Do Numbers Really Matter in Music?
In the age of streaming, where 1,500 streams equal one album sale, it’s clear that traditional metrics like first-week sales no longer hold the weight they once did. Yet, the music industry—and sometimes fans—remain obsessed with these numbers, using them to measure an artist’s worth or success. But is this fixation justified?
The Trauma of Loss: How Saying Goodbye to Iconic Superstars Impacts Our Lives and Culture
Losing legends like Michael Jackson, Princess Diana, Whitney Houston, and Tina Turner is more than a moment of mourning—it’s a collective heartbreak that stays with us, shaping how we connect to art, life, and today’s artists. These superstars weren’t just entertainers; they were family, companions to our joy and solace in our struggles. This article dives into the profound impact of their loss, how it influences our relationship with modern artists, and why their legacies remind us to cherish the beauty we have while it’s still here.
A Symphony of Hustle: Rick Ross Shines at Atlanta Symphony Hall
Dive into the unforgettable night when Rick Ross took the stage at Atlanta Symphony Hall, blending the bold energy of hip-hop with the timeless elegance of classical music. Backed by the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Ross delivered a performance that redefined artistry and elevated his greatest hits to symphonic heights. Featuring a surprise duet with CeeLo Green and a stunning production, this event was a celebration of ambition, legacy, and the power of innovation.
Beyoncé Returns to NFL Halftime with a Cowboy Carter Christmas
Beyoncé is back and better than ever! After an eight-year hiatus from the NFL halftime stage, Queen Bey delivered an unforgettable performance during the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game on Christmas Day. Featuring live debuts from her Cowboy Carter album, stunning all-white fashion, and surprise appearances by Blue Ivy, Post Malone, and the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul, this 13-minute extravaganza had fans dubbing it the #BeyoncéBowl. Plus, she left everyone buzzing with a cryptic "1.14.25" teaser. Dive into the full breakdown of this cultural moment!
Kaytranada's “Timeless” Album Review
Kaytranada’s third studio album, Timeless, was highly anticipated and exceeded listeners’ expectations. The album’s tracklist includes 21 songs that appeal to many audiences while maintaining that true Kaytranada sound. The album featured a plethora of artists, such as Rochelle Jordan, Anderson Paak, PinkPantheress, and many more, but despite the big features, Kaytranada’s productions are the star of the show.
Unpacking the Phenomenon of Rising Artist Tyla
Tyla, South Africa’s new global sensation, has been quite the talk. She quickly rose to fame after her massive hit 'Water,' and it’s been nonstop for her ever since. But with fame often comes controversy, which has led audiences to discuss issues surrounding identity, culture, Afro-diasporas, and colorism.
Kpop's Complex Relationship with Black Culture and Exploitation
With African genres, such as Afrobeats and Amapiano, rising in global fame, it’s natural for artists to draw inspiration from them. Many K-pop groups have hopped on the trend, and while some fans appreciate this new direction in K-pop, others criticize it as cultural appropriation and exploitation of black culture. This has sparked questions about whether K-pop is finding inspiration from these genres or if it’s simply imitating them.
Kendrick Lamar’s “They Not Like Us” Music Video: A Celebration of Los Angeles’ Black Community
Yes, we’re still talking about it.
In a powerful new release, Kendrick Lamar has once again captivated audiences with the music video for his latest track, “They Not Like Us.” This song is more than just a musical offering—it’s a statement of identity and pride.
The Pressure of Being Successful Young
Being a member of Generation Z in America can be extremely intimidating. Throughout the years, Gen-Z has found unconventional means to achieve success, such as leveraging their personality in vlogs, streaming themselves playing video games, or even living a luxurious lifestyle.
Leon Thomas’ “Mutt” Album Review
Leon Thomas III, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, outstanding vocalist, record producer, and actor, released his sophomore album, "MUTT," on September 27th. In addition to contributing to the music of some of the biggest names in the industry, he is still able to give us music of his own with clean production, intentional lyrics, and soulful vocals. Although Leon Thomas is an essential part of the incredible R&B wave of today, his art has never been limited to just one genre.
Are We Too Hard on Black Musicians to Be “Perfect” Role Models?
Musicians appear to be held in high regard in the black community, particularly in Hip-Hop when it comes to serving as role models for younger generations. Unfortunately, you have no control over who you influence or who looks up to you as a popular entertainer. You can try to reach a specific group of people, but in the world of social media, anyone can be looked up to as a role model. Is it fair to say that these artists are to blame for some of the problems in our community?
Has The BET Awards Lost Their Value?
Viewers of the BET Awards have expressed dissatisfaction with the program as a whole in the last few years. Swipe to read more about the state of the BET Awards.
Did Kaytranada Drop The Album of the Summer?
Kaytranada, a Haitian-Canadian producer, is calling out everyone to the dance floor this summer with the release of his third album "Timeless" on June 7th, 2024. Kaytranada won a Grammy for his second album "Bubba" in 2019, marking him the first Black producer and the first openly gay producer to be awarded as well.
Who is BbyMutha?
With over 15 projects under her belt, BbyMutha, isn’t your average rapper. From her visuals to her sound, it’s never a bore with her. Blissfully unapologetic about who she is and where she comes from, she steps away from the common facade of most artists.
Evolution of a Rockstar: Rico Nasty
Maryland-born rapper Rico Nasty has been releasing music since 2014, and with that longevity, we’ve heard her sound develop. Over the years, the rapper, with help from multiple producers, has seamlessly mixed her influences and inspirations into her music.
Who is Janelle Monae?
Janelle Monáe is a trailblazing non-binary pansexual artist who is actively challenging societal norms through their visionary music and activism. Their boundary-pushing work not only reflects their own identity and experiences but also serves as a source of empowerment and inspiration for others.
One Of The Most Influential. Rappers Of All Time: Kanye West
Kanye West is a multifaceted artist whose influence spans music, fashion, and culture. Known for pushing boundaries, his innovative albums have redefined hip-hop, while his Yeezy brand has revolutionized sneaker culture and high fashion. His bold ideas and ventures continue to shape contemporary trends and conversations.
Producers Carrying Hip-Hop?
Hip-hop is known for its collaborative nature between producers and artists or MCs. This has been the case since the inception of the genre, when beats were often sourced from other artists' records. In the beginning, the producer or DJ was deemed more important than the rapper, as without a beat, the rapper had nothing to rap over. However, over time, the importance shifted to the rappers to the point where people didn't even consider who produced the song. This has been the norm for most of the history of hip-hop. In the last decade or so, producers have been putting in more work to make the tracks the best they can be. Some would even argue that rappers have become lazier as beats become more complex. Aja Oliver delves into this and more in her new article, "Producers Carrying Hip-Hop?"
Deconstructing Toxic Masculinity in Hip-Hop: A Cultural Reckoning
The term "toxic masculinity" refers to the destructive behaviors often associated with masculinity, including misogynistic and homophobic tendencies, a constant need for dominance, the justification of abusive actions, emotional suppression, and physical violence. While this term has gained traction in recent years, it was actually coined in the 1980s by the New Age men’s movement. This group identified toxic masculinity as a negative trait and hosted workshops and retreats to help men deconstruct these harmful mindsets.
Do Artists Owe Their Fans Everything or Nothing?
Artists can almost always credit their success to the work they do and the fandoms they create. Some go as far as to say that they own everything they have to their fans. This has usually been the case when an artist reaches stardom. However, over the years many artists have considered that maybe they don’t own anything to their fans except the art they create and sometimes not even that. Aja Oliver explores this dichotomy in her newest article. What do you think? Do artists owe their fans everything or nothing at all?