Music

ASAP Rocky’s Legal Showdown, Trial Date Set Amidst New Album Hype

ASAP Rocky has more than just his music release to focus on this year. As he gears up for the highly anticipated drop of his new album “Don’t Be Dumb” on August 30, a looming court date now vies for his attention. The rapper’s trial, stemming from allegations that he shot his colleague A$AP Relli over two years ago, is set to begin on October 21.

The Harlem-born artist has vehemently denied the accusations, pleading not guilty to two assault charges involving a semiautomatic firearm. On June 20, during a court hearing attended by his defense lawyer Sara Caplan, the judge ordered the defense to file their motion to dismiss the case by July 19. Caplan mentioned that the defense team is still awaiting medical records from Relli’s alleged hospital visit following the incident.

Last November, a Los Angeles Police Department detective testified that no video footage confirms the shooting, and no weapons were recovered. “The court agrees with the defense that you don’t see an actual shooting on the video,” said Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge M.L. Villar. Despite this, audio evidence of two gunshots exists, and Relli claims he was shot, although this is contested by Rocky’s legal team.

Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, expressed confidence in his client’s innocence. He highlighted inconsistencies in Relli’s testimony, suggesting that Relli denied under oath any attempts to extort money to drop the case. “Common sense is going to prevail and we’re going to get Rocky through this,” Tacopina stated. “The evidence we have that they don’t know about is going to be devastating… devastating.”

As fans eagerly await his new music, Rocky now faces a legal battle that could significantly impact his future.

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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

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