Enso Taves, the New York-based Dominican singer-songwriter, has long been recognized for his unique fusion of Bachata with Latin American Bolero, Son, and Jazz. This remarkable combination of styles has earned him a dedicated fan base eager to embrace his upcoming release, “Tengo Sueños.”
Released on October 13, this single is not only a symbol of Enso’s artistry but also a testament to his ability to create contemporary music with the heart of traditional Bachata.
Enso Taves is more than just a singer-songwriter; he is a storyteller who weaves the rich cultural tapestry of his Dominican heritage into every note and lyric. His music can be described as elegant simplicity with a touch of sophisticated romance, a characteristic often associated with Bolero and Bachata. Yet, what sets Enso apart is his ability to infuse these traditional sounds with a modern twist, creating a unique listening experience.
“Tengo Sueños” begins with a warm and inviting melody, an unmistakable hallmark of Bachata. The song carries the heart of traditional Bachata with its gentle yet emotionally charged guitar strums, which form the backbone of the genre. The traditional bongo and maracas add a layer of authenticity to the rhythm, making you feel as though you’re dancing in a Dominican plaza.
But what sets “Tengo Sueños” apart is its fusion of these traditional elements with modernity. Enso Taves’ voice is velvety smooth, guiding you through the song’s narrative with a sense of intimacy and nostalgia. As the song progresses, a contemporary touch emerges with the incorporation of electric guitars and a richer percussive backdrop, hinting at the influence of pop and rock.
The lyrics of “Tengo Sueños” beautifully encapsulate the power of love to conquer adversity. As Enso sings:
“Tengo sueños tienes que dos también un verso que te quite el miedo de dorar fracto preñar tus sueños que esta historia empieza no… vamos a ver para fugar no donde quiera de no puedo corazón…”
Here’s the translation:
“I have dreams, you have two, a verse that takes away your fear, gilds the cracks, nurtures your dreams, this story begins now… let’s see where it goes, I can’t go anywhere, my heart…”
These words balance vulnerability and strength, emphasizing the importance of understanding each other’s dreams and fears in a relationship.
For Enso Taves, “Tengo Sueños” is not just a song; it’s a testament to his artistry and his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of his Dominican roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. Enso Taves will be taking this enchanting musical journey on the road with his upcoming “Bachata Bohemia 2023” tour, bringing this fusion of tradition and innovation to audiences around the world. The single promises to be a musical experience that transcends the barriers of time and tradition, carrying us into a world of love and dreams where the power of music knows no bounds.
Bronx native and two-time GRAMMY winner Samara Joy is set to release A Joyful Holiday, a 6-song EP of beloved seasonal favorites.
This extension of her latest album, Linger Awhile, features accomplished jazz musicians and includes singles like “O Holy Night,” “Warm in December,” and a new take on Stevie Wonder’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me.”
A Joyful Holiday, produced by Matt Pierson, will drop on October 27 via Verve, with an exclusive emerald green color variant LP available.
The holiday EP comes after an extraordinary year for Samara Joy, who clinched the prestigious Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album awards at this year’s Grammys.
Samara Joy has shared a delightful rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” which you can listen to here.
“Singing alongside my family has always been a special time kept between us, but this December, I’m excited to share that special feeling with you all! This holiday season, it brings me great joy to present my first role models, the McLendon Family, on a month-long tour throughout the US. Join us for a show you’ll never forget!”
Samara Joy
Samara Joy has also announced the Verve Vinyl Collection, comprising her three Verve LPs, Linger Awhile, Linger Awhile Longer, and A Joyful Holiday. This collection will hit the shelves on November 17 and can be pre-ordered here.
A Joyful Holiday Tracklist
“Warm In December” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me ft. Sullivan Fortner” “The Christmas Song” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” “O Holy Night” “The Christmas Song (Live)”
Samara Joy 2023 Tour Dates
9/28 – 10/1 – Seattle, WA @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Jazz
10/4 – Davis, CA @ Mondavi Center
10/6 – 7 – New York, NY @ Rose Hall at The Lincoln Center
10/14 – Kansas City @ Folly Theater
10/15 – Denver, CO @ Newman Center
10/18 – Easton, PA @ Williams Center for the Arts / Performance Series
10/20 – Storrs, CT @ Jorgenson Center
10/22 – Brookville, NY @ Tilles Center
10/24 – Columbia, MO @ Missouri Theater
10/25 – Iowa City @ Hancher Auditorium
10/27 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Symphony Orchestra
11/3 – Zurich, Switzerland @ TVD
11/5 – Athens, Greece @ Megaron Athens
11/7 – Hamburg, Germany @ Elb Philharmonic
11/8 – Berlin, Germany @ TBD
11/12 – Paris, FR @ Le Trianon
11/17 – Bologna, Italy @ TBD
11/18 – Milan, Italy @ TBD
11/19 – London, UK @ Barbican Center, London Jazz Festival
12/3 – Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall, UT Austin
12/4 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Symphony
12/7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts
History was made on a warm summer night as hip-hop enthusiasts from around the world gathered in the heart of the Bronx for the monumental Hip Hop 50 concert at Yankee Stadium. The event was a celebration of the genre’s rich legacy, marking the 50th anniversary of hip hop, and featuring a star-studded lineup that spanned generations and showcased the evolution of hip-hop culture. Run DMC, one of hip-hop’s most iconic groups, took the stage for the final time, marking the end of an era and bringing a bittersweet yet triumphant close to the night.
Hip Hop 50 Concert
The Hip Hop 50 concert was a journey through time, paying homage to the genre’s pioneers, innovators, and current stars. Run DMC, one of hip-hop’s most iconic groups, took the stage for the final time, marking the end of an era and bringing a bittersweet yet triumphant close to the night.
The evening kicked off with an explosive opening set by Marley Marl, Mc Shan, and Craig G. The trio took the audience back to the roots of hip-hop with performances of classic tracks like “Symphony” and “The Bridge,” setting the tone for the night ahead.
Performers
As the concert unfolded, Ralph McDaniels, a prominent figure in the hip-hop community, orchestrated a series of nostalgic moments. Notably, the legendary DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy Campbell, both pivotal figures in the birth of hip-hop, graced the stage, bringing an aura of authenticity to the event. In like manner, the old school set that followed featured luminaries like Kurtis Blow, Roxanne Shante, and Grandmaster Caz, reminding everyone of the genre’s origins.
Additionally, Grandmaster Caz’s collaboration with Kool Mo Dee on “Otis” was a highlight that bridged the gap between eras, emphasizing the intergenerational bond that hip-hop nurtures. As the night progressed, Epmd took over the stage with hits like “What You Sayin’” and “You Gots to Chill,” showcasing the genre’s evolution into the ’90s.
Of course, the energy remained electric as Melle Mell and Scorpio, accompanied by Sugarhill Gang, delivered crowd-pleasers like “Rapper’s Delight,” “Apache,” and “The Message.” Slick Rick’s charismatic storytelling captivated the audience, with hits like “Young World,” “Mona Lisa,” and “Children’s Story” reminding everyone of his unique lyrical prowess.
As the evening continued, a poignant moment arrived when Kool Herc and his sister were brought back on stage, accompanied by Queen Mother, who bestowed a blessing upon Herc. This heartfelt gesture honored the pioneers who laid the foundation for hip-hop’s global phenomenon.
Comparatively, Lupe Fiasco’s soul-stirring performances of “Hip Hop Saved My Life” and “Superstar” highlighted the genre’s power to inspire and uplift. Likewise, Common’s freestyle prowess, coupled with tracks like “The Food” and “Go,” showcased his lyrical mastery and social consciousness.
The Women of Hip Hop
The spotlight then shifted to female rappers, with Remy Ma, Trina, Lola Brooke, and Lil’ Kim owning the stage with their fierce personas and anthems of empowerment. Chiefly, Lil’ Kim’s set culminated with a memorable collaboration with Lil’ Cease on “Crush on You,” reminding everyone of her undeniable impact on hip-hop’s landscape.
As the night drew on, the stage welcomed a diverse array of hip-hop royalty. For one thing, TI’s dynamic set, featuring hits like “Rubber Band Man” and “Whatever You Like,” kept the energy high.Meanwhile, Havoc of Mobb Deep brought forth the gritty essence of New York hip-hop with tracks like “Shook Ones” and “Survival of the Fittest.”
New York Takes Center Stage
In turn, Cam’ron’s performance of classics like “Oh Boy” and “Hey Ma” encapsulated the vibrant spirit of Harlem, while Ghostface Killah, alongside Inspectah Deck, Method Man, and Cappadonna, delivered Wu-Tang Clan classics that echoed through the stadium.
Kid Capri’s DJ skills added a touch of nostalgia as he spun classic tracks, and a surprise appearance by baseball legend Derek Jeter elicited cheers from the crowd. Moreover, A Boogie’s modern hits resonated with a new generation, while Fat Joe’s collaboration with KRS-One on “South Bronx” paid tribute to hip-hop’s geographical roots.
Similarly, Lil Wayne’s set was a reminder of his enduring influence, as he commanded the stage with hits like “Uproar” and “A Milli.” Ice Cube’s West Coast swagger brought a different flavor to the lineup, with “Today Was a Good Day” evoking nostalgic memories.
The West Has Something to Say
Furthermore, Snoop Dogg’s performance was a highlight, with classics like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Gin and Juice” igniting the crowd. Collaborations with Too Short and Wiz Khalifa added to the excitement, and the legendary pairing of Dougie Fresh and Slick Rick for “La Di Da Di” was a testament to the genre’s timeless appeal.
As the night approached its climax, Nas graced the stage with his thought-provoking lyrics. A collaboration with Kool G Rap on “Fast Life” was a standout moment, and the surprise appearance of Lauryn Hill for hits like “Ready or Not” and “If I Ruled the World” brought an ethereal touch to the evening.
Hip Hop Royalty
Finally, at 1:30 AM, the crowd erupted as Run DMC made their way to the stage for their last performance. The group’s historic setlist, including “It’s Tricky,” “King of Rock,” and “Walk This Way,” resonated deeply with fans, encapsulating the essence of their groundbreaking career.
The Hip Hop 50 Yankee Stadium concert was a marathon of music, spanning from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, and embodying the cultural and artistic evolution of hip-hop over five decades. This iconic event united generations, celebrated legends, and reminded everyone of hip-hop’s ability to transcend time, inspire change, and bring people together through the universal language of music. As the lights dimmed and the echoes of Run DMC’s final notes reverberated through the stadium, the audience departed with a renewed appreciation for the genre that had shaped lives and defined a culture for half a century.
Setlist: Rock Box, Sucker M.C.’s, Its Like That, It’s Tricky, Beats to the Rhyme, Mary Mary, King of Rock, Run’s House, Down With The King, Peter Piper, Charlie/Ruckus, You Be Illin’, Ooh Whatcha Gonna Do, My Adidas, Walk This Way.
There is perhaps nothing more synonymous with hip-hop than New York City. The genre was birthed, nourished, and has continuously evolved thanks to the five boroughs. From hip-hop’s Jamaican influence to its eventual inception on the streets of the Bronx, NYC has helped to propel hip-hop into the mainstream giant that it is today.
New York City has produced an endless list of iconic and influential hip-hop figures, from the all important Grandmaster Flash, to The Notorious B.I.G, and even to groups like Wu-Tang. The city has been a hotbed for rappers and hip-hop artists throughout much of the genre’s history. Acts like Nas, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Nicki Minaj have not just become rap superstars, but have elevated to some of the biggest names in all of music.
NYC Rapper Nas performing
NYC DOMINANCE
Part of the aura and mythos surrounding New York is not just the artists that are associated with the region, but also the way that the city itself has influenced the music. Having originated in the Big Apple, hip-hop was inherently New York. From its embryonic stages in the ’70s to its “gangsta” personality in the ’90s, the genre’s identity has been linked to NYC for much of its lifespan.
For close to 30 years the “sound” of hip-hop was the “sound” of New York. Characterized by confident flows, lyrical versatility, classic samples, and an atmosphere of authenticity, “East Coast Rap” was the ultimate standard.
Historically, hip-hop acts from the city have dominated, whether it be commercially or critically. Seven of the top 25 highest selling hip-hop albums belong to New York artists, a mark higher than any other city . Additionally, of the twelve rappers/hip-hop artists currently in, or scheduled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, seven come from NYC, with two more representing Long Island.
Hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash
The popularity and success of hip-hop in NYC led to the genre’s diaspora throughout much of the United States. By the mid to late ’90s Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta were all major players in the scene. Artists like Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Outkast, Lil Wayne, Common, etc. all had tremendous success being outside of NYC, however up until the last 10-15 years it was still the Empire City that really moved the needle.
A CRUMBLING EMPIRE
Despite NYC’s hip-hop pedigree, the “East Coast” sound that made it so influential has become quieter and quieter in recent years. Instead, influences of trap, drill, cloud rap, and even reggaeton have filtered into the city to create a diverse, intricate, and hard to pin down sound from many NYC artists. Even with the likes of rappers like Joey Badass, Fabolous, and Roc Marciano, the often grimy, word play heavy, and sample laden sounds of the ’80s through early 2000s East Coast rap has largely dissipated from the city.
As NYC has lost its sound, other cities have refined theirs. Today, avid hip-hop fans will easily be able to identify where certain artists are from within seconds of hitting the play button. Acts like 21 Savage, Lil Baby, and Migos all have a distinct sound and atmosphere that connects them with Atlanta. Other artists like GloRilla, Moneybagg Yo, Key Glock, and the late Young Dolph boast specific features and elements that represent Memphis.
On Complex’s 2023 list of “The Best Rap Cities Right Now”, NYC sat at #2, yet there was no city with more of a musical or even social disconnect between its most prominent artists. In terms of musicality, and apart from maybe an accent, there is very little that artists like Ice Spice, A$AP Rocky, Fivio Foreign, and Nicki Minaj have in common.
Nicki Minaj
“As a whole town we’re losing… I’m talking about the new New York, who do they have to look up to? We’re losing identity and it’s crazy because we was the treadsetters,” Queens legend N.O.R.E. said in a 2013 interview with DJ Vlad.
Not only has there become a stylistic schism in NYC but there has been a long standing adversarial attitude amongst many of its biggest artists. Of course there’s the well publicized beef between Jay-Z and Nas, then there’s 50 Cent taking on all of NYC, and in the 2010s it was Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. While other places were fostering and supporting new sounds, promoting upcoming artists, and building together, many New Yorkers were divided.
“The older rappers that were already situated in the city didn’t pay up-and-comers no mind if they didn’t sound like the old sound. Bobby Shmurda was the first one with a newer sound, a different sound, that was accepted by New York City hip-hop culture,” Jamel Robinson, the host of Brooklyn rap Youtube Channel Melz TV said in an interview with Complex.
The mention of Shmurda’s name also shines a light on another troubling aspect of NYC’s identity crisis. Controversy and tragedy have plagued the city’s biggest and brightest stars. Shmurda burst onto the national stage after the release of his mega-hit “Hot N*gga” in 2014. Proudly repping NYC, the then 19-year-old became an internet star, spawning viral trends and memes all around social media. Just two years later however, Shmurda would be sentenced to seven years in prison after facing conspiracy and weapons charges. The rapper helped to pave the way toward a renewed New York sound and image, but his untimely removal from the game left NYC without another trailblazer for years.
Bobby Shmurda
Unfortunately, the artist that would garner the same kind of attention as Bobby would also have a short run at the top. Fellow Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke took hip-hop by storm in 2019. Blending Chicago and UK Drill with a distinctly New York attitude, the artist was hailed as one of the next Brooklyn legends. But, while renting a house in LA in February of 2020, Pop Smoke was tragically shot and killed during a botched home robbery. Once again the city was left without an artistic talisman.
Warning signs of NYC’s eventual fall from hip-hop have been there for years. Even New York’s own have referenced the influence of other locations and subgenres. In A$AP Rocky’s 2011 song “Palace”, he sings “Harlem N*ggas gon’ be feelin’ this, East Coast n*gga but how trill is this?” alluding to the Houston slang term “trill”. Rocky goes onto praise the Texas city later in the track rapping “Influenced by Houston hear it in my music, a trill n*gga to the truest, show you how to do this”.
The Harlem’ native’s love for Southern sounds helps to demonstrate the way in which New York artists have grown to accept and incorporate other attributes of hip-hop. While New York’s current sound may represent the diversity within music and the area’s population as a whole, it diverges from the hip-hop legacy that was crafted there. Without identifiable qualities and features, it makes it hard to discern a “New York City” artist from any other act.
Perhaps New York’s current lack of identity is due to the natural evolution of genres, especially in a place that has such deep roots in one specific kind of music. It may be the normal progression of any artistic originator to eventually move on from the elements and features that made it so special to begin with.
Whether it be because of a natural artistic change, tension between artists, or even just “bad luck”, New York City’s reputation in hip-hop has faded over the last 10-15 years.
Pop Smoke
UPSTATE IS THE NEW “EAST COAST”
But, as the longstanding “East Coast” sound has begun to leave the blocks of New York City, a refurbished sound has traveled upstate, seeping into cities like Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, and most notably Buffalo. These cities have partially curated their own subgenre of hip-hop, characterized by many of the same ideas, trends, and themes that helped to establish NYC as a mecca.
The most notable of these artists hail from Buffalo and are a part of the “Griselda” collective. Spearheaded by Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine, and Westside Gunn, the three have helped to carry the torch for the “new wave” of hip-hop coming out of Upstate New York.
While they all certainly have their own individual characteristics, like Westside’s unique flow or Benny’s confident delivery, their music all shares similar themes and perhaps most apparent, a certain atmosphere. Defined by lyrics about drug dealing, street smarts, high fashion and systematic failures, their content is the musical offspring of acts like Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep, Onyx, and even early Jay-Z.
“I just do me and if you like it, you like it, if you don’t, you don’t… me being a real individual, people love that. It’s enough to build a cult following. It’s not a gimmick, this is just what we do for real, ” Westside Gunn said in an interview with Complex.
Westside Gunn
Conway’s authenticity and edge mirrors much of the sentiment that ’90s and traditional East Coast rappers were known for. The success of Griselda has helped to provide sustenance for a section of hip-hop fans who have been starving for a more gritty and dark sound.
It’s all the way left [west] from the City but the mindset is similar, very similar
It’s not just the lyrics and attitude of Griselda that calls back to the boom-bap era of East Coast rap, it’s also their production. For years the trio has enlisted the help of the producer Daringer, who has seemingly managed to hold onto all the unused samples, sounds, and techniques that legends like DJ Premier and RZA would’ve craved for.
In an era where hip-hop production is full of cheap snares, 808s, synths, overdone bass, and half-baked samples, Griselda and Daringer combine to create beautifully violent, vivid and foreboding records. Even lacking drums at times, their tracks provide a listening experience unlike anything in contemporary hip-hop.
Streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music can easily expose lovers of Griselda to other similar artists. And after some quick research it’s clear to see that a lot of these “similar artists” come from Upstate New York.
Whether it’s Syracuse’s Stove God Cooks, Rochester’s 38 Spesh, or the plethora of other Buffalo artists, there is a blossoming of rap talent in Upstate New York. While this vibrant and nostalgic subgenre has been making waves in and amongst hip-hop heads for years, it has yet to make a big splash in the mainstream.
“It’s more about being creative, making dope music, and just solidifying my name. I don’t give a fuck about none of the other shit,” Stove Good Cooks told Peter Rosenberg in a conversation with Hot 97.
Despite the individual success of some artists in the subgenre, there has yet to be a track or album that has crossed over into popular music. Benny The Butcher gained notoriety for having J.Cole on “Johnny P’s Caddy” while Conway and Westside appeared on Ye’s Donda. With that being said there is still a disconnect between mainstream hip-hop lyricists like Cole, Kendrick, Cordae, JID and many acts from the grimier subgenre.
Buffalo rapper Che Noir
Although widespread commercial success has evaded the subgenre as a whole, the influence and inspiration that it has supplied cannot be ignored. Back in 2021 Tyler, The Creator credited Westside Gunn for “making me want to rap again”. Additionally, legendary comedian Dave Chappelle has gone on stage to shout out Griselda.
Thanks to the ground covered by some of the larger acts in the subgenre, rappers like Rome Streetz, Che Noir, Mach-Hommy, plus producers like Conductor Williams have all been able to shine. Even without large-scale commercial backing, the subgenre has provided some of the most talented and innovative artists in contemporary hip-hop.
As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, the genre has never been more accessible, popular, or accepted. While the future trends and sounds that will define New York hip-hop are unknown, it seems all but certain that artists outside of the traditional NYC metro will have an impact. Amongst a flurry of sonic changes and social media fads, there’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the style of hip-hop emanating from Upstate. Although NYC has relinquished its throne as the genre’s king, the state of New York is still an important thread in hip-hop’s cultural and musical web.
All that comes around – goes around. The cyclical nature of magnetic individuality remains inevitable. Basically, you must trust people to be who they will be.
DMX offers incredible wisdom on one of his last interviews ever recorded on Drink Champs with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN.
With that, nobody moves a crowd like the energetic empathetic. Never pathetic, incredibly poetic, and most definitely unapologetic comes Connie Diiamond from the Bronx. Additionally, as far as evolution exists, this woman adapts to the times. Rhymes galore and much more in store – she even cleared Ludacris’ “Move” sample through the door.
Nevertheless, amazement sets in when people move the right way. How wondrous the process of finding oneself. No outside source will bring you happiness quite like the gifted spirit within your being.
Indeed, Connie Diiamond operates within the same wavelength as Nipsey Hussle – who cleared the “Hard Knock Life” sample from Jay-Z. From winning slam poetry contests in high school to collaborating with Ludacris – this nose-to-the-grindstone BX woman continues to strive. Poetic visions and many revisions allowed her to become the fan-proclaimed “Queen of Drill.”
Individuality and Expression
Undoubtedly, as an emcee – Connie Diiamond will go toe-to-toe with anyone. As a classy individual, she stands on moral grounds and principles. With the utmost self-confidence – she does not mind being the only woman in the room. Otherwise, this artist knows her worth and will never sell solely sex for attention or become reliant on a sex symbol status.
Essentially, Connie Diiamond functions much like your typical American citizen. She works at the hair salon suite that she owns during the day and chases her dreams at night. Her craftsmanship knows no limitations as haircuts fund her musical aspirations.
Moreover, the reason why this artist will reach the heights she seeks revolves around her incredible sense of self-worth. As a humble and supportive individual, she continues to put in her 10,000 hours. She accepts the things that occur for what they are, stays in her lane and keeps pushing.
Initially, she rose in popularity due to her freestyle ability to hop on anyone else’s track and make it her own. As she progresses and learns elements of sound structure, how to make certain types of songs, and stay afloat in the industry – she will be dangerous and not one to be tested on the mic.
With positive reinforcement from her friends, family, and fans – it is impossible for her to lose. Many times, people automatically repost her songs due to the authenticity of the sounds. Somebody that radiates positive energy will always receive reciprocal energy – tenfold.
Finally, when it comes time to record, she locks in and blocks out any external influences. Clearly, this laser-sharp focus and multi-hyphenate approach earn dividends. Her song with Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers made it into NBA 2K23. Stay tuned to see what may come next from her!
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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’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.
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.”
One of the founding father’s of hip-hop, Grandmaster Flash will be returning to the Bronx for the free “Birth of a Culture: The Four Elements Block Party” to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. The event will be in Crotona Park on Aug. 4 and has been made possible by Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage.
Through his Quik Mix Theory, Grandmaster Flash was the first DJ to use the turntables as a musical instrument by placing his fingertips on the vinyl, extending the break of a song. This innovation would lead the way to further developments, such as cutting, scratching, and transforming. Grandmaster Flash has become the voice of his generation of ’70s hip-hop pioneers, and continues to be a cultural force.
Present at this celebration of the history and legacy of hip-hop will be Jazzy Jay, DJ Charlie Chase, Pete Rock, GrandWizzard Theodore, Tony Touch, and Stretch Armstrong. Additional performers include Funk Flex, DJ Mell Starr, Scram Jones, DJ NABs, and Chuck Chillout.
Crotona Park is one of the parks where it all started for me when hip-hop was an infant. Now, it’s all grown up and I’m going back home. This is my way of saying “thank you” to my fans and community for supporting me 50 years later. We’re doing things we did back in the ’70s, authentically showing how hip-hop started.
Grandmaster Flash
Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage is one of New York’s most accessible outdoor performing arts festivals, with nearly 80 free and benefit performances in Central Park and neighborhood parks throughout the boroughs. It has served New York’s communities for nearly 40 years, and over six million people from around the world have gotten to enjoy their shows.
The “Birth of a Culture” event will be livestreamed on Grandmaster Flash’s YouTube and Twitch. It will begin at 5:00 p.m., and updates can be found on Grandmaster Flash’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Twitch.
