INTROSPECTIVE: XXL’s 2020 Freshman Class

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 […]

#BUFFACOLD: GHAF set to drop Melancholy Music Volume 3

Amongst 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 […]

#BUFFACOLD: FIRE N IICE drops new single “Throw It”

One of my first tastes of Buffalo’s Hip Hop came from tween sisters rapping over pleasant, minimal productions back in 2013. Montana and Silver, also known as Fire N Iice were impressing crowds in small venues around the Queen City thanks to their crafty street tales and melodic punchlines. Dropping highly anticipated singles for the […]

#BUFFACOLD: PRODUCER CEE GEE DROPS “CLASSICAL GIFTED”

With standing room only, groups of people squeezed into Bridge Studios last week to hear Classical Gifted for the first time. As smoke permeated the air, and hoodies fell over faces, the space seemed to get menacingly intimate. Blasting combinations of piercing drums, oozy synths and nostalgic samples from old cartoons, Cee Gee led his […]

2019: A Year of Unconventional Progress

2019 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 […]

#Buffacold: QWEENCITY’S #FIERYFEMCEES

Its 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 […]

#BUFFACOLD: Buffalo’s Bad Boy, Hefebossup

In the very short time that I’ve learned and discovered urban artists in Buffalo, one trait has stood clear here in the Nickel City, and that is originality. The heavy influence and competition coming from rhymers, singers and poets just eight hours south in New York City creates a sense of urgency here- And Hefebossup […]

#Buffacold: The Incomparable James Wynn

In an ego-driven, accessibility-centered world like today, the art of hustle is deeply praised. To do and be seen doing whatever the “do” is, is a gold medal of intellectual currency that trendier people prefer to as “clout.” And while most enjoy a visual representation of the “do,” many times it is not actually being […]

#BUFFACOLD: A.I The Anomaly releases “Sippin My Tea”

Buffalo has it’s own fascinating coexistence. When my parents moved here from New York City over 20 years ago, their idea to settle down and start a family soon took its own interesting form. Their undying faith in God and unwavering passion in outreach had them and their three very young daughters (* at that […]

#BUFFACOLD: An Interview with Emci Kyng

Many 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 […]