NYS Music 2023

Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • Conway The Machine Drops Music Video for ‘Quarters/Brucifix’ With New Album Set for Spring

    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.

    Conway The Machine shot the "Quarters/Brucifix" video in Paris.

    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.

    Conway The Machine announces Won't He Do It Tour.

  • Bones, Xavier Wulf and Eddy Baker Join Forces for ‘InLovingMemory’ Tour With Scheduled Stop at Queens’ Knockdown Center

    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.

    InLovingMemory Tour poster

    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

    Tue Jun 13 – Denver, CO – Summit

    Wed Jun 14 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    Fri Jun 16 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

    Sat Jun 17 – Seattle, WA – Neptune

    Sun Jun 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

    Thu Jun 22 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

  • Madlib Teams with Meyhem Lauren and DJ Muggs on ‘Szechuan Capital’ + New Project

    Hip Hop’s underground scene will be getting a jolt as Queens rapper — and television star — Meyhem Lauren is teaming up with legendary DJ, Cypress Hill’s own DJ Muggs and one of the best producers of his generation in Madlib. The trio have announced an album titled Champagne for Breakfast set for release on April 7 through Soul Assassins Records.

    In anticipation for the project they’ve released the brooding album cut “Szechuan Capital.” Featuring fellow Queens-bred rapper/actor Action Bronson, “Szechuan Capital” is the name of a restaurant in Flushing Queens. “It closed down around 20 years ago,” Meyhem remarked. “It was a special spot in Flushing and Action is a special human from Flushing so it all made sense; at least to me.”

    Meyhem and Action Bronson share a personal relationship as part of the hip hop/art collective Smart Crew. Additionally, Meyhem stars in Bronson’s food documentary series F*ck, That’s Delicious. However, their true ties are as cultural vanguards for the borough of Queens. Whether it be through their graffiti, music or being food aficionados, they pay ode the historic borough. “Szechuan Capital” is no different, as it is an ode to the lesser-known cultural landmarks that have bred some of hip hop’s best. With DJ Muggs and Madlib on production the essence of the culture pushing the artist will always be conveyed.

    Madlib and DJ Muggs

    After all, the fabled producers have spent the last few years fortifying their legacies. A founding member of Cypress Hill and the Producer of House Of Pain’s “Jump Around,” the Grammy-nominated producer has collaborated with a whose-who in hip hop’s underground scene.  In the last few years alone he has released projects with Mach-Hommy, Roc Marciano, Yelawolf, Rome Streetz and Jay Worthy; and he’s currently putting the finishing touches on the forthcoming Soul Assassins 4 album. Meanwhile, Champagne for Breakfast will be Madlib’s third project of the year. The legendary producer has already released Liberation 2 with Talib Kweli and In The Beginning, Vol 3 with Declaime this calendar year. 

    In like manner, this latest album will add to the extensive collaborative history between Meyhem, Muggs and Madlib. Meyhem has previous projects with DJ Muggs 2017’s Gems From The Equinox, 2018’s Frozen Angels and 2019’s Members Only.

  • Hot 97 Summer Jam Announces Star-Studded Lineup

    The infamous Hot 97 Summer Jam is returning to UBS Arena in Elmont after a long stint at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. Summer Jam will take place on Sunday June 4th, 2023, and is spotlighting the recent rise of women to the forefront of the hip-hop movement. The show will also feature a performance from Yonkers own The LOX, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop.

    Summer Jam Logo

    This year’s lineup is full of New York talent, including Cardi B, Ice Spice, Fivio Foreign, Lil TJay, Lola Brooke, The LOX, Kenzo B, Sha EK and McVert. Even with its New York Heavy lineup, Hot 97 is bringing in talent from beyond with artists like French Montana, Coi Leray and NLE Choppa.

    Tickets officially go on sale April 8th at 10:00 AM EST at hot97.com/summerjam and Ticketmaster. American Express® Card Members can purchase pre-sale tickets before the general public April 4th 10:00 AM – April 6th 10:00 PM.

    Hot 97 Summer Jam Full Lineup: Cardi B, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Fivio Foreign, French Montana, Lil TJay, The LOX, NLE Choppa, Kenzo B, 2Rare, Sha EK, McVert and TQ.

    Dive into the history of Summer Jam and check out the San Francisco origins of the series.

    Stay tuned to NYS Music for more information about the festival.

  • Lollapalooza Reveals Lineup Featuring Over 170 Musicians for 2023 Edition

    Lollapalooza revealed a powerhouse lineup for their 2023 edition, featuring stars such as Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, ODESZA, Lana Del Rey etc. The biggest music festival of 2023 will take place August 3-6 at Grant Park in Chicago.

    The exhilarating celebration will showcase over 170 bands with nine stages and four full days of music and programming.  Lollapalooza is always on the hunt for upcoming artists to take the stage. As a result, fans can enjoy the must-see breakout stars including, Dom Dolla, Sabrina Carpenter, Lovejoy, Knock2, Jessie Murph, Suki Waterhouse, Thee Sacred Souls, and The 502s. Fan favorites Lil Yachty, Tems, J.I.D, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Maggie Rogers, Carly Rae Jepsen, Diplo, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Fred again and Noah Kahan will also be featured in the festival. 

    Lollapalooza is recognized as the premier music festival across the world because of its diverse lineup. The 2023 edition presents NewJeans,, The Rose, Rina Sawayama, Rema, NIKI, Morgan Wade, DPR IAN + DPR LIVE, Lainey Wilson, L’Impératrice, Ivan Cornejo and Sudan Archives.Furthermore, Lollapalooza makes history this year with its first Latina female performer, Karol G. Additionally, British superstars The 1975, and Tomorrow X Together will also take the stage. Chicago will be fully represented with musicians such as Louis the Child, Dehd, Sincere Engineer, Friday Pilots Club, Motherfolk, Kidd Kenn, and more.

    lollapalooza 2023

    Lollapalooza was founded in 1991 by Perry Farrell and remains an innovator in festival culture over 30 years later. The festival made its mark by being the first festival to bring together artists from a wide range of musical genres on one bill, the first to expand to multiple days, the first to blend art and activism, and the first to expand internationally. Besides Chicago Lollapalooza has held shows in culturally rich countries including Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, Sweden and India.

    Lollapalooza’s contribution to the City of Chicago trumps all other festivals in the region., Although the festival occurs over an annual four-day weekend in the summer, Lollapalooza strives to provide meaningful engagement and impact year-round.  The festival supports local communities by introducing Chicago youth to creative opportunities in the concert industry and reducing barriers to arts access in Chicago schools. To support arts and education in Chicago Public Schools, organizers created the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund donating $2.2M to programs. Additionally, Lollapalooza hosts an annual Sueños Job Fair and is united with African American Heritage Festivals, Teens in the Park Fest, Black Culture Fest, Musically Fed, and After School Matters.  For more information, please visit here. 

    To secure 4-Day General Admission, fans can sign up for the SMS Presale that begins this Thursday, March 23 at 10am here. A full list of amenities can be accessed here. Layaway Plans are also available on all ticket types starting at $20 down.

    1-Day Tickets, along with the lineup-by-day will be available later. Kids eight and under may attend for free with a ticketed adult and enjoy Kidzapalooza. It’s presented by Lifeway Kefir and is an interactive music playground within the festival that presents a lineup of family-friendly performances, activities, music, and dance workshops and more. 

  • In Focus: Young Nudy at The Westcott Theater

    Young American Rapper from Atlanta, Georgia by the name of ‘Young Nudy’ made an appearance in Upstate New York this past week. On March 28 at The Westcott Theater, Nudy continued his 2023 Tour, acknowledging the debut of his new album Gumbo released this past February. 

    young nuy

    Nudy combines hip-hop, rap and elements of contemporary R&B throughout his songs. Best known for his mixtapes “Slimeball” (2016), “Slimeball 2” (2017), and “Slimeball 3” (2018). His breakout album was deemed to be “Sli’merre” including a collaboration with Pierre Bourne released in 2019. This album is associated with several other big names that worked on the project such as 21 Savage, Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Uzi Vert.

    As the crowd awaited Young Nudy’s entrance, the show began with multiple opening rappers, by the names of 4L Quan, 4L G5ive, 2FeetBino and 21 Lil Harold, warming up the fans and engaging the hype for the headliner’s performance. 

    Before hitting the stage, the lights went dark, and fans went wild lighting up the stage with their flashlights as Nudy jumped out in front opening with fan favorite ‘Project X’ off his debut “EA Monster”.

    Throughout the show, the rapper performed many of his top hits including ‘Loaded Baked Potato’, ‘No Clue’, ‘Impala’, ‘Extendo’, ‘Mister’, ‘Peaches & Eggplants’ and ‘Blue Cheese Salad’. As this was his first show in Syracuse, Nudy put on quite the show. 

    Throughout the show Nudy yelled to his fans, “When I say slime, you say ball, “Slime-Ball” “Slime-Ball””, connecting with the crowds hype which acknowledged  Nudy’s well known triple album “SlimeBall”.The name SlimeBall comes from some of his most recognized albums to this day as the name and nickname carries through many of his albums and songs. 

    To close out Nudy’s show, he played, “EA (feat. 21 savage) from the Slimeball 2 album, following with ‘Shrimp’ from the latest album Gumbo that jumpstarted the 2023 Young Nudy Tour. We look forward to see what Young rapper Nudy does next in his music career.

    Young American Rapper from Atlanta, Georgia by the name of ‘Young Nudy’ made an appearance in Upstate New York this past week. On March 28 at The Westcott Theater, Nudy continued his 2023 Tour, acknowledging the debut of his new album Gumbo released this past February. 

  • How IDK Used Jazz And Formula 2 To Make His Best Project To Date

    Wow, what can be said about IDK’s F65 Listening Party? From beginning to end, IDK made it an intimate, beautiful, and thought-provoking experience. Studio 368 in Tribeca was the setting for this intimate gathering, where guests were served drinks and food in a kitchen-like setting before being led through a private screening of his comprehensive and movie-like project.

    The name F65 has a specific meaning. 65 represents the year of Malcolm X’s death, and F represents Formula One (also known as F1), the highest class of international single-seat car racing in the world. IDK, whose name stands for “Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge,” drew inspiration from both these elements to create a unique and powerful project.

    IDK’s decision to make jazz the foundation of his new project while also infusing it with the fast-paced energy of F1 racing resulted in a unique and powerful listening experience. The thought-provoking and emotional tracks that address the difficulties faced by black people when interacting with the police, such as “Mr. Police,” are a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. The inclusion of club-rocking hits adds an element of fun and excitement, ensuring that the album appeals to a wide range of listeners. This perfect blend of social commentary, musical skill, and entertainment value sets IDK apart as an artist who is unafraid to tackle important issues while still delivering a memorable and enjoyable experience.

    The project as a whole was truly incredible and is proving to be a defining album in IDK’s discography. He is planning strategic brand partnerships with F1 and recently released his first single on MSNBC as part of his rollout. IDK proved to be a force in music before, and after this listening party, it is very clear he is about to shock the masses once again.

    Learn more about IDK on his website here

  • Che Pranks Jost, Quinta Praises Teachers and Lil Yachty gets Psychedelic on SNL

    Emmy-winning Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) this week, with genre-blending musical guest Lil Yachty. Brunson used her monologue to talk Abbott Elementary and praised teachers, mentioning her Philadelphia upbringing and mother who was an educator. Brunson used her first SNL hosting gig to call for better pay for teachers, reminding parents to not take teachers for granted.

    A trio of solid sketches followed, with a “Drug Dealer” sketch with bathroom dealers trying to one-up each other, a Netflix Bridesmaids cult documentary that sends up the cult doc Wild Wild Country, and a gameshow ‘Couple Goals.’

    The first song from Lil Yachty, “The BLACK seminole.,” found an all-female band in a starlit field/swamp, the moon backlighting them. The first track off Let’s Start Here, “The BLACK seminole.” offered rap merging with psychedelic rock and hip hop, including autotuned Yachty singing, the guitarist dropping a solo that would make Slash smile, and singer Diana Gordon taking the spotlight as LED wall projections intensified. Lil Yachty put the band front and center, with a Pink Floyd influence clear in Gordon’s singing and samples of “One of these Days” and “Speak to Me.”

    https://youtu.be/XYdE4HAsXpI

    On Weekend Update, Michael Che pulled “the meanest thing you’ve ever done” on Colin Jost, by getting the audience to not laugh during the first few jokes Colin told. Someone could then be heard shouting ‘you suck’, and Jost breaking his ever-stiff persona on Update, laughing at the lack of laughs, wondering if his mic was on, and Che admitting it was his April Fools. Jost replied with “You are evil!” laughing all the while, sweating too. Meanwhile, Che’s couple of early jokes got big laughs to stoke the flame.

    Having set the tone for the rest of Update, the guests that joined the desk made this the funniest Update of the season so far. Michaelangelo’s David (Michael Longfellow) and featured player Marcelo Hernandez praised Short Kings, dragging Jost again, this time for being short (he’s really 6’0″).

    Lil Yachty’s second song “drive ME crazy!” dropped a Disco beat thanks to an even-handed drummer and Diana Gordon taking the lead this time, singing about finding her perfect match. At first, the song is minimalist, with the stage becoming lighter as the song progressed, with Yachty joining in, wearing a hat that Shock G would have loved.

    https://youtu.be/lrF32zOszgg

    Tune into Saturday Night Live next week with host Molly Shannon and musical guest Jonas Brothers

  • Palace Theatre to Host Benefit Concert with The Frank White Experience on April 1

    The Palace Theatre and Building on Love are partnering to present The Frank White Experience and special guest DJ TGIF live in the Palace Lobby on April 1, starting at 7 p.m.

    Palace Theatre

    Six-year-old Ezekiel McLean was always a happy, upbeat, loving, and supportive child. One day his parents received the news that he has stage 4 kidney cancer, and their world has been upside down ever since. To pay the medical costs, the Palace Theatre’s Community Engagement Initiative is hosting a fundraiser with Building on Love and all the proceeds will be used to support the McLean Family. Building on Love is a local non-profit with a mission of helping families in the community who have had their life altered by supporting a loved one with a recent life-altering medical diagnosis by giving them financial access to care and housing so they can focus on the health of their loved ones.

    “Childhood cancer is a battle that no one should have to go through. As if the emotional toll was not enough, the financial toll on the families can be crippling,” said Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of the Palace Theatre. “We are pleased to be able to offer our space, time, and energy to be able to help the McLean family in any way possible.” The benefit will take place at the Palace Theatre, Albany’s iconic downtown landmark, bringing in the biggest names in entertainment to the Capital Region for the past eight decades. Built in 1931, it was originally for vaudeville acts, and feature films, becoming a civic auditorium before closing its doors in 1969. The mission of the Palace is to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region, greatly enhancing the area’s cultural and economic development. 

    The Frank White Experience is the genre leader in live Hip Hop tribute bands, bringing the sounds of NOTORIOUS B.I.G. and live instrumentation to the listener’s ears. FWE not only covers the music of Biggie Smalls but takes listeners on a journey back through the beloved soundscape of 1990s Hip Hop and R&B, sharing the stage with Rakim, Styles P, Lil Kim, Fat Joe, C.J. Wallace, Havoc, DJ Enuff, Sway Calloway, Lil Cease, Klept, and many more. Featured at the concert is DJ TGIF aka Craig Earle, one of Upstate New York’s most in-demand DJs, performing regularly to both late-night sold-out crowds and family-friendly events alike. He was recently awarded the honor of the Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40.

    Tickets to attend the benefit performance are $30 (Standard Admission) and $50 (VIP), on sale now at the Palace Theatre Box Office and online.

  • Spring Valley Duo Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis Announce New EP

    Spring Valley hip-hop artists Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis have joined forces to collaborate on an upcoming joint EP called Castor + Pollux. Due out in spring 2023, the duo kicked off the promotional run with their latest single, “Mike Tyson.“ An uptempo rap song that’s been in the works since early 2020, the record has been a fan favorite at the group’s live performances. Fat Westbrook and Cedric both are confident and cocky all while keeping it fun and lightweight. Meanwhile, the duo exchange jabs in the video while interchanging equally lively flows.

    Fat Westbrook and Cedric

    The Spring Valley duo is bringing a different flavor to the current music landscape. Notably, hip-hop artist, rapper, and instrumentalist Fat Westbrook shares the culmination of his experiences through music. Drawing inspiration from both his hometown and Haitian identity. Moreover, his music features raw stories, hard-hitting beats and a charismatic word-flow. His music is meant to help those who wish to identify, feel, laugh and love.

    Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis
    Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis are a hard-hitting duo out of Spring Valley

    Likewise, Cedric St. Louis has also long shared the same dreams as his counterpart. The Spring Valley native has ambitions to not only make an impact in the hip hop world, but music as a whole. As a Black gay man navigating in the Hip Hop world and Alternative industries, the quick-witted rapper hopes to empower listeners in his songs, helping them gain a sense of self-identity.