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Tag: Jeremih

  • New Music Friday: 50 Hip-Hop & R&B Drops

    Happy New Music Friday! If your weekend playlist is looking a little sparse, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Today marks the release of a massive wave of new tracks and albums from the worlds of Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats. Get ready to press play and dive into some fresh sounds!

    Must-Hear Albums and EPs

    This week’s releases are packed with heavy hitters and exciting new projects. Flying Lotus drops his latest offering, ‘Big Mama,’ promising his signature experimental sound. Meanwhile, Gnarls Barkley returns with ‘Atlanta,’ and Ty Dolla $ign delivers ‘girl music vol. 1,’ hinting at a collection of smooth, R&B-infused tracks.

    For those craving more, Fredo Bang unleashes ‘Most Hated 2,’ while Nettspend presents ‘early life crisis.’ Don’t sleep on Icewear Vezzo’s ‘Ladies Free Til Midnight,’ Shabaka’s ‘Of The Earth,’ Trae Tha Truth’s ‘Farewell,’ and Don Cannon & The Cool Kids’ ‘Gone Fishing (Extra Credit).’ Plus, Joey Cool’s ‘Time Will Tell’ and Swavy’s ‘FOR THE GIRLIES’ are also on the radar.

    Standout Singles and Collaborations

    Beyond full projects, there are plenty of singles making waves. Cash Cobain kicks things off with “WISH,” while Nia Smith and DESTIN CONRAD team up for “Tough.” Mike WiLL Made-It enlists Travis Porter and Monaleo for “Standing O,” and Cypress Hill collaborates with Alemán on “Wacha Trucha.”

    Denzel Curry features 1900Rugrat and Key Nyata on “MUTT THAT BIH.” Omarion is back with “Fantasy,” and kwn offers “hopeless romantic.” Jeremih also drops a new track, “N.O.M.A.,” and the late Juice WRLD teams up with Marshmello for “We Don’t Get Along.” Keep an ear out for 1 Umbrella featuring Larry June on “Off Top.”

    The collaborations continue with Jeremih, Kevin Gates, and MadMaxx on “Stroke U Up.” Ayra Starr asks “Where Do We Go,” while Hus KingPin, Raekwon, and Kurupt present “Hang Glide Samurai.” Sauce Walka is back with “Streets Ain’t The Same No More,” and Ama features Brent Faiyaz on “Need it Bad.”

    Sleepy Hallow and Sheff G join forces for “Baby I,” and DJ Paul brings in Yelawolf and Young Buck for “3 The Hardest Way.” Luhh Dyl’s ‘Till Then’ is out, and Isaiah Falls shares “Taboo.” DaniLeigh drops “G.O.D,” and Kamal. features Keaton Henson on “no friend, no lover.”

    More Gems to Discover

    The list goes on! Starlito and Bandplay feature Skeez on “Walk Away,” while Skrilla drops “Bazin.” Naomi Sharon shares “Miss That,” and Karrahbooo delivers “No Hook.” October London taps Tonio Armani for “Touch On Me (Remix),” and Arima Ederra presents ‘A Rush To Nowhere.’

    JNR CHOI is back with “PICK UP,” and Channel Tres offers “Medicine.” Jack$ features Thickney on “Hottie.” Also, look out for tracks like “NSD” by Sk8star featuring Teezuz and diamond*, “MANDEM” by Ayox featuring DeCarlo, and “Outta Time” by Aklesso, Kaden Jordan, and Aha Gazelle. Finally, Alvin Garrett’s ‘Talk To Her Like This’ and Sha Summers’ ‘Why Do Fools Fall In Love’ round out the extensive list.

    Which of these new releases are you adding to your playlist first? Let us know your top picks in the comments below!

  • Lecrae: Behind The Music

    Lecrae, a Grammy-winning artist known for his powerful blend of raw honesty and spiritual depth, recently visited the VIBE offices for their ‘Then And Now’ series. He opened up about the personal stories and creative journeys behind some of his most impactful and popular songs, offering fans a deeper look into his discography.

    The Most Personal Tracks

    When asked about the songs that cut closest to his heart, Lecrae identified three deeply personal tracks. “Cry for You” and “I’ll Find You,” both from his album ‘All Things Work Together,’ articulate immense personal pain. The third, “If I Die Tonight” from his ‘Church Clothes’ mixtape, is a poignant reflection on what he’d want to say to his family and fans if his life were to end.

    These vulnerable records underscore why Lecrae’s voice remains so essential, resonating deeply within both the hip-hop and faith-centered music communities. He explained that articulating pain through music requires more than just telling; it demands showing the depth of the experience, which often means reliving difficult moments.

    Collaborations and Unexpected Hits

    Lecrae also shared the stories behind some of his notable collaborations. Working with Tori Kelly on “I’ll Find You” was a blessing, as they shared a common faith and passion for music, aiming to create something that spoke to a global audience. He described Kelly as a ‘little sis’ and expressed immense gratitude for the song’s success.

    The hit song “Coming in Hot” with Andy Mineo was an unexpected success. Originally created for a joint tour, the track unexpectedly took over social media, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Will Smith using it. Lecrae recalled driving two hours to San Diego to record it with Mineo, never anticipating its massive popularity.

    Stories Behind the Chart-Toppers

    The story behind “Blessings” featuring Ty Dolla $ign is also fascinating. Initially intended for Jeremih, the track ended up with Ty Dolla $ign after a scheduling conflict. Despite the change, the song became a Top 10 hit, marking a significant moment in Lecrae’s partnership with Columbia Records.

    The Grammy-winning song “Your Power” with Tasha Cobbs Leonard was born from a collaboration with Zaytoven. Lecrae recognized Cobbs’s ability to connect with both gospel and rap audiences, intentionally crafting a song that would resonate across both spaces. He felt the song deserved its own moment, so he held it back from his ‘Church Clothes’ mixtape.

    New Music and Continued Ministry

    Lecrae’s recent track “Still Here” serves as a powerful articulation of resilience, both personally and spiritually. It’s a warm-up for new music, reminding listeners that he and God are still present, even through hardship. He also shared his passion for ministering within the prison system, a calling deeply rooted in his family’s history with incarceration.

    His song “Lift Me Up,” featuring BEAM and Alexxander, was first released to inmates before its public debut. This track, considered an early stage of his ‘reconstruction’ process, explores themes of trust and seeking divine help during difficult times. The song’s journey involved Kanye West before finding its perfect home with Lecrae and BEAM.

    Finally, “Tell the World” with Mali Music came from a shared sense of being ‘hybrid artists’ who defy easy categorization. The song was created to showcase their faith while defying genre boundaries, unexpectedly becoming the biggest hit from that album.

    Watch Lecrae: Then And Now

    Dive deeper into Lecrae’s journey and the stories behind his music by watching the full ‘Lecrae: Then And Now’ feature below. It’s a compelling look at an artist who continues to inspire through his vulnerability and faith.

    Which Lecrae song resonates most with you? Share your favorite tracks and the stories behind them in the comments below!

  • Dave East on ‘Karma 4,’ Nipsey Collab & Acting

    After over a decade in the hip-hop game, Harlem rapper Dave East is releasing his most ambitious project yet, ‘Karma 4.’ This latest installment in his ‘Karma’ series, launched in 2017, represents a significant evolution, blending the raw storytelling his fans expect with tracks aimed at a broader audience. East speaks with the seasoned perspective of someone who knows his journey, reflecting on his growth, collaborations, and the importance of good karma.

    Evolution Through Life and Music

    When asked about his musical and personal evolution from the first ‘Karma’ project, East points to life experiences. Having welcomed two more daughters, Kobi and Kasey, since his first daughter Kairi, he emphasizes the balance of life’s wins and losses. ‘I felt like it was a really balanced journey for me, as far as the good and the bad, which is regular life sh*t,’ he shared. He believes he’s learned to channel this energy more effectively into his music, a transformation listeners can hear on ‘Karma 4.’

    The album is led by singles ‘Bottega Trunks’ and ‘Havana.’ ‘Havana,’ produced by Chad and Lex (Hot Honors), brings a classic New York bounce, while ‘Bottega Trunks,’ produced by Nic Craven and featuring Stove God Cooks, offers a more melodic and different sound for East. This blend showcases his willingness to explore new sonic territories while staying true to his roots.

    Honoring Nipsey Hussle’s Independent Spirit

    A standout track on ‘Karma 4’ is a long-awaited collaboration with the late Nipsey Hussle. East shared a deep brotherhood with Nipsey prior to his passing and felt this independent project was the perfect time to release their joint track. ‘Nip really waved that independent flag, ‘F**k the middle man.’ That’s what he was about,’ East explained, highlighting how the song honors Nipsey’s legacy and entrepreneurial spirit.

    The album features a diverse range of producers, including longtime collaborators like Mr. Authentic, Mike & Keys, and Buda & Grands, alongside newer sounds from Hot Honors and Nic Craven. This mix ensures a fresh yet familiar feel for the project.

    Diverse Features and Female-Driven Tracks

    Beyond the Nipsey feature, ‘Karma 4’ boasts an impressive lineup. East is particularly excited for fans to hear ‘Stand On That’ with Jeremiah and ‘Can’t Get Enough’ with Jacquees, noting that these are ‘female-driven’ records that he anticipates will garner a strong response. Other notable features include Mozzy, Wiz Khalifa, Key Glock (marking his first collaboration with East, inspired by his connection with the late Young Dolph), Cruch Calhoun, Neek Bucks, King Streets, and Maino, creating a balanced and dynamic project.

    Expanding Horizons: Acting and Streaming

    In addition to his music career, Dave East continues to build his resume as an actor, with new film projects on the horizon. He recently appeared on Kai Cenat’s Mafiathon 3 streaming event, an experience he found ‘dope.’ Premiering the Nipsey Hussle record on the platform felt like bringing Nipsey’s spirit along, and East expressed admiration for the way streaming is pushing culture forward.

    When asked about the best karma he’s experienced, East reflected on his relationships with his parents and elders. He believes his respectful approach to those who raised him has brought him good karma, enabling him to live out his dreams and achieve success. ‘Whatever you put into the universe, it’s going to come back to you,’ he stated.

    The Future of Karma and Dave East

    Plans for a ‘Karma 4’ tour are underway, with intentions to travel both domestically and internationally. While the ‘Karma’ series might continue, East is focused on ‘Karma 4’ for now, while also developing other projects. His vision extends beyond music and acting into fashion, aiming to solidify his brand as a staple of New York City and hip-hop culture without compromising his authenticity.

    What are your favorite tracks from Dave East’s ‘Karma 4’? How do you feel about his continued success in both music and acting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!