In the midst of a great run of releases, Conway The Machine remains as prolific as ever with the release of his latest EP, Slant Face Killah. This latest effort follows a continuous run of projects that solidify Conway as a solo force in hip hop. This time the Buffalo native has tabbed a host of legendary and contemporary figures for guest appearances and production.
Notably, Slant Face Killah features Wu Tang members Raekwon and Method Man, along with Joey Bada$$, Stove God Cooks, Tech N9ne, Memphis native Key Glock and west coast stalwarts Ab-Soul and Larry June. Moreover, Slant Face Killah sees production from Swizz Beats, Cool & Dre, Don Cannon, Conductor Williams, Daringer and The Alchemist. All in all, Conway The Machine presents another diverse project testing his songwriting prowess and his adaptability with various forms and sounds of hip hop.
Slant Face Killah continue Conway The Machine’s prolific run of releases.
Conway The Machine On The Rise
However, since the release of 2022’s God Don’t Make Mistakes, commercial breakthroughs have become the norm for The Machine. In like manner, his success continued in 2023 in what was Conway’s most commercial and critically successful year to date. Notably, in May of 2023, Conway released his Drumwork debut Wont He Do It and with it launched a worldwide tour. He returned with a ensemble label album in Conway The Machine Presents: Drumwork The Label and followed that with the Speshal Machinery (with frequent collaborator 38 Spesh), Palmero (with Wun Two) and Conductor Machine (with Conductor Williams), and most recently Hall & Nash 2 with Westside Gunn and produced by The Alchemist.
Known for the quality and quantity of his output, Conway The Machine returns after a yearlong sabbatical in between solo projects. The 14-track project spanning 1 hour and 6 minutes will serve to remind fans of the rapper’s lyrical prowess, while solidifying his curation and songwriting, key attributes as he heads his label Drumwork.
Underground hip-hop always outlasts the mainstream appeal. Look no further than Roc Marciano for the ultimate proof of talent mastery. Since the jump, Roc Marci sets out to fine-tune his pen along the road to craftsmanship. Steel sharpens steel and this man puts forth bodies of work that prove to be ironclad. Recently, he dropped Marciology which contains some serious gems.
Leaders of the New School
For those who know – Roc Marciano remains a lowkey legend. This latest release convinced fans that the ‘Marcberg’ era returned. Busta Rhymes discovered this man through ‘seven degrees of separation’ as Roc made a debut with aptly titled, ‘Marcberg in 2010. Fast forward to 2024 and Marciano continues to take dynamic groundbreaking approaches while crafting music. Consistency combined with continuous adaptation to the times exhibits the reason why this man stands the test of time.
Masterfully, Roc produced the majority of Marciology. Add in Alchemist and Animoss for additional splashes on production and you have yourself a project. Keep scrolling to see which tracks took the cake on this all-time album.
Standout Tracks
True Love – this song serves as an anthem type track. Sounds like it deserves to be blared throughout your hometown. Makes one want to celebrate winning achievements of any sorts. Truly a blessing of a song.
Tapeworm – the most blare-worthy of any song on this entire list. Incredibly poignant placement from Animoss. Big fan of songs that have different versions of the chorus after each verse. Roc serves revolving door type hooks on this track and really makes a believer out of the listener.
Leflair – real old school vibe and a great song to kickback and relax. Sounds like it deserves to be performed by a grand orchestra. Makes one want to explore a Haunted House and escape unscathed. Definitely a top-tier track amidst a collection of brilliant songs.
Phenomenal Philosophies
For those who know – they know Roc Marciano and how much he has put on for the entire underground scene. Amongst underground circles, Roc Marciano continues to show and prove his highly earned ranking and stature as an emcee. He resonates greatly and sits atop the temple of lowkey legends.
Economically, not everyone manages to blend exuberance with agency and exigency quite like Roc Marci. Beneath the Marciology cover, his album has a mysterious handwritten note. Look closely and you may see a cult. Rather than focus on sorcery – try to interpret the reason he chose to spook the listener with the artwork.
Never one to sacrifice the purity of his artwork – Roc flies so gracefully under the radar. Rather than sign a bogus contract – he would rather experiment with music to create according to the variable nature of the artwork. By branching out of his comfort zone – he continues to push the culture forward and leave massive imprints within the underground kingdom.
Overall, this album turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. For those who have never heard from the likes of this man – now is your chance. His braggadocious nature combines swiftly with his smooth laid back raps. He strikes the right balance between just smooth enough to hit you in the heart and strong uptempo to get you going.
Saigon and Fredro have teamed up for a new album called “The Jordan Era,” honoring hip-hop’s golden age from 1984 to 1998. The album, set to drop on May 3, via Payday Records, features production solely by Fredro and guest appearances from hip-hop heavyweights like Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Grand Puba, Kool G Rap, and more.
“The Jordan Era” is poised to make waves within the hip-hop community and beyond. Notably, the album’s tracks have already found resonance in popular television shows like “BMF” and “Raising Kanan,” testament to the timeless quality of its sound and the relevance of its themes.
On May 1st, a select group of enthusiasts and industry insiders gathered at Payday Records in Manhattan for an intimate listening party, where Saigon and Fredro provided exclusive insights into the album’s creation. Track by track, they delved into the nuances of each song, offering glimpses into the creative process and the inspirations behind their artistry.
As the music played and the lyrics flowed, listeners felt like they were back in the prime of hip-hop. “The Jordan Era” captures the essence of that time, known for its real lyrics, heavy beats, and bold storytelling.
“The Jordan Era” album offers a mix of tracks, each giving a glimpse into hip-hop’s golden age. One standout is “Lyrical Genius,” featuring Grandmaster Caz, known for his sharp rhymes. Another is “Think Twice,” with Grand Puba, bringing smooth flow and deep lyrics. Then there’s “Make Money,” with Kool G Rap, a gritty song about street life. Each track shows the creativity and talent that defined hip-hop back then.
As fans anticipate its release, “The Jordan Era” promises to keep the spirit of hip-hop’s golden age alive. It’s not just about the music; it’s a tribute to the artists who shaped the genre and a reminder of why hip-hop continues to be a cultural powerhouse.
Prof is a Minnesota rapper and founder of the independent label Stophouse Music Group. He is most known for his witty lyricism, a personal favorite being “I moved further from the bank so I could laugh longer” from his raunchy hit “Tarzan.” Prof brought his Gallery Tour and a number of hits to Racket in Manhattan on April 29. Prof has made numerous stops in New York over the years, slowly growing his fanbase, though, by his own admission, not as quickly as he has grown in other markets.
Futuristic opened the show, jumping around the stage with his videographer. His performance felt deserving of its own show, which is convenient because he will return to New York next month for his own headliner tour. He also debuted a new song with a Prof feature that will be released next week. The second opener, Grip, was equally impressive and invited some fans to rap with him onstage. Grip first introduced a fan he had run into and become friends with after rapping Eminem’s verse from Grip’s song “Walkthrough!” Though the fan was obviously nervous and had some trouble with the mic, he got the crowd hyped and made the song extra special with his excitement.
To start Prof’s set, his DJ, Willie Wonka, came out first onto an empty stage adorned with cardboard cutouts of marble statues, ancient (plastic) urns, Greek columns, and crates full of artifacts. He began “casing” the stage like an art museum while donning a ski mask and carrying a duffle bag and flashlight. After Wonka finally gave the all-clear, Prof burst out onto the stage with “Feed the Dogs” and more energy than most people have in their entire lives. A gallery is an ironic concept for Prof, who feels more like a bull in a china shop in most settings.
Prof wore a mathcing teal ski mask and windbreaker combo, pink flamingo socks, and white driving shoes. He has a stage presence like no other and immediately began mean-mugging the crowd while whipping bottled water all over the audience and stage and waving his trusty white towel. After two songs, Prof slowly removed the mask, his face twisted in horror at his own reveal.
Later when Wonka came out from behind his DJ table to twerk for the audience for the second time that night, Prof used that same towel to slap Wonka’s butt. Prof is not one to focus on his birthday as much as his music. That didn’t stop his crew and the team at Racket from bringing out a huge sheet cake on stage with dozens of candles for him. The audience joined in, singing “Happy Birthday” before Prof eventually moved into his next song.
Now, Prof continues his tour down south and ends with a show back home in Minneapolis. Hopefully, Profâs success across North America translates into bigger shows in NYC. He puts on a great show, and it would be even better to share it with a huge crowd.
Souls of Mischief performed in Buffalo for the first time on April 21 at Electric City, commemorating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, 93 to Infinity. They had the audience buzzing all night.
Originating from Oakland, California, the group has been producing music for three decades. The group formed in 1991 and gained popularity through the years. They released their hit album 93 to Infinity on September 28, 1993. This concert highlighted their accomplishments in the music industry.
Prior to the anticipated set by Souls of Mischief, the audience was captivated by a lively performance from local cover band Co Jones. Their energetic performance had the crowd dancing and singing along to soul/funk and popular pop songs, setting the stage for the main act.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement as Souls of Mischief took the stage. They delivered a dynamic performance that had the audience fully engaged and entertained. The band’s vibrant music and compelling lyrics resonated with the crowd, creating a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
On April 19, Cypress Hill hit Brooklyn Steel for their “We Legalized It 2024 Tour.” The show was the second stop on their tour, with Souls of Mischief and The Pharcyde performing as the opening acts. The timing couldn’t have been better, coming right before the weed holiday, 4/20.
B-Real
The night kicked off with Souls of Mischief and The Pharcyde getting the crowd pumped up. But when Cypress Hill took the stage, the energy went through the roof. They played hits, like “Hand on the Pump,” “Tequila Sunrise” and “Latin Lingo,” getting everyone hyped.
The highlight of the night was when Cypress Hill did a special weed-themed melody, mixing songs like “Roll it Up, Light it Up,” “I Wanna Get High,” and “Dr. Greenthumb.” It was the perfect way to get everyone in the mood for 4/20.
The Pharcyde
Cypress Hill are pioneers in the movement for weed legalization. For years, their music has been synonymous with cannabis culture, advocating for its decriminalization and celebrating its medicinal properties. Now, as New York joins the growing list of states where weed is legal, Cypress Hill’s message feels more relevant than ever. Their music has been a soundtrack for the fight for legalization, and now, as the law changes, their influence continues to be felt. It’s a testament to their impact on both music and society as a whole.
Cypress Hill
Setlist: Cock the Hammer, Real Estate, Hand on the Pump, When the Shit Goes Down, A to the K, Phuncky Feel One, Tequila Sunrise, Low Rider, Latin Lingo, Stoned is the Way, Roll It Up, Light It Up, I Wanna Get High, Dr Greenthumb, Cisco Kid, Dr Greenthumb, Hits From the Bong, Illusions, Boom Biddy Bye Bye, Throw ya Set, Ain’t Going Out, How I Could Just Kill A Man, Rap Superstar, Insane in the Brain
Juice is on the final leg of their first North American tour and performed at the Rec Room in Buffalo on Saturday, April 13.
Juice
Opener Kevin Spears, a member of the local band Free Music Party, started the night. Kevin performed songs from his latest EP, Me and Marge. This was Kevin’s first time being an opener and performing as a solo artist, performing “Meant to Be,” “Left Alone,” “Little Lies,” and “And I Saw It Happen,” among others. Kevinâs music is a fusion of Indie/Alternative R&B, setting the vibe perfectly for Juice.
Kevin Spears
Juice formed in 2013 in Boston and draws influences from Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, and R&B, which gives them such a unique sound. Juice performed from their latest EP calledNothing Like a Dream. Songs performed by Juice at Rec Room included “Cruelest Thing,” “Becoming a Stranger,” “Come Alive,” “Temporary Love,” “Playa Delfino,” and “Hard to Feel.”
To finish out their tour, Juice will perform two more shows on April 26 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and on April 27 in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Under the cover of night on April 12, performing a total of 37 songs, not including the orchestra that introduced him at the top of the night before morphing musically into “Nadie Sabe,” Bad Bunny showed fans at the Barclays Center in attendance for his ‘Most Wanted’ Tour that he isn’t going anywhere.
From opening the show with a full-string orchestra who performed for about 15 minutes of stage time the dynamic backup dancers, Bad Bunny really put on one western and trap inspired show. At one, he exited the stage only to re-enter again on horseback. And yes, it was a real horse.
The first act consisted of songs mostly from his latest LP ‘Nadie sabe lo sue va a passer manana.’ Bad Bunny changed it up by going back to his trap roots with “Tu No Metes Cabra,” which was released in 2017, followed by “Pa Ti” and “No Te Hagas.” He made sure to greet just about every section of the Barclays Center and accomplished that with a floating catwalk in the center of the arena that slowly spun around the venue. In the final act, Bad Bunny transported fans to the songs that have taken the world by storm, such as his 2023 single with Grupo Frontera, “Un x100to” as well as megahits from 2020’s YHLQMDLG (“Safaera” and “Yo Perreo Sola”) and 2022’s Un Verano Sin Ti (“Efecto” and “Me Porto Bonito”).
While some fans may have been disappointed to not hear their favourite song, the show ended on a strong note with “Efecto” and “Me Porto Bonito” — both songs whipped fans into a frenzy that felt worth the wait. Bunny closed the show with “WHERE SHE GOES” — and confetti.
And the crowd left with the sense they had just seen a true international superstar.
Bad Bunny Setlist: NADIE SABE, MONACO, FINA, HIBIKI, MR. OCTOBER, MERCEDES CAROTA, CYBERTRUCK, VOU 787, SEDA, BATICANO, Pa Ti, No Te Hagas, Vuelve, Me Mata, Soy peor, Tú no vive así, Chambea, Diles, 25/8, VUELVE CANDY B, THUNDER Y LIGHTNING, GRACIAS POR NADA, UNX100TO, BABY NUEVA, PERRO NEGRO, Safaera, Yo perreo sola, La Santa, La Jumpa, DÁKITI, Efecto, Me Porto Bonito, UN PREVIEW, NO ME QUIERO CASAR, and WHERE SHE GOES.
On the heels of back-to-back chart topping albums, Future and Metro Boomin will be bringing live performances to an arena near you after announcing a “We Trust You” North American tour, with a performance at Brooklyn’s Barclay’s Center set for the summer.
Notably, Future and and frequent collaborator/ producer Metro Boomin took the internet by storm with the release of We Don’t Trust You on March 22, creating plenty of social media fodder with disses to Drake littered throughout the album, including the heavily deliberated Kendrick Lamar verse aimed at Drake and J. Cole. Less than 3 weeks later the duo made more waves with the release of a second, double-album in We Still Don’t Trust You, serving as melodic counter to the heavily trap influenced predecessor. In like manner, the latter is expected to have high first-week numbers in another chart-topping effort from the prolific duo.
Future and Metro Boomin’s “We Trust You” tour comes to Brooklyn this summer.
“We Trust Your Tour” Details
Thus, the duo announce their “We Trust You Tour” that will see them perform throughout the United States along with two notable dates in Canada roughly a month apart, including an August 11 stop in Drake’s hometown of Toronto. Presented by Live Nation, the “We Trust You Tour” begins on July 30 and will see the duo perform 27 dates in roughly a month-and-a-half. Moreover, they will bring the show to the Brooklyn’s Barclays Center with an August 15 date in New York City, before closing out the tour in Canada with a September 9 performance in Vancouver. Other notable stops include performances in Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Presale tickets for the “We Trust You Tour” are available Wednesday, April 17 for Cash App card customers, starting at 10 a.m. local time. Additionally, general sale will begin on Friday at 10 a.m. local time on livenation.com.
Hip Hop duo $uicideboys$ have announced their “Grey Day” Tour which will include shows at UBS Arena in Belmont Park on September 20 and at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on September 28.
The renowned annual “Grey Day” tour in 2024 will include different opening acts ranging from Denzel Curry, Pouya, HAARPER, Shakewell, and Ekkstacy. With the tour announcement, $uicideboy$ have also announced that they have partnered with Plus1, a nonprofit and a trusted partner that leads cultural industry artists, events, and brands in unlocking funding and building visibility for high-impact social and environmental justice initiatives, which is something very near and dear to the group.
Coinciding with the tour announcement, the group has also revealed the lead track “Us Vs Them” from their eagerly awaited next full-length album, titled New World Depression, set to release on June 14. On “Us Vs Them,” $uicideboy$ delve into facing tough challenges and feeling disconnected from society. Ruby da Cherry and $crim deliver verses about coping with personal struggles and maintaining one’s identity in a challenging world. Fans can stream the single here.
In their upcoming album World Depression, the duo navigates themes of fame, self-destruction, and the relentless search for identity amidst chaos. Across the 13-track release, their raw, unfiltered lyrics serve as a gritty narrative of personal turmoil, substance abuse, and the struggle for authenticity in a world that often feels cold and indifferent. This album is an unapologetic exploration of the darker sides of human experience, resonating with anyone who has ever felt out of place or battled with their own shadows. The album will commemorate the 10th anniversary since the formation of $uicideboy$ and fans can pre-save it here.
$uicideboy$ will bring their “Grey Day” Tour at the UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY on September 20 and at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on September 28 and fans can find tickets here.
$Uicideboy$ 2024 Tour Dates
August 7 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
August 9 – Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC
August 10 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
August 11 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena *
August 13 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
August 14 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
August 16 – San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center
August 17 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
August 19 – Denver, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
August 21 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center *
August 23 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena *
August 24 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena *
August 25 – Portland, OR @ MODA Center *
August 27 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
August 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
August 30 – San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena
September 3 – Los Angeles, CA @ Crypto.com Arena
September 6 – Las Vegas, NV @ The MGM Grand Garden Arena
September 7 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center
September 10 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
September 11 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center
September 15 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
September 17 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
September 19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
September 20 – Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena
September 21 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
September 23 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
September 24 – Montreal, QC @ Place Bell
September 25 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
September 27 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
September 28 – Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center
September 29 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
October 1 – Cincinnati, OH @ Heritage Bank Center
October 2 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
October 4 – Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
