by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 16, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Just as we were still marveling over Jay-Z‘s noteworthy Emmy win, the hip-hop titan surprised us again. This time, with a brand-new track, “I Want You Forever”, that is sure to resonate with music enthusiasts across the globe.
The Reveal: “I Want You Forever”
This track isn’t just another addition to his extensive discography. It’s a part of the much-anticipated soundtrack of the film The Book of Clarence. The soundtrack, a rich tapestry of varying musical styles, features contributions from a diverse range of artists.
The Unprecedented Collaboration
From the vibrant Doja Cat and the legendary Lil Wayne to the enigmatic Kodak Black, soulful Jorja Smith, innovative Kid Cudi, and reggae king Shabba Ranks, the soundtrack is an impressive assembly of raw talent.
The Book of Clarence: An Overview
The soundtrack’s release on January 12 coincides with the film’s U.S. theatrical debut, painting a perfect picture of synchronicity between the music and the movie.
Jeymes Samuel: The Visionary
Jeymes Samuel, the man behind The Harder They Fall, has directed and written The Book of Clarence. In a candid conversation with Elliot Wilson and Jay-Z, Samuel shared insights about the movie and the soundtrack.
The Soundtrack: A Deep Dive
He described the soundtrack as “so deep” and revealed that Jay-Z’s cut was almost a whopping 10 minutes long. The soundtrack is a unique blend of sounds and emotions, which Samuel aptly referred to as “absolute soulful, Biblical bliss.”
Jay-Z and D’Angelo’s Track: A Masterpiece
A highlight of the soundtrack is the nearly 10-minute-long track featuring Jay-Z and R&B icon D’Angelo. This piece is expected to be a soulful journey, and fans can hardly wait for this epic collaboration.
The Star-Studded Ensemble
The Book of Clarence stars LaKeith Stanfield in the title role. This dramedy tells the story of a man who, in a desperate attempt to settle his debts, pretends to be the Messiah. The film also stars Omar Sy, Teyana Taylor, Anna Diop, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The Book of Clarence: The Film
The Book of Clarence has been a long-cherished project for Samuel. Even while working on The Harder They Fall and other projects, the narrative and the music for this film were always brewing in his mind.
Jeymes Samuel: The Multi-talented Maverick
Samuel’s passion for the project extended beyond directing and writing. He composed the score and wrote and performed on the soundtrack, making The Book of Clarence his all-in-one creative journey.
The Book of Clarence: The Soundtrack
The soundtrack also includes the previously released track “Hallelujah Heaven.” Collaborating with Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, and Shabba Ranks on this track was a thrilling experience for Samuel, who loved the synergy of these artists on the same track.
Epilogue: The Release and Reception
The 11-song soundtrack is now available for streaming on all major platforms. Fans of Jay-Z and the other artists involved are eagerly awaiting the film’s release and the chance to delve into the soundtrack’s depth.
With the soundtrack of The Book of Clarence, we see yet another side of Jay-Z’s massive talent. It’s a testament to his versatility and his ability to continually surprise us with his ever-evolving artistry. From his Emmy win to this exciting new release, Jay-Z continues to prove why he’s the king of hip-hop.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 8, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
In the autumn of 2007, Soulja Boy, a then-unknown rapper, catapulted to fame with his debut single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” The track not only dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for seven non-consecutive weeks but also defined an era of hip-hop. After a decade and a half, the hip-hop sensation contemplates the potential impact of the track if released in the age of social media.
A Journey Back in Time
“This was before streaming, really,” Soulja recalled. “This was still in iTunes and ringtones. I would have went more viral right now than I did back then.”
Soulja Boy reminisces about the pre-streaming era when his career began. The world was still revolving around iTunes and ringtones, a stark contrast to today’s streaming-oriented music industry. The Chicago-born artist believes that “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” would have garnered more popularity in the current digital age.
The Potential of “Crank That” in 2023
“Imagine if I had TikTok! What the fuck?” he said. “You know how many people would have been doing the ‘Crank That’ dance?”
With a hint of regret, Soulja Boy speculates on the colossal impact “Crank That” could have had in 2023, with the advent of TikTok and other social media platforms. The viral dance challenge trend would have undoubtedly propelled his song to stratospheric heights, he muses.
Soulja Boy: The Unsung Hero of Modern Hip Hop
“When I came in the game they said I killed hip hop,” Soulja wrote. “But really, I birthed the new wave of hip hop with internet/streaming. Ahead of my time.”
Soulja Boy asserts that he pioneered the evolution of hip-hop in the digital age, despite initial criticism. He remained undeterred and continued to vlog his career, upload music online, and engage with his fans live – practices that are now standard in the industry.
A Legacy Unmatched
“Now everyone vlogs their career like me,” he said. “Now everyone uploads their music to the internet. Now everyone goes live for their fans. I started it. Thank me or not. Flowers/Credit or not.”
Soulja Boy’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. His early adoption of the internet and streaming platforms paved the way for the current generation of artists. Whether he’s given credit for it or not, his legacy remains unmatched.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 29, 2023 | Latest, Music News, Uncategorized |
PartyNextdoor, a celebrated music artist from Ontario, has recently claimed the throne as the ‘SoundCloud King’. This declaration was made during a recent Instagram Live stream where he was seen in his music studio, reflecting on his journey and sharing his thoughts on the title.
A Bold Claim
“Y’all don’t even count me, and I hear who they say, ‘Who’s the SoundCloud king.’ It’s undeniable,” Party said.
PartyNextdoor strongly believes that he is the only one worthy of the coveted title. According to him, his name has often been overlooked in these discussions, a situation he finds deeply unjust.
Early Beginnings on SoundCloud
PartyNextdoor has a long-standing relationship with the streaming platform, SoundCloud. He has shared some of his initial tracks, such as “Make A Mil” and “Wus Good/Curious,” on the platform, helping him cultivate his fanbase.
PartyNextdoor’s journey has seen him collaborating with some of the industry’s top artists. His collaborations extend from Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, to Drake, and other important figures from the SoundCloud platform. According to him, this achievement is unmatchable and sets him apart.
New Music on the Horizon
“I’m going on tour, PARTY dropping PND 4. Yeah, he droppin’ PND 4, because they don’t write like us anymore.” – Drake
As revealed by Drake during a concert in May, PartyNextdoor is currently working on new music. He is set to drop his new album, PND 4, a highly anticipated release among fans.
Recent Releases
PartyNextdoor followed the announcement with the release of a new single titled “Resentment” in July. This song was his second release of the year, following “Her Old Friends.”
Upcoming Album: PND 4
PND 4 will be PartyNextdoor’s first studio album since he released PARTYMOBILE in March 2020. Fans are eagerly awaiting the new sounds and rhythms that PartyNextdoor will bring with this album.
Conclusion
PartyNextdoor’s claim to the title of ‘SoundCloud King’ is backed by his extensive history on the platform and his collaborations with top artists. His bold, fearless, and individualistic persona resonates with his audience, adding to his popularity. As the anticipation for PND 4 builds, fans eagerly await the new directions PartyNextdoor’s music will take. His journey is a testament to his talent, tenacity, and creativity. His reign as the ‘SoundCloud King’, it seems, is just beginning.
by Derrick T Lewis | Dec 20, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
North West, the eldest offspring of renowned music artist Kanye West and reality TV star Kim Kardashian, has caught the attention of music enthusiasts with her recent appearance on her father’s collaborative album with Ty Dolla Sign titled “Vultures”. With her candid verses about the pressures of fame, North West is quickly becoming a notable figure in the music industry.
Unveiling of the Project “Vultures”
Despite the anticipation among fans, the streaming of “Vultures” did not commence at midnight as many had expected. Instead, Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign chose to host yet another livestreamed listening event, this time in Las Vegas. The event featured North West, who had already garnered applause for her performance on a potential track from “Vultures” during a previous music event in Miami.
North West: “Miss Westie”
In the earlier event, North West introduced herself as “Miss Westie”. The moniker was again heard in the latest event, along with a new intro where Kanye West invited her onstage, stating, “Northie, come out and play!” This marked the beginning of North’s musical journey, showcasing her talents to the world.
New Track: A Collaboration with Charlie Wilson
The latest event also premiered a potential track from “Vultures” where North West joined forces with Charlie Wilson. The song begins with a clip from Sha’Carri Richardson, asserting her readiness both mentally and physically. Richardson’s power-packed statement, “I’m not back. I’m better.”, sets the tone for the rest of the track.
North’s Perspective on Fame
In the song, North West, only 10 years old, raps about the desire to escape from the spotlight of fame. She also communicates her pain to the listener and to a higher power, signifying her struggle with living under constant scrutiny. This personal touch not only makes her performance relatable but also makes a strong statement about the pressures of fame on young celebrities.
Reconciliation with Kid Cudi
Another surprise in the “Vultures” project was the appearance of Kid Cudi, who had previously had a public disagreement with Kanye West. This reconciliation suggests a promising outlook for the “Vultures” project, which marks the first full-length collaboration between Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign.
Although the “Vultures” project was initially announced to be released on a Friday, further recording took place after the Las Vegas Livestream, leading to a delay in the release. This has only heightened the anticipation among fans, who eagerly await the debut of the full project.
In Conclusion
North West’s venture into the music world, featuring her candid take on fame, has made an impact among fans and critics alike. With her unique voice and perspective, she is carving out her own niche in the industry. As the world awaits the full release of “Vultures”, one thing is clear – North West is a young star on the rise, ready to take on the music world.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 19, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
In an all-encompassing dialogue with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, SZA, the fearless songbird, unraveled her journey towards fame, her battle with its challenges, and the unexpected catalyst that kick-started her music career – her ex-fiancé.
From Co-dependence to Independence SZA’s music journey began in an unusual fashion. The spark ignited in her was not initially born out of passion, but a need to assert herself. Her ex-fiancé, almost a decade older than her, was the dominant figure in their relationship. He was the one who took care of her basic needs – food, clothing, and shelter.
“My starting point in music can be traced back to my ex-fiancé, who was the provider of my sustenance. He was older than me by about eight years.”
Her feelings of inadequacy were exacerbated when she compared herself to his previous partners – successful women who were lawyers, businesswomen, and artists. As a college dropout, still working as a bartender in a strip club, she felt she lacked value. This feeling initiated her journey into the world of music.
The SOS Call
As the most nominated artist at the 2024 Grammys, with nine nods and a career total of 24, SZA is no stranger to the limelight. However, the artist recently came to a startling realization – the life of fame is far from normal.
“Recently, I’ve come to understand that this entire charade, this fame, is anything but typical.”
Amidst the whirlwind of expectations and the constant intrusion into her personal space, she found herself struggling to cope. This relentless pressure often made her lash out, and she admitted to feeling “on edge and not a kind person.”
Anxiety, Panic Attacks and the Price of Fame
One of the most startling repercussions of her fame has been the onset of panic attacks. SZA confessed to experiencing anxiety over how she is perceived. Her fear of judgment became so intense that she found herself having panic attacks in the most unexpected situations.
“I started experiencing panic attacks like never before. I remember being at a photoshoot for Wall Street Journal, tears streaming down my face, because I was terrified about how I would be perceived.”
Reflections on Fame and Self-Perception
The 34-year-old singer is currently grappling with questions about her identity, public perception, and the meaning of her fame. She often wonders if she can disappear without having to answer to anyone.
“I find myself concerned about what does all of this fame actually mean, how do people view me, what do they expect from me, can I just disappear and not talk to anybody?”
These poignant revelations from the singer’s life paint a vivid picture of her journey from self-doubt to self-assertion, and the ongoing battle with fame and self-perception. Despite the challenges, SZA continues to make waves in the music industry, proving her point and standing tall as an inspiration for many.
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