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.
The music industry is often associated with glamour and glitz; however, it is not devoid of controversies and legal issues. One such incident that has recently garnered attention involves Polo G‘s brother, a budding rapper known as Trench Baby.
The Incident: A Tragic Los Angeles Shooting
On the night of June 10, a tragic incident unfolded in Los Angeles. The victim, a young man named Dashaun Berry, was found lifeless in a North Hollywood parking lot at approximately 1:30 a.m. The authorities pronounced him dead at the scene, setting off a chain of events that would eventually lead to Trench Baby facing severe legal consequences.
The Aftermath: Trench Baby’s Arrest and Charges
Following the incident, Polo G’s brother, also known by his real name, Taurean Bartlett, was implicated in the crime. He was subsequently arrested and charged with felony murder. Currently, Bartlett is being detained at the Los Angeles’ Men’s Central Jail without bail. His trial is scheduled to begin on November 27.
Aside from the murder charges, Bartlett also faces accusations of first-degree residential robbery and dissuading a witness by force or threat. Interestingly, both these charges involve the same individual.
The Connection: Trench Baby and Polo G’s Legal Troubles
This isn’t the first time Trench Baby and Polo G have had a brush with the law. Back in August, both brothers were arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, and kidnapping. The charges stemmed from a police raid on the Chicago rapper’s Los Angeles home.
Polo G, however, managed to secure his release from Burbank Jail after posting a $100,000 bond. His lawyer, Bradford Cohen, stated that Polo G wasn’t the primary focus of the LAPD’s investigation. He emphasized his client’s innocence, stating, “He is not and never was a convicted felon. Any previous charges he had I got dismissed and it’s all public record.”
The Impact: Delay in Polo G’s Upcoming Album Release
Polo G’s music career has also been affected by these events. His upcoming album, Hood Poet, originally set for a September 2023 release, has been postponed. As of now, Apple Music hints at a tentative release date of August 2, 2024.
The Bottom Line
The case involving Polo G’s brother Trench Baby is a stark reminder of the challenges and troubles that can emerge in the entertainment industry. As fans await more music news, the focus remains on the unfolding legal drama. Will justice be served? Only time will tell.
A wave of newness is rippling through the music industry, spearheaded by the entrepreneurial spirit of D’Anthony Bly, often recognized as “D Bly”. A champion for fresh talent and longtime manager for the sensational Coi Leray, Bly has embarked on an exciting journey with the launch of his novel management company, 11 11 Management.
A New Chapter Begins
The Boston-born entrepreneur is no stranger to the industry. Having grown up with Leray, Bly has been instrumental in shaping her brand and expanding her repertoire. The platinum hit “Players”, along with other successful singles like “No More Parties”, “Big Purrd”, “Twinnem”, and “Blick Blick” featuring Nicki Minaj, are all testament to their fruitful collaboration.
11 11 Management is set to retain Leray as a client, a move that only strengthens their bond and mutual dedication. The goal? To scout and nurture up-and-coming talent, propelling them to the next level in their creative journeys.
“Everything about this is new. We aren’t following any formulas or algorithms, but we’re finding talent we believe in and taking it to the next level.” – D’Anthony Bly
Building Brands and Breaking Barriers
While helping artists build their brand, Bly also focuses on forming strategic alliances with renowned industry players. Under his careful stewardship, Leray scored a spot on the “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” soundtrack, and developed partnerships with high-profile brands like Meta, YSL, Marc Jacobs, and Fendi.
His vision doesn’t stop at music. Bly is currently assisting Leray in establishing her very own production company, “Trendsetter Studios”, further broadening her influence in the entertainment industry.
A Longstanding Partnership
Leray’s faith in Bly is unwavering. In a heartfelt statement, she expressed her gratitude for his continuous support.
“I wouldn’t want to be in this industry without D Bly. He has opened so many doors for me and has been in my corner since the very start. He is truly a star quality manager. We are really here forever, this about longevity.” – Coi Leray
Creating Safe Spaces in the Music Industry
Bly’s dedication extends beyond the realm of music. He’s committed to championing women in the industry and fostering an environment where talent feels heard, respected, and most importantly, safe. This initiative resonates strongly with Gina Greiss, 11 11 Management’s general manager.
“Working with D Bly has given me the opportunity to experience the music industry in an innovative way. His ability to master any given task has changed the way we perceive entrepreneurship in music.” – Gina Greiss
Conclusion
D’Anthony Bly’s launch of 11 11 Management signals a fresh direction in talent management. His commitment to building brands, empowering artists, and fostering safe environments is not only redefining industry standards but also setting a solid foundation for the future of music.
This article is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into Bly’s remarkable journey and the exciting developments at 11 11 Management.
G Herbo, a prominent figure in the music industry, has recently found himself embroiled in a tumultuous legal battle against his former manager and record label. Allegedly, the artist claims he’s owed an enormous $40 million due to what he perceives as years of “injustice and one-sided transactions”.
According to the initial reports by AllHipHop, G Herbo alleges he’s owed a hefty sum of $40 million. This figure is broken down into $20 million for alleged defamation and another $20 million for an alleged breach of fiduciary duty. These allegations stem from his tenure under the management of Joseph “JB” Bowden, the co-founder of Machine Entertainment.
Unfair Deals and Fiduciary Failure
Herbo’s legal team argues that his “lack of knowledge” about the music industry was exploited, starting when he was just a minor. Bowden, Herbo’s former manager, is accused of ensuring that G Herbo would have “no access” to the money he earned. It’s further alleged that Bowden intended to render Herbo “forever indebted” to him and the label.
Machine Entertainment’s Rebuttal
In response to G Herbo’s claims, Machine Entertainment alleges that Herbo owes them more than $8 million. However, Herbo has vehemently disputed this figure. The ongoing saga continues to evolve, with both parties standing firm in their respective positions.
Release Agreement Controversy
G Herbo aims to hold the defendants to a release agreement from August of this year. He alleges that Bowden and his company have tried to evade this agreement by making allegations of being “threatened with guns and violence”. According to Herbo’s lawyer, these allegations are nothing more than “outright lies”.
New Music Amid Controversy
Despite the ongoing legal battle, G Herbo continues to make music and recently collaborated with SheedTs on a revised version of the track “Remember,” featuring a video directed by Diesel Films.
Conclusion
While the legal proceedings are far from over, the case has certainly shone a spotlight on the darker aspects of the music industry. G Herbo’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper management and fair deals for artists, young and old alike.
As the artist himself said, it’s crucial to stand your ground and fight for what’s right, and only time will tell how this legal battle will unfold.
Iconic rapper Busta Rhymes has recently graced the music industry with a dynamic new track and accompanying visual titled “LUXURY LIFE.” The single, a collaborative effort with music producer Swizz Beatz, features the lyrical prowess of rising star Coi Leray. This musical composition samples the classic “Ain’t No N**ga” from the iconic duo JAY-Z and Foxy Brown’s critically acclaimed album Reasonable Doubt.
The Track: A Glimpse into ‘Luxury Life’
“LUXURY LIFE” sees the veteran rapper, Busta Rhymes, trading verses with Coi Leray, a fresh voice from New Jersey. The lyrical content of the track delves into themes of status, success, and the extravagant lifestyle associated with fame in the music industry.
Busta Rhymes’ verse is marked by his characteristic rapid-fire flow and wordplay. He raps, “Yo, every time that I touch it, you know it’s flammable, the game that I be feeding you, hope you got some collateral, the way I function, you trying to figure out my mechanicals, f**k flowers, it’s time to give me the whole botanical.”
“LUXURY LIFE” is a follow-up to the BIA-assisted track “BEACH BALL” and stands as the latest single from Busta Rhymes’ forthcoming album. The yet-to-be-titled album is reported to feature beats from Swizz Beatz, Pharrell Williams, and Timbaland.
The Visual: ‘Luxury Life’ in Motion
The music video for “LUXURY LIFE” is an intricate blend of cinema and music, drawing inspiration from Quentin Tarantino classics like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. Directed by Benny Boom, the video opens with a scene of Busta Rhymes and Coi Leray initiating a robbery in a diner. In later scenes, Busta towers over Coi Leray as they spar in a dojo setting.
Busta Rhymes: A Legacy in the Making
Having made a name for himself in the music industry over the past decades, Busta Rhymes’ contribution to the world of hip-hop is undeniable. His unique style, characterized by a fast-paced rap flow and a dynamic stage presence, has garnered him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
His forthcoming album sees him not only as a performer but also contributing from behind the boards. In a statement about the album, Busta Rhymes said, “Wait ’til they hear how we are going to SHIFT THE CULTURE. It’s been an incredible process doing this every step of the way with you kings and we ain’t stopping NO TIME SOON!”
Coi Leray: Rising Star on the Horizon
Coi Leray, the featured artist on “LUXURY LIFE,” is a rising star in the hip-hop scene. Known for her catchy hooks and distinct sound, Leray has managed to carve out a spot for herself in the industry.
As a 2021 XXL Freshman, her collaboration with a seasoned artist like Busta Rhymes on “LUXURY LIFE” marks a significant milestone in her budding career. With the promise of more music on the horizon, Leray is undoubtedly an artist to watch.
Looking Forward
Fans eagerly anticipate Busta Rhymes’ upcoming album, with “LUXURY LIFE” serving as a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. As the music industry awaits the release, the single and its accompanying video continue to make waves, underscoring Busta Rhymes’ lasting impact on the world of hip-hop.
Conclusion
“LUXURY LIFE” is a testament to Busta Rhymes’ ongoing relevance in the music industry. The track, produced alongside Swizz Beatz and featuring Coi Leray, offers a glimpse of the rapper’s forthcoming album. With its Tarantino-inspired visual and lyrical exploration of status and success, “LUXURY LIFE” stands as a testament to the evolution of Busta Rhymes as an artist and the promising future ahead for Coi Leray.
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