NYS Music 202​1

Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • Prince Markie Dee of The Fat Boys Passes Away at 52

    Mark Morales, known as Prince Markie Dee and a founding member of hip-hop/ rap group The Fat Boys, passed away at 52 years old, just one day before his birthday, on February 18, 2021. AllHipHop reported Prince Markie Dee had died from congestive heart failure after suffering “distressing” health issues. 

    Mark Anthony Morales also hosted “The Prince Markie Dee Show” on LL Cool J’s Rock the Bells channel on SiriusXM radio.Credit…Robin Marchant/Getty Images

    Mark Morales was born on February 19, 1968 in Brooklyn. He formed the band called ‘Disco 3′ with Darren Robinson and Damon Wimbley in the early 1980s. After they won a talent contest at Radio City Music Hall in 1983 the group signed a contract with the show’s promoter. They eventually ended up rename themselves the Fat Boys in reference to their weight under their promoter at the time’s recommendation. 

    The Fat Boys went on to release seven albums, three of which were gold certified and one reaching platinum status. They had hit songs like “Jail House Rap,” “Can You Feel It,” and “The Fat Boys Are Back” and brought beatboxing into the spotlight. The trio even appeared in a few films including “Disorderlies” “Krush Groove” and “Knights of the City.” They ended up breaking up in the early 1990s. Band member Darren Robinson died in 1995 at age 28 after falling off of a chair while rapping for friends and lost consciousness.

    Morales started work as a songwriter and producer for Uptown Records, collaborating with Father MC and Mary J. Blige after the group disbanded.  According to The New York Times article “He helped write and produce Ms. Blige’s 1992 breakout hit “Real Love” and worked on her debut album, What’s the 411? He also worked on songs and remixes for Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey and others.” Later in his life, Morales became a radio personality based in Florida.  He started back in 2008 to 2010, serving as the afternoon drive radio host/DJ at 103.5 The Beat WMIB radio in Miami, Florida. He also ended up working at WEDR 99.1 FM and the Rock the Bells station of Sirius XM which he hosted his show The Prince Markie Dee Show.

    https://youtu.be/cvqxIDmEw_c

    Prince Markie Dee aka Mark Morales will be missed by the music community. We mourn his loss and send our condolences to his family and friends.

  • Netflix Announces The Notorious B.I.G. Docu-Series

    Netflix is gearing up for the premiere of their newly announced documentary, Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell, which will be released on March 1, 2021. The documentary will take a deep dive into the personal life and career of The Notorious B.I.G. with commentary from fellow rappers and close friends. The streaming platform teased the series’ first trailer Tuesday, February 16.



    The documentary will provide in-depth content on the deceased mega-star, Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G. Produced by Volleta Wallace, The rapper’s mother, the series will feature interviews from friend and collaborator, Diddy.

    “Biggie blew up overnight, You have no origins from what rap planet this guy came from,” you can hear Diddy say over the series trailer which features archived snapshots detailing The Notorious B.I.G.’s quick rise to fame.

    Notorious B.I.G.

    Snippets of the series also shared in the teaser include Biggie’s mother talking about his Brooklyn childhood, reflecting on memories of a young Christopher Wallace writing and reciting songs at a young age.

    “This will be the first documentary to focus on the experiences of my son’s life rather than the circumstances of his death. It is a celebration of who he was and where he came from. This is how he would have wanted to be remembered,” says Volleta, explaining the need for a different narrative surrounding the rapper, who died March 9, 1997 at the age of 24.

    The Notorious B.I.G. remains to be just that, even 20 years after his death, he remains prevalent in in rap culture. His contributions to the genre along with never before seen blend of wordplay, delivery and songwriting ability have contributed to keeping his legacy alive.



  • 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!”

  • Arlene’s Grocery to Livestream Benefit Concert on February 9

    Arlene’s Grocery, located on the Lower East Side, has seen many young and well known acts get their start, including Arcade Fire, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey and Jim Carrey. You may also recognize Arlene’s Grocery from the #SaveOurStages movement, where now Senate Majority Leader, Senator Chuck Schumer, was seen on the street showing his support for the venue.

    Due to the unfortunate circumstances that COVID-19 has left indie music venues in, without the support of live music crowds, Arlene’s Grocery is in need of funds to remain open.

    Fortunately, up and coming indie R&B/Hip-Hop artist, Versa the Band, is putting on a livestream concert benefit on February 9 at 7 PM EST to raise money for the venue. Tickets are $10 with all proceeds going to Arlene’s Grocery.

    arlene's grocery

    Arlene’s Grocery was indeed a grocery, and opened its doors in 1995 in the, then treacherous, Lower East Side. The venue’s history begins with upcoming bands that flocked to the neighborhood to experience sounds emanating from the 150-capacity room, which played host to garage rock, punk, and bohemian newcomers, including Jeff Buckley. In the late 1990s, the club branched out into the butcher shop next door and became two rooms under one roof.

    As the neighborhood gentrified around them, the Lower East Side became the hub of NYC rock. The club hired a Live Rock n’ Roll Karaoke band who became an instant hit in the city, attracting New Yorkers and tourists from all over the globe to catch a glimpse of celebrities, such as Moby, belting out AC/DC. As a handful of live music clubs pop up (and down) around the area, Arlene’s holds fast to its intention of nurturing unsigned bands; its attention to the highest quality sound; and remaining an institution in the NYC rock scene.

    Originating from Long Island, New York, Versa the Band got its start in 2019 and made it a priority to create music that was genreless; a discography for anyone to listen to, not defined in any one box. The band — which isn’t much of a band at all — describes itself as a “Music Collective” of artists who come together to collaborate with founder Ethan Felizzari.

    arlene's grocery versa the band

    Versa the Band blends alternative and hip hop with traditional pop, elements of jazz, soft rock & more. Influences include artists like Bon Iver, James Blake, Rosalía, and soul legend Sam Cooke. Sharing why this live stream benefit is important to them, and what viewers can expect from their performance, Ethan Felizzari of Versa the Band said:

    This event means the world to me. Arlene’s Grocery is by far my favorite independent music venue. It’s everything NYC underground is about. To perform here and headline our very own event all in benefit for the classic venue is just insane. The fact that we get to help out a small business during this difficult time. That’s always been so important to me coming from a family of entrepreneurs. It all starts with small business and indie venues are often forgotten. 

    The Livestream is going to be unlike any other VTB performance. I am honored to be performing with three other amazing artists who are just going to elevate this thing to a whole new level. We’ll be performing a bunch of originals and some crazy covers. Harry Styles. Ariana Grande. It’s gonna be nuts I can’t wait.

    Ethan Felizzari of Versa the Band

    Get tickets to the Tuesday, February 9 livestream, 7pm, HERE.

  • Hearing Aide: Evil Key “The Host”

    Syracuse based rapper Evil Key (Jonas Nicholson) follows his 2020 release SAVE FACE//ESCAPE FATE with his newest concept album The Host. Nicolson is also member of fellow Syracuse psychedelic jam rock band Vaporeyes. The Host is a brave departure from any of Nicholson’s previous work done with Vaporeyes, opting for a bold lo-fi rap concept album that explores becoming a new person, possibly without your control.

    About a decade ago, I had a particular experience that changed my life. I made positive changes and stopped being overall self-destructive. Looking back at it now, it feels like a lifetime ago. Like a different person. What if I am? What if I’ve been taken over? What if I’ve been someone else all these years? Would I know? Am I in here?

    Evil Key, Rapper
    Evil Key

    Meeting at the crossroad between the moody emo rap ruling the mainstream and the nerdy backpack rap of the early 2000s, Evil Key finds a unique niche to fill. While Evil Key’s influences from the likes of Aesop Rock to Eminem are abundantly clear, he operates in a unique enough lane that it does not take much out of the overall experience. The Host offers a stellar mix of beats from upbeat synth driven songs like “The Host”, to more spaced out cloud rap tracks like “Happy”, to noisy sample heavy tracks like “Concords”; all containing a particular lo-fi edge. “Hear It Still” has a particular vocal sample that meshes perfectly with the tracks chilled-out hook.

    Evil Key’s amateurish lunch room battle rap approach to rapping is endearing at first, but quickly becomes the records biggest flaw. Evil Key will often go off on tangent-like flows, such as on “FYPM,” that only serve the purpose of flexing his ability to rap fast rather than add an appealing sonic element to the songs. This tactic comes across awkward and can kill the mood of the multitude of somber and reflective songs on the album. With the beat being as subdued and laid back as they are, this hyper-aggressive approach to rap does not mesh well. On songs like “Hear it Still,” Evil Key is able to find a much more measured flow that shows he is capable of a more relaxed approach.

    Evil Key

    While The Host’s core concept is vague and hard to follow, the basic themes of depression, reinvention and paranoia are easy to identify with and ring throughout each track. As a whole, the album is a cohesive experience with each track sonically and lyrically meshing well together. The general mood of the album is oppressively gloomy and with pockets of light such as on songs like “The Host.” Each track being as versatile as they are adds to the engaging seamless listening sequence.

    The overwhelming highlight of The Host is Evil Key’s impressive lyrical ability; Evil Key is able to create incredibly verbose bars seemingly effortlessly. Creating impressive rhyme schemes such as on songs like “Usurper.” Evil Key offers an endless stream of impressive rhymes that refuse to let up at any point throughout the album. While the nonstop rhymes are undoubtedly impressive, just like with the aggressive flows, they often act directly against some of the more subdued moments on the albums such as “Good Morning.”

    Overall, The Host is an ambitious sophomore effort from Evil Key. An array of diverse beats do wonders in crafting the album’s depressing mood, some even being produced by Evil Key himself. Lyrically, Evil Key proves he is a force to be reckoned with on the mic, dropping one clever and emotional bar after another. What sets Evil Key apart from his obvious influences is his ability to craft unique and focused song concepts along with his dictionary-like lyrical arsenal. Even if Evil Key’s flows set the mood of certain songs off-kilter, what this album shows more that anything is serious potential in the budding artist.

    The Host is available for purchase physically on CD and Bandcamp as well as streaming on all platforms.

    Key Tracks: The Host, No Exorcism, Hear it Still

  • Flashback: DMX Wins Back a Restless Club Crowd, Jan. 25, 2018

    On January 25, 2018, Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, played BB King Blues Club in NYC shortly before the venue permanently closed its doors. Despite his late arrival, DMX managed to put on a great show and win back the restless crowd that waited hours for him to arrive.

    DMX

    The crowd went crazy when he finally came out, but many were skeptical if he was going to be able to perform due to his recent issues with substance abuse. DMX proved everyone wrong who doubted him as he started his set with the hard hitting “We Right Here.” He sounded like he did in ’98, the year his first album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot came out. 

    He went on to perform more classics like “Who We Be,” “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” “Where the Hood At,” “Get At Me Dog,” “Party Up” and “Slippin.” Throughout the night he cracked jokes and showed his appreciation to the crowd. He ended the show like he always does, with a prayer. 

    The hour long set left fans wanting more. Hopefully there will be new music from DMX in the future for the club. B.B. King Blues Club NYC closed it doors for the final time after 18 years on April 29, 2018. So far the venue has not announced any plans to reopen. 

    • DMX
    • DMX
    • DMX
    • DMX
    • DMX

  • Flashback: Jay-Z Brings Magna Carter Tour To Nassau Coliseum

    On Sunday, January 19, 2014, Jay-Z played a sold out show at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island during his Magna Carter world tour. “The last time I was in this building I brought Michael Jackson to the stage,” he said.  “I know that show will be a hard one to top, but we’re going to try tonight.”  Jay looked at home while he took the audience on a 27 song journey of his musical career, covering almost all of his studio 12 albums. He also had a four piece band which included DJ/producer Timbaland. 

    The Magna Carter tour was Jay-Z’s first headlining tour in almost four years. Initially Jay was supposed to go on tour with Justin Timberlake in support of Timberlake’s come back to music and new album The 20/20 Experience. However, on July 24, 2013 Jay-Z released his twelfth studio album Magna Carter Holy Grail and on July 26, 2013 the tour was announced. The tour started in Europe, but due to its overwhelming success, a second leg of the tour was announced on September 13, 2013 to take place in North America. Based on Pollstar reports, the tour earned $48.9 million from 52 shows from 2013 to 2014.  

    Jay-Z – Magna Carter Tour
    Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, Long Island – January 19, 2014

    Setlist: You Don’t Know, Crown, On to the Next One, Holy Grail, Fuckwithmeyouknowigotit, Beach is Better, 99 Problems, Picasso Baby, Can I Live, No Church in the Wild, Somewhere in America, Big Pimpin’, Timbaland Interlude, Can I Get A Nigga What, Nigga Who, Dirt Off Your Shoulder, I Just Wanna Love You, Niggas in Paris, Tom Ford, Public Service Announcement, Clique, Run This Town.

    Encore: Who Gon Stop Me, Empire State of Mind, Izzo, Hard Knock Life, Young Forever.

  • Duke Bootee, Pioneer, Musician and Co-Writer of ‘The Message,’ Passes Away

    Hip Hop Legend, Edward Fletcher, known professionally as, Duke Bootee, has passed away from what has been described as “congestive heart failure.” The New Jersey native is recognized for helping pioneer consciousness and social-political messages within hip hop music, with his most famous credit being the composer of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s groundbreaking record, “The Message.”

    Duke bootee

    The year was 1982 and Fletcher – a band member for Sugar Hill Records house band – had written and produced the track that would go on to revolutionize the hip hop genre. At the time, rap music was composed of mostly party tracks, mainly anthemic records. The record known as “The Message,” was original titled “The Jungle” by Duke Bootee and a demo presented to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, who were not ecstatic about recording the song. They felt it was too serious, wanting to mimic the sound of Sugar Hill Gang’s party song, “Rapper’s Delight.” Melle Mel was eventually convinced to record the song by label executive, Sylvia Robinson. “The Message” went on to become a turning point in rap music.

    The 1980’s were a time of great turbulence within Black communities as this singular effort and its subsequent popularity was the gateway to other rappers exploring the struggles of their neighborhoods through their music. 

    “The neighborhood I was living in, the things I saw — it was like a jungle sometimes in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Even though we lived in a nice area, I’d sit in the living room and watch things happening across the street in the park. The lyrics were sort of cinematic: I tried to hold a message up to society,” Fletcher revealed to The Guardian in 2013.

    The record’s themes of poverty, social and economic problems and overall inner-city struggle was a turning point in rap music. It legitimized the genre when it was thought of as a fad by skeptics.

    Duke Bootee

    Rolling Stone ranked “The Message” #51 on its list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and in 2012 it was named the number one song in hip-hop history. 

    After recording a singular album and starting up a label, Fletcher spent his waning years away from the music industry. He spent time teaching and being with his family. He was 69 years old. 

  • Fyütch Celebrates Historical Black Women in His New Single

    Bronx rapper, Fyütch, released a new song, “Black Women in History,” highlighting the strengths of powerful Black women on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

    Fyütch
    photo from Fyütch.com

    Fyütch is a social justice musician who uses hip-hop and visual storytelling to educate upcoming generations. He directs music and poetry workshops for K-12 students, college students and corporations. He makes music with the intent of spreading positivity through messages about fatherhood, spirituality and love.

    His distant relative, Fannie Lou Hamer, and other overlooked Black women inspired the song. The lack of representation for Black women in history was apparent when he was growing up. He only recalled learning about Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. Fyütch felt compelled to tell their stories and in order to honor their accomplishments; he made “Black Women in History”.

    It acknowledges Black women who have made history in the past and who are currently making history in the present. It began with Civil Rights Leader, Fannie Lou Hamer, who helped Black people register to vote despite voter suppression. He mentions more Black women who have fought against voter suppression such as J Frankie Pierce who also made a school for Black girls in the 1920s; and currently, Stacey Abrams and Felicia Davis. Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, and Kamala Harris, the first woman to be elected Vice President of the United States were noted for making history as political figures. 

    The song reveals Claudette Colvin, who was 15-years-old when she refused to give up her seat on the bus, and Ida B Wells who refused to give up her seat years before Rosa Parks. Fyütch also commemorates Black women who have made history in the medical field such as Rebecca Crumpler, who is the first Black woman to get a medical degree along with Jane Hinton and Alfreda Webb, who were the first Black veterinarians. The last impactful Black woman named in the song is Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett who recently helped create the COVID-19 vaccine. 

    The song doesn’t only recognize Black women in history, it features two Black women musicians. Rissi Palmer and Cheri Moon, from the children’s music band Snooknuk, collaborated with Fyütch to bring the song to life. Palmer made history as the first Black woman in 20 years to reach the Billboard country charts. Her radio show on Apple Music called Color Me Country, honors the contributions of BIPOC country singers. Cheri Moon focuses on raising social awareness for children through family music and has collaborated with Missy Elliot and Timbaland.

    “Black Women in History” gives thanks and gratitude to Black women that have made an impact, by standing up for what they believe in and for being the firsts, despite the struggles they have gone through.

Built in Breakdance