NYS Music 2023

Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • Jelly Roll Baptized a Packed House in Western NY

    Playing to a packed house at Darien Lake Amphitheater, Country rapper Jelly Roll brought his Backroad Baptism to Western NY on Aug. 3. Fans in attendance were in for one hell of a show by Jelly Roll and opening acts Struggle Jennings and Caitlynne Curtis.

    While I did not make it in time for the opening acts, I did manage to catch the end of Struggle Jennings set. Not knowing much about him, I did talk to a few fans, and he seems to have a good following, as everyone I spoke with said that he is a regular on their streaming services. What I did get from his set was that, like Jelly Roll, Struggle Jennings (William Curtis Harness Jr) has a troubled past with prison time included. Lucky for him and for us, he has found the right path and is making the most of every opportunity. He has a voice that one cannot just describe, yet it matches his style and muse perfectly.

    Wake up tomorrow and make it the best fucking day of your life

    Struggle Jennings

    Like his successor on stage, Jennings is a humble dude. He spoke about how everything happens for a reason, and you need to take advantage of every opportunity that is thrown your way, and he used his own daughter as an example. With him being incarcerated, and the mother of his child passing away, his daughter was in and out of foster care and dealt with her own demons along the way, but kept her head up and graduated with high honors and is heading off to college. 

    After dabbling in the rap and hip-hop markets for about ten years, the Tennessee native entered the country market and immediately made a name for himself. His unique vocals, inspirational messages, and powerful range have led him to be one of the most recognizable names in music today. With his current tour barely underway, Jelly Roll is riding high on music charts as well, with his latest album Whitsitt Chapel sitting at number two in iTunes’s top 100 country albums and is up there on Billboard rock/alternative chart as well.

    Getting back to the show at Darien Lake, Jelly Roll hit the stage around 9 p.m., with his drummer welcoming him with a solid little beat. He starts the night off in absolute style, with “The Lost,” “Hate Goes On,” and “Halfway to Heaven,” with the latter heating up with pyrotechnics joining the party. It is clear at this point the next 90 minutes are going to be loud, fun, and hot. Talking about his roots and how he came to country music, Jelly Roll spoke about the power of 90s country and unleashes a mash-up of covers starting with the very vocal Toby Keith.

    Naturally, the crowd sang along as he rolled through four or five songs. At this point, I think the only fans left sitting were way back on the lawn. The crowd was pumped up and made Jelly smile from ear to ear. He talked about Buffalo and the area and of course the well-known Bills Mafia. He played Darien Lake on Tuesday, after a Buffalo Bills Monday night game and he said the crowd was something he had yet to see, with the Mafia out in full force. He added that it really made an impression on him about the passion that Bills fans have. 

    Onward with the music, he does a couple more covers, starting with a mix of The Animal’s “The House of The Rising Sun.” Very much making it his own, he nailed the melancholy rhythm and with some effects of the fire towers on stage, this arrangement instantly becomes a talking piece. His next cover was that of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” which holds a special place in Jelly’s heart. With an acoustic vibe, this piece was done perfectly and with the crowd chiming in for the final verse, the mix became complete.

    As Jelly Roll finished his set, one can look around and see what a diverse group he gathers. Out on the lawn, there are grown men, chugging Bud Light and rocking t-shirts. You see the younger crowd, discretely vaping and dancing to every beat. There are groups of older folks who you might have thought took a wrong turn on the way to bingo, yet they are having a time listening to this 38-year-old rapper turned country star. Jelly Roll is the star that doesn’t just attract country music fans of a certain demographic. He manages to lure in everyone with his humbleness, simple messages, and simple charm. While he has been in the music business for several years, Jelly Roll is now just making his mark and defining who he is in the field of music.  

    our windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason. Cuz what’s in front of you is much more important that what’s behind you…”

    Jelly Roll

    Set list: The Lost, Hate Goes On, Halfway to Hell, Creature, Dead Man Walking, Son of a Sinner, Country Medley/mix, She, Dancing With The Devil, Teaks Could Talk, Dirty South, Bottle And Mary Jane, Need a Favor, House of Rising Sun medley, Wheels Fall Off/Kill a Man, Fall in the Fall, Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Smoking Section, Save Me

  • VIBES: The Game For Music Minds to Join 50 Hours of Hip Hop TV Celebration on Bronxnet

    VIBES: The Game For Music Minds is to join “50 Hours of Hip Hop: A 50th Anniversary Celebration” for their upcoming special on Bronxnet TV from 6:00 p.m. on Aug. 11 to 8:00 p.m. on Aug. 13.

    The “50 Hours of Hip Hop” special will highlight the best talent music videos and programs dedicated to celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop. VIBES is a televised DJ competition that originally premiered Aug. 2, 2022 to over 1 million U.S. homes through both BRIC TV and Bronxnet TV.

    The show itself is a quick mixing competition with three DJs competing over two rounds. They must entertain a live and virtual audience through a variety of musical genres. Since its inception, VIBES has grown into a social platform for competitors, up and coming artists, and has engaged fans at live events in NYC.

    VIBES will be premiering with its full season on Noire TV to over 20 million homes in the U.S., Nigeria, and Europe. More information can be found on Bronxnet TV’s website.

  • The Day Party presents Ashanti, Jadakiss, the Lox and more at the Brooklyn Boardwalk

    On Sunday, July 30 at The Brooklyn Boardwalk, The Day Party and Empire Club NYC presented some of the most iconic names in hip-hop and R&B, with the lineup including Ashanti, Jadakiss and the Lox, and Tina (Hoodcelebrityy). Music was provided by Funk Flex and Nick Scalici, along with special guests. The event featured an afternoon and evening filled with pop-ups, food vendors, and other installations.

    All originating from New York, Ashanti originally from Glen Cove and Jadakiss and The Lox representing Yonkers, all played in their home state and city within Coney Island at the Brooklyn Boardwalk.

    Concertgoers enjoyed the music from five different DJs, few local artists, Tina (Hoodcelebrityy), Jadakiss and The Lox followed by the grand finale, Ashanti. Tina (Hoodcelebrityy) is a Jamaican born dancehall singer and songwriter, who moved the Bronx at a young age.

    The Lox, including Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P is an hip hop group formed in 1994 in Yonkers, NY. They were under a few labels until finally they launched their own label, D-Block.

    Ashanti is an well-known R&B American singer, songwriter and actress who grew up in New York and was signed to a label in 2002

    With lots of Empire Club vendors, everyone enjoyed themselves as Funk Flex DJ’d and had everyone dancing. Nems, a New York based rapper, opened the evening with a few of his songs, which was then followed by a long DJ set of dance music and partying. Hookahs and joints filled the air with smoke and laughter, as everyone was grooving and dancing to the beat.

    As the sun slowly went down, the the main three acts followed as the crowd continued to keep the energy and applause.

    The Day Party and Empire Club NYC hosted some of New York’s biggest artists and performers at The Brooklyn Boardwalk. The stacked lineup brought people from all boroughs filled with pride and joy for some of the biggest names in R&B and Hip Hop.

  • Queens Public Library’s “Hip Hop 50 Summit,” Featuring Darryl McDaniels, KRS-One, and Lumidee

    On Aug. 3 and 4, the Queens Public Library (QPL) will be celebrating 50 years of hip hop with their “Hip Hop 50 Summit,” which will feature Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, as well as Lumidee and KRS-One. With panel discussions, interactive workshops, exhibits, augmented reality experiences, open mic sessions, DJ sets, and performances, the event will be at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center.

    Additionally, the event will be hosted by QPL’s Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels, also known as “Uncle Ralph.” Alongside him will be co-host DJ G$Money. In like manner, the goal is to create a space for the discussion of hip hop, its legacy and its future with interactive workshops throughout the two-day event.

    I am very excited about the Hip Hop 50 Summit. The conversation and agenda will cover all five decades of hip hop culture and its core elements – DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti art and knowledge. The summit will celebrate hip hop legacy, but more importantly, it will create a space to exchange ideas, while also becoming a lasting resource on the subject for the future.

    QPL Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels

    Noteworthy Panels for Thursday, Aug. 3

    “Hip Hop History, Science, Technology & Innovations” is from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., moderated by the young entrepreneur Aaliyah Duah. Rappers Phresher and Young B will work alongside data scientist and CEO of DataedX Group Dr. Brandeis Marshall to discuss aspects of the entertainment industry.

    “The Business of Hip Hop, Careers and Activism,” is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and will feature rapper Darryl McDaniels, singer Lumidee, and media personality A.V. Perkins. Furthermore, they will be discussing the power of hip hop, from activism to making money.

    “Paving the Way: Pioneers of Hip Hop” is from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.. Those in the panel include: KRS-One; Darryl McDaniels; MC Sha-Rock, one of the first female MCs in hip hop history; and DJ Hurricane, known for his work with the Beastie Boys.

    “Switch the Style Up: Fashion in Hip Hop” is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with host, fashion historian and archivist Tianni Graham. Joining her will be the Shirt Kings, Black fashion designer Malik Dupri, PowHerful Apparel CEO Dave Huie and FIT Professor, as well as hip hop fashion expert Elena Romero.

    Noteworthy Panels for Friday, Aug. 4

    “The Message: Media, Technology and the Future” from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. will have moderation from the founder and executive director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum Rocky Bucano. VIBE Magazine Editor-in-Chief Datwon Thomas, YouTube Black Music & Culture Director Tuma Basa, Microsoft Senior Attorney Bruce Jackson, and DJ TedSmooth will all be talking about the intersection of hip hop and media.

    “Fight the Power: Social Justice and Education” will close the summit, held from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., and will include: Dr. Christopher Emdin, the founder of the #HipHopEd social movement; DJ and Co-Founder of Hip Hop Blvd NYC Al Pizarro; hip hop artist and criminal justice reform activist Mysonne Linen; and Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus. Likewise they will discuss hip hop as a vehicle for social change.

    While the event is free, tickets are limited and are required for entry. Moreover, more information and a full schedule for the panels is available here. As a plus, the event will also be available for streaming on QPL’s Instagram.

  • The Phoenix Festival Returns For A Second Year Of Programming

    The Phoenix Theatre Ensemble revealed its lineup for its second annual Phoenix Festival, set to run from Sept. 28 to Oct. 21. The event will feature an engaging mixture of live theater, dance, music, and arts. Phoenix Festival includes 30 performances and will take place on multiple indoor and outdoor stages in Nyack, New York. 

    Founded in 2004, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble is a nonprofit theatre ensemble producing in New York City and Nyack. Phoenix Festival is aimed at celebrating classical theater, music, local culture, and the creative spirit of the Nyack community. 

    Festival venues include the tented outdoor meadow stage at Marydell Faith and Life Center, the garden at Hopper House, the Nyack Center, the ‘little theater’ at Nyack’s RCC Culinary Arts Center, Maureen’s Jazz Cellar and Nyack’s classic restaurant the Hudson House. The festival boasts a diverse set of programming with something for all ages and interests. 

    We’re excited about the 2023 program, and proud to present world class live performances at affordable prices rarely available in ‘big city’ locations.

    Craig Smith, executive director, Phoenix Festival

    This year’s performances range from classic theatrical shows like Crime and Punishment and Now I am Alone, to stand-up poetry, and even an augmented reality tour. One of Phoenix Festival’s most innovative and creative performances is Pan and The Lost Boys. The show combines theater and dance to examine Black masculinity through hip-hop. Stemming from the killings of Tamir Rice, George Floyd, etc; Pan looks at the impacts of these events on the health, wellness, and growth of young black men in America.

    The Phoenix Festival gets underway on Sept. 28 with Crime and Punishment, directed by Karen Case Cook. A full list of performances can be found below. For tickets and details about the festival click here. 

    Festival Schedule 

    September 28- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center

    September 29- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center

    September 30- Remembering Good Harbor Beach- The Garden at Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center

    September 30- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center

    October 1- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center

    October 4- Scandalton- Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

    October 5- Pan and the Lost Boys- Nyack Center

    October 6- Wind and the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 6- Pan and the Lost Boys- Nyack Center

    October 7- Wind in the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 7- Honduras- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 7- Pan and the Lost Boys (sold out)- Nyack Center

    October 8- Children’s Shakespeare Theatre- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 8- Wind in the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 9- Children’s Shakespeare Theatre- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 9- Wind in the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 11- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar

    October 12- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar

    October 13- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar

    October 14- ArtsRock Concert- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 14- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar

    October 15- Now I Am Alone starring Geoffrey Owens- Marydell Faith and Life Center

    October 19- Reflections from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool- The Little Theater at RCC Culinary Arts Center

    October 20- Reflections from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool- The Little Theater at RCC Culinary Arts Center

    October 21- Reflections from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool- The Little Theater at RCC Culinary Arts Center

  • Scars and Stripes: Scar Lip Rumbles in the Bronx

    Safe to say, the things that we experience in life mold us into the individuals we grow to be. Certain events that occur throughout the formative years of adolescence shape us into the people we become. God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers and nobody personifies this greater than Scar Lip from The Bronx.

    Scar Lip bounced in and out of several foster homes and detention centers before turning 18. When her mom passed away at age 12 she went to live with her aunt who subjected her to incredibly inhumane treatment. Her aunt’s boyfriend would sexually abuse her and her brother brutally punched her which gave her the signature scar on her lip. 

    “More importantly you become who you were born to be.”

    –He Man by Blu

    Owning Her Struggle

    Choosing the name Scar Lip proved to be quite the power play for this young New York artist. By embracing her largest imperfection, she reclaims all power from the adverse incident that plagued her throughout most of her days. By turning the pain into power this woman leverages potential ridicule into an opportunity to brand herself. In the meantime, owning her identity in this way also creates an intimidation factor.

    Her brother left her upper right lip dangling from the blow he dealt her. Aunt looked at each of them in the hospital and made the decision to kick Sierra out rather than the brother. Between the ages of 16 and 18, this young woman lived in eight different foster homes. While living with multiple different families, she wrote a good deal of rhymes. At 18, she returned to her Aunt’s where they talked the situation over – to this day her brother has yet to apologize for his attempt to ruin his sister’s appearance.

    DMX Reincarnated

    Evidently, the major reason that people flock to this extremely polarizing artist revolves around her parallels to DMX. On her viral hit single, “This is New York” it is impossible not to draw the comparisons. The tumultuous upbringing, rugged inflection and intimidation factor all directly point to the female DMX. 

    Given that we lost DMX around the same time Scar burst upon the scene might be the reason why Swizz Beatz felt this artist was sent to him. Swizz Beatz plays an instrumental role in the acceleration of Scar Lip’s trajectory. An early single like “Glizzy Gobbler” got her in the rotation with millions of views but “This is New York” started turning heads. Since, Scar spit a verse with Jadakiss and Benny the Butcher on Swizz Beatz Hip Hop 50 mixtape. Furthermore, Swizz has agreed to executive produce her first project, Scars and Stripes.

    “If it hurts you, that is not what is important. Everybody’s hurt. What is important is that you must find some way of using this to connect you with everyone else alive. Your pain is trivial except insofar as you can use it to connect with other people’s pain.”

    –James Baldwin

    The intriguing part about Scar Lip points directly to the way she pours her pain onto the paper. No human being should ever have to endure the suffering that she encountered. The aggression witnessed within her music stems from the survival tactics employed over time. The chaotic and volatile energy provides infectious vibrations and relatability through authenticity. 

    50 Cent, Boosie and Cardi B have co-signed her. Shaq, Snoop and Busta Rhymes have made songs with her. Moreover, Swizz Beatz will executive produce her debut release as she recently signed to Epic Records. Scar Lip proclaims that she will go down in history as the artist with the most remixes to one song. 

    Scar Lip is a woman who aspires to build homes for girls and boys who are trapped with their abusers and neglected by the system. Looking to catch her in concert? Check out Rock the Bells Fest on August 5th with a nod to Swizz Beatz and Special Guests.

    @scar_lip

    My dreams hsve come true 🥹 #fyp #fup

    ♬ This Is New York – ScarLip

  • Post Malone Performs to a Hometown Crowd at Darien 

    Post Malone is no stranger to Western NY. Growing up just outside of Syracuse brought this booming artist out to Darien Lake July 17. He gathered not just his family, but also dedicated fans who sold out this venue effortlessly. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    NYC’s very own underground band Beach Fossils opened up the night. They filled the amphitheater with their dreamy pop influences and narrative story-telling. Core band members consist of Dustin Payseur, Tommy Davidson, Jack Doyle Smith, and Anton Hochheim.  

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Richard Austin Post, also known as Post Malone, is a well renowned rapper and singer. He first gained serious traction in 2015 for his hit “White Iverson” and from there absolutely steam-rolled the music scene. People may have discovered Posty from a popular song but soon found that this man’s discography is full of bangers. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Post Malone has invited a new element into traditional rap songs. His incomparable vocals and love for all genres makes him an artist that can’t be defined by short terminology. Post Malone’s performance at Darien Lake proved just that. He began his show filling the stage with numerous band members. Half of which were orchestra members playing the violin, cello, and more. The airy notes and melancholy strumming gave a nostalgic vibe. Post Malone then walked on stage and rose his red solo cup in celebratory fashion before rocking out to “Better Now.” 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The one take away from Posty’s If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying tour is wow does this man know how to put on a show. From insane guitar solos, to belting vocals, to stage production that had jaws dropped. He performed songs stretching across all his timeless albums. Additionally, he played his latest singles “Mourning” and “Overdrive” which will be on his upcoming album Austin. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Don’t let anybody fucking stop you from living your fucking dreams. And thank you for giving me the confidence to live mine and chase my fucking dreams. I hope y’all do the same fucking thing ladies and gentlemen. Don’t let anybody fucking stop you from being who the fuck you are.

    Post Malone to the Darien Lake crowd
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Throughout the concert Post Malone continuously shared his gratitude for the unwavering support from his fans. As a new father and a man who beat the 27 club there was much to celebrate that night. Post Malone is nothing short of an inspiration. He encourages people to chase their dreams and celebrate even the smallest of milestones. Individuals who meet this young artist always say he has the kindest soul and somehow people can feel that even from hundreds of feet away.

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    He brought the feels back when performing “Feeling Whitney” and “I Fall Apart.” Posty puts his full emotion when singing these songs and running all over the stage. He finished the night with his upbeat single “Chemical” and went out to meet fans immediately after. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The love of Post Malone can be felt everywhere and if you want to be a part of that make sure to listen to his upcoming album Austin set to release July 28. For our Western NY family make sure to check out upcoming shows at Darien Lake. Foreigner will be there July 28. Also Boy George and Culture Club performs July 29. Get tickets here.

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Setlist: Better Now, Wow, Zack and Codeine, Goodbyes, Hollywood Dreams (cover), Mourning, I Like You, Jonestown Interlude, Take What You Want, Over Now, Rockstar, Feeling Whitney, Stay, Overdrive, I Fall Apart, Wrapped Around Your Finger, Circles, Enough is Enough, Too Young, White Iverson, Congratulations

    Encore: Broken Whiskey Glass, Sunflower, Chemical

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

  • Album Review: 222 Reasons why Lil Tjay Did Not Disappoint

    Coming off his near-fatal shooting, Bronx crooner Lil Tjay was up against hip hop history. After all, surviving 7 gunshot wounds was reason enough to anticipate the “Calling My Phone” rapper’s next release. However, hip hop’s ever-changing landscape and Tjay’s replicable sound may have done the rapper in when it came to sales. With the news that his first project since his shooting, 222, had garnered just 22K in first-week streaming sales it came with a perception that Tjay’s album was a disappointment, or worse, that he was falling off.

    Lil Tjay album cover
    Lil Tjay’s first project since his near-fatal shooting sold 22k in its first week

    Album Review

    In light, this isn’t to say that 222 is a great album by any means. This latest effort is an inconsistent body of work that showcases many of Tjay’s talents, but also highlights why Lil Uzi Vert’s idiosyncratic effort is the only hip hop album to debut at number 1 on Billboard in 2023. Although with Tjay’s track record and a story to tell, there were high expectations. Nonetheless, some head scratching choices left the project feeling a bit manufactured.

    222 starts strong with “Nightshift” and “June 22nd,” as both records showcased an underrated part of Tjay’s repertoire. Known for his catchy hooks, piercing vocals and crooning melodies, he decides to start the album with two emphatic rap records that have an authentic New York feel. “Nightshift” sees the Bronx native put his stamp on the project and rap game, followed by the witty, story-telling June 22nd, depicting his almost-deadly shooting. It wouldn’t be long before Tjay got vulnerable as the next five songs saw him get into his melodic bag. The reflective “Nobody” and “Scared 2 Be Lonely” are both very good while “2 Grown” featuring The Kid LAROI will probably go diamond on Tik Tok.

    Lil Tjay's album tracklist
    222 is starts strong but tails off in the second half

    Where it Went Wrong?

    However, things take a turn in the album’s second half with what feels like quite a few filler records and questionable decision making. Tjay’s youth might also play a part in this, as no one must have told him that nobody over the age of 14 wants to sing along to a song whose hook is “Bla, Bla, Bla” — although the song isn’t bad as he and Fivio Foreign mesh well. He follows that by leaning too much into his singing on “Someone Who Cares” which made for a hard listen where piercing quickly turned nasally.

    The rest of the album follows this same ebb-and-flow of quality versus content. “Forgot I Was The 1” is a good record, but that’s followed by an out-of-place Jadakiss feature — and it didn’t help that the mixing made the veteran rhymer sound no less than 190 years old. The head scratching decisions continued with a sequel to his Billboard charting return single on “Beat The Odds Pt 2,” featuring a Polo G verse that derailed what was meant to be an emotional comeback record. Ultimately, Tjay finishes the album strong with the honest “Foster Baby” — where he reveals he was adopted — and the contemplative “Grateful.”

    Why Lil Tjay Didn’t dissapoint

    All things considered, what could have have been Lil Tjay’s defining project will end up being more fodder for the microwave music culture. Yet, its hard to see anything the “Pop Out” rapper could have done to generate substantially better numbers. While it may be concerning that he’s now doing half of his what his debut sold only 4 years ago, such is the state of NY hip hop’s commercially. After all, Fivio Foreign assisted by A-list talent mustered 29k first-week sales. In the streaming era, it is much more important to keep a few charting songs and known features than a great project top-to-bottom. It’s what the system rewards.

    While these factors all play a part in why first-week sales shouldn’t matter too much for Tjay, the most obvious hindrance to his growth as an artist is his sonic likeness to A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. The two Bronx rappers maintain a tense relationship with Tjay usually on the defending end of his music. Regardless, it’s hard to ignore the similarities on the Summer Walker mashup “Stressed” and “Foster Baby” which both sound like carbon copy A Boogie records. But then again, is it right to fault Tjay for sounding like someone who grew up 20 minutes from him?

    Look how many records I done sold, woke up, I feel like a pot of gold. How it happened, I don’t even know, I saw my lane and all I know is go.

    – Lil Tjay, “Nightshift”

    Nonetheless, the mainstream audience hold the true power of sway and right now A Boogie is the preferred New York crooner. With allegations of his own drop-off in quality the “Look Back at It” rapper more than doubled Tjay’s first-week numbers with his last project. All in all, Tjay may have given himself the best advice on “June 22nd” rapping, “the show’s lined up, album’s soundin’ like some crack, so I’m excited for the music comin’ out and for the sack.”

  • Are Women Gaining More Power As Artists?

    A question has been floated as of late: Are Women Saving New York Rap? The answer may not be as definitive as you think. Artists like Maiya the Don put forth lyrical bodies of work that provide refreshment and flavor to save the genre one song at a time. Do more of those individuals tend to be women?

    Maiya the Don in a gold parka

    No debate surrounds the fact that New York hip-hop could use saving. Much of what hits the mainstream airwaves recycles and regurgitates the same radio-friendly formulas. Therefore, I see the original question and raise it: Are Women Gaining more Power as Artists? While all signs point to yes, one Brooklyn individual, Maiya the Don particularly embodies the notion that women have become hip-hop powerhouses, not just an accessory.

    Women Increase Industry Footprint 

    As hip-hop grew, opportunities afforded to female artists were often limited. Often, having a woman in your crew was seen as the thing to do. Eve from Ruff Ryders exists as a prime example. Known as “a pitbull in a skirt,” Ruff Ryders chose her because she fit their rough-and-tumble type mold and she could rap very well. Without ascribing status or making assumptions – it is fair to say women have elevated their role within the hip-hop ecosystem.

    Cover Art for Maiya the Don’s hit single, Telfy

    Maiya the Don stomped confidently into her spot as a New York star. After gaining a large following on TikTok with videos displaying her beauty, makeup and personality – her manager helped position her within the music industry. While on TikTok, she promoted her music as a piece to the content puzzle. Doing so granted her the ability to speak as a representative of Black Visionary Voices – a TikTok initiative that recognizes Black creatives, business owners and cultural changemakers.

    @maiyathedon

    Laquan Smith Sping show NYFW 2023 Rainbow room 🫶🏼

    ♬ original sound – Maiya The Don
    Maiya the Don and Lola Brooke goof around backstage

    TikTok serves as a primary vehicle to transmit any message given that it has the least amount of barriers or hierarchy. Many artists will tease a snippet of their song as a ‘sound’ so that users can create videos which may cause the song to reach more listeners. Once snippets of Maiya the Don’s hit single, “Telfy” started to make the rounds – the beast of a song became difficult to contain.

    Starting from Scratch

    Maiya the Don knows how to communicate what she wants while making music. Her novice knowledge of the terms producers use does not limit her process, whatsoever. She still finds a way to verbalize where she wants what sounds to be placed to invoke maximum effect. When making a hit, all elements must be on point and that deals directly with tasteful tactics employed by people with expertise.

    Women who speak from the vantage point of strength and authenticity continue to receive their just due. As ladies become less of an accessory, Maiya the Don created massive viral buzz around her household hit, “Telfy.” Maiya’s fashionable accessory – the Telfar bag – served as the thematic cornerstone for the song that propelled her into the spotlight. The song carries all the core components of a hit sonically, makes fashion statements and most importantly – popularizing self-worth, confidence and hyper-femininity. 

    Women Evolve within Hip-Hop

    Throughout hip-hop history, many people presented women to the world through a one-dimensional lens. Nowadays, women like Maiya the Don reclaim power, demand respect and utilize fashion to reshape their role as hip-hop artists. A person who owns their narrative and creates a unique adaptation of their own aesthetic continually dismantles stereotypes and evolves as a powerhouse.

    Maiya the Don’s Second Single – Dusties

    Women of today refuse to be treated as lesser. Maiya the Don firmly cements her feet in hip-hop concrete by embracing sexual objectification in order to use it to her advantage. Today’s women operate with liberation in mind, speak up for what they want and function as empowered sexual beings. Having her needs fulfilled cannot come second as Maiya the Don will not stop until she reaches her goals.

    Catch her live in concert on Day 3 of Rolling Loud in Miami, FL on July 23rd, although Maiya has the best stage presence in New York.

    Maiya spoke with BleuMag about her favorite performance, saying “Probably Albany, New York. It was a huge crowd, and I got to open up for Glorilla, who I love. I think she’s so hard. That was my best performance by the way. I’ve never felt like that before.. I was shocked because I was pretty far from home. The fact that they were going that hard for me had me, like, Period!”

    @maiyathedon

    light showwwwwww ALBANY NY💛💛💛💛💛

    ♬ original sound – Maiya The Don

  • Watch: Sleepy Hallow Puts Sheff G On The Phone at Rolling Loud

    As Rolling Loud Miami came and went, fans got to enjoy a host of performances by over 100 of hip hop’s best acts. Likewise, there were those unable to take part for various reasons. Notably, Lil Durk did not perform due to his recent hospitalization for dehydration. Likewise, Sheff G did not take part but due to his recent legal troubles. The troubled-but-talented Brooklyn native was to make his much-awaited return at Rolling Loud Miami after serving nearly two years behind bars for gun possession. However, the “We Getting Money” rapper got himself in hot water after he and close friend Sleepy Hallow were part of a large-scale gang indictment.

    Winners Circle Entertainment/ Sleepy Hallow – Rolling Loud Miami 2021 (Show Recap)/Youtube

    As for Sheff G in particular, the indictment accuses him of offering up money and expensive jewelry in exchange for the commission of violent acts. In one alleged incident, Sheff G organized a crew of three shooters, drove them to a crime scene, and then acted as the getaway driver.

    “Sheff G became a prominent member of this gang and became central to our investigation,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “Sheff G used a lot of the money that he earned to facilitate further gang activity. He encouraged gang members to participate in violent crimes.”

    Sleepy Hallow Puts Sheff G on The Phone

    While Sleepy Hallow was able to bail out and make his Rolling Loud dates, the latest charges were a major setback for Sheff G who was initially scheduled to be released sometime in June and had teased his return to the stage at Rolling Loud. In light of his close friend’s circumstances, Sleepy Hallow bridged the gap between Sheff G and the fans by putting the incarcerated rapper on the phone, to much fanfare from the crowd.

    In the short clip, Sheff G gets the Rolling Loud crowd amped by telling them to “turn the f**ck up.” With the drill scene’s recent stagnation Sheff G’s presence woud’ve been a major boost for New York hip hop. The Brooklynite is one of the most talented young rappers from the new-age and is one of the key figures that helped spark the drill scene in New York.