Music

Chance The Rapper And Dionne Warwick Are Collaborating On Music After She Roasted Him On Twitter

While on ‘The Late Show’ to talk about the reissue of his Christmas album, Chance addressed getting a shout-out from the living R&B legend. …

Twitter can be both a gift and a curse, depending on who’s using it, when, and why they’re using it. Fortunately for all of us, R&B living legend Dionne Warwick has been a true blessing for the past few weeks, using her profile to engage with fans and tease the young generation of artists currently ruling the charts. One of those artists was Chance The Rapper, who told Stephen Colbert during his appearance on The Late Show last night that getting roasted by Warwick has led to the two collaborating on new music together.

“I was very surprised that she knew who I was,” Chance admits. “But it was awesome. We’re working on a song.” The incredulous Colbert stopped him for confirmation that the two artists really are collaborating, leading Chance to call the opportunity “a huge, immense honor.” He then detailed how her Twitter shout-out led to the connection, although he conveniently left out the part where she prodded him with the question “If you are very obviously a rapper why did you put it in your stage name?” However, she did also say “Holy,” his collaboration with Justin Bieber, is one of her favorite songs, so it’s clear her teasing was out of love.

“It feels like my first taste of fame,” Chance joked. “I went to Starbucks the other day and they’re like, ‘Are you the guy who got tweeted by Dionne Warwick?’” The guest and host also spent some time reminiscing about Chance’s first mixtape 10 Day, how he and his wife Kirsten are being “defeated” by their two little girls in quarantine, and the open mic that launched Chicago’s group of peers, including Noname, Saba, and Vic Mensa, as well his reissue of Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama.

Watch Chance’s interview with Stephen Colbert above.

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.