Interview: B Menace From Rap Duo Bossed Up Camp Opens Up – “New Shit”

We had the opportunity to chat with Suffolk based artist B Menace from rap duo Bossed Up Camp to talk about his latest release, “New Shit,” and upcoming projects.

Hope you are well and healthy! How are you guys handling the lockdown? Are you using the time to make new music?

Great staying safe and social distancing. Definitely got a few dope joints in the cut.

Please tell us more about your new track, “New Shit” and your collaboration with Wody?

“New Shit” basically is one of them trap type songs that describes being fly, fresh, and onto all the new things. Wody has that feel and look so having him on the hook was a plus.

How would you describe your musical style?

Versatile. I Can adapt to any type of song or concept.

What is the first album you ever listened to? Who are the artists you look up to, past and present?

Harlem World by Mase. Biggie, Tupac, LL Cool J. Busta Rhymes is my favorite rapper of all time. But as far as new artists, I rock with Meek Mill the hardest.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Day to day life and wanting to make sure my mom and kids have everything they need.

What is one experience in life that, without it, you wouldn’t be the artist you are today?

Riding from college in NC to VA with my homeboy Kevin Cheek learning how to rap and catch beats.

Please tell us more about your experience in Suffolk, how it affected your life and art?

It’s a city where many don’t make it out and make something out of themselves, but the ones that have and are on their way out will all tell you, “it made me who I am.”

How does your creative process differ now compared to when you started?

It’s a lot easier to write and come up with things. I also critique my verses and hooks more than before.

If you could take anyone in the world dead or alive for dinner, who would it be?

My mom

-Do you prefer recording or performing live? And why?

Performing live. As for myself when I’m on that stage I feel extremely comfortable and lose my mind, in a good way lol. Feel like I’m supposed to be there and I make fun out of it every time.

Thank you B Menace!

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Kanye West Joins Chicago Ceremony Honoring His Mother With Dr. Donda West Way

Kanye West was in Chicago for a street naming ceremony honoring his late mother, Dr. Donda West, and celebrating her lasting contributions to the city, her impact on education and the arts, and her influence on her son’s life.

A portion of 78th Street bears the official designation of Dr. Donda West Way, an appropriate tribute to a woman whose legacy remains deeply entangled with Chicago. Local news covered the ceremony, attended by community leaders, and Ye could be seen clapping in the background, wearing shades, as the new street sign was unveiled.

The event celebrated Donda West’s accomplishments and her impact on the people in her life. It was also a moment of profound personal significance for Kanye. His mother played a large part in building his confidence and supporting his musical ambitions, leading him down the path that would ultimately make him one of the most recognizable artists in music.

West had already paid tribute to his mother in his 2021 album Donda. The project took 10 years to complete, the amount of time it took Ye to process her tragic passing. Donda’s voice is present throughout the album, adding another personal element to a project centered on her memory and legacy.

The Chicago ceremony falls during a busy time for West. The artist is on a world tour and played a couple of shows in Chicago just a few weeks ago. Despite the ongoing controversy about his recent past and public reception, his repeated returns to the stage have underscored the enduring size of his audience.

Currently, the unveiling of Dr. Donda West Way is not about music but about celebrating Donda West’s life and accomplishments and the impact she continues to have through the legacy she left behind.

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DJ Akademiks Opens the Door to Pusha T Amidst Drake Controversy

DJ Akademiks seems to be changing his tune on Pusha T after the leak of the rapper’s alleged album with Pharrell, though the project reportedly includes several direct shots at Drake.

The reaction is notable as Akademiks and Pusha T have been on completely unique sides of the long-running Drake-Pusha T divide. Pusha T’s infamous beef with Drake reached a major milestone in 2018 with the release of “The Story of Adidon.” Akademiks has an OVO chain and has been a big supporter of Drake, which makes his latest comments about Pusha T even more shocking.

The two have had their differences, though they have never gone back and forth publicly over the years. Akademiks, however, responded to the leaked project with a more sympathetic view of Pusha T’s position. Akademiks didn’t just point out the rapper’s continued Drake references; he also recognized that Drake has been beefing with Pusha T and Pharrell over the last few years.

Things got spicy when Akademiks reminded him that Pusha T has liked a couple of his posts before. That detail apparently has Akademiks considering reaching out directly to talk with Pusha T.

Does Pusha T even want that kind of conversation? Still, Akademiks’ comments imply that he believes there’s room for a more productive discourse between two personalities who have historically been on opposite sides of the Drake-Pusha T feud.

For now, the leaked album has provided an unexpected opening for dialogue. Akademiks’ openness to Pusha T’s side, even with his clear ties to Drake, shifts the conversation away from taking sides and toward whether a direct conversation could actually happen.

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