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.
by Derrick T Lewis | Dec 18, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: John Steel / Shutterstock.com
Grammy-winning artist, Drake, recently made an appearance on The Really Good Podcast hosted by Bobbi Althoff. The interview was not only filled with laughter and interesting anecdotes, but also offered insight into Drake’s personal life and the story behind his stage name.
The Aubrey-Drake Dichotomy
Drake, whose legal name is Aubrey Drake Graham, found himself defending his birth name during the interview. When he introduced himself as Drake, Althoff was quick to offer a correction.
“That’s not your name,” Bobbi said.
Acknowledging his legal name, Drake explained that his mother named him after a lawyer. The host, Bobbi Althoff, also shared the origin of her name, revealing that she was named after a cheerleader her father found attractive.
The Name Debate
The conversation took an amusing turn when Althoff questioned the masculinity of the name Aubrey, suggesting it wasn’t traditionally a male name.
Althoff then hypothesized that Drake chose his stage name due to his real name being “so bad.” Drake, however, insisted that he chose “Drake” simply because it was shorter and, humorously, more likely to be successful.
“People with two syllables are way less successful than people with one,” he quipped. “Sorry…Larri.”
A Light-Hearted Exchange
Throughout the interview, Drake and Althoff shared a series of entertaining and awkward exchanges. Drake’s love for murder documentaries, his time on Degrassi, and his future marriage plans were among the topics covered.
When asked about his ideal partner, Drake initially jokingly responded with name. On realizing she was married, he requested for another suggestion and added that he might end up marrying a non-celebrity.
“Famous people really aren’t that…aren’t that anything. They’re not that intriguing,” Drake shared.
Conclusion
The complete interview can be accessed here. It offers a rare glimpse into Drake’s life off-stage, his thoughts, and his sense of humor. The candid conversation between Drake and Althoff is sure to amuse fans and provide them with a deeper understanding of the artist.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 18, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
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.
by Laghe Andrews | Dec 14, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Hip-hop artist Lil Durk finds himself embroiled in a legal tussle with financial technology company, Exceed Talent Capital. The rapper, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, is accused of fraudulent dealings involving the rights to his music track “Bedtime.” The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, seeks a hefty sum of $12 million in damages.
The Allegations
In court documents viewed by Music Business Worldwide, Exceed Talent Capital alleges that the rapper agreed to sell them the rights to “Bedtime.” This agreement was made despite an existing exclusive contract between Lil Durk and Alamo Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.
“Exceed Talent Capital acquired the “Bedtime” rights for $600,000, only to discover later that Durk had previously assigned the same rights to a third party.”
This alleged double dealing has landed the rapper in hot water, with the fintech startup seeking recompense for the hefty sum it paid for the rights.
The Fallout
Exceed Talent Capital claims that the fallout from the failed deal has caused significant harm to its reputation and relationships with partners and investors. The company had already paid $450,000 of the $600,000 owed when it was notified by Alamo Records about Durk’s exclusive recording agreement. The revelation forced Exceed to return the funds invested by third parties.
The list of defendants in the lawsuit extends beyond Lil Durk. Manager Andrew “Dilla” Bonsu, Only The Family Entertainment, Inc, OTF Label, and firm TTPMG are also implicated in the legal action.
Prior Partnership with Exceed
Before this dispute, Lil Durk and Exceed had announced a partnership in October last year. The partnership aimed to offer fans a “Trenches All-Access Pass,” akin to an NFT. This pass promised access to a private Grand Theft Auto roleplay server created by the rapper, which at the time had a waitlist of over 15,000 users.
Fans were offered lifetime access, limited edition in-game wearables, and a chance to invest in shares from proceeds of “Bedtime.” However, this partnership has taken a sour turn with the recent allegations.
The Music Industry’s Response
The music industry has responded with mixed reactions to the lawsuit. Last week, it was reported that the artist formerly known as Kanye West expressed interest in buying out Durk’s contract from Sony. This comes as a significant development, given the high-profile nature of both artists.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings continue, the future of Lil Durk’s music career and his relationships with music labels and tech companies remains uncertain. The outcome of this case could potentially have far-reaching implications for the music industry and the intersection of music and technology.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in business dealings, particularly in industries like music where intellectual property rights are paramount. It remains to be seen how Lil Durk will respond to these allegations and what impact this will have on his career and reputation.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 14, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image Credit: credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
It was an ordinary day turned extraordinary when a renowned Chicago Rapper found himself sharing the spotlight with none other than basketball legend, Shaq. Unfolding like a scene straight out of a movie, Shaq surprised the rapper with a lavish gift – a $1 Million Rolls-Royce.
Unfolding of the Event: A Surreal Experience
As the sun dipped low on Friday, the Midwest rapper, GAWNE, unveiled his latest music video for the single “Chaos”. The song featured a surprise guest – the retired NBA star, Shaq. The collaboration came to life after an unexpected DM from Shaq on Instagram, a platform known for connecting celebrities and fans alike.
In an emotional 15-second clip following their video shoot, GAWNE expressed his disbelief and gratitude. “Shaq man, it’s the craziest day of my life. Shaq just gave me a Rolls. God bless you Shaq,” Gawne confessed. To which, Shaq replied with his trademark humor, “It’s yours, my boy. Now I gotta take an Uber.”
A Collaboration Rooted in Passion: Shaq’s Love for Rap
Aside from the grandeur of the gift, GAWNE couldn’t help but praise Shaq’s passion for rap. He described the experience of working with Shaq as magical, noting that in every take, Shaq rapped with his whole heart.
GAWNE also emphasized the admirable character of Shaq. He expressed his appreciation for Shaq as an individual, stating that as much as he admired making a song with him, he admired Shaq’s character even more.
The Song “Chaos”: A Glimpse into Shaq’s Rap Verses
This isn’t the first time Shaq has delved into the music scene. He’s also guest-starred alongside Damian Lillard (aka Dame D.O.L.L.A) on Meek Mill and Rick Ross’ “SHAQ & KOBE (Remix).”
During an episode of Complex’s GOAT Talk, Rick Ross shared that Shaq once signed him early in his career. They met in Atlanta, and Ross was eventually signed to O’Neal’s T.W.IsM. Records.
Reconnecting with Ross: A Token of Appreciation
Ross and Shaq eventually reconvened, leading Ross to gift Shaq an MMG chain during an episode of Inside the NBA in October.
Shaq’s surprise, as grand as it was, stands as a testament to his character. It not only reflects his love for music but also his generosity and kindness, traits that are often overlooked in the world of celebrities.
This tale of a dream collaboration made possible by a simple Instagram DM is truly a story for the books. It’s a reminder that dreams can come true, even if they come in the form of a $1 Million Rolls-Royce.
RECENT COMMENTS