by Jonathan P-Wright | Feb 9, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Carl Bjorklund / Shutterstock.com
The world of music has seen yet another stirring development with Kanye West, the artist once known by that name, launching a video for his song “Vultures (Havoc Version)”. This release conveniently sets the stage for his soon-to-be-dropped album, Vultures Volume One, a collaborative project with the talented Ty Dolla Sign.
The Backstory
Before diving into the details of the newly released video, it’s worth revisiting the origins of the “Vultures” title track. The original track, which features artists Bump J and Lil Durk, made its debut in November of the past year. Now, the release of its Havoc Version has stirred up the music industry once again, causing ripples of anticipation among fans and critics alike.
“The artist formerly known as Kanye West has rolled out a video for “Vultures (Havoc Version)” ahead of the release of his and Ty Dolla Sign’s Vultures Volume One. The original version of the Bump J and Lil Durk-featuring Vultures title track arrived back in November.”
The Creation of “Vultures (Havoc Version)” Video
The video for “Vultures (Havoc Version)” is a product of the artistic genius Jon Rafman, as revealed by Kanye West himself. For those familiar with previous teasers shared on Instagram for the album trailer, some scenes from the video might strike a chord, as they were also credited to Rafman.
The Unveiling of “Vultures”
The unveiling of “Vultures (Havoc Version)” has sparked a flurry of reactions, from awe to speculation. This reaction is not surprising, given the track’s powerful lyrics and the video’s thought-provoking visuals.
The Lyrics
In “Vultures,” notably, Kanye West raps, “How I’m anti-Semitic? I just fucked a Jewish bitch.” This line, among others, has drawn attention to the song and its message, sparking conversations about the artist’s views and intentions.
The Video
The video for “Vultures (Havoc Version)” is a collection of unsettling images and scenes, reflecting the song’s intense lyrics. It is a testament to Jon Rafman’s artistic vision and Kanye West’s willingness to push boundaries.
The Release Plans for Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign’s Collaboration
The album by Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign is set to be released in three volumes. The first volume is scheduled for release on February 9. The subsequent volumes, Volume 2 and Volume 3, are planned to drop in the following months on March 8 and April 5, respectively.
In conclusion, the release of “Vultures (Havoc Version)” by Kanye West is stirring up the music industry. The anticipation for the upcoming album, Vultures Volume One, is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next volumes. With this release, Kanye West continues to push boundaries and provoke thought, reaffirming his place as a prominent figure in the world of music.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Feb 2, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Arturo Holmes / Shutterstock.com
Good music doesn’t come cheap, and when it comes to a verse from Meek Mill, that statement takes on a whole new level. The Philly-born rapper recently let slip his price tag for featuring in a song, and the quotations are enough to make anyone’s jaw drop.
Markdown quote:
“Every time I do a verse I charge 250k and up if you got 150k on sight and I like the song we can swap it outtt!!!!” – Meek Mill
The Industry Standard
In an industry where talent is abundant, the stakes are high and the prices even higher. Meek’s asking price aligns with his contemporaries. However, it’s worth noting that Meek’s pricing far outweighs that of rapper J. Cole.
In a surprising revelation last year, J. Cole dispelled rumors of him receiving $2,000 per word for his verses. His approach to music features is rather humble and passion-driven, unlike the industry’s norm.
Markdown quote:
“Yo, bro, it’s just a bar, bro…I don’t even charge n***a for the verse, I’m doing this shit because I’m inspired to do it.” – J.Cole
More Than Just a Verse
Meek further elaborated on his pricing, emphasizing that artists paying for his feature receive more than just a verse. The benefits extend to exposure to Meek’s expansive audience, which includes his 50 million followers with real engagement.
Markdown quote:
“Some of these artists need others’ platforms to get their point across, and I offer them data and fanbase opportunities along with mass marketing” – Meek Mill
Investing in Land
So, what does Meek Mill do with all that hard-earned money? It seems he’s eyeing an expansion of his real estate portfolio. The rapper recently expressed his desire to acquire 15 acres in south New Jersey. However, he’s clear on one thing – no wetlands.
Markdown quote:
“Looking for 15 Acres in south nj no wetlands tho help me out” – Meek Mill
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while the figures may seem astronomical to some, it’s clear that the music industry operates on a different financial scale. Whether it’s Meek Mill’s $250,000 verses or J. Cole’s passion-driven approach, the price of a verse in the rap world is more than a monetary figure; it’s a reflection of an artist’s value, reach, and influence.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 26, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Ga Fullner / Shutterstock.com
Ariana Grande, the pop music sensation, has once again claimed the throne on the Billboard Hot 100 with her new single “Yes, And?”. This is the eighth time the renowned singer has achieved this feat. The song is a testament to Grande’s extraordinary talent, having co-written and produced the track alongside industry veterans Max Martin and ILYA.
Details of Release and Reception
The track was released on January 12 and has since amassed an impressive 27.2 million streams, boasting 41,000 digital downloads. It has been presented in 14 different digital versions, including an extended mix, an a cappella version, and mixes with varying speeds. The song’s house music orientation draws inspiration from Madonna’s 1990 hit “Vogue”, and its music video pays homage to Paula Abdul’s 1988 masterpiece, “Cold Hearted”.
Future Projects and Collaborations
The success of “Yes, And?” is a prelude to Grande’s upcoming seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine. The album is set to release on March 8, following her 2020 album, Positions, which also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Grande’s musical prowess is not her only talent. The two-time Grammy Award winner is set to star in the musical fantasy Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo on November 27. Grande will portray the character of Glinda Upland/Glinda the Good, a role that promises to showcase her acting skills in addition to her singing talent.
Personal Life On Set
While working on the set of Wicked, Grande found love in actor Ethan Slater, who plays Boq, a Munchkin who falls for Grande’s character, Glinda. This new relationship came after both Grande and Slater parted ways with their respective former spouses, Dalton Gomez and Lilly Jay.
Conclusion
Ariana Grande’s journey and success in the music industry is nothing short of phenomenal. With her latest single, “Yes, And?” she continues to create music that resonates with audiences around the world. The upcoming studio album Eternal Sunshine and her role in Wicked add to the excitement of being an Ariana Grande fan in 2022.
Whether it’s her music or personal life, Grande’s story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of creativity. As she continues to dominate the music charts and explore new ventures, fans and critics alike eagerly await what the pop star has in store for the future.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 26, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image Sky Cinema / Shutterstock.com
Music icon and fashion trendsetter, Rihanna, made a much-anticipated comeback to Paris Fashion Week in style. After a brief hiatus following the birth of her second son, the starlet graced Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior couture spring 2024 runway show with her bold presence.
The Dior Couture Spring 2024 Runway Show
The Dior Couture show, held at the famed Musée Rodin on January 22, welcomed Rihanna, who brought her signature twist to the Dior’s celebrated ‘New Look’ silhouette.
W Magazine describes the New Look’s shape as having “rounded, dramatic shoulders and a cinched waist that finishes off into some sort of statement skirt.”
Rihanna, affectionately known as RiRi, embraced this style, accentuating her waist with a chunky black belt and wearing a skirt that fell just beyond her knees.
Rihanna’s Style Statement
Rihanna upped the fashion ante with her unique interpretation of the ‘New Look’. She sported an off-the-shoulder jacket, and gave her outfit an edgy spin with a newsboy baseball cap, leather gloves, dramatic lip liner, and dazzling diamond jewelry.
Rihanna’s Fashion Journey
This Fashion Week appearance marked Rihanna’s first at a designer show since the birth of her second son, Riot Rose, in August. Her previous fashion excursion was Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton menswear debut in Paris last June.
Rihanna’s relationship with Dior dates back to 2015 when she made history as Dior’s first Black ambassador. Her last appearance at a Dior show was in the fall of 2022, during her pregnancy with her first son, RZA.
At that time, she made headlines for her audacious choice of a sheer dress.
Conclusion
Rihanna’s return to Paris Fashion Week and her distinct take on Dior’s ‘New Look’ silhouette once again underscores her status as a style icon. Whether it’s music, fashion, or life, Rihanna continues to walk her path, bold and unapologetic.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 24, 2024 | Business News, Latest |
Image credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com
Despite their tumultuous history, Kid Cudi regards Kanye West not as a mere acquaintance but as family. After launching his latest album, INSANO, the Ohio-native hip-hop artist got candid with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe about his convoluted relation with Kanye West and how a heartfelt apology helped mend their bonds. The duo’s connection traces back to 2008, a time when the then-budding rapper, Kid Cudi, was invited to join Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music label. The subsequent years witnessed numerous musical collaborations between them, including the notable 2018 project – Kids See Ghosts.
The Ups and Downs
However, the bond between Kid Cudi and Kanye West was not always smooth sailing. A few years back, Kanye was subjected to increasing backlash for his unpredictable behavior, which included volatile tirades against his loved ones. Kid Cudi found himself in the line of fire when Kanye accused him of being disloyal. The root of this accusation was Cudi’s enduring friendship with Pete Davidson, who was then involved with Kanye’s former spouse, Kim Kardashian.
A Brotherly Bond
Kid Cudi likens his relationship with Kanye to that of siblings, stating that disputes and subsequent resolutions are part of the journey. The two eventually settled their differences publicly in 2023. Speaking about their bond, Cudi reflects, “Siblings hurt you the most. So you go through things, but family is always there,” He further elaborates on his feelings towards Kanye, stating, “You don’t give up on family. And I think in the thick of it, when it was going down, I wanted to walk away. I wanted to give up, but in thinking about it the past couple years, it’s like this is someone who is my brother ultimately who came into my life and championed me and did things for me that nobody else did for me early on in my career.”
A Testament of Confidence, “Day ‘n’ Nite”
Kid Cudi also revealed an interesting fact about his debut commercial single, “Day ‘n’ Nite,” which was recorded in 2007 before he had signed any deal. Kanye, who had immense faith in Cudi’s potential, took it upon himself to finance the video for the track. He even got So Me on board to direct the video. Cudi recalls, “So Me, the first director, didn’t know me, but was just doing a favor.”
Reconciliation and Growth
Kid Cudi acknowledges that he and Kanye have had their differences, but he firmly denies any ill will between them. He describes Kanye as “a good man” with a soul and, therefore, someone he refuses to abandon. “He’s learning and he’s growing,” Cudi continued. “He knows he made some mistakes and I think that that’s the beauty of it, is this is a beautiful thing. It’s like he knows he’s been on one hell of a ride and he knows he’s said some things that he might not be able to come back from in a lot of realms, in a lot of spaces from certain people. But we grow and I think I pray for him, and that’s my brother.”
Renewed Ties
Kid Cudi and Kanye recently reconnected during a Vultures listening session, a joint project between Kanye and Ty Dolla Sign. Kanye continued to express his support for Cudi on Instagram, promoting the “ElectroWaveBaby” track from Cudi’s newly released INSANO album.
Recalling the moment of reconciliation, Cudi said, “The reason why we became cool again is because he apologized to me and it was sincere. I was just like, wow,” Cudi continued, “Kanye does not apologize to anybody and say sorry to anyone. And that’s my brother, man. various and there’s just nothing like Kanye and Cudi. We like the duo that everybody loves to see.”
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