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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.’”

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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.”

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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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Artist Spotlight

PAENDA strikes gold with a hypnotic dive into chaos love in her recent release “Up And Down”

PAENDA

Austrian pop artist, singer-songwriter, and producer PAENDA returns with another emotional rollercoaster, this time inviting us along for the ride. “Up And Down” is an electrifying exploration of the chaotic dichotomy inherent in passionate love. This pulsating, EDM-infused anthem perfectly encapsulates the intoxicating highs and gut-wrenching lows of a love that burns too bright.

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PAENDA’s hypnotic production from the onset grabs the listener’s attention with dynamic synth progressions set against an infectious rhythmic heartbeat. Her hauntingly emotive vocal delivery skillfully navigates a spectrum of feelings, oscillating between poignant vulnerability and intensity. The chorus hits like a rush of adrenaline, mirroring the song’s thematic duality of euphoria juxtaposed with self-destructive highs and lows tendencies. This interplay evokes the visceral sensation of an intoxicating and tumultuous romantic experience.

Lyrically, “Up And Down” is anchored in innovative authenticity, explicitly addressing the challenges posed by toxic relationships. It deftly articulates the ambivalence of fleeting moments of happiness that tether individuals caught in a cycle of emotional fluctuation. The narrative is strikingly relatable, capturing the intricate push-and-pull dynamics inherent in such interactions while maintaining an anthemic appeal that encourages personal introspection and energetic dancefloor participation.

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What distinguishes PAENDA within the EDM-pop domain is her capacity to infuse captivating music with deeply personal storytelling. She moves beyond the conventional confines of beat production by incorporating enchanting lyrical narratives into her work. “Up And Down” further solidifies her reputation as a formidable talent within the genre, delivering an addictive and cathartic listening experience that is sonically mesmerizing. Audiences are encouraged to crank up the volume and fully immerse themselves in the evocative atmosphere she creates for a deeply engaging experience.

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CLICK HERE TO STREAM PAENDA’s Up And Down on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH PAENDA | Instagram | TikTok

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Artist Spotlight

Marble Raft evokes a dreamlike waltz of escapade through its new single “Marble Halls”

Marble Raft

Marble Raft exhibits a remarkable ability to create music that feels vibrantly dynamic, as demonstrated in their latest single, “Marble Halls.” This composition offers a haunting and exhilarating exploration of forgotten opulence. The Swedish indie pop duo, comprised of Olle Söderström and Gabrielle Werme Baker, invites listeners into an abandoned realm where majestic decay intersects with vibrant energy. The atypical 5/4-time signature introduces an intricate rhythm distinguishing the piece from traditional pop, transporting the audience into a ghostly metropolis characterized by desolate grandeur and subtle mystery.

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Recorded amid the scenic serenity of the Stockholm archipelago, “Marble Halls” layers analog textures, shimmering string guitars, and playful glockenspiel melodies to create an atmospheric soundscape that is both timeless and refreshingly modern. The song conjures vivid images of youthful explorers wandering crumbling mansions and opulent halls, their footsteps echoing on cold marble floors as celestial bodies collide in an otherworldly sky. This eerie house tour brims with the exuberance of indie pop while melding bittersweet nostalgia with an adventurous spirit.

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Every chord and cascading lyric reveals Marble Raft’s creative ingenuity and passion for ethereal soundscapes. As the third single from their forthcoming album “Dear Infrastructure,”Marble Halls” promises a lavish exploration of a realm where beauty and decay converge. The experience is intimately immersive and unforgettable, enchanting listeners yearning for further exposure to its luminous, melancholic magic.

Marble Halls” transports its audience into an evocative dreamscape where timeless melancholy harmonizes with innovative rhythm, reminding us that even in decay, beauty persists, waiting to be discovered. Marble Raft presents a uniquely mesmerizing narrative that resonates deeply with every listening heart.

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For more information about Marble Raft, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Marble Raft’s Marble Halls on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Marble Raft | Instagram | Facebook |

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