Doechii may have mocked the concept of “Boom Bap” rap, but she sure is good at it. The Florida-bred Top Dawg Entertainment product made a meal out of poking fun at the idea of being a “rappity rap” rapper ahead of releasing her debut mixtape for the label, Alligator Bites Never Heal, but on the project itself, she proves adept at not only embracing and utilizing classic sounds, but also updating them to make them sound fresh.
In fact, the warm reception to the new project from fickle fans who’ve long derided or outright ignored similarly themed albums suggests that dropping the aforementioned, tongue-in-cheek “Boom Bap” as a single before the mixtape might just have been exactly the right move to get those fans on Doechii’s side. There is a sense among some fans that the “real hip-hop” purveyed by blog era holdovers and Doechii’s labelmates has calcified into self-serious stodginess; by priming her release by undercutting this perception, Doechii presented herself as a serious artist who isn’t too serious to be in on the joke.
Meanwhile, with songs like “Boiled Peanuts” and “GTFO” evoking the slinky basslines, jazzy samples, and hard-hitting kick-snare drums of the mid-90s’ best, Doechii also sets herself apart from some of her Southern contemporaries — think City Girls or Latto — while also aligning herself more closely with the backpacker-lite ethos her label has cultivated over the past decade. It’s a delicate balancing act to pull off; too far into trap and other modern production styles, and she plays into the hands of sexist critics of so-called “female rap” (or, more perjoratively, “pussy rap”). However, going too far in the other direction risked blending in with the murky sounds of fellow TDE artists like Isaiah Rashad and Ab-Soul and getting washed out amid samey production.
Instead, she embraces a little of everything that has made TDE stand out over the years: some of Isaiah’s introspection, some of SZA’s soulful heartbreak, some of Ab-Soul’s playful fascination with flipping the meanings of metaphors, and a bit of Schoolboy Q’s fearless experimentation. The result is a project that’s drawn exuberant acclamation from Megan Thee Stallion lovers and Rapsody evangelists alike. In an increasingly fractured listening landscape, that’s become difficult to do, but like Doja Cat before her, Doechii seems to have found the sweet spot between hip-hop and pop that looks very much like the route to future superstardom.
BNYX is officially beginning his solo catalog with collaboration track featuring nonother than Yeat called “GO AGAIN”. The track also features the alternative rock band Superheaven via a re-recorded sample according to Genius. This single has been highly awaited, and it dates back to 2023 when the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania producer began to tease the instrumental on TikTok. BNYX was trying to sample “Youngest Daughter” by Superheaven. However, the track went through some setbacks thanks to clearance issues.
The in-demand talent was not able to use the guitar, and it led to BNYX requesting Superheaven to re-record their vocals for things to work out. So, yes, the song did it takes it time getting here and we understand that, however, we feel that “GO AGAIN” is a bet of a letdown. It mostly has to do with Yeat as he doesn’t add much of anything to the cavernous and grungy instrumental. He’s never been a lyrical giy, which is fine, but he sounds barely alive and audible on the microphone. The good news is that BNYX is now starting the roll out for his debut album, so better songs could be ahead.
2024 really is the year of Drake hate, although this most recent example in that saga is not only not a hater example, but also not new information, either. Moreover, KAYTRANADA recently engaged in a new interview with Vulture in which he revealed some extra details about the 6ix God and his team once approaching him to produce on the OVO mogul’s 2022 house album, Honestly, Nevermind. The Canadian producer recalled once again how the approach came about, and this time around, he theorized as to what it was about his response that prompted Drizzy’s camp to never reach out again to make the link-up happen.
“[KAYTRANADA] was approached at a Coachella after-party in L.A. to make beats for Honestly, Nevermind, and though he says it would have been ‘an honor,’ he later overheard that it fell through because his casual response — ‘Sure, hit me up’ — lacked fawning enthusiasm,” the article read. “Was I supposed to be like, ‘Oh my God, for real? Drake?’ I’m not like that,” he added. This lines up pretty well with what KAYTRA had already said about this moment.
KAYTRANADA Revisits The Story Of Almost Working On Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind
KAYTRANADA reveals how he nearly produced for Drake’s ‘Honestly, Nevermind’…
“[I] was approached at a Coachella after-party in L.A. to make beats for Honestly, Nevermind, and though he says it would have been “an honor,” he later overheard that it fell through because his… pic.twitter.com/rdZ7cs2je2
“I met Drake in L.A. one time, and that was it, really,” KAYTRANADA expressed during an interview with MONTREALITY last December. “At one point, one of his boys was like, ‘Your boy wants some beats. He’s gonna do a house album.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, sure, hit me up.’ That’s my thing: anybody that wanna work with me, just hit me up. Maybe my reaction rubbed them the wrong way, but I was just saying, ‘Hey, if you’re serious, hit me up, let’s work, for real.’” The TIMELESS creative then never heard from The Boy again, and although this isn’t really cause for any sort of beef, it landed in the perfect context for those discussions.
But let’s not pit one Canadian artist against another. Rather, we hope that Drake and KAYTRANADA eventually link up and make some magic together. After all, we saw how much the latter could add to a lyricist’s sonic pallet thanks to his work with Mach-Hommy and 03 Greedo earlier in 2024. If “#RICHAXXHAITIAN” doesn’t convince you that Aubrey needs to hop on KAYTRA’s production, we don’t know what will.
There are few YouTubers whose charisma has mesmerized a generation like Duke Dennis. The YouTuber’s quick wit, magnetic personality, and undeniable “rizz” have made him a generational icon. Duke’s ascended to the forefront of YouTube and Twitch, garnering millions of followers of young viewers who’ve witnessed his impeccable rise. He’s grown his channel significantly from NBA 2K gameplay to a bonafide influencer whose on-camera presence has created some amazing content.
This week, Dennis garnered newfound attention after Rolling Stone named him at #5 on their list of the 25 Most Influential Creators list – a feat that came after years of grinding. Then a few days later, Drakeposted the South Carolina native in a series of photos on Instagram where he jokingly referred to Duke as his selfie influence. Evidently, Duke’s impact extends well beyond the streaming world.
Duke Dennis, born Dontavious Tony Dennis on February 26, 1994, in Greenville, South Carolina, came from modest beginnings in the DeeBlock neighborhood of the City Heights’ apartment complex. Growing up, Duke faced the challenges of life in a small town, where opportunities were limited, and the dream of making it big seemed far-fetched. A self-described nerd who was into anime, Despite these challenges, Duke found solace and escape in video games, particularly in NBA 2K and began sharing gaming videos on YouTube.
However, before YouTube, Duke had a stint in the U.S. Army, where he served for a brief period. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of discipline and work ethic that would later become crucial in his YouTube career. After leaving the army, Duke returned to his passion for gaming, this time with a plan to turn it into something more than just a hobby.
Rise To Fame On YouTube
Duke Dennis’s rise to fame began with his NBA 2Kgameplay videos. He launched his gamer channel in 2013, though once he began sharing NBA 2K content, he garnered more subscribers. Like many gamers, his early videos showcased his skills in the game. However, he distinguished himself from other gamers on YouTube through his engaging commentary and relatable personality. Eventually, his blend of knowledge and his ability to entertain became the launching pad for his career.
As his channel grew, Duke expanded his content to include more than just gameplay. He began sharing personal stories, reacting to viral content, vlogs, and collaborating with other YouTubers. His versatility and willingness to adapt helped him build a loyal fanbase. By 2020, Duke had solidified his place in the YouTube community, with his videos regularly attracting millions of views.
Though not as prolific of a streamer as Kai Cenat or Agent 00, Duke Dennis has garnered quite the following on Twitch. There, he brings his gaming content to the fore along with his Story Time series while also engaging with his vast fanbase. He’s also welcomed several celebrities on his platform, too, such as Rich Homie Quan and his ex-girlfriend, Kaliii.
Joining AMP: The Collective That Changed the Game
Kai Cenat, Agent 00, Duke Dennis and Chrisnxtdoor of AMP at The 2023 Streamy Awards held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel on August 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
In 2020, Duke Dennis’s career took a significant leap forward when he became a member of the AMP (Any Means Possible) Collective. AMP is a group of content creators known for their dynamic and entertaining videos that blend gaming, challenges, vlogs, and comedy. Given his charisma and gaming expertise, Duke’s inclusion in AMP was a natural fit.
At the time, AMP consisted of Duke Dennis, Fanum, Agent 00, and Davis. However, the collective has since expanded with the inclusion of ChrisNxtDoor, who was previously a video editor for AMP, and Kai Cenat, who is undoubtedly the reigning king of Twitch right now. Together, they blended gaming, skits, and real-life challenges that turned them into one of the most entertaining YouTube conglomerates online. The group currently lives in a mansion together in Georgia where they stream and create content. Oftentimes, the lore behind their streams overlaps with one another, making it feel closer to a reality show than it does a live stream.
The Power of “Rizz”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 09: Duke Dennis returns an interception for a touchdown during a celebrity flag football game at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on February 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
So, what is it about Duke Dennis that has mesmerized a generation? The answer lies in his “rizz.” In today’s social media-driven world, “rizz” refers to a person’s charisma, charm, and ability to attract others effortlessly. Duke Dennis embodies this concept perfectly. His laid-back demeanor, confident yet approachable nature and sense of humor make him a magnetic presence on screen.
Duke’s natural charm with women has become a significant factor in his popularity and sometimes, has been a sore spot among his fellow AMP members. He often excels in AMP challenge videos, whether those that allow his athletic talents to shine or see the collective competing for a date with one woman. However, even videos such as his recent trips to Paris and Toronto showcase his pull outside of America.
As his brand grew, Duke Dennis’s contributions to YouTube and streaming haven’t gone unnoticed. His content earned recognition on Rolling Stone’s Top 25 Influential Creators of 2024 list. Recognized for his 2K content and IRL streams, the publication wrote, “Dennis, 30, has his biggest following on TikTok, where his charm with the ladies has made him an almost mythic figure for teenage boys. He still has millions of subscribers on YouTube, though, where he posts videos of IRL street games in New York and hanging out behind the scenes at the Super Bowl.”
While Duke’s only beginning to get his rightful credit these days, we suspect that this will be the beginning of a major career moment. As AMP leaves New York City and returns to Atlanta, it seems like Duke and the rest of his groupmates have major plans for the year to come.
“I’m just grateful just to be here with all my Latino brothers and sisters and people from all over. Yes. God Bless.”
– Common
Common joined the Voto Latino fiesta at Chicago’s House of Blues during Democratic National Convention week, helping to energize the crowd and unite voter turnout for the Harris Walz ticket beyond Chicago, where the rapper grew up.
“I was able to evolve and grow and go see other places, I understood that we was all together, especially my brown brothers and sisters. We were going through some of the same struggles.”
Improving the lives of all Americans is on the agenda for Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. It’s a message that Democrats hope resonates with the country’s largest minority group. Here’s NY Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez:
“So I’m asking every Latino, the fact that you see the kind of energy and enthusiasm doesn’t translate into getting out to vote. So when you go home you have to knock on doors, make phone banks, talk to everyone, meet voters where they are and make sure that everyone comes to vote. This is an election that is going to be very tight and so we cannot have the luxury of staying home expecting that people will come out to vote.”
Voto Latino, along with actress Rosario Dawson, took the stage to drive that mission. All week, Latino lawmakers at the United Center spread enthusiasm and a call to action for the historic election. Here’s Harlem Congressman Adriano Espaillat.
“Electing the first woman president, it’s for my mom. It’s for my daughter. It’s for my 8 month granddaughter. That’s what this is about. The nation finally coming to terms with itself that yes, a woman could lead us. And Kamala Harris is of course a tremendous woman and the platform is a big tent approach to government that includes everybody.”
According to the 2020 Census, 62.1 million Hispanics live in the United States, representing nearly 19% of the country’s population. Healthcare, education, economics, border policies, and law and order are all on the ballot. Sergeant Aquilino Gonell worked at the Capitol Building on January 6th and warned against another Trump presidency:
“You need to imagine what he would do if he were re-elected. He has taught us already. He has shown us what he’s capable of on January 6th. On January 6th, I was attacked by more than 40 sympathizers of him. I have videos, pictures, medical bills, reports. I had gone to court to hold these people accountable.”
The Latino vote could be the deciding factor in the election. And Democrats urge Latinos to be present.
“Let’s just be present in this moment, in this time. It’s a special time.”
“It was all a dream. I used to read Word Up magazine. Salt and Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine.”
– The Notorious B.I.G.
That was back in 2017, on the 20th anniversary of Biggie’s death. But it’s not the Brooklyn lawmaker’s only hip-hop reference. Jeffries, now the House Democratic Leader, took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and delivered these Fat Joe lyrics:
“Nothing can stop us. We’re all the way up.”
His energetic DNC speech garnered news headlines, and the next day, Jeffries posted “Brooklyn Stand Up.” Before Jeffries’ DNC appearance, The Source caught up with the House Minority Leader.
The Source: Clearly the young people are energized in this race and the youth will be an important part of this election. And they have vowed to make their voices heard. Can you please tell us about some of the strategies and some of the plans and the importance of the youth vote for this election?
Congressman Jeffries: “Well I think that we’ve always had a strong case to make to young people. That the issues that young people care about have been the issues that House Democrats, Senate Democrats, President Biden, Vice President Harris have been working on. Like combating the climate crisis with the fierce urgency of now and delivering the largest investment in combating the climate crisis in the history of the world. Passing gun safety legislation for the first time in 30 years. Because the young people of America deserve a great public school education free of gun violence. And that is what they are demanding. That is what we are working on to deliver. And of course the young people of America care about making sure that their freedom to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions are preserved.”
All of those issues are at stake in this Presidential election. Democrats are hoping young people will turn out in big numbers and vote blue down the ballot. If so, not only can the Democratic Party win the White House, but they can also become the majority in the House and make Jeffries House Speaker, among other party victories. Here’s NY Congressman Adriano Espaillat.
“The NY delegation of course, we have Hakeem Jeffries who stands to be the next speaker. We have Grace Meng, who stands to be the next Chair of the Asian American Pacific Caucus. We have Yvette Clarke, who stands to be the Chair of Congressional Black Caucus in the next session. And I’m delighted, God willing, I could be the Chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus.”
– NY Congressman Adriano Espaillat
Jeffries became the first Black Congressional Party Leader in US History when his colleagues unanimously elected him in 2023. With Democratic control of the House, Jeffries would serve as the first-ever Black Speaker. It would be a historic shift in the American story, one that has its roots in Brooklyn and the hip-hop community.
“We know that he went from negative to positive,” Jeffries said. “And emerged as one of the world’s most important hip-hop stars.”
And with this election, Jeffries could emerge as one of the nation’s most potent Democratic stars.
JAY-Z lost a little bit of his confidence when he first met the legendary Michael Jackson, according to the man who orchestrated the meeting, Rodney Jerkins.
Travis Scott no longer has to worry about his case stemming from a Miami arrest, as all charges are now officially off the table according to a new TMZ report published Friday (August 30). Moreover, for those unaware, authorities arrested him back in June on charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing. La Flame’s legal team, including attorney Bradford Cohen, previously filed a motion to dismiss the trespassing charges after the court already dismissed the disorderly conduct ones. According to this new report, a source reportedly close to the prosecutor’s office explained to the outlet that the lack of clear “no trespassing” signs put him in the clear.
“After arguing the motion to dismiss and the state realizing that there was no path to maintaining the charge, they decided to drop the case in its entirety,” Travis Scott’s lawyer reportedly told TMZ Hip Hop. “Although not a serious charge, and one that should not have been filed, we are pleased with the result.” This yachy incident in Miami back in June also accused him of disorderly conduct, and those charges were already previously dismissed before this recent update.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 17: Travis Scott speaks onstage at the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center on August 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Fanatics)
In other Travis Scott news, his role in the great rap war of 2024 is more under scrutiny than ever, but this might all be an overreaction. For example, you probably already heard that Drake launched his “100 GIGS” website and @plotttwistttttt IG burner to share loads of loosies and previously unreleased content. One of his recent drops was a video of the “SICKO MODE” duo partying together to one of their collaborations at a party. Some fans still think that they have newfound beef with each other, but this feels more like an unsubstantiated misinterpretation with each passing day.
Meanwhile, Travis Scott fed fans in quite the satisfying manner with his Days Before Rodeo reissues. The mixtape’s emergence on streaming services paired with digital deluxe editions that shared even more deep cuts with die-hards. We’ll see if this is his last big move of the year or if there’s still more on the way for 2024. Either way, you won’t find us complaining.
Queens, New York rapper, singer, and producer Lil Tecca is continuing to tease his next album with “BAD TIME”. It’s potentially the fifth offering from what will presumably be called Plan A. At this moment in time, the 22-year-old has not announced an official release date nor the tracklist for it. However, Genius is predicting it to hit streaming platforms this September, so we will see what happens. In some other potential news, with “BAD TIME” being out we may have a hint as to what the cover art for Plan A could be. It features a white background with a minimalist cheetah skin clock.
Prior to this, Genius had a full cheetah skin for the artwork. We aren’t really sure what that could all mean, but we are just trying to find some more information on what could be a great Lil Tecca project. We say that because a majority of the singles have been hitting thanks to some truly sticky melodies and flows. “BAD TIME” features more of the same while the “500lbs” artist raps about being in a constant rotation of bad relationships. Based on all of these relationship cuts we have gotten it could be fair to say that Tecca is making more of a melodic/R&B type of vibe.
Check my phone, now the ho say she miss me Smokin’ this gas got me feelin’ risky When it come to a freak, I ain’t even picky Just off this fit, turn her to a pick me I stay with my twin, Mordecai and Rigby (Oh my) You worried ’bout Tec, I give a n**** fifty
