Two of New York’s upcoming stars join forces as Swoosh God and Chow Lee team-up for “My Life My Dream,” offering a taste into New York City’s new wave. The Harry Fraud produced record meshes well with the drill mold of production that has taken youthful contemporary music by storm. Featuring a looping sample from rock band Staind and their hit-record “So Far Away,” Swoosh God and Chow Lee take turns riding the beat.
Swoosh God and Chow Lee team-up for “My Life My Dream.”
About Swoosh God
For his part, Swoosh God hopes this marks the start of his second wind. After all, the Valley Stream native originally made waves during the “Soundcloud” era of hip hop, and created a virtual cult-following. Notably, Playboy Carti inked the cultural shape shifter to his label imprint at Interscope Records.
After departing his deal with Carti, Swoosh got back on his independent grind and continued to show why he was so heavily sought after and labeled a future star; including collaborations with Lil Uzi Vert, Juicy J, Rich The Kid, Famous Dex, Matt Ox, a placement on the NBA2K Soundtrack. Now, Swoosh is back with “My Life My Dream,” and a forthcoming project, Still Swoosh, set for release on March 1.
About Chow Lee
Fellow Long Island native Chow Lee continues to climb the metaphorical ladder. With his trademark sped-up flow, he adds an undeniable swagger to “My Life My Dream” that brings the song full circle. Moreover, Chow has seen his stock rise within the last year, performing at industry showcases while linking up with other upcoming talent like Swoosh God and Cash Cobain.
Renowned Rock n Roll artist Marc Ribler has released a new single named “Dick Cavett,” along with a music video to honor the legend. The track also appears on Ribler’s latest album titled, Armageddon.
Marc Ribler is best known for being musical director for Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, with Steven Van Zandt. Ribler is a NYC native from Brooklyn and got his start in the Big Apple. Along with this, Ribler was a big part the Asbury Park music scene in New Jersey.
Ribler, like many from his generation, grew up admiring Cavett and drawing inspiration from the Dick Cavett Show. Dick Cavett was a star of late-night talk show, and an all-around entertainer from the 60s, into the 2000s.
Marc Ribler wanted deeply to pay homage to the great Dick Cavett for spotlighting of the Rock n Roll renaissance. Cavett would consistently have rockers on his show and give a voice to artists who were otherwise lesser known.
Marc released the song “Dick Cavett” with a music video to accompany it. Ribler portrays a youthful, nostalgic feeling in the tune. He is fondly reminiscing about the times he’d watch the Dick Cavett Show, and the rest of the world stopped.
All that mattered was the meaningful, uplifting, entertainment and intrigue the show had to offer. What mattered was the way Cavett held Rock n Roll up on a pedestal for the world to eat up. The song was recently named one of top 10 “Coolest Songs In The World” by listeners of SiriusXM’s The Underground Garage.
“Like so many of us, I grew up with the Dick Cavett show. In retrospect it is eminently clear that Dick was one of the most important presenters of the rock ‘n’ roll renaissance, not to mention introducing all the key players in every awe-inspiring and earth-shaking event happening in our culture in the 60s, 70s and beyond.“
Marc Ribler
To watch and listen to “Dick Cavett” by Marc Ribler, click here. To learn more about purchasing Marc Ribler’s new single and album, click here.
Conway the Machine remains prolific with his output, as New York City meets upstate New York in this latest release by the 2024 XXL lyricist of the year nominee. For his latest effort, Conway teams-up with Joey Bada$$ to bring “Vertino,” a classically inspired production with rugged lyrics and a gutter feel that sees both artists in their element. Produced by Camouflage Monk, this marks a return to the submerged production style where Joey Bada$$ made his bones. Notably, the duo go back-and-forth in a lyrical exchange as the nearly 6-minute record is a drawback to song structures of yesteryear. Set in the crux of Hell’s Kitchen, they take turns cheffing up rhymes and stamping their spots in the game. With Joey Bada$$ delivering a standout moment as he juxtaposes hip hop and drug game.
Could sell you news stories but this crack still sells Rule number one, never ghost the clientele Fiends linin’ at my door, they need that sh*t now Ten Crack Commandments, yo, I knows it too well This the same dope I’m dishin’ out, just on a different scale Let me break it down if you don’t see the vicious steel You see I got them hooked on the real I bossed up in and went to Columbia for the deal Like fuck the “pop a pill” shit, this that pure raw they wanna feel Scarcity in the market, now I’m spendin’ the margin And it’s only a problem if the product ain’t what it’s promised ‘Cause any competition get demolished These n*ggas know my sh*t hit the hardest, to be honest Graduated from the school of Hard Rock with my honors Started on the block and made it to the top from the bottom Used to cook it at my grandmama spot, we was starvin’ Right or wrong, the truth be timeless Block away from Marcy Projects, we was prospects
– Joey Bada$$, “Vertino”
Conway the Machine and Joey Bada$$ join forces on “vertino”
Released under Conway’s DrumWork Music Group, the Buffalo native has been on a tear since the release of 2022’s God Don’t Make Mistakes. In fact, 2023, was Conway’s most commercial and critically successful year to date. Notably releasing Wont He Do It (his second consecutive solo-album to top the DSP charts) in May of 2023, simultaneously launching a worldwide tour. He then put his label head hat on, returning with Conway The Machine Presents: Drumwork The Label. In like manner he then released the 38 Spesh collaboration Speshal Machinery, Palmero (with Wun Two), Conductor Machine alongside Conductor Williams and most recently, Hall & Nash 2,with Westside Gunn & The Alchemist — which also topped the DSP Charts.
Ultimately, Conway continues to release music at a prolific rate, having announced the release of Won’t He Do It: Side B “Vertino” serving as the lead single.
Hip hop’s golden age comes together as Saigon recruits the legendary Pete Rock for his new single “Get Loose.” Coupled with Swedish, multi-platinum producer Fredro, “Get Loose” is the second single release from Saigon and Fredro’s forthcoming album, The Jordan Era. “I’ve always thought Pete was a dope rapper since “The Creator,” reveals Saigon. “I took the opportunity to get him to step away from behind the boards; where he is most comfortable, and ‘Get Loose’ with me,” he resonates. “With all of the negativity in Hip-Hop, and the world, I just wanted to create something fun with Pete.”
Saigon & Fredro team-up with Pete Rock
After announcing their new album and releasing the first single and video, “Lyrical Genius,” featuring Grandmaster Caz, Saigon continues to pay homage to hip hop’s golden era with this latest release with The Jordan Era‘s production entirely by Fredro. After all, on “Get Loose” the Brooklyn native channels the frenzied, experimental sound of hip hop from the early 90’s, while Pete Rock is at his introspective best. Moreover, the project features guest appearances from the aforementioned Grandmaster Caz and Pete Rock. Along with Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch and possibly more.
Saigon and Fredro’s The Jordan Era album is set for release on May 3 via the iconic Payday Records.
Acclaimed NYC singer/songwriter and guitarist Steve Conte has announced the release of his new album The Concrete Jangle this Spring. The album will feature 10 tracks and will be a display of renowned songwriting from Conte, along with Andy Partridge.
Conte is best known for his work with proto-punk band New York Dolls as the guitarist from 2004-2010. Prior to this, Conte had several gigs as a guitarist throughout NYC for much of his beginning. In 1988, Conte was a part of The Hudson River Rats, a blues band based in the west-village of Manhattan.
Conte has collaborated with a range of notable artists, including Peter Wolf, Eric Burdon of The Animals, Willy DeVille, Billy Squier, Maceo Parker, Willie Nile, Jim Jones, Hubert Sumlin, and even Paul Simon.
Steve’s mother Rosemary Conte is also a renowned New York artist, as she was a vibrant jazz singer in the 50s and 60s.
Steve Conte’s upcoming album is set to release on April 20, which is also Record Store Day. The 10-track album will contain a variety of rock tunes ranging from soft to heavy. The album will be released on all platforms and music services.
To learn more about Steve Conte and his latest album, click here. To catch the vinyl release of The Concrete Jangle, visit recordstoreday.com.
Elliot Moss is a multi-instrumental singer and producer from NYC. His latest LP How I Fell is an emotional novel of his ups and downs as not only a musician but simply as a human. The 11-track LP boasts a variety of vibrant sounds coming together to form a meaningful, colorful, mix of musical talent.
The alt-pop album How I Fell begins with the floaty, intimate song “Altitude.” The track has ethereal vocals by Elliot, a punchy, powerful drumbeat, sprinkled saxophone pieces, layered guitars, and harmonies as well. The song reaches a powerful climax and then begins its soft descent before its ending.
“Lazy” and “Hearts Lose” keep a solid, chill, relaxed vibe in the musical journey that is this album. Autotuned vocals and low-vibration backing instrumentals keep the atmosphere melancholy but hopeful sounding.
“Magic” begins the same as the last two, down and relaxing. The tune later turns into a very alt-pop or pop-rock sound, showcasing Elliot Moss’s creative range. The remaining songs reflect this as well.
Elliot chose to add a variety of sounds to this album; the alternative heavy pop sound, the ethereal, floaty sound, the soft melodic down style, and other variety of sounds can be heard throughout.
How I Fell by Elliot Moss gives vibes of Sam Smith, with his vocal style, instrumentation, and the genre alone, as well as Tame Impala, The Score, and perhaps Green Day.
This album is a clear reflection of Elliot’s up and down moments as a musician and just as a person.
To learn more about Elliot Moss and to get your ears on How I Fell, click here.
Blues musician Marcus King has announced the release of his new album titled, Mood Swings releasing April 5. Along with the album, Marcus King plans to tour throughout North America and Europe starting March 7. The tour will kick off at Love Rocks NYC and feature 6 dates in New York State.
New album Mood Swings will feature 11 tracks and will be showcased during the upcoming tour. The album was produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin who says the singing and guitar playing on the album are “from another planet.”
Marcus King is known for his electro drum stomp, his richly soul vocals, and his bluesy, jazzy guitar playing. His new album, however, takes his audience down a new path of sound. King combines elements as diverse as modern pop, R&B, aughts hip hop, piano driven classic rock and the warm production and symphonic instrumentation of classic era soul, R&B and jazz.
The tour will feature six dates in NY including, Manhattan for the Love Rocks NYC benefit, Port Chester, Syracuse, Darien Lake, Albany, and Brooklyn.
Marcus King Mood Swings Tour Dates
March 7, 2024 – Love Rocks NYC – New York, NY
March 9, 2024 – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY
April 6, 2024 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN w/ Chris Stapleton
April 13, 2024 – 10 Annual Major Rager – Augusta, GA
April 19, 2024 – Moon Crush “Pink Moon” Festival – Miramar Beach, FL
May 06, 2024 – The Moore Theater – Seattle, WA
May 07, 2024 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR
May 08, 2024 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR
May 10, 2024 – The Masonic – San Francisco, CA
May 11, 2024 – Grand Sierra Ballroom – Reno, NV
May 14, 2024 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
May 15, 2024 – The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ
May 17, 2024 – The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
May 18, 2024 – Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO
May 22, 2024 – The Monument – Rapid City, SD w/ Chris Stapleton
May 24, 2024 – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center – Sioux Falls, SD w/ Chris Stapleton
May 25, 2024 – Harrah’s Stir Cove – Council Bluffs, IA
May 26, 2024 – EPIC Event Center – Green Bay, WI*
May 29, 2024 – The Pageant – St Louis, MO
May 30, 2024 – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI
May 31, 2024 – Blossom Music Center – Cleveland OH w/ Chris Stapleton
June 01, 2024 – Railbird Festival – Lexington, KY
June 02, 2024 – Salt Shed – Chicago, IL
June 04, 2024 – College Street Music Hall – New Haven, CT*
June 06, 2024 – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion – Philadelphia, PA w/ Chris Stapleton
June 07, 2024 – Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA w/ Chris Stapleton
June 08, 2024 – Landmark Theatre – Syracuse, NY
June 10, 2024 – Ruby Amphitheater – Morgantown, WV*
June 12, 2024 – T-Mobile Center – Kansas City, MO w/ Chris Stapleton
June 13, 2024 – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena – Ridgefield, MO w/ Chris Stapleton
June 14, 2024 – The Criterion – Oklahoma City, OK
June 15, 2024 – Globe Life Field – Arlington, TX w/ Chris Stapleton
July 11, 2024 – Darien Lake Amphitheater – Darien Center, NY w/ Chris Stapleton
July 12, 2024 – The Pavilion at Star Lake – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Chris Stapleton
July 13, 2024 – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY
July 16, 2024 – Egyptian Room – Indianapolis, IN
July 18, 2024 – Huntington Center – Toledo, OH w/ Chris Stapleton
July 19, 2024 – Schottenstein Center – Columbus, OH w/ Chris Stapleton
July 20, 2024 – The Fillmore Detroit – Detroit, MI
September 04, 2024 – Orpheum – Vancouver, BC
September 06, 2024 – Grey Eagle Event Center – Calgary, AB
September 07, 2024 – Midway Music Hall – Edmonton, AB
September 09, 2024 – Burton Cummings Theatre – Winnipeg, MB
September 13, 2024 – Massey Hall – Toronto, ON
September 14, 2024 – London Music Hall – London, ON
September 17, 2024 – Kemba Live! – Columbus, OH
September 19, 2024 – Warner Theatre – Washington, D.C.
September 20, 2024 – Warner Theatre – Washington, D.C.
September 21, 2024 – The Ritz – Raleigh, NC
September 24, 2024 – Avondale Brewing – Birmingham, AL
September 26, 2024 – Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WI
September 28, 2024 – The Sylvee, Madison, WI
September 29, 2024 – Vibrant Music Hall – Des Moines, IA
October 07, 2024 – Roxian Theatre – McKees Rock, PA
October 09, 2024 – State Theatre – Portland, ME
October 11, 2024 – House of Blues Boston – Boston, MA
October 12, 2024 – The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA
October 13, 2024 – Brooklyn Paramount – Brooklyn, NY
October 17, 2024 – La Riviera – Madrid, Spain
October 18, 2024 – Sala Apolo – Barcelona, Spain
October 20, 2024 – Fabrique Milano – Milan, Italy
October 21, 2024 – Komplex 457 – Zurich, Switzerland
October 23, 2024 – Le Transbordeur – Lyon, France
October 25, 2024 – Essigfabrik – Cologne, Germany
October 27, 2024 – Markthalle – Hamburg, Germany
October 28, 2024 – De Roma – Antwerp, Belgium
October 29, 2024 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, Netherlands
October 31, 2024 – Metropol – Berlin, Germany
November 01, 2024 – The Grey Hall – Copenhagen, Denmark
November 03, 2024 – Bataclan – Paris, France
November 05, 2024 – Eventim Apollo – London, UK
November 06, 2024 – Albert Hall – Manchester, UK
November 07, 2024 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow, UK
November 09, 2024 – O2 Institute – Birmingham, UK
November 10, 2024 – The Great Hall – Cardiff, UK
November 12, 2024 – Olympia – Dublin, Ireland
Tickets for Marcus King’s North America dates will be available starting with Citi presale beginning on Monday, February 12. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, February 16 at 10 am at LiveNation.com.
For More information on Marcus King or his upcoming tour, click here.
Buffalo native Che’ Noir embodies her city’s grit and their cumulative ethos of hard-work with consistent releases over the past five years. Nonetheless, having released Noir Or Never in early 2023, the gritty MC returns with a short EP before the release of another album, Lotus Child.
The Color Chocolate Volume 1 features appearances from Evidence, Your Old Droog, Ransom, and ICECOLDBISHOP and is the first taste of what will be Che Noir’s biggest and busiest year yet. Moreover, the “Quiet Moves” rapper gets to expand on her brand and artistic vision. The colorful and poetic rapper has leaned into her nubian features with incredibly artistic cover art and album themes. Meanwhile, her subject matter often reflects her surroundings in a world and industry that isn’t ready-made for her. On The Color Chocolate Volume 1 Che’ Noir uses her empowering voice to float over several soul samples as she provides insightful narration to the streets.
“I finished my Lotus Child album, and was impatiently waiting for a few features to come back, so I decided to start working on a new project. My work ethic can be a gift and a curse for me” Che mused.
“I am in constant competition with myself and I work very hard, so while I waited, I locked in and recorded for a month straight and picked the best four to put on The Color Chocolate Volume 1 EP. “I’m excited for the world to fully know my art, and who I am. The Color Chocolate Volume 1 EP is just the beginning.”
Benny The Butcher releases long-awaited Def Jam studio album, Everybody Can’t Go. Since claiming on X that he would have the best hip hop album on Def Jam since DMX’s debut, Benny has released timely singles in anticipation of the new project. First came the Lil Wayne assisted “Big Dog,” which offered a glimpse into Benny’s renewed vigor and flow.
Moreover, The Black Soprano Family head honcho followed up with “One Foot In” featuring Stove God Cooks, reminding listeners that he hadn’t gone away from his roots. Lastly, Benny released “BRON,” as a final single where he muscles his way into the spotlight with his emphatic delivery.
Everybody Can’t Go: What to Expect
Overall, Benny has delivered 12 tracks produced entirely by Hit-Boy and Alchemist, with a mix of trunk thumpers and soul searching samples as Benny showcases the newfound duality in his music. However, the Buffalo native remains determined not to sell himself out as a result of his Def Jam deal. For instance, as he expands his songwriting and beat selection, the Grammy-nominated street general has made sure to maintain his musical identity. Rather than go for a catchy radio single, Everybody Can’t Go sees Benny challenge himself by trying different cadences, flows and rapping on beats that don’t fit into his gritty, east coast persona.
Furthermore, Benny’s promotional tactics and music video’s have went up another level, surely the benefactor of working on a major label budget. Additionally, Everybody Can’t Go features some of the biggest names in hip hop. Produced entirely by Hit-Boy and Alchemist, the project sees appearances from Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Jadakiss. In like manner, fans are treated to the Griselda linkup between Benny, Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn. Like Benny and Snoop rap on “Back Again,” Everybody Can’t Go signifies that the authentic gangster/street rappers are back to making a mark on the music industry.
The “Johnny P’s Caddy” rapper has put together an honest project that despite the commonplace rapper braggadocio is an ode to self-belief, perseverance and hard-work.
If there’s one thing musicians should have in order to appeal to a large audience, it is musical diversity. Elephant Back maintains their own unique sounds whilst having dynamic, ranging styles. The two latest albums by the duo showcase exactly that. The Black Album and The White Album have their own categories of sound, and one is not like the other.
Dave and Sarah of Elephant Back in 2023
Starting with The White Album, the initial track “Home,” is reminiscent of an Appalachian Folk song, mixed with Lumineers-esque soaring indie vocals. The opening track sets the tone and vibe of this album, preparing the listener for folky, indie, emotional odes to love and life-changes. The song “W.T.F.I.C.??” has a spunky indie-pop feel, but simultaneously shows clear Beatles influence in the chords and bass licks.
A great way to describe some of the songs on The White Album would be campfire-song. Songs you can gather around with your friends. Songs where you can pull out a guitar and sing, sitting on some grass just vibing together. The album’s closing track, “Move Me” is quite touching and did, in fact, move me to tears. With the album consisting of six main tracks and one hidden track, the record comes out to less than a half hour of music, yet in these 25 minutes, the band achieves great range and emotional depth.
Continuing onto Elephant Back’s The Black Album, it is a blatantly stark contrast from The White Album. This album’s opening track, “A Lot To Do” immediately grasps the listener with its 60s-style surf rock. The next song, “Bad Love” rings with clear indie-rock/alternative sound, reminiscent of bands like The White Stripes or Arctic Monkeys.
Each track on the album has its own distinct sound, while still tying in a common style. With elements of grunge, indie-rock, surf-rock, and pop-punk, this album is dynamic in its sound and its influences. Upon listening, you can really hear specific influences in each song. For some, Nirvana or Soundgarden can be heard, for others you can hear The Smashing Pumpkins or Blink-182.
