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Dave East Hits The Booth For “Beloved 2” With Styles P

In October of 2018, Dave East connected with Styles P — who happens to be East’s favorite rapper — to craft Beloved, a thirteen track effort with guest appearances from Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, and more. With the album’s title deriving from their shared name of David, the pair pledged to break down “how the two Davids battle through the Goliaths of violence, street politics, drugs, and money.” The end result was an impressive dose of grimy New York hip-hop, one that pleased longtime fans of both lyricists.

Styles P Dave East Beloved 2

Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images

Since its release, East and Styles have been prolific in their respective solo careers, though many have since wondered whether a sequel to Beloved was in the cards. Evidently, the time is indeed approaching. Dave East recently took to Instagram to provide a brief but intriguing update on the situation, confirming that he had returned to the booth to begin working on the sequel. Unfortunately, that’s all he opted to share at this moment, though given the rate at which both he and Pinero put in work, expect to hear some new music before long.

In the meantime, be sure to catch up on both Dave East and Styles’ respective outputs; the former is only a few months removed from Karma 3, having caught up with HNHH following its release. SP has also been making the most out of his quarantine period, having played a pivotal role on The LOX’s new album Living Off Xperience; for more from Pinero and his groupmates, be sure to check out our exclusive interview with the legendary hip-hop trifecta right here.

Check out the flick of Dave East in the booth below, and sound off in the comments if you’re ready for Beloved 2.

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Artist Spotlight

The Real Mack The Knife honors memory and spirit with soulful release “Rio Grande de Loíza”

The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” by The Real Mack The Knife is a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico’s history, memory, and sacred spirit. The track transforms nature into something spiritual, intimate, and timeless, inspired by the legendary river and Julia de Burgos’ immortal voice.

The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” has an old, alive vibe from the beginning. River water, moonlight, desire, and cultural memory shape a song that seems to rise from the ground. The Real Mack The Knife uses the river as a living, symbolic being, unlike the original work.

Julia de Burgos gives the piece incredible depth. She sees the river as a witness, a mother, a wound, a mirror, and a prayer throughout the song’s emotional landscape. The literary and spiritual connection gives the track a haunting beauty beyond music.

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Artist Spotlight

Devan Ibiza adds soul and reflection on new release “Portland”

With “Portland,” Devan Ibiza creates a warm, thoughtful, atmospheric hip-hop record rooted in boom-bap’s deep, reflective energy. Soulful production and introspective mood make it a quiet moment of thought rather than a distraction.

“Portland” embodies classic hip-hop. Boom-bap gives it a rhythmic foundation, and warm, soulful production draws listeners in. This beat is perfect for contemplation, letting emotion and thought flow.

The single’s mood adds interest. Devan Ibiza values subtlety and atmosphere over loudness and trends. The song’s restraint is its strength. Late-night thoughts, personal memories, and quiet realizations make “Portland” contemplative.

Devan Ibiza’s release is well-paced emotionally. Since the song is never rushed or crowded, its atmosphere can naturally resonate. That patience gives “Portland” a timeless quality usually reserved for classic hip-hop stories and soulful underground records.

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