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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. 

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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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Mainstage

Jury Delivers Split Verdict In Diddy’s Federal Trial

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In a tense and closely watched federal courtroom, the jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial has reached a partial verdict, bringing some answers and even more anticipation to one of the most high-profile legal battles in recent memory. As of today, the jury has delivered decisions on four out of five charges, but remains gridlocked on a central allegation that could define the entire case. After a week of high-stakes closing arguments and two days of deliberation, jurors informed the court that they had come to a consensus on counts 2 through 5.

These include serious accusations of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion of both Cassie and another accuser, referred to as “Jane,” along with the alleged transportation of both women and others for prostitution. The courtroom remained hushed as the jury’s note was read, revealing that they remained at a spot on Count 1, the racketeering conspiracy charge, due to what they described as “unpersuadable opinions” on both sides. Despite hours of discussion, jurors could not bridge the divide. This singular charge, often viewed as the linchpin of the entire case, still hangs in limbo.

You should see this article: Diddy’s Birthday Scrapbook Sparks Public Curiosity And Courtroom Controversy

Judge Arun Subramanian, overseeing the case, made it clear that a partial verdict will not suffice. No decision will be read until consensus is reached on all counts. Both the prosecution and defense agreed to his instruction to send the jury back for further deliberation. The emotional weight of this moment isn’t lost on anyone. For the accusers, the court, and Diddy himself, who has maintained his innocence, the next steps are critical.

The mixed outcome so far adds complexity to an already layered case, combining elements of celebrity, power, and deeply serious criminal accusations. Though today’s partial verdict remains sealed for now, this trial is far from over. Whether the jury can overcome its deadlock or the case moves toward a mistrial on Count 1, all eyes will remain on that Manhattan courtroom. The verdict, when fully reached, could mark an earthshaking moment in the ongoing legal reckoning within the entertainment industry.

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Artist Spotlight

David Cloyd triumphantly returns with a reflective new album, “Red Sky Warning”

David Cloyd

David Cloyd, a seasoned artist whose creative luminescence has only intensified over his career, makes a noteworthy re-entry following a decade-long hiatus with an emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated new album, “Red Sky Warning,” released via ECR Music Group. This album marks his reintroduction to the music scene as he aims to reclaim the spotlight. Co-produced and mixed by the acclaimed indie architect Blake Morgan (known for his work with Lenny Kravitz, Lesley Gore, and Janita), the masterful ten-track album encapsulates a significant evolution in Cloyd’s sonic profile, where intricate craftsmanship meets intense emotional exposition.

Spanning ten compelling tracks, “Red Sky Warning” is a profound exploration of openness, identity, and the intimacy of human connection. The very first notes of the opener, Ocean of Hours,” envelops listeners in a euphoric wave of melody, with the magic of Cloyd’s lyricism resonating like heartbeats, consistently engaging while maintaining a clear direction. This immersive tone sets the stage for a record that demands to be felt as much as it is heard.

It is followed spontaneously byIf We Could Escape,” the second track, delving into themes of emotional ambivalence and quiet longing for escapism. Its soulful balm and shimmering aura capture the ache of unspoken truths, laying bare the intimate confessions Cloyd expresses through his signature vocal warmth and layered instrumentation. Each hypnotic rhyme that follows builds on this honesty, embracing a therapeutic narrative of accepting imperfection.

In the third track,The Day Before,” a contemplative light emerges as Cloyd masterfully blends soul-pop sensibility with mature finesse. It evokes the quiet anticipation that precedes change, revealing Cloyd’s ability to distill quotidian experiences into a resonant metaphor. Conversely, A Far Cry From Nothing presents a robust rhythmic foundation that underscores lyrical potency, driven by piano-centric confidence and heartfelt phrasing that illuminate emotional resilience. InCage of Water,” Cloyd adeptly navigates the emotional landscape through an audacious sonic tapestry that reflects the fluidity of love’s ever-changing tides. This piece captures the inherent unpredictability of romantic experiences, evoking a captivating composition that accentuates its dynamism. The ambientDrive With Me employs lush ambient textures to guide listeners through reflective pathways, invoking the nuances of nostalgic relationships and emotional bonds often left unarticulated.

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Into The Sea dazzles with melancholic elegance, threading love and mystery into a cohesive storytelling framework. Subsequent tracks, such as Climbing Ivy,” maintain this thematic momentum, focusing on unity and the complexities inherent in celebrating brotherhood and kinship through a storytelling lens steeped in poetic nuance.Small Wooden Boat offers a poignant reflection on the past, emphasizing rediscovery and personal growth while capturing the bittersweet clarity that revisiting old memories often brings. The album culminates with the stunning trackWalk the Earth,” a soul-stirring finale that lingers in the heart of listeners long after its chords fade. Cloyd’s use of tremulous vibrato and unwavering vocal performance echoes the weight of lived experience, providing a fitting closure to an album that’s both a personal manifesto and a universal commentary.

Each composition sequentially builds upon the previous one, thereby enhancing the thematic essence of “Red Sky Warning” and symbolizing not only a reawakening but also a rebirth for David Cloyd. His distinctive vocal style as a singer and songwriter approach draws comparisons to notable figures such as Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, and Peter Gabriel while remaining distinctly his own. With this release, Cloyd effectively positions introspection at the forefront of his artistry, transforming emotional vulnerability into a cathartic experience. This meticulously curated body of work serves as a testament to David Cloyd’s enduring musical vision, establishing it as a timeless addition to any music aficionado’s collection. “Red Sky Warning” is essential for those seeking genuine artistry that transcends genre and invites listeners on an evocative expedition of heartfelt optimism and recuperation.

 

For more information about David Cloyd, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM David Cloyd’s AlbumRed Sky Warning on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH David Cloyd | InstagramFacebook |

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