Conway the Machine’s next album is going to be special. Conway revealed those assisting him, listing Method Man, Larry June, Stove God Cooks, Swizz Beatz, Conductor Williams, and more.
You can see the complete list of contributors below.
In February, following the success of “Give & Give,” produced by Cool & Dre, Conway officially announced the arrival of Won’t He Do It: Side B with his latest single, “Vertino,” featuring Joey Bada$$. The duo delivers an electrifying performance on “Vertino,” ascending to “God Level” and solidifying their status as “the main suppliers of the fire.” Produced by Camouflage Monk, “Vertino” is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Memphis-born hip-hop sensation Moneybagg Yo has set the stage for the arrival of his much-anticipated album, SPEAK NOW, slated for release on Friday, May 24th, through CMG / N-Less Entertainment / Interscope Records. Serving as his eleventh solo project, SPEAK NOW follows the massive success of his previous albums, including last year’s Hard To Love and 2021’s chart-topping A Gangsta’s Pain.
Representing a fresh chapter in Moneybagg Yo’s musical journey, SPEAK NOW marks a significant evolution for the artist, showcasing his growth and maturity at the pinnacle of his career.
The album’s lead single, “BUSSIN,” featuring rising star ROB49 from New Orleans, debuted in March, setting the tone for the forthcoming release. The track made waves across social media platforms, with a snippet shared by Moneybagg Yo himself during the Ceiling Challenge, sparking a viral sensation. Within hours, the video amassed over 20 million views on Instagram and quickly ascended to the top of Twitter’s trending topics.
With tracks like “F My BM,” “Quickie,” and the RIAA Gold-Certified hit “On Wat U On,” Moneybagg Yo continues to showcase his songwriting prowess and dynamic musical range, building anticipation for SPEAK NOW as fans eagerly await the album’s arrival.
Renowned R&B artist Ne-Yo, celebrated for his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, recently unveiled a raw and introspective track titled “2 Million Secrets.” However, what makes this release particularly noteworthy is the candid acknowledgment of personal struggles, specifically regarding infidelity, which has earned him a commendation from his girlfriend.
In the song, Ne-Yo delves into the complexities of relationships and the consequences of his actions. He confronts the pain caused by his infidelity, openly admitting to his transgressions. Through poignant lyrics and emotive delivery, he navigates the turmoil of betrayal and the subsequent journey toward redemption.
What sets “2 Million Secrets” apart is its unfiltered honesty. NE-YO doesn’t shy away from his mistakes but embraces them with a sense of accountability. This transparency resonates deeply with his audience and his girlfriend, who has publicly praised him for his courage in addressing such a sensitive topic.
In an era where vulnerability is often perceived as weakness, Ne-Yo’s willingness to confront his shortcomings is a testament to his character. By acknowledging his flaws and striving for growth, he exemplifies the importance of taking ownership of one’s actions, no matter how difficult it may be.
Ne-Yo’s girlfriend, moved by his sincerity, took to social media to express her admiration. In a heartfelt post, she commended him for his bravery in sharing his truth with the world. She emphasized the significance of accountability in relationships and applauded NE-YO for leading by example.
Beyond its musical merits, “2 Million Secrets” reminds us of the power of art to inspire introspection and dialogue. Ne-Yo’s willingness to confront uncomfortable truths through his music fosters empathy and understanding among listeners. His vulnerability becomes a source of strength, empowering others to confront their struggles with honesty and resilience.
Renowned producer Madlib unveils his latest single, “REEKYOD,” featuring the lyrical talents of Black Thought and Your Old Droog. Making its debut on Madlib’s newly minted label, Madlib Invazion, the track showcases the iconic artist’s innovative approach to hip-hop.
Teaming up with acclaimed artist Mathieu Bitton for the single’s artwork, Madlib presents “REEKYOD” as more than just a song; it’s a testament to artistic independence and musical brilliance. The collaboration celebrates the essence of hip-hop, highlighting real rhymes, captivating beats, and the profound connection between emcee and producer.
“This is strictly for the honorees. Madlib is in his bag per usual and YOD is more than a force to be reckoned with. Simply complex, this piece is high art. Triple threat. Instant classique,” says Black Thought.
“It’s an honor to be inducted into the heavyweight class of hip hop,” Droog shares. “To be able to spar with one of the greatest MC’s on a beat by the greatest producer is a dream come true. Look out for the Madlib x YOD album coming soon.”
“REEKYOD” not only delivers an unforgettable listening experience but also serves as a declaration of artistic freedom, reaffirming Madlib’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre. With Black Thought and Your Old Droog adding their distinct styles to the mix, the single stands as a tribute to hip-hop’s enduring legacy and the enduring creativity of its artists.
Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes keeps the energy high following his latest album, BLOCKBUSTA, with the release of the new music video “HOMAGE,” featuring multi-platinum GRAMMY nominee Kodak Black.
Directed by renowned filmmaker Benny Boom, the video showcases Busta Rhymes and Kodak Black in a symbolic portrayal of mutual respect and admiration for each other’s craft. Set in sprawling, affluent surroundings, the visual emphasizes the peaceful exchange of musical and cultural influence in hip-hop.
The highly anticipated sophomore artist-producer album DON’T GROW UP TOO SOON by GRAMMY Award-winning producer Nascent is now available. This deeply introspective project delves into the journey of a grown man as he navigates and heals from childhood traumas.
Through a collection of vulnerable tracks, Nascent shares his personal experiences, offering listeners a poignant journey through his past. The album serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful reminder that confronting and overcoming past pain is a journey worth embarking on.
Nascent enlisted an A-list cohort of friends to join him on this musical odyssey, including Ab-Soul, PawPaw Rod, Duckwrth, and more. The album features recently released singles such as “Big Brown Eyes” featuring Orion Sun and “Don’t Check 4 Me” featuring Duckwrth and Saba.
One of the focus tracks, “Spinnin These Blocks,” features Maxo Kream, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Paul Wall. Accompanying the release is an official music video directed by Zach Sulak, capturing the vibrant spirit of Nascent’s hometown, Houston, Texas, where both Paul Wall and Maxo Kream hail from.
With DON’T GROW UP TOO SOON, Nascent invites listeners on a raw and emotional journey, showcasing the depth of his artistry and storytelling. The album promises to resonate with audiences as it explores themes of growth, resilience, and the power of confronting one’s past.
Speaking with The Source, Nascent discusses Don’t Grow up Too Soon.
Your sophomore album, “Don’t Grow Up Too Soon,” is described as deeply introspective and reflective of your journey through childhood traumas. What inspired you to delve into such personal themes for this project?
Nascent: The inspiration came from a real-life experience of me having to deal with things that I was avoiding. My parents had found a few tapes of me and my brother’s childhood. I hadn’t seen those since I was a kid, and after watching them, I did feel a little bit of sadness because I realized that I had forgotten about that little kid and that I’d been avoiding a lot of issues within.
You collaborated with an impressive roster of artists on this album. How did you select these collaborators, and how did their contributions enhance the overall narrative of the album?
Thank you. Some of the artists on this album were also on my first album. These artists bring out my world, and I’m forever grateful to them. It’s also pretty cool to see the growth of their careers in the past three years since I dropped my first album.
The focus track, “Spinnin These Blocks,” features Maxo Kream, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Paul Wall. What was the creative process like in bringing these artists together, and what message were you aiming to convey through this collaboration?
I started that beat in a session with my close friend beat butcha. This was probably 2021. I sat with the beat for a few years and one day I just thought it would be cool to hear paul wall on that. I’ve always wanted to work with Paul Wall and I remember speeding and changing the key of the beat to give it a new feel. Then I remember putting paul walls drive slow acappella on it to make sure i wasn’t trippin. it sounded fire, so I reached out to my boy QB, who then sent me to Bruce Bang. I owe Bruce for sure because he made it happen ASAP. I’m super grateful for that. But before so got it to Maxo & Paul, BJ and I just pulled up to Truth Studios and i loaded the beat and BJ had this crazy idea. The song was easier to sell and show Maxo + Paul once the hook was on there. i’ve always wanted to work with Maxo, so it just happened to work out on this song.
Throughout the album, you explore themes of resilience and healing. Can you discuss how your personal journey influenced the overall sound and direction of the project?
I mean, I’m from Chicago, so there’s always going to be that feeling of soul. Also my biggest influences are Dr. Dre and Kanye West, so there’s gonna be some form of sampling also I’m always going to be very intentional with my drum selection and how the mix sounds, I definitely wanted to revisit the string arrangements on this album because it’s like a cherry on top and it compliments in my world very well. Thank you to Maurice Herd, John, Madison, and the Detroit, soulchestea for their work on this album.
“Don’t Grow Up Too Soon” serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. What message do you hope listeners take away from experiencing this album?
The message I want them to receive is not to be afraid to look deep. Fear will make us think that things are scarier than they actually are, but you’ll be surprised. Don’t forget about the inner child inside you as well. Also, enjoy the music. This album isn’t about following any trends or anything like that. I’m just doing whatever I want.
Are there any specific tracks on the album that hold particular significance to you, either in terms of their creation process or the emotions they evoke?
I love every song from my own reasons. But I think one of the songs that always sticks out to me is “he got the gas”. I remember when me and Jordan made that idea. I also remember when Ben Lusher and I started that idea at the Studio during a jam session. I also remember going to Atlanta and having Rizz come over to the Airbnb and laying his verse down. I remember going to Detroit to put the strings on it too. That song just hits me in a different way. That’s the best way I can explain it for real
Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve with this album, both artistically and personally?
I hope to achieve helping more artist and producers out here in regards to their ownership and navigating this janky ass business we’re in.
Also, Im taking over this space we’re in and nothing’s stopping this train. They gon hear who really does this.
Just a couple weeks after dropping the video for his unabashed Atlanta anthem “EXIT 9 (feat. Blxst)”, Killer Mike has shared a new version of the track with yet another esteemed ATLien, Offset. The track was premiered by Killer Mike on HOT 107.9 in Atlanta on Thursday, ahead of today’s streaming release. “Exit 9 in Atlanta is the Adamsville Martin Luther King Jr Blvd so when we started talking about doing a remix I knew I wanted to keep it on some Atlanta shit,” states Mike. “Offset and I have been running into each over the years showing one another love and respect & talking about working on something. Finally the time was right and the Nawf’West Remix was Born!” The song’s unabashed tribute to the city was brought into crystalline focus in the music video, which depicts Blxst and Mike breaking bread with the mayor and making the rounds to notable ATL landmarks from the Cascade roller rink to the Blue Flame.
Singer-songwriter Normani has unveiled her latest single, “1:59,” featuring Gunna, via RCA Records. The release comes hot on the heels of the announcement of her much-anticipated debut album, DOPAMINE, scheduled for release on June 14 across all major streaming platforms.
“1:59” seduces listeners with smooth guitar melodies as Normani addresses a potential love interest, exploring intimate possibilities with provocative lyrics and an infectious rhythm. The track captures Normani’s journey of embracing her femininity, blending sensuality with dominance in an authentic and empowering way.
With this release, Normani continues establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. “1:59” sets the stage for her upcoming album, promising an exciting and dynamic collection of tracks that showcase her versatility as an artist.
Fans can look forward to diving deeper into Normani’s musical world with the release of DOPAMINE on June 14. In the meantime, “1:59” offers a tantalizing taste of what’s to come from this talented singer-songwriter.
YG has returned with his first solo track of the year, “Knocka,” accompanied by a vibrant music video. Under his new BMG deal, the lyrical titan showcases his consistency and energy, solidifying his status in the rap scene.
“Knocka” kicks off with a blend of classic and contemporary sounds, featuring a soulful background vocal leading into YG’s commanding proclamation, “this sh*t is a Knocka,” a hook that resonates throughout the song. With his distinctive West Coast style, YG effortlessly blends elements of his LA roots with a modern twist, which is evident in the track and its accompanying visuals.
The music video captures YG’s arrival in Compton, donning a matching red outfit and vibing to the music alongside locals. Dynamic scenes showcase YG surrounded by dancing women, confidently wielding a flamethrower and tossing money into the air, creating a celebratory atmosphere that mirrors the song’s energy.
Recently, YG signed a multi-album global recordings partnership with BMG under his 4Hunnid Records label, setting the stage for his highly anticipated seventh solo studio album. Beyond music, YG ventures into entrepreneurship with the launch of the 4HUNNID Podcast and makes waves in the wellness sector with his Cherry Bomb supplement for men. “Knocka” marks another milestone in YG’s illustrious career, signaling his continued impact and influence in the industry.
Today, Lagos, Nigeria-based singer, songwriter, and producer Tems has released her latest track, “Love Me JeJe,” via Since ’93/RCA Records.
“Love Me JeJe” is the first single from Tems’ highly anticipated debut album, Born In The Wild, scheduled for release this May. The song, which translates to “Love Me Softly” in Nigerian, pays homage to Tems’ childhood and upbringing, featuring an interpolation of the Nigerian classic of the same name by Seyi Sodimu.
Written entirely by Tems, “Love Me JeJe” is produced by Spax and Guiltybeatz. It offers listeners a glimpse into the artist’s unique blend of soulful vocals and infectious rhythms.
Fans eagerly await the release of Tems’ debut album, anticipating more of her captivating storytelling and musical artistry. With “Love Me JeJe,” Tems continues solidifying her position as one of Nigeria’s most exciting talents, poised for global recognition.
