by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 22, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
21 Savage, a renowned name in the music industry, has recently made a startling revelation about the nature of his lyrics. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, the artist, born as Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, explained that his music is primarily a work of fiction, a creative interpretation rather than a reflection of his personal experiences.
A Closer Look at Savage’s Lyrics
Fans have long assumed that the rapper’s lyrics were a mirror to his life, with their raw and gritty street-centric narratives. However, Savage has debunked these assumptions, stating, “I just think of it in my head. Some of it be based off of real life, but a lot of it be creative stories.”
The Reality Behind the Artist
In 2019, Savage’s personal life became a subject of public interest when it was revealed that he was a British immigrant, contrary to the popular belief that he was an Atlanta native. The Grammy Award-winning artist was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the grounds of being “unlawfully present” in the U.S.
The Immigration Controversy
Savage was only seven when he moved to the U.S with his parents. Unfortunately, his visa allegedly expired a year after settling in Atlanta, leading to his unlawful status. The rapper faced the threat of deportation and a ten-year ban from returning to the U.S.
Legal Troubles
Adding to his woes, Savage had a 2014 felony drug case in Fulton County on his record. Interestingly, ICE was unaware of his immigration status during his arrest.
The Fight for Citizenship
Savage had reportedly been trying to renew his visa since 2017. He even applied for a U visa petition, a provision for victims to aid law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting crimes without facing deportation.
A Happy Resolution
In October 2023, four years after his arrest, Savage was granted U.S. citizenship. With his status now legal, he was finally allowed to travel internationally. This led to a successful European tour, featuring a sold-out concert in London.
The Journey Continues
Now a U.S. citizen, Savage is looking forward to releasing his third solo album. He mentioned to Rolling Stone that the album is in the works, although the mixes have yet to be completed. This upcoming album marks his first solo venture in five years following the release of “Savage Mode II” with Metro Boomin and “Her Loss” with Drake.
The Takeaway
Savage’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the hurdles, he continues to create music, expressing himself through his unique lyrical style. While his lyrics may not be a direct reflection of his life, they are still a powerful form of his artistic expression.
Coming Attractions
Fans can look forward to Savage’s upcoming album, which promises to be another showcase of his creative genius. Stay tuned for more music news on 21 Savage and his journey in the world of music.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 21, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Renowned rapper Kid Cudi is taking a bold stride into the literary world. The talented musician announced on a recent Friday night that he has been working on a memoir, which he plans to release in the coming year.
Cudi’s Memoir: A Glimpse into the Artist’s Life
In an announcement made through X (previously known as Twitter), Kid Cudi revealed the title of his upcoming memoir, ‘CUDI.’ The name is a nod to his legal name, Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi. His fans eagerly await the release, expected around September next year.
The memoir promises to be an intimate tour through the life and mind of Kid Cudi. It will encompass his experiences, emotions, highs and lows, and the people who’ve influenced him along his journey.
“Going through my life and the journey its been so far is bringing me so much peace just talking about certain things and how they made me feel. Moments, people, aging, the fun, the madness, the darkness, such a beautiful ride,” Kid Cudi expressed.
He further added,
“I know this book will inspire you to live your life to the fullest every chance you get, reach for your dreams and work hard to bring them to reality, and keep God close. Because through all the ups and downs, He’s the one that’s never left you alone. My hope is that after you read this, you’ll have the confidence to bet on yourself, and strive to live life as a better human on this planet and spread love.”
Looking Forward: Book Signings Around the Globe
In addition to releasing the memoir, Kid Cudi also announced plans for a global bookstore tour where he’ll sign copies of his memoir. However, details about the book’s publisher and the official release date remain under wraps.
Kid Cudi and Music News: Recent Collaborations and Performances
In recent music news, Kid Cudi was spotted with the artist formerly known as Kanye West at the latter’s Vultures livestream event with Ty Dolla Sign. The two seemed to have resolved their differences, with Kid Cudi featuring on the new album with a probable song titled “Gun to My Head.”
Wrapping Up
Kid Cudi’s foray into the literary world with his memoir, ‘CUDI,’ has stirred excitement among his fans. Through his book, the rapper-turned-author hopes to inspire readers to live life to the fullest and chase their dreams. As fans await more details about the memoir and the scheduled bookstore tour, they can enjoy his recent music collaborations.
Embodying the essence of his memoir, Kid Cudi’s journey serves as a reminder to embrace one’s individuality, chase dreams relentlessly, and spread love throughout the world. As he puts it,
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 18, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
A rapper’s life is not always about the glamour and fame. Sometimes, it’s about ordinary moments that turn into extraordinary creative inspirations. ASAP Rocky, one of the most influential figures in the world of hip-hop, recently proved this with his latest short film for Beats, capturing a unique studio session-interrupting diaper run.
A Sneak Peek into the Life of ASAP Rocky
In the world of music, ASAP Rocky has always been known for his unique style and fearless approach. His latest short film, a collaboration with Beats, highlights an aspect of his life that many fans might find unexpected – his dedication as a father, and how it intertwines with his work.
The Short Film
The short film, titled “Iconic Sound,” is Rocky’s brand commercial directorial debut. The film offers a glimpse into his life at home in the midst of a recording session. The session is interrupted when Rihanna, Rocky’s partner, alerts him to a shortage of diapers, sending him on an unexpected errand. The diaper run, though seemingly mundane, becomes an intriguing adventure with Rocky at the helm. The run to the AWGE Bodega is done in true Rocky style, with him sporting a pair of Beats Studio Pro headphones. This particular detail reinforces the intertwining of his music and personal life.
The “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” Track
Produced by Pharrell, the track “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” is the musical backdrop for this unorthodox journey. The song features multiple mentions of Rihanna, adding another layer of personal touch to an already intimate narrative.
ASAP Rocky subtly introduces Rihanna into his verses, adding a touch of romance to his gritty rap. For instance, in the first verse, Rocky smoothly drops the line, “My wife is erotic, I’m smokin’ exotic.” Further along in the second verse, he declares, “Pass on the sweetie, I got me a RiRi.” These lyrics not only confirm their relationship but also emphasize the deep affection he holds for her. The song also mentions a “new collab with my baby mom,” further solidifying the bond between Rocky and Rihanna. This mention has sparked interest and speculation among fans about possible future collaborations.
This unique combination of personal life, music, and commercial artistry has created a buzz in the music news circles. The short film and the track “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” together offer a fresh perspective on ASAP Rocky as an artist and as an individual. The boldness of Rocky’s narrative, combined with the relatable depiction of everyday life, adds a new dimension to his image. It unravels a story of a man who is not just a rapper, but also a partner and a father, fearlessly blending his personal and professional life.
In a world where celebrities often portray a polished version of their lives, ASAP Rocky’s candid representation is like a breath of fresh air. This exploration of his life, through the short film and the track “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n),” offers a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. It’s a testament to his nonconformity and individuality, capturing the essence of what makes ASAP Rocky a true icon in the music industry.
by Laghe Andrews | Dec 14, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Hip-hop artist Lil Durk finds himself embroiled in a legal tussle with financial technology company, Exceed Talent Capital. The rapper, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, is accused of fraudulent dealings involving the rights to his music track “Bedtime.” The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, seeks a hefty sum of $12 million in damages.
The Allegations
In court documents viewed by Music Business Worldwide, Exceed Talent Capital alleges that the rapper agreed to sell them the rights to “Bedtime.” This agreement was made despite an existing exclusive contract between Lil Durk and Alamo Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.
“Exceed Talent Capital acquired the “Bedtime” rights for $600,000, only to discover later that Durk had previously assigned the same rights to a third party.”
This alleged double dealing has landed the rapper in hot water, with the fintech startup seeking recompense for the hefty sum it paid for the rights.
The Fallout
Exceed Talent Capital claims that the fallout from the failed deal has caused significant harm to its reputation and relationships with partners and investors. The company had already paid $450,000 of the $600,000 owed when it was notified by Alamo Records about Durk’s exclusive recording agreement. The revelation forced Exceed to return the funds invested by third parties.
The list of defendants in the lawsuit extends beyond Lil Durk. Manager Andrew “Dilla” Bonsu, Only The Family Entertainment, Inc, OTF Label, and firm TTPMG are also implicated in the legal action.
Prior Partnership with Exceed
Before this dispute, Lil Durk and Exceed had announced a partnership in October last year. The partnership aimed to offer fans a “Trenches All-Access Pass,” akin to an NFT. This pass promised access to a private Grand Theft Auto roleplay server created by the rapper, which at the time had a waitlist of over 15,000 users.
Fans were offered lifetime access, limited edition in-game wearables, and a chance to invest in shares from proceeds of “Bedtime.” However, this partnership has taken a sour turn with the recent allegations.
The Music Industry’s Response
The music industry has responded with mixed reactions to the lawsuit. Last week, it was reported that the artist formerly known as Kanye West expressed interest in buying out Durk’s contract from Sony. This comes as a significant development, given the high-profile nature of both artists.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings continue, the future of Lil Durk’s music career and his relationships with music labels and tech companies remains uncertain. The outcome of this case could potentially have far-reaching implications for the music industry and the intersection of music and technology.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in business dealings, particularly in industries like music where intellectual property rights are paramount. It remains to be seen how Lil Durk will respond to these allegations and what impact this will have on his career and reputation.
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