by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 29, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Philadelphia’s own, Lil Uzi Vert, has recently stirred up the Music News when he declared his impending retreat from the music industry. The artist, known for his bold and unique style, plans to release his forthcoming album Luv Is Rage 3 as his final foray into the music scene.
A Conversation With TMZ
In a recent discourse with TMZ, Lil Uzi Vert, expressed his plans for retirement post the launch of his upcoming album. The artist confirmed his decision, stating:
“Yeah, I love making music, but I don’t really want to make music like that anymore.”
While the artist did not elaborate on the specifics of “music like that”, the discussion took an interesting turn. Lil Uzi Vert revealed his ambition to pivot into the fashion industry, with a particular interest in creating women’s clothes.
A Glimpse into the Past: Teasing Retirement
This is not the first instance the artist has alluded to retirement. During a stop in Chicago for his Pink Tape Tour in October, Uzi shared his decision to step back from the music industry. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as he stated:
“I was gonna wait ’til later to say it but, you know, I’m dropping Luv Is Rage 3 and Luv Is Rage 3 will be my last album.”
He further added:
“After Luv Is Rage 3, I guess I will go on another tour. … But after that, I wanna try to live a normal life.”
A Tribute to His Fans
Despite the shock of his impending retirement, Lil Uzi Vert took the time to acknowledge his fans’ unwavering support. He expressed his gratitude, promising to give his all for his final album, Luv Is Rage 3, to keep his legacy alive.
The Road So Far: ‘Luv Is Rage’ Series
Luv Is Rage 3 is set to be the third instalment of Uzi’s Luv Is Rage series. The first part, Luv Is Rage, was released in 2015, followed by Luv Is Rage 2 in 2017. His most recent project, Pink Tape, came out in June.
His decision to leave the music industry after Luv Is Rage 3 certainly signifies the end of an era. As Lil Uzi Vert prepares to pivot towards the fashion industry, his fans eagerly anticipate his final musical offering while also looking forward to witnessing his creativity spill into the world of women’s fashion.
In the end, the question remains: Will we see Lil Uzi Vert’s eccentric style translate into his fashion creations? Only time will tell.
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 Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 8, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Yo Gotti, the renowned rapper from Memphis, is known for his relentless rise in the music industry. His journey, however, doesn’t stop at music. Gotti is making waves in the world of business, and his latest move is nothing short of impressive. This music mogul has returned to school, enrolling at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Management.
Back to School: The Unconventional Student
Gotti’s decision to hit the books again is a testament to his determination to excel in his business pursuits. After wrapping up his successful Gangsta Art tour with prominent artists like GloRilla, EST Gee, and Moneybagg Yo, the rapper has set his eyes on mastering ‘Corporate Valuation’, a comprehensive course taught at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
Offered at UCLA, the Corporate Valuation course is a rigorous program designed to explore analytical tools pertinent to valuing various business aspects.
Gotti’s Business Ventures
Aside from his flourishing music career, Yo Gotti has been dabbling in various entrepreneurial ventures. His record label, Collective Music Group (CMG), received accolades from Billboard last May. Gotti is also a co-owner of the professional men’s soccer club, D.C. United, and owns Prive, a popular restaurant in Memphis. His investments span across real estate and electronic sports (esports).
by Harris | Nov 24, 2023 | Music News, New Music Alert |
Latto, a trailblazer in the music industry, shares her candid experiences as a woman in the realm of hip-hop. In a recent interview with XXL, the artist behind the hit album “777” delves into the intricacies of being a female rapper entertainer. She outlines the distinct elements that form the backbone of her artistic expression, which include bold lyrics and striking attire.
In the face of criticism and misunderstanding, Latto stands her ground, affirming that these elements are integral to her craft and the broader landscape of female rap. This article explores the challenges she faces, her responses to them, and the importance of her voice in the industry.
The Spotlight on Female Rapper Entertainers
According to Latto, the concept of a female rapper entertainer could encompass sexual lyrics, risqué clothes, and other elements that might be considered controversial. However, she affirms her comfort with these elements, asserting that they constitute the entertainment aspect of female rap.
“That, to me, is the entertainment of female rap. And I think sometimes people—my peers, our peers in the industry, our male peers—take that as an invitation. Like, ‘Oh, yeah, she like that. I’m open to talking to you outside of music or like, whatever.’ I think they don’t really know how to keep it business.”
CONFRONTING MISUNDERSTANDINGS IN THE INDUSTRY
Latto expresses that her male colleagues often misinterpret her artistic expressions as personal invitations, failing to keep the line between business and personal interactions clear. This common misunderstanding has led to several discomforting situations for the artist.
The Challenges of Being a Woman in Hip-Hop
Latto admits that navigating the male-dominated hip-hop industry is far from smooth sailing. Female artists like her are subjected to heightened scrutiny from blogs, fans, and commentators, and they often have to work twice as hard to achieve the same recognition as their male counterparts.
Latto’s Call to Action
Latto encourages more female artists to speak up about the challenges they face. Despite the pressure to keep silent, she believes it’s crucial to highlight the issues to bring about necessary changes in the industry.
Conclusion
Latto’s honesty about her experiences as a woman in hip-hop provides a much-needed perspective on the realities of the music industry. Her ability to confront these challenges and continue creating art is a testament to her strength and resilience. Her voice is not just a medium for entertainment, but also a beacon of inspiration for other female artists navigating the rough seas of the hip-hop industry.
by Derrick T Lewis | Nov 23, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Brian Friedman / Shutterstock.com
Memphis Bleek, a renowned figure in the music industry, recently shared his intriguing tale of his relationship with Jay-Z. Their musical collaboration, which had been dormant for over two decades, has sparked curiosity among their fans and followers.
The Unavoidable Question
During a press tour in New York City, the famous news outlet, TMZ, approached Bleek with a series of questions. Among them, one query stood out: Why hadn’t he and Jay-Z teamed up for a track since 2002’s “As One” from The Blueprint 2 album?
Bleek’s response was surprisingly candid. He insinuated that it was Jay-Z, the founder of Roc Nation, who was reluctant to collaborate with him.
“He knows I’m better than him. That’s why he doesn’t want to collaborate with me on a song. He fears I might outshine him. He’d rather keep me away from his records because he believes I’m too good. That’s why he suggested I venture into the liquor business.”
Memphis Bleek and Jay-Z: A Historic Duo
During the early phases of his career, Memphis Bleek was considered Jay-Z’s protégé and occasional hype man. They collaborated on various tracks, such as “Coming of Age,” “Change the Game,” “Is That Your Chick,” “Get Your Mind Right Mami,” “My Mind Right,” “Can I Live II,” and many more.
A Shift in Focus: From Music to Liquor
Bleek eventually transitioned from the music scene to take over Jay-Z’s D’usse Cognac brand. His efforts significantly contributed to the brand’s popularity in the market. When asked about his shift in focus during an interview with VIBE in 2017, Bleek shared:
“I was in JAY Z’s office, and I told him I wanted to transition from music. I never had any job in my life, not even a summer youth program. I had always been into music. However, I wanted to try my hand at working. I’m a part of everything at D’Usse. I started this thing, the first hashtag went out on my page.”
Conclusion
Memphis Bleek’s story serves as a fascinating insight into the world of music and business. His journey from being a protégé of Jay-Z to leading a popular liquor brand is nothing short of inspiring. The world eagerly waits for what the future holds for this multi-talented personality.
In the end, whether or not we’ll see another collaboration between Memphis Bleek and Jay-Z remains an intriguing mystery for their fans. Until then, we can only relish their past hits and anticipate a future where these two music giants might share the stage once again.
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