NYS Music 202​2

Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • 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

  • 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

  • Lizzo sings “Someday at Christmas,” Austin Butler serenades with “Blue Christmas” as Cecily Strong bids Saturday Night Live farewell

    The Christmas episode of Saturday Night Live brought together Elvis (Austin Butler) and Lizzo for a remarkable show that saw long-time cast member Cecily Strong bidding the late-night institution farewell. Lizzo filled in for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who were originally scheduled to perform, but had to back out due to illness.

    lizzo saturday night live austin butler

    The cold open was a send up of an NFT scam put forth by the 45th president this past week, played much more comically than Alec Baldwin by James Austin Johnson.

    Butler’s monologue recalled that the 2021 Christmas episode was mostly cast-free due to surging COVID infection rates. Butler spoke about growing up in Anaheim, CA, being home schooled by his mom, alongside his sister (who he wished a happy birthday to in the balcony). Talking about how his mother helped him break out of his shell of shyness, and how they watched Saturday Night Live together, Butler teared up in paying tribute to her memory and credited his acting career to her. Austin Butler made his Broadway debut in the 2018 revival of The Iceman Cometh and received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Elvis.

    Sketches including a rip-off of Wheel of Fortune “The Phrase That Pays” was a deeply weird SNL game show concept, as was the the It’s a Wonderful Life spoof “A Christmas Epiphany,” where the viewpoint of an ideal family inside a house being observed by a voyeur was a fresh twist on the holiday classic.

    On the rise featured player Sarah Sherman made a stand out appearance as Jewish Elvis, with Austin Butler in the front row in drag as one of the old women who get overly-stimulated by the Semetic singer.

    Lizzo, who hosted in April, performed her first song “Break Up Twice” with a setting paying homage to artist Annie Lee’s Blue Monday. Lizzo, in white negligee, is seen sitting on the edge of the bed, having just woken up, exhausted but ready to press ahead with the day. Then, belting out the seventh track on her 2022 release Special, Lizzo stepped forward to reveal the full band, singing about a man who left her in tears but whom she does not want to leave, referencing her relationship with Myke Wright.

    “Break Up Twice” had Lizzo singing direct to the camera and lit in white while the band was lit in blue, with notable samples of “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill and Judy Clay and William Bell’s “Private Number” found throughout.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnvPKUUueFc&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJ4H8PK-BjG8jwVyBVEzZuO&index=7

    Weekend Update saw the final appearance for Cecily Strong’s desheveled Cathy Anne, who joked about having to go to prison. Making slightly-cringe conversation with Michael Che, Cathy Anne switched back to Cecily Strong, breaking character to say, “I had a lot of fun here and I feel really lucky that I got to have so many of the best moments of my life in this place with these people that I love so much.”

    Lizzo’s second performance found her covering Stevie Wonder’s 1967 holiday classic “Someday at Christmas,” dressed in a half silver, half gold angel dress, wrapped up like a shiny gift. The track is among those featured on Amazon Music, with musicians offering classic covers of Christmas songs. Lizzo said of the song “I chose to cover ‘Someday At Christmas’ not just because it’s a classic, but because it’s a reminder to us that almost 60 years later, we are still fighting for peace, compassion, and equality, a friendly reminder to spread love and kindness this holiday season.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJjTRUCfZ7c&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJ4H8PK-BjG8jwVyBVEzZuO&index=10

    For the finale, Kenan Thompson (as Frank Lasagna) introduced Cecily on her last day working at Radio Shack, noting her 11 year run and giving a heartfelt ode to her longevity on the show, fitting, coming from the show’s longest running cast member.

    Butler then appeared as “Casual Elvis” to serenade Strong with Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” as Strong smiled and choked up, with Thompson’s final lyrics altered to “You’ll be doing alright, every saturday night” for the finale, as the cast joined in on stage for the end of the tribute.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvTmjdhBRVs&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJ4H8PK-BjG8jwVyBVEzZuO&index=17

    Saturday Night Live returns in January 2023.

  • Legacy Dumbo Hosts A Boogie wit da Hoodie For a Fan Meet-up

    On Wednesday, December 14th, Legacy Dumbo hosted Bronx Rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie for a fan meet and greet. Fans were admitted into the event only after purchasing A Boogie’s new album Me VS Myself on CD and waiting in the line of over 600 fans. The wait was a small price to pay for meeting a 23-time platinum artist. During the event, A Boogie was singing along to the music, dancing, and posing for pictures with every fan that entered the room.

    legacy dumbo A Boogie
    A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil

    A Boogie has one more stop on his record store tour at DBS Sounds in Atlanta. In February, the Bronx Rapper will start his two-month world tour, where on March 4th, he will stop at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to perform for his home city of New York.

    Legacy Dumbo is no stranger to hosting top-tier celebrities like A Boogie. Just last week, they had producer Metro Boomin in the shop signing autographs for fans. Aside from being a celebrity hotspot, Legacy Records is a mellow place to shop for new and old records and, overall, have a great time. The store has multiple record players to test the product and a couch area to hang out and enjoy the music. It is always a good time at Legacy Dumbo.

    legacy dumbo A Boogie
    Fans Waiting To Meet A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil
    A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil
    A Boogie wit da Hoodie with fan, Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil
    A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil
    A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil


  • 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.

  • East goes West: An Unforgettable Day 2 at WonderFront Music and Arts Festival 2022

    On Saturday November 19, WonderFront Music and Arts Festival 2022 continued on for an unforgettable Day 2. Since the last festival in 2019, WonderFront has made a comeback with headliners Kings of Leon, G-Eazy, Lauren Daigle and Swae Lee, all making headway to restore the annual festival within Seaport Village along the pier in downtown San Diego. 

    Kings Of Leon – WonderFront Music and Arts Festival 2022 Perri Sage Photography

    Starting the day with Fitz and The Tantrums at the Events.com main stages, the show-goers belted the lyrics to fan favorite “Out of my League” which was a huge milestone in the band’s early career. Saturday’s afternoon sun became the perfect natural spotlight for the indie pop rock band founded in 2008 by lead vocalist Michael Fitzpatrick when they released their first hit single “Breakin’ The Chains of Love” in 2009.

    Noelle Scaggs
    Michael Fitzpatrick

    The festival moved towards transpiring viral success Tai Verdes, known for his pop and indie inspired music. Tai grew to fame during the pandemic in 2020 for his hit single “Stuck in The Middle,” which successively sprung him into a well-deserved music career. The crowd grew full as Tai was engaging with fans with an urge to hurl over the pit’s rail guard, as Verdes made it all worth the wait, especially when the performance of hit single “A-O-K” was embraced by a sea of loyal fans.

    wonderfront music festival 2022
    Tai Verdes – WonderFront Music and Arts Festival 2022 Perri Sage Photography

    As the sun started winding down, singer/songwriter Bill Dess took a stand on the stage with his blue electric guitar. Going by the stage name of Two Feet, Bill balances a groove with a heavy tone and edgy electric guitar riffs. Representing the east coast, Bill Dess was born and raised in Manhattan where he began the production of his music career. Dess set the tone for those around as he strung his hit release “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” which reached number 36 on The US Hot Rock Songs Chart.

    Two Feet – WonderFront Music and Arts Festival 2022 Perri Sage Photography

    Leading into one of the top headliners of Saturday’s lineup was the unforgettable Swae Lee performed an impressive and crowd pleasing show. Swae leaped onto stage telling the crowd “I’m gonna make this shit unforgettable for y’all,” leading into featured hit release “Unforgettable” with French Montana. Leaning over the guard rails into the crowd, Swae was standing over the monitors, jumping from stage left to stage right and throwing his shirt into the crowd. Festival goers swung left to right as top hit “Swang” boomed through the bass. He made his appreciation for the fans known, putting on quite a remarkable show.

    wonderfront music festival 2022
    Perri Sage Photography

    Swae Lee has been best known for songs from the album SremmLife from a duo Rae Sremmurd with his brother.. Swae Lee has featured artists on many tracks, such as Jhene Aiko, Post Malone, Traviss Scott and Nicki Minaj. Some of his fan favorites include “Unforgettable,” “Sunflower” and “Sativa” For one of WonderFront’s many headliners, Swae Lee put on an unforgettable show.

    Swae Lee – WonderFront Music and Arts Festival 2022 Perri Sage Photography

    Headliner G-Eazy made an appearance Saturday night, having risen to attention in 2014 when his first major label album These Things Happen hit number 3 on the US BillBoard charts. G-Eazy cherished this show in honor of his fanbase to carry on their support over the years.

    Playing one of Saturday’s concluding shows in San Diego’s all time ocean overlook, Ruocco Park. Echosmith took the stage to honor their last show on the band’s 2022 tour. Lead singer and keyboardist Sydney Sierota held a special place for San Diego, it being her hometown, which made their last show of the year more memorable for the fans and the alternative pop band.

    EchoSmith – WonderFront Music and Arts Festival 2022 Perri Sage Photography


    To conclude an eventful Day 2 of WonderFront Music and Arts Festival. headliner Kings of Leon dropped an outstanding closing performance. The crowd was packed with show goers urging to get upfront for a better view along the marina, where fans filled the venue from front to back. With millions of follower on Spotify, their listeners were ecstatic for their show and appearance to the multi-genre festival. The group, composed of brothers Caleb, Nathan, Jared and their cousin Matthew Followill, performed “Sex on Fire,” “Use Somebody” and “Closer” from Kings’ most iconic album release, Only By The Night.

    wonderfront music festival 2022
    Kings of Leon – WonderFront Music and Arts Festival 2022 Perri Sage Photography

    The wait for the American rock band was worth the wait when the crowd belted each song and roared of applause. The closing on Saturday November 19 set the bar for a remarkable show, raising high hopes for the final day of WonderFront Festival.

    Tai Verdes
    wonderfront music festival 2022
    Swae Lee
    wonderfront music festival 2022
    Sydney Sierota
    Echosmith
    Fitz and The Tantrums
    wonderfront music festival 2022
    Michael Fitzpatrick
    Two Feet
    wonderfront music festival 2022
    G-Eazy
    Kings of Leon

  • In Focus: Black Star at Sony Hall

    On Tuesday, November 15, Black Star took the stage at Sony Hall in Times Square for a once in a lifetime performance, presented by Blue Note Entertainment Group and co-presented by podcast platform Luminary.

    Black Star Sony Hall
    Photo by Dervon S. Dixon

    Black Star is Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey, the internationally recognized icons of rap, activism, and entertainment. This night, they performed songs from their iconic debut Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, as well as their new album No Fear Of Time, which was released after an extended hiatus of nearly 25 years. In addition to the Black Star originals, they both performed hits from their individual catalogs.

    The Sony Hall show followed their SNL debut on Saturday, November 12th, where Black Star performed “So be it.”

    Photos by Dervon S. Dixon