rap
Rhythm and Poetry; rap music is a genre centered around speaking truth to power with style.
2014 Forest Hills Drive
2014 Forest Hills Drive was released by J. Cole as his third recorded studio album on December 9, 2014. There were no features on the album as he was the only one performing on all thirteen tracks but he was not the only producer. I was a teenager when this album came out and it played a huge crucial part of my life at the time. I remember hearing the singles from the album on the radio at night before I went to bed and sometimes in the morning. J named the title after the house he had lived in with his family as a child in Fayetteville, North Carolina which is not that far away from where I lived as a teenager. Eventually he had bought the house years later after he had left for New York and it was put on foreclosure. Those events were brought up in the first verse of the first single “Apparently” where he mentions moving to New York to attend college while his family stayed in Fayetteville and the events that happened during his time there while the house went on foreclosure and how he thanks his love ones for everything and wished things could have been different. Then we jumped into the second single “Wet Dreamz” where he posed as the narrator of the song and described his first love which was more than puppy love. My first thought was that anybody has this type of feeling when it comes to falling in love for the first time and the feeling of losing virginity later on. The video that came with it shows two puppies that strongly represented the puppy love symbolism and it reminded me of the times I fell in love. The third single “No Role Modelz” strongly details his feelings on how black love had changed over the past couple of decades, there is not enough role models as much and the women that he had crushed on have grace but are much older but the ones on reality shows are shallow and have no role models of their own. The song in a way actually proves a point when it comes to reality shows portraying them in a very negative light in comparison with sitcoms and movies that showed love in the truest form. The fourth single “Love Yourz” tells the listeners how they should enjoy and love the life that they have as the lives of others around them are not as better as they expected. “Fire Squad” describes how he feels how a white artist is treated and how a black artist is treated. An example he states is when rapper Macklemore won the Grammy for Best Rap Album for The Heist which caused an uproar as he won over the other artists who were black. He also raps that he would have to try to show a smile if Iggy Azalea won the award next. The song did sit well with those who mentioned but it was not to be seen as malicious. Then there is the track “G.O.M.D.” which stands for “Get Off My Dick” and the lyrics focuses on the challenges that black people deal with on a daily basis and the video shows him portraying a house slave living in a plantation and he leads a group of other slaves into a uprising against the white slave owners and it ends with a dance around a bonfire. Overall I consider it one of the best albums released literally in the last decade and it played a significant part during my high school years and I could not imagine it in any other way. It was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2016 and it remains beloved by fans and critics.
By Forest Green11 months ago in Beat
CHOZIN: The Power of Resilience
Chozin is not just an artist; he’s a living embodiment of resilience, strength, and the power of belief. His path to becoming a musical force in the industry is far from ordinary. It’s a story of overcoming life’s most brutal challenges, of fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds, and finding a renewed sense of purpose through music.
By mysoundMusic11 months ago in Beat
Dirty Water Boy 2: Qstacks' Bold Rise in Rap & Hip-Hop
Qstacks is quickly establishing himself as a notable figure in the rap and hip-hop scenes. Known for his sharp lyricism, distinct flow, and authentic energy, he effortlessly combines the raw elements of street rap with captivating beats, showcasing his versatile artistry.
By mysoundMusic11 months ago in Beat
B.E.A.T Productions Presents Christian Hip-Hop Shop EP 1
Introduction On July 22, 2017, Harlem, New York City, became the epicenter of faith-based music and culture as B.E.A.T Productions proudly presented the first-ever episode of the Christian Hip-Hop Shop. Hosted at the Holy Tabernacle Church, this groundbreaking event brought together artists, believers, and music lovers for a powerful celebration of Christian hip-hop, faith, and community. With a lineup of talented performers, including New Vision, WildKats, Manuel Campbell, Rizz Enthusiastic, Manna, and many more, the evening was an electrifying showcase of lyrical skill, passionate performances, and an undeniable spiritual connection.
By B.E.A.T Productions11 months ago in Beat
What Was ASAP Rocky Accused Of?
Grammy-nominated rapper ASAP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was accused of shooting his former friend and collaborator, Terell Ephron, known as ASAP Relli, during an altercation in Hollywood in 2021. The case, which could have derailed Rocky’s career, ended with a not guilty verdict on Tuesday after a jury deliberated for nearly three hours.
By Sangita Nandi11 months ago in Beat
Classic Albums: Guerillas In Tha Mist
By 1990 west coast hip hop superstar Ice Cube had left his former powerhouse group NWA and began his solo career. He then co-founded a group known as Da Lench Mob, who were friends and acquaintances of his from his hometown of South Central Los Angeles. Da Lench Mob was made up of three members: J-Dee, Shorty and T-bone. As Cube’s new group of protégés Da Lench Mob began making appearances on Ice Cube first two solo albums Amerikkkas Most Wanted (1990), the E.P. that went with it, Kill At Will (1990), and Death Certificate (1991). By 1992 Cube and Da Lench Mob crafted the group’s first full length album Guerillas In Tha Mist and set the west coast hip hop scene on fire.
By Joe Patterson11 months ago in Beat
E.Z. & Trilla The Twin Rappers Taking HipHop To Another Level
Born in a city known for shaping some of the genre’s biggest names, the brothers have tapped into the heartbeat of Atlanta's rich cultural landscape. Drawing inspiration from their upbringing and personal experiences, their music offers an honest reflection of their lives, connecting with fans on a global scale. With an unwavering dedication to their craft and an independent mindset, E.Z and Trilla are poised to reshape the future of hip-hop while staying true to their roots.
By Variety Press11 months ago in Beat
The Fall of Diddy Docuseries: The Dark Secrets Exposed About the ‘Bad Boy’ Mogul’s Past
For decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs was known as a cultural icon, a music mogul, and the mastermind behind Bad Boy Records, responsible for launching the careers of legends like The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, and Mary J. Blige. But in recent years, allegations and controversies have steadily eroded his legacy, culminating in the explosive new docuseries The Fall of Diddy.
By Endeavor Digital11 months ago in Beat
