NYS Music 2023

Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • Capital Region Native DJ Hollyw8d and Friends Drop First Single “Revelation”

    Capital Region native DJ Hollyw8d has collaborated with fellow artists from the area to bring fans his debut single, “Revelation.” The single, featuring vocals by Chaz Money, who has worked with rappers such as Jadakiss (“What If”), and singer L.Y.S., is DJ Hollyw8d’s first of many songs to come. Speaking to the power of hope and perseverance, “Revelation” is a modern-day gospel that many will want to sing along to.

    DJ Hollyw8d
    Listen to Revelation here

    The first single by the Capital Region native is sure to leave fans wanting more. The track is a unique kind of rap that can put audiences in touch with their soul and feelings, not just put them in a party mood. Artists had the following to say about their experience with DJ Hollyw8d:

    It says a lot about you as an artist when you can collectively come up with something while maintaining your character and style. It usually takes one to take the lead during a collaboration and DJ Hollyw8d to that lead and set us up with a very dynamic catchy hook.

    – Chaz Money

    Originally from Brooklyn, Hollyw8d performs for crowds all throughout the Upstate New York Capital Region. He hosts a radio segment on WCDB 90.9 FM to promote the arts and music. In honor of his dedication and commitment to the Capital Region music scene, DJ HollyW8d was the recipient of a 2022 4th-annual Capital Region Thomas Edison Merit Award. Presented by local legend DJ Trumastr, the award gave recognition to the impact HollyW8d and his organization, More Music Less Violence, has made on the community since its conception.

    Trying to find the notes with such a contrast of voices was actually a little hard but I’ve always loved a challenge and working with Chaz and Mario on this was not only a pleasure but a privilege. This piece of work, (like all my art) is special to me, but this one especially reflects on the journey and where I’m personally at now.

    – L.Y.S.

    “Revelation” comes on the heels of DJ Hollyw8d’s first successful Annual Gala for his organization More Music Less Violence. Filmed in Cohoes, the bare church setting emphasizes the single’s message of hope it seems like nothing else is left. Ultimately, the song is set to inspire and uplift those at their lowest.

    I Feel when other people see just as much value in your beats as you do, it can boost your confidence tremendously. But the meat and potatoes are when the producer, artist, and engineer get in one room and just lock in. That is when the magic happens.
    -Producer Phantom ODE

    Stay tuned for more information about DJ Hollyw8d, including the announcement of an upcoming East Coast Tour. Watch the “Revelation” music video on Youtube.

  • Araya Announces “POISON” from ‘ARENA’ EP out in April

    Araya, a Thai-Chilean NYC native and multi-hyphenate artist announced the release of a track from his forthcoming ARENA EP, “Poison”. 

    If you have recently experienced a gruesome heartbreak, “POISON” is the song for you. Araya’s new track brings life to the feelings you cycle through while healing from challenging breakups. This is especially for instances where although someone isn’t right for you, they still have a strong hold on your heart. The drop in bass along with Araya’s voice symbolizes a sinking heart along with the remembrance of the relationships’ highs and lows. 

    Araya’s music video of “POISON” is an introduction into the world he’s created with this new music. It warns listeners of the deeply felt emotions that the lyrics replicate.

    “Poison is one of the most honest songs on ARENA as it acts as a sort of confessional for me, acknowledging my part in toxic cycles that I felt like we’re bigger than me. I’m realizing both in my writing & in this song specifically that I always leave myself a trail of hope for a better me, even if in that moment I can’t project that into my actual life. Poison is my submission to a cruel love; accepting that & my previous choices, in hopes of eventually growing from it all.”

    -Araya

    Born and raised in Long Island, Araya attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and trained to become a graphic designer while dreaming of a career in music. Araya’s struggle with purpose, identity, and spirituality are visible through his music in how he mixes vintage and futuristic sounds into a mesmerizing blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music. The young star uses music as an outlet to comprehend and channel life experiences into reflective tales of self-acceptance and understanding. 

    In the February of 2022 Araya released his sophomore LP, Ethos. Following the release of Ethos, Araya has collaborated with a myriad of producers & artists such as CLIP, Y2K, Yeek, Monte Booker, Junior Varsity and Cautious Clay. “POISON” can be bought or streamed here.

  • Brooklyn-Born Rapper CeddyJay Debuts EP

    Brooklyn-born rapper CeddyJay released his debut extended play, “Heartbroken In England” on Feb. 25. His EP was born out of heartbreak, detailing the emotions from his trip to England for love, and not getting what he hoped for. The single “Ginger” was released ahead of the EP on Feb. 14.

    Cover of CeddyJay’s Heartbroken in England. Credit: Spotify

    CeddyJay grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatbush and is of Haitian descent. Pursuing his career since the age of five, he quickly became a hit in New York City’s hip-hop scene. He has been compared to the likes of J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, but still has his own unique style. CeddyJay draws audiences in with his special sound and catchy lyrics, and fans are certain to be entertained by all four tracks on his EP. The previously mentioned debut single, “Ginger” stands out as the best track from Heartbroken In England, followed shortly by the opening track, “Broken.“

    The EP signifies a new chapter in Ceddyjay’s career. As they say, cliche as it is, “everything happens for a reason.” The rapper certainly found his reason, being the creation of a powerful EP reflecting the raw emotions of heartbreak and the resilience it takes to move on. Significantly, CeddyJay’s music is versatile. His music simultaneously showcases his love for music and personal experiences, telling a story that many can relate to.

    Listen to “Ginger” audio by CeddyJay on youtube:

  • Wu-Tang Clan and Nas Bring N.Y. State of Mind Tour to Barclays Center This Fall

    Hip-hop icons Wu-Tang Clan and Nas announce the 2023 co-headline run of their N.Y. State of Mind Tour, spanning multiple continents and stopping at the Barclays Center on Sept. 27.

    Wu-Tang Clan
    Wu-Tang Clan

    Last year the group went on a sold-out run of the 2022 N.Y. State of Mind Tour, being nominated for Pollstar’s 2022 Hip Hop Tour of The Year. Founded in New York City’s Staten Island in the early 1990s, the Wu-Tang Clan is comprised of members RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, and the deceased Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB). Considered by many to be the most significant hip-hop group of all time, the group has three platinum albums among their eight LPs, and the group’s complete anthology (including solo albums) has more than 85 full-length releases.  They are also entrepreneurs and successful cultural influencers, with an empire that features everything from clothing lines and video games to books, and more.

    Nas (Nasir Jones) first reached an international audience when his track “Halftime” was the opening cut on 1992’s Zebrahead movie soundtrack. His first full-length album arrived in 1994, Illmatic, becoming RIAA platinum, featuring “It Ain’t Hard To Tell,” “The World Is Yours,” and “One.” In 1996 he released the breakthrough double-platinum It Was Written with his first major crossover singles “Street Dreams” and “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That).” He has released many albums since then, his 2012 album, Life Is Good earned him 4 Grammy nominations including Rap Album of the Year, and is certified RIAA gold. He won the “Best Rap Album” Grammy at the 2021 awards for the 2020 release King’s Disease. King’s Disease.

    The 32-date global tour kicks off on May 9 in Auckland, New Zealand at Spark Arena, and will be stopping at the Barclays Center on Sept. 27. Tickets will be available beginning with American Express Early Access on Feb. 28 in select North American markets. Additional presales will be available throughout the week before the general on-sale starting March 3 at 9 a.m. Fans in North America can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the VIP Lounge, a limited edition numbered tour poster, and more. For more information, go here.

    2023 N.Y. STATE OF MIND TOUR DATES: 

    AUSTRALIA + NEW ZEALAND

    Tue May 9  – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena

    Fri May 12 – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

    Sat May 13 – Sydney, AU – Qudos Bank Arena

    Sun May 14 – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena

    EUROPE

    Fri June 2 – Stockholm, SE – Avicii Arena

    Sat June 3 – Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena

    Mon June 5 – Berlin, DE – Parkbuhne Wuhlheide

    Tues June 6 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome

    Wed June 7 – Paris, FR – Accor Arena

    Fri June 9 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena

    Mon June 12 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

    Tue June 13 – London, UK – The O2

    NORTH AMERICA

    Wed Sep 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Fri Sep 22 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live

    Sat Sep 23 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place

    Sun Sep 24 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino^

    Tue Sep 26 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

    Wed Sep 27 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Fri Sep 29 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

    Sun Oct 01 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

    Mon Oct 02 – Laval, QC – Place Bell

    Wed Oct 04 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

    Sat Oct 07 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center

    Sun Oct 08 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Tue Oct 10 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre

    Fri Oct 13 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place

    Sat Oct 14 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome

    Mon Oct 16 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

    Tue Oct 17 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

    Wed Oct 18 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    Sat Oct 21 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena

    Sun Oct 22 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Theatre*

    ^ Daytime Pool Party Performance

    *On-sale: Monday, March 6 at 10 am

    https://youtu.be/k_qaqUNEh0I

  • Multi-Genre Hitmaker Jelly Roll Bringing Backroad Baptism Tour to Darien Lake on Aug. 3

    Multi-genre hitmaker Jelly Roll has announced his 2023’s Backroad Baptism Tour with the 44-city arena tour making a stop at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, on August 3, 2023.

    You can expect to see some of your favorite musicians on the Backroad Baptism Tour. Opening for Jelly Roll will be stars such as Ashley McBryde, Caitlynne Curtis, Chase Rice, Elle King, Merkules, Struggle Jennings, Three 6 Mafia, Yelawolf and Josh Adam Meyers.

    Jelly Roll is quite literally on a roll, prior to his announcement the rapper dominated Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart breaking the record of most weeks spent at No. 1. His single “Son Of A Sinner” secured his place as #1 for a record-breaking 25 consecutive weeks. Jelly Roll has also earned a two-week Rock No. 1, “cemented his rising mainstream stardom. Recently, he’s released “She” and his current radio hit, “NEED A FAVOR”. 

    Jelly Roll has quietly been building a remarkable career, under the radar and on his own terms. The outstanding lyricist went from selling mixtapes out of his car, to touring relentlessly and consistently topping various iTunes charts. Jelly Roll made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2022 and independently amassed more than 4 billion career streams to date. His 2020 single “Save Me” was a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt that resulted in the creation of a new season of life that took him to new heights.  The single earned more than 155 million views on YouTube and Platinum certification from the RIAA. Furthermore, Jelly Roll’s music that blends Old-school Rap, Classic Rock, Country and Soul continues to resonate with fans and taps into his uniquely connective ability to bring fans “therapeutic music.”

    The Backroad Baptism Tour kicks off on Friday, July 28. Beginning February 24 at 10 AM, tickets will be available for purchase here. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium seats, side-stage viewing for the entire length of Jelly Roll’s set, backstage tour and group photo, VIP lounge, limited edition tour poster and more. More information can be viewed here.

    JELLY ROLL BACKROAD BAPTISM TOUR DATES:

    Fri Jul 28 — Southaven, MS — BankPlus Amphitheater*

    Sat Jul 29 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheater* 

    Sun Jul 30 — Orange Beach, AL — The Wharf Amphitheater*

    Tue Aug 01 — Huntsville, AL — Orion Amphitheater*

    Thu Aug 03 — Darien Center, NY  — Darien Lake Amphitheater+

    Fri Aug 04 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center! 

    Sat Aug 05 — Bangor, ME — Maine Savings Amphitheater! 

    Tue Aug 08 — Gilford, NH — Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion!

    Wed Aug 09 — Bridgeport, CT — Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*

    Fri Aug 11 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live>

    Sat Aug 12 — Virginia Beach, VA — Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach>

    Tue Aug 15 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake<

    Thu Aug 17 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theater<

    Fri Aug 18 — Milwaukee, WI — American Family Insurance Amphitheater< 

    Sat Aug 19 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre>

    Tue Aug 22 — Evansville, IN — Ford Center*

    Thu Aug 24 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP* 

    Fri Aug 25 — Omaha, NE — CHI Health Center>

    Sat Aug 26 — Kansas City, MO — T-Mobile Center>

    Tue Aug 29 — Lubbock, TX — United Supermarket Arena# 

    Wed Aug 30 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater#

    Fri Sep 01 — Las Vegas, NV — MGM Grand Garden Arena#

    Sat Sep 02 — Salt Lake City, UT — USANA Amphitheatre#

    Sun Sep 03 — Greenwood Village, CO — Fiddler’s Green<~

    Tue Sep 05 —Rapid City, SD — Summit Arena at The Monument*

    Wed Sep 06 — Bozeman, MT — Brick Breeden Fieldhouse*

    Tue Sep 12 — Bend, OR — Hayden Homes Amphitheater *

    Thu Sep 14 — Concord, CA — Concord Pavilion$

    Fri Sep 15 — Bakersfield, CA — Mechanics Bank Arena$

    Tue Sept 19 — Oklahoma City, OK — Paycom Center>

    Thu Sep 21 — Austin, TX — Germania Insurance Amphitheater>

    Fri Sep 22 — Houston, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion^$

    Sat Sep 23 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion$

    Tue Sep 26 — Tupelo, MS — Cadence Bank Arena*

    Thu Sep 28 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center! 

    Fri Sep 29 — Indianapolis, IN — Ruoff Music Center!

    Sat Sep 30 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center&

    Tue Oct 03 — Charleston, WV — Charleston Coliseum*

    Thu Oct 05 — Wilmington, NC — Live Oak Bank Pavilion*

    Fri Oct 06 — Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Coliseum<

    Tue Oct 10 — Lexington, KY — Rupp Arena<

    Thu Oct 12 Greenville, SC — Bon Secours Wellness Arena#

    Fri Oct 13 — Jacksonville, FL — VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena#

    Sat Oct 14 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre#

    Additional Live Performances:

    Fri Sep 08 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater – Support for Eric Church

    Sat Sep 09 – George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre – Support for Eric Church

    Sun Sep 10 – George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre – Support for Eric Church

    Sat Sep 16 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre – Support for Eric Church

  • MVW Teams Up With TiaCorine and Lil Cherry For Latest Single ‘Tru Tru’

    Fresh off his second full-length LP, Staten-Island raised and LA-based MVW returns with another mashup of cultures, sounds and styles. This time, the classical composer turned hip hop producer, has recruited the likes of Tia Corine and Lil Cherry for a syrupy ode to female empowerment and pleasure.

    MVW releases his latest single "Tru, Tru."

    “Tru Tru” sees MVW remain on his experimental journey. Since breaking through in hip hop, the former La Monte Young understudy has used his signature blend of minimal classical compositions with trap-heavy hip-hop influences. Hence, on “Tru True” MVW uses piano arpeggios, flutes and trap synths to create a sultry, inviting and abstract record.

    Things have been tightened over the last few years across the world, and with one another – I feel like friendships are truly being tested. A song like ‘Tru Tru’ is about giving people this psychedelic, anime trap dream world to escape into. That escapism feels especially important right now, and can help bring us together.

    – MVW

    Keeping in theme, MVW recruits the likes of Lil Cherry and TiaCorine to complete the record’s sensual vibe. “Tru Tru” is a global trap track that combines the best elements of MVW’s favorite genres. Blending the ominous feel of classical music, the bluntness of trap drums and the way TiaCorine and Lil Cherry’s soft croons and low hues compliment it all.

    Bitch I’m colder than the snow on the Polar Express” hilariously boasts Tia. With her rousing, raspy whisper-rap flow adding to her aura. Meanwhile, Cherry infectiously swats away male groupies with a self-assured, “I’m the man, bitch, duhhhh!” 

    Ultimately, MVW swerves the listener. In short, the record’s sensual production offers the thought of more somber lyrics. However, TiaCorine — whom Rolling Stone pinned as a rapper set to make it big in 2023 — and K-Hip Hop sensation Lil Cherry exert their control.

  • A Boogie Releases Video Performance for ‘Secrets’

    On the heels of his latest studio album, Me Vs Myself, A Boogie wit da Hoodie has teamed up wit Vevo for a performance video of his song “Secrets” as part of the music video network’s Ctrl series. Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians making an impact in today’s music scene – both emerging and established. A Boogie’s performances follow sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Push T, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Fabolous, A$AP Ferg and more. The Bronx native also previously worked with Vevo in 2015 for two “Live at Vevo” sessions featuring “Drowning” and “The Bigger Artist.”

    A Boogie Secrets

    As for this latest video performance, A boogie maintains his melodic fervor as he expounds on dealing with fame and status. The maturity in tone, subject matter and music choice is evident in-between his Vevo live performances. However, his nonchalant flows, memorable hooks, trap beats that make plenty of room for melody, and the occasional hint of R&B smoothness are all still part of the A Boogie package that have kept him as a major label star for nearly a decade.

    In 2022, Boogie continued his commercial hot streak as many hit-records spawned from 2020’s Artist 2.0 and Me vs. Myself. In addition, Boogie handled some of the production on Me vs. Myself. Consequently, the album debuted in the Top Ten of the Billboard charts.

  • De La Soul is From the Soul: Remembering Trugoy

    When TMZ first reported on February 12 that De La Soul’s Dave “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur had passed away, there was an outpouring of respect and support throughout social media. And for good reason, the 54-year-old Long Island native was not only one of hip hop’s most innovative rhymers, he had the catalogue and accolades to back it up. However, Plug 2’s value to the hip hop community isn’t based on his achievements on a commercial scale. For many, De La Soul represents the happiest times of their formative years, the boom era where hip hop wasn’t this high-functioning corporate machine, but when the art was still based around thoughts, feelings and the power to dare to be different, the organic way.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Hailing from the same Long Island outskirts that produced the likes of Chuck D, Rakim and Biz Markie, De La Soul’s contributions to hip hop and the black experience overall was one of normalcy. In an ever-changing rap landscape that had adopted an in-your-face brashness amid Public Enemy, NWA and Rakim’s rise, De La Soul served as the buoyant middle ground between the brazen and squeaky clean rappers of the day. While the group’s success is the product of four like minded creative vanguards (Posdnous, Trugoy, Maseo and Prince Paul) there’s no doubting that Trugoy embodied their very essence. Even as their music matured in between 3 Feet High and Rising and Stakes is High, Dave’s laidback effervescence remained a constant.

    https://youtu.be/tD_crXNhzKs

    Trugoy and De La Soul’s Impact

    In an era where black extremism seemed to be the new norm in hip hop, De La Soul brought a fresh point-of-view to life as a black young adult. With their quirky melodies, lighthearted approach, and genre-bending use of samples and rapping styles, the Amityville Memorial High products helped bring the other black experience to prominence. The one where you had fun, nobody got hurt, police was not involved and everything was okay. As a result, their music offered an alternative to contemporaries as their experiences as suburban black youth afforded them a broadened, colorblind view to artistry.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Consequently, their idiosyncratic point of view saddled them with a “hippie” gimmick from their record label. After all, black plight had long been one of America’s main soundtracks. For their part, De La Soul refused to portray themselves as victims to anything but wacky outfits. With their D.A.I.S.Y. (Da Inner Sound Ya’ll) mantra, De La Soul epitomizes hip hop’s ethos of “keeping it real.” Along with other members of the Natives Tongues, De LA Soul brought about a musical and social balance to the hip hop landscape. However, they remained true to themselves, refusing to be boxed into the alternative hip hop mold that was building around them.

    De La Soul is Dead was a backlash of feeling that way about the industry. About how our art was being compromised. I think people’s point of view of what we were trying to do — it seemed as if they were pointing their hands at us like, these guys are basically here to represent something that we believe that they are, and they’re going to act the way we think they’re supposed to. It was like, no, that’s not who we are. It’s not what we’re doing, and it’s not what we feel. You feel emotional when things happen inside, and we just gotta let it out through music.

    -Trugoy the Dove in an interview with Kickstarter Magazine

    At the heart of it all was Dave, whose creatively juxtaposing role as Trugoy resonated with many around the world, with De La Soul serving as an inspiration and pushing the budding careers of several acts, including Yasiin Bey and Common. With iconic group’s back catalogue set to hit streaming services on March 3, we can be assured that De La Soul will never be dead.

  • Jay-Z named Greatest Rapper of All-Time by Billboard

    In the culmination to their countdown of hip hop’s best ever rappers, — as part of a collaborative effort to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary — Billboard and Vibe have named Jay-Z the number 1 rapper in the history of hip hop. The rollout began with a January 11 reveal of the rappers ranked 50-41. Each week since, the two publications have revealed 10 more rappers, with the top 10 released on Wednesday.

    This latest designation caps off an eventful week for Hov who was not only nominated for 5 Grammys, but also returned to the music award show’s stage as performer after an 8-year absence. The 24-time Grammmy winner performed alongside hip hop heavyweights DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and relative newcomer Fridayy on their thrice nominated hit-record “God Did” at the 65th annual Grammy Awards. The Brooklynite also extended his lead as the rapper to receive the most-ever Grammy nominations with 88.

    Impact of Rankings

    While Jay-Z’s coronation caused plenty of social media stir, the rest of the top 10 created many talking points itself. Filling out spots 2-10 are Kendrick Lamar, Nas, 2Pac, Eminem, The Notorious B.I.G., Lil Wayne, Drake, Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj. Notably, Kendrick Lamar–fresh off his 2023 Grammy win for Best Rap Album — was a point of contention. The Compton bred rapper leapfrogged the likes of 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G. and Eminem. The formers have long held a spot on hip hop’s Mount Rushmore, while the latter is the highest selling rapper of all-time. Similarly, Nas’ ranking is a well-deserved honor for someone who hasn’t always gotten his due. Although, he’ll have to settle for third behind his once-rival, Jay-Z.

    Meanwhile, Queens native Nicki Minaj was the highest-charting woman on the list. Others cracking the top 50 include, Missy Elliot (19), Lauryn Hill (30), Lil Kim (31), Queen Latifah (44) and MC Lyte (47).

  • Talib Kweli, DMC, Slick Rick, Rakim And Bob James Perform At The Blue Note

    For the second year in a row Talib Kweli perfomed at The Blue Note with legendary jazz pianist Bob James. Kweli brought a few of Hip-Hop’s biggest names as special guests including DMC, Slick Rick and Rakim plus a full band for the shows held on February 7th – 9th.

    Since 1981, The Blue Note has been called home by some of the greatest jazz musicians including Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown and Tito Puente. Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Liza Minelli and many others have also performed there. The club is a cultural institution in New York City.

    talib kweli blue note

    Talib Kweli is one of the most lyrically-gifted rappers to emerge in the last 20 years. He was born in Brooklyn but made his debut in 1997 with five appearances on the album Doom by Cincinnati group Mood. That is where he also met Hi-Tech and collaborated on a few underground recordings as Reflection Eternal.

    talib kweli blue note

    When returning to New York, he formed Black Star with fellow Brooklyn rapper Mos Def. They then released their critically acclaimed album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star in 1998. Talib has also had a huge solo career including collaborations with producers and rappers Kanye West, Just Blaze, Madlib and Pharrell Williams. Next month Kweli and Madlib will be dropping the sequel to their 2007 album Liberation.

    talib kweli blue note

    Bob James is undoubtedly one of Hip-Hop’s most sampled artists. James recorded his first solo album after being discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963. Two of his songs, “Nautilus” and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” are among the most sampled in hip hop history. The title track to James’ 1981 album Sign of the Times was sampled in De La Soul’s “Keepin’ the Faith” and Warren G’s “Regulate”. N.W.A.’s “Alwayz into Somthin” uses a sample of “Storm King” from the album Three. He also wrote “Angela”, the theme song for the TV show Taxi which he performed at Tuesday’s show.

    On Tuesday night, Talib Kweli’s special guest was Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. They performed Run-DMC hits “Rock Box”, “It’s Tricky”, “Peter Piper” and “Walk This Way.” Run-DMC is regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of hip hop culture and probably the most famous hip hop act of the 1980’s. The group was among the first to highlight the importance of the MC and the DJ relationship. They were the first hip hop act to achieve a Gold Record and also the first to go platinum. Their cover of “Walk This Way” actually featured Aerosmith and became one of the best known songs in hip hop and rock while combining the two cultures.

    Havoc from Mobb Deep also made an appearance at Talib Kweli’s Tuesday night show. Him and Kweli performed Mobb Deep classics “The Learning” and “Quiet Storm”. Kweli’s band, Whisky Boys, include Brady Watt on bass, Chris Rob on keys, Matthias Loescher on guitar an Camau Bernstine on drums.

    talib kweli blue note
    talib kweli blue note
    talib kweli blue note
    talib kweli blue note