NYS Music 20​19

Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • Universal Hip Hop Museum Receives 3.7 Million from NY State, Set to Open in 2023

    New York state governor, Andrew Cuomo, has officially signed off on a grant to help sponsor the impending construction of the first-ever museum dedicated solely to rap music – The Universal Hip Hop Museum.

    The Universal Hip Hop Museum is slated to open its doors in the South Bronx (it’s birthplace) in 2023. It is seen as a profitable venture for the state, looking to bring in additional tax revenue, as well as plenty of tourists looking to learn about what is now the world’s most popular genre. As of right now, the museum currently operates as a pop-up exhibit in the Bronx Terminal Market until construction begins in 2020.

    Bronx Native Rocky Bucano serves as the executive director of the board of trustees with hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow – whose 1980 single “The Breaks,” is recognized as hip-hop’s first ever gold record – is among the board of founding members while Public Enemy’s Chuck D, serves as the chairman of the celebrity board. “The credibility he brings to our team is mammoth,” Kurtis Blow says of Chuck D. “He also understands the importance of the UHHM and vows to let the world know via a star-studded celebrity board in the near future. Flame on!”

    The likes of LL Cool J, Q Tip, Nas, Fab Five Freddie, and Rakim also serve as cultural ambassadors, according to the UHHM official website.

    “We knew it was important because the Bronx is where hip-hop started,” Bucano told CNN. “It’s crazy to think of how hip-hop — which has such an influence on pop culture, advertising, politics — doesn’t have a place to call home.”

  • Vevo and Fabolous Present Live Performance of “B.O.M.B.S.”

    Vevo announced rapper, Fabolous, as the next artist in their Ctrl series, with a performance of “B.O.M.B.S.”

    Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians, both emerging and established, making an impact on today’s music scene. These artists demand attention and Vevo’s Ctrl shines a deserving spotlight. Shot in Vevo’s Brooklyn studio, Fabolous’ performance of  “B.O.M.B.S.” follows sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Jeezy, Jadakiss, A$AP Ferg and more, according to their official website.

    The record is the second track from his latest project, Summertime Shootout 3: Coldest Summer Ever. It is a sample of “Sirius,” the opening composition of British rock-band — The Alan Parsons Project, and their 1982 LP — Eye in the Sky. While it samples a rock-band, the song is undoubtedly an ode to Michael Jordan and the 1990’s Chicago Bulls (with the title serving as acronymic reference), who used “Sirius” as part of their entrance music, making it synonymous with Jordan and their 1990’s dynasty.

    Fabolous spends roughly three-minutes delivering one punchline after the other, with plenty of NBA and other pop culture references alike. Reminding the listener that his relevancy in hip-hop is everlasting. Similarly, to how the Chicago Bulls have been a mainstay of pop and sports culture, despite their run happening over two decades ago.

    A veteran of the hip-hop scene, The Grammy-nominated emcee has been a force since the early 2000’s. With his first big hit, “Can’t Deny It,” coming in 2001. His mix of lyricism, pop-friendly records, and implementation of nostalgic references has kept him in demand, nearly twenty-years after his debut.

    Despite taking a step-back from commercial releases he has managed to stay relevant, and in “B.O.M.B.,” he signals a return to his dominant status in the rap game, rapping “I feel like Michael in ’95, back on my bull sh*t this summer ya’ll.”

  • The Soul Rebels Announce Poetry In Motion 2020 Tour

     The Soul Rebels, a brass/hip-hop ensemble out of New Orleans, has announced a winter tour in support of their new album, Poetry In Motion. Joining them on tour will be Matisyahu, Tank and the Bangas, and Big Freedia who are also featured artists on the album. 

    During the month of March, The Soul Rebels will make four stops in New York. First, they will be performing at Buffalo Iron Works on March 1. They will travel to Syracuse for a night at the Westcott Theater on March 2, before journeying downstate to Poughkeepsie to play at Revel 32 on March 7. Finally they will spend their last two days on March 13 & 14 at the Brooklyn Bowl where they will be joined by unannounced special guests.

    Released in October via their imprint Rebelution Music Group, on Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group, Poetry in Motion debuted at #1 on the Contemporary Jazz charts and was in the top 20 for the Current Rap, R&B/Hip – Hop and R&B Album charts. The song “Greatness” was ESPN’s official College Hoops Blockbuster promo song for the 2019-20 season. Recently The Soul Rebels appeared on Dave East feat. Nas‘ track “Godfather 4,” adding harmony and backup vocals.

    Tickets are on sale now and available at TheSoulRebels.com. All tours dates are listed below.

    Tour Dates:

    Dec.30-31 – The Ardmore Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA *with Matisyahu

    Jan.7-12 – Jam Cruise – Miami, FL

    Jan.13-18 – Havana Jazz Festival – Havana, Cuba *with Tank & The Bangas & Cimafunk

    Jan.24 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA

    Jan.25 – The New Parish – Oakland, CA

    Feb.25 – Snowmass Base Village – Snowmass Village, CO

    Feb.27 – Riverfront Live – Cincinnati, OH

    Feb.28 – Thunderbird Café & Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA

    Mar1 – Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY

    Mar.2 – Westcott Theater – Syracuse, NY

    Mar.3 – The Press Room – Portsmouth, NH

    Mar.6 – Washington, D.C. – U Street Music Hall

    Mar.7 – Poughkeepsie, NY –  Revel 32

    Mar.8 – Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center – Greenfield, MA

    Mar.10 – Port City Music Hall – Portland, ME

    Mar.11 – Infinity Music Hall – Norfolk, CT

    Mar.12 – StageOne – Fairfield, CT

    Mar.13-14 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY *with Special Guests

    Mar.15 – The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA

    Apr.9 – Carolina Performing Arts-UNC at Chapel Hill  – Chapel Hill, NC *with Big Freedia

  • Grammy’s 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients Announced – Isaac Hayes, Public Enemy and Others to Be Honored

    The 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients have been announced by the Recording Academy and it features a heralded list of singers, songwriters, rappers and performers.

    The recipients include, rock band Chicago, who is known for bringing jazz band-style horns into rock music, as well as numerous number one albums, one of which – Chicago Transit Authority – has been inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame.

    lifetime achievement awardFourteen-time nominee, and four-time Grammy-winner, Roberta Flack, will also be a recipient. The songstress is known for number one records like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”

    Soul singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes, already a member of the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will collect another nod to his legendary career.

    Influential rocker, Iggy Pop, also known as the “Godfather of Punk,” is best known for his illustrious solo career, while also serving as the lead singer of proto-punk band, The Stooges. He will be on the receiving end of his very first Grammy-award, as a 2020 Special Merit recipient.

    Folk singer/songwriter, John Prine, known for his humorous style of country music – will be collecting his third Grammy, the influential songwriter has also had his eponymous debut-album inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

    Hip-hop pioneers, Public Enemy,  known for their hard-hitting politically conscious lyrics and social commentary – will be awarded their very first Grammy win. The legendary group is best known for its classic LP It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back in addition to the renowned protest anthem “Fight the Power,” which has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

    Sister Rosetta Tharpe, being awarded posthumously, was a gospel singer, with innate skills on the electric guitar. The singer-songwriter, somewhat under-appreciated, with only one Grammy nomination before her death in 1973, but not any less legendary, was also recognized as having the first gospel record to crossover on the R&B charts.

    The Special Merit Award – also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award – is decided on by vote of the Recording Academy’s National Trustees, to performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording, according to the official Grammys website, with past recipients including the likes of – Dianna Ross, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Miles Davis.

  • ASAP Ferg ‘Floor Seats’ Tour Arrives at Terminal 5

    ASAP Ferg paid a visit to Terminal 5 on Friday and brought with him  an ensemble of artists for his second to last stop on the Floor Seats Tour. Prior to the show, the crowd’s anticipation came to a head, initiating a few mosh pits before the opening act. The openers arrived just in time to release the tension. Heater IV raved about glitter and glasses, MadeinTYO performed his biggest hits, and Mudra Beatz maxed out the energy with a DJ set.

    ASAP Ferg

    ASAP Ferg then charged the stage to the tour’s title song “Floor Seats” and the room exploded with every color of the rainbow. Various other artists joined him on stage to perform their featured songs, including MadeinTYO, Murda Beatz, Brent Faiyaz, and Antha. It was all good vibes and love coming from ASAP Ferg, referring to his fans as family and reminding everyone to check up on their loved ones’ mental health.

    • ASAP Ferg
    • ASAP Ferg
    • ASAP Ferg

  • Governors Ball anticipates move to the Bronx

    Governors Ball may be moving to the Bronx in the future, relocating from Randall’s Island to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. While the festival has been denied a permit to move locations in 2020, the company behind the festival made a pitch to members of Bronx Communty Board 8 last week.

    governors ball bronx

    Concerns over the event’s size and duration were part of turning down the move in the past, but organizers are now appealing that decision. With 50,000 people expected to attend the June 5-7 festival each day, a relocation would need to factor in the strain on local infrastructure caused by the arrival of the GovBall crowd.

    Recently, a new age policy was revealed, as well as an updated VIP experience. The festival says regarding raising the minimum age from 18 to 21, “In a change from previous years, for the 2020 festival all persons 18 and over are welcome at the festival, but a valid proof of ID is required for entry. All persons aged 17 and under MUST attend with an adult who is 21 or older. Each adult must have a valid form of ID and may accompany up to TWO ticket holders aged 17 or younger.”

    Governor’s Ball also unveiled an updated VIP experience, offering access to special viewing areas, as well as air-conditioned, flushable bathrooms; a private wi-fi network; a separate lane at ferry docks and shuttle pick-up points; free water at VIP areas and more.

  • Benefit for Charley Orlando to Take Place Sunday at Syracuse’s Westcott Theater

    Charley Orlando may be best known to the jamband world as the former frontman for psychedelic ’90s road dogs Dexter Grove, who toured incessantly for the better part of ten years. The Syracuse area knows Orlando as not just a musician but also one of the area’s biggest music ambassadors. This Sunday, Dec. 22 the Syracuse community will come together at the Westcott Theater with a full day of music to celebrate his contributions while also raising money for a recent emergency spinal fusion surgery Orlando had performed.

    Photo: Ian LaRochelle

    Tickets for the all-ages benefit are $20 and can be purchased online, at Sound Garden in Armory Square, Syracuse, or Funk ‘n Waffles on Clinton Street. Doors open at noon. Artists scheduled to perform include Sophistafunk, Root Shock, Pearly Baker’s Best, The Old Main, Chris Merkley, Chris Eves, Bea, and Joe Driscoll. See the schedule below.

    Orlando’s recent projects include the Grateful Dead tribute band, Pearly Baker’s Best, who has a Monday residency at Funk ‘n Waffles. He also has done work as a solo artist and with his bands Ruha and the Charley Orlando Band. His work managing the Little Rock Music Group has helped bring many national, international and regional acts to Syracuse-area venues such as Funk ‘n Waffles, Ray Brothers BBQ, along with the Seedstock Festival in Cortland and the Middle Ages Brewing Company Brewfest in Syracuse. Little Rock Music Group also represents David Gans along with such up-and-comers as Root Shock, Big Sexy & the Scrambled Eggs, All Poets & Heroes, and Steven Cali.

    All proceeds from the event will go towards Orlando’s medical bills. Those who cannot attend the show can contribute funds through Facebook here.

    Scheduled performers:

    Bea: 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    The Old Main: 1:45 p.m. – 2:45p.m.
    Chris Merkley: 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
    Pearly Balers Best: 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
    Chris Eves: 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    Joe Driscoll: 5:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    Sophistafunk: 6:45 p.m. -7:45 p.m.
    Root Shock: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

    https://youtu.be/Fiel8ObUkHM

  • Gramatik Formulates Electronic Wizardry in Brooklyn

    Electronic wizard and free music advocate Gramatik made people dance into the early morning hours with his digital weave of urban and funky beats at the premiere EDM venue in Brooklyn, Avant Gardner. He was supported by incredibly talented colleagues Opiou and Balkan Bump for a night of organic, hip-hop-infused electronica.

    Balkan Bump is an electronic artist who mixes live instruments, world music and digital production. Trumpeter, producer and enthomusicoligist Will Magid is the brain child behind this band. A tapestry of funky beats, stellar trumpeting and dance hall vibes was cleverly woven throughout the set. At one point, Magid announced that he was playing a one word song, and everyone should sing along. That song was “Tequilla” by The Champs, and it was a huge hit with the crowd.

    Opiou, a producer and artist from New Zealand, was up next, and brought his Kiwi electronic heat. Also known as Oscar Davey-Wraight, this DJ is known for funky beats and deep bass grooves, as well as a penchant for keeping the dance floor alive well into the late night. Will Magid joined Opiou during the middle of his set on trumpet, creating a refreshing organic synergy. His signature buildups and drops continued throughout the set, framed with an engaging LED light display and plenty of fog.

    Gramatik took the stage to a packed crowd that was ready to dance. And dance they did. Denis Jašarević is Gramatik, hailing from Slovenia, and is known for his mind numbing hip-hop beats and fresh remixes. He played with guitarist Adam Stehr, adding an organic feel to his live performance. His stage setup included several LED panels that displayed colorful graphics, a healthy dose of fog, and a stacked lighting rig that fostered an elevated visual experience.

    This evening’s stellar performance included samplings of “No Sleep Til Brooklyn” by NYC’s own Beastie Boys and “Can’t Get Enough” by Gramatik’s frequent cohort Griz. Will Magid joined the party on trumpet for a tune, and the crowd was loving every second of this vibrant collaboration. Gramatik noted that this was his last show of 2019 and he sure went out with a bang.

  • On Late Rapper’s Birthday, Consequence releases New Recording Featuring Phife Dawg

    “No Place Like Home,” a new track from rapper Consequence, was released today to commemorate the birthday of the legendary A Tribe Called Quest Emcee – Phife Dawg.

    The 3-minute song was recorded around the same time as A Tribe Called Quest’s final posthumous album, We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service.

    Produced by Consequence and Mike Cash, the record sees Consequence rap about the nostalgia of missing his hometown of Queens, NY—something he shares with the departed rapper. In between Consequence’s verses, Phife comes in and recites some of the legendary figures that have come from Queens, while rattling off some of the more well known Queens neighborhoods, with looping vocals in the background serving as the chorus.

    Having passed away in 2016 due to complications from diabetes, the record was released on what would have been the late rapper’s 49th birthday.

  • NY Solo artists Nick Granelle and Evan Lesoule collaborate on ‘Transform’

    Nick Granelle, a vocalist from Long Island, gathered Bronx rapper Evan Lesoule and NYC based singer/songwriter Lillimure together in order to create his new single “Transformation.” Released on Friday, November 1, the track starts as a beat created by Jade Aubertin, utilizing a kalimba in place of a hi hat, and various unconventional percussion instruments, as well as 808 to make the track fall into amorphous categories. From there, Granelle created a multifaceted track with recorded vocals by Lesoule.

    Nick Granelle Evan Lesoule
    Evan Lesoule

    Some flavors that come to mind when listening to the track are world, pop, and hip-hop, all mixed together with ethereal female vocals, and features an uptempo ambience packed with many elements. The music video is dark, industrial and hectic, using both vintage and modern contrasting shots.

    Nick Granelle