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beach house 3 September 29, 2017
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Kulture Hub 2017 Fall Music Preview: 10 drops to circle on your calendar

Fall is underway and has already given us a few joints to sit with.

The Cool Kids and Kevin Gates both made comebacks in their own unique ways dropping Special Edition Grand Master Deluxe and By Any Means 2 respectfully this September.

G Herbo, Jhene Aiko, and Rapsody hit us back to back to back near the end of September with projects. And Macklemore even gave rap music another shot.

But the best is yet to come.

As we enter the final season of the year, we’re going to need that special soundtrack to get cozy with. To stay low and hustle to. You know, to help celebrate the holidays.

Kelela | Take Me Apart | Oct 6

Warp

The R&B songstress Kelela is set to drop her debut album Take Me Apart via Warp Records, and everyone should be on standby.

The album’s first single “LMK.” is a personal record that shows off the singer’s pen. There are clear jazz and other musical influences that go into the theme of her sound, but they offer a perfect backdrop to the drum of fall/winter.

If Take Me Apart is anything like her 2015 EP Hallucinogen then it’s surely something to keep an eye on.

Gucci Mane | Mr. Davis | Oct 13th

Atlantic

Guwop has been having a hell of a year and a half since being released from prison and is continuing his amazing run by dropping Mr. Davis.

The 17-track album is littered with features including The Weeknd, Big Sean, Monica, ScHoolboy Q, and A$AP Rocky. Chris Brown also guests on the previously-released “Tone It Down,” while Nicki Minaj lends a hand on “Make Love.”

The album was originally supposed to drop on the 13th of September, but seeing it pushed to October 13, days before 10/17, it seems that fate has other ideas.

The trap god always has a banger up his sleeves so make sure you’re on the lookout for this one.

DVSN | Morning After | Oct 13th

THE ALBUM ➗

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OVO signee DVSN, announced they’d be following up their 2016’s debut Sept. 5th.

The Canadian duo is perfect for the fall. Their ambient instrumentals and heavy 808’s will have you in your feels or in the feels of your significant other. Either way, it’s a release to look at for.

Blu & Exile | The Beginning: Before The Heavens | Oct 20th

Dirty Science

It’s been a decade since the underground colt classic album Below The Heavens LP.

People who knew about the album cherished it and held on to the project like it was a novelty item, and in a way, they were right. There had been nothing like it before or since it’s dropped.

In 2012, Blu and Exile released Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them — an album they’d released in 2009 — but have not really written anything new.

Until now.

Making dreams come true all over again #bluandexile #belivethat

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This is one that I can’t wait to hear.

Fabolous & Jadakiss | Freddy vs Jason | Oct 31

Fab is notorious for dropping projects on holidays. This time he’s teaming up with Jadakiss to deliver Freddy vs Jason just in time for Halloween.

Being that both emcee’s are from New York I expect nothing less than bars.

Ty Dolla $ign | Beach House 3 | Oct 27th

Pu$haz Ink

Representing the new sound in R&B, talented musician and songwriter Ty Dolla $ign is expected to return back to the Beach House series with his third installment Beach House 3.

If the singles, “Message in a Bottle” and “Dawsin’s Breek,” which features Jeremih, are any indication of what we’re to expect, then get ready for smooth, relaxing vibe music.

Ty still has his signature tone which gives any function the right atmosphere.

Travis Scott | Astroworld | TBA

Grand Hustle

Between his rumored new daddy responsibilities and wrapping up the DAMN. Tour with Kendrick Lamar, I’m sure Travis Scott has had his plate full.

But we’re not hearing any excuses. Not with the promises he’s made.

Back in August he announced that both his upcoming solo album, AstroWorld, and his collab project with Quavo would be dropping real soon,

“I think this might be the last club I’ma do until my album come out and shit,” he tells the crowd. “I’m about to go away, in hiding for like a couple weeks, couple months… Me and Quavo album ’bout to drop real soon. AstroWorld ’bout to drop real soon.”

I’m not sure when ‘real soon’ is, but I know such teases like a Quavo x Travis Scott mashup shouldn’t be tossed around lightly. I guess we’ll see.

Pusha T | King Push | TBA

Kanye West Runaway GIF by 2020 MTV Video Music Awards - Find & Share on GIPHY

At the top of the year, Pusha T announced that Ye was solely responsible for the production of his upcoming album King Push.

Since then a lot has happened. From Ye dropping his album, feuding with Jay, and fleeing to Wyoming.

Then earlier this month, Pusha announced that progress had been made. So much in fact that there were three different versions of the album.

While performing at the Made in America Festival he spoke on the progress of the album to Complex saying:

“If it drops this year, Album Of The Year. If it drops next year, Album Of The Year.”

Well, let’s see it drop first.

Kamaiyah | Don’t Ever Get It Twisted | TBA

Interscope

Kamaiyah’s 2016 debut A Good Night in the Ghetto, got her name on all the blogs across the web and new fans desperate to know who she was.

The splash of the Oakland native’s debut mixtape was so impactful it landed her on XXL’s Freshman Class. Now the only thing missing is her official album.

Her pinned tweet on Twitter say’s the album is coming soon. Let’s hope it’s this fall.

Nas | TBA | TBA

Dj Khaled Nas GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Nas’ album should have been done. At least that’s what he and DJ Khaled confirmed on the 2016’s banger “Nas Album Done” (that’s a pretty straightforward song title).

In Nasir Jones’ defense, however, he’s been on his business tip. Whether it’s being a ‘huge creative force’ on the Netflix original The Get Down, managing Mass Appeal Records, or any of his venture capital investments, he’s clearly not just sitting around.

What we can say is that Nas is not washed. Both of his verses on Khaled’s albums were fire and Jay-Z has proved there is space in today’s music for seasoned bars.

We’ll just have to wait for it.

cardi b September 27, 2017
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Rapsody isn’t just any woman in hip-hop, she could change the game

It’s almost poetic how around Cardi’s B’s assent and eventual claim of the number one song in America, Rapsody has now decided to release her third studio album, Laila’s Widom.

On one hand, you have a record that starts off with the lyrics: “Lil’ bitch!” and on the other, you have a body of work that exemplifies the essence of black womanhood.

Ratchetness and righteousness at its finest.

Who would have thought that in today’s America two woman emcees in hip-hop representing contrasting sounds could coexist? Not only are there female rappers, but there are female rappers to choose from.

What a time.

That’s just the thing: hip-hop offers a platform that has room for such a vast variety of styles.

At the top of the summer — around the time when Yatchy, Lil Uzi, and Kodak were coming up —  we saw stout resistance from hip-hop purists complaining on how these acts were apart of a new ‘mumble rap’ era.

Since then, Ebro and other Timberland wearing hip-hop heads have compromised that there are elements that can be appreciated from the flows and melodies this generation has to offer. But the new generation exemplifies just how much variety this single genre has.

You see, there is no need to come at the new generation. They’re just expressing themselves in the most authentic way they see fit. And it’s not like it keeps “real” hip-hop off the shelves. Rapsody proves that.

Not only does Rapsody provide some of the best songwriting that you will ever come across, but she gives yet another face to hip-hop. One that has softness, poise, and top-tier talent.

Released on the 22nd of this year, Laila’s Wisdom is Rapsody’s first official release since inking a deal with Roc Nation in 2016. Named after her Grandmother, the album tackles touchy topics like love, race, and religion with no hesitation.

For example, one of the records on the album is titled “Power” featuring Kendrick Lamar. In an interview with Power 107.1’s The Breakfast Club she revealed the song’s meaning.

“Power to me is, for one, I think knowing who you are. First you have to know yourself before knowing what to do with your own power. Power comes in different forms and I think that’s what the record is about.”

And just like “Power” every joint on the album has gems to share.

From the moment you press play, you can tell Rapsody was first singed to and worked closely with 9th Wonder and Little Brother. All of the classic soulfulness that came from that special time in the 90s is heard in this album. The samples steal your breath and her wordplay inclines you to rewind — she doesn’t miss a beat once on this project.

But we honestly shouldn’t be surprised.

She may not have the numbers of a Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, or Remy Ma but she makes up for it with the respect she garners and features she nabs.

Rapsody has worked with the who’s who in the business, ranging from Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, Raekwon, Big Daddy Kane, Marsha Ambrosius, Mac Miller, and Big K.R.I.T., for starters.

Rapsody was even named one of ‘the top female artists to know’ by both TIME Magazine and USA Today and was named one of the ‘20 Greatest Female Rappers of All Time‘ by XXL.

Happy A Mood GIF by Rapsody - Find & Share on GIPHY

If that doesn’t give perspective, get this: In 2015, she was the only rap feature on Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album, To Pimp A Butterfly, going bar for bar with arguably the best in the game on the track “Complexion.” With no sweat, too. As she did again on the record “Power” on her own album.

That’s why I’ve always maintained that it’s really difficult to get upset at the state of hip-hop today. There’s something for everyone. You can’t even argue that her music is hard to find — like say a Noname or Tink — she’s has a major distributor behind her and has nothing but good music to offer.

When you look at Rapsody you don’t see the Barbie curves that Cardi B and Nicki have. You don’t see the platinum blonde wigs, or the caked up make-up. You see a black woman that, for all intents and purposes, could be your next door neighbor. Which is positive for hip-hop.

Rapsody gives hip-hop a new face. A face that says you can be yourself, a woman, and not compromise your art to be in the industry. And that’s why we need her around.

Who knows if her album will make the charts or do crazy numbers, her last two albums did not and her music has a niche following. But I also do not think that matters too much.

Rapsody’s music is a gift for whoever comes across it, and from the tours she goes on to the lives she touches, it’s apparent that her purpose is fulfilled either way.

hurricane maria September 25, 2017
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What about Puerto Rico? A part of our country needs attention, support

Stop whatever you’re doing right now.

There is a historically devastating humanitarian crisis that’s happening in Puerto Rico and no one seems to give a single fuck.

Maybe this needs context. ‘Humanitarian emergency’ is as defined by the Humanitarian Coalition:

“An event or series of events that represents a critical threat to the health, safety, security or wellbeing of a community or other large group of people, usually over a wide area.”

This is the threat that over 3 million Americans face, yet somehow we’ve prioritized sports, the definition of patriotism, and how much of an honor it is to visit the White House instead of real American lives.

A weak — and I stress, weak — defense to any negligence and ignorance to this tragedy is that it, unfortunately, comes at the heels of other recent natural disasters.

First, Hurricane Harvey flooded Houston. Then Mexico was hit by an 8.2 magnitude shock earthquake to the southern state of Chiapas. Then, as if we hadn’t had enough hurricanes, Hurricane Irma took power away from thousands in Florida. This doesn’t even include the Bangladesh floods or Sierra Leone mudslides.

While grave, are these excuses enough to justify why Congress and the White House haven’t administered relief funds to Puerto Rico, where millions remain without power after Hurricane Maria?

Puerto Rico is a US territory whose residents are American citizens. With so much talk about America and respecting those that protect it, why hasn’t the leader of our country, of these very citizens, said anything?

Trump tweeted about sports 17 times between Saturday and Monday morning but didn’t tweet once about Puerto Rico, where citizens have been without electricity, water, or means of communication since the Category 5 hurricane hit Wednesday.

I understand that digesting, caring, and sending monetary aid to everyone who’s hit across the world is unrealistic, but ignoring that it’s happening is unacceptable.

The majority of Americans don’t even realize Puerto Rico is part of America.

As of March 2017, only 47 percent of Americans believed that a person born to Puerto Rican parents was an American citizen, according to a Suffolk poll. By contrast, a whopping 30 percent believed that they would be a citizen of Puerto Rico, with the rest of the people surveyed either not knowing or claiming to be unsure.

But if anyone should know, it should be the man who is leading it. Which is why he garnered criticism.

One individual with influence and a platform is using his however, and that’s former Knick and current Oklahoma City City forward Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony, whose father was from Puerto Rico, started a YouCaring donation page Friday to help people whose island has been ravaged by Hurricane Maria.

“The entire island is dark. But even if we can’t hear it, there’s more than 3 million people down there calling out for help,” Anthony wrote for The Players’ Tribune.

“Imagine your house being powerless for just one hour. Just one day. Just one week. Imagine the young kids you have in your life — your son, your daughter, your nephew, your granddaughter — imagine them being scared and hungry for just one day.”

This is the sense of urgency we need — the same we saw in Houston.

At least 15 deaths have been reported so far as a result of Maria. That number is expected to grow as recovery efforts proceed. 3.4 million Americans, the entire population of Puerto Rico, are currently without power.

And Carlos Mercader, a spokesman for Puerto Rico’s governor, told PBS that in the hardest hit communities on the island, almost all of the houses have been destroyed. “80 or 90 percent of the homes are a complete disaster,” he said. “They are totally lost.”

And those are just some of the raw stats of just how apocalyptic it is.

Just because Trump is our President doesn’t mean you have to be anything like him. Do what you can: donate, spread the word or just care. But don’t forget your fellow Americans.

Some places to donate:

United For Puerto Rico

Unidos

The Miami Foundation has two different funds. One for hurricane relief work, which “will support recovery and rebuilding work driven by organizations on the ground,” and one called U.S. Caribbean Strong Relief Fund 

Concilio

Global Giving fund

All Hands Volunteers 

chicago rap September 25, 2017
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G Herbo’s ‘Humble Beast’ will make you appreciate street music

It’s a crime how so many people are clueless to the ingenious coming out of the east side of Chicago.

Back in the early 2010s, when both the legend of Chief Keef and the crime rate in Chicago simultaneously gained national attention, drill became the sound of the industry. Keef Dropped “300” while on house arrest and, for all intensive purposes, really opened the gates for other Chicago acts — drill and not.

Since then it’s been a renaissance of sorts in the Chicago music scene.

There are too many to name but between Chance The Rapper, King Louie, Saba, Noname, BJ the Chicago Kid, Mick Jenkins, and others, one can argue that Chicago rivals, if not knocked off, Atlanta for the country’s hottest hub for music.

Still, people seem to overlook the rapper formerly known as Lil Herb.

Though on pace with his peers — gracing 15 million views on YouTube back in 2012 with his and Bibby’s “Kill Shit” as well as releasing Road to Fazoland, Road 2 Riches, Welcome to Fazoland, all within a three-year span — he never got the attention of other artists from his city. 

Herbo was so flagrantly slept on, in fact, that in XXL’s 2014 Freshmen issue featuring Vic Mensa, Chance The Rapper, Lil Durk, AND his right-hand man Lil Bibby — an XXL record for artists who made it from the same city — Herbo was left off the list.

This led to Herb’s diss track “XXL.”

(G Herbo was selected the following year).

So it really shouldn’t be a surprise that G Herbo is also the last of the bunch to drop his debut or that the title is Humble Beast.

Released this past Friday, Humble Beast features Lil Uzi, Lil Yachty, and Lil Bibby, with production credits that enlist Da Internz, Southside, C-Sick, and more. But what’s been surprising is how mature the body of work is.

Drill does not have the same hold on the game as it did a couple of years ago, and a lot of Chicago drill artists have been leaning towards Durk’s autotuned sound, which probably explains why Humble Beast may come off as refreshing or as a surprise for many, even though it’s on par with Herbo’s body of work.

Back in August, Herb said he wanted this album to be reminiscent of Jay’s Reasonable Doubt and that’s clear when you listen straight through.

From production to lyrical content, Humble Beast gives a perspective of what it’s like to grow up in a war zone, make it and want better for those who haven’t. It’s soulful. It’s hard. It’s Chicago.

Some are even calling it the street 4:44.

So I offer you 10 bars from Humble Beast, not only to put you on but to provide a perspective of the Chicago streets from someone who has walked them.

“Man Now”

I’ve been stepped on
Pushed over, pissed at
Shot
I’ve been bitch slapped, only by the police with my handcuffs
I’ve been spit at, smell the piff all on me, know you got it
Where that shit at?

“Malcolm”

Stuck on probation on and off since thirteen, been in and out
Soon as he turned seventeen, shit got super wild
Still a juvenile, he just totin’ Rugers now
He shootin’ now, streets got him, Malcolm ruthless now

https://giphy.com/gifs/capo-g-herbo-lil-herb-ylX0MNQWoTH1e

“Malcolm” (again)

Sometimes he even pray to God and wish he die at night
He grown now, had to get it on his own and
He know nobody gon’ be there when he alone and
So fuck it, he just gon’ continue doing wrong then

“Street”

Street niggas, where they be?
Nowhere else but the streets
Only place some niggas been besides the block was custody
In the richest nation ever, that’s just so fucked up to me
I’ma show my dogs the world, if they can put they trust in me

Herb GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

“Bi-Polar”

And I got love for a few, respect for a couple niggas
But ain’t no fear in my heart for no man

“Lil Gangbangin Ass”

When Keef ‘nem was out saying bang bang
We was on the 8 making Glocks do the same thang
Rolling got my shirt off let my chain hang
First niggas yellin out ‘gang-gang!’

https://giphy.com/gifs/tmz-chief-capo-bvZ1RlGnaU1VK

“Crown”

I was flexin’ everyday, ran through my little bread
You know young nigga never had it
Do what I want, now I got it
But that don’t define you as man, what you gone do without it?
Know you ain’t got a dime, now, what you gone do about it?
Whole family from the slums, how you finna move ’em out it
We need our crowns

“Mirror”

I come from where it’s rob or be robbed, kill or be killed
The main goal just try and get home like Wrigley Field
Shells old, pop out revolvers, they hittin’ me still
Can’t trust a soul, they act like you owe ’em, don’t hit ’em be still”

Herb GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

“Trial”

What you thought she was gon’ do for ya?
Not time or support, nigga
She ain’t waiting too for ya
She ain’t come through on the books with the loot for ya
You go to trial, she won’t even buy a suit for ya
Win or lose on that verdict, it’s the finals, nigga
Pick a bitch, ’cause that jury ain’t ‘gon root for ya

“No Way Out”

We lost Lil Roc in February, White Folks was November
This was my freshman year of high school, we was
Just beginners
Skipped breakfast, woke up sliding
Loaded pipes for dinner

Sylvan Esso GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

atlantic records September 22, 2017
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Matt Ox and Danielle Bregoli both signed record deals. Get over it.

Just as last week’s news of Danielle “Bhad Bhabie” Bregoli inking a deal with Atlantic records became palatable, Warner Bros. Records decided to pour salt onto the wound by signing a 12-year-old kid named Matt Ox yesterday.

As you can imagine, everyone from hip-hop purists to your casual rap fan felt some type of way.

https://twitter.com/lustforgays/status/911223547401506817

https://twitter.com/utterfingers/status/908791178874761216

If we’re being completely transparent, they’re both white, out-of-culture social media stars turned rappers. Even I cringed when I saw major music labels so ready to throw cash their way.

There is talent out there that has touring experience, garnered a fanbase from scratch, and who’s honed their craft tirelessly.

Surely there’s an artist more reputable than a kid doing his best Chief Keef video impression, armed with hot Cheetos and fidget spinners or a girl whose claim to fame was disrespecting her mother on Dr. Phil.

Fidget GIF by Future Generations - Find & Share on GIPHY

But that’s where the problem lies: we’re outraged and taken aback because we don’t see them as artists; we see them as viral sensations. We feel as if labels are betraying us, but in reality, they’re doing the same shit labels always do.

Trinidad James wasn’t signed to Def Jam until “All Gold Everything” blew up in 2012. T.I didn’t pay Iggy Azalea any mind until her video for “Pu$$y” went viral. And Jimmy Iovine couldn’t wait to get his hands on Keef after “Don’t Like” broke the internet.

Was the integrity of hip-hop a point of emphasis in these signings? How many of those deals still exist?

Joe Budden said it best on Complex’s The Daily Struggle:

“People don’t view Atlantic that way. They are showing you what they are in the business of. How can you get mad at somebody showing you what they do. They’re not in it for hip-hop integrity.”

It’s a numbers game for these big labels, and say what you want, both Bhad Bhabie and Matt have plenty of them.

Max’s “Overwhelming” video reached the benchmarks of other viral phenomenons, pulling in 14 million in just a few months. He’s seen a success on SoundCloud, attracted the attention of Lil Uzi Vert, and performed at Diplo’s Mad Decent Block Party.

He’s like a much more self-aware Slim Jesus.

And despite not recording a damn thing in her life prior, Danielle Bregoli’s “These Heaux” already has over 21 million views on YouTube and she’s already the youngest female rapper to chart the Hot 100 at #77.

And she hasn’t missed a beat. Today she dropped “Hi Bich / Whachu Know” and it already has 2 million views on Youtube.

You telling me labels are not supposed to sign these acts?

This is the fate I accepted when Cardi B got her shot. The case study is similar. Again, no musical background. No real time spent as an artist before her deal. And she, too, came up off the internet. Yet I root for her like I know her.

I think as hip-hop fans it’s time to admit that we’re being a bit greedy. On one hand, we praise the direct fan to artist connection that today’s media platforms allow — which gives the role of A&R to the people — and then we get angry when the popular vote is something we don’t like.

Cash Bow GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

It’s important to remember that Bhad Bhabie and Matt Ox can’t exist without a base to fuel them. They had to have tapped into something to go viral in the first place — whether good or bad publicity — and now they’re setting up shop to soak it for all it’s worth.

The cause for concern is warranted. We’ve seen what can happen when a genre in music in suddenly invaded and transformed (i.e Jazz and Rock and Roll ), but sometimes it’s best to let things run their course.

Who knows what the future holds for these artists. They’re both still extremely young (Bregoli being 14) and could compromise their contracts, grow into different artists, or, don’t hold your breath, actually be good.

What we do know is that only real music is going to last. All that other bullshit is here today and gone tomorrow.

bars September 21, 2017
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More than a gospel rapper: 10 bars that prove Lecrae can actually rap

On August 21, 2020, Lecrae dropped his ninth solo album titled Restoration. 

Now, some people may not know of Lecrae. Although he’s a veteran in the industry — winning two Grammys and going gold on his last album —  the 41-year-old rapper from Houston definitely has a niche following.

You see, Lecrae is considered a Christian rapper. He became the first hip-hop artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album and in 2015 became the first rapper to win the BET Award for Best Gospel Artist.

Yet, with this kind of success — between the critical acclaim and record sales — one could ask why more people don’t know about Lecrae or why he’s considered a gospel rapper when he’s won multiple times classified as such?

Well, it’s not that simple.

#ATWT

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The label of being a “Christian” artist can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you’re unashamedly putting on for your beliefs and doing it in a way that relates to you and people like you, which is important in its own right. But it also detracts.

Music that’s filed under the Christian genre doesn’t do as well in the mainstream. It’s possible to have a career as a Christian artist, but there are realistic hindrances to anyone with sights at the top of the charts.

And while Lecrae has seen chart success before, topping the Billboard 200 back in 2014 with his album Anomaly, proving himself in the Christian music world in the process, he’s looking for that crossover success.

That’s why you may see him with new singles featuring familiar names like Ty Dolla $ign and Tori Kelly. It’s also why you’ve seen him struggle with how he’s labeled in interviews.

In the interview, he’s asked if he’s okay with being labeled a Christian rapper and he responds:

“At the end of the day it’s good music it’s good lyrics, [and] you can find whatever you’re looking for inside of it. I don’t call myself that. I don’t go by any of those genres/titles.”

And he’s right. At the end of the day, it comes down to if you got bars or not. And as Lecrae gears up for his newest album, it’s a good time to see if he has them or not. Here are ten times he brought it.

“Manolo” | Trip Lee feat. Lecrae 

“I flip that page on em my trigga finga stay workin (pop pop pop)
I got plenty ammo got old and new they both testify, my Lord”

“Church Clothes”

“That’s backwards, and I lack words
For these actors called pastors
All these folks is hypocrites
And that’s why I ain’t at church”

“I’m Turnt”

“I ain’t popping, rolling and I ain’t burnt
So tell Mary and Molly I don’t need ’em to party
Someone woke up in the lobby trying to locate they wallet
While I’m nine holes in trying to work on my hobby”

“Blessings” feat. Ty Dolla $ign

“I’ve been punchin’ in the clock
Tryna keep the kitchen stocked
Man it’s a blessin’ ’cause we ain’t ever had a lot
But all we need is all we got”

“I’ll Find You” feat. Tori Kelly

“They say ‘Don’t get bitter, get better’
I’m working on switching them letters
But tell God I’ma need a whole lotta hope keeping it together”

“All I Need Is You”

“And I’m all or nothing cause (all I need is you)
To hold me down like bed straps to the psych ward
It’s killing me but you still with me when I fight hard
And (all I need is you)”

“Nuthin'”

“And everybody watching thinking that you made it
The truth is for a few designer labels and a little bit of paper now you 12 years slaving
Hey but you ain’t Lupita
So why you beat up and pushing people to lean on a double cup
And a seizure”

“Tell The World” feat. Mali Music

“I got the old me in the rearview
Now the new me got a clear view
And I was so dead, I couldn’t hear you
Too deep in sin to come near you”

“Don’t Waste Your Life”

“People think they livin’ for a job
Make a lil money start living for a car
Get em a wife, a house, kids and a dog
When they retire they living high on the hog”

bodak yellow September 20, 2017
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The Cardi B effect: Why nothing can stop the girl from the Bronx

Cardi B has the opportunity to have a number one single in the country after “Bodak Yellow” became the most streamed song in the US with 40.8 Million streams on September 18th.

This accomplishment gave her the highest-charting song by a solo female rapper since Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” duplicated similar numbers 2014.

If she claims the number one spot, she’d be the first female rapper to do so without a feature in 20 years.

Right now the only thing in her way is Taylor Swift. Swift has held the number one spot for three weeks now with her new song “Look What You Made Me Do” but is facing major resistance to keep the position.

As Cardi B inches closer and closer to overtaking Taylor, her fans began taking notice, and in turn, began campaigning for her to surpass the multiple Grammy winner.

https://twitter.com/ziwe/status/909460304404328448

And the campaigning appeared to pay off. “Bodak” is slated to overthrow Taylor Swift for No. 1 spot on Billboard Hot 100 as the single has continued to show strong digital sales with 30,272 units sold.

It’s almost like Cardi B has a magic touch. Everything about her makes her easy to root for. Even on Love & Hip-Hop where it’s easy to get placed in a bad light, she managed to stand up for herself and made it known where she stood at all times.

These were the things she was doing before television and the music — she would unapologetically speak her mind in a way that commands your attention.

So it was almost as if rooting for “Bodak” was like seeing your homie win, and the support began to spread.

Apple Music head of artist curation Carl Chery described it perfectly in an interview with Billboard.com,

“It’s something I noticed in the last couple years: Every now and then someone has a hit where the energy just feels different every time it comes on. It doesn’t feel like a hit, it feels like a moment.”

The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and could reach platinum not too long after.

Anyone who has taken a second to look past the less than perfect subject-verb agreement, the accent, and the rate of speech would agree that Cardi B has nothing but positivity to share.

Taylor Swift, who last effort sold 9.5 million worldwide and won her Album of the Year at the Grammys in 2014, is not even safe from the goodwill of Cardi B and her inevitable success.

Cardi B is proof that if you apply yourself, using the basic everyday resources around you to be an outlet to whatever talent you have, success is obtainable.

Let’s hope the Bronx queen gets that number one spot.

cheating September 18, 2017
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Kevin Hart, extortion, and why good will never be good enough

Just last year Forbes announced that, for the first time since keeping track, Jerry Seinfeld was dethroned as comedy cash king after Kevin Hart pulled in $87.5 million in 2016—over $30 million more than Seinfeld’s $43.5 million.

The feat was so notable it also earned Hart sixth place on the Celebrity 100, Forbes’ annual list of celebrity money-makers that year. A large part was due to Hart playing over 100 shows with an average gross of over $1 million at each stop, a feat no other comedian was doing.

But last year barely begins to speak to his success.

Since beginning comedy in his hometown of Philly, Kevin has managed to make himself into a television, movie, stand-up, and even part-time musical star. He has five stand-up specials, has been in a movie every year since 2002, and has even written a book.

Kev’s come-up story resonated with people for two reasons: firstly his dominance. Eddie Murphy is the most recent comedian that comes to mind in terms of an individual who occupied as many media spaces. Secondly, it’s because Kevin has a unique likability.

Kevin Hart’s self-deprecating humor that makes light of his height, raising his children, and family woes makes him feel like a relative, not to mention how relatable he is on live television.

On top of all of the good content he constantly puts out, he’s also made himself a beacon of inspiration.

His Snapchat displays his coined “hustle Hart” lifestyle, running from one shoot to another. His Instagram exudes examples of fatherhood, family, and servitude.

In every interview, he drops gems on helping others get to where they want to go in life.

He’s one of the hardest workers in Hollywood and it shows.

#Message

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on

For all intensive purposes, Kevin Hart is good.

Just not good enough.

#Harts #HartBeatWeekend #LiveLoveLaugh

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on

Back in July pictures of Kevin up and close with an unidentifiable woman surfaced that had the entire web questioning his loyalty to his pregnant wife, Eniko Hart.

Although questionable, the pictures can easily be taken out of context and they were dismissed after Kevin responded with this Instagram post.

He played off the rumors with this meme

#LiveLoveLaugh …..SMDH

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on


Fast forward to yesterday and Hart, again, found himself in the midst of infidelity rumors thanks to a video obtained by TMZ.

Here’s the extortion video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8o2OfblpjA

And again, Kev took to IG to address to allegations, but this time did not keep the same energy.

And when you watch the video you’d see why. Whoever this individual is clearly is not playing games and they have some concrete dirt.

This time there weren’t pictures or videos, just words threatening to release sensitive information about the comedian unless money is paid.

Using past interviews audio as a backdrop — which cleverly included snippets of Kev blaming infidelities with his first wife on maturity and where he admitted that chasing physical attributes is an endless game — the video has a typed out message with demands.

TMZ reported the FBI is on the hunt for the extortionist and they have a suspect but it’s unclear if the suspect is the woman pictured with Kevin or someone else who may have captured the bedroom scene with an iPhone.

The extortionist’s latest demands are in the millions.

As you can imagine, Twitter is weighing in on the scandal.

https://twitter.com/RealLifeKaz/status/909771423123673088

So where do we go from here? No, we do not know the specifics of what happened or what exactly Kevin Hart is apologizing for, but Kevin Hart did not live up to the public’s expectations.

Besides, one of the pitfalls of fame is being publicly responsible to your constituents, even with private matters not concerning them.

The lesson here is that good is not good enough. It never is. Re: Bill Cosby, Nate Parker, Michael Jackson, Kodak Black, Chris Brown or whoever has done anything immoral and ethically wrong.

It’s not about justifying these men’s actions or what they did or did not do, it’s about the initial cloak of immortality that we love to place on their backs before disappointingly finding out that they, too, bleed.

We can only be outraged and ready to stop giving Kevin our money if he took vows to us and promised us his unwavering loyalty.

Anything else is an overreaction to an expectation we shouldn’t have had (also Hart’s transgressions do not compare to these other men’s alleged abuse towards women).

Just this past August when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston Kevin was one of the main celebrities of influence who took charge. Not only did he call out his peers but he donated $25,00 himself.

In an era where your grandma can slip and say something flagrantly offensive to someone somewhere, it makes sense why Kevin Hart would catch heat for cheating on his wife who literally just gave birth to his newest child.

However, what I won’t do is say Kevin Hart isn’t good. He’s not good enough, maybe no one ever will be, but he’s good enough in my book.

chicago rap September 17, 2017
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Why Monte Booker matters: A look into the future of Chicago’s sound

When we see someone in the spotlight that we aren’t used to seeing it’s easy to assume they were catapulted into stardom, that some unforeseen hand intervened on their behalf influencing their success — that they’re an industry plant.

But these assumptions, like all assumptions, are just mere symptoms due to lack of knowledge. Just because you never saw the come-up story doesn’t mean there wasn’t one.

That’s why you should get hip to Monte Booker.

As one of the founding members of Zero Fatigue — which is a collection of creatives comprised of Smino, Ravyn Lenae, and others driven to bring sincerity and craftsmanship back to music — he has been able to establish a sound that has been steadily putting the Midwest on the map.

Thanks to Chris “Classick” of Classick studios located on the western side of Chicago’s Ukrainian Village, the group was able to bring their talents together to create something special. That is where Monte got his spark.

This 20-year-old has an ear like none other. Because he has a diverse set of influences that include the likes of Timbaland, Flying Lotus, Neptunes, and Kanye West, Booker offers a sound that boldly challenges the inescapable sound of trap.

While Metro Boomin, SouthSide, Zaytoven, and London on the Track are bringing a wave that, quite honestly, when it’s all said and done, will be regarded as one of the most prolific eras of southern influence of all-time, Booker and his gang have found a pocket that’s equally stimulating, but much more soulful.

For example, the single “Anita” has a slow, inviting trot, which sets Smino up perfectly to flex his vocals and voice inflections.

And on Ravyn Lenae’s “Sleep Talking” Monte manages to cater to the softness of her voice while still giving enough baseline to follow along.

Working on blkjuptr, S!CK S!CK S!CK,  and BlkSwn on Smino’s three most recent works and Moon Shoes  for Ravyn Lenae gave Monte the opportunity to create a chemistry that can clearly be heard in the music, and his penchant for jazz infused sounds allows for his artists to put on funky live shows, which, honestly, is what sets them apart from anyone in the game.

If you take a look at Booker’s steady stream of SoundCloud loosies you’ll see that the producer got his chops from putting in the work. There is song after song after song of instrumentals and remixes showing his range.

Back in 2005, Booker curated the 16th installation of Soulection’s White Label Series that highlighted these very elements. In an interview, he spoke on the uniqueness of his sound as well as siting his influences.

“While creating this White Label I was definitely influenced by lots of jazz – primarily because of how innovative it is, electronic sounds and Flying Lotus. In fact, Flying Lotus should just be a genre at this point lol.”

When you go to a Monte show or a show of any of the artists he does heavy production for, you’re not going to a regular hip-hop show. He brings an experience that exists outside the boundaries of the official track length — almost like a jam band of sorts — and it’s because his beats give the on-stage musicians the license to do so.

With the Zero Fatigue crew being on tour with SZA — who is arguably the hottest voice in R&B with her album CTRL debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 chart – it gives Monte and his fellow Zero Fatigue members a chance to showcase their new-age funk in front of larger audiences.

Earlier this week Monte announced he was headlining a tour of his own which will touch cities both west and east coast. Maybe an album is next?

Artists like Monte Booker and Phoelix — who is another out-of-the-box producer from Chicago — are quietly building and growing a movement that in years may be at the apex of hip-hop.

So in a couple of years when Monte, Smino, and others like them are running the game, you can say you saw it coming.

fabolous September 14, 2017
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Cultural reference Gawd: 10 times Fabolous beat us to the punch

Since dropping Ghetto Fabolous back in 2001 with DJ Clue, Fabolous has always taken a liking for punchlines, metaphors, and similes.

His breakout hit from the album, “Young’n (Hollaback)” was the first time the world got to hear him officially, and was littered with bars providing commentary on things virtually anyone can relate to.

Fab opens with, “Cause now I pull out, leave ’em lookin’ like models for a Got Milk ad.” Followed by, “And promise to buy them some of them razor foot scooters.” And, just in case you don’t feel old yet, finishes up the verse with  “You are the weakest link, goodbye.”

It’s quite impressive how consistently Fab has been able to inject his album and mixtape material with constant pop culture references. With how often he does it, there’s no doubt that he’s mindful of doing so.

It’s gotten to the point where we expect Fab to flip anything that happens to trend into a bar.

https://twitter.com/RappersSaid/status/882796638577807360

Back in December of last year, he told Power 106 KMEL’s Big Von that he wasn’t dropping a tape over holidays like he usually does, but that we should be expecting a collaborative project from him and Jadakiss titled Freddy vs Jason at the top of 2017.

The top of the year has long since passed and the most we’ve heard from Fab has been from features. Luckily the new holiday season means that there could be something coming around the corner from the young OG.

So, for the Kulture, let’s look at some of his most memorable punchline references to date.

“The World Is Yours” | Friday Night Freestyles

Thats why I blow shit with them generic hoes. Hit it and show no emotion like I’m Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

“Take It Easy” | 2015 Freestyle

Met a chick at Sue’s her dress fit so well, best catch you done seen since Odell

New York Giants Football GIF by NFL - Find & Share on GIPHY

“Tell Ya Friends” | Summertime Shootout

She don’t want the key to ya heart, she wants the key to ya whip. if she had the key to ya heart, she probably key up ya whip.

“Thots” | 2017 Single

Can’t buy class bought a new Mercedes, came back on them birds I’m the new Tom Brady

Sad New England Patriots GIF by NFL - Find & Share on GIPHY

“Gone From Winter” | Young OG Project 

We don’t base, we throw n***as in the truck for real/Chase you out the hood/Make you live with uncle Phil

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“Everything Was The Same” | Soultape 3 

“We was candy shopping before 50 and Olivia

https://giphy.com/gifs/video-window-shopper-7jy9WGd042QrS

“Ready” | 2013 Single

No cup for the thirsty, she bad as controversy. Skin-tone like Hershey, body Lord have mercy. Yeah if this thing were a car, it’d be a Lamborghini Mercy

https://giphy.com/gifs/black-and-white-hip-hop-mKavcooSLaKe4

“Return of The Hustle” |From Nothin To Somethin’

Loony for the loot, psycho for the paper, this a new year but I recycle for the paper. If green talks, then I’m the Geico with the paper

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“Bish Bounce” | Young OG Project

B*tch look like Topanga, That boy meet world I swear you are in danger. It’s time to score I don’t choke I’m no strangler

Boy Meets World Flirt GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

“Lituation” | Young OG Project

Yeah, got your bm in my BM n*gga. Yeah, she got taken, word to Liam n*gga

Taken Liam Neeson GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Some people try and poke fun at Fab but I appreciate every single one of his punchlines, regardless of how forced or predicable.

Hopefully he gives us some heat for the upcoming holidays.