"Jackman" album cover. Image source: Jack Harlow, Instagram.
Kentucky rapperJack Harlow has surprised us this week. He has announced a new album was coming very soon called “Jackman.” Harlow’s Instagram post presents him topless on the album cover, in front of a garage, with the signature curly hair slightly covering Jack’s eyes.
Jack Harlow Is Trying Something New With “Jackman”
The album has been out since Apr. 28, 2023. The record is only 24 minutes long and consists of ten songs, which differs from Jack Harlow’s freshman and sophomore records.
“That’s What They All Say” album cover. Image source: Atlantic Records.
Harlow’s first album, “That’s What They All Say,” has fifteen songs, while his second album, “Come Home The Kids Miss You,” has 15 songs and two music videos.
“Come Home The Kids Miss You” sophomore album cover. Image source: Urban Wyatt
Harlow definitely took a different approach with this new musical piece of work, which is sadly also a little underwhelming.
Songs Not As Memorable As Harlow’s Last Two Albums
Songs are not as memorable as the ones from Harlow’s other two albums.
“Jackman” also has no features, which is a bold choice for an album packing short songs with less than two minutes duration.
This time, Jack Harlow is either trying to prove a point with his lyrics, or these are just old demos that didn’t make it on any of the artist’s old LPs or EPs.
What Songs Stand Out On Jack Harlow’s Third Album?
The tracks that stand out are “Common Ground,” “They Don’t Love It,” and “Gang Gang Gang.”
“Common Ground” is Jack Harlow keeping it real; the artist literally starts the song with, “It’s not opinion based, it’s just, just sh** I see.” The lyrics seem to point at folks who have “white privilege” and don’t understand that those less fortunate around them have to do what they need to survive.
“They Don’t Love It” has one of the boldest lines on the album, in which Jack Harlow refers to himself as the “hardest” white boy since Eminem. “The hardest white boy since the one who rapped about vomit and sweaters,” the Louisville rapper’s lyric goes. “There’s vomit on his sweater already,” the lyrics say in one of the most iconic songs by the hip-hop veteran, “Lose Yourself.”
“Gang Gang Gang” was disturbingly real. Jack Harlow talks about these guys he knew that ended up doing some very messed up things. Things which result in holding “accountable the ones we hold dear.” The song also interpolates “Stay Schemin'” by Rick Ross in the somewhat chorus.
The ladies will probably love “No Enhancers” because the lyrics reflect Jack Harlow talking about his girl’s natural beauty. It’s a nice vibe on a lyrics-heavy album.
Give the album a couple more tries; maybe more songs will stick. Maybe even several tries since the songs are so short. For example, “Is that Ight?” is already latching to me.
Grade
“Jackman” gets a B-. The record is only a little bit above average, yet it still has some songs that can sneak into your music library.
I appreciate the honesty on this album that was lacking in the last two. Everything feels raw here, as if Jack Harlow is speaking straight from the heart.
“White Men Can’t Jump” Reboot With Sinqua Walls
Harlow’s new album comes out with the artist also starring in a reboot of “White Men Can’t Jump” with Sinqua Walls. The motion picture will stream on Hulu on May 19, 2023.
“White Men Can’t Jump” (reboot) poster for Hulu
The film will also feature stars like Teyana Taylor, Laura Harrier, Tamara “Tee” Kissen, Myles Bullock, rapper Vince Staples, and the late Lance Reddick.
Rihanna during her 2023 Super Bowl performance. Image source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images.
At the Super Bowl, Rihanna made her first live appearance in five years while pregnant. It was a powerful statement of feminine strength and resilience, as she showed that women could be successful and excel even while carrying a child. During her setlist for the evening, she performed various songs spanning her two-decade career.
To establish how much popularity Rihanna’s music has regained over the past three days, Japanese casino comparison site Japan-101 tracked Spotify plays of each song performed during the Superbowl halftime show.
In the three days following the Superbowl halftime show, Rihanna earned the following number of plays and royalties:
1. “Umbrella” – 4.4 million plays earning $17,780.60
“Umbrella” was one of the most successful songs on Rihanna’s album Good Girl Gone Bad, which she released in 2007 at 19 years old. Despite being the oldest song on the list, this track has had the most outstanding revival in three days thanks to the Super Bowl show, earning Rihanna a healthy $17,780.60.
2. “We Found Love” – 3.8 million plays earning $15,227.01
In 2011, this “Talk that Talk” hit featuring Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris debuted at the London O2 and remained at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks. “We Found Love” became a worldwide success, topping the charts in 24 countries and reaching the top 10 in nine other countries.
Also, the song was critically acclaimed and won a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. The track’s accompanying music video was directed by Melina Matsoukas and has since become an iconic visual for the song. With 3.8 million listens in the last three days, the song is the second most popular on Rihanna’s Superbowl setlist.
3. “Diamonds” – 3.5 million plays earning $14,160.66
In 2012, Rihanna released this song as part of her Unapologetic album. The single “Diamonds” reached the top of the charts in over twenty countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified this track seven times platinum, while the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it three times platinum. Additionally, the song has been played over 3.5 million times on Spotify in the last three days, generating Rihanna $14,160.66 in royalties.
4. “Only Girl (In the World)” – 2.9 million plays earning $11,800.12
This track made history as it is the first time an album’s lead single has made the top of the charts after its second single; in this case, “What’s My Name” has surpassed “Only Girl (In The World). Spotify royalties have reached $11,800.12 from the track’s 2.9 million plays over the last three days.
5. “Where Have You Been” – 2.3 million plays earning $9,302.04
Over 2.3 million people have listened to this techno house track since Rihanna performed it for the Super Bowl halftime show. In just three days, Rihanna earned $9,302.04 due to the song’s increased popularity.
6. “Work” – 2 million plays earning $8,203.48
After Rihanna’s performance of “Work” at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity. It was streamed over 2 million times on Spotify in the following three days, earning Rihanna $8,203.48 in royalties.
7. “Rude Boy” – 1.8 million earning $7,523.72
After Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance, her song “Rude Boy” hit 1.8 million times, earning her $7,523.72 in royalties.
8. “B**ch Better Have My Money” – 1.6 million plays earning $6,753.48
During her Super Bowl halftime show performance, Rihanna sang her song “B**ch Better Have My Money” to the crowd’s delight. The track was streamed 1.6 million times in three days, generating $6,753.48 in royalties.
9. “Pour It Up” – 1.5 million plays earning $6,351.74
She also sang “Pour It Up” at the Super Bowl, which derived 1.5 million Spotify streams and $6,351.74 in royalties.
TOTAL ROYALTIES: $97,102.85
Commentary By Japan-101’s Spokesperson
Commenting on the findings, a representative from Japan-101 stated:
“It is truly wonderful to see Rihanna performing live again after a five-year break. The Superbowl halftime show was a great comeback opportunity for Rihanna; this is very much reflected in the increase in her music plays on Spotify. Having not been paid for her Superbowl performance, as is normal procedure, Rihanna will have gained great exposure, driving traffic for more listeners.”
What Is Japan-101?
Japanese game enthusiasts run Japan-101, a casino comparison website with detailed information about various casino sites and games. This website provides casino news and information, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in this industry.
The cover of SZA's new album. Image source: Top Dawg Entertainment, RCA.
SZA’s long-awaited sophomore album “SOS” showed us that she was not coming to play. Her debut album “CTRL” was released five years ago and helped her become the fan’s darling.
Now, the St. Louis native gave us a melancholy R&B and Pop layered melody throughout her debut album, but a certain confidence echoes throughout the project this time. SZA is still herself, but with a twist… SZA 2.0, who amplifies her sexuality and inner gangster.
The singer exuded assertiveness on “CTRL” with songs like “The Weekend” and “Love Galore.” But in this 23-track project, she splashes with songs such as “SOS” and “Kill Bill.”
The title track’s lyrics lay out SZA’s carefree vibe as she rap-sings, “So classic, that a** so fat, it look natural, it’s not.” This was the same girl singing “I get so lonely I forget what I’m worth” in her 2017 song “Drew Barrymore.”
The second song, “Kill Bill,” gives us SZA’s sincere feelings about seeing an ex with “some other broad” and knowing they’re happy, but she still might kill her ex even though she knows it is a bad idea. Solána Imani Rowe gave the girlies some more ammo with her no apologies, no regrets vibes on “Seek & Destroy,” “Low,” and “Love Language.” Female Drake and Travis Scott personas sprinkled throughout “Blind,” “Used (feat. Don Toliver),” “Conceited,” and, of course, “Open Arms (feat. Travis Scott).”
Too Long?
“SOS” is slightly lengthy. Even though I am the SZA stan, she did lose me a little in the middle with tunes. Ironically, those were “Snooze,” “Gone Girl,” “Notice Me,” and “Ghost in the Machine (feat. Phoebe Bridgers).”
The songs seemed like tracks that could have gone on a deluxe album. Although, I did enjoy how SZA played around with different characters as she embraced her inner rapper and inner rocker on “Smoking on my Ex Pack” and “F2F.”
SZA’s shy and quirky side on “CTRL” was clearly heard on “Nobody Gets Me,” “Special,” and “Too Late.” “Far” and “Forgiveness (feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard)” were nice combinations of SZA in the past meeting SZA in the present. It embraced the sound of the two to make hidden gems.
Rowe also added well-known hit singles “Shirt,” I Hate U,” and “Good Days.”
Grade
Overall, the album was an A- for me; I enjoyed it in the first few listens. Over time, it will become another classic because of SZA’s unique melody’s impact on the industry.
Remy Ma at the BET awards. Image source: BET, Getty Images.
“Gangsta Grillz” is a legendary mixtape series, and DJ Drama never disappoints. He has been in the game for a very long time and has worked almost with every rapper. But Drama seems to have yet to find a woman artist to put on “Gangsta Grillz.”
Whether it be a rapper or singer, Drama has plenty of women to pull from. The “Gangsta Grillz” projects are mostly rap, but DJ Drama has also done a few R&B mixtapes with Chris Brown.
I would love to see him do a “Gangsta Grillz” with the women of the culture. But DJ Drama is legendary, so he can’t do it with just any artist. Here are the women who should join DJ Drama’s next “Gangsta Grillz.”
City Girls
Fresh out of Florida, the City Girls is one of the hottest groups in the game. JT and Yung Miami made the industry fall in love with their energy, personality, and songs.
The City Girls have dropped a slew of hits since they started. Two classy women with a bit of street; they would work great with DJ Drama. With Drama himself coming from the South, I’m sure the trio could cook up a “Gangsta Grillz”-sounding production. City Girls x “Gangsta Grillz” could be a sound we didn’t know we needed.
Jazmine Sullivan is a whole legend in the culture! And so is DJ Drama! Jazmine hails from Philadelphia, so it wouldn’t be too hard for her to get with Drama. He is from Philly too! Also, Drama has a good relationship with Meek Mill since he hosted the “Dreamchasers” series. We all know Meek is from Philly, so another Philly artist should get her own “Gangsta Grillz” series.
Kash Doll
Kash Doll is one of the hardest female rappers out! Drama always works with talented rappers, and here’s another candidate for a part on the “Gangsta Grillz” mixtape. Drama has yet to tap in with anyone from Detroit for a whole project, but working with Kash Doll can be a good start.
Ever since the “CTRL” album, SZA has been on a tear. Everyone loves SZA, and I’m sure Drama is also a fan. Nowadays, DJ Khaled is calling SZA for a feature on his albums. It’s no secret why: she is a hitmaker! DJ Drama is no stranger to making hits, either. A hit producer plus a hit songwriter equals excellent music. Someone link SZA and Drama like now!
Armani Caesar
If you’re only now hearing of Armani Caesar, then it’s too late. The Griselda rapper can really rap! Please don’t sleep on her pen, as she does belong to the most lyrical group in the game. She dropped “The Liz 2” a few weeks ago, and the internet is eating it up.
Armani is someone you should definitely pay attention to. I hope she is on DJ Drama’s radar to get something done, as she will be hot in no time. Her raps are harder than the typical female rapper, which I know Drama can work with. Great things do happen when the North and South collide.
Armani Caesar and Kodak ate this. The musical chemistry >>>
Another legend in the industry, Ashanti, has nothing to prove. Twenty years later, she is still making music. And we are still loving it (and her)! Did y’all hear her float on the “Gotta Move On” remix? I imagine her sounding that good on a “Gangsta Grillz” beat too.
Cardi B
You may not want to admit it, but Cardi B can rap. She’s not the hardest out or the most lyrical, but she does have a good flow and knows how to make a hit. The Bronx rapper already has a legendary career, with her debut album winning a Grammy and her debut single that broke a 25-year-old record that Lauryn Hill held. A “Gangsta Grillz” mixtape would be a great addition to her career. This would also be too easy for DJ Drama; pretty much a layup.
Latto is on her way to becoming one of the biggest things in the South. Ever since she came in, Latto has shocked the world. This is not surprising, considering the “Big Energy” artist’s astonishing beauty and talent.
Latto’s ability to make hit songs and respectable lyrics have made her a fan favorite. She is originally from Columbus, Ohio, but she was in Clayton County, Georgia, by the time she was a teenager. DJ Drama has been through Georgia, so I’m sure both artists have crossed paths. I imagine this tape being a down-south banger!
Megan Thee Stallion
It’s safe to say Megan Thee Stallion is one of the most prominent artists in the game right now. Everything she touches turns to diamonds, it seems. Whether it be music, television, or endorsements, the Houston hottie has the industry wrapped around her finger. Meg can rap with anyone, and what better way to assert her dominance over the game than with a “Gangsta Grillz” project. DJ Drama, go take a trip to Houston.
Let’s talk about how Megan Thee Stallion’s Plan B is one of Thee Best Rap Songs released this year🖤 pic.twitter.com/k1ABlnqo68
— theequeenstallion1👑Fan Account (@queen_stallion1) November 8, 2022
Yung M.A.
Yung M.A. can rap, and no one is in her lane. The New York rapper has a style like no other, as her personality is more extensive than her frame. DJ Drama has a pretty big personality as well. His confidence is always heard throughout his “Gangsta Grillz” projects. Yung M.A. can relate to that as she thinks highly of herself in her lyrics. A Yung M.A. and DJ Drama tape would be entertaining, funny, and hard!
Rapsody
Rapsody is one of those women that can stand toe to toe with the men of rap. You could put her up with the best, and she will shine.
Monica gets forgotten often, and I’m here to remind y’all who she is. The Atlanta singer has been giving us gems since the 90s! Her “So Gone” challenge will go down in history as many rappers rapped over her hit song. She hasn’t put out anything recently, but we know she still has something left in the tank. Atlanta is like DJ Drama’s second home, so I bet he knows where to find her. It’s about time two Atlanta legends link up.
Remy Ma
One of the hardest females to ever grace the mic, DJ Drama would definitely have fun doing a mixtape with Remy Ma. Remy would also surely love doing a “Gangsta Grillz” tape. Nothing but straight rapping. Remy can rap circles around many rappers, both men, and women. A “Gangsta Grillz” production would remind people that Remy is a top emcee.
What more can we say about Mary J. Blige? Her career is already solidified, and she doesn’t need to prove anything else. Over 30 years in the game, Mary J. Blige is still doing her thing! She is a little older, but we still want more Mary!
DJ Drama would agree, but could he make it happen? Legends respect legends, so it shouldn’t be hard.
Nicki Minaj
Honestly, I don’t know why this hasn’t happened yet. DJ Drama has been working with Lil Wayne since 2005. There’s no secret that they have formed a strong bond inside and outside the booth.
Lil Wayne signed Nicki Minaj in 2009, and that is one of the best moves he’s ever made. Since 2009, Wayne and Drama have kept their Dedication series going. In fact, Nicki has a few verses on a couple of those mixtapes.
So, has the conversation not come up? That’d be weird if it never did. A Nicki Minaj-DJ Drama “Gangsta Grillz” production would be fun to listen to. I imagine Drama just having Nicki go off on classic beats. There’s no question she is the number one woman to do a “Gangsta Grillz” mixtape with DJ Drama.
Meechy Darko. Image source: Loma Vista Recordings.
Leader of Flatbush Zombies, Brooklyn idol, and master genre-bender. Meechy Darko is many things. Now he can add a soloist to the list.
Brooklyn rapper Meechy Darko has dropped his debut solo project “Gothic Luxury” after years of fan anticipation. You may know him primarily from the revered rap group Flatbush Zombies, alongside Zombie Juice and Erick Arc Elliott. Together, this talented trio has gone from humble beginnings in Flatbush to headlining Coachella and Afropunk.
By uniquely blending 90’s rap sensibilities, hardcore metal production, and psychedelic undertones, Flatbush Zombies have proven themselves as one of the most original acts to come out of New York.
After over a decade of rapping within a group, Meechy Darko, real name Demetri Simms, is finally ready to establish a solo presence. The 32-year-old announced his “A Tour Named Gothika” fall 2022 tour on Instagram this week (Aug 24). It’s already confirmed that all tracks on this new album are also on the setlist.
So how does “Gothic Luxury” introduce the world to Darko? And what can we expect from this underground industry vet going forward?
“Gothic Luxury’s” Humble Beginnings
The album intro “The Genesis” sets the tone for the record with its haunting instrumental and booming vocals. Meechy Darko has a distinctly eerie aesthetic in both his lyrics and production. This 53-second-long track effectively serves as an initiation into his realm.
“Cursed” is a rich look into the deepest thoughts of Meechy Darko. It indeed sounds like the written thoughts of a man at his most honest and bare. The hook performed by Kirk Knight brings this theme of truthfulness to the forefront.
“Higher than Beyoncé budget, I’m just fuckin’ honest
I rather die on the streets than die from police
Rather die with my pride than die on my knees”
This bar is one of several references to Darko’s late father. In early 2020, Ryan O. Simms was fatally shot after allegedly attacking a Miami Beach police officer with a knife. In the caption of his heartfelt memorial post, the Flatbush rapper alludes to mental health issues playing a factor in the tragic event.
“I love my father. So Much.” He typed. “Never once was ever ashamed of him despite what may have been going through mentally or what he may have thought in his head.”
Sharp pain can be felt all throughout “Gothic Luxury.” Meechy Darko doesn’t explicitly speak on the actual shooting, but it’s clear when listening to the album that the events of 2020 have taken a large toll on the artist and his approach to his art.
In addition to the Kirk Knight feature, the background vocals provided by Murder Inc vocalist Vita serenade the listener and contrast the rough tone of Meechy Darko’s rapping voice. Layered gruff-sounding vocals are a signature of Darko’s and perfectly lends themselves to his punk-rap style.
Meechy Darko’s Wide Range
“Never Forgettin” features some of the best production on the album, with the bass hitting the ear harder and harder as each second passes. It’s a simple yet effective beat courtesy of Dot Da Genius. It harkens back to that dark retrospective atmosphere of rap repopularized by Kendrick Lamar back in 2013 with songs like “Swimming Pools” and “Money Trees.”
Meechy Darko grabs that cadence and perfects it while reminding the listener that he’s been excelling at the genre since 2010 with no signs of slowing down. “Never Forgettin” easily totes that line between earworm and intensely personal that’s often difficult to pull off.
“Kill Us All (K.U.A)” takes “Gothic Luxury” in a starkly political direction. In this track, Meechy Darko speaks on his personal experience as a black man in America and gets into the gritty details. It’s a song that emphasizes the theme of “Gothic Luxury:” honesty.
There are no punches pulled or sentiments censored for mass consumption. It’s the sign of an artist who trusts his listeners to understand his viewpoint enough to speak on it candidly. With the protests for Breonna Taylor and George Floyd being directly in America’s rearview mirror, race politics are more relevant than ever. “Kill Us All” doesn’t feel like a detour but instead a necessary conversation.
“I watch murder documentaries every single night.
Fifty episodes in, they never called it white on white
But if I kill my neighbor, they gon’ say it’s black on black
Or gon’ say it’s gang-related just so they can boost the stats.”
The Cream of the Crop
“Lavi$h Habits” is an undeniable album standout. It’s the best traits of every track, all mashed into one to form Meechy Darko’s magnum opus. The hard vocal cadence, with even harder lyrical content, blended with soothing female vocals and masterful sampling. In this track, Darko delves into his “lavish habits,” namely psilocybin and acid. It comes off less as simple glorification and more as a personal confession of casual drug use. It’s a topic the East Coast MC hasn’t shied away from before.
In a 2018 Breakfast Club interview, Meechy Darko spoke about some of his less positive experiences using mushrooms. “I’d have times where I’d be chill with everybody, and I’d just leave for a second and start crying.” He vocalized. There’s an underlying foreboding tone behind the relaxed nature of these lyrics. It’s a clever way of describing drugs and their effects without downplaying their drawbacks.
“Get Lit or Die Tryin” is Darko at his most braggadocious and cocky. It’s a level of confidence that can only be achieved with the years in the game he’s racked up. It’s a song that’s just plain fun to listen to. You can imagine a fan blasting this one out of their car on the way back from a late-night function. “Get Lit or Die Tryin” is also the perfect lead-up to a standout feature on “Gothic Luxury.”
Infallible Features
“On God” employs the talents of Freddie Gibbs and A-trak and some ethereal production to make a clear contender for the best song on the album. Here we get Meechy Darko pouring out his heart and confirming that his father’s passing has shifted his mindset when it comes to his career.
“My father sat me down and said, You know what, son
The best way to rob the bank to own you one
I hear his voice saying, Chin up, I’m still here son
They kill me in the flesh, but my soul lives on.”
It’s a fascinating listen with an addictive hook. Easily, Gibbs and A-trak give their all and match Darko’s energy excellently. It’s a trio that plays off each other’s style without hiccups or awkwardness. If Meech had any concern about having trouble playing off rappers outside of Flatbush Zombies, that’s dashed for good.
“The MoMA” is nearly six minutes of heat, both in the quality and intensity of the song. It’s undoubtedly the least melodic of all the tracks on “Gothic Luxury.” Instead of a traditional song structure, “The MoMA” opts for a more open concept. There’s a hook, but the focus is absolutely the prolonged verses from Meechy Darko and guest artist Black Thought.
This is quickly contrasted by the brief but hard-hitting “Prada u.” It’s the shortest song, not counting the intro track, but in its short run time, it still builds up nicely and has one of the captivating choruses on “Gothic Luxury.” “What if” is unlike any other track in that it echoes the titular phrase. It’s an interesting concept, if not slightly repetitive.
Grand Opening, Grand Closing
“Hennessy&Halos” is the closest we come to a rock song. It still employs traits of classic rap, of course, but the tempo of “Hennessy&Halos” makes you feel like you’re in a mosh pit. In addition, the steady drum that persists effectively hypes up the listener and could fit into anyone’s workout playlist.
As the album draws to a close, we’re treated to the last crop of feature artists and perhaps the most exciting yet. “Dark Souls” with Denzel Curry and Busta Rhymes is the lead single and most memorable song on “Gothic Luxury.” It’s a song that embodies Darko’s mission statement with this project.
“Welcome to the dark side where it get real different
Let it all out by chopper in the sky and hope that the God feel it
For my lost niggas, beware of backstabbers.
Energy bandits and thought stealers
Cold-blooded, of course, my heart been frostbitten.”
Denzel Curry has been a big supporter of Darko for some time now, first co-signing one another back in 2020. The Florida rapper brings his own flair, mainly acting as a vocalist for a chorus that’s nothing short of stunning. Busta Rhymes is a living rap legend and naturally provides a verse just as bombastic as his days in Leaders of the New School. Still, the star remains Meechy Darko, who effortlessly asserts himself in a song full of loud personality.
“Blk Magic” is closer to “Gothic Luxury” and has a calming ambiance to properly send the listener off. It’s challenging to construct a lo-fi rap song with a voice like Darko’s, but he proved through the 12 other songs on “Gothic Luxury” that his talent comes in spades. While not a particular standout, It’s a fitting finale and pleasant deviation from a thunderous last quarter of the album.
“Gothic Luxury” Sum Up
“Gothic Luxury” is a testament to the artistry Meechy Darko has spent the better part of his life crafting. It’s a culmination of the inner thoughts of a flawed man still figuring out the world around him. Fans of Flatbush Zombies already familiar with Meechy Darko will better understand the frontman. However, brand new listeners not well versed in the Brooklyn icons catalog can still gain plenty of perspective from the album.
“Gothic Luxury” contains enough typical rap conventions to not intimidate new fans, but it also remembers to deliver on what Meechy Darko is all about. Assertive thought-provoking bars with an idiosyncratic polish all his own. Even after so many years in the rap world, this Brooklynite has much to say and much more to come.
You can now listen to “Gothic Luxury” on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
Kelis is accusing Beyonce, Pharrell and her team of sampling one of her songs without her permission. Kelis took to Instagram to comment that the song “Energy” from Beyonce’s highly anticipated new album Renaissance, contains parts of her 1999 song “Get Along With You.” She wrote, “It’s not a collab, it’s theft.” When a fan expressed disgust with the purported theft, Kelis wrote back, “It’s ridiculous.”
She also released a video speaking about the issue. She expresses that they should have the decency to call and reach out to her, letting her know that they would be using the song on the project. “From one artist to another, you should have the decency and the common sense and the courtesy to call, reach out…” The “Bossy” singer then noted that it was a passive-aggressive move on their part. While Pharrell produced the 2000 hit, it is has been an ongoing issue of not giving the artist a heads up. “The reason why I’m annoyed is that I know it was on purpose. This was an on-purpose, direct hit. Pharell knows better, this a direct hit at me, its very petty…” As Kelis mentioned, other artists have sampled her work as well.
Kelis speaks out against Beyoncé and Pharrell for sampling her song on #RENAISSANCE without her permission:
“From one artist to another, you should have the decency and the common sense and the courtesy to call, reach out…”pic.twitter.com/Vt14uv5n4a
As Kelis mentioned in the video, young artist Ashnikko reached out to Kelis and sampled her song “Deal With It,” which also notes that Kelis is featured on it. The Internet sampled her song “Perfect Day” for their song “Partners In Crime Part Two.” Rochelle Jordan sampled her song “Mars” for her song “Earth To Brain.” Kelis will and always be a treasure to the music industry as she continues to inspire so many artists today.
Ashanti skips Murder Inc. Show and will continue doing her. She made that perfectly clear in an interview recently. When asked about an upcoming docuseries on her former label her position on the matter was strong.
Ashanti Skips Murder Inc. Show And Doesn’t Seem To Care
The “Foolish” singer has made it clear that she is moving forward and not looking back. She has left Irv Gotti and Murder Inc. in the rearview. There is an upcoming “Murder Inc.” docuseries and when she was asked whether or not she would be present she laughed out loud. And so did her “momager” Tina Douglas.
In even more of an effort to close the “Murder Inc.” chapter of her career. Ashanti has decided to rerecord her self-titled debut album. She told “The Breakfast Club” that she is unapologetically rerecording it in order to collect the royalties she deserves. But that she didn’t get from her “Murder Inc.” deal. At the same time, she reassured her fans that the album’s overall vibe won’t change, but she will insert a few changes they will hopefully enjoy. “It’s not necessarily changing the vibe, but kinda just injecting something new, sonically, into it.”
Now clearly Ashanti doesn’t care what Gotti has to say. But the co-founder of her previous label is not happy with her decision. Shortly after the singer made her announcement he took to Instagram, saying that he not only produced the album, but he owns the masters. And that she is trying screw him out of his money. “It’s f***** up. But such is life.”
It looks like it’s going to be left up to the fans to decide which album is better!
Currently trending is Saweeti’s new merchandise deal with McDonald’s. The McDonald’s Corporation recently went public, announcing a new line of merchandise with Saweetie. According to MSN, consumers will soon be able to get “A trucker hat, tees, and a fanny pack.” And Saweetie had some pretty exciting information to add, according to contributors Felicia LaLomia, Alexis Morillo. “Now ya’ll know I stay dipped in the latest fashion, so it was only right I drop some icy merch to celebrate my McDonald’s collab.”
And so now, those who are fans of both Saweetie and McDonald’s can have twice the treat.
Endorsements
Nothing says you made like product endorsement. Saweetie joins a list of other mega-stars who have also had merchandise lines with McDonald’s. As MSN also notes, others who have had famous meals are BTS and Travis Scott. And now it’s Saweetie’s turn. And it is all understandable. The upbeat artist has made it no secret that she loves McDonald’s. NPR.Org reports that the artist had this to say regarding McDonald’s:
“McDonald’s and I run deep—from growing up back in Hayward, California, all through my college days….”
Method and Motive
The Famous Orders Program is only a year strong. The program is a part of a McDonald’s initiative that falls under their Accelerating Arches Plan, according to McDonald’s Global Chief Marketing Officer,
“The company is on a journey to deliver growth and drive greater impact in the communities we serve….”
And the Famous Order Program is one of the measures developed to underline the core values of service, inclusion, integrity, community, and family in the Accelerated Arches Plan.
Saweetie’s star continues to rise higher.
And so, it’s no surprise that McDonald’s called on Saweetie. According to Mobbie Nazir who offers insight into marketing and PR, from the company’s perspective,
“Being stuck into an idol’s favorite food, sharing their entertainment passion, or hearing about their fashion secrets brings consumers closer to a celebrity; it humanizes them and makes them feel more relatable.”
And Saweetie is not only relatable, entertaining, and talented; she also loves Mcdonald’s.
For those interested, this new merchandise is in line with the current Saweetie famous order meal released on August 10.
For more on what Saweetie has been up to, check out our retrospective article.
Cordae is currently in the early phase of his career and has some big accomplishments. Recently over the past previous month he released his EP “Just Until” which also featured Q-Tip and Young Thug. However, he is on a mission to having ownership with his own label, High Level Productions. Cordae wants to follow the steps from some other veteran artists in the game. Several moments of growth within a short period of time have been displayed by him. Currently, Cordae is still in a deal with Atlantic so not too many exact details have been mentioned.
This is Definitely one of his upcoming next plans as he has been seen promoting on his social media platforms. An account on Instagram for High level can be seen and is awaiting to be launched. Merch may also become available as we have had some sneak peaks of whats to come.
“A family, way of life and a record label” Cordae defines High levels moto.
DJ Khaled and Megan Fox will be battling each other on May 12th via celebrity showdown on Fortnite. Khaled has been active in the spotlight recently. He currently released his new latest album “Khaled Khaled” which reached #1 on the Billboard 200. Now it’s time to turn his efforts into gaming as this event will be the first of Celebrity showdowns. LG Electronics USA’s OLED TVs are sponsoring these upcoming matchup events.
Former professional gamers, Justin ‘FearItSelf’ Kats and Wilton ‘Zews’ Prado will coach the two. “Fearitself” will be in Khaled’s corner and “Zews” will be in Megan Fox’s corner.
“Only on OLED is the only place you’ll find a gaming event like this. It brings together the moments people love in gaming, sports, movies, all in one place, DJ Khaled mentioned in a statement.
Megan also expressed her thoughts. “I’ve spent a lot of hours gaming over the years but playing on LG OLED is like an entirely new experience,” When I was asked to join the Only on OLED gaming showdown against DJ Khaled there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity. Playing on LG OLED makes you feel like an esports pro…even though you’re clearly not.”
Watch all the Live action from this showdown on twitch May 12th. via professional e-sports organization Evil Geniuses’ channel.
