NYS Music 202​1

Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • Big Freedia Brings High Energy to Brooklyn Steel

    New Orleans bounce artist, Big Freedia, performed with her usual thunderous energy at Brooklyn Steel on Monday, September 27th. Bounce music is known to be raucous and high energy and Big Freedia did not disappoint, as she showed up with her signature aplomb.

    Big Freedia

    As with my other musicians, Big Freedia’s touring schedule had been on hiatus for the better part of two years. Many in the crowd mentioned that they had been looking forward to this show for quite some time and it reflected in the crowd’s atmosphere, as their eagerness to witness the pioneer of bounce music was palpable.

    Big Freedia

    A 20-year veteran of the bounce music scene in New Orleans, Big Freedia rose to mainstream prominence with vocal cameos on Beyonce’s “Formation” and Drake’s “Nice For What“, two massive hits that exposed her to a wider audience. But, unbeknownst to many is that Post-Hurricane Katrina, Freedia has been known as one of the biggest voices in the regional bounce music scene and maintains and extremely devoted fanbase.

    Big Freedia

    Despite not performing regularly for almost two years, her stage presence has not waned. Right after getting on stage Freedia immediately began flying through several tracks across her several EPs & albums at bone-rattling volume, as she performed nonstop for several records. All the more astounding as she, along with five backup dancers, frenetically went though their choreography. It’s rare to see a performer with such intensity across any genre, but Big Freedia exemplified the spirit and movement of bounce music for a hungry audience. She didn’t let up and neither did the crowd.

    Big Freedia is undoubtedly tied to her home state and her success only means more exposure for the region. What was once considered to be a niche regional sound is now being performed for large audiences in major markets. And Big Freedia displayed why it deserves its recognition, and why New Orleans is still a city to be reckoned with musically.

    This was not a one-off show for Big Freedia, she will continue touring throughout United States, with more information on her upcoming tour dates available here. Be sure to take a look at the full photo gallery down below!

  • Utica College DEI Collaborative Announces Pop-Up Concert on October 3rd

    You can expect a pop-up concert at Kemble Park near Utica College this Sunday, October 3, 2021. Nomadic Voices latest pop-up placemaking event fills the park with young singers, rappers, poets, musicians, dancers and more.

    Utica College’s DEI Collaborative wants this Cultural Showcase to bring the community together, by introducing students to diverse experiences to show off Utica’s best. You’ll be able to watch rapper Leeky XIV and R&B singer Nazzy Deloach along with many others, free of charge. You can never go hungry where there will also be a diverse amount of cultural foods from your favorite vendors. 

    utica college concert

    This will be one of our largest events to date and we will be showcasing some amazing local talent. I’m excited to connect the college community with the Cornhill community and give young performers a platform to shine.

    Tabo Bo

    Utica College’s very own Mr. Tabo Bo inspired the idea, finally having the time now after COVID-19 to execute a realistic in person event. The goal is to have students immerse themselves in new environments for community engagement and more importantly to think of others while giving of themselves. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team came together for this event to help build the culture of Utica College as well as the greater Utica Community. under the leadership of a Utica Alum, Utica College is proud to provide an event from their very own students at Utica College, that is for the people by the people, ,

    Kemble Park is located between Oneida, James and Kemble Streets. Street parking will be available between James and Kemble street. This event is free and open to the public.

  • California Party: Super Bowl 56 Halftime Show Announced, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige to perform

    As they say, California knows how to party and Super Bowl 56 in the Los Angeles Rams SoFi stadium will be bringing the city its largest festivities to date. Jay – Z and Roc Nation’s partnership with the NFL to handle all the league’s most important music events — including the halftime show — has resulted in what is possibly the most star-studded halftime presentation ever.  

    super bowl 56

    In unprecedented fashion, Roc Nation and the NFL have announced five headliners for the annual extravaganza. The show will feature iconic producer Dr. Dre, the highest-selling rapper of all-time in Eminem, The Doggfather, Snoop Dogg, one of the most influential rappers of his generation in Kendrick Lamar and the queen of R &B, Mary J. Blige. 

    In a statement released with the news, Jay – Z echoed the sentiments. 

    On February 13, 2022, at the Super Bowl, Dr. Dre, a musical visionary from Compton; Snoop Dogg, an icon from Long Beach; and Kendrick Lamar, a young musical pioneer in his own right, also from Compton; will take center field for a performance of a lifetime. They will be joined by the lyrical genius, Eminem; and the timeless Queen, Mary J. Blige … This is history in the making.

    The quintet of legendary acts have amassed 43 Grammy wins and 154 nominations amongst them and with their close association (Dr. Dre has worked extensively worked with Mary J. Blige and mentored Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar musically, along with the Death Row ties between Mary J., Snoop and Dre) there should be plenty of chemistry on stage. They will be able to seamlessly perform each other’s songs and have enough Billboard charting records to keep the crowd hanging on to every word. 

    The opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, and to do it in my own backyard, will be one of the biggest thrills of my career,

    Dr Dre said in a statement

    I’m grateful to Jay-Z, Roc Nation, the NFL, and Pepsi as well as Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar for joining me in what will be an unforgettable cultural moment.

    Super Bowl 56 will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2022, and will feature the winners of the AFC and NFC championships, with the hosting team a serious contender to appear in the big game. 

  • Freddie Gibbs Returns to Live Performances at Schimanski

    In an exciting prelude to his performance on the first day of the Governors Ball, Freddie Gibbs made an appearance at Schimanski nightclub on Thursday, September 23rd for the “Gov Ball After Dark” series.

    Freddie Gibbs

    A veteran of the rap game, Gibbs has established himself as a strong force within hip-hop’s landscape, while enjoying a cult following since his days as a member of Young Jeezy’s camp. Always considered a strong lyricist with great street tales, Gibbs’ star trajectory began to shift after his first collaborative album, Piñata, alongside legendary hip hop producer Madlib.

    After a string of quality projects (including another album with Madlib) and two projects with producer, The Alchemist, he broke into the mainstream consciousness with a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album in 2020 with, Alfredo. From there, it’s only been an upward trend in popularity.

    Freddie Gibbs

    Like many artists post-pandemic, Gibbs had taken a long hiatus from touring. Based on his performance, it looked like any rust was quickly shaken off. In front of an adoring crowd, he ran through his most popular records from recent projects in quick succession as he was all smiles during the entire performance, seemingly basking in the glory of being afforded a chance to once again entertain the fans.

    While his performance was fairly brief, Freddie displayed his obvious mastery of live performance, as he’s a veteran of the hip-hop game. While Freddie does not have any upcoming tours or projects announced, whatever he does next will be eagerly anticipated by both his fanbase and the hip-hop community at large.

    Check out the full photo gallery from the show below.

  • Theophilus London brings Joy to Fans at Sony Hall

    After a long touring hiatus due to COVID-19, Theophilus London was able to return to his hometown of New York City for his “Bebey, It’s Never Too Late” tour on Wednesday, September 22nd at Time Square’s Sony Hall. In addition to playing many tracks off his third LP, Bebey (released in January 2020), he also played several songs from his previous albums and mixtapes.

    Theophilus London
    Theophilus London at Sony Hall, 09/22/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger

    Bebey was released nearly two years ago, but if an observer only went by the enthusiastic crowd reactions, they would most likely think that it came out very recently. Theophilus was a great performer, constantly interacting with the very devoted crowd and seemed incredibly thankful and happy to be back performing in front of an audience.

    Theophilus London
    Theophilus London at Sony Hall, 09/22/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger

    Having been active for over a decade an amassing a large collaboration list, including the likes of Kanye West, Tame Impala, & Jesse Boykins, Theophilus has a large amount of hard-hitting tracks to choose from. While Bebey has a more tropical sound, many of his previous albums have a constant mix between pop, R&B, and hip-hop. He’s able to seamlessly switch between singing and rapping at a dime, resulting in fairly riveting performances. His music has the energy that fits in live performance and the crowd was riveted by any song he played, whether it was two years old or ten years old.

    Theophilus London

    Enough cannot be said about how happy Theophilus was to be back performing. He invited audience members up on stage to dance with him, took song requests from the crowd, and even asked everyone to stick around after the show outside to meet and speak with every fan who was still there. Having personally stuck around, I can attest to the enthusiasm he had and the fact that Theophilus spoke with every fan he could. No picture request was turned down and he even spent a large amount of time with each person who was interested in speaking with him.

    The “Bebey, It’s Never Too Late” tour runs for the rest of September. You can see the rest of his tour dates here. Check out the full photo gallery from the show below.

  • Saturday Night Live Unveils Hosts, Musical Guests for Season 47

    Saturday Night Live has revealed the first four hosts and musical guests of its upcoming season 47. Returning on October 2 on NBC, the lineup includes Kacey Musgraves, Halsey, Young Thug and Brandi Carlile. The premiere is the first episode of SNL since last May, when Anya Taylor-Joy hosted as Lil Nas X took the stage. Cast members Beck Bennett and Lauren Holt are exiting the show, while three new featured players are set to join: Aristotle Athari, James Austin Johnson and Sarah Sherman.

    Saturday Night Live Season 47

    Fans of the show can likely anticipate a tribute to late alum Norm Macdonald, who passed away in September.

    The season premiere kicks off on October 2, with Loki star Owen Wilson hosting and country-turned-pop singer Kacey Musgraves as the musical guest. Musgraves’ fourth studio album star-crossed was released on September 10, supported by a visual album that premiered on Paramount+. She previously performed on SNL in 2018:

    On October 9th, Kim Kardashian West hosts as Halsey performs. Her August album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power received the best reviews of her career to date, attracting new listeners thanks to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s production. Halsey has guested on SNL annually since 2018, doing double duty as a host and musical guest in 2019.

    Rami Malek hosts on October 16, a change of pace from portraying the most recent Bond villain in No Time to Die. Young Thug joins Malek as the musical guest, his first time as the main performer despite assisting Megan Thee Stallion last season.

    The furthest out host and musical guest announced for Season 47 of Saturday Night Live are Emmy-winning Ted Lasso star and former SNL alum Jason Sudeikis, and singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, both for October 23.

    https://twitter.com/brandicarlile/status/1440763673887215619

  • Watch The Fugees Celebrate 25 years of ‘The Score’ with Pop up Show at Pier 17, Announce 2021 World Tour Dates

    On Wednesday, September 22, The Fugees reunited at Pier 17 in Manhattan, with Lauryn Hill, Pras and Wyclef performing together for the first time in 15 years. The trio was three hours late for their 45 minute performance, but who can complain when a classic 90s hip-hop/reggae group reunited for an intimate performance for lucky fans. Watch footage from the show below.

    Hip hop supergroup, The Fugees, will be making a return to arenas and stadiums across the world in celebration of their magnum opus, The Score.

    The group – who broke up shortly after the success of 1996’s diamond-certified sophomore effort – will be performing together for the first time since 2006. Their last major reunion tour – following another reunion at Dave Chapelle’s Block Party – ended in disarray as members had to grow accustomed to different dynamics within the group. Such as, Ms. Lauryn Hill’s amplified stardom. The friction led to an abrupt end to the tour as group members traded jabs. 

    In a 2007 interview with Billboard, Pras said:

    But, to put it nicely, it’s dead. Me and [Wyclef Jean], we on the same page, but Lauryn [Hill] is in her zone, and I’m fed up with that s**t. Here she is, blessed with a gift, with the opportunity to rock and give, and she’s running on some bulls**t? I’m a fan of Lauryn’s, but I can’t respect that. 

    Nonetheless, the group’s lasting power within hip hop has left fans clamoring for a return despite the members differences. After releasing their experimental debut, Blunted on Reality, the trio found their groove on, The Score. Recorded in the now-infamous “Booga basement,” the album was curated as an actual film and score all-in-one. Like most feature presentations it provided plenty of social-political commentary while it’s “main characters” got a chance to develop through dialogue laden lyrics and skits. 

    Upon its release, it peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 charts and earned the group two Grammy Awards. Fugees were also the first hip-hop group ever to be nominated for Album Of The Year. It pawned the hit singles “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” “Fu-Gee-La” as well as  “Ready or Not” and instantly turned the Brick city natives into the biggest hip hop act in the world.  It was also the platform on which Hill emerged as the group’s undeniable star, which — along with her deteriorating romantic relationship with Wyclef – served as a divisive seed that set the group on the path to disbandment. 

    And now with the album’s 25th anniversary upon us, the group has decided to commemorate the occasion with another world tour. Presented by Diaspora Calling and produced by Live Nation, the 12-city international tour will kick-off tomorrow, September 22nd with an intimate pop-up show in New York City, at an undisclosed location. The rest of the tour will commence November 2nd at United Center in Chicago and will make stops across the globe in Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, Paris, London, and more, before finishing the tour in Africa, with the final shows taking place in Nigeria and Ghana. 

    The Fugees have a complex but impactful history. I wasn’t even aware the 25th anniversary had arrived until someone brought it to my attention. I decided to honor this significant project, its anniversary, and the fans who appreciated the music by creating a peaceful platform where we could unite, perform the music we loved, and set an example of reconciliation for the world.

    Ms. Lauryn Hill

    As I celebrate 25 years with the Fugees, my first memory was that we vowed, from the gate, we would not just do music we would be a movement. We would be a voice for the un-heard, and in these challenging times, I am grateful once again, that God has brought us together.

    Wyclef Jean
    Fugees

  • Fringe On: Rochester Fringe Festival Live events return

    Keybank Rochester Fringe Festival is back in swing this year, with more than 400 in-person and online performances between September 14 and September 25. The 10th anniversary features the return of fan favorites such as the Silent Disco, Cirque Du Fringe, Fringe Street Beat dance off, and Pedestrian Drive-In.

    For the first time, organizers have curated a mini music festival, called Smokestacks, to mark the finale. The free outdoor event takes place starting at 4pm on September 25 at Parcel 5 on Main Street, and features live performances by Cammy Enaharo, Mikaela Davis, Kopps, Spencer, Cannons, and Joywave.

    rochester fringe

    For safety, COVID protocols are in place. All indoor events require masking and proof of vaccination. Attendees ages 12 and up who are unvaccinated must be masked at all times, even for outdoor events. Protocols may be subject to change. Prior to attending, check for updates online.

    “After 18 months of closure that have devestated the performing arts, we’re thrilled to play our part in getting them back on their feet. Nearly 90% of our shows are live and in person, which wouldn’t be possible without our absolute commitment to keeping performers and attendees safe.”

    – Erica Fee, Founding Festival Producer

    A plethora of entertainment is available – from theater and dance to spoken word and comedy. And of course, music. Some Ska Band will heat things up with irresistible ska and reggae beats at the JCC canalside (outdoor) stage on opening night, September 14 at 7:30pm (get your tickets here). Gospel Sunday takes place on September 19 at 2pm, led by Reverend Rickey Harvey of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church at One Fringe Place (free). And the Taiko Japanese Drumming Performance makes a reprise at The Little on September 25 at 3:15pm (also free). And don’t forget about Smokestacks on September 25 at Parcel 5, where you can catch rising singer/songwriter Cammy Enaharo, the eclectic talent of Mikaela Davis, and of course Rochester’s own Joywave.

    The complete lineup of events at Rochester Fringe is available online at RochesterFringe.com.

  • New TDE Signee Ray Vaughn Drops 3-Song EP “Peer Pressure”

    Long Beach, CA rapper Ray Vaughn, has shared a new 3-song EP, “Peer Pressure.” The release follows Vaughn’s recent signing to Top Dawg Entertainment, which represents acts like Kendrick Lamar, Isaiah Rashad and SZA. 

    ray vaughn

    In a press release, TDE said the EP serves as an “appetizer for the full feast ahead.” TDE first signed Vaughn in 2020, but “Peer Pressure” marks his introductory release on the label. The album announcement comes at a transitional time for TDE, after flagship artist Kendrick Lamar announced his departure from the label days earlier. 

    The three tracks on “Peer Pressure” focus on Vaughn’s lyricism, giving him an opportunity to tell his story. On opener “Not Allowed,” Vaughn lays out his success– money, Givenchy, women– not as possibility, but destiny. Repeating “Ain’t no way I’m gon’ die broke,” over breakneck production from Tariq Beats, the track feels at home with early work by label-mates ScHoolboy Q or Jay Rock. 

    The following two tracks don’t quite meet the pace set by “Not Allowed.” “Top Shottas” slows things down a bit, offering a digestible and titular hook, but far less sonic intrigue.“Tap,” the final track, comes accompanied by a cinematic, visceral visual that expands the experience of the track. “Tap” stays in the ears mainly with its mesmerizing beat, adorned with echoing strings and twinkling piano riffs. Vaughn knows this when he slyly spits “I hear the beat and sprinkle crack on it.” 

    The most interesting moments on the project appear when Vaughn explores the duality of his experience; watching the effects of police violence and drugs perpetually harm those around him, regardless of his success, then fade into just another cause for action. On “Not Allowed,” he spits: “Fuck a t-shirt, turn you to a trending topic/ Check my peephole ‘cause the devil always knockin.” A perfectly produced knock on the door ends the verse. It sounds so realistic one can’t be blamed for pulling off their headphones and checking their own front door for police, opps, or whatever new demons might be at the door today. 

    Though these first tracks are far from revolutionary, Vaughn’s insightful eye into his past and present will fit right in with the introspective class of hip-hop/R&B talent TDE is known for. The “appetizer” may not be filling, but isn’t that the point? Ray Vaughn certainly leaves enough on the table to warrant excitement for dinner. 

  • Sticky Fingaz, Irv Da God & Bizkit Remain ‘Fearless’ for Holyfield vs. Belfort bout

    There’s a certain feel of adrenaline, intensity and excitement before a big bout. Surely the fighters experience their own range of emotions before they enter the squared circle, but for us fans who are counted on to set the tone within the arena, our passion helps create the “big fight” atmosphere that makes an encounter between two great fighters truly special. As the hours and minutes wane before four-time world champion Evander Holyfield takes on former multi-class UFC champion Vitor Belfort, the level of vigor and forecasting might make us feel as though we’re the ones putting the gloves on. 

    Here lies the beauty of music, for every emotion, there is an adequate melody, lyric, or song to match. With “Fearless,” Queens emcee Irv Da God, Onyx’s Sticky Fingaz and Grammy-nominated producer Bizkit manage to capture the feeling of “the moment we’ve all been waiting for.”  

    The record and music video is boxing/fighting themed, beginning with an introductory ring announcer — portrayed by Bizkit’s production partner, Butta — Fitting, as rap has always been described as a “contact sport,” for the competitiveness of the artform as well as the violence it is capable of inducing. Irv Da God’s round consist of a fluid and technical style of rapping, resembling that of a pacier, quicker fighter relying on his skill and brains rather than brute force. Beginning with successive boxing idioms and finishing each bar with clever world play.

    Rain on ‘em like April and give them Mayweather.

    Give me a headcount, get down for the 10-count. Whoever counted me out can get knocked out.

    In between each round, Bizkit serves as a pseudo corner man delivering an inspirational and anthemic hook, before Sticky Fingaz takes the proverbial ring for his own. The “Get It Up” emcee’s entire aura is based on the aggression that his raspy voice and boundless energy provides. And if Irv Da God’s verse was that of a technically proficient fighter, Sticky Fingaz represents the overwhelming knockout artist, as he delivers aggressive verbal attacks. 

    Representing Vitor Belford, Sticky goes on offense with his raw and vivid lyrics, while shouting out the former UFC heavyweight champion:

    You Punch like a soccer mom. I swear to God I’ll break your legs and drag you into the Octagon, when you boxing with The Phenom. 

    It just wouldn’t be a Sticky Fingaz record if he didn’t deliver any eyebrow raisers.

    It’s 9/11 the arena is ours and he goin’ down just like those towers. 

    Combined the trio put on a show, previewing the highly anticipated bout between Holyfield and Belfort.

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