by Pharron Fields | Nov 6, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
The UK-based dynamo, The Shellers, a creative fusion of producer Lawaun Bernard and vocalist Jamal Bucanon, have astounded the music world with their debut Extended Play (EP) christened ‘Long Live The Shellers’.
The Shellers: A Sonic Blend of Eclectic Influences
This dynamic duo takes inspiration from a diverse range of musical styles, including grime, garage culture, and more. Their sonic palette extends beyond these genres, with influences from the likes of the animated virtual band Gorillaz, the soulful Amy Winehouse, and the critically acclaimed hip-hop artist, Kendrick Lamar. Their musical tastes and influences, while broad, are cleverly interwoven, resulting in a unique sound that leaves a lasting impression.
Echoes of the Streets
In their music, there are occasional hints of The Streets, particularly in Jamal’s candid tale of contending with the daily grind, vividly depicted in the track ‘Work No More’. This narrative, while rooted in club culture, is not without its darker tones, setting The Shellers apart from their contemporaries.
A Collaborative Effort
While The Shellers essentially comprises Bernard and Bucanon, the EP is not without its supporting cast. Toddla T, renowned for his expertise in sound system culture, dons the hat of executive producer, lending his skills to this project. To further enhance their sound, The Shellers have roped in a full-fledged live band, adding a rich layer of strings, brass, and percussion.
“Working with The Shellers was a joy. We share a lot of musical influences, and it pushed me further. From not only an art point of view but from a friendship point of view, it was all rewarding.” – Toddla T
This collaboration has been a journey of mutual growth and exploration for both parties involved.
Conclusion
With their debut EP, ‘Long Live The Shellers‘, the duo has successfully blurred the lines in club music, establishing their unique sound in an increasingly homogenous landscape. Their story is a testament to the power of collaboration and the limitless potential of creative exploration.
by Fabiola Noel | Oct 25, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Photo by Nainoa Shizuru on Unsplash
Hype Williams, a prodigious music video director, is a name that reverberates throughout the music world. His groundbreaking vision has shaped the music videos of some of the most influential artists in the industry, such as Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and DJ Khaled. This article delves into the stories behind Williams’ impactful work, exploring the collaborative efforts and creative processes that have marked his legendary career.
The Team Behind the Vision
The indelible visuals that Williams has been known for over the past three decades were not the work of a single individual. Williams, despite his grandiose ideas and pioneering vision, required a team to transform his concepts into reality. His collaborative endeavors involved working closely with various creatives, including June Ambrose, an imaginative costume designer, Malik Hassan Sayeed, a talented cinematographer, and Connie Orlando, a dedicated producer, among others.
Artists such as Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Kelis, and DJ Khaled, placed their trust in Williams, faithfully following his direction. This collaborative approach was critical in producing 2-3 music videos a month at the peak of Williams’ career.
Jay-Z: From “Can’t Knock The Hustle” to “Big Pimpin”
Jay-Z’s collaboration with Williams began in 1996 with the music video “Can’t Knock The Hustle”. The video’s cinematic feel was amplified by the stunning cinematography of Malik Hassan Sayeed. The grandeur of the visuals and Williams’ unique eye for detail elevated the video to a whole new level.
The duo’s groundbreaking collaboration continued with “Sunshine” in 1997, and “Big Pimpin” in 2000. “Big Pimpin” marked their first high-budget video. Williams’ direction and vision for the video were instrumental in pushing the album sales from one million to four million.
Missy Elliot: The Magic of “The Rain” and “She’s a Bitch”
Williams’ collaboration with Missy Elliot led to the creation of visually stunning music videos like “The Rain” and “She’s a Bitch”. Williams’ innovative ideas, coupled with Elliot’s risk-taking attitude, resulted in captivating and futuristic music videos.
For “She’s a Bitch”, Williams suggested the bold idea of Elliot sporting a bald head. This idea, along with Elliot’s futuristic wardrobe and make-up, made the video a masterpiece. These visuals have become iconic in the music industry, proving to be a work of art set to inspire future generations.
The Costuming Genius of June Ambrose
June Ambrose, the costume designer behind some of Williams’ most iconic videos, played a crucial role in bringing his visions to life. Ambrose designed the costumes for videos such as “Mo Money Mo Problems” and “The Rain”. Her ability to create custom, out-of-the-box costumes on short notice was instrumental in setting the tone and visual impact of these videos.
Fatima Robinson: Choreographing the Moves
Fatima Robinson, the choreographer for videos like “Rock The Boat” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See“, was instrumental in bringing Williams’ vision to life. Her choreography, combined with Williams’ innovative direction, resulted in music videos unlike any seen before.
Margo Wainwright: Making Iconic Videos a Reality
Margo Wainwright, the former video commissioner at Def Jam, worked closely with Williams to produce iconic videos for Def Jam artists. Despite the astronomical budgets associated with Williams’ videos, the results were always worth the investment. Videos such as “Big Pimpin” and “Hate Me Now” were game-changers in the music industry, becoming iconic symbols of the culture.
Hype’s Legacy: Beyond Music News
The impact of Williams’ work extends beyond music news and the music industry. His innovative direction and groundbreaking vision have inspired countless artists and filmmakers. His contribution to the representation of Black culture in media is unparalleled. His work has set the bar high for music video directors, challenging them to think outside the box and push the boundaries of creativity.
Williams’ legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, filmmakers, and music video directors. He has paved the way for creative expression in the music industry, proving that with a bold vision and a talented team, anything is possible. So, here’s to Hype Williams, the man who showed the world what Black opulence looks like and continues to shape the visual landscape of the music industry.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Oct 10, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Music enthusiasts worldwide are in for a treat as Tyga and YG, two of the most popular figures in the rap scene, come together with the iconic Lil Wayne to release a brand-new music video. This article will delve into the details of this exciting collaboration.
Friday (Sept. 29), Tyga and YG will be releasing their joint LP, which they have intriguingly titled Hit Me When U Leave The Klub: The Playlist. The project will comprise 14 celebratory tracks, including past singles such as “West Coast Weekend” featuring Blxst, “PARTy T1M3,” and “PLATINUM.”
The Release
Today (Sept. 27), the Californian duo delighted fans by dropping a new video for “Brand New,” a collaboration with none other than Lil Wayne. Over a catchy beat produced by DJ Swish and Mike Crook, Tyga starts off the infectious track with lyrics about money, women, and his overall lifestyle.
Tyga, known for his lyrical prowess, does not disappoint in this new track. He delves into topics that are both personal and universal, touching on themes of wealth, attraction, and his general way of life. His lyrics are as follows:
The Music Video
The music video is as enticing as the song itself. Directed by Jack Bridgland, it begins with a sultry cameo from Saweetie. The remainder of the video is a visual feast, featuring the rappers in a warehouse, exotic dancers in a red-tinted room, and more.
The Inspiration
In an interview with Numéro Netherlands, YG shared the vision and inspiration behind their forthcoming album. He said, “The vision and the inspiration for this project was just to create something fun. We wanted to create more moments.”
With such a stellar lineup of tracks and a collaboration with the legendary Lil Wayne, expectations are running high for the album. Fans of Tyga and YG are eagerly awaiting the release of Hit Me When U Leave The Klub: The Playlist.
Tyga and YG’s Musical Journey
Both Tyga and YG have been staples in the rap scene for many years, consistently delivering hit tracks and albums. Their collaboration with Lil Wayne not only highlights their individual prowess but also their ability to create magic when they come together.
The release of “Brand New” is more than just a music video; it’s a statement. It signifies the unique synergy of Tyga and YG, the timeless appeal of Lil Wayne, and the enduring power of rap music. This collaboration is a testament to the fact that when creative minds come together, the result can be nothing short of extraordinary.
In conclusion, the release of “Brand New” marks an exciting chapter in the musical journeys of Tyga, YG, and Lil Wayne. As fans worldwide eagerly await the release of Hit Me When U Leave The Klub: The Playlist, one thing is certain – this trio knows how to make waves in the music industry.
by Samantha J Rice | Jun 28, 2022 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
It is a fact that Lupe Fiasco is one of the greatest lyricists of all time and a fact that is impossible to dispute. Chicago legend has been playing with words for over 15 years, and the more experience and wisdom he gains, the more deadly and deadly he becomes. There is no doubt Lupe is one of the most highly regarded gems in the game of rap. If there was a lyrical bible available to emcee’s, he would most certainly be listed in it. In today’s world, more people are looking for bars and rap they can appreciate and comprehend than ever before. This is despite the fact that the world is once again open and people are back in the clubs and turning up the music. Drill Music In Zion, Lupe Fiasco’s eighth studio album, is released today (June 24).
Drill Music In Zion is Lupe’s follow-up to the hugely popular Drogas Wave album from 2018. Ever since the announcement of this album, fans have been anticipating it. Among the most impressive albums to come out this year is certainly this one, and word around street is that it includes some of his finest work to date. As well as being “warm and inviting,” it is also “lyrically brilliant.”
As a part of the MLK Visiting Professor Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology for 2022-2023, Lupe Fiasco will be one of three professors at MIT, alongside Eunice Ferreira of the theater department and Louis Massiah of the documentary film department. According to Fiasco, “I’ve held onto this for quite a while.” “I will put together something more elaborate later that really captures the nuance and significance of this. However, for now I will just state it plainly and simply: “I am planning to teach Rap at MIT.”
by Jonathan P-Wright | Feb 25, 2021 | Latest, Editorial Pick, Music News, Trending |
There are no guarantees in life except for death and taxes. The world of hip-hop is brutal, unforgiving, cutthroat, mentally taxing, and all business. New York is the birth of hip-hop, and legends such as LL Cool J, Eric B & Rakim, Wu-Tang, Big Daddy Kane are just a few of NYC living rap legends. New York is the most challenging place in the world for rising indie artists to gain notoriety and access to the golden keys in the rap game. Most artists burnout and quit within 24 months due to the high expectations, human roadblocks, financial scams, and miseducation of the rules.
Jason King, aka Timelesz A.K.A Boogs born and raised in Nyack, New York, surrounded by musicians and the influence of hip-hop. By the tender age of 12, Jason was already citing his rap idols’ lyrics and converting his thoughts into words. Jason possesses the rare trait of transferring his most profound pain, emotions, lust, love, & faith into timeless music poems. Jason’s closest friends, family, and general public co-signed his rap skillset, which fueled his passion for pursuing the music business full-time.
Jason worked around the clock and made smart investments to raise capital for his entertainment company. The first commercial release was “Hood Love,” which paid homage to his childhood roots, New York, and family. The track is soul music infused up-tempo record smothered with authentic hip-hop flava. “Hood Love” is the perfect track for a “family cookout,” barbershop, and ride out Sunday music in your favorite drop-top convertible. “Hood Love” received a warm reception via Spotify within only 30 days. Spotify listeners from multiple countries, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, are streaming “Hood love” in heavy rotation. The track has generated over 18,000 Spotify plays in less than 90 days.
“Hood Love” is currently receiving radio airplay in 5 different radio markets, including New York. DJs, radio personalities, social media influencers, and music executives have endorsed the record. Jason King’s bloodline is influenced heavily via music, and his sound is the light in a dark world. His lyrics invoke hope, strength, ambition, pain, struggle, and triumph in each verse. When you listen to his track “Hood Love,” it takes your mind to a place of serenity and, most importantly, realness. Jason King Timelesz A.K.A Boogs is the New Wave of Millennial Hip Hop Music.
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