Urban Charts

The 6th annual “URBAN ONE HONORS,” taped at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, GA,

The 6th annual “URBAN ONE HONORS,” taped at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, GA, on Saturday, January 20, the two-hour “URBAN ONE HONORS: Best in Black” event premieres during Black History Month on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 8/7C, on TV One and simulcast on CLEO TV.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Teyana Taylor attends The 6th Annual URBAN ONE HONORS: Best In Black presented by TV One at Coca Cola Roxy on January 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for TV One)

 

This year’s distinguished recipients include Mary J. Blige, named the Entertainment Icon Honoree; Dionne Warwick, recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Honoree; Chlöe, celebrated as the Generation Next Honoree; Frankie Beverly, honored as a Living Legend, and Donald Lawrence, acclaimed for his Inspirational Impact. 

Teyana Taylor, Summer Walker, Bebe Winans, Damon Little, Angie Stone, October London, alongside a reunion featuring KeKe Wyatt, Chanté Moore, and Nicci Gilbert (cast of R&B Divas) rounded out the star-studded lineup of performers and presenters. GRAMMY Award-winning singer and actress LeToya Luckett returned to host the event’s “Backstage Pass,” featuring exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers, and presenters.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: LeToya Luckett attends The 6th Annual URBAN ONE HONORS: Best In Black presented by TV One at Coca Cola Roxy on January 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for TV One)

Sponsors for Urban One Honors include Ally, P&G, Rocket Mortgage, Subaru, Intuit TurboTax, Walt Disney World® Resort, and Walmart.

“URBAN ONE HONORS” is the ultimate celebration of Black Excellence, acknowledging  individuals whose remarkable achievements and significant contributions have left an indelible mark on the arts, media, music, and the community. Presented by TV One, the 2024 6th annual “URBAN ONE HONORS” is the official kickoff celebration for TV One’s 20th Anniversary, marking two decades of excellence in entertainment. 

 

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Summer Walker attends The 6th Annual URBAN ONE HONORS: Best In Black presented by TV One at Coca Cola Roxy on January 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for TV One)

“URBAN ONE HONORS” is produced for TV One by James Seppelfrick of The Cheat Code. Marilyn Gill is the Executive Producer. Myriam Leger will serve as Director and Daniel Moore as Music Director. Kashon Powell is the Vice President of Programming for Radio One and Susan Henry is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production for TV One. 

Visit TVOne.tv for more information. Photo Credit: Getty Images for TV One

Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign’s Elusive Album ‘Vultures’ Will Drop on New Year’s Eve

Kanye West failed to drop his collaborative album Vultures with Ty Dolla $ign this past Friday (Dec. 15), but his spokesperson told Billboard that he has a new release date. The elusive album will arrive Dec. 31 on New Year’s Eve.

Vultures has been the talk of the genre these last few weeks, considering West’s controversial remarks and numerous clearance issues. Kanye’s anticipated “Everybody” record, which samples the Backstreet Boys 1999 hit “Backstreet Back,” was reportedly not cleared. In addition, last week, Nicki Minaj failed to grant West’s request to clear their 2018 collaboration “New Body.” During her Instagram Live, Minaj responded to a text message she received from West regarding clearance, and the Queens MC denied him the opportunity.

“Now regarding Kanye, that train has left the station, OK?” she said. “No disrespect in any way, I just put out a brand new album. Now why would I put out a song that has been out for three years? Come on guys. You know?” West responded to Minaj’s rejection at a Vultures listening party, saying, “I made that girl rewrite her verse three times for ‘Monster.’ I supported her career.” 

At the same listening party, West went on a lengthy diatribe where he namedropped several celebrities, including Jay-Z, Drake, Travis Scott, and Donald Trump. “Who you think the old man call? When we put Drake on stage, who you think the old man call? You know what I’m saying. Drake, this is what you been waiting for. Jay-Z, this is what you been waiting for. Adidas, this is what you been waiting for. Kim, this is what you been waiting for.”

Vultures drops Dec. 31. 

LIFETIME AND A&E TO SIMULCAST THE DOCUMENTARY SPECIAL

Known for their powerful and award-winning documentary storytelling, Lifetime and A&E will simulcast the new two-hour documentary TLC Forever, chronicling the journey of the top-selling American female group of all time who led the way with their music, message, and their style. The special documents the revolutionary group that broke boundaries, influenced an entire generation and survived against all odds as T-Boz and Chilli tell their story for the first time in a feature documentary. TLC Forever is directed by Matthew Kay and is executive-produced by Academy Award-winning and Emmy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams (The Apollo) and his production company with Emmy® Award-winning producer Geoff Martz, One Story Up. TLC Forever will simulcast on Lifetime and A&E on Saturday, June 3rd at 8pm ET/PT.

Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1990, TLC consisted of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. Having sold over 85 million records worldwide, the group enjoyed success, scoring nine top-ten hits and winning over 35 major awards including Video of the Year Award for “Waterfalls” Billboard Hot 100, including four number-one singles “Creep”, “Waterfalls”, “No Scrubs”, and “Unpretty”. Accolades include nine top-ten hits, four career Grammy® Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, and five Soul Train Music Awards.

However the glow of success was accompanied by darkness, controversy and tragedy, as TLC balanced worldwide fame and massive notoriety against internal fallouts, external attacks, bankruptcy, and illness. When Left Eye died tragically in 2002, the group faced not only immense pain and an uncertain future but also felt abandoned by the entertainment industry despite iconic achievements. Against all odds and through all the struggles, the group persevered with courage, love and unity, forging a new path to success, including launching a new tour slated for summer 2023.

Williams’ recent work includes HBO’s The Apollo, which won an Emmy® in 2020 for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, Emmy-nominated VR Experience Travelling While Black, and Academy Award-nominated and Emmy® Award-winning Life, Animated. Williams was the first African American director to win an Academy Award for his film Music By Prudence.

Kay is an award-winning British documentary director, who over the past decade, has directed and shot a variety of projects for broadcasters such as BBC and platforms like Netflix. Most recently, his documentary Little Miss Sumo was acquired by Netflix.

BURNA BOY KICKED OFF HIS LOVE, DAMINI SUMMER TOUR IN BARBADOS throughout the summer 2022

BURNA BOY’S LOVE, DAMINI BECOMES HIGHEST CHARTING NIGERIAN ALBUM IN HISTORY

BURNA BOY KICKED OFF HIS LOVE, DAMINI SUMMER TOUR IN BARBADOS throughout the summer 2022 Burna Boy connects Afrobeats to its worldwide kin: R&B, Jamaican dancehall, reggaeton, Congolese rumba, hip-hop and more.

Images Captured by HRM Yo Yo Parker – Contributing Photographer ( Dallas )

Lucky Daye Releases New Album ‘Candydrip’

New Orleans-native, R&B powerhouse Lucky Daye releases his highly-anticipated new album Candydrip via Keep Cool/RCA Records.

Produced by longtime collaborator D’Mile, Candydrip explores Daye’s redefinition of modern R&B through a futuristic, Sci-Fi world, shaped by the inspiration of Afrofuturism. The 17-track body of work is the taste of a new era for Lucky, one that celebrates his rise to stardom, while still bringing listeners on a ride they’ve never experienced before. Also, along for the journey are collaborators and friends – rapper Smino, modern Chicago–drill zeitgeist Lil Durk, and synth-soul group Chiiild.

Candydrip continues the sensory experience that Lucky first introduced with Painted, only this time, it’s taste over sight. “Candydrip focuses mostly on flavors,” he explains, “and the idea of flavors versus Painted, which was about colors. These are a bunch of different flavors of songs, giving you ear candy in different ways.”

Daye’s most recent single “NWA” ft. Lil Durk received praise from NPR, The FADER, BET, and HotNewHipHop 

who hailed the track as having “addictive and earworm-esque melodies to ensure this song will be stuck in your head long after you stop listening.” The album also features previous singles “Candy Drip” and “Over,” both of which were also met with critical acclaim upon release. Daye delivered an electrifying performance of “Over” on the BET Soul Train Awards last fall where he was also nominated for Best Male R&B Artist.

Watch HERE. Daye also recently performed “Over” as a surprise guest with Musiq Soulchild during his Verzuz with Anthony Hamilton.

Lucky Daye is set to embark on a tour through North America this spring, kicking off March 18th in Portland, OR, which will hit major cities including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago before culminating on April 25th at New York City’s Terminal 5. See the full list of dates below, more information can be found at https://www.luckydaye.com.

Listen/Stream Candydrip HERE.

Jazmine Sullivan’s ‘Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales’ Tales: The Deluxe’ Available Everywhere

CONTAINS TEN NEW SONGS AND TALES INCLUDING “ISSA’S TALE” BY ISSA RAE

[New York, NY – February 11, 2022] Today, 15-time Grammy-nominated vocal sensation Jazmine Sullivanreleases Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe, available everywhere via RCA Records – click here to listen.

The deluxe version takes the original to another level with five new tracks including “Tragic,” “Hurt Me So Good,” “Roster,” “BPW,” and “Selfish,” plus five new tales including “Issa’s Tale” by actress, writer, producer Issa Rae.

Released January 8, 2021, Heaux Tales debuted at #1 on the R&B Albums chart, #2 on the R&B/Hip Hop chart and #4 on the Billboard 200 chart. Heaux Tales marked Sullivan’s second #1 R&B Albums chart debut, fifth Top 5 R&B/Hip-Hop Albums debut and her highest debut on the Billboard 200 chart. The RIAA-certified Platinum track, “Pick Up Your Feelings,” earned Jazmine her first #1 on both the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay and Mediabase R&B Airplay charts. Earlier this week, “Girl Like Me” featuring H.E.R.earned RIAA-certified Gold status.

Sullivan is currently nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album, Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “Pick Up Your Feelings.” She is also nominated for four 2022 NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Album.

Sullivan’s new release comes ahead of her sold-out “The Heaux Tales Tour,” which kicks off February 15 at Portland’s Roseland Theater. Click here for full tour schedule.

Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe:
https://jazminesullivan.lnk.to/HeauxTalesMoTalesDeluxe

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N.W.A, Donna Summer, Gladys Knight & More to Receive 2024 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Awards

the Recording Academy’s 2024 lifetime achievement award honorees. Also announced on Friday (Jan. 5), Peter Asher, DJ Kool Herc and Joel Katz are trustees award recipients; Tom Kobayashi and Tom Scott are technical Grammy award honorees; and “Refugee,” written by K’naan, Steve McEwan, and Gerald Eaton (a.k.a. Jarvis Church), is being honored with the best song for social change award.

KANSAS CITY – JUNE 1989: Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren. DJ Yella (front), and Dr. Dre, rapper Laylaw from Above The Law and rapper The D.O.C. (rear) poses for photos before their performances during N.W.A.’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’ tour at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri in June 1989. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

The Recording Academy’s 2024 Special Merit Award honorees, as they are collectively known, will be saluted at a Grammy Week ceremony on Feb. 3 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.

“The Academy is honored to pay tribute to this year’s Special Merit Award recipients — a remarkable group of creators and industry professionals whose impact resonates with generations worldwide,” Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. “Their contributions to music span genres, backgrounds and crafts, reflecting the rich diversity that fuels our creative community. We look forward to honoring these music industry trailblazers next month as part of our week-long celebration leading up to Music’s Biggest Night.”

Two of this year’s honorees are current Grammy nominees. Laurie Anderson is nominated for best historical album for Words & Music, May 1965 (Deluxe Edition). Karen Clark-Sheard of The Clark Sisters is nominated on her own for best gospel performance/song for “God Is Good.”

Four are being honored posthumously – Donna Summer, Tammy Wynette, Eazy-E of N.W.A, and sound engineer Tom Kobayashi.

Here’s a quick look at this year’s 11 Special Merit Award honorees: Laurie Anderson The Clark Sisters Gladys Knight N.W.A Donna Summer Tammy Wynette Peter Asher DJ Kool Herc Joel Katz K’naan’s “Refugee”

GRAMMY® AWARD-NOMINATED ARTIST, ENTREPRENEUR, AND PHILANTHROPIST FAT JOE RETURNS AS HOST & CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” 2023
PREMIERING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 AT 9 PM ET/PT ON BET

September 14, 2023 – Today, GRAMMY® Award-nominated recording artist, actor, author, entrepreneur, and media personality Fat Joe was announced as the returning host & Co-Executive Producer of “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023. Taped from Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, GA, on Tuesday, October 3, the broadcast premiere will air on Tuesday, October 10, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET. This year’s show continues the celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary by bringing together the hottest names in music, from emerging artists to pioneering acts who have made a cultural impact through the genre. The official “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023 nominations, selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders, performers, and presenters, were announced last week, with 21 Savage and Cardi B leading this year’s nominations with an outstanding 12 nods each. To see the complete list of “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023 official nominees, go HERE. Fans can get in the action by voting for the DJ of the Year, Producer of the Year, and Best Hip Hop platform categories at https://www.bet.com/votehha23   

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Fat Joe attends BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/ Filmmagic)

“We are thrilled to welcome back a true hip hop legend in Fat Joe as this year’s host! As we round out a banner year of celebrating hip hop’s landmark half century of influencing culture, he is the perfect emcee to lead us through what promises to be an iconic night,” said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “Throughout his career, he has continued to be a leader within the culture, bridging the gap between generations. We can’t wait to watch what he comes up with for this year’s show.”

“Hip hop is my life, and I’m extremely proud to return as host of ‘BET Hip Hop Awards’ 2023,” Fat Joe said. “We’re going to make this year’s award show even bigger while also celebrating our hip-hop stars and pioneers in a spectacular way. It’s going to be a legendary night of music and entertainment and you’re not going to want to miss it.”

                              Digable Planets

Review by Heavy Rotation Magazine Written by Tony Patterson 

Cool Like Dat Trio performance live in New Orleans May 4, 2023 at The House Of Blues. Digable Planets was formed in the golden era of hip-hop,late 80’s early 90’s. Rap verses over jazzy samples records & loop samples from records way back from the 40’s 50’s and 60’s. Creative artist in that era of hiphop really conveyed a poetic form of music to there fans. Filled with literate lyrics, honey-smooth flows, and inventive arrangements, their music captivated the audience for two hours with screaming fans.

Doodlebug made it very clear to the fans quote “ 30years 30years Digable Planets have been rocking with y’all” their are not to many hiphop trio/groups from that era of hiphop can say that. On their 1993 debut, Reachin’ (A New Refutation Of Time And Space), the threesome showed just how rich and vibrant the musical product of three distinctive minds working in harmony could be. Musically, they incorporated elements of funk, samba, and psychedelia into their street-savvy hip-hop; jazz, in particular, played a pivotal role. 

It was for sure a moment in hiphop time, most people don’t equate rap/hiphop music as timeless music, however, I beg to differ’ hiphop that was created in the late 80’s early 90’s captured the social construct of the soul of the people. Disable Planets 1993 Album Reachin’ was a master piece in hiphop culture, records like, Nickel Bags, Where I’m From, & Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like That) were classics. If your a fan of good hiphop music, I challenge you to checkout one of the most underrated rap trio’s of all times’ Digable Planets. 

 KENDRICK LAMAR RULED 

THE “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” 2022 WITH 6 WINS

Kendrick Lamar ruled the night with 6 wins, including ‘Artist of the Year,’ ‘Lyricist of the Year,’ ‘Best Live Performer, ‘ and ‘Album of the Year’ for Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. He shared two additional wins including ‘Best Hip Hop Video’ for “Family Ties” with Baby Keem and ‘Video Director of the Year’ with Dave Free.  Drake took home three wins including ‘Best Collaboration for “Wait For U” with Future and Tems, then tying himself for the ‘Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse’ with contributions on “Wait For U” and Jack Harlow’s “Churchill Downs.” 

EarthGang won for ‘Best Duo or Group,’ Latto scored ‘Song of the Year’ for “Big Energy” and Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” was crowned as the ‘Impact Track’. Hitmaka was named ‘Producer of the Year’ and DJ Dramasnagged ‘DJ of the Year.’ Newcomer Glo Rilla was crowned ‘Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist’ and Benjamin Epps (France) won ‘Best International Flow.’ “Caresha Please” and “Drink Champs” tied for the coveted ‘Best Hip Hop Platform’ award.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 30: T.I. and Hitmaka attend the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 at The Cobb Theater on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)

An all-star tribute to the iconic LOUD Records and its pioneering founder Steve Rifkind turned up the show with a legendary lineup of David Banner featuring Lil’ Flip, Dead Prez, Mobb Deep with Lil’ Kim, M.O.P., Remy Ma and Fat Joe, Three 6 Mafia and Wu-Tang Clan. “I Am Hip Hop” honoree Trina delivered a heartfelt speech that moved the crowd followed by Fivio Foreign closing out the show with Lil Tjay.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Kodak Black performs onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BET)

Baby Tate, Big Boss Vette, Deetranada, Guapdad 4000, Jayson Cash, Ray Vaughn, Reuben Vincent, Sa-Roc, Sauce Walka, and Topaz Jones blazed the stage in the highly anticipated cyphers followed by a digital-exclusive cypher featuring rising stars Armani Caesar, Kentheman, Nana, Navelle Hice, OT The Real, and Yung Pooda.

The Award show also featured special appearances by T.I. Trick Daddy, Tyrese, DJ EFN, DJ Cassidy, the cast of “Tyler Perry’s Zatima” (Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett), Pretty Vee, and the cast of “IMPACT ATL” (Ari Fletcher, Tae, Dess Dior, Lakeyah and Jayda Cheaves).

Scarface farewell Tour

Dallas Texas, August 18th Written by Tony Patterson

Brad Jordan aka Mr. Scarface from the legendary hip-hop group Geto Boys appear to have bless the stage with his final music tour. Spanning across nearly 3 decades,. the beloved rapper have captivated story telling rhymes across the world. In his final music tour across the US Mr. Scarface have somehow managed to hit over 30 cities. With an intimate crowd at the house of blues Mr. Scareface and his band “ Formaldehyde Funkmen’ rocked the crowd with records like Smile’ My Mind Playing Tricks On Me, & Mary Jane, just to name a few. Mr. Scarface spoke briefly to the audience about his battle with kidney failure and diabetes, Scarface also shared a beautiful story about his son giving him a kidney so he could survive, his son was on stage as well. Scarface will finish off his tour August 27 in Odessa Texas if you have an opportunity don’t hesitate to see this hip-hop icon one last time.

 Images Captured by Lauren Collins

w released his critically acclaimed, RIAA platinum certified debut album, THATS WHAT THEY ALL SAY in December 2020, which featured the 7x Platinum worldwide hit, “WHATS POPPIN,” which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned the 24-year-old his first GRAMMY nomination for “Best Rap Performance,” along with a wide array of other award nominations.

“COME HOME THE KIDS MISS YOU TOUR” DATES:

Dates with support from City Girls *

(additional dates to be announced)

9/5 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Center *

9/6 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium *

9/8 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory *

9/10 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall *

9/11 – Austin, TX – Moody Center *

9/13 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre *

9/17 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena *

9/20 – Inglewood, CA – The KIA Forum *

9/23 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater *

9/24 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena *

9/25- Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum *

9/27 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center *

9/28 – Denver, CO – 1STBANK Center *

9/30 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory *

10/1 – Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Arena *

10/2 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre *

10/5 – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum *

10/7- Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center *

10/8 – Philadelphia, PA – The Liacouras Center *

10/9 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

10/11 – Washington DC – The Anthem *

10/14 – Miami, FL – PFL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park *

10/1 5 Tampa, FL – Yuengling Center *

10/16 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena *

THE ESTATE OF PRODIGY OF MOBB DEEP DROPS VIDEO FOR THE SINGLE 

The Estate of Prodigy Of Mobb Deep drops the video for the latest single You Will See today. The video is a collage of past and more recent verite footage, live show clips and excerpts from music videos that show Prodigy in some of the most classics settings throughout his life and career. 

You Will See is the first visual since the artist’s passing in 2017 and it’s available on Prodigy’s YouTube channel.

Watch new video here:  https://youtu.be/w4gStbh5Bp

You Will See is the first single off the upcoming full length The Hegelian Dialectic Volume 2: The Book Of Heroine setto drop later this Summer.

About Prodigy:

One of the most iconic rappers in hip hop, Prodigy passed away on June 20th, 2017 due to complications from sickle cell anemia, the disease he battled throughout his entire life.

Black Star, Duo of Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli, Reunite for First Album in 24 Years, ‘No Fear of Time’

Black Star, the acclaimed and long-dormant hip-hop super duo of Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and Talib Kweli, have reunited for their first new album in nearly a quarter-century… but you’ll have to be a subscriber of the podcast network Luminary to hear it.

On May 3, Black Star will release their much-anticipated second LP No Fear of Time — the duo’s first since their 1998 self-titled debut album — exclusively on Luminary, along with new episodes of The Midnight Miracle, a podcast featuring Bey, Kweli and Dave Chappelle; the first two episodes of the podcast are out Friday, offering up a preview of No Fear of Time, produced entirely by Madlib.

Talib Kweli Confirms New Black Star Album With Yasiin Bey Is On The Way

Back when Yasiin Bey was known as Mos Def, he and Talib Kweli formed the group Black Star and released an album under the same name. It went on to be hailed as one of the most lyrically and culturally dense albums in the Hip Hop archives, and listeners are excited for the duo to reunite for a new project.

BUN B AND HOUSTON PRODUCER CORY MO DROP

“HESITATE” ft. Talib Kweli, Tobi Nwigwe & David Banne

New York, NY – Houston hip-hop legend Bun B and  producer Cory Mo dropped  “Hesitate,” the first single off their upcoming collaborative effort Mo Trill.

Hesitate features Talib Kweli, Tobi Nwigwe and David Banner.The single is the prelude of Bun and Cory’s upcoming project Mo Trill. The album features a roster of hip-hop heavyweights, including 2 Chainz, Benny The Butcher, Ceelo Green, Wale, just to name a few, as well as co-productions by Jazze Pha and Zaytoven.

The Fugees to Reunite for Tour Celebrating 25th Anniversary of ‘The Scoretrack album is one of the best hip-hop albums of 2021 hands-down, the record entitled Alpaca’ is one of the most unique hip-hop tracks I’ve ever heard it’s a cross between something from Santana’ one of the best guitarist of all time and the rapper Future’ in his early years. If I had to give an opposing take on this album I would say that Stalley needed to put a few more up-tempo trap records on the album to give the young emcees something to like as well, as the album is constructed I would say the age group that would enjoy this album would be, 30 years plus.

 

 

 

 

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NIECY NASH-BETTS AND ADRIENNE MALOOF HOST A PRIVATE HOLIDAY PARTY BENEFITTING THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES AND THE AMAZING GRACE CONSERVATORY

Beverly Hills’ elite gathered in the home of Adrienne Maloof to celebrate the holiday season. The event benifitted the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the Amazing Grace Conservatory. Celebrity attendees included Stevie Wonder, Lala Milan, Jeannie Mai. Kita Williams, Jessica Betts, MAJOR., Ava DuVernay and more.\

Doja Cat announces tour with Ice Spice, Doechii, including stop in Houston

Doja Cat is setting out for her first-ever headlining arena tour across North America later this fall. “The Scarlet Tour,” a 24-date trek kicks off on Oct. 31 in San Francisco with stops in Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and more major cities.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 02: Doja Cat performs during weekend one of Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park on October 02, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage)

Ice Spice and Doechii will provide support on select dates for the Live Nation-produced shows. Ticket presales start June 28 and a limited number of tickets will be available during general on-sale starting June 30 at 10 a.m. local time while supplies last.

Doja has only toured once as a headliner in her career, for a short run dubbed the “Amala Tour” back in 2019, and had planned to tour North America in support of her “Hot Pink” album in 2020, though that run was delayed due to the pandemic. She was also scheduled to open for the Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn” tour last year, though that was canceled when she had to get tonsil surgery.

Throughout the past year and a half, Doja expressed her desire to quit music via social media — especially Twitter, a platform she regularly employs to toy with spectators and critics alike. She had been on a years-long run of near-constant work, including multiple appearances on awards shows and the release of her third full-length and Grammy-nominated album, “Planet Her.” Despite this, she openly criticized her own discography online, calling her last two albums “mediocre pop” and a “cash grab” (she later deleted those statements).

Doja hasn’t released a full-length record since 2021 but unveiled a new single on June 16 titled “Attention,” where she displayed her rap skills and responded to criticisms of her appearance and her career moves. The singer said that she is “going in a more masculine direction” with her next album, which has yet to receive a release date though it’s promised to arrive sometime this year. The album is also said to incorporate more rap, even though Doja feels “a lot of people discredit me, so it’s nice to just put another one in the fucking bucket for a great rap song.”

Nov 15 — Houston, TX @ Toyota Center

*Nov 16 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center

*Nov 19 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena

*Nov 21 — Miami, FL @ Kaseya Center

#Nov 24 — Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena

*Nov 26 — Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center

#Nov 27 — Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena

#Nov 29 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center

#Nov 30 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center

#Dec 02 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden

#Dec 04 — Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena

#Dec 07 — Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center

#Dec 08 — Omaha, NE @ CHI Health Center

#Dec 10 — Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena

#Dec 11 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena

#Dec 13 — Chicago, IL @ United Center

MUSIC MOGUL TURNED REAL ESTATE TYCOON: MARQUIS BOONE INFILTRATES DUBAI REAL ESTATE

Marquis Boone, the visionary entrepreneur and music mogul who has managed and transformed the careers of numerous gospel artists, is now revolutionizing the luxury real estate scene in Dubai, as the first African American male under 40 to establish his own brokerage and investment firm in the region. Boone is blazing a trail for future generations while attracting an influx of American investors and buyers.

Over the years, Boone has accumulated more than 20 Billboard chart placements, working alongside gospel greats such as Kelontae Gavin, Casey J, Bri Babineaux, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. This millionaire impresario is now harnessing his success in the entertainment industry to break new ground in the Middle East real estate market.

Boone has been investing in Dubai real estate since 2021 and gathering investors to turn their attention to the Middle East. His brokerage firm specializes in luxury market sales, off-plan resales, and upscale development projects, providing clients with unparalleled access to Dubai’s most lavish properties. His entry into the market has been nothing short of groundbreaking, as he paves the way for future African American entrepreneurs in the region. 

“I’m ecstatic to break new ground in the Middle East as the first African American male to make my mark in this sizzling market, and I couldn’t be more excited to call Dubai my new home,” shares Boone. His Midas touch, which has already propelled numerous careers and ventures to success, is poised to help shape the real estate landscape in Dubai. Boone has no plans to slow down and has his eyes set on becoming the first African American developer in Dubai next. 

“This market is so young, fresh and wide open and I’m looking to keep expanding my companies here in Dubai through our partnerships, collaborations and expansion of new investors teaming up with me from America,” shares Boone. Dubai’s property market continues to flourish, offering attractive returns for investors, Marquis Boone’s innovative approach and with his innate ability to spot potential and drive success, you can only imagine how big this will become. By merging his expertise in entertainment and real estate, Boone is creating a powerful legacy that will redefine international investing in the Middle East and beyond. 

If you are interested in becoming an investor or interested in purchasing property with Marquise please visit https://www.marquisboone.com/mg-real-estate-dubai.

GRAMMY WINNER KELLY ROWLAND SET TO STAR AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCE THE FOURTH INSTALLMENT OF HER HOLIDAY MOVIE FRANCHISE

Los Angeles, CA (March 9, 2023) – The Liddles are back!  Lifetime is in development with the fourth installment of the Merry Liddle Christmas movies franchise, Merry Liddle Christmas Vacation set to premiere as a tentpole movie for 2023’s It’s a Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate.  Kelly Rowland returns to executive produce and star as Jacquie, who gave birth to twins in 2021’s Merry Liddle Christmas Baby. This new Liddle movie will follow the family as they head on a family vacation for the holidays. Production is set to begin later this year.

“We are so ecstatic for the next movie of this fantastic holiday movie franchise and keep the story of the Liddles going,” said EVP, Scripted Content, Tanya Lopez. “People have fallen in love with this family, and we are thrilled to continue to evolve their story with our incredible partner and star Kelly Rowland.”

“The Liddle Christmas story has literally become a big part of my own family’s Christmas. I love sitting with my family and friends to watch the films, and I am always happy to get back on set with these amazing actors who have become family,” says Kelly. “To wear two hats as executive producer and actress is always challenging and exciting. I cannot wait for everyone to see the next beautiful adventure.”

This holiday season, the Liddle family is back together again, and ready to spend the holidays at a beautiful resort. Hoping to create new Christmas traditions, the Liddles are gathered to celebrate Jacquie and Tyler’s wedding anniversary and the twins’ birthday. But their holiday vacation is far from paradise with tensions mounting with Jacquie (Kelly Rowland) feeling Tyler is prioritizing his work over their family. Meanwhile Treena and Julian struggle to balance time with each other as Kiara and Chris navigate raising Kiara’s son.  Marchelle and Wade are determined to keep Liddle Christmas traditions alive, even far from their homes, and despite the chaos of the season, the Liddles find a deeper understanding of each other, and all their small blessings complete their big Liddle family.

Merry Liddle Christmas Vacation is produced by MarVista Entertainment for Lifetime. Kelly Rowland, Larry Grimaldi, Ani Kevork, Hannah Pillemer, Fernando Szew and Loretha Jones will serve as executive producers. The script is written by Andrea Stevens and King Hassan and a search is underway for a director.

LAUNDRY DAY UNVEIL MAJOR LABEL DEBUT ALBUM “WE SWITCHED BODIES

New York City’s LAUNDRY DAY unveil their major label debut album, We Switched Bodies on Warner Records. Co-produced by Kevin Abstract and Romil Hemnani [of BROCKHAMPTON], plus veteran rock producer Brendan O’Brien [Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers], the wide-ranging 10-track record – which features new album standout “The Knots” plus recently-released favorites “Did You Sleep Last Night?,” “Connect 5” and “Worry Bout Yourself,” – blends the group’s diverse musical interests–’60s psych rock mingles with quick twitch electronic beats and expert production polish.

About LAUNDRY DAY:

All before even graduating from Beacon High School in Manhattan during June 2020, LAUNDRY DAY sold out shows at iconic venues such as The Bowery Ballroom and The Roxy, canvassed the U.S. and Europe on tour – including runs with The 1975 and Clairo – and earned support from the likes of The FADER, NME, Pigeons & Planes, and i-D who raved, “LAUNDRY DAY is reinventing the teen boy band,” as well as HYPEBEAST who named them among “Best Music Artists on the Come Up.” They recorded their 2019 album HOMESICK with producer Romil Hemnani [BROCKHAMPTON] at Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La Studios in Malibu. Of the latter, Lyrical Lemonade attested, “HOMESICK illustrates the galvanizing energy of a young group with the prowess and skill, both technical and intuitively, of a bunch of veterans, all without skipping a beat.” In 2021, they reteamed with Romil and BROCKHAMPTON’s Kevin Abstract, the production duo Video Store, to cultivate their next evolution in the studio. Additionally, they welcomed legendary producer Brendan O’Brien [Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers] into the fold to truly shock their vision to life.

Sueco has gleefully defied expectation right from the jump, fusing electric alt-pop energy with punk rock furor

“Sueco is undoubtedly a product of a new generation, one whose humor and meteoric success is unexpected, unpredictable, and nothing short of enthralling.”

Sueco has gleefully defied expectation right from the jump, fusing electric alt-pop energy with punk rock furor and off-kilter hip-hop to create something altogether without precedent and entirely his own. Now boasting over 550M worldwide streams, the Los Angeles-based singer/producer/multi-instrumentalist proved an online sensation with 2019’s RIAA gold certified breakthrough hit single, “fast.” Hailed by Rolling Stone as “a low-slung, battering ram of a record,” the track rocketed to the top spot at TikTok and #1 on Spotify’s “Viral 50 – Global” and “Viral 50 – US” charts. Sueco followed “fast” with his full-length debut project, MISCREANT, but then quickly shook up his electrifying sound with a string of increasingly pop-punk releases, including “PRIMADONA,” “SOS (Feat. Travis Barker),” and the viral sensation “Paralyzed.” After posting a teaser of “Paralyzed” on TikTok, the John Feldmann (Machine Gun Kelly, JXDN, 5SOS, Avril Lavigne)-produced track quickly racked up over 57M views, 10M likes and continues to grow. Upon release, “Paralyzed” landed on top playlists like the coveted New Music Friday and gave Sueco his first entry on both the Rolling Stone and Billboard charts.

Sueco has proven a diverse, in-demand collaborator, busting out remixes featuring such icons as Offset and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, joining forces with global superstars Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa, and Lil Yachty for 2020’s “Speed Me Up,” and lighting up Papa Roach’s 2021 single, “Swerve (Feat. FEVER 333 & Sueco).” Having earned applause from Billboard, MTV, NYLON and Alternative Press, Sueco is currently hard at work on his eagerly awaited new project, now as always expanding the parameters of his forward- thinking musical approach with idiosyncratic invention, powerhouse passion, and unstoppable creativity.

The cover art for DAYTONA was controversial and provocative. Kanye reportedly paid $85,000 to license a photo of the late Whitney

Film | Music News

NETFLIX HOSTS BEVELATIONS LIVE & LEMON PEPPER WET PARTY IN NOLA
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUNE 30: Guests attend Netflix’s “They Cloned Tyrone” and Lemon Pepper Wet Party at The Chicory on June 30, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Peter Forest/Getty Images for Netflix)

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

Netflix hosted BEVELATIONS Live, and later that evening did a down south party to celebrate the upcoming launch of THEY CLONED TYRONE by partnering with Lemon Pepper Wet event brand.

The BEVELATIONS Live panel included Survival of the Thickest cast, Michelle Buteau and Tasha Smith, The Upshaws cast member, Kim Fields, moderated by Bevy Smith.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUNE 30: (L-R) Michelle Buteau, Bevy Smith, Tasha Smith, and Kim Fields pose during Bevelations Sirius XM and Netflix “It Gets Greater Later” at The Chicory on June 30, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Peter Forest/Getty Images for Netflix)

BEVELATIONS Live and the THEY CLONED TYRONE themed Lemon Pepper Wet Party were hosted at the Chicory in New Orleans.

Key attendees for each of the events include Sherri Shepherd, Derek J, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Big Krit and Terrence J. 

Courtesy of : ONE/35 Agency

more Images @heavyrotationmagz

www.netflix.com

PRESERVING HASSELBLAD HISTORY WITH THE H6D-400C MS

The ROSS HK-7 represents the genesis of the Hasselblad name as a camera manufacturer. One hundred years before the HK-7, Victor Hasselblad’s predecessors established the family name as a distributor of photographic goods and chemicals in the Southern port town of Gothenburg, Sweden. As multiple branches around the country were opened offering photo processing, the Hasselblad name became increasingly synonymous with photography. Amidst World War II, the Swedish government approached Victor with the task of replicating a recovered German aerial camera. Rumor has it that his humble but ambitious response was simply, “No, but I can make a better one.” In the spring of 1940, Victor organized a group of skilled experts inside the shed of an automobile factory in Gothenburg under the name “Ross Incorporated.” Shortly after, these skilled experts would be considered the first generation of the Hasselblad brand.

Produced from 1941 to 1943, a total of 240 HK-7 units were produced, measuring 31x26x17.6cm and weighing 4.8 kilograms with a 13.5cm (135mm) lens attached. The camera featured a basic set of shutter speeds from 1/150 of a second to 1/400 of a second, with the shutter placed behind the lens. The camera produced a 7x9cm image, revolutionary for the era as other models featured lesser precise technology. By improving the mechanics and precision of the camera, aerial photographs could be captured with significantly improved reliability and accuracy. To this day, Hasselblad continues to offer aerial photographic solutions, albeit now with high resolution digital sensors. The A6D-100c features a 100MP CMOS sensor and compatibility with both fixed wing and UAV aircrafts.

Used to document the HK-7 is the Hasselblad H6D-400c Multi-Shot, the latest generation of the company’s legendary Multi-Shot technology. First pioneered in the early days of digital imaging, Multi-Shot imaging has become a widely accepted technique for cultural heritage institutions globally. Capable of producing a 400 megapixel image file, the 400c MS captures every detail and nuance of historic artifacts with incredibly accurate detail and information. This resolution is achieved by way of a precision-movement that shifts the sensor by single and half pixel movements capturing 6 separate images, allowing for precise color and detail fidelity to be captured. These images are then merged together via Hasselblad software in order to produce a stunning photograph suitable for preserving priceless artifacts such as the HK-7.

BMF World Premiere Screening And Concert Event

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 23: 50 Cent speaks onstage during the BMF world premiere screening and concert at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood on September 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for STARZ)

ATLANTA – On Thursday, September 23, STARZ hosted a star-studded Red Carpet World Premiere Screening and Concert event in celebration of the new original series “BMF” at the Cellairis Amphitheatre in Atlanta, Georgia. “BMF ” was produced in Atlanta and Detroit, where the real-life Black Mafia Family that inspired the series had bases of operation from the 1980-2000s. In homage to the true legends, attendees wore all-black attire to the outdoor event. The evening began with guests viewing the first episode of the series, which will premiere on STARZ on Sunday, September 26. Following the premiere screening, series Executive Producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, “BMF” recurring star Snoop Dogg and others performed. Guests enjoyed live performances of the “BMF”main title song “Wish Me Luck” performed by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Moneybagg Yo and Snoop Dogg.

In addition to the musical performers, attendees included “BMF” Executive Producer and Writer, Randy Huggins and cast members Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr., Da’Vinchi, Russell Hornsby, Michole Briana White, Ajiona Alexus, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Myles Truitt, Steve Harris, La La Anthony and Arkeisha “Kash Doll” Knight.

Special guests at the premiere screening and concert included T.I.,2 Chainz, Flo Rida, Young Thug, Gunna, Monica, Kandi Burress, Killa Mike, Jacob Latimore, South Side, Reginae Carter, Toya Johnson, Jamira “Cuban Link” Haines, G Herbo, Mimi Faust, Ari Fletcher, Pee, Ty Young, Lecrae, Anthony Hamilton, Angie Stone, Clifton Powell, DC Young Fly, Charles Oakley, Angela Simmons, Blue “Pretty Ricky”, David Banner, Jacquees and STARZ, President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch.

Press  Release Courtesy Of:

@BMFStarz | @STARZPR | #BMFStarz and #STARZ

ONE35 Agency

Jackie O. Asare 

  • Checkout the full Review in our Oct 15th release.

Jesse Jo Stark Sings From Her Wild Heart on ‘A Pretty Place to Fall Apart’

Jesse Jo Stark sets her two loves — old-school country and punk — ablaze on her new EP, A Pretty Place To Fall Apart. The title track is an intense rock ballad — half the Lana, double the Alanis. Stark’s voice twists from soft to a full-on tornado of anguish, belting about she’d like to be alone if she wasn’t so good at getting in her own damn way. As she says, “it’s a mess, but it’s all mine.”

The single, as well as the other songs on her EP, are also the soundtrack to Fracture, a five-episode limited series created by Oliver Rousteing, the creative director at Balmain. Stark stars in the series as Mya, a struggling singer-guitarist living in Le Reve, a romantically decrepit motel outside L.A.

The show and Stark’s EP also feature her new single, “A Pretty Place to Fall Apart,”  and another new song Stark wrote with the Neighborhood’s Jesse Rutherford — the slinking blues number “Not Your Little Baby Anymore” — plus her 2018 single “Fire of Love” and a new cover of the Cardigans’ “My Favourite Game.”

Last week, SPIN unveiled the live acoustic video of the Cardigans’ cover. Stark sings mournfully over the intricate guitar accompaniment, wearing a black-and-white striped top with jutting shoulder pads that one can only describe as Moira Rose-chic. Check it out below:

Trending Faces

Cavetown inked a deal with Sire Records and started selling out venues across the U.S. and U.K.

For 23-year-old singer/songwriter Cavetown, making music typically involves excavating and exposing his most deeply hidden thoughts and feelings. “It’s a weird dynamic because a lot of the time I’m taking something that it’s hard for me to admit even to myself, then putting it into a song and sharing it with the entire world,” says the London-based artist otherwise known as Robin Skinner. Since self-releasing his debut single at age 16, the Cambridge-based musician/producer has proven the disarming power of that outpouring, steadily amassing a devoted following and bringing his extraordinarily close-knit live show to venues across the globe. On his new album worm food, Cavetown delivers his most elaborately realized body of work to date, shaping his idiosyncratic storytelling into songs that ultimately give voice to our own most intimate emotions.

The follow-up to his 2021 EP Man’s Best Friend, worm food arrives as Cavetown’s latest full-length since his major-label debut Sleepyhead, a 2020 release that inspired NME to hail him as a “bedroom- pop hero building worldwide community.” As with all his output, Skinner produced the album on his own at his home studio, holing up in his garage and infusing his understated alt-pop with a powerful new vitality. “All these songs were written with the live set in mind, which I hadn’t thought about much before,” notes Skinner, who performs live with a full band. “It was fun to imagine how something might come to life onstage, and to think about how I might interact with the audience at different moments.” But while worm food encompasses a more expansive sound than his past work, each track sustains the raw sincerity that’s earned admiration from the likes of The 1975 and found him collaborating with such acclaimed artists as chloe moriondo and beabadoobee (who recently teamed up with Cavetown for his early-2022 release “Fall In Love With A Girl”).

On the album’s lead single “1994,” Cavetown presents a formidable introduction to worm food sonic landscape, offering up a wistful piece of pop-punk driven by his mercurial guitar work. Graced with an exquisitely tender vocal performance from Skinner, “1994” once again reveals his rare ability to spin his unsparing introspection into impossibly catchy rhyme (from the first verse: “I’m tryna love the person I was when I was born/Hating on a kid doesn’t serve me anymore”). “I think most people forget they’re still the same person as when they were just an innocent child,” says Skinner. “That song is about trying to allow yourself the same compassion and forgiveness you’d have for a little kid if they’d made some kind of mistake, instead of beating yourself up over it.”

One of the more lighthearted moments on worm food, “Frog” emerges as a delightfully warped declaration of affection. “‘Frog’ is about my girlfriend,” says Skinner. “When we first started dating we were both too nervous to say the words ‘boyfriend’ and ‘girlfriend,’ so one day I said to her, ‘Did you know that “BF” and “GF” stand for “boy frog” and “girl frog”?’ That was my silly way of asking her out, and now it’s our nickname for each other.” Laced with his sweetly off-kilter lyrics (“I’m gonna tell you you’re pretty/Till it makes you sick”), “Frog” unfolds in gauzy acoustic-guitar tones, then drifts into a bouncy synth line that Skinner refers to as “the frog solo.” “I had the idea to put this frog-sounding synth in the middle, in the hopes that it’d be fun to get everyone to hop up and down like a frog when we play that one live,” he says.

All throughout worm food Cavetown gracefully amplifies his vast inner monologue, often uncovering entirely unexpected ways of expressing the most familiar of feelings. On “Juno,” for instance, he precisely captures the inertia of depression while sharing a dreamy serenade to his beloved cat. “If I’m having a hard time and struggling to find a reason to get out of bed, there’s always the need to get up and feed Juno her breakfast,” says Skinner. “So no matter what else is going on in my life, shealways gives me that sense of purpose.” Spiked with brooding guitar riffs and loopy synth lines, the slow-building “Worm Food” transforms his existential angst into a strangely exhilarating anthem. “It’s about feeling so small in the context of the world around you, and recognizing that in the end we all end up in the same place,” says Skinner. “It might be a pessimistic way of thinking, but it’s comforting to me in those moments when I’m worrying so much about things that maybe aren’t that important.” Meanwhile, on “Heart Attack,” Cavetown shares an up-close portrait of anxiety and self-doubt, intensifying the track’s unhinged energy with pogo-ready rhythms and a galvanizing guitar solo. “I wrote that after touring in South America, where the crowds were very excited— which was really cool, but also overwhelming,” says Skinner. “‘Heart Attack’ is about feeling pressured to put on a great show while looking after all these kids in a room that felt out of control at times, and questioning my ability to balance all that.”

Although Skinner tends to write in solitude, a number of songs on worm food arose from his collaboration with other musicians. To that end, “Wasabi” features a guest appearance from his mother, a Baroque flute player who lends the achingly bittersweet track a certain enchanted quality. “I wrote ‘Wasabi’ after going to L.A. to visit a girl I had a massive crush on, trying to process the fact that I still had a thing for her even though I’d tried hard to get over it,” says Skinner. On “Laundry Day,” he enlisted a string quartet to magnify the melancholic mood at the heart of the song, a gorgeously sprawling piece penned after a difficult family trip. “That song is about some hard times my family’s gone through, but the chorus came from a fond childhood memory of mine, where my dad would always end up shrinking all his clothes every time he did the laundry,” Skinner reveals. And for “Kill U,” he worked with Pierce the Veil’s Vic Fuentes to sharpen the song’s arrangement of serpentine guitar lines and combustible beats. “‘Kill U’ is about wanting to kill particular parts of yourself, and finding more of those parts as you get older,” he explains.

An innately DIY artist, Skinner first discovered the depths of his imagination as a child, when he’d write and illustrate his own storybooks. After taking up guitar, he began writing and recording in his bedroom in his early teens, then releasing his lo-fi yet emotionally intricate songs on Bandcamp. Not long after the arrival of his 2018 album Lemon Boy, Cavetown inked a deal with Sire Records and started selling out venues across the U.S. and U.K. as well as performing at festivals like Reading & Leeds and Lollapalooza—all while forging such an intensely personal connection with his audience that he’s taken to keeping a cupboard full of letters received from fans. With his past triumphs including producing for artists like Tessa Violet and mxmtoon, Skinner also brings his immense creativity to the visual element of his output, an endeavor that recently found him co-directing the fantastically surreal video for “1994” alongside Lorenzo Diego. “It’s inspired by The Little Prince, which is the story of a kid who lives on a planet by himself and doesn’t want to grow up,” says Skinner. “In the video I’m portraying the Little Prince, but instead of rejecting adulthood I’m getting ready to let go of childhood, and trying to build a rocket to fly away from my planet.”

While worm food in many ways marks a major leap forward for Cavetown, the album took shape from the same instinctive approach he’s embraced since earliest days as a songwriter. “Most of the time I think up lyrics without really trying—they just fall out, and then I realize that they’re expressing something I’d been having a hard time trying to articulate,” says Skinner. “Over the years

I’ve had people tell me that my songs have had the same effect on them, where there’s something going on in their head that they haven’t been able to verbalize but then the song helps them to finally understand it. So even though I write songs for myself, as a way to process the things I’m struggling with, it’s really nice to know that they might end up helping people in some way.”

Amazon Freevee Debuts Official Trailer and Key Art for Post Malone: Runaway, Available to Stream August

FEATURES EMBARGOED UNTIL FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 AT 9:00 A.M. EDT/6:00 A.M. PDT
REVIEWS EMBARGOED UNTIL THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 AT 9:00 A.M. EDT/6:00 A.M. PDT
Amazon Freevee announced the August 12 premiere date for Post Malone: Runaway, a one-hour documentary from Emmy award-winning studio Pulse Films, a part of Vice Media Group, showcasing the story of Grammy-nominated, three-times diamond-certified artist Post Malone’s first arena tour. The film, which marks the service’s second Original movie, will feature exclusive backstage access, live performances, and intimate interviews. The official trailer and screeners are available now.

In September 2019, Post Malone’s Runaway Tour marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of his career, where he stepped up and became this generation’s undisputed rock star. Filmed just before COVID-19 grounded the tour—and whole world—to a halt, the film reveals unforgettable backstage access and peels back the curtain on Post Malone’s world and his epic 37-date North American tour. The film takes viewers into the eye of the touring storm, while digging deep into the stories, songs, and characters that made up this now-legendary tour.

From Pulse Films and Federal Films, Post Malone: Runaway was created by BAFTA-nominated Hector Dockrill and written and produced by Sam Bridger and Casey Engelhardt. The film is executive produced by Dre London, Austin Rosen, Bobby Greenleaf, and Marisa Clifford.

“I already knew Post Malone was a force before going on tour. But then, after spending time with him, unfiltered, close, and personal, I very quickly realized he’s unlike anything the world has seen before. He’s a polymath, loyal to his art, a true ‘rock star,’” said director Hector Dockrill. “Being on tour with Post is like every emotion hitting you at once, it’s intense and it’s wild, and our vision was to pull fans into the experience just enough to get a glimpse of this, while leaving the rest to the imagination.”

“Post Malone is a once-in-a-generation artist. A musician who has consistently defied categorization and set his own creative agenda. At Pulse Films, we have always been drawn to creatives that break the mold, and so working with Post, his team, and label to document this legendary tour has been a privilege,” said Sam Bridger, head of music documentaries, Pulse Films.

Lupe Fiasco Wild Acre Live Fort Worth June 10th 2022

Image Captured by yoyo_photography

Lupe has released more than four acclaimed studio albums; his latest being Drogas Wave released fall 2018. His efforts to propagate conscious material helped solidify him as GQ’s Man of the Year in 2006, and garnered recognition as a Henry Crown Fellow. While musical genius and ingenuity are at the forefront of Lupe’s achievements, the artist extends his innovation to projects that aim to foster creative discourse and opportunities in underprivileged and impoverished communities.

Their continued efforts to elevate community engagement can be seen through the myriad of movements they have co-founded and supported. As the co-founder and co-owner of community initiatives such as, We Are M.U.R.A.L, The Neighborhood Start-Up Fund, Society of Spoken Art, and Studio SV, Lupe Fiasco proves that he is more than just a mouthpiece for change, but a committed facilitator of intellectual community discourse and outreach.

We Are M.U.R.A.L (Magnifying Urban Realities & Affecting Lives) provides nurturing meals and winter clothing to inner-city youth, while fostering artistic and academic excellence in their respective neighborhoods. The foundation soon became the catalyst for The Neighborhood Start-up Fund, which encourages disenfranchised youth in developing entrepreneurial skills to establish businesses in underserved communities. Furthering his efforts in community engagement and mentorship, Lupe co-founded the Society of Spoken Art, which unites aspiring lyricists with established artists, who act as mentors to inspire the mastery of linguistics and semiotics. His latest effort – Studio SV – marks Lupe’s global expansion through the venture company in Hong Kong that will develop, produce and finance innovative content. In addition to their various community efforts, the artist and humanitarian, also sits on the advisory board for Zero Mass Water; a renewable, solar-powered initiative that seeks to democratize water.

His conscious efforts to propagate social and artistic change has Lupe Fiasco’s desire to promote generational wealth and awareness continues to inspire his musical and community efforts; serving as a distinguished example in giving back and paying it forward!

https://ffm.to/drogas-wave

Behind The Dialogue’ with SIR QUAN Review by Heavy Rotation Magazine

HRM:  Charles, that is birth name, yes?  

Sir Quan: Yea.

HRM:  Your know by a couple of different names I see.

Sir Quan: Yea, kinda… like an aka

HRM: What’s the story behind the name? 

Sir Quan: The name came after a conversation with buddies. We were discussing that show called Quantum Leap from back in the day and how the guy would jump to different places in time. I was like man that’s me!  Then from that day my homeboys was calling me Sir Quan.

HRM:  What about Charlie Ross?

Sir Quan:  I’m a Gemini, I wear many faces.  A buddy started calling  me Charlie Ross, but basically I was reinventing myself.  Shawna: Your not only an artist, you’re also the CEO of your own music label Python Music Group. Why Python?

Sir Quan: oh yeah’ the same buddies.

HRM: So you guys are pretty close?

Sir Quan: Yea, we use to have a band. Called Killa Crew.  We had a album with Show Boy, but that didn’t work out so we were lead to get to Ghetto Throne. That’s where we met Zero and them guys.

HRM: That album was with Python?

Sir Quan:  Naw, well see, I started my first label back in 2011. Certified Music Group.  We opened up for Rick Ross. 

HRM: Did you have Artist under this label?

Sir Quan:  We had a lot! But, it was a bad deal. Then one of my buddies ended up passing away during that time too.  It was rough. 

HRM: What happened after that?

Sir Quan:  I stepped away for a while. Then In 2014 I released a mixed tape called “Dayz of Thunda.”

HRM: Thunder?

Sir Quan: (laughing) Naw, Thun-Da. I like to spell everything ghetto. Shortly after that I recorded my first Studio Album “The Topic of Discussion”

HRM: You definitely have a knack picking interesting names and titles. What was the inspiration for The Topic of Discussion?

Sir Quan: People kept asking, what’s next. So, I was like when this album drop I’ll be the top of discussion. (laughing l) So how about that! That next year, I was the first artist to perform at the Go DJ Awards. Then I started Nemesis Official.

HRM: Wow! What an accomplishment. So by 2015 you performed on stage at a coveted awards show. Who else have you worked with?

Sir Quan: I like to work with other we’re artist. Even when I was a kid I never use to like to play by myself. I’ve worked with 

Zero and all them guys. I know Paul Wall from back in the day before people even knew him by Paul Wall. I haven’t had a chance to see him in a while because I been hiding under a rock trying to produce this album “Man On A Mission”

I been working so hard, that I got two albums out of this one and I already got a 3rd one completed! 

HRM: That crazy! You just been grinding huh?

Sir Quan:  Yea, we have so many songs, but everything has to be legitimate. The legacy stuff gotta get done.

HRM:  That’s whats up! I feel like I know the answer to this one, but why did you name the new album man on a mission?

Sir Quan: I think of a lot of catchy things. A lot of people like to talk. I don’t want come off like a ass hole, but a lot of people have jobs they don’t want.  I do what I do, because I love it! 

The labels I was with before, I was the artist, so I didn’t put one red cent into it, but this label is mine, so I’m putting in as much as I can.

Like, If I knew about getting into a Heavy Rotation Magazine I would have been following y’all and if I had know sooner I would have been doing it!

HRM: So do you write and produce your? 

Sir Quan: Well I know how to make beats, produce and all of that, but tight now I chose to wear the CEO and artist hat.  

HRM:  You had a. Lot of change over the years, what’s given you the motivation to keep going?  

Sir Quan: Everybody around me. With that being said, I just have the drive in my blood. I love being on stage and performing it’s like a rush! You can’t lose if the people are rocking with you. 

Like I’m got instance, when I was working  for Red Bull and I told them I could Rap, every morning when I came to work they was playing my music.  

One of my fans told me once. “When I want yo hear something real I listen to your music. Your music help me get through a hard time.”

HRM: Oh that’s good!

Sir Quan:  Right!  See I don’t want to rap about being a doe boy, I want to get doe.

HRM: What do you think the industry needs, what is it missing?  

Sir Quan: The nostalgia of Tupac and biggie.

HRM: What are contributing/adding to hip hop and rap? 

Sir Quan: The goofy shit! 

HRM: Like Luda and E-40?  

Sir Quan: Yea exactly!

HRM: What’s your take on social media and it how influences the industry?  

Sir Quan: I understand it.  Nobody’s trying to see somebody who don’t be listening to the artist. To me I think the labels make you have it for clout. 

HRM: How is your social media following? 

Sir Quan: Fans tap in when I actually put in the work on social media. I got 112k streams for my previous album and now, I’m working on “Man On a Mission”

HRM: Final thoughts?

Sir Quan:  When the world hears “Man On a Mission” they’ll see I hold myself to a higher caliber.   

BUN B ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF TRILL BURGERS WITH PARTNERS ANDY NGUYEN, PATSY AND BENSON VIVARES

HOUSTON (July 23, 2021) – Trill Burgers, a new smashburger concept from Bun B (Bernard Freeman/UGK), Andy Nguyen (Afters Ice Cream, Dough and Arrow) and siblings Patsy and Benson Vivares (Sticky’s Chicken), is launching in Houston. The concept will feature a simple menu of thin, crispy-edged smashburgers, a concept that has been trending in California but has yet to hit the mainstream in Houston. Trill Burgers will host its first pop up at Sticky’s Chicken (2311 Edwards St.) in August, with a string of pop-ups planned before the restaurant finds its first brick-and-mortar space.

This is Bun B’s first restaurant venture, and it pairs him with a West Coast foodie heavyweight in Nguyen — the “mash-up king in the food industry” (Food Network) who has developed 10 successful restaurant concepts in California.

“For years I’ve been fascinated with the culinary scene, trying to find the best entry point for me,” Bun B said on Instagram. “Today I can say I’ve found it. Join me in welcoming @trillburgers to the world! Follow us for more info on our next pop ups and watch as we take you on the burger ride of your life! Brick and mortar coming soon!

Nguyen is a partner in Sticky’s Chicken, a popular Houston food truck that opened a brick-and-mortar location in 2019. Bun B is a longtime supporter of Sticky’s, whose fans also include NFL star DeAndre Hopkins, NBA champion PJ Tucker and model/actress Karreuche Tran. The Vivares siblings will lead culinary operations for Trill Burgers.

“Coming out of the pandemic, we were brainstorming ghost kitchen and pop-up ideas with Andy, and he kept coming back to the concept of smashed burgers,” Patsy Vivares said. “Through our publicist and friend Nick Scurfield, we set up a meeting with Bun, and we all decided to partner together on this venture. I can’t believe it’s really happening!”

About Trill Burgers

Trill Burgers is a smashburger concept launched in July 2021 by partners Bun B, Andy Nguyen and siblings Patsy and Benson Vivares. Trill Burgers will launch with pop ups at Sticky’s Chicken (2311 Edwards St.) and will be coming to Houston soon as a brick and mortar restaurant. For more information, visit www.trillburgers.com or @trillburgers.

The industry insider