DJ Premier and Snoop Dogg stay tapped in with the streets as two of hip hop’s most revered figures come together for the official music video to their latest single “Can U Dig That?.” After releasing the single a few weeks ago, the duo have now come together adding visuals to their groovy west coast track. Featuring cousin and fellow original Death Row records signee Daz Dillinger, “Can U Dig That?” pays ode to the state of California, their hip hop legends, and the urban life profiled throughout many of their songs.
Snoop Dogg, Daz Dillinger and DJ Premier pay tribute to the West coast in their new single.
“Can U Dig That?” Official Video
In light the music video follows a similar path as the record. Notably, Snoop Dogg is seen at a roundtable with with Daz Dillinger with DJ Premier on the 1’s and 2’s as the duo enjoy a trademark joint while Snoop reminisces on his journey as a West Coast native. Similarly, the record contains plenty of famous name drops as Snoop pays tribute to some of California’s most recognizable faces in hip hop, including Easy-E, E-40 and Ice-T. With a backdrop of a G-funk inspired beat with the now-iconic DJ Premier record scratches, Snoop also pays tribute to inner-city California life encapsulating the overall vibe of the Wes Coast. Uniquely while Snoop acknowledged the shootouts, those “on the yard,” he puts a positive twist to the record urging for the beef in the West come to an end.
Though Premier and Snoop have worked together previously; Snoop appeared on Gang Starr’s The Ownerz Album (“In The Life…”), Premier produced two songs on Snoop’s Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Boss album, “Unfucwitable” feat The Lady Of Rage from Snoop’s Doggy Style Allstars Vol. 1, “Can U Dig That?” is their first collaboration under DJ Premier and Ian Schwartzman’s independent imprint TTT.
Saigon and Swedish, multi-platinum producer Fredro release another track from their upcoming EP, The Jordan Era, channeling the musical ethos from one of the most romanticized periods in pop culture history. After the initial release of “Lyrical Genius” featuring Grandmaster Caz (co-author of “Rappers Delight” and the emcee with the longest running tenure atop the billboard Hot 100 Charts), the duo then released “Get Loose” featuring the legendary Pete Rock, with Saigon channeling the frenzied, experimental sound of hip hop from the early 90’s. In like manner, this latest effort,”Think Twice,” sees the duo recruit another great from hip hop’s golden age in Brand Nubian‘s Grand Puba.
Saigon and Fredro recruit another hip hop great for their latest release “Think Twice.”
Saigon and Grand Puba Make you “Think Twice”
“Think Twice” follows a similar recipe as the rest of The Jordan Era. In fact, you can hear “Think Twice” in season 3 episode 2 of the Starz breakout hit show BMF, chronicling the late ’80’s and ’90’s rise of the real life BMF drug empire. Staying true to the era Fredro comes with the jazz-inspired, funky production that littered the late ’80’s and ’90’s in hip hop. Moreover, Saigon and Grand Puba’s purposeful delivery are matched by their equally apt rhymes.
Keeping in theme with ’90’s lore, the duo drop plenty of knowledge along with their fair share of hip hop braggadocio. However, the purposeful record maintains an overall uptempo, positive and knowledgeable tone. While hip hop has evolved over the years, one of the main downturns in the genre has been the lack of positive messaging in contemporary music. In light Saigon, Fredro and Grand Puba look to bring back the times with this latest effort.
Growing up, Brand Nubian was one of my favorite groups, and Grand Puba as a solo artist shaped and molded my fashion sense at that time, and he is my favorite artist of all time. Grand Puba has never gotten his due respect. Before Kanye, it was Puba who made the rugby with the knapsack look cool. He also always made sure there was some kind of a positive message in his music.
– Saigon
The Jordan Era sees production entirely from Fredro, while sonically honing in on the 10-year from 1986 through 1996. Additionally, the album features guest appearances from Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch—with more features set for reveal upon release. The Jordan Era will be releasing on May 3 via Payday Records.
Dynamic hip hop duo Gumbo — consisting of Caro Adé and Danger — continue to fight the power with the release of their debut album, Stir The Pot. Moreover, the duo have joined forces with the iconic Chuck D of Public Enemy on behalf of Black Lives Matter Grassroots to create a unique blend of music and activism. Furthermore, this partnership, encapsulated by the mantra “art + cause = community,” aims to make a meaningful impact on social justice through the universal language of music & art.
Gumbo are keeping conscious hip hop alive with their debut album
All in all, Gumbo are keen to keep conscious hip hop alive and their recruitment of Chuck D speaks to their values. After all the “Fight the Power” rapper has long used his music for purposes of social justice, unity and to spread uncomfortable truths. In light, Gumbo tabbed Chuck D for a collaboration on “All True” as the lead single for Stir The Pot.
Additionally, their social justice efforts have led them to collaborate with Black Lives Matter Grassroots and Chuck D to release a limited and exclusive merchandise collection during both celebrations for Black History Month and National Jazz Music Month (March/April). This exclusive collection is selling for $30 and will feature a specially designed t-shirt curated by renowned stylist Tony Magnetic and artwork by Tristan Childs.
Those who purchase the merchandise using the QR code will get exclusive access to “Stir The Pot.”
Uniquely, those who purchase the merchandise using the QR Code will get immediate access to Stir The Pot. Creating an immersive experience for fans, connecting them directly to GUMBO’s groundbreaking music and their cause. Notably, a share of the proceeds from this exclusive merchandise release will be to support Black Lives Matter Grassroots.
Grab your BLM Grassroots + Gumbo merch! Powerful partnership with Hip Hop legend @mrchuckd and prolific duo @gumboofficial to raise funds for our boots-on-the-ground organizing. BUY A SHIRT FOR $30 AND GET THE NEW GUMBO ALBUM “Stir the Pot” FREE!https://t.co/ju30sUoIz1pic.twitter.com/YzgKZhavqc
We believe in the power of music to bring people together and amplify important messages. This partnership with Chuck D/Public Enemy and Black Lives Matter Grassroots is a testament to the transformative potential of art when combined with a meaningful cause.
– Cado Adé and Danger
Moreover, Gumbo, Chuck D, and a representative from Black Lives Matter Grassroots stopped by Sway’s Universeto discuss the latest social justice efforts and the reason behind their activism. This culminated in a riveting live performance of “All True” by Cado Adé and Danger where their passion for their cause could be seen first hand. Stir The Pot is available for streaming on all DSP’s.
In the formative years of hip hop, where the DJ reigned supreme, skill was the only testament to success. And if that world remained Mister Cee’s name would be commonplace in contemporary folklore. However, much like the rest of the entertainment industry, the glory goes to whomever fans see holding the mantle. Hip hop resembles the sports world in that sense. The MVP trophy holder gets all the credit, no matter the invaluable contributions of coaches, trainers and lesser-known role players.
In like manner, if an album goes number 1 then the name on the cover has accomplished a great feat. Notwithstanding, hip hop much like sports is a collaborative effort. One rapper can’t make a great album. It takes a team of producers, engineers, marketing experts and much more to propel a body of work to critical-acclaim. However, before any rapper reaches that point they need someone to believe in them and connect them to the industry.
This is where Bedford-Stuyvesant native and hip hop purist Mister Cee made his greatest contributions to the game. In the world of hip hop, Mister Cee–born Calvin LeBrun on August 17, 1966–was a connector. Someone who was a fan of the genre and pushed it forward several times over. Although, his talents as a DJ were second-to-none. Ultimately he was “the finisher because, you know, after he plays, the party’s over. You can’t go on after him,” according to Peter Rosenberg, protege and Hot 97 cohort of the legendary DJ.
Thus, in a sense his meticulous mixes featuring rare freestyles and album cuts was a microcosm of his overall presence within hip hop. After all DJ’s aren’t inherently creators, hip hop emerged from the turntable masters putting soul records together in a rhythmic, uptempo groove. Nonetheless, the connections made with sampling and knowing which records sounded best for scratching set the stage for hip hop.
Mister Cee The Connector
Alongside the other proprietors of hip hop’s golden era, Mr. Cee lived and bled the genre and along the way served as a connector for two of hip hop’s most influential acts. Beginning with Big Daddy Kane, who Mr. Cee connected with in high school and served as a DJ for beginning in the late ’80’s. With his connections to the Juice Crew, the fabled hip hop collective â spearheaded by producers Mr. Magic and Marley Marl â who introduced several legendary acts to the scene including Big Daddy Kane, Mr. Cee had successfully helped one of hip hop’s revered lyricist get on. As a testament to this, Mr. Cee notably featured on Big Daddy Kane’s classic debut album on the track “Mister Cee’s Master Plan.”
🙏🏿R.I.P to the legend MR. Cee God bless him, to all his family and friends I send my condolences. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/poOcoaruVe
Moreover, the one known as “The Finisher” is widely recognized as the man who connected the Notorious B.I.G. with Puff Daddy and what eventually became Bad Boy Records. The rest as they say is history, but history’s nuance is rarely discussed. Hence, Mister Cee’s contributions to the career of arguably the greatest rapper ever remains stuff of legend. Yet, as he kept his ear to the streets as a local celebrity, he became known for showcasing rising acts. Along the way he came across the Notorious B.I.G. — who at the time went by Biggie Smalls– and connected him to the industry while also serving as an early producer for the legendary rhymer.
So Cee would definitely want me to credit Biggie’s first DJ, who was a guy named 50 Grand. And while Biggie and 50 Grand were working on a demo, doing their thing, Mister Cee was the DJ who was actually connected to the industry. He was the one who could get him different places, and he played the connector for Biggie. Sometimes it’s more complicated than rapper and DJ or artist and DJ, whatever it may be. There are these other people who play roles, and Cee was a connector for Biggie Smalls.
Furthermore, as he settled into his role as a tastemaker for hip hop, he enthralled listeners with his “Throwback at Noon” mixes on Hot 97. Which then became a staple of the lives of fellow hip hop enthusiasts. As his legend grew his moniker of “The Finisher” felt more apt than ever. With the April 10 passing of Mister Cee, hip hop lost one of its purists, someone who selflessly pushed others and the genre forward. As hip hop grew from local neighborhood parties to a worldwide phenomenon, Mister Cee’s contributions as one of the genre’s vanguards must not be forgotten.
Like, you knew you were listening to a guy who believed in every word that he was saying. But one thing that has to be stressed – I have never – in my now 30 years of DJing, I have never known a more meticulous, prepared deejay than Mister Cee
Talk about saving the best for last, On April 9, that was the case for Dreamville’s Bas as he stopped at the famed Irving Plaza in New York City for the last stop on his ‘WE ONLY TALK ABOUT REAL SHIT WHEN WE’RE F*CKED UP’ North American Tour.
The show featured three openers: Blxckie, Reuben Vincent, and Hoosh. Each opener each played for around 20 minutes, giving a taste of their style and sound. This shorter set times and the overall quality of the openers worked really well for getting the crowd ready for Bas to take the stage. It was obvious that Bas picked musicians he respects and enjoys listening to to open for him, something emphasized by a story he told about first hearing Blxckie’s music while in South Africa during his set.
Bas graced the stage under a red glowed ambience and sintilating sounds of his live band. Bas was particularly good at interacting with and engaging the crowd. The show kept a great energy with the crowd getting into songs from We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up and Bas’ back catalog. Bas brought backing vocalists who really filled out his live sound and added a sense of harmony to the performance. These vocals were such a nice touch that really show his attention to detail in putting together a performance.
The show ended with Bas inviting a fan up to rap J. Cole’s verse on his song “Lit.” Clearly energized, the fan selected from the crowd excitedly performed with Bas. Longtime collaborator and Dreamville leader J.Cole popped onto the stage to the surprise of the fan and the crowd. Cole went on to finish the song with the fan and perform “H.Y.B.” with Bas and his classic smash hit ‘No Role Modelz’ rounding out a great night of music and vibes.
Setlist: Light of my Soul, Home Alone, 179 Deli, Black Jedi, Choppas, Yao Ming, Diamonds, Methylone, Dopamine, Ricochet, Clouds Never Get Old, Night Job, Khartoum, Risk, Decent, U-Turn ft. Blackie, Passport Bros, Boca Raton, The Jackie, Paper Cuts, Dr. O’blivion, Wait on Me, H.Y.B., Costa Rica, Down Bad, Tribe and Lit.
On a rainy April evening, April 2, 2024 to be exact, mgk and Trippie Redd brought their brand new EP genre : sadboy to the Irving Plaza stage for its first ever live performance.
A week prior, the pair got fans excited by releasing a video for their song “lost boys,” as well as a short documentary about their time creating the album. Tickets to the show were free and given to fans through a raffle and needless to say that mgk and Trippie fans showed out on Tuesday night, packing the house.
Trippie Redd (left) and mgk (right) at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.
The two opened up the show performing the first five songs off of their new tracklist. The album gives catchy choruses while maintaining a sad tone. Through their words the two artists explore their personal experiences with drugs, relationships and depression. Although the EP is brand new, mgk and Trippie’s longtime fans already knew all of the words.
Trippie Redd (back left) and mgk (right) at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.
After the first five tracks, the Ohio native artists started taking turns performing some of their solo music. Trippie Redd started things off with his 3x platinum track “Taking a Walk,” and mgk followed with “PRESSURE.” They then went back and forth one more time with Trippie performing “Wish,” and mgk performing “dont let me go.” Although short, the throwback portion of the show provided a nice reminder to what these two established artists have accomplished in the past.
Following their four track throwback session, mgk and Trippie Redd continued with the next four tracks of their EP which all helped showcase both artists use of soft tones and dreamy, but also dark, fairytale-like sounds. mgk and Trippie then brought back some more of their old music, with mgk performing “my ex’s best friend,” “all I know,” and “Candy,” all with the crowd at full energy, screaming every word back to mgk. Trippie sang a beautiful rendition of “Fuck Love” his 2017 that he created alongside XXXTENTACION.
With only one track from the EP unsung, the artists started to go back and perform some songs for the second time. They repeated “lost boys” and “beauty” before mgk invited a fan, who had a message on his phone saying he could rap “el Diablo” faster than him, onto the stage. mgk and the fan went bar for bar together rapping the song, and then had a warm embrace at the end before the fan left the stage. Then mgk and Trippie performed “time travel” and “struggles” off of their new EP, for a second time.
Trippie Redd (left) and mgk (right) at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.
To close out the show, mgk performed “Wild Boy” with some acapella verses, as well as “I Think I’m OKAY.” Finally, mgk and Trippie performed the only song off of “genre : sadboy” that had yet to be played, “summer’s gone.” At the end of the song the two artists dropped down off of the stage to greet the fans at the front barricade, before finally departing.
Trippie Redd (left) and mgk (right) at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.
Setlist: lost boys, beauty, time travel, struggles, suddenly, Taking a Walk, PRESSURE, Wish, dont let me go, half dead, hiding in the hills, no more, who do i call, my ex’s best friend, Fuck Love, all I know, Candy, lost boys, beauty, el Diablo, time travel, struggles, Wild Boy, I Think I’m OKAY, summer’s gone
On Thursday, April 4, with a spectacular fusion of raw energy, lyrical prowess, and dynamic emotion, Kevin Gates took the stage of Irving Plaza for his “The Ceremony Tour,” leaving the New York City audience amazed. The tour stop was filled with heartfelt yet raw emotion, furthermore solidifying Gates and his status as a rap heavyweight, as he commanded the stage with the same unapologetic attitude that has defined his career.
After a series of DJ playlists to warm up the crowd, the opener of the night was DJ Chose, who has collaborated with Kevin Gates on some of his greatest hits and has a few of his own. DJ Chose lauded his accolades and made sure the crowd had the right energy before Kevin’s arrival. After DJ Chose, Kevin Gates’s DJ executed a final round of musical wind up with some industry favorites ensuring the crowd was ready for Kevin Gates to take the stage.
After an astounding ovation upon taking the stage, Kevin Gates opened with “Speed Dial” to which the crowd recited word for word. Kevin went on to perform songs “In God I Trust,” “Free At Last,” “Arm and Hammer” and more. A southern classic that got everyone up off their feet was when Kevin Gates performed “TWMD” which went viral during New Orleans Mardi Gras last year. As the song came on, the entire arena erupted into a frenzy as his fans belted the lyrics, completely losing themselves in the song.
Notably, Gates’ crowd control and poise was evident, as he purposefully took moments to talk with his supporters over the mic. Moving at a brisk but necessary pace, he took a minute to evangelize his fans. Speaking about his time incarcerated and having to miss his daughter’s birthday, Gates focused on having the work ethic and drive to make his situation right, as he encouraged his fans to keep their head held high even in the darkest of times. Bringing the show to a close with popular tracks such as “Me Too,” “2 Phones,” and “Breakfast”, Kevin went out with a bang amongst a flurry of smoke from CO2 cannons, as he mysteriously disappeared behind the set. Tickets for the rest of the “The Ceremony” tour are available here.
Kevin Gates Setlist: Speed Dial, Facts, Push It, Yonce Freestyle, Arm and Hammer, TWMD, Wassup With It, In God I Trust, Scars, Imagine That, Free At Last, It Won’t Happen, Healing, Birds Calling, Power, Great Man, Fatal Attraction, Breakfast, Luv Bug, Posed To Be In Love, Heal You, Lil Yea, Me Too, One Thing, All Thee Above, Bad For Me, Time for That, 2 Phones, and Broken Men.
Over the Easter Weekend, Sleepy Hallow’s Boy Meets World Tour arrived in New York City. Prior to Sleepy coming on stage and bringing down the Palladium, fellow New York artists such as Rah Swish, Rowdy Rebel and others graced the stage for the warmup.
After a roaring ovation upon taking the stage, Sleepy performed some of his more introspective tracks including “Anxiety,” featuring Doechii, where he’s opened up about his mental health, the hardship he has faced in the past year crafting and releasing his latest album, Boy Meets World. The crowd joined in singing word for word while Sleepy Hallow performed other hits such as “Die Young,” featuring 347AIDAN, “Pain Talk” featuring Lil TJAY, and more.
During the show, Sleepy Hallow invited label mate Eli Fross to perform alongside him.
Sleepy Hallow decided to surprise the New York crowd by inviting some of their own on stage. He brought out Bronx artists: Cash Cobain and Bay Swag who bought the Slizzy Experience to the Palldium in performing viral hit “Fisherrr.”
Sleepy Hallow ended the night with some of his classic hits, “2055,” “Deep End Freestyle,” “Basketball Dreams,” and “1999.” Tickets for the rest of the Boy Meets World Tour are available here.
Some of the biggest names of R&B‘s golden era will be coming to a city near you as SWV and Xscape announce The Queens of R&B Tour alongside fellow golden era stapes in Mya, Total and 702. Following a social media teaser that ignited fervent excitement among fans, the legendary songstresses are will be teaming up for a nearly two-month, nationwide expedition stopping in 30 different cities, including 3 stops in New York.
The Queens of R&B Tour will be a celebration of the genre’s golden age
Produced by Mona Scott Young’sMonami EntertainmentandLive Nationand represented by Seth Shomes through Day After Day Productions (DADP), The Queens of R&B Tour will highlight some of the biggest names from R&B’s golden age whose work also serves as the soundtrack for the oft-romanticized decade.
To announce this HERstorical tour during Women’s History Month means everything. It speaks to the power of our ability as women to overcome adversity and emerge triumphant. 702, Total, Mýa, SWV, and Xscape have all weathered storms and are still here and better than ever! We are so excited to bring the fans an incredible and undeniable performance experience that truly celebrates R&B music.
– Mona Scott-Young
Furthermore, the Queens of R&B Tour will circle New York three times, beginning with a July 24 performance at Madison Square Garden. The tour returns 9 days later with a stop in Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview. Additionally, they conclude their east-coast trek with an August 6 performance at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY.
The Queens of R&B tour will consist of 30 shows.
Moreover, fans have rejoiced on X (formerly known as Twitter) with this latest tour announcement. After all, with songs like SWV’s “Right Here,” Xscape’s “Just Kicking’ It,” Mya’s “Best of Me (part 2),” Total’s “Kissing’ You,” and 702’s “Get It Together” R&B history will be reenacted with one era-defining record after another. Tickets for this monumental event are available on Ticketmaster’s official website.
THE QUEENS OF R&B TOUR DATES:
Thu Jun 27 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord
Sat Jun 29 – Las Vegas, NV – Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Chyna Streetz loves the process. Through various life experiences she continues to learn and grow. Money comes and money goes but lost time on Earth could never be earned back. Abundantly, the hours in the studio and on tour continue to pay dividends for this NYC-based emcee.
Her latest body of work, From Hell to Chanel showcases just how far she has come since her first project in 2018. After experimenting with different sounds – Chyna now sets her sights on accomplishing feats according to her own timetable.
“Even if the wounds heal, the scars left still show.”
-Judas Kiss by Chyna Streetz & Tiona Deniece
Less worried about what others see fit for her – this artist formerly known as Chy the Empress embodies her lane in the underground East Coast hip-hop scene. Amazingly, strides from the likes of Westside Gunn and Rome Streetz have turned underground hip-hop damn-near mainstream. Label it however you wish – real rap is back on the map and Chyna Streetz pushes her pen to the forefront.
With conceptual storytelling and divine lyricism – everyone better recognize what Chyna Streetz means to hip-hop. From Hell to Chanel (entirely produced by 183rd( illuminates the struggles this woman went through. The determination to prove herself shines very brightly on this tape.
On Bernadine’s Rage she refers to herself as a, “Goddess in the likeness.” In the very next line she proclaims she is, “Tight she had to write this.” Therefore, these two lines together make for an excellent set of opening lines.
Right from the beginning of Bernadine’s Rage – she lets us know that she is a supreme being as those who have utmost confidence are recognized sooner than those who only half-step their way to the goal. Next, being ‘tight’ means she might have been upset she had to write this which portrays growth and shows that she will take any steps necessary to become the best version of herself.
New York is a Nationality
All credit due to the Empress and her efforts – the moment she transformed into Chyna Streetz drove her to become a different animal within the same beast. Spending time with her man Rome Streetz has propelled her lyricism, uplifted her stage presence and given her the bravery to use her past as a turning point for the future.
When Chyna was 17 she went away for robbery in the first degree. She served roughly six years altogether between Bayview Correctional Center and the ‘Staying Out Program’ in Manhattan. Hurricane Sandy ravaged much of Bayview Correctional Center and it is now being renovated into affordable housing.
“Rolled the dice on life and found out time cannot be bought.”
-Judas Kiss
Chyna preaches to live and maintain in the ways that work for you. Do not let outside influence or external gratification dictate the path you know you must walk. Evidently, within the core of every soul – you will find what direction you must choose. Now, take the steps to walk the road less traveled en route to fulfillment of your destiny.
Some ways in which Chyna found self-realization comes from internal strength and stepping outside of her comfort zone. Nonetheless, building confidence from within and surrounding herself with truly talented people have led her to become a difference-maker within the game.
Key Tracks: Matrimony, Sirens Lullaby, Judas Kiss
Stream her latest collection here and write the author on IG and let him know which one you’re rocking with the most.
