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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

The post 2023’s ‘Music at the Intersection’: A Hip-Hop Time Capsule Unearthed first appeared on The Source.

The post 2023’s ‘Music at the Intersection’: A Hip-Hop Time Capsule Unearthed appeared first on The Source.

Smino’s ‘Ole Ass Kendrick’ Video Is Not Quite The Tribute You Might’ve Expected Based On Its Title

July 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

As one of the most revered rappers of the decade, Kendrick Lamar’s musical legacy has long since been cemented in the culture. However, Smino’s song, “Ole Ass Kendrick,” pulls inspiration from another part of the emcee’s life. As the St. Louis native’s latest single from his album, Luv 4 Rent, thanks to the new accompanying music video Smino’s admiration for Lamar reenters the spotlight.

Smino’s eclectic approach to music is uniquely him. So, no, there aren’t many lyrical references to Lamar. Instead, Lamar’s rumored past bachelor adventures show up throughout the video. Lamar has since settled down and is a family man now, but that’s not the case for Smino as he rapped, “Whole lotta’ n****s be cappin’ / Savin these hoes, they the captain / Caption, el capitan, the lieutenant / I get behind her like Beni / Then get it cracking, eggs benni’ / But stuck on the fact / That the last time I actually had a girl I was so in it / Then I got stuck in the game like the Sega broke / And I had to pull it out and blow in it.”

With several beautiful women predominately featured in the video, Smino is in a lover boy’s paradise. Director Hidji World was sure to include one call back to Lamar in the video when Smino and his signature wavey afro are positioned in front of a red velvet curtain—that short segment references Kendrick Lamar’s “The Heart Part 5” visual.

When asked by a fan on Twitter, which Kendrick Lamar song inspired his track, he replied, “It was ‘P*ssy & Patron.’”

it was pussy & patron . https://t.co/NVpC760WcB

— smi (@smino) July 24, 2023

Watch the full video for “Ole Ass Kendrick” above.

Luv 4 Rent is out now via Zero Fatigue/Motown. Find more information here.

Rappers Like Baby Keem: JID, Smino, Denzel Curry & More

June 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Hip-hop, as a genre, has continuously evolved and introduced fresh sounds to the music scene. No artist has embodied this evolution more than Baby Keem in recent years. His distinctive style, which merges trap and alternative hip-hop elements, has drawn the attention of fans and fellow artists alike. However, Keem isn’t the only one contributing to this revolution. Let’s look at some other rappers who are paving their own paths while bearing resemblances to Baby Keem’s unique sound.

JID

JID, hailing from East Atlanta, is a force to be reckoned with. Like Baby Keem, JID’s lyrical prowess is showcased in his songs, blending thought-provoking metaphors with a versatile flow. His gritty vocal delivery and experimental production choices align him closely with Keem’s aesthetic.

Smino

St. Louis rapper Smino has a knack for creating catchy melodies, just like Baby Keem. Smino’s music is a blend of rap, funk, and soul, and he often explores themes of love, life, and the Black experience. His music exhibits the same playful energy and clever wordplay that have become hallmarks of Baby Keem’s style.

Denzel Curry

Florida-born Denzel Curry is another artist pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. His music is high-energy and aggressive, often featuring introspective lyrics over dark, bass-heavy beats. While Denzel Curry’s style is more intense than Baby Keem’s, their mutual commitment to authenticity and originality makes them comparable artists.

Rico Nasty

Rico Nasty, a woman in rap from Maryland, also deserves mention. Her aggressive delivery and punk-infused trap beats have made waves, challenging female rappers’ traditional sound and image. Her fearless approach to music creation mirrors Baby Keem’s willingness to break from convention.

Kenny Mason

Lastly, Atlanta’s Kenny Mason is an artist merging alternative rock and hip-hop, much like Baby Keem. Mason’s music embodies a raw and dynamic style that resonates with listeners. His artistry blurs the lines between genres, a trait he shares with Baby Keem.

In conclusion, while Baby Keem is a unique voice in the current hip-hop scene, his influence can be seen in a new wave of artists. These rappers, like JID, Smino, Denzel Curry, Rico Nasty, and Kenny Mason, all bring their own distinctive flair to the genre. They reflect hip-hop’s diversity and continual evolution, each contributing to a vibrant soundscape that will undoubtedly shape the genre’s future.

This new wave of hip-hop artists, inspired by and sounding similar to Baby Keem, is not just following in his footsteps. They are exploring their unique paths, driven by a shared commitment to authenticity, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop can be. These artists, along with Baby Keem, are leading a new era of hip-hop, transforming it from a genre of music into a movement of artistic expression.

The future of hip-hop is exciting, thanks to artists like Baby Keem and those influenced by his style. They challenge expectations, break down barriers, and redefine what it means to be a rapper in the modern era. As fans, we can only look forward to what this next generation of hip-hop has in store for us.

The post Rappers Like Baby Keem: JID, Smino, Denzel Curry & More appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Smino Spit Fire During An Ice Storm In His ‘Wyoming (Freestyle)’

March 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Last month, the Portland Trail Blazers were stranded on a plane for seven hours because a snowstorm prevented them from traveling to Sacramento for their game against the Kings. Blazers All-Star point guard Damian Lillard made the most of the undoubtedly annoying delay by freestyle rapping over GloRilla and Cardi B’s “Tomorrow 2” beat.

Smino recently found himself in the same situation.

Last Friday, March 10, the Luv 4 Rent artist posted his “Wyoming (Freestyle)” along with a video. The YouTube description explains, “My bus got caught inna ice storm near Wyoming so we said f*ck it and made this.”

Smino’s bars are equal parts clever (“Back when wins ain’t come with so many bruises / Back when trends wasn’t topics, we just doin’ sh*t / Knew I was on sh*t / I could rhyme it down to the oranges”) and literal (“Look up, it’s snowing in Wyoming”).

The nearly three-minute video sees Smino smoking in his stranded bus, vibing on the sidewalk, and recording in his hotel room.

Smino is currently on the Luv Is 4Ever Tour with JID. Uproxx reviewed their back-to-back nights at the Hollywood Palladium and applauded their oozing star power — “They both exude charm and charisma and polished, carefully practiced skill” — which can be felt from Smino even within the confines of an impromptu, unassuming moment like “Wyoming (Freestyle).”

The Luv Is 4Ever Tour is in Toronto tonight (March 15) before hitting Detroit on Friday, March 17, weaving through Chicago on March 21, and wrapping up in Nashville on March 29.

See the full remaining tour schedule below, and watch Smino’s “Wyoming (Freestyle)” above.

Baby Rose & Smino Join Forces For “I Won’t Tell” Single

February 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, meaning it’s the perfect time of year for R&B artists to show off their skills. Whether you’re looking for a lover’s anthem, a heartbreak ballad, or something to snuggle up with your sneaky link to, the stars have surely got what you need. One new arrival that’s specifically caught our ear comes from Baby Rose and Smino.

The single, “I Won’t Tell,” follows last year’s “Go” and “Fight Club” dual release. Additionally, it comes along with an announcement that the female singer has another album coming this April. Speaking on her work in a press release, Rose says, “[It’s] a fun record that came out of a sleepless night in LA jamming with friends. It was 4 AM when we started on it and with our inhibitions gone, a magic surfaced that allowed us to just flow.”

“When I began to write it out, I wanted to embrace my own chaos, my shadows. Then Smino slid into it effortlessly and that’s just what this song is, effortless. He’s one of my favourite artists because he’s authentically him and you can’t pin him down to any box,” she went on to praise her collaborator.

In the Audrey Ellis Fox-directed visual, fans see Rose conducting an over-the-top heist that goes terribly wrong. As “I Won’t Tell” comes to an end, viewers are treated to yet another surprise in the form of her “Paranoid” single within the same video.

Her forthcoming project, Through and Through will “show Rose like we have never seen or heard her before.” With its arrival, she plans to carve out a lane for herself that remains sonically unrestricted by genres. Besides singing, the Atlanta native also happens to have a talent for songwriting and executive production.

Stream Baby Rose and Smino’s groovy “I Won’t Tell” single on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, you can find more release recommendations when you check back tomorrow for our R&B Season playlist.

Quotable Lyrics:

My fabric cut different
Bitch, look at the material
Won’t say nothin’ ’bout what we did
Or done did
I hold my laugh in when yo’ n*gga walk in

[Via]

Baby Rose Drops Video for “I Won’t Tell” f/ Smino, Announces New Album ‘Through and Through’

February 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Smino Announced His ‘She Already Decided 2’ Mixtape With The Beyoncé-Sampling ‘Smi Myself And I’

February 8, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The 65th annual Grammy Awards this past weekend were filled with several historic moments. Not only did actor and producer extraordinaire Viola Davis earn the coveted EGOT title, but multi-hyphenated talent Beyoncé became the most-awarded winner of all time, as well as the first Black woman to win in the category of Best Dance/Electronic Album. Well, the flowers for Mrs. Knowles-Carter are still coming in as melodic rapper Smino pays homage to her award-winning catalog in his latest song.

Sampling Beyoncé’s 2003 single “Me Myself And I,” the St. Louis native’s newest track, “Smi Myself And I,” is the lead song off his forthcoming mixtape, She Already Decided 2, the follow-up to the namesake project released in 2020 that’s set to drop on 4/20. On the track, Smino comfortably fixes into the heartbreak pocket Beyoncé set on the inspiration track.

In typical Smino fashion, he cleverly sprinkles several witty metaphors throughout the track, even subtle nods to Queen Bey herself as the track opens, rapping, “I only look up to my Visine / Smi myself and Irene / I be / In the cut like IV / Jim Carey da Nina Simone so bro gone let freedom ring / Whoever carry my semen gone go on and become Big Queen.”

The video for the song directed by The Film Lord captures candid tour footage of Smino and friends as his co-headlining live experience with JID, Luv Is 4ever, continues to sell out across the country. Smino may receive love at each stop but based on the track’s lyrics it is the type of love he’s looking for.

Listen to ‘Smi Myself And I’ above.

What Is Smino’s Setlist Of Songs For The ‘Luv Is 4Ever’ Tour?

February 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Smino is currently out on the road playing shows on his Luv Is 4Ever Tour alongside JID. Both unveiled new material last year, with Smino’s album Luv 4 Rent and JID’s EP The Forever Story. Opening for them are emerging artists SwaVay and Jordan Ward.

While JID’s setlist for the gigs is widespread, Smino’s can be found through resourceful playlists on streaming apps like Tidal and Spotify. They show the rapper opening with “Klink” and closing with “No L’s”; it’s heavy with new tracks, but still has classics.

Check out the full setlist below, and find the rest of the tour dates underneath.

1. “Klink”
2. “Curtains”
3. “Flea Flicka”
4. “Rice & Gravy”
5. “Spinz”
6. “Z4L” feat. Bari & Jay2
7. “90 Proof” feat. J. Cole
8. “Blu Billy”
9. Tequila Mockingbird”
10. “Matinee”
11. “Netflix & Dusse”
12. “Defibrillator”
13. “Louphoria” feat. Cruza
14. “Pro Freak” feat. Doechii & Fatman Scoop
15. “Pizano”
16. “No L’s”

02/02/2023 — San Diego, CA @ SOMA San Diego
02/03/2023 — Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
02/08/2023 — Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
02/10/2023 — Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom
02/13/2023 — Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom
02/14/2023 — Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
02/15/2023 — San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre
02/16/2023 — Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
02/18/2023 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
02/21/2023 — St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live
02/22/2023 — Miami, FL @ Oasis Wynwood
02/24/2023 — Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
02/26/2023 — Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
03/01/2023 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore Philadelphia
03/03/2023 — New York, NY @ Terminal 5
03/07/2023 — Wallingford, CT @ Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
03/09/2023 — Boston, MA @ House of Blues Boston
03/12/2023 — Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
03/15/2023 — Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
03/17/2023 — Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit
03/18/2023 — Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe
03/21/2023 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
03/23/2023 — Madison, WI @ The Sylvee
03/24/2023 — Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore Minneapolis
03/25/2023 — Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland
03/28/2023 — Cincinnati, OH @ The Andrew J Brady Music Center
03/29/2023 — Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works