NYS Music 202​2

Author: Alain Clerine

  • New Notorious B.I.G. Interactive Statue in Brooklyn Pays Tribute to the Hip Hop Great

    The Notorious B.I.G.’s larger than life aura is being commemorated with an alluring statue of the hip hop legend. A nine-foot tall interactive build of the fabled rapper aptly tittled, “Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings,” has been erected in Clumber Corner Park in DUMBO. The statue features Biggie in his trademark Coogi sweater and crown as he gazes down at the city.

    Notorious B.I.G.’s presence lives on through this new interactive sculpture

    The rock hall of fame inductee was born in BedStuy and is synonymous with the borough of Brooklyn. In turn, some of his lyrics have since taken life on their own and now serve as the borough’s mantra. The bronze, stainless steel sculpture includes speakers that play some of The Notorious B.I.G’s greatest hits. 

    The Notorious B.I.G. Sculpture up Close

    The sustainable and interactive statue is carefully curated with Bronze, Resin, Stainless Steel, Winterstone, and Wood with a a built in audio system powered by a solar energy. statue plays music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Funded by the Downtown Brooklyn and DUMBO Public Art Fund, the statue was designed by NYC artist Sherwin Banfield — who cites Biggie as one of his early inspirations — for hip hop’s 50th anniversary in 2023. Henceforth, the statue will remain in place until October of 2023.

    One of his most famous positive lyrics is ‘Stay far from timid, only make moves when your heart’s in it, and live the phrase ‘the sky’s the limit’… he’s offering you his microphone, which is his throne, which is what helped him become the king of New York.I wanted to show that yes, you can be tough, but you can also show love, or spread love as he would say.

    – Designer, Sherwin Banfield
    NYC based artist, Sherwin Banfield, stands next to his 9-foot incarnation of the Notorious B.I.G.

    Moreover, a celebration of the Notorious B.I.G. life in the form of “Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings” is a fitting way to commemorate one of hip hop’s greatest stars. A diverse individual, the sculpture challenges the traditions of western public sculptures. The larger than life figure represents Biggie’s African American artistry, lineage, and evolution as the “King of New York.” The crowned bust is traditionally sculpted, sitting atop an angular steel frame and supported by panels that highlight Wallace’s achievements. This reflective sculpture invites the viewer to experience the larger-than-life artistry of B.I.G.’s contributions to Brooklyn and Hip-Hop culture.

    Photo gallery by Chris De Cotis

  • SZA Announces First Arena Tour, Madison Square Garden Stop Set for March

    Superstar R&B songstress, SZA, will be embarking on her first nationwide arena tour — The S.O.S. North American Tour — in promotion of her number 1 selling album, SOS.

    The SOS Tour will see SZA perform at arenas nationwide.

    Produced by Live Nation, the exclusive 17-city tour kicks-off on February 21 at Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH, and includes a stop at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Along with special guest Omar Apollo, the tour will see SZA make stops in visit Chicago, Toronto, Atlanta, Seattle, Vancouver and more before wrapping up in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum. This tour marks the first time the Grammy-winning singer is playing venues of this size while debuting her critically-acclaimed album live to fans. 

    SZA’s Rise

    All in all, SZA has been an industry mainstay for nearly a decade. Her 2014 EP, Z, put her on the map with records like “Child’s Play” and “Babylon.” But, 2017 would see her reach mainstream stardom with the release of CTRL. SZA’s debut recording earned her widespread recognition, including four Grammy nomination and a spot on Rolling Stone‘s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.

    Embed from Getty Images

    SZA has continued to garner recognition since the release of Ctrl. Despite her hiatus from solo work, she received a 2022 Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Kiss Me More” with Doja Cat. She also won Billboard Music Awards’ Top R&B Female Artist, BET Awards’ Best New Artist, BET Soul Train Awards’ Best R&B/Soul Female Artist and Best New Artist, MTV Video Music Awards’ Best Visual Effects for the “All The Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, and NAACP Image Awards’ Outstanding New Artist. In 2019, she won NAACP Image Awards’ Outstanding Duo or Group for “All The Stars” with Kendrick Lamar and Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation for the Black Panther Soundtrack. SZA also received Billboard’s 2019 Women in Music Rule Breaker award.

    What to Expect From the SOS Tour

    Although a now decorated recording artist, SZA’s greatest achievement is her longstanding relationship with her fans. Not many artists can not release an album for five years and debut at number 1 on the Billboard charts. A talented artist, SZA’s vulnerability on her records leaves a lasting impact on listeners. Topics revolving around love, desires and insecurities have made her this era’s go-to R&B songstress. The addition of Grammy-nominated artist, Omar Apollo, should make for an impassioned set of performances. With about 300K in first-week sales, fans were eager for SZA’s sophomore effort and should be even more restless to see it live.

    Tickets can be purchased on the SOS Tour official website.

    THE S.O.S NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: 

    Tue Feb 21 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

    Wed Feb 22 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Fri Feb 24 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

    Sat Feb 25 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

    Mon Feb 27 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

    Tue Feb 28 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

    Thu Mar 02 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

    Sat Mar 04 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    Tue Mar 07 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

    Thu Mar 09 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

    Fri Mar 10 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

    Mon Mar 13 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena

    Tue Mar 14 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

    Thu Mar 16 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    Sat Mar 18 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

    Sun Mar 19 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

    Wed Mar 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

  • Key Glock Announces Glockoma Tour With Performance in Queens’ Knockdown Center

    One of the brightest stars in the Southern hip-hop scene, Key Glock, has announced a U.S. tour this upcoming spring. Presented by SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation and produced by Live Nation, Key Glock brings his “Glockoma” tour across the nation. The 31-date run kicks-off on March 5 at Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy, and includes a stop at the Knockdown Center in Queens, NY, on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

    With support from fellow Memphis native Big Scarr, the “Russian Cream” rapper will be performing songs from his catalog, including PRE5L, the 5-song EP he released in November. Key Glock’s last solo headlining tour, “YellowTape 2022,” sold over 35,000 tickets across intimate venues. However, his upcoming tour promises even more hits. Since bursting onto the scene, the “Look at They Face” rapper has maintained an upward trajectory. With the addition of XXL Freshman and Gucci Mane signee Big Scarr, expect two of Memphis’ best to put on.

    One of the leading faces of Memphis rap, Key Glock is signed to the late Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire. The 25-year-old rapper stays true to his roots with an emphatic midtempo flow, trunk-rattling trap beats and plenty of horns

    Embed from Getty Images

    Glock burst onto the scene with his PRE debut, Glock Season, in 2017, from which the single “On My Soul” has nearly 8 million views on YouTube. Additionally, 2018’s Glock Bond spurned the hit “Russian Cream” which sits at 16 million views. Since then, he has continued his meteoric rise with 4 solo mixtapes and Dum and Dummer, a collaborative effort with Young Dolph.

    2020’s Yellow Tape took him to a new level, peaking at #8 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts and #14 on the Billboard 200. March 2021’s Dum & Dummer 2 with Young Dolph debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 and generated nearly 36k sales equivalent units across platforms and scored the fifth-biggest streaming debut on Spotify during its first week of release. October 2021’s Yellow Tape 2 debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Independents Charts. Currently boasting over 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Key Glock is breaking into the mainstream as we speak.

    Tickets go on sale Friday, December 9 at 10 a.m. at keyglock.com

    GLOCKOMA 2023 TOUR DATES

    Sun Mar 05 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

    Thu Mar 09 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues

    Fri Mar 10 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte

    Sat Mar 11 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz

    Sun Mar 12 – Greensboro, NC — Piedmont Hall

    Wed Mar 15 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia

    Thu Mar 16 – Washington, DC – Echostage

    Sat Mar 18 – Queens, NY – The Knockdown Center

    Sun Mar 19 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live

    Wed Mar 22 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center

    Thu Mar 23 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues

    Fri Mar 24 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom

    Sat Mar 25 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre

    Sun Mar 26 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall

    Wed Mar 29 – Chicago, IL – Radius

    Thu Mar 30 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater

    Fri Mar 31 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis

    Sun Apr 02 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium

    Tue Apr 04 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    Thu Apr 06 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo

    Sat Apr 08 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

    Tue Apr 11 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

    Fri Apr 14 – San Diego, CA – SOMA

    Sat Apr 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

    Sun Apr 16 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

    Fri Apr 21 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theater

    Sat Apr 22 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

    Sun Apr 23 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

    Wed Apr 26 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans

    Thu Apr 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company

    Fri Apr 28 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works

  • Latin Band Bacilos Announces ‘Back In The USA ’23’ Tour, Irving Plaza Date Set for May

    The hit Latin band, Bacilos, featuring Jorge Villamizar and André Lopes, have announced their first tour in the United States since 2004. Produced by Live Nation, the nine-city — Back in the USA ‘23 — tour kicks-off on April 27, 2023 at North Beach Bandshell in Miami, FL, and will make stops in Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, Boston and New York‘s own Irving Plaza on May 12, before wrapping up in Chicago, IL at House of Blues on May 14.

    Bacilos’ first tour in the U.S. in 19 years will make a stop at Irving Plaza in New York City on Friday, May 12, 2023.

    When curating their set the duo decided to give an exciting spin to their classic records while bringing sensational new material into their performance. In addition to Villamizar and Lopes, Bacilos will be accompanied by their high-caliber band. Moreover, having performed across Latin America to huge crowds with immense success, Bacilos’ show is representative of their vibrancy and impact-fulness as critical trendsetters in modern Latin Pop music. 

    This past year, Bacilos released new classic songs and collaborations with Latin America’s most outstanding young artists. Their music has reached around 22 million people around the globe, reaching up to 180 countries. In addition, with more than 1 million creations, Caraluna — the tittle of their Latin Grammy winning album and single — became a Worldwide trend when the community accomplished a very successful TikTok movement with new choreography.

    BACILOS BACK IN THE USA ‘23 TOUR DATES: 

    Thursday, April 27, 2023 – Miami – Miami Beach Bandshell

    Friday, April 28, 2023 – Orlando — House of Blues

    Sunday, April 30, 2023 – Atlanta – Buckhead Theatre

    Thursday, May 4, 2023 – Houston – House of Blues

    Saturday, May 6, 2023 – Austin – Emo’s

    Sunday, May 7, 2023 – Dallas – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall

    Wednesday, May 10, 2023 – Boston – Paradise Rock Club

    Friday, May 12, 2023 – New York – Irving Plaza

    Sunday, May 14, 2023 – Chicago – House of Blues

    Tickets for Bacilos go on sale starting on Friday, December 9 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.

  • A Boogie Releases Fourth Studio Album ‘Me vs Myself’

    A Boogie wit da Hoodie is back with his fourth studio album, Me vs. Myself. The Bronx native’s newest project comes almost two-years after his last studio album, the platinum selling Artist 2.0, and nearly a year to the day of his 2021 EP, B4 AVA.

    A Boogie

    Correspondingly, Me vs. Myself arrives after being pushed back from its original November 4 release date to avoid competing for sales with Drake and 21 Savages, Her Loss.

    In an instagram story post, A Boogie announced the album’s delay. Posting, “Sorry but Album dropping in December now, Drake was dropping same day and I’m not with that #HOODIESZN,” he wrote with a series of laughing emojis.

    The 21-track project features heavy hitters from the hip hop and r&b world. Having recruited the likes of Lil Durk, Tory Lanez, G-Herbo, Roddy Ricch and Don Q. Additionally, the previously released single “Playa” with H.E.R. is included as a bonus track. In the same fashion, his Kodak Black collab “Water (Drowning Pt.2)” was released as a single. A sequel to his 2017 smash hit “Drowning,” A Boogie will look to replicate the success of the record which spent nearly 30 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and went 7X platinum.

    Me vs. Myself is an important project for A Boogie’s current status in the game. While he remains one of the most streamed artists in the world, his reputation for delivering good albums has waned. With the emergence of the drill scene, A Boogie must remind fans that he remains a heavy hitter.

    In an interview with Hip Hop Dx, the “Still Think About You” rapper revealed his goals for his upcoming drops.

    “I’m definitely one of those top guys now,” A Boogie assured.

    I’m not where I want to be yet, but you already know what I’m going for. Number one, and we’re not settling for anything less. I used to settle for less because I never had that goal to look all the way up there, but now that we looking up there, it’s looking scary for a lot of people.

    – A Boogie wit da Hoodie

  • Rock The Bells Announces First-Ever Timeless Hip Hop Cruise

    LL Cool J founded media platform, Rock The Bells, have announced their latest venture, “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” in partnership with Sixthman. The hip hop culture platform will team with the industry leading theme cruise charter company to offer fans of hip hop a new way to experience their favorite era of hip hop and immerse themselves in the mystique of the genre’s golden era.

    Rock The Bells began as music festival in Queens and will now be going abroad

    What is Rock The Bells?

    With this intention, the brand is bringing its annual Rock The Bells Festival – a day-long celebration of hip hop curated by founder LL Cool J in his hometown of Queens, NY. Setting sail from Miami to the Bahamas from November 13 – November 17, 2023, the cruise will feature live performances by iconic artists. Not to mention, “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” is the first of its kind, offering an all-inclusive four-day, four-night Hip-Hop experience aboard the Norwegian Pearl. The cruise is one of many announcements the company has planned to honor and celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary and salute its icons. 

    The Norwegian Pearl will play host to “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience.”

    Events

    Thus, the expedition kicks-off with a special “Welcome to Miami” performance by Miami hip hop legends Trick Daddy and Trina on the ship’s pool deck. Attendees that purchase their cabin before January 18, 2023, will be able to hang out with Trick Daddy and Trina at a private cocktail happy hour prior to setting sail. Moreover, guests that purchase before January 18, 2023 can also start a free 3-month subscription to SiriusXM and tune into into LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio on Channel 43 and on the SXM App.

    At Rock The Bells, we believe classic and timeless Hip-Hop deserves to be served on a silver platter and we can’t wait for Hip-Hop lovers across the globe to be immersed in the culture for five days, on five stages. We’re excited to partner with Sixthman, who bridges the gap between artists and fans, creating unforgettable guest experiences.

    – Rock The Bell’s President James Cuthbert

    The full cruise lineup will be announced at the top of the new year, but attendees can expect dozens of performances and intimate experiences from some of Hip-Hop’s classic MCs, DJs and producers. In effect, Rock The Bells will be taking over every corner of the ship with pool deck parties presented by world renowned DJ Kid Capri. Other fun endeavors will include MC and DJ battles, rap karaoke, interactive graffiti, live podcasts, roller skating, open mic nights, movie screenings, masterclasses, art galleries, custom grillz, tattoos, basketball and The Trill Mealz Food Court. 

    More Information

    Pricing ranges from $1,099 to $5,199. Attendees can book now for themselves or as a gift to others. More detailed information can be found on the Rock The Bells cruise website.

  • Westside Gunn Premieres Music Video for “Peppas”

    Westside Gunn the self-pronounced FlyGod continues to impress with his curation of albums and music videos.

    “Peppas” is the latest video off of Westside Gunn’s new album, 10 and features legendary hip hop duo, Black Star. Getting the seldom featured duo of Yaiin Bey and Talib Kweli on a track is a major coup for Westside. The legendary Brooklyn rhymers have made sure to not oversaturate their sound, going over two decades in-between albums. For the “Peppas” video, Westside bridges the gap between the “hood” and the glamors of the hip hop world. The visual of legendary hip hop figures returning to where it all began, just kicking it on the block adds a down-to-earth feel to the abstract sounding record. A juxtaposition that leans on the fact that most rappers earn their stripes in these communities, thus it’s all one big cycle.

    Visual Breakdown

    The record’s title itself is the name of a popular Jamaican restaurant in Bedford-Stuyvesant, one of Brooklyn’s more renowned neighborhoods. The Conducter Williams produced track features the typical ear catching soul samples that fans have come to expect from a Westside project. Additionally, Kweli, Bey, and their abstract and philosophical rhymes serve as the perfect foil to Westside Gunn’s in your face style.

    Furthermore, each rapper’s verse conveys a similar message in their own way: their view of the world while subsequently letting you know how great they are. Concurrently, they gather with their homies on the block, enjoying the food and mingling with the restaurant staff. The entire record and video plays on the theme of the varying personalities and minds in the hood. Although a group of black males hanging around the block may be stylized as one, there are various personalities, ideologies and general life ethos at play within that group dynamic.

    Best Lyrics

    Matte-black dynamite, blast radials, black radio
    Core capability, flaco facility
    Fly guy, do or die, Bed-Stuy energy

    – Yasiin Bey
    Embed from Getty Images

    Claimin’ La Costra Nostra, we in love with the coca
    They hit niggas with the R.I.C.O., white people put it in cola
    For generational wealth, they standin’ on they ancestor’s shoulders
    After burnin’ down Tulsa, Oklahoma

    – Talib Kweli
    Embed from Getty Images

    My favorite fiend went to rehab
    Two weeks later, he was back a addict again
    He was three dollars short, had to drag him from the Benz wagon again

    – Westside Gunn

    Lastly, FlyGod.

    Embed from Getty Images

  • Bobby Shmurda and NBA Youngboy Ignite Latest Social Media Beef

    Hip hop’s never ending machismo contest has reared its ugly head again. This time it involves two rappers whose words (or actions) could lead to serious legal complications. This latest brouhaha began with a Rowdy Rebel appearance on Math Hoffa’s  My Expert Opinion podcast.

    At around the four-minute mark of the clip, Rowdy begins to explain the reasoning behind some of the senseless violence in the streets. As he made his point, the “Computers” rapper used King Von’s late 2020 death at the hands of NBA Youngboy associate, Lul Tim as an example.

    His mind, off the rip, went to kill. How you went to kill? How much hate you have already to kill this man?” Rowdy continued. “Was it the drugs? You had the upper hand but just clear the seen and said, ‘Yo chill.’ You had the upper hand and could have just been like, ‘Yo, back your n***as up and get your dawg outta here.’ But you already chose the murder route.

    – Rowdy Rebel on Math Hoffa’s podcast

    In similar vain, Rowdy Rebel’s GS9 cohort, Bobby Shmurda, took to Instagram to share his thoughts on people who take credit for what their friends have done, since King Von’s death has been a major point of verbal warfare. Bobby’s rant began a long social media back-and-forth between the rappers.

    NBA Youngboy VS Bobby Shmurda

    In turn, NBA Youngboy took offense to Bobby Shmurda’s words and posted his own response on Instagram.

    Replying, “Ok mr ‘von shmurda’ you better stop the vilence boy!”

    “I thought you was a fan [laughing emoji] & don’t lie. Go make a hit. I just want to be friends.”

    Bobby Shmurda and NBA Youngboy
    Via NBA Youngboy’s Instagram story

    The “Make No Sense” rapper then provided another retort that read, “Well talking violent,” Youngboy wrote. “Help me keep the peace or just stay far away slave.”

    Bobby Shmurda and NBA Youngboy

    Youngboy continued his verbal attacks, posting another video message on Instagram addressing his New York counterparts.

    Including a sarcastic shot at the “Hot N***a” rapper, claiming that their social media interaction would only help Bobby’s views go up.

    Bobby Shmurda countered with with an Instagram live session and tried to get NBA Youngboy to join to they could have a “face-to-face” conversation. WIth his efforts for naught, he then started going off on a tangent, saying he doesn’t do “this Internet sh*t,” but that NBA Youngboy got what he wanted. He then countered Youngboy’s assertion that he needs a rub from the Louisiana rapper, going on to claim that he makes $100,000 a week and is “2-and-0 on the year” while being on parole.

    Bobby Shmurda continued with several more Instagram videos in which he accused Youngboy of being an “industry slave” and that all the streaming numbers (Which NBA Youngboy is known for) are fake. Before declaring that he will “boom” all the people speaking on his name.

    “Resolution”

    NBA Youngboy laughed off Bobby’s threatening remarks, YoungBoy then responded to Bobby‘s “boom” statements by laughing it off. He went on to say he has security and isn’t worried about anything. “I’m gonna stay out yo’ way, and hope you don’t get too close,” he said.

    Their exchange continued with another retort from Shmurda, walking back his initial threatening statement. He said his parole officer had been calling him and that he doesn’t want any problems with anyone due to him being on parole. The “Hot N***a” rapper added that he felt like this entire back-and-forth with YoungBoy might be a plot to put him back in jail.

    NBA Youngboy then shared a screenshot of a personal DM between him and Shmurda in which he claims he blocked the Brooklyn native.

    After that, Bobby posted a photo on his Instagram feed of the DMs that YB had shared, calling him the “feds” in the caption.

    “Nah you da feds how dis get outtt I don’t wanna hear nothing else I’m sorry to all the gangster entertaining this I apologize please I don’t want no beef with nobody,” he wrote.

    The duo then went ahead and shared several more thinly vailed Instagram messages aimed at each other before moving on. With hip hop culture becoming increasingly more violent, rappers are getting into disputes over the slightest of shots. While the two artists settled their differences by laughing off each other’s remarks, they are both paroled felons, and are putting their own freedom at risk by sending each other violent threats.

    Criminal History

    NBA YoungBoy is currently under 24-hour house arrest in Utah, while awaiting trial in Baton Rouge on weapons charges. Meanwhile, Bobby Shmurda was released from prison last year after serving 6 years on charges of drug and gun possession, reckless endangerment and conspiracy to commit murder.

    It would be in both rappers best interest to no longer involve themselves in rap beef.

  • Josh X Rings In ‘Cuffing Season’ With ‘Forever Love’

    Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter and producer, Josh X, brings in winter season with his heartwarming new single “Forever Love.” The snappy, swooping single sees Josh X affirm his feelings of “forever love” in passionate croons. The catchy chorus and bridge confidently shows the singer-songwriter’s evolution as an R&B artist, able to capture the heart in quick wails. Moreover, “Forever Love” gives fans a glimpse of what they may expect on his anticipated forthcoming album, The X Project, expected in early 2023.

    I wanted to release “Forever Love” because when it’s cold outside it’s time to cuddle. With everything that’s going on in the world, love is hard to find, and I want people to fight for love when they find it.

    -Josh X

    The Rise of Josh X

    The the KSR Records signee and producer has seen his career ascend since his breakthrough in 2016 with the release of his multi-million streaming hit, “Heaven on My Mind,” featuring Cardi B. All in all, Josh X has been prepping for his time in the limelight since childhood. The Queens native began playing the classical piano at the age of six and attended The Juilliard School’s summer program after receiving a scholarship from the prestigious musical institution. Inspired by music legends Stevie Wonder and Brian McKnight, Josh X’s music is brimming with themes of love and forgiveness, something he shares with his idols.

    Prior to stepping in front of the mic, he served as a writer and producer, working with upper echelon artists such as Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz, Cardi B, Nipsy Hussle and Lil Wayne. After signing with Epic Record in 2018, Josh X released his single “All on Me” featuring Rick Ross. The ensuing music video has since been viewed over 5 million times.

    Moreover, the Haitian-American singer and producer released the street smash, “Eskize Mwen” in 2020, featuring Haitian superstar, BAKY. The record showcased his diversity and the music video saw Josh X once again eclipse the 1 million views benchmark. During the pandemic, he picked up the role of Derrick in the Amazon Prime series, Sister’s Keeper.  Although bitten by the acting bug, Josh X has not forgotten about his forever love.

  • Maná Announes México Lindo Y Querido Tour to Continue in the U.S. With Stop at Belmont Park

    Following their record-breaking Los Angeles arena residency and their Latin America stadium run, Maná has announced the 2023 leg of their México Lindo Y Querido tour featuring 19 shows across the United States.

    The U.S. leg of the tour kicks off with two more dates of Mana’s current L.A. residency at the Kia Forum on February 10 and 11 and continues with stops in Phoenix, Houston, Miami, Chicago, including a stop at UBS Arena at Belmont Park, in Elmont, NY, on Saturday, April 22, before wrapping in Sacramento, CA, at Golden 1 Center on September 23. Tickets go on sale starting on Friday, November 18 at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster.

    Maná’s Mexico Lindo Y Querido complete tour dates

    Mexico Lindo Y Querido

    México Lindo y Querido kicked-off on June 10 in Tijuana, México. With Maná performing multiple nights in Medellin, Bogota, Puerto Rico and México. The tour is a timeless celebration of their love and admiration for Mexico and the multigenerational Latino community. The five-city México run brought the band to sold-out stadiums with over 150,000 fans. Moreover, that total includes 60,000 ecstatic fans at the prestigious Foro Sol stadium in Mexico City. In order to kick-off the announcement of their U.S. leg, MANÁ will host a launch party at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Beach, featuring a special live performance from the band. Moreover, Mexico Lindo Y Querido is a part of a three-decade run that has seen Maná amass a diverse audience of fans of all ages that continue to celebrate their music around the globe.

    The México Lindo y Querido U.S. run comes on the heels of Maná’s record-breaking residency with 12 sold-out shows and 165,000 tickets sold to date.

    Get ready, we’re coming with a brand new production and all our hits. We’re excited to be back on the road and see all our fans in the US. This isn’t just a concert tour, it’s a celebration of life.

    – Maná

    Considered one of the most influential Latin rock band in the world, Maná has transcended generations with their music. Maná — meaning positive energy in Polynesian — began in 1986 when four friends from Guadalajara came together and fused rock sounds with Latin and Caribbean rhythms. The group includes Fher Olvera as vocalist, guitarist and main composer, Alex González on drums, Sergio Vallín on lead guitar, and Juan Diego Calleros on bass.

    Maná is one of the most decorated latin groups ever

    Furthermore, the group has amassed 133 Certified Gold Albums, 256 Certified Platinum albums, 4 Grammy Awards, 9 Latin Grammys, 26 Billboard Latin Music Awards, 15 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards, and honors such as the 2018 Latin Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award & 2018 Latin Grammy Person of the Year Award and more recently the 2021 ICONO LATIN BILLBOARD Award.

    Their current collaboration project, which began in 2019, revisits some of their greatest songs, accompanied by renowned and diverse artists.