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 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 19, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
The MOBO Awards, a prestigious celebration of Black British music and culture, is gearing up for its grand 26th edition. For the first time ever, the awards ceremony is set to grace the city of Sheffield, transforming the Utilita Arena into a spectacular stage on February 7, 2024. With the event’s hosts and performers yet to be announced, anticipation is already sky-high. This morning, Kanya King and her team unveiled the full list of nominees, a testament to the UK’s pulsating music scene and the pervasive impact of Black culture globally.
A Stacked Year of Nominations
This year, the nominations chart is dominated by the likes of Stormzy, Little Simz, and Central Cee, each artist boasting multiple nominations.
The indomitable Stormzy has secured four nominations, including Best Male Act, Album of The Year, Song of The Year, and Video of The Year. This comes as no surprise, given the rapper’s powerful influence on the UK music scene.
Little Simz: A Quadruple Threat
Last year’s big winner, Little Simz, once again leads the pack with an impressive four nominations. She’s up for Best Female Act, Album of the Year, Video of The Year, and Best Hip Hop Act.
Central Cee: The Rising Star
Rapper Central Cee also has a strong showing with three nominations – Best Male Act, Song of The Year, and Best Drill Act.
Recognition Beyond Music
The MOBO Awards is not just about music; it’s a comprehensive celebration of Black culture in all its forms. This year, they’re broadening their scope with two new awards – the MOBO Impact and MOBO Pioneer Award, set to recognize trailblazers of Black culture.
Best Female Act in Association with Shea Moisture
This is just a glimpse of the full list of nominations for the 26th MOBO Awards. The complete list, featuring categories like Video of The Year, Best R&B/Soul Act, Best Hip Hop Act, Best Grime Act.
Wrapping Up
The 26th MOBO Awards promises to be yet another landmark event in the history of Black British music and culture. With the likes of Stormzy, Little Simz, and Central Cee leading the nominations, we’re set for a thrilling night of celebrations. Stay tuned for more updates!
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.
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