Music
Rakim Applauds Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar, A Victory for Real Hip Hop
If “hip hop” had a face, it might just be Rakim. The legendary rapper, who revolutionized the genre in the 1980s and influenced icons like Nas, JAY-Z, and Kendrick Lamar, recently dropped a new album and shared his thoughts on the highly publicized Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle of 2024.
During his press tour, Rakim praised both Drake and Kendrick Lamar for their willingness to take on the challenge, risking their commercial success for the sake of the art. “A lot of people in that position won’t accept no challenge because they got too much to lose,” he told Billboard. “So, it was dope that these brothers put the mainstream success down and said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’”
Rakim acknowledged Drake’s prowess as an artist but emphasized that the battle highlighted a significant cultural divide in hip hop. He saw the clash as a showdown between mainstream and real hip hop, with the latter emerging victorious. “It showed the difference between real hip-hop and mainstream hip-hop,” Rakim stated. “Younger artists now know that there’s a difference.”
The rapper believes the battle helped redefine the genre, reminding artists that they can choose between different styles. “A lot of them didn’t understand that,” he explained. “They just listened to the majority, not knowing that people don’t categorize what they were hearing as real hip-hop.”
Rakim expressed newfound respect for both Drake and Kendrick Lamar, viewing their battle as a crucial moment for the genre. “The battle was very needed for the genre,” he said. “I tip my hat to them brothers. Let’s just hope that it stays to the music.”
Ultimately, Rakim’s admiration for both artists underscores his deep love for hip hop. While he’s always praised Kendrick Lamar, his recognition of Drake’s talent shows his commitment to the genre’s growth and evolution.
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Gustav L. evokes an inspiring serenade of faith and optimism with her new release, “I Believe In You Now”
In “I Believe In You Now,” Gustav L crafts a stunning tapestry of emotion and heartfelt melody that reaches straight into the soul. Originating from Wesseling, Germany, this singer-songwriter and guitarist presents an inspiring anthem brimming with optimism, vulnerability, and musical precision. Renowned for his skill in merging soul-stirring ballads with intricate guitar work, Gustav L establishes himself as a prominent emerging talent capable of profoundly impacting his audience.
The composition introduces listeners to Gustav’s rich, velvety vocals, articulating a narrative centered on trust, resilience, and new beginnings. Its lyricism, penned with genuine sincerity and passion, exhibits a raw yet relatable quality. The song culminates in a powerful crescendo, evoking a sense of spiritual release while delving into concepts of redemption; it’s an ode to believing, a reassurance that faith, whether in oneself or others, can be transformative after enduring life’s storms. Gustav’s masterful guitar melodies are woven beautifully with his poignant storytelling, resulting in an intimate dialogue and grand soundscape.
A distinguishing feature of this work is its capacity to inspire without appearing excessively polished or detached. It affirms that rekindled hope and connection can arise from the most arduous circumstances. The production is lush yet unobtrusive, allowing the authenticity of Gustav’s artistry to shine through.
“I Believe In You Now” transcends a mere auditory representation; it asserts faith in humanity and love, encapsulated within Gustav L’s signature sound. This piece is indispensable for playlists and carries emotional resonance, making it essential listening for individuals seeking uplifting music that grounds them in feeling. Through this release, Gustav L seamlessly communicates directly with his audiences, further reinforcing his place as a compelling entity within the music industry.
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Artist Spotlight
Cate Von Csoke stirs a cinematic lament for life’s turbulence with her new single “Stormy Weather”
“Stormy Weather” by Cate Von Csoke is an otherworldly invitation to lose yourself in a haze of haunting melodic sophistication and hypnotic vocals. Co-produced by Brian MacFadyen, the composition effectively evokes a sober mood that feels like an intimate journey through the shadows of heartbreak, wrapped in the cinematic grandeur of Von Csoke’s signature desert-folk sound. It is a brief respite from life’s chaos that encourages introspection and renewal.
Written during the isolation of lockdown and amid personal upheaval, the song is an evocative masterpiece, blending Cate’s introspective lyricism with an atmospheric, almost Lynchian backdrop. It’s the song that feels like a soundtrack for a slow-motion escape where the rain might be pounding outside, but inside, the storm is within. Cate’s sultry, dark vocals carry the weight of every longing, every unresolved emotion, drawing listeners into a place that is equal parts dream and reality.
What sets “Stormy Weather” apart is its ability to offer solace through its melancholic beauty. There’s an undeniable catharsis in its cinematic swells and quiet pauses, creating a space for listeners to process their storms. In just 3:56 minutes, “Stormy Weather” doesn’t just play; the intricate instrumentation envelops listeners in a manner reminiscent of a storm cloud, becoming a refuge, a shelter from the emotional torrents we all endure.
For fans of David Lynch’s surreal and achingly human storytelling or those seeking healing through sound, “Stormy Weather” delivers a raw, vulnerable escape. The Brooklyn-based desert-folk artist again demonstrates that music can be a sanctuary, even in the stormiest times, making the storm feel less isolating and infinitely more poetic. It is a much-needed addition to the playlist of enthusiasts.
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