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Audiomack Expands International Presence with Launch of Audiomack Punjabi

June 7, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Audiomack Punjabi, a new vertical focusing on enhancing the renowned genre, introducing it to new audiences, and delivering diverse playlists spotlighting the region’s most popular modern musicians, was launched today by artist-first music streaming service Audiomack.

Punjabi will now be available alongside hip-hop, Afrobeats, Latin, Caribbean, and other popular genres on the streaming service. Punjabi Verified, 808 Pind (Village), Ishq, Party Pataka, Punjab to Canada, Punjabi Duets, and more will be added to the newly launched playlists, which will be updated regularly.

Amrit Maan, The PropheC, Himmat Sandhu, Ezu, Jasmine Sandlas & Gur Sidhu, Karan Aujla, Himanshi Khurana, and Baani Sandhu, as well as the late-great Sidhu Moose Wala, will be the initial cover stars of Audiomack’s playlists.

We are excited to officially launch the Punjabi genre on the Audiomack platform,” Audiomack co-founder and CMO David Ponte said. “These new playlists and trending section will position Punjabi artists alongside hip-hop, Afrobeats, and Latin music, rightfully giving them a share of an ever-growing pie of hungry music fans. We are confident that Audiomack’s free suite of tools, including the Creator App, Supporters, and discovery solutions, will connect this growing genre with prospective fans worldwide. Our mission is to be a catalyst for the genre’s international growth, much like our impact on Afrobeats’ popularity in the West, for years to come and share the talents of these undeniable artists with Audiomack’s users.”

The inauguration of the new vertical pays homage to the genre’s long history and legacy in India and Pakistan. It’s an opportunity for Audiomack to better serve fans around the world, educate new listeners about the Punjabi sound, and highlight the region’s cultural achievements.

“Punjabi music has been pushing into the mainstream space like Latin and AfroBeats for a minute. It’s great to see Audiomack have their ear to the ground and have the foresight to give our music the platform it deserves,” Punjabi artist Jaz Dhami said. “I feel Audiomack will help close the gap between genres even further as it’s not your typical streaming site. Globally, this is going to help link artists like never before.”

Beyond Asia, the genre is popular amongst the massive Indian diaspora across the globe.

“We are delighted to formalize the association with Audiomack, allowing our artists and the extensive catalog of Punjabi music to reach global audiences along with the other popular genres like hip-hop, Afro Beats, Latin and many more,” Believe Digital Regional Director (Believe – Artist Services, India) Shilpa Sharda said. “This collaboration will be a great addition to our existing brand relationships and an immense opportunity for our artists to build up their fan base internationally.”

More information about Audiomack Punjabi can be found here.

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NBA 2K x SoundCloud Announce Winning Artists For NBA2K22 Soundtrack

May 24, 2022 by newhiphopnews

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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The Notorious B.I.G. Comes Back To Life In ‘The Brook’ Digital Metaverse

May 21, 2022 by newhiphopnews

The Notorious B.I.G. estate dropped a major metaverse announcement on Christopher Wallace’s (Biggie’s) would-be 50th birthday on Saturday, May 21.

Biggie fans can enjoy The Notorious B.I.G. on Web3 via a hyperrealistic model of his likeness in a new metaverse activation called “The Brook.” Fans can register to be the first alerted to when they can enter this unique world.

The teaser of the Brook below features the voice of Mark Pitts, who managed Biggie in life and worked with the teams at Surreal, Zoan and Willingie to give an authentic voice to the creative direction of the metaverse.

“Being born and raised in Brooklyn, I wanted it to feel as close to the Brooklyn that helped raise me. The hyperrealism is authentic to that experience. As we expand, we will use that same authenticity in other cities,” said Pitts.

“Technology continues to create opportunities that are beyond one’s imagination and I’m excited that we are stepping into the future with a beautiful rendition of a hyperrealistic avatar of my son Christopher and I’m thankful for our wonderful team of creative partners for their work to deliver Biggie into new media for his fans to enjoy,” said Biggie’s mother Voletta Wallace.

The late great cultural icon was born Christopher Wallace in Brooklyn, New York. The Brook, by definition, is a small stream or river that flows into other rivers that eventually flows into the ocean. The Brook is also a reference to the four-time Grammy nominee’s hometown and will be realized as a metaverse activation of hip-hop culture, lifestyle, music, entertainment, sports and fashion.

Happy 50th Birthday B.I.G.!! The Biggie Avatar is coming to “The Brook”, a Hyperrealistic Metaverse experience that looks like a metaverse should… “REAL” Learn more about the Brook. Link in bio. @brookverse pic.twitter.com/XoUH4nnjkI

— Notorious B.I.G (@thenotoriousbig) May 21, 2022

According to the release, the platform will encompass an immersive digital space, giving users the opportunity to experience and explore virtual worlds, buy tickets to and attend virtual concerts, purchase virtual and physical merchandise, buy virtual real estate, and buy, sell and trade NFTs. The platform will launch with The Notorious B.I.G. and then spread to other activations and talent.

The project, developed in partnership with ZOAN, Surreal Events, and Hyperreal, is tied to his hometown in Brooklyn, to deliver Biggie into a new media for his fans and give provide a new platform to experience the culture of Hip-Hop.

Watch the trailer below. Share your thoughts with us on social media.

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‘Batman Unburied’ Podcast Dethrones Joe Rogan For Number One Podcast On Spotify

May 10, 2022 by newhiphopnews

There is a new kingpin on top the podcast landscape and he wears a cape.

According to The Podcast Charts by Spotify, Batman Unburied is now the No. 1 podcast in the U.S., bumping The Joe Rogan Experience to second place. The Joe Rogan Experience was Spotify’s No. 1 podcast of 2021, after a $200 million deal in 2020 made it exclusive to the platform.

Batman Unburied‘s first two episodes were released on May 3rd Starting with Winston Duke as Bruce Wayne. Joining Duke on the narrative-led podcast are Hasan Minhaj as The Riddler, Jason Isaacs as Alfred, Gina Rodriguez as Barbara Gordon, Lance Reddick as Thomas Wayne, Toks Olagundoye as Martha Wayne, John Rhys-Davies as Dr. Hunter, and Ashly Burch as Vicki Vale.

The description for the podcast reads as follows

“A serial killer known as The Harvester terrorizes Gotham City, but Batman is not coming to the rescue. In fact, Bruce Wayne has no memory of being the Caped Crusader at all. Instead, Bruce is a forensic pathologist, performing the autopsy on the latest victim when he’s attacked by the killer himself.”

New episodes will release each Tuesday exclusively on Spotify and each episode will be released in nine different languages.

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Masego Releases ‘Tadow’ NFT Collection with Quincy Jones Backed Company, OneOf

April 1, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Back in 2017, Masego and FKJ began a jam session that resulted in the production of the now certified platinum record, “Tadow.” The record helped the “Trap House Jazz” pioneer gain widespread attention. It followed by the release of his debut studio album Lady Lady.

To celebrate “Tadow’s” 5th anniversary, the Virginia artist teamed up with Toronto artist Voidz, in addition to Quincy Jones-backed platform OneOf.

“I’m very proud of what it has become. Any way to take the narrative and move the way that I want to. I wanted to represent, art, cultural exchange and lab musicians so this is a cool art piece for that representation.”

Voidz has collaborated with both Drake and Belgian artist Stromae.

“Tadow” presents a number of different instrumental elements that bring the record to life. Those sonic elements are visually represented within this new NFT. There are 4 tiers of the piece that vary in rarity – green, gold, platinum and diamond. The platinum tier includes a remix contest in which fans have access to WAV files of sounds hear in the NFT.

Fans will also have the opportunity to win signed instruments, a custom NFT created by Voidz, tickets to upcoming shows and the RIAA Certified Platinum record for “Tadow.”

“I think this is the first NFT to create a digestible visual language of the music making process,” said Masego. “I hope it inspires more musicians to explore ways to translate that process for fans and collectors.”

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Netflix Tests Out Fees to Crack Down on Password Sharing

March 16, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Then world’s largest streaming service may soon get more (official) subscribers as Netflix announced today that it would begin a rollout to test an initiative that would crack down on illicit password-sharing.

In the past, Netflix had generally turned a blind eye to password sharing. Last spring, Netflix began implementing slightly stricter security protocols, prompting users to re-enter their login credentials, even if they had previously been logged onto a device. However, many viewers found ways to circumnavigate that measure, namely by re-entering their login and password.

This week, Netflix announced that it would be rolling out a pilot program in three markets (Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru). The new “add an extra member” feature would prompt Standard and Premium subscribers to add subsidiary accounts for up to two people they don’t live with, each with their own profile, personalized recommendations, login and password for about $2.99 USD per new account.

In an official statement on their website, the company explained the basics of the plan as well as the rationale behind the move, saying: “We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account, with features like separate profiles and multiple streams in our Standard and Premium plans. While these have been hugely popular, they have also created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared. As a result, accounts are being shared between households – impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members.”

However, Netflix did not provide specific details about what they categorized as a household and how household members would be identified if they were not all on the home IP address (watching at work, at the gym, while traveling, etc.).

Netflix has not announced any plans to test any similar programs in the United States in the immediate near-term future.

As usual, social media had a lot to say about the proposed initiative.

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Soundcloud ‘Next Wav’ Experience Is Coming to SXSW

March 8, 2022 by newhiphopnews

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Soundcloud keeps the ball rolling at SXSW to start the new year.

Last month the platform announced its new joint venture with Quality Control Music Group and Solid Foundation management founders Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas.

The partnerships will “create custom A&R programs for selected artists inclusive of development, distribution and marketing and artist services.” It is a testament to SoundCloud’s commitment to being a conduit for creative freedom and equity.

Soundcloud will bring its ‘Next Wav” event series to SXSW, featuring workshops, discussion, and performances on the heels of the joint venture announcement. The event will occur at live music venue Mohawk in Austin, allowing creators and fans to celebrate the culture, community, and creativity.

The event will end with a live music showcase featuring Houston rapper Monaleo, El Paso-born Indigenous Mexican-American R&B artist Flores, breakout DMV-area hip-hop artist with an alternative-rap sound Kelow LaTesha, and Miami musician fusing Reggaeton beats, R&B, and pop riela.

‘Next Wav’ is free for SXSW ticket holders with confirmed RSVP. Check out the programming schedule and RSVP here.

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Kid Cudi To Make Debut on His Virtual Performance App

March 7, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Kid Cudi is gearing up for his very first performance on the virtual app,“Encore,” he co-founded back in 2020 alongside CEO Jonathan Gray and President Ian Edelman. The “Want It Bad” artist took to Twitter back in February to make the announcement, which included an added incentive.

“Hey Cud Fam!! Got some tasty news for u! The person w the most claps at my show on March 7th on Encore will receive an all expenses paid trip to one of my tour dates this year for you and a friend,” he tweeted.

Back on February 16, “Encore,” the interactive live performance app, officially launched to the general public after raising $9 million in seed funding from Battery Ventures and Launches Live.

“Music artists are the original creators and they have been forgotten by the creator economy and overrun by memes and algorithms on social media,” said CEO Jonathan Gray. “Our live AR technology empowers any artist to create personalized content and host experiences for their fans without a production budget or crew and make real cash with 100’s of engaged fans.”

Since its inception, the platform has hosted hundreds of artist performances in private beta including Too $hort, DC The Don, SSG Kobe, The Cool Kids and more.

Kid Cudi’s performance will be director by Lyrical Lemonade founder, Cole Bennett.

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Women of TIDAL are Shaping the Innovative Future of the Platform

March 6, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Women of TIDAL Tonya Nelson Fisher Alexa Disney Melanie Mercedes

Women of TIDAL are shape shifters.

Every now and then, the age-old debate on whether to have dinner with Jay-Z or take $500,000 trends on social media. Fans provide arguments for both sides of the spectrum. Some argue that a conversation during a dinner with Hov will catapult them to insurmountable heights, while others look to cash-out on-demand.

Well last September, TIDAL’s Twitter account finally put the debate to rest with the now viral response “Take the $500K,” tweeted from the thumbs of social media manager, Melanie Mercedes.

Take the $500K.

— TIDAL (@TIDAL) September 9, 2021

The New York University alumna has held the role of managing all social platforms for TIDAL. Now her role has evolved to community manager of social which she describes is a role that goes far beyond solely publishing on social media.

“The magic in social is being able to identify your audience and speak to them directly. When they feel seen and heard, they’re much more likely to engage in a meaningful way.”

Humanizing the brand is pivotal to keeping the audience engaged. While social media controls the direct-to-consumer voice for the platform, Alexa Disney connects the DSP and collaborating artists with external brands that coincide with their musical content and overall message.

The Sony Music alumas, where she held a similar role, stresses the importance of authenticity when pairing TIDAL or other artists with other brands.

“Fans know if it’s not authentic,” she says.

There was more push back during the beginning of her career, where many artists perceived brand partnerships to be a gimmick, rather than something that can help expand their audience. In this day and age, artists are more receptive because it helps to only add to their overall brand.

For Tonya Nelson-Fisher, the manager of music programming, she connects TIDAL’s “most passionate music fans” to their favorite genre, artists, era of music and more. In addition, Nelson-Fisher helps to curate themed playlists for specific holidays, months and even cultural icons. Back in January, TIDAL uploaded a playlist of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous speeches. The same goes for Maya Angelou and Malcom X.

“I think that differentiates us and helps us to stand out from the pack,” she says.

Nelson-Fisher promises that TIDAL will introduce new features to enhance their user experience in the near future. The digital streaming platform has added the HiFi Plus tier user experience, which grants access to lossless High Fidelity sound quality, master quality and immersive audio.

Although Tonya, Alexa and Melanie’s roles differ, they co-exist to expand TIDAL’s reach to potential new audiences, while maintaining the interest of the ones that already exist.

Their musical obsession only adds to the growth and success of the platform.

Continue the Women of TIDAL conversation on social media.

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