NYS Music 202​1

Author: Alain Clerine

  • Black Rob, Rap Legend and Former Bad Boy artist, Dead at 51

    Less than one week after posting a concerning tribute video to DMX from a hospital bed of his own, rapper, Black Rob, has passed away, with speculation of the cause of death being kidney failure. 

    black rob
    photo via Getty Images

    Much like DMX’s passing, Black Rob’s death is another blow to hip hop, continuing a run of premature casualties of once famed rappers. It was only April 11 that a bed-stricken Rob looked worse for the wear in an Instagram video posted to his account, in which he paid his respects to DMX 

    “I don’t know, the pain is crazy, man. It’s helping me out though, it’s making me realize I got a lot to go,” he said. “I feel everything about X. X was positive. Love to X,” the former Bad Boy Records emcee shared as he struggled for words. 

    That video began speculation amongst fans about the state of the Harlem emcee’s health, with concerns being raised over his feeble appearance and his faint sounding voice. In another video posted to Instagram the “Whoa” rapper shared that he was out of the  hospital and shed light on his recent health concerns, 

    “Oh man, I’ve been dealing with this for five years. Four strokes … I don’t know what to tell you man. Shit is crazy. The shit is hard,” he said. “I don’t got no house to live in — except maybe an apartment. Me and my man be trying to get together. I’m telling you man, this shit is strange. It’s hard, you know what I’m saying?”

    He continued,

    “I don’t know what the people want to do, what the people going to say. I need some rest, man. Really, man. I need some rest. My side is killing me.”

    Amidst the rising interest in Black Rob’s condition, producer, Mike Zombie, set up a GoFundMe account with a goal of $50,000 to help Rob “find a home, pay for medical help & stability during these trying times.”

    Sadly, it was all for naught, as Rob succumbed to his reported kidney issues on April 16, with the news of his passing being shared by friend and former Bad Boy Records label-mate, Mark Curry.

    Curry announced Rob’s death in two videos posted to his Instagram account, and Variety later confirmed his passing through additional sources. 

    “I don’t know where to begin this,” “But I thank everybody for the donations. Rob passed away about an hour ago.”

    In a second video, Curry revealed that he was with the rapper when he died.

    “Rest in peace to my brother. I was there with him. I was there with him,” Curry said. 

    https://youtu.be/Xpn2rj2HZJY

    There was an outpouring of love from fellow entertainers as well as rappers, as Rob’s brief but successful run as a successful mainstream artist left him revered and loved. 

  • A Tribute to Legendary Rapper DMX, Dead at 50

    “X Gon’ Give it to Ya!”

    An iconic song title and hook from a rapper whose career was made off of distinction. From his voice, to his aesthetic, to his simultaneously vulnerable and gangster persona, DMX was going to give you his all, his true self. You were to be witness to the amazing highs and the, at-times, embarrassing lows. The lead single from 2003’s Cradle 2 the Grave (starring DMX) soundtrack is more than just a catchy tune. Has any other rap lyric embodied an artist quite so well?

    As the world mourns the loss of one of hip hop’s grittiest, raw and complex characters, it’s important to remember that DMX’s premature death does not put a sour note on the full life that he lived. He said it himself, in his very last aired interview — an appearance on Noreaga’s Drink Champs podcast — ‘X declares, “If I was to drop dead right now, my last thought would be: ‘I’ve lived a good life.” 

    After all, his journey began in the project buildings of Yonkers, NY, having to grow up with a non-existent father and a violently abusive mother. ‘X — born Earl Simmons — spent spurts of his childhood in group homes, where he honed his skills within the budding genre of hip hop. It was during early adolescence that DMX met Ready Ron, an influential figure in his development as a rapper, and the man X claimed is responsible for birthing the addiction that kept a stronghold on him throughout most of his adult life. 

    Based on his turbulent childhood and a criminal record (that began in adolescence), DMX is one of the few artists who could claim the oft-used adage that hip hop saved their life. Where else can one go from group homes and detention centers to releasing two number 1 albums in the  same year? In fact , DMX’s first five studio albums debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts. 

    DMX

    Although the one known as Dark Man X had done a complete 180 with his life, fame and riches only exasperated who he truly was. And at his core, DMX was a troubled individual. Despite his success, he hadn’t gotten his addictions under control, a fatal trait that eventually cost him his life. 

    So while he was starring in blockbuster films and performing in front of an excess of 200,000 people, he was still succumbing to his vices, with a rap sheet that might be longer than his lyric sheet. In a fall 2019 GQ magazine interview, DMX once stated,

    “Before I really had a life, jail was a playground. I’d be like, ‘I’m going to jail and have fun.’ Jail used to be fun.” 

    It seems as though he carried that mentality throughout his time as a famous entertainer, with substance abuse issues a clear factor in his life as he had been arrested for various and repeating offenses including: possessions of cocaine, driving while intoxicated, driving with a suspended license, animal cruelty, failure to pay child support, among others. His offenses are equally puzzling and impressive. You would think after a few DUI arrests, one would get a driver, especially someone of DMX’s stature. Yet, his blatant disregard for the law revealed his truly detached nature from life and consequence, a characteristic found in many addicts. Notwithstanding, it revealed something else, ‘X was gon’ give it to the man as well, even if it was to his own detriment. 

    What’s dangerous about fame and success is that it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re living life righteously, it just means the masses resonate with the persona and content being packaged to them. For DMX his personal downfalls helped make him the superstar that he was. In a smoke and mirrors industry, his authenticity was never to be questioned, as he laid it all on his records, never shying away from the demons that constantly kept him in the headlines.  

    That’s what makes his death such a tough pill to swallow. When someone shares as much of themselves as DMX did, you can’t help but care about their wellness. Before this tragic turn of events, there were reports of an upcoming album and a re-invigorated DMX. 

    Nevertheless, it is better to rejoice in the life that DMX got to live, rather than his death. For he gave us everything he had. He has been on the opposite ends of the spectrum, reaching highs that most wouldn’t dare dream of, to experiencing lows that many can’t even imagine. In that sense, DMX lived a complete life, as he truly gave us all he had. 

  • DMX In Critical Condition after Overdose, Fans Pay Tribute

    Hip hop legend DMX’s long battle with addiction took a turn for the worse when it was reported that the “How’s It Goin’ Down” rapper had overdosed and was in a vegetative state, with TMZ reporting that the prognosis was not good. It was also revealed by Murray Richman, a lawyer who has represented the rapper-actor for 25 years, that DMX (born Earl Simmons) was hospitalized after he had a heart attack at his home in White Plains, N.Y., on Friday, April 2, according to the New York Times.

    The Grammy-nominated rapper has been deemed in critical condition, with the general public worried that this might be another tragic and premature death to a beloved entertainer. 

    Although an icon in the hip hop realm and beyond, DMX has a long and well-documented history of substance abuse and addiction, something that has been a common theme in his music throughout the years. In a November 2020 episode of Talib Kweli’s People’s Party podcast, DMX went in-depth, explaining that he was tricked into smoking crack, when a regular smoking encounter with his rap mentor, Ready Ron, took a turn for the worse when his blunt was laced with the addictive substance. In an emotional moment where ‘X struggled for words, he admits that’s when “the monster was born.”

    The solemn news was met with an outpouring of support for DMX, with fans and peers of the rapper taking to social media to show their support. After his condition was made public, members of the Ruff Ryders Sports Bike Organization gathered outside of the White Plains hospital that is currently treating the embattled star. As documented by FOX5, the motorcycle crew rolled in, playing DMX’s music in an act of tribute. 

    As fans await updates on the beloved emcee, a prayer vigil was held outside of the same White Plains hospital. Hosted by ‘X’s family, the streets were filled as speakers played DMX’s voice mid-prayer.

    It is reported that he is scheduled to undergo critical brain function tests that will determine the rapper’s prognosis, according to his manager, Steve Rifkind. 

    “DMX is currently on life support and in a coma. There are multiple people with inaccurate information about his well-being and it is not helpful and productive,” Rifkind told NBC News Tuesday night. “Tomorrow he will undergo further tests on his brain function and his family will determine what’s best from there.”

  • Talib Kweli Gives Update on Sophomore Black Star album

    Fans of legendary hip hop duo, Black Star, received a major boost when Talib Kweli shared promising news regarding the duo’s long-awaited album. Announced in 2018 by Yasiin Bey during a Madlib DJ set, the much-anticipated project has gone from its infancy stages, to being recorded, mixed and possibly completed in the matter of a couple of years. 

    black star

    Yet, in that same time frame, Kweli — who holds more of a social media presence — has shared periodic updates on the album’s progress. In fact, just this past summer, Kweli announced that he had “washed his hands” of the whole thing, in social media posts in which he shared frustrations on the project’s delay.  

    Fortunes seem to have turned around as Kweli’s latest Instagram post suggests the duo are in the latter stages of the album’s completion and eventual release. In a picture with group-mate Yasiin Bey, the caption reads “#sampleclearance #blackstarforever.”

    While fans have been made to wait, the album’s existence has been confirmed as comedian Dave Chapelle, a personal friend of the duo shared his thoughts on the project, claiming that “it’s fire.”

    While Kweli and Bey have solidified themselves as legends in the hip hop realm and beyond, they have only released one album as a duo, 1998’s Most Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star.” With the speculation of an impending release, fans of the duo are surely tantalized by the thought of a new Black Star project. 

  • Baddnews and Benny The Butcher are only in it for ‘Good Vibes’

    Upstate New York join forces in the latest single by burgeoning rapper, Baddnews. The Syracuse native has recruited Griselda and Buffalo’s own, Benny The Butcher for this catchy, up-tempo record about pushing through the treacheries of the street life, in pursuit of more prosperous times. 

    After all, adversity is nothing new to the rising rap star, after facing a barrage of drug trafficking charges, the former Rhythm + Flow contestant has made a triumphant return to music with this latest release. His recruit? One of the faces of the Upstate New York rap scene responsible for bringing the city of Buffalo to prominence, along with his fellow Griselda cohorts.

    The duo shares similar backgrounds, growing up in rough, urban neighborhoods, mired in violence and drug use. Their attempts at financial prosperity landed them in trouble with the law, before deciding to hone their craft and use that as their golden ticket out. With Baddnews gaining traction as an artist, he can always look to his counterpart and know that there is a future beyond the streets. 

    Our visions weren’t equally aligned, to chase my dreams I had to leave the streets behind.

    Baddnews
    Baddnews
    Baddnews

    Known for his detailed recounts of his time in the streets, Benny The Butcher is the perfect opposite to Baddnews on this record. While the song sees the latter look towards a more promising future, the former spends his verse poignantly recounting the roads traveled that made him a successful rapper. 

    Drop elbows like Randy Savage to count up Andrew Jackson’s.

    Benny The Butcher 
    Baddnews
    Benny the Butcher

    “This record with Benny holds a different level of importance, because not only is he one of the hardest lyricists in the game right now, but he’s also from upstate NY just like me” Baddnews commented.  “This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to show the world what else I have in store this year.”

  • Wu Tang Clan To Issue Extremely Limited Photobook

    The lives and times of the Wu Tang Clan has been chronicled heavily (deservedly so) throughout their existence. Beginning with their own personal accounts in their music, to feature interviews, documentaries, tv series and now, an exclusive Wu Tang Clan photobook will share rare and never seen before images of the rap phenoms. With photography from the likes of; Danny Hastings, PROTIM PHOTO, Kyle Christie and Andy Cantillon, as well as friends and family of the Clan.

    Titled Wu Tang Clan: LEGACY, this large format photography book features more than 300 pages of images and comes encased in a 400-pound sculpted chamber.

    “From conception to the present day, this is the story of the undisputed greatest hip-hop group of all time being unveiled through rare and never before seen photos,” said John “Mook” Gibbons, CEO of Wu-Tang Clan Management, in an official statement. 

    According to the book’s official website, only 36 editions will be made available for purchase, and each comes signed, dated and numbered and with a certificate of authenticity. 

    Each book will be printed and bound in Italian leather and will come encased in a bronze-encrusted black steel chamber individually designed by sculptor Gethin Jones. The design was inspired by the bronze ritual bowls from the Zhou Dynasty, an ancient period considered the pinnacle of Chinese bronzeware crafting, and its first ruler was King Wu-Wang. This comes as no surprise as the Clan’s music — specifically RZA’s production – was heavily influenced by Asian martial arts, beliefs and overall culture. Even the 36 copies being produced serves as an ode to their first album tittle (36 Chambers) and the numerological significance of there being 36 chambers in a Shaolin Temple.

    For more information on how to purchase and own what is sure to be a rare collector’s item, click here. 

    Wu Tang Clan photobook

  • Introducing Lyricster, the First Ever Matching App Exclusively for Songwriters and Musicians

    The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt throughout the entire world, with many having to deal with unfortunate tragedies as a result of the virus. Furthermore, the worldwide quarantine was a strain on many people’s mental health. Humans are social beings after all and forced isolation is bound to have a negative effect, despite its necessity. It was during this time that recording artist, Summer Williams, began to brew ideas for the matching/music creation app, Lyricster.io.

    Williams’ innovation was preceded by strenuous efforts to record, collaborate and discover new music during quarantine. There had to be a more efficient way to go about this without having to search countless databases for music album credits. Having used dating apps in the past, William, 30, saw this as an opportunity to add a new spin to musical fraternalization.

    Lyricster

    “Isolation and quarantine was a blessing and a curse. Being forced to stay indoors allowed me the time to slow down and focus on my needs as a music creator personally and what was lacking in the professional networking space,“ said Williams.

    In doing so, she has entrenched herself as a member of the music industry as both a creator and executive. A graduate of Manhattanville college with a degree in music management, Williams is an R&B songstress in her own right, going by the moniker, SLSTRSS, with Lyricster.io serving as her passion project. 

    Lyricster

    The official beta for Lyricster.io launched on January 21, 2021 and was presented at their Songwriters Super Conference, where potential consumers tuned in for a day of expert panelists in the music publishing, sync licensing, audio production, songwriting, social media and entrepreneurship industries, representing industry giants like; Twitter, Songtradr, Songtrust, Berklee College of Music and more.  

    Lyricster

    While collaboration is one of the app’s main selling points, it is more than just about pairing musical acts together. Lyricster.io works to empower the individual through various initiatives. Each Thursday at 9 p.m., Lyricster.io hosts a free members-only virtual session with expert guest songwriters and producers from all genres of music, breaking down their creative processes.

    The app has also introduced an online education platform titled “Lyricster University.” The learning tool uploads weekly ‘‘fast classes,” with animated lessons explaining complexities like; royalty collection and copyright protection for musicians, a major point of contention for established artists when speaking to hopefuls. Other features include the ability to filter by genre, location, vocal style, creator type and much more, with the option to match and message your way to musical relationships. 

    Lyricster

    The idea of dating apps are amazing in terms of easily searching through an endless database of users so we kept that similar. What we added are key features fit for musicians, like video profiles instead of picture profiles, links to all music streaming, file sharing and ‘sounds like” filters to experience a user’s full audio resume before being swiped.

    Lyricster founder Summer Williams

    As a beta launch, all services are completely free. After March 15th, swiping in your city will always be free, but access to the upgraded filters and location search will be $14.99/month.

    Imagine the beautiful new sounds of music when we can all just collaborate, both in song and in this country. This year has been incredibly traumatic as a dark-skinned woman in America and it’s time we change the sound ourselves, because we’ve played nice long enough.”

    Lyricster founder Summer Williams
    https://youtu.be/tDCqPzt-7AQ

  • Sheff G Performs ‘Eeny Meany Miny Moe’ and “Lights On” on Vevo’s Ctrl Series

    Vevo has revealed Brooklyn emcee Sheff G as the latest artist to get spotlighted in their Ctrl series, with performances of “Eeny Meany Miny Moe” and “Lights On” from his 2020 project, Proud Of Me Now. 

    Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians making an impact in today’s music scene – both emerging and established. These artists demand attention, and Vevo’s Ctrl shines a deserving spotlight. Sheff G’s performance follows sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Fabolous, A$AP Ferg and more.  

    Sheff G

    From the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, Sheff G — born, Michael Williams — gained recognition for his 2017 drill record “No Suburban.” The song’s popularity — along with a slew of other popular drill songs — helped usher in a new era of rappers from the borough and spotlighted the gang activity that often served as the pre-cursor to the music.

    Following the success of “No Suburban,” Sheff G released his much-heralded debut mixtape, The Unluccy Luccy Kid. The project contained popular records like “We Getting Money,” “Flows” and “Designer,” with the latter two featuring friend and frequent collaborator, Sleepy Hallow. 

    Williams released his next project One and Only in May 2020, and Proud Of Me Now, which includes “Eeny Meany Miny Moe,” in December. He rounded out the year with singles “Light On” and “No Negotiations.” Donning a blue bandana themed shirt and pants, Sheff G’s live performances is a continuation of the rapper’s progression from homegrown talent to bonafide star. In usual Sheff G fashion, both records are thumping and assertive, displaying his fearlessness and bravado on the streets through his music.  

  • Vast Aire and COSMIQ deliver some “Good Fuel”

    In anticipation of a new album, Vast Aire of Cannibal Ox, has released a brand-new record in collaboration with producer COSMIQ. With the duo’s collaborative effort set to be released soon, the hip hop veterans are hoping “Good Fuel,” will be just the song to give the album a push. 

    A gritty old-school New York record, “Good Fuel” sees Vast Aire continue a trend that has defined hip hop itself. In “Good Fuel” he descriptively conveys a proper image of the tough inner-city neighborhoods that Black people have inhabited for decades. The record begins with Vast Aire shouting out where he is from (Washington Heights, Harlem, New York City), with these locations also representing the setting for the story-like “Good Fuel.”

    Vast Aire COSMIQ

    “Good Fuel” resembles other inner-city themed rap songs. Humble beginning, “we used to be shoulder to shoulder like ‘someone push me.’ Holes in your sucks, you got no p****.”  To taking an interest in the street life in search of a better life for self and family, “I’m talking sky pagers with the fly beepers, all the drug dealers had the fly sneakers.” To eventual questioning of the political regime whose job it is to help the disenfranchised, “my commander-in-chief is running amuck. These right-winged lobbyists could care less, it’s settle for this evil or settle for less.” 

    “This track is important for our times right now,” says Vast Aire.  “We all are coping with the chaos of COVID-19 and also the shock and trauma of Trump’s political coup. ‘Good Fuel’ reminds the youth and elders to remain righteous, while standing up in the face of oppression.” 

     “This song represents what Hip-Hop has always stood for, being the voice of the streets; from the lost criminal to the struggling and hard-working blue-collar workers. My late parents are those very people– and so am I!”

  • Maxtreme Inc. and Yang 21 Come Together for “Shuda”

    Nigerian Afro-Pop singer, Yang 21, has released his latest single, “Shuda,” in collaboration with Talent Management & Music Distribution Company, Maxtreme Inc. 

    Yang 21

    The upbeat, Afrocentric tune is Yang’s latest effort on the heels of two EP’s, 2019’s Goose Bumps and Fall 2020’s What Do Girls Want. 

    “Shuda,” is a mellow tempo love-centric tune and is Maxtreme Inc.’s attempt to enlarge its coast and collaborate with recording artistes to serve its niche and fan base, as well as make exceptional music. Backed by a looping and rhythmic drum, the feel-good record (running just over 3 minutes), sees Yang 21 begin the song by declaring his affections for his newfound flame, amid his past struggles with love. 

    Yang 21

    Each subsequent verse then goes in detail about the kind of woman he wants in life, as he forges ahead with a new personal interest and moves on from past affections. Each verse sees Yang 21 characterize his ideal woman, while the chorus echoes the theme of the song, “coulda’ woulda’ shoulda’,” signifying the past-tense status of a previous lover.