Elijah Blake- ‘Shadows & Diamonds’- Review

By: Rea Davis @IamReaDavis Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 2:17pmCategory: Alternatives

The wait is finally over! Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Elijah Blake’s debut album Shadows & Diamonds is finally here!

Staying true to what has become contemporary R&B, Elijah Blakes’s debut album is as dark as it is bright. His body of work is smooth yet rugged. Blake offers full melodies, springs into his perfect falsetto, and showcases his range throughout the album. Each track on the album will grab your attention in one way or another, but there are some that stand out more than others. Blake’s new album has an element of mystery with echoing arrangements and unique synths. The singer proves to offer and alternative to his male R&B counterparts as he is more of a lover than a player. But he still has some “playa” ways.

Those that are into exploring with their sexuality may be drawn to “The Otherside”. Blake’s infidelity causes his significant other to become involved with his ex-girlfriend. A whole new meaning to “my girl got a girlfriend” right! Blake sings “You caught me cheating with my ex-girlfriend, but instead of calling me, you called her.”

“Fading” takes listeners deep into a troubled woman’s world and how she escape’s life’s pain.

In “Everyday” he makes it clear that he has his own sound and refuses to conform and blend in with what has become today’s R&B as he croons, “All these wannabe R&B singers — they all the same.”

Elijah offers a debut effort that is solid, soulful, an intriguing. We’d love to see him showcase his prowess even more and witness him color outside the lines of contemporary R&B on his sophomore effort.

More about Elijah:

Elijah’s breakthrough single “I Just Wanna” featuring Dej Loaf has garnered over 2.1 million views already and is steadily climbing the charts.

Elijah Blake has become the secret weapon behind hits from Rick Ross, Rihanna, Nas,Common, Alicia Keys, and Usher. Shadows & Diamonds is executive produced by the legendary No I.D., head of ARTium Records and Executive Vice President of Def Jam. The album follows up Elijah’s previous EP which included “SIX” and “Wicked,” both produced by No I.D.

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Florida, Elijah Blake found inspiration for Shadows & Diamonds when he was forced to find light in the darkest of moments. Living apart from his family for the first time in his life, Blake found the solace he needed in his music

Shadows & Diamonds is available on iTunes now! https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shadows-diamonds-deluxe/id986600495

Grafh x Shalone – “Or Nah” (The G-Mix)

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 2:12pmCategory: Music

Grafh and Shalone is back with another, and this one is for the ladies over Ty Dollar $ign’s “Or Nah” record. Be on the look out for Grafh’s #PainKillersReloaded and Shalone’s “TheFirstSupper” project both dropping soon…

HEATER OF THE DAY: Mark Steele – “Not Mad”

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 2:07pmCategory: Videos

American Gangster Freeway Rick Ross, introduces Mark Steele’s new music video “Not Mad”.

Self directed by the Carolina emcee himself; this chilling visual depicts a young man’s quest to successfully eliminate his crime driven past, and the obstacles that try to stop his progress.

This Truss One produced single is currently rising the college and grass root radio rap charts, as its sit at #9 of the top Top 40! It is apart of Steele’s “History Repeats EP” which is available in all digital store now!

Watch below….

Jared Evan – “Bad Guy”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 2:04pmCategory: Videos

Jared Evan kept it creatively simple with his new video for “Bad Guy.” The clip was shot by Evan and Jeremy Koegel on the artist’s cell phone. Produced by !llmind, “Bad Guy” appears on Jared’s latest project The Art Form of Whatever. The 10-track free album is available for download at jaredevan.com.

Mally James – “Call of Duty”

By: Jake Crates Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 2:00pmCategory: Music

NY based rapper MallyJames is a rare breed. He is a mixture of street wise boldness and class personified. His versatility and dynamic stage presence puts him in a league of his own as he has a distinctive voice as you will hear on the song. MallyJames’s latest single “Call Of Duty” is a warm up for his upcoming solo EP entitled “Wired For Sound” dropping early Fall 2015. “Call Of Duty” brings aggressive and precise “barwork” not often seen today in Rap. This is merely a lyrical exercise from one of NYC’s hungriest rappers.

Dame Dash Talks Fashion, “You Can’t Buy Good Taste”

By: Jake Crates Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 1:36pmCategory: Videos

Damon Dash has always been one to be dappered down from head to toe. In this segment Dame explains to Mass Appeal that, “you can’t buy good taste.” Peep the “Fashion Gems” as Mass Appeal continues its kick on the documentary film “Fresh Dressed.”

Trinidad James Joins B-Real’s The Smokebox

By: Jake Crates Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 1:28pmCategory: Uncategorized

Trinidad James and B-Real smoke out heavy on The Smokebox. You know this is primed for some hilarity as B-Real aka Dr. Greenthumb only smokes the best of the best of the best Cali Cali. The two talk about the music game, success, sneakers, best strains, artwork, and much more below!

Freud – “RigghT”

By: Jake Crates Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 1:21pmCategory: Music

With a laid back flow Freud dedicates a song to the women he has not yet met and the women that he does not sweat. This is a refreshing track to hear for the summer time, with a simple beat and a monotone voice, Freud has given us something to look forward to with his impending releases. .

Janet Jackson To Be Honored With Ultimate Icon Award At BET Awards

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 1:11pmCategory: News

Janet Jackson will be receiving a major honor at this year’s 15th annual BET Awards. It has been announced that the R&B veteran will be receiving the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award at the ceremony. She will be the first-ever recipient of this honor.

Before she accepts her award, Ciara, Jason Derulo and Tinashe will be paying homage to her with a performance.

[ALSO READ: Janet Jackson’s New Album Will Arrive In The Fall]

Miss Jackson recently released her comeback single “No Sleeep” and will be heading out on the Unbreakable World Tour in November. Her new album will drop this fall.

The 2015 BET Awards will be hosted by black-ish stars Tracee Ellis-Ross and Anthony Anderson and will air on June 28th at 8:00 p.m EST. Performers include Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Ne-Yo, Meek Mill and the Empire cast.

Kevin Hart, LL Cool J And Tracy Morgan To Receive Stars On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 12:44pmCategory: News

Some of the brightest stars in music, television, acting and radio will soon be getting honored by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For 2016, honorees include Kevin Hart, LL Cool J, Tracy Morgan and Bruno Mars.

“After much deliberation, we feel that we have selected a great group of talent for this coveted award,” said Maureen Schultz, Chair of the Walk of Fame Selection Committee. “Fans from around the world will be thrilled to hear that their favorite celebrities will be honored on our world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, We look forward to welcoming these great talents to our Walk of Fame family.”

Watch the announcement below to hear the rest of the honorees.

Clay James – “My Rider” (P###. By S.o.S.)

By: Jake Crates Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 12:31pmCategory: Music

As he launches into the campaign for his upcoming EP, Clay James gives us a new single that fits the summertime vibe picking up. On his return to the site he brings us a new single with the release of “My Rider.” The Southern Playa keeps it pimping but this time he caters to his main lady as he lays down smooth rhymes. S.o.S. provides Clay James with Southern instrumental with a slight uptempo twist that brings “My Rider” together for a solid release.

MPIRE – “LionsHead”

By: Jake Crates Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 12:30pmCategory: Videos

MPIRE returns with another visual off their “$ON$ OF VNVRCHY” project, “LionsHead”.
With gritty cinematography, and an Escape From New York” type look, MPIRE continues to deliver quality music, and not your modern day dose of over saturated themes and treatments. If MPIRE has shown the world anything in 2015, its that consistency wins, and creativity always trumps the budget.

Bizzy Crook – “John Geiger”

By: Jake Crates Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 12:25pmCategory: Music

Bizzy Crook drops his project ‘From Nothing Came Everything,’soon so until then he gives you something to listen to. For this song Bizzy Crook teams up with sneaker designer John Geiger to release the self entitled song “John Geiger.” The track was produced by the Maven Boys and features some dope Nike’s in the art.

Kanye West Says He Was ‘Inaccurate’ About Beck

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 11:47amCategory: News

After almost crashing Beck’s acceptance speech back in February, Kanye West went on a typical Kanye rant about his disappointment with the Grammys for not giving the Album of the Year award to Beyonce and being infuriated about Beck’s win. Yeezus later took to Twitter to apologize after the incident, but five months later he is realizing that the Grammy’s may have been on to something. He admitted to the Sunday Times that Beck is a great artist and that he was wrong for saying he wasn’t deserving of his Grammy.

“I don’t make suggestions, I make propositions,” he told the British newspaper. “I don’t give requests, I give directives. There’s no in-between. I’m fine to apologize for inaccuracies. You know, I send flowers for inaccuracies. I talked to Beck’s wife, and I think I had a point about Beyoncé’s album, but I think I was inaccurate with the concept of a gentleman who plays 14 instruments not respecting artistry.”

After listening to the album, Ye’ did give Beck his props on The Breakfast Club and said “Man, this is kind of good. I ain’t gonna lie.”

Diddy Charged With Making Felony Terrorist Threats

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 11:09amCategory: News

Diddy was arrested yesterday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon but now he faces more specific charges. It is reported that Puff is charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of battery of one count of making terrorist threats.

After Diddy’s son, Justin, was told not to return to UCLA for training until the end of the summer he told his dad, who was not too happy with the news. He allegedly drove down to UCLA’s Acosta Athletic Training Complex to confront strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi. Alosi reportedly would not speak to Diddy and told him to leave or he would call the police. Diddy allegedly said he would call the police instead and that made Alosi snap at him. TMZ reports that Puff claims he acted in self defense after Alosi charged at him. However, it was also reported that Alosi was on the phone and told Diddy to wait, which made him snap and swing a kettlebell, narrowly missing Alosi.

Mr. Combs has been released on $50,000 bail.

Rod-D – “Don’t Feel The Love”

By: Jake Crates Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 11:00amCategory: Videos

Rod-D finds some time in his busy schedule to release a new video for his song “Don’t Feel The Love”. The Deon White-directed clip captures some footage of him performing live on stage with K Camp, Young Freq, among others. Make sure you download his latest mixtape “No Days Off Vol. 2” on LiveMixtapes if you haven’t already.

Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown And More To Appear On 50 Cent’s New Album

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 10:36amCategory: News

50 Cent’s Street King Immortal album has been in the works for the past five years and it is finally coming into fruition. The Power star stopped by Hartford, CT’s Hot 93.7 to dish about the upcoming project, which still does not have an official release date.

“Me and Chris worked together, me and Chris Brown,” he said of the album’s features. “Me and Ne-Yo…I have something I did with Kendrick. I got a lot of other pieces that’s there that I’m not sure if they’re gonna end up in the whole album or not.”

[ALSO READ: 50 Cent Clowns Diddy For Being Arrested (VIDEO/PICS)]

Fif also said his album has a cut with just Kidd Kidd and Lil’ Wayne that he orchestrated.

“I just did a song with Wayne though, ‘Ejected,'” said the G-Unit general. “It’s actually Kidd Kidd and Wayne but I had to put it together and I got them to give me the clearance, both Wayne and Baby to clear the record so it’s cool.”

Watch the sit down below.

Trey Songz Discusses The Confederate Flag & Racism In America (VIDEO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 9:26amCategory: News

(AlHipHop News) South Carolina governor Nikki Haley announced yesterday (June 22) she is calling for her state to remove the Confederate battle flag from in front of the State House building in Columbia. Debate over the controversial symbol became national news after the racially motivated killing of 9 church goers in Charleston.

[ALSO READ: Lil Scrappy: Charleston Church Shooter Saw It Was Okay To Kill Black People (VIDEO)]

Leading political figures such as President Barack Obama and former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney joined the chorus of critics insisting it is time for the flag to be taken down. Virginia native Trey Songz sat down with Hot 97’s Ebro In The Morning radio show, and the “Slow Motion” singer was asked about the Confederate battle flag.

“I think we all know it’s still indicative of racism, a seed that’s been planted. People use the excuse that it’s America – freedom of speech. But being from Virginia, I dealt with racism at an early age,” said Songz. “It’s just proof we gotta grow. I don’t have the answers on how to make that happen, but the first step is for the powers that be to acknowledge that it is here. It is happening.”

Some citizens see the Confederate battle flag as a symbol of heritage and Southern pride. For many people, the flag represents racism, hatred, and white supremacy. The Confederate battle flag has been used by racial hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan. It has also been incorporated into the official flags of several southern states.

Georgia adopted the emblem in its flag in 1956 as a response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education school desegregation decision. The Confederate battle flag was permanently removed from Georgia’s state flag in 2003, but it is still featured on Mississippi’s flag.

Some Hip Hop figures – including Andre 3000, Ludacris, Yelawolf, and Lil Jon – have embraced the Confederate battle flag in the past. Kanye West even added the symbol to some of his “Yeezus Tour” apparel in 2013.

“People got bills. Don’t nobody care about the Confederate flag on that type of level,” said Kanye in ’13 about the backlash from using the flag on his merchandise.

[ALSO READ: Kanye West Speaks On Confederate Flag, Fashion & President Obama Calling Him A “Jacka”]**

Watch Trey Songz’s interview below.

Nas Releases Statement About The Exploitation Of Hip Hop & America “Selling A False Dream”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 8:11amCategory: News

(AllHipHop News) Nasir Jones has long been known as a Hip Hop representative that openly shares his thoughts on political topics and social injustice. The New York City emcee has touched on those issues through his music, but Nas decided to offer more personal reflections on the state of America in a public statement via Instagram.

[ALSO READ: Nas On Charleston Church Shooting: “Racism Is Rotting America” (VIDEO)]

Read Nas’ full statement below.

America has spent so much time, money & resources fighting wars abroad and completely fell asleep at the wheel of the war brewing within our cities, neighborhoods & blocks. We are supposed to stand for freedom & equal opportunity. That’s supposed to mean MORE than just words but the actions of late just don’t speak to what we are supposed to stand for. This is BIGGER than BLACK and WHITE. This is about America selling a false dream. Now we’ve obviously progressed since the inception of this nation but we took our eye off the ball and it feels as though things are moving backwards. As a black man, I find it difficult to understand that our biggest export (our American culture) comes from us. The people in the streets… The way the world dresses, talks, what they listen to, what they watch… That all comes from us. How can we be the ones responsible for America’s biggest export & fear for our lives like we shouldn’t belong here. I don’t have all the answers nor do I believe anyone does, but we need to have conversations around how to improve as a nation. How do we show any ounce of progress that keeps hope alive. This is too big of a problem to be solved overnight but there needs to be some questions answered to get things back on the track of righteousness. Amazing people died for this country. We owe it to the past, present & future to come together and move this country in the right direction. This is my home just like it is anyone else’s. RIP CRISPUS ATTUCKS. FIRST MAN TO DIE IN AMERICA’s FREEDOM WAR & HE WAS BLACK! GOD BLESS EVERY OUNCE OF INNOCENT BLOOD SHED FOR THIS NATION & MY FAMILY.

America has spent so much time, money & resources fighting wars abroad and completely fell asleep at the wheel of the war brewing within our cities, neighborhoods & blocks. We are supposed to stand for freedom & equal opportunity. That's supposed to mean MORE than just words but the actions of late just don't speak to what we are supposed to stand for. This is BIGGER than BLACK and WHITE. This is about America selling a false dream. Now we've obviously progressed since the inception of this nation but we took our eye off the ball and it feels as though things are moving backwards. As a black man, I find it difficult to understand that our biggest export (our American culture) comes from us. The people in the streets… The way the world dresses, talks, what they listen to, what they watch… That all comes from us. How can we be the ones responsible for America's biggest export & fear for our lives like we shouldn't belong here. I don't have all the answers nor do I believe anyone does, but we need to have conversations around how to improve as a nation. How do we show any ounce of progress that keeps hope alive. This is too big of a problem to be solved overnight but there needs to be some questions answered to get things back on the track of righteousness. Amazing people died for this country. We owe it to the past, present & future to come together and move this country in the right direction. This is my home just like it is anyone else's. RIP CRISPUS ATTUCKS. FIRST MAN TO DIE IN AMERICA's FREEDOM WAR & HE WAS BLACK! GOD BLESS EVERY OUNCE OF INNOCENT BLOOD SHED FOR THIS NATION & MY FAMILY.

A photo posted by Nasir Jones (@nas) on Jun 22, 2015 at 3:18pm PDT

[ALSO READ: Nas Presents A Documentary About Hip-Hop’s Impact In Uganda, Yemen And Other Countries (VIDEO)]

Troy Ave Calls Out Joey Bada$$ For Saying He’s “The #1 Independent Hip Hop Artist”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Jun 23, 2015 at 7:44amCategory: News

(AllHipHop News) Two of Brooklyn’s brightest young stars seem to have issues at the moment. Joey Bada$$ and Troy Ave both took to Twitter to throw subliminal shots at each other.

[ALSO READ: Troy Ave Shares Official First Week Sales Numbers For “Major Without A Deal” Album]

The social media spat began when Joey tweeted a “reminder” that his debut album B4.DA.$$ sold over 57,000 copies in its first week, so in Joey’s eyes that makes him the number one independent artist in the world.

Those statements came after Troy spent several days defending the poor sales numbers for his LP Major Without A Deal. The project only sold 7,700 units in its opening week.

Troy responded to Joey by suggesting the Pro Era front man does not make any revenue from hosting parties or major endorsements. He also pointed out that Bada$$ is signed to Cinematic Music Group and distributed by Sony/Red.

Troy has consistently stated he owns and operates BSB Records, the company that releases his projects. However, MWAD was distributed by Empire.