Verzuz is a digital streaming online platform for artists to recreate a musical battle experience. The creators are producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. On March 24, 2020, they hopped on Instagram Live for a virtual battle for fans to enjoy. Little did they know that it would become the new normal for some time.

To understand the virtual battles, we have to rewind the tape to the early 1970s. When Hip-Hop first burst onto the scene, it gained popularity at house parties. These parties would complement DJs, breakdancing, graffiti, and rapping. Thus, this set the ambiance for one versus one.

Hip-hop has always been a competitive sport, and rap battles are proof of that. A rap battle consists of two opponents and a DJ. Once the DJ spins the wheel, the participants take turns to follow the beat and spit their best bars. Lastly, the audience crowns the winner as whoever has the best set.

In July 2017, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz called each other out for a virtual beat battle. However, it wasn’t until the Summer Jam 2018 held in New Jersey that the hit-makers took the stage for a proper face-off. Instead of spitting bars, they came packed with some of their best-produced catalog.

In March 2020, once the COVID-19 pandemic spread, the iconic producers arranged another virtual battle. But this one was different, captivating the attention of millions. As a result, Verzuz music was created.

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The rules are simple: two opponents (producers or singers) face off in 20 rounds while playing their best catalog. The songs can be:

• Own solo songs
• Songs they have written for other artists
• Songs they have produced

Instead of packing stadiums or venues, viewers watched the show while joining the Instagram Live session. The first season boasted battles from well-known producers Boi-1da vs. Hit-Boy to veteran rap artists Nelly vs. Ludacris to singers Alicia Keys vs. John Legend. The spotlight has always shone on the artists, until now.

Verzuz has not only brought fans together but has also helped squash long-lasting feuds. Namely, after two decades of not seeing eye to eye, rap artists Jeezy and Gucci Mane put it all behind them by kicking off season 2 in November 2020.

Moreover, Verzuz music has also given a platform for producers to display their catalogs. Throughout storytelling, artists and producers share with fans how the song came to be (behind the scenes) and now and then release never-before-heard verses or songs.

To fans’ delight, in January 2021, Timbo and Swizz Beatz announced they were in the early stages of implementing holograms into their Verzuz series. In fact, they already have quite the line-up, which could include Hip-Hop’s Tupac (R.I.P) vs. Biggie (R.I.P) and singers Prince (R.I.P) vs. Michael Jackson (R.I.P).

It is worth mentioning that fans have already experienced holograms before. In 2012, the Coachella festival showcased a posthumous live performance of Tupac Shakur. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how Verzuz applies the technology in the future.

Out of a bad situation, Verzuz has been able to bring fans together for a virtual musical battle experience. Despite both producers teaming up for a proper song in 2013 (ironically, called Versus), this collaboration of Verzuz is their best creation yet.

Happy birthday, Timbaland!

Listen to the producers’ Verzuz music battle catalog in the link below.

1. “Give It To Me” music video by Timbaland. Directed by Paul Coy Allen (Insterscope, 2007). ↩︎

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Early Twenties is the debut LP of singer Cat Burns. She first burst into the music scene in 2016. Eight years later, she released her first album. Is this the best LP of 2024? In the third edition of Music, Movies, and Me Awards, let’s break it down.

It is no surprise that the surroundings influence and shape a person for their future. For example, thanks to her mother, singer Maggie Rogers grew up listening to Lauryn Hill, to name an artist.

For Cat Burns, the gospel music played in the background of her household inclined her towards falling in love with music.

Generally, in the music industry, there is a blueprint to follow before getting signed. Below are the steps (simplified).

1. Build an Image: Choose your stage name, music genre, and audience target.
2. Record music: Before a Long Play (LP), an Extended Play (EP) is mandatory. With an EP or mixtape, artists can approach labels and show what they have to offer musically.
3. Get signed: Should the EP be successful, the label signs the artists and gives the green light for the next project.
4. Build a team: An album is a product of collaboration. Make connections, talk to writers and producers, and let them know your vision.
5. Release an Album: The first LP is the introduction to the world and shows what the musicians have to offer.

In fact, that is what Cat did. In 2016, she self-released her first EP titled “Adolescent.” By 2019, she proved determination and released her second EP, “Naive.”

Unfortunately, the Pandemic (2020) put a stop to the world. However, the only thing that grew was the number of people online.

As a result, through social media channels, Cat Burns’ name started growing due to her singing covers of songs. This led her to get signed by the record label “Since 93.” Later on, she embarked on tour as the opening act for major artists such as Ed Sheeran.

Undoubtedly, lockdown, if used to your advantage, was something positive. That was also the case for Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, to name a few, who recorded albums during COVID-19.

Her third EP, “Emotionally Unavailable” (2022), proved the consistency and hunger in her as an artist. Finally, on July 12, 2024, step five was checked. That is, to release the album.

early twenties

As Cat Burns stated, the album is the output of four years of work. She started working on it at age twenty. Hence, she grew with it and applied all the lessons learned, the good and the bad ones.

Through the 17 “cathartic” songs, as she calls them, the listener overcomes the sadness. Also, the great thing is that they are relatable to teens and adults.

So, what to expect for her sophomore? Will she play it safe or experiment? The sophomore album is a breaking point for many. According to Missy Elliott, it is the best time to experiment!

After all, Cat has surrounded herself with great writers and producers to deliver a high-standard product. Today, Burns has become the voice of all introverts and can only grow from here on.

Congrats to Cat on the best album of 2024!

Watch “Met Someone” and stream Cat Burn’s “early twenties” below!

1. “Met Someone” music video by Cat Burns. Directed by Libby Burke Wilde (Since ’93, RCA Records, 2024). ↩︎
2. “Early Twenties” album cover by Cat Burns (Since ’93, RCA Records, 2024). ↩︎

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A Week in Nashville by Charlotte Cardin is the fourth overall EP and the first of the year. After two solid albums and a possible third one on the horizon, is this the best EP of 2024? In the third edition of Music, Movies, and Me Awards, let’s break it down.

Since a teenager, Charlotte has had an eye for the camera. But what began as modeling transcended to music. Hence, she began attending music contests such as “The Voice.”

As with other musical endeavors, the blueprints have been laid out before. Below are some steps.

1. Record an EP: The EP serves as the resumé to future record labels.
2. Collaborate: Reach out to other artists and stay open for features. Being introduced to other fan bases can generate great results.
3. Consistency: Although commitment is key, release quality over quantity. This is a core element.
4. Release an Album: The first LP is the introduction to the world. Take a leap of faith.

Needless to say, Charlotte debuted her musical journey in 2016 with the EP titled “Big Boy.” Admittedly, she made quite an introduction, and the project received solid reviews.

She also collaborated with Canadian rapper Nate Husser. One year later, in 2017, she kept consistent and released her second EP, “Main Girl.”

Unfortunately, as she began gearing up to mark step number four, that is to release the album, the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) put her musical endeavors on hold.

However, she gave the world a taste of what she was working on and what to expect next. Finally, on April 23, 2021, Charlotte released her major debut LP, “Phoenix.”

The LP was met with positive reviews and debuted at number one on the Canadian Chart. In the music industry, a music product can give the artists a two-year cycle for releasing the album, videos, interviews, touring, etc. Eventually, the process needs to be repeated.

Hence, she headed to the studio, recorded new material, and two years later released her sophomore LP titled “99 Nights” (2023).

Once again, the album struck the right chord among fans and critics. Like its predecessor, it won “Album of the Year” at the Canadian “Juno Awards.” A bold statement for a newcomer.

A Week in Nashville

Nine months afterward, on May 17, 2024, Charlotte presented to fans a taste of her latest studio sessions in the form of an EP, titled “A Week in Nashville.”

During 9:05 minutes of running time and three tracks, the singer showcases her unique sound under great instrumentation. Instead of over-releasing, she marks step three. That is quality over quantity.

Rarely do artists deliver after their sophomore LP. Think about it. You have made an impact on your debut LP and proved consistent on your sophomore, can you find success for a third time, just like Ashe did?

After all, the third one is a hard climb for many. As of now, Charlotte keeps striving! We will keep an eye on what Cardin delivers on her next album.

Congrats to Charlotte on the best EP of 2024!

Watch “Daddy” and stream Charlotte Cardin “A Week in Nashville” below.

1. “Meaningless” music video by Charlotte Cardin. Directed by Norman Wong (Atlantic, Cult Nation, 2021). ↩︎
2. “A Week In Nashville” EP cover by Charlotte Cardin (Atlantic, Cult Nation, 2024). ↩︎

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Willson is the third LP by singer Ashe. It was released on September 6, 2024, and was produced by Collin Pastore and Jake Finch. What happened during these two years, and why was it a good idea to hide from the spotlight? Let’s break it down.

Ashe Rae Willson marked her path as a singer. As previously reported, she worked smart early in her career by collaborating with multiple artists (e.g., musical groups, DJs, and singers).

Thus, this led to her well-executed EPs “Rabbit Hole” (2018), “Moral of The Story: Chapter 1” and “Moral of the Story: Chapter 2” (2019).

So, once she had established her fanbase, on May 7, 2021, she released her debut LP, Ashlyn.” This led to the traditional promo cycle, doing interviews, performing shows, and embarking on a tour. But once the cycle is completed, the singer must head to the studio to record new material.

As reported multiple times, the sophomore album weighs more than the debut. Anyone can make it, the hard part is keeping it, right?

Hence, Ashe worked hard and crafted “Rae.” It was released on October 14, 2022, and the audience could see her growth, confidence post-divorce, and evolution throughout the fourteen tracks.

As the cycle goes on, the tour “Fun While It Lasted” was announced for 2023. However, at the peak of her career and with the momentum going, Ashe Rae Willson canceled it.

“Wish I wasn’t a mess. I don’t know how to feel, I’m out of my mind.”

-Ashe, Shower With My Clothes On (2022)

During 2023, Rae stepped away from the spotlight. One year later, she explained to her fans why.

1. Music and singing felt hollow and sad.
2. Rehearsing for the tour would set off panic attacks
3. She wanted out of doing music

However, in the midst of her feeling low, she decided to do the following activities:

1. Therapy: A scary word, and not many take the initiative and decide to suffer in silence.
2. Gardened: Outdoor activities can heal the body and mind. Ashe also bought power tools to build things.
3. Family: Spend time with her inner circle. No matter what, family will always be there!

Throughout the process, Ashe fell in love with music again, and this time learned about freedom. On June 27, 2024, Rae announced her third album due out in September, “Willson.” More importantly, her first Independent record.

So, on September 6, 2024, the singer released “Willson.” A twelve-track record where Ashe is enjoying music again.

Willson

The truth is the following. We have witnessed this many times. Artists spiraling out of control. The pressure of fame, the album rollouts, the tours. It is exhaustive, and not many deal with it properly. Thus, the reason why the “27 Club” exists.

“Im grateful to be on the other side. I feel lucky I have been able to take this time.”

-Ashe Rae via Instagram announcing her new album, Willson (2024)

Many suffer in silence and choose to bottle up those emotions until tragedy strikes. Luckily, that was not the case for Ashe.

Watch “I Wanna Love You” and listen to “Willson” below.

1. “I Wanna Love You” music video. Directed by Ashe and Luke Rogers (Independent release, 2024). ↩︎

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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is the debut vinyl LP of Lauryn Hill. It marked a before and after on her musical journey. On August 25, 2024, for its 26th anniversary, I trace back the beginnings of her life with her then-group, the gift of being at the top as a solo artist, the curse of fame, and her comeback.

Prelude

It comes as no surprise that our childhood surroundings shape, alter, or influence our future. That is what happened to Lauryn Noelle Hill, born on May 26, 1975. Being surrounded by instrumentation inspired her to be a performer.

At age 16 (1991), she saw the perfect opportunity while still in High School, when a friend by the name of Prakazrel “Pras” Michel played down the idea of forming a band alongside his cousin Wyclef Jean. They called themselves “The Fugees.”

Joining forces sparked their debut album, “Blunted on Reality” (1994). A record fused with Hip-Hop, reggae, and rock. Regardless of the lack of positive reviews, the LP introduced its personas to small audiences.

But if their debut LP didn’t catapult them to fame, the second one did. Once “The Score” (1996) dropped, it was a game-changer. It hailed them as the most powerful group at that time. Unfortunately, the victory didn’t last long.

The one to blame? The media. As Hip-Hop culture goes, it is mandatory to crown a leader, whether naming the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) or listing the Top 10 Death or Alive (D.O.A.), friction started to rise amongst the group. “I don’t need an entourage. Why do I need a crew for?”

So, who was the leader of the group? Was it Pras, Wyclef (on the production side), or Hill (as the singer)? Indeed, jealousy entered the chart. Just a mere year later, they parted ways. Nonetheless, this motivated her to pursue a solo career.

The Gift of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”

Throughout the upcoming year, she locked herself in the studio to record “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” Released on August 25, 1998, it hailed her as a triple threat: a singer, a writer, and a producer.

Containing the singles such as “Doo Wop,” “Everything is Everything” and “Ex-Factor“, the 16-track project catapulted her to new heights of fame. Now, she didn’t have to share the spotlight with anyone.

You know how the saying goes, “men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.” Indeed, she had the numbers to back up the best female rapper slash performer alive title. In just one month, the album reached platinum status.

On the record, Hill effortlessly blended the singing and the rapping. It went on to win 5 Grammy Awards (1999). For the next years, she remained at the top. However, the problem with climbing new heights is that once you reach the summit, there is no other place to go but down.

The Curse of Ms. Hill

At the beginning of the 2000s, Hill went on to seclude herself from the world and became a mother. During that hiatus, she released the live record “MTV Unplugged No. 2” (2002) only to be mixed with reviews.

A planned reunion album with “The Fugees” collapsed due to old friction (2005) with her group, and a solo tour was a disaster (2009). And it only got worse. In 2013, she served a prison sentence for tax evasion.

So, as previously mentioned, once at the summit, the view is amazing, but there is no other place but down. And that is the end for many artists. The public never hears from them again, and they become the next candidate for a “What Happened to X or Y?” video. However, something strange happened once she got involved in a new soundtrack.

The Come-Back of Ms. Lauryn Hill

In 2010, Hill performed the “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” For the first time in years, a successful performance. Now and then, she released singles to positive reviews. However, once she contributed six tracks to the soundtrack of Miss. Simone (2015), a spark was ignited.

Upon watching the docu, the viewer can also feel Lauryn’s pain in a way since her life has an eerie resemblance to Nina Simone (R.I.P.) when it comes to stage performance. Perhaps two misunderstood artists.

Every artist gets to release their first album. There are two outcomes possible: a classic or a flop. On “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” Hill perfectly executes a lyrical motion picture. It sets the bar on how to release concept albums.

Despite the downfall she went through, she rose like a phoenix. With only one solo album under her name, Lauryn Hill opened the doors for many female rappers and singers. Her legacy is undeniable, and her blueprint ID can be traced to artists such as Missy Elliot, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Nas, to name a few.

As of 2024, the LP has been certified double diamond. Ms. Hill is the only female rapper to have this title.

Relisten to the classic “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” vinyl on its 26th anniversary.

1. “Ex-Factor” music video. Directed by Malik Sayeed (Ruffhouse, Columbia Records, 1998). ↩︎

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cxoxo is the fourth studio album of Camila Cabello, released on June 28, 2024. After three albums portraying the “good girl” image, she does a 360-degree change to her persona and frees her inner self to release a new LP and incorporate an unexplored genre. But is it successful?

Camila Cabello – a Cuban American born in ‘97 was fond of music from an early age. In the present day, it is accessible to pursue a musical career with musical software tools. Just like pop singer Girl in Red did in 2021.

Add the internet into the mix, and chances are that aspiring singers can reach the masses to build a brand for themselves without the help of any intermediaries. But back in the early 2010s, it was still scarce or unheard of artists making it independently.

Social Media was in its infancy, and using the promotional aspects to brand oneself was limited. Hence, how did upcoming singers make themselves stand out from the rest of the crowd? Auditions.  

Camila Cabello began her musical journey by auditioning for the well-known program, The X Factor. As faith would have it, she paired with other girls to form the group “The Fifth Harmony” (2012).

Despite the success of the group, Camila departed after four years (2016). The truth is that the hard part of leaving a group is finding your own identity.

However, afterward, she did not waste any time continuing with her solo aspirations. During 2017, she remained active with features with other artists such as Young Thug on “Havana.”

Once the single hit online, it proved she could hold it down as a solo artist. Not only that but also the single perfectly hyped her self-titled album, Camila (2018).

As mentioned on many occasions, the success of the debut album is crucial. Namely, it dictates the first impressions of fans towards the music and thus opens the possibility of embarking on a tour.

Indeed, Camila resonated with fans all over the world. As mentioned before, the cycle of an album can only be extended for approximately two years. Afterward, the musician needs to head back to the studio to record new material.

And that is exactly what she did. Almost two years later, her sophomore, “Romance,” which included the smash single, featuring Shawn Mendes, was released to critical acclaim.

Due to the pandemic, she wasn’t able to give her follow-up the right promotional as she would have hoped, understandably. Regardless, like many other artists at that time (2020) such as Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber, she also kept recording.

When searching for that next big hit single, sometimes it happens organically and more often inorganically. The label can go to the extent of pairing artists with collaborators while in search of that spark. Way back in the early 2000s, this was happening to Alicia Keys.

“Havana came about in such an organic way. After, I would go in (the studio) with American producers and writers…It felt like they were putting me in this box.“

-Camila Cabello, The Kelly Clarkson Show (2022).

During that time, Camila had had enough and began dealing with anxiety and mental health problems hitting a low point in her life. Eventually, she hit the studio again, only this time with a new team.

“Ricky (producer) introduced me to Cheche and Edgar Barrera. They are Latin. Being in those sessions, I would pull up a playlist of Alejandro Fernandez, Alejandro Sanz, Celia Cruz. Now, it organically went to a place where I’m getting to speak my first language.“

-Camila Cabello, The Kelly Clarkson Show (2022).

24 months later, on April 8, 2022, she released her third album, titled “Familia.” If Camila and Romance scratch the Latin surface, on “Familia” she takes it a step further and proudly showcases her Cuban roots.

Throughout 12 songs, she balances the perfect amount of English and Spanish, making it a versatile record, featuring Machine Gun Kelly, Ed Sheeran, WILLOW, Maria Becerra, and Yotuel.

cxoxo

After such a successful record and a two-year period in between, Camila made a drastic change not only to her image but also sonically by exploring and incorporating hip-hop elements.

“Cxoxo” starts with a catchy and hyped chorus displayed on “I LUV IT.” This vibe only intensifies with the cameos by JT, Young Miami, and Drake, whose appearances resume the party vibes.

Despite those vibes, the last three tracks, “B.O.A.T,” “Pretty When I Cry,” and “June Gloom” bring back the melodic vibes she is known for.

As she described it to Kelly Clarkson, “Familia” felt very organic. If “cxoxo” is also an organic output, only Camila knows. However, despite the image change, musically it portrays a good-dance vibe.

Hopefully, “Cxoxo” by Camila Cabello is an everlasting LP instead of a product of the music industry because organic music will always prevail over inorganic.

Watch “Chanel No.5” and fully stream Camila Cabello’s “Cxoxo”.

1. “Chanel No. 5” music video by Camila Cabello. Directed by Paul Geusebroek (Geffen, Interscope, 2024). ↩︎
2. “Don’t Go Yet” music video by Camila Cabello. Directed by Directed by Philippa Price and Pilar Zeta (Epic Records, 2021). ↩︎
3. “Cxoxo” by Camila Cabello. Cover artwork by Jason Nocito (Geffen, Interscope, 2024). ↩︎

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Hip-Hop took its infant steps in the ’70s era. The ’80s era saw its first rap battle before turning deadly by the ’90s. Fortunately, the Golden Era of Hip-Hop set an example. The 2010s era relived the past but entering the 2020s, rap can be found everywhere. On its 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, I trace back how these different hip-hop eras helped and learned from one another to become the most powerful genre.

1. Hip-Hop’s ’70s Era

On August 11, 1973, the rap era had its big bang when a DJ by the name of Kool Herc threw a party in the Bronx, New York (USA). Soon after, pillars such as Djing, breakdancing, graffiti, and rapping molded the then-new-found genre.

Throughout the ’70s, solo MCs and crews commenced forming, and by the end of the decade, The Sugarhill Gang had its first commercial hit with “Rapper’s Delight.”

Therefore, the block parties consisted of a Dj scratching the turntables, the dancers synchronizing their bodies to the beat, and the rappers spitting out their rhymes.

If the ’70s witnessed Hip-Hop emerge, the ’80s expanded rap crews and solo artists across the globe. It wasn’t always about block parties anymore.

2. Rap’s ’80s Era

Up-and-comers such as Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Big Pun among others began aiming for rap’s main title. So, the ’80s birthed the rap battle known as the “Brige Wars,” where MC Shan and KRS-One went bar for bar about the true origins of Hip-Hop.

On one side, MC Shan claimed Hip-Hop was born in the Queensbridge area of New York. That didn’t sit well with KRS, who counterattacked with the aptly-titled “South Bronx.”

At the end of the day, the beef served as entertainment, and the winners were the fans, who got to spectate, listen to the records, and vote for a winner.

• How “Hip-Hop’s foundation” sparked a movement

But what if there weren’t any rap records to listen to? In 1989, rap group 2 Live Crew’s song “As Nasty As They Wanna Be” sent them to trial for obscenity. Not only that, but N.W.A. couldn’t even perform at venues without the police showing up. Clearly, Hip-Hop began facing freedom of speech.

Yet, acts such as N.W.A. (e.g., “Fuck the Police“), and Ice-T (e.g., “Cop Killer“) gave the powerless a voice to stand up against racism, and censorship. Thus, sparking a movement.

3. The Golden Era

The ’90s were all about competition. Dubbed “The Golden Era of Hip-Hop,” it birthed other artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, Snoop, Eminem, 2Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G.

Truth is, rap has always been a competitive sport. But what happens when there are more than words being exchanged? In the mid-90s, the culmination of the “Westside vs. the Eastside” took the lives of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. With neither of them in the picture, the crown was for the taking.

• Hip Hop Beef: How “JAY-Z vs. Nas” Set the Rap Example

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By the beginning of the 2000s, Jay-Z vs. Nas entered the ring by releasing “The Takeover” and “Ether,” respectively. Luckily, on October 27, 2005, they squashed their rap beef at the Continental Airlines Arena, New Jersey, and set the example in rap.

4. Hip-Hop’s 2010s Era

The beginning of hip-hop’s 2010s era saw a shift in the music industry. Record companies had laid the blueprint on how to sell compact discs. But once consumption morphed into online streaming, this opened the door for a new generation. Most notably, Drake ran at an equal pace as streams.

But what about female Mcs? Well, thanks to Queen Latifah building bridges for females way back in the ’80s with “Ladies First,” the ’90s opened the doors for Lil Kim and Foxy Brown followed by Nicki Minaj in the 2010s.

However, similarly to the past, Hip-Hop’s 2010s era relived racist acts. Therefore, rap started documenting and penning their emotions down through lyrics. Undoubtedly, it gave hope to the underprivileged to be free.

If the ’90s experienced the beating of Rodney King, years later, unfortunately, it was clear that the new decade had not escaped racism.

For example, the deaths of Trayvon Martin (2012), Eric Garner (2014), and Philando Castile (2016) by police brutality were proof of that. Despite clear video evidence, why wasn’t it enough for convictions?

Regardless, Hip-Hop’s different eras continued to give a voice to the powerless. If the ’80s sparked hope with anthems such as “Straight Outta Compton,” Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” continued carrying the torch.

Despite the highs and lows, the genre stuck together and pulled through. Hence, by the end of the decade, in 2017, Hip-hop and R&B became the most consumed genre in the USA surpassing rock ‘n’ roll for the first time ever.

5. Hip-Hop’s 2020s Era

Entering a new rap era, it is clear that Hip-Hop can be found everywhere. That is, in sneakers, sports, movies, and politics. Below is an example of each category.

• Sneakers: In 1986, RUN-D.M.C. teamed up with Adidas (1986) for an endorsement deal. This serves today as a blueprint for artists to venture into partnerships with the footwear industry.
• Sports: In 2013, Jay-Z founded Roc Nation Sports. A sports agency that helps athletes with the right brand strategy to have a fruitful career on and off the field.
• Movies: Movie directors are linking up with rap’s elite for the movie score. Most recently, in 2023, Dreamville curated the soundtrack for the blockbuster hit Creed 3.
• Politics: Witnessing the injustices of probation himself since a teenager, Meek Mill now has a seat at the table and is vouching for fair laws of Probation Reform.

In summary, the four pillars of rap shaped the genre in the ’70s, and the ’80s witnessed its first battle and censorship. The ’90s suffered its first loss only for the “golden era” to redeem the genre and grow from there.

“You never thought that Hip-Hop would take it this far.”

-The Notorious B.I.G., Juicy (1994)

Most importantly, 2 Live Crew’s crucial victory gives today’s artists an artistic voice without censorship. In addition, N.W.A.’s identity can be found in artists such as Kendrick Lamar. By now it is clear that the past influenced the present and now the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop.

Lastly, it has brought communities and borders together. Today, I can proudly type that because of how the different hip-hop eras (the ’70s, the ’80s, the Golden era of hip-hop, the 2010s, and the 2020s) have learned from one another, rap is the most powerful genre and a global phenomenon.

Happy 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop!

1. Photo by Bruno Guerrero (Unsplash, 2021). ↩︎

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Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers vinyl is the 5th LP by Kendrick Lamar. In 2018, after one classic, one masterpiece, and a hit blockbuster album, Kendrick went on a prolonged hiatus. But why? Brace yourself, I will take you on a trip down memory lane.

If N.W.A’s “Straight Outta Compton” (2015) taught the audience anything, it was about the daily hurdles the residents went through. Especially during the ’80s, more known as the crack era. Exactly where Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (1987) grew up. “Pray that we make it to 21.“

“On the curb writing raps next to a gunshot.
I’m trying to duck the influence of my city that’s brewing.”

-K.Dot, Average Joe (2010).

Indeed, the elements that circle a person influence that individual, for better or worse. Admittedly, Kendrick’s childhood was surrounded by welfare and gang members. “Everyone I knew was Crip or Piru.“

Also, another movie that depicts the city of Compton is “King Richard” (2021). As a teenager, you had to be occupied doing extra activities to keep yourself distracted from the streets, or you could become another casualty at war. “I’m more than a statistic.“

So, if for Serena and Venus was through tennis for Lamar it was through music. Therefore, during his teens, K. Dot debuted his mixtape (2003) and signed to Terence “Punch” Henderson’s record label, “Top Dawg Entertainment.”

Seven years later, his commercial mixtape “OD” (2010) followed. As a result, Kendrick served as an opening act for other well-established rap artists, released his debut album “Section .80” (2011), and signed a joint venture with Compton’s finest, Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label (2012).

By the end of 2012, Kendrick released his sophomore LP titled “good kid, m.A.A.d city.” Clearly, it marked a before and after for his career.

“Dreams of living life like rappers do. The only thing we had to free our mind.”

-Kendrick Lamar, Money Trees (2012)

Now, Kendrick wasn’t just dreaming of the life of a rapper, he was living it. And he would go to any lengths to protect his spot. Rap has always been a competitive sport. Ever since Hip-Hop’s foundation (1973), fans have constructed a pyramid to hail the hottest MC.

In August 2013, K. Dot protected his acclaimed throne by calling out every new rapper and proclaiming himself the king of N.Y. “I’m the King of New York, King of the Coast.” Afterward, he secluded to plot his next material. But how to follow up on such a high-hailed record?

In fact, there are many ways to find inspiration. For example, one of them can be by incorporating never-used instrumentation or traveling to an unexplored destination like Lorde did for “Solar Power” (2021). Hence, this time Kendrick’s next haven was South Africa.

During his visit, he got to explore its tourist attractions, conversate with the locals, and absorb all the beauty. However, not everything was pleasant- survival guilt came into play. “A friend would never leave Compton for profit.“

Imagine finally making it as a musician, having the opportunity to go on tour, and stay at 5-star hotels, while on the other side; your relatives, friends, and your city were in shambles.

As painfully stated by Alex Pappademas on “The Big Hit Show” (2021); “Kendrick was touring on a smash hit album, then coming back to Compton to go to funerals.“

“Sorry to hear what happened to your homeboy.
When you do make it, give back with your words of encouragement.
To your City.”

-Kenny & Paula Duckworth, Real (2012).

Hence, his third album “To Pimp A Butterfly” (2015) mirrored the influences he had experienced from South Africa by incorporating musical elements and tackling racial topics. “I went to Robben’s Island, that is where Nelson’s cell is.“

Furthermore, for his next endeavor, “Damn” (2017), three years passed. This LP was about penetrating pop culture and reaching a worldwide scale.

So, how to rank his catalog? In the words of Terence “Punch” Henderson, “‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’ was the classic, The ‘Damn’ album was a blockbuster, and ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ is the masterpiece.”

Despite the blockbuster and being the people’s champion for almost the entire decade, in 2018, Kenny stepped away from the spotlight.

Throughout his career, Mr. Duckworth has been criticized for taking too much time between records as depicted in the table below.

Consequently, 1,855 days had to pass until Kendrick Lamar released his next project, “Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers Vinyl.” During this interval, some fans patiently waited while others moved on.

“Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers” vinyl

Undoubtedly, being raised on the streets can affect a person’s life. Namely, the streets will make you bottle up every emotion before showing it. “Real men need no therapy.“

In films, it is common to watch the therapist and the patient on the comfortable couch chatting about issues such as addiction, sexual abuse, depression, daddy issues, etc. “To my partners that figured it out without a father, I salute you.“

In reality, the majority can’t even afford it. Especially those who grow up on welfare. Thus, that same lifestyle and trauma will pass from one generation to another. But is there a way to break this cycle? “My past won’t keep me from my best.“

On “Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers,” Kendrick exercises those long-bottled-up emotions through dreamy, and nostalgic yet hard beats. Tracks such as “Father Time,” “Rich Spirit” and “Count Me Out” show the demons he had to fight throughout the process of growing as a man and a father.

“What is fame to me? I shut down too.
Please everybody else but myself.
If I didn’t learn to love myself, forgive myself…“

-Kendrick Lamar, Count Me Out (2022).

“Auntie Diaries” finds Kendrick reflecting on offensive words learned during elementary school and how to love every person regarding their sex. Now, Lamar is not tap dancing around the conversation anymore.

It is safe to say that from Kendrick onwards, his family tree will grow up with good morale taught by the parents instead of the streets. “Congratulations. You broke a generational curse.“

Regardless, in the era of too much music pollution, Kendrick has not given in. More so, he has taken the time between records to learn, experiment with instruments, meditate, and evolve.

So, what to expect in the future? After departing from “TDE” (2022), he created his label “pgLang.” A platform for him to give back with his words of encouragement. “Hey man, K. Dot is back in the hood!”

Should every artist follow the laid-out blueprint, -and learn about quality over quantity-, everything will be all right. In conclusion, Kendrick Lamar by far, the illest musician alive.

Happy Birthday, KDOT! Watch “Count Me Out” and listen to Kendrick Lamar’s “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” vinyl.

1. “Count Me Out” music video by Kendrick Lamar. Directed by Dave Fee and Kendrick Lamar (PGlang, TDE, Aftermath, 2022). ↩︎
2. “N95” music video by Kendrick Lamar. Directed by Dave Fee and Kendrick Lamar (PGlang, TDE, Aftermath, 2022). ↩︎
3. “Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers” album by Kendrick Lamar. Cover artwork by Renell Medrano (pgLang, Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath, Interscope, 2022). ↩︎

The post “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” vinyl: Kendrick Lamar breaks generational curse with therapy appeared first on Music, Movies, and Me.

KEYS is the 8th studio record by singer and producer Alicia Keys. After two decades of career, she sets the bar high with a double-disc album. She remains original & unlocks a distinct sound. Something she fought for during her early days.

Alicia Cook was born on January 25, 1981, in Manhattan, NYC. With an absent father in her life, she would look up to her mother, who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Growing up in the boroughs of Clinton, molded her to witness the ugly, bad, and good. The ugly & the bad, meaning the daily street violence, and the good, connotating how to navigate and strive to choose her dreams.

Whereas many artists/musicians envision just picking up the mic and singing, Alicia fell in love with the piano. Throughout her teenage years, not only did she master it but explored other genres (i.e., R&B, rap, jazz, and soul).

At just 15 years of age, she signed to a record label. However, when that aspiration became a reality, she witnessed first-hand how the industry operated.

Instead of having the creativity of her sound and the vision she aspired to pursue, -musically, she was overshadowed by executives molding her with unwanted writers and producers.

“I always knew what I wanted,
and I was the only one that could create what I wanted.”

-Noted: Alicia Keys The Untold Stories (2021)

But the lessons of her upbringing shielded her to stay loyal. Eventually, she left her first record label. An unheard move back then when the first step to becoming a musician was to be signed to one.

Regardless, her final vision became a reality in June 2001, with the release of her debut album, “Songs in A Minor.” Afterward, indeed it proved to be just the piano and her.

Later, the album upheld her for being not only a writer but also a producer. Most importantly, she wasn’t boxed just in one category, but in multiple such as R&B, rap, and jazz.

As mentioned in Juice WRLD and Dua Lipa’s posts; the sophomore is even harder than the debut album. Here, you have to prove consistency.

And that is exactly what she showcased in “The Diary of Alicia” (2003). If her previous effort had “Fallin‘,” this one had “If I Ain’t Got You,” which catapulted the project atop the charts.

Amazingly, she did not show any signs of slowing down. In a span of 2 years, she released “As I Am” (2007), and “The Element of Freedom” (2009). Indeed, this girl was on fire (get it?).

Alicia/KEYS

If she dominated the 2000s, she set the bar high entering the new decade. In December 2020 and 2021, she released “ALICIA” and “KEYS,” respectively.

Comprised of a double disc, “KEYS” follows the blueprint of her previous efforts. Beautiful piano melodies filled with dazzling lyrics. Moreover, the LP blends different genres.

Namely, R&B essence by Khalid contributing vocals, rap presence by incorporating Pusha T and Lil Wayne, and rock by inviting singer Brandi Carlile.

As Ann Mincieli (female engineer) states, Alicia is considered a triple threat because she sings, plays the piano, and writes her music. Hence, she looks at her as the female version of Prince (R.I.P.).

“You have to go through many versions of yourself to finally feel that you are enough.
Accept the original of you to become unlocked.“

-KEYS: A Short Film (2021)

In fact, the music industry is understaffed by women. The percentage of female engineers is 1 % and of producers not more than 3 %. Thus, they created “She Is The Music.” A program meant for women to strive in music.

After 21 years into the game and counting, she remains original to herself and unlocks her full potential as a singer & producer on the extended project.

Watch “KEYS: A Short Film” and listen to “KEYS” in its entirety.

1. “Best of Me” music video by Alicia Keys. Directed by TT The Artist (RCA Records, 2021). ↩︎
2. “Keys: A Short Film” by Alicia Keys. Directed by Sylvia M. Zakhary and Sing J Lee (RCA Records, 2021). ↩︎
3. “KEYS” album cover by Alicia Keys (RCA Records, 2021). ↩︎

The post Alicia Keys Music: Original and Unlocked songs on “KEYS” appeared first on Music, Movies, and Me.

Fire: Aries’ Songs is part of a 12-collection set by British singer Birdy. After 4 albums, she decides to have an overview of her catalog, rearrange her songs, and curate them according to the twelve zodiac signs.

Choosing a career path certainly is not an easy decision. After all, it is what a person will profess for the rest of his/her life. However, what does help, or influence in some way, is the parents’ profession.

Indeed, as documented before, that happened to siblings FINNEAS and Billie Eilish, who grew up next to artistic parents. Indifferently, that is what occurred to Birdy.

• Billie Eilish “Happier Than Ever”: Celebrating Joy (2/2)

Firstly, Jasmine Lucilla Elizabeth Jennifer grew up next to books and instruments thanks to her father being a writer and her mother a musician, respectively. Hence, before age 10 ten, she learned how to play the piano and write melodies.

Consequently, this gave her the confidence to enter singing talent shows such as “Open Mic UK,” which she ended up winning in 2008. Although she was only 12 years old, she had more to prove.

Therefore, for the next 3 years, she focused on picking the right songs to turn them into covers for her self-titled debut album (2011).

Even though those not being her songs, the chosen playlist gave the audience a first look at her style to come, and of course, showcased her singing abilities.

Consequently, throughout the next two years, Birdy got to promote and sing those covers beautifully. However, in 2013 it was time to release her own written material. Undoubtedly, the first single called “Wings” proved what she was capable of.

For example, as stated in Chelsea Cutler’s post, an album gives an artist a timeframe of two to three years to release the singles and videos, do interviews and go on tour. Eventually, every musician needs to head back to the studio to repeat the cycle.

Moreover, her third and fourth LPs called “Beautiful Lies” and “Young Heart” were released in 2016 and 2021, respectively. Certainly, both albums again demonstrated her steady evolution from covers to her own written songs.

Zodiac Signs

In 2021, she embarked on an expedition to compile her records inspired by the 12 zodiac signs (e.g., Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces).

So excited to share with you 12 little collections of my music I’ve curated inspired by the zodiac signs ✨ I’ve chosen the songs from my previous three albums + Young heart & the first is ‘Air: Gemini’s Songs’ out today💛♊ https://t.co/UkGstJwCeo

📷: @affairintokyo pic.twitter.com/kENMiYKAFq

— Birdy (@birdy) May 21, 2021

Firstly, her journey started on May 21, 2021, with “Air: Geminis’ Songs” and continued through 2022 with “Fire: Aries’ Songs,” and concluded on April 20, 2022, with “Earth: Taurus’ Songs.”

Indeed, artists have to push their limits when it comes to creativity. Whereas some musicians oversaturate fans with albums every year, Birdy proves that something can be done with what you already have.

Therefore, despite not being new material, the 12-set collection feels fresh, unique, and authentic. Most definitely, it gives the fans something to cherish until the next record, which could take from 2-3 years.

Certainly, sometimes artists need to take a look at their catalog and puzzle it together with fresh new ideas. Undoubtedly, Birdy sets the bar high with her creativity.

So, what is your pick? For instance, are you choosing based on your zodiac sign or based on the compiled music? Nevertheless, make sure to listen to all 12-set records!

Similarly to Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, Birdy’s career flourished by singing the right covers. Hence, choosing the right tunes could be the start of something great!

Finally, listen to Birdy’s “Fire: Aries’ Songs“.

1. “Light Me Up” music video by Birdy. Directed by Sophie Muller (14th Floor, Atlantic Records, 2013). ↩︎
2. “Fire: Aries’ Songs” EP by Birdy (Atlantic Records, 2022). ↩︎

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