Your Boy For Life is a Hip-Hop artist from Queens, NY who has garnered a respectable fan base with his entertaining and very often humorous punchlines, metaphors and multisyllabic rhymes. Today he releases a single called “High Life” which was produced by Vin Envy and is available for free download. “High Life” is the 1st single off his upcoming mixtape, “Man, the Destroyer”, which will be available for download on tomorrow on August 11.
(AllHipHop News) Music legend Prince has always been very outspoken about his disdain for the record industry. He famously wrote the word “slave” on his face in protest to his label Warner Bros Records. The Purple One has now expounded on those thoughts on why the music business is often unfair to artists.
According to NPR, Prince recently spoke with a group of journalists, and the creator of the classic album Purple Rain relayed to the writers he wants artists to have more control over their careers. He suggested record labels are no longer necessary.
“Record contracts are just like — I’m gonna say the word – slavery,” said Prince. “I would tell any young artist … don’t sign.”
The Minneapolis born performer also used the setting to put his full support behind the Jay Z fronted Tidal streaming service. He sees the artist-owned platform as a way for musicians to get as much revenue from their content as possible.
“Once we have our own resources, we can provide what we need for ourselves,” added Prince. “Jay Z spent $100 million of his own money to build his own service. We have to show support for artists who are trying to own things for themselves.”
Jay addressed the disparity in revenue sharing between the streaming services like Pandora and Spotify, the major labels, and the artists. The Roc Nation boss spoke to NYU students in April about why he and other entertainers like Beyoncé, Madonna, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Usher, and J. Cole joined together for Tidal.
“You guys may have seen some of the stats like, Aloe Blacc had a song that was streamed 168 million times and he got paid $4,000,” said Jay. “For us, it’s not us standing here saying we’re poor musicians. If you provide a service, you should be compensated for it. And not just artists — just think about the writers and the producers.”
Tidal reportedly pays out close to ten times Spotify’s free tier service. The company also provides unsigned/rising artists opportunities to be highlighted on the platform via its “Tidal Discovery” program.
Prince is set to release his next 3rdEyeGirl full length album HITNRUN exclusively on Tidal. He previously debuted his video for the song “Baltimore” on the platform.
Calling all the ladies! Lil Breeze and Puff want to know what’s up. Two members of Chicago’s own SMG Squad have put the spotlight on the ladies with “Make Me A Believer”. Incorporating horns, an old school sample and a mellow tempo, this one will put you in the mood to prove yourself. With a chill beat, ladies you may want to wind your body to this one, or let him see your slow twerk. Either way-show him that you are ready and willing to give him a night that he won’t forget. No stallin’ and no regrets!!! Let’s get it!
You can request “Make Me A Believer” on Chicago’s Power 92, Hip Hop Nation on Siriux XM, and Power 105.1 NY. Follow Lil Breeze & Puff on Twitter. You can also catch the duo in a city near you performing this track on the Chris Brown Tour. You can purchase the single on iTunes or Google Play.
Check out SMG Squad’s recent interview with DJ Smallz below:
They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer – makes you think. After releasing headbanger, “Slave Ship” featuring Turn Up King, Waka Flocka last month, 36BRICKHOUSE artist, Azizi Gibson mellows out with his newest release, “Enemies” produced by New Zealand producer Kamandi is about losing a friend more than it is about attacking an enemy. “Enemies” is available on most streaming platforms and will be available on iTunes Friday, August 7. Azizi’s upcoming album, “preHISTORIC till death” drops this Fall.
(AllHipHop News) Aaliyah fans may have reason to rejoice. According to the late R&B singer’s longtime producer Timbaland, new music from Baby Girl could be released in the new future. Timbo made the announcement on his Instagram page.
Attention!!!!! People ask me all the time do I have any babegirl music we haven’t heard !!!!!well the answer is YES!!!!!!!! TIMBO x BABEGIRL !!!!! Sneak peak coming !!!!!!!
Aaliyah worked with the Virginia native on the platinum selling albums One In A Million and Aaliyah. Timbaland also produced two of her biggest hits – “Are You That Somebody?” from the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack and “Try Again” from the Romeo Must Die soundtrack.
(AllHipHop News) The Hip Hop world lost a great representative of the culture this weekend. Heltah Skeletah member Sean Price passed away in his sleep on August 8. The Tidal streaming service has collected some of Ruck’s most memorable music moments for a 34-track playlist. Listen to the Duck Down Records emcee’s songs at Tidal.com.
(AllHipHop News) One of Meek Mill’s lieutenants has fired back at his boss’ rival. After Ar-Ab dissed Meek over Drake’s “Back To Back” beat, Omelly has now hopped on the track to defend the Dreamchasers crew.
Warren G drops off the summer friendly joint featuring 213 compadre Nate D-O-Double G. Gotta love that his music is still alive today, nobody could do it better than Nate Dogg. While Warren G can be a bit quiet at times, he has the whole hood behind him in this video and he shines. Regulate… G Funk Era II can be streamed via SoundCloud!
Kap G is back, yet again with another record “Fck It Up”. This time the Atlanta MC sends a strong message to all his doubters. “People want to say I made it from luck/ my fam came here/ crossed the border/ f*ck your option and f*ck Donald Trump”. This new record presents a up beat Atlanta sound and is produced by the hot and upcoming producer Trailer Park Legend.
One person has been reportedly shot at a protest march on the anniversary of Mike Brown’s death in Ferguson, MO.
The incident resulted in people being pepper-sprayed and police reinforcements being called in.
A celebration in nearby St. Louis that featured Common, Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, M1 of dead prez, Phoarah Monch and others ended on a somber note. Attendees were encouraged to stay safe even if they were still committed to protesting.
Multiple mainstream reports suggest that somebody fired upon the police, but others state that the person killed was not a suspect.
Another person has been allegedly critically wounded, but this report has not been substantiated yet.
Have you ever heard a rapper name Marvel Alexander? If not, that’s not a problem, but you are missing out on a unique artist that’s garnering attention. Alexander came out of nowhere with the release of his critically acclaimed mixtape Don’t Die Yet through Soundcloud earlier this year, a project that breaks new ground in Hip Hop by establishing a new sound as well as tell a story (several stories actually). Marvel’s talent is supported with production and featured appearances from serious up & coming artists including D.R.A.M., Kaytranada, Michael Christmas, Louis P, and many more. Recently, AllHipHop had the opportunity to get in touch with Alexander and talk to him about the rapper’s uprising as well as the concept of Don’t Die Yet and much more.
Marvel Alexander’s music origins go back to a his high school years in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he ended up writing and recording his first song with a local rapper. He also ended up with acquiring the Frooty Loops program, which helped start his career producing beats. “I always wanted to make beats”, says Alexander, “… but I just never knew how to do or go about it”. The lack of knowledge of the program had soon change to the artist becoming an expert after a period of time.
Alexander’s music is not powered by dope beats, but also by a his skill of storytelling. This skill was established by a diverse range of musical influence from artists like Rick James to Busta Rhymes. However, none of the influences could match to Eminem’s influence on Alexander, which is one of the reasons why storytelling is such a key element in Don’t Die Yet. Using Eminem’s classic single Stan, Marvel Alexander broke down for us why the song was so special to him:
“I just love the story! it makes you feel like you were there. When you hear the scribbles on the notepads… you hear the rain, the hear the car slam. He puts you in this audio environment that makes you feel something.”
This storytelling element could be seen in several songs from deeper cuts like “Popcorn” or his latest upbeat single with Lakim “Smoke All Day”. It is also embedded within the concept his project Don’t Die Yet, project that reinforces the struggles of giving in to what not doing what you want in life. “When you give up on life and you settle on not pursuing what you want to pursue in life… I feel like you’re dying” says the rapper.
Don’t Die Yet might not in everyone’s rotation, however, there’s a good chance that many have heard something marvel Alexander has worked on, specifically in production. Before working on his project, the artist has made a name off of producing beats. One of those beats ended up being the official instrumental for ASAP Ferg’s 2013 hit “Shabba”, where he ended up acquiring additional credits along with fellow Jersey producer, Snugsworth. Although “Shabba” was Alexander’s biggest hit in the production field, he had also worked with Hodgy Beats from time-to time as well.
As of now, Marvel Alexander has taken a backseat to production this time around to collaborate with Soulection producer, Lakim. The project is set to release sometime very soon, with “Smoke All Day” as the leading single for the project. Like many of the other unique artists he’s worked with, Alexander chose to work with Lakim based off of a long history of doing music together, as well as a close friendship before both of them moved to their home now, Los Angeles.
Alexander has also exclusively informed us that he will be releasing an album sometime this year. The album will feature mainly talents and production from himself.
With a strong history and promising future, Marvel Alexander is definitely not letting his dreams die anytime soon. Expect to see a lot more of this kid soon. Check out his latest EP Don’t Die Yet below.
Birthed in the Windy City, Chicago’s own, R. Kelly, continues his passion of creating classic tunes. Prepping for the September 25 release of his upcoming album, Buffet,the R & B Pied Piper has released “Backyard Party,” his feel good ode to barbecues everywhere.
Today marks the 1-year anniversary of Mike Brown’s slaying at the hands of a police officer in Ferguson, MO. The aftermath produced widespread uprisings and protest to the death, which has been deemed unjust by most. Talib Kweli and the Action Support Committee a free concert called “Ferguson Is Everywhere” in St. Louis that will feature Common, Bun B, M1 from Dead Prez, Rapsody, Tef Poe, Rebel Diaz, Jasiri X, Immortal Technique, Pharoahe Monch and singer Kendra Ross. Tory Russell of Hands Up United will play host at the event. All donation go to Michael Brown’s family.
Memphis rapper and former Three 6 Mafia member, Gangsta Boo, sits down with DJ Smallz and decodes her new mixtape, “Underground Cassette Tape Music”, providing further insight from the artwork to a few songs featuring Daz Dillinger and 8ball to name a few.
Gotti is Gotti, hes CMG, king of the streets in just about any hood he moves through. The freestyle video aired alot of places after he dropped The Return of Cocaine Music Pt. 1, . Check for Gotti to have a big close out to 2015.
Project Pat joins Juicy J on tour as the Memphis bred rappers check out Seattle. From antics on the bus to the live show, Juicy J takes you behind the scenes with the leader of the Trippy movement.
Chicago rapper ClarkAirlines unveils new single, “GoodTimingYeah” from his upcoming mixtape #TrillAir. Produced by Supreme Beats, “GoodTimingYeah” booms with ClarkAirlines’ undeniable confidence and charismatic delivery.
Over the past year there might not be a better name than Hobo the Great. Combine a dope name with a clean yet space sounding track and you got “Peons,” pulled from his Mos High EP. Hobo the Great is most known him as one of the most sought after tattoo artist in Atlanta, but Hobo proves to be just as gifted on wax with this track. Representing Atlanta’s latest indie movement on the rise, Kings Tomb, Hobo the Great has a voice and talent that undeniable. The self described “old soul,” Hobo the Great’s style and vibe on the EP is soulful, memorable, and message filled. Check the gem below!
“These are private opinions that were made public, “ Mos Def said, “This was barbershop talk.” It seems like the internet got Mos Def caught out there after seemingly challenging commercial emcees. He goes on to explain in depth why he’s not battling anybody.
