SOUNDCLOUD
Drake AI Returns With “Winter’s Cold” Song
A.I. technology is either the best or worst thing to happen to music since Napster, depending on who you ask. Moreover, its supporters see it as a new avenue for creativity, reference tracks, and new ways to put your work out there. On the other hand, its detractors see the dangers of copyright, false songs taking money away from artist, and laziness that A.I.-generated or assisted tracks pose. Regardless of which side you’re on, the last few weeks have seen an onslaught of A.I.-related material. The latest is a new track “from” Drake following his fake track with The Weeknd that set the industry ablaze.
Furthermore, this cut is called “Winter’s Cold,” and it’s unclear how much A.I. was involved in its creation. This technology can either turn an existing voice recording into an artist’s voice, or recreate lyrics and production based on the artist’s existing material. No matter how you slice it, fans seem to really enjoy these tracks. “Firstly, let me just say that that AI shit is evil & immoral,” a fan tweeted. “What’s already happened, and what could potentially happen to artists and the industry with this tech is despicable. HOWEVER, with all that said, THAT AI DRAKE WINTER’S COLD SONG IS THE HARDEST S**T TO DROP THIS YEAR!!”
Drake A.I. Drops Another Banger, “Winter’s Cold”
In fact, that sentiment seems to be a common one on social media. Of course, the argument also exists that it’s easier to replicate some artists than others, and Drake is perhaps the best example of that. His voice is just too recognizable, and he worked with so many styles that any lane of his could reemerge with relative ease. However, major labels aren’t having it. “UMG’s success has been, in part, due to embracing new technology and putting it to work for our artists- as we have been doing with our own innovation around AI for some time already,” Universal Music Group’s statement began. Moreover, they issued it after the Weeknd collab went insanely viral and they started taking it down from many platforms. It’s also worth noting that the 6 God isn’t a fan of this tech.
“With that said, however, the training of generative AI using our artists’ music (which represents both a breach of our agreements and a violation of copyright law) as well as the availability of infringing content created with generative AI on DSPs, begs the question as to which side of history all stakeholders in the music ecosystem want to be on: the side of artists, fans and human creative expression, or on the side of deep fakes, fraud and denying artists their due compensation,” they concluded. Wherever you may fall on that debate, stick around on HNHH for the latest on Drake and A.I. tech in music.
DC The Don Opens Up His “SACRED HEART (+)” On New Mixtape
DC The Don just released his most recent mixtape, SACRED HEART (+) on all streaming platforms. While the project originally dropped during Christmastime in 2022 exclusively on SoundCloud, DC decided to feed a larger set of fans. Moreover, the 15-track project is an energetic, buzzing, and cohesive display of alternative hip-hop.
Furthermore, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin native plays with a lot of different sounds on this record. Of course, hip-hop runs quite strongly throughout it, whether it be through energetic verses or the percussion style. On the other hand, there’s also quite a bit of digital influence on this mixtape, calling back to genres like hyperpop, digicore, and more. Also, there’s a strong undercurrent of rock in many forms, whether emo, alternative, or otherwise. Overall, DC’s sound defies genre categorization, because him and so many others carve out their own lanes.
For those of you who already heard SACRED HEART (+), there is some unfortunate news. One of the album’s tracks, “SO SICK,” did not make it onto streaming services like Spotify. While this might disappoint some fans, sample clearance issues came into play. However, the new streaming release includes three tracks featured on the albums deluxe version. Moreover, these are “RUNWAY!”, “BREAK IN HALF,” and “BROTHERS.”
Meanwhile, these stylistic influences already came through on DC’s previous album, MY OWN WORST ENEMY. Although SACRED HEART (+) might have a deeper story behind it, MY OWN WORST ENEMY definitely has that going for it. On the project, the 23-year-old tackles his alter ego and the two warring sides of him that his creative artistry might suggest.
Still, what did you think of DC The Don’s latest mixtape, SACRED HEART (+)? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments and peep the tracklist for the project down below. Also, if you haven’t heard the tape yet, you can find it on your preferred streaming service. In addition, check out the music video for “SRT // UMBRELLA” below, as well. As always, come back to HNHH for the hottest new songs and albums released each week.
Tracklist
- SRT
- UMBRELLA
- ALL NIGHT
- SHUTUP!
- HEADPHONES
- NASKAR
- 11:30
- OK COOL
- USED TO IT
- H3Y
- BEYOND GLOBAL
- RUNWAY!
- WAIT 4 U
- SO SICK
- BREAK IN HALF
- BROTHERS
Lil Yachty Made The Innovative ‘Let’s Start Here’ Album So He’d Be Seen As More Than ‘Just Some SoundCloud Rapper’
Ask Run-DMC: the musical dance between rap and rock music is nothing new. Despite publicly sharing that his next project would, in fact, be a departure from his signature rap sound, Lil Yachty fans are surprised by his new album, Let’s Start Here.
The 14-track album, rooted in the sounds of psychedelic rock, marks the rapper’s first full-length release in nearly three years. Let’s Start Here features guest production by Justin Raisen, Sad Pony, Patrick Wimberly, Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Jacob Portrait, Nick Hakim, Magdalena Bay, and Jam City, as well as a musical appearance by MGMT’s Ben Goldwasser on the keyboards. While most artists are fearful of stepping out of the sounds fans have grown to expect from them, Lil Yachty, on the other hand, embraced the challenge. The creative deviation, according to Twitter users, has ultimately paid off.
Lil Yachty on his new album ‘Let’s Start Here’ at his listening event tonight
“I wanted to be taken seriously as an artist… not just some SoundCloud rapper, not some mumble rapper…”pic.twitter.com/4xHg7ihOKS
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) January 27, 2023
During a private listening party for the album, Lil Yachty shared his true motivations for stepping outside of rap music on this project. He told the packed room, “This album is so special and dear to me. I think I created it because I wanted to be taken seriously as an artist. You know? Not just some SoundCloud rapper. Not some mumble rapper. Not some guy that just made one hit. I wanted to be taken seriously because music is everything to me, and I respect all walks of music. Not just rap and hip-hop but everything. I wanted to make something that showed the world that shows it, just how great music is to me.”
The phrase “SoundCloud rapper” is often used to demise a rapper’s musicality. During the height of the streamer, aspiring musicians could upload raw cuts of their DIY songs using it as a way to gauge the quality, measuring it against how popular it became. Often time, these musicians didn’t have a formal background or training in songwriting or production. SoundCloud removed the barriers of entry for a lot of today’s biggest names in rap, including Lil Yachty, Lil Uzi Vert, and Chance The Rapper, to name a few.
Yachty then added that because the trendiness of the sound often found on the music streamer (pioneered by Lil Uzi Vert and himself) was being so over-saturated, he felt like it was time to reinvent himself. Yachty told the crowd, “If we’re just going, to be honest. A lot of n****s are copying the swag, and I just felt like if everyone can do this, that’s fine. But I’m going to show y’all what y’all can’t do.”
To be fair, Lil Yachty isn’t the only artist earning praise for their exploration into rock music, SZA also was applauded for her rock track, “Ghost In The Machine,” featuring Phoebe Bridgers, off her new album SOS. Kid Cudi has also released a fully rock-centered album.
Let’s Start Here is out now via Quality Control. Get it here.
Alleged Idaho Killer Bryan Kohberger Previously Posted Chilling Raps On SoundCloud: Report
True crime fanatics are still desperately waiting for answers regarding last year’s University of Idaho stabbings. Now that Bryan Kohberger is in police custody, he’s waiving his right to a speedy trial. This means it will be some time until further details officially come out due to a gag order.
Internet sleuths have been obsessing over the investigation. Thousands of people uncovering hints and clues online promptly sent them to the police. Since the accused killer’s identity was shared with the public, they’ve turned their efforts to digging up as much history on the 28-year-old as possible.
At this time, Kohberger has unofficial connections to a number of different social media profiles. There’s a Facebook account that was actively participating in a group of users attempting to solve the gruesome Moscow quadruple murder. A Spotify account with concerning playlists on which he was apparently following some of his victims is also making rounds.
As it turns out, the criminology major didn’t just enjoy listening to music. He also created and uploaded some of his own on SoundCloud. Earlier this month, the New York Post uncovered a profile on the website believed to belong to the alleged murderer. Its username is “Exarr,” and 11 years ago they posted an original song called “Rise up instrumental – test.”
“You are not my equal / You are evil but I’m devil,” the man believed to be Kohberger raps on the track. “End your life you get no sequel / Leave your loved ones crying like some seagulls,” he later adds. The chilling release ends with “Don’t f*ck with us / You underestimate.”
The same username from SoundCloud appears on Kohberger’s accounts on other online forums. It’s possible that this may later appear in court as evidence. However, the trial isn’t due to begin until this summer.
Check out the video below for more recent updates on Bryan Kohberger and the University of Idaho murders. RIP.
[Via]
Lil Uzi Vert Drops New Track “Flex Up”
Lil Uzi Vert Shares New Song “I Know”
Lil Uzi Vert Drops New Song “Space Cadet”
NBA 2K x SoundCloud Announce Winning Artists For NBA2K22 Soundtrack
The global music search is over for SoundCloud and NBA 2K’s “2K Beats: The Search” to discover the next generation of emerging artists. Today, SoundCloud and NBA 2K revealed the first 10 winning artists including 4KPHIL, J Nolan, Jamari, KC Carter, Lulu Be., Neek, OttoMattic, Samad Savage, Shiwan, and Third Coast Chris whose tracks will be featured in the NBA 2K22 Season 7 soundtrack heard by players around the world. Fans can discover the new tracks in-game starting May 20th, and today in the playlist on SoundCloud here.
The winning artists were handpicked by SoundCloud and NBA 2K from more than 15,000 submissions and feature some of the hottest new original tracks from emerging artists who are gaining traction from fans on SoundCloud alongside top artists on the soundtrack such as Aitch, Freddie Gibbs, Megan Thee Stallion, Metro Boomin, Saweetie, Skepta, Smino, and many more. Get to know more about the first wave of winning artists from “2K Beats: The Search” below.
“I grew up playing NBA2K and the NBA as a whole,” says 4KPHIL. “Rap music goes hand in hand with the game of baseketball, and I’m ecstatic to have my song included in the 2022 soundtrack.”
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