One of New York’s most esteemed veterans, Styles P, has delivered his fifteenth studio album, Penultimate: A Calm Wolf Is Still A Wolf, out today. The 13-track offering boasts production from frequent collaborators Noah Styles and Black Saun, Dayzel (Snoop Dogg, Benny the Butcher, Busta Rhymes, etc), and four tracks from legendary producer Vinny Idol including the standout track “Porsche Lights”.
“It’s the second to last solo. Enjoy it,” says Styles P in a press release.
There are no features on this Penultimate solo effort except for a Brady Watt hook on the lead single “Death Before Dishonor” which dropped last week. Styles doesn’t hold back on his raw bars about the streets, while Watt’s strings and smooth vocals help tie the song together – culminated with words from DJ Premier on the track.
The Queens-born, Yonkers-raised rap titan shared his 2002 solo debut album A Gangster and a Gentleman,which was led by the Swizz Beatz-produced hit single “Good Times.” He’s had a two-decade long career of consistency, dropping over a dozen more projects to date (not including work with the LOX). In 2016, Styles P and the LOX shared their long-awaited first album together in 16 years Filthy America…It’s Beautiful, which debuted within the Top 50 of the Billboard 200 and was followed by a tour. Early on, he was a featured guest on Rick Ross’ 2010 massive hit “BMF (Blowin’ Money Fast)”.
Styles P announced that he would be dropping one more solo album before retiring as a solo artist. Stream the full album above.
Today, breakout singer-rapper Morrayreturns with the unfiltered new single “Da Rant.”
The brutally honest track doubles as a recap of the rising star’s rough-and-tumble upbringing and a statement of intent about his future. “DA RANT” is accompanied by a suitably candid video, which is composed of behind-the-scenes footage.
Morray kicks off “DA RANT” by addressing his past. “Was running wit the wrong crowd,” the North Carolina MC raps over propulsive beats and searing synths. “Young, dumb, mad, loud — time past me by when I was sitting on that green mile.” After turning his life around, however, the hitmaker is optimistic about his future. “Nas, Biggie, Jay Z, man, I need that kinda stamp,” Morray spits, “Tyson Floyd and Ali, I’m tryna be that kinda champ.”
The overwhelming personal nature of “DA RANT” is captured by the video, which shows snippets of Morray’s life as he hangs out in the studio, greets friends and strangers in his community, and lights up the stage.
The track arrives on the heels of “Broken Vows” and “Letter To Myself,” another harrowing look at his past. Both singles continue what has been a remarkable 2022 Morray including not just new music, but sold-out tour dates, and awards recognition.
Other 2022 highlights include the Southside-produced “Ticket” and “Momma’s Love” as well as the poignant “Still Here” featuring Cordae.
Morray also attended his first GRAMMY Awards this year, where he earned nominations for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for J. Cole’s”m y l i f e” (also featuring 21 Savage). Those Grammy nominations are the culmination of a meteoric rise that started with “Quicksand,” a GOLD-certified hit that reached the Billboard Hot 100, from his critically acclaimed debut album Street Sermons. Morray joined J. Cole on The Off-Season Tour and was a standout performer at Dreamville Fest. He also performed at Fayetteville’s Juneteenth Jubilee, marking his first-ever performance as a headliner in his hometown.
Now, with “DA RANT,” Morray showcases his ability to turn pain into art, inspiring listeners with his remarkable journey along the way.
After months of being one of the most hated figures in Hip Hop, Kanye keeps on upping the ante with his controversial views on a new track titled “DJ Khaled’s Son”, where he’s spits seemingly disrespectful bars at the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities among others.
His adoration for Adolf Hitler seems to be further reinforced in his music as well, with a CNN source adding, “He would praise Hitler by saying how incredible it was that he was able to accumulate so much power and would talk about all the great things he and the Nazi Party achieved for the German people.”
Kicking off another chapter, critically acclaimed Dallas, TX rapper Trapboy Freddy returns with his new No Distractions mixtape, available now on all streaming platforms via 300 Entertainment.
The 14-track project boasts anthems such as the new single “Switches” feat. Lil Keed & Yella Beezy. Trapboy Freddy’s scorching flow takes center stage as fellow Dallas stalwart Yella Beezy pops off with a hypnotic cameo of his own. Illuminating his unbreakable spirit, the late Lil Keed shines on with a punchy appearance as well.
No Distractions serves as the successor to Trapboy Freddy’s fan-favorite 2021 tape, Distractions.
After a season of turbulence, he opted to ignore the static from the media and the game and instead hone in on what matters the most—the music. As such, he delivers a dynamic, diverse, and potentially definitive body of work. “I tuned out all the noise,” says Trapboy Freddy on his new project. “Since the release of ‘Distractions,’ I dealt with some legal issues and became a father, so my priorities have completely shifted. Trivial issues that used to bother me don’t affect me anymore. I’m focused on my music, my family, my businesses and not repeating old mistakes. No Distractions is more than a mixtape title, it’s a lifestyle.”
In addition to production from Bankroll Got It, DJ Chose, Blame It On Monstah, BootMeUpJT, and more, he joins forces with Hotboy Wes and Lil Jairmy on the head-nodding “YM,” while diamond-certified rap superstar Fetty Wap pulls up for the impactful and infectious “Selling Dreams.” Rap and R&B songstress Enchanting lends her seductive touch to “Down A** Chick” and his 300 label mate Hunxho brings his signature energy on “Tell Me Nuthin.” The project culminates with a pensive and powerful moment punctuated by his signature delivery on “Lonely At The Top.” It also includes previously-released singles “Too Much Booty” and “Dream Of.”
Trapboy Freddy rolled out of Dallas, TX with a focused, fierce, and fiery flow, and he continues to ignite the culture. After stirring up buzz with a series of independent projects, his vision crystallized on 2021’s Distractions. The latter posted up over 10 million total streams powered by standouts such as “Buss It Open” feat. Lakeyah and “Freddy” feat. Young Thug. In addition to acclaim from REVOLT, XXL, and more, he has collaborated with everyone from the late Young Dolph to multiplatinum Dallas phenomenon Yella Beezy along the way. Now, he’s primed for a major moment with No Distractions and much more to come.
As NEMS closes out 2022, a year that saw him breakthrough in a major way; social media sensation, securing brand deals with Puma and Monster Energy Drink, launching his own Podcast, Outside With Gorilla NEMS, which airs on the Revolt Podcast Network and Seasons three and four of The Crew League Basketball and appeared on three episodes of Wild N’ Out, he does so with one last single, “Don’t Ever Disrespect Me,” featuring Ghostface Killah.
“Don’t Ever Disrespect Me” is taken from NEMS forthcoming collaborative album, Rise Of The Silverback, with Scram Jones which will be released in the 1Q of 2023.
Hip Hop’s golden era constituent, Queens’ native, the godfather of Mafioso rap, legendary and influential emcee Kool G Rap, broke out in the late 80s and early 90s as one-half of the duo with DJ Polo. Together, Kool G Rap and DJ Polo released three undisputed classic albums, beginning with their debut album, Road To The Riches (1989), Wanted: Dead or Alive (1990) and Live and Let Die (1992).
Simultaneously, G Rap and DJ Polo gained notoriety as members of the Juice Crew, whose noteworthy membership includes DJ Marley Marl, Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace, and Roxanne Shante At the height of hip-hop’s golden age, The Juice Crew was the definition of innovative and not only influenced the culture as a whole (style, lyricism, creativity), but also impressed the importance of style, substance, and technique upon the next wave of street ambassadors.
After a successful run with DJ Polo and the Juice Crew, G Rap embarked on a solo career, with his solo debut, 4, 5, 6, (1995), which was preceded by Roots of Evil (1998) and The Giancana Story (2002). Since then, we’ve only been intermittingly blessed by bodies of work from the Kool Genius Of Rap; Half a Klip (2008), Riches, Royalty, Respect (2011), Return Of The Don (2017) and Son Of G Rap with 38 Spesh (2018).
Now, the recent National Hip-Hop Museum inductee returns with his first solo album in five years with Last Of A Dying Breed, which features collaborations with AZ, Sean Price, NEMS, Vado, 38 Spesh, Royal Flush, and Big Daddy Kane, with production supplied by Domingo.
Houston rapper Lil Jairmy shares Gas God 2 mixtape feat Moneybagg Yo, Future, and more via 300 Entertainment.
Fresh off the 10-date Platinum In The Streets Tour with EST Gee, Lil Jairmy, let’s his fans know he has no plans of letting up. The second iteration of the Gas God mixtape series fills the shoes of its predecessor with a stacked roster of guest appearances including, EST Gee, and the late Lil Keed.
Gas God 2’s release comes alongside the new music video for “On Me” ft. Future.
The mixtape houses previously released singles “Supercharge” ft. Moneybagg Yo, and the Hitmaka produced “Alaska.”
On “SRT” Jairmy reunites with EST Gee who appeared on the original Gas God mixtape. While Lil Keed’s posthumous feature arrives on “Can’t Dress,” a song the two artists recorded in the studio together before Keed’s passing.
The Detroit mixtape is one of the defining projects in Big Sean‘s career. On the tape’s 10th anniversary, the father-to-be releases it onto streaming platforms via Def Jam Recordings. For the anniversary, Sean Don extends the project with a bonus track, “More Thoughts”.
Following the landmark arrival of Detroit, which features J Cole, Jhene Aiko, Chris Brown and more, saw nearly a million first-day downloads causing the DatPiff site to crash, Complex included the mixtape in its tally ofThe 50 Best Albums Of 2012. Detroit went on to win Best Mixtape honors at the 2013 BET Hip-Hop Awards.
In 2020, Big Sean went on to release Detroit 2, which became his third consecutive solo album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and the set’s Nipsey Hussle-featuring single, “Deep Reverence,” earned a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 2021 Grammys.
Big Sean and longtime girlfriend Jhene Aiko are expecting their first child together in the coming months. The newborn will be Sean’s first and Aiko’s second. Aiko shares a daughter with Omarion’s younger brother O’Ryan.
In hip hop, Big Sean appears on new albums from The Game, DJ Khaled, Queen Naija, and Babyface Ray. Jhene Aiko and Sean are currently working on the Twenty88 sequel album.
Reuniting with longtime collaborator and Drake’s go-to producer Boi-1da, award-winning R&B singer-songwriter Savannah Ré is showing a new side of her artistry with “Closure”. In the new song, Savannah asserts her worth and calls out toxic Fboy energy. “Closure” blends Baile Funk percussion with dancehall and soca influences for an up-tempo track unlike anything Savannah has released before.
“Closure” arrives as the second release from Savannah’s eagerly anticipated sophomore project No Weapons due out early this Fall.
“I tapped into my past for this one, especially on the voicemail in the beginning (that’s actually me),” Savannah shares. “‘Closure’ is about a relationship that has run its course, but you’re still enamoured with this person and make the last-ditch effort to hold onto something that’s already gone. Even though it’s about toxicity, I wanted it to have an uplifting energy to it with tempo and bright sounds.”
With “Closure”, Savannah continues the narrative started with the EP’s sensual lead single, “About U”, which was unveiled last month. Praised for its vulnerability and smooth, flawless vocals, “About U” set the tone for her new artistic chapter – one that is unapologetically authentic Savannah.
“Closure” is produced by Boi-1da, YogiTheProducer and Kevinshideout. “When Yogi and I brought the production to Boi-1da and played it for him, he was like, ‘Oh yeah, this is crazy,’ says Savannah. “He knew exactly what it needed. He added his 1da sauce to it and it became this hybrid of a bunch of different genres – something that I haven’t really made before.”
“Closure” is available now on all platforms via Capitol Records. Stream it below.
Following the announcement of hisAtlanta Hawks partnership, Scotty ATL unveils a brand-new album, Candler Road to Melrose. Last week the 37-year-old shared he will create through partnership custom grillz for the Hawks schedule release representing different NBA teams.
On Friday, Candler Road to Melrose released via Cool Club/ Cinq Music Group, which finds the southern emcee exploring the journey and path that led him to his highly successful grillz business on Melrose Ave.
Scotty ATL, known for his distinct drawl and vernacular, keeps it fresh while switching flows over 13 tracks with production from super producer Zaytoven, DJ Burn One, DJ Tune and more.
Candler Road to Melrose arrives as the follow up to Scotty’s trio of singles released earlier this year. “Go Twin,” “LA Care,” and “Nomo Heaux,” featuring Young Dro, all appear on the album.
For collaborations the East Atlanta native taps Curren$y and G Perico on “Spike Lee,” Sleepy Brown on “Remember Chad,” and Iamsu! on “Night Vision.” While Big K.R.I,T. joins on “Chosen & Frozen,” and Ace Hood flexes on “Congratulations.”
The successful entrepreneur and artist continues to build his craft and financial freedom with a new project and expanding his company, Grillz By Scotty.
In recognition of #BlackBusinessMonth this August, Scotty ATL spoke with the Source’s Kim SoMajor about business after COVID-19, new ventures with PUMA, The Atlanta Hawks, and much more.
When and what sparked you to start a grillz business?
I’ve always worn grillz since I was in high school. I made a name for myself in Atlanta as a rapper. One of my old friends lost his job as a dental assistant. He wanted to do grillz. At first I was just helping him and then it got more serious.
How did it serve as another option outside of your rap career?
It has allowed me to make extra income to support my dreams and provide for my family. It has also given me a bigger platform to share with the world.
How did your business adjust during the stay-at-home orders and how is it now?
I adjusted by decreasing staff and increasing my knowledge of online businesses. Now we do both in store and online. I have a store in Atlanta on Candler Rd. and another store on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles.
With your business, you are providing an opportunity for other people too. What has been a definitive moment for you that reaffirmed that you made the right move in starting it?
Everyday I think about that. Helping my dad move out of the projects and give him a job is the biggest.
Atlanta native and lifelong Hawks fan @ScottyATL created custom grillz for our schedule release
Major brand collaboration opportunities on the way. New designs. New moves for the culture. Maybe more locations…
How did you know that was the next move for you?
I knew it because I started making money everyday and that was my goal from the beginning.
Talk about your new grillz design and how you’re elevating your business?
I have newly designed colored grillz are out now. They’re limited edition and very unique. I’m more than a grill maker, I’m a grill designer. You haven’t seen these before.
Congratulations on your partnerships, to watch your dedication and growth in rap and business is very inspiring. What do these success-building opportunities mean to you?
My role as an influencer in this project was to capture ATL culture through my eyes. I had an amazing time and I’m so proud of myself and our company.
