Author: Zach Luben

Coke La Rock: Hip-Hop’s First Emcee to Appear Live in Atlanta
One of hip-hop’s most influential yet often overlooked pioneers, Coke La Rock, will appear live in Atlanta for a rare public interview and meet & greet. Known as the first MC in hip-hop history, La Rock helped lay the foundation for a cultural movement that would eventually take over the globe.

As hip-hop continues to celebrate over 50 years of global influence, events like this provide a valuable opportunity to hear from those who were there at the very beginning. For fans, students of music history, and lovers of culture, this event promises a rare moment of connection with one of the genre’s earliest voices.

The event takes place on July 18th at The Atlanta Theater offering a rare intimate setting for fans and cultural historians alike.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the program beginning at 7:00 PM.

The event will feature:
- Live on-stage interview covering La Rock’s early days in the Bronx, his work with Kool Herc, and the cultural explosion of hip-hop
- Audience Q&A offering attendees a chance to ask direct questions
- Personal meet & greet for photos and conversation
Open to all ages and includes free on-site parking. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

The Legacy of Coke La Rock

Coke La Rock emerged from the Bronx in the early 1970s alongside DJ Kool Herc, widely credited as the originator of hip-hop DJing. While Kool Herc spun breakbeats, Coke La Rock provided the live commentary with spontaneous rhymes, crowd interaction, and the earliest iterations of what would become rap lyrics. Though he never recorded commercially during hip-hop’s formative years, his influence is felt in countless early MCs, and he is cited by artists such as KRS-One as a true founding father of the genre.

La Rock is best known for his signature crowd lines like, “You rock and you don’t stop,” and his presence at the genre’s first parties helped shape what is now a multi-billion-dollar global industry.

As highlighted in a recent NewsNation article, Coke La Rock is hailed as an unsung hero of hip-hop, the man who was there at the very beginning, spitting rhymes before rap even had a name. At a time when segregation and systemic racism were still deeply woven into American life, La Rock helped break racial barriers by bringing Black and Latino youth together through music, setting the stage for hip-hop’s rise as a unifying cultural force. (Read the article here for more info on Coke La Rock)

Coke Le Rock before a show in the mid 1970s

Find tickets to the event here
July 8, 2025
Up-and-Coming Artist Joe Trufant Releases First Full Lenghth Tape ‘God Knows It’s Hard’

Joe Trufant (born Joseph Von Phul Trufant on July 15, 1996) is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper from Brevard, North Carolina. Known for his melodic style and introspective lyrics, Trufant has steadily carved out a space in the alternative R&B and hip-hop scene. He’s collaborated with notable names like K-Camp and Wale on songs like “Trill Love,” and 24hrs on “Crying for the Last Time.”

Now based in Atlanta, Trufant returns with his first full length tape, God Knows It’s Hard, a raw and emotionally driven project that explores themes of growth, love, and resilience. With 31 minutes and 14 concise, feature-free tracks, Trufant reflects on his struggles with intimacy, shaped by trust issues marked by emotional and physical distance.

The tape’s lead single, “Secrets,” finds Trufant confronting heartbreak caused by an estranged lover’s dishonesty. As the track unfolds, he shares how her secrecy and lack of openness made it impossible for their love to last.

Having a hand in most of the production and writing on all 14 tracks, God Knows It’s Hard shows Joe Trufant growth as an artist, using honest lyrics and a focused sound to share his story. It’s a strong, personal album that sets the stage for what’s next.

Find the tape and Joe Trufant’s full music catalog on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Cover Art for Joe Trufants’ God Knows It’s Hard

May 29, 2025
Zodiac Flow: Discover the Zodiac Signs of Your Favorite Rappers
Has anyone ever asked you, “What’s your sign?” If so, they were probably referring to your Zodiac Sign. A zodiac sign represents one of the twelve segments of the astrological calendar, each tied to a specific constellation the Sun appears to move through over the course of the year.

Rooted in ancient astronomy and astrology, your zodiac sign is believed to shape personality traits, tendencies, and preferences. Each sign offers unique insights into who we are and how we connect with the world, making the zodiac a timeless guide to self-discovery and connection.

Zodiac Signs In Music

In music, personality and self-expression are everything, and many fans believe an artist’s zodiac sign helps shape not only their music but also their perception, style, and presence. Whether through their energy, creativity, or career moves, astrology offers a unique lens to view some of rap’s biggest stars. Let’s explore which rappers align with each zodiac sign and how astrology influences their music careers.

The 12 Zodiac Signs

Here are the zodiac signs in order, along with their date ranges:
- *Aries (March 21 – April 19)
- Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
- Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
- Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
- Leo (July 23 – August 22)
- Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
- Libra (September 23 – October 22)
- Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
- Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
- Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
- Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
- Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
(*Fun Fact: Aries is the first sign of the zodiac because the astrological year begins with the Spring Equinox around March 21, a time of renewal and new beginnings. As a bold, pioneering fire sign, Aries represents the start of a fresh cycle, leading the way for the rest of the zodiac)

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Aries, the fiery trailblazer of the zodiac, is bold, competitive, and full of energy. With a relentless work ethic and trendsetting influence in music and fashion, Aries rappers dominate the scene with fearless ambition, explosive presence, and raw passion.

Examples: Sexyy Red, Big Sean, Pharrell Williams, Lil Nas X, Ken Carson, Quavo, Chance The Rapper, Juicy J, Dej Loaf

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Known as the grounded powerhouse of the zodiac, Taurus signs are known for persistence, reliability, and a love for luxury. In hip-hop, Taurus artists are known for their steady grind, signature style, and ability to create hits that stand the test of time.

Examples: Travis Scott, Meek Mill, Machine Gun Kelly, G-Eazy, 6ix9ine, Pusha-T, and YNW Melly

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Known as the quick-witted chameleon of the zodiac, Gemini signs thrive on versatility, creativity, and constant reinvention. In hip-hop, Gemini rappers are known for their sharp wordplay, dynamic flows, and ability to adapt to any style or trend.

Examples: Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti, Kodak Black, Trippie Redd, Swae Lee, Don Toliver, Gunna

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Known as the emotional powerhouse of the zodiac, channels deep feelings and raw vulnerability into their music. Known for their introspective lyrics and strong connection to their roots, Cancer rappers bring a mix of sensitivity, storytelling, and unwavering loyalty to hip-hop.

Examples: 50 Cent, Post Malone, MF Doom, Pop Smoke, Vince Staples, Saweetie, Freddie Gibbs

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Known as the star of the zodiac, Leo’s thrive on confidence, charisma, and a commanding stage presence. Known for their larger-than-life energy and natural leadership, Leo rappers shine in the spotlight, bringing bold creativity and undeniable star power to hip-hop.

Examples: Lil Uzi Vert, Chief Keef, Young Thug, Soulja Boy, The Kid Laroi, Lil Skies, Nipsey Hussle, Young Dolph

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Known as the perfectionist of the zodiac, Virgos are known for precision, dedication, and a meticulous approach to their craft. Virgo rappers excel with sharp lyricism, disciplined work ethics, and an unmatched attention to detail, making them masters of their artistry.

Examples: Playboi Carti, Rod Wave, Lil Yachty, Wiz Khalifa, Nas, Lil Tecca, 2 Chainz, Cordae

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Known for their charismatic visionary, Libras are known for balance, charm, and a strong sense of aesthetics. Libra rappers captivate audiences with their smooth flows, clever wordplay, and effortless ability to blend style with substance.

Examples: Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, Doja Cat, A$AP Rocky, Eminem, Jeezy, NBA YoungBoy, Snoop Dogg, Lil Durk, Roddy Ricch, T.I, Baby Keem

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

The intense powerhouse of the zodiac, Scorpios are known for their mystery, passion, and unwavering determination. Scorpio rappers bring raw emotion, deep lyricism, and a magnetic presence, often leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Examples: Drake, Future, Diddy, ScHoolboy Q, Lil Peep, Nelly, J.ID, Speaker Knockerz, Nav, Tech N9ne

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Known as the free-spirited adventurer of the zodiac, Saggittarius signs are known for their boldness, charisma, and love for pushing boundaries. Sagittarius rappers bring infectious energy, fearless creativity, and an unfiltered approach to their music.

Examples: Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Juice WRLD, Lil Baby, Offset DMX, The Game, A Boogie wit da Hoodie

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Capricorn, the determined and disciplined achiever of the zodiac, is known for its hardworking nature, ambition, and practical approach to success. With a strong focus on long-term goals and a commitment to excellence, Capricorn rappers channel their persistence, resilience, and introspective energy into their music careers, often becoming legends in the game.

Examples: Latto, Mac Miller, Polo G, DaBaby, Lil Jon

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarius, the innovative and intellectual sign of the zodiac, is known for being forward-thinking, eccentric, and independent. Aquarians often embrace originality and a unique perspective, which translates into their music, fashion, and approach to creativity.

Examples: J Cole, XXXTentacion, Megan Thee Stallion, Gucci Mane, Kevin Gates, Rick Ross, Logic, Kid Cudi

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Known as the dreamy, emotional, and intuitive sign of the zodiac. Pisces are known for their empathy, creativity, and deep emotional depth, Pisces rappers often channel their inner feelings and experiences into their music, offering fans raw, honest, and sometimes vulnerable storytelling.

Examples: Tyler The Creator, Jack Harlow, Bad Bunny, Yeat, Lil Dicky, YG, Earl Sweatshirt, Common

Whether you’re a believer in astrology or just find it interesting, there’s no denying the unique traits each artist brings to the game. From fearless Aries to visionary Aquarius, the zodiac offers a fresh way to look at the personalities that shape hip-hop.

Do you see any similarities between the artists mentioned and their zodiac signs?
February 5, 2025
Mac Miller’s Estate Drops Lead Single from the Unreleased Balloonerism Album

The lead single from Mac Miller’s second posthumous album, Balloonerism, titled 5 Dollar Pony Rides, dropped on all streaming platforms today.

In a post by 92 ’til Infinity, the Instagram account now managed by Mac Miller’s estate, which includes his parents and attorney, announced: ‘5 Dollar Pony Rides is live on all streaming platforms now.’

5 Dollar Pony Rides” features production contributions from Mac Miller’s alter ego, Larry Fisherman, and longtime collaborator Thundercat. The track reflects on a distant relationship, blending nostalgia with empathy. The title serves as a metaphor for fleeting pleasures, highlighting the emptiness of quick fixes, while Mac explores themes of loneliness, missed opportunities, and the struggle to truly connect.

Balloonerism is set to drop on January 17, 2025. For more details on the unreleased album, click here.

January 9, 2025
Playboi Carti Previews ‘I AM MUSIC’ at Rolling Loud Miami
Atlanta rapper Playboi Carti has not released an album since his highly anticipated Whole Lotta Red, dropped on Christmas Day 2020. His upcoming album, I AM MUSIC, is speculated to release around the same time this year, with Carti himself hinting, “2024, Music,” in his hit song ‘2024,‘ released on YouTube last January.

Known for his enigmatic persona and sporadic releases, Carti has kept details about I AM MUSIC largely under wraps. While an exact release date hasn’t been officially confirmed, the album’s announcement and Carti’s recent single, ‘All Red,‘ released on his 29th birthday this September, have heightened expectations.

His Rolling Loud Miami set only further fueled the excitement, offering a preview of five unreleased songs thought to be on I AM MUSIC, each showcasing his signature blend of experimental sounds and hypnotic energy.

Playboi Carti performs at Rolling Loud Miami 2024, celebrating the festival’s 10th anniversary.

Closing out the festival as the Sunday headliner, Carti reinforced the anticipation for the album, delivering an unforgettable performance with unreleased music, dynamic beats, high-energy production, and his unique vocal delivery—all hallmarks of his ever-evolving artistry.

Among the highlights of his set was an unreleased collaboration with The Weeknd, marking their second team-up following September’s hit single ‘Timeless‘ from The Weeknd’s upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow.

Here’s the complete list of songs Playboi Carti performed at Rolling Loud Miami 2024:
1. CRUSH (Unreleased)
2. COCAINE N0SE (Unreleased)
3. Type Shit
4. H00DBYAIR
5. K3TAMIN3
6. EVILJ0RDAN
7. WALK (Unreleased)
8. Rockstar Made
9. DIFFERENT DAY
10. 2024
11. FEIN
12. Stop Breathing
13. CARNIVAL
14. Shoota
15. Timeless
16. DRUGSGOTMENUMB (Unreleased)
17. Sky
18. LOSE YOU w/ The Weeknd (Unreleased)
This diverse set featured a mix of fan favorites and unreleased tracks, showcasing Carti’s evolving artistry and building anticipation for his upcoming album, I AM MUSIC.

I AM MUSIC

Following the performance, American music podcaster and internet personality DJ Akademiks, who has been in close contact with many primary sources of music information and dates over the past few years, including Carti himself, took to X to share his thoughts, posting a cryptic ‘2024. Music’ and ‘SOON,’ fueling the hype and adding to the speculation that the album will, in fact, be here by the new year

Carti’s Rolling Loud performance wasn’t just about the music—it was a statement that he’s ready to reclaim the spotlight after the massive success of Whole Lotta Red. With I AM MUSIC, he seems poised to push boundaries even further and cement his status as one of hip-hop’s most innovative artists.

As 2024 comes to a close in just 13 days, the question remains: Will Carti drop I AM MUSIC before the new year?
December 18, 2024
Juice WRLDS’s Final Posthumous Album ‘The Party Never Ends’ Set to Drop November 29th

“The party never ends, In a motel layin’ with my sins, yeah I’m tryna get revenge. You’ll be all out of love in the end.”

These words from Juice WRLD’s on the intro to Travis Scott’s NO BYSTANDERS hit different now as final posthumous album, The Party Never Ends, is set to offically drop on November 29.

The official announcement of Juice WRLD’s upcoming posthumous album The Party Never Ends was made during an exclusive listening party at ComplexCon Las Vegas 2024. The event featured Juice WRLD’s official DJ, Mike P, and coincided with the release of the album’s lead single, “All Girls Are the Same 2 (Insecure),” which features Nicki Minaj. This album follows the October release of rare tracks like “Both Ways” and “Cavalier” as part of the Pre-Party (Extended) EP.

Further details, including the album’s cover art and release date, are hinted at via a countdown timer on the album’s dedicated website, thepartyneverends.com. Additionally, an official trailer for the album was shared on Juice WRLD’s social media platforms.

The Party Never Ends 🎉 The final Juice WRLD album. Next Friday. https://t.co/db9sb9njzG pic.twitter.com/6QNAOnVip3
— . (@JuiceWorlddd) November 21, 2024

The Party Never Ends

The Party Never Ends holds a special significance as it reportedly includes some of the final tracks Juice WRLD worked on during his lifetime. Known for his prolific recording sessions, Juice poured his heart into these songs, showcasing his signature blend of raw emotion, introspection, and melodic rap. Fans and collaborators alike have described this album as a reflection of Juice’s creative vision and a continuation of his legacy. While there have been several posthumous releases since his passing in 2019, The Party Never Ends is expected to be his last, making it a bittersweet moment for fans who have cherished his music and message.

The cover art for Juice WRLD’s The Party Never Ends was designed by renowned artist Takashi Murakami, who is celebrated for his colorful and imaginative work. Murakami previously collaborated with Kanye West and Kid Cudi for the iconic cover of their KIDS SEE GHOSTS album.

Juice Wrld Day 2024

Lil Bibby recently shared that “Juice WRLD Day 2024” will take place at the United Center in Chicago on November 30, 2024. This event will celebrate Juice WRLD’s legacy with a special album listening experience for The Party Never Ends, along with performances, special guests, and surprises. Tickets are now available through major platforms like Ticketmaster and Live Nation

LLJW 🕊️

November 22, 2024
Mac Miller’s Unreleased ‘Balloonerism’ Album Officially Set to Drop January 17, 2025

During Tyler the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles this weekend, a video trailer teased the arrival of Mac Miller’s long-lost project Balloonerism, telling fans it would be released ‘soon.’

The trailer was shared by @macmillermemoir on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Mac Miller Memoir (@macmillermemoir)

The trailer features “The Song That Changed Everything,” allegedly featuring SZA, and “5 Dollar Pony Rides,” both of which fans have speculated were intended for the original album.

Update: Mac Miller’s team has officially announced on his website that Balloonerism will be released on January 17, 2025, exactly five years after the release of his first posthumous album Circles, and two days before what would have been his 33rd birthday.

The official trailer, along with album merchandise and vinyls, is now available on Mac Miller’s website – www.macmillerswebsite.com

A word from Mac Miller’s estate @92tilInfinity was posted on Instagram in regard to the Balloonerism release.

After his tragic death from a drug overdose in 2018, Mac Miller’s will designated his parents, Mark McCormick and Karen Meyers, as trustees and his attorney, David Byrnes, as the administrator (Personal Representative) of his estate. Together, they oversee his legacy, ensuring it is preserved while continuing to share updates about his life and music.

Balloonerism

Balloonerism is an unreleased project Mac Miller worked on in 2013 and 2014, during a period between the releases of his albums Watching Movies With the Sound Off and Faces.

Long time collaborator E. Dan, who worked closely with Mac throughout his career and assisted his estate with finishing the album revealed that Balloonerism was initially developed during a week of jam sessions, with several tracklists created. Though some songs were later used for Faces, the project remained unfinished, and certain online artwork and tracklists are fan-made, not Mac’s. The project existed more as an idea, with playlists created by Mac, but it never progressed to completion.

It’s rumored that Mac Miller was close to finishing Balloonerism and had plans to release it, but his former label, Rostrum, supposedly shelved it for being too “out there.” This would make sense considering the album shared sessions and borrowed tracks to Faces, which also leaned into a wild and unconventional style.

The completion and formal release of Balloonerism comes as welcome news for Mac Miller’s fans, following his tragic passing from an accidental drug overdose in 2018. The album will be his second posthumous release, following Circles four years ago.

November 18, 2024
5 Facts About Future & Young Thug’s ‘SUPER SLIMEY’

2017 will go down as a monumental year for hip-hop and rap fans, with projects dropping from Drake, Lil Uzi, Playboi Carti, Tyler, the Creator, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, 21 Savage, and many more.

One notable project from 2017 that often goes overlooked is SUPER SLIMEY, a collaborative mixtape released on October 20, 2017, by Atlanta superstar rappers Young Thug and Future.

Fresh off their Billboard Hot 100 certified 2× Platinum hit “Relationship“, rumors began to swirl that Future and Young Thug were working on a project, fueled by their numerous social media posts showcasing photos and tweets from their studio sessions together. An article by Complex highlights the buildup and signs that led to their highly anticipated collaboration tape.

Future & Young Thug in the studio

5 facts about SUPER SLIMEY

1- The mixtape’s release and cover art were announced a day prior to release, on October 19, 2017

One day prior to release, the two rappers posted the title of the album along with the release date and covert art, which features a green snake-symbolizing Young Thug — who has a known love for snakes and even owns one — wrapped around a bird’s head, representing Future’s Freebandz label. The slimey texture is thought to symbolize codeine syrup, which both artists often reference in their music.

SUPER SLIMEY Cover Art

2- ‘SUPER SLIMEY’ debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 (Behind Shania Twains, ‘Now’). The tape sold 75,000 album-equivalent units, of which 15,000 were pure album sales in its first week of release

3- ‘SUPER SLIMEY‘ marked Future’s third top-three debut album of 2017, following the success of his self-titled album, FUTURE, and its companion, HNDRXX

Fast forward to 2024, and Future would surpass this feat by releasing three debut number-one albums in the same year: WE DON’T TRUST YOU, WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU, and MIXTAPE PLUTO, all of which debuted at number one.

4- The only track featuring a guest artist turned out to be the tape’s most popular song

The sole feature song on the tape, “Patek Water”‘ featured Migos’ member, Offset. The track’s popularity was likely boosted by the success of Migos’ #1 platinum album, Culture, which had dropped at the beginning of the same year and topped the Billboard 200.

“Patek Water,” which references Patek Philippe watches and the trio’s lavish lifestyles, reached #50 on Billboard’s Hot 100. HNHH called the collaboration a “standout,” while Pitchfork noted that the “timepiece-flashing song is a collective heat-check for three of rap’s hottest MCs.”

5- ‘SUPER SLIMEY’ was primarily recorded in Atlanta, with much of the production coming from local Atlanta-based producers

Both Future and Young Thug take pride in their roots, frequently referencing their hometown city of Atlanta in their music, so it would make sense that this collaboration primarily took place there. Notable producers on the album include Southside, Wheezy, London on da Track, and Mike WiLL Made-It, among others.

While Future and Young Thug have teamed up on countless tracks, SUPER SLIMEY remains an often-overlooked treasure of the 2010s. The mixtape embodies their unique chemistry and creative flair, showcasing the best of both artists while celebrating a pivotal moment in hip-hop.

October 20, 2024

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