Having dropped his critically acclaimed debut project No Love Lostlast summer, rising hip-hop artist Blxst has yet to take a break. Earlier this month, the Red Bull Records and Evgle artist surprised his fans with a surprise two-pack EP featuring guest appearances from Russ and Drakeo The Ruler, and now the Los Angeles-based multihyphenate is back with a visual treatment for one of the standout cuts from the deluxe version of No Love Lost.
The music video for “Chosen,” which features fellow West Coast artists Ty Dolla $ign and Tyga, transports viewers to the campus of a fictional college named Evgle University. The nostalgic video is shot by madebyJames, and over the course of the video, you can see how much of its inspiration was pulled from iconic college films such as School Daze, Stomp the Yard, and Love & Basketball.
In addition to the shots that depict quintessential college experiences such as tailgating and partying at frat houses, viewers also follow Blxst’s pursuit of a woman that he ran into while jogging at the start of the video. They eventually connect at the wild house party at the end of the video, and of course, Ty Dolla $ign and Tyga appear to perform their verses.
Check the video out at the top of the page and let us know what you think about Blxst’s latest visuals.
The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.
It’s a formula we’ve all seen before; one rapper, one producer, 10 tracks. There’s a reason for this: It works.
The latest example proving this aphorism is To Kill A Sunrise, the concise collaborative project from burgeoning Brooklyn rapper Kota The Friend and veteran Boston producer Statik Selektah. Released just two months removed from Kota’s last project, the quick and dirty Lyrics To Go, Vol. 2, this latest effort makes an ironclad case for the aforementioned recipe with crisp, inventive rhymes over inviting instrumentals that show what traditionalist hip-hop can be at its absolute best.
Over the course of his surprisingly productive five-year career, Kota has proven to be one of the genre’s foremost advocates of the bars-first mentality endemic to his hometown’s musical philosophy throughout the mid-’90s. To put it bluntly, whenever someone shouts out “real hip-hop,” they usually mean rap in the vein of jazz-sampling, puffer jacket-wearing, Timberland boot-stomping, cerebral rappers from the lyrical bloodline of acts like Gang Starr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and A Tribe Called Quest.
Kota has this, yes, but he also adds his own unique, plainspoken perspective to the simile-ridden rhyme style of his forebears, leavening their rugged machismo with a vulnerable, confessional, emotionally intelligent bent to his raps. He displayed as much on his breakout 2019 album Foto and on its 2020 follow-up Everything, but whereas on those albums, he displayed that honest tendency over beats that toed the line between modernism and his natural, jazz-rap instincts, on To Kill A Sunrise, he fully indulges the latter, partnering with their perfect foil in Statik Selektah.
For instance on “Hate,” Statik laces Kota with a stripped-down, hand-clap-and-key-stab sample pack over which Kota can “have some fun,” as he says on the song’s introductory instrumental bars. On the song’s opposite, “The Love,” Statik scratches in over a tinkling piano sample, throws hella swing on the drum kit, and channels the spirit of 1991. Kota dives in headfirst, ruminating on intergenerational responsibilities and working at mediocre jobs before attaining his dream of supporting himself through his music.
The combination of Statik’s throwback beats and Kota’s straightfoward, lyrics-focused rhyme style certainly evokes nostalgia for a certain era and place in hip-hop history but they’re not stuck in the past, as so many rhyme-first rap conservatives can be. They don’t thumb their noses at modern trends so much as eschew them entirely; they aren’t here to scold rappers for humming or diss their gold-chain-flexing, trap-praising peers. The endeavor comes across more self-contained, as if to say, “This is us, in our element, doing what we like to do.” In short, it’s a rapper and producer having fun making music, which can sometimes feel rare these days.
Ever since Jay-Z first uttered that fateful phrase “I’m not a rapper,” it can seem as though many folks who do the job are only doing it to get their feet in the door at the places they really want to work, like waitstaff at the local diner who are really actors or web designers or CEOs in casual conversations. Within the past month, I’ve written about no less seven major rap stars securing their first acting roles, while a number of others have jumped into tech or become restauranteurs.
These are all good things! We’ve seen enough rappers go from rags to riches back to rags over the past four decades to understand that rap money doesn’t always last. “LLC Twitter” is quick to remind anyone unfortunate enough to stumble across their condescending messages that you should have multiple streams of income to ensure a comfortable lifestyle and we’ve both praised and criticized Jay-Z for his capitalistic ambitions. Entertainment’s a fickle mistress, so it’s best to make sure there’s a plan B, C, D, E, F, and G for the day the winds change and fans’ taste does too.
But it’s so refreshing to listen to someone make hip-hop because they enjoy making hip-hop. Kota raps about hustling his way out of poverty, yes, but not through socially destructive means. And now that he’s reached his level of comfort, there’s no castigation or roasting of his listeners or taunting of his enemies and haters. Kota raps like the money is assured on tracks like “Live & Direct,” but also secondary to things like fatherhood, community, health, and sharing his wisdom rather than lording it over the plebians who keep him in business.
Nor does he waste time berating anyone for making or enjoying that type of rap. He’s not a snob or an elitist. He’s not above employing a trappish beat himself, as he displayed on prior releases like Everything. But he’s a rapper’s rapper who truly enjoys the craft, working with an established producer who knows how to tap into his strongest impulses. The result is just like the sunrise: Enjoyable to experience, invigorating and easygoing at the same time, and full of promise for a new day.
To Kill A Sunrise Is Out Now via FLTBYS. Get it here.
Blxst‘s new video for “Chosen” from the deluxe version of his No Love Lost EP takes inspiration from historically Black colleges and universities, with a heavy emphasis on fraternity life as displayed in movies like Spike Lee’s School Daze. Blxst plays the big man on campus, bumping into his romantic lead early in the video and spending time with her on the yard and at a house party.
The song’s featured artists, Tyga and Ty Dolla Sign, also appear as fellow members of Blxst’s frat, throwing a parking lot party and staging a performance backed by cheerleaders on the football field. Meanwhile, the cheerleaders put on a private twerk show of their own in the locker room.
The “Chosen” video follows “Got It All” with Dom Kennedy as the latest visual releases from No Love Lost, while the LA-based rapper and singer followed-up the project with a two-song double single release, Just For Clarity, earlier this month. That single included appearances from the recently released Drakeo The Ruler and indie rap evangelist Russ.
Watch Blxst, Tyga, and Ty Dolla Sign’s “Chosen” video above.
Ty Dolla Sign is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow, and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.
Well before you hear her delicate, soaring voice, an admirable aspect of Joyce Wrice’s career is her ability to be a highlight in a room full of undeniable talents. After landing collaborations with Dom Kennedy, Blu, Jay Prince, and others in the early to mid-2010s, Wrice’s light would soon brighten. In recent years, she’s landed tracks with Devin Morrison (“With You”), Free Nationals (“The Rivington”), and Westside Gunn (“French Toast”). Her contributions were always the sweet icing on an already tasty cake, a delicacy that slowly drew more interest towards the supporting act with each release.
Finally, Wrice has delivered her main course to the world with her debut album, Overgrown. Unlike most love-focused R&B debuts, which often present youth and naivety as accompanying attributes in relationships, the LA singer’s body of work seemingly arrives after this stage in life. Experience and the wisdom to learn from it all find Wrice more prepared to begin the trek towards a committed lover who’s just as mature as she is.
While the end goal on Overgrown is indeed a partner who meets her standards, that’s only half of it. On the album’s title track, which doubles as the project’s outro, Wrice shares what could be documented as her “above all else” mantra. “But don’t you lose all that makes you you,” she sings. “You will be scared, unprepared sometimes.” The heart will always want what it wants but altering its best and most foundational aspects to attain that will bring a result that’s not nearly as satisfying as one imagined.
This very thought process is why on “Losing” she makes her insufficient lover not only aware of their sub-par contributions to their growing relationship, but her irreversible decision to find something better. The song’s swift-moving drums and giddy guitar strings capture her nimble sidestep in dodging the bullet of an unsatisfying love. “Must Be Nice” also echoes the mantra she introduced on the album’s outro, and despite a counter for Masego to continue to flow, Wrice stands firm on placing a pause on their nighttime fun for the betterment of herself. “But it’s just something about the things you do to me / You keep me places I know I ain’t supposed to be,” she sings, adding, “I’ve got rules when I’m with you I don’t follow / I’m wishing you were a phase.’”
Wrice’s insistence for a companion that checks off all her desired boxes stems from being deprived from her close encounters of just that. This picture-perfect partner who absorbs her attention by simply breathing is her muse on “Addicted” and “Think About You.” The once too-good-for-you singer finds herself swept up on a love cloud that unfortunately fails to bring her to her desired location. The former accounts for her inability to turn her dream lover into a reality over an electric ballad while the latter is a dreamy affair that sees her putting the ball in their court with the hope that they make the easy layup.
Overgrown is the LA singer’s way of letting both new and old interests know that immaturity and indecisiveness are not welcomed in her world. It’s clear Wrice has had her fair share of that in the past and its return is the last thing she needs. While some might use their debut to document their growth, Wrice takes her opportunity to show that she is grown. Whether it’s falling in love, falling out of it, or just avoiding it altogether, Overgrown tells and shows listeners that through it all, she’ll present her best self and push forward with it as nobly as possible. If you’re going to wear your heart on your sleeve as she does, the least you can do is protect it from heinous outside forces. For Wrice, this protection not only comes in the form of self-preservation but also through strict warnings that promise undesirable consequences if ignored
Overgrown is out now via Joyce Wrice Music. Get it here.
Just a few days ago, reports swirled out of Evander Holyfield’s camp claiming that a deal with Mike Tyson fell through as the two were going to go up against one another on May 29th of this year. Fans had been anticipating this match for a while, and it seemed like both sides were eager to get something done. Regardless, it was reported that Tyson wants too much money, and it made Holyfield’s team take a step back.
“I just want everybody to know the fight is on with me and Holyfield,” Tyson said. “Holyfield’s a humble man I know that and he’s a man of God but I’m God’s man. Listen, I’m going to be successful May 29.”
Shortly after the interview, Tyson’s own representatives reached out to TMZ and revealed that Tyson was confused during the interview. In the end, a deal has yet to be made and for now, there is no guarantee that Tyson will be fighting against Holyfield on May 29th.
This is disappointing news for boxing fans although considering Tyson wants it to happen, perhaps we will see a real deal sooner rather than later.
Aaron Gordon has been one of the best players on the Orlando Magic for quite some time now although, over the past few months, it had become clear that he was no longer content with his current situation. Earlier in the week, reports surfaced that Gordon had officially requested a trade out of Orlando, which automatically made him one of the biggest draws of the trade deadline. Today, a team officially made their move and got him.
Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Denver Nuggets sent RJ Hampton, Gary Harris, and a first-round pick to Orlando, in exchange for Gordon. This is a massive move for both sides, especially since the Nuggets have just received yet another solid piece to complement the likes of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Just about an hour ago, the Nuggets had also made a move to acquire JaVale McGee, which cost them a few draft picks. If there is one thing for certain here, it is that the Nuggets are going all-in ahead of the playoffs as they know they have a shot at making some serious noise if they get hot at the right time.
More trades are on the way, so stay tuned to HNHH as we will keep you informed throughout the day.
Raekwon The Chef is easily one of the most respected lyricists in the game, having forged an impeccable career since first emerging as a key member of the Wu-Tang Clan back in the early nineties. For many, his solo catalog has come to be defined by the Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…series, two albums that arrived in 1995 and 2009. Yet Rae’s discography goes beyond Cuban Linx, and the rapper recently took a moment to celebrate the most recent solo album in his repertoire — 2017’s The Wild.
Bob Berg/Getty Images
In honor of the project’s four-year anniversary, Rae took to Instagram to share a few words of reflection. “Happy 4 yr anniversary to another solid classic out the catalogue,” captions Raekwon, making it clear that he holds his seventh studio album in the highest esteem. “What a day to reminisce on ! #salute #THEWILD … to my family 10 toes in.”
In truth, it feels as people were — and are — sleeping on The Wild. Though it doesn’t feature much in the way of Wu-Tang involvement, the lyrically-driven project features Raekwon trading verses with CeeLo Green, Lil Wayne, G-Eazy, and more. Fans of The Chef should do themselves a favor and revisit his latest album, paying special attention to Rae’s own assessment. Does The Wild have the making of a classic record? Perhaps it’s something to consider, and four years down the road is as good a time as any.
Congratulations to Raekwon on this latest anniversary, and keep an eye out for more news on his upcoming album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 3…For more from Rae, check out our exclusive interview with the legendary rapper right here.
Yonatan ‘Yoni’ Aya, or more famously known as the genre-bending multihyphenate Chiiild, is back with his first single of 2021, a groovy, kaleidoscopic new track titled “Sleepwalking.” With his latest release, the Montreal-based vocalist, bassist, keyboardist, and songwriter urges listeners to reclaim their identity and individuality and go against the grain of trend and expectation.
“Sleepwalking” is built upon an infectious groove that subtly etches itself into your brain, and before you know it, you’re singing along to the repetitive refrain, “Darling, we’re sleepwalking.” Lyrically, Chiiild’s latest single isn’t the most robust or complex case of songwriting that you’ll hear this week, but, nonetheless, its simplistic lyrics expertly convey the Canadian artist’s yearning for agency. The meaning of the self-reflective song is explored further in the creative Daniel Regan-directed music video, which arrives in tandem with Chiiild’s latest release and aims to create a visually striking “future nostalgia.”
“Sleepwalking” is set to be housed on Chiiild’s recently announced albumHope For Sale, so stay tuned for music from Chiiild as the rollout for his highly anticipated debut continues.
Quotable Lyrics
How does it feel walking fast asleep, under the moonlight Don’t know what’s real or what’s fantasy, under the moonlight How does it feel walking fast asleep, undеr the sunlight Open your eyеs, it’s okay to dream, under the sunlight
If you hadn’t heard of relationship guru Derrick Jaxn before this week, you’re not alone. A lot of people are catching up on the author’s history following a massive scandal that broke out, which prompted Jaxn to film a seriously cringe-worthy confession video with his wife where he admits to being a serial cheater. In his popular YouTube videos, Jaxn preached that “Black men don’t cheat” so his admission that he’s a cheater upset the majority of his fanbase.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Jaxn’s wife Da’Naia Jackson sat on awkwardly as he apologized for his behavior, wearing a bonnet and seeming as though she were forced to appear on-screen. As they seemingly try to work through this massive wrinkle in their marriage, blogger Tasha K is spilling even more tea on Derrick Jaxn’s infidelity. In his apology video, Jaxn claims that he’s been faithful for months as he and his wife try to work on their marriage. Tasha K says that much is false, hosting his alleged current mistress, a successful doctor named Nicki, who says all of his recent social clips were filmed in front of her house, claiming that she saw him as recently as last week.
In the latest exposé by Tasha K, the blogger includes a phone call that she had with Derrick Jaxn’s alleged mistress, who says the relationship expert got her pregnant last year and tried influencing her not to terminate the pregnancy. Tasha also posted alleged screenshots of the text message conversation between Derrick and Nicki, in which Jaxn attempts to defuse the situation and tells his mistress that he’ll show up to her workplace and will not leave until they talk.
This toxic mess is seemingly only getting started. However, Tasha K says that Nicki was served a gag order from Jaxn, so this might be the last time we hear from her.
With the trade deadline in full swing, some big deals have been made throughout the NBA and one of them involves both the Orlando Magic and the Chicago Bulls. These are two teams that have been waiting to put something massive together, and now, they have a deal that will certainly help to restructure both squads while also making waves in the Eastern Conference.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Orlando Magic have sent Nikola Vucevic and Al Farouq Aminu to the Chicago Bulls. In return, the Bulls are giving Orlando Wendell Carter Jr, Otto Porter Jr, and even two first-round picks. This is a big haul for a Magic team that is gearing up to part ways with Aaron Gordon.
As for the Bulls, they have made it clear that they want Lonzo Ball, and these latest moves make it easier for them to acquire the point guard. These franchises have suffered from mediocrity for a while now, and this trade sets both teams up for a promising future.
It is expected that both teams continue to make more moves throughout the day, so keep it locked to HNHH as we continue to bring you the latest updates from around the NBA.
