Music

ASAP Rocky Enlists J Cole for Explosive Collab Amid Drake Feud Drama

ASAP Rocky is pulling out all the stops for his highly-anticipated new album, Don’t Be Dumb. In the works since the last decade, this album promises a star-studded lineup of collaborators, including renowned producers Madlib, Pharrell, and The Alchemist. Speculation is rife that Slick Rick and Rihanna might also make appearances. Adding to the buzz, DJ Kast One recently dropped by Hot 97 on July 26, revealing another major name on the album: J Cole.

DJ Kast One shared that he had the privilege of hearing Don’t Be Dumb and was blown away by a standout verse from Dreamville’s finest. “I heard J Cole,” he confirmed. “I heard songs being played.” This untitled, yet-to-be-released track marks the first collaboration between ASAP Rocky and J Cole in over a decade, following their joint effort on the “TKO” remix in 2013, which also featured Pusha T and Justin Timberlake.

The collaboration is generating significant excitement, not only because Rocky and Cole are generational peers but also due to the ongoing drama in the rap world. ASAP Rocky has been embroiled in a feud with Drake throughout 2024, dissing him on Future’s “Show of Hands” and vowing to continue the beef on Don’t Be Dumb. Meanwhile, J Cole, once an ally of Drake, has seemingly switched sides. The tension between Drake and Cole began with the “7 Minute Drill” controversy and escalated when Cole appeared on the same Future and Metro Boomin album where Rocky took shots at Drake.

DJ Kast One further stoked the flames, confirming that Rocky will be taking aim at Drake again on Don’t Be Dumb. This ongoing saga has fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the drama. With J Cole’s involvement, it’s clear that this album will be a significant moment in the evolving landscape of hip-hop rivalries. We’ve certainly come a long way since the days of “In the Morning.”

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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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