Syd is back! The GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and engineer, has announced the release of her sophomore album, Broken Hearts Club, on April 8th, 2022. Broken Hearts Club, which features collaborations with Kehlani, Smino, and Lucky Daye, as well as additional production from Grammy-winning producers Troy Taylor, G Koop, and Darkchild, chronicles the ebbs and flows of a relationship from beginning to end and is performed, co-written, and co-produced by Syd herself.
Arriving with the album announcement is the new single “Could You Break A Heart.” The new song pairs Syd with Lucky Daye and tackles trust issues in a new relationship.
“The album is about a relationship I had that ended in my first real broken heart,” Syd said of the forthcoming album. “It almost felt like I joined a club because all of my friends went through similar experiences. It was like a rite of passage. I started writing the album on the relationship when I was in love. You’re really getting the whole journey from the beginning to the end. I want people to find it beautiful. It’s super vulnerable, sentimental, and it’s soft. There’s touching moments and a couple of dark moments.”
Lil Durk pulled up on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and brought two singles from his 7220 albums. To open the set, Durkio was joined by Future for “Petty Too.” To Follow, Durk hopped into his current street banger “AHHH HA.”
Previously, Durk appeared on The Tonight Show for a performance of Back in Blood with Pooh Shiesty.
Lil Durk’s new 7220 album features Future, Gunna, Summer Walker, and Morgan Wallen. You can hear it below.
Fresh off a record-breaking performance during Rodeo Houston, Bun B is keeping the momentum going with new album. On March 11, the same day Bun B and friends rocked the NRG Stadium in front a crowd of 73,000 plus, the Trill OG and Houston’s legendary producer Cory Mo teamed up for a new album Mo Trill.
The new collaborative album from the the two Texas stars is an 11-track album that includes a star-studded guest list. Cory Mo executive produced this project and has features from Slim Thug, Lil Keke, Big K.R.I.T., Trae Tha Truth, Z-Ro, Larry June, Le$, Devin The Dude, Benny The Butcher, 2 Chainz, Wale, and Cee-Lo Green.
The lead single of Mo Trill, “Hesitate,” is also out now with a video to go along with it. “Hesitate” features Talib Kweli, David Banner and Tobe Nwigwe.
This is the 6th full-length album from Port Arthur veteran Bun B, and the first release since since last year’s Distant EP with Le$. The one half of the iconic duo UGK made his solo debut with the release of Trill in 2005. He then became a permanent solo act a few months after UGK’s self-titled double album when his partner Pimp C died in 2007.
He went on to release four more albums with the last one being Return of The Trill. Now the Trill is back adding more to his legendary resume with Mo Trill.
Hip Hop legends, RZA and DJ Scratch released their joint full-length album, Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater produced by DJ Scratch via 36 Chambers ALC/MNRK Music Group.
The two rap icons’ collaborative album is inspired by their love for martial arts. The project serves as a love letter to the kung fu movies that ran on local television channels every Saturday when there were only five options.
Just ahead of Friday’s release the duo hosted a star studded listening party filled with music industry guests, such as Rocnation’s Young Guru, actor, Flex Alexander and more.
Cocktail waitresses dawned in Wu Tang branded martial arts uniforms served guests as DJ Carisma provided the tunes.
“We named it that because we are flashing back to the days when we were young men coming from Brownsville Projects, then moving to Staten Island moving to Park Hill, Killa Hill,” RZA shared to the crowd on their inspiration for doing the album.
“It took us to a place far far far away, because we have never been to China. We have never been to Thailand…and we saw men protecting women, fighting oppression. We saw chivalry and one man taking down 20 men, breaking bricks, using num-chuks,” added RZA.
DJ Scratch who produced the album solely, previously explained:
“It was an honor to produce and executive produce an entire album for a legendary MC, who happens to be one of the greatest Hip Hop producers of all time. This album is like a movie. The first track gives you the synopsis of the movie. The beats & the videos we shot will take you back to when you couldn’t wait to turn to channel 5 every Saturday at 3 pm to watch Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater. I’m proud of this project and I can’t wait to perform these songs live.”
Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater
Enjoy Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater on all DSPs.
Recently, My Block Inc. introduces the first single of 2022 from singer-songwriter JoiStaRR, “Love Story.” Written by Joi “JoiStaRR” Campbell and produced by Warryn Campbell “Love Story” will stoke excitement in true R&B lovers. JoiStaRR’s new single will be a delight to her existing fan base, while also serving as a proper introduction to new fans. “Love Story” is a soulful audio experience, blending JoiStaRR’s stellar vocals with energetic live instruments, flowing through the lyrics of love and loyalty.
In the video, the sunny skies and palm trees of California line a street leading us to JoiStaRR singing her story on the roof, while also showing the battle a relationship goes through on the street level. In the end, love of the likes of Romeo & Juliet and Bonnie and Clyde makes it through.
In an exclusive interview with The Source JoiStaRR details the creation of “Love Story,” and more.
The SOURCE:How did “Love Story” come about?
JoiStaRR: Simply with me hearing the music and just writing a story. Considering what I was actually in at the time, which was something I didn’t want. And then I decided to write a story of what I actually wanted.
When you say that, do you mean like an actual romantic experience?
Yes. In addition to a romantic experience, just a life experience. At the time when I wrote the song, I was in a not-so-cool experience and I wanted something that, resembled Queen and Slim type energy, real-life love that you only usually see in movies.
When you were creating this song, it was alongside the My Block team, how has your experience been with this team and how did you find the creative synergy to create such a great song?
My Block is headed by my older brother. It’s an interesting dynamic. It’s like, you know, the sibling, not necessarily rivalry, but we have our differences. So, he’s pretty much allowed me to be just creative cuz he knows that I live in a bubble. So, it really was me exuding all the lessons that my brother taught me, including how to be self-sufficient in the studio as a songwriter.
How did that familiarity with your brother help influence your decision to let you know that My Block was the team for you to move forward?
I saw a lot growing up, just watching him do it for so long and being around just celebrities and seeing the dynamic. I understood at an early age that a lot of it [the industry] was a lot of talk. So I decided to stick with somebody I actually trust that could really have my back in this business.
The beauty of this single is it both aligns with, true R&B sound, but there are also just so many layers to it in the instruments and the lyrics. How long does it take for you to create a single like this?
Oh, man. What’s so crazy about this particular song is I wrote it so quickly. I really wrote this song as I was listening to it. I wrote it in maybe 10, 15 minutes. I really considered it one of the greatest songs I ever wrote.
In a typical writing session, how long would it take you?
I kind of freestyle. I go in the studio and I just go in the booth and write. So sometimes it takes me five minutes, however length, however long. The musicality, it takes me and then I need about maybe three, four minutes, four minutes at tops.
That’s impressive.
And then there are times when I have a song idea that takes me a year or two to even complete.
You already have had a career that some people would dream of. What would be the standout moment to you?
Going on tour with Kanye West has been the most standout moment, period, hands down.
What did you learn and gain from that experience?
I learned and gained everything that I’m actually utilizing now. I pretty much tucked it in a little bag and put it away until I felt like it was time to use it. I held on to all that information that he personally gave me from 2005 to like 2011.
Looking at the video for this single, it seems very important to you to give visuals that you were familiar with. Also, there is the addition to the idea of the Queen and Slim love story. How did you go into conveying what you wanted this video directly to look like? Did it exist in your mind?
I was thinking about what I wanted women to see and what I wanted them to pull from. And also men as well. I think most times when people hear a love story, they expect to see the story as well. Maybe they expected to see me fall in love with some guy and we get married. But I wanted to show not only a love story being that but a love story being about you loving you. I think people need to see more about more of that. Especially women. Women need to see that regardless if they’re in a relationship or not, they are the walking love story. And if that expands into something greater connected to somebody else, then the icing on a cake, the cherry on top, but your happiness should never depend upon having a relationship with somebody else.
Joi36
When you were heading into this release, how did it personally make you feel?
It was a surreal moment, but I was also nervous and scared of the response. This particular song has been in the works for so long that I was almost nervous to even let anybody hear it. I love the song and anybody I ever played it for or ever heard it loves it. But now I’m gonna have an opportunity for more people to hear it. More ears, more eyes, what are they going to say? So it was a little bit of happy anxiety.
Singles grow and they exist and they marinate into the music world. What can we expect from you coming forth after this one?
You can expect to hear the why that I still do what I do. The story that’s connected to the what and reason I’m doing it. I think lyrically, I’ve been able to write that in a way where people can connect to me. I can be more relatable in that way. They can expect to hear real instrumentation and feel something.
Before we wrap up, you’re an outstanding actress. Is there a project coming forward that we can see you on in the future?
No, but there’s a project you can go see. Strive, which I star in the opposite of the legendary Danny Glover. I play Kalani, a high school student, a senior that grows up in New York.
For more information on JoiStaRR, follow her on social media @JoiStaRR.
Megan Thee Stallion connected with Dua Lipa for “The Sweetest Pie,” a single primed to take over the spring into the early summer. Following their collaboration, Hip Hop’s Hot Girl visited Dua Lipa on her iHeartRadio podcast, Dua Lipa: At Your Service.
During the conversation, Dua Lipa and Megan discuss the new single and how it actually became a reality. “I wrote so many versions of this song. Finally, when I heard your voice on it I was like, ‘No – I need to rewrite all of this. It’s not good enough [for you],” Megan said.
The two would also dive into the challenges of operating in the male-dominated music industry, citing the unfair labeling in terms of business.
“When you think about women doing anything in general you think ‘catty’… That’s what we’ve been taught for so long. When you watch TV, you see a woman in competition with another. I think boys play a big part of that in the industry, too. You have your people that want to cheer you on but to uplift, you don’t have to put down someone else.” Megan said.
Dua added, “I think there’s space for everyone.”
You can hear the new podcast below.
Last week, Megan Thee Stallion teamed up with Dua Lipa for the first single off Megan’s next album. The song features two of music’s most strong women, and it’s the superstars’ first single of 2022, released during Women’s History Month.
“Sweetest Pie” is a delectable, sultry song that honors women as the prize, whatever that means to them. The song is accompanied by a music video, which was directed by Dave Meyers and produced by Freenjoy.
Trae Tha Truth co-signed Laray Da Savage shows you can suffer from a broken heart any time, no matter who you are, but it’s how you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move on afterward in the new music video for the second single “HeartBreaks,” from the recently released Be Right Back album.
Fresh off the wave of the project’s lead single, “BBL,” Da Savage shows a more vulnerable side as he raps about the icebox where his heart used to be following a break-up. “I had my heart broken / But now my mind focused / I still ain’t get my proper closure / People goin’ ghost / The Devil want my soul / Why they hatin’ on me? All I did was spread love,” he raps.
In the Keanu Livigni-directed music video, Laray Da Savage endures the harsh coldness inside an empty home to resemble the pain created by the desertion and backstabbing that was committed by a lover. As the darkness surrounds him, the self-proclaimed “Voice of the Streets” reveals raw emotions and finds the needed clarity to focus on self-love and prosperity.
“I was feeling neglected by love and had a hard time dealing with heartbreak, so I channeled my emotions into the music and sang my heart out,” said Laray on the song’s conception.
Be Right Back, available now via Sankofa Sounds, is composed of 15 carefully curated cuts and was executive produced by Ricky Rich & Danny Bvndz of Studio 713. Along with “BBL” and “HeartBreaks,” the project also includes breakout tracks, like “Wavy,” “Beautiful Ending” and “Lose My Friends.” Laray is on his self-promoted album tour right now until May, hitting 14-cities, including New York City, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, and, of course, Houston.
An artist-to-watch of 2022. Eager to make this his breakout year, the Houston native plans to strike while the iron’s hot as he is currently working on the follow-up to Be Right Back, as-yet-titled, slated for release later this year. “It took a whole lotta pain & sacrifices just to get here,” Laray said in an Instagram caption with a photo of him, Trae Tha Truth and Danny Worldstar.
You may stream “HeartBreaks,” produced by Yette, above, including every digital streaming platform now. The video is also available to watch down bottom.
On the rise recording artist Jose Bodega and his magnetic street raps continue to build on the momentum from his previous singles “The Statement” and “Tool On Ya” featuring Yella Beezy that will lead to a highly-anticipated debut album with a brand new single. For the latest release, Mr. Bodega links up with fellow Dallas star, Trapboy Freddy, to unleash the cerebral collaborative effort “Silence” with an accompanying video.
In the Clear Motion Films-directed music video, Bodega and Freddy move like thieves in the night inspired by classic mob rules to ambush the opps and ascend to the top of the throne in the Underworld. While counting blue-face hundreds, the two sprays diss shots and dismemberment plans at unbeknownst enemies like an uzi that are accompanied with shotgun blasts in blatantly disrespectful bars, like “You a baby boy, I’m a gangsta” Freddy raps.
“Silence” is Bodega and Freddy’s second collaboration on a song. The two originally linked up in 2020 on Trapboy Freddy and Yella Beezy’s “Tool On Ya” off their collaborative project titled My Brothers Keeper. For Bodega, “Silence” follows previously released buzzers “Roll On” and “AMG” dropped in 2021.
Gritty. Sly. Stylish. Bodega’s extravagant ensemble may be familiar, but his detailed street tales heard on his debut single, “Harder Than Yours,” are where he differs from others.
Not your average southern rapper with simplistic wordplay and hooks drenched in trunk-rattling bass. He’s methodical, authentic, and clever with every slick-talking line that infects listeners instantly. You would swear he just stepped out of an old school with a diamond in the back, sun-roof top, diggin’ in the scene with a gangsta lean.
Trapboy Freddy appears on the track and video courtesy of 300 Entertainment. “Silence” is available everywhere via Profit Music Group.
Take a look at the new music video for “Silence” below and follow Bodega on social media.
Capitol Records’ Mooski releases debut album, titled Melodic Therapy 4, which features the artist’s hit song “Track Star” and the remix featuring Chris Brown, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and Yung Bleu.
Leading up to the debut album, Mooski established himself as a viral sensation with over 475+ million views on TikTok and 42+ million global streams across all digital streaming platforms. The “Track Star” TikTok challenge inspired Keyshia Cole, Lala Anthony, Dream Doll, and Halle Berry. Additionally, Trey Songz and Jacquees both remixed it. Ahead of the new album, Mooski’s “Track Star” achieved platinum certification by the RIAA.
After releasing a series of new music videos for album songs “Be Strong,” “Soul Bleed,” and “Scuba Diving,” Mooski shares a 13-song debut that addresses unspoken issues in our culture through his personal experiences. We hear Mooski sing about the rollercoaster ride in love and heartbreak, social issues, mental health, and survivor’s remorse in the debut. As he bares his soul, the album’s soulful production amplifies the clarity in the messages the accomplished artist is eager to get across to fans, both new and old.
Outside of the a-list features and hit singles, the debut delivers a standout cut in “Counting Time,” which samples the R&B classic by Anthony Hamilton, “Charlene.” On the song, Mooski reminisces on a relationship that ran its course while pleading with his lover for a second chance. He sings, “Time (More time) / All she ever wanted was mine / Blinded by my greed, I failed to read all of the signs / Love is all she need, forget the Dior and the diamonds / Deep off in my mind / Thinking ’bout the thousand times / She said she would leave, but this time she wasn’t lyin’ / This time she was ready / And she didn’t regret it / She left our picture but she didn’t forget it (That’s how I know it’s over).”
The new certification was also met with even bigger news for the Bama Boy. Last week it was revealed that Mooski is expecting his first child, a son, arriving this April. Making the announcement on Instagram with a photo of him and his girlfriend holding up baby clothes that said “Lil Moo” with the caption, “All smiles knowing my son Ozzie is coming in April. Daddy waiting on you lil one #1stborn.”
Yella Beezy weather the storms of his relationship in the new single “Who Do,” accompanied by a music video.
Showing no signs of slowing down with already his third single release of 2022, which comes with the announcement of his new deal with Asylum Records last November.
In the follow-up to last month’s single, “Talk My Sh*t,” Beezy reassures his love interest of the payoff that comes with enduring his controversy.
In the video, Yella shares a romantic evening around the mansion with lover as he showers her with love and affection, while she returns the attention, flaunting sexy lingerie. While his lady appreciates the love, Beezy raps about their bright future, including trips, family and more. Over the blue light special plays signature guitar refs and bass, produced by Jay The Great.
Beezy’s “I Guess,” “Talk My Sh*t,” and “Who Do” are set to appear on his upcoming album, which will be his first under Asylum. The album will be the follow-up to his 2019 project Baccend Beezy featuring Too Short, NLE Choppa, Chris Brown and Young Thug.
Uncommon for an artist to release so much new music ahead of the forthcoming album, but Asylum appears to have a lot invested in Baccend Beezy. “…He’s built an incredible brand and catalog over the last several years. We look forward to continuing his trajectory to global superstardom,” said Dallas Martin, Asylum Records President.
Watch Yella Beezy’s new visual below, and stream it above.
