NYS Music 202​2

Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • Kendrick Lamar Takes Over The UBS Arena During The Big Steppers Tour

    Sunday, August 7, will go down in history as a euphoric night for the thousands of fans that saw Kendrick Lamar’s artistry at the UBS Arena. Although, The Big Steppers Tour has gone viral since last month, no one was prepared for the show they were about to experience. 

    Kendrick Lamar
    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    Back in May, Lamar released his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers after five years, and according to his fans it was worth the wait. Therefore, when he announced his tour, it was a no brainer for thousands to see his masterpiece live.

    To describe it as amazing is an understatement, when today a good percentage of mainstream rap music has become an outlet for hit singles and TikTok trends, rather than complete works of art. However, Lamar is far from a one hit wonder, and if anyone was uncertain of his creative skills, his latest album and tour undoubtedly proved otherwise. 

    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    Baby Keem, fellow rapper, who’s album charted at #5 on Billboard 200, performed a few of his hit songs including “Range Brothers” featuring Lamar, along with “16”, before passing the torch onto one of the most legendary rappers of all time. Lamar immediately started out strong leaving the crowd in awe, within the first 10 seconds.

    Not only did Lamar perform songs from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers like “N95”, “Count Me Out”, “Savior” and more, but other selections from his discography as well, including “Money Trees”, “Loyalty”, and” “m.A.A.d city”. 

    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    If anyone could have started August with such a bang, regardless of performing three nights in a row, it would be the one and only Kendrick Lamar. In addition to his iconic artistry seen through his effortless flow, unbelievable lyricism, and unmatched connection with his audience, Lamar along with his team’s choreography was nothing less than stellar. The unification in their dancing, as well as the incomparable acting captivated the audience, making it crystal clear that this was more than just a music show. 

    The hidden messages and subtle references Lamar made were only a fraction of what led this show to be such a dynamic experience. His creativity was otherworldly, as he displayed the arrows in his back, which represents his healing process during his darkest days, of carrying the pain he was not only baring from his own trials and tribulations, but of those he loves as well. Lamar even made being administered a COVID test mid-performance look undeniably astounding. Furthermore, his puppet act, which went perfectly with his choice of clothing that resembled a ventriloquist, gave the audience an essential point of view into the life of Lamar, as if he was looking into his own eyes. His fans could finally fully experience the true emotion of his album right alongside him.

    Ultimately, Kendrick Lamar knew his tour had to make up for his time away from his loyal fans and he of course without question delivered a show to remember. If they did not know before, fans now understand why Lamar takes his time with his high-quality music. Therefore, next time around more will patiently wait since they know he will only produce some of the greatest gems ever in rap history. 

    With tears in their eyes, hands in the air, and feet leaving the ground jump by jump, Lamar’s fans were left starstruck from the very first second to the very last. 

    Setlist: United in Grief, N95, ELEMENT., Worldwide Steppers, Backseat Freestyle, Rich Spirit, HUMBLE., Father Time, m.A.A.d city, We Cry Together (Snippet), Purple Hearts, King Kunta, Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe (Remix), Die Hard, LUST.(Snippet), DNA., Count Me Out, Money Trees, LOVE., Alright, Mirror, LOYALTY., Silent Hill, family ties (Baby Keem cover) (with Baby Keem), Crown, Mr. Morale (with Tanna Leone), Savior

    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

  • In Focus: B2Wins at Levitt AMP Utica

    The identical twin brothers, Walter and Wagner Caldas of B2Wins headlined at Kopernik Park in Downtown Utica on Monday, July 11. The show was a Levitt Amp Utica Music Series segment funded by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation. In association with the humid weather, the B2Wins duo performed a fiery set bringing most in the crowd to their feet.

    Far from a traditional band, B2Wins consists of Walter, who sings and plays the violin, and Wagner, who plays the ukulele and runs the soundboard. They have a unique style of music, ranging from hip-hop and reggae to classical and jazz. Previously, the Caldas twins resided in the slums of Brazil and then moved to America without knowing English. Never letting fear get in the way, they remained optimistic while battling to commence in the music industry before headlining shows themselves. They planted Brazillian roots in Utica before their next stop in Des Moines.

    B2Wins began the set with warm, soft-to-the-ear classical music. Astonishing the crowd, they effortlessly covered popular songs by Bon Jovi, Louis Armstrong, Dua Lipa, and more. The crowd appeared blissful and danced throughout the entire set, despite the hot temperature. The brothers interacted with the audience through motivational speaking on behalf of culture and self-pride and encouraged everyone to get out of their seats to dance.

    Closing the show, Wagner and Walter walked around the fence separating the stage from the crowd to perform. Eyes followed as they stood back to back, playing the ukulele and violin energetically while singing.

  • Brooklyn Comes Alive at The Brooklyn Mirage on September 17

    On September 17th, Brooklyn Comes Alive will return to The Brooklyn Mirage for its sixth installment. This one-day festival brings together the best genres of live music ranging from jazz, jam and funk. Likewise, this event features some unforgettable collaborations, unique one-off performances and one-of-a-kind music experiences. 

    Brooklyn Comes Alive September 17th

    Inspired by New Orleans and its famed Jazz & Heritage Festival, Brooklyn Comes Alive has been breaking the mold of traditional festivals with unprecedented music experiences since 2015. This year, Brooklyn Comes Alive will feature STS9, Medeski Martin & Wood, Lettuce, and the debut of Cool Cool Cool, an unforgettable project from former members of Turkuaz.

    It is so rewarding to work with some of our favorite artists to deliver special performances, debut new projects, and create memorable experiences for fans and bands alike at Brooklyn Comes Alive. That we get to do this in one of the country’s best live music venues, in the best city in the world, is a dream come true. Brooklyn, we’re back, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you at the incredible and unique venue, The Brooklyn Mirage.

    – Festival director Gideon Plotnicki (GMP Live)

    Brooklyn Comes Alive was built from the fabric of the vibrant live music community of Brooklyn. Much like past “Comes Alive” events, Brooklyn Comes Alive 2022 will be full of exciting firsts and never-before-seen surprises. This event will mark STS9’s first show in NYC since 2019 when they last took over the Brooklyn Mirage. Similarly, Medeski Martin & Wood, who have not played on their home turf in NYC since 2019, will use the special appearance to celebrate their 30th anniversary as a band, which took place last year. 

    Lettuce will be notching both their Brooklyn Comes Alive debut and their Brooklyn Mirage debut as they celebrate the release of their latest album, Unify, but the band’s individual members are all Brooklyn Comes Alive veterans.

    Brooklyn Comes Alive 2022 Lineup: 

    STS9 
    Medeski Martin & Wood 
    Lettuce 
    Cool Cool Cool (former members of Turkuaz: Craig Brodhead, Chris Brouwers, Michelangelo Carubba, Shira Elias, Sammi Garett, Greg Sanderson and Josh Schwartz*) 

    General admission tickets are available in three tiers, starting at $65 and increasing as tiers sell out. The elevated VIP experiences, VIP and Super VIP, include expedited entry, access to the VIP Mezzanine with perfect sightlines to the stage and more. With the Super VIP package including exclusive limited edition merch item.  

    All tickets, including VIP packages, can be purchased at the link here.

  • East goes West: Joey Bada$$ celebrates 10 years at House of Blues San Diego

    Celebrating 10 years since his first release Enter the Void in 2012, Joey Bada$$ performed at House of Blues San Diego on July 27. With a double decker venue, open house bar and mosh pit, House of Blues held a great environment for the show.

    Joey was born and raised in Brooklyn and a member of the hip hop collective, releasing 3 mixtapes along with various solos. With his debut album 1999, produced at age 17, Badas$$ finally got the recognition he deserved in June 2012.

    Joey’s opener Capella Grey set the tone for the crowd and left them begging for more prior to Joey Bada$$’s set. 

    It was a big night not only for Joey but for his fans and their excitement to the new album release 2000. The album set the bar and exceeded all expectations since the last release back in 2017. Including hits such as “Brand New 911” and “Written in the Stars” along with many others. 

    Joey noted it had been 5 years since his last release and performed some of his greatest hits “Devasted” and “Temptation” from ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$, released in 2017. During the show he stated “I had a kid, a babygirl,” and shared how his daughter Indigo Rain has become a huge part of his life outside of making music, and played a role in such a big comeback. 

    With 10 years under his belt and many more to come Joey continues to bring his own groove to rap and the hip hop community. 

    Joey Bada$$
    Joey Bada$$
    http://perrisage.com
    Joey Bada$$
    http://perrisage.com
    Joey Bada$$
    Joey Bada$$
    Joey Bada$$
    http://perrisage.com
    Joey Bada$$ – House of Blues, San Diego

  • Beyonce Drops 7th Album ‘Renaissance’

    On Friday, July 29, Beyoncé dropped her seventh studio album, Renaissance, to the delight of her fans worldwide. The album is the first act of a trilogy project from the singer, who dedicated the record to her family, via Instagram.

    Beyonce album cover
    Renaissance Album Cover

    Renaissance, just as Beyoncé penned to fans, is surely an album of empowerment, exploration, and creativity full of hype songs to let loose to. The famous performer and mother wrote the album during the COVID-19 pandemic in the hope it would provide a safe space “to scream, release, [and] feel freedom.” With the 16 songs coming in at just over an hour, the new album does just that.

    The first track, “I’m That Girl,” opens a hint at the album, providing listeners with multiple overlays, repetitive chants, and Beyoncé’s familiar vocals and empowering lyrics. “Cozy,” brings an entirely sultry new beat, where Beyoncé passionately sings, “comfortable in my skin / cozy with who I am.”  Much of the album celebrates self-love and incorporates and honors so many different styles of dance music.

    The popstar unapologetically explores multiple genres on her album – the first full release since her critically acclaimed Lemonade release – with inspiration from hip-hop, trap, techno, rap, and much more. “Break My Soul,” the first single released off the new album dropped in June and gives listeners a taste of her house music style with a sample of Robin S’s “Show Me Love” hit.

    In addition to different samples from various artists, the album also features a great line-up. Fans can listen in for the collaborations of Grace Jones, Beam, and Tems. Beyoncé plays with her sound, lyrics, and creative inclusions, making the album the perfect release for the rest of the summer. It would not be surprising to see snippets of the album start trending across social media platforms. 

    The record is varied, offering the best beats to energize and dance in front of the mirror no matter who is watching. With a vocal range and energetic sound which fans have come to hope for from the star, Beyoncé continues to assert her domination in the industry with this newest release. 

    Key tracks: Break My Soul, Virgo’s Groove, I’m That Girl

  • Mindy Davey and Her Inspirational Story Behind Single “Destiny”

    Buffalo-based recording artist Mindy Davey released her newest pop and hip-hop single, “Destiny,” earlier this summer which grew out of her story of addiction and eventual recovery. The artist and full-time mom hopes her music inspires people to find purpose and brings about more awareness.

    Davey began playing music before the age of 10. Her love of the craft helped her through some of the toughest times, including her four-year battle with opiates and arrest for possession in 2012. The singer-songwriter found out she was pregnant with her daughter while in rehabilitation. This experience pushed her forward, led her back to music, and she now dedicates her time to helping others. In a few short months, Davey will celebrate 10 years of sobriety.

    Mindy Davey and her daughter, who saved her life. Photo Courtesy of Mindy Davey

    Davey began writing the energizing and inspirational track “Destiny” with producer and vocal coach Mama Jan. The duo worked on the piece with weekly video calls until the track was ready to be recorded and finalized in Atlanta, Georgia, at Jan Smith Studios. Jesse Owen Astin also contributed to production on the track.

    Davey in 2012 after her arrest. Photo Courtesy of Mindy Davey

    Davey graciously took the time to answer some questions about her music and her story, via email. Here are some of her thoughts.

    Abigail Baughan: What advice do you give to those maybe going through tough times or struggling with addiction? 

    Mindy Davey: Honestly, the biggest thing for me was getting rid of anyone or anything that triggered me to use or brought me down in any way. When we’re going through tough times the last thing we want is toxic people or an environment to make things even worse. So finding that positive outlet, surrounding yourself with good people, and a good environment that will inspire, keep you grounded and bring you up is key to happiness and change within your life. 

    AB: How has music contributed to your healing process and the way you view the world?

    MD: It was everything to my healing process. If I had any urge to use at all I’d pick my guitar up and write about it. I’d just sing and use music to really take away those urges. So music is truly everything to me and I firmly believe music can heal the world.

    AB: What do you hope audiences take away from listening to the track?

    MD: I really hope people feel happy and inspired in some way. I wrote it about everything that’s happened along the way from my addiction, recovery, my daughter, and just who I am as a person. I hope when people listen to it, it helps them find their own destiny and understand their own path and journey to what they’re meant to be.

    Davey in the recording studio. Photo Courtesy of Mindy Davey

    To listen to more of Mindy Davey’s music, and keep up with her story, follow her on Facebook and Instagram. She is currently working on her upcoming album, Destiny, out later this year, and planning a show at Lost Music Studios in Jamestown for September 17. Audiences can expect a performance of new music, covers, and celebration.

  • Beach-Hop Artist, Cully, Quenches Summer Thirst on ‘Aquafina’

    The best summers are commemorated with a great soundtrack. Often times the memory is triggered by what songs were playing during the late night strolls, road trips and summer parties. Traveling beach-hop artist, Cully, looks to capture this very essence with his latest single, “Aquafina.” A snazzy, laid-back record, “Aquafina” has all the feels of a staple summer hangout song, with its infectious chorus, Cully’s effortless flow and quick-witted rhymes.

    If Cully’s style seems more refined than others, it’s because he’s been working on it nearly all of his life. The musical seed was planted at just two-days-old when he attended his first music festival with his mother and father. An intoxicated onlooker proclaimed him “the smallest baby” they’d ever seen.

    Yo I was Frontin’ on a beach like I was lying in the sand. And I was trying to keep the peace and now she crying in her hands.

    Developing an early knack for free-styling, Cully would hone his skills at his catholic elementary school playground (which in reality was just a parking lot) about the strife of a 10-year-old. No one could really beat-box yet, so he did it mostly a-cappella. Why a pasty 10-year-old attending catholic school was remotely talented at free-styling is anyone’s guess.

    His high school years saw him for a rap trio with friends Patio and Sammy V. Their group, Tribe Style, earned thousands of views on Youtube. Cully’s musical journey saw him earn a a B.A. in Music Industry in 2017. While in university in upstate New York he met friend and frequent collaborator MC Righteous and joined Professor Joe Pignato’s avant-garde jazz troupe, Bright Dog Red, for two albums on Ropeadope Records. Cully has now come full- circle, as he quenches his musical thirst with “Aquafina,” as this beachy bop is a sleeper hit waiting to catch a wave.

    “Aquafina” is also getting the splattered color vinyl treatment. Four remixes of “Aquafina,” produced by a slew of Cully’s college buddies who are successful musicians in their own right, will also be featured on the vinyl as well as released digitally.

    Additionally, “Aquafina’s” upcoming video — set to drop on August 5 on Cully’s Youtube channel — is executively produced by Cully and co-directed by Salvatore Rubino (whose worked with the likes of Dom Kennedy, Smoke DZA, Cozz) and Dave Prokopec (Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller), channels a classic California aura with a ’62 Impala strolling down the Pacific Coast, chipped toothed model in tow.

  • “Beastie Boys Square” Approved For NYC Intersection

    The New York City Council approved a measure to name a Lowe East Side Manhattan intersection “Beastie Boys Square” made famous by The Beastie Boys’ album Paul’s Boutique.

    The Beastie Boys, pictured in 2009.

    The Beastie Boys were an American rap group from New York City, formed in 1981. The group was composed of Michael “Mike D” Diamond, Adam “MCA” Yauch, and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz. Beastie Boys have sold 20 million records in the United States and had seven platinum-selling albums from 1986 to 2004. They are the biggest-selling rap group since Billboard began recording sales in 1991.

    beastie boys

    The corner of Ludlow and Rivington streets is seen on the cover of their 1989 masterpiece, and the vote on Thursday marked an end to a nearly decade-long grassroots campaign by fans. In 2014, the city council voted against “Beastie Boys Square” by a vote of 24-to-1.

    Cultural advocate LeRoy McCartney spearheaded similar landmark-naming campaigns, like the Wu-Tang Clan (Wu-Tang District in Staten Island) and The Notorious B.I.G. (Brooklyn’s Christopher Wallace Way), and credits Council Member Chris Marte with helping to push the renaming.

    As many of us know, once the Beastie Boys hit the scene, it really changed the hip-hop game. I see it as a celebration. A celebration for the Lower East Side, a celebration for hip-hop and especially a celebration for our community who has been organizing for a really long time to make this happen.

    Chris Marte

    Marte also gave credit to the group themselves for paving the way in the genre of hip-hop and thanked the local residents, businesses, politicians, and more who supported the fight for the street name.

    McCarthy also spoke about the decision in a statement.

    It has been a long road to get Beastie Boys Square accomplished, but I am happy to see New York government formally embracing the indigenous arts and culture of hip hop, and the street sign is very appropriate because hip hop is from the NYC streets.

    LeRoy McCarthy

    Mayor Eric Adams will have to sign off on the measure before it can be scheduled to get dedicated.

  • In Focus: Michael Franti & Spearhead at MJN Convention Center

    On June 30th, Radio Woodstock – WDST presented Michael Franti & Spearhead at the newly renovated MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie. Two-time Grammy Award winners Arrested Development were included on the bill.

    Michael Franti & Spearhead

    The tour, in support of Michael Franti & Spearhead’s latest release Follow Your Heart, will continue through the summer. The night included a short video sharing Michael Franti’s experiences at his home in Bali during the Covid years. Sharing what he encountered, discarded, and is now looking forward to in the future, offering an optimistic tone for evening.

    Hip-hop pioneers Arrested Development opened the show.  The band offered up a nonstop dance set including songs from the 2021 album For the Fkn Love.  Formed as an alternative to gangsta rap, Arrested Development put positivity in the spotlight.  They capped their set by reaching back to their beginnings with the iconic “Tennessee.”

    Arrested Development

    With “Stay Human” emblazoned on his guitar strap and “Don’t Give Up” on his t-shirt, Michael Franti backed by Spearhead took to the stage.  Over the course of two- and one-half hours the night resembled a preacher with his flock, engaging everyone in a heartfelt love fest.

    On multiple occasions, Franti stepped down from the stage, singing his way through the crowd to one of the two mini stages located in the house. Once there, Michael stood tall and spread his arms wide open, inviting people up to harmonize along with him.

    Michael Franti

    Spearhead’s four members, including Franti’s longtime collaborator Carl Young on bass, generated a powerful musical backdrop. Throughout the night, the band moved from electric to acoustic and back without missing a beat.

    As the night concluded and after taking their bows, Michael and members of the band headed into the crowd to taking selfies and sign autographs.  If there was ever a way to say thank you to an audience, this was it.

    Michael Franti & Spearhead

    Arrested Development

  • In Focus: Talib Kweli at Alive at 5

    Real hip-hop was on display at the latest Alive at 5 in Albany on Thursday, July 7. Talib Kweli, one-half of hip-hop duo Black Star, was greeted to a warm reception on Thursday. Kweli’s large audience consisted of many who probably grew up listening to 90s styled hip-hop/rap. Backed by the band, The Whiskey Boys, many were brought to the feet with the versatile range of music on stage.

    Talib Kweli

    Not only was hip-hop on the menu this evening, there was also a fair amount of R&B and jazz performed. Kweli made time to demonstrate the complexity of each instrument on stage with solo performances. He also interacted with the crowd by not only playing some of his hits, but in paying tribute to Biz Markie, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and DMX. The show brought a lot of nostalgia and history to a multi-generational audience.

    Talib Kweli was preceded by DJ Siroc and DJ TGIF. DJ Siroc played a nice set of songs, ranging with many hits from the 90s and early 2000’s. DJ TGIF was introduced by Mayor Kathy Sheehan, as he is one of Albany’s own. He kept to the unofficial theme with a set consisting of hits from Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, and DMX. A dance battle broke out during the end of DJ TGIF’s set that lead well into the excitement for Talib Kweli.

    If you were not able to catch Talib Kweli, his next performance will be at the Blue Note in Manhattan on July 12th.

    Alive at Five returns on July 14 with Cassadee Pope featuring Sydney Worthley opening the show.

    Talib Kweli
    Talib Kweli
    Talib Kweli
    Talib Kweli
    Talib Kweli
    Talib Kweli
    Talib Kweli
    Talib Kweli