Hip-Hop is one of the most powerful forces in all of popular culture. When combined with cinema, it can reach and affect an even greater audience.
On Sunday, October 30th, Christian rapper Lecrae brought his ‘Destination Tour’ to NYC to bond with fans and promote involvement in Food For the Hungry, an NPO that strives towards eradicating human poverty.
Hailing from the Midwest, Finding Novyon has become a force in the hip-hop industry. The 25 year old rapper has gained international recognition for his #TheFoodNetwork album and has shared stages with popular artists such as Big Sean and Rae Sremmurd.
Tuesday, August 30th – I had the pleasure of meeting one half of Dallas based production duo and real-life brothers Play N Skillz at a private dinner in their honor at Sofrito’s in East Harlem.
If you’ve ever found yourself putting Jay Z’s Empire State of Mind on constant repeat as you prepare to take on the world, or receiving a much-needed pep-talk from the hook on Nas’ I Know I Can, or maybe you even found yourself whynin’ and wukin’ up your waist during Carnival in 2015 to the hit song Party Done.
On Thursday night, August 12, BACARDÍ and Swizz Beatz’ The Dean Collection celebrated opening night of No Commission: Art Performs, an immersive 3-day event where art and music collide.
This week we’re putting the limelight on recent hip-hop and rap releases that have blown us away. Featuring a song from DJ Drama‘s bangin’ mixtape Quality Street Music 2, NAS and Erykah Badu‘s collaborative track for the much-anticipated film The Wind, and more!
Marc Bassy’s launch party brought a sharp crowd, good vibes and incredible tunes to New York City’s Ace Hotel.
These days, it’s rare to find an artist that sounds stronger during a live performance than on a pre-recorded track. Marc E. Bassy, a singer-songwriter from California, is one of these rare finds. No stranger to the songwriting gig, Bassy was previously a member of the chart-topping band 2AM Club and has composed hits for artists like Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz. And now, after a brief hiatus, Bassy has chosen to take to the stage again – this time, for himself and by himself.
In the basement of the Ace Hotel, the set for the launch of Bassy’s EP titled Groovy People, the mood was a mixture of chill and high-class. In various corners, rising models mingled with one another as members of Republic Records moved from room to room, sampling tequila-infused cocktails curated for the event. A DJ set played soft techno in the background, energizing the crowd in preparation for Bassy’s performance.
Once Bassy took to the stage, the crowd halted, channeling all of their energy towards the artist. How could they not? Bassy thrilled the crowd with incredible vocals – sounding, at times, strikingly similar to the artistic powerhouse Justin Timberlake – whilst his music dropped hints of Reggae, R’n’B, Rock, Trap, and other genres, demonstrating how truly versatile Bassy is as an artist. During his set, Bassy’s vocals ranged from funky and upbeat to deeply emotional and raw, jumping from tracks such as “Free Love” to “Drunk & I’m Drunk” to “Last One I Love” – each song landing on a different tier of style and emotion.
On-stage, Bassy didn’t say much. He communicated instead via his music and body language. This was enough to show that he is dedicated to his supporters and in touch with his art. He used little to no pre-recorded tracks during his performance. Instead, a range of musicians played along with the artist on-stage, contributing percussion, keyboard, guitar and backing vocals. Matching the crowd, they grooved along with Bassy. All set before a glow the colors of a California sunset, there was an immense amount of warmth emanating from the stage. In the crowd, friends and lovers wrapped their arms around one another, swaying to Bassy’s music, sharing love and positive vibes.
For one of the few times he spoke, Bassy silenced the room. He faced the crowd, laying himself out before them, expressing his gratitude.
“I just wanna say that – everyone settle down – I’ve been writing for many years and its means a lot to be up here [performing my music].”
The crowd cheered, supporting Bassy’s current venture, as he began a call and response with lyrics from one of his well-known tracks, “Some Things Never Change.”
“Money. Fame. Always on my brain.”
“Some things never change, some things never change.”
Judging by the crowd’s response and dedication to Bassy, it’s safe to assume that these things won’t be changing for a long time. With his stellar repertoire, pure talent and loyal crew of “groovy people,” Bassy is set for success. Watch this space.
Marc E. Bassy’s EP Groovy People is available on iTunes and Spotify.
The 2016 BMI R&B/Hip Hop Awards are coming to Atlanta, GA on Thursday, September 1.
Hip Hop. Rap. A subculture movement and music that spawned from black culture and originated in the 1970’s South Bronx is now global. I got the chance to catch up with one of Shanghai’s biggest rappers, Al Rocco, and the man behind the number one provider of Hip-hop in China, founder of Zhong TV, Stanley Yang to find out a little more about the rap scene in China.
Both Stanley Yang and Al Rocco have had extreme success in their careers. Rocco is a hip hop/trap artist who has been featured on the New York Times, Worldstarhiphop, Vice China, ICS TV, Hit FM Radio, TVB, Beats by Dre “Straight Outta” and has opened and shared the stage with the likes of OT Genasis, OG Maco, and Keith Ape. He has also worked with brands like Adidas Originals, SSUR, Jamesons, Marlboro, Redbull, Jagermesiter, American Apparel, Budweiser. His biography notes, “With over a million “over-all” plays towards the end of 2015, two of his latest projects “Raised in China” & “Red Money” have been nominated top 50 albums of China by That’s Shanghai & Smart Shanghai. He was ranked top 2 artist nationwide China on the Hip-Hop charts with his single “Red Money” ranking number one on China’s Spotify and Soundcloud, Xiami, in January 2015.”
Stanley Yang runs and operates Zhong Tv. China’s 1st ever hip hop / r&b / pop entertainment division, which facilitates audio and video content to the public and is credited for bringing the digital music video wave back in 2010, to China’s hip hop community. Producing over 50 original videos and having over 60 million total views on Youku ( Chinese version of Youtube), Zhong TV has also worked with the likes of WESC, Beats by Dre, Oakley, Nixon, Vans, Jordan Brand, Marshall Headphones, Urbanears and is responsible for discovering many up and coming artist.