by Fabiola Noel | Oct 23, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Photo by Samuel Ramos on Unsplash
When Salt-N-Pepa sat down with Will Smith for a chat on his podcast, Class of ‘88, a candid conversation about their boycott of the 1989 Grammys unfolded. This article delves into the duo’s reflections on their bold stance and its undeniable impact on their career and the music industry.
The Birth of Hip-Hop: A Golden Anniversary
In the podcast, Smith was curious about Salt-N-Pepa’s views on the evolution of hip-hop, which has recently celebrated its 50th year. He asked the duo if they could have ever predicted the genre’s meteoric rise in popularity.
Will Smith: “Could you ever have imagined hip-hop becoming what it is today?”
A Journey in a Male-Dominated Field
This prompted Salt-N-Pepa to recall their journey in the music industry, a field largely dominated by men. They reminisced about their decision to join the 1989 Grammys boycott, a bold move that was rare for women in the industry during that era.
The Grammys Boycott: A Risk Worth Taking
Pepa confessed to Smith that at the time of the boycott, they hadn’t won any awards despite their contribution to the music scene. The decision to boycott the Grammys brought with it a substantial risk.
Pepa: “As women, we didn’t win any awards at that time at all. And as a male-dominated field and taking a chance, we didn’t even know if the Grammys is going to say, ‘You know what? You went against us. You never gon’ be seen.’ But they listened.”
Salt, on the other hand, elaborated on the boycott’s significance for them and for the industry. She believed that their stand likely influenced the Grammys to televise their win in 1995.
Salt: “We had no idea that it would actually make an impact for change.”
Class of ’88: An Insightful Trip Down Memory Lane
On October 26, all eight episodes of Class of ’88, featuring conversations with various music icons, will be available on Amazon Music and Audible. Other guests on the podcast include Queen Latifah, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Rakim, Fab 5 Freddy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Chuck D, J.J. Fad, and DJ Red Alert.
The conversation between Salt-N-Pepa and Will Smith provides a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by women in the music industry. Their decision to boycott the 1989 Grammys marked a significant moment in their career and helped pave the way for future female artists.
As we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, it’s essential to honor the pioneers like Salt-N-Pepa who helped shape this genre and fought for equality in the industry. Despite the challenges they faced, their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians worldwide.
by Kareshia Prioleau | Oct 18, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Taylor Swift, the iconic pop star, expressed her gratitude towards Beyoncé for her unwavering support at the Los Angeles premiere of her Eras Tour concert film. The highly anticipated film, directed by Sam Wrench, offers fans a theatrical experience showcasing Swift’s blockbuster tour. With pre-sale tickets worldwide surpassing $100 million, the film has already made a significant impact. Beyoncé’s presence at the premiere added a touch of magic to the event, and Swift took to Instagram to express her admiration for the fellow artist and the profound influence she has had on the music industry.
The Premiere and Beyoncé’s Support
At the Grove in Los Angeles, the premiere of the Eras Tour concert film took place, attracting fans from all over. The film, distributed by AMC Theatres and Cinemark, has already achieved remarkable success, with over $100 million in pre-sale tickets sold globally. Beyoncé, a respected figure in the music industry, not only posed with Swift on the red carpet but also joined her inside the theater for a popcorn-assisted photo opportunity. This display of support from Beyoncé left Swift feeling grateful and reflective. She took to Instagram to acknowledge the impact Beyoncé has had on her career and the industry at large.
The Eras Tour Film
The Eras Tour film, directed by Sam Wrench, offers fans an immersive experience, showcasing Swift’s blockbuster tour. With a runtime of nearly three hours, this theatrical production is a testament to the success of Swift’s music career. The film’s success is evident in the tremendous pre-sale ticket numbers, surpassing $100 million worldwide. It is being screened not only in major chain theaters but also in select arthouse theaters and independent venues. One such venue is the Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, a city that holds immense significance in Swift’s journey as an artist.
Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Film
In addition to supporting Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour premiere, Beyoncé is gearing up to release her own concert film, celebrating her massively successful Renaissance Tour. This tour aimed to create an inclusive space where everyone is free and judgment is absent. Beyoncé’s trailer for the film, titled “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” emphasizes the themes of starting over, fresh beginnings, and creating something new. The Renaissance Tour film is set to open on December 1, and tickets are already available for purchase.
Conclusion
Taylor Swift’s heartfelt gratitude towards Beyoncé for her support at the Eras Tour premiere highlights the immense impact the latter has had on the music industry. The success of the concert film, with its impressive pre-sale ticket numbers, showcases the undeniable influence and popularity of Swift’s music. Beyoncé’s upcoming Renaissance Tour film promises to be another remarkable production, giving fans an opportunity to witness the magic of her live performances. As these two icons continue to dominate the music world, their collaborations and support for one another serve as a reminder of the power of unity and mutual admiration within the industry.
by Monet, Who Else | Oct 18, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Joe Budden, a well-known rapper-turned-podcaster, recently shared his thoughts on Drake’s highly anticipated album, ‘For All the Dogs’, on Episode 664 of The Joe Budden Podcast. The conversation sparked a lot of discussion, with fans eagerly awaiting Budden’s critique of the album. While Budden has a complicated history with Drake, he has always maintained that he is a big fan of Drake’s music throughout his career.
In the podcast episode, Budden and his co-hosts delved into their thoughts on ‘For All the Dogs’, offering both positive and negative feedback. One of the standout moments from the podcast was when Budden called out Drake’s performance on the track “First Person Shooter” featuring J. Cole. This clip quickly went viral, catching Drake’s attention and reigniting their past issues. Drake responded by writing a lengthy Instagram caption aimed at Budden, criticizing his music career and questioning his credibility.
Budden’s Mixed Review of ‘For All the Dogs’
Despite the heated exchange between Drake and Budden, it’s important to note that Budden’s critique of the album was not entirely negative. Throughout the podcast episode, he shared his honest opinions on various aspects of the album, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at Budden’s thoughts on different tracks and elements of ‘For All the Dogs’:
“8am in Charlotte” – A Disappointment for Budden
Budden admitted to being a fan of Drake’s past entries in the time stamp series, but he found “8am in Charlotte” to be underwhelming. He expressed his disappointment, stating that the track didn’t live up to the rest of the series. While he acknowledged that Drake was “rapping well” on the song, he felt that it didn’t fit the mood or temperament he expects from the time stamp series.
Budden believed that “Virginia Beach” should have been a diss track directed at Pusha T, one of Drake’s long-standing rivals. He praised the beat of the song but questioned why Drake didn’t go all out in dissing Pusha T. Despite his disappointment in the missed opportunity, he still appreciated what Drake was talking about on the track.
Shots at Rihanna – Confusion and Criticism
Budden expressed confusion over Drake’s decision to seemingly take shots at Rihanna in the song “Fear of Heights”. He questioned why Drake would go after her and ASAP Rocky, the father of her children. He viewed it as petty and unnecessary, particularly since Rihanna hadn’t released an album in seven years. However, he did acknowledge the beat switch in the second half of the song as “insane.”
“First Person Shooter” with J. Cole – Budden’s Overall Issue with Drake
Budden pointed out that the song “First Person Shooter” with J. Cole exemplified his overall issue with Drake. He criticized Drake’s decision to let Cole’s voice be the first voice heard on the track, suggesting that it showed Drake trying to align himself with Cole when they aren’t actually close. Budden felt that Drake failed to rise to the occasion in comparison to Cole’s performance on the song.
Drake Rapping in Spanish – A Missed Mark for Budden
Budden made it clear that he never wants to hear Drake rap in Spanish again, particularly referencing the track “Gently” featuring Bad Bunny. He felt that Drake’s execution of rapping in Spanish was subpar and compared it to when Drake started singing “Happy Birthday,” suggesting that it was a low point in his career. He also described the second half of the album as “a mess.”
‘For All the Dogs’ as Drake’s Best Since ‘Scorpion’
Despite his criticisms, Budden acknowledged that ‘For All the Dogs’ is Drake’s best album since ‘Scorpion’, released in 2018. While his co-hosts argued that this may not be saying much, Budden expressed his disappointment with the current state of hip-hop albums in general. He believes that many rappers sound uninspired and lack the creative energy to innovate. He suggested that Drake could do with some time off to recharge and potentially bring fresh ideas to the table.
Missing Verses and Dominant Hooks
Budden questioned the absence of the verse that Lil Yachty praised on ‘For All the Dogs’. He couldn’t find the verse that Yachty claimed was one of Drake’s best, raising doubts about its inclusion on the album. He also expressed his disappointment in the lack of memorable hooks from Drake in recent times, as he believes Drake’s strength lies in his ability to create catchy and dominant hooks.
Drake Rapping for the Children
Towards the end of the podcast episode, Budden suggested that Drake’s album sounded like he was “rapping for the children” rather than his longtime fans. He felt that Drake should focus on creating music that resonates with adult audiences and tackles more mature topics. Budden compared Drake’s growth to that of J. Cole, stating that he wants to hear Drake rap for adult people.
A Break for Drake
Budden expressed his happiness that Drake is taking a break from music, referring to Drake’s recent announcement that he will be stepping away from the studio to focus on his health. Budden and his co-hosts even suggested that Drake could benefit from taking a year or two off between albums. They emphasized that Drake has already accomplished so much in his career, and it shouldn’t be solely on him to set the standard for the music industry moving forward.
In conclusion, Budden’s critique of ‘For All the Dogs’ was mixed. While he had several criticisms and disappointments with the album, he still considers himself a fan of Drake. He acknowledged the album as Drake’s best since ‘Scorpion’ but questioned whether that’s saying much given the current state of rap albums. Budden hopes to see Drake take some time off and return with a refreshed perspective and innovative ideas.
In the end, it’s clear that Joe Budden’s critique of Drake’s ‘For All the Dogs’ album is multifaceted. He presents both positive and negative feedback, highlighting specific tracks and elements that left an impression on him. While his comments may have sparked controversy, it’s important to recognize that Budden’s opinions come from a place of deep knowledge and experience in the music industry.
by Derrick T Lewis | Sep 29, 2023 | Uncategorized |
Photo by Marcela Laskoski on Unsplash
In the world of hip-hop, the name Kingpen Slim resonates with power and presence. Known for his remarkable body of work, this D.C. native has been an indelible part of the music scene for several years. His recent collaboration with Symba, another promising talent from the Bay Area, has stirred up excitement among fans and critics alike. Their new single “Shiesty” is a testament to their musical prowess and the power of collaboration.
A Glimpse into Kingpen Slim’s Journey
Kingpen Slim, a celebrated figure in the hip-hop landscape, has been consistently lauded for his unique musical style and his profound storytelling ability. His most recent album, Blurred Lines, was released two years ago and showcased his dynamic range as an artist. The album, comprising 10 remarkable tracks, featured collaborations with Black Cobain and ANKHLEJOHN, further elevating its appeal.
Since the release of Blurred Lines, Kingpen Slim has stayed relevant, releasing a slew of singles that have garnered widespread appreciation. Tracks like “Sinner In The Synagogue,” “Tequila Straight,” “WhatsApp” featuring DB Bantino, “They Don’t Know” featuring Kevin Ross, and “Paid In Full” with Stalley have resonated with listeners, further solidifying Kingpen Slim’s place in the music industry. He has also been sharing snippets of his creative process through social media, keeping his fans engaged and intrigued.
The Birth of “Shiesty”
The latest offering from Kingpen Slim is the track “Shiesty,” a collaboration with Symba. This fresh single stands as a testament to the artists’ creative synergy and their shared commitment to delivering impactful music. The track, produced by Nick G., showcases the artists’ lyrical prowess and the depth of their musical understanding.
The Inspiration behind “Shiesty”
In a press release, Kingpen Slim shed light on the inspiration behind “Shiesty”. He revealed that the concept of “Shiesty” has been a part of D.C. lingo long before Pooh Shiesty topped the charts. When he chanced upon an old go-go clip from the Uncalled 4 Band, he was reminded of a show he had attended where everyone wore what was then referred to as ski masks. When he received a beat pack from the producer, one of the beats was named “Ski Mask Love,” and the flow came to him naturally.
“Shiesty”: A Fusion of Melody and Rhythm
Nick G., the producer of “Shiesty,” shared his insights about the track. He explained that the track was initially named “Ski Mask Love” because of the intriguing contrast between the melodic strings and piano and the raw, gritty drums. According to him, while the drums gave a ski mask feel, the melody exuded a sense of love.
Listen to “Shiesty” Now
“Shiesty” is now available for streaming. Experience the unique blend of Kingpen Slim’s vivid street narratives and Symba’s exceptional bars. The track is a testament to the artists’ musical prowess and their ability to create impactful, resonant music.
The collaboration between Kingpen Slim and Symba marks a new chapter in music news. Their combined talents have resulted in a track that resonates with listeners and critics alike. With “Shiesty,” they have once again proven that music is a powerful medium for storytelling and self-expression.
With “Shiesty,” Kingpen Slim and Symba have set the bar high for future collaborations. As they continue to push boundaries and create music that resonates with listeners, the world eagerly awaits their next move. Whether it’s an album, a single, or a live performance, one thing is for sure – Kingpen Slim and Symba are here to make their mark in the music industry.
Conclusion
Kingpen Slim and Symba’s collaboration on “Shiesty” is a testament to their individual talents and their ability to create music that resonates with listeners. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, they are setting new standards for what’s possible in music. Here’s to more groundbreaking music from these remarkable artists.
by Kareshia Prioleau | Sep 29, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Killer Mike, one of hip hop’s most respected voices, is setting the stage on fire again. This time, he’s teaming up with T.I., JID, and Jacquees to deliver a much-anticipated track, “MAYNARD VIGNETTE.” This collaboration is a part of the deluxe edition of Killer Mike’s sixth studio album, ‘MICHAEL,’ set for release this Friday, September 15.
Eager fans were given a taste of what’s to come on September 8 when the rapper dropped the video of his latest song, “MAYNARD VIGNETTE.” The song is a tribute to a former Atlanta mayor and is a testament to Killer Mike’s upbringing and journey to success.
The song “MAYNARD VIGNETTE” is a lyrical masterpiece that paints a vivid picture of Killer Mike’s life. The rapper’s verses are a reflection of his past, touching upon his hard upbringing and his path to success. The narrative is raw and real, making it relatable to a large number of his fans.
“I’m a young Black Maynard, mama gospel singer, daddy dope slanger, born from the anger, tryna work an angle, get up out of danger, and on the pistol, the trigger hold the finger, movin’ like a surgeon, got life and death in hand, ’cause I done seen the serpents put a hit on they best friend, but ain’t that the way it go?”
The music video for “MAYNARD VIGNETTE” serves as a visual representation of the song’s lyrics. It features old footage of the former mayor and a mural being created in his honor. Additionally, the video shows Killer Mike and T.I. at a music session at Stankonia Studios, with cameo appearances by CeeLo Green, Wiz Khalifa, Elliott Wilson, and more.
Killer Mike has consistently proven himself to be a force in the music industry. His ability to create music that resonates with his listeners has earned him a dedicated fanbase. His collaborations with other industry heavyweights, like T.I., JID, and Jacquees, only further prove his versatility and commitment to delivering quality music.
In addition to his music, Killer Mike is also known for his activism and his outspoken stance on social justice issues. His influence extends beyond the realm of music, making him an important figure in the current cultural landscape.
With the release of ‘MICHAEL’ Deluxe Edition just around the corner, fans have a lot to look forward to. If “MAYNARD VIGNETTE” is any indication of what’s to come, the album promises to be a hit.
Killer Mike’s journey, as depicted in his lyrics, is a testament to his talent and dedication. His story, his music, and his activism are all part of what makes him a pivotal figure in the music industry. As we await the release of ‘MICHAEL’ Deluxe Edition, we can only expect more great things from Killer Mike.
RECENT COMMENTS