Popular Podcaster Rory Farrell has joined the ranks of the creatives with the release of his debut project, I Thought It’d Be Different. Known for his stint as one of the dynamic trio that helped propelThe Joe Budden Podcast and as one half of Rory & Mal, this latest venture allows fans a glimpse into Rory’s full potential. Likewise, throughout his stint as a podcast personality Rory has been hailed for his music taste and offers intimate knowledge of the business side having worked at SONY.
Aptly titled, I Thought It’d Be Different, the album tittle reflects the last few years in the newly-minted producers life and career. Nevertheless, this curation demonstrates the potential that Rory’s music taste has teased for years. However, the list of accomplished artists and the quality of songs made for a pleasant surprise. Notably, Rory was able to land features from Jay Electronica, James Fauntleroy, GoldLinK, DRAM, Ari Lennox and Conway the Machine, producing an impressively cohesive album. Labeled as an R&B album, Rory does an effective job of inserting emphatic rap verses, adding a bit of oomph to the soul leaning project.
Consequently, Rory Farrell’s Magnum Opus sees him enter a new chapter in the public eye. For so long the former music exec has seen his public association tied to his once-friend, Joe Budden. However, this 13-track, impassioned project alters his perception and allows him to publicly stand on his own two-feet. After all, fans have watched the mostly calm and collected podcaster go through emotional ebb-and-flows throughout the years. From the deteriorating friendship with Joe Budden, to broken nuptials, and the announcement of a firstborn child during the album rollout, Rory’s oft-mythicized album offers a chance to experience Rory’s rollercoaster last few years through a musical hue.
Multi-platinum, R&B icon John Legend will be bringing his talents to New York’s historic Beacon Theatre for a pair of live, mid-week performances dubbed, “An Evening With John Legend.” Scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday on November 7 and 8, this special solo performance will feature intimate reimagining’s of Legend’s greatest hits.
Since the release of his debut in 2004, John Legend has delivered some of music’s most soul-touching records and moments. His 2013 single “All of Me,” hit number 1 on the Billboard charts and the accompanying music video — featuring his wife Chrissy Teigen — has over 2 Billion views on Youtube. Other crowd pleasers will include his Grammy-nominated records “Ordinary People,” from his debut album Get Lifted, and “Tonight.” The latter which featured as the lead single from the soundtrack to the 2012 romantic-comedy film Think Like a Man.
Together with the medley of chart-topping hits, An Evening With John Legend will also include selections from his latest album Legend recently released via Republic Records. Not to mention, unexpected stories from the legendary musician’s life and career.
Ticket sales will begin with an artist presale on Wednesday, May 17 at 10 a.m. until Thursday, May 18 at 10 p.m. before the general on-sale on Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com.
Much like the regional differences between rappers from differring coasts, New York MC’s are often the representation of a larger community’s ethos. For instance, Cam’ron‘s slick-talking, flamboyance embodied Harlem, Jay-Z‘s sharp, hustler mentality derived from Brooklyn, while Nas’ profound, thought-out and laissez-faire style is a Queens thing. In that regard Lloyd Banks is a lot like Nas. The veteran rapper has taken the long-winding road to artistic nirvana and his latest project, The Course of the Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain, sees the Queens native at his songwriting best, while capturing the essence of New York City’s underbelly.
Widely recognized as the punchline king, Banks’ cultural relevance within hip hop often relied on his hard-hitting punches. However, the platinum-selling rapper has re-emerged and reinvented himself through his COTI series, showcasing never before seen vulnerability and earnestness. Through a hue of sinister, 90’s inspired boom-bap production, Banks plays the role of philosopher and commentator. After all, the rap game has changed drastically since Banks released his platinum-selling debut, The Hunger for More.
Invariably talented, the knock on Lloyd Banks has been his indifference to the promotional aspects of a rap career. While that apathy played a part in Banks not releasing a studio album for over a decade, the boom bap sound’s re-emergence in niche form was the perfect opportunity to return to the scene and Banks struck while the iron was hot. “I was like, ‘Yo, it’s time for me to attack now.’ he reveals. “The boom bap wave was kind of reemerging. I was like, “Yo, it’s no better time than now.” “Let me get my feet wet.”
Album’s Best
With a New York-centric supporting cast, the 16-track, 54-minute project was curated to capture New York City’s hardened nature. Hence, Banks alternates between first person tales and analysis of the state of the culture. Furthermore, the PLK’s more descriptive form of songwriting led to a few vulnerable album cuts. Records like “Voices,” “Pieces Of My Pain,” “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “Deceitful Intentions” provide insight into Banks’ mental state. Meanwhile, songs like “Automatic Pilot,” “101 Razors,” “Money Machine” and “LSD” sees the veteran rapper provide commentary on the current state of street ethics, making numerous mention to the current trend of recording one’s death and disrespecting the dead that has been brought about by drill culture. Moreover, Banks’ improved beat selection and swift, hard-hitting rhymes make for a incredible coherent project with plenty of replay value.
My album’s flawless for your rap genius to scrutinize They told me sharks was in that water, watch me scuba dive
– Lloyd Banks, “Money Machine”
Album’s Worst
If there can be a knock on this project, it would be the redundancy in Lloyd Banks’ voice. While the songs vary enough in beats, flows and rhyme patterns, Banks’ grizzled, monotone voice remains a constant. Established fans should have no issue with this, while first-time listeners may be thrown off by the lack of variance in Banks’ pitch. Correspondingly, Banks featured a host of New York rappers throughout the album, making it a very east-coast friendly project. Moreover, Vado and Dave East hold their own in supporting roles, while Method Man delivers one of the album’s best verses on “101 Razors.” However, it was lackluster features from former G-Unit cohort Tony Yayo and Rochester native, 38 Speech, that left more to be desired. The duo share the stage on the album’s 10th track, “Red Alert.” While 38 Spesh came with potent rhymes, the lack of chemistry between the two was apparent. Meanwhile, Tony Yayo’s verse began decently enough, but quickly tales off as his flow did not mesh with the beat.
It’s been nearly a decade since Chance The Rapper released his transformative body of work, Acid Rap. In light of the momentous occasion, Chance will honor the project through a series of can’t-miss live events, pop-ups, merch drops, and special music releases. During a stop on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Chance officially announced two new Acid Rap concerts after the original Chicago performance quickly sold-out. The first of the new shows will be at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on Saturday, August 26, with the second in Los Angeles, CA at the Kia Forum on September 21.
What Acid Rap Means to Hip Hop
Acid Rap is a monumental body of work during hip-hop’ digital age. Much like his musical idol Kanye West the prior decade, Chance The Rapper broke the mold for popular music in the 2010’s with his lyrically proficicent, wide-ranging, psychedelic and idiosyncratic body of work. During a time where Chicago’s drill culture was at its peak, Chance The Rapper carried the torch for the social media era of “backpack” rappers. As such, Acid Rap has gained cult-status within the hip-hop community. Moreover, Chance’s independent status while releasing his best work became part of his appeal for anti-establishment fans during hip hop’s do it yourself era. His stardom and reach as an independent act was inspiration for many, showcasing that great music does not need corporate entities to flourish.
Produced by Live Nation, these performances will be Chance’s re-emergence into the realm of popular culture. The “No Problem” rapper has been on a musical hiatus since his only studio album, The Big Day, was released in 2019. In light, 2023 is an exciting year for Chance as he prepares to release his next body of work, Star Line Gallery. Chance’s latest project will intertwine the worlds of art, music, and cinematography through a series of interdisciplinary works in collaboration with artists from the continent and Diaspora.
Tickets and VIP packages for the Acid Rap anniversary shows are available at livenation.com.
Rising Boston, MA artist, OneShotAce, continues to strike while the iron is hot releasing his 2nd project of 2023. His latest effort, Big Threat, is a quick follow-up to 2022’s Big Pressure, which saw the Boston native collaborate with the likes of Benny the Butcher, Harry Fraud, Rowdy Rebel and Sheff G. The East-coast friendly project was received positively, with the records “Mr. Fire” and “Resonate” serving as standout tracks. After releasing the deluxe edition to Big Pressure at the tail-end of January, he returns with another 10-track LP, keeping his foot on the gas.
Moreover, OneShotAce has recruited platinum selling rapper MoneyBagg Yo, for the project’s single “Blocks,” while once again reuniting with Benny The Butcher on “Mixed Fumes.” Fittingly, OneShotAce’s featured artists mesh well with his own raw, money-driven street tales. With OneShotAce finding a nice middle-ground between aggressive drill-like approach to street music and the emotional, harrowing street tales.
“Working with Moneybagg Yo was major; that’s one of the biggest artists In the industry I’ve worked with to date” OneShotAce exclaimed. “We pulled up to his studio in the A, vibed out, and he jumped on the record and went crazy. I’m really excited for the world to hear it.”
Lloyd Banks continues his run of quality projects with his latest release, The Course Of The Inevitable 3: Pieces Of My Pain. The PLK’s (Punch Line King) latest release came with little press-run and debuted near the top of the iTunes rap charts, eventually climbing its way up to number 1. However, this is a familiar feat for the Jamaica Queens native, whose Course of The Inevitable series has seen Lloyd Banks return to studio albums after years of free mixtape downloads.
All in all, the response has been positive. The Course Of The Inevitable 3 currently sits at number 3 on the iTunes chart trailing only NF’s Hope and Youngboy Never Broke Again’s Don’t Try This At Home. Known for his introverted personality as much as for his lyrical prowess, Lloyd Banks kept the project’s features close to home as usual. With guest verses from Method Man, Dave East, Vado, 38 Spesh, Cormega and longtime friend and G-unit cohort, Tony Yayo.
In light, Lloyd Banks has sculpted The Course Of The Inevitable 3 to be a New York-centric album, full of hustlers and survivors of the streets who can help Banks relay his message. As the album’s Apple Music synopsis says, “A haze of philosophical street raps and sleekly sinister production.”
Jim Jones continues to make the airwaves with his unfiltered take on Vibe and Billboard’s list of the 50 Greatest Ever Rappers. The list — which was part of a collaborative effort to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary — named Jay – Z as the genre’s greatest ever MC. However, it was Pusha T’s ranking that raised ire of the “We Fly High” rapper. Coming in at number 29, Pusha T’s career as a member of the Clipse (alongside his brother Malice) and his solo work on GOOD Music has made him a staple of hip hop lore. Yet, Jim Jones doesn’t see it as such and on an episode of The RapCaviar Podcast, the Dipset member aired out his true feelings.
“What has he done that puts him in the greatest rappers of all time besides talk about coke that he probably didn’t get himself?” Jones asked. “He’s nice as shit. He could rap his ass off, but what has he done?
“Nobody has dressed like him. Nobody wants to be like Pusha T. I don’t remember nothing. And let’s not be evil, but we don’t talk about rap where the n-gga that’s popping the bitches wanna fuck and the n-ggas wanna be like.”
He continued: “I don’t know too many n-ggas in this game that was leaning towards being like Pusha T. Pusha T don’t hold no weight out here. He not pushing no shit out here.”
Jim Jones Doubles Down on The Breakfast Club
Jim Jones then rehashed the sentiments during an appearance on The Breakfast Club. Confronted by DJ Envy and Charlemagne Tha God about the controversial stance, the Harlem MC colorfully reiterated himself. For the purpose of his argument, Capo focused solely on radio play and club records.
“Could you name five Pusha T records?” Jones asked The Breakfast Club staff. “Could you name five Pusha T records? No. Could you rap to five Pusha T records?” After Charlemagne named several standout Pusha T records, Jones dismissed Charlemagne as a Pusha T fan and joked about him listening to the records in his basement.
While Jim Jones acknowledged Pusha T’s talent as a lyricist, he said he hasn’t made enough of a cultural impact to be considered an all-time rap great.
“Shoutout to Pusha T, I love your soul,” Jones continued. “You my dawg, you not in my top 50. You might be in Charlamagne’s top 50 and things like that, but you haven’t done that much for me in my life.”
“I never wanted to be like Pusha, I never had a Pusha moment in my life. Where I’m from, n-ggas wanted to be like you if you was really that dude as a rapper.”
Jim Jones Makes his Loyalties Clear
Jim Jones is an accomplished rapper himself and is certainly entitled to his opinion. However, his conviction is not without bias. Along with his controversial opinion on Pusha T, Jones has made the rounds for declaring Drake as hip hop’s greatest ever rapper. During appearances on the RapCaviar Podcast and an interview on Complex, Jones asserted his controversial take.
“Drake is the only one that gets played anyplace on this Earth, and they’re gonna know it in English. If you’re not putting Drake in the Top 2 of all time, like, what are we gonna do? We gonna keep putting shade on his name? He has broke every single statistic, period. You heard?”
Drake of course, famously brought out Jim Jones and the entire Diplomats crew during his performance at the Apollo Theater and celebrated the veteran rapper and his cohorts with a heartfelt tribute. “These guys right here, from Harlem, made us dress different, talk different, walk different, rap different. All the way in Canada.”
Verdict
Thus, it could be that after that moment Jim Jones’ view of what makes an all-time great rapper was altered and he only saw things through a Drake lens. Or, the one they call Capo could just be aligning with his good buddy who also happens to be the most popular rapper in the world. After all, Pusha T and Drake’ s longstanding beef ended without a reply from the Canadian crooner. Consequently, many declared Pusha T the winner as he was one of the few to land a crack in Drake’s pop-star armor.
What Jim Jones might have looked over is that Drake himself counts Pusha T amongst his many influences. During an episode of the short-lived MTV show When I Was 17, Drake shared a story from his formative years revealing his fandom of the “Dreaming of the Past” rapper. While scouring eBay in search of Clipse memorabilia, Drake stumbled upon and purchased a microphone that was allegedly autographed and used by Pusha T.
“I used to pretend I was doing interviews on the red carpet and perform all the Clipse songs in my basement with the mic,” he says. “I’m a full-sized teen at this point, so this is in private. And I performed with it so much that I rubbed the autograph off. I don’t even know if he really signed it, but that was my big thing. At the time it meant the world to me.”
Furthermore, Pusha T remains one of the very few that can get Jay – Z on a record. For rap fans, that may be influence enough.
Benny the Butcher continues to make noise in the rap game. This time, the Buffalo-bred MC is making his mark through his Black Soprano Family imprint, recruiting gritty Hartford, CT rapper, Fuego Base, to continue the BSF name. In like manner, Fuego Base is making a name for himself with his wordplay, innate storytelling and raw delivery, which has earned him likeness to Jadakiss.
After signing with Benny’s BSF imprint in 2022, Fuego joined Benny and Rick Hyde for Charlie Sloth’s Fire In The Booth, and he followed that up by appearing with Westside Gunn later that year for the “Intro” on BSF’s Long Live DJ Shay album. Fuego also impressed on his On The Radar Christmas cypher, representing BSF.
Biggest Since Camby will be Fuego Base’s debut project on Benny the Butcher’s BSF imprint.
Fuego Base’ Next Step
Now, Fuego Base takes the next step with his official BSF debut project, Biggest Since Camby. With a aptly timed 4/20 release date, the tittle is an ode to former Hartford, CT basketball star Marcus Camby who was drafted 2nd overall in the historic 1996 NBA Draft. Moreover, Biggest Since Camby features appearances from some of hip hop’s grittiest MC’s including Benny The Butcher, Sheek Louch, 38 Spesh, Uncle Murda, OT The Real and his fellow BSF cohorts.
“I want to make a big impact on the game, and that’s why my album is called Biggest Since Camby” Fuego Base explains.
We are from Hartford, and it’s a forgotten place, but with the platform, Benny has provided me and being a member of BSF, I can shine some light on the city. I’m really rapping too! Tell my momma I’m a rapper.
– Fuego Base
In anticipation for the album, Fuego Base released “The Warehouse” — and later an accompanying music video — featuring Benny The Butcher and OT The Real. The record fits right in Benny’s wheelhouse as they — along with OT The Real — seamlessly exchange street tales. Backed by a menacing and equally sorrowful violin riffs, the trio share their own personal journeys in the underbelly.
I don’t care what nobody says, Fuego Base is one of the hungriest rappers in the game right now. I know because I remember being in that beginning phase and I can see that fire in him.
Conway The Machine will release his second studio album, Won’t He Do It, this spring. The prolific Buffalo MC’s road to his major label debut was undeniably impactful and redemptive. God Don’t Make Mistakes served as his commercial breakthrough, as it rose to the top of DSP charts and was also his highest-charting Billboard project to date. Moreover, the project was hailed by critics and fans alike.
While God Don’t Make Mistakes was Conway’s de-facto origin story to the mainstream market, it will also serve as the bridge to the next phase of his already decorated, mixtape-laden career, which begins with his next album Won’t He Do It.
After sharing the album’s first single, “Super Bowl,” featuring Sauce Walka and Juicy J, Conway The Machine has released the album’s second single and first visual in “Quarters/Brucifix.” Featuring Westside Gunn, the music video is shot on location in Paris. The two-sided single features production from Khrysis on “Quarters,” (which also includes vocals from late podcaster, Combat Jack) along with the Daringer produced “Brucifix.”
The record sees Conway The Machine maintain his musical trajectory. While his content remains forever rooted to the streets, Conway continues to challenge himself with the production he raps over. Moreover, the former Griselda signee has long cultivated a rags-to-riches image and continues to abide by his street ethics in his music. However, his growing success makes his subject matter that much more idiosyncratic. All in all, his presentation adds to his allure, while he continues to serve as motivation to those with similar backgrounds.
“I wanted to tap back in with my bro, Khrysis, and give em that feel that my fans know me for providing,” Conway shared with Complex. “I also wanted to set the tone for my new album.”
Conway The Machine Tour
In addition to the release of “Quarters/Brucifix,” Conway also announced the Won’t He Do It Spring Tour featuring Sauce Walka and his fellow Drumwork artist Jae Skeese. The month-long, 18-city expedition begins on My 26 in Chicago, IL and wraps up on June 28 in Detroit with a stop in Brooklyn set for June 24.
Hip Hop’s underground continues to make waves as Emo, Trap-metal and phonk pioneers Bones, Xavier Wolf and Eddy Baker announced they will hit the road this summer for the InLovingMemory Tour. Produced by Live Nation and Rolling Loud, the 20-city tour kicks off in Los Angeles, CA, on May 20, and includes a stop at the Knockdown Center in Queens, NY, on Friday, June 2. Additionally, this latest expedition will be the first-ever co-headlining tour by the three members of Seshollowaterboyz (a mash-up of their self-releasing labels TeamSESH, Hollow Squad. Waterboyz and Healthy Boyz). Simultaneously, this will Bones’ first time back on the road in four years and Bones’ first time back on the road in four years.
However, the InLovingMemory tour announcement continues a busy 2023 for Bones. The prolific artist recently shared TheWitch&TheWizard, a haunting album created with longtime TeamSESH music producer Greaf. In March, Bones and Eddy Baker teamed up for “YellowStone,” the first single from Jones Peak, their upcoming collaborative effort, their first since 2019’s cult favorite SparrowsCreek. Jones Peak is set to release on April 14 through TeamSESH and Empire Records.
For over a decade trio of underground mainstays have consistently churned out music to little mainstream fanfare. Yet, their quality and innovation leaves fans wanting more. Despite their underground status, the trio have still cultivated commercial success. Bones recently earned his first-ever gold certification from the RIAA for his 2014 hit “HDMI,” while Hollow Squad CEO Xavier Wulf went gold with his 2014 Blood Shore Season 2 cut “Psycho Pass.” BONES, Wulf, and Baker recently treated fans to a preview of the upcoming tour, joining forces on the main stage during Rolling Loud California 2023.
InLovingMemory Tour Dates
Sat May 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Tue May 23 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall
Thu May 25 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis presented by Affinity Plus
Fri May 26 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Tue May 30 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live
Wed May 31 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Fri Jun 02 – Queens, NY – Knockdown Center
Sun Jun 04 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
Mon Jun 05 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
Tue Jun 06 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
Thu Jun 08 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Fri Jun 09 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom
Sat Jun 10 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theater
Mon Jun 12 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center
