The Music is Art Festival announced its grand return to Buffalo‘s AKG Art Museum after a seven-year hiatus on September 21 at Buffalo State University.
This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of music, live performances, art installations, and interactive experiences. The Music is Art Festival has always been a beacon of artistic expression and cultural gathering in Buffalo. The festival showcases what the creative and bright community has to offer. The scenic AKG and Buffalo State campus provide a canvas for Buffalo’s artistic prowess and vibrance.
The festival includes various diverse musical performances of many genres, choreographed dances, dazzling art exhibits, and unique, original vendors. The festival also includes theatrics, interactive experiences designed to engage, inspire, and entertain attendees of all ages.
Over 100 bands and acts are set to perform. Hundreds of art exhibits are set to dazzle attendees. Various other games, performances and displays of artisanship look to encapsulate the beauty of multiple art forms at once.
“We are thrilled to bring the Music is Art Festival back to the AKG where it really grew into the encompassing event that it is today. AKG Buffalo and Buffalo State are not just venues; they are symbols of the rich artistic heritage and vibrant community spirit that this festival celebrates. We’re committed to creating an immersive experience that highlights the incredible talent of Buffalo’s artists, musicians, and creatives.”
Robby Takac, Festival Founder
For more information about the Music is Art Festival, including how to participate or attend, please visit their website at MusicIsArt.org/festival.
Rochester’s own Moses Rockwell and Wisconsin native Plain Old Mike initially began working together in 2021. Along the way the duo settled on the name, Regular Henry, and the rest as they say is history. Moreover, they each brought their extensive experiences — Moses having previously worked with billy woods, J-Live, Homeboy Sandman and Von Pea among others and Plain Old Mike with Armand Hammer, Defcee, & Curly Castro among others — to bring about Regular Henry Sessions. In light, this latest effort is a blend of neurotic, quirky, descriptive rap album with quirks about every day life that resembles an episode of Seinfeld.
Regular Henry Sessions
With a heavy De La Soul influence (and some old Eminem) the duo have now released their Hipnott Records debut project, Regular Henry Sessions, and a new video for “Raise Hell.”
“The record was an attempt to accomplish a couple of things. First, it’s an ode to each of our favorite De La Soul albums; Moses’ is De La Soul Is Dead, and mine is Buhloone Mind State (Miss You Dave!!!). Second, we wanted to make a fun record” Plain Old Mike offers. “Life can be so heavy, maybe if you put Regular Henry on, you can just laugh at stupid jokes for 40 minutes. That sounds ok to me.”
With this in mind, Regular Henry Sessions is a blend of the respective rappers favorite sector of hip hop. After all, the album combines old school snare and low baseline to create a laid back feel as the duo tee off with introspective quips about every day life. In essence, Moses Rockwell and Plain Old Mike come off as huge hip hop nerds which makes the album that much more fun as it emotes and every man vibe.
“I think what Mike and I were able to produce as a group makes total sense” Moses Rockwell states. “We’re each hung up on the same oddities in rap music and laugh at the same jokes. All of which shines through on the record.”
Regular Henry Sessions is now available at all DSP’s.
HOT 97’s Summer Jam festival sees UBS Arena in Elmont, New York as the host for the event’s 30th anniversary. The festival sees a stellar lineup of some of hip hop’s most notable names. This includes Doja Cat, Sexxy Redd, Offset, Method Man, Redman and many more.
Hip hop’s biggest celebration begins June 2 at UBS Arena in Elmont, Long Island. Summer Jam 2024 sees an explosive celebration of HOT 97’s legacy and the biggest names hip hop has to offer. Cemented rap artists of today, legends of the past, and rising stars all gather at Summer Jam to show their talent and to make the crowd move.
Headlining this historic occasion are chart-toppers Doja Cat, Davido, and Offset, alongside fan-favorites such as Sexyy Red, the legendary duo Method Man and Redman, rising star Sleepy Hallow, Detroit’s pride Tee Grizzley, and the dynamic 41 Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, and TaTa.
Legendary Hip Hop Duo, Method Man and Redman
Summer Jam started humbly and become a cultural phenomenon. The festival has continuously pushed boundaries and shaped the landscape of hip-hop. With icons Method Man and Redman joining forces to set the stage on fire, this year’s lineup reflects the evolution of the genre and pays homage to the artists who have contributed to its legacy over the past three decades.
Summer Jam at UBS is something that’ll recur. UBS Arena is the festival’s new home now that its fully built and ready for massive audiences. The arena has been meticulously designed to elevate fans’ audio experience during performances, and those in attendance can vouch.
Summer Jam 2019 at Metlife Stadium
General public tickets will officially go on sale on Friday, March 22nd at 10 am on HOT97.com and ticketmaster.com. You do not want to miss Summer Jam at UBS Arena.
Three-time, GRAMMY award-winning superstar Megan Thee Stallion formally announced the “Hot Girl Summer Tour,” featuring GloRilla, coming to Madison Square Garden on May 21.
The Memphis-born hitmaker GloRilla, who has delivered award-winning hits such as “Tomorrow 2 (feat Cardi B),” “FNF” and “Yeah Glo!,” will join Megan on the domestic leg of the tour.
The tour comes after Megan Thee Stallion’s latest song “HISS” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February. “HISS” also became the first-ever, solo female rap song to debut No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and, as a result, she now owns the record for the biggest first week for a solo female rap song in history.
The achievement signified Megan’s third No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, following her other chart-topping hits such as “Savage (Remix)” with Beyoncé and “WAP” with Cardi B. The song was Megan’s second solo release via Hot Girl Productions – her independent music and entertainment entity. She can release her music independently and still have distribution and resources with Warner Music while having full ownership of her master’s and publishing.
Hailing from Houston, Megan Thee Stallion is a three-time GRAMMY-winning recording artist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. She received nine BET Awards and multiple Billboard Music Awards for “Top Rap Female Artist.” Additionally, she has been honored for her advocacy efforts, with the 2022 Special Achievement Award at The Webby Awards and the Trailblazer Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
She made history in Nov. 2022, becoming the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Forbes’ prestigious Under 30 issue. She was previously recognized as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020 after publishing her monumental “Why I Speak Up For Black Women” op-ed for The New York Times.
Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale beginning on Wednesday, March 20. Additional presales including an artist Hotties presale will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m.
Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to a VIP bar and cocktail service throughout the night, pre-show VIP Lounge, exclusive VIP merch item, early entry & more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected. For more information, click HERE.
2024 HOT GIRL SUMMER WORLD TOUR DATES
May 14 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center^
May 17 – Chicago, IL – United Center^
May 18 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena^
May 21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden^
May 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center^
May 24 – Napa, CA – BottleRock Napa Valley Festival*
May 26 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Festival*
May 28 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena^
May 30 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum^
Jun 1 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena^
Jun 4 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena^
June 6 – Hollywood, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino^
Jun 8 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena^
Jun 10 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center^
Jun 11 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center^
Jun 13 – Austin, TX – Moody Center^
Jun 14 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center^
Jun 16 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival*
Latin rapper Residente announced his official tour “Las Letras Ya No Importan” (Lyrics Are Not Important) after the release of his second album.
Residente’s tour will make its only U.S. East Coast stop at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, on September 18, 2024. The Radio City Music Hall show is one of only two U.S. dates. The other is in Los Angeles on September 20.
The tour name coincides with the album of the same name, which features 23 tracks. The album includes artists such as Penélope Cruz, Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane, Christian Nodal, Arcangel, and many more.
General on sale for tickets began March 15. Get them now at stubhub.com. Make sure to see Residente at his show at Radio City Music Hall before he leaves the states.
Few rappers boast the resume of Nas. After all, with a career spanning over three decades, 14 studio albums — 8 of which have gone multi-platinum — the Queens native is one of the few rappers with the resume to make a claim as hip hop’s GOAT. The 16-time Grammy nominee continues to stave off father time, remaining as prolific as ever. With a catalog bevy of hits, classic hip-hop cuts and poignant story-telling, Nas remains in demand. In turn, the legendary rapper, mogul, actor, executive producer and co-founder of Mass Appeal Records will make his way to Albany’s Palace Theatre in a showcase dubbed “An Evening With Nas.”
An Evening With Nas: What to Know
The hip hop legend returns to the Palace Theatre on Friday, July 19 in a performance that is sure to feel like a homecoming for the Magic rapper. All in all, the capital region maintains an intense appreciation for classic hip hop and the boom bap sound. Moreover, New York’s upstate region spearheaded the return of the raw, gritty New York City sound that permeated during hip hop’s golden era.
However, Nas isn’t here to relive old glories. Having recently released Magic 3 — completing two simultaneous three-album runs with Hit-Boy — he remains a prominent force in the hip hop diaspora. Therefore, while fans will surely await classic cuts like “N.Y. State of Mind,” “I Gave You Power,” and “One Mic,” there will be those just as eager to hear cuts from Nas’ latest run. From his Grammy-winning King’s Disease and its subsequent series to the trilogy of Magic tapes, “An Evening with Nas” will present fans with nonstop content. Above all, Nas remains at the heart of the genre for loyalists and guests alike.
Tickets for “An Evening With Nas” at the Palace Theatre in Albany go on sale Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster. Moreover, tickets are also available for purchase at the Palace Theatre Box Office (located at 19 Clinton Ave). Box Office hours are Monday â Friday Noon to 5 p.m. as well as select days and hours.
With his most recent single, “Kill Switch,” a joint effort with Canadian producer DJ BLKLUOS, New York rapper Uzi Masalino is back in the spotlight. The dynamic duo quickly puts out the fire they started with their previous project, Pain & Politics, their joint EP.
Bronx artist Uzi Masalino’s shares risqué bars, making “Kill Switch” pulsate and burst with raw energy. A trip through the harsh realities of street life is set in motion by DJ BLKLUOS’ flawless production. DJ BLKLUOS creates a soundscape that draws listeners from beginning to end. As soon as the drums hit this beat, Uzi sets the mood. His gritty flow and reality raps blend perfectly with the beat.
With the lyrics, “they living with their moms, no bills or big drips, them ****** ain’t grown men they big kids,” Uzi paints a picture of the striking reality he witnessed.
Beginning with their EP, Pain & Politics, they skillfully combine their talents with each song leaving Hip-Hop fans eager for more.
“Kill Switch” is currently accessible on all major streaming platforms. With Uzi’s easy transition to DJ BLKLUOS’ wide variety of beats, their chemistry grows stronger as their collaboration does.
Press play below to feel the intensity for yourself. Follow DJ BLKLUOS and Uzi Masalino for upcoming exciting collaborations and more music-related news.
Beach-hop artist Cully has a new album out titled Sad Boy Nites. The seven-track album contains many new musical elements as well as his usual, unique sound.
Cully’s music can best be described as beachy, upbeat, bubblegum rap that lifts spirits and ensues relaxation.
Cully was inspired by music from a young age. In elementary school he was freestyling and beatboxing on the playground. Then in high school, he along with two friends formed rap-trio Tribe Style, where they would release song after song on YouTube.
It wasn’t until Cully’s college years at SUNY Oneonta where he’d really get the musical ball rolling. He met MC Righteous, joined Bright Dog Red and began releasing real-deal albums under Ropeadope Records. Shortly after graduation he began working in recording studios as a sound engineer, working for two years under record producer Sean Ono Lennon.Â
Cully’s music combines elements of pop, surf music, hip hop, and indie. Together, his music makes for an upbeat, chillaxed, and unique “beach hop” vibe. The artist loves to implement absurdist and dry humor into his lyrics with a flowing stream of melody behind it. He switches from catchy pop vocals, and a funky rhyme cadence frequently.
His new album, Sad Boy Nites has an overarching theme of a laid-back, uplifting summer. Many of the tunes on the album relate to being a young adult in the current age, trying to enjoy life amidst the daily chaos of the world. Each song has a unique and vibey melody. They also contain different themes of their own like love, relaxation, getting lifted without drugs, and enjoying oneself. This album is one to kick back, chill outdoors, and surround yourself with positivity to.
To lay your ears on some of Cully’s previous tunes, and to stay up on his upcoming releases, visit his YouTube channel or click here.
On Thursday March 14, Offset took his “SET IT OFF” tour to the Palladium in Times Square for its third stop. The rapper enlisted a strong group of up and coming artists to warm up the crowd before his performance.
Offset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
The first rising talent of the night was YRN Mango Foo, followed by SleazyWorld Go and then Skilla Baby. Skilla took it upon himself to enter the mosh pit and perform most of his set from the crowd. In between songs, Skilla would have the fans chant four simple words: “I will have fun,” until late in his set where he sang a cover of FUN.’s “We Are Young” while in the mosh pit. After the openers, Hot 97’s own Funk Flex took the stage to perform a DJ set. Flex’s song choices and comedic adlibs ensured the crowd was ready for Offset to take the stage.
Skilla Baby at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset opened with a plethora of songs from his new album, specifically: “Say My Grace,” “Fan,” “Broads Day,” “Big Dawg,” and “On the River.” With a live band behind and a set of stairs streaming down the center of the stage, there was never a dull moment. Offset had backup dancers and high energy throughout the entire show.
Offset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset decided to give New York a taste of their own music. He brought out Brooklyn rap group 41 as well as Bronx artist Cash Cobain. 41 and Cash Cobain both brought a great representation of New York rap to the stage.
But Offset had one more special guest to round off the night. Near the end of the show, Offset and his DJ were talking back and forth saying, “we still gotta do it for New York,” before, abruptly, the beat to A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s “My Shit” started playing, and a few seconds later, A Boogie himself joined Offset on stage. The Bronx rapper performed “My Shit” and “Drowning” for his hometown crowd, sporting a Yankees cap and a Highbridge chain.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset ended the night with some of his older classics, “Motorsport,” “Narcos,” “Clout,” “Ric Flair Drip,” and “Bad and Boujee.” Tickets for the rest of the “SET IT OFF” tour are available here.
Offset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset setlist: Say My Grace, Fan, Broad Day, Big Dawg, On the River, Danger, Ghostface Killers, Rap Saved Me, Legacy, No Complaints, Patek Water, 100 Racks, Monday, Hop Out, Skyami, Don’t You Lie, Zeze, Worth It, Fight Night, Call Casting, Last Memory, Motorsport, Narcos, Clout, Ric Flair Drop, Bad n Boujee
Offset (left) and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie (right) at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset Upcoming Tour Dates Fri Mar 15; Boston, MA; Citizens House of Blues Boston Sun Mar 17; Toronto, ON; HISTORY Tue Mar 19; Detroit, MI; The Fillmore Detroit Wed Mar 20; Grand Rapids, MI; GLC Live at 20 Monroe Fri Mar 22; Cincinnati, OH; Bogart’s Sat Mar 23; Chicago, IL; Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom Wed Mar 27; Denver, CO; Fillmore Auditorium Fri Mar 29; Los Angeles, CA; Hollywood Palladium Sat Mar 30; San Francisco, CA; The Masonic Mon Apr 1; Anaheim, CA; House of Blues Anaheim Wed Apr 3; Phoenix, AZ; The Van Buren Fri Apr 5; Dallas, TX; South Side Ballroom Sun Apr 7; Houston, TX; Bayou Music Center
Skilla Baby at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilOffset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilOffset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilA Boogie Wit da Hoodie at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilYRN Mango Foo Go at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilYRN Mango Foo Go at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSleazyworld Go at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilOffset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil41 at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSleazyworld Go at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilOffset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Arts organization Performance Space New York has announced Taja Cheek as their newest Artistic Director. Best known for her experimental, against-the-grain pop music under the name L’Rain, Cheek will expand the organization’s mission with the rare insight of her experiences of experimental performance.
Cheek joins Senior Director Pati Hertling and Associate Director Ana Beatriz Sepúlveda-Echegaray to form a three-person leadership team.
Performance Space New York is based in the East Village of Manhattan and aims to educate, curate and produce various projects with an artist-and-community-first approach. Taja Cheek will satisfy and expand this vision as her life and career in the arts have yet to adhere to disciplinary boundaries or creative norms. This is a perfect reflection of what Performance Space New York stands for.
Okwui Okpokwasili Performance Space New York Spring Gala
Over the last 40-plus years Performance Space has been propelling cultural, theoretical, and political discourse forward. Progress and world-building connect the interdisciplinary works presented here. Works that have dissolved the borders of performance art, dance, theater, music, visual art, poetry and prose, ritual, night life, food, film, and technology, shattering artistic and social norms alike.
“Taja has in her work transgressed disciplines and institutional preconceptions; she’s a community maker and a renegade, and her work feels so connected to what we’ve been doing at Performance Space. With our new leadership structure, we’re continuing in the direction of a practice where new work and ideas are generated through internal collaboration—rather than us just commissioning artists who are being handed from one institution to another.”
Senior Director Pati Hertling.
For more information on upcoming Performance Space NY events, click here.
