Wiz Khalifa has been on a content’s spree lately. He has a new docu series and album to accompany a summer headlining tour.
July 9 kicks off the “The Decent Exposure Tour” with Wiz taking French Montana, DJ Drama, Money Bagg Yo, Playboi Carti and Wiz’s Taylor Gang cohort Chevy Woods on the trek. Atlanta's Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood is the first destination.
Wiz docu series “Behind The Cam” goes all the way back to his origins as an MC, just getting his first studio time in Pittsburgh, some intimate time with his son and life on the road among other highlights. Fly Times Vol. 1: The Good Fly Young came out on Wiz’s favorite holiday April 20 aka 4/20 as a somewhat surprise. He did give fans a not too conspicuous heads up of what’s to come.
“Fly Times Vol. 1 will inspire a whole new generation of bosses,” he said.
Wiz’s new video “Taylor” dropped on 4/20 and finds the now veteran rapper performing in the pool and on a pink floating flamingo. Ty Dolla $ign, Curren$y and Problem are the people featured on the project.
French Montana is hoping Kim Kardashian can do the same for Max B that she did for Alice Marie Johnson. Max, born Charlie Wingate, was sentenced to 75 years in 2009 after being found guilty of conspiracy, robbery and homicide charges. Montana called upon Kim in an attempt to help get the influential rapper a pardon from prison. In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Beats1 Radio the Bronx MC said he and his friend Kim have discussed getting Max home.
"Just watching Kylie [Jenner] become a billionaire and watching certain people just break certain records, it makes you feel like the land of where dreams come true. You know what I'm saying? I mean, life is like a mirror sometimes. And sometimes a lot of people don't see the good that they do, like as far as Kim," French began. "Me and Kim was talking about getting Max B home from jail. So, like for her to even reach out and do that I felt like that was powerful. A lot of people don't see things like that."
In 2016, Max B took a plea bargain and was said to be getting out around 2025, although rumors have been swirling that he’ll hit the streets later this year or next year. Kim Kardashian recently spoke to CNN’s Van Jones about controversial dealings with President Trump.
"I know I got so many times people would say to me, 'Don't go to the White House, your career will be over, don't go there,'" Kim revealed about the flack she’s caught.
"And I just kind of weighed the decision where it was like ... to save a life or to get maybe bad tweets about me or a bad news story for a few days. I guarantee you the people sitting behind bars do not care who the president is. They just want that relief. And so if I could have done that, I don't care,"
Alice Johnson’s sentence was commuted by Trump last summer but her offense was a non-violent crime. Max is jailed for murder so it will definitely be tougher to get the rap star out.
Kardashian has continued to work on Justice reform and has announced she is studying to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a lawyer.
"It's in me," she said to Jones about her family’s history in law. Kardashian is studying to take the California Bar exam in 2022 and currently has an apprenticeship with a San Francisco law firm in the interim.
"I don't want to be put in a box," the reality star added. "I saw a comment where someone said, 'You need to stay in your lane. You can have ambitions but don't be too ambitious.' I read it to my husband in bed, and I was just like, 'This will even push me harder.’”
With the hype of her recent Netflix documentary still buzzing, Beyoncé decided to gift the world with another treat. Today, she released her “Lemonade” project across all streaming platforms. The date coincides with the 3-year anniversary of the album. Her ever so loyal fans, The Beyhive, were specifically raving over the original demo release of the track “Sorry.”
A lot of excitement is still stirring from her recent take on the classic Frankie Beverly and Maze classic “Before I Let Go,” which was featured in the soundtrack to her acclaimed Netflix documentary ‘Homecoming.’ Beyoncé wanted her fans to feel connected with this song, so she launched the Instagram story page #BeforeILetGoChallenge. The challenge was a means to get her fans to come up with dances for the song, and the best were posted on the page for 128 million plus fans to see.
Not surprisingly, it has taken a while for the members of Linkin Park to get back on their feet after losing lead singer Chester Bennington two years ago. The singer sadly committed suicide, leaving the band, fans, and the music industry devastated.
To the Linkin Park faithful however, the legendary group are showing newfound glimmers of hope for new music. Turntable specialist Joe Hahn of the band recently did an interview with South Korea news agency Yonhap and said dialogue within the group about new records have been broached.
"The members are taking care of themselves and their families and are going through the problems in their own way," Hahn divulged. “We aren't discussing detailed plans. I just want to go back to those days when I made music in the garage."
This comes after a February interview with band co-lead singer and guitar player Mike Shinoda, who told German outlet Rock Antenne that it would be practically “unhealthy” for the group to stop recording and rocking stages.
"We all thrive making and performing music," explained Shinoda, who dropped a solo project last June. “I know the other guys, they love to be on stage, they love to be in a studio, and so to not do that would be like... I don't know, almost like unhealthy."
Although, the late great Bennington is irreplaceable, there may come a time when they need to pick up an additional vocalist to join the group. It will have to be organic if it does happen.
"It's not my goal to look for a new singer," Shinoda clarifies. “If it does happen, it has to happen naturally. If we find someone that is a great person and good stylistic fit, I could see trying to do some stuff with somebody. I would never want to feel like we are replacing Chester."
It feels like it will still be awhile before we get a new Linkin Park album. For their fans’ sake, hopefully it won’t be as long as Joe Hahn believes:
“Maybe in about 10 years?” He laughed off when asked about a release date ballpark figure. “It might be sooner. I don’t want to set a deadline. We just want to focus on the present and talk about music. We aren’t discussing detailed plans. I just want to go back to those days when I made music in the warehouse.”
As the Night King continues his journey across Westeros, emotions and drama increase with everyone's favorite and beloved characters. Game of Thrones took things to another level last night, and to help them out producers of the show called upon Florence and The Machine to close out the episode with a brand-new song called “Jenny Of Oldstones.”
“We've always been huge fans of Florence's music, and the season two trailer with her song, 'Seven Devils,' was possibly the most powerful we've ever had," series creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss explained in a joint press release. “So, the opportunity to hear her otherworldly voice on our show was always at the forefront of our minds. We're still pleasantly shocked that she agreed to sing 'Jenny of Oldstones,' and we're in love with the result."
“When I first heard the song it sounded like a Celtic lullaby to me," Florence Welch said in her statement to the press. "Celtic music has always been in my blood, so I felt like I could do something with it. The magic and ritual in Game of Thrones, not to mention the costumes, have always appealed to me. I am honored to be a part of the final season."
With the tension building to a breaking point, at least we have “Jenny of Oldstones” to tide us over until next week’s eagerly anticipated installment.
This Easter Sunday morning was so spiritually uplifting, that Kanye West himself was driven to tears. Kanye has been turning heads as clips have leaked out showing him performing with a gospel choir and band, which the world has come to know as West’s “Sunday Services.” Finally ready to bring his righteous collective to light, the polarizing musical genius brought his services to the second week of Coachella 2019.
Kanye and his collection of talent wore the same plain garb. They all walked down a hill to gather in two circles a little after 9:14am pacific.
The band started to masterfully play the “Summer Madness” by Kool and the Gang, the record DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince Will Smith sampled for their classic “Summertime.”
Instrumentals for Stevie Wonder’s “Do I Do” and The Gal Band’s “Yearning For Your Love” and “Outstanding” followed, bringing the feel of a easy going family reunion BBQ.
“We’re stepping out on faith,” the choir director said. “Can you worship with us?”
“Jesus went to Calvary, to save the wretched like you and me. That’s love,” he would add shortly later over more instrumentation by the band.
The choir repeated his words, singing them.
“They hung him high, the stretched him wide… that’s love.”
A rendition of Kanye’s “Father Stretch My Hands” and “Power” came after. West was on his keyboard jamming.
The choir then sang over the beat to Watch The Throne’s “Otis” changing the lyrics but keeping the melody;
“He makes it easier to bear. he won’t forget us. oh no, he won’t forget us. Lovvvvvve!” The crooned. “His joy is our happiness. Jesus won’t leave us. Never leave us.”
The choir and band then flipped small parts of Stevie Wonder’s “As” and Soul II Soul’s “Back To Life.”
By this time, more and more people began forming around the congregation. No stage, just a hill-top. Lil Pump was among the spectators and Kanye’s tribe includes Fonzworth Bentley, Kid Cudi , Ty Dolla $ign and Teyana Taylor.
Taylor has her own spotlight, singing a solo of Marvin Sap’s “Never Would Have Made It.”
The jam session continues with Kanye’s crew singing “Follow Me” by Aly Us. The original lyrics are so poignant and universally resonating, they didn’t have to switch the words;
“I'm hoping to see the day./When my people/Can all relate./We must stop fighting./To achieve the peace./That was torn in our country./We shall all be free./Follow me./Why don't you follow me./To a place./Where we can be free./Come with.”
Kanye finally joined the fray minutes later, really jumping on the mix for he first time rapping , “All Falls Down.”
Behind that song was brand new West material, a record called “Water,” which he debuted.
“We are water,” the choir sang...”Your love’s water.”
“Let your light reflect on me,” West added, singing himself...Let your light reflect on me. We’ll get through it because of your love.”
Chance The Rapper came out as a surprise for his verse on “Ultra Light Beam” and DMX added a prayer.
“In the name of Jesus let us pray,” X said. Taking over the Pastor duties temporarily. “Father please walk with us through the bad times. As well as the good. May we be heard as well understood from the suburbs to the hood. May you judge is by our hearts and not by our mistakes. And see that we get our breakthrough however long that it takes.”
As the music kept playing, Kanye began to cry, holding his head in his hand. Cudi put his hand on Kanye’s shoulder to comfort him and DMX gave him a hug.
West ended with “Jesus Walks” where he finished the song on his knees and his eyes closed for several seconds. His band and choir performed an encore of more music for around another 30 minutes.
Despite the fact that West has seemingly turned off a lot of his fans with his political views and pledge of Allegiance to President Trump, the “Sunday Service” was a massive win where Kanye reminded people why his was in there good great graces originally, bringing great music to the forefront.
On Saturday night, West actually did touch Coachella’s proper stage, coming out as an unannounced guest of headliner Kid Cudi. Cudi and Kanye rocked for several minutes together to close and also brought out Ty Dolla and 070 Shake.
What’s the best way to get maximum eyes on a project about climate change? How about featuring 30 of the biggest artists in the world? Superstars like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Wiz Khalifa & Ed Sheeran all pop in and out of the song, voicing various animals who live on the planet. An animated Leonardo DiCaprio even shows up at the end to lend some credibility to the cause through a partnership with his foundation.
Dicky got help on the project from Benny Blanco & Scooter Braun, and told Time Magazine "“I’m still like a peon compared to someone who’s actively informed, but I’d say I’m maturing, and I’d like to figure out a way to impact humanity as best as I possibly can beyond my typical dick and fart jokes.”
A portion of proceeds from the song, video and related merchandise will go toward nonprofits working to find solutions to climate change, including the Quick Response Fund for Nature, the Shark Conservation Fund and the Carbon Cycle Institute.
Let me know what you think of the video by talking to parkeronslacker on twitter, and keep the Earth Day love going by listening to Slacker’s Going Green station!
As the world reflects on the greatness of Nas’ stellar standard-setting debut, Illmatic, the ones who know him most intimately are no different than the fans across the world. They all love him and want to salute him today. Raekwon The Chef -- who Nas rapped along with for two of his most cherished rap cameos, Mobb Deep’s “Eye For An Eye” and The Chef’s own “Verbal Intercourse”— says Illmatic is one of the best ever.
“My n***s Nas is one of my favorite friends,” the Chef proclaimed. “You know. A lot of history. We walked the same different blocks. You came to Shaolin, I came to Queens. Real strong bond right there. 25 years later, I wanna say keep moving. Keep moving forward. Stay sucker free. You are one of the best. I remember he said something like this, ‘I didn’t ask to be top of raps elite./ I’m just a ghetto child trying to learn the ways of the street.’ I love you my n***a. You’re one of the best New York city ever had.”
Meanwhile, Rae’s Wu-Tang brother Ghostface Killah told LiveXLive of getting a hold of several songs from Illmatic before the entire project was released. Of course Ghost had to share with the Chef.
“‘One Love’ was on it, ‘New York State of Mind’ was on it. I knew that shit before it came out,” Ghost said of the cassette he lifted from two female friends from France at the time. “When me and Rae was listening to it, the n***a [Rae] start laughing because the n***as [Nas] was a straight golden child. He had bars. Shit like ‘how the f**k did this n***a say that?’ [He said] ‘more kicks than a baby in a mother’s stomach.’ He had lines.”
Of course both Rae and Ghost have their own anniversaries to cherish, as well. Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The 36 Chambers turned 25 at the end of last year, Rae’s Ghostface assisted Only Built For Cuban Linx turns 25 next year and Ghost’s Supreme Clientele turns 20 in 2020.
Today we celebrate arguably the greatest hip-hop album ever made. Without exaggeration, Nas’ Illmatic is that supreme. Released on April 19 1994, Illmatic is not just a magnum opus, calling it a ‘classic’ is almost a criminal underrating. Illmatic isn’t a just life changer, it didn’t just change the climate, The King from Queensbridge shifted culture and set a new standard for excellence. That standard and precedent the album set is so high, there are just a few albums since its release that deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as Illmatic.
Last night, Nas celebrated his silver anniversary a day early, with a Pop Up shop at Sony Square in New York. The shop served as a museum and shrine to not just the album Illmatic, but to the inspirations that birthed it. Enclosed in glass cases where such collectables as Ron G mixtape cassettes as well as VHS tapes of Sylvester Stallone’s “Cobra,” “Shining,” “Wild Style,” “Scarface,” “Cooley High” and “The Mack.” Also on display were cement Jordan 3s, beat up Timberland boots, and bottles of E&J and Hennessy; both empty. All serving as fuel for Nas’ iconic lyrics. Also on the walls, hung three mural paintings of the Illmatic cover as well as pictures from a photoshoot in Queensbridge.
Nas walked in amazement, taking pictures of all the memorabilia.
“I’m happy. I’m happy. That’s it,” he told LiveXLive exclusively, standing in his own shrine, humbled by his milestone and the love he’s getting for it. “A quarter century is nothing to sneeze at. That’s all. I’m grateful.”
With the DJ playing “New York State of Mind,” oh so appropriately, Nas called his friend and only other person to spit a rap verse on Illmatic, AZ.
“He’s the architect because I figure I was a piece of shit at the time. But he saw something in me that I didn’t hear in myself,” said AZ, who immediately cemented himself as one of the hottest MCs in the culture after people heard him on “Life’s A Bitch.” “He told me ‘hop on the joint.’ I said ‘man you playing.’ Because he’s critically acclaimed [at the time]. I’m like ‘no way.’ But I got on. He coached me through it and is what it what it is. 25 years later. That’s a good look man.”
‘94 was such a beautiful year in music. A plethora of new artists coming to the forefront. Nas, Snoop Dogg, Notorious B.I.G. and Method Man all were vying for the King of Rap crown with outstanding opuses. Just like Michael Jordan will never stake claim to being the GOAT of basketball, Nas is too humble to say he is rap’s Greatest of All Time. However, AZ didn’t have any problem proclaiming it for his Firm teammate.
“He established the flow content to the game,” AZ asserted. “Switched the whole sonics of the game and had everybody following behind him. Dropping that pure poetry and reality, reality rap hit the game at that time and he was the King of it.”
“I mean, you know what it is,” Nas added. “We’re here to raise up the consciousness trough hip-hop. That’s what we’re here to do. That’s all we can be grateful for. That someone out there might have heard something we said in the music that takes us to another level. I learned from music. I learned from everybody’s stuff. I’m having a good time. 25 years, I’m grateful. Thanks to everybody out here who ever heard this record before. We thank you to AZ, thank you Jungle, Dave East, [King] Shooter, J Rosay. May you have a 25 year anniversary. That shit’s alright.”
Nas and AZ also got up on stage, in the area was a replica of the front of the Queensbridge Housing projects replete with the “Welcome To The Queensbridge Sign,” a phone booth with a phone (when you picked up the phone you could hear excerpts of previous Nas interviews) photo booth that let you replicate the iconic Illmatic album cover and an artist painting the Ilmatic album cover live and bar with Henny was on deck.
AZ said a toast.” To see this album grow into the colossal that it is, it’s crazy to me. You still look 25,” The Visualizer proclaimed on the mic. “You changed the course of hip-hop and the way MCs was flowing. Your footprint is forever in the game. Thank you, I love you from the bottom of my heart man. He’s the true GOAT of the game, Greatest of All Time. Make noise for Esco. My brother.”
“First of all, my brother AZ, my brother AZ is here,” Nas said on the mic in front of the crowd right after the toast. “This brother has the verbal, lyrical capability of everything inside of hip-hop wrapped into one; Grandmaster Caz to early [LL] Cool J, to Kool G. Rap, to Rakim. This is all embodied by the god AZ. He was the personification of MCing. Thank you my brother being here and I wouldn’t want anybody on this album but you.
“This is amazing,” God’s Son added. “We have 25 years in hip-hop still, cause our forefathers, they put down more years than us. Some of them are not celebrated enough but this is for the love of hip-hop. This is bigger than me, bigger than my brother AZ. This is bigger than all of us. Unified with a voice from the inner city, to explain the truth to the world like no other. 25 years in an incredible experience because we’re still alive to be here. To the young rappers coming up, I wish you guys a happy 25 years too. I wish the new generation 25 years. The generation after them 25 years. We gotta keep this thing going because hip-hop equals the truth.”
You will get to hear songs from Illmatic live soon. Nas and Mary J. Blige have both signed to go for the joint headlining “Royalty Tour” kicking off this Summer.
