Two of the UK’s finest artists – singer Jorja Smith and rapper AJ Tracey, came together for a special performance on BBC Radio 1 last week.
Jorja had just recently brought out the West London rapper during her spectacular Glastonbury performance, for his hit “Ladbroke Grove” – which partly samples “Wandering Romance.”
Fans went crazy incidentally, so it was only correct that AJ returned the favour. During their Live Lounge appearance , the pair recreated their earlier performance before surprising fans with blistering rendition of 2000 garage anthem “Flowers” by Sweet Female Attitude.
The reaction to their cover has been so overwhelming, that AJ himself has acknowledged the demand for a studio version. Whilst we await more music from the dynamic duo, re-watch both Live Lounge performances below.
UK rapper Dave has at long lasted unveiled the video to his new single “Location” featuring Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy. The feel good track is a fan favourite taken from his debut album Psychodrama released in March, and has become somewhat of an unofficial summer anthem.
The visuals follow the artist on his recent trip to Stormzy’s #MERKY Festival in Ibiza, an ironic foreshadowing of this tweet.
Depending on your summer plans, the video will either get you in the mood or in your holiday blues. Either way, enjoy the video below and watch out for cameos from artists such as Stormzy, J Hus and Jorja Smith.
Despite being told “stick to singing, stop rapping like it’s Christmas,” Ed Sheeran branches out in his new album and ventures into many different genres, including hip-hop. The album, titled No. 6 Collaborations Project, is a follow up to a 2011 album where Sheeran showed his wide range of talent by featuring artists from many genres to create a diverse and unique project. He does the same on No. 6, except this time, he does it with the biggest names in music.
Cardi B joins Sheeran and pop superstar Camila Cabello on “South of the Border,” which uses smooth vocals and even some Spanish lyrics to create a vibe that lives up to the songs name.
Chance the Rapper and PnB Rock appear on the second single off the album, “Cross Me,” which was released on May 24th and immediately debuted at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.
Travis Scott and Ed’s collaboration “Antisocial” finally get its official release. The song has been building up hype since early versions began leaking back in March and could be a candidate for song of the summer.
“Give me a song with Eminem and 50 Cent in the club” Ed Sheeran spits on “Remember the Name,” and he gets his wish as both legendary artists have a verse on the track.
Young Thugjoins British rapperJ Huson “Feels” and this isn’t the only time Ed Sheeran stays true to his roots. He features Stormzy on “Take Me Back to London” and Dave on “Nothing On You,” which also has Argentinian rapper Paulo Londra.
On “1000 Nights,” Meek Mill and A Boogie wit da Hoodie join Sheeran to reflect on the lifestyle of an artist on tour, from the partying to the sleepless nights.
Hip Hop’s current most infamous white boy is back, y’all. Post Malone just released his new single, ‘Goodbyes,’ featuring Young Thug. And y’all, I am here for it. Post Malone brings back his somber vibe on this song, singing about heartbreak over a melodic and sad sounding trap beat. Post Malone’s vocals are as good as ever, his raspiness really adding to the moody tone of the song. Lyrically, it is sad and emotional as well.
On the pre-chorus, he sings “I want you out of my head. I want you out of my bed, tonight. There’s no way I can save you. Because I need to be saved, too.” Young Thug drops a killer verse as well. His range with his vocals adds to the complexity of the track. I can’t wait to see what Post Malone does next, because this one was a home run!
ILoveMakonnen, or as I like to call him, the hip-hop Cyndi Lauper, is back with his first project in three years. ‘M3’ showcases Makonnen’s awesome pop/R&B sensibility within an Atlanta auto-crooner trap vibe. He experiments with sounds a bit on this record.
The first track, “Liquid Supply Daily, ” actually sounding more alt-rock than anything. “Not Ok” is an R&B flavored trap joint that instrumentally reminds me of PartyNextDoor or The Weeknd, and vocally sounds like Kyle or Lil Yachty. It is very catchy. Another highlight is “Spendin,’” which is stylistically similar to Makonnen’s first hit, “Tuesday.” “Spendin’” also features a great verse from Gucci Mane. I highly recommend checking out this EP! I am glad to know Makonnen is back!
From January 6th – 16th, a 10-day stretch created a space for some of the most creative producers, singers, and rappers.
J. Cole‘s Dreamville collective was in the process of recording Revenge of the Dreamers III in Atlanta, their most ambition compilation to-date. Since the creation of the last installment, J.I.D and EarthGang have joined the label, adding more heat to the roster.
Over the span of Cole’s career, he’s become more secluded as time moves forward. 2019 has been a 180-degree turn for his career. Cole’s presence is tangible; you can hear, see and feel his energy. Reflecting on his career, thus far, Cole came up with a hefty idea.
“I’m reaching the point in my career, over this past year, where I’m like ‘bro, I don’t want to look back 20 years from now like I never worked with nobody, I never had no fun,” Cole said during Dreamville’s REVENGE documentary. “So I had this idea: let’s go somewhere, lock in, and invite a bunch of outside producers and artists to come fuck with us and just make this album.”
In late December of 2013, J. Cole inked a distribution deal with Interscope Records, for his Dreamville imprint. The deal wasn’t announced until Cole’s 29th birthday, Jan. 28, during a concert at Madison Square Garden. Although the deal was inked in 2013, the vision began the summer of 2007.
The first order of business was to release a label compilation — Revenge of the Dreamers. Cole, Bas, and Omen remain as the only rappers on the project, a bit different from the collective we’ve grown to know.
The roster would only grow stronger the following year (2014). Cozz, Ari Lennox, and Lute would join the team. Six artists, six different tales, six different dreams. The formation of Dreamville is organic. As they gear up to release the third installment of the highly anticipated Revenge of the Dreamers, we’re highlighting the ten best tracks from Revenge of the Dreamers I and II.
10. Lute – Still Slummin’ (ROTD I) [Prod. J. Dilla]
Featured on the first installment of ROTD, Charlotte, NC-native Lute balances out nostalgia with the current day. “Still Slummin” samples J. Dilla’s 1999 track “In Space.” Story-driven, Lute narrates his cousin’s conversation with him while they work at a fast food joint.
The track was featured on his debut album, West 1996 Pt.2.
“Yo what up, why you back bruh? See you should be laying tracks with J. Cole and who knows Maybe he sign yo ass See I don’t know just how this rap thing go From the looks of it you closer than most niggas that I know”
9. Omen – Motion Picture (ROTD I) [Prod. Omen]
Omen’s “Motion Picture” is a dark depiction of what life for a dreamer can be. “Motion Picture” is an honest, detailed outlook of internal warfare arising from external issues. The track landed on Omen’s debut album, Elephant Eyes.
“Now I’m second guessing every effort, every sentence does my breath need less inflection, am I being too reflective? Is such and such really better? Is my message even clever? I’m apprehended by this pressure, but shall I surrender?”
8. Bas – Golden Goals (ROTD I) [Prod. Jay Kurzweil]
Concentrated on bringing renewed energy to his people in Queens, NY, Bas has a goal to go further than he’s ever gone. Traveling, staying focused, and musing through different places, Bas raps, “And I ain’t got time for opinions to process. These days I’m inspired by me and nothing else.”
“Golden Goals” also found its way onto Bas’ Last Winter project.
7. Cozz – Grow (ROTD II) [Prod. Meez]
Dreamville pushes dreamers to stay motivated along their path. Cozz gives insight to his path on the track “Grow.” Cozz described the confliction of being a Christian but still in the midst of sins. Eventually, Cozz realizes that his vices weren’t worth the bigger picture of being successful; talk about growth.
Featuring frequent Bas collaborator, Correy C, “Grow” is also a track on Cozz’ project, Nothing Personal.
6. Bas – Ceelo With the G’s (ROTD I) [Prod. Ron Gilmore]
Flowing over a Ron Gilmore-produced beat, Bas had the chance to have fun with pockets and shines a light on his rapping ability. Self-esteem is high and tunnel vision is locked in — Bas asserts his strengths.
5. J. Cole and Omen – Caged Bird (ROTD II) [Prod. Meez]
“Caged Bird” found Cole in the Ville mentality mindset. Can the caged bird be freed?
“Freedom’s just an illusion, that’s my conclusion And if it ain’t, then how my niggas keep on losin’ theirs? This goes out to childhood friends that’s doin’ years Prison tats on they backs like souvenirs”
The frequent topic of young, black males being locked up is a narrative that most are sick of. However, not many want Cole and others to stop pushing the scope on the narrative.
4. Bas feat. KQuick and J. Cole – Lit (ROTD I) [Prod. Cedrick Brown and Ron Gilmore]
Once again, Cole and Bas hit a home run. Cedric Brown and Ron Gilmore load the bases, as well, with the production. “Lit” is set up for good weather and energy. The track can be found on ROTD I and Bas’ Quarter Water Raised Me II.
Cole took it upon himself to produce the self-titled track of the mixtape. Cole’s tenacity and the fire lit beneath his lyrics has put him in the top-tier rankings. His dreams had lasted long enough, and now, he’s coming for what’s his — til this day.
“When that boy that the cops shot died, my mouth wide open from shock Sick and tired of hopin’ it’ll stop This pen the only hope that I got, I open up shop, and break out”
Cole pens for the dreamers who didn’t make it in order to see their dreams come to fruition. He writes for those who are behind walls; he holds the key to unleashing revenge against those who attempt to stop the dreamer.
3. Bas feat. J. Cole – Night Job (ROTD II) [Prod. KQuick & Cedrick Brown]
“Night Job” samples Jeremih and Shlomo’s “No More.” When Bas and Cole make music, it’s like a friendly competition. You can sense the competition and the fun in their verses while still staying on track for their purpose writing the song in the first place. “Night Job” is also featured on Bas’ Too High To Riot album.
2. Ari Lennox feat. Cozz – Backseat (ROTD II) [Prod. DJ Grumble]
Featured on the second installment, Ari Lennox and Cozz put their best foot forward with “Backseat.” A sultry track with the perfect blend of R&B and rap. Both Cozz and Ari balance the energy on this track. “Backseat” can be found on Ari’s 2016’s Pho EP.
1. J. Cole – Revenge of The Dreamers (ROTD I) [Prod. J. Cole]
Cole took it upon himself to produce the self-titled track of the mixtape. Cole’s tenacity and the fire lit beneath his lyrics has put him in the top-tier rankings. His dreams had lasted long enough, and now, he’s coming for what’s his — til this day.
“When that boy that the cops shot died, my mouth wide open from shock
Sick and tired of hopin’ it’ll stop
This pen the only hope that I got, I open up shop, and break out”
Cole pens for the dreamers who didn’t make it in order to see their dreams come to fruition. He writes for those who are behind walls; he holds the key to unleashing revenge against those who attempt to stop the dreamer.
The master producer that is Madlib is back with his second full length collaborative project with underground vet Freddie Gibbs. Freddie is as gritty as ever on this album, really showing the intricacies of how he thinks and what it is like to be him.
The instrumentals on this album are so great and so diverse; the album features trap instrumentals, jazzy instrumentals, and funky ones as well. The intensity of Freddie and attention to detail of Madlib is a phenomenal combo on this one. I highly recommend it.
