In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, many media outlets are doing feature series about the genre. This inevitably leads to a variety of listicles about various scenes, subgenres, and demographics. But few pieces have gotten people as heated as the “50 Best New York Rappers of All Time” list published by Complex on August 11.
The includes a top ten of (in order) Jay-Z, Biggie, Nas, Rakim, LL Cool J, Fif, Nicki, DMX, Busta Rhymes, and KRS-One. It’s a top ten that people may have some slight objections to but is mostly sound. However, the scope and scene knowledge of the team behind the article quickly becomes apparently the further you read. Or don’t read, because the article counts up from #50.
A lot of recency bias is present in the Complex article, especially lower down the list. Ice Spice has had a meteoric rise over the past year. However, she makes the list at #50 despite her limited body of work. Meanwhile, Diddy sits at #48, 23 places below Cardi B. The article feels very…vibes driven. Ice Spice gets a spot because she’s hot right now. Cardi anchors the midpoint because most people like Cardi B. Meanwhile, French Montana does not make an appearance on the list. Argue all you want about his heritage but saying he’s not a New York rapper is pretty insulting to the contributions the man made to the city’s scene in the early 2000s.
Perhaps it’s the ranking aspect that makes the article so egregious in the eyes of so many people. While an unranked list, or something more akin to a Hall of Fame list, would still garner debate, it’s the numerical ranking that stuck in the people’s craw. Ice Spice could become an all-timer for NYC. But to have her start a list of the greatest New York rapper of the last 50 years is a wild decision. At the end of the day, it almost feels like ragebait content – a purposefully inflammatory list designed to stoke engagement.
Social Media Reacts To New York Rappers List
Ice Spice being named one of the greatest rappers of all time in New York had to be the most egregious thing I’ve ever seen.
That’s like saying Tristan Thompson is a top 5 center all time
— Elgin Barrett Eugene Smith lll (@Southside_Gunn) August 12, 2023
Complex compiled a list of the greatest New York Rappers of all time…. I’m not reading this shit any further lmao. pic.twitter.com/4bSNMfPDZp
Complex best New York rappers of all time list is EXACTLY why folks need to stop looking to them for anything regarding hip hop coverage been like that for years now but this seems especially egregious
Naz GPG, a rapper from New York, was reportedly arrested by authorities for a shooting that resulted in a four-year-old boy getting shot. Moreover, the specific charges against him are attempted second-degree murder, multiple assault offenses, and weapons possession charges, as well. According to CBS News, the shooting occurred on July 26 shortly after midnight on the Upper West Side. Furthermore, police claimed that a car drove on West 94th Street and Amsterdam Avenue and shot at a residence. A bullet hit the child in the leg while his mother, who was with him, suffered no injuries.
In addition, a video surfaced online on Wednesday (August 9) of the arrest, with officers apprehending Naz. Not only that, but you can hear his sister asking for his girlfriend’s phone number so she could inform her of the situation. Also, she asked for his chain from police, who did not seem conducive to that idea in the clip. From what court documents indicate in relation to the specific charges, the MC pleaded not guilty to all charges he stands accused of.
With bail or bond set at $500,000, this is still a developing story that will surely shape the rapper’s career moving forward. A witness to the alleged crime spoke to the aforementioned news outlet about what they saw, making Naz’s case tougher. “When I got to the door right there, that’s why I heard the mother screaming,” they recalled. “So when I came, I seen the kid right there on the floor. He had blood all over him. So then when I came out, there’s an ambulance standing right over there, so I ran to the ambulance and I told them that I heard some gunshots and there’s a kid on the floor.”
Meanwhile, a man also suffered injuries as a result of this alleged attack, as a bullet grazed his foot. These victims, police believe, are not the targets that Naz intended to harm, and the four-year-old recovered from his injuries in a hospital. Police also clarified that they sought two suspects in this case, and it’s unknown whether they arrested another. This came shortly after authorities arrested Nas EBK, a fellow New York rapper, for terroristic threats. For the latest news and updates on crime within hip-hop, stay logged into HNHH.
Twitch streamer Kai Cenat has made his first public comments since a surprise giveaway in New York City turned into a full-blown riot. Cenat himself for arrested and charged with a number of things, including inciting a riot. However, in his first stream since the incident, Cenat has put all the blame on the fans. “I am beyond disappointed with anyone who became destructive that day,” Cenat declared. “That shit is not cool, I want people to know that. I don’t condone anything that went on that day. I’m seeing random videos of people getting sturdy on people’s cars and I’m asking myself, why? Why?”
“None of that was my intention. I had good intentions for this whole thing. I don’t condone any of the things that went on that day,” he continued. Furthermore, he asked for people to leave his family alone, revealing that at least one person had visited his mother’s house. In addition, Cenat revealed that he would be streaming less frequently and had a court date on August 16.
In the 19-minute stream, Cenat took little personal responsibility for the riot. While he said the incident had “opened his eyes to the power and influence” he has over his fans, he took little more responsibility than that. However, it’s a weak excuse for what occurred. Cenat, the most popular streamer on Twitch, clearly doesn’t view himself as a person who commands an army of millions. And so, he announced an impromptu giveaway to his viewer base of millions. It highlights the dangerous power of internet fame.
The entire debacle could have been avoided, or at least the negative effects mitigated, if Cenat had worked with city officials to plan a more structured event ahead of time. Instead, he simply told thousands of teenagers and young people to show up at an undersized location. Kai Cenat is not responsible for “inciting a riot”, as he has been charged with. However, his actions showed a negligence and lack of forethought that is incredibly prevalent in young influencers. We are just a few years removed from a YouTuber trying to start their own convention with disastrous results. The consequences of Cenat’s giveaway continue to be a developing story.
According to XXL, Jay-Z’s 40/40 club in New York has closed after 20 years. Jay opened up the club in Manhattan two decades ago with it serving as the flagship location for a series of 40/40 clubs throughout the country. The location reportedly closed its doors at the end of July. While there are plans to supposedly open a new location somewhere in New York later this year, the familiar location where it stood for 20 years has now officially ceased operations. The club has had some issues in the past with two notable incidents in 2012 standing out. It was briefly shut down for health code violations and was sued by a former chef for $1.5 million.
Since opening the original 40/40 club in Manhattan others have popped up around the country. Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Brooklyn, and Atlanta got their own versions of the club in following years. The former two have since closed with the Vegas location in particular not lasting very long. Though the venture ultimately came to a close, Jay-Z is still among the most impressive businessmen in rap. Earlier this month Variety released a list of the best hip-hop executives and of course, Jay was included. He made the list alongside artists like 50 Cent, Dr, Dre, Diddy, Lil Wayne, and more.
Last week, Jay-Z spotted a fan on NBC News showing off canvas painting of Beyonce that she took with her to the Renaissance tour. Clearly, Jay liked the paintings and reached out to in order to purchase the paintings from the fan. Her name was Lauryn Michele and she got to meet Jay and have a photo-op with him as he purchased the pieces.
Jay-Z is also looking into soccer ownership. His Roc Nation company recently made some investments into international soccer in Brasil and Italy. They also reportedly hope to one day join the ownership group of a Premier League team. What do you think of Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in New York being forced to close down? Let us know in the comment section below.
Producer Harry Fraud hails from a time we all remember fondly: the mixtape era. If you downloaded a mixtape from websites like DatPiff, you’d likely discover a mixtape that was produced by the iconic producer. “La musica de Harry Fraud,” is often ranked high among producer tags.
Throughout his career, he’s worked with elite MCs and trusted songwriters, from A-list celebrities to prominent underground rappers. He’s racked up collaborative projects with artists like Curren$y, Larry June, Jay Worthy, Smoke DZA and more. Most recently, he teamed up with Valee and Action Bronson for their new collaboration, “Vibrant.” Fraud and Bronson’s collaborative history dates back a decade, working together on projects like 2013’s Saab Stories and more. However, he was first discovered by French Montana, producing his breakout single, “Shot Caller.” His versatility, from soul samples to trap, has allowed him to effortlessly work with a wide-range of collaborators without losing his signature sound.
Producer Harry Fraud’s musical origins begin with his parents who performed together in a band. His father played guitar while his mother sang. However, his father was also involved in putting on concerts, which ultimately provided Harry Fraud with access to musical instruments. However, he gravitated towards turntables, later receiving DJ decks as a Christmas present later on.
The following year, he received a sampler for Christmas, albeit one that wasn’t necessarily of quality. Still, it laid the foundation for his future career in music. Eventually, Harry got an MPC and began taking his production series as he built on the fundamentals that he already learned. The famed producer used the resources he had and set out to carve his own lane.
These humble origins pushed producer Harry Fraud to stick with unique sounds that resonated with him. Although he came from New York City, the mecca of Hip-Hop, he had no interest in making distinctly regional beats. Instead, he opted to create sounds that felt distinct to his style and influences. He spoke with Life + Times about how French Montana supported him in this endeavor. “He just saw the greater potential in what I was doing,” he explained. French’s faith resulted in the release of “Shot Caller,” a defining moment for both the rapper and the producer that shifted their career trajectory.
Harry Fraud’s Career Was Built On French Montana Collabs
Producer Harry Fraud’s work with French Montana is pivotal in his catalog, specifically their efforts together prior to “Show Caller.” From songs like “New York Minute,” which opened the gates for Fraud’s high-profile collaborations down the line, to the producer’s role in the Mac & Cheese mixtape series, French Montana and Harry Fraud’s rich collaborative history in the late aughts laid the foundation for their respective ascent in hip-hop in the following decade.
Fraud continued to find success as he expanded his network, closely collaborating with artists like Smoke DZA, Action Bronson, Flatbush ZOMBiES, Dave East, and many more. Artists like French Montana, Action Bronson, Mac Miller, and more were featured on his debut mixtape Adrift which was released through Harry’s label SRFSCHL in 2013. In addition to his close collaborators, he enlisted legends like Bun B, Prodigy, and Sir Michael Rocks.
Producer Harry Fraud is known for his work during the mixtape era, specifically as stoner rap began making a resurgence. One of his earliest cult hits was “Ozs and Lbs,” a collaboration with Wiz Khalifa and his Taylor Gang labelmates Chevy Woods and Berner, that appeared on Adrift. Harry paired a guitar with trap drums and other sounds to create a relaxing yet speaker-knocking track.
He continued to work with Wiz and also found success with a very close affiliate of his — Curren$y. From working together on one-off tracks to full length projects, their respective sounds fused together to create beloved anthems among hip-hop fans. Most recently, they collaborated on Vices, released in June 2023. He’s similarly worked closely with Larry June over the years, although they only released one collaborative project together, Keep Going.
Harry Fraud continues to work as one of French Montana’s most trusted producers. Last year, the two teamed up, once again, for Montega. Fraud’s range and versatility have allowed him to bring out the best of his collaborators over the past decade, forming a bond that extends well into the 2020s with rappers like French Montana and Curren$y. Harry Fraud created a timeless sound that continues to captivate audiences. Those who remember his work from when they were teenagers are still delighted to hear him going strong years later.
Sometimes, we get the mash-ups we never knew we needed. For example, if, say, Jack Harlow were to pair up with Lil Durk, that would be a collaboration of the highest order. Especially right now, while both are at the top of the rap game. That’s exactly what happened on Independence Day; Jack and Durk paired up in the Big Apple for a photo. Posted on the Instagram page @nojumper, the caption reads, “Jack Harlow and Lil Durk tapped in. Would you want to hear a collab between these two?”
The answer to whether we want a Harlow-Durk song, of course, is “absolutely.” Whether that’s what they’re up to in New York is speculative at best. But we know they can make solid music together. Back in 2020, Jack Harlow and Lil Durk were on the French Montana song “Hot Boy Bling.” To get another certified banger from the duo would be a blessing in 2023.
Kentucky-grown Jack Harlow has been doing shows and going to fashion events. Classic Harlow vibes. Funny enough, Jack did a show in Paris recently where the crowd had zero clue what the lyrics to his songs were. However, he got some cool praise from the iconic Kendrick Lamar, as well as Ludacris. Harlow has been accused of being a “culture vulture,” a white person making his millions in a predominantly Black art form. Despite this, he has many fans and many accolades, plus the praise of his peers.
As for Lil Durk, his song “All My Life” hit Platinum a few days ago. He’s also embracing his spiritual roots, posting photos of him engaging in Muslim prayer traditions. To see him and Jack Harlow mobbing in the streets of New York is a promising sneak peek into what might come soon. Lil Durk used to record his songs in a closet, and Jack is a nobody from the South. Together, they could make some rap gold.
It’s no secret that the race for the most elaborate and hefty chains is still ongoing among many rappers to this day. Busta Rhymes is no exception and his Cuban link chain recently attracted some unexpected attention. Tennis star Venus Williams seemingly couldn’t get enough of Busta’s drip. Despite being out in public together Williams’ took the opportunity to find a new use for the chain. In a video posted to the rapper’s Instagram, she can be seen jokingly using the chain to do a few workouts.
In the caption for the video, Busta Rhymes had high praise for the tennis champ. “When you surround yourself with Blessed Greatness, your Greatness will forever be Blessed!!! Blessings and love to @venuswilliams,” it reads. Much to the delight of those around them Williams jokes about the chains heftiness and hits some tricep curls with it. The pair hug at the end of the video and Williams gives the NY legend an important message. “I love you, man,” she tells him. Williams isn’t participating in this year’s French Open as she tries to recover from a hamstring injury.
Busta found himself in a curious position when the Ukrainian government tweeted out one of his songs. The official Twitter page for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense posted lyrics from one of Busta’s songs, seemingly to mock Russia. “‘Woo-hah, got you all in check!’ -Busta Rhymes,” the verified account said. Busta never officially gave his thoughts on the situation. Despite his lack of response fans memed the post extensively online.
Last month, Busta Rhymes informed fans that he was working on new music. According to an Instagram video Swizz Beats posted he, Pharrell, and Timbaland, are all involved with the project. The album doesn’t currently have a release date. Busta’s most recent new music came when he joined Coi Leray for a remix of her hit “Players” earlier this year. What do you think about Busta Rhymes and Venus Williams’ interaction? Let us know in the comment section below.
Cardi B and other New York-based artists have been taking to social media to talk about the insanely hazardous wildfire smoke that took over the city yesterday. Over the past week, people online have been amazed and concerned by photos of the New York City skyline. It has been covered in a hazy orange smoke, which we know was caused by wildfires in Canada. The air quality has become extremely murky and unsafe to breathe. Yesterday was reportedly the most hazardous air quality since the beginning of recorded air quality. Not only that, the look of the city was post-apocalyptic. The surreal scene has drawn comparisons to the visual style of movies like Blade Runner and Dune. Some online posts have even made whimsical connections to the recent trend of Wes Anderson memes.
Cardi B, known for her bold statements on Twitter, made an interesting comparison to the strange sky. “I kid you not the sky is literally yellow today…” she tweeted. “It’s giving smoking on opps.” There was some interesting reactions in the replies to the tweet. Some simply had no idea what she was talking about. “Brah what.. wtf that even mean,” one user tweeted. Another accused her of copying Nicki Minaj by using the word “opps.” The Barb wrote, “U wasn’t saying opps until dwhap dropped im loving that u still a fan of though still stabbing the queen in secret I see.”
Cardi B Wasn’t The Only Rapper Who Was Shocked By The Smoke
I kid you not the sky is literally yellow today …It’s giving smoking on opps
Cardi B was just one of many of the hilarious reactions posted to the smoke. Yesterday, Jim Jonesposted a hilarious video in response to the situation. 50 Cent, known for his trolling antics, humorously commented on Instagram about the situation. He said he was heading to the store while sharing a still from Blade Runner 2049. Furthermore, Questlove of The Roots found humor in the situation outside his window. He shared a hilarious photo of a billboard with “welcome to hell” written on it and appreciating the clever marketing. However, he also urged his followers to take climate change seriously in a separate post.
As of now, the poor air conditions have not led to the cancellation of many events in New York. Governor’s Ball is scheduled to proceed as planned this weekend. However, some Broadway performers have experienced difficulty breathing, leading to show interruptions due to the smoke. This raises the possibility of performances being affected at the festival as well. While Cardi and others have joked about the situation, it is actually something that should not be taken lightly. With any luck, the air will clear up for New Yorkers soon. What do you think of the situation? Be sure to sound off in the comments below!
The 2023 Governors Ball festival is currently set to go down this weekend, at New York City’s Flushing Meadows Corona Park from June 9 to 11. That sounds like a fun time, but at the moment, there’s a major problem: Smoke from an ongoing Canadian wildfire has made its way down to NYC, creating an eerie and dangerous environment. The skies are currently a hazy orange color and the city’s air quality has officially been deemed “hazardous.”
So, with that in mind: Has Gov Ball been canceled due to the wildfire smoke from Canada?
As of this afternoon (June 7), the festival has not been canceled or postponed and is set to proceed as scheduled. In a statement shared today, festival organizers said, “We’re closely monitoring the air quality with weather experts and are in close contact with city officials. As always, the health and safety of New Yorkers is our top priority. At this time, the festival is continuing as planned. We are hopeful that conditions will improve in the coming days and are looking forward to a great weekend!”
#BREAKING: New footage from the George Washington Bridge (connecting New Jersey and New York City) of the toxic smoke now enveloping the northeast, as dozens of wildfires burn uncontrolled across Canada. #BreakingNewspic.twitter.com/7HjdJwMaEG
As the festival approaches, interested parties should keep an eye on the Governors Ball social media pages for the latest status updates (here’s their Twitter and Instagram).
Assuming Gov Ball does go on this weekend, find the set times here.
When it comes to DJs and influencers, travel hacks and destinations are the name of the game. From playing to the masses across the globe to jet-setting to some pretty Instagram-worthy locations, you can’t go wrong taking some inspiration and recommendations from the people behind the boards.
While international travel is plenty alluring this time of year, there’s something about staying domestic during the North American summer that just makes sense. Especially after the pandemic reawakened Americans to the glories to be found closer to home. So we picked the brain of 15 globally recognized DJs, producers, and travel influencers to reveal their “most underrated” American towns and cities to make a trip to this summer.*
*Warning: Some of these towns are very mainstream so treat the word “underrated” with a grain of salt.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Forbidden Kingdom (6/10), Beyond Wonderland (6/18), Lost Lands (9/23)
PRESS
I think I’m going to have to go with Portland for this one. I’ve been there probably 5-6 times now and I have to say it’s definitely one of my favorite cities in the US. I’m a big fan of sushi and with Portland being in the PNW, the fish is some of the best I’ve ever had. Portland has a pretty large Asian community as well and I’m a big fan of pho & ramen, so you know I’m in heaven whenever I go. It also has this Japanese Garden that’s really beautiful. It’s an absolute must-see in my opinion.
On top of all of that, the crowd in Portland consistently goes hard. I am always excited to visit Portland and its food, crowd, and landmarks. It never disappoints!
As someone who loves being outdoors and hiking, Jim Thorpe is the perfect destination for a summer visit. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I spent many summers here, hiking to waterfalls, going to museums, and shopping in town. The Harry Packer mansion (the architectural inspiration for Disneyland’s haunted mansion ride) is beautiful and open for reservations if you want to spend the night. The waterfalls are completely breathtaking to hike up to, and you can even white water raft in nearby lakes.
One of my favorite places to dine is a restaurant overlooking the mountain called roadies, with great pub fare food and live music.
I actually think Boise, ID is criminally slept on. The creative culture is thriving and I feel an exciting energy around DIY spaces and events in particular when I’m there. My friend Street Fever (@streetfever) does a party called OIL (@oil.move) that absolutely demands a visit, and AI Studios has a location there with an art space and jewelry manufacturing as well.
For restaurants you can’t miss: KIN, which also has a music/theater/art venue called piKINic as part of their set of three concepts.
Maybe I’m biased because I just moved here, but I definitely think that Carlsbad, California is an underrated travel destination in the United States.
It’s located /north of San Diego, about 30 minutes from downtown and it is the cutest beach town without all of the crowds and bustle of downtown San Diego.
If you’re looking for the best place to stay, surprisingly, the Best Western Plus is actually so nice and it has a beautiful view of the ocean with a top deck that has chairs where you can watch the sunset.
One of my favorite places to eat is Blue Ocean Sushi and I also love Taste of the Himalayan, which is authentic Himalayan food. It is so delicious. I especially love the curry options.
As far as fun activities to do in Carlsbad, California, it is the ultimate beach destination with a surplus of outdoor activities from kayaking and surfing to just hanging out at the Carlsbad State Beach and hiking. You’ll also find a ton of really cute shopping boutiques and thrift stores, which is fun to explore in between dining and going to the beach.
Of course, the best time to visit any beach town is spring and summer. It does get crowded. But fortunately, it is a little bit of an oasis from downtown San Diego with fewer people and it’s just easier to find parking and get around.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Hard Summer (8/5), Hulaween (10/26)
PRESS
I’d have to say Charleston, SC was an absolute pleasure to visit! I’d never really heard much about the city before visiting and it was quite a surprise to see the liveliness and quaintness of this city. The cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and nicely-groomed horses bring so much life to this adorable city. I was also pleasantly surprised by how fresh the seafood was. If you do vision, make sure to try out the oysters and the shrimp and grits. Absolutely outstanding flavors!
We walked through the French Quarter which was beautifully preserved and filled with live music. Also, everywhere we went, we were greeted by nice and warm hospitality. The city’s Southern charm combined with its rich history definitely makes it an unforgettable experience to visit.
I would say Sedona, AZ. Most people don’t think of Arizona for summertime because of the heat. But Sedona nighttime lows in the summer average in the cool mid 60s, nearly 25 degrees cooler than the Phoenix average. The place is extremely spiritual with red rocks everywhere, it feels like you’re in a dream. Walt Disney would spend substantial amounts of time there and modeled several Disneyland rides around the landscape.
In terms of places to eat, Mariposa in Sedona has beautiful views and a world-renowned chef. For unique food, including a peach pizza, go check out Hideaway House as well.
In terms of activities, go hike Devil’s Bridge and see trees whose trunks are totally twisted around due to the vortex energy. Go get your aura read while you’re there, and some of the most beautiful stars you’ve ever seen at night.
I feel like whenever I tell someone that I’m from Buffalo, they automatically assume how cold it is. Let’s be real here: obviously Buffalo is pretty cold in the winter thanks to our neighbor Lake Erie. But many people don’t understand that Buffalo and Western New York as a whole has an amazing summer season!
Because it sits right on Lake Erie, Buffalo becomes an amazing destination for spending time on the water. You can spend all day at Buffalo RiverWorks, the city’s premier waterfront, boating, sports bar, and music and entertainment destination. Located right on the banks of the river in the industrial district, the city has put millions of dollars into this over the years and has become an amazing addition to the city. You can rent a kayak, stand up paddleboard, hop on the Buffalo Tiki Tour, rock climb one of the sheer walls of the grain silos, watch a roller derby bout, and sip cocktails on the water with free live music. There’s also Canalside, another beautiful part on the waterfront that is right in the heart of the city. It hosts hundreds of events throughout the year, many of which are free or low cost including concerts, festivals, and summer fitness classes, and you can also get on the water with a kayak, paddleboard, or boat here too.
Of course, Niagara Falls is very close by, everyone should come here at least once in their life!
For some amazing Western New York hiking, I highly recommend going to what is considered “The Grand Canyon of the East” at Letchworth State Park. My personal favorite is also Griffith Sculpture Park, where you get stunning views of Buffalo’s rolling hills as you find peace and serenity walking among sculptures in the woods.
You can’t go to Buffalo without having some chicken wings. Sorry to all you ranch lovers out there – the only correct way to eat chicken wings is with blue cheese. Get some from the iconic Anchor Bar on Main Street or at Duff’s Famous Wings.
Keys N Krates (@keysnkrates): Asheville, North Carolina
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Washington D.C.’s Flash (9/23), Salt Lake City, UT’s Soundwell (10/5), and Portland, OR’s 45 East (10/6)
Keys N Krates
We discovered Asheville on our first U.S. bus tour. At that point, we were very used to waking up in different cities/towns (or sometimes Walmart parking lots). I remember waking up in Asheville and walking out of the tour bus onto Biltmore Ave, which felt like the main drag of that immediate area, and thinking, this town seems really great. I got the immediate impression that there was fun stuff to check out (art, food, music), but it also felt secluded, surrounded by nature and a bit of a hidden gem. My hunch checked out; we learned the MOOG factory is there, there’s a ton of cool art galleries and we were surrounded by The Blue Ridge Mountains.
And then there is the Orange Peel, the 1050-cap-simple-rectangular room that felt almost like a barn house. It became one of our favourite venues in the U.S. to play shows at. For whatever reason, the energy of the crowds there was always unmatched, and every show there (we’ve done around three now) just felt like a chaotic sweaty debacle in the best way possible. I’d like to think it was just us, but it definitely felt like that room had its own magic.
I still feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface in terms of what’s great about that town. I’m sure “current-day us” would go on hikes and hit galleries and those botanical gardens, but “mid-2010s us” were tour bus sloths who basically just walked to whatever was around the tour bus, regardless of how great a city was. I would typically do a 15-minute walk to Liberty Coffee and have a pre-show bite at the brewery (Wicked Weed) right next to the venue.
Our second time in Asheville, we got invited to the MOOG factory to see the place and do a taping of us performing one of our songs just using MOOG gear which was really fun. They were super kind to us there. As producers, we were in hyper-geek-out mode, and they were amazing hosts. That was super memorable.
Anabel Englund (@anabelenglund): Lake Geneva, Washington
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Utah Pride (6/2), Sunbar Nightclub (6/3), The Midway (7/1), Global Dance Festival (7/21)
ANABEL ENGLUND
Lake Geneva is a place I have gone to every summer since I met my husband. There are no direct flights into this small town so the only two options are either fly to Chicago O’ Hare or Milwaukee Airport and then drive from there to wherever you are staying. I will say you will pass a lot of cornfields! The air there is clean & dense like it’s made of melted sugar & as the sun starts to set you see fireflies rising up from the grass. The lake is spring fed & crystal clear. When you jump into the water with sun kissed skin it feels like a holy experience. Our favorite place to eat breakfast is at this old diner called ‘Daddy Maxwell’s.’ It is simply the best with its familiar waitresses & regulars. Make sure to pull out some money before dining because it’s a cash only establishment. There are endless amounts of things to do on or around the lake. You can walk/bike/run around the whole thing (21-26 miles.) You can do all kinds of water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, or even just cruising around listening to music with friends catching up and enjoying the sun together. Needless to say, when it’s time to head to my next destination I am never ready to leave & am already planning my next trip back.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Cervantes Ballroom (7/1)
KHIVA
While I would by no means consider myself the authority on spots to hit here, I have probably had more ‘in depth’ visits to Denver than a lot of US cities. For many reasons, I think it can hold its own in the ring with more ‘notable’ destinations like say, NY or SF. Truly, it seems like there is always something going on and if you’re like me (a sun-worshipping lizard) a clear summer day in the Mile High City is such a good opportunity to bounce between spots and try a little bit of everything.
One thing I love about Denver is all its cool ‘food halls’ that have become rightfully popular over the years. I’ve had great times at Denver Central Market, Denver Milk Market, Edgewater Public Market, and Avanti Food Hall. I love a chance to hit Konjo for Ethiopian food at Edgewater! I’ve personally really enjoyed hot spots such as Denver Biscuit Company and Watercourse over the years and especially living where I do in New York, it’s just not the type of food/restaurants I have a lot, so it’s quite different. I feel like Denver has its own version of every type of cuisine and spins it into its own genre of comfort food. One culinary aspect of Denver I love is all the little mom-and-pop Mexican spots!
Sometimes it feels more difficult to find inner-city activities that aren’t totally food or drink-centric, but Denver seems to have a pretty cool array of interesting things. I’m not a huge gamer, but I do love pinball, so I really enjoyed hanging out at 1UP Arcade Bar on Colfax. I love all the old-school machines and their wicked art! I haven’t been yet but a friend invited me to check out the Church of Cannabis, which apparently has an awesome new light show of sorts, so I am very stoked to visit this one! There is, of course, the new Meow Wolf, which also is hosting a lot of shows!
Of course, this list would not be complete without mentioning the rich and wonderfully incessant stream of musical entertainment happening in the city. Shameless self-plug here, but I am so excited to have my biggest headline to date happening at Cervantes on July 1st, so that’s incredibly exciting, but I l also have time to stay afterward for a few days and get in on the buzz that is July 4th! I’ve got a lot of friends either based in the city or passing through, and you know there’s bound to be a cool show happening somewhere. I haven’t been to the Black Box in a while, so I’d love to see what’s going on and catch up with some friends where you know the sound, music, and vibes are on point!
Overall, I just love to be outside and experience food, culture, art, and music, and Denver ticks so many boxes — making this a great summer destination. If you have time and transport, getting into nature is no doubt a huge bonus of its location. On this trip, I am trying to hit some of the places in this list, but never underestimate the power of a good hotel with a pool to come back to after a full day of festivities!
Being able to tour in Hawaii was incredible and definitely is the ultimate summer vibe. We landed in Honolulu and stayed in Waikiki Beach. We stayed at a resort and an Airbnb and truly experienced the best of both worlds.
If you prefer hotels, The Outrigger Resort was nothing short of perfection with luxurious shopping, food, and amenities. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and lots of options for anything tourism. If you are into nature and sightseeing we definitely recommend Diamond Head state park. If you are a beginner, Waikiki Beach is a perfect place to learn with long rolling rides. We recommend any shopping at the Royal Hawaiian Center Mall which is within walking distance from the resort. For nightlife experience, we had a blast performing at The Republik which is one of our all-time favorite venues in the United States.
Our favorite was definitely the Airbnb which was tucked away in the green hills overlooking the beaches. It was a different experience because it was a step away from all the tourism but still close enough to get in the mix. Highly recommend renting moped scooters as means of transportation. Which allowed us to see and experience more of a local vibe with great recs from our host. One of our favorite things to do is take the mopeds up and down the coast at sunset. Absolutely breathtaking and we made sure to do that every night. Our favorite local poke spot was called Five Star Poke. And definitely have to take a tour of the dole plantation to try the legendary “Dole Whip”. And if you can visit the island during the 4th of July celebrations, do it. The highlight of our experience and the best recommendation we can give is renting a boat or catamaran and sailing just off the coast to catch the sunset which is followed by multiple fireworks shows as far as the eye can see up and down the coast.
Two Friends (@twofriends): Charleston, South Carolina & Cleveland, Ohio
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica (6/12), Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (6/22)
TWO FRIENDS
I’m gonna have to say Charleston, South Carolina. We have played there a few times in the summer and it is just so beautiful. We did 4th of July pool parties back-to-back out there last summer and they were two of the craziest shows the whole year. We’re coming back there at the end of June and we’re definitely looking forward to that one. It’ll be all outdoors, on the lawn, with great summer vibes as the sun goes down and the music plays all night. -Eli
I’m gonna go with Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland can sometimes get a bad rap, but that place is amazing, especially down by the water. It’s so lively, there are so many cool places. We’ll also be there on our tour in June and honestly, it’s a vibe. There are a lot of fun things to do and people are just ready to go. -Matt
Just got back from a trip to Joshua Tree and it was one of the most rejuvenating experiences I’ve had in a while. I went to Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Keys View. There are so many good eats like Crossroads Cafe, Joshua Tree Coffee, JT Country Kitchen, and Sky High Pizza. This place is really dog friendly so I brought my two pit bulls with me (just make sure they stay hydrated). Downtown Joshua Tree is great at night for bars/breweries. One of my favorite aspects of the town was seeing the Joshua Trees themselves. It was my first time seeing them in real life and they were so peaceful and serene. I also loved how relaxing and tranquil it was being in the desert- it’s perfect when you want to remove yourself from everything for a few days.
My underrated summer destination for all those who haven’t been to the wonderful coasts of New England – where I spent most of my life – is Southie (South Boston).
I would always start my days by hitting the local PS Gourmet Coffee shop for a bacon egg and cheese breakky sam on a poppy seed bagel. They have about 35 different flavor choices for coffee so I would always switch it up to keep things fresh.
The next stop is a quick walk over to M street beach. The water quality is questionable but the vibe quality is exceptional. Plenty of music and beach games and people bonding over iced coffees as they sweat out their hangovers. From there, it’s an easy walk to Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar for some fresh oysters and my personal favorite, the coconut margs. Across the street Lincoln Tavern is always packed but worth it if you can brave the line and can get a table with friends. Alternatively, make a friend who has a roof deck and head there to cap the day off with a nice sunset. Then it’s time to hit the clubs. Royale used to be a personal favorite of mine. The Middle East in Cambridge will always be dear to me as the first venue I played, and then Bijou and Venue and Icon are all solid clubs to hit. My good friends still hold down the fort at Big Night Live and open up for some phenomenal acts from all over the world.
Catch me playing next in my new hometown of Denver. The announcement coming soon! Enjoy your summer and stay safe and cool!
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: The Greek Theatre (7/20); Frost Amphitheater (7/23); Central Park SummerStage (8/3)
MXMTOON
My personal choice for the most underrated American town for the summer would be Oakland, California. It’s totally biased because that’s where I grew up but I choose it for good reason.
If you’re looking to visit California and don’t want to commit to LA’s high heat and traffic all the time but you’re also not sure about San Francisco and how chilly it gets along with all of its hills, Oakland is the place for you. It’s a perfect middle ground for all of those things – we have incredible nature and hiking trails along all the regional parks nearby. We also have incredible food. My favorite place to go is over on Telegraph Avenue, it’s called Cholita Linda and it’s really delicious Cuban food.
I hope more people come to visit Oakland because it’s my favorite city in the Bay and I think it deserves a little more love.
Elgin Barrett Eugene Smith lll
been like that for years now but this seems especially egregious
(@MojoMoe) August 12, 2023
(@nojumper)
