NYS Music 2024

Category: Hip Hop/Rap

  • Roots Picnic 2024 Dazzles in Philadelphia

    Since the summer of 2008, legendary hip-hop group and Philadelphia’s hometown legend The Roots have put on the Roots Picnic, a music festival created and curated by the band that has evolved into one of the city’s most anticipated cultural experiences of the year.

    The 2024 Roots Picnic opened its doors on Saturday, June 1, to the masses who filled the grounds of Fairmount Park in the City of Brotherly Love. Several brand activations had treats for guests, including French liqueur brand Grand Marnier, Charmin’, Chase Sapphire and more. Beyond the music, the festival has become a platform for social commentary and community engagement. This year, Roots Picnic Con featured panelists discussing music education, real estate and beauty careers, as well as a keynote conversation with renowned Roots drummer Questlove.

    Jill Scott, Nas, Sexyy Red and more set the bar high on the first day of the 2024 Roots Picnic. Early acts such as BLK ODYSSY, Chioke, and more graced the festival stages before the crowds were treated to an afternoon of electrifying performances. Acclaimed DJ J.PERIOD brought his beloved THE LIVE MIXTAPE series to The Roots Picnic with Black Thought, Method Man, Redman, Common, Freeway, Ferg, and more.

    Following that performance, The-Dream hit his trademark vocals and succulent R&B aura. The-Dream wasted no time letting people know he is a true R&B hitmaker with smooth renditions of “Fancy,” “Falsetto,” “Purple Kisses,” and more. Fans were enamored with the quick trip down memory lane and were left wanting more.

    Nas then took over the main stage to perform his legendary catalog, even bringing out Ghostface Killah as a special surprise guest. He ripped through some of his classic hits such as “N.Y. State of Mind,” “The Message,” “Spicy,” “Get Down.”

    The biggest part of Day 1 was the arrival of Sexyy Red with her dancers and secret service team. The St. Louis native brought her brand of rowdy and raunchy hip-hop to The Roots Picnic and turned it upside down, with fans screaming and twerking the night away.

    Jill Scott closed out Day 1 with her headlining set, which featured a floral stage design. For her set, Scott performed “Hate on Me,” “Whatever,” “The Way,” “You Got Me” with Black Thought, a new track titled “Norf Philly” alongside Tierra Wack, and more.

    The artists performing on Day 2 kept the momentum going from the previous day. On the bill were acts such as Robert Glasper, Shaboozey, Wale, BabyFace, Cam’Ron, André 3000, Gunna, Lil Wayne, and the hometown heroes, The Roots. 

    Rising country music star Shaboozey had the early afternoon crowd rocking at the Fairmount Stage with tracks off his newly released album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, blasting through the speakers.

    Babyface, the legendary singer/songwriter let the crowd know why he’s been at the top of his game for over five decades. In addition to his own records, such as “Everytime I Close My Eyes” and “For the Cool in You,” Face dipped into his immense bag and performed incredible renditions of tracks he’s written over the years for artists such as Bobby Brown, After 7, Boyz II Men, Whitney Houston, TLC, Toni Braxton and more.

    Following up after Babyface , but Gunna picked up the mantle and deliver his swagger injected brand of hip-hop. The Atlanta native took the stage and wasted no time getting into his set with electrifying renditions of “back at it,” “whatsapp (wassam),” “P power,” and “fukumean.” Unfortunately, fans were vibing for a limited time as Wunna’s set was cut short for undisclosed reasons.

    With all the amazing performances spread out across two days, The Roots had to send the massive crowd home truly entertained with their headlining set. The hometown natives used their closing set to honor New Orleans, Louisiana, and its rich music history by having the city’s most talented artists, such as Trombone Shorty, Lloyd, and PJ Morton, join them onstage.

    While fans were enjoying the New Orleans sounds, it was obvious they were anticipating the arrival of the man of the hour, Lil Wayne. Tunechi glided effortlessly through his set with fans screaming at the top of their lungs to hits like “Mr. Carter,” “John,” “I’m Goin In,” and more. It was a marvelous ending to a rather eventful weekend in the city of Brotherly Love. The Roots Picnic 2024 surely did it again.

  • 13th Annual Bushwick Collective Block Party: A Vibrant Fusion of Art and Hip-Hop Headlined By Raekwon

    On June 1, the streets of Bushwick, Brooklyn, came alive with the sights and sounds of the 13th Annual Bushwick Collective Block Party. Thousands of attendees gathered at the intersection of Troutman Street and St. Nicholas Avenue to celebrate this iconic free street art and hip-hop festival. This year’s event once again transformed the neighborhood into a vibrant canvas of artistic expression.

    Raekwon

    The Bushwick Collective: A Community Pillar

    The Bushwick Collective, an outdoor art gallery and collective located has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood since its inception in 2012. Founded by Joe Ficalora, the Collective was born from a personal journey of loss and healing. After his mother’s death, Ficalora channeled his grief into transforming an industrial stretch of Brooklyn into an internationally renowned art destination. The Collective began with a single wall donated by a neighborhood resident and quickly expanded as other local building owners offered up their walls to street artists from around the globe.

    Artistic Contributions from Around the World

    This year’s Block Party featured the work of 57 artists who had been painting new murals in the area over the past week. The diverse lineup included notable names such as Huetek, Sipros, Sef, and Enzo. These artists brought their unique styles and perspectives, adding to the rich tapestry of urban art that defines the Bushwick Collective.

    A Day of Music and Community

    Hosted by Dstroy from Shade 45, the event was a musical extravaganza that drew hip-hop enthusiasts from all over. The highlight of the festival was Raekwon from Wu-Tang Clan, who delivered a 45-minute set featuring classic solo tracks and Wu-Tang favorites like “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit,” “Ice Cream,” “Can It Be All So Simple,” and the timeless anthem “C.R.E.A.M.” The crowd was electrified, rapping along to every word and celebrating the enduring legacy of one of hip-hop’s most influential groups.

    Before Raekwon took the stage, the renowned DJ and producer Statik Selektah energized the audience with a dynamic set. He was joined by a slew of guest performers, including Pitch Black, Rome Streetz, Termanology, and Nems, each bringing their unique flavor to the show. Earlier in the day, Fatman Scoop entertained the crowd with a DJ set of classic hip-hop hits, dancing and performing along to the beats. Tony Moxberg and Lil Dee also delivered memorable performances, adding to the day’s rich musical experience.

    Fatman Scoop

    Beyond Art and Music

    The Bushwick Collective Block Party is more than just an art and music festival; it’s a celebration of community and culture. The event featured a variety of food trucks and local vendors, offering everything from delicious street food to unique handmade goods. This eclectic mix of art, music, food, and local craftsmanship highlights the vibrant spirit of Bushwick and the creativity that flows through its streets.

    Looking Ahead

    As the sun set on another successful Block Party, attendees left with a sense of fulfillment and excitement for what next year’s event will bring. The Bushwick Collective, under Joe Ficalora’s passionate leadership, continues to be a beacon of artistic expression and community engagement. Each year, the Block Party not only showcases the best in street art and hip-hop but also reinforces the enduring power of art to bring people together, inspire change, and celebrate diversity.

  • Method Man Says ‘Never Again’ To Hot 97’s Summer Jam

    Hot 97’s annual Summer Jam concert event came and went this past weekend. The annual hip hop showcase held at Elmont’s UBS arena where artists like Cash Cobain, Lola Brooke, 41, French Montana, Davido, Doja Cat, Sexyy Red and legacy acts such as Method Man & Redman all performed. While the concert celebrated hip hop old and new, Method Man made it clear that this might be his last time performing at the annual hip hop festival.

    As Hot 97 took to Instagram to share highlights from the event, Method Man shared in the comments that the audience’s reaction was not to his liking. With the legendary rhymer stating that the audience was “not our crowd at all.” However, the “Tical” rapper held no qualms towards Hot 97 pillars and hosts Ebro and Peter Rosenbengerg, but simply stated that “at this point the generation gap is just too wide for me.”

    Embed from Getty Images

    Hip Hop Shows Its Age

    With the historic radio station celebrating their 30th annual Summer Jam event, Method Man, Redman and the likes of Rakim and Big Daddy Kane were brought out to commemorate three decades of hip hop at the radio station. Moreover, Big Daddy Kane shared a heartfelt moment with the crowd, bringing out the late Mister Cee’s brother and sister to commemorate the legendary, late DJ’s tribute with a moment of silence, instructing the crowd to throw up C’s.

    However, despite this, Summer Jam has routinely curated its setlist to cater to hip hop’s newer acts. With focuses on Cash Cobain — who has taken airwaves by storm with his hit-record “Fisherrr”– drill rappers 41 and Sexxy Red, with A Boogie serving as a celebrity host. From afar the lack of crowd reaction seems to be the result of hip hop being quick to discard its legends, rather than learn and study their work, which is a stark contrast to country much and rock & roll acts. As Meth and Red performed their hits includng their 1999 collaborative single “Da Rockwilder,” hip hop showed why it may not always be the best idea to cling to the youth for relevance, as it may result in legends not getting their just due.

  • Bape Galore: Billie Essco x Raz Fresco Get Technosonic on the Cream Tape

    Raz Fresco collaborated with Billie Essco? Say less, though! It’s only right that these two also teamed up with The 6th Letter – an underground producer who emerged circa 2010-2011. Hence, this mixtape takes it all the way back to the back of the Cadillac and makes you feel so fly. The smooth tunes will certainly take you for a ride and makes you want hoodie season to be every season.

    Initially, the internal rhymes stood out between Fresco/Essco – the interesting part about this mixtape on paper points to the Jonny Shipes connection. Shipes propelled Joey Bada$$ and Pro Era a great deal amongst several talented others along the way. 6th Letter/Raz Fresco opened on Jonny Shipes ‘Smokers Club’ Tour in 2011. Later, they hosted their own ‘Bakers Club’ in Toronto, Raz/6th’s respective hometown.

    Furthermore, Kazaa/Ares/Limewire Days evolved into the MySpace/Worldstar/Datpiff essentially within decades. Judiciously, the pace of the world continues to turn on its axis. Rotationally, each spin may contain an urge to splurge on some Bape – quick hint – hit Pondon for authentic gear. Either way, when these tracks play it puts the listener in a space-time-continuum loop that engulfs the audience all throughout the experience.

    Nonetheless, sensationalism within journalism must perish. Within the aura and orchestral collection of gems these gentlemen pieced together a fully textured and evenly weaved garment of a mixtape. Truly, a piece of history to have heard this formulaic foundry of intertwined intricacies.

    TCT Track Reviews

    Track: Getting Baked in the Bakery

    Notes: “Mary go round” line symbolizes the amount of haziness provided.

    Music supplies, “Homeostasis brainwave shifts.”

    “Closet is brolic” means that their apparel selection and wardrobe stands next to impeccable.

    Cream team on these tracks represent the trifecta of making the listener feel fly.

    Thus, the accompaniment of “wisdom and mic divine” together combine to make an incredible project.

    Track: 05 Baby Milo

    Notes: Track brings great energy and tempo to an all-inclusive listening experience.

    Track: Favorite Sweater

    Notes: This track definitely has the most bop and best soul out of any of them

    Quotable: “She turned the capital sweater into a crop top 

    Almost got cut off for that but she my top stop

    We go back like blank tees from Top Shop 

    Calmly mami graduate to Givenchy.”

    Track: Patent Leather Bapestas

    Notes: These artists hit the track with a trifecta of angles. This track reminds you of an old school Wale track as this whole tape makes the listener feel fly. 

    Quotables: “All Star Lebron the blue resembling Neptune 

    Basquiats in the bedroom 

    On the flights you know it’s emergency 

    Real leg room in first class

    I ain’t camera shy get real close and see the details.”

    Other tracks like “Japanese Fabrics” and “Multiple Choice” stood out amongst a collection of wavy tunes. Make sure to tap in and ride the waves.

  • Nicki Minaj Pink Friday 2 Tour Adds Queens, Buffalo Dates

    Dubbed the Queen of Hip Hop, Nicki Minaj has announced her highly anticipated tour, showcasing her brand new album Pink Friday 2. She will stop at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, March 30, and Barclays Center on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Additionally, Minaj has announced shows in Buffalo on September 14 and in Queens on October 11.

    For the finale of the tour, Nicki will make her return to Queens for one final show in her hometown after a total of over 80 shows across the globe.

    Nicki Minaj became “the first woman to score 100 Billboard Hot 100 Hits” with an astounding 133 total entries to date (the most among female hip-hop acts). These include three #1’s, over 70 Top 40 hits (also a record among female hip-hop acts), and 23 Top 10’s (another record among female hip-hop acts). As a songwriter, she also holds the record for the “Most Billboard Hot 100 Entries Among Women in the 2010s.”

    Minaj has set the tone in music, fashion, and beauty for more than a decade. Her seminal song “Super Bass” surpassed one billion YouTube views, entering history alongside the likes of “Anaconda.” As such, she has emerged as “the first female rapper to cross the one billion mark with multiple solo tracks.” With nine videos receiving more than one billion views thus far, she has earned “the most videos with over one billion views for any female artist.”

    Nicki Minaj at the Barbie premiere. Credit: Rodin Eckenroth.

    Her supremacity can be traced back to her landmark debut Pink Friday in 2010, which sold 375,000 copies in its first week according to MRC Data. It made history by achieving “the largest sales week for a female hip-hop artist since Lauryn Hill in 1998.” In 2022 she released “Super Freaky Girl,” which impressively debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other accolades she acquired were “the female rapper with the most solo Top 10 albums in Billboard 200 history,” “the most-awarded rapper at the American Music Awards,” and “the first female rapper with over 30 billion Spotify streams across her catalog.”

    In addition to music, Nicki Minaj has made numerous TV and film appearances, including as a judge on American Idol along with film roles in 2014’s The Other Woman, 2016’s Barbershop: The Next Cut, and voiceover for Ice Age: Continental Drift. She has landed high-profile deals with Fendi, Adidas, H&M, Diesel, Mercedes-Benz, Sprint, and Pepsi, released a nail polish collection with OPI, and was the face of MAC’s Viva Glam campaign. Not to mention, she is a co-owner of TIDAL, and her BEATS 1 QUEEN radio show stands out as “the highest-rated show in Apple Music history.”

    minaj-Kevin-Mazur-Getty-Images
    Nicki Minaj – photo by Kevin Mazur Getty Images

    You can listen to Pink Friday 2 here.

    Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale beginning on Tuesday, December 12. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 15 at 9 a.m.

    PINK FRIDAY 2 WORLD TOUR DATES: 

    Fri Mar 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena 

    Sun Mar 03 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena 

    Fri Mar 08 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena 

    Sun Mar 10 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena 

    Wed Mar 13 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center 

    Fri Mar 15 – Inglewood, CA – Rolling Loud California*

    Mon Mar 18 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center 

    Wed Mar 20 – Atlanta, GA  – State Farm Arena

    Fri Mar 22 –  Orlando, FL – Amway Center

    Tue Mar 26 –  Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

    Thu Mar 28 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

    Fri Mar 29 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center 

    Sat Mar 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden 

    Mon Apr 01 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena 

    Tue Apr 02 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena 

    Thu Apr 04 –  Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center 

    Fri Apr 05 – Hartford, CT – XL Center 

    Sun Apr 07 – Raleigh, NC – Dreamville Festival*

    Wed Apr 10 – Boston, MA – TD Garden 

    Fri Apr 12 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center 

    Sat Apr 13 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum 

    Wed Apr 17 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre 

    Thu Apr 18 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena 

    Sat Apr 20 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena 

    Wed Apr 24 – Chicago, IL – United Center 

    Sat Apr 27 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center 

    Thu May 02 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

    Thu May 09 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center 

    Sat May 11 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

    Sun May 12 – Austin, TX – Moody Center 

    Sat May 25 – Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live 

    Sun May 26 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena 

    Tue May 28 – London, UK – The O2 

    Sat Jun 01 – Paris, France – Accor Arena 

    Sun Jun 02 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome 

    Wed Jun 05 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena

    Fri Jun 07 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes Benz Arena


    PINK FRIDAY 2 WORLD TOUR DATES: 

    Tue May 28 – London, UK – The O2 

    Wed May 29 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro

    Thu May 30 – Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live 

    Sat Jun 01 – Paris, France – Accor Arena 

    Sun Jun 02 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome 

    Mon Jun 03 – Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live

    Wed Jun 05 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena 

    Fri Jun 07 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes Benz Arena 

    Sat Jun 08 – Warsaw, Poland – Orange Warsaw Festival*^

    Sun Jun 09 – Paris, France – Accor Arena

    Tue Jun 11 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena 

    Wed Jun 12 – Stockholm, Sweden – Tele2 Arena 

    Thu Jun 27 – Portimao, Portugal – Afronation Portugal*^

    Fri Jun 28 – Rabat, Morocco – Mawazine*^

    Wed Jul 03 – Milan, Italy – Fiera Milano Live^

    Fri Jul 05 – Vienna, Austria – Rolling Loud Europe*

    Sat Jul 06 – Dublin, Ireland – Malahide Castle and Gardens

    Sun Jul 07 – Bucharest, Romania – SAGA Festival*^

    Fri Jul 12 – London, UK – Wireless Festival*

    Sat Jul 13 – Frauenfeld, Switzerland – Openair Frauenfeld*

    Sun Jul 14 – Liege, Belgium – Les Ardentes*

    Wed Sep 4 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

    Fri Sep 6 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena

    Sat Sep 7 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    Mon Sep 9 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

    Thu Sep 12 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

    Fri Sep 13 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

    Sun Sep 15 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC

    Tue Sep 17 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

    Wed Sep 18 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center

    Sat Sep 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

    Sun Sep 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum

    Mon Sep 23 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

    Thu Sep 26 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena

    Sat Sep 28 – Las Vegas, NV  – MGM Grand Garden Arena

    Tue Oct 1 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

    Wed Oct 2 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

    Fri Oct 4 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Coliseum   

    Sat Oct 5 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena

    Sun Oct 6 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

    Tue Oct 8 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena

    Wed Oct 9 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena

    Fri Oct 11 – Queens, NY – UBS Arena

    *Festival Performance

  • Brooklyn Artist Jehry Robinson Releases New Single “Pilot”

    Rising rap, reggae and R&B artist Jehry Robinson released his new single “Pilot” alongside a music video on May 24. This is the first solo single from the Brooklyn native, following his 2023 album, Drink More Water.

    After jumping into the scene with his first record, Pt. IV, V, VI, in 2017, Robinson made his Strange Music record label debut with his August 2020 record 20/Twenty. Since then, Robinson has found a clear lane in the industry, showcasing a unique blend of rap, reggae and R&B influences. With multiple co-signs from rap veteran Tech N9ne and an opening spot on country star Jelly Roll‘s 2022 Son of a Sinner Tour, Robinson’s role as a notable figure in the rapverse is undeniable.

    Since his Strange Music debut, Robinson has released two more studio albums, one in 2021 and the other in 2023. His 2023 album, Drink More Water, earned positive reviews from Underground Hip Hop Blog, Folk N Rock and Dancing About Architecture. Now, with the release of “Pilot,” Robinson appears to be starting the album cycle once again.

    On “Pilot,” a nimbly plucked guitar gives way to a head-nodding beat kickstarted by simmering cymbals. Robinson alternates between hummable melodies and airtight rhymes in the verses. However, his vocals really take flight on the chantable chorus, “I think we’re going down, so I went to see the pilot ’cause I been getting tired, let’s turn this plane around.” In the accompanying visual, Robinson assumes the multiple roles of passengers on a commercial flight, breaking through the turbulence as our hero confronts the man at the wheel (who just so happens to be him).

    “It’s about being the pilot of your own life and you can always turn it around. You’re in control to follow your destiny,” said Robinson.

    Listen to “Pilot” on your preferred streaming platform here. 

  • Bethel Woods Center For The Arts 2024 Summer Lineup

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will be returning this year with a variety of acts throughout the summer, with shows running between June and September.

    This year, a variety of camping options are available, with two separate sites within 0.5 miles of the venue being available for tent-only camping, glamping and car and RV camping. The 16,000-person venue will feature performances from Phish, Pretty Lights, Luke Bryan, Limp Bizkit and many more.

    John Fogerty with special guests George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Hearty Har – The Celebration Tour – June 14, 6:50 PM

    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award winner John Fogerty will stop by Bethel as the third New York stop in a row on his Celebration Tour. George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Hearty Har will join as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    Roger Daltrey with special guest KT Tunstall – 2024 North American Tour – June 16, 7:30 PM

    Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who, will perform a mix of The Who hits and solo music during a stop at Bethel for his 2024 North American Tour. Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall will join as a special guest. Tickets are available here.

    Hootie & the Blowfish with special guests Collective Soul & Edwin McCain – Summer Camp with Trucks Tour – June 27, 7:00 PM

    Two-time Grammy Award winners, Hootie & the Blowfish, will take on Bethel as a stop on their Summer Camp with Trucks Tour. Rock band Collective Soul and singer-songwriter Edwin McCain will make appearances as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    James Taylor and His All-Star Band – June 8, 8:00 PM

    Six-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee James Taylor, along with his all-star band, will arrive in Bethel on June 8. Notable musicians from Taylor’s band include The Blues Brothers saxophonist Lou Marini and Steely Dan and Bee Gees drummer Steve Gadd. Tickets are available here.

    Alanis Morissette with special guests Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade – The Triple Moon Tour – July 5, 7:00 PM

    Alternative rock musician Alanis Morissette will stop by Bethel for her tour, The Triple Moon Tour. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade will open up as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, & Celisse – The Outlaw Music Festival – July 6, 5:30 PM

    American folk legends Willie Nelson & Family and Bob Dylan will play together as part of the traveling “must see music festival of the summer,” Outlaw Music Festival. Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Celisse will perform as well. Tickets are available here.

    Luke Bryan with special guests HunterGirl, Larry Fleet, Dillon Carmichael and DJ Rock – Mind of a Country Boy Tour – July 11, 7:00 PM

    Country music veteran Luke Bryan will be visiting Bethel in July for his Mind of a Country Boy Tour. The show will be opened by country singer-songwriters, HunterGirl and Dillon Carmichael and professional DJ, DJ Rock. Tickets are available here.

    Jason Mraz & The Superband with special guest Ripe – July 12, 7:30 PM

    Two-time Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz, known for hits like “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up,” will perform alongside his band the day after Luke Bryan. Alternative band, Ripe, will open the show. Tickets are available here.

    Kidz Bop Kidz – July 14, 4:00 PM

    The iconic family-friendly pop song cover group, Kidz Bop Kidz, is landing in Bethel for an early show on July 14. With “sung by kids for kids” being the group’s motto, this is a show that would be great for younger children. Tickets are available here.

    Santana and Counting Crows – Oneness Tour – July 18, 7:00 PM

    Santana, headed by legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, and Grammy-nominated rock band Counting Crows will perform in Bethel as the first of three shows in New York for their Oneness Tour. Tickets are available here.

    Impractical Jokers – The Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour – July 19, 8:00 PM

    The Impractical Jokers are driving to Bethel for the first of two stops in New York on their Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour. The classic comedy group, known for their TV show with 10 seasons to date, will entertain using all new material on July 19. Tickets are available here.

    Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello and The Imposters with Charlie Sexton – July 20, 7:00 PM

    Daryl Hall, half of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Hall & Oates, will be playing with fellow inductee and two-time Grammy Award winner Elvis Costello. The two will be joined by The Imposters with Charlie Sexton. Tickets are available here.

    Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with special guest The Vindys – Funtastic 24′ Tour – July 21, 7:00 PM

    Multi-platinum album-selling Pat Benatar will be joined by husband and five-time Grammy Award winner Neil Giraldo in Bethel as a stop on their Funtastic 24′ Tour. American pop-rock band The Vindys will open as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    Train & REO Speedwagon – Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour – July 24 6:00 PM

    Pop-rock band Train and rock band REO Speedwagon are set to co-headline Bethel as the second of four New York shows on their collaborative Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. Rock tribute band Yacht Rock Revue will be joining them as an opener. Tickets are available here.

    Hank Williams Jr. with special guests Ian Munsick and Payton Smith – July 25, 7:00 PM

    Country music star Hank Williams Jr. will play a set in Bethel as a celebration of the 45th anniversary of his hit song, “Family Tradition.” Special guests Ian Munsick and Payton Smith will open up for Williams Jr. Tickets are available here.

    Limp Bizkit with special guests BONES, Eddy Baker, Xavier Wulf, N8NOFACE, Corey Feldman and Host/ MC Riff Raff – Loserville Tour – July 26, 6:30 PM.

    Nu metal band Limp Bizkit is set to rock out at Bethel as a stop on their Loserville Tour. Rap artists BONES, Eddy Baker and Xavier Wulf will open the show alongside N8NOFACE and Corey Feldman, with MC Riff Raff hosting the event. Tickets are available here.

    Hozier with special guest Allison Russel – July 27, 8:00 PM

    Irish folk and blues singer Hozier best known for his massive hit “Take Me to Church,” will play in Bethel the day after Limp Bizkit at 8:00 p.m. Country singer Allison Russel will play as a special guest. Tickets are available here.

    Phish – Summer Tour 24 – August 9, 7:30 PM, August 10, 7:30 PM, August 11, 7:30 PM

    Massively popular jam band Phish will be playing in Bethel for not one but three nights for their 2024 Summer Tour. With no special guests, Phish will be the main focus of the jam-packed three-day weekend. Tickets are available here.

    Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top with special guest The Outlaws – The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour – August 16, 6:30 PM

    American rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top will perform at Bethel for their second of four New York shows as a part of their collaborative tour. Fellow American rock band, The Outlaws, will open up the show. Tickets are available here.

    Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls – I’m Not Broken Tour – August 21, 7:30 PM

    Grammy Award-winning country artist Melissa Etheridge and American folk music duo Indigo Girls will stop in Bethel as their second New York destination for their I’m Not Broken Tour. Tickets are available here.

    Pretty Lights – Soundship Spacestation 2024 Tour – August 23, 8:00 PM

    Electronic music veteran Pretty Lights, aka Derek Smith, will headline Bethel on August 23 for his Soundship Spacestation 2024 Tour. The Grammy Award-nominated artist, once described as “the face and voice of the new American electronic music scene” by Rick Rubin, is well known for his visually and sonically entrancing performances. Tickets are available here.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guests Little Feat & Margo Price – Deuces Wild 2024 Tour – August 25, 6:00 PM

    Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul group Tedeschi Trucks Band will arrive in Bethel as the third of nine shows in New York for their Deuces Wild 2024 Tour. Special guests Little Feat and Margo Price will open the show. Tickets are available here.

    Deep Purple with special guest YES – = 1 More Time Tour – September 6, 6:30 PM

    Highly celebrated hard rock pioneers Deep Purple will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their hit song “Smoke on the Water” on September 6 for their = 1 More Time Tour. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Yes will perform as well as a special guest. Tickets are available here.

    Megadeth with special guests Mudvayne and All That Remains – Destroy All Enemies Tour – September 13, 6:00 PM

    Grammy Award-winning British heavy metal band, Megadeth, will end Bethel’s summer lineup with a bang on September 13 as a stop for their Destroy All Enemies Tour. Heavy metal band Mudvayne and metalcore band All That Remains will open up the show. Tickets are available here.

  • Mach-Hommy Releases New Album ‘#Richaxxhaitian’

    On the eve of Haitian Flag Day, Haitian-American rapper Mach-Hommy released #Richaxxhaitian, bringing another edition to his extensive and culturally aware discography. Additionally, this latest LP is the New Jersey native’s first solo project since 2021’s Balens Cho and Pray For Haiti, the latter of which brought the purposefully reclusive rapper mainstream acclaim.

    Mach-Hommy album cover
    Mach-Hommy returns with his first solo project since 2021.

    Donning his trademark Haitian flag over his face on the album cover, this latest 17-track, 47-minute project is kaleidoscopic in sound with varying musical themes throughout the album, giving the feel of a true feature presentation. However, Mach always returns to the themes of Haiti and its current social-political upheaval. Moreover, the proud Haitian rapper continues to bar music websites from transcribing his lyrics. Thus his weaving in-and-out between english and creole throughout the album maintains some form of mystique for non-creole speakers, inhibiting them in understanding but not in the overall listening experience. Nonetheless, Mach recruits the likes of Black Thought, Roc Marciano, Your Old Droog and frequent collaborator, Tha God Fahim to add to the overall lyrical experience for the album. Meanwhile, Conductor Williams adds his touch of slightly aged production to offer that raw, gritty, authentic feel to the album.

    Although Mach-Hommy isn’t much for promo, he released a music video for the song “#Richaxxhaitian.” An uptempo, groovy track, it’s a departure from Mach’s usual tone, however the green and mountainous scenery and theme of the record reflect what Mach is trying to present in the name of the song and the album.

    All in all, with no online presence, Mach-Hommy leaves his work to be consumed and debated with no input from him or anyone from his team. As a result he has pigeonholed himself a space in the creative hip hop lane.

  • A Boogie wit da Hoodie Releases 5th Studio Album ‘Better off Alone’

    New York City’s preeminent hit-maker A Boogie returns with Better off Alone, his first full-length project since 2022’s Me vs Myself. This latest 21-track LP sees the Bronx native interpolate his melodic raps with a new wave of production much akin to the new “sexy drill” phenomenon that has become prominent in the New York City landscape, going away from the slower paced samples that have become something of a staple for the Grammy-nominated rapper. After all the “Man in the Mirror” rapper, best known for his lovesick croons, continues to find ways to put a twist to his songwriting style that has made him unique in New York City hip hop lore known for their machismo. In like manner, A Boogie recruits three distinct features in Future, Lil Durk, Young Thug and Cash Cobain that also walk the line between rap braggadocio and emotional vulnerability.

    Cover art for A Boogie's latest album
    A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie releases his 5th studio album

    A Boogie – Better Off Alone

    And while Better off Alone contains plenty of introspective A Boogie, with rumors of trouble between A Boogie and his longtime girlfriend preceding the album, it seems the project and its contents have been in the works very much in advance as all three records from his 2023 mixtape B4 BOA made the final cut. Thus “Did Me Wrong,” “Her Birthday” and “Booby Trap” all served as initial promotional singles for his latest effort, with “Her Birthday” standing out as a classic lovesick A Boogie track, followed by a similarly themed music video.

    To cap off the album’s release, A Boogie brought popular podcast due Gillie and Wallo (Millions Dollarz Worth of Game) to the Bronx for an authentic, New York inner-city vibe. With A Boogie bringing his crew and a Lamborghini to the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx. Notably, Boogie even shouts out Gillie on “No More Questions” rapping, “In my city they treat me like Gillie in Philly.”

  • Brooklyn’s Union Pool announces Summer Thunder Artist Lineup

    Union Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has announced the artist lineup for its free Summer Thunder concert series. The 2024 lineup offers concert-goers an amazing variety of shows ranging from punk and psychedelic to Latin and underground hip-hop.

    The official 2024 Summer Thunder poster featuring the season's artist lineup

    The 12th annual Summer Thunder series will begin on June 2nd with a show by Boston indie-rockers Guerilla Toss. For the rest of the summer until August 28, Union Pool will host daytime concerts each Sunday. Concerts take place at Union Pool’s patio, a chic and manicured yet comfortable outdoor space. In addition to music, concert-goers can purchase a host of drinks inside Union Pool, as well as Mexican food from the patio’s El Diablo Taco Truck.

    Union pool has been a staple of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood since it opened in 2000. It started as a quaint corner bar, offering drinks and darts, but quickly grew into one of Brooklyn’s major entertainment hubs. Hidden under the shadow of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the venue offers DJ sets, live shows and a host of other amenities.

    2024’s Summer Thunder series offers a wide variety of musical styles, featuring artists from around the country. On top of the aforementioned Guerilla Toss, indie rockers like Rosali, Lifeguard and Mary Timony will perform. On June 9, Chicago’s Bitchin Bajas will craft psychedelic soundscapes with their noisy, Krautrock-influenced sound. For lovers of Latin music, Tucson-based Los Esplifs will perform their signature lo-fi Latin pop. Psychedelic supergroup Winged Wheel will perform, featuring Sonic Youth’s legendary drummer Steve Shelley. Additionally, legendary punk singer-guitarist Kid Congo Powers will grace Union Pool on August 18. His signature style led him to success in The Cramps, The Gun Club and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

    The summer series will notably feature both establish and up-and coming New York-based acts. Up-and-coming NYC rap duo Armand Hammer will perform on June 23. The group, consisting of Billy Woods and Elucid, has risen to prominence off the back of their raucous production and deep lyricism. Brooklyn Vegan named their latest album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips as the 2nd best album of 2023.

    Joe Bataan, a legendary Latin soul singer from Harlem, will perform on July 7. Garnering hits since the 1960s, Bataan melds Latin Jazz, funk, R&B, and salsa to create his signature sound. In addition to his Latin soul hits, Bataan also helped to spearhead rap, with his song “Rap-O Clap-O” being one of the earliest hip-hop hits.

    On August 4, Brooklyn-based singer songwriter, Rahill will play her signature dreamy indie-pop. Originally the founder of Garage Rock band Habibi, Rahill’s solo music has been more pop influenced, reflecting on memories of her family. In 2023, she collaborated with indie legend Beck on her song “Fables.”

    All Summer Thunder concerts are free 21+ events. As they are held in an establishment that serves alcohol, physical ID is required for entry. For information on concert RSVPs, visit here. RSVPs are not required, but all concerts will be first come first serve.

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