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.
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 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.
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
Rochester’s own Moses Rockwell and Wisconsin native Plain Old Mike initially began working together in 2021. Along the way the duo settled on the name, Regular Henry, and the rest as they say is history. Moreover, they each brought their extensive experiences — Moses having previously worked with billy woods, J-Live, Homeboy Sandman and Von Pea among others and Plain Old Mike with Armand Hammer, Defcee, & Curly Castro among others — to bring about Regular Henry Sessions. In light, this latest effort is a blend of neurotic, quirky, descriptive rap album with quirks about every day life that resembles an episode of Seinfeld.
Regular Henry Sessions
With a heavy De La Soul influence (and some old Eminem) the duo have now released their Hipnott Records debut project, Regular Henry Sessions, and a new video for “Raise Hell.”
“The record was an attempt to accomplish a couple of things. First, it’s an ode to each of our favorite De La Soul albums; Moses’ is De La Soul Is Dead, and mine is Buhloone Mind State (Miss You Dave!!!). Second, we wanted to make a fun record” Plain Old Mike offers. “Life can be so heavy, maybe if you put Regular Henry on, you can just laugh at stupid jokes for 40 minutes. That sounds ok to me.”
With this in mind, Regular Henry Sessions is a blend of the respective rappers favorite sector of hip hop. After all, the album combines old school snare and low baseline to create a laid back feel as the duo tee off with introspective quips about every day life. In essence, Moses Rockwell and Plain Old Mike come off as huge hip hop nerds which makes the album that much more fun as it emotes and every man vibe.
“I think what Mike and I were able to produce as a group makes total sense” Moses Rockwell states. “We’re each hung up on the same oddities in rap music and laugh at the same jokes. All of which shines through on the record.”
Regular Henry Sessions is now available at all DSP’s.
Latin rapper Residente announced his official tour “Las Letras Ya No Importan” (Lyrics Are Not Important) after the release of his second album.
Residente’s tour will make its only U.S. East Coast stop at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, on September 18, 2024. The Radio City Music Hall show is one of only two U.S. dates. The other is in Los Angeles on September 20.
The tour name coincides with the album of the same name, which features 23 tracks. The album includes artists such as Penélope Cruz, Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane, Christian Nodal, Arcangel, and many more.
General on sale for tickets began March 15. Get them now at stubhub.com. Make sure to see Residente at his show at Radio City Music Hall before he leaves the states.
Few rappers boast the resume of Nas. After all, with a career spanning over three decades, 14 studio albums — 8 of which have gone multi-platinum — the Queens native is one of the few rappers with the resume to make a claim as hip hop’s GOAT. The 16-time Grammy nominee continues to stave off father time, remaining as prolific as ever. With a catalog bevy of hits, classic hip-hop cuts and poignant story-telling, Nas remains in demand. In turn, the legendary rapper, mogul, actor, executive producer and co-founder of Mass Appeal Records will make his way to Albany’s Palace Theatre in a showcase dubbed “An Evening With Nas.”
An Evening With Nas: What to Know
The hip hop legend returns to the Palace Theatre on Friday, July 19 in a performance that is sure to feel like a homecoming for the Magic rapper. All in all, the capital region maintains an intense appreciation for classic hip hop and the boom bap sound. Moreover, New York’s upstate region spearheaded the return of the raw, gritty New York City sound that permeated during hip hop’s golden era.
However, Nas isn’t here to relive old glories. Having recently released Magic 3 — completing two simultaneous three-album runs with Hit-Boy — he remains a prominent force in the hip hop diaspora. Therefore, while fans will surely await classic cuts like “N.Y. State of Mind,” “I Gave You Power,” and “One Mic,” there will be those just as eager to hear cuts from Nas’ latest run. From his Grammy-winning King’s Disease and its subsequent series to the trilogy of Magic tapes, “An Evening with Nas” will present fans with nonstop content. Above all, Nas remains at the heart of the genre for loyalists and guests alike.
Tickets for “An Evening With Nas” at the Palace Theatre in Albany go on sale Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster. Moreover, tickets are also available for purchase at the Palace Theatre Box Office (located at 19 Clinton Ave). Box Office hours are Monday â Friday Noon to 5 p.m. as well as select days and hours.
