NYS Music 2023

Tag: hip hop

  • Best of Hip Hop 2023: MVW and Valee No Longer Looking for Valeedation

    With hip hop firmly entrenched within pop music, artists tend to chase a sound in search of mainstream validation. However, every so often, a sound usually existing within its own niche crowd, that captures ears for its inventiveness. In making Valeedation, the duo of Valee and Staten Island native MVW have created their magnum opus (for now) and firmly established their sound within hip hop’s redundant landscape.

    Valee (left) and MVW (right) have teamed for of the unique projects of 2023.

    Background to Valeedation

    Prior to this 2023 release, MVW’s hip hop journey began with two Valee assisted albums released in consecutive years. Despite its fresh perspective, MVW’s prior albums included their share of Hills and Valleys, while maintaining a sense of novelty. While Valee has long-established a niche audience in hip hop for his slick-talking, luxurious idioms, he lacked a go-to producer to consistently bring the best out of him. Correspondingly, as the classically trained MVW cast a wide net for artists to feature, he would not find a better match for his minimalist style than Valee. In essence, Valeedation is a continuance of the unique language that they’ve developed through their shared artistic vision. 

     

    Valeedation Review

    After all, cultivating and establishing a style of production is no easy task. Namely, MVW’s prior efforts maintained an ebb-and-flow between minimalist instrumentation and raging vocals. While this kept the listener on edge, to did very little for the albums sequencing. Conversely, on Valeedation, it all comes together as MVW along with Valee bring about his most cohesive effort yet.

    Valeedation is MVW’s most cohesive effort yet.

    Introduced to the world with the release of singles “Pistachio” and “Tailor Swift,” MVW juxtaposes Valee’s nonchalant delivery with meticulous instrumentation blending into a sound coined as “museum rap.” In light, setting the tone for the album’s easy-going feel.

    Throughout Valeedation, Valee’s usual off-beat, luxurious discourse finds refinement, resulting in extremely digestible-yet-unique songs. For instance, Valee’s concentrated flows and rhymes carries is a tone setter for much of the album. Meanwhile, MVW is meticulous with his isntrument placement, with violins and pianos taking turns in rhythmic dominance. Moreover, records like “Yo Yo,” “Ain’t Exotic,” “Metro PCS” “Shrimp Fried Rice,” — and standout track “Liquid”– leave the Valeedation with a lasting feel-good identity. Thus, even when MVW and Valee deviate rhythmically on songs like “Tailor Swift,” it is only a quick detour before returning to its sonic seance. Together with a host of agreeable features — including standout showings from Tony Shhnow (“Yo Yo”) and Zeelopers (“Metro PCS”) — Valeedation stands as diverse musical oasis.

  • Jersey Native Wiseboy Jeremy Releases New Single ‘Do I Not?’

    The drowned-out, underwater, lyrical east-coast sound is alive and well. In like manner, New Jersey native Wiseboy Jeremy brings the perspective of a hip hop every man while rhyming over jazz-tinged, contemplative production. His latest release, “Do I Not,” featuring Phoenix James is an ode to feeling like an underachiever and underwhelming life circumstances and “battling with ego.” Using a drowsy, sub-merged flow he sings on the chorus, “Do I not do enough, Do I not do enough for you.”

    ‘Do I Not?’ is for those lost within. Those looking elsewhere to find the answers that they end up discovering within themselves.

    – Wiseboy Jeremy
    Wiseboy Jeremy releases new single "Do I Not?"b.
    Wiseboy Jeremy plays the role of hip hop every man on “Do I Not?”

    Moreover, Wiseboy Jeremy has released an equally expressive music video for “Do I Not?” directed by himself and redbrags. In like manner, the music video tells a similar story of every day lethargy. From taking the train, doing laundry, a date night with your girl and the mental quarell between following your dreams and holding down a job. All in all, Jeremy paints the picture of he build up of inadequacy within every day life.

    Furthermore, “Do I Not?” sets the stage for Wiseboy Jeremy’s forthcoming project, Pumpkin Seeds, set for release in January of 2024. His last effort, 2022’s Still Chldrn is a meditative collection of stories painted over unquantized, Blues & Hip-Hop laced production. Its success led Jeremy to the eyes of publications such as Pigeons & Planes (where he won Best New Artist), Bandcamp, Frank Ocean’s Homer Radio, Daily Chiefers, Sheesh Media & more.

  • Benny The Butcher Drops Scintillating New Single And Music Video Ahead of New Album

    Benny The Butcher continues to ramp things up in anticipation of his Def Jam debut, Everybody Can’t Go. His latest drop, the thumping new single “One Foot In,” features frequent collaborator Stove God Cooks and sees Benny The Butcher continue his evolution into the mainstream.

    Benny The Butcher "One Foot In" covert art

    Accompanied by a scintillating music video, Benny The Butcher and Stove God exchange bars on life in the streets. Meanwhile, the hook illustrates this duality as Benny examines a life with one foot in the streets and one in the rap game. In like manner, the music video illustrates the parallels between life and the streets and life as a successful rapper. Coupled with more digestible production, the uptempo street anthem offers to fill the void of authentic street records that littered hip hop of yesteryear. However, despite the uptick in production budget, the Buffalo native has maintained his raw and descriptive style, with lyrics full of vivid imagery.

    And this one for the hustlers I was handing ounces. Now look at God, I wrote this in my Grammy outfit.

    – Benny The Butcher

    After all, “One Foot In” follows the release of Benny’s previous single, “Big Dog,” featuring Lil Wayne, who is no stranger to hard-hitting, lyrical bangers. Correspondingly, the record has already amassed 3.2 million Spotify streams and counting, with the music video tracking an additional 2.5 million views. With Everybody Can’t Go slated for a January 26 release, Benny continues to build anticipation for what could be a trajectory defining-album.

  • Hip Hop Supergroup Czarface Release New Album ‘Czartificial Intelligence’

    Hip hop purists can rejoice as Czarface, one the genre’s most creative outfits, returns with Czartifical Intelligence. This hip hop supergroup, consisting of Wu Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck and Boston underground hip hop acts Esoteric and 7L, bring fans along on an abstract journey where cosmic hip hop, boom bap and comic book culture all intersect. Since their debut in 2013, the like-minded outfit has seen their “Czarface” centered music-verse expand beyond their wildest dreams.

    Czarface press photo
    Czarface. From left to right (Esoteric, 7L, Inpectah Deck). Photo by Billy X.

    In fact, collaborations with other colorful and imaginative MC’s the likes of MF Doom, Ghostface Killah, Roc Marciano, Conway the Machine, Mayhem Lauren, Method Man, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz, Frankie Pulitzer and GZA have earned the group and series a cult-following. Chiefly, through intricate verses and captivating production, Czar and their guests — who accompany Czarface on missions and side-quests — have created a fruitful series of tapes with hundreds of merch drops including limited edition comics, apparel, action figures, art, shoes, and more featuring artwork illustrated by Lamour Supreme. Additionally, the group contributed the songs “Good Guys, Bad Guys” and “Today’s Special” to the soundtrack for the Marvel movie, Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

    Czarface album cover.
    The album cover for Czarface’s latest project “Czartificial Intelligence”

    Czartificial Intelligence

    The new album comes equipped with chaos, order and everything in between. It’s like a swirling vortex of cosmic carnage, but we bring it down to earth in places. We are, after all, in a new era. I hope what we made resonates with the people.

    – Esoteric

    The new album consists of 10- track and continues Czarface’s exploration of various themes along with similarly cutting-edge and technically proficient bars. Czartificial Intelligence features Logic, Kool Keith, Nems, Frankie Pulitzer and is set for release on December 1.

  • Benny The Butcher Snags Lil Wayne Feature With New Album On The Way

    Benny The Butcher has graced fans with a prolific new single from his forthcoming album, Everybody Can’t Go. Featuring the legendary Lil Wayne, “Big Dog” is the first new music from Benny since 2022’s Tana Talk 4 broke inside the Top 25 on the Billboard 200 album chart last year, and notably his first release for Def Jam Recordings, who he signed with after his contractual obligations to his cousin Westside Gunn’s Griselda imprint ended.

    Cover art for the new Benny The Butcher single "Big Dog."

    Co-produced by famed hip hop producer, Alchemist, “Big Dog” sees Benny The Butcher try his hand at another lyrical back-and-forth with a platinum selling rapper. His last effort, “Johnny P’s Caddy” — featuring J. Cole — peaked #14 Hot Rap Songs hit. Moreover, it was Benny’s first single to break inside the Hot 100. Furthermore, the Buffalo native was able to earn his first gold record and the first for any Griselda affiliate.

    “Big Dog”

    The new single is a change of pace for Benny The Butcher as the sped-up production departs from his usual laid-back, soulful, or sample heavy beats. What remains the same is his fervor, as he perfects his aggressive, braggadocios, grimy style. Backing him up is a looping classically inspired beat full of urgency. In like manner, Benny attacks the beat with the same intensity as if he was rapping about bricks on the table over a Daringer beat. Rather, Benny follows a formulaic song structure. While his subject matter remains close to home, the production and flow is a nice change of pace. Likewise, Lil Wayne continues to prove that he remains a rapper to be reckoned with, delivering a prolific verse in his own right in the duo’s first collaboration since “Timeless” from Benny’s 2020 album, Burden of Proof.

    Over the last year, Benny has spent time promoting his Black Soprano Family artists including Fuego Base and Rick Hyde. However, the first quarter of 2024 will see Benny release his new album, Everybody Can’t Go.

  • Dave East & Vado Release ‘Deniro & Pesci’ With New Album On The Way

    Two of Harlem‘s finest — Dave East and Vado — have graced the hip hop world with a new single. “Deniro & Pesci” is the latest record from 2/3 of hip hop collective “The Council” (which includes Dave East, Lloyd Banks and Vado). The ominously themed record is an ode to the lifestyles of mobsters James Conway and Tommy DeVito portrayed by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci from one of hip hop’s most referenced films, Goodfellas.

    Dave East and Vado single cover art,

    In like manner, Vado and Dave East metaphorically reference the film and other famous mobsters. For instance, East begins the song with an introspective recounting of his rough upbringing that inspired his hustler mindset. Similarly to how Goodfellas begins with the telling of Henry Hill’s youth. Meanwhile, Vado juxtaposes Dave East, playing the role of the fully realized hustler. For his part, Vado’s verse is full of vivid imagery, whether it be intimate hustler tales, or stories of lavish expenditures. Together, the duo captures the evolvement from impressionable youth to “goodfella” as well the surrounding factors that play a role.

    Best Lyric

    With a vision like Bugsy, I’m Warren Beaty inspired, or like LL, standing at the crowd at Supreme Team party with murderers all around. Kingpins on stage, reppin’ the seven crowds. Analyzing they style, wishing that I was down.

    – Vado, “Deniro & Pesci”

    Album On The Way

    Meanwhile, “Deniro & Pesci” serves as a prelude to the duo’s forthcoming collaborative album set for release in the first quarter of 2024. Dave East’s last EP Fortune Favors the Bold was released in July, while Vado dropped V-Day 4 in May. This will be their second joint-project together following 2017’s It’s Harlem, hosted by DJ Kay Slay.

    V and I have been locked in for the longest, that’s family, it’s only right we team and up do something for the town. 

    -Dave East

    2/3 of The Council are back with more heat, and just wait until we drop the album  

    – Vado

  • AZ Releases ‘This Is Why’ In Anticipation of Latest Album

    With hip hop’s ever-changing landscape, it had been a decade since Brooklyn native AZ graced fans with an album. The reserved hip hop legend has maintained status as a result of his pen and classic album cuts. However, his long-teased sequel, Doe Or Die II, became one of 2021’s undeniable success stories and proved AZ’s potent hip hop poetry still had a place in the rap game.

    Since the release of Doe Or Die II, AZ has appeared on Westside Gunn’s “99 Avirex” Rick Ross’ “Vacheron,” Statik Selektah’s “Historic” and most recently on Tony Touch’s “Rampage 2.0” for Def Jam’s mixtape Documentary.

    AZ "This Is Why" single release cover

    Now AZ is back with the release of his single “This Is Why” in anticipation of his latest album, Truth Be Told, set for release on December 1. “This Is Why” interpolates a classic Slick Rick sample throughout, as the hip hop veteran takes on the role of the “been there, done that” MC. In light, he shouts out two Brooklyn legends — The Notorious B.I.G. and Mike Tyson — for serving as inspirations behind his success. With his effortless delivery and poignant rhymes, AZ embodies the grace and knowledge that comes with having survived some of New York City’s roughest eras.

    Album Details

    After contributing behind the boards on both Doe Or Die and Doe Or Die II, AZ and legendary producer Buckwild team up once again. The GRAMMY-nominated Buckwild handles all of the production on the new album. With his own crate of classic production, Buckwild will look to recreate the mafioso, final-boss themed production that the elder AZ has thrived on in his late career surge. In addition, the album will feature guest appearances from fellow New York rhymers Fat Joe and Pharoahe Munch, adding diversified flavor and point of views.

  • Hearing Aide: MVW and Valee Bring VALEEDATION To the Rap Game

    MVW and Valee have combined their idiosyncratic styles to bring about their latest avant-garde endeavor, VALEEDATION. The join-effort sees the duo make good on years of collaborations, with their like-minded approach bringing the best out of one another. The 14-track project — exclusively produced by MVW — offers a minimal yet expressive approach to hip hop. Moreover, in a boisterous genre, Valee and MVW present themselves through a colorful-yet subtle hue.

    Valee (left) & MVW (right) bring Valeedation to the game

    After all, Valee’s unconventional style and infectious energy, along with his distinctive lyrical delivery and unwavering commitment to artistic exploration has led to his own niche existence within a fickle music indutry. Meanwhile, MVW’s expertise in contemporary classical composition is showcased as he weaves together intricate musical arrangements. All in all, their unique blend of classical-trap music is part of the connection they’ve developed through their shared artistic vision.

    VALEEDATION Review

    “The music feels like scenes in a movie more than tracks on an album, highlighted by different lighting on a thematic, subtle vibe. There is this sense of installation.”
    – MVW on VALEEDATION

    Ultimately, VALEEDATION serves as another installment in the series that is MVW’s hip hop voyage. Notably going away from contemporary rap music’s in-your-face production style — where the beats usually outshine the artist — MVW has countered with a a more subtle, complementary style. Since embarking on his hip hop journey in the fall of 2021, the former classic composer has featured a myriad of rappers on his classical-trap beats. However, none have quite meshed with his musical ethos quite like the Chicago-bred Valee.

    Comparatively, his own musical exploits have seen the former Good Music signee depart from mainstream conventions. Rather, he immerses himself in innovative aesthetics that challenge the status quo. This avant-garde approach serves as a guiding beacon for MVW. In effect, VALEEDATION offers hip hop fans a unique lens through which to navigate uncharted territories in music.

    Another key point is the continuation of MVW and Valee’s symbiotic musical relationship. With this latest effort serving as the final stamp of approval in MVW’s hip hop passport. Through 14 unique records, the duo charter through a wave of unexplored, genre-bending possibilities. Record like “Tailor Swift” and “Could Be” offer an alternative, unsaturated production style, which Valee does his best to command. All the same, songs like “Pistachio” and “Yo Yo” see the duo share the stage between MVW’s spacey prodcutions and Valee’s colorful metaphors and one-liners. Overall, the album follows a theme of internal dichotomy between conventional ear-catching tunes versus unconventional beats and flows that challenges the microwave music consumption of today.

  • Westside Gunn Drops Star-Studded LP ‘And Then You Pray For Me’

    Critically-acclaimed Buffalo native, Westside Gunn, continues to push the envelope on his “underground” status with the release of his latest LP, And Then You Pray For Me. Released this past Friday, the star-studded project features a host of hip hop heavy hitters along with a mesh of styles and sub-genres. All in all, showcasing the Griselda head honcho’s status within the game.

    Westside Gunn "And Then You Pray For Me" album cover
    ‘And Then Your Pray For Me” album cover

    The Making of “And Then You Pray For Me”

    Furthermore, the self proclaimed “FlyGod” took a unique approach to the creation of And Then You Pray For Me, recording most of the album overseas. Immersing himself in inspiring locals, he laid down tracks in Paris, Athens, London, and Denmark. Subsequently, as Westside Gunn cements his place in hiphop folklore, he has begun to experiment with different sounds. After years of maintaining an air of creativity and cultural fluidity with his keen fashion sense, expressive styles and interest in art, this has begun to manifest itself in his music — which has long fed the streets with a combination of boom bap and luxury drug raps. While the new experimental sounds have been well received, it has led to questions on whether Westside Gunn’s loyalty to the boom bap sound that gained him relevance has begun to waiver.

    After all, the 21-track project boasts contributions from legendary figures such as RZA, Rick Ross, Jeezy and DJ Drama. While contemporary stars the Iikes of Ty Dolla $ign, J.I.D., EST Gee and producer Tay Keith make appearances with the addition of British rapper, Giggs, for a bit of European flair. Meanwhile, And Then You Pray For Me maintains its gritty feel with appearances from Griselda cohorts and fellow underground stars. Particularly, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Stove God Cooks, Rome Street and longtime producers Conductor Williams and Derringer grace the project. Ultimately culminating in an electric blend of trap, boom bap with remnants of R&B & soul samples.

    Virgil Abloh Tribute

    I have Virgil Abloh doing my artwork and who left on earth can say that. I cannot disrespect his legacy, he’s immortal and I feel this is his way of blessing me; even though he’s not here in the physical. 

    – Westside Gunn

    In a heartfelt tribute to the late Virgil Abloh, a close friend of Westside Gunn, the renowned Off-White creative designed the artwork for And Then You Pray For Me.  Abloh, known for his innovative and boundary-pushing designs, also created the iconic cover for Westside Gunn’s 2020 album, Pray For Paris. This latest collaboration between Abloh and Westside Gunn is a testament to their enduring friendship and creative synergy. 

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

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

    hip hop musuem tour

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

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

    Among the standout items are:

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

    hip hop musuem tour

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

    hip hop musuem tour

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

    hip hop musuem tour

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

    hip hop musuem tour

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

    hip hop musuem tour

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

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

    hip hop musuem tour
    hip hop musuem tour