Category: Hip Hop/Rap

The Hip Hop Museum Tour: A Sneak Peek into Hip Hop’s Glorious Past

As the world eagerly awaits the grand opening of The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx in 2025, a nationwide tour is offering fans and enthusiasts a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. In partnership with Mass Appeal and proudly sponsored by CÃROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, this tour is bringing hip hop history to life.

In celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary, The Hip Hop Museum Tour is traversing the United States to narrate the story of the pioneers who birthed a genre that would eventually sweep the world. This mobile exhibit offers visitors a chance to take a walk down memory lane, shedding light on the essential milestones that transformed hip hop from a Bronx block party pastime into a global phenomenon.

The Hip Hop Museum Tour offers a diverse collection of remarkable artifacts that provide fans with a glimpse of what’s to come in the forthcoming museum.

Among the standout items are:

Jam Master Jay’s Gold Chain: This iconic piece of music history belonged to the legendary DJ Jam Master Jay, a pivotal figure in elevating hip hop’s status and influencing future generations during his time with Run-DMC.

Kool Herc’s Record Trunk: DJ Kool Herc’s record trunk played a vital role in the early development of hip hop music, symbolizing the birth of turntablism and the influence of DJing in the genre’s early years.

Tupac’s Handwritten Letter: A personal letter from the late Tupac Shakur to Cosima provides an intimate insight into one of hip hop’s most influential and controversial figures.

Coolio’s Low Rider Bicycle: Coolio’s low rider bicycle from his initial tour represents the diverse and eclectic styles embraced by hip hop artists, highlighting how fashion has become an integral part of the culture.

Biz Markie’s Rhyme Book, BIZ Chain, and Gucci Sneakers: These possessions, once belonging to the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop,” Biz Markie, including his rhyme book, chain, and sneakers, offer a glimpse into his quirky and unforgettable persona.

The Hip Hop Museum Tour is making stops across the country, bringing these treasures to fans and enthusiasts in various cities. Upcoming tour dates include:

Atlanta on October 21st
Houston on November 4th
Los Angeles on November 11th
Charlotte on November 18th
Miami from December 5th to December 9th

October 17, 2023
Ice Spice and Pete Davidson Welcome Back Saturday Night Live

The first episode of Saturday Night Live‘s 49th season aired on October 14, with former cast member Pete Davidson hosting, joined by musical guest and Bronx native, Ice Spice. The show had been on hold due to the recently ended Writers Guild of America strike.

Opening the show with an uncharacteristically serious message, Davidson discussed the events in Israel and Gaza, comparing the recent terrorist attacks to those of 9/11, when Davidson’s father Scott, a firefighter, was killed in the tragic events of that day. It was comedy – Eddie Murphy’s Delirious – that helped Pete deal with the childhood trauma he endured, and with saying that, Davidson shared he would try to be funny this evening.

And try he did, with a few fresh sketches – Wired Autocomplete Interview, Beach Day and Secretary – plus topical sketches including FOX NFL Sunday pregame coverage, where the hosts cannot stop talking about Taylor Swift, regardless of her lack of connection to football.

Davidson didn’t appear as Chad or at the Weekend Update desk as he would while a cast member, instead dialing all his energy into “I’m Just Pete,” a parody of “I’m Just Ken” from this summer’s Barbie movie. Self-deprecating to the core, Pete makes light of himself and criticisms of his character in a poignant and hilarious digital short.

Ice Spice served as musical guest for the first time on Saturday Night Live, having gained a following for her unique voice and style of rapping. This past week, the Bronx-native rapper won big at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards for Best Breakthrough hip-hop artist, and coming up in November, she will open select dates for Doja Cat.

Standing stiffly on the Studio 8H stage, an LED box was created around Ice, with two dancers flanking her with a low LED ceiling and dancefloor, while she sang her hit “In Ha Mood.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4t2SKGjkTE

Ice Spice’s second song this evening was introduced surprisingly by Taylor Swift, with her new song “Pretty Girl” on, with Nigerian singer Rema joining her for a duet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3FzkxeEACE

SNL returns on October 21 with host and musical guest, Bad Bunny.

October 15, 2023
Israeli-American Rapper Kosha Dillz Speaks Out Against Antisemitism In New Track

Israeli-American rapper Kosha Dillz has released a new song, “Bring The Family Home,” written following the news of Hamas’ recent attack on Israel. The song came alongside a video shot in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, featuring the famous Yonah Schimmel’s Knishery and the new Beastie Boys Square.

Kosha Dillz, also known as Rami Even-Esh, was born to Israeli parents, and has been an outspoken advocate against anti-semitism in the US. After hearing the news of his friends and relatives experiencing the recent violence in Israel, Dillz felt called to speak out against the violence as an Israeli-American.

“Bring The Family Home” is an honest reflection of Dillz’ experience with antisemitism and his family experiences as an Israeli-American. A native of New Jersey, he spoke out against Kanye West’s antisemitic comments, and continues to be a voice for his community advocating for peace. Kosha Dillz has made a successful career touring with artists such as SZA and Matisyahu.

The music video for “Bring The Family Home” released on October 12, featuring Kosha Dillz in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The video shows the famous Yonah Schimmel’s Knishery and the new Beastie Boys Square, as Dillz speaks out against antisemitism, calling for peace.

October 14, 2023
Ken Carson Introduces ‘A Great Chaos’ With Action Packed Concert at Silo in Brooklyn

At midnight on Thursday, October 12, Ken Carson released his highly anticipated album A Great Chaos. At the same time of the release, Ken performed the new album at Silo in Brooklyn, sponsored by Spotify.

The show was announced just the day before but that did not stop it from being filled to capacity. The rage started with a DJ set around 11pm and continued until Ken got in his car and rolled away from the venue at around 1:30am.

Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil.

Just a couple of songs into the new album, Ken Carson brought out Destroy Lonely to perform “Singapore” and “Paranoid” off of Ken’s new project as well as some of their old hits like “MDMA” and “money & sex.” Ken and Lonely then left the stage for a couple of minutes, and then Ken came back and hopped on the DJ set. Shortly after, Ken brought out Opium founder Playboi Carti. Carti performed hit after hit, including: “Stop Breathing,” “Rockstar Made,” and “FE!N.”

(Left to Right) Destroy Lonely, Ken Carson, Playboi Carti at Silo, Brooklyn. Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil.

Ken Carson will join Playboi Carti on his Antagonist tour early next year. Until then, you can listen to Ken’s new album A Great Chaos on all platforms.

Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil.

Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil.

Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil.

Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil.

Playboi Carti at Silo, Brooklyn. Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil.

Stream A Great Chaos from Ken Carson below.

October 14, 2023
Hearing Aide: DJ Premier ‘Beats That Collected Dust, Vol 3’

In an ode to hip hop, DJ Premier has released the third edition of his “Beats That Collected Dust” series via his self-founded To The Top (TTT) record label imprint. “I wanted to have a label that would keep the street, gutter stuff in its own lane, one where I could release anything I wanted, how I wanted and where I wanted,” Premier revealed to HipHopDX.

Beats That Collected Dust Vol. 3 is the first edition in 10 years, completing the trilogy of classic hip hop beats amid hip hop’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The legendary scratch DJ remains continues to evolve and reinvent himself. He was just nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for his collaboration on “Le Pido A Dios” with Feid. Later, he starred in a time-traveling, five-decade spanning commercial with Don Toliver which MTV used to segue-way into the recent VMA’s 50th Hip Hop Anniversary tribute performance.

However, despite his contemporary success, it’s apparent that ‘Preme remains dedicated to hip hop in its purest form. After all, the Grammy-winning producer has been behind the boards for some of the rap music’s historic records. And ultimately, Beats That Collected Dust became a fan favorite due to the series’ personal nature. After all, these are records that DJ Premier produced specifically for other artists that did not make album cuts.

October 12, 2023
MVW and Valee Drop Single ‘Tailor Swift’ In Anticipation of New Album ‘Valeedation’

MVW and Valee continue their dynamic association with the release of their new single, “Tailor Swift.” A play on the name of pop superstar Taylor Swift, this latest record arrives as MVW and Valee gear up for the release of their debut joint-album, Valeedation. Set for release on October 20, the slowed-down, classically inspired tune follows a similar formula as the pair’s prior collaborations on MVW’s last two albums, CLASSIC$ and Connections.

In similar fashion, MVW juxtaposes Valee’s nonchalant delivery with refined instrumentation blending into a sound coined as “museum rap.” On “Tailor Swift” Valee rides MVW’s choppy, slowed-down production while expounding on his luxury-filled wardrobe. In usual fashion, Valee song title are often a precursor to a witty metaphor. Rapping, “white Gucci pants same color Taylor Swift. Yeah, getting measured in Gucci b*tch my tailor swift.”

While Valee’s quick-witted one liners feel improvised, his meticulous approach to music and fashion has led to a cult-following, as he’s always provided a alternative sound and delivery to his contemporaries.

Throughout my career I’ve been known to tailor my own clothes because I like them to fit a certain way. They have to be precise. I approached making this song the same way. When MVW sent it to me I knew it was the one.
Valee on “Tailor Swift”

Meanwhile, with each record, MVW aims to transport the listener into a world of musical radicalism. In effect, the two idiosyncratic artists serve a similar musical purpose, albeit with different approaches.

The underlying sound and flow in Tailor Swift is essentially avant-garde, compounded by the depth of the entendres and visual metaphors, this track transports the listener into a world of radicalism.
MVW on “Tailor Swift”

The release of “Tailor Swift” arrives following the summer drops of “Could Be” and “Pistachio.” These two releases preluded the eventual collab-album from the frequent collaborators. While Valee remains a season vet of the hip hop world, Staten Island native MVW continues to build on a repertoire that has seen him work with other innovative rappers such as TiaCorine, Xavier Wulf, Lil Gotit, Matt Ox, Zelooperz and Anycia.

October 8, 2023
They Spit on Jesus: Buffalo’s Elcamino Releases BSF Debut

People may not always remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. With only 24 hours in a day – achieving greatness may prove difficult. Anything worthwhile takes time and nobody showcases the rollercoaster ride of life better than Elcamino from Buffalo, a man who believed in himself way before he reached the space he inhabits today.

How did he achieve these magnificent feats? Consistency, dedication to craft and learning from the great individuals that surround him.

Elcamino expresses his artistic license with artwork for, “They Spit on Jesus.”

Biblical Beginnings

Foundationally, his musical prowess stems from a religious background. During one week, he might have attended ten different types of rehearsals since his mother was the choir director. His ability to play bass guitar and the drums correlates mightily within his catalog. Subsequently, he meticulously places parts of a beat exactly where he wants them. Therefore, every song comes out with that type of sound that resonates and creates playback value.

We had a chance to sit down with Elcamino ahead of his Black Soprano Family Records debut album, They Spit on Jesus. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation which took place via Zoom.

Ian Romaker: If anyone listens to Elcamino’s music – they can hear the heart. They could hear the soul in it. No man should have to endure the things that Elcamino has had to endure but yet look at where he is – on the verge of a Black Soprano Family Records album debut.

Elcamino: It’s so crazy too. The album is ridiculous. This some of the best shit ever made by man.

IR: The album is titled, They Spit on Jesus. That’s a wild title in and of itself.

Elcamino: Yeah man it’s definitely wild. You know what’s crazy? You know where I got that name from? My barber gave me that album name while giving me an edge-up.

IR: Oh really?

Elcamino: I said something to him and he was like, “Well hey, they spit on Jesus.”

IR: It’s crazy to think that this is the debut. What goes into making this the debut? For me – a true listener – Don’t Eat the Fruit was the debut and that thing charted at #13 on iTunes as the first tape you put out.

Elcamino: It did. You know what’s crazy? A lot of people don’t know that. It did. That’s fire that you know that.

IR: Many people have great aspirations. Many people also believe that things are just supposed to happen because they want them. Nothing just falls in your lap – you have to work.

Elcamino: You always wanna stay ambitious, man. Look inside. You have this shit already. Even if you gotta fight through. Find a way. Start a business. Get yourself something to do. If you just sittin’ around with free time – that’s time you could put toward a business or your craft. You always have to use all your time – take advantage of it. Because it’s somebody out there that is moving forward. I tell people all the time – I wake up early as hell. I feel like it’s somebody out there getting money before me. I like to get money first. All this shit – you got to learn from somebody. Unless you’re one of those people that just know it all. You can’t just be perfect and not willing to learn.

IR: You could never stop learning.

Elcamino: You got a chance at being perfect if you’re willing to learn. Greatness comes from greatness.

TSOJ might be some of the highest quality work that Elcamino has put out to date. Feel free to take a listen here and make sure you stay tuned for when he goes on tour around New York State and the rest of the country.

How great it is to hear these words of wisdom from Elcamino – the most versatile artist on the planet. His vocal range makes him quite the X factor. Anyone under the Griselda umbrella will give you a tough verse – that’s a given. Elcamino will give you the toughest verse, the hardest hook and the smoothest sounds.

October 8, 2023
Pete Davidson to host return of Saturday Night Live with Ice Spice as Musical Guest

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson will host the debut of Season 49 on Saturday, October 14, bringing along musical guest Ice Spice for a return to the airwaves.

Davidson, an eight year veteran cast member who departed the show in May 2022, was slated to host the finale of Season 48 this past May, but the episode was scratched due to strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

The WGA has ended their strike after a tentative agreement on a new contract with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), while SAG-AFTRA continue their strike.

Due to variety shows such as SNL working under a different contract than scripted television shows, production can begin on the 49th season without issue.

In addition to Pete Davidson being announced as host, Saturday Night Live has added a new cast member, featured player Chloe Troast. She will join current cast members Michael Che, Colin Jost, Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Punkie Johnson, Ego Nwodim and Kenan Thompson.

Bad Bunny will serve as both host and musical guest on Saturday, October 21.

October 5, 2023
MetaMoon Music Festival Returns to NYC With MetaMoon Block Party

MetaMoon Music Festival, a celebration of Asian music and culture, is announcing its return to NYC with MetaMoon Block Party, a special one-night concert taking place on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the famed Hammerstein Ballroom.

MetaMoon Music Festival was founded in 2022 as a platform for Asian artists to have a consistent and prominent stage in the U.S., and for fans to connect with their favorite artists while also discovering new music. It is an annual series of shows throughout the year that empowers Asian artists and connects them with fans, influencers, and prominent brands, celebrating their diverse culture.

With the MetaMoon Block Party and upcoming MetaMoon Presents tours, artists from Asia and music fans across the U.S. will be able to connect and share in ways they may not have had before.

The NYC line-up includes some of the most exciting names in Chinese Hip-Hop and R&B as well as other notable API artists. Attendees can look forward to feature performances from PSY.P of Higher Brothers and special guest MC Jin as well as AK LIU ZHANG, KIRE, MARF @COLLAR, MISS KO, NENE, NINEONE, and SUNKIS, who will all be making their U.S. debut at MetaMoon.

MetaMoon was born in NYC last year with a talented lineup supported by their incredible fans and followers of Asian pop culture. We are so excited to be expanding upon that this year with MetaMoon Block Party. We started MetaMoon with the belief that music is a universal language that can foster stronger understanding between cultures. Bringing the festival back in this new format and being able to tour it next year allows us to continue our mission of providing a platform for creating a genuine connection between Asian artists and global music fans.
Grace Chen, founder of MetaMoon.

Additional dates and line-ups in various cities across the U.S. will be announced in the coming months as MetaMoon expands its footprint across the country and continues to spotlight the best of Asian talent and culture.

Presale for the MetaMoon Block Party starts Friday, Oct. 6 with general on-sale starting Monday, Oct. 9.

October 4, 2023
IDK brings the F65 Tour to Irving Plaza

On a day when floods shut down the subways and water appeared in places where water should not, IDK lifted Irving Plaza above the flood line and delivered for all of his fans that braved the torrential rains that drenched New York City to make it to the show. On Friday, September 29th, IDK made the fourth stop of his F65 Tour at Irving Plaza in New York City.

IDK at Irving Plaza. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.

The show featured three opening acts, the first being 18-year-old R&B singer Luna Elle, followed by Atlanta Rapper Reese Laflare and lastly Dreamville’s own, Lute. Reese and Lute each played their respective Revenge of the Dreamers Tracks, “Costa Rica,” and “Under The Sun.”

Reese Laflare at Irving Plaza. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.

IDK came out sporting a racing helmet before switching over to his baseball cap. Throughout the show IDK would switch his headgear to match his different albums. The performance was a creative mix between Jazz and Hip-Hop with the crowd going from swaying to moshpit within the blink of an eye.

IDK at Irving Plaza. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.

IDK Setlist: Mrs. Lynch, Your Son Is The Devil, 42 Hundred Choices, Santa Monica Blvd, Champs-Élysées, Cape Coast, Pit Stop, Thug Tear, Radioactive, Freetown, Just Like Martin, Taco, Salty, Mr. Police, Pinot Noir, Temporary Love, Elmina, December, Rain (Cover), Puerto Rico, Peloton, PradadaBang, Red, Shoot My Shot, I Do Me … You Do You, Lilly, Porno, Digital, Breathe, Drugstore, Dog Food, Paranoid (Cover), Hey Auntie, Julia…, Black Sheep, White Dove, Télé Couleur, 850 (We On Top), Rabbit Stew, 24

IDK at Irving Plaza. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.

October 2, 2023