It seems like not even jail cells can keep Juelz Santana away from what has been his life’s true passion. On March 3, the veteran emcee released the 9thfull-length project of his career, #FREESANTANA. Santana – born LaRon Louis James – was arrested in March 2018 after he fled the scene when TSA found a gun in his bag at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Seemingly counting down the days until his rumored summer 2020 release, the rapper’s Twitter page recently posted on behalf of the incarcerated artist, acknowledging the one year anniversary of his incarceration.
The surprisingly cohesive mixtape is packed with star power, featuring the likes of Lil Wayne, 2Chainz, Jeremih, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Dipset cohort Jim Jones, and younger Harlem native Dave East, along with samples of Drake’s number 1 record, “God’s Plan.”
Juelz Santana uses the 36-minute project to touch on a myriad of topics. On records like “23 & 1,” “Do You Believe” and “In My Life,” he raps introspectively about past friendships and relationships, while reflecting on his incarceration. On “Pink Eagle” and “Ez Work,” he spends time reminding listeners that he’s a respected hustler, with plenty of street tales. The project’s outro record is a sample of Jay – Z’s classic record “Dead Presidents.” Titled “The Get Back,” with a feature from A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Santana reflects with a mixture of street tales, lessons and hope for his future post-release.
When A Boogie With Da Hoodie announced that he was set to release his third studio album, his fans were jubilant. It had been just over a year since we last heard from the Bronx native and in the age of microwaveable music, there was a yearning to hear what new melodies the “Just Like Me” rapper had cooked up. While leaked records delayed the album towards its Valentine’s Day release, they also built anticipation for what was to come.
At face value, Artist 2.0– the sequel to his 2016 breakout mixtape, Artist – gave his fans exactly what they asked for. The man known for his melodic chants and passionate crooning about his love life reverted back to what he knows best and then some. Although recognized as a rapper, that takes a backseat in this latest effort. A boogie never goes more than a few bars in any of the records before his singing takes precedence, exemplified in the emotional ballad “Good Girls Gone Bad,” where he wails about a woman who’s changed as a result of his inconsistencies.
What it lacks for in actual rapping, the album more than makes up for in its infectious choruses. “Right Back,” “Mood Swings,” “Me and My Guitar,” and “DTB 4 Life” are all records that have the propensity to become a mainstay in any playlist. While he doesn’t rap as much as some might have wanted on the album, his guest-features all brought their “A” game. Verses from Dababy, Young Thug, Gunna and Roddy Rich do a good job of balancing out the croon-heavy album, with A Boogie and Roddy Rich’s chemistry being one of the project’s highlights.
Coming into the rap game, A Boogie presented himself as a rapper who would occasionally try his hand at singing. On Artist 2.0, he doubles down on the latter, pushing his own personal boundaries and blurring the lines on what his official title should really be. While the album is enjoyable, it doesn’t always feel like it’s A Boogie at his best and it seems like, to A Boogie, “artist” means less rapping, which inherently is not the case.
Laid Back Festival will be making its return this summer after a two-year hiatus, highlighted by an all-star slate of performers. Named after Greg Allman’s 1973 solo debut album, it was first held in 2015 in Wantagh, NY’s Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. The event continued in 2016 — expanding to five cities — and in 2017 saw the likes of Steve Winwood and Sheryl Crow headline. The festivities will return to Wantagh this year on Saturday, August 8 at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and will be continuing the next day in Holmdel, NJ at the PNC Bank Arts Center.
Presented in partnership by Gregg Allman’s longtime manager Michael Lehman and Live Nation, Laid Back will be headlined by Steve Miller Band and will feature the likes of Brian Wilson (with Al Jardine and Blonde Chaplin), Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Taj Mahal Quartet, Gary Mule Deer, and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe.
A celebration of American music and food, the Laid Back Festival serves as a showcase for all of the great cuisine and music upstate New York has to offer. It will feature regional restaurants, food tricks, breweries and wineries.
Live Nation presales begin Thursday, February 20 at 10 am ET; all remaining tickets go on sale Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m. eastern time. For complete information and details please visit, www.laidbackfestival.com.
Rapper, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s highly anticipated, third solo effort has finally arrived. It’s backed by two singles: “Reply,” featuring Lil Uzi Vert and “King of My City,” as well as a snippet of “Guitar Song.” The Bronx native is looking to impress after having his album release date pushed back on several occasions because of leaked records. He shared the album’s artwork on his Instagram account on February 5 and confirmed the Valentine’s Day release on February 10.
His last album, Hoodie SZN, was his first project to debut at number 1 on Billboard 200, producing four charting singles, the most successful of which was the guitar laden “Look Back At It.” Overall, the crooner/emcee looks to capture the city’s attention, with a return to what had gained him a loyal following throughout the five boroughs.
Although Hoodie SZN was commercially successful, some felt he had strayed away from the tear-jerking records that first gained him notoriety. Such as, “D.T.B.,” from his debut mixtape Artist, hence the latest project’s title. With an ever-growing staple of New York City rappers (Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign, Sheff G) bringing notoriety back to hip hop’s birthplace, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is looking to leave a lasting impression, and lay claim to his throne as the latest king of New York rap.
He’ll need this project to be the one to do so, as this might be the last time we hear from A Boogie for a while. The “Drowning,” rapper took to Instagram to say, “This might be my last project for a while,” he revealed. “I wanna take a break from music after Artist 2.0 tour is over. There’s a lot of things I want to do in life and it’s just moving too fast for me to focus on everything at once. But I will never let my fans down. When you need me most, I’ll be there.”
The city of New York is used to being serenaded. Entertainers famous and obscure alike have sung the city’s praises – delivering some of their biggest records in doing so. From Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” to Jay – Z and Alecia Keys’ 2009 fall hit “Empire State of Mind,” New York City is used to being romanticized and looked at as a potential nesting ground for out-of-towners. While clearly magnetic in its appeal, the rougher parts of the city are less likely to be spotlighted during anthem songs.
That’s the thing about hip-hop, it has always been about speaking the truth. It has a reputation for delivering an authentic inner-city experience. Harlem native Cam’ron – known for his alliteration and uniquely playful delivery – tried his hand at an ode to hip-hop’s birthplace, on the 7th track from his 2002 album, Come Home with Me.
Featuring Jay – Z, the record signified the unification of two of hip hop’s most dominant rappers: Jay – Z, the accomplished veteran and label head of Roc-A-Fella Records, and Cam’ron, the captain of influential hip hop faction Dipset. The album marked Cam’ron’s first commercial release under the label and a verse from Jay – Z was the ultimate stamp of approval for his latest signee.
Jay – Z begins the record by shouting out a couple of legendary figures (Michael Jordan and Notorious B.I.G.) that have hailed from Brooklyn – his hometown. He then proceeds to paint a picture of his past endeavors in the streets of Brooklyn. While the verse might come off as braggadocios, it’s merely an explanation of why he would put himself in harm’s way by entering such a dangerous occupation. For every couple of bars about his cocaine exploits, it is followed up by the resulting glory that comes from it. Going from delivering the drugs to Baltimore, to being front and center at a Knicks game.
Based on the former’s subject matter, it was pretty safe to predict what Cam’ron’s lyrics would revolve around. He wastes no time attacking the Just Blaze produced record. “Yo, there’s a war going on outside no man is safe from.” Unlike Jay – Z, he doesn’t spend any time discussing monumental figures, nor does he glorify drug dealing. Instead, he chooses to relay the realities that come with the streets, in entertaining Cam’ron fashion of course. He even manages to take a shot at fellow Harlem native Mase, attributing his departure from hip-hop due to his uneasiness with being surrounded by so much violence. Eventually Jay – Z and Cam’ron go back and forth, describing the violent crimes that they come across in their respective neighborhoods.
Overall, the record feels like a moment in time. Just Blaze’s distinctive production (loud drums, guitars and horns) captures the aggressiveness of both emcees, and the two complement each other well. The record also served as the theme song for a popular video game, True Crime: New York City.
Welcome to New York City Lyrics:
Jay – Z
Turn the motherfucking music up [Cam’Ron] Just Blaze, man. You owe me n***a
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Welcome to the Empire State. Home of the World Trade. Birthplace of Michael Jordan. Home of Biggie Smalls. Roc-A-Fella headquarters. Ladies and gentlemen, Killa Cam, Young Hov is definitely in the building Brooklyn, Harlem World (Welcome to New York City, welcome to New York City) Stand the f**k up!
I’m a B.K. brawler Marcy projects hallway loiterer Pure coke copper, get your order up I bring ‘em to Baltimore in the Ford Explorer It’s going to cost you more if I gotta get em to Florida Rucka game attender With the bent pole on the sidewalk with the tin plates on the fender I ain’t hard to find you catch me front and center At the Knick game, big chain and all my splendor Next to spike and the pen left to write I own Madison Square, catch me at the fight But damn once again if you pan left at the ice If you the man that write cheques with the hand that don’t write I go off the head when I’m rambling on the mic And I go off the feds when I’m scrambling at night And if its off the set I brought hammers to the fight But we from New York City, right Cam? [Cam: Ya damn right]
It’s the home of 9-11, the place of the lost towers We still banging, we never lost power, tell em Welcome to New York City, welcome to New York City Why Y’all f***n with BK’s banger and Harlem’s own gangster Now that’s danger there’s nothing left to shape up Welcome to New York City, welcome to New York City
Cam’ron
Yo, there’s a war going on outside no man is safe from It don’t matter if you three feet or eight-one You’ll get ate from me, nine and straight blown Wig split, melon cracked, all that on day one Carry eight guns, two in the trunk Two in the waist, two in the ankle, two to just spank you You can jam with them jammers, blam with them blammers It’s hot here, ask Mase he ran to Atlanta You think we know what life do, make want to mold the cycle Drinkers they so delightful, blinging with so much ice In front of sparks, body cops Dilano Block away watch by Gotti and Girvano It’s la costra nostra, someone close approach ya They’ll toast ya gopher, bread loaf with shofer Old coke they raise up and snort, blayze up ya fort Jay puff shine, cases was caught Midnight pick fights, they love a victim Watch him fore he watch you, Killa
I’m from 101, west to Hunt 40th, this shit is live Fifth-floor, 56, you know the zip, district five You’re on 22nd, you from two-one That’s on Lennox, 7th ave was news one [Jay-Z] Coverage I synethestry Got rise from defending me Cause New York’ll miss me if I’m locked in the penitentiary The judge said “Is this that thug, from the kit kat club?” But I got enough chips stacked up to make a bitch to back up [Cam’Ron] Killa, I pinch that bud, I grip that snub to hit that thug Lay up in a pitch black tug, You lookin’ at rich black thugs to get that love And we won’t stop ‘til I get back blood Holla at em Hov [Jay-Z] I’m from Flushing, Marcy, Notia, Myrtle and Park N***as’ll drive by in the day, murder you in the dark That’s why the Johnny gun I’m holding Wet n***as up like the johnny-pump is open Homie, I play hard
I’m from 101, west to Hunt 40th, this shit is live Fifth-floor, 56, you know the zip, district five You’re on 22nd, you from two-one That’s on Lennox, 7th ave was news one [Jay-Z] Coverage I synethestry Got rise from defending me Cause New York’ll miss me if I’m locked in the penitentiary The judge said “Is this that thug, from the kit kat club?” But I got enough chips stacked up to make a bitch to back up [Cam’Ron] Killa, I pinch that bud, I grip that snub to hit that thug Lay up in a pitch black tug, You lookin at rich black thugs to get that love And we won’t stop ‘til I get back blood Holla at em Hov [Jay-Z] I’m from Flushing, Marcy, Notia, Myrtle and Park N***gas’ll drive by in the day, murder you in the dark That’s why the Johnny gun I’m holding Wet n***as up like the johnny-pump is open Homie, I play hard
Y’all n***s man, why Y’all can’t f**k around man It’s the ROC b***h, Killa, my n***a Jigga, Sigel, Beans Diplomats man, holla, Dash Get the f*** off our dicks I own this s**t right now man, I ain’t going nowhere
The 8th annual Levitate Music and Arts Festival is making a return this summer. A full list of jam band regulars have been announced as performers for this year’s festivities. Set for July 10-12, the Massachusetts-based festival will have a host of vendors in addition to the performers to complete the fan experience. Food, art, and music will be shared at the festival during what is set to be an eventful and entertaining weekend. Vendor applications will be made available today, February 10.
The full list of performers includes: Jack Johnson, Phil Lesh & Friends, Stick Figure, Tash Sultana, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dirty Heads, Umphrey’s McGee,moe, Toots & The Maytals, Trevor Hall, Billy Strings, Mt. Joy, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Goose, Protoje, Jade Bird, Durand Jones & The Indications,Too Many Zooz, The Elovaters, Fruition, Busty and the Bass, Mike Love, Sun Parade, The New Motif, Sundog Organ Trio, Aubrey Haddard, Gentle Temper, Mihali & Friends will also be hosting a “Very Special Community Jam,” ft. Jackson Wetherbee, Hitch, & James Calandrella.
For tickets to and more information on the Levitate Music and Arts Festival, visit their official website.
Iconic rockers, The Rolling Stones, have announced a North American Tour for 2020. The slate of performances are scheduled this spring, beginning on May 8 in San Diego, California and concluding on July 9, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.
This latest leg is a continuation of their widely popular “No Filter” tour – marking their seventh consecutive decade on the road. With no more than six performances scheduled each month, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners will focus on major arenas. Beginning on the West Coast at the SDCCU stadium, they will perform throughout the Midwest, the Southwest and the Northeast and Canada.
Tickets for the North American Tour will be made available on February 14. Early registration for tickets can be made on their official website.
A list of tour dates can be found below.
May 8 – SDCCU Stadium – San Diego, CA
May 12 – BC Place – Vancouver, BC
May 16 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
May 20 – Nissan Stadium – Nashville, TN
May 24 – Circuit of the America – Austin, TX
May 29 – Cotton Bowl – Dallas, TX
Jun. 6 – New Era Field – Orchard Park, NY
Jun. 10 – Ford Field – Detroit MI
Jun. 14 – Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium – Louisville, KY
Jun. 19 – FirstEnergy Stadium – Cleveland, OH
Jun. 23 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA
Jun. 27 – The Dome at America’s Center – St, Louis, MO
Vevo announced rapper Fat Joe, as the next artist in their Ctrl series, with a performance of “Heaven & Hell.” 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, Fat Joe’s performance of “Heaven & Hell” follows sessions from Fabolous, Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Jeezy, Jadakiss, A$AP Ferg and more, according to their official website.
Sampling Wendy Rene’s 1964 record “After Laughter (Comes Tears)” – made famous throughout the hip-hop community by Wu Tang Clan for their sampling of it in 94’s “Tearz” – Fat Joe & Dre, spend roughly the first two-minutes detailing their past lives in the inner-city through a braggadocious lens, before a beat switch halfway through the record sees the two men double down on their affinity for jewelry and their status as bosses in their respective professions, before fading out the record with the original Rene sample.
Hailing from the South Bronx, Fat Joe is one of hip-hop’s first Latino superstars. The Terror Squad founder has parlayed his streets smarts and lyrical ability into a legendary rap career. While he began as a gritty lyricist known for his inner-city tales, he soon developed a sense for penning hits and has provided some of hip-hop’s most memorable records with hit such as; “Lean Back,” “All the Way Up,” and ‘What’s Luv,” among others. Apart from his individual projects, Fat Joe has shown a knack for discovering and developing talent, with his most prominent protégé being late-rapper Big Pun and renowned emcee Remy Ma.
Grammy-nominated rock quartet Barenaked Ladies, have postponed the sixth edition of their “Last Summer on Earth” tour. The two-month expedition would have seen the Juno award-winning outfit perform in some of the world’s most renowned locations, including Los Angeles’, Greek Theatre and New York City’s Central Park SummerStage. “Last Summer on Tour,” a named derived from the Mayans predictions of the world end in 2012, will still see Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket join them as opening acts, just a little later than originally planned.
Vocalist/guitarist Ed Robertson shares, “We were really hoping we’d be able to pull it off this summer, but for the safety of our fans, all the venue staff, bands and crew, we need to listen to best advice and postpone until next summer. We’ll be back with the same lineup in almost all the same venues in 2021. We hope to see each and every one of you then. Be safe. Continue to Rock, and don’t forget to Roll.”
Tickets purchased for 2020 will still valid for 2021 however, shows in Houston, San Diego, St Louis and Pittsburgh were not able to be rescheduled. Refunds will be handled by original ticket providers. To thank fans for their support, an exclusive #SelfieCamJam along with a message from the band will be sent to ticket buyers via their ticket provider.
All information on the “Last Summer on Earth” 2021 tour can be found at the Barenaked Ladies website, while dates can be found below.
Dave Matthews Band announced a new summer tour that will see the Grammy-winning rock group make several stops in the New York tri-state area. The tour – set to begin on June 16 and end on September 22 – will begin in the Northeast, and travel throughout the Southwest, Southeast, and the Midwest.
Photo by Steve Malinski @ Madison Square Garden.
Additionally, DMB will be making a return to St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, where they last performed in 2018 to a near full-house, and in 2016 to a sold-out venue. A performance from DMB will be one of many live shows at St. Joseph’s Amphitheater, which will see its fair share of concerts this year, with Live Nation announcing 20-25 slated performances to be held at the Syracuse arena.
Tickets to see DMB live will be on sale through Live Nation and Ticketmaster on February 21. A list of Dave Matthews Band, as well as St. Joseph’s Amphitheater concert dates can be found below.
Dave Matthews Band Summer Tour Dates
June 16 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
June17 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
July 8 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
July 10 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 11 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 21 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
July 22 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview has a stout 2020 lineup starting May 31, with Zach Brown Band, and continuing with: Sugarland, Thomas Rhett, Steeley Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Matchbox Twenty, Nickelback with Stone Temple Pilots, Hall & Oates, Foreigner, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean. To see a full schedule, please see their WEBSITE.
