Rap veteran Timothy J. Parker, better known as Gift Of Gab of the Bay Area rap duo Blackalicious, has died at the age of 50, according to his label and crew, Quannum Projects in a press release.
Gab, perhaps still best known for the tongue-twisting Blackalicious single “Alphabet Aerobics” and the duo’s Blazing Arrow standout “Feel That Way,” was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2014. He underwent successful surgery in January of last year on the last night of the most recent Blackalicious tour. Despite working hard to recover, he passed away last week on Friday, June 18. He is survived by two brothers, one sister, and many nieces and nephews.
Gab’s manager Brian Ross said in a statement, “He was one of the most positive human beings I have ever known and always looking toward the future. He was endlessly brimming with new ideas, philosophical perspectives, and thoughts about the future. He was always ready to learn, grow and engage in a deep conversation about things he was less familiar with. A simple conversation with him about nearly anything could take you places you would never have expected.”
DJ Xcel, the other half of Blackalicious, wrote, “Our brother was an MCs’ MC who dedicated his life to his craft. One of the greatest to ever do it. He’s the most prolific person I’ve ever known. He was all about pushing the boundaries of his art form in the most authentic way possible. He truly believed in the healing power of music. He viewed himself as a vessel used by a higher power whose purpose was to give positive contributions to humanity through Rhyme.”
Quannum is planning future releases for “years to come” as Gab left behind nearly 100 tracks for upcoming and planned Blackalicious releases. Meanwhile, the hip-hop world will mourn the physical loss of one of its brightest, most dextrous, and most inspiring presences. Thanks for everything, Gab.
Rexx Life Raj recently said he hadn’t been able to make much new music during the pandemic, but what music he has released since then has been stellar. Of course, there were songs like “Tesla In A Pandemic,” celebrating his recent financial come-ups, and the California Poppy 2 EP that doubled down on the success of its predecessor, and more recently, the Untitled EP, which held meditative songs that helped give him peace in tumultuous times. But today, he’s back to boasting, releasing the swaggering yet contemplative “Lockheed Martin.”
Complete with an accompanying video of Raj rapping at the port, “Lockheed Martin” positions the burgeoning Bay Area star as both a grizzled sage and a hedonistic money-making machine, switching from bars about turning “a square b*tch into something off of Pornhub” to mocking “grown men infatuated with gangsta rappers.” He flexes but also advocates fiscal responsibility, rhyming, “If I can’t cop it three times, then I am not coppin’.” Then he lays out his plays for the future, involving investments, farming, and therapy, as well as continuing to keep it real and make sure his friends and family stay paid and all his dreams get accomplished, “shootin’ for the stars like I’m Lockheed Martin.”
Watch Rexx Life Raj’s “Lockheed Martin” video above.
RZA’s love for cinema is well-known — in fact, it’s the core of the entire Wu-Tang brand. After launching his Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater event this spring to announce his upcoming solo album, today, he shared a new single with the same title to further promote the return of his alter ego Bobby Digital. The high-concept album finds RZA verbally sparring with Bobby Digital over throwback production courtesy of longtime collaborator and friend DJ Scratch.
The concept posits Bobby Digital as a more outgoing version of the rapper inspired more by exploitation flicks like Shaft and The Mack (just check out the original RZA As Bobby Digital In Stereoalbum cover from 1998, inspired by classic movie posters). Meanwhile, the “RZA” persona is the more contemplative aspect of himself, influenced by the aged kung-fu masters in the Shaw Brothers films from which he borrowed the Wu-Tang ethos.
DJ Scratch, whose career credits include albums from the likes of Busta Rhymes, EPMD, Flipmode Squad, The Roots, and Talib Kweli, is executive producing RZA Vs. Bobby Digital, prompting RZA to say in a statement, “He delivered tracks that resonated and brought me back to a sound that I felt was missing. For me, it was really natural for me to flow and write to these songs.”
Listen to RZA’s new single “Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater Part 1” above.
The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow, and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.
It’s been a while since mainstream pop stars got absolutely weird. Thankfully, artists like Doja Cat are carrying on the legacy of the likes of Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, while saving the mainstream pool from getting dull.
“All the goofy kids, or the kids who don’t put themselves on a pedestal, or are just not normally accepted — I feel like making that example is good for those kids,” Doja said in her April Billboard cover story. “Because maybe they felt like they could never make it in an industry where everybody is so serious. It’s important that they know they have a lane.”
Staying true to her guts is mainly the reason for the 25-year-old’s rapid ascension, who thrives off of testing a whole myriad of boundaries. Whether it’s refusing to stick to one lane (she flips through rap, R&B and pop with ease), unleashing variousrenditions of “Say So” because she grew tired of performing the original version, or rocking the kookiest of outfits (2018’s viral “Mooo!” look being the most notorious), it’s clear Doja Cat lives for the thrill. So much so that she left Planet Earth and invited fans inside her new Planet Her album.
Arriving today, the 14-song collection finds the artist at her most confident. 2018’s Amala debut and 2019’s Hot Pink showcased her impressive versatility. Those albums were a yummy trail mix of talents, and Planet Her is the glue that brings it all together.
The album opens with the Afrobeats-inspired “Woman”, drifting listeners not to another planet — but the motherland. Similar to Amala’s “Wine Pon You” featuring dancehall star Konshens and Hot Pink’s “Won’t Bite” that samples 1945 Swahili love song “My Angel (Malaika)“, “Woman” is a hip-shaking celebration of the African diaspora. While bringing her heritage to the forefront (Doja’s father is South African), she shout outs Rihanna’s admirable CEO status as well as her own “divine feminine” allure. Later on “Alone,” Doja channels Rih’s come-hither attitude.
Women’s bodies double as a place of worship, and Doja Cat continues to highlight every inch of her curves on “Naked.” The artist has grown even more comfortable in her skin, and embracing sexuality is an integral theme on Planet Her. It’s best executed on the seductive “You Right.” Here, Doja reunites with The Weeknd, whom she previously collaborated on his “In Your Eyes” remix last May. The Weeknd, who is fresh off his ‘80s-inspired After Hours era, has retired the red suit and briefly returns to the dark sluttiness that longtime fans have been longing for. “But this sex will cloud your memory. A couple strokes will put an end and you’ll belong to me,” he urges in hopes Doja will leave her man.
One of Doja’s best traits is how she shapeshifts her sound to compliment guests. Along with “You Right,” she’s a gracious host on Planet Her, melding her tone to pair with Ariana Grande’s signature sultry coos on “I Don’t Do Drugs” and pumps up Young Thug for a glorious battle of the rap weirdos on “Payday.”
But there are stale moments to be avoided on Planet Her, including the forgettable “Been Like This” and “Imagine.” “Get Into It (Yuh)” is a SoundCloud rapper parody, which may or may not be a nod to when she first blew up on the streaming platform with 2012’s “So High.” What saves the track is the absolutely adorable Nicki Minaj shoutout towards the end, a reminder that the OG rapper is not only an inspiration but the one who pushed the “Say So” remix to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
And then there’s the shadow of Dr. Luke: In 2014, Kesha hit the pop producer/songwriter with various allegations including rape and emotional abuse. The year prior, Doja Cat signed to his Kemosabe Records and hasn’t acknowledged the working relationship. Dr. Luke’s career has remained intact and has credits on “Need To Know,” “You Right,” and “Kiss Me More,” which is difficult to shake off.
But songs like “Ain’t Sh*t” and “Need To Know” help the album achieve its vision. The former, which Doja first previewed on Instagram Live last April, will satisfy fans who’ve awaited its official version. The stripped piano melody of “Ain’t Sh*t” calls back to Elton John’s 1974 classic “Bennie And The Jets,” but that original song’s sincerity is sharply juxtaposed with Doja’s beloved dry humor and a rightfully fed up attitude of the opposite sex (“You should’ve paid my rent / Got get a f**king job!).
“Need To Know” is the best song on Planet Her: an otherworldly joyride driven by the mad scientist that is Doja Cat. She’s in true alien form here: a raunchy freak, cooing baby, helium sucker, and frantic spitter over a galaxy of ice-cold trap melodies. Lyrics like “I don’t play with my pen / I mean what I writе” and “Oh, wait, you a fan of the magic? / Poof, pussy like an Alakazam” is Doja getting deep in her cocky rap bag and it’s exciting to hear.
If Doja Cat’s multiple live performances that highlight her classically trained dance skills, the feast of music videos that call back to the glory days of Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott, or the expertly twisted wordplay weren’t enough, then Planet Her will solidify her star status. As Earth continues to slowly crumble — from climate change to social injustices — I’ll gladly book a one-way ticket and escape to Planet Her.
Planet Her is out now via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records. Get it here.
New Frank Ocean music is a rare thing. His last album, Blonde, came out in 2016, and he’s only released a handful of songs since then. However, today brings new music from Ocean that we weren’t expecting, as he makes a surprise appearance on Call Me If You Get Lost, the new album from Odd Future associate Tyler The Creator.
Ocean pops up on “Lemonhead,” although he doesn’t appear to be credited for it on streaming platforms. Ocean comes in during the latter half of the two-minute song. As Tyler sings, Ocean offers a few spoken-word lines, saying, “My bro is runnin’ his finger around th-the Ai Weiwei, Ai Veivei bowl. I got that sh*t sittin’ on my counter like a fruit bowl, that’s like a hundred racks. I like the color green, in every shade. I like life. Mine, like, my life. Don’t f*cking bite, y’all n****s love to steal.”
Ocean’s lyrics reference artist and activist Ai Weiwei, whose work titled “Bowls Of Pearls” — which consists of two porcelain bowls filled with pearls, made to look like bowls of rice — sold for $391,500.
Listen to “Lemonhead” above.
Call Me If You Get Lost is out 6/25 vie Columbia Records. Pre-order it here.
Just last week, XXL returned with their annual Freshman Class list which spotlights some of the best new talents in the hip-hop world. This is more times than not a celebratory moment, but it’s also one that reminds us of the past classes. With every new cast of acts, hip-hop fans wonder if the new kids will ever reach the heights that past Freshman class members did years after their inclusion. One example is the 2010 edition which featured J. Cole, Nipsey Hussle, Big Sean, Freddie Gibbs, Wiz Khalifa, and more, a group that often gets labeled as the best XXL class ever and if you ask Big Sean, he’ll tell you the same.
The Detroit rapper just released and 10th-anniversary edition of his debut album, Finally Famous, that featured remixed and remastered versions of the project’s original tracks as well as a new one titled, “Freshman 10 (Freestyle).” On the track, Sean reflects on his inclusion in the 2010 XXL Freshman class as well as meeting the artists that would stand beside him on the cover. More than a decade later, Sean acknowledges the greatness behind that class and how many of the acts are still thriving today. “But love to the whole clique / ‘Cause we got a platform that most don’t get,” he raps. “So shoutout Nip’, Wiz and Cole / Shoutout Pill and OJ too / Gangsta Gibbs for Sean Don and Jay Rock, too.”
He also concludes the statement with a bold, yet valid statement: “Real sh*t, I think we was the best class that ever came through.”
Listen to “Freshman 10 (Freestyle)” in the video above.
Finally Famous (10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Remixed And Remastered) is out now via Def Jam. Get it here.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Since releasing his debut album, Baby On Baby in March 2019, DaBaby has wasted little time between projects. The rapper doubled back a little over seven months later with his sophomore effort, Kirk. In April 2020, just under seven months after his second album, DaBaby once again reappeared with a new full-length effort, his No. 1 album, Blame It On Baby. At this point, it’s been well over a year since the North Carolina rapper has dropped an album so it’s only right that we expect its arrival in the near future. Thanks to the rapper’s second single in as many weeks, it appears that its release could be just around the corner.
DaBaby is back with his latest single, “Red Light, Green Light.” It’s a track that captures the rapper showing off his luxury vehicles as well as bragging about their quick speeds. “I like my Lamborghinis ’cause they drive fast,” he raps at one point on the song adding, “But the Maybach is probably my favorite whip.”
The rapper’s new song comes just a week after he shared “Ball If I Want To,” a braggadocios track that arrived as a defiant declaration towards excellence. Prior to that, he joined Yo Gotti for “Drop” and Polo G for “Party Lyfe.”
You can listen to “Red Light, Green Light” in the video above.
If there’s anything you know about Kyle, it’s that he’s never been afraid to share his feelings to the fullest extent on wax. His breakout single is the cheery “iSpy” track that welcomed him as a free-spirited rapper. More recently, Kyle caught a case of puppy love in a color video for “But Cha” with Josh Golden. However, elsewhere in his catalog, Kyle delivers sadder moments that focus on loss, heartbreak, and more. An example of this comes on his latest release, “Love Me Like You Say You Love Me.”
On it, Kyle struggles to walk away from a former lover as their relationship no longer exists. Despite attempts to hold on just a bit longer from both sides, the rapper deems it necessary to bring an end to their chapter in love.
The track arrives less than a year after Kyle dropped his second album, See You When I Am Famous!!!!!!!!!!!!. It’s an effort that came two years after his official debut, Light Of Mine, and one that saw him capturing the joy of dreaming throughout its twelve tracks that saw help from Rico Nasty, Tyga, Rich The Kid, K Camp, Trippie Redd, Bryson Tiller, and more.
You can listen to “Love Me Like You Say You Love Me” in the video above.
The wait is finally over. After teasing her third album, Planet Her for the better part of the last year, Doja Cat has finally graced her fans with its release. The project arrives after she spent most of 2020 promoting songs from her second album, Hot Pink. This includes the chart-topping “Say So” and the TikTok favorite “Streets.” All of that is in the past now as Doja begins the third chapter of her career for Planet Her with a brand new video for “You Right” with The Weeknd.
The new track is also accompanied by a majestic video that follows Doja as she walks through an elegant palace as she details her desires for a man despite being in a relationship with another one. Planet Her was led by two singles, “Kiss Me More” with SZA and “Need To Know.” The former was an effort that submitted itself onto the list of song of the summer contenders. The duo also performed it at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. The latter was a track Doja delivered to hold fans over until the album’s release. All in all, Planet Her arrives with additional features from Young Thug, Ariana Grande, and JID.
As for what’s next, Doja will soon make an appearance in the second season of Lil Dicky’s TV show, Dave, and take the stage alongside Justin Bieber, Lil Baby, and more for the Made In America festival.
You can watch the video for “You Right” above.
Planet Her is out now via RCA Records. Get it here.
