Two of New York’s upcoming stars join forces as Swoosh God and Chow Lee team-up for “My Life My Dream,” offering a taste into New York City’s new wave. The Harry Fraud produced record meshes well with the drill mold of production that has taken youthful contemporary music by storm. Featuring a looping sample from rock band Staind and their hit-record “So Far Away,” Swoosh God and Chow Lee take turns riding the beat.
Swoosh God and Chow Lee team-up for “My Life My Dream.”
About Swoosh God
For his part, Swoosh God hopes this marks the start of his second wind. After all, the Valley Stream native originally made waves during the “Soundcloud” era of hip hop, and created a virtual cult-following. Notably, Playboy Carti inked the cultural shape shifter to his label imprint at Interscope Records.
After departing his deal with Carti, Swoosh got back on his independent grind and continued to show why he was so heavily sought after and labeled a future star; including collaborations with Lil Uzi Vert, Juicy J, Rich The Kid, Famous Dex, Matt Ox, a placement on the NBA2K Soundtrack. Now, Swoosh is back with “My Life My Dream,” and a forthcoming project, Still Swoosh, set for release on March 1.
About Chow Lee
Fellow Long Island native Chow Lee continues to climb the metaphorical ladder. With his trademark sped-up flow, he adds an undeniable swagger to “My Life My Dream” that brings the song full circle. Moreover, Chow has seen his stock rise within the last year, performing at industry showcases while linking up with other upcoming talent like Swoosh God and Cash Cobain.
Conway the Machine remains prolific with his output, as New York City meets upstate New York in this latest release by the 2024 XXL lyricist of the year nominee. For his latest effort, Conway teams-up with Joey Bada$$ to bring “Vertino,” a classically inspired production with rugged lyrics and a gutter feel that sees both artists in their element. Produced by Camouflage Monk, this marks a return to the submerged production style where Joey Bada$$ made his bones. Notably, the duo go back-and-forth in a lyrical exchange as the nearly 6-minute record is a drawback to song structures of yesteryear. Set in the crux of Hell’s Kitchen, they take turns cheffing up rhymes and stamping their spots in the game. With Joey Bada$$ delivering a standout moment as he juxtaposes hip hop and drug game.
Could sell you news stories but this crack still sells Rule number one, never ghost the clientele Fiends linin’ at my door, they need that sh*t now Ten Crack Commandments, yo, I knows it too well This the same dope I’m dishin’ out, just on a different scale Let me break it down if you don’t see the vicious steel You see I got them hooked on the real I bossed up in and went to Columbia for the deal Like fuck the “pop a pill” shit, this that pure raw they wanna feel Scarcity in the market, now I’m spendin’ the margin And it’s only a problem if the product ain’t what it’s promised ‘Cause any competition get demolished These n*ggas know my sh*t hit the hardest, to be honest Graduated from the school of Hard Rock with my honors Started on the block and made it to the top from the bottom Used to cook it at my grandmama spot, we was starvin’ Right or wrong, the truth be timeless Block away from Marcy Projects, we was prospects
– Joey Bada$$, “Vertino”
Conway the Machine and Joey Bada$$ join forces on “vertino”
Released under Conway’s DrumWork Music Group, the Buffalo native has been on a tear since the release of 2022’s God Don’t Make Mistakes. In fact, 2023, was Conway’s most commercial and critically successful year to date. Notably releasing Wont He Do It (his second consecutive solo-album to top the DSP charts) in May of 2023, simultaneously launching a worldwide tour. He then put his label head hat on, returning with Conway The Machine Presents: Drumwork The Label. In like manner he then released the 38 Spesh collaboration Speshal Machinery, Palmero (with Wun Two), Conductor Machine alongside Conductor Williams and most recently, Hall & Nash 2,with Westside Gunn & The Alchemist — which also topped the DSP Charts.
Ultimately, Conway continues to release music at a prolific rate, having announced the release of Won’t He Do It: Side B “Vertino” serving as the lead single.
Hip hop’s golden age comes together as Saigon recruits the legendary Pete Rock for his new single “Get Loose.” Coupled with Swedish, multi-platinum producer Fredro, “Get Loose” is the second single release from Saigon and Fredro’s forthcoming album, The Jordan Era. “I’ve always thought Pete was a dope rapper since “The Creator,” reveals Saigon. “I took the opportunity to get him to step away from behind the boards; where he is most comfortable, and ‘Get Loose’ with me,” he resonates. “With all of the negativity in Hip-Hop, and the world, I just wanted to create something fun with Pete.”
Saigon & Fredro team-up with Pete Rock
After announcing their new album and releasing the first single and video, “Lyrical Genius,” featuring Grandmaster Caz, Saigon continues to pay homage to hip hop’s golden era with this latest release with The Jordan Era‘s production entirely by Fredro. After all, on “Get Loose” the Brooklyn native channels the frenzied, experimental sound of hip hop from the early 90’s, while Pete Rock is at his introspective best. Moreover, the project features guest appearances from the aforementioned Grandmaster Caz and Pete Rock. Along with Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch and possibly more.
Saigon and Fredro’s The Jordan Era album is set for release on May 3 via the iconic Payday Records.
Mood Music is a real phenomenon. No, not the Joe Budden mixtape series. Although his melancholy brand of rap does allude to this actuality. Nonetheless, the idea that music is best served for a particular time, place and mind-frame is common thought. After all, your average hip hop fan more than likely has a favorite artist/playlist for several settings; a night out, late night drive, the gym. In turn, rappers cater their music to what they believe resonates best with their audience.
Well, as we trek through another brisk winter, what kind of music resonates best with the social dystopia that is this time of year? Spring, summer and fall are all backdropped with feel-good hysteria and scenery as those are America’s most profitable periods. However, the post-christmas doom-and-gloom is real. Thus, from January through April we sludge through murky streets mired in snow too dirty to appreciate, yet too cold to melt as we plunge into our seasonal depressions and await a return to the good times.
Enter: Grea8Gawd’s SNOWDAY
As we stew in our mental confinement and realize that our happiness was brought to us by Xerox in four parts without commercial interruptions, we plot an escape. But the best escape is to plunge deeper into our reality. In essence, Grea8Gawd’s SNOWDAY album epitomizes the phrase “Mood Music.” Yet, music is a funny thing. In what other context does it make sense to relate more to what can best be described as a play-by-play for drug dealing. Nonetheless, the upstate, New York native’s raw presence as he weaves through emotions and stages of “the game” throughout SNOWDAY is realer than almost anything else we get this time of year.
You’re not even supposed to see the source anyway. I said it in one of my records, I probably bought 44 birds before I met the plug. Ya’ll don’t need to who I am. What I’m saying is far more important than what I look like.
Album Review
In 14-tracks totaling only 31 minutes, Grea8Gawd embodies the polarizing underworld figure that we’ve come to devour in all forms of entertainment. With his trademark “shiesty” mask and a trunk-full of drawn out soul and jazz samples, he recounts the age-old story of meteoric rise and notoriety to evanescence. Moreover, with hip hop as glamorous as ever, Grea8Gawd capture’s the genre’s true gritty essence with story-telling gems like “Trafficking,” one of the standout tracks in what is described by Roc Marciano as a “cocaine bible.”
When I write it I want you to see it. ‘Cause really all I’m doing is recollecting.
– Grea8Gawd to NYS Music
Moreover, he album’s solemn tone is refreshing and feels appropriate with the harsh winter winds. Not to worry, SNOWDAY isn’t all doom-and-gloom. On “The 3rd Coming” he displays enough boastful exuberance to claim that “If Jesus is the 2nd then Grea8Gawd is the 3rd coming.” However, songs like “Thanks 4 Nothing,” and “Entitled” whose levels of angst, despair and somber-ness are so palpable that they inadvertently bring about empathy and offer perspective.
Theme
After all, imagery on records like “Masuca,” where the drugs boiling in the pot take the form of a woman, ought to resonate with those familiar with the lifestyle, while serving as a warning shot to the novices about how real this all can get. In essence, SNOWDAY is like watching a gangster movie and enjoying the part where everything is going right and they’re all making money. Then when it all goes to hell and you see the cost, you realize you’re happy you never went down that path.
“I can’t tell glorify that drug life without giving them [the kids] the ups and the downs. In that game when you be going so hard, sometimes people forget about their families. They forget about what’s really important.”
– Grea8Gawd to NYS Music
Even so, the album’s potency has reverberating effects for each affected party. For family and foes alike, lessons turn into tent poles to reach. With family issues arising due to the job’s demands. When that happens, money and lavish gifts can’t make up for lost time. While the underlying message of treachery, deceit and despair remains with the listener, just trying to get through winter. On “Entitled,” Grea8Gawd and Hell Rell face the fallout from their time in the streets. With the former agonizingly acknowledging “on my birthday I bought my son a watch, on Father’s Day he never even called to say ‘I love you pop.’”
In that game when you be going so hard, sometimes people forget about their family and what’s really important. With me and my son personally it was a disconnect because I was always there but I feel as though he felt like he had to try to outdo me. But, nah, I did those things so you don’t have to
– Grea8Gawd to NYS Music
SNOWDAY album cover
All in all, Grea8Gawd is well on his way. Having signed with an underground king in Roc Marciano and with the innate ability to bring his experiences to life bringing some real-ness back to the game.
Buffalo native Che’ Noir embodies her city’s grit and their cumulative ethos of hard-work with consistent releases over the past five years. Nonetheless, having released Noir Or Never in early 2023, the gritty MC returns with a short EP before the release of another album, Lotus Child.
The Color Chocolate Volume 1 features appearances from Evidence, Your Old Droog, Ransom, and ICECOLDBISHOP and is the first taste of what will be Che Noir’s biggest and busiest year yet. Moreover, the “Quiet Moves” rapper gets to expand on her brand and artistic vision. The colorful and poetic rapper has leaned into her nubian features with incredibly artistic cover art and album themes. Meanwhile, her subject matter often reflects her surroundings in a world and industry that isn’t ready-made for her. On The Color Chocolate Volume 1 Che’ Noir uses her empowering voice to float over several soul samples as she provides insightful narration to the streets.
“I finished my Lotus Child album, and was impatiently waiting for a few features to come back, so I decided to start working on a new project. My work ethic can be a gift and a curse for me” Che mused.
“I am in constant competition with myself and I work very hard, so while I waited, I locked in and recorded for a month straight and picked the best four to put on The Color Chocolate Volume 1 EP. “I’m excited for the world to fully know my art, and who I am. The Color Chocolate Volume 1 EP is just the beginning.”
As the musical landscape evolves sonically, the need for contemporary songs & hymns to connect to the ever-changing world is not lost on tastemakers. While, simultaneously, the United States is creeping closer to its 250th anniversary. With this in mind, the Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts announced their latest project, “Anthem to US.” Presented in collaboration with Queens Public Library, “Anthem to US,” invites the public to join together in creating a contemporary song to add to the nation’s songbook.
What is Anthem to US?
Keeping with the anthem theme, the hope is that the final product from the “Anthem to US” will join in with some of America’s unifying musical pieces, such”America the Beautiful”, “We Shall Overcome”, “My Country Tis of Thee”, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” In essence, “Anthem to US” will create a modern piece that connects with a new-age audience. Notably, this latest chant is to be a reflection of today’s society, echoing our collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories.
Regulations
Interested participants of all ages have until Tuesday, February 6 at 11:59 pm eastern time to submit their vision for an anthem. Following, up to 160 selected participants will embark on an immersive three-part writing workshop series led by experienced instructors. The workshops will explore themes, song structures and melodies across diverse styles. Furthermore, three applicants will advance to collaborate with composers, including Damien L. Sneed, Jaime Lozano, Martha Redbone and Aaron Whitby, to craft a finished piece.
This project aims to transform the way we create meaningful art by inviting the public to create a piece reflective of their own stories and experiences living in the United States. Music and the written word have always had the power to help us face challenging realities, celebrate moments of triumph and, in the best cases, art fosters unity in the face of divisions.
– László Jakab Orsós, Vice President of Arts and Culture, Brooklyn Public Library.
Selection Process
Eight anthem lyrics (one per workshop series) will emerge from the workshops, and a panel will select three outstanding sets of lyrics from that bunch. Additionally, the three final participants and their anthem lyrics will team-up with composers who will craft a final composition between May and June 2024. The final participants will then showcase their anthems with performances at Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Furthermore, interested candidates can find more information on the “Anthem to US” official website.
Benny The Butcher releases long-awaited Def Jam studio album, Everybody Can’t Go. Since claiming on X that he would have the best hip hop album on Def Jam since DMX’s debut, Benny has released timely singles in anticipation of the new project. First came the Lil Wayne assisted “Big Dog,” which offered a glimpse into Benny’s renewed vigor and flow.
Moreover, The Black Soprano Family head honcho followed up with “One Foot In” featuring Stove God Cooks, reminding listeners that he hadn’t gone away from his roots. Lastly, Benny released “BRON,” as a final single where he muscles his way into the spotlight with his emphatic delivery.
Everybody Can’t Go: What to Expect
Overall, Benny has delivered 12 tracks produced entirely by Hit-Boy and Alchemist, with a mix of trunk thumpers and soul searching samples as Benny showcases the newfound duality in his music. However, the Buffalo native remains determined not to sell himself out as a result of his Def Jam deal. For instance, as he expands his songwriting and beat selection, the Grammy-nominated street general has made sure to maintain his musical identity. Rather than go for a catchy radio single, Everybody Can’t Go sees Benny challenge himself by trying different cadences, flows and rapping on beats that don’t fit into his gritty, east coast persona.
Furthermore, Benny’s promotional tactics and music video’s have went up another level, surely the benefactor of working on a major label budget. Additionally, Everybody Can’t Go features some of the biggest names in hip hop. Produced entirely by Hit-Boy and Alchemist, the project sees appearances from Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Jadakiss. In like manner, fans are treated to the Griselda linkup between Benny, Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn. Like Benny and Snoop rap on “Back Again,” Everybody Can’t Go signifies that the authentic gangster/street rappers are back to making a mark on the music industry.
The “Johnny P’s Caddy” rapper has put together an honest project that despite the commonplace rapper braggadocio is an ode to self-belief, perseverance and hard-work.
The unsolved slaying of beloved hip hop legend Jam Master Jay is close to finding closure. After all, jury selection began on Monday at Brooklyn Federal Court in the murder trial of Jason Mizell, known worldwide as Jam Master Jay.
The influential Run-DMC DJ suffered a shot to the head outside of his studio in Jamaica, Queens in 2002
Over the years, numerous theories have circulated regarding Jay’s death. Ranging from issues with the infamous Supreme Team to a drug deal gone bad. However, it seems to be the latter as Karl Jordan Jr., 40, and Ronald Washington, 59, will be on trial for the October 30, 2002 shooting. Moreover, a 10-count indictment unsealed in October, 2020 revealed the motive behind the alleged murder to be 10 Kilograms of cocaine purchased by Jam Master Jay. With the plan being to distribute the drugs between Washington, Jordan Jr. and other co-conspirators.
Trouble arose over who would help distribute the narcotics. With Washington, known as “Lil D” and the Godson of Jam Master Jay and son to Run-DMC road manager “Big D” excluded from the plans. All in all, Jordan Jr., Washington and Jam Master Jay are from the same Hollis neighborhood, with Jordan Jr. being his neighbor. Equally important, another accused Jay Bryant, who reportedly left behind an article of clothing at the crime scene that contained his DNA, has been charged and will be tried in 2026.
https://youtu.be/PWxn6kebo54?si=iRrbA2aCsbxJpS6f
Jam Master Jay in Hip Hop
Jam Master Jay’s death hit the hip hop world hard, as the genre was still recovering from the tragic murder of Tupac and Biggie Smalls. The Hollis, Queens’ native’s legacy is that of a community hero. Known for helping out those in need and for helping budding acts, playing an influential role in the early careers of Onyx and 50 Cent among others. Yet, his death felt as tough one of the genre’s true innovators came to an untimely end.
As a result there were celebratory tributes of his life throughout major award shows for the pioneering DJ. Meanwhile, fans held ceremonial vigils to honor the revolutionary DJ. When the case ran dry rap royalty put together reward money in hopes of finding closure. Opening statements in the trial against Jordan, Jr. and Washington will begin on January 29.
Benny The Butcher continues to ramp things up for his debut Def Jam release. Following the success of the Stove God Cooks assisted “One Foot In” and “Big Dog” featuring Lil Wayne, Benny goes iso in the basketball-themed single and video aptly titled “Bron.”
Benny The Butcher
The grainy, flickering visuals finds Benny in a Hapeville, GA school gymnasium along with local basketball players working on their game. Moreover, as the track’s soulful keyboard loop wraps around the orchestral sounding beat, Benny muscles his way into the spotlight with his emphatic delivery, letting off his customary warning shot, “The Butcher coming!”
In essence, the music video conveys that the BSF head-honcho’s claim for hip hop supremacy is a result of him outworking his adversaries. After all, the Buffalo native claimed on X (formerly known as twitter) that he would have the best Def Jam release since DMX’s debut-album. While a strong take, he stands as one of the few street rappers breaking into the mainstream. Ultimately landing a gold single with the J. Cole assisted “Johnny P’s Caddy.”
On “Bron,” Benny leans into his confident, charismatic and clever cadence while maintaining his role as a street general. He affirms, “In my city, I’m King Kong,” and cleverly confides this the songs hook, “I’m Bron. After my chip I told my folks back home so long. I moved my family and my bricks somewhere it’s warm.”
Everybody Can’t Go is set for release on January 26.
