album anniversary

Kanye West’s “Yeezus” Turns 10

by

Upon tossing in the headphones for Yeezus, the listener is immediately thrown into the intergalactic ballad of the retro video game distortion and menacing bars of “On Sight.” By 2013, Kanye West’s audience quite literally went beyond this planet. You had astronauts blasting his sound in a zero-gravity environment while the rest of the world admired the focused grandiosity of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Unsurprisingly, Yeezus’s headfirst focus on an unparalleled blend of electronic and hip-hop soundscapes didn’t initially connect with audiences. Twenty-four hours after its release, fans were calling it a flop. They were hoping for the old Kanye but didn’t get it. Instead, they caught him in the middle of a quarter-life crisis.

However, Kanye West’s Yeezus was never going to live up to the initial expectations of fans. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was resoundingly met with 10/10 ratings. In addition, his studio efforts were stop-gapped with Watch The Throne and Cruel Summer with Jay-Z. Once a broke Chicago kid, Kanye West was now touring with his childhood idol in front of millions of lights. The reality? He was as mentally unwell as he’d ever been. That caused strife in Ye’s persona. On Yeezus, West harshly realizes that his endless pursuits weren’t aiding his baseline happiness. If anything, Hollywood was making him as hopeless as ever.

Yeezus Had A Poor Initial Reception

Yeezus was an emotional output of these feelings, featuring a level of honesty from West that we hadn’t seen since The College Dropout. His sixth studio album is an electric power grid, where he delivers some of his most saddening ballads to date. In many ways, it’s a continuation of the initial experimentation he tapped into on 808s & Heartbreak. However, he’s taking it even further. “New Slaves” is a confrontational protest to the systematic racism of the prison-industrial complex, where Kanye menacingly bars out amidst heavy distortion and loophole keys. “Hold My Liquor” is a self-deprecating indictment regarding Ye’s issues with alcohol. His level of drunkenness parallels his crumbling personal relationships.

Yeezus also got its hits in the form of “Bound 2” and “Black Skinhead.” Sampling The Ponderosa Twins’ “Bound” on the former, the discography-defining hit is an ironic contrast to the foreboding narratives of the project. The record reads as an interlude-esque outro, a sunny world that’s very much distinct from the distorted synthesizers of Yeezus. With My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Ye was partaking in several iconic press tours. Making various outlandish statements, he visualized his most commercially successful record to date. Even if My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy has been hailed a classic by Kanye loyalists, there wasn’t even one top-10 hit on the album. The eventual success of Yeezus is concrete proof that it’s almost impossible to predict commercial reception in the creative space.

Kanye West Is Painstakingly Vulnerable

At its core, Yeezus was all about audacious rule-breaking. He knew that fans would hate it. He knew that it likely wouldn’t stand with his most profitable endeavors. However, he made Yeezus for himself. That overarching purpose even shows up in the project’s surprising collaborative choices. Even if Rick Rubin and Daft Punk are famous producers, they’ve always had a knack for their turn-left personalities. There are also exciting once-and-comers like Hudson Mohawke, Young Chop, and Arca. The crew was a perfect fit, finding a way to deliver Kanye’s electric world in a somewhat cohesive manner. Of course, Yeezus is also blatantly inspired by the electronic classic that is Random Access Memories.

Kanye was a nerd growing up. Even if he were blending in with the gang-infused streets of Chicago, he would go home and exist in the solace of Akira. Yeezus directly reflects that world, a vulnerable project about a headspace that is sometimes downright nightmarish to exist in. It’s not his cohesive masterpiece, but it’s who he is. It was during the time of 808‘s release that Ye reportedly told VIBE, “I’d rather piss a bunch of people off and make myself happy than make everyone else happy and be pissed off inside.” With time, people have come to regard tracks such as “Blood On The Leaves,” “New Slaves,” and “Bound 2” as some of his greatest songs to date.

[via]

The post Kanye West’s “Yeezus” Turns 10 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Chance The Rapper Gives Fans Update On New Album

by

It’s been 4 years since Chance The Rapper’s last album, 2019’s The Big Day. In the meantime, Chance has dropped some music of his own and appeared on some other artist’s songs. But what fans have really been waiting for is a new album and while Chance not much is known about the project besides its name fans just got another update. The album, titled Star Line Gallery doesn’t have a release date yet but Chance is already building anticipation.

In an interview with Audacy, Chance described the album as “one of my proudest projects in terms of writing and artistic vision.” Chance was also sure to temper the expectations of fans dying to know when they can hear the record. “There’s an immense amount of work to be done with it.” Finally, Chance spoke on how much he enjoys showing off the process of writing the album through his art pieces. “I feel like with the love and intentionality that goes into making each physical art piece gives me an opportunity to show people in these museum spaces what I’m working on as I go, the highs and the lows, kind of like a preview to the project.”

Chance Working Hard On New Record

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN- AUGUST 12: Chance The Rapper performs at Way Out West Festival in Slottskogen on August 12, 2022 in Gothenburg, Sweden. (Photo by Rune Hellestad- Corbis/ Corbis via Getty Images)

This year is the 10th anniversary of Chance’s breakout album Acid Rap and he’s playing shows to celebrate. Fans were also involved when he asked them what songs they wanted to hear during the Acid Rap shows. He also got plenty of laughs during a late-night TV appearance where he discussed his kid’s TV habits. The most viral moment came when Chance said he wanted to collaborate with Peppa Pig.

While Chance has been pretty quiet musically in 2023 so far, last year he released a number of singles. Which ones may eventually end up on Star Line Gallery or when the album will actually drop is still unclear. Let us know if you’re excited about a new Chance album in the comments below.

[Via]

The post Chance The Rapper Gives Fans Update On New Album appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Beastie Boys “Ill Communication” Turns 29

by

The Beastie Boys were three friends from New York who haphazardly became one of the biggest rap groups of all time. Blending the worlds of rock grime and hip-hop, the trio made it a point to not take themselves too seriously. The group was a heavy source of inspiration for middle class white kids, who finally had a sonic source of enjoyment when they didn’t quite resonate with the messaging of rap groups such as N.W.A. or Public Enemy. The Beastie Boys brought rock and hip-hop together like never before, delivering a sort of unfiltered tone of anti-establishment that stuck with the suburbs for good.

Permissive groups such as Rage Against the Machine or Linkin Park were clearly taking notes from The Beastie Boys. In the backdrop, you even had a young Eminem blasting the group while writing verses as a hungry Detroit teenager. He would even go on to emulate them. Em told Complex, “I knew we were about to show the ‘Berzerk’ video, so I was doing what I call the Berzerk face. The whole song to me feels like vintage Beastie Boys. And you know the ‘Pass the Mic’ video where Ad-Rock is making that face, kind of not looking the camera? I was doing my own version.” Like N.W.A., The Beastie Boys completely fell outside the traditional confines of the music industry. They proved that any voice, no matter how outlandish, could land on the top charts.

Pressure Was On The Group To Deliver

However, the group was no longer associated with the new kids on the block until 1994’s Ill Communication rolled around. There seems to be a make-or-break moment for bands who begin to come of age, a point where they are inevitably forced to move on from their once pervasive youth and crowd-surfing days. The growing pains are clear in the music industry, with plenty of groups disbanding at this conjuncture. However, their fourth studio album had the opposite effect. Ill Communication is their most mature record to date, a climactic connection between all their influences.

The Beastie Boys Grew Up On Ill Communication

Portrait of members of American Rap group Beastie Boys as they pose in front of a mural (by Keith Haring), 1987. Pictured are, from left, Mike D (born Michael Diamond), MCA (born Adam Yauch, 1964 – 2012), and Ad-Rock (born Adam Horovitz). (Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)

With Ill Communication, The Beastie Boys were looking to condense all of their oddball interests into one project. From Buddhist spirituality to Miles Davis-infused jazz musicals, their fourth studio album comes from a group of thoughtful hipsters rather than enraged kids. “The Update” expresses a sullen disappointment at the ever-changing world. MCA states, “The waters are polluted as the forests are cut down / Bombing and drilling deep below the ground.” Mike D refuses to bend to the reality of his 30s, stating, “I’m still listening to wax, I’m not using the CD.”

Their lyricism is far more reflective and composed on Ill Communication than past records. When The Beastie Boys first blew up onto the scene, the trio was endlessly searching for outlandish shock value. Horowitz even apologized down the line for their initial projects. In 1999, he told Time Out New York, “The sh*t and ignorant things we said on our first record. There are no excuses. But time has healed our stupidity.” The Beastie Boys dialing it in, for the most part, aids the notoriety of Ill Communication. A flute sample meanders through the booming drums of “Sure Shot,” while “Root Down” slings a bass guitar amid a rapid pace. The record also got its iconic hit in the form of “Sabotage.”

The Beastie Boys Expanded On Their Existing Sound

beastie boys ill communication
Beastie Boys (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage)

Ill Communication frequently rotates between the more modern early ’90s boom-bap of New York and The Beastie Boys’ classic underground live sound. In fact, the record’s distinctive sound compared to Licensed To Ill or Paul’s Boutique even has “Sabotage” sounding out of place. However, they would always be hard-pressed not to include a clear chart-topping track on the project. The track’s live rock band setting is a powerful nostalgia source for the band’s OG fans.

The Beastie Boys finally grow out of their growing pains on Ill Communication. After an awkward slew of records that saw them struggle to transition out of the unfocused turbulence of their early Rick Rubin-produced works, they finally brought it all together on their fourth studio album. Ill Communication is a holistic blend of spirituality and frustration, one that shows up as a wild form of funk, jazz, and rock. The result? The Beastie Boys’ second No. 1 album on the US Billboard 200, one that would eventually go 3x Platinum. Ill Communication was a successful coming-of-age revival, if there ever was one.

[via] [via]

The post Beastie Boys “Ill Communication” Turns 29 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The Roots Debut Album “Organix” Turns 30

by

The Roots’ debut album Organix officially turned 30 years old on May 19. When most fans associate a classic album with The Roots, they think of 1999’s Things Fall Apart. Their fourth studio album, many largely accredit the record to shifting the intersection between jazz and hip-hop for good. However, there was a decade-long process to Things Fall Apart, which all started with their debut project Organix. It kicked off the beginning of one of the most influential hip-hop groups ever. Nowadays, the group is the iconic driver of sound for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

In 1992, the group was looking to get out of their hometown to exist in a better creative space for their debut project. The initiative would lead them to the cloudy streets of London, where The Roots spent a year perfecting Organix. Through underground concerts, the city was introduced to the sharp MC Black Thought and the personality-filled afro behind drummer Questlove. Questlove was anything but a worldwide sensation. With The Roots still an underground London outfit, they would attempt to sell their CDs to concertgoers in person.

The Roots’ Organix Attracted The Attention Of Major Labels

The Roots’ entrepreneurial efforts to promote Organix did just enough to attract major record labels to begin knocking on their door. Two years later, they would release their debut studio album Do You Want More?!!!??!. As a result, many believe that Do You Want More?!!!??! is the first album the rap-jazz outfit ever released. Organix exists in a world of hip-hop imagination rather than concrete numbers. The project is nowhere to be found on streaming services such as Spotify. However, it’s worth looking back on The Roots’ Organix, a record that set the groundwork for their critically acclaimed career.

Featuring 17 songs, Organix blatantly stands out from the field of 90s hip-hop by the end of the first track. “The Roots is Comin’” features a tantalizing bassline and live drums, with Black Thought shouting out his Philadelphia upbringing. In fact, Black Thought and Questlove initially met while attending high school in Philly. You can hear this intimacy in the sound of The Roots. Initially formed in 1987, their debut project culminated years of experimentation and struggle after heading home from class. You can hear this rawness in the sound of Organix. Dense and layered, it’s easy for the listener to imagine themselves listening to the group in an enclosed recording studio.

The Roots Existed In Their Own World

Organix’s reputation as a jaded demo tape doesn’t fit with the fearless artistic direction of the record. The Roots’ sound never fit in with the foreboding landscape of hip-hop in the early ’90s. In an era of tense competition, many of their East Coast contemporaries were rapping aggressively over boom-bap beats. Intricate drum patterns took the forefront, with MCs rambling about the overcrowded streets of Brooklyn. On the West Coast, Dr. Dre was popularizing the G-funk sound. Better reflecting the laid-back nature of the California beaches, the sound was more melodic compared to the grittiness of the East Coast. However, each legion had their guns pointed at the other.

The Roots existed in their own world outside of the West vs. East Coast battles. Instead, they emphasized live instrumentation, which delivered an utterly unique sound for the time. Of course, Black Thought was on the mic with Questlove on the drums. However, you also had Lenard Hubbard’s bottom-heavy bass work and the compelling keyboard notes from Scott Storch. The group wasn’t exactly the first to integrate jazz into their sound. A Tribe Called Quest, Gang Starr, and Digable Planets displayed an infatuation for the genre. The Roots were clearly inspired by these groups. However, they were the first to implement jazz in a headfirst, mainstream manner.

The Roots Helped Popularize Hip Hop-Jazz Fusion

While Organix would be outdone by plenty of respective projects from The Roots, its importance in setting the groundwork for their later works can’t be denied. Black Thought is playful on Organix, sometimes sounding blatantly off-beat. However, the messiness of the record is both a detractor and an appeal. It’s a nostalgic mess at its best. The captivating loops of Questlove set the stage for Things Fall Apart and Phrenology.

To this day, The Roots are hailed as the unsung heroes of hip-hop. Having secured a gig as Jimmy Fallon’s background band on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, The Roots would finally enter the mainstream. Impressively, they were able to do it while staying true to themselves. In particular, lead MC Black Thought has had an iconic solo career. A critical rapper on 2022’s Cheat Codes, the album of the year effort proved that the 50-year-old remains one of the best MCs out. Black Thought truly is your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper, a legacy that began in the streets of London with Organix.

[via]

Nas & Damian Marley’s “Distant Relatives” Turns 13

by

This year marks the 13th anniversary of Nas and Damian Marley’s collaborative album, Distant Relatives. The album was released on May 18, 2010, via Universal Republic and Def Jam. Damian Marley and his brother Stephen Marley almost entirely produced the project. Distant Relatives was Nas’s second collaborative album, following his group album with The Firm in 1997. It was Marley’s first full-length collaboration with another artist, preceding the Superheavy album with Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, and A.R. Rahman.

Nas and Damian Marley initially connected for “Road To Zion,” a song from Marley’s third studio album, 2005’s Welcome to Jamrock. Nas’s song “One Love” from Illmatic is inspired by a song of the same name from Damian’s father, reggae icon Bob Marley. Damian Marley had previously worked with many other hip hop artists, including Black Thought, Treach, and Eve. Distant Relatives followed Nas’s 2008 album, Untitled, which was polarizing for its political content and intense subject matter. Nas and Marley’s Distant Relatives album stands out among their catalogs, not only as a quality collaboration but as an album that fused genres and displayed the close relationship between hip hop and reggae. Here is a look back at the album for its anniversary.

A Fusion Of Two Genres

On the album’s opener and lead single, “As We Enter,” Nas raps, “My man’ll speak Patois, and I can speak rap star.” This lyric concisely summarizes the album as Nas and Marley dominate in two separate worlds of music but can make good music together. The album’s title, Distant Relatives, also speaks to this connection, as portions hip hop’s early musical origins derive from reggae influences. 

Damian Marley is not considered a rapper, but he can effortlessly flow on a track like one and keeps up with Nas on a track like “As We Enter.” The song is one of the most exciting moments on the album as the two trade lines with ease. Their distinct voices complement each other nicely. Damian Marley’s Welcome To Jamrock incorporated some elements of hip hop, so it was no surprise that he and Nas worked well together. “As We Enter” samples “Yègellé Tezeta” by Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke. Most of the samples on the album come from African musicians such as Amadou & Mariam, Sara Chaves, Tunji Oyelana, and David Zé. The album also samples several Jamaican artists like Dennis Brown, Little Roy, and Damian’s brother Ziggy Marley.

Distant Relatives brought the worlds of hip hop and reggae together through the chemistry between Nas and Marley. The album’s guest list also combines the two genres, with Stephen Marley and K’naan appearing on multiple songs and features from Lil Wayne, Dennis Brown, and Joss Stone. Regarding production, some songs on Distant Relatives lean more towards hip hop while others lean toward Damian’s reggae background. With that in mind, Nas and Marley sound equally comfortable with each other’s style of music, which speaks to their skills as artists and their working relationship. 

Distant Relatives Covered Serious Issues

The production of Distant Relatives and the chemistry between Nas and Marley were essential for the album’s success. The lyricism and messaging of the album played an integral role in making a memorable collaboration. Lyrically, hip hop and reggae share many similarities in the topics that artists tend to discuss in their songs. Distant Relatives sheds light on serious issues around the world, drawing comparisons between Africa and America. Songs like “Patience (Sabali)” and “Africa Must Wake Up” highlights the importance of proactively working towards change to solve problems, as well as the importance of unity in Africa in the face of adversity. “Dispear” speaks to underprivileged people, while “Friends” discusses the importance of real friends and distinguishing them from fake ones. “Leaders” with Stephen Marley pays tribute to significant Black leaders and how they inspired change. 

An Uplifting Message

Distant Relatives also has many uplifting songs on its tracklist that preach uplifting and motivational messages. A prime example of these hopeful songs is “Strong Will Continue,” a motivational song about not giving up in times of hardship. “Count Your Blessings” is about being happy and grateful for one’s fortune, “In His Own Words” is about the power of God, and “Land of Promise” serves as a love letter to Africa. 

The song “My Generation” is also an essential album highlight. The song features a soulful hook from Joss Stone and a chorus of children, making for an uplifting song about the hope for the next generation to make progress. Nas and Marley talk about how this generation can create change, paying respects to those that came before them and pointing out the issues that need to be addressed. Lil Wayne also raps about how change starts from within oneself. “My Generation” is a standout track that exemplifies how Nas and Marley fused their sounds to create a body of work that excels, celebrates the lineage of Black music, and spreads messages of unity.

[via]

Juice WRLD’s “Goodbye & Good Riddance” Turns 5

by

Juice WRLD was SoundCloud’s biggest breakout rapper in recent history with his debut studio album Goodbye & Good Riddance, which shook up the world of hip-hop. Whether he was nailing freestyles on radio shows or raging on stage, it seemed he became an overnight sensation. After releasing several successful tapes on SoundCloud, he signed a $3 million deal with Interscope. Just prior to turning 20, he released “Lucid Dreams” and “All Girls Are The Same,” with each track landing near the top of the Billboard 100 charts. Juice WRLD could fit into just about any pocket of hip-hop, diving from a trap-based collaborative mixtape with Future to an emo-grunge banger with XXXTentacion.

His bratty songs would quickly become anthems throughout high school and college campuses. Juice WRLD would follow up the successful hit tracks with Goodbye & Good Riddance, which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 charts. His album blended the underground trap sounds of SoundCloud with the rougher sounds of South Florida, drawing comparisons to the likes of XXXTentacion and Iann Dior. Releasing the project at only 19 years old, Juice raps about teenage heartbreak and loneliness throughout much of the project. Singing “Tell me what’s the secret to love, I don’t get” in a monotonous tone, his vulnerable naivety is genuine at its core.

Goodbye & Good Riddance Pictures A Depressed Juice WLRD

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 18: Juice WRLD poses during rehearsals for the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on August 18, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)

While Juice WLRD blew up off of emo-rap encompassing hip-hop in the late 2010s, he’s not a one-trick pony rapping with his head down. He can be depressed and exhilarated or enraged and serene all at once. On “Armed and Dangerous,” he’s wielding a gun and a bottomless bank account, coming off as the most confident man in the world. However, “Scared of Love” gives us a completely different Juice WRLD, where he states, “I tell you that I don’t care / Really I do care.” This unpredictability aided his sudden popularity, as fans were kept on their toes from track to track. It’s easy to pity Juice WRLD by the record’s end.

Essentially, Juice WRLD’s Goodbye & Good Riddance popularized emo-rap heartbreak like never before. It shows in the numbers, recently surpassing 5 billion streams on Spotify. He turns to dark substances to cope with the reoccurring themes of heartbreak and loneliness. “I take prescriptions to make me feel okay / I know it’s all in my head.” They’re haunting lines to listen to in retrospect, as Juice WRLD would die of an accidental overdose of painkillers in December 2019. On the 2018 single “Legends,” he famously stated, “What’s the 27 club? We ain’t making it past 21.” He’s acutely aware of his downfalls. However, the lyricism of Goodbye & Good Riddance reads as someone falling into this unhealthy world rather than looking to pull themselves out.

Juice WRLD Was Heavily Influencing Emo-Rap

Juice WRLD’s untimely passing signed a death warrant for emo-rap itself. Named Jarad Higgins, Juice WRLD wasn’t just impersonating the subgenre with Goodbye & Good Riddance. Through his variety of manic states and soundscapes, he was driving the genre into a new era. This all became apparent with his posthumous releases, such as Legends Never Die, where he dabbled in the world of EDM. An imposing rapper and vocalist, he made a name for himself as one of the greatest freestylers in the industry before his passing.

Of course, Goodbye & Good Riddance is far from a perfect record. Juice WRLD’s unwavering self-deprecating tendencies sometimes read as downright cringy. This especially shows up on the outro skits, “Betrayal” and “Karma.” If you’re specifically grading Juice WRLD’s debut album for its lyrical prowess, it falls well short of the likes of Kendrick Lamar or Kanye West. However, Goodbye & Good Riddance stick in fans’ heads due to its catchy melodies. Taking cues from Young Thug or Lil Uzi Vert, the project is at its best when Juice stretches his vocals on a catchy beat.

Immediate Success

In essence, it’s difficult to capture the appeal of Goodbye & Good Riddance from a logical perspective. While the lyrics are depressive and angst-filled, it quickly induces feelings of freedom or downright joy in its listeners. The record lifted him from making $100 at a live performance at the Chicago Rec Center and posting small mixtapes on SoundCloud to a global personality. In retrospect, the fame may have hit him too quickly. With Juice WRLD delivering a voice where “I speak my own language,” it’s a tragedy for music that we weren’t able to hear him fully develop his unique sound. Even if Juice WRLD is at his lowest on Goodbye & Good Riddance, the posthumous personality has an understated sentiment to enjoy the ride while you can.

On May 18, Juice’s team released a 5th-anniversary edition of Goodbye & Good Riddance. Surprisingly, we’re getting new material on the project. “Glo’d Up” features a booming 808, as Juice fittingly screams, “Looking for closure.” In addition, we get a revamped version of “Lucid Dreams” with Lil Uzi Vert.

“De La Soul Is Dead” Turns 32: A Groundbreaking Album

by

Marking its 32nd anniversary, De La Soul is Dead, the sophomore album by the legendary Hip Hop act De La Soul, remains as innovative as when it first dropped in 1991. Comprised of members Posdnuos, Trugoy, and Maseo, De La Soul emerged from Amityville, Long Island, swiftly establishing themselves as a creative force in the burgeoning Hip Hop scene.

De La Soul is Dead diverged from the psychedelic optimism of their debut 3 Feet High and Rising. Instead, it presented a darker, more introspective view of the culture. Motivated by a desire to challenge their ‘Hip Hop hippie’ image, the group also aimed to showcase their depth. The album’s title further declared their determination to break free from expectations. The project is filled with skits, clever rhymes, and an eclectic mix of samples, proving De La Soul’s originality. Their experimentation with Jazz, Soul, and Rock, alongside their thought-provoking lyrics, set them apart in a genre increasingly dominated by Gangsta Rap.

Critical Reception

One standout track, “Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey),” humorously addresses the pressure from unknown artists seeking record deals. The song reached No. 22 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, testifying to the album’s international appeal. De La Soul is Dead didn’t match its predecessor’s chart-topping success, but it peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Gold certification. Moreover, it cemented De La Soul’s reputation as creative trailblazers unafraid to challenge norms and expectations.

Additionally, throughout their career, De La received numerous accolades. In 2006, they won a Grammy for collaborating with Gorillaz on “Feel Good Inc.” They were also nominated for a Grammy in 2016 for their crowd-funded album, And the Anonymous Nobody.

Impact On The Culture

Further, De La Soul’s impact on music culture extends beyond their unique sound. They were also instrumental in forming the Native Tongues Posse, a collective of like-minded Hip Hop artists including A Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love, Queen Latifah, and Jungle Brothers, who shared an interest in Afrocentric lyrics and eclectic sampling. Critics and the public have also often lauded De La Soul is Dead for its inventive approach to Hip Hop. The album’s dark humor, innovative sampling, and lyricism were seen as a welcome departure from mainstream Rap.

De La Soul Today

The loss of David Jude Jolicoeur, better known as Trugoy the Dove, was a profound blow. His untimely death in February 2023 left fans and fellow artists mourning the passing of a creative force and influential figure. He is remembered for his iconic contributions to Hip Hop, and tributes continue to pour in.

Overall, De La Soul is Dead is a testament to De La Soul’s impact on music and culture. Looking back, it’s clear that the album’s influence reaches far beyond its time, much like the group itself. Despite trials and tribulations, De La Soul remains vital to Hip Hop history. They embody a spirit of creativity and originality that continues to resonate.

[via][via]

Killer Mike’s “R.A.P. Music” Album Turns 11

by

2023 marks the 11th anniversary of Killer Mike’s fifth studio album, R.A.P. Music. Released on May 15, 2012 via Williams Street Records, R.A.P. Music was produced entirely by El-P, making for their first collaborative album before they formed Run The Jewels a year later. The album contains features from Bun B, T.I., Trouble, Scar, Emily Panic, and a verse from El-P. Mike has not released a solo album since R.A.P. Music, which will change very soon as his latest solo album, Michael will release on June 16.  

Though Killer Mike had released four successful albums before it, R.A.P. Music was a reset for him. Compared to his previous releases, it was his most experimental album and is now regarded as his magnum opus. Here is a look back at Killer Mike’s R.A.P. Music album for its anniversary.

An Unlikely Pairing

Before they started working together on R.A.P. Music, Killer Mike and El-P had already established themselves as highly respected artists in different areas of hip-hop. Killer Mike was a member of the Dungeon Family, collaborating with Outkast and cementing his name through the I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind series. El-P, on the other hand, came up in the underground rap scene with his group Company Flow. Throughout the early years of his career, he produced for Cannibal Ox, Aesop Rock, Murs, and more, and released two solo albums. Killer Mike’s 2011 album PL3DGE was the last on his own Grind Time Official label and the only one that he had released on T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records. 

Around that same time, El-P’s historic underground label, Definitive Jux had dissolved. Both artists were aware of each other and connected through a mutual friend, Adult Swim’s Jason DeMarco. After being introduced to each other, they worked on R.A.P. Music and released it on DeMarco’s Williams Street Records, which distributed original music for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. 

El-P’s alternative take on New York hip-hop production and his abstract rap style is much different from Killer Mike’s tough, southern, and straightforward bars. El-P’s approach to Kille Mike’s southern sound on songs like “Big Beast” is a prime example of the magic of R.A.P. Music. The two took big risks on the album through the unconventional production but the results are very rewarding as the album displays Killer Mike and El-P’s early chemistry. They come from different musical backgrounds but that contrast in style is what makes the pair unlikely yet so perfect. 

Political Themes

R.A.P. Music, which stands for “Rebellious African People,” furthered Killer Mike’s political themes from previous solo offerings. Ice Cube’s influence ran deep across the tracklist, specifically, Cube’s Amerikkka’s Most Wanted. Killer Mike uses R.A.P. Music as a vessel to address injustices across America including police brutality, the United States legal system, and the oppression of Black people. His political views fuel records like “Don’t Die” and “Anywhere But Here.” In “Untitled,” Killer Mike reflects on the potential consequences of standing on his own political views and morals, referencing the assassinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Then, there’s “Reagan,” Killer Mike’s most notable record in his catalog. Mike details the roles politicians like Ronald Reagan had in furthering the exploitation and oppression of Black people. Similarly, he cites the loophole within the 13th Amendment that allows modern slavery. Throughout the song, Killer Mike addresses the racial implications of the war on drugs on black people, government surveillance, and trickle-down economics. The chilling production from El-P and the conviction in Killer Mike’s voice make the song such a masterful statement of American corruption.

The text on the album’s cover reads, “Readers of the books / Leaders of the crooks.” The phrase encapsulates the album concisely as the album consists of thoughtful and educational topics but also embraces Killer Mike’s southern gangsta rap roots. There are personal and emotional songs like “Willie Burke Sherwood” but Killer Mike leaves plenty of room for bangers. There is the previously-mentioned tough southern rap posse cut, “Big Beast” ft. T.I., Bun B, and Trouble, the explosive “Go!,” and the comical yet descriptive “Jojo’s Chillin.”

The Legacy of R.A.P. Music

Overall, R.A.P. Music is undoubtedly Killer Mike’s magnum opus. It is widely regarded as Killer Mike’s best album. The album is also his most well-known and critically acclaimed work. It showed the undeniable chemistry between Killer Mike and El-P and their potential as a duo. Such a monumental release paved the way for the abrasive sound and politicized style and subject matter of Run The Jewels. With the highly-anticipated solo follow-up to R.A.P. Music releasing within the next month, the album’s longevity and the Run The Jewels catalog have set the bar incredibly high.

[via] [via]

Janet Jackson’s Iconic Album “Janet” Turns 30

by

Time sure does fly, and we’re celebrating three decades since Janet Jackson delivered her eponymous album. Thirty years ago, on May 18, 1993, Jackson released her sensual, groundbreaking project, Janet. As fans of the music icon are aware, the ’90s was a golden era for music. By the time the decade rolled around, Jackson was already a bonafide star. Her role at Good Times put her in living rooms every week. As a member of the illustrious Jackson family, the world knew her before she learned how to ride a bike. Iconic producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis would craft songs that made Jackson a radio star. However, Janet was a monumental shift for the hitmaker. Let’s look back at the singer’s fifth studio album.

Exploring New Themes

Janet Jackson backstage during “MTV Icon: Janet Jackson” at Sony Studios in Culver City, California, United States. (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)

Because of her last name, people believed Janet was destined for greatness. She stepped into the limelight as a child alongside her superstar siblings. Her solo debut came in 1982 with the release of her self-titled album, Janet Jackson. However, her third album, Control, in 1986, catapulted her to stardom. We saw Jackson become her own woman, navigating a career away from her family.

Yet, the release of Janet cemented Ms. Jackson as a Pop-R&B star. The album showcased Janet’s more sensual and mature side, allowing her to break free from the shadow of her legendary brother, Michael Jackson. The record’s essence and appeal stemmed from exploring love, sensuality, and self-expression, weaving these themes together with infectious rhythms. The theme resonated with listeners, and soon, Janet became a commercial powerhouse. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

Global Praise

The album also spawned six Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including the chart-topping hits “That’s the Way Love Goes” and “Again.” The response from critics was equally enthusiastic, as they praised the album’s concept and execution. They applauded her ability to seamlessly blend various musical genres, such as Pop, R&B, and Hip Hop, creating a distinctive sound that complemented Jackson’s often soft deliveries. Many also lauded Janet’s evolution as an artist, as she fearlessly pushed boundaries and tackled subjects that were considered taboo at the time.

A Shift In The Tide

Janet is a pivotal moment in Jackson’s career compared to her other releases. It was a daring departure from her previous work, which primarily focused on seeking—and often demanding—respect. Janet played a crucial role in shaping the singer’s career trajectory. It allowed her to establish herself as an artist who could successfully reinvent herself and acclimate to the ever-evolving music landscape. Her adaptability and willingness to take risks would become a hallmark of her career, as seen in subsequent albums such as The Velvet Rope and All for You.

Additionally, Janet would impact many icons in the making. Beyoncé and Rihanna cited Jackson as a significant influence on their style and approach to music. Jackson is, and continues to be, an undeniable trailblazer in entertainment. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Janet, it’s essential to recognize its significance in the singer’s career and the broader context of pop culture. The album pushed boundaries, broke taboos, and paved the way for future artists to follow in Janet’s footsteps.