Tune in Tuesdays: J. Cole Challenges Logic’s Crown and Olu Spreads the Soul

J. Cole — Lewis Street J. Cole’s in a tough spot these days. With a fanbase that exceeds the quality of output he’s produced in the past few years — his solo work, that is, he’s stuck between hip-hop legends and those vying to make it there. “Lewis Street” feels like another step, but not necessarily in a direction as enchanting as anything he put out in … Continue reading Tune in Tuesdays: J. Cole Challenges Logic’s Crown and Olu Spreads the Soul

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]

Tune In Tuesdays: Fresh Projects from Genre Icons and Tracks from Budding Talents

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.  PROJECTS Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington & 9th Wonder // Dinner Party  July 10, 2020 It’s not every day that four of the most distinguished and well-respected instrumentalists in music come together … Continue reading Tune In Tuesdays: Fresh Projects from Genre Icons and Tracks from Budding Talents

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”

Sports, Race, and Capitalism

Throughout the last century, Black athletes such as Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, Colin Kaepernick, and countless others have helped lead the way in pushing for social change. Today, we are reaching an unprecedented level of athlete activism.  For instance, LeBron James has become extremely vocal about the injustice Black people face on a daily basis, and just three weeks ago, he helped create a program … Continue reading Sports, Race, and Capitalism

SZA’s “CTRL” Depicts Growth from Harmful Relationships

After satisfying basic needs like nourishment and shelter, mutually empathetic relationships are crucial for living a happy and fulfilling life. Giving and receiving love is important, but can be clouded and complicated by personal insecurities exacerbated by partner violence. In American social order, masculinity is often toxically constructed to suppress emotional intelligence in men and push down non-masculine ideals as a way to hold men … Continue reading SZA’s “CTRL” Depicts Growth from Harmful Relationships

Fundraiser Details: Donation Drive, Poetry Contest, and Remote Concert

Hummingbird Mag is committed to fighting for equity and justice. Whether it be through protesting, fundraising, voting, petitioning, or supporting community outreach and the abolishment of the police, we believe wholeheartedly that Black lives matter. We will be working toward being an actively anti-racist platform that promotes and elevates diverse voices. To kickstart this initiative, we are launching the Hummingbird’s fundraising team; a permanent feature … Continue reading Fundraiser Details: Donation Drive, Poetry Contest, and Remote Concert

Khruangbin’s Golden Mordechai: End-of-June Frontrunner for Album of the Year

It’s been two and a half years since Khruangbin’s Con Todo El Mundo record projected the Houston trio towards widespread success, and while the band has continuously released powerful work, fans have been patiently waiting for Khruangbin’s third career studio album ever since. There’s no doubt that their 2019 Hasta El Cielo record, a dub version of Con Todo El Mundo, as well as the … Continue reading Khruangbin’s Golden Mordechai: End-of-June Frontrunner for Album of the Year