Category: Hip Hop/Rap

A Night of Glam and Groove with Baby Tate at Baby’s All Right

Wednesday, January 24, intimate Brooklyn venue Baby’s All Right turned into a wild, fun, vibrant showcase of rap, R&B and Jersey club music. Serving as the first New York stop of her Sexploration Tour, Baby Tate pulled out all the stops to make sure this was one of her best shows yet.

Cookie Kawaii’s infectious beats at 10 PM set the perfect tone, as the crowd danced and sang along, creating an electric atmosphere that intensified throughout the night.

At 10:45 PM, DJ Sky Jetta took over the turntables, smoothly transitioning energy between acts. The venue transformed into a pulsating dance floor, with attendees fully immersed in the music.

The long-awaited moment unfolded at 11 PM when Baby Tate graced the stage, treating the audience to hits like “Hey Mickey!”, “Grip,” and “I Am.” Her vibrant performance showcased undeniable talent, and the room surged with energy as fans showered her with appreciation.

In a surprising and delightful twist, Baby Tate brought out drag performers during intermissions, adding an extra layer of glamour and entertainment. The synergy between the performers and the crowd was magical, creating an inclusive space for everyone to express themselves freely.

As the night unfolded, the venue metamorphosed into a glittering wonderland, the audience enthusiastically embracing the interactive elements of the show. Excitement filled the air, and the atmosphere exuded pure joy and celebration.

Baby Tate’s Baby Tate’s Sexploration Tour at Baby’s All Right was a triumph of music, self-expression, and community. Energetic performances and drag interludes etched unforgettable moments into the memories of attendees. Brooklyn pulsated with the spirit of Baby Tate, embodying her bold, vibrant artistry.

Visit Baby Tate’s official website for more details about her ongoing tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0eNOYDoci0

January 25, 2024
Hip-Hop Pioneers Atmosphere to play Webster Hall on Spring Tour

Atmosphere have announced “Tour De Friends: Part Deux” featuring spring dates that take the group through the East and Midwest of the country, with a stop at Webster Hall on April 21.

Credit: Dan Monick

Atmospher is an American hip-hop duo from Minneapolis, Minnesota, consisting of rapper Slug (Sean Daley) and DJ/producer Ant (Anthony Davis). In December 2023, Atmosphere released the Talk Talk EP, whose title track originally appeared on their latest album, So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously. The duo also made their cult, early 2000’s mixtape Sad Clown Bad Dub 2 available for the first time ever.

For over two decades, Atmosphere has maintained a course of rigorous output, releasing over two dozen studio albums, EP’s and collaborative side projects in as many years. In that time, the venerated duo have built a legacy out of bringing honesty, humility and vulnerability to the forefront of their music, continually challenging themselves to evolve without straying too far from their roots.

Slug shows masterful storytelling and writes compelling narratives, leaving a trail of his own influence while paying homage to the rappers and songwriters that helped shape him. Ant has skillfully molded the soundtracks with inspiration from soul, funk, rock, reggae, and the wizardry of hip-hop’s pioneering DJ’s and producers, creating his own trademark sounds while providing the pulse for songs about life, love, stress and setbacks. Atmosphere has been a musical shepherd, and with each new album comes a new journey as they guide generations of listeners through this thing called life.

The Atmosphere presale will begin Wednesday, January 24 at 10AM local time with the general on sale starting Friday, January 26 at 10AM local time. Tickets and information are available on atmospheresucks.com.

Atmosphere TOUR DE FRIENDS: PART DEUX DATES

4/10 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant

4/11 – Louisville, KY @ The Mercury Ballroom

4/13 – Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall

4/14 – Orlando, FL @ Florida Groves Festival * ^

4/16 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring

4/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia

4/19 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues Boston

4/20 – New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place

4/21 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall

4/23 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom

4/25 – Columbus, OH @ The Bluestone

4/26 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s

4/27 – Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi Indy (The Annex)

4/28 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland

4/30 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection

5/01 – Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall

5/03 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed

5/04 – Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom

5/05 – Sioux Falls, SD @ The District

* without HEBL and NOFUN!

^ Festival Performance

January 23, 2024
Jam Master Jay Murder Trial Nears As Jury Selection Begins For 2 Accused

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.
Embed from Getty Images
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.

January 22, 2024
Governors Ball 2024 Lineup Announced – Featuring Post Malone, The Killers and SZA

The Governors Ball returns in 2024 for their 14th year, settling into its home at Flushing Meadows Corona Park for an exciting weekend filled with music and festivities.

The upcoming festival promises a stellar lineup, with headline performances from some of the biggest names in the industry, including Post Malone, The Killers, and SZA.

From June 7-9, This iconic NYC music festival will have music enthusiasts gather in one of the city’s most iconic spaces to witness equally iconic performances.

2024 Gov Ball Lineup

The 2024 lineup for Governors Ball showcases a diverse range of musical genres, also featuring an expanded presence of Latin music, with artists like Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, and Farruko, among others. The weekend kicks off and concludes with powerhouse performances by Post Malone and Rauw Alejandro.

Friday and Sunday also feature special performances by the School of Rock Queens and Brooklyn, highlighting the talent of these performance-based music schools that cater to individuals of all ages. The house bands of these schools will deliver two exceptional performances during the festival. Among the lineup, New York natives such as Arcy Drive, Beach Fossils, and Quarters of Change add a local flair to the event.

Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

For eager fans looking to secure their spots, can sign up for a presale passcode now for the SMS Presale happening THIS Thursday, 1/18 from 11am – 1pm ET.

All ticket prices will increase on Thursday at 1pm ET when the Public On-Sale begins. Ticket prices are all-inclusive with no fees on top.

For 2024, Gov Ball is pleased to announce two new ticket types – 2-Day bundles and Ultimate Tickets. The 2-Day bundle allows fans to customize their festival experience over the weekend and attend any two days of their choosing at any ticket type.

Stay tuned to NYS Music for the latest updates on Governors Ball 2024, including lineup updates, and the eagerly awaited general sale dates, yet to be announced.

In the meantime, relive the excitement of the 2023 edition by checking out our recaps for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Kendrick Lamar at Gov Ball 2023 – photo by Lucas Kurzweil

January 16, 2024
Benny The Butcher Drops Single & Video for ‘Bron’

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.

January 15, 2024

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