Music

Lil Durk Avoids Phony Friends In His Paranoid ‘Backdoor’ Video

Durk’s 2020 takeover resumes with his first solo single since September’s ‘The Voice.’ …

After taking some time off to mourn the death of his late friend and labelmate King Von, Lil Durk returned last night with the release of a surprising music video for his new song “Backdoor.” Featuring the usual trademarks of his videos — jewelry, cars, and Durk’s crew — “Backdoor” sees Durk copping even more chunky necklaces for his collection, including one resembling Von’s signature O’Block chain. Durk also gets lined up by his barber, who helps keep him looking fresh as he smokes a cigar in the studio.

“Backdoor” may be Durk’s first solo single since releasing “The Voice” in September, but 2020 has turned out to be the Chicago rapper’s busiest year yet. While he’s always been something of a local celebrity, he received national exposure on a whole new level when Drake recruited him to contribute a verse to his buzzing single “Laugh Now, Cry Later” this summer.

Durk also expanded his range with verses alongside rising stars Bia (on “Same Hands“) and Queen Naija (on “Lie To Me“), further solidifying the growth of his brand. He also worked with some of the other biggest rappers to drop this year on collabs with Gunna on “Gucci Gucci,” and Lil Baby and local rising star Polo G on “3 Headed Goat.” His album, The Voice, is supposedly still in the works and on track for a 2020 release. A leaked version suggested it’s at least close to being finished but may also prompt Durk to wait for the new year to official drop.

Watch Lil Durk’s “Backdoor” video above.

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.