NYS Music 202​0

Author: zac geddies

  • Holiday Rapping: The Eight Rhymes of Christmas

    Christmas is here. Which means it’s time to deck the halls with bars of the holiday. So grab your cup of eggnog, your Santa hat, and enjoy this list of Christmas raps.

    Christmas Rap
    Remember the 80s?

    “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” by Tyler, the Creator.

    Inspired by the music and animation of Dr. Seuss’s “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” Tyler took the reigns and composed a soundtrack to accompany the 2018 Universal Studios animated film The Grinch. Although a whole EP full of songs inspired by The Grinch can be found on Tyler, the Creator’s Spotify, something about Tyler’s typical cartoonishly deep vocal inflections make this song a true holiday standout.

    “Christmas in Harlem” by Kanye West featuring Teyana Taylor

    There’s something almost ironic about how Kanye, a man known for calling himself “Yeezus,” would release one of the 2010s most critically acclaimed Christmas songs. Originally released on December 17th, 2010, “Christmas in Harlem” brings us the best of both worlds around the holidays. Produced by Hit-Boy and originally released as part of Kanye’s GOOD Music series, “Christmas in Harlem” exhibits the raw talent West possesses when it comes to the meticulous process of arranging music.

    “Santa Clause Goes Straight To The Ghetto” by Snoop Dogg featuring Daz, Nate Dogg, Tray Deee, & Bad Azz

    Have you ever wanted to hear a gritty, G-Funk Christmas song that simultaneously critiques the modern commercialization of Christmas? Well, “Santa Clause Goes Straight to The Ghetto” is the song for you to hear this holiday season. Again, this song is a perfect blend of Snoop’s typical West Coast cool, calm, and collected rap flows while flipping the typical narratives driving Christmas songs. This song is sprinkled with social commentary and full of joyous Christmas cliches.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVkg5FM59NA

    “Christmas in Hollis” by Run D.M.C.

    If there were ever to be a rap song synonymous with Christmas, it would be Run D.M.C.’s “Christmas in Hollis.” This song may owe some of its notoriety to the hotly contested Christmas movie, Die Hard (yes, it’s a Christmas movie! ). Run D.M.C. trade-off shouted verses about stumbling across Santa in the park.

    “Christmas Rappin’ ” by Kurtis Blow

    For the next song on our list, we go back to the early days of rap when its popularity as genre was just becoming mainstream. Curtis Blow’s “Christmas Rappin’,” was released in 1979 and found instant success, capitalizing on two popular trends, rap and holiday music. “Christmas Rappin’,” was a product of two Billboard employees who recognized the potential for a hit song. They then enlisted Curtis Blow as the MC who would deliver this rendition of the Christmas classic “Visit from Saint Nick.”

    “Merry Muthaf****n Xmas” by Eazy-E featuring Menajahtwa, Buckwheat from the Lil Waskals, Will 1X, & Atban Klann

    Eazy-E isn’t referred to as one of the kings of gangsta rap for nothing, the twisted spin “Merry Muthaf****n Xmas” takes on Christmas music and is a prime example of E’s close ties to gang life growing up in Compton, CA. Everything about this song rings true to West Coast rap: the beat, the lyrical narratives Eazy-E and company explore, and, not to mention, the yuletide sampling and mentions of Santa that classify this otherwise raunchy cut as a Christmas song.

    “Nothing For Christmas” by Rae Sremmurd

    Rae Sremmurd’s “Nothing For Christmas” is the first song on our list that takes all the tropes and clichés of Christmas music and combines them with all the lackluster components of trap instrumentals. In a way, this song gives birth to a new musical genre – trap-mas music. And that alone gives this song an immense amount of bragging power.

    “Chi-Town Christmas” by Chance, The Rapper

    The most recently released song on this list, “Chi-Town Christmas” is perhaps one of the most emotionally potent tracks from Chicago-born artist Chance, the Rapper. Chance released a whole album’s worth of original Christmas music this past month featuring longtime collaborator Jerimiah. In “Chi-Town Christmas,” Chance once again takes center stage as the rap game’s family man and recites verses depicting a lowkey Christmas in Chicago. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Chance dabble in Christmas music. However, this is by far his most organic attempt.

  • Rowdy Revel Out Of Prison, Ready to Get Back in The Rap Game

    Brooklyn rapper, Rowdy Rebel, has officially been released from prison, to the rejoice of fans and acquaintances alike.

    Chad Marshall, known professionally as Rowdy Rebel was released this past Tuesday after spending nearly four-years incarcerated at Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County. Upon his release, the “Beam Jawn” emcee was greeted by family, friends and associates. Soon-after, he was being gifted eye-popping jewelry and made his way to a private Jet, as well as a recording studio.

    Originally arrested back in 2014 alongside fellow rapper Bobby Shmurda and other GS9 hip-hop collective affiliates on murder, drug, and weapons charges. The two Brooklyn drill rappers then took a plea on conspiracy to possess weapons and were then sentenced to seven years in prison.

    Even while locked up, Rebel kept up his grind, keeping his focus on music. The “Computers” rapper made a guest appearance on Pop Smoke’s Billboard charting record “Make it Rain,” recording his verse via a collect call from prison.

    Videos surfaced all over social media documenting Rowdy Rebel’s first day of freedom, including a call to still incarcerated Bobby Shmurda. Who, on the other hand, hasn’t fared as well with the Board of Parole despite taking a plea deal so his compatriot would serve less time. Bobby Shumrda has allegedly racking up violations for possession of weapons and drugs while in prison and is serving the rest of his sentence, Bobby is scheduled to be released in December of 2021.

    Fans should keep their ears to the ground for new music coming from Rowdy Rebel as he has already been seen cooking it up in the studio, you can see him live on Instagram reveling in his newfound freedom and triumphant return to Brooklyn’s rap game.



  • A Boogie Arrested Following Birthday Celebration

    Bronx rapper, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, was arrested in Bergen County, NJ Monday, Dec. 7th following his 25th birthday celebration. A Boogie is currently facing an array of gun and possession charges.

    Born Artist J. Dubose, A Boogie was arrested following a search warrant issued at his residence in Demarest, NJ where police seized four illegally owned handguns. The rapper’s security guard, Quashan Hagler, and his manager, Samblou Camara, were also arrested on possession of illegally owned firearm charges. Police also found an assortment of cannabis and drug paraphernalia which were added to the charges A Boogie is currently facing, according to prosecutors.

    A Boogie

    The search warrant was issued following a brawl that took place outside of a nightclub where A Boogie was celebrating his 25th birthday. Details are scarce, but witnesses report the fight escalating to a shootout. At this point, A Boogie’s involvement at this point is unsure, however, the investigation continues according to the police.

    The events that transpired over the weekend take place during a year where we have lost countless rappers to street violence, most notably, Grammy-nominated Brooklyn artist Pop Smoke who was shot and killed following a home invasion in LA this past February.

    More information about the shooting should be rolling out soon however, at this point there’s no indication that A Boogie was injured nor is it clear the group was directly involved in the shooting.

  • Lights Out: Making Shows Epilepsy Friendly

    You know the feeling; you walk into a crowded venue, bumping shoulder to shoulder with like-minded fans. The music swirls around from the sound system as more people shuffle their way into the room. The lights dim, and you feel the weight of the entire crowd push forward against your back as the opening act comes out on stage.

    There’s nothing like the concert experience; the palpable energy, the high volume, and the shared euphoric feeling of seeing your favorite band in action. Music events tend to be the site of thrill and excitement for everyone in the crowd. That is, unless, you’re one of the three million people living in the United States with epilepsy. 

    Three million is a small number, only making up less than 3 percent of the total population however, the lack of warnings for hazardous lighting at music events can and should be recognized as dangerous for people with epilepsy; whether in the crowd, part of the production crew or, an artist on stage.

    November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and one grassroots organization, Lighting & Epilepsy Awareness Development, aka L.E.A.D DIY, is spearheading the music scene’s efforts to raise epilepsy awareness.

    Founded in 2017 outside of Allendale, New Jersey, L.E.A.D DIY is dedicated to educating artists and venues about the effects that stage lighting can have on individuals in the audience with photosensitivity. 

    Epilepsy

    By handing out informational pamphlets and tabling at shows across the country, L.E.A.D has been reaching thousands, fulfilling their goal of spreading epilepsy awareness across the music scene.

    L.E.A.D DIY has made it their priority to hand out flyers and warning signs made in house so that venues can post warnings about their lighting exposure throughout the show. By handing out three different types of warning signs: low risk, caution, and warning (high risk) indicating how safe the environment will be for those with epilepsy. Additionally, the organization hands out informational flyers detailing what one should do in the event of an epileptic seizure and how to recognize the onset symptoms of generalized and petit mal seizures. 

    Epilepsy

    What L.E.A.D DIY is doing makes them one of a kind in the punk music scene and community. The nonprofit has made an outstanding grassroots effort to raise awareness of epilepsy and other photosensitivity diseases. L.E.A.D DIY continues to grow and expand its efforts, reaching venue staff and fans raising awareness, and teaching people what to do in the event of an epileptic emergency. 

    To learn more about L.E.A.D and to request your own light-exposure warning signs, visit their website.

  • Happy Birthday to State Champs Lead Singer Derek Discanio!

    Derek Discanio, lead singer of pop-punk band State Champs, celebrates his birthday today, October 9th. 

    Derek Discanio state champs
    State Champs – Upstate Concert Hall – March 2013 – Jenny Caulfield

    State Champs originated in Albany and made a name for themselves in the local punk scene playing regular shows at legendary Albany venue Valentines, which has since closed down. Derek founded the band in 2010 with current guitarist, Tyler Szalkowski.

    Derek Discanio state champs
    State Champs – Upstate Concert Hall – March 2013 – Jenny Caulfield

    State Champs have come a long way in a short time. After self-releasing a string of acoustic singles and EPs, State Champs garnered the attention of Pure Noise Records in 2012 which eventually led to the band being picked up by the label and given loads of promotion opportunities.

    After teaming up with Pure Noise, State Champs released remastered versions of “Critical” and “Remedy” which opened the band up to a whole new audience. 

    The band’s first full-length studio album, The Finer Things, arrived on October 8th, 2013. It sold over 3,000 copies the first week and landed at Number 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Following the release of the band’s debut album, State Champs were a staple in any pop-punk kid’s playlist, fulfilling the prototype of skateboard-centric music videos, stage dives, and appearances at the Vans Warped Tour.

    Since then, State Champs has gone onto release two more albums, Around The World and Back, debuting the hit single “All You Are Is History” and Living Proof, both of which were praised heavily by fans.

    Aside from his involvement in State Champs, Derek has also featured on other prominent Albany pop-punk bands, notably in 2016 when he brought Young Culture’s “Bedroom Floor” to their repertoire, which has become a fan favorite.

    State Champs are one of those bands that kids interested in punk music look up to in Albany, making a name for themselves and always remember Albany as their home. Join NYS Music in wishing Albany native Derek Discanio a Happy Birthday!

  • Wiley Watson Releases Pop Rock Late Night Bar Anthem “The Kid”

    Brooklyn based artist Wiley Watson today releases his new single “The Kid,” taking listeners on a journey inspired by a rambunctious night in York, England, post-breakup.

    Wiley Watson

    The song features a variety of styles blended to construct the party-induced instrumental. The vibe you can expect going into this track is cheerful regret, its the type of music that plays in the background of a dive bar with a PBR in hand and, that is what makes it “indie” in the best way.

    The instrumentals fuse influence from across genres including pop, indie rock, and hints of hard rock but, with a heavy reliance on a new-wave funk swagger.

    The alt-rock/pop artist promises to bring all the energy on his new track exclaiming, “The song is a party/bar fight type song,” exclaims Watson. “I want the listener to listen to this song before they go on a night out with the lads. It’s all about bad decisions, poor choices, and having a legendary night with your pals.” A statement which, is swiftly delivered as the track progresses.

    Wiley Watson

    Wiley is genuinely giving in his approach to writing his music and it’s content. You can feel robust with his upbeat rock anthems, can transcend into a memory with his melodic guitar riffs, or even feel melancholy through his sadder, ‘lost love’ songs. His style can be credited to a broad range of influences from classical composers, heavy metal shredders, arena singing pop stars, and even spaghetti western films; Wiley’s influences broadens his sound which allows for a wide audience appeal. 

    A former college athlete, Watson returned to New York City, a place that influenced his childhood and now lives in Brooklyn. Here is where Wiley would begin to challenge his sound and grow with influences of contemporary indie rockers such as Bleachers and F.U.N. 

    To find out more about Wiley Watson, visit his website, and for more music, check out his Soundcloud.

  • Melanie Penn Shares New Single, Video: “Avenue of The Americas”

    NYC singer-songwriter, Melanie Penn, has released an inspiring New-York centric pop anthem paired with a stunning music video for her new single, “Avenue of The Americas”.

    Avenue of The Americas

    As a native of the big city, Melanie celebrates her ties to New York in the cinematically beautiful “Avenue of The Americas” music video. Melanie’s love for the city becomes more apparent with each elapsing second of the video.

    The song itself outlines Melanie’s climb to success, with lines referencing dreams of one day finding the spotlight in the Big Apple. Crescendoing synths pulsate in the background as “Avenue of The Americas” gives us an intimate understanding of Melanie’s hopes and aspirations.

    Melanie believes now is the perfect time to debut a song that honors both beautiful and humble New York City. At a time where the country is under massive racial and political tension, the uplifting video released along with the single inspires hope and reminds us of our commonalities as New Yorkers.

    The music video and single are a part of a promotional roll out in preparation for Melanie Penn’s upcoming, More Alive Vol. 1, full-length album which is set to release September 25. The album is centered around faith, modern upheaval and, overcoming common struggles. The album, which features 10 songs, has been described by Melanie as a tracklist full of “hopeful pop anthems” that will hopefully inspire a sense of community amongst listeners.

    To stay up to date with future news regarding Melanie Penn and her music, visit her website.

  • Hearing Aide: Wavy Cunningham’s ‘Club Wavy’

    Wavy Cunningham, an Albany-area rapper who has shown much potential in the past, comes through with his first full length project, Club Wavy. The album is a product of the collective efforts of Wavy along with producers N-Pro, DJ Mercy, and Frank Finesse.

    The album itself plays as if Cunningham and the production crew have a thorough understanding of old school and underground hip-hop simultaneously performed through a 2010 lens. Throughout the album, it becomes evident that Wavy is eager to make a name for himself in the current hip hop landscape; Club Wavy may very well be that stepping stone.

    The album starts off with the swirling synth beat featured on “I’m Good.” Wavy immediately follows in finding himself riding the beat like a surfboarder, spitting bar after bar about his come up in the past few years. The track progresses into a familiar “Eenie Meenie Miney Mo” rhyme pattern which is both appealing as well as gratifying to hear those anticipated rhyme schemes fulfilled. Wavy continues to flex his pen game which remains impressive from track to track. As the album progresses, the production leans towards a jazz rap fusion with Wavy’s prominent voice hitting as hard as a hammer over synth jazz chords.

    Wavy’s vocal performances throughout this project are as smooth as ever, whether delivered in a triplet flow pattern reminiscent of 21-Savage on “I’m Good” or in smooth R&B fashion such as on “The V.I.P” with soulful, crooning vocals that hit like Kids See Ghosts era Kid Kudi. “The V.I.P.” serves as an interlude for the album but still, even as a transitional track, “The V.I.P” carries an almost tangible emotion that brings the audience into the next half of the album. The remainder continues on with Wavy performing in his pocket over beats with a jazzy guitar chords along with classic trap instrumentals which allow Wavy’s voice to take center stage.

    The album culminates with “All We need is Love,” an emotionally heavy track that honors the lives of those who have become victims of police brutality. “All We Need is Love” is ripe with emotion and showcases Wavy’s ability to rap while simultaneously narrating a coherent story about a young black college man who was subject to unlawful search and seizure along with a wrongful arrest.

    Wavy closes the album out by remembering the lives of recent victims of ongoing police brutality and racial discrimination in the United States, humbly singing and asking a closing question to the audience,

    All we need is love, when it’s all said and done what we do effects the future of our daughters and our sons. Tell me what’s really going on.

    Key Tracks: Whattup?, The V.I.P. (interlude), All We Need is Love

  • Wu-Tang Clan’s Masta Killa Celebrates 51st Birthday

    It has been well established that Wu-Tang Clan remain to be one of Staten Island’s proudest musical groups. However, the groups most recognizable members such as Ghostface Killah, RZA, and GZA stand in the way of the groups lesser known but equally important members. Today, we focus on Masta Killa, one of the more obscure members of the famed Wu-Tang.

    Masta Killa

    Born Elgin Turner in Brooklyn, 1969, Masta Killa, though one of Wu Tang’s lesser known members, proved himself to be a mainstay throughout the group’s evolution throughout the 90’s.

    Masta Killa was the last to join the Wu Tang Clan and, subsequently, was not featured on the group’s debut single, “Protect Ya Neck.” The only Masta Killa feature on Wu-Tang’s debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (38 Chambers) can be found towards the end of “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’.” Killa was one of the only members of Wu Tang that had not had a technical background in rap with almost zero experience as an MC. While the rest of Wu-Tang was recording verse after verse on 38 Chambers, Masta Killa was concentrating his efforts on perfecting his flow.

    Masta Killa’s absence of rudimentary hip hop techniques led to him being taken under the wing of Wu-Tang founder, GZA. While the majority of Wu-Tang Clan’s members were known for their hyper and energetic flows, Killa and GZA in contrast had a much more relaxed and slow-paced, almost effortless flow. The similarities between the two are evident on the group’s sophomore album, Wu-Tang Forever, which saw improvements in Masta Killa’s technical ability. The two would continue to influence each other’s flow and delivery throughout the remainder of their both careers.

    Masta Killa’s solo career began in 2004 when he released No Said Date which was met with high praise from Wu-Tang fans. Songs such as “Old Man” helped to cement Killa’s solo career which would continue throughout the early 2000s with his latest album, Loyalty is Royalty, in 2017.

  • Headcount Host Online Event Raising Awareness For Voter Registration

    Headcount and Fort Williams Artist Management have teamed up to present Vote Ready, a free online Concert for Voter Registration, taking place on Friday, August 14th at 7pm.

    The online event features The War On Drugs, Robin Pecknold, Daniel Rossen (of Grizzly Bear), Christopher Bear (of Grizzly Bear/Fools), Kyp Malone (of TV On The Radio), Jaleel Bunton (of TV On The Radio), Kevin Morby, Waxahatchee, Tarriona Tank Ball, Hand Habits, Ciggy, Kam Franklin (of The Suffers), The Building, and Allison Russell & Leyla McCalla (of Our Native Daughters)

    Headcount voter registration

    Leading up to the event, fans who check their voter registration status via HeadCount.org/VoteReady will receive a free eTicket to the stream. Anyone not currently registered will then easily be able to register to vote through an online form.

    Headcount believes that voter registration is critical, especially this year with the deadlines for registration coming up fast. ” Vote Ready” is unique as the first online music event dedicated to raising awareness for voting registration guidelines.

    This week, Headcount have announced a multi-year partnership with the International advocacy organization, Global Citizen, to further engage young Americans to check their status, register, and vote. Their partnership aims to mobilize support from artists along with entertainers, media, corporations, and nonprofit organizations, to give young Americans the tools to use their voice in the November 3, 2020 election and beyond.

    Headcount have been promoting democracy via music, culture and digital media. Since 2004, the organization has recruited nearly 700,000 new voters while working with a long list of musicians including Ariana Grande, Jay-Z and Dave Matthews Band. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the organization was quick to switch their recruiting efforts to online. Headcount remains to be one of the most active grassroots organizations in the Country and continues to keep pushing their efforts.