Every year, Hip-Hop news magazine, XXL releases a roster of around 10 to 12 young rap-proximate artists who show promise as the next big Hip-Hop stars. Since 2007, the popular mag has executed a colorful rollout of their artist predictions titled The Freshman Class, with teaser videos, provocative cyphers, react content and the annual, highly […]
Read More INTROSPECTIVE: XXL’s 2020 Freshman ClassAmongst Buffalo’s many eccentric voices, is Ghafir Verse. Despite being only 23 years old, the elusive rapper has been making music for over 10 years. Creating and producing almost all his projects himself, the rising artist is known for integrating dark elements with his sound. Bringing philosphical ideas and edgy aesthetics into his music, anticipation […]
Read More #BUFFACOLD: GHAF set to drop Melancholy Music Volume 32019 was a year of growth for music. From Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” to Roddy Ricch’s “The Box,” music was all about authenticity. Many of our urban faves scored hits that were made with an experimental steez, but also genuine intention. Sound Cloud rappers came out of the woodworks, album releases dominated social media, and R&B […]
Read More 2019: A Year of Unconventional ProgressIts been a while since my last post, and for everyone whose been wondering what Ive been up too – I’ve been writing about my favorite, and Buffalo, NY’s most notable female rappers over on QweenCity.com! The grand finale to my four part series will come to an end tomorrow and I will be back […]
Read More #Buffacold: QWEENCITY’S #FIERYFEMCEESMany times after a rapper reaches success, their focus not only becomes music but of enterprise. The rise and fall of Hip-Hoppers in history has taught us that establishing businesses guarantees longevity in the music industry. Like Jay-Z and Kanye West, who have created brands for themselves down to the late Nipsey Hussle who has […]
Read More #BUFFACOLD: An Interview with Emci KyngWith all the clout chasers and mumble rapping running Hip-Hop’s new school, sometimes it’s hard to decipher what music is genuine, even if it sounds good. A quick listen to “Loose,” creates a grey area of this constant debacle. The fourth mixtape by Louisville rapper Jack Harlow takes shape initially with a sparkling non-chalance and […]
Read More #NEWVIBES: JACK HARLOW’S “LOOSE”With an immersive piano intro reminiscent to a 90’s Usher track, Ella Mai delights the listener with her buttery vocals, until a few finger snaps and claps humbly escorts an impressive layout of percussion and reverb that plays incredibly well. Ella Mai’s most recent single, “Trip” doesn’t disappoint and cements her minimal pop, hip-hop style. […]
Read More #NEWVIBES: Ella Mai’s “Trip”Up until the release of “Queen,” there was a disdain growing for Nicki Minaj. With up and coming female rappers entering Hip Hop’s landscape and a wave of critiques flooding from them, it seems like Minaj got caught in the crossfire. And I wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention that Miss Barbie was shooting […]
Read More Nicki Minaj’s “Queen”: A Lesson on Cultural RelevanceThe D.C rhymer ditches his melodic swoons and House beats for a very modern, pop friendly tune. Rapping around heavy strings and a thundering piano, Goldlink hops in and out of pockets while Miguel squirts ad-libs all over the track. With a hooky tune and Miguel taking center stage “All of my bitch’s got friends,” […]
Read More #NEWVIBES: Goldlink’s “Got Friends” ft. MiguelBefore her iconic resurgence in Kanye Wests’s “Fade” video, Teyana Taylor was struggling with breaking out as the talented R&B artist that she IS. With a couple of mentionable features and a solid debut album (VII) released back in 2014, her participation in the culture has been heinously overlooked. Despite her newfound fame, and upper […]
Read More LONG OVERDUE: Teyana Taylor’s “K.T.S.E”
