Get ready for a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s hip hop era as Ludacris and Ja Rule headline this year’s KDays Music Fest in Edmonton. The multi-day exhibition will also feature performances from Canadian indie rockers Metric, country group High Valley, pop punkers Simple Plan, and many more. The festival runs from July 19 to July 28, offering a diverse lineup that appeals to various music lovers.
Prepare for an immersive musical journey as celebrated lyricist Oddisee and the genre-bending Jindi take the stage at The Arts Center NYUAD. Oddisee, known for his thought-provoking lyrics and diverse production, will return to the center after a captivating virtual concert during the pandemic. Jindi, one of the UAE’s leading Sudanese artists, will showcase his globally resonant tracks from his latest album, ‘Reign & Fire.’ This culturally rich event aligns with The Arts Center’s mission to foster regional talent and promote cultural dialogue.
Inside the musical household of the Bunyi family, hip-hop is the music that keeps them going. From preparing for a gig to dedicating songs for Mindanao, here are the musical picks of Morobeats ‘ Miss A, Fateeha , and DJ Medmessiah for Vogue Playlists.
Morobeats, founded by DJ Medmessiah, is a music collective and independent label that seeks to represent the rich cultural heritage and diverse stories of Mindanao. Through hip-hop, the label showcases the unique perspectives, struggles, and aspirations of the Moro people, bridging the gap between their marginalized communities and the broader Filipino society. Morobeats incorporates traditional instruments like the Maguindanaoan kulintang into its tracks, paying homage to indigenous practices while revitalizing them through contemporary music.
Hip-hop legend Common has revealed exciting news about his upcoming album, which will feature collaborations with renowned producer Pete Rock. During a MusiCares panel, Common stated that the new music they’ve created together ranks among the best of their respective careers. Previewed by a select few, the untitled album has received stellar feedback, leading Common to include it in his top three alongside ‘Be’ (2005) and ‘Like Water for Chocolate’ (2000). Common’s collaboration with Pete Rock is highly anticipated, as the duo has a history of creating classics such as ‘The B*tch In Yoo.’ Despite being at different stages in their careers, Common and Rock’s shared chemistry promises to deliver another exceptional musical experience.
The estate of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has issued a cease and desist order against Drake, alleging that the rapper’s recent diss track, “Taylor Made Freestyle,” features an unauthorized and illegal recreation of Tupac’s voice. The estate claims that the use of Tupac’s voice constitutes a violation of his publicity rights and a blatant abuse of his legacy. The order also notes that the track targets Kendrick Lamar, a close friend of the estate, who has always respected Tupac’s legacy.
Drake’s recent release, “Taylor Made,” has sparked controversy due to its unauthorized use of Tupac Shakur’s voice. The late rapper’s legal team has demanded its removal within 24 hours, threatening legal action if it remains available. This incident raises questions about the ethical and legal implications of using AI-generated voices in music.
Grammy-winning hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion has added a date at San Francisco’s Chase Center on June 23rd to her highly anticipated ‘Hot Girl Summer Tour.’ The tour, which has already sold over a quarter-million tickets and boasts sold-out shows across the country, will feature special guest GloRilla, known for hits like ‘Tomorrow 2’ and ‘FNF.’ The Chase Center show marks the final stop on the tour’s U.S. leg, with Megan Thee Stallion then heading overseas for international dates beginning July 4th.
Fab Five Freddy, born Fred Brathwaite, is a pivotal figure in the hip-hop and visual arts communities. As a graffiti artist and filmmaker, Freddy first gained prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He later became a bridge between the burgeoning hip-hop scene in New York City and the downtown art and music scenes. His role as the host of ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ solidified his influence, making hip-hop accessible to a global audience.
A cameraman for hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion has filed a lawsuit alleging he was forced to witness an inappropriate sexual encounter and subsequently fired after enduring a hostile work environment. The photographer, Emilio Garcia, claims that during an outing in Ibiza, Spain, in June 2022, Megan, whose legal name is Megan Pete, engaged in sexual activity with another woman next to him in a moving SUV. Garcia states that he was unable to exit the vehicle and would have been stranded in an unfamiliar country had he attempted to do so. He also alleges that Megan berated and fat-shamed him the following day, telling him to never discuss what he had witnessed. Garcia alleges that this incident, along with ongoing harassment, created an unbearable work environment. He was subsequently fired after four years of employment. Megan’s attorney has dismissed the lawsuit as an attempt to extort money and stated that they will address the allegations in court. Megan Thee Stallion, 29, is a Grammy-winning artist with multiple hit songs. The lawsuit seeks financial damages to be determined at trial.
