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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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.