by Diontae Bussey | Nov 4, 2021 | Latest, Music News |
Is Drake the Most Must-Listen Rappers in Hip Hop?
Drake has been called one of the most popular rappers in recent times due to his mainstream success. Drake is an artist who has broken through hip-hop’s typical skepticism of outsiders, scoring major hits for himself with collaborations, singles, and tours.
Who is Drake
Drake is a Canadian rapper, songwriter and actor born as Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986. He first gained recognition as an actor on the teen drama television series Degrassi: The Next Generation in the early 2000s. As a rapper, Drake soon became known for emotional rapping about his life, which he often expresses in Kanye West’s style of singing rather than rapping.
Drake’s most popular songs
Drake has been generating buzz in the hip hop industry since he recorded “Best I Ever Had”. His trademark style is versatile and can range from straight up rap lyrics to singing. He also enjoys working with other rappers such as Jay Z, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and once which has given him much popularity.
The Impact of Drake
Drake has become one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time. His rapping skills and magnetic personality have taken him to the top of the charts and won over mainstream audiences. Drake’s songs often talk about his come up and “hustle so hard for this” mentality which appeals to both world weary adults and young boys who want quick riches and easy success.
Influences of Drake on Modern Rap
Drake has always been a trendsetter when it comes to popularizing music. In recent years, he has been able to establish himself as a viable rapper in a scene saturated with fierce competition. Aside from the unique sound of his voice, which makes him so distinguishable, his quick wit and delivery have rapidly made him one of the most listened rap artists in the industry today. One thing is for sure: Drake would be an incredible addition to any hip-hop lineup.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Tanyette McCoy Davis | Aug 24, 2021 | Business News, Latest, Music News |
It is a well-known fact that although platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music enjoy millions of listeners, they are not as generous with their payments to artists. However, recent research has uncovered an unexpected and shocking fact, which further explores how terrible the situation is. When it comes to payments per stream, Peloton managed to beat every other platform.
Recently, it was revealed by The Trichordist in “Streaming Price Bible” that according to the numbers from 2019, music rights holders were offered just 0.35 cents per stream by Spotify. On the other hand, Apple Music offered 0.68 cents per stream and Tidal paid 0.88 cents per stream. Finally, the least amount was paid by YouTube- 0.15 cents per stream. Interestingly, the amount paid by Peloton is much higher, at 3.1 cents per stream.
It is undoubtedly surprising that a fitness company is offering better compensation for artists when compared to streaming services. This disparity is better explained by Slate. The higher compensation rate of Peloton can be attributed to the fact that songs are played consistently during classes, and thus, the company needed to seek public performance rights coupled with publishing rights.
In essence, when specific units of music, such as vinyl or digital files are produced, mechanical royalties must be paid. Any third-party entity that records, manufactures, and distributes copyrighted music is paid, and the artists receive funds eventually. In simple terms, performance royalties are paid when artists perform live, either in movies, TV shows, or when streamed in a public setting. When it comes to Spotify and other on-demand streaming services, wherein users who don’t possess specific recording copies of a song, still can play the song when desired, and make both mechanical royalty payments and performance royalty payments to the artists. Peloton pays performance royalties for the songs it streams, and thus, it broadcasts itself as a music broadcaster resembling a radio. It’s possible for users to search for songs or playlists featuring a certain artist, but the entire experience is determined by the instructors – not you.
Yet, the fact that streaming services are able to pay artists fractions of pennies per stream remains a sore point; let’s hope they follow Peloton’s lead and offer better rates soon.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Diontae Bussey | Jul 29, 2021 | WILDE TUNA |
DMX could move from spiritual anguish one minute to a narrative about the sins of the streets the next, yet keep it all part of the same complex character, sort of like a hip-hop Johnny Cash. Fans, celebrities, family and the music world are mourning the death of rap legend DMX, who died Friday at age 50. We know the legacy and the highlights, lets talk about what sets artist apart in the game. The voice for the children that were betrayed and still fought to survive. When you not only change the rules and look of the game but do so being yourself flaws in all, you are forever inscribed in the history book of Hip-hop Pioneers.
When it came to fashion, vocal delivery, love for people and God Dmx is one of a kind and will never be duplicated. Dmx had a heavy Philadelphia influence with a big splash of the usual New York flair which made him appealing world wide. DMX until this statement is proven wrong has to be the first individual to wear Timberlands in New York during the Lugz era and that’s a check that should have been signed. On top of being one of Def Jams top artist when it came to sells, he created a movement through bike life, movies and motivational speaking. A lot of people make music but how many can be great at it and still excel in other dealings?
When it came to fashion, vocal delivery, love for people and God Dmx is one of a kind and will never be duplicated. Dmx had a heavy Philadelphia influence with a big splash of the usual New York flair which made him appealing world wide. DMX until this statement is proven wrong has to be the first individual to wear Timberlands in New York during the Lugz era and that’s a check that should have been signed. On top of being one of Def Jams top artist when it came to sells, he created a movement through bike life, movies and motivational speaking. A lot of people make music but how many can be great at it and still excel in other dealings?
Big dog link chains, iced out collars on pitbulls, 4 wheelers, bringing back the overalls with no shirt look, growling and barking on the record, or just screaming “ayyooo” in general next to Jay-z, Biggie and Pack, DMX is one of the most imitated artist to touch a mic. “Belly” one of the most notable movies in the black community standing next to other greats like “Paid in Full” “Friday” and “Boyz n The Hood” will always be a fan favorite.
DMX emerged as an unmissable force in music at the turn of the millennium, remaining an influential figure in hip-hop for the last two decades. He’s best known for hits including “Party Up (Up in Here),” “X Gon Give It To Ya,” and “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.” Despite addiction plaguing him throughout his career, DMX continued to be a force in the hip-hop genre, with six albums landing in the Billboard 200 top 10—five of which were number one. But ahead of all of that X was a great father and that showed in many ways through out his life, being a father is the key to a greater future for our children.
Thank you DMX and all hands that assisted on putting you in front of the masses to teach, learn and be heard.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jun 2, 2021 | Editorial Pick, Latest, Trending |
“FRIEND OF MINE” BY KELLY PRICE
“THE THINGS YOU DO [BAD BOY REMIX]” BY GINA THOMPSON FEAT. MISSY ELLIOTT
“HONEY” BY MARIAH CAREY
“SUMMERTIME” BY BEYONCÉ FEAT. DIDDY
“BREAKDOWN” BY MARIAH CAREY FEAT. BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY
“MO’ MONEY MO’ PROBLEMS” BY NOTORIOUS B.I.G.
“LOVE @ FIRST SIGHT” BY MARY J. BLIGE FEAT. METHOD MAN
“LET ME BLOW YA MIND” BY EVE FEAT. GWEN STEFANI
“Can’t NOBODY HOLD ME DOWN” BY PUFF DADDY FEAT MASE
“CAN’T LET HER GO” BY BOYZ II MEN
“ONLY YOU” BY 112 FEAT. NOTORIOUS BIG
“NEVER LEAVE YOU” BY LUMIDEE
“I’LL BE MISSING YOU” BY DIDDY FEAT. FAITH EVANS AND 112
“SPENDIN’ MONEY” BY R. KELLY
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY” BY NEW EDITION
Puff Daddy ft. Busta Rhymes and The Notorious B.I.G. “Victory,” No Way Out
Puff Daddy ft. Carl Thomas, Ginuwine, and Twista “Is This the End,” No Way Out
Puff Daddy ft. Foxy Brown “Friends,” No Way Out
“Niggas Bleed,” “Notorious Thugs,” “Another,” “Playa Hater,” “Nasty Boy,” “You’re Nobody (till Somebody Kills You)” from the album Life After Death.
Brian McKnight: “You Should Be Mine (Don’t Waste Your Time)” from the album Anytime
I’m sitting in my living room listening to the album “Personal Conversation” by Case (S/O to Case, your music is the perfect tempo to create a classic article) and watching one of my favorite TV shows, “Jeopardy.” The “cool factor” of Jeopardy is even if you don’t know the answer, it’s super intriguing to find out the absolute truth of the question. So when I research all of the “true” classics Stevie J has produced or contributed to, I find myself in another episode of jeopardy.
Hidden genius is a beautiful quality because it doesn’t seek attention, superficial attraction, or seeks its own interest; the motivation is fueled by passion and relentless ambition. The characteristics of Stevie J are a perfect blend of God-given vision, gargantuan inner drive, unflinching confidence, and an ounce of insanity. Ok, I love Case, but the “Red Berry” Ciroc is kicking in, so I fast-forward to “Can’t nobody hold us down” off the “NO WAY OUT ALBUM.
“Normally, when you hear a sampled song, it doesn’t reinvent itself; however, that’s part of the secret formula for Stevie J. Stevie J has an amazing ability to complement a track with an untraceable production approach and signature melodic finish.
The footprints of legends can only be followed and not duplicated, and that’s why his trademark sound will and must be publicly declared. I’m so amped right now!! Music is the soundtrack to life, and when “VICTORY” comes on, so many visions and thoughts are racing through my mind. I’m pacing through my condo rapidly like I’m in the ring of a championship fight.
Yo, the sun don’t shine forever
(You can turn the track up a little bit for me)
But as long as it’s here then we might as well shine together
(All up in my ears)
Better now than never, business before pleasure
(The mic is loud, but the beats isn’t loud)
P-Diddy and the Fam, who you know do it better?
Timeless music!! How did Stevie J know what to add or cut from this sample and then make it work? Success has different outlooks, but the ingredients are always consistent. Stevie J hears a sound only he can ascertain and develop. When he enters into a studio, the room feels, smells, looks, and resonates with an ambrosial atmosphere.
Every great performer, athlete, entertainer, and etc has this creative arena within their mind which enables supernatural results and unfathomable heights of a phenomenon. I just finished listening to “PAIN” and “Is This The End” blares through my speakers like a Hip Hop symphony. Ginuwine, Twista, & Puff Daddy own this track like it is a birthright, and it flows like a sonic motion picture in “HD”.
Who could make “death” sound so good? Stevie J!! The overall instrumentation and sonic delivery of this track are matchless in this current era. My adrenaline is wearing off a little, so as I sit by red berry Ciroc self-down, I flip over to the track “HONEY” (Bad Boy Remix). This universal track connects with every race, gender, and a hater! Jadakiss rips it from the beginning, Styles P supplies his signature gritty undertones, Mase provides the perfect god-flow finger roll, Puff is simply being Puff, Mariah is like cool whip.
She’s good on top of any dessert! Stevie J’s behind the scenes influence is visible throughout each verse, hook, string, chord, and baseline. Stevie J is James Worthy on the fast break, and nobody finishes better. Who can make a pop record cross over to streets better than Stevie J along with the Hitmen production team.
Stevie J understands the language of music, and that’s an inborn God induced gift. Possessing the ability to coordinate over 7 instruments simultaneously, manage sound, tones, voice inflection, intonation, and most importantly, artistic chemistry.
I stop and do a 100 quick push-ups to get my blood flowing and raise my adrenaline. I switch to “Mo Money More Problems” from the 10X platinum “Life After Death” album. Once Big said ”
Uh, uh, B.I.G., P O, P P A, no info, for the, DEA
Federal agents mad cause I’m flagrant
Tap my cell and the phone in the basement
My team supreme, stay clean triple beam lyrical dream
Man, need I say more about this classic record that Stevie J was a part of during the meteoric rise of Notorious B.I.G. How many producers/people would Sean Combs trust with the music and career of B.I.G?
How many producers possess the patience, instinct, and overall musical acumen to deliver for arguably the greatest MC of all time (Its always a toss-up between B.I.G & Tupac). Stevie J’s catalog is responsible for the biggest hits during an entire decade only and not to mention after the 90’s.
When I think about the song “I’ll be missing you” and the impact the record has made worldwide and continues to assist in healing the emotional wounds of people, I often wonder the metal state of mind he commanded during those studio moments.
Knowing that B.I.G. was recently buried and the entire world was waiting and needed this record for their eternal playlist. Stevie J, Puff, Faith, 112, & Sauce Money engineered one of the greatest songs of unity in the league of “We are the world.” Everyone in the world felt compelled to mourn and be inspired at the very exact moment.
Once again, the beautiful mind of Stevie J provided the finely detailed production assembly of emotion, chords, guitar strings, blissful sounds, and undertones of Faith and 112 and made history again. But, unfortunately, most people admire, detest, applaud, aspire to, and reject Stevie J every Monday night via VH1.
The television showcases a very small portion of his life. Stevie’s life is an authentic soundtrack, and we’ve only heard a few tracks of his life. In 2016, Stevie J will ascend to new heights and release new musical jewels for the world to love again.
Stevie J is mentally, physically, and spiritually in the best shape of his life, and he’s leaving no stone unturned. Multiple movies, TV shows, business ventures, and more occupy his current and 2016 roll-out calendar.
The infamous Stevie J bus has turned into super-ultra RV, and more people have come aboard for apparent reasons. But, when you closely examine his catalog, journey, sound, music production, Faith, and God-given talent, there can only be one title: “LORD OF THE STRINGS.”
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
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