million international streams and has been featured in Netflix’s Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker and on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Beharie – “We Never Knew”
Beharie is a dream we never knew we needed. Our introduction to the Norwegian crooner is his latest single, “We Never Knew.” The idyllic production is a somber reflection on a forever love that’s now non-existent.
The singer explains, “In the heat of it all. When you lose yourself in it. How things made sense, and how the bad things were ignored. But little did we know that we would end up being strangers.”
The record stems from his in-depth exploration of varying identities as heard on his upcoming debut album, “Are You There, Boy?,” set to arrive on October 20. Of the album, he explains in a statement, “This album has given me the opportunity to delve into various aspects of my own identity, and in the process, I have explored the complexity inherent in my personality and expression.”
Eric Roberson – “I Apologize”
Eric Roberson is honoring the indie R&B movement with a series of new monthly releases. “I Apologize” is the second single of the series, inspired by what the crooner considers to be his “creative gumbo.”
Co-written and produced by Jairus Mozee, Brett “B Dubb” Baker, Rodney Jones, and Roberson, the latter explains in a statement, “The song is inspired by the creative gumbo that feeds my music. The theatrical musicality of Stevie Wonder, heartfelt word play of urban contemporary gospel group Commissioned, and the unapologetic low-end approach of A Tribe Called Quest.”
Marzz – “In The Morning”
Marzz is back! Two years after the release of their debut EP, Love Letterz, and its subsequent deluxe installment, the singer’s impassioned new single, “In The Morning,” hypnotizes us once more.
“This song represents a feeling of waiting until the morning, getting excited of the unknown,” they explained in a statement. “It’s the wishful understanding of everything within a relationship. Sometimes we need understanding about falling in love when we’re not sure.” Ultimately, Marzz hopes their music encourages listeners to “create their own narratives” but in a magical way.
Landon Thomas – “Anything”
Landon Thomas may be new to us, but R&B is embedded in his DNA. With the lead single, “Anything,” from his forthcoming album, “R U STILL MAD AT ME,” the Pittsburgh, Pa. native is making his mark as a trailblazer with his infectious melodies and unique spin on contemporary R&B.
As he sings “Do you mind/ If I slide on you/ Spend time with you tonight/ Do you mind if I chill with you/ Make it real for you,” we’re drawn into the heartwarming embrace of his sultry tone.
“Anything” irresistibly sets the tone for the LP centered about intricate feelings, relationships, and ultimately, self-discovery.
“R U STILL MAD AT ME” arrives on Sunday, September 3.
Xenia Manasseh – “Love/Hate, PT. 1”
Xenia Manasseh’s debut album, “Love/Hate, Pt. 1,” is an emotional rollercoaster focused on love’s unpredictability. The 11-track LP is for delicate yet powerful women as the Kenyan-born, Los Angeles-based singer fuses her heritage with a sorrowful, intensely honest masterpiece.
After earning songwriting credits on Teyana Taylor’s The Album and singing background vocals for Taylor, Big Sean, and Burna Boy, fans love Xenia’s universal lyricism and earnest personal reflections.
“All the songs are special to me because they all came from me, they’re all my feelings on a page or in a song and the creation of all songs is sentimental to me,” she shared in a statement of the album. “But I will single out GI’s intro that is with my grandfather, Edgar Manasseh, GI is his nickname. That was done this year and was extremely sentimental and emotional because he has influenced so much of my musical journey. I can think of days when I was growing up he would teach me how to play things on the piano and his music collection is incredible.”
The endearing Swahili song was paired with a Luka Tututu composition. The LP wraps up just as strong as it began with the emotive yet hopeful “Love/Hate.”
She explained, “‘Love/Hate’ is also one of the tracks I felt that was the song that encompassed all the feelings that are spoken about in the album–the good, the bad, and in-between. I try to remember that balance as a lifeline. I’m also a Libra which is the sign of the scale, so I try to see the world through that lens and I felt like it’s not just representative of the album but also of me. I feel like everything in the album falls under those two words. It’s like a pendulum swing–you’re in and you’re out.”
Most of all, she hopes listeners take away the understanding of love’s karmic journey while also learning that it’s just the beginning. “This is just part 1 of the album; there’s a part 2 and in all of it, just know that love always comes around and it’s how you approach it the second time that matters.”
Keke Wyatt – “Water Into Wine”
The first offering from Keke Wyatt’s new album–her first in six years–has arrived. “Water Into Wine” showcases the mother of 11’s soulful roots as she gets honest with her lover about some expectations and realities.
“I really feel good about signing with Shanachie!” the singer said of her new team in a statement. “I’m excited and finally ready. I feel like this time we will create magic together and make HISTORY!”
Shanachie General Manager, Randall Grass, chimed in, “At a time when great singers are in short supply, Keke Wyatt continually displays what real singing is all about. Her range, power and intensely felt vocals connect with her audiences on the deepest level. We loved working with her before and are very excited to work with her now to make an epic new album.”
The reality TV star assures fans that her new LP will spotlight “good ole sanging” and will be an honest look into her life as she gears up to bare it all.
Lendryx – “Forces”
Lendryx is channeling two R&B legends with his new single, “Forces.”
Produced by Dionso, OSEI, and Jproof, the slow jam oozes romantic gratification as the crooner also inquires about the tug ‘o war battle of not wanting to fall in love, but also realizing that may be out of his control.
“I don’t wanna be in love/ But you’re so tempting/ When you leave the room, it feels so empty/ I’m trying be tough/ I’m fighting forces,” he sings.
Lendryx feels the ballad is his most “dynamic vocal performance yet” and admits that he challenged himself by using Tyrese’s “Signs Of Love Makin'” and Brandy’s range as the foundational elements of his vocal execution. It follows his previous single from April, “Just My Turn.”
Shae Universe – “Passenger Princess”
Shae Universe is riding the wave of her recent single, “Passenger Princess,” with the premiere of its visual. The song’s video, starring Kojey Radical, hints at the enthralling story being told as the title card reads, “Ever wish you could go back in time?”
Viewers see Shae seated in the backseat during a late-night drive as she reflects on some lingering feelings and bittersweet memories. The song, itself, was birthed by those emotions.
“He’d sent me roses all the way from LA and I still wasn’t over everything we’d been through when I received them, so I put all my mixed emotions into this song,” the UK-bred songbird stated of the record.
“I think ‘Passenger Princess’ is a very special song because not only is the title current and relatable, but the song’s deeper message of not always knowing exactly how to navigate situations is part of being a human with feelings. A part that sometimes frustrates us but hopefully, through this song, people feel seen and confident enough to accept this grey area of life.”
by Jonathan P-Wright | Sep 5, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
As a seasoned veteran in the music industry, Kelly Rowland has been a witness to the rise of many stars. However, one young talent that has caught her attention recently is none other than Blue Ivy, the daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Praising her commendable work ethic, Rowland is all admiration for the 11-year-old’s dedication and discipline.
“I’m very proud,” Rowland shared. “She works very freaking hard, period. But how could she not, you know? She sees her mother in action and she sees her father in action and how they apply everything, hard work to everything that they do.”
Blue Ivy: A New Star on the Horizon
Blue Ivy, at a tender age of 11, has been showcasing her talent alongside her mother, Beyoncé, on her Renaissance World Tour. The young prodigy has been turning heads with her performance, proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
The Role of Parenting in Shaping Talent
In a recent interview with E! News, Kelly Rowland credited Beyoncé and Jay-Z for instilling discipline in their young daughter. The power couple’s influence and guidance have been instrumental in shaping Blue Ivy’s talent and work ethic.
Blue Ivy’s Debut Performance
Blue made her first appearance on the Renaissance World Tour back in May, sharing the stage with her mother and a fleet of dancers. The young star held her own among the professional dancers, impressing all with her smooth and confident moves.
The Grandmother’s Pride
Following Blue’s performance, her grandmother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, took to Instagram to express her pride and admiration.
“I am truly amazed by the courage that this brave, talented, beautiful 11-year old exhibited last night!” Lawson wrote “There were almost 70,000 people in that audience. She danced with professional dancers, grown folks, she did complicated choreography and moves that they rehearsed for months! She rehearsed and learned this in a little over a week. She was so smooth with it!”
Wrapping Up
The music industry has always been a place where talent and hard work go hand in hand. Blue Ivy is one such talent who, under the guidance and influence of her superstar parents, is making a mark at a very young age. As Kelly Rowland puts it, Blue Ivy’s work ethic is a testament to her parents’ emphasis on discipline and dedication. It’s a clear indication that we can expect great things from this young star in the future.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Aug 17, 2023 | Editorial Pick, Latest, Music News |
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
Jay-Z, the iconic music artist, has been an influential figure in the music industry for decades. From his early days as a rapper to his success as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jay-Z’s story is a testament to the power of determination and creativity. Now, his legacy is being celebrated in a grand exhibit called the Book of HOV, which has recently opened at the Brooklyn Public Library in collaboration with Roc Nation.
A Labor of Love and Collaboration
The Book of HOV is a 40,000-square-foot exhibit that takes full advantage of the Brooklyn Public Library’s Grand Army Plaza branch. The exhibit, crafted in collaboration with Roc Nation, showcases the life and career of Jay-Z through six distinct zones. The front of the library is wrapped with his lyrics, creating an eye-catching display for visitors.
The exhibit was unveiled at a star-studded pre-opening party attended by Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and their loved ones, along with famous friends. The event featured a jazzy medley of Jay-Z hits performed by a band, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the exhibit. While the surprise element may have been slightly compromised by speculative reports leading up to the event, the exhibit remains a worthy celebration of the music icon.
A Uniquely Brooklyn Story
Linda Johnson, CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, emphasizes that the Book of HOV is not only a celebration of Jay-Z but also a testament to the cultural richness of Brooklyn. She believes that the exhibit will attract new visitors to the library, including young people who may not be familiar with the wide range of services offered. Johnson states, “JAY-Z’s story is a uniquely Brooklyn story, and it’s a privilege to host this exhibit created as a labor of love by Roc Nation and the people who’ve known and worked with him over the years.”
In addition to the exhibit, the Brooklyn Public Library announced the release of limited-edition library cards commemorating each of Jay-Z’s 13 solo albums. This unique collaboration between the library and Roc Nation aims to further engage the community and encourage patronage of the library’s services. Johnson highlights that patrons can not only borrow books but also vinyl records, musical instruments, sheet music, and even utilize the recording studio to create their own music or podcast.
Exploring the Book of HOV Exhibit
The Book of HOV exhibit features thousands of artifacts from all over the world, curated with the help of Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez’s extensive collection. Perez had long desired to create a gallery showcasing her souvenirs, and the collaboration with the Brooklyn Public Library offered the perfect opportunity. The exhibit includes physical music reels, plaques, magazines and newspapers, concert setlists, rare photos, and one-of-a-kind artifacts like the guitar Jay-Z played at Glastonbury 2008, a defiant response to Noel Gallagher’s anti-rap comments.
The exhibit is divided into six zones, each named after a Jay-Z lyric, offering a thematic and investigative approach to his life and career. The non-linear structure allows visitors to explore different aspects of Jay-Z’s journey, rather than following a strict chronological order. The design process involved extensive research, including conversations with Jay-Z’s close friends and business peers, to gain insight into the various themes that would be explored.
The Six Zones of the Book of HOV
- Did It Without A Pen: This zone fills the library’s record room with 400 books that Jay-Z referenced throughout his career. It also showcases vinyl records of songs his producers sampled from, all available for borrowing.
- Win-Win: Highlighting Jay-Z’s philanthropic efforts, this zone explores his charitable endeavors and the impact he has made on communities.
- Business, Man: Focusing on Jay-Z’s entrepreneurship, this zone documents his ventures beyond the music industry, including his successful forays into fashion, sports management, and other business ventures.
- So Fly: Transformed into a paper plane palace, the library’s children’s space hosts this zone. Over 600 Brooklyn youth have designed custom paper planes, symbolizing the soaring aspirations and creativity fostered by Jay-Z’s music.
- HOV Did That: This sprawling mezzanine features rare photos and a blue-lit room filled with retro clips of Jay-Z discussing various topics that later manifested in his career.
- A Work of Art Already: This zone immerses visitors in the Black Album era, with large screens playing clips from that period and a life-size replica of Roc-A-Fella’s Baseline studios, where many of Jay-Z’s iconic tracks were recorded.
The Design Process and Collaboration
The design process for the Book of HOV exhibit took approximately six months, with the creative team at General Idea Agency leading the way. They worked closely with Roc Nation, the Brooklyn Public Library, and other production and design firms to bring the vision to life. The goal was to create an immersive and visually captivating experience for visitors while seamlessly integrating the exhibit into the existing space of the library.
Collaboration between Roc Nation and the library was key to the success of the project. The library provided invaluable support and contributed to the process, ensuring that the exhibit aligned with their mission and values. Both Linda Johnson, CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, and the design team at General Idea Agency acknowledge the library’s instrumental role in making the exhibit a reality.
A Privileged Experience
While the public eagerly awaits Jay-Z’s reaction to the Book of HOV exhibit, one can only imagine the impact it will have on him. Scott Mirkin, the lead producer of ESM Productions, who has been involved in the installation of the exhibit since March, believes that Jay-Z’s smile will be a testament to the success of the exhibit. Mirkin notes that Jay-Z is often seen smiling and expresses his confidence that the exhibit will provide him with an amazing feeling.
The Book of HOV exhibit is not only a celebration of Jay-Z’s accomplishments but also an opportunity for the community to engage with his legacy. Through the collaboration between Roc Nation and the Brooklyn Public Library, visitors can explore the multifaceted journey of a music icon who has left an indelible mark on the world. It is an experience that transcends the boundaries of music and invites individuals to discover the power of passion, creativity, and perseverance.
As the Book of HOV continues to captivate audiences, it serves as a reminder that the library is not just a place for books but a hub of knowledge, inspiration, and creativity. The exhibit encourages young people to explore the library’s diverse offerings and discover their own passions, much like Jay-Z did on his path to success. With the limited-edition library cards commemorating each of his 13 solo albums, the collaboration between Jay-Z and the Brooklyn Public Library is destined to leave a lasting impact on both the community and the music industry.
So, if you find yourself in Brooklyn, make sure to visit the Brooklyn Public Library and immerse yourself in the extraordinary journey of Jay-Z, as told through the inspiring pages of the Book of HOV.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Aug 10, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
The name O’Shae Sibley has become an indelible mark of sorrow and remembrance, embodying a life tragically cut short by a heart-wrenching incident. As the nation grapples with the weight of loss, a teen has taken a pivotal step in the narrative by surrendering to the authorities, potentially setting the stage for justice to unfold in the aftermath of Sibley’s untimely passing on July 29.
A somber chapter unfurled as a 17-year-old male, his history marked by previous arrests, chose to step forward and confront the gravity of his alleged actions. The act of surrender took place on a fateful Friday, August 4, in the heart of New York City, casting a spotlight on the intricate web of legal proceedings that lay ahead for this young individual.
The charges leveled against the teen are profound and carry the weight of the law. Accused of murder and the chilling classification of a hate crime, the alleged act speaks to the intersection of personal violence and broader social dynamics. The additional charge of criminal possession of a weapon underscores the deeply tragic consequences of these alleged actions.
While the teen’s identity remains shrouded in anonymity, hidden behind the veil of juvenile protection, the reverberations of his alleged involvement are felt throughout the community. The decision to seal his records is a reminder of the delicate balance between justice and the rights of minors. In a narrative already laden with complexities, the Brooklyn district attorney contemplates the potential for more charges to be added, illuminating the intricate layers of the case.
Sibley’s life story is etched with heartache, a 28-year-old Black gay man whose existence was abruptly ended through a fatal stabbing. The backdrop for this tragedy was an unassuming gas station, where a routine evening turned into a chilling scene of violence. The loss of a beloved dancer sent shockwaves through the community, sparking an outpouring of grief and a resounding condemnation of homophobia on social media.
Communities came together in poignant solidarity, transforming gas stations into spaces of remembrance. Dances and voguing, vibrant embodiments of self-expression, became poignant tributes to Sibley’s vibrant spirit. Even icons like Beyoncé joined the chorus of voices, using their platforms to honor Sibley’s memory and call for an end to hate-fueled violence.
As the legal process takes its course, propelled by the teen’s voluntary surrender, the wheels of justice inch forward, navigating the complexities of a case that holds profound societal implications. The narrative of O’Shae Sibley’s life and loss has thrust issues of hate crimes, community safety, and equitable legal proceedings into the public discourse.
The legacy of O’Shae Sibley is one that transcends sorrow. It has become a rallying cry against bigotry, intolerance, and violence. In a world that grapples with discrimination, his memory compels us to stand firm against injustice, champion the values of acceptance and compassion, and work towards a future where tragedies like his are relegated to history.
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