Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • Onyx Returns With Second Album in as Many Months

    Hip hop legends Onyx have added two new albums to their lengthy discography. First came, 1993, released on March, 4. The 13-track project is produced entirely by Ukrainian producer, Stasevich and is an ode to a rough and grimy era of mid-1990’s hip hop, hence the tittle. It samples some of the most iconic records from the 90’s including Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” and Onyx’s own “Slam.”

    This past weekend saw the release of, Onyx Versus Everybody, which is more concise with only 10-tracks and 19-minutes of play-time. For this effort, Fredro Starr took control behind the keyboard, producing the entirety of the project. While 1993 is more of a concentrated effort to capture the aura of a certain time period, both albums contain the same rugged energy that have made Onyx such a distinguished hip hop act. Fredro’s production does vary slightly more than Stasevich’s, but without any major rollout for either project, it seems as though the duo is focused on making records for their core fans, as these two ominous/dark themed albums illustrate.

    The Southside, Jamaica natives made their break-though during the golden era of 1990’s hip hop. Known for singes like “Slam,” “Walk in New York,” “Throw Ya Gunz” and “Last Dayz,” Onyx has maintained their relevance for over two decades. Their raucous delivery along with the duo’s talent and business acumen have kept them in the game far longer than many of their contemporaries. Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz are also accomplished actors. Fredro is best-known for his role on the hit sitcom, Moesha, while Sticky has appeared in numerous film and television roles.

  • Kendrick Lamar Announces ‘The Big Steppers Tour’, Stops At The Barclays Center and The UBS Arena

    After a five year hiatus, hip hop legend and one of the greatest rappers of all time, Kendrick Lamar, has released his latest work of art, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers on May 13. On the same day as the album release, he announced The Big Steppers Tour, with appearances at the Barclays Center on August 5 and 6, as well as the UBS Arena on August 7.

    The Big Steppers Tour

    When it comes to his music, Lamar is considered to be a prophet and a visionary who does not hold back on the messages to be relayed. His long awaited album after five years, has finally arrived and fans could not wait to hear his latest “masterpiece”.

    Kendrick Lamar
    Photo Credit: Renell Medrano

    Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is as raw as Lamar gets, as he speaks poetically and strongly about his personal life including his children, sexual abuse, relationship troubles, therapy, his ego, substance abuse and more. Many claim the topics of this album to be relatable, as Lamar speaks from the heart and sets a shift in the world of Hip Hop.

    Baby Keem
    Photo Credit: Daniel Regan

    Baby Keem is featured on Lamar’s current album within the song “Savior” and will accompany Lamar at every show throughout the tour. Keem was nominated for Best Rap Song of the 2022 Grammys, for “Family Ties” featuring rapper and cousin Lamar. Additionally, he won the 2022 Grammy for Best Rap Performance for “Family Ties”.

    Tanna Leone
    Photo Credit: Christian Lopez

    Meanwhile, Tanna Leone , has a feature on “Mr. Morale” and is set to perform on Lamar’s tour for select dates. Leone is the new signee of Lamar’s multi-lingual company pgLang, that services artists and creatives. As of last month on April 28, Leone dropped his debut album, Sleepy Soldier.

    In addition to Keem and Leone, artists Blxst, Amanda Reifer, Sampha, Taylour Paige, Summer Walker, Ghostface Killah, Beth Gibbons, Sam Dew and Kodak Black are featured on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Considering these artists specialize in genres of R&B, trap/rap, U.K. trip-hop, Caribbean, and British, Lamar’s album brings unity from music worldwide. He managed to create an album that intertwines other genres with his specialty of hip hop, to express real life experiences.

    Lamar is known to sell out shows and provide fans with an unforgettable live experience. His performances at the 2016 BET Awards, the 2017 MTV Music Video Awards, as well as the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show, were nothing less than invigorating and powerful that left viewers speechless. Therefore, Lamar is expected to effortlessly blow his fans away, throughout the entirety of The Big Steppers Tour.

    General tickets go on sale May 20 at 12 P.M. Furthermore, fans attending shows in the U.S., whether they are new or existing Cash App Card holders, will have access to the presale on May 19 at 10 A.M. until 10 P.M.

    TOUR DATES: 

    Tue Jul 19 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

    Thu Jul 21 – Austin, TX – Moody Center 

    Fri Jul 22 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

    Sat Jul 23 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

    Sun Jul 24 – Miami, FL – Rolling Loud

    Wed Jul 27 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena

    Fri Jul 29 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

    Sat Jul 30 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

    Sun Jul 31 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Tue Aug 02 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

    Thu Aug 04 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

    Fri Aug 05 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Sat Aug 06 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Sun Aug 07 – Long Island, NY – UBS Arena

    Tue Aug 09 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

    Wed Aug 10 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

    Fri Aug 12 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

    Sat Aug 13 – Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena

    Sun Aug 14 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

    Tue Aug 16 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

    Thu Aug 18 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum

    Fri Aug 19 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Sat Aug 20 – Minneapolis, MN – Xcel Energy Center

    Sun Aug 21 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

    Tue Aug 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

    Wed Aug 24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Smart Home Arena

    Fri Aug 26 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

    Sat Aug 27 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    Sun Aug 28 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

    Tue Aug 30 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

    Wed Aug 31 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

    Thu Sep 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

    Tue Sep 06 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena at San Diego State University

    Wed Sep 07 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center

    Fri Sep 09 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena

    Sat Sep 10 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center

    Tue Sep 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

    Wed Sep 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

    Fri Oct 07 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome

    Mon Oct 10 – Prague, CZ – O2 Arena

    Tue Oct 11 – Berlin, DE – Mercedes-Benz Arena

    Thu Oct 13 – Hamburg, DE – Barclays Arena

    Sat Oct 15 – Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena

    Mon Oct 17 – Stockholm, SE – Avicii Arena

    Wed Oct 19 – Oslo, NO – Telenor Arena

    Fri Oct 21 – Paris, FR – Accor Arena

    Mon Oct 24 – Stuttgart, DE – Scheleyerhalle

    Tue Oct 25 – Zurich, CH – Hallenstadion

    Wed Oct 26 – Laussane, CH – Vaudoise Aréna

    Fri Oct 28 – Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis

    Sun Oct 30 – Cologne, DE – Lanxess Arena

    Mon Oct 31 – Frankfurt, DE – Festhalle

    Wed Nov 02– Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

    Thu Nov 03 – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena

    Fri Nov 04 – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena 

    Sat Nov 05 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena 

    Mon Nov 07 – London, UK – The O2

    Tue-Nov 08 – London, UK – The O2

    Sun Nov 13 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena

    Wed Nov 16 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena

    Thu Dec 01 – Perth, AUS – RAC Arena

    Sun Dec 04 – Melbourne, AUS – Rod Laver Arena

    Thu Dec 08 – Sydney, AUS – Qudos Bank Arena

    Mon Dec 12 – Brisbane, AUS – Entertainment Center

    Fri Dec 16 – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena

  • Post Malone is joined by Fleet Foxes and Roddy Ricch for SNL Debut

    The penultimate episode in Season 47 of Saturday Night Live featured two SNL first timers – Selena Gomez as host, and Syracuse native Post Malone as musical guest.

    Gomez did serve as musical guest on January 23, 2016, and used her monologue to discuss her TV show past, including her time on Barney & Friends, and discussed her current show, Only Murders in the Building, featuring SNL-vetaran Steve Martin and SNL-alum Martin Short.

    post malone SNL

    Steve Martin would appear in a pre-taped “Unventor Documentary” sketch as Archie Gizmo, the inventor of the whoopie cushion. He tells the origin story of the gag gift, with Dina Beans (Aidy Bryant) as the muse he fell in love with.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOKAWhFdYNM

    For Post Malone’s first song, the dark stage was backlit by white spotlights, the singer on stage alone dressed head to toe in leather to perform “Cooped Up.” Partway through he was joined by Roddy Ricch, who featured on the remix of “Wow” in 2019. The new song dropped this past week, with lyrics that note how Malone gave Ricch a big opportunity: “And Posty took me on my first damn tour date/ He had me rockin’ every night, sold out arenas/ I’m project n—a, I never thought I would see s–t/ I tried to tell you, you prolly wouldn’t believe us.” “Cooped Up” appears on Twelve Carat Toothache, set to be released on June 3.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSdHZale2cA

    Post Malone would show up twice in sketches – first as the conscience/shoulder-angel of Chris Redd in showed up in the sketch “Intuition,” and later in the final sketch of the night “Baby Monitor” as a baby in a crib.

    Post Malone’s second song, “A Love Hate Letter To Alcohol,” also appears on the upcoming album. Fleet Foxes along with LA-based singer-songwriter Adam Melchor served as backup to Malone, all clad in black. Malone was revealed on one knee and wearing a calf-length dress along with white button down and black suspenders.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNzvsXsQaMU

    Saturday Night Live returns for the Season 47 finale on Saturday, May 21 with host Natasha Lyonne and musical guest Japanese Breakfast.

  • Governors Ball 2022 Schedule and Stages Announced

    Governors Ball Music Festival 2022 is less than a month away, and festival organizers have announced the stage layout and daily schedule. Initially available in the Gov Ball app for the first 24 hours, fans can now start putting together and sharing their own custom schedules.

    The schedule this year does an excellent job of avoiding any major conflicts and the layout of the venue allows fans to move easily between stages. Some notable overlaps include JPEGMAFIA vs. Channel Tres on Friday, YG vs. Diesel or Flume vs. Halsey on Saturday, and Kaytranada vs. J. Cole on Sunday. 

    governors ball 2022 schedule
    Post Malone at Gov Ball 2021. Photo by David Reichmann

    Last year’s Governors Ball lineup included massive headliners such as Billie Eilish, A$AP Rocky, and Post Malone. The festival’s first year at Citi Field was a massive success, despite their departure from the traditional Randall’s Island venue, with over 150,000 people in attendance reported. The more centrally located venue in the heart of Flushing boasts easy access to the subway, bus, and pedestrian throughways giving fans much easier accessibility.

    Returning to Citi Field from June 10th to June 12th, 2022, the stacked lineup features headliners Halsey, Kid Cudi, and J. Cole along with a slew of up and coming and long-standing artists. Governors Ball has always showcased local New York artists on the bill, and this year is no different.

    Singer and songwriter Gus Dapperton was born and raised in Warwick, and ska-punk band Millington hail from Albany. Plastic Picnic features two duos from the Pacific Northwest who met in Brooklyn after moving to the city and formed a new band. The overall lineup represents a melting pot of musical  tastes, styles, and regions, but that’s a story as old as New York itself. 

    Billie Eilish at Gov Ball 2021. Photo by David Reichmann

    Governors Ball also successfully mimics New York’s long history of dive bar concerts with their Bud Light Seltzer Sessions. Embedded into the festival layout, this small stage features some of the names on the lineup who will perform a more intimate set at the casual dive bar style stage. The magic of a festival happens when you round a corner and bump into something unexpected, and these more casual performances provide just that. 

    governors ball 2022 schedule

    Outside of the music, the star of the weekend will certainly be the food. Queens County is one of the most diverse municipalities anywhere in the world and a festival that calls Queens home must have the food to prove it. There will be classic NYC staples such as Roberta’s Pizza, Doughnuttery donuts, and Williamsburg’s finest fried chicken with Sweet Chick.

    Choose between Destination Dumplings and Disos’ Italian sandwiches, Gordos Cantina tacos or Empanada Papas. And it wouldn’t be Queens without the largest Greek community outside of Greece represented with Efes Greek Kitchen and Souvlaki GR. Check out the entire food lineup below.

    governors ball 2022 schedule

    With the festival rapidly approaching, tickets are still available. Third and final tier 3-Day GA tickets are still on sale as well as single day tickets to all three days and the VIP and Platinum ticket packages. Full ticket details can be found HERE.

    Read more about the official Governors Ball After Dark late night shows that take place after the estival HERE. NYS Music will be on the ground again this year at Governors Ball, so stay tuned for full artist photo galleries from this year’s festival. In the meantime, check out some highlights from the 2021 festival by David Reichmann and Steve Malinski.

  • BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! 44th Lineup Summer 2022

    Brooklyn-based leading arts and media institution, BRIC, announced its festival lineup for this summer’s BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! 2022, taking place from Wednesday, June 8th through Saturday, August 6th.

    This year’s lineup features artists including Phoebe Bridgers, Erykah Badu, Kamasi Washington, Vic Mensa, and more to who will perform at the Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park.

    BRIC celebrate Brooklyn 2022

    For the past 44 years, this festival presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks has been the summer-long outdoor concert. BRIC celebrates talent spanning global music icons to chart-topping indie bands, including benefit concerts, family days, and movie nights.  

    “This summer is about being together – the power of gathering in this moment of human history,” said Diane Eber, Executive Producer of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! “Artists can show us the way to heal through creative expression and there’s no better place to experience that than the Bandshell. We are so honored to bring another season of magic to our communities at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!” 

    It wouldn’t be summer in Prospect Park without the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival at the Lena Horne Bandshell. This festival brings a wide range of free music and family programming to Prospect Park, and gives Brooklyn’s diverse community a chance to come together—we’re excited for the season to begin.

    James Snow, Prospect Park Alliance Interim President

    BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! 2022 will also offer a movie night featuring the iconic 1980 musical film Fame, which follows the lives and hardships of the faculty and staff at the (fictitious) New York City High School for the Performing Arts. This season will also feature an evening dedicated to dance with Ragamala Dance Company, showcasing a performance of Sacred Earth. This iconic group draws their inspiration from South Indian American artists and uses multi-disciplinary dance works to epitomize intercultural and immigrant narratives that evoke a shared sense of humanity.  

    BRIC celebrate Brooklyn! 2022 Season Lineup 

    Opening Night: Kamasi Washington | Ravyn Lenae | DJ Reborn 
    Wednesday, June 8, 2022 

    Maxi Priest | Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra 
    Saturday, June 11, 2022 

    Benefit Concert: Phoebe Bridgers 
    Tuesday, June 14, 2022 

    Benefit Concert: Phoebe Bridgers 
    Wednesday, June 15, 2022 

    Benefit Concert: Davido 
    Thursday, June 16, 2022 

    BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! meets NPR Tiny Desk Contest On The Road 
    Saturday, June 18, 2022 

    Juneteenth UNITYFEST 2022 
    Sunday, June 19, 2022 

    Fonseca | La Cumbiamba eNeYé 
    Friday, June 24, 2022 

    Family Show: Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique En Cirque | Natu Camara 
    Saturday, June 25, 2022 

    Vic Mensa | aja monet 
    Friday, July 8, 2022 

    Crumb | Slauson Malone 1 
    Saturday, July 9, 2022 

    Kronos Quartet & Sam Green: A Thousand Thoughts | Roomful of Teeth 
    Thursday, July 14, 2022 

    Chicano Batman | Charlotte Dos Santos 
    Saturday, July 16, 2022 

    Ragamala Dance Company: Sacred Earth 
    Friday, July 22, 2022 

    John Cameron Mitchell & Amber Martin | Bridget Everett & The Tender Moments | Special Guests 
    Saturday, July 23, 2022 

    The Beths | SASAMI | Charlotte Cornfield 
    Friday, July 29, 2022 

    Film Night: Fame | Sing Harlem 
    Saturday, July 30, 2022 

    Benefit Concert: Khruangbin 
    Thursday, August 4, 2022 

    Benefit Concert: Erykah Badu 
    Friday, August 5, 2022 

    Closing Night: Yemi Alade | Amindi 
    Saturday, August 6, 2022 

    To RSVP, click the link here.  For more information, visit the link here

  • Fivio Foreign’s Coronation: B.I.B.L.E. Review

    The coronation of Fivio Foreign has long been in the works. Since the death  Pop Smoke over two-years ago, there has been a void within the New York music landscape and it seems as though Fivio Foreign has been handpicked to carry the torch.

    This spring, his debut studio-album, B.I.B.LE., was delivered to the public as an inauguration of sorts. Executive produced by Kanye West, the album’s lead single — the West and Alicia Keys assisted — “City of Gods” attempts to create a moment in New York time. Similar to Jay Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” also featuring Keys. Despite the records contrived feel, it charted at number 46 on the Billboard charts. However “Magic City,” the second single featuring Quavo, failed to do so.

    Since the release of his viral hit — Big Drip— in 2019, Fivio has maintained cultural and musical relevance and is the latest bridge in the inevitable marriage between the drill music sub-culture and mainstream hip hop. His debut EP — 800 B.C.— was released in 2020 with features from Meek Mill, Lil Baby and Quavo. There was his guest-spot on Drake’s 2020 hit “Demons,” which charted at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later that summer, he teamed with Lil Tjay for the anthemic “Zoo York,” peaking at number 65 on the Hot 100. A year later, he was heralded as having the best feature on Kanye West’s star-studded, Donda, album.

    While not the most technically proficient rapper, Fivio has gotten to this point by wholeheartedly personifying New York. His charisma, flow and contagious dialect have made him the preeminent representative of New York hip hop culture.

    The results? Well, it depends on what scale is being used. B.I.B.L.E. reportedly sold 29 thousand equivalent album units its first week. Not bad, but low enough for Fivi to remind detractors of his humble beginnings.

    Nonetheless, it’s easy to see why he was next up on the mantle for New York supremacy. With Pop Smoke gone and Kay Flock in prison, he remains one of the few pioneers and recognizable faces of the drill scene and can steer the genre through its makeover.

    This watered down version of drill that is B.I.B.L.E. shows upside as “What’s My Name” and “World Watching” are inviting records but leaves the project lacking an overall grimy-ness. Fivio’s captivating flow is enough to carry him on most songs (“Whoever,” “For Nothin“) but, his lack of variance in his lyrics leave him badly exposed on others (“On God,” “Through the Fire”). Did DJ Khaled need a nearly 2-minute interlude?

    With the New York hip hop landscape lacking a leading-man, is Fivio Foreign was tasked with leading the charge for hip hop’s mecca? Are there now reservations after his heavily backed debut failed to make a dent on the Billboard charts?

    Despite all of this, B.I.B.L.E. remains a personal success for Fivio. If the King of New York goes to the city’s most visible rapper, then Fivio holds the crown. With features from some of the music indsutry’s biggest names, he has now completed a shedding of the skin. While B.I.B.L.E. will be recognized as a drill album for those not familiar with the sound, Fivio has managed to outgrow that label and has become more of a gatekeeper than an active participant. If a rapper wants to get that New York City drill co-sign, they can go through Fivio.

    Remove all context and this is a fine debut. But, just two years ago, Pop Smoke took over the world with the Woo movement. Prior to that, Tekashi 6ix9ine ran riot throughout the industry. There are certain expectations of grandeur that come with being King of New York that Fivio has yet to meet and if he wants that respect then it starts with the music.

  • Lil Nas X To Perform Back-to-Back Nights At Radio City Music Hall

    Lil Nas X, two-time GRAMMY winner, will be touring his debut self-titled album MONTERO, this year. The acclaimed artist will be performing two back-to-back nights at Radio City Music Hall, on September 20th and 21st.

    Lil Nas X
    (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

    The 23-year-old rapper from Atlanta quickly rose to popularity in 2019, after the release and successful marketing campaign of his country-rap song “Old Town Road.” Critics were quick to judge the song, however, arguing that the song was not country enough to deserve its #16 spot on Billboards Hot Country Songs Chart, and it was quickly moved to the Hot Rap Songs Chart the following week. This controversy shot Lil Nas X to notoriety and the song eventually shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

    This quick fame would even land him a featured remix of the song with country-pop star Billy Ray Cyrus, which would become the longest-running #1 single in Billboard Hot 100 history after 19 weeks atop the chart.

    Lil Nas X Long Live Montero North American Tour Dates:

    Tue Sep 06 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore

    Sat Sep 10 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

    Thu Sep 15 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY

    Sun Sep 18 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Tue Sep 20 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall

    Wed Sep 21 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall

    Thu Sep 22 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met

    Sun Sep 25 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

    Tue Sep 27 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

    Sat Oct 01 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium

    Mon Oct 03 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live

    Tue Oct 04 – Miami, FL – James L Knight Center

    Tue Oct 18 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater 

    Fri Oct 21 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre

    Sun Oct 23 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

    Tickets for the Long Live Montero Tour are available at https://www.longlivemontero.com/.

  • The Great New York State Fair 2022 Concert Lineup Announced

    The Great New York State Fair‘s 2022 lineup has been announced with a wide musical variety, taking place August 24 – September 5 at the Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

    Founded in 1832 by a group of local farmers for agriculture and local fairs, it did not become a musical showcase until until the 1950’s and 1960’s, when the fair began gearing towards entertainment.

    the great New York State Fair logo
    The Great New York State Fair Logo.

    Artists performing at the Great New York State Fair 2022 are some fan favorites, but also some new faces making their State Fair debuts.

    Chevy Court Stage- free with admission

    Jimmie Allen – August 24 at 6 P.M.

    Jimmie Allen is making his return to the State Fair after a 2019 performance that put him on the map. Now, Grammy-nominated for Best New Artist and nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist, this all after being named the Academy of Country Music’s New Male Artist of the Year and the Country Music Association’s New Artist of the Year in 2021. He takes the Chevy Court stage on opening day at 6 P.M.

    Jimmie Allen.

    Niko Moon – August 26 at 6 P.M.

    Fast-rising country star Niko Moon will be making his Fair debut on August 26 at 6 P.M. His song “Good Time” hit number one on the Billboard country charts and spent nearly half of 2021 on the top 40 pop charts. He has written for artists like Zac Brown Band, Dierks Bentley, and Rascall Flatts.

    Niko Moon

    Tai Verdes – September 2 at 1 P.M.

    Platinum-selling breakout singer-songwriter Tai Verdes will make his debut performance at the Fair on September 2 at 1 P.M. He is known for his chart-topping hits like “A-O-K,” and “Stuck In The Middle” and has performed on The TODAY Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Verdes has been hailed by the likes of TIME MagazineRolling StoneNew York TimesNPR, and more for his music.

    Tai Verdes.

    Also Returning

    September 2 at 6 P.M.- Gin Blossoms

    September 5 at 4 P.M.- Night Ranger

    Chevy Park Stage- free with admission

    Foreigner – August 28 at 8 P.M.

    Rock band Foreigner will return to the Fair stage and close out the first weekend of the Fair’s concert season on August 28 at 8 P.M. Foreigner has 16 Top 30 hits over their decades-long career, with nine Top 10 hits. Their catalog has sold over 80 million albums, and they held the longest number 1 on the Billboard charts with their album “4.” They are also looking for a junior high, high school, or college chorus to perform a 10-minute acappella set before their show, and they can apply here.

    Foreigner.

    Boyz II Men – August 29 at 8 P.M.

    Grammy-winning vocal soul powerhouse group Boyz II Men will return to the Fair for the first time since 2009 on August 29 at 8 P.M. They have a long catalog of top hits, which fans will be able to sing to all night long.

    Boyz II Men.

    24KGoldn – September 2 at 8 P.M.

    Rapper 24KGoldn is making his debut at the Fair on September 2 at 8 P.M. He made music chart records with his song “Mood” with Iann Dior as it became the first song ever to top four Billboard music charts at the same time. His mix of genres from rap, rock, and alt-rock will bring a wide variety of fans to the show.

    24KGoldn

    COIN – September 3 at 2 P.M.

    COIN will bring their bright indie-pop to their debut performance at the Fair on September 3 at 2 P.M. They are most known for their single “Talk Too Much” which hit high on the indie charts. They help diversify the lineup with their fresh sound, which will bring a lot of young fans to the Fair.

    COIN.

    City Girls – September 4 at 8 P.M.

    Rap duo City Girls are coming to the Fair and are making their debut on September 4 at 8 P.M. Miami-based Yung Miami and JT are known for their single “Act Up” which went platinum, and for their contribution to Drake’s song “In My Feelings.”

    City Girls.

    Also Playing

    August 24 at 8 P.M.- Chevelle

    August 25 at 8 P.M.- The Art of Rap Featuring Ice-T

    August 31 at 8 P.M.- Nelly

    September 1 at 8 P.M.- Riley Green

    September 3 at 8 P.M.- Dropkick Murphys

  • Wu-Tang Clan and Nas Bring ‘NY State of Mind’ Tour To Prudential Center on Sept. 13

    Hip Hop Legends Wu-Tang Clan and Nas have released the dates for their upcoming 25 city summer tour. Beginning in August, the five-week trek will see Nas and the Clan make their way to the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Tuesday, September 13.

    NY State of Mind Tour

    Wu-Tang Clan are recognized as one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time since their breakout debut, 36 Chambers, in 1993. They have set numerous trends and have had a significant impact on the rap game and have provided us with some of the rap game’s greatest personalities.

    Despite having nine distinct characters, the group seamlessly merges under the musical guidance of RZA. While all skilled rappers, his vision for the group both sonically and stylistically has created an everlasting movement. The group became famous for sampling martial arts films, RZA kept a heavy Motown and oldies influence throughout the Clan’s music, and sampling the likes of Syl Johnson, Aretha Franklin, among others.

    Unlike many groups that have phased out of the limelight, the Clan remain relevant, regardless of time. While the group has always taken regular breaks, they have still managed to churn out three platinum albums and more than 85 full-length releases. They were also one of the first acts to diversify their brand, with Wu Wear becoming a popular hip hop brand.

    Never the slouch, Nas had his big break after the release of his 1992 song “Halftime“, from the Zebrahead movie soundtrack. He released his classic debut, Illamatic, in 1994 with Colombia Records. With gritty and thought provoking rhymes alike, Nas is certified as one of the best rappers of all-time.

    After winning his first Grammy-award for his 2020 album, King’s Disease, Nas was again nominated for “King’s Disease II,” a testament to his longevity.

    With the substantial amount of influence both parties have had over decades within the hip hop community and worldwide, the tour is sure to be highly successful.

    For all fans, tickets will be available for purchase on Tuesday, April 26 at 10 A.M.

    NY STATE OF MIND TOUR DATES:

    Tue Aug 30 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*

    Thu Sep 01 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center*

    Fri Sep 02 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*

    Sat Sep 03 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre^

    Sun Sep 04 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage^

    Wed Sep 07 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*

    Thu Sep 08 – Camden, NJ – Waterfront Music Pavilion*

    Fri Sep 09 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre*

    Sat Sep 10 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center*

    Tue Sep 13 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center^

    Wed Sep 14 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach*

    Fri Sep 16 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live*

    Sat Sep 17 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*

    Sun Sep 18 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion*

    Tue Sep 20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre*

    Wed Sep 21 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*

    Thu Sep 22 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre*

    Sat Sep 24 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center^

    Sun Sep 25 – Austin, TX– Germania Insurance Amphitheater^

    Mon Sep 26 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion*

    Thu Sep 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion*

    Fri Sep 30 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre*

    Sat Oct 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena^

    Sun Oct 02 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre*

    Tue Oct 04 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl^

    *Citi Presale Available ^American Express® Early Access Available

  • Wiz Khalifa and Logic Announce ‘Vinyl Verse’ Tour 2022, Barclay’s Center, SPAC and Darien Lake stops included

    Wiz Khalifa and Logic have just announced their co-headline Vinyl Verse Tour featuring special guests. In fact, the 28-city tour will make a stops throughout New York at the Brooklyn Barclay’s Center on August 16, and at Saratoga Springs’ Saratoga Performing Arts Center on August 23. Truly, you won’t regret adding the dynamic experiences of Wiz Khalifa and Logic to your summer 2022 agenda.

    Wiz Khalifa and Logic Announce 'Vinyl Verse' Tour 2022

    The two infamous rappers have joined forces with Live Nation for their upcoming Vinyl Verse Tour. Featuring special guests DJ Drama, C Dot Castro, and Fedd the God, the 28-city trek kicks off July 27 at the FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California, making stops in Houston, Atlanta, and Brooklyn, before wrapping up in St.Louis. 

    Wiz Khalifa and Logic

    Multi-platinum selling, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa rose to fame with the success of his first major label debut album, Rolling Papers in 2011.

    Rolling Papers holds infamous hits such as “Black and Yellow” and more. These successful songs gave Wiz the platform to win the “Best New Artist” and “Top New Artist” music awards. Later on, Wiz’s track “See You Again,” off the FURIOUS 7 soundtrack catapulted to the top of the charts across 95 countries. Throughout his career, Khalifa has inspired various elements of pop culture from music integration and content creation to MMA lifestyle apparel. 

    Wiz Khalifa and Logic

    Also known as Sir Robert Bryson Hall II or Bobby Hall, Logic has made a name for himself as one of the most prolific and prevalent artists of the past decade since his emergence in 2010. The Maryland native progressed from online mixtapes to three number one albums, two GRAMMY® Award nominations, and dozens of gold and platinum certifications. Similarly, Logic has sold out arena tours on multiple continents and 6 billion streams and counting. 

    Wiz Khalifa and Logic’s song “High Today”

    VINYL VERSE TOUR DATES:  

    Wed Jul 27– Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre 

    Thu Jul 28 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater 

    Sat Jul 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion 

    Tue Aug 02 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater 

    Wed Aug 03 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center 

    Fri Aug 05 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater 

    Sat Aug 06 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

    Sun Aug 07 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion 

    Mon Aug 08 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP 

    Wed Aug 10 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena 

    Thu Aug 11 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion 

    Fri Aug 12 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre 

    Sat Aug 13 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach 

    Sun Aug 14 – Camden, NJ – Waterfront Music Pavilion 

    Tue Aug 16 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclay’s Center 

    Wed Aug 17 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center 

    Fri Aug 19 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live 

    Sat Aug 20 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre 

    Sun Aug 21 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion 

    Mon Aug 22 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center 

    Tue Aug 23 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center 

    Thu Aug 25 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheatre 

    Fri Aug 26 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center 

    Sat Aug 27 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center 

    Sun Aug 28 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake 

    Tue Aug 30 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center 

    Thu Sep 01 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre 

    Fri Sep 02 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 

    Wiz Khalifa and Logic’s song “Indica Badu”

    Ticket Information:

    Tickets go on sale starting on Friday, April 22nd at 10 am located here.

    Citi is the official card of the Vinyl Verse Tour 2022. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday April 19th at 10 am ET until Thursday, April 21st at 10 pm through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit here.