Connect with us

Artist Spotlight

Drake’s Sound 42 Bows Out, A Bittersweet Goodbye to a SiriusXM Era

HonkMagazine

Drake’s special radio station on SiriusXM, called Sound 42, has officially ended after four years. This station, launched in March 2021 as a unique collaboration between the famous Toronto artist and SiriusXM, is now changing its name to “SiriusXM 42” and focusing on playing the “500 biggest rap songs of all time.” While this might excite hip-hop fans, the end of Sound 42 feels significant, as it was one of the most original artist-led platforms recently. Sound 42 was first introduced in 2019 as part of a major deal between SiriusXM and Drake.

The station featured exclusive song releases, carefully chosen playlists, and a variety of sounds picked by Drake and his team, giving fans an inside look into his music world. Its sudden closure leaves many wondering why such a vibrant project didn’t have a proper farewell. For Drake, the station provided a way to connect more deeply with the traditional radio experience, something he valued greatly, as he shared in a 2023 interview. He emphasized the support he received from Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s leader, who was passionate about making Sound 42 happen. Drake appreciated how SiriusXM allowed him to reach a wide audience, similar to the memorable radio moments from the past.

Sound 42 gave fans a special experience, offering them fresh music in ways that simple streaming services couldn’t. The station created a unique ambiance that felt distinctly like Drake, worldly, emotional, and undeniably cool. As Sound 42 becomes a part of music history, its influence remains strong. It showed that a radio station led by an artist could succeed even in an age focused on algorithm-driven playlists. While fans might miss the personal touch and surprises that came with Sound 42, the new SiriusXM 42 will continue to celebrate hip-hop on satellite radio.

 

Artist Spotlight

Lana Crow turns challenges into a celebration with “Laugh With You”

Lana Crow

“Laugh With You,” the latest single from Lana Crow, is a sincere rallying cry to embrace life in all its messy, beautiful mess. In the song, indie pop and alt-pop combine to deliver an emotional blow that feels both personal and universal.

“Laugh With You” feels like an instant connection, and Crow is telling you stories of hard times with a cozy, knowing smile. This song is as much about struggle as it is about how strong you are. It serves as a reminder that these struggles are simply what give us the strength to keep going, even when life is tough.

Crow encourages people to welcome them, create happiness in the cracks, and laugh even as the world gets heavy. The result is a song that delicately nudges you to love and embrace yourself. It is an anthem for anyone experiencing tough times who refuses to give up hope. Lana Crow continues to demonstrate her songwriting skills, both musically pleasing and emotionally rich, with “Laugh With You.”

It’s a reminder that it’s how we respond to tough times, rather than how they affect us, that’s key. With this song, not only does Crow provide us with music, but she also lets us know that sometimes a laugh is what we need to remember that there is always something to smile about and that, even when it feels like life has waged war against you, laughter can still be found.

Advertisement

Connect with Lana Crow on Instagram | Facebook |

Continue Reading

Artist Spotlight

BluntBrad Jr. finds calm ambition in the laid-back shine of “It’s All Good”

BluntBrad Jr.

BluntBrad Jr.’s new single, “It’s All Good,” sounds like a steady handshake and a deep breath. It’s warm, honest, and not trying to be cool. There isn’t any fancy production hiding behind layers of polish here. Instead, the song is all about being honest. The song is laid-back and offers up the shine of a studio recording for the feeling of a candid introduction, a musical “hello” from someone who wants to be heard for who they are.

“It’s All Good” is a very human way to be hopeful at its core. The feeling is simple and real, like someone who won’t let little things stand in the way of their goals. The words to the song sound like friends talking to each other. They discuss their goals, their drive, and their need for attention in a way that is honest and not needy.

The production backs this up by making sure that everything is open and airy. The instruments are simple and easy to understand, so BluntBrad Jr.’s voice and message come through clearly. The song feels real because it doesn’t have a lot of extra stuff in it. You’re not hearing a heavily constructed persona; you’re hearing someone at the start of a journey, eager to make their mark.

The song’s rough edges make it captivating, which is better than polish, which would have smoothed it out. This way of thinking fits with the theme: hope isn’t naive here; it’s realistic and steady. It speaks to people who like simple songs and value honesty over artifice.

Advertisement

“It’s All Good” is an engaging and approachable phrase that offers context for an artist who is confident and clear about their artistic vision. This is the kind of song you listen to when you need some honest encouragement to remember that just being human can help you move forward. This is only the first chapter of something serious, so expect more from him.

Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending