The 2024 Roots Picnic kicked off June 1-2 at The Mann at Fairmount Park where a sold-out crowd of over 60,000 festivalgoers flooded the park to see their favorite artists across three stages.
GRANDMA’S Cookies has recently partnered with the iconic hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa to launch a new line of products and a fresh brand image.
Every time you listen to a song, you’re hearing a carefully crafted conversation between the music and the lyrics. Rhymefest has taken that a step further in his latest masterpiece James & Nikki: A Conversation
photo credit: Tori “Torsion” Howard
Grammy winner, social activist, and University of Chicago professor Rhymefest‘s newest project remasters a conversation between black literary icons James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni from 1971. The project features stories about black life in America, the struggle for racial justice, and evolving gender roles in this intelligent piece of art. The project includes soundbites from the original conversation, as well as Rhymefest’s artistic interpretations.
Rhymefest became inspired by the conversation after he heard it. Despite the differences between Baldwin and Giovanni, they came together and spoke about the world around them. They shared their stories and experiences with one another and Rhymefest wanted to create a project reflecting that.
There are nine tracks on the album, featuring artists Helixx C Armageddon, Infamous Teefa, Brittany Carter, Freddie Old Soul, E.P Da Hellcat, and Saba the Godis. The album is being released by the Golden State Entertainment (GSE), entertainment division of the Golden State Warriors. The team is the only team in the NBA to do something like this.
This is a piece of music the likes we’ve never really seen. Rhymefest’s vision is clear throughout the project. He combines classic sounds of rap and hip-hop with the masterful pieces of knowledge from Baldwin and Giovanni’s conversation. There’s such a beautiful and powerful story being told in each track, creating an engaging piece of music. He has created a piece of art that pulls you into the story and makes the listener part of the conversation.
Rhymefest has done a spectacular job creating a project that showcases decades of hip-hop influence. Tracks like “Triggered” and “Pop” feel reminiscent of early eras of rap, while “Elderberry” and “Deja Vu” feel more like the current direction of the genre. Many of the other tracks feature beats and lyrical flows from that of late 2000’s rap. Overall the album feels like a journey through the years of hip-hop and gives us a taste of many different influences.
You can’t talk about a music album without also talking about production and that is another place this album soars. The sound bites of Baldwin and Giovanni weave perfectly into every song and always catch your attention. They create a beautiful flow and conversation between them and the music. Every artist creates a perfect lyrical flow, working beautifully in tandem with the music. Each track features a beat that hits wonderfully with story and never feels dull or repeated. The genius producers on this project have crafted a beautiful piece of music that not only helps tell stories, but elevates them.
photo credit: Tori “Torsion” Howard
It’s a complex and intelligent body of art, one that tells of struggle, love, introspection, and growth. Throughout all of that, it is also a story of being unapologetically black and proud. Rhymefest invites listeners to try and see through all these many lenses and tells a powerful story while doing so. He’s reimagined this iconic, historic conversation and created a piece of music that feels completely new and inspiring.
The album is out now and you can listen to it here.
Nearly 47,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and hip-hop lovers on Soundcloud have been anxiously awaiting PRICE’s new album, C.I.T.Y. (Caught In The Youth), and in four days, it’s officially dropping.
The Museum of Graffiti in Miami played host to an Art Basel installation celebrating the intertwined cultures of hip hop, art and fashion.
11-17-23 For what feels like a lifetime, Timberland has been a staple within the New York music scene. Whether it be the shoe that has defined the city itself or the hand in hand work that the brand has done with countless artists of the past. Regardless of the context of reference, Timberland has played their part.
In recent times, things have not changed as they announced the Timberland STOOP – a mobile pop-up tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and the Original Timberland® Boot – honoring and giving back the communities that have helped make the brand what it is today.
The event started off with a bang as the Greenpoint Terminal was excited to see hometown girl Lola Brooke hit the stage. Her set did not disappoint as her summer anthem with Bryson Tiller “You” was clearly a favorite of those in attendance.
Following Brooke was Long Island native Roc Marciano who dropped a project last year with legendary producer and artist The Alchemist called “The Elephant Man’s Bones”. Watching Marciano’s set it is abundantly clear that he is well on his way to establishing himself as one of the most consistent artists in the city.
One thing was clear mid-way thru the set list- each artist that was booked was quality and had a strong catalog and fan base to boot.
After Marciano’s set was over, fans had the pleasure of seeing Aminè- an artist out of Portland that has a huge catalog of mixtapes and projects that have made him successful over the years. His set was full of energy and if he was not someone you were familiar with you would at least find yourself vibing because of his hit friendly sound. 
Closing off the event was none other than grammy award winning DJ Kaytranada- well known for his smooth and eclectic sound. If awards are not something that moves you, I assure you that his set would. Just a few songs into the set it was clear that he was a professional in his world of music. Those in attendance could not help but dance as he had the warehouse rocking.
Timberland has been a staple within the music community for generations- and if they continue to celebrate the artists and the community in this fashion it will be no surprise that they keep thriving the way they do.
Sound Clashes trace their roots to 1950’s Jamaica where crews and soundsystems competed against each other, song for song. Exclusive records known as ‘dubplates’ involving the original ‘dubbing’ or remixing its lyrics exclusively for a crew to play in battle against another. The more exclusive the song, the better.
In 2010, Red Bull adapted the traditional concept, birthing their own version: Culture Clash. Various crews unite to battle each other, amplifying diverse genres like Trap, Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Afrobeats, and more. The event has since hit cities worldwide, from London to San Francisco and Miami.
The global experience first made its way to Atlanta in 2017, where hitmakers like Mike WiLL Made-It, WondaGurl and British rapper Tinie Tempah took over 787 Windsor in Downtown Atlanta and shut down their respective stages. Despite Dancehall artist Popcaan’s absence, Team Unruly took home the win.
This year, though, Jamaica managed to redeem themselves as the rightful owners of sound clashes with Rum Punch Brunch, led by the legendary Dancehall & Reggae Deejay Tony Matterhorn and Willy Chin taking home the trophy after battling Bamba Tuesdays, Mashup Sessions and Perreo404.
Bamba Tuesdays and Rum Punch Brunch are two of the biggest parties in Atlanta solely dedicated to the expansive Afro-Caribbean community.
DJ Kash and friends take over Rock Steady for Bamba Tuesdays every Tuesday night for a lively weeknight out, while Rum Punch Brunch at Believe Music Hall, led by André Ruddock (Dreggae), Allan “Boom” Williams, and Karl Injex, turns Sundays into a fun day.
Prior to the inception of parties like Bamba Tuesdays and Rum Punch Brunch, opportunities for the city’s African and Caribbean communities to come together for unfiltered fun and authentic vibes were scarce. These parties have significantly transformed the Afro-Caribbean party culture in Atlanta for the better, providing a space for people to dance and celebrate various genres and artists, and honor cultural influences collectively.
On the opposite side of the arena stood Mashup Sessions, a renowned event series helmed by DJ Unruely and Canterbury Talez, and Perreo 404, Atlanta’s top Latin party destination featuring DJ EU and Nino Augustine. As far as I knew it, both of these crews were the “underdogs” of the night, especially when compared to the larger crowd supporting Rum Punch Brunch and Bamba Tuesdays.
Perreo 404. Credit: Brian Hall / Red Bull Content Pool
After a high energy performance from Atlanta’s own Crime Mob and a few words from the night’s hosts’ Jessie Woo and Paige Shari, a warm-up round was enacted for each team to go over the rules. The rules, in question, were pretty simple: Four rounds, 8 minutes per crew each round, no repeats and the team with the loudest applause wins.
However, with alcohol and Red Bull flowing through every attendee’s veins, strict enforcement of these rules seemed unlikely. Despite the rule that once a crew plays a song, it cannot be repeated by another crew, this was completely disregarded throughout the battle.
By the second round, both Bamba Tuesdays and Rum Punch Brunch played the popular southern anthem “Swag Surf” by F.L.Y. Except, Bamba Tuesdays took it a step further by bringing out F.L.Y. to perform it live. Judging by the explosive crowd reaction, it was obvious that Bamba had that round in the bag.
Despite the murky rules, each crew did a great job at capturing the essence of what a sound clash really is.
The nostalgia continued into round three, where Perreo 404 quickly showed their ability to compete with the big dogs when Roscoe Dash made a surprise appearance performing his 2010 hits “No Hands” and “Show Out”.
Mashup Sessions. Credit: Brian Hall / Red Bull Content Pool
Mashup Sessions brought out Young Nudy for a lively performance of “Peaches and Eggplants” during round three. Round one and three seemed to have the best energy that night. Or so I thought.
As the last round approached, tensions were high. The not-so light banter exchanged between Mashup Sessions and Rum Punch Brunch had elevated the intensity. In this case, trash talk was acceptable, particularly when delivered in the form of a dubplate.
But the trash talk didn’t hinder Rum Punch Brunch in the end. with a performance by Dancehall artists Vanessa Bling, recognized for her early work with Vybz Kartel. Serani and Aidonia. Teejay also came out and stole the show with a performance of his viral hit “Drift.”
The deserving winner of the trophy that night is open to debate. Naturally, people will claim that their favorite crew should have won. What’s undeniable, however, is that each of these crews has left an undeniable mark on Atlanta’s history.
Located in the birthplace of Hip-Hop, The Hip Hop Museum will open in 2025 and soon the world will be able to experience the cultural history and impact of Hip-Hop music.
In the meantime, the museum has joined forces with CÎROC and Mass Appeal to commemorate 50 years of Hip Hop by taking the museum on tour to various U.S. cities through Dec. 9.
The Hip Hop Museum Tour started in NYC on Oct. 14. and will make its way around to cities like Houston, Los Angeles, Charlotte and Miami.
The pop-up included special memorabilia from from 1973-1990, including Biz Markie’s nameplate chain and rhyme book, the party invite to DJ Kool Herc’s “Masterpiece” party that started it all and Run-DMC’s original Adidas sweatshirt.
The night started with a brief panel with museum curators and Hip-Hop historians Paradise Gray and Pete Nice, where they thanked everyone for coming and gave some insight to how the museum was brought together.
DJ Hurricane, who is known for his work with The Beastie Boys, set the vibes for the night.
CÎROC provided custom-crafted cocktails, taking inspiration from Atlanta’s Hip-Hop culture, featuring selections like “Mojo Handle” and “The ATL.”
Atlanta’s very own Baby Tate made a special appearance on stage with Paradise and Pete where she discussed her musical upbringing and influences growing up in Decatur, GA.
The rising star built a pretty successful career over the past few years due to her musical versatility and ability to experiment with different sounds.
She briefly partnered with Issa Rae’s music label Raedio for a few years before signing with Warner Records in 2021 and scoring a Grammy nomination for her contributions to Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers project.
From Rap to R&B to Pop, Baby Tate has mastered her own distinctive style. On the brink of unveiling her forthcoming EP, Sexploration: The Musical, we spoke with Baby Tate at The Hip Hop Museum Tour in Atlanta where she tells us Hip Hop means to her, what to anticipate from Sexploration: The Musical and how she handles online trolls.
You can register for free tickets to The Hip Hop Museum Tour here.
South Korean producer and songwriter KOALA has just released his latest track, “RSVP,” featuring rapper Jessi, a close friend in the industry. Watch the music video here.
The vibrant energy of proud New Yorkers permeated every corner of the Timberland Stoop event on Saturday, September 23rd, in a Brooklyn warehouse at 267 Kent Avenue.
This gathering was a dual celebration like no other, commemorating Timberland’s 50th anniversary and the birth of hip-hop, both deeply intertwined with the essence of New York City. Timberland crafted the ultimate New York experience, fostering a sense of connection among New Yorkers and their beloved neighborhoods.
The event was a blend of fashion, music, and creativity, all centered on the iconic NY boot. Timberland placed a strong emphasis on community, boldness, and fun, transforming a compact 380+ square foot space into a lively, fully stocked bodega. The attention to detail was remarkable, from a cat sporting Tims inside the bodega to pigeons perched above, proudly flaunting their pair of butter boots. Timberland reintroduced their Classic 8-inch Waterproof Super Boot, initially introduced in 1979 as the “40 Below” Boot. These limited-release boots were only available at the Timberland Stoop and will make appearances at all Timberland Stoop locations.
Beyond the Timberland world, the event featured a workshop by creator Phillip Leyesa, showcasing the art of distressing. Besides this, there was a customized Timberland station at the Brooklyn pop-up offering personalized boot designs and shirts, complete with pins, patches, and vinyl designs by Taylor Simmons. It was an interactive and memorable experience, and we even customized our pair, adding to the fun.
The infectious playlist, courtesy of DJ Atelye Marc, set the stage for electrifying live performances by none other than NYC native rappers Dave East and Fabulous, who took the stage by storm, paying homage to hip-hop and Timberland’s impactful legacy.
Food and beverages, including soft drinks and mouth-watering plant-based patties from Seed Brooklyn, kept attendees energized as they danced and vibed the night away. Timberland’s Stoop tour experience will continue, with planned stops in various locations around Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
