Top 5 Groups in Hip-Hop: 2020 Edition

The streaming era may have rendered collective hip-hop projects less effective than in decades past, but these groups still run the game with their ability to blend talent and produce high-quality music. The idea of a rap group is ever-evolving, but in this article, I’m defining the concept as a label, band, group, or collective that consistently collaborates: constant features on each other’s work and … Continue reading Top 5 Groups in Hip-Hop: 2020 Edition

Tune In Tuesdays: Nas Furthers HOF Status, Pharrell & Jay-Z Provide Motivation, and The Rest of the Week’s Best Drops

Nas — King’s Disease For the first time in history, Nas has released a full-length project under his recording company, Mass Appeal, with no ties to Def Jam. This 13-song, 39-minute masterpiece amalgamates all the desired qualities for a strong project from the 46-year-old elite. And whether it be the length, features, production, or lyrics, the execution is perfect. The King’s Disease tracklist simply screams talent, … Continue reading Tune In Tuesdays: Nas Furthers HOF Status, Pharrell & Jay-Z Provide Motivation, and The Rest of the Week’s Best Drops

Tune In Tuesdays: A Star-Studded Week Sees Aminé, Glass Animals, Cardi B, & Meg Thee Stallion Drop New Music

Aminé — Limbo Aminé has had to fight off pop-rapper labels his whole career, and while blind haters will continue to do so, this album cements his status as a force in the industry that can’t be ignored. His official sophomore album, Limbo chronicles the Portland rapper’s difficulty reaching out of liminality in intimate areas of his life — whether romantically, professionally, or personally, it feels … Continue reading Tune In Tuesdays: A Star-Studded Week Sees Aminé, Glass Animals, Cardi B, & Meg Thee Stallion Drop New Music

Tune In Tuesdays: Ambré, Dominic Fike, Action Bronson Release New Music

As the bird with the quickest heart rate, the Hummingbirds never skip a beat or some heat. Tune in weekly on Tuesdays for the Mag’s weekly roundup of what’s popping in music. Looking for other weeks? Click here. Here are Spotify and Apple Music playlists. Albums Ambré — Pulp (Director’s Cut) Ambré has the potential to be one of the most influential artists of this generation — and she’s … Continue reading Tune In Tuesdays: Ambré, Dominic Fike, Action Bronson Release New Music

Mo Sella Exudes Danceable Positivity & Friendship on Debut [Interview]

Washington D.C. local Mo Sella just dropped his debut album, Stories of a Manhattan Apartment, an ode to the life he lived as a college student in New York City. He was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, before moving to Saudi Arabia for a few years — and he credits living in so many different places for his eclectic taste in music. NYC wasn’t the … Continue reading Mo Sella Exudes Danceable Positivity & Friendship on Debut [Interview]

Interview: Gonzo Talks Producing Mindset, Supporting Fellow Artists

After speaking with Beez and hearing him speak so highly about Gonzo’s musical talent, it was only right that I would get both sides of the story. A few days ago, I had the chance to talk with Gonzo and hear more about his history with music, the many ways Beez has helped his game, and plenty more. Note: Quotes are slightly edited for clarity. … Continue reading Interview: Gonzo Talks Producing Mindset, Supporting Fellow Artists

Tune in Tuesdays: Lianne La Havas, Joey Bada$$, Others Drop New Music

As the bird with the quickest heart rate, the Hummingbirds never skip a beat or some heat. Tune in weekly on Tuesdays for the Mag’s weekly roundup of what’s popping in music. Looking for other weeks? Click here. Lianne La Havas — Self-Titled July 17, 2020 Where has Lianne La Havas been for the past five years? Apparently expanding her vocal range, seeking out incredibly talented instrumentalists, … Continue reading Tune in Tuesdays: Lianne La Havas, Joey Bada$$, Others Drop New Music

Dayon Greene Talks New Album “Me,” with an Uplifting Message and Love for the DMV [Interview]

DMV rapper Dayon Greene is set to take flight, dropping a debut album Me, full of trials, tribulations, and lessons. As a rapper and producer, his fingerprints are all over this project. But his signature comes out most in his lyrics, which tell the story of a young man finding himself after being lost, wallowing in harmful relationships. I had the great opportunity to speak … Continue reading Dayon Greene Talks New Album “Me,” with an Uplifting Message and Love for the DMV [Interview]

Interview: Beez Shares the Importance of Trust and Confidence in Hip-Hop

Gonzo & Beez have been making waves in the ever-expanding hip-hop/R&B atmosphere ever since their inaugural single “Minute Steak” dropped in 2019. Several more singles and a full-length debut later, the duo is gaining traction and a reliable fanbase attracted to their skillful flows & vocals, genre-bending instrumentation, and down-to-earth personas. I got the chance to speak with Beez, born Brian Macalla, who let me … Continue reading Interview: Beez Shares the Importance of Trust and Confidence in Hip-Hop

Album Review: Dayon Greene Flexes, Develops on “Me”

The DMV might not yet be in the conversation as far as hip-hop relevance nationwide, but with albums like Dayon Greene’s Me, which showcases some of the area’s best talent, it certainly will be soon. Me is a story of self-empowerment and growth. Greene, born and raised in the DMV, experiences heartbreak, sadness, questioning, and growth through confidence and self-assuredness on the album, which debuted … Continue reading Album Review: Dayon Greene Flexes, Develops on “Me”