Providence is the capital and most populous city of the state of Rhode Island and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It is also home to one of the most promising Hip-Hop artists, “Kilodex.” Kilodex is a rare breed of musical talent in Hip-Hop.
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Playboi Carti, one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in modern music, has finally unveiled his long-awaited album, solidifying his artistic identity with a bold declaration—I AM MUSIC.
After years of teasing fans with cryptic messages, unpredictable social media activity, and an unconventional approach to releases, the Atlanta-born rapper has returned with a follow-up to Whole Lotta Red (WLR). This album is not just another addition to his discography but a defining statement that cements his legacy in the industry.
With a uniquely chaotic energy, Playboi Carti has carved out a space that transcends traditional hip-hop. His music is not just rap—it’s an experience, a subculture, a lifestyle. And with this new release, he isn’t just offering fans another album; he’s declaring his supremacy as an artist whose influence shapes an entire generation.
For years, fans have been eagerly awaiting new material from Playboi Carti. Following the release of Whole Lotta Red in December 2020, the rapper went relatively silent, except for sporadic leaks and snippets that sent his fanbase into a frenzy. With no clear release date in sight and an aura of mystery surrounding his creative process, Carti built up anticipation in a way only he could—through silence, unpredictability, and a carefully curated persona of mystique.
Rumors of new music circulated for months, with fans dissecting every hint, every cryptic social media post, and every rare public appearance. Would it be a Whole Lotta Red deluxe edition? A completely new project? No one knew for sure.
But now, the wait is finally over. Playboi Carti has delivered an album that crashes through all expectations and arrives with a force that demands attention.
If there’s one thing Playboi Carti knows how to do, it’s curate an unforgettable sonic experience. His new album boasts an impressive lineup of guest appearances, featuring some of the biggest names in the industry such as Travis Scott, The Weekned, Skepta and Kendrick Lamar just to name a few.
With such a diverse array of artists contributing to the album, I AM MUSIC (or simply MUSIC, as listed on streaming services) becomes more than just a rap album—it’s a genre-blending masterpiece that showcases the fluidity of modern music.
While the album is officially listed under the title MUSIC, its cover art features an overlaid font reading I AM MUSIC, a phrase that carries a profound meaning.
Carti’s choice to make such a bold statement isn’t accidental. He has often been regarded as a trendsetter, with a musical style that continues to evolve and redefine what rap can be. His influence is undeniable—his unique delivery, ad-lib-heavy flows, and punk-rock-inspired aesthetics have birthed an entirely new wave of artists attempting to replicate his signature sound.
Back in 2022, Carti spoke about the album while it was still in progress, hinting that it would be his most personal and impactful project yet. Now that it’s here, it’s clear that he wasn’t exaggerating. MUSIC isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a manifesto.
In the days leading up to the album’s release, Carti took a highly unconventional approach to marketing. Rather than relying on traditional rollouts with single releases and promotional interviews, he let the anticipation build organically.
One of the most notable pre-release moments came through Carti’s use of Blackhaine, a UK-based experimental artist known for his aggressive spoken-word style. Blackhaine was tasked with delivering shouted announcements about the album, further adding to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the release.
Streaming giant Spotify also played a role in amplifying the hype, sharing a cryptic video with the caption, “Have faith.” Fans interpreted this as a sign that MUSIC was about to drop, and sure enough, the album arrived in a fashion that was both expected and unexpected—exactly the way Playboi Carti operates.
Playboi Carti has never been an artist bound by industry norms. He doesn’t follow trends—he sets them.
With MUSIC, he reaffirms his place at the forefront of the culture, embracing his role as a musical chameleon who can adapt, evolve, and disrupt the status quo at will. His influence extends beyond just music—his aesthetic choices, from avant-garde fashion to distorted album covers, continue to inspire artists across multiple disciplines.
For longtime fans, this release is a validation of Carti’s enduring star power. For newcomers, it’s a perfect entry point into the world of an artist who refuses to be confined by labels.
The album’s release is only the beginning. Fans won’t have to wait long to see Playboi Carti bring MUSIC to life on stage.
Carti is set to headline Rolling Loud California this weekend, and given his history of high-energy, unpredictable performances, expectations are sky-high.
Those who witnessed his Rolling Loud Miami performance last year will remember a moment that felt almost prophetic. Before launching into his feature on Ye and Ty Dolla Sign’s Grammy-nominated hit Carnival, Carti told the crowd:
“Every song I’m on is my song.”
It was a bold statement that reflects how he sees his artistry. Carti doesn’t just contribute to music—he is the music. Every song he touches is infused with his unmistakable energy, making it uniquely his, regardless of who else is on the track.
With MUSIC out now and his Rolling Loud performance just around the corner, Carti is poised to deliver yet another unforgettable cultural moment.
Playboi Carti’s impact on the music industry is impossible to ignore. From his early days with Die Lit to the game-changing Whole Lotta Red, he has continuously defied expectations and pushed the boundaries of what hip-hop can be.
With MUSIC, he takes his artistry to the next level, proving once again that he is in a league of his own. This album isn’t just about proving doubters wrong—it’s about solidifying a legacy that will be studied, analyzed, and celebrated for years to come.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer just discovering the world of Playboi Carti, one thing is certain: you’re witnessing history in the making.
Stream MUSIC now on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube, and experience the evolution of an artist who truly is music.
VideoDaBaby, the unapologetically bold rapper renowned for his unfiltered lyricism and uncompromising artistry, has once again set the music world ablaze with the release of his highly anticipated music video for “GRAMMY PARTY.” Brace yourselves, as this visual masterpiece promises to be a wild ride through the unvarnished reality of DaBaby’s life, leaving no stone unturned.
When DaBaby unleashed “GRAMMY PARTY” in January, he ushered in the new year with a resounding bang. Produced by the dynamic trio of Julia Lewis, SkipOnDaBeat, and Thank You Fizzle, the track showcases DaBaby’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering raw, unadulterated rhymes that resonate with his ever-growing legion of fans.
With a flow that seamlessly oscillates between hard-hitting and introspective, DaBaby delves into the gritty realities of street life, women, and the relentless pursuit of wealth and power. His lyrics are a visceral tapestry woven with threads of uncompromising authenticity, leaving no room for sugar-coating or pretense.
The opening lines of “GRAMMY PARTY” set the tone for what’s to come, with DaBaby spitting:
“I seen Baby posted at the Grammy party with a stick, I got too much bread to do the talkin’, get you/ I got too much bread to do that talkin’, get you hit, and I can tell her everything about me, I’m a pimp/ Yeah, I step on business, she gon’ respect my pimpin’, you know I don’t care ’bout feelings, you know I care ’bout millions/ You know she want me to fk her for free, she don’t even let y’all ngas, I tell them new ngas, ‘Better come catch up with me,’ soon as they catch y’all ngas…”
These words are a testament to DaBaby’s unwavering confidence and unapologetic approach to life. He paints a vivid picture of his relentless pursuit of success, his disregard for societal norms, and his uncompromising dedication to his craft.
After months of anticipation, fans were finally treated to the official music video for “GRAMMY PARTY” on February 29th. The clip offers an intimate glimpse into DaBaby’s lavish lifestyle, showcasing his sprawling residence, where he can be seen reveling in the company of his children.
However, the video takes a dramatic turn as DaBaby ventures outside, where he is greeted by his crew and a fleet of luxury vehicles. The visuals perfectly complement the song’s lyrics, providing a visual representation of the rapper’s uncompromising attitude and unwavering commitment to living life on his own terms.
In a recent interview with HipHopDX, DaBaby candidly reflected on the trials and tribulations he has endured as an artist and entrepreneur, navigating the treacherous waters of the music industry while simultaneously building his Billion Dollar Baby brand.
“I had a lot of things going on all at the same time while I was dealing with all my personal issues a lot of people ain’t know I had going on,” he revealed. “So it’s just a blessing to come out on the other side of all the bullst, [and] all the negativity, and still have all that other st that I established and worked towards right there eye to eye with me. It’s time to take off, baby!”
These words resonate with the underlying message of “GRAMMY PARTY” – a testament to DaBaby’s resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to his craft, no matter the obstacles that may stand in his way.
Throughout his career, DaBaby has consistently challenged the status quo, defying conventions and carving his own path to success. His music is a reflection of his indomitable spirit, a rallying cry for those who refuse to conform to societal expectations and instead embrace their individuality with unwavering conviction.
With the release of “GRAMMY PARTY” and its accompanying music video, DaBaby has once again solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His unapologetic approach to life and art resonates with a growing legion of fans who crave authenticity and uncompromising self-expression.
DaBaby’s artistry is a fearless embrace of nonconformity, a bold rejection of the notion that one must conform to societal norms in order to achieve success. His music is a clarion call for those who dare to walk their own path, unencumbered by the expectations of others.
With each release, DaBaby challenges his audience to question the status quo, to embrace their individuality, and to fearlessly pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
At the heart of DaBaby’s music lies a masterful storytelling ability, one that weaves intricate narratives through unfiltered lyricism. His words paint vivid pictures of the harsh realities he has faced, the triumphs he has achieved, and the unwavering determination that fuels his every move.
In “GRAMMY PARTY,” DaBaby invites his listeners to step into his world, a world where success is not merely a goal but a way of life, and where compromise is a foreign concept.
DaBaby’s music resonates with those who dare to defy the norm, those who embrace their unconventional nature with open arms. His lyrics are a rallying cry for the fearless, the nonconformists, and the unapologetic individuals who refuse to be defined by societal expectations.
Through his art, DaBaby has created a community of like-minded individuals who find solace and inspiration in his unwavering authenticity, his uncompromising spirit, and his unwavering commitment to living life on his own terms.
In an era where conformity and artificiality often reign supreme, DaBaby’s music stands as a beacon of individuality and authenticity. His unwavering commitment to staying true to himself, regardless of the consequences, is a powerful reminder that true success lies in embracing one’s unique identity and unapologetically pursuing one’s passions.
With “GRAMMY PARTY,” DaBaby has once again proven that he is more than just a rapper – he is a storyteller, a visionary, and a catalyst for change, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their individuality and fearlessly pursue their dreams.
DaBaby’s impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the music industry. His unwavering commitment to fearless self-expression has inspired countless individuals to embrace their unique identities and pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
Through his music and his uncompromising approach to life, DaBaby has become a catalyst for change, encouraging his fans to question societal norms, challenge conventions, and fearlessly forge their own paths to success.
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music, DaBaby stands as a powerful voice for the unconventional, the fearless, and the unapologetically authentic. With the release of “GRAMMY PARTY” and its accompanying music video, he has once again solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with, a storyteller who weaves intricate narratives through unfiltered lyricism, and a catalyst for fearless self-expression.
DaBaby’s music is a rallying cry for those who dare to defy the norm, a reminder that true success lies in embracing one’s individuality and pursuing one’s passions with unwavering determination. As he continues to push boundaries and challenge conventions, DaBaby’s impact will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the confines of the music industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves and fearlessly pursue their dreams.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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’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.
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.
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, 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, 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.
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.
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