Exclusives

Happy Heavenly Birthday To Harlem’s Own Big L

by
Big L

Today we remember Harlem’s very own Big L on what would’ve been his 49th birthday. Sadly, L, whose given name is Lamont Coleman, was shot and killed on his own block in Harlem a week after his alleged killer, Gerard Woodley, had an attempt made on his life back in 1998.

The Uptown native founded the Children of the Corn and was a member of the legendary, BX-based Diggin’ in the Crates Crew. As a solo artist, his work with Kid Capri, Craig Boogie, Buckwild, Showbiz, and Lord Finesse have been instructional flows and verses for the millennial generation of emcees. His first release, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous (1995) was the pivotal release, making way for The Big Picture. TBP contained L’s most notorious song/single, Ebonics which served as a dictionary rap defining the slang/lingo used in the streets of NYC and beyond.  Produced by DJ Premier, Ron Browz, Lord Finesse, Pete Rock and others, TBP added to most of Big L’s notoriety, with hit songs such as M.V.P., The Enemy and Fall Back which solidified L’s position on the NYC totem pole of emcees who would later dominate the genre with commercial success.

L was murdered during a drive-by in Harlem, prior to the release of his second album. With only one album being released during his time, Big L never received the recognition that he properly deserved. The question has often arisen that if Big L would’ve lived, would Jay-Z have been as much of a megastar as he’s become. Back in 1995, Big L brought Jay-Z with him to represent on the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show and the result from that almost 10 minute freestyle is proof that Big L was definitely one of NYC’s top contenders.

The post Happy Heavenly Birthday To Harlem’s Own Big L appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: ‘Menace II Society’ Movie Soundtrack Turns 30 Years Old!

by
Screen Shot 2023 05 26 at 7.33.48 AM

On this date in 1993, Jive Records released the soundtrack to the blockbuster hood classic Menace II Society featuring various artists. The sixteen-track Hip Hop assortment peaked at the pole position on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop albums. Along with singles, music videos were produced for the songs: “Straight Up Menace” by MC Eiht, and “Trigga Gots No Heart” by Spice 1. It has been certified Platinum by the RIAA since October 11, 1994.

Classic tracks include Spice 1’s “Trigga Gots No Heart”, Too Short’s “Only The Strong Survive” as well as some East Coast flavor from Brand Nubian(“Lick Dem Muthafuckas”), Boogie Down Productions(“The P Is Still Free”) and Pete Rock and CL Smooth’s “Death Becomes You”.

Just as timeless as the movie during the era when soundtracks were everything, the MIIS soundtrack is sure to bring back that bi-coastal Hip Hop nostalgia.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: ‘Menace II Society’ Movie Soundtrack Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

50 Cent Plans to Get in Shape Before His ‘Final Lap’ Tour: ‘I’ll Be Back in Dog Shape’

by
50 Cent Plans to Get in Shape Before His 'Final Lap' Tour

50 Cent is looking to be in shape again. In an effort to possibly look like 2003 Fifty before his Final Lap Tour, 50 said he is back on a workout regimen.

“We gonna do the tour and stuff like that, right? So I’m back working out like that,” 50 said on Instagram. “I always work out, but it’s different when I gotta start running and all that shit. Matter of fact, I’ma show y’all Live every day. Yeah, I’ma do five miles in front of ’em every day.”

He added, “I’ll be back in dog shape before I go. I’ma start talking mad shit when I’m back in shape. That’s why I be wanting to fight and shit like that, on the low.”

It sure will be a change from his appearance at The Super Bowl halftime show. The rapper made a surprise appearance at the infamous Halftime Show, where he joined Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige on stage for an epic performance. He surprised fans when he appeared performing ‘In Da Club’ while suspended upside down from the ceiling. 50 Cent’s performance caused social media to create a number of memes mocking his weight.

After the tweet went viral, he screenshotted their article and wrote: “I call this teasing me, They’re just teasing me because they know i can drop the weight. that’s why i laugh with them. Fat shaming only applies when your ashamed of your fat. LOL.”

He going to avoid the memes this time. You can hear it from 50 below.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent has planned a world tour. The Final Lap Tour, which is organized by Live Nation and sponsored by Sire Spirits, will make numerous stops in cities such as Toronto, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Houston, Amsterdam, Oslo, Paris, and many more around North America and Europe. Soon, more markets will be revealed.

The rap legend will play a variety of fan favorites, number-one singles on The Final Lap Tour, and a few songs that haven’t been performed live in decades. Additionally, Busta Rhymes, a special guest and longtime friend, will provide support on all tour dates, and Jeremih will support on all dates in North America. Additional special guests will be announced.

The North American portion of the tour will begin on Friday, July 21 at Salt Lake City, Utah’s Maverik Center, and the European leg will get underway on Thursday, September 28 at Amsterdam, Netherlands’ Ziggo Dome. There will be further announcements regarding dates in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Europe.

North American Tickets: Verified Fan will be used for The Final Lap Tour to ensure more tickets get into the hands of fans. Fans in North America can register now through Sunday, May 7th at 11:59 PM ET for the Verified Fan presale CLICK HERE. Fans who are selected to receive an access code will be able to participate in the Verified Fan presale starting Wednesday, May 10th. Limited tickets will be sold during a general on sale starting Friday, May 12th at 10am local time at Ticketmaster.com while supplies last.

VIP Tickets: Fans can also access VIP Packages which may include premium tickets, VIP parking and exclusive access to a pre-show lounge, special entry, Sire Spirits bottle signings, access to afterparty events, and more. For VIP Package information, visit vipnation.com and for all other tour and ticket information, visit livenation.com.

European Tickets: Tickets will be available starting with local presales on Wednesday, May 10th at 10am local time and available to the general public on Friday, May 12th at 10am local time on 50Cent.com.

The full run of tour dates are available below.

THE FINAL LAP TOUR 2023 – NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:

Fri Jul 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center

Sun Jul 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Tue Jul 25 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – STL

Thu Jul 27 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

Fri Jul 28 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Sat Jul 29 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

Mon Jul 31 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Wed Aug 02 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

Thu Aug 03 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

Sat Aug 05 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

Sun Aug 06 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center

Tue Aug 08 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

Wed Aug 09 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

Fri Aug 11 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre

Sat Aug 12 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

Sun Aug 13 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

Tue Aug 15 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

Wed Aug 16 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

Thu Aug 17 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

Sat Aug 19 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sun Aug 20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

Tue Aug 22 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

Thu Aug 24 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Fri Aug 25 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

Sun Aug 27 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

Tue Aug 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

Wed Aug 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

Thu Aug 31 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sat Sep 02 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

Mon Sep 04 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

Wed Sep 06 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

Thu Sep 07 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Fri Sep 08 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

Sun Sep 10 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome

Mon Sep 11 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place

Wed Sep 13 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre

Fri Sep 15 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

Sat Sep 16 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Sun Sep 17 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

THE FINAL LAP TOUR 2023 – EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:

Thu Sep 28 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

Fri Sep 29 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena

Sat Sep 30 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena

Wed Oct 4 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum*

Thu Oct 5 – Trondheim, Norway – Spektrum*

Sat Oct 07 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

Mon Oct 09 – Riga, Latvia – Arena Riga*

Wed Oct 11 – Lodz Poland – Atlas Arena

Sat Oct 14 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena

Sun Oct 15 – Oberhausen, Germany – Rudolf-Weber-Arena

Fri Oct 20 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion

Sat Oct 21 – Nice, France – Palais Nikaia

Sun Oct 22 – Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum

Tue Oct 24 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle

Wed Oct 25 – Mannheim, Germany – SAP Arena

Thu Oct 26 – Brussels, Belgium – Forest National

Sat Oct 28 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena

Tue Oct 31 – Strasbourg, France – Zenith

Thu Nov 02 – Nantes, France – Zenith

Fri Nov 03 – Paris, France – La Defense Arena

Mon Nov 06 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena

Thu Nov 09 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro

Fri Nov 10 – Manchester, England – AO Arena

Sat Nov 11 – London, England – The O2

Sun Nov 12 – Birmingham, England – Resorts World Arena

The post 50 Cent Plans to Get in Shape Before His ‘Final Lap’ Tour: ‘I’ll Be Back in Dog Shape’ appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Slick Rick Dropped His Last Album ‘The Art Of Storytelling’ 24 Years Ago

by
slick rick

On this day in Hip Hop history, Slick Rick released his final studio LP, The Art of Storytelling.

Produced mainly by DJ Clark Kent and Kid Capri, this album featured guest verses from Redman, Rev Run, Outkast, Nas, Raekwon, and Snoop Dogg.

Critically the album has been hailed as the only proper sequel to his breakthrough debut album, The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick. Due to continuous run-ins with the law, the public could never fully experience Slick Rick as an artist. For the same reason, the world will never know what his outstanding ability and outspoken persona could have done for Hip Hop culture. What is apparent is that when the master storyteller has the time, he can pen and deliver a masterpiece.

The Art of Storytelling was Slick Rick’s most commercially successful album, peaking at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop charts. The album even went gold during its first week of sales. True to the title, the album is full of narratives that could only be crafted by the pen that scribed the famous “Children’s Story.” And although he has not strayed away from his signature rhetoric, The Art of Storytelling shows improvement and Slick Rick’s ability to stay relevant as far as his style blending with the popular sound of the time. This album is deserving of all accolades and is a proper farewell to Slick Rick as an album rapper.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Slick Rick Dropped His Last Album ‘The Art Of Storytelling’ 24 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Happy Heavenly Birthday to ‘The Overweight Lover’ Heavy D

by
heavydvvvvvv

On this day in Hip Hop history, “The Overweight Lover” Heavy D was born in Mandeville, Jamaica, in 1967. If he were alive today, he’d be 56 years old.

Heavy D, born Dwight Errington Myers, moved to Mount Vernon, New York, in the late 1970s. In the mid-1980s, Heavy D, DJ Eddie F, and dancers T-Roy and G-Wiz signed with Uptown Records and began their journey to fame and adoration as Heavy D & The Boyz. The group’s debut Living Large was released in 1987 and was a marginal success selling 300,000 copies.

The group began to rise in popularity, helping Heavy D to become a pop sensation. The success of the group’s second and third albums, Big Tyme and Peaceful Journey, allowed Heavy D to collaborate with artists like Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, B.B. King, and more. Through the start of the 1990s, Heavy D began making more and more appearances in music videos and on TV, and in films.

In the mid-1990s, Heavy D became the first rapper to run a record label when he became president of Uptown Records. Before becoming president, Heavy D was instrumental in hiring Sean Combs as an intern. He also convinced Andre Harrel to sign Jodeci. As president, Heavy D worked with and developed the boy band Soul for Real and was the executive producer and principal writer for the majority of their debut album. His success as an executive led to him becoming senior vice president of Universal Music.

Heavy D passed away on November 8, 2011, from complications caused by a blood clot in his leg. His final performance at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards was his first televised performance in 15 years. Heavy D’s legacy will live on forever in the work he created and the mark he left on the Hip Hop industry as a whole.

The post Happy Heavenly Birthday to ‘The Overweight Lover’ Heavy D appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. And Rakim Dropped The ‘Let The Rhythm Hit Em’ LP 33 Years Ago

by
tumblr de38f65f911738354420e9a5322f72ce e2bbf543 1280

The G.O.A.T. and his accomplice Eric B. dropped their third album 33 years ago today

On this date in 1990, DJ Eric B. and Hip Hop’s number one microphone fiend Rakim dropped LP number three entitled Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em.

One of our most coveted Five Mic classics, Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em’s production was started by legendary behind the boardsman Paul C, however, because of his untimely passing, the baton was passed to his then young protege, Large Professor. This was the foundation that led to the extensive catalog that Extra P has today, even though neither Large Professor of paul C received credit on the album’s notes.

Songs such as the title track “Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em” satisfied most of Ra’s lyrical critics, who were still looking for the R to have a repeat performance of their debut album, Paid In Full. Tracks such as “Mahogany” was proof of Rakim’s story telling ability, while “In The Ghetto” reminded his fans and listeners of the origin of his greatness and many other Hip Hop artists like him.

This album is definitely a time capsule piece of the Golden Era and The Source salutes both Eric B. and Rakim for this timeless gem!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. And Rakim Dropped The ‘Let The Rhythm Hit Em’ LP 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

STARZ Sets Season Two Premiere Date for ‘Power Book IV: Force’

by
STARZ Sets Season Two Premiere Date for 'Power Book IV: Force'

The second season of Power Book IV: Force, which stars Joseph Sikora as fan favorite Tommy Egan, will debut on Friday, Sept. 1 at midnight ET on all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms as well as internationally on the LIONSGATE+ premium streaming platform in Brazil, Spanish-speaking Latin America, the UK, and Ireland.

It will have its linear television debut in the US and Canada on STARZ at 8 PM ET/PT. In addition, the network unveiled a first-look image and a new teaser of Tommy, who is more motivated than ever to take on Chicago’s heroin trade or suffer the repercussions.

The forthcoming season’s summary reads:

After cutting ties in New York, Tommy Egan’s newfound family and ruthless drug game enticed him to stay in Chicago.  The explosive second season begins with Tommy on a mission to avenge the death of Lilliana, his former nemesis turned business partner.  With Diamond (Isaac Keys) and Jenard (Kris D. Lofton) at odds, the Flynn organization weakened, and a new connect on the scene, Tommy is more determined than ever to take over the Chicago drug world. 

Season two of Force stars Joseph Sikora (“Power,” “Ozark”) as “Tommy Egan,” Isaac Keys (“Get Shorty,” “The Oath”) as “Diamond Sampson,” Lili Simmons (“Banshee,” “Ray Donovan”) as “Claudia Flynn,” Shane Harper (“Hightown,” “A Teacher”) as “Vic Flynn,” Kris D. Lofton (“Ballers,” “Snowfall”) as “Jenard Sampson,” Carmela Zumbado (“You,” “Chicago PD”) as “Mireya Garcia,” Manuel Eduardo Ramirez (“Snowfall,” “Queen of the South”) as “Miguel Garcia,” Miriam A. Hyman (“The Chi,” “The Laundromat”) as “US Attorney Stacy Marks,” Adrienne Walker (“Law & Order: Organized Crime,” “FBI”) as “Shanti ‘Showstopper’ Page,” Anthony Fleming III (“Prison Break,” “The Beast”) as “JP,” Lucien Cambric (“Chicago P.D.,” “The Chi”) as “D-Mac,” and Tommy Flanagan (“Sons of Anarchy,” Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) as “Walter Flynn.”

The post STARZ Sets Season Two Premiere Date for ‘Power Book IV: Force’ appeared first on The Source.

Natalia Bryant, daughter of Vanessa and Kobe Bryant, Becomes Intern for Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Tour

by
Natalia Bryant, daughter of Vanessa and Kobe Bryant, Becomes Intern for Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' Tour

Natalia Bryant, the 20-year-old daughter of late NBA icon Kobe Bryant, works alongside Beyoncé as an intern. The Jasmine Brand notes that Bryant has been named an internet on the Renaissance tour.

The full name of cast members was recently released, showing the University of South Carolina student listed among the batch of contributors.

Beyoncé started her RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR with a sold-out concert in Stockholm, Sweden’s Friends Arena. The show featured powerful dance music from her seventh studio album, RENAISSANCE, which has been widely successful.

It was an emotional return to the global stage, after a five-year hiatus, and the performance was mesmerizing for the 46,000 fans in attendance. The concert included songs like “PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA,” “COZY,” and “BREAK MY SOUL” from the new album, as well as iconic hits from Beyoncé‘s previous discography such as “Flaws And All,” “Crazy In Love,” and “Love On Top.” The concert lasted almost three hours.

Parkwood Entertainment is producing the 2023 tour, which comprises 56 dates and is being promoted by Live Nation. The tour will continue with a second night in Stockholm, followed by additional shows throughout Europe in May and June. Beyoncé will perform five sold-out shows at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before heading to North America for shows in July, August, and September.

You can see pictures from opening night below and the full run of tour dates.

20230510 RWT Stockholm Andrew White AW1 3503 V1 TP
Andrew White
20230510 RWT Stockholm Andrew White AW2 2234 V1 TP
Andrew White
20230510 RWT Stockholm Andrew White AW2 2559 V1 TP
Andrew White
20230510 RWT Stockholm Mason Poole MP1 2346 V2 TP
Mason Poole
20230510 RWT Stockholm Mason Poole MP1 3034 V1 TP
Mason Poole

RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR DATES:

EUROPE

May 23, 2023 – Sunderland, UK – Stadium of Light

May 26, 2023 – Paris, FR – Stade de France

May 29, 2023 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

May 30, 2023 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

June 01, 2023 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

June 03, 2023 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

June 04, 2023 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 

June 08, 2023 – Barcelona, ES – Olympic Stadium

June 11, 2023 – Marseille, FR – Orange Vélodrome

June 15, 2023 – Cologne, DE – Rhein Energie Stadion

June 17, 2023 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff Arena

June 18, 2023 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff Arena

June 21, 2023 – Hamburg, DE – Volksparkstadion

June 24, 2023 – Frankfurt, DE – Deutsche Bank Park

June 27, 2023 – Warsaw, PL – PGE Narodowy

June 28, 2023 – Warsaw, PL – PGE Narodowy

NORTH AMERICA

July 8, 2023 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre

July 9, 2023 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre

July 12, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field

July 15, 2023 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium

July 17, 2023 – Louisville, KY – L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium

July 20, 2023 – Minneapolis, MN – Huntington Bank Stadium

July 22, 2023 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field Stadium

July 23, 2023 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field Stadium

July 26, 2023 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field

July 29, 2023 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium

July 30, 2023 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium

Aug. 01, 2023 – Boston, MA – Gillette Stadium

Aug. 03, 2023 – Pittsburgh, PA – Acrisure Stadium

Aug. 05, 2023 – Washington, DC – FedEx Field

Aug. 09, 2023 – Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium

Aug. 11, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Aug. 12, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Aug. 14, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Aug. 16, 2023 – Tampa, FL – Raymond James Stadium

Aug. 18, 2023 – Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium

Aug. 21, 2023 – St. Louis, MO – Dome at America’s Center

Aug. 24, 2023 – Phoenix, AZ – State Farm Stadium

Aug. 26, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium

Aug. 27, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium

Aug. 30, 2023 – San Francisco, CA – Levi’s Stadium

Sept. 01, 2023 – Inglewood, CA – SoFi Stadium

Sept. 02, 2023 – Inglewood, CA – SoFi Stadium

Sept. 04, 2023 – Inglewood, CA – SoFi Stadium

Sept. 11, 2023 – Vancouver, BC – BC Place

Sept. 13, 2023 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field

Sept. 18, 2023 – Kansas City, MO – GEHA Field At Arrowhead Stadium

Sept. 21, 2023 – Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium

Sept. 23, 2023 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium

Sept. 24, 2023 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium

Sept. 27, 2023 – New Orleans, LA – Caesars Superdome

The post Natalia Bryant, daughter of Vanessa and Kobe Bryant, Becomes Intern for Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Tour appeared first on The Source.

Jorja Smith Preps Second Album ‘failing or flying’ for Sept. 29

by
Jorja Smith Preps Second Album 'failing or flying' for Sept. 29

Jorja Smith is getting ready to let you back into her world, announcing her highly anticipated second album, falling or flying, for Sept. 29. The album announcement follows the two recently released singles “Try Me” and “Little Things.”

Jorja has also unveiled the album’s moving cover art, a gorgeous portrait of herself that was taken on film by renowned British photographer Liz Johnson Artur. Jorja has also revealed a string of live performances in the UK during the month of September to celebrate the album’s release.

unnamed 3 Copy

falling or flying is described as an album that highlights the music and emotional state Jorja Smith is currently in. Heading into her 26th year of life. “And despite it all,” she says, “it’s definitely a journey I’ve just started. That’s what’s crazy. It’s only just begun.”

Jorja Smith describes the falling or flying album as one that moves as quickly as Jorja’s mind does, with deep, thumping drums, frantic basslines, catchy hooks, and distinctive beats. “I don’t slow down enough” Smith said. “This album is like my brain. There’s always so much going on but each song is definitely a standstill moment.”

The dates for Jorja Smith’s falling or flying album launch live shows are available below and tickets go on sale on May 19.

Thursday 28th September – Pryzm, Kingston (with Banquet)
Saturday 30th September – Level, Nottingham (with Rough Trade)
Wednesday 4th October – Outernet, London (with Rough Trade)
Monday 9th October – SWX, Bristol (with Rough Trade)

The post Jorja Smith Preps Second Album ‘failing or flying’ for Sept. 29 appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Nas And Damian Marley Dropped Their ‘Distant Relatives’LP 13 Years Ago

by
tumblr 0d181122e80358f16a14b269e183e3cf 111a0ac7 1280

On this date in 2010, Queensbridge king Nas and reggae royalty Damian Marley dropped their collaborative album Distant Relatives on the Universal Republic/Def Jam imprint. 

This Hip Hop/reggae collabo album was the first of its kind, with its release coming after Nas’ controversial Untitled album and Marley’s landmark Welcome To Jamrock LP. The production was very organic and exempt of super producers except for Jr. Gong and Stephen Marley, having Marley explain , “We’re trying to have a sound that’s reminiscent of both of us, but not exactly like either… A lot of charity albums come off corny. We want this to be something you’d play in your car.”

The album did daily well commercially, entering the Billboard 200 at number five and selling over 125,000 in its premiere month. Distant Relatives also served as a refreshing alternative that coupled as a vehicle of consciousness to younger listeners who were captivated by the more popular gangster themed music. Features boasted the likes of Joss Stone, Junior Reid, Lil Wayne and others. 

Salute to Damian and Nas for this pivotal piece of Hip Hop history! 

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Nas And Damian Marley Dropped Their ‘Distant Relatives’LP 13 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.