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Black Thought Compares Kanye West’s Evolution To J. Dilla’s

Kanye’s brilliance as an artist shouldn’t be questioned, despite how questionable he might be these days. But even as he enter politics, he carries the same drive that got him the Roc A Fella chain and launched his career as a rapper after his success as a producer. In a recent interview with Stereogum, Black Thought, fresh off of the release of Streams Of Thoughts Vol. 3, detailed a few collaborations from his career including Talib Kweli’s “Guerrilla Monsoon Rap” which also features Pharoah Monch and a young Kanye West.

“He was just hungry. He was about the business of showing people his potential as an artist and what he had already in the clip,” Black Thought recounted, describing Kanye as someone who would always be hanging out in the studio. He explained that he witnessed ‘Ye’s evolution, from being someone he’d see in the studio grinding as a producer to transforming into a multi-talented artist. Thought even said ‘Ye nearly followed the exact same steps as the late J. Dilla.

“I saw him evolve from someone who was a producer of tracks to someone who was also an MC,” he continued. “I saw him follow in the footsteps of who I feel, to this day, was the greatest rapper/producer, J Dilla. J Dilla, he could sing and rap and play instruments just as well as he could program beats. I watched Kanye in real time evolve, following almost that same blueprint.”

Thought recounted hearing early versions of “Hey Mama” and “Jesus Walks” after they finished recording “Guerrilla Monsoon Rap.” He added that ‘Ye was often just sitting in the studio, soaking game. A testament to his commitment to making that full crossover from a Roc-A-Fella producer to a household name.

“It was the usual cast of characters. With me, Kweli, and Pharoahe in the lab. 88-Keys would always be around, Kanye would always be around,” Thought said. “Kanye would sometimes literally be a fly on the wall, and you could see his spongelike nature, just constantly learning and soaking up what was being said, what was being done. What I appreciate about the way he did it, was he made it his own. He was never a biter. He soaked up everything everyone did, but he put his own spin on it.”

[Via]

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Kieran James Honors Memory with “Part of the Grind”

Singer-songwriter Kieran James delivers a devastating new single with “Part of the Grind,” a track to tackle the tangled emotions behind loss and memory. A love letter penned to a close friend who faced severe cognitive decline, the song’s emotional heft feels universal yet heartbreakingly personal.

Set to delicate instrumentation and achingly sung vocals, “Part of the Grind” is both a lament and an honoring, a means of remembering while addressing the unavoidable cost of time and illness. His voice floats, leaving room for silence and the long pauses that so often come with grief. But in that silence, there is warmth as well, a refusal to let memory be totally extinguished.

Resilience is also implied in the song’s title, a reminder that even in heartbreak, life goes on and holding the memory of someone stays with the rhythm of everyday living. it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever looked on witnessing decline, mixed sorrow with love.

In Kieran James’s “Part of the Grind,” we hear music as well as go behind it. He gives us room feel, to mourn, and to honor. In the process, he turns private pain into something achingly universal, a song for everyone who has either loved or lost.

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Esthy glows up with joy on new anthem “light it up”

In her latest song, “light it up,” singer-songwriter and producer Esthy from LA brings a vibrant and uplifting vibe that feels like sunshine in musical form. By mixing elements of playful country with polished pop sounds, she creates a track that’s all about having fun and enjoying life.

Esthy’s singing truly shines, showcasing a lively and confident style. There’s a playful tone in her voice that makes the lyrics feel friendly and inviting, encouraging you to set aside your worries and immerse yourself in the moment.

“light it up” radiates energy and is lively and bright, featuring catchy guitar riffs and upbeat rhythms that draw you in right away. If you enjoy artists like Anne-Marie or OneRepublic, you’ll love this song, and Esthy adds her unique flair, making it special and memorable.

Esthy has a talent for creating catchy melodies, and with this one, you’ll find yourself humming throughout your day. Esthy is here to spread joy, inspire energy, and make music that connects with you instantly. This track is designed to remind you of your true unstoppable nature, and Esthy lights it up.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Esthy’s “lights it up” on Spotify.
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