ANTHONY 1999’s “24: CELEBRATION OF THE SEPARATION” ALBUM REVIEW

“I haven’t really felt like I had a real birthday to myself in some years. This is a birthday where I actually feel like it’s my birthday.” - Anthony 1999

Anthony 1999 wants his music to speak for itself. Since the young rapper’s move from Buffalo to the West Coast a few years back, his approach toward his music has been through phases of intense passion and exclusivity. With minimal social media presence, the rising artist dropped over 8 projects last year spanning 18 tracks or more. His sounds of high-octane party music turned bass-boosted confessional raps is a result of what he calls an “incubation” stage. His most recent offering 24: Celebration of the Separation which dropped on his birthday, (March 7th) aims to be a creative culmination of his life as an adult far removed from the familiar tundras of the Queen City.”

“Ever since I left Buffalo, Ive been able to jump. I was able to leave Buffalo and jump into the outside world conversation,” Anthony 1999 explained.

Anthony1999’s experiences since his move are recounted throughout the album. From rough patches of relationships (“Pack All Your Shit”), evaluating his life (“Deep End”), and focusing on his aspirations (“Headlight”) the rapper doesn’t shy away from both his lows and highs. Touching on the bittersweet moments of living and leaving Buffalo, Anthony 1999’s project is full of catharsis: including an animosity that has fueled his consistency in commentating on his life.

“People aren't real. People aren't authentic, and I know I am the most when it comes to my music.” - Anthony 1999

Overall, “24” is another effort for Anthony 1999 to validate his experiences, and he does it with selected group of collaborators - Beno Jay, Zelly Ocho, and 1600J - attempting to capture moments as authentically as possible. Leading with his passion for life and art, 24: Celebration of the Separation is just the beginning.

BIG STEEZE IS PUTTING ON FOR NIAGARA FALLS

During the summer of 2022, rapper Big Steeze released a highly anticipated 7- track project called Face Of My City. Featuring an impressive roster of rising rappers and producers ( Quisi La Flare, Go Hard Kiss, 96_ Garden$, etc.) from what we call “The Falls,” Big Steeze was front and center flexing his rhymes, larger-than-life style, and spreading an underlying message that Niagara Falls has talent. Untapped and underrated, Big Steeze hopes his ascension will shine a light on a city that not only holds one of the 7 wonders of the world but a community of fiercely talented artists paving their own way in an overlooked city. The rapper, who has had an impressive rise this year himself - opening up for artists like Dave East, Jay Critch, Benny the Butcher and touring with Conway The Machine, sat with us in October to talk about the Face Of My City project, Niagara Falls’ hip-hop scene and what the future hold for his career.

Watch Below and listen to Big Steeze on the #BUFFACOLD 2022 Playlist Here

Follow Big Steeze on IG: @im_steeze