As a part of their celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, Brooklyn Public Library will be holding a free event called “Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip Hop.” The event will take place on Saturday, June 17 and will feature performances, keynote addresses, music, discussions, debates, and activities that have been inspired by the genre.
This year’s event was modeled after the “Night of Philosophy and Ideas,” which received 7,000 attendees between 2018 and 2022. The entire Central Library building will be taken over for the night from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m..
We are thrilled to once again welcome New Yorkers to join us for Brooklyn’s most exciting celebration of culture and exchange of ideas. On the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re proud to honor the legacy of the genre and take a deep dive into this multifaceted art form that has transcended music and had a tremendous influence on our cultural fabric on a global scale.
László Jakab Orsós, Brooklyn Public Library’s Vice President of Arts and Culture
“Night in the Library” will include several Roc Nation artists, such as Grammy-nominated rapper Rapsody, Johnny Cocoa, HDBeenDope, and Reuben Vincent. There will be several notable speakers, such as: Honorary Dr. Gloria Carter of the Shawn Carter Foundation; Mitchell S. Jackson, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer; Emerson Sykes of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); hit rapper Topaz Jones; Naima Cochrane, Founder of Hip-Hop Sermon; and Bill Adler, Def Jams’ first publicist.
The event will be co-curated by the Founder of Really Just Hip-Hop, LeBrandon Smith, as well as Kelly Harrison, and April R. Silver, founder of Akila Worksongs. Additionally co-curating is MACRO, a company that represents the voice and perspectives of Black people and persons of color.
Hip-Hop has outgrown anything imagined, as it continues to evolve culturally and musically. Arguably the most influential artform in the world, it has permeated all parts of society including fashion, media, sports, language and even politics.
Chicago rapper Lil Durk visits New York to perform at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on August 5. The stop is part of the artist’s “Sorry For The Drought” tour, to go along with his upcoming album Almost Healed which is set to drop on May 26. He’ll be joined by Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, and DD Osama throughout most of the tour.
Lil Durk burst onto the mainstream rap scene in 2020 with two gold albums Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 and The Voice. Durk’s biggest success came in 2021 with his widely acclaimed joint album Voice of the Heroes with Atlanta trap artist Lil Baby. The project debuted atop the Billboard Top 200 chart, the first of Lil Durk’s albums to do so. In total 16 tracks off the album appeared on the Billboard Hot 100, propelling the album to platinum status by 2022.
Lil Durk has released a handful of singles and features over the last year, including his most recent track “All My Life” with J. Cole and has appeared on songs with Don Toliver and GloRilla. The Chicago native also helped to start the label and collective “OTF”, which featured the late drill artist King Von.
The tour gets underway on July 28. Presale tickets can be purchased beginning on Wednesday, May 17 with general tickets dropping on Thursday, May 18 here and here.
Brooklyn might not be the place where you’d imagine the next great American folk band to come from, but Liam Robinson and Jean Rohe are looking to change that. The duo has been channeling the sounds of Appalachia and the soul of America since they met over 15 years ago. After exploring their musicality as individuals, Robinson and Rohe drop their next album Into the Night on Friday, May 26th.
In a musical landscape that is often ripe with generic lyrics and songs made to “trend” on social media, Into the Night is a breath of fresh air. Punctuated by rhythmic guitar strums, bright banjo beats, passionate vocals, and simple but powerful drums, Into theNight does enough to stay engaging without straying too far away from its traditional influences.
Although the project is undeniably folk-inspired, elements of rock, bluegrass, jazz, and even pop are found throughout the 11-song album. The real standout element of Into the Night however is Robinson & Rohe’s writing and lyricism, which often comes across more like well-crafted lines of poetry than the lyrics of a song.
The album begins with the feel-good title track “Into the Night” which acts as the perfect introduction to the overall tone and atmosphere of the project. Robinson & Rohe put together one of their best and most harmonious vocal performances of the entire album. The pair’s soulful singing gives way to the steady beat of drums and the intricate sounds of a fiddle as the track reaches its climax. The first half of the album also features the songs “Off track” and “Where I’m Coming From”, which both help to demonstrate the project’s strong instrumentation and production.
Another gem is “One Last Waltz”, which invites the listener to reflect on time, love, and the brevity of life. Its poetic lyrics and powerful cascade of horns, drums, and guitars act as a comforting “goodbye” as the album nears its end. While Into the Night doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to contemporary folk music, Robinson & Rohe display their songwriting and arrangement skills on just about every track. Together, the duo crafts a project that is not only impressive in its musical value, but also approachable for anyone looking to hear something shaped by the heart.
Robinson & Roe will celebrate Into the Night in New York City at Rockwood Music Hall on June 4th. The full list of upcoming performances can be found below:
Infamous lead singer/songwriter of NYC’s Skaters, Michael Ian Cummings, has just announced his debut solo EP Oldest Troubles, out May 26th. To tease the upcoming release, he has decided to release a single from the album titled “Contemporary Me.”
10 short years have passed since Skaters’ formation in Lower East Side Manhattan. Within months of forming and a self-released EP, the band was signed to Warner Brothers Records. They toured around the world, had global critical acclaim from NME to the New York Times. And two years later, they released their debut album, self-released their sophomore album Rock n Roll Bye Bye independently, and then disappeared.
It was a whirlwind ride for the band that came at one of the most difficult transitions in the music industry, the exact time digital downloads plummeted, and streaming had not yet reached the masses. Skaters were caught in the shuffle, and broke up.
Now, after years of reevaluation and new inspiration, working an array of day jobs and night jobs for that matter, Michael Ian Cummings has rediscovered his muse. He has something special to show for the struggle, returning just a bit wiser with the debut solo EP titled Oldest Troubles.
“There are things in everyone’s life that will haunt them forever,” he writes of the EP’s title track. “Whether it stems from internal or external influences from our past that have marred, mamed, and influenced the way we handle life. No matter how far we try to run from them they always find us. This song is about welcoming those relentless “troubles” in, confronting them, and beginning to make yourself stronger. Or, at the very least, learning to live with them.”
“I love having autonomy over how and when I release music. Making decisions and moving on,” Cummings continued. “Reminds me of when I was a teenager. Just make things because they are worth making. Move forward and try not to look back too much.”
To accompany his new release, Michael Ian Cummings will perform at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn on May 31 (7:00 PM).
To listen to “Contemporary Me,” click the link here.
Tickets and more information about the show can be found HERE.
Rising artist Jehry Robinson released his new single “Razor” on May 12. Not conforming to one genre, “Razor,” like Robinson’s other music, blends rap, reggae, pop, and rap into one sound.
Jehry Robinson grew up on Long Island but was encouraged to move forward with his music dreams after forming a friendship with Grammy winning artist Macklemore. Then, in 2016, he co-founded FBA Management with Tara Ennis and launched his solo career.
After reading an article about Kansas City based Strange Music in Forbes, he urged Tara to reach out to C.E.O. Travis O’Guin. After months of persistence and diligence the label head surprisingly returned her direct message. The two got on a plane to Kansas City with hopes of joining the Strange Music family. After more months of planning, and many conversations with O’Guin, Jehry signed the label and got right to work.
So far, Robinson’s songs and videos have accumulated over ten million views and streams. On his genre mixing music, he said, “I’m taking all of those genres and emotions and fusing them into one sound. You’ll get the happy side. You’ll get the depressed side. If there’s a reggae vibe or rock energy, that’s just how I felt that day.”
Fusing numerous genres, his songs reflect Robinson’s ear for melody and his ability to make seemingly conflicting sounds mesh together. His latest song “Razor” is the follow-up to the melodic rap and vocal harmonies of “No Happy Days” which features label-mate King Iso. Earlier in 2023 he delivered “Kill My Daydreams” and “Question Why.” Expect more songs and videos from Jehry Robinson leading up to the release of his upcoming LP this summer.
Lewis OfMan brought the crowd to their feet with a dynamic performance at Elsewhere on Friday, May 12. The French musician and producer curated a thoughtful setlist that left the audience begging for more, with a mesmerizing light show that added to the overall experience.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd grew excited, OfMan opened the show with his groovy track “Boom Boom,” accompanied by strobes and dynamic lighting. The audience was instantly hooked, dancing and singing along to the infectious beat.
OfMan showcased his musical prowess on the keys, blending live instrumentation with electronic beats to create a unique sound. His live band added an extra layer of energy to his already electrifying performance.
OfMan’s setlist included his most popular tracks, like “Such a Good Day,” “Dancy Boy,” and “Las Bañistas,” among others. The groovy dance music combined with the captivating light show created an immersive atmosphere, transporting the audience to another world.
The performance peaked with OfMan’s biggest hit, leaving the audience wanting more. The captivating light show and groovy dance music made for an unforgettable experience.
Overall, Lewis OfMan’s performance at Elsewhere was nothing short of amazing, showcasing his unique blend of electronic and acoustic sounds and his high-energy stage presence. The immersive atmosphere created by the light show had the audience hooked from start to finish. Fans of OfMan’s music will eagerly anticipate his next performance, while newcomers to his sound will surely be hooked after experiencing his live show.
OfMan’s performance demonstrated his ability to create a dynamic atmosphere, with his live band and the mesmerizing light show elevating the groovy dance music. It was an experience that left the crowd buzzing with energy and excitement, and one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Rap legend 50 Cent, otherwise known as Curtis Jackson, has announced his global tour, “The Final Lap.” The tour is in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of his game-changing debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin. “The Final Lap” tour kicks off July 21st and will make three stops in New York at the Darien Lake Amphitheater and Barclays Center.
“The Final Lap” will showcase 50 Cent performing dozens of fan-favorite and chart-topping hits along with select tracks that have not been performed live in decades. The tour will also feature the special guests Busta Rhymes and Jeremih. 50 Cent’s Sire Spirits brands, Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne will also be available throughout the tour.
50 Cent is not only an acclaimed musician but also has a thriving career in television and film. In January 2020 Jackson received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as being awarded an NAACP award for Best Director in a Drama Series. It all began in 2005 when he founded G-Unit Film & Television, Inc. It produced a variety of content such as the #1 show on Starz, “Power.” Jackson not only starred in the show but also served as executive producer and director. G-Unit Film & Television have latterly released “Hip Hop Homicides” on WeTV.
Acknowledged as one of the most talented and prolific music artists of his time, 50 Cent has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and has been awarded the most prestigious accolades. He has also made history by having the fastest-selling albums in history with Get Rich or Die Tryin. The icon utilized his star power to achieve unparalleled success as an entrepreneur, actor, director, and executive producer. From musical success to creating one of the most influential deals in hip-hop with the sale of Vitamin water, 50 continues to break records. He currently holds the record for the highest-rated premiere of a series on Starz with “Power Book II: Ghost.”
This Mother’s Day weekend, do something special with your family and celebrate with The Rock and Roll Playhouse at the Brooklyn Bowl. Additionally, The Rock and Roll Playhouse will celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at various other venues throughout the country, and a portion of the proceeds will go to Femme House.
There’s no shortage of activities for your children, including The Beatles for Kids, Taylor Swift for Kids, and Shania Twain for Kids.
The lineup for the Mother’s Day weekend concert at the Rock and Roll Playhouse includes a performance at the Brooklyn Bowl. Credit: Shore Fire Media.
Senior Director of The Rock and Roll Playhouse, Stephen Grybowski shares “Live music is the heartbeat of the human soul. It’s truly one of the few things on earth that can unite any two people from any two walks of life, anywhere in the world. To be able to help parents share the music that they love with their children and the next generation is the best part of what I do.” When asked who has more fun, the kids or the parents? “It’s really hard to compare! Children are experiencing this music often for the first time in their lives, so the beauty of that is pretty unrivaled. At the same time, it means so much to a parent to share the music that they grew up with and love so deeply with their children.”
The largest national concert series for families, The Rock and Roll Playhouse was founded in 2014 at its flagship venue, Brooklyn Bowl, by industry pioneer Peter Shapiro, and Amy Striem, a certified Early Childhood and Elementary teacher, who were looking to create opportunities for families to experience live music together in historic music venues. The Playhouse has since performed to hundreds of thousands of kids and their families in over 42 venues across 30 cities, playing music from the most iconic musicians in history to inspire the next generation of children. The program has raised funds for the Can’d Aid Foundation’s Tunes Programs, VH1 Save the Music Foundation, The Rex Foundation, UNICEF, and Keep the Music Alive, as well as thousands of ticket donations to local school fundraisers and charity auctions around the country.
Femme House is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, fostering more equitable opportunity for women and gender-expansive individuals in the technical and behind the scenes areas of music. The organization fosters future producers, mixers, engineers, DJs, artists, and executives of the industry by providing education and scholarships, cultivating community, propagating visual representation, and offering professional development opportunities. In 2022, Femme House raised over $100,000 to fund scholarship programs, provided six fellows with free gear and specialized music instruction, and doubled down on its commitment to diversifying the deck by ensuring that over half of its lineups have BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ representation.
The Mother’s Day weekend celebration with The Rock and Roll Playhouse is open to all ages and tickets are available now.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Mother’s Day Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, May 13:
Bluebird Theatre – Denver, Co – The Beatles for Kids
Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA – The Beatles for Kids
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA – The Beatles for Kids
Fairfield Theater Company – Fairfield, CT – The Beatles for Kids
Slowdown – Omaha, NE – The Beatles for Kids
Space (Morning Show) – Evanston, IL – The Beatles for Kids
Space (Evening Show) – Evanston, IL – The Beatles for Kids
Sunday, May 14:
Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY – The Beatles for Kids
Deep Ellum Art Co. – Dallas, TX – The Beatles for Kids
Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Beatles for Kids
Last Concert Cafe – Houston, TX – The Beatles for Kids
Portland House of Music – Portland, ME – The Beatles for Kids
Woodlands Tavern – Columbus, OH – Taylor Swift for Kids
Rock The Bells has announced The F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy), a North American Summer Tour. Hip-Hop icon LL Cool J will take the stage as the headlining performance. The tour begins on June 25th and will be making a stop at the Barclays Center on June 27th.
The tour was curated by LL Cool J himself and will mark his first headline arena tour in 30 years. Fans can expect to see additional performances from favorites such as the award-winning Hip-Hop band The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Z-Trip. In select cities fans can also watch the legends Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, MC Lyte, Method Man & Redman, Big Boi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, Juvenile, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Goodie Mob, Jadakiss, and Rick Ross perform live.
LL Cool J is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, two-time Grammy Award-winner, Kennedy Center Honoree, actor, author, NAACP Image Award winner, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder and CEO of Rock The Bells. The icon has one of the most multifaceted careers in entertainment and continuously showcases his wide range of talents with every project. To this day LL Cool J increases his success throughout his trailblazing career after three decades.
In March 2018, LL Cool J launched his own SiriusXM timeless Hip-Hop channel titled “LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio,” and it garnered millions of daily listeners. The channel features Hip-Hop content, music, interviews, and in-depth retrospectives curated, programmed, and presented by the award-winning artist. LL COOL J’S Rock The Bells has developed into a global platform that has become the preeminent voice for timeless Hip-Hop. More information about the platform can be found here.
General on-sale kicks off on Friday, April 28 and can be purchased here.
TOUR DATES
6/25 Boston, MA TD Garden
6/27 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center
6/28 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
6/29 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
7/1 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena
7/2 Washington, DC Capital One Arena
7/4 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
7/6 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Brooklyn’s 4-piece indie band Tennis Courts have just released their latest single “Am I Not Talking Enough” on May 3rd. The song is about the realization of how it feels to be not young anymore, but also not old either.
Consisting of the singer/songwriter duo of Pat Walsh and Andrew Clarke, lead guitarist Brian McKenna and bassist Spencer Brigman, the band started writing songs together in college in Charleston, SC before moving to Brooklyn in 2022. Tennis Courts’ sound overall offers a delicate mix of indie, folk, and power pop.
Of the new single, Walsh says, “This song is probably the most personal song we’ve ever put out. It’s about a lot of things, but I think it’s mostly just about how I have felt over the last year. I’ve spent a lot of time coming to terms with myself, how I fit in the world, and how I fit into other people’s lives. I spend a lot of time examining my relationship with myself, family, friends, and partners. And at the end of the day, maybe I am just thinking too much.”
“Pensive and gorgeous, opening with acoustic strums accompanying subdued vocals, swelling with atmospheric treatments until the full band kicks in for a stunning final movement.”
– Tuned Up
The band has played countless shows with Dogwood Tales, Sun Room, Hotel Fiction, Sonic Blume, Mo Lowda + The Humble, Wakelee, Daddy’s Beemer, Teenage Halloween, Easy Honey and many more. Tennis Courts forthcoming LP, which will come out later this year, was produced by Erik Kase Romero (The Front Bottoms, Lorde, Dogwood Tales).
Tennis Courts will also be accompanying Charlie & Margot on June 22nd at the Bond Street Basement in Asbury Park, NJ. For more information on this upcoming event, click the link here.
To listen to “Am I Not Talking Enough,” click the link here.
For more music by Tennis Courts and more information on upcoming shows, click the link here.
