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BadBadNotGood & Baby Rose “Slow Burn” Review

April 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jazz band BadBadNotGood and singer Baby Rose have dropped a collab EP called Slow Burn. The band burst onto the scene with a co-sign from a young Tyler, The Creator who also performed with them. Many latched on to them for their jazz covers of rap songs on their first two projects. However, as the years went on, they shifted to albums comprised entirely of original music including a project with the Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah. Though they’ve certainly cemented a sound within hip-hop, their musicality undoubtedly reaches well beyond the genre while remaining rooted in jazz. As for Baby Rose, she’s established her distinct voice across various projects, including the Insecure and Creed III soundtracks and Revenge of the Dreamers III. She also appeared on projects from The Internet’s Matt Martians, Big K.R.I.T and Erick The Architect’s I’ve Never Been Here Before.

The five-track EP from BadBadNotGood and Baby Rose showcases a brief but effective group of styles without losing its central themes, sonically and lyrically. The concept of love is explored in various ways across the project with Baby Rose expressing her trials and tribulations of romance. She keeps things interesting by sharing how it has hurt her and how she has moved on from it through a variety of sonically excellent moods across the project.

Slow Burn Is A Showcase Of Excellent Vocals And Instrumentation

Opener “On My Mind,” BadBadNotGood’s organs help Baby Ross keep her cool on the verses before her vocals charge up on the hook. The explosively expressive electric guitar blends with Baby Rose’s powerful vocals, while basslines carry to the forefront and she accents her verses with background vocals that enhance the track’s mood.

One standout song on Slow Burn is “It’s Alright,” the most upbeat record on the EP. The drums on this one are a little faster, helping enhance its slightly light-hearted atmosphere. However, Baby Rose’s lyrics exemplify the emotional depth she carries in her songwriting. This track takes some detours as the energy dies down briefly to introduce unique sounds in the song’s final minute. The lyrical prowess continues “Weekness” whose creative spelling offers a glimpse into the song’s content. Baby Rose lists how things in her relationship change over the days. This track’s gritty electric guitar give it a slightly more aggressive feeling than the rest of the EP but the project remains cohesive.

The EP Has One Feature And An Immersive Single

The only feature on BadBadNotGood and Baby’s Rose’s EP appears on “Caroline” with a contribution from Mereba. Her and Baby Rose provide some beautiful back-and-forth moments and harmonies across the track. Their contrasting voices complement each other well and while Mereba does not have a full verse, she handles the pre-hook of the track mostly on her own. This one’s gentle acoustic guitar and steady drums give it a peaceful atmosphere that would pair well with a sunny day at the park. The subtle woodwind instrument only adds to this mood as it almost becomes the third voice in the song despite its almost understated presence.

BadBadNotGood and Baby Rose’s Slow Burn had one single released for it. Titled “One Last Dance,” it sounds like something one would hear in a lounge from the days of the past. A peaceful organ, floaty woodwind and soothing bass provide the soundscape for Baby Rose’s vintage-like vocals as she talks of seeing her once-lover return to her life. This track is the EP’s last song, functioning as a final chapter to the other tales of love shared across the rest of the project.

Final Thoughts On Slow Burn

Slow Burn is an EP for people looking for something that blends a myriad of tranquil genres together. However, if we were forced to put labels on it, we’d say those genres are specifically jazz, R&B and soul. Baby Rose’s songwriting is excellent across the entire EP with some verses being shorter than others but still as effective. BadBadNotGood’s musical compositions are relaxing throughout most of the project with brief moments of high energy that aren’t jarring. If you’re unfamiliar with either artist, this is an excellent introduction to them and with its brief length, you can let the whole EP play and then go back to replay your favorites.

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Shabaka Composes An Incredible New Age Experience Across His Debut Album “Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace”

April 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Shabaka has been a steady figure in the world of new age and jazz for about seven years or so and is highly respected. What is really impressive about that is the fact that the Londoner has not dropped a project yet. That is until this weekend, as Shabaka has just come through with his debut album, Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace. For this first official LP, he did not cheap out on the features and truly giving this project all of his soul and energy.

For example, the listed features are plentiful. Moses Sumney lands on “Innocence,” one of the three singles for Perceive Its Beauty. Shabaka also went and got Floating Points, rapper E L U C I D, as well as Saul Williams. However, the credits behind the scenes were also a major priority for Shabaka on Perceive Its Beauty. Andre 3000, who everyone knows tried his hand pretty successfully in this same space on New Blue Sun, is listed as a flute performer.

Listen To Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace By Shabaka

Shabaka spoke with Mojo about creating this album and ditching the saxophone his fans have come to know and love him for. “It’s weird when you come to the end of something musically, it forces you to sharpen up,” he said. “There’s something about knowing this is it – there’s no room for maneuver, it’s your chance to make your statement.” Make a statement he did.

What are your thoughts on this brand-new debut album Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace by Shabaka? What is the best song on the LP? Is this his strongest record in his discography, why or why not? Which artist had the best guest performance? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Shabaka. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace Tracklist:

End Of Innocence
As The Planets And The Stars Collapse
Insecurities (feat. Moses Sumney)
Managing My Breath, What Fear Had Become (feat. Saul Williams)
The Wounded Need To Be Replenished
Body To Inhabit (feat. E L U C I D)
I’ll Do Whatever You Want (feat. Floating Points & Laraaji)
Living (feat. Eska)
Breathing
Kiss Me Before I Forget (feat. Lianne La Havas)
Song Of The Motherland (feat. Anum Iyapo)

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7 Rappers Who Masterfully Blend Jazz & Hip Hop

March 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Before jazz rap became a thing, many might have thought its two parent genres were too disparate to successfully mix. However, over the years, rappers have been able to adopt jazz elements into their music. At the heart of the convergence of hip-hop and Jazz, lies a profound appreciation for the essence of both genres. Moreover, in this soundscape, there have been groundbreaking, genre-bending works from iconic acts like A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr, among others. Newer artists have also tapped into the goldmine that is jazz rap, making beautiful music. The landscape of jazz-infused Hip Hop is now as diverse as it is dynamic, and we love to see it. Here’s a list of rappers who are masters at blending hip-hop and jazz.

Noname

It goes without saying that Noname is a very exciting musical talent, especially in the jazz rap scene. Since she started rapping in 2010, her artistry has evolved year after year, and now, she is in prime form. While she is not as widely known as some other names on this list, the rapper is no greenhorn. She has been masterfully blending jazz and Hip Hop since Telefone (2016). Her effortless flow and lyricism are also showcased throughout the jazz-inspired soundscapes of Room 25 and Sundial. Noname is one of the rappers pushing the boundaries with jazz elements in the Hip Hop space right now.

Read More: Who Is Rapper NoName?

J Dilla

In the annals of musical fusion, few names shine as brightly as J Dilla. Although he is no longer with us, this visionary producer and rapper left an indelible mark on the world of Hip Hop. Renowned for his unparalleled knack for crafting sound, Dilla’s sonic palette was as diverse as it was groundbreaking. With projects like Donuts and the posthumous The Shining, he showed the world that no one else was doing jazz rap like him. Today, his legacy lives on through countless artists who continue to be inspired by his work. Undoubtedly, he is one of the greatest to ever do it.

Madlib

Not many hip-hop artists have mastered blending jazz with hip-hop the way Madlib has. A master craftsman, his musical odyssey has been marked by an insatiable curiosity, which has served him well. Because of his hunger to explore, Madlib has reached high levels of mastery of his sound. His impressive expertise of jazz rap is on full display, particularly on Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note. The album is as smooth as one can expect a fusion of jazz and Hip Hop to sound. However, as an MC, he’s dished out plenty of pitched up bars over jazz-centric production as Quasimoto, a duo made up of Madlib and his animated alter-ego, Lord Quas.

Digable Planets

This Hip Hop trio came out swinging in 1992 when they dropped “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat).” It served as the lead single of their critically acclaimed debut album, Reachin’ (A New Refutation Of Time And Space. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most important jazz-inspired Hip Hop albums of the ‘90s. Admittedly, their discography is quite compact as they only ever released two studio albums. However, they are both excellently executed and notable works in the jazz rap space.

The Roots

Following the success of their debut album, The Roots released their sophomore album on January 17, 1995. Do You Want More?!!!??! is a jazz rap masterpiece that put the group under the spotlight. While their subsequent albums are also great examples of jazz rap done right, it is their sophomore album that takes the cake. Masterfully crafted, it earned The Roots widespread acclaim and a spot on this list. Evidently, the rappers in this Hip Hop band have a true understanding of jazz rap.

Read More: What Happened To Gang Starr?

Guru

In the pantheon of jazz rappers, few names carry as much weight and reverence as Guru. One half of the iconic duo Gang Starr, Guru was already recognized as a pioneer of the genre. However, when he dropped Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 in 1993, he raised the bar even further. Subsequently, he released three additional Jazzmatazz volumes, as well as a few other albums. Unfortunately, the rapper passed away in 2010. However, he lives on through his musical catalog, which is a gold mine for fans of jazz rap.

A Tribe Called Quest

Hip Hop fans all over the globe know A Tribe Called Quest, they are just that iconic. However, some may not realize just how revered this group is in the jazz rap scene. With albums like The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders, they firmly situated themselves as pioneers of the movement. Likewise, those albums announced them as masters of the genre that is jazz rap. Although they have now disbanded, the group’s influence continues to reverberate through the world of Hip Hop and beyond.

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Quincy Jones Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Legend

February 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Quincy Jones, a monumental figure in the music industry, has graced our ears for over six decades. His vast repertoire spans diverse genres, from jazz to pop, from film scores to television themes. But how does one put a price on such an illustrious career? In 2024, the estimate stands at around $500 million US Dollars, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

A Look Into Quincy Jones’s Musical Career

quincy jones net worth — LOS ANGELES – 1981: Musician, composer and producer Quincy Jones poses for a portrait in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bobby Holland/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Born in 1933, Quincy Jones’ journey began in jazz, with his trumpet and music arrangements catching the attention of legends such as Ray Charles and Lionel Hampton. His early forays into music set the stage for a career that would span the globe and touch nearly every genre. Jones’s career skyrocketed in the 1960s when he started working in film. His scoring for Sidney Lumet’s The Pawnbroker in 1965 began a long and successful film-scoring career that would earn him several Academy Award nominations.

But perhaps Jones’ most well-known work came in the 1980s, when he produced multi-platinum albums for Michael Jackson, including the best-selling album of all time, Thriller. Jones also co-produced the charity single “We Are the World,” which further cemented his status in the music industry.

The Worth Of Quincy Jones

The financial value of Quincy Jones is an astounding figure. Reaching $500 million is not just a measure of his financial success. It’s also an emblem of his unmatched contribution to the music industry. Yet, the wealth of Quincy Jones cannot be fully appreciated through a financial lens alone. His worth lies in the indelible marks he left on the music industry and his unyielding influence on artists of all genres.

The Non-Material Worth Of Quincy Jones

Beyond the tangible wealth, Quincy Jones’ worth also extends to his influence and impact on music and culture. The artists he discovered, the genres he explored, and the boundaries he pushed, all contribute to a legacy that transcends monetary value. He mentored numerous artists, including the legendary Michael Jackson and Oprah Winfrey, impacting their careers indelibly. His contributions to film, television, and music have shaped the sound of American popular culture. Quincy Jones’s worth can be measured in his material wealth and, further, in the richness of the cultural fabric he has woven.

Quincy Jones’s Philanthropy

Jones’s worth is also reflected in his philanthropic endeavors. Moreover, he has always been dedicated to improving the lives of others, using his influence and resources to drive change. He co-founded the Institute for Black American Music and has worked tirelessly to promote music education.

Quincy Jones’ net worth of $500 million is a testament to his enduring career in the music industry. However, his true worth goes far beyond this figure. It’s embedded in the music we listen to, the artists we admire, and the cultural shifts he has championed. His worth is in his legacy, a symphony of achievements that resonate today. In the grand scheme of things, Quincy Jones is priceless.

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Jazz Ask Rabbis To Remove Pro-Jewish Signs Aimed At Kyrie Irving

January 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A group of Utah Jazz-supporting rabbis has claimed they were asked to put away signs reading “I’m a Jew and I’m proud” during a game against the Mavericks. Furthermore, they claim that the request was due to complaints from Kyrie Irving. Rabbi Avremi Zippel and three of his colleagues sat at the Delta Center with their signs with the intent of attracting Irving’s attention due to his anti-Semitic comments in 2022. According to Zippel, Irving acknowledged the signs in the first quarter. The Mavs veteran reportedly told Zippel and his friends, “Nice, I’m a Jew, too. Don’t gotta bring something like that to the game.”

Soon after the interaction, Zippel claims security approached his group and told them to remove the signs. The official cited a rule about holding signs in courtside seats. However, Zippel also claims that another staffer later informed him that the removal was due to Irving filing a complaint with security. While Zippel said he had previously checked the rules about signs, the team issued a statement after the game. “No matter where someone is in the arena, if a sign becomes distracting or sparks an interaction with a player, we will ask them to remove it. During an out-of-bounds play in the first quarter of yesterday’s Jazz game against the Dallas Mavericks, there was a group sitting courtside whose signs sparked an interaction with a player that created a distraction and interfered with play of game,” the Jazz said.

Kyrie Irving Says Return To Mavericks Was An “Easy Choice”

A group of rabbis were forced to put away their pro-Jewish signs at the Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks game on Monday … after they claim Kyrie Irving complained to security, and asked the signs be removed, per @TMZ_Sports pic.twitter.com/LlOMfQzmcg

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 3, 2024

Kyrie Irving returned to the Mavericks after a brief explosion of free agency drama. Irving said he was “happy to come back” to Dallas after signing a three-year, $126 million deal within the first hour of free agency. “It wasn’t too difficult of a process. Had Dallas as number one on my list. Obviously, I looked elsewhere — salary cap opportunities, where I could fit in with other guys around the league. But there just wasn’t much space. And me being 31 now, I had to have a different vantage point. And I felt like I could not just settle here but be happy to come back here and be welcomed back with a warm embrace.”

He continued. “So I took everything into account. I took my time a few days before free agency just to be with my family, gauge how they felt about being in Dallas alongside me. And everybody was excited. I mean, even when I got traded here, midseason, a lot of my family was excited. They were just looking forward to me having a peace of mind just on the court and off the court. I had already dealt with enough past season or the past two seasons. So they knew that I just wanted a lot of that off my back and off my shoulders of feeling like I had to be Superman or I had to be perfect. So I think this is the best place to do it and continue to mature and grow as a man.”

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LeBron James Speechless After Learning He’s Older Than Utah Jazz Head Coach

November 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

LeBron James was left without a response after a reporter pointed out that he was older than Will Hardy, the head coach of the Utah Jazz head coach. After making a deflated noise and rubbing his head, LeBron finally responded to the question. “Oh my goodness. I’m not even mad. That’s a good one, you got me on that one. That’s crazy,” LeBron said. LeBron turns 39 next month. Meanwhile, Hardy turns 36 in January.

However, being the oldest active player in the league didn’t stop LeBron from showing out against the Jazz. LeBron had 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists as the Lakers cruised into the in-season tournament quarterfinals with a 131-99 drubbing of the Jazz. The night also saw LeBron surpass 39,000 points, the first player in league history to do so. Despite this, the night’s scoring title belonged to Anthony Davis, who put up a 28-point double-double. Omar Yurtseven led the Jazz with 18 points in 17 minutes off the bench as Utah fell to 4-10.

LeBron Museum Opening In Akron

LeBron’s new scoring milestone is just another thing that will need to be added to the new museum opening in his hometown. Originally announced in 2022, a museum dedicated to LeBron is set to open in Akron this month. “A multimedia experience, the museum will include a re-creation of the apartment where he and his mother, Gloria, lived along with items from his childhood, high school playing career and championship runs with Cleveland, Miami and the Los Angeles Lakers,” read a press release from the NBA. The museum will be located at House Three Thirty, a facility opened and operated by LeBron’s foundation.

“My dream was always to put Akron on the map, So to have a place in my hometown that allows me to share my journey with my fans from all over the world means a lot to me. I’ve been known to hang on to a lot of things over the years. I always knew there would be a time and place to bring them out,” LeBron said.

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2023’s ‘Music at the Intersection’: A Hip-Hop Time Capsule Unearthed

September 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

St. Louis Culture: Where Graffiti Meets Groove, Breakdancing Blends with Jazz, and Deejaying Dances with Humanity

In a resounding celebration of music’s timeless power, the vibrant city of St. Louis recently served as the epicenter of musical ecstasy during the 2023 edition of Music at the Intersection. Nestled in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District, this annual extravaganza unfolded over two days, welcoming music enthusiasts from every corner of the globe for an experience that defied boundaries and blurred the lines between genres, generations, and musical eras.

The festival’s headline act, none other than the legendary Grandmaster Flash, took to the stage, reaffirming his rightful status as the “Founding Father.” An icon of hip-hop whose influence has rippled across generations, Flash ignited the crowd with his timeless beats, a testament to the enduring impact of his artistry. His performance set the stage for an event that would pay homage to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, reminding us of the genre’s profound legacy.

Music at the Intersection is renowned for its diverse lineup, and 2023 was no exception. The festival’s stages bore witness to a fusion of iconic figures such as Angela Winbush, Arrested Development, Cameo, Herbie Hancock, and Taj Mahal, seamlessly blending with the rising stars of today, including Masego, Phony PPL, Ravyn Lenae, Smino, and Thundercat. It was a harmonious collision of hip-hop’s storied history and promising future, where musical worlds converged.

Injecting a hearty dose of funk and groove into the mix, the collective genius of Snarky Puppy and the irresistible vibes of The Suffers and Tank and the Bangas had the audience grooving well into the night. These performances transcended genres, underscoring the festival’s commitment to showcasing music’s kaleidoscopic facets.

St. Louis jazz legends Denise Thimes and the Kendrick Smith Quartet delivered awe-inspiring performances, invoking the city’s rich musical heritage. Their presence was a living testament to the festival’s mission of celebrating St. Louis’ indelible mark on the American songbook.

Trumpeter Keyon Harrold brought his unmistakable “no place like home” energy to St. Louis, joining a roster of music heavyweights at Music At The Intersection. Backed by the incredible Shedrick Mitchell on keys, the dynamic Pharoahe Monch & Stout setting the stage ablaze, and the masterful Charles Haynes on drums, Harrold’s performance was a living testament to the unifying power of music across genres. His words resonated deeply: “It’s the 50th year of hip-hop, and I am bringing Pharoahe Monch with me – who is a legend. I am bringing Stout with me. We are going to merge the worlds – hip-hop meets jazz.”

Beyond the infectious beats and irresistible rhythms, Music at the Intersection was a testament to St. Louis’ profound impact on the music world. The festival transcended boundaries, spanning blues, jazz, soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and hip-hop. It was a vibrant celebration of St. Louis’ musical, cultural, and artistic legacy.

A historic moment was etched into hip-hop’s annals as radio personality Edie Bee Anderson was honored with a Legends Award. Anderson, a trailblazer who introduced hip-hop to St. Louis airwaves by spinning “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang in 1979, rightfully received the recognition she deserved. Her pioneering spirit ignited a movement that has molded the city’s music culture.

Chris Hansen, the visionary executive director of Kranzberg Arts Foundation and chief producer of Music at the Intersection, beautifully encapsulated the festival’s essence: “St. Louis artists have birthed and stewarded these great genres, and now, the rest of the world gets to enjoy playing and listening to the music that we’ve been so instrumental in breaking.” The event undoubtedly realized its vision of uniting music lovers from around the globe.

Music at the Intersection 2023 was more than a festival; it was a musical odyssey through time and genres, a celebration of St. Louis’ enduring influence on music, and a testament to the unifying power of the art form. As the festival concluded, it left an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of all who attended, serving as a poignant reminder that music, in all its glory, truly knows no boundaries.

Photo Credit: Antonio T. Harris, Tyler Small, Martell Stepney, Phillip Hamer, and Anthony Patten. Courtesy of Music at the Intersection

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Quincy Jones Net Worth 2023: What Is The Legend Worth?

June 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Quincy Jones, a monumental figure in the music industry, has graced our ears for over six decades. His vast repertoire spans diverse genres, from jazz to pop, from film scores to television themes. But how does one put a price on such an illustrious career? In 2023, the estimate stands at around $500 million US Dollars, according to Celebrity Net Worth.