Atlanta rapper Jeezy has been no stranger to New York City over his decades-long career and his latest tour stop for ‘The Playlist’ in NYC was no different.
The Snowman brought his Playlist Concert Series to a sold-out Irving Plaza on Thursday, September 12, leaving the Big Apple with another memorable evening with one of hip hop’s most engaging performers.
Jeezy brought the house down at Irving Plaza last night with his electrifying Playlist Concert. Fans were treated to a night of unforgettable music and a high-energy performance. Backed up by DJ Ace, the atmosphere was buzzing as Jeezy took the stage, captivating the audience from the moment he appeared. The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites and new hits.
With his cohort DJ Ace, he cut through his hit-filled set like a pro. Rolling out classics like “RIP” and “White Girl,” as well as cuts off his 2023 project, Jeezy kept all eyes on him during his set. With an unmistakable voice and swagger, there is really nothing quite like a Jeezy show, and New York City showed the Snowman no shortage of love. In fact, it was one of the most engaged and energetic crowds and we know that NYC is a tough crowd.
In person, Jeezy is an endlessly positive individual. Performing alone, in front of a stark light projection that obscured his features and made him look more like a shadow than a man, he made every effort to highlight the idea that he, the famous rapper, is just like us: the day-job slob who paid for a ticket. He took time to directly engage with and show love to his fans.
In just over an hour, the man ripped through a career’s worth of hits with passion and charisma. He stalked the stage, switching his flow from a barking punk frontman’s delivery especially on “Seen it All” and Recession-era smash “Put On.” Also has NYC engaging in screaming the ad-libs back at him like on Thug Motivation standouts “Standing Ovation” and “Soul Survivor”. If you can, you can still catch Jeezy on tour, tickets here.
The life, career and death of Wu Tang Clan member Ol’ Dirty Bastard was chronicled for the first time ever in a new documentary on A&E. Ol’Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys examines the late rapper’s life as he juggled between down-to-earth family man Russell Jones/Ason Unique and enigmatic rap star, Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Known as the most unconventional in a crew full of colorful MC’s, his eccentric public persona, off-the cuff rhymes and unwillingness to conform to industry norms made him a fan-favorite (marked by the fact that he was the first member of the Wu to release a solo album with 1995’s Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version).
All in all, ODB was very cognizant of what, and who he represented amidst hip hop’s “shiny suit” era. Often making conscious lifestyle choices in order to keep his image as raw and gutter as possible. This includes the famous limo ride to get food stamps during an MTV biography piece, his foods stamp ID card on his debut album cover, as well as his unconventional delivery. In essence, ODB sought to juxtapose the glamors of the entertainment industry with the realities of inner-city life. As a result, he spent much of his career playing the role of agent provocateur.
Yet his constant his need to live up to the expectations of the Ol’ Dirty Bastard persona led to his untimely demise. Marked by first hand recountings from Wu Tang members Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, GZA, as well as ODB’s widow and her children with ODB, A Tale of Two Dirtys captures the essence of a one-in-a-lifetime personality, devoted father and troubled psyche. After watching, here’s what we learned about the late great Dirt McGirt.
A Tale of Two Dirtys captures ODB and Russel Jones.
Beginning
Although known for his out-of-this-world persona, ODB — born Russell Jones — grew up shy and reserved. That is until his cousins GZA and RZA introduced him to hip hop and began the journey of one of the great expressionist musicians of the 20th century. However, his infatuation with petty crime would manifest itself from a young age with repeated arrests for boosting clothes. He sought out teachings of the 5 percent nation for discipline, and earned the name Ason Unique after memorizing the 120 lessons, supreme alphabet, as well as the supreme mathematics. After watching the 1983 kung fu flick Shaolin and Wu Tang, Ghostface Killah details bringing the film to RZA and urging him to watch it. Which inspired RZA to kick-start the group. Dirty got his name from RZA after watching the 1980 film, Ol’ Dirty Kung Fu.
Throughout the documentary, ODB’s widow Icelene Jones vouches for the devoted family man, revealing that ODB’s sole purpose for pursuing a rap career was to provide for his wife and kids. She also details their unstable life after marriage, as the duo and their 3 children bounced from family homes to shelters, where they lived for 6 months before he signed his record deal. However, his ego got the best of him after tasting success, as he began relentlessly indulging in women. He fathered 13 children before his death, 3 of them with his wife.
Career
As ODB’s drug abuse, arrests and behavior became too unpredictable, Elektra Records pivoted away from him because he was described as a “liability.” His famous Grammy interruption also caused Elektra Records tons of industry backlash, as they dealt with being embarrassed by not being able to control their artist. Additionally, former Roc-A-Fella records employee Choke No Joke claims that, Damon Dash signed ODB to the label after his two-year prison sentence, for publicity and that he didn’t really care about helping him overcome his drug addiction. He even claims that ODB didn’t know he was signing with Roc-A-Fella upon his release from prison. He also did not know Dame Dash would be there.
He was aware of what the Ol’s Dirty Bastard image was and worked to accentuate it. Which is why the now famous artwork for his debut album features pictures of ODB in a trashed apartment. He served as his own creative director and would even call for more “blunts” and “40s” if the room was too clean. In like manner, his need to remain rooted in order to authenticate the ODB character meant that he often found himself in compromising situations (like his 1994 shooting back home in Brooklyn). In true ODB fashion, he made an appearance at a Wu Tang Clan show at Hammerstein ballroom while on the run from the police before letting the crowd know that he had to leave due to an outstanding warrant.
Drug Abuse
As detailed by his wife, ODB’s drug abuse began with weed, then weed and cocaine blunts, then weed and crack cocaine blunts. Moreover, his 1994 shooting accentuated his drug abuse. As he racked up missed court dates due to drug arrests, he was ordered to attend rehab but escaped. He was eventually caught at a McDonald’s in Philadelphia while giving out autographs, as two police officers were fans, knew who he was, and knew he was on the run. After a getting out of his 2-year prison stint he began abusing drugs again. ODB’s family details finding him unconscious for the last time during a studio session. Icelene then emotionally recounts her immediately lashing out at everyone in the room for enabling and taking from him.
Benny The Butcher looks to make his mark on the summer, returning with Buffalo Butch Vol. 1 just two weeks after releasing Summertime Butch. The new 3-track EP features close collaborator 38 Spesh, along with guest spots from Fabolous and Drake on the songs “Hard Way Freestyle” and “Buffalo Freestyle” respectively.
Artwork for Benny The Butcher 3-song E, Buffalo Butch Vol. 1
Benny Back Again
It’s been just over six months since the Grammy and Emmy nominated Buffalo native released his Def Jam Recordings debut, Everybody Can’t Go. During which he tried his hand at a more commercial sound along with a mainstream album that included several singles and guest spots on popular hip hop adjacent podcasts. While songs like the West Coast influenced “Back Again,” and the uptempo “How To Rap” showed some variance to Benny’s musical approach, his core fans continue to yearn for the gritty street rhymes that Benny and his tone-setting delivery have become synonymous with.
Artwork for Benny The Butcher 10-song EP, Summertime Butch
As a result he returned with Summertime Butch featuring appearances from Black Soprano Family signees Rick Hyde, ElCamino, and Fuego Base. With an additionally cameo from hip hop legend Ed Lover on “Summer 24,” while Harry Fraud and StreetRunner handled the album’s production. Now juts two weeks later he returns with a 3-pack of tracks to close the Summer out strong. As these last two EP’s have seen Benny return to his grimy best. Back are the slow, cinematic beats with street tales galore. Moreover, each song on Buffalo Butch Vol. 1 sees Benny bring the best out of his collaborators, which includes Drake first feature with a rapper of Benny’s pedigree since his much publicized beef with Kendrick Lamar. However, as of right now the Drake feature has been removed from streaming since the project’s release on Thursday night.
Producer/Composer MVW is back with a new single featuring current Houston underground staple Lisha G. The new record, “Ova With,” is a silky flowing thumper that sees MVW brings his trademark piano driven melodies. Meanwhile, the burgeoning Lisha G’s penetrating vocals and southern twang to create a stimulating mix.
MVW’s new single “Ova With” features burgeoning Houston rapper Lisha G.
Her intoxicating flow makes for a trippy listen on it own however, however, combined with MVW’s classically trained melodies create a refreshing song with two artists forging their own unique paths. Yet, aside from Lisha G’s inviting vocals, her appeal comes from the wholesome, small-town values that set the Houston rapper apart from other artists. Moreover, “Ova With” continues a rise that has also seen her collaborate with Famous Dex and gain even more traction following her performance in her On The Radar Freestyle. For his part, MVW continues to collaborate and feature bubbling female underground rap artists. He dropped songs with TiaCorine, aka Freaky T and rising star Anycia.
New Album
All in all, this is the beginning of what presumes to be a busy few months for for MVW as the Staten Island native is set to release a joint-project this October with frequent collaborator Valee. Earlier this year MVW dropped “Goofy” featuring deceased legend Gangsta Boo. Meanwhile, the fall release will be their second collaborative album, as their debut effort Valeedation offered a welcome into MVW and Valee’s world of pianos, violins, horns and effortless delivery.
The new project will be MVW’s 4th hip hop album following his decision to complement his career as a composer by expanding into the fluid world of hip hop music. MVW kicked things off in 2021 with the Lex Luger assisted CLASSIC$, followed by Connections in 2022 and Valeedation with Valee in 2023.
It’s clear that Jay Skeese intends to follow the Griselda model of flooding the market. The first signee to Conway The Machine‘s Drumwork Music imprint, Jae Skeese, is set to release his 2nd project of the year, Ground Level, on August 16. The new album comes on the heels of his first project of the year, Testament of The Times, released in March. In light of the new album, the Buffalo native, has gone on to release several singles with a list of exclusive features as part of this underground effort,.
About Ground Level
With this in mind, Jae Skeese teased the upcoming album with the calculated release of a single roughly every2 weeks. Beginning with the project’s lead single and video, “Situated” featuring Big K.R.I.T. and Sauce Walka, to set the tone for Ground Level. He later retuned with the projects second single, the star-studded “Sara Lee.” Featuring Dave East, Jay Worthy and a sultry chorus from r&b singer Lloyd, the record offers an alternative side to Jae Skeese. “Sara Lee” is a vibe that I don’t think you haven’t got from me yet. I wanted to show another side of who I am as an artist and give the ladies something to think about,” Jae Skeese comments.“
The lastest single, “Brick After Brick (Ground Level),” also doubles as the intro track for Ground Level. Featuring thunderous, tone-setting horns, Jae Skeese hopes to set the tone with this into record. Moreover, Skeese takes the next step in his career with Ground Level. After all, he has spent the last three years laying the foundation for his breakthrough — which includes Skeese’s Drumwork debut, Abolished Uncertainties, and his collaborative album with Conway The Machine Pain Provided Profit. Thus, Ground Level‘s release this Friday is a testament to Jae Skeese’s evolution as an artist, as he continues to stack up high-profile collaborations
This Sunday at The Brooklyn Monarch, MC’s better act like they know, as KRS-One headlines the annual Tour For Life concert this Sunday, August 18. Uniquely, Tour For Life is essentially a rap concert that also advocates for mental health awareness within the hip-hop community. At each stop, on-site therapists offer free sessions, live art, giveaways, community mending art projects, and performances. Presented by Full Blast Booking, a Connecticut-based booking company that specializes in booking tours, Tour For Life has raised over $60,000 for mental health non-profits over the past three years. Hence, this year’s tour will be raising money for organizations such as Mental Health Connecticut.
KRS will headline Tour for Life this Sunday August, 18.
Tour For Life’s Final Weekend
Yet, Brooklyn will be the final stop for Tour for Life. This weekend’s performances, from August 15 – 17, will see Tour For Life make stops in various neighboring east coast states including Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire. Meanwhile, performances will feature hip-hop headliners Sage Francis, Billy Danze of M.O.P., and Rome Streetz. Supporting this stop on the tour will be artists such as, Duece Bug, Konflik, Sosoon + Tony Dimes, DTaylz, Neema MC, Mickey Bourbon, Mic Hoffa, and more.
With this intention, Tour for Life also works to provide a platform for legendary headliners, as well a the many talented and independent artists from all over the nation. Thus, with the tour’s final stop will see hip hop pioneer/legend KRS-One replace initial headliner Redman. However, with one of the most comprehensive discographies in hip hop as well as a bevy of thought-provoking lyrics, KR-One is no stranger to nuance nor the healing properties of rap music.
Tour for Life Dates and Lineups
8/15 Manchester, NH- The Shaskeen feat. Sage Francis + Akrobatik
8/16 Providence, RI- Alchemy feat. Billy Danze of M.O.P.
8/17 Hamden, CT- Cellar on Treadwell feat. Rome Streetz
8/18 Brooklyn, NY – The Monarch feat. KRS-One (+ surprise guests)
Set to begin at 6:00 p.m. at 23 Meadow St, tickets for Tour for Life’s closing weekend can be found on Full Blast Booking’s official website.
Tag’s Summer Stage, located in Big Flats, NY, is set for three more concerts in their summer series.
The large Southern Tier venue has hosted an impressive line-up featuring Billy Currington, Rip Moore, Larry Fleet, Brantley Gilbert and more. The rest of the season will feature Primus, Coheed & Cambria, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, and Flo Rida, bringing in a diverse genre of music from country to hip-hop, something for everyone to dance to.
August 10th, 7:00PM – Primus, Coheed and Cambria with Puddles Pity Party
The Mich Ultra Summer Stage at Tag’s welcomes cutting-edge rock superstars, PRIMUS with special guests’ progressive rock, & science fiction comic band Coheed and Cambria & America Got Talent Puddles Pity Party. Joining together for a night of unforgettable entertainment
September 8th, 7:30PM – Australian Pink Floyd Show
Selling over 4 million tickets worldwide and described by The Times as “The Gold Standard” and The Daily Mirror as “The Kings of the Genre”, The Australian Pink Floyd Show Performing the music of Pink Floyd with a note for note perfection, this critically acclaimed show has been astonishing audiences worldwide for more than three decades.
Always striving to reproduce the complete Pink Floyd experience and bring the music to new audiences, the show continues to include a stunning light and laser show, video animations, state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen technology, and other special effects. In addition, and in true Pink Floyd fashion, there are several huge inflatables including a giant pig and their own unique Pink Kangaroo.
September 14th, 8:00PM – Flo Rida
Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar known for his party anthems, Flo Rida, brings his high-energy party to Tag’s Summer Stage Series for one electric night on, Saturday, September 14th. Joining Flo Rida is the #1 US Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper, with over 100 million records sold worldwide, is MIMS. To get the party started off right a world-class DJ will spin the tunes to keep you dancing the night away. It promises to be one unforgettable evening. We can’t wait to see you all party at “My House”, as we all have a “Good Feeling”, it’s going to be one of the “Wild Ones.”
Amidst a slew of tour dates, Nas made a stop at Albany’s Palace Theatre this past Friday (July 19) and delivered an all-encompassing performance. In turn, the normally quiet-kept streets surrounding the Palace felt a simultaneous murmur between 7 and 8 p.m. on Friday night as hip hop fans came out in droves in support of Esco.
With both floors of the Palace decked out, the legendary rhymer offered a passionate rendition of his biggest hits, album cuts and freestyles.
Nas performs “Fever,” the opening track from Magic 3
Backed by longtime tour DJ and friend, Rochester’s own DJ Green Lantern, Nas offered fans a non-linear run through his historic discography. In truth, An Evening With Nas, gave the feel of a distant family gathering. As though Nas was kickin’ it with his hip hop cousins from Upstate.
The crowd’s appreciation was apparent as the 17-time Grammy-nominee was on the receiving end of the night’s first standing ovation within the first 20 minutes, after a flawless, passionate performance of “N.Y. State of Mind.” Green Lantern played to the lively crowd, riling them up with chants of “hip hop, hip hop,” before dropping the iconic DJ Premier scratches preluding “Nas Is Like” as the crowd roared their approval.
Nas receives a standing ovation
Similarly, performances of “Got Ur Self A…,” “Made You Look,” and “You Owe Me” all earned the crowd’s approval. Yet, the most well-received songs are the ones that capture Nas’ soulful essence. For instance, performances of “Life’s a Bitch,” “The World Is Yours” and “If I Ruled the World” had the crowd hung on every word, particularly the latter two which led to a theatre-wide serenade.
Such was the scene as a noticeably vibrant Esco basked in he and the crowd’s shared catharsis. Afterwards, in a moment of reflection over his long-career, the hip hop mogul thanked his long-time supporters and encouraged the vivacious crowd of about 1500 to “live vicariously through me. Iâm still outside.”
Memorable Moments
During this period of elation DJ Green Lantern upped it and announced a Nas and DJ Premier album slated for later this year. As the show waned, Nas honored both Prodigy and The Notorious B.I.G with special renditions dedicated to both fallen legends.
Nas paid tribute to Prodigy
A large image of Prodigy appeared on the big-screen as he performed his verse on their classic hit, “It’s Mine.” He later shouted out Biggie before performing a special rendition of “One Love” over the “Sky’s The Limit” beat. Meanwhile a rendition of “Daughters” was cut short as Nas claimed it made him emotional, before transitioning to the more rugged “40-16 Building.” The show closed as the Queens native gave an impassioned performed “One Mic” to applause and shouts not to leave.
Grafh and 38 Spesh’s “Rocafella Chain” is the latest single in promotion of their joint-album, God’s Timing, which drops on August 2. The new single features a quartet of former Roc-A-Fella Records artists in Memphis Bleek, Freeway, Peedi Crack and Grafh himself in an ode to the legendary record label. Moreover, this is the second single Grafh and 38 Spesh have released ahead of God’s Timing, with this new single following the Talib Kweli assisted, “Right Now.”
Roc-A-Fella records alumni come together for this latest heater
If these two records are anything to go by then the new project will be full of quality. On “Rocafella Chain,” 38 Spesh sets the tone with a hard-hitting horn and drums loop before each artist takes turns trying to steal the show. In like manner, the record brings back memories of a good old posse cut. In turn, each artist brings their distinctive style, creating a dynamic and energetic anthem that pays respect to their roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary hip-hop.
God’s Timing
God’s Timing will be released on August 2, and is produced in its entirety by 38 Spesh. The album also includes appearances from Jim Jones, Talib Kweli, Method Man, Vado, Freeway, Memphis Bleek and Peedi Crakk. This will be the first joint-project between Grafh and 38 Spesh in a link-up between upstate, New York and the city.
The essence of Queensbridge was alive and well inside Dazed Cannabis, as Havoc and Cormega played songs from their forthcoming album. Vibe Magazine editor-at-large Datwon Thomas hosted the Havoc x Cormega Album Listening Event, where the two hip hop legends welcomed fans to a behind the scenes look into their creative journey, inspirations, and the collaborative process behind their unreleased, untitled album.
Cormega and Havoc’s untittled album brought out core hip hop fans/ Photo by Dazed Cannabis.
As a result, the dispensary/event space was full to the brim by the time Havoc and Cormega graced the stage. As the duo entered the venue to lukewarm applause –Havoc in his now trademark shades, and Cormega with his assertive presence– they carried with them a steely determination and –Havoc in particular– a business like approach to this public appearance.
Darwin Thomas hosted the Havoc X Cormega Listening Event/Photo by Dazed Cannabis
In turn, Thomas warmed up the crowd, as he commenced the listening and Q&A portion of the event. Setting the tone with a couple of the duo’s classic collaborations in “Angel Dust,” (where Cormega revealed that Havoc’s standout chorus was due to his own unfamiliarity with song structures) and the Marley Marl produced “On The Real,” which served as a rite of passage between Queensbridge legends. “Getting on a Marley record was everything to us,” said Havoc.
The platinum producer did most of his talking behind the boards/Photo by Dazed Cannabis..
Havoc X Cormega Listening Event: Music Review
Cormega starred, playing the part of hood poet, enforcer and gentleman throughout the evening. And after quick intermission for ‘Mega to enforce the event’s strict no cell phone policy, Thomas transitioned into songs from the new album. Although unfinished, the duo previewed 10 quality tracks, gauging fan response and opinions along the way. Particularly due to Havoc’s meticulous approach, as Cormega enlisted the help of the crowd as he petitioned for his favorite beats to make the album’s final cut.
Cormega starred and played the part of hood poet, enforcer, gentleman/Photo by Dazed Cannabis
Nonetheless, Havoc, stoic as ever, kept answers short and sweet as Cormega fielded most of the questions. However, it seems as though Hav’ does most of his talking behind the boards. Hence why Dazed Cannabis experienced its first bobble head night this past Saturday, as heads bopped to one hard-hitting beat after the other. Havoc’s trademark gritty, bass-line heavy style and classical samples were in full-effect as he flawlessly captured the grimy, rugged, street tone with which Cormega does his best work.
Hip Hop fans showed love to the Queensbridge legends last night at Dazed Cannabis. Photo by Shaquan Bell.
Yet the legendary producer was the least surprised at his excellence behind the boards. After all, earlier this year, Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Part II” was named the greatest hip hop beat of all-time. When Thomas broached the topic, Havoc nonchalantly responded with, “it took ya’ll this long to realize that?”
After a few more records, and another brief intermission for Cormega to hilariously reiterate the no recording policy to an overzealous fan, he previewed the album’s only guest appearance, featuring a verse from Raekwon.
Album Release Date?
All in all, despite the intimate preview, neither a release date nor month was revealed. Even though a joint-project between the Queensbridge natives is years in the making, there doesn’t seem to be any rush. On Saturday night at least, Havoc and Cormega seemed content to let the creative process play itself out. And The Havoc X Cormega Listening Event was like a comic testing out jokes before a new special.
Cormega autographs a t-shirt/Photo by Dazed Cannabis
As Cormega delved into the journey behind the album, he revealed that there’s more at play than meets the eye. “I understand the healing process. Sometimes people forget we’re humans. This man just lost his brother and someone he considered a brother-in-rhyme. I understood it was going to take time for him [Havoc] to heal,” explained Cormega as he referred to Havoc’s loss of his brother Killa Black, and Mobb Deep partner Prodigy.
Merch
To commemorate the special occasion Dazed created a collectible, numbered (1-200), premium t-shirt, featuring exclusive artwork by Casa. Along with a pair of socks marked 40th and 41st side symbolizing the addresses to Havoc and Cormega’s project housing in Queensbridge. This limited edition capsule was unveiled at the Cormega x Havoc Listening Event with limited quantities for sale at Dazed Cannabis located at 33 Union Square W.
According to Cormega if you get two pairs you can have a 40th side pair and a 41st side/Photo by Dazed Cannabis
