JAŸ-Z returns bringing a major moment to Yankee Stadium that isn’t just good business—it’s a long-held promise echoed by HOV, God emcee, himself.
The 25th anniversary of the Tribeca Festival will forever be remembered as one of the most prolific weeks in New York City history thanks to Alicia Keys.
Tribeca Festival rocks (and rolls, raps and plays all the music of the world in perfect harmony.
Over the years, New York City has undergone such radical transformation. Gentrification has left a lasting imprint on the natural fabric of the Big Apple and transplant culture has overtaken the spirit of the city. Nowadays, there’s a higher likelihood of coming across visitors and tourists in the streets of NYC than occupants who were front and center during the notorious 03’ Black Out or when street phones were a standard go-to. However, Alicia Keys’s popular musical “Hell’s Kitchen” reminds us of the good ole’ days.
This year on Sunday October 27th the Arthur Miller Foundation Honors celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Arthur Miller Foundation Theater Education Program in partnership with NYC Public Schools, by hosting a special gala honoring 16 time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, Tony nominated playwright and Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright Kristoffer Diaz and pianist and Keys’ piano teacher Linda Aziza Miller.
November 7, 2024. Manhattan, New York — Arkansas-bred rapper, LG Malique, notable for his melodic street songs, released a brand-new EP, LIVING GOLD on October 25, 2024.
The 8-Track EP illustrates his resilience and fortitude, powering through the obstacles, on the path to making his dreams a reality. With an all-new, pop-infused single, “Lie” and the viral remake of Lukas Graham’s, reimagined, “7 Years”, featuring the song originator, LG Malique stands boldly in his truth with the numbers to back him. LG Malique has earned over 2.7M global streams on his song collaboration with Lukas Graham and over 1M views on YouTube trailing closely behind.
The rapper sits with Danielle Niecey of The Knockturnal to share the inspiration behind his brand-new EP, LIVING GOLD.
The Knockturnal: What inspired the New EP, LIVING GOLD?
LG Malique: The fact that it’s a miracle really. It’s for the underdog. My back was against the wall and most of the songs [I] made, were when I was down, bad at the beginning of this year; and I had nothing, but faith and I had to really be delusional about my dreams. During the time [I wrote and recorded these songs] I was nowhere near [close to] what I was talking about on this project. I wasn’t even feeling like that; it [the music] was just a safe place. So the take is, it’s almost like an, “I’m here” EP.
The Knockturnal: So you were speaking where you are today, into existence?
LG Malique: Yes. A lot of people gave up on me, but don’t ever think you can put out my burning desire. When you keep going, miracles happen.
The Knockturnal: Had you already been signed at the time or was this more you cultivating this project as an Indie [independent] Artist?
LG Malique: I was signed but I was getting shelved and it’s a depressing space for an artist to feel like everyone’s giving up on you. There are artists in the same situation, but I had to have faith and push hard.
LG Malique’s unshakeable faith and transparency as an artist shine through in his interview and on LIVING GOLD. With Living Gold in heavy rotation, the breakout star showcases his inspiring journey, penning and performing from the heart of the underdog turned hero.
Living Gold Tracklist consists of 8 songs that include:
- I Know
- Lie
- Baptize
- Momma
- Seven Years
- Acknowledgement
- Wallet
- Stood My Ground
All of which ring clearly and boldly as an artist coming into the industry with high hopes, hunger, clear vision and coming to the harsh reality that though there are people in his life rooting for him, there are others looking to see him fail. Never allowing that to deter him, LG Malique created his EP, LIVING GOLD, as a testament of his Faith in God, his courage and tenacity, all of which cannot be denied. Living Gold stands as the project that required strenuous creative efforts and laser sharp focus backed by the culmination of prayers, positivity and thousands of hours of practice. Although he’s faced some of the perils navigating the business it hasn’t steered him from his path. It is evident that he has experienced hardships beyond what can be translated in mere conversation, choosing instead to use the pain to fuel his progress in music.
The Knockturnal: You have a song collaboration with Lukas Graham, “7 Years”; what was that like collaborating with him? 
LG Malique: Me and my girl were jumping around the crib when we got that news. It didn’t feel real. Then it took so long to happen, but I know he’s a man of his word, but I was so excited, checking my email, like ‘…Did it come? Did I get it?” *laughs* It’s crazy…it’s crazy, I know that I worked for something like that and I’m super grateful for it. So, it ain’t like I hit the lottery because I went through so much to get here and I worked for it and I’m grateful, super grateful. It was a once in a lifetime miracle experience, for real.
The Knockturnal: I don’t know Malique, 2.7 million global streams and over 1 million YouTube views, I think you hit the lottery. There’s a lot of content creators that would love to switch places with you.
LG Malique: *laughing* Alright. *laughing* You’re right.
The Knockturnal: That’s pretty cool! Congratulations. So, let’s say someone discovers you as an artist and stumbles across your EP. They can only listen to 3 songs to get a jist of who you are, which songs are you recommending?
LG Malique: It’ll be “Momma”, “I Know” and “Wallet” …”7 Years” of course but I’m gonna go with Wallet, I feel like “Wallet”, and “I Know” are super vulnerable with me taking [personal] accountability. I feel when it comes to expressing myself and my experiences, I would choose those. Those songs are the real ‘me’, I’m a storyteller and I told the story.
In addition to the project’s viral hits, highlights include the typically vulnerable “I Know” and “Acknowledgement,” an exploration of the steep price of following your dreams. Other gems “Baptize,” and the devastatingly intimate “Momma.” On the viral single, “Lie,” LG Malique best demonstrates his ability to write deeply personal songs that resonate widely.
The Knockturnal: Who are some of the artists that inspired you to write and perform the LIVING GOLD EP?
LG Malique: I grew up on R&B so it would be like… Fantasia, Usher and Alicia Keys…I grew up on those heavyweights. On the rap side it would be Lil Wayne, he’s so descriptive and he paints a picture in your head and that’s what I go for. Yo Gotti, Three 6 Mafia and a little bit of Lil Boosie.
The Knockturnal: What do you want your legacy in music to be?
LG Malique: To change the game, like to bring back a nostalgic sound from the early 2000’s. The songs were meaningful, they weren’t making music just because, and they had to do different things, they had to try different sounds and styles. I want to make songs that are classic [timeless] and live on. I don’t think we have many of those these days. Like the old Rihanna’s albums and songs, you can still bump those. Classics, I want to make classics like that.
The Knockturnal: Who’d you like to tour or headline with?
LG Malique: Lil Teejay, Polo G and Gunna.
The Knockturnal: Can you tell us more about your single, Lies?
LG Malique: Lies is a recent experience and I like to so much because its fresh. Someone betrayed me after I gave them my trust, knowing all that I’d been through and it’s about people who would take advantage of you everytime. Its like life, it’s just gonna always happen, no matter who you are.
The Knockturnal: What advice would you give your fans who are aspiring to be recording artists or aspiring to
LG Malique: Yes, stop seeking validation. That’s not what life is about. It’s about doing what you like and believing in yourself. I know it sounds so cliche, but it means so much. Literally, start believing in yourself and stop seeking validation.
FOLLOW LG MALIQUE: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | To view “LIE”, the official music video HERE.
Mercedes-Benz USA and Alicia Keys Host an Experiential Culinary Extravaganza to Celebrate Innovators
Mercedes-Benz USA launched a rousing culinary experience called “The Table” that brought together creators across creative industries to celebrate the diverse perspectives that drive creative pursuits and make innovation possible.
With a special tribute to Richard Roundtree and the 1971 film Shaft, stunning performances, and a historic auction sale.
Wednesday, February 7th, 2024. Silencio NYC. Manhattan, New York.—In urban aristocratic fashion, Tres Generaciones® Tequila, The Dean Collection, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ shut down New York City at Silencio NYC on Wednesday February 7th. Silencio NYC is the latest addition to the expansion of the coveted Private Members Club, with its origins in Paris. The exclusive celebration, “Just Because-Aquarius Edition”, honored the opening ceremony for the iconic power couple on their new exhibition GIANTS which will open its display on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the historic Brooklyn Museum.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 07: Swizz Beatz attends The Dean Collection x Swizz Beatz x Tres Generaciones Tequila x Derrick Adams x Mickalene Thomas’ “Just Because – Aquarius Edition” a celebration for the artists of The Dean Collection on February 07, 2024 at Silencio in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)
The affluent guests in attendance spanned from the world of art, literature, music and high-end to urban fashion to honor the high profile couple, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys for the opening of their new exhibition, GIANTS, at Brooklyn Museum. Guests in attendance included Swizz Beatz and Silencio owner Arnaud Frisch; Comedian-Actor Evan Ross was in attendance, along with American singer-songwriter and actress Ashlee Simpson, Supermodel Joan Smalls; and artists, American visual and performance artist and curator Derrick Adams and Contemporary African-American visual artist and painter, Mickalene Thomas.
Also in attendance was Nigerian-American singer-songwriter recording artist Davido, America Rapper DSmoke, DJ and Producer Note Mercato, world-renowned and award-winning performing artist, entrepreneur, and advocate for the arts and humanities Lil Buck, 3X CFDA Menswear of the Year winner Maxwell Osborne, Human Rights Activists Mysonne General and Tamika Mallory and renowned publicist Nadine Johnson and more.
Davido attends The Dean Collection x Swizz Beatz x Tres Generaciones Tequila “Just Because – Aquarius Edition” a celebration for the artists of The Dean Collection at Silencio in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)
Derrick Adams at the “Just Because – Aquarius Edition” a celebration for the artists of The Dean Collection Silencio in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)
It’s important to place emphasis on the accolades and prestige of all the creatives in attendance. It speaks to the pedigree of collaborators, circles of influence and community that fuels The Dean’s passion for art and self expression. The event honored Black artists from the GIANTS Exhibition at The Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition as a collection will include works from artists Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lorna Simpson, Kehinde Wiley, Nina Chanel Abney and many more.
Ashlee Simpson, Evan Ross and Richie Akiva attend The Dean Collection x Swizz Beatz x Tres Generaciones Tequila x “Just Because – Aquarius Edition” a celebration for the artists of The Dean Collection at Silencio in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)
Ever searching for inspiration, The Deans, are notable for their philanthropic appreciation of the arts in all forms and champion the philosophy of “artists supporting artists.” To back their beliefs, a large scale of the couple’s personal artistic pieces, which they have coined as ‘The Dean Collection, GIANTS’ will showcase a focused selection from the world-class holdings. The Brooklyn Museum’s presentation spotlights works by BIPOC (black and indiginious people of color) diasporic artists, which is part of Brooklyn Museums ongoing efforts to expand the art-historical narrative that shape our society. The “Just Because-Aquarius Edition” party also celebrated the birthdays of the acclaimed artists – Mickalene Thomas and Derrick Adams – whose work will be on display beginning February 10th, 2024; and with special mention to their contemporary Aquarian, Alicia Keys, who celebrated her birthday on January 25th.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 07: Swizz Beatz attends The Dean Collection x Swizz Beatz x Tres Generaciones Tequila “Just Because – Aquarius Edition” a celebration for the artists of The Dean Collection on February 07, 2024 at Silencio in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)
The opening live music set included spins by DJ Sweets. Uptempo blends and sounds were also provided by Swizz Beats himself; Swizz Beats’ official DJ, DJ Runna, Soulection DJ and Co-Founder Joe Kay, Blonde filled the corners of the velvet walls. For the Wine & spirits enthusiast, specialty Silencio NYC cocktails were curated from Tres Generaciones® Tequila collection, which included signatures sips of, ‘The Aquarius Zaza’, a smooth mix of Tres Generaciones® Plata Tequila, Pineapple Syrup, Lime, Grapefruit Soda; ‘The GIANT’, comprised of Tres Generaciones® Reposado Tequila, Triple Sec, Hibiscus Syrup, and Lime; the ‘Big Tuna’, a blend of Tres Generaciones® Anejo Tequila with a lemon twist; and finally the ‘Chilly Chill Zone’, my personal favorite of the cocktails that included the Tres Generaciones® Anejo Tequila, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup and Champagne.
The evening closed with the guests richly satisfied by the open bar and the decadent indulgence of the rich and smokey Tres Generaciones® Tequila and the highlight of a remarkable lifetime experience at the private club Silencio NYC celebrating greatness and prestige with prolific and impactful art and culture leaders, The Deans.
The feature offers an engaging and revealing look at the music business, focussing on the lack of access and opportunity that young black and brown women have.
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