As a part of their celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, Brooklyn Public Library will be holding a free event called “Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip Hop.” The event will take place on Saturday, June 17 and will feature performances, keynote addresses, music, discussions, debates, and activities that have been inspired by the genre.
This year’s event was modeled after the “Night of Philosophy and Ideas,” which received 7,000 attendees between 2018 and 2022. The entire Central Library building will be taken over for the night from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m..
We are thrilled to once again welcome New Yorkers to join us for Brooklyn’s most exciting celebration of culture and exchange of ideas. On the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re proud to honor the legacy of the genre and take a deep dive into this multifaceted art form that has transcended music and had a tremendous influence on our cultural fabric on a global scale.
László Jakab Orsós, Brooklyn Public Library’s Vice President of Arts and Culture
“Night in the Library” will include several Roc Nation artists, such as Grammy-nominated rapper Rapsody, Johnny Cocoa, HDBeenDope, and Reuben Vincent. There will be several notable speakers, such as: Honorary Dr. Gloria Carter of the Shawn Carter Foundation; Mitchell S. Jackson, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer; Emerson Sykes of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); hit rapper Topaz Jones; Naima Cochrane, Founder of Hip-Hop Sermon; and Bill Adler, Def Jams’ first publicist.
The event will be co-curated by the Founder of Really Just Hip-Hop, LeBrandon Smith, as well as Kelly Harrison, and April R. Silver, founder of Akila Worksongs. Additionally co-curating is MACRO, a company that represents the voice and perspectives of Black people and persons of color.
Hip-Hop has outgrown anything imagined, as it continues to evolve culturally and musically. Arguably the most influential artform in the world, it has permeated all parts of society including fashion, media, sports, language and even politics.
Smoke DZA serves the rap game as a mainstay & staple type New York artist. Certain lyricists put forth so much groundwork that they are cemented throughout underground for generations. Roc Marciano and Curren$y come to mind when conceiving the kingship achieved by lowkey legends. There is something special about artists like Your Old Droog that just continue to sharpen and fine tune their penmanship. Furthermore, we set out to place real hip-hop lyricists on your radar for as far our reach yields.
In Mid-May, Smoke DZA dropped WorldwideSmokeSessionsVolume 2 presented by The Smoker’s Club an NYC based lifestyle brand founded by Jonny Shipes, Smoke DZA and Shiest Bubz.
It’s just something about second versions of mixtapes that allow the artist to carefully construct and improve upon the first edition. Hear me out – on this tape – there’s a track reminiscent of Mos Def “Travellin’ Man.” Is it a stretch to consider those two within the same breath? Even if that rings true, real audioheads may hear the resemblances.
Pinpointing
Consequently, a real journalist carries the audacity to auspiciously sense when songs might utilize similar types of flows/cadences. Thus, it just so happens that DZA cleverly pieced together a very smooth collection of songs. The first WorldwideSmokeSessions dropped in 2019. Since, DZA’s vision continues to clairvoyantly depict relatable scenes and scenarios. Entering into this listening experience in an open-minded manner served the ultimate purpose for v2.
More times than not – if a mixtape passes the “car test” it proves authentic. Sound engineers like Mike Dean recommend playing the mastered product in the car to formulate final decisions. Eventually, the car test combined with a stereo sound bar and a speaker boombox hit for the trifecta when it comes to immersing within an album. Regardless, this DZA tape creates such a genuine vibe that we were taken aback by its phenomenal nature.
Growing Roots
Some projects take longer than others to develop wings and truly begin to move someone. For instance, “Nacksaw Jim Duggan” – a Griselda Records Estee Nack Debut – took several listens to grow roots. It’s clear to understand that greatness comes over time by trying your hand over and over again, or in this case, training your ear to absorb the album within different environments.
Smoke DZA laid the foundation very precisely throughout his endeavors as a New York artist. Without a doubt, his name holds weight within musical circles associated with meditative properties. Hence, listening to WorldwideSmokeSessionsVolume 2 by Smoke DZA creates a multilayered onset effect for the listener. This mixtape comes complete with boatloads of relaxation, variety and tunes good for cruising along.
For those unaware of the Machine – Conway defied the odds. Merely a man, he proves his machine-like mechanisms on every track with grimey lyrics, references and punchlines. After overcoming gunshot wounds to his head and neck that left the right side of his face paralyzed – he became arguably the most prolific illustrator of our generation. This is Griselda Records.
Griselda Records x Fashion Rebels (GxFR) really started to catapult the competition when they turned adversity into prosperity. Once Westside Gunn put out his first tape, Flyest in Charge – he proved that he meant business. The beautiful part about it is Westside Gunn only started rapping to propel his blood brother Conway the Machine – who was incapacitated at the time.
Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn derive their names from their fallen Buffalo soldier – Machine Gunn Black. The rate at which this collective puts out projects is a direct indicator as to why they are successful. Conway’s latest release, Won’t He Do It symbolizes a turning of the guild. This is his first release under his independent label – Drumwork Music Group. Now does this mean there is a riff between Griselda members? Absolutely not. Westside Gunn conducts business so masterfully that the original trio – WSG, Conway and Benny the Butcher now own and operate their own record labels.
Best New York Rap Reigns from Buffalo
Won’t He Do It contains a great balance of songs for old and new fans. Altogether, there are contemplative, hyphy, reflective and bouncy types of songs. Also, it has been rumored that this collection of songs is only Side A.
Upon making this album, Conway the Machine flew to Denver and recorded from 12 to 12 every day. Within the throws of his creative process, he compiled six albums worth of material. Recording music is like photography in the sense that you create hundreds of pieces of content only to choose the very best few to present to the public.
Furthermore, it feels like there is purposely less depth within the subject matter of this album. For Griselda artists – this is warranted because they consistently tap deep within the psyche of their audience with mind-altering compositions. It is nice to have a balance of pump-up tunes, classic tracks and songs dedicated to legends like Jay-Z and Kanye.
“Everything about his delivery makes me wanna keep paying attention.”
The particular line above resonated with me because it emphasizes the importance of fine-tuning all moving parts to sustain a profitable and well-oiled machine. Creating something is only 20% of the battle.
Man v. Machine
Nonetheless, hip-hop connoisseurs often refer to a track that shares the same title as the album as a, “Title Track.” The title track on this tape* truly bares all. It sets the tone for the types of blended wavelengths found throughout this entire album. Therefore, this track symbolizes the album as a whole because it displays vulnerability.
Lastly, this album cements a groundbreaking first step in the solidification of Drumwork Music Group. Not only that, but it is the first time Conway has felt comfortable enough to display his face on the album cover. Couple that with wonderful production, top tier rollout/promotion and an absolute banger of a verse from Sauce Walka and you got yourself a downright enjoyable listening experience.
Chicago rapper Lil Durk visits New York to perform at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on August 5. The stop is part of the artist’s “Sorry For The Drought” tour, to go along with his upcoming album Almost Healed which is set to drop on May 26. He’ll be joined by Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, and DD Osama throughout most of the tour.
Lil Durk burst onto the mainstream rap scene in 2020 with two gold albums Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 and The Voice. Durk’s biggest success came in 2021 with his widely acclaimed joint album Voice of the Heroes with Atlanta trap artist Lil Baby. The project debuted atop the Billboard Top 200 chart, the first of Lil Durk’s albums to do so. In total 16 tracks off the album appeared on the Billboard Hot 100, propelling the album to platinum status by 2022.
Lil Durk has released a handful of singles and features over the last year, including his most recent track “All My Life” with J. Cole and has appeared on songs with Don Toliver and GloRilla. The Chicago native also helped to start the label and collective “OTF”, which featured the late drill artist King Von.
The tour gets underway on July 28. Presale tickets can be purchased beginning on Wednesday, May 17 with general tickets dropping on Thursday, May 18 here and here.
Rising artist Jehry Robinson released his new single “Razor” on May 12. Not conforming to one genre, “Razor,” like Robinson’s other music, blends rap, reggae, pop, and rap into one sound.
Jehry Robinson grew up on Long Island but was encouraged to move forward with his music dreams after forming a friendship with Grammy winning artist Macklemore. Then, in 2016, he co-founded FBA Management with Tara Ennis and launched his solo career.
After reading an article about Kansas City based Strange Music in Forbes, he urged Tara to reach out to C.E.O. Travis O’Guin. After months of persistence and diligence the label head surprisingly returned her direct message. The two got on a plane to Kansas City with hopes of joining the Strange Music family. After more months of planning, and many conversations with O’Guin, Jehry signed the label and got right to work.
So far, Robinson’s songs and videos have accumulated over ten million views and streams. On his genre mixing music, he said, “I’m taking all of those genres and emotions and fusing them into one sound. You’ll get the happy side. You’ll get the depressed side. If there’s a reggae vibe or rock energy, that’s just how I felt that day.”
Fusing numerous genres, his songs reflect Robinson’s ear for melody and his ability to make seemingly conflicting sounds mesh together. His latest song “Razor” is the follow-up to the melodic rap and vocal harmonies of “No Happy Days” which features label-mate King Iso. Earlier in 2023 he delivered “Kill My Daydreams” and “Question Why.” Expect more songs and videos from Jehry Robinson leading up to the release of his upcoming LP this summer.
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.
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame (LIMEHOF) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a special concert and panel discussion event on Sunday, June 11th at 2 p.m. at the venue’s home base in Stony Brook Village.
The event will feature legendary stars Son of Bazerk, Kool Rock-Ski (of The Fat Boys), A.J. Rock (of J.V.C. F.O.R.C.E.), DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice (of Public Enemy), Dinco D and Milo in de Dance (both of Leaders of the New School), and special guest Ralph McDaniels (of Video Music Box), as well as other surprise hip-hop guest artists.
“We are honored to pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with a live concert performed by some of hip hop’s most influential artists, all from Long Island. It is a testament to Long Island’s prominent and continuing role in hip-hop’s legacy.”
Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF Chairman
Although the Bronx often receives the most credit for the origins of hip-hop, Long Island was very influential in its development. Most Long Island hip-hop performers went to the city to perform. Through the years, LIMEHOF has paid tribute to the hip-hop community by inducting artists from Long Island including LL COOL J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD.
DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice, Kool Rock-Ski, and Son of Bazerk will be performing live at the event. There will also be a panel discussion moderated by Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and longtime host of the “Sounds of Film Radio Show,” who will be joined by members of JVC Force, Leaders of the New School, DJ Johnny Juice and Ralph McDaniels.
Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame (LIMEHOF) is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook Village. To date, the organization has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives, and also offers education programs and scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.
For more information about tickets to the LIMEHOF Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Concert, please visit LIMEHOF’S website.
The Albany Center Gallery (ACG), located on Broadway in Albany, is accepting submissions for an upcoming exhibition celebrating Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary this August.
ACG and curators Robert Cooper, Truemaster, and BoogieRez invite local and regional artists to submit their work for consideration. This call for submissions is free and open to the public.
Hip Hop finds its origins dating back to August 11th, 1973, when a back-to-school party was held in the Bronx, at 1520 Sedgwick Ave. Over the years it became known as the party that started the culture of Hip Hop. Hip Hop is both a culture and a style of music, beginning with four elements: MC’ing, B-boy/B-girl, graffiti, and DJ’ing. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip Hop and to commemorate this historic occasion, events of varying degrees are planned around the world, including the Capital Region at Albany Center Gallery.
From Tuesday, August 1 to Saturday, September 2, 2023, this exhibition will be held at ACG in celebration of Hip Hop’s culture and overall multidisciplinary influence on people, especially creatives.
Along with the exhibition, the commemoration will include multiple associated programs highlighting performances that embody the spirit of Hip Hop and this cultural phenomenon. Albany Center Gallery is looking for visual art (photography, painting, sculpture, installations, and graffiti), and performance artists (MCs, DJs, Dancers, Poets, and more) to join ACG and curators in celebrating the 50 years of Hip Hop.
All art forms and mediums are welcome to submit. The work submitted should represent an artistic style that is inspired or influenced by the artist’s experience in Hip Hop culture throughout the years. Work must be submitted by Sunday, June 4, 2023, at midnight to be considered. Submit work and learn more details here.
The second annual Sullivan County Music Festival, presented by the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) will be held on Sunday, June 4, from 12 pm to 8 pm. The event will be held on the lawn of Tango Café and Fireman’s Park, Main Street, Hurleyville.
Faith Kelly Performs at the 1st Annual Sullivan County Music Festival, June 4, 2022. Photo by Douglas Shindler. Image Courtesy Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre.
Sullivan County Music Festival is a free community event, with a suggested donation of $10 to support local musicians and vendors. A donation of $10 will get you three complimentary raffle tickets for a chance to win exciting door prizes. Raffle announcements will occur just before the final performance at 7:10 pm.
This year’s lineup includes 15 performances, all showcasing the incredible diversity of local talent in the the Southern Catskills. Sullivan County Music Festival will also highlight 15 non-profit organizations doing remarkable work within Sullivan County. Attendees can enjoy original music all day, along with an array of vendors, raffles, and door prizes generously provided by local businesses.
This festival provides a vital platform for the incredible diversity of talent we have right here in our region. It’s an honor to celebrate and support our local musicians, vendors, and non-profit organizations that contribute so much to our community.
Co-Executive Director of HPAC, Ellyane Hutchinson
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to relax on the grass in front of Tango Café. Several local businesses, including The Hurleyville General Store, Tango Café, Pickled Owl, La Salumina, and Casa Mia, will offer a variety of delicious food options. Additionally, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle will give guests the opportunity to win cash and prizes from local restaurants, vendors, and businesses.
The Sullivan County Music Festival is a family-friendly event, and will include a bouncy house and face painter. Ample parking is available in two large municipal lots on Main Street and Railroad Avenue in Hurleyville. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with restrooms available in HPAC and Tango Café.
WJFF Radio Catskill is the official local media sponsor, while NYS Music serves as the official NY state media sponsor. The Sullivan County Music Festival is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Artist fees for the festival are supported in part by STEAM Fund’s Mission One Gig At A Time (MOGAAT). Catskill Brewery is the official beverage sponsor and Upstate D Tours is the official transportation sponsor. Other event sponsors include Funky Hippy Chic Boutique, Liberty Fine Furnishings & Upholstery, DJ Gteaze, Savory Sweet Eatery, American Storage Buildings, and Zeke1r.
Rap legend 50 Cent, otherwise known as Curtis Jackson, has announced his global tour, “The Final Lap.” The tour is in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of his game-changing debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin. “The Final Lap” tour kicks off July 21st and will make three stops in New York at the Darien Lake Amphitheater and Barclays Center.
“The Final Lap” will showcase 50 Cent performing dozens of fan-favorite and chart-topping hits along with select tracks that have not been performed live in decades. The tour will also feature the special guests Busta Rhymes and Jeremih. 50 Cent’s Sire Spirits brands, Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne will also be available throughout the tour.
50 Cent is not only an acclaimed musician but also has a thriving career in television and film. In January 2020 Jackson received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as being awarded an NAACP award for Best Director in a Drama Series. It all began in 2005 when he founded G-Unit Film & Television, Inc. It produced a variety of content such as the #1 show on Starz, “Power.” Jackson not only starred in the show but also served as executive producer and director. G-Unit Film & Television have latterly released “Hip Hop Homicides” on WeTV.
Acknowledged as one of the most talented and prolific music artists of his time, 50 Cent has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and has been awarded the most prestigious accolades. He has also made history by having the fastest-selling albums in history with Get Rich or Die Tryin. The icon utilized his star power to achieve unparalleled success as an entrepreneur, actor, director, and executive producer. From musical success to creating one of the most influential deals in hip-hop with the sale of Vitamin water, 50 continues to break records. He currently holds the record for the highest-rated premiere of a series on Starz with “Power Book II: Ghost.”
