by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 22, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
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.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 20, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
Recognized globally for his exceptional talent as a music producer, Metro Boomin recently came into the limelight for a different reason. The city of St. Louis honored the 30-year-old super producer with a key to the city, a symbolic gesture of the highest esteem.
A Nod to His Roots
Metro Boomin, born Leland Wayne, was presented with the prestigious honor on a Thursday, a day that turned out to be full of surprises. The ceremony, held in the heart of the city, was attended by St. Louis mayor Tishaura O. Jones, who had a few unexpected announcements up her sleeve.
Leland Wayne Day
In an unexpected twist, Mayor Jones proclaimed that every December 14th henceforth would be celebrated as “Leland Wayne Day”. This gesture was not only a tribute to Metro Boomin’s contributions to the music industry but also a nod to his roots, a celebration of the city that shaped him.
A Tribute to His Late Mother
Yet, the accolades didn’t end there. Metro Boomin, known for his humility and grace, quickly dedicated his honor to his late mother, Leslie Joanne Wayne. In response, Mayor Jones made a second proclamation, marking the day as “Leslie Joanne Single Mothers and Caregivers Appreciation Day”. This heartfelt tribute to his late mother underscores Metro Boomin’s deep family values and his respect for single mothers and caregivers.
Career Highlights
Over the years, Metro Boomin has made a significant impact on the music industry. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, producing chart-topping hits and redefining the sound of modern hip-hop.
Grammy Nomination
His recent work includes the soundtrack to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the album Heroes & Villains. The latter earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album, a testament to his incredible talent.
Single Moms Are Superheroes
Beyond his musical endeavors, Metro Boomin has shown his philanthropic side. He recently partnered with the Steve and Marjorie Foundation to launch the Single Moms Are Superheroes initiative. This initiative aims to support single mothers, a cause close to Metro’s heart, as demonstrated by his tribute to his late mother.
In Conclusion
Metro Boomin‘s recent recognition by the city of St. Louis is a testament to his impact, not just in the music industry, but in his community as well. His tribute to his late mother and his commitment to supporting single mothers and caregivers show his deep-rooted values. As he continues to make waves in music, Metro Boomin remains grounded, never forgetting his roots or the people who shaped him.
Metro Boomin’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the impact one can make on their community. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s roots.
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 13, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice, Uncategorized |
An iconic figure in the world of hip-hop, Hurricane Chris, has had his share of tumultuous times recently. This article dives into the rapper’s journey from the courtroom to his ongoing fight for social justice.
The Dawn of the Storm
In March, the rapper, best known for his hit “A Bay Bay,” was acquitted of a 2020 shooting incident that resulted in the tragic demise of a 32-year-old man, Danzeria O. Farris. He expressed his sentiments openly about the incident in a detailed interview with TMZ.
“My goal is to spread the message of empathy for everyone involved in the situation as widely as possible,” he expressed.
A Nod to Respect
Hurricane Chris has always emphasized the importance of maintaining respect, regardless of the circumstances. He stressed this during his recent interview.
“No matter what transpires, you always want to uphold respect wherever it’s feasible. I’m from Louisiana; it’s a small place. It’s not California or Chicago. If you’re reckless with your words, you’re likely to face repercussions.”
The Road to Justice
Following his acquittal, Hurricane Chris has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with law enforcement’s handling of his case. The Shreveport police department’s conduct during the investigation has raised several questions. He detailed his grievances, stating how the police’s lack of thorough investigation had cost him.
The Lawsuit
Allegedly, the police failed to conduct a proper investigation into Hurricane Chris’s case. The rapper plans to sue the Shreveport PD for their misconduct. He claims that their negligence led to his loss of over $1.4 million, along with a promising movie deal and a contract with a top acting agency in Louisiana.
Conclusion: A Pursuit of Social Justice
Despite the challenges faced, Hurricane Chris continues to use his platform to advocate for social justice. His journey serves as a stark reminder of the issues plaguing our justice system and the importance of accountability.
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