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Lil Durk, It’s Time To Go Pop

This past summer, Lil Durk officially announced his forthcoming album The Voice by releasing the titular single off of his follow-up to Just ‘Cause Y’all Waited 2. The album’s announcement was made out of spite. Just as 6ix9ine was running low on promotion fumes for his post-prison album Tattle Tales, he and Durk re-ignited their feud in a competition of numbers. Now, Durk never had a #1 album but neither has 6ix9ine, even though he’s had much more media coverage leading up to all three of his projects than Durk ever has. As it turned out, 6ix9ine’s camp had allegedly offered Durk millions of dollars to keep this game of back-and-forth up. Ultimately, the decision was the streets > $3 million.

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2020 has put Durk at a crossroads in his career. He’s bigger than he’s ever been — on his own terms, at that — yet he hasn’t drifted away from the sound that drew people in, in the first place. His evolution has found him perfecting his voice rather than stepping away from it. And finally, his reach is extending beyond the realm of hip-hop. Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, marking his highest-charting project to date. He also scored his first platinum certification with, “Homebody” ft. TK Kravitz and Gunna this past August. Along with keeping the OTF imprint moving at full force, including the release of King Von’s Welcome To O-Block this past Friday, Durk’s output has been impeccable, bodying every single track he’s released and feature he’s delivered. With a track record extending over the past eight years, Durk’s uncompromising consistency has made him one of the most trusted voices in the game right now, especially among rappers under 30.

For anyone following Durk’s career, his appearance on “Laugh Now Cry Later” felt like a long-deserved win for a criminally underrated artist. His short verse, which apparently was a result of the pandemic, drew a demand for a remix or even a part two with solely Durk. Even though he has a penchant for the softer side of drill music, “Laugh Now Cry Later” was his official foray into the world of pop. Those triumphant horns on the song feel especially fitting for Durk’s arrival.

He’s explored pop stardom even further, though it can be argued that projects like Just Cause Y’all Waited and Signed To The Streets 3 planted a seed for that to happen. He linked up with Queen Naija on the 90s R&B-tribute, “Lie To Me” and later reunited with her for the remix of Jeremih and Ne-Yo’s “U 2 Luv.” Though the R&B sounds are only fitting to his mold, like on his new single “Stay Down” ft. Young Thug & 6lack, it was his recent collaboration with BIA on the trap-pop “No Hands” that proved that just a touch of his magic can make all of this difference.

Pop is largely defined by the trending sound, rather than an actual genre itself. That’s why hip-hop has used it as a punchline rather than a categorization. Numbers do lie but they also carry a level of validity, especially when it boils down to chart placements and plaques. But if we’re keepin’ it a buck, a platinum certification doesn’t hold the same weight it once did, ever since merch bundles came into play.

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Going platinum in the streets isn’t defined by a plaque or an RIAA certification but rather, the impact it’s had on people. And Durk’s impact is evident. He provided a dichotomy in drill, balancing harrowing ballads and murderous bangers, that artists like Polo G have adapted to his own success. Durk’s melodies speak to the pain. When the auto-tune gets pulled back, it’s the aggression in his tone that does all the talking. He offers emotional depth connected to the volatility of the streets. It’s how drill has influenced pockets of poverty across the world. Durk pulls at heartstrings with authentic storytelling, painful recounts of death and poverty, and painting his flaws in a relatable fashion for the world to see. Songs like “Higher” and “500 Homicides” speak directly to the bleak realities going on across America while a joint like “India” plants a seed for future love songs. India Love certainly deserves a shout out for that.

“The Voice” is an important single to Durk’s expansive discography. Durk’s maturity extends into his financial and political outlook. In recent times, he’s offered wise investment advice to his followers, and his maturity and growth, in that sense, has also informed his music. Durk’s voice is pain-riddled with flashbacks of the streets and legal issues that weigh on him but it’s a timely reflection of the root of these problems. “Money ran low, right? Felons can’t vote, right?/ I can’t even vote for who I believe in, shit ain’t goin’ right,” he raps on the first verse. There’s a harrowing reality behind those bars as his legal issues mount. Last year, the rapper was arrested on an attempted murder charge after a shooting that took place in Atlanta.

There are hefty responsibilities that come with being the self-imposed “voice of the streets.” Claiming such a title can sometimes be more harmful than good. Some rappers have committed deeply to being a voice for the streets, so much so, that that’s often only where they’re heard, limiting their own room for growth. A voice for any group of people becomes a delegate that’s meant to shine a light on what’s being left in the dark. Durk’s connection to the trenches won’t fade away. The scars that come with that life are forever. Even as his trajectory directs him deeper into stardom, he will remain a voice for the streets and for the people.

If this interests you, read: “Hip Hop’s Newest Wave: Tracing The Influences Of Polo G, Lil Tjay, Calboy“

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Kanye West’s Heartfelt Plea to Bianca Censori Hits the Airwaves as the Couple Reunites in Spain

Kanye West has just released a new song named after his wife, Bianca Censori, and it’s getting a lot of attention. The track is a part of his upcoming album, WW3, and it dives into the complex feelings surrounding their relationship, especially after some public struggles they’ve faced. In the song, Kanye shares his deep feelings of regret after their recent fallout, giving listeners a personal look into his life. The lyrics are a direct appeal to Bianca, as he asks for her forgiveness, saying things like, “Bianca, I just want you to come back.” He acknowledges how his famous rants on social media may have contributed to their challenges.

The song reveals a lot of emotional turmoil, including instances where Bianca has tried to help him and even experienced a panic attack because of his online behavior. Many listeners have resonated with the song, feeling empathy for both Kanye and Bianca as they deal with the aftermath of their breakup. When the song came out, there was a lot of speculation about whether they were really apart or if it was just a reflection of their past troubles. The mystery grew when Kanye’s lyrics hinted at a temporary separation. However, they were recently spotted together enjoying dinner at an Indian restaurant in Spain, suggesting they may have reconciled.

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This public outing shows that they are working through their issues despite their rocky times. Their dinner together sends a strong message that their relationship is still going strong despite the challenges and public attention. Kanye’s ability to mix his personal struggles with his music continues to Captivate audiences, and this new song is no different. With WW3 on the way, many are eager to see how his emotional journey unfolds, both in his life and through his music.

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BTS Members Reunite As Jungkook Shares Emotional Message

The youngest member of BTS, Jungkook, shared a loving and sentimental message that warmed the hearts of millions worldwide. Jungkook, who is currently serving his mandatory military service in South Korea, took time to communicate with his fans, known as ARMY, not only expressing his love and appreciation for them but also outlining how he is feeling during this time of service. His message came amid a monumental moment, the reunion of BTS members, a rare but precious thing since most of the group is currently in the military.

The meeting of BTS members in the middle of their military service, however briefly, is very meaningful and symbolic for the group and their fanbase. Mandatory military service in South Korea obliges all able-bodied men to serve their country, and BTS has continued to fulfill its duties as a global icon. Even as they take a break together as a group, the connection between the seven members is stronger than ever. This reunion proved that sentiment, and it was a beautiful reminder of their togetherness for fans.

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The emotional letter from Jungkook also provided a rare insight into what went through the mind of a “BTS” member while he was away from the stage. His signature for his business ways is still somehow calm, as we all know. Yet Jungkook, making this an opportunity, speaks directly to the ARMY. He mentioned how he always thinks about his fans and that their unchanging support has helped him during the hard times of his military service.

His message was a bridge linking the stage lights, roaring crowds, and musical performances of the past to the quiet discipline and structure of military life. In a heartwarming letter, Jungkook assured fans that he takes them along with him, even during periods of silence and absence. For fans of BTS, Jungkook’s letter was a testament of connection and loyalty. Being one of the most loved members, Jungkook has had a special bond with the fandom.

His journey has always been entangled with the love and encouragement of ARMY. His message reinforced that this connection is reciprocal and genuine. The context of the BTS reunion only helped amplify the emotional impact of his letter. Seeing the members back together, even in military uniform, was a powerful image. It was a visual affirmation of their brotherhood and dedication to their fans and their country. For a group that has broken records, crossed cultural barriers, and become ambassadors of global youth, this moment was a return to their roots.

Jungkook’s message was also very much about gratitude. He was humble and thankful, recognizing the sacrifices that fans make during their wait for the return, fans who are understandably anxious. He vowed to return stronger and better, a motif that followed BTS’s road. The fans supported them as they found their way in the music industry, took tours, and performed on big stages. It was about developing, improving, and trying to be the best they could be for the message they spread.

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His letter was so emotional and personal that it reminded everyone that BTS is beyond a music group. In times of stillness, their impact resounds through society, shaping lives in the most significant sense. While members still serve in the military, fans worldwide stick to these moments that assure them the connection is alive, thriving, and still biding its time until the day they all meet again in front of an audience. Jungkook’s message was a lovely confirmation of that promise.

Saying something so warm and sincere reminded ARMY what they already knew, that BTS is never far away from our hearts even if physically apart. In times like this, when the world feels somewhat chaotic and uncertain, messages like Jungkook’s remind us of the eternal strength of love and loyalty. As the countdown to their eventual full reunion begins, fans can take solace in the fact that BTS is thinking about them as much as they are missed. And when that day comes, when the seven members stand together again in public, it’s going to be a homecoming.