As the 35th anniversary of De La Soul’s groundbreaking album ‘3 Feet High and Rising’ approaches, the hip-hop community prepares to embrace the digital release of this legendary record on March 1. A moment bittersweet, the celebration is shaded by the recent passing of the group’s iconic member, Trugoy the Dove. This release promises a revival of the innovative beats and playful lyrics that have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Remastered versions of original tracks and never-before-heard demos from DJ Maseo’s basement bring a fresh excitement to longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Adding to the experience, De La Soul presents a special lyric video for the previously unreleased “Freedom Of Speak (We Got Three Minutes)” set to launch on February 21. The celebration is further enriched with classic hits like “Ain’t Hip to be Labelled a Hippie,” “What’s More,” and the 12” version of “Jenifa Taught Me,” all in crisp Stereo and Atmos to make the group’s multifaceted soundscapes even more immersive.
Earning its place in the National Recording Registry for its cultural impact, ‘3 Feet High and Rising’ isn’t just an album; it’s a moment in time that transformed hip-hop, introduced a new sampling style, and set the stage for Black artists to thrive.
The commemoration includes a slew of events: a live chat to share exclusive insights on Talk Shop Live, an in-store signing at Rough Trade Records, plus limited edition merchandise. The week of March 4 will find De La Soul bringing their vibrant presence to ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.’
De La Soul’s essence has never been solely about music. It encompasses a movement of positivity—an ethos that resonates deeply as fans worldwide remember Trugoy. As the group graces stages and airwaves, their spirit continues to stir souls, ensuring their beats—and Trugoy’s memory—will resonate deeply for generations to come.
In a bold move that marries hip-hop culture with the global snack food market, Rap Snacks, a brand renowned for its unique blend of music and munchies, is set to make its grand entrance on the international stage. Known for its iconic packaging featuring some of the biggest names in hip-hop, Rap Snacks is no longer confined to the United States; snack lovers in Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom will soon be reaching for a taste of this cultural phenomenon.
James Lindsay, the visionary founder and CEO, could not be more elated. “This is a thrilling moment for Rap Snacks as we extend our flavor and culture to the world,” he exclaims. Lindsay is not just spearheading a business expansion—he’s leading a movement. “We’re creating a movement that transcends borders and bridges cultures,” he says, with the brand’s mission echoing in each bag of chips.
Indeed, Rap Snacks is more than a snack—it’s a statement. With a roster of rap icons such as Rick Ross, Lil Baby, Nicki Minaj, Migos, NBA YoungBoy, and the legendary Master P gracing their flavors, the brand is a testament to the power of representation and diversity in commerce. The expansion comes hot on the heels of its success across Walmart, Target, and Sam’s Club, solidifying its status as a household name.
But there’s something even more special about Rap Snacks. The brand has not only captured the taste buds of the masses but also the hearts of communities. With Sodexo’s distribution at Clark Atlanta University, making Rap Snacks the first 100% Black-owned food brand at an HBCU, the brand fortified its commitment to education, empowerment, and entrepreneurial inspiration. As Lindsay puts it, with unmistakable pride, “This milestone strengthens the brand’s commitment to supporting educational institutions, inspiring future business owners and empowering future leaders.”
It’s clear that for Rap Snacks, the leap across oceans is more than just business—it’s about planting flags in uncharted territories and extending an invitation to the world to savor the taste of hip-hop culture, innovation, and social impact.
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Stay tuned to your favorite snack aisles and cultural conversations, as this expansion is not only redefining snack time—it’s redefining what a brand can represent and achieve on a global scale.
New York’s very own Marlon Craft teams up with hip-hop legend Method Man to bring us the gripping visuals for their latest collaboration, “Muggsy Bogues”. The video, a Nathan R. Smith directorial, sees the two emcees trade bars effortlessly. This song is hard! Looking forward to Marlon’s next project, but in the interim be sure to check out his upcoming tour.
Check out the video for “Muggsy Bogues” and get lost in the narrative that only icons of their craft can weave.
Beat connoisseurs, get ready to mark your calendars every month! Producer Stan Da Man has been setting the sound waves ablaze with his commitment to drop new music with unwavering regularity. His latest offering, “Rewind Heat,” is a testament to his dynamic production skills and his knack for compelling collaborations.
Partnering with the wordsmith H Dot Lectur, the track is a dose of pure hip-hop alchemy, elevated by the sharp turntable wizardry of Tone Spliff. Each verse delivered by H Dot Lectur is seamlessly interwoven with Spliff’s cuts, creating an auditory tapestry that pays homage to the genre’s roots while pushing its boundaries.
Further sweetening the pot, Stan Da Man surprised his followers with an exclusive bonus track titled “Grimy Heat.” This instrumental piece is a gritty, underground soundscape that calls back to hip-hop’s golden era while managing to feel fresh and modern.
Stay tuned as we explore the layers of “Rewind Heat” and dive into the raw energy of “Grimy Heat.” With Stan Da Man’s steady stream of auditory art, the future of hip-hop looks brighter—and bolder—than ever.
Riding the wave of success from his RIAA-certified GOLD hit “Johnny Dang,” That Mexican OT, hip-hop’s standout star of 2023, stormed into Sway In The Morning to discuss his latest exploits. The Bay City, Texas rapper, known for his charismatic energy and devil-may-care Texan drawl, is not hitting the brakes in 2024. OT revealed his latest masterpieces: the video single “02.02.99” and a high-powered collaboration “Point Em Out” with the renowned DaBaby.
“02.02.99” isn’t just a date; it’s a bold statement of That Mexican OT’s musical evolution, featuring a return to his roots and an introduction to Virgil – his alter ego representing his most unfiltered and cutthroat persona. This single marks his first solo venture since the critically acclaimed album ‘Lonestar Luchador,’ which captured the ears of fans and critics alike last summer. With haunting horrorcore beats, OT’s “02.02.99” video depicts a surreal, edgy narrative, showcasing the rapper in a hooded cloak amid a chilling rural backdrop—pitchfork in hand, a bonfire ablaze, as he maneuvers through a maze of the undead. Directed by DGreen Filmz, this video invites viewers into OT’s dark, transformative journey as he proclaims his readiness to claim his spot at the pinnacle of the rap world.
That Mexican OT also left fans awestruck with a freestyle on the morning show, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic force in the hip-hop scene. Between these fresh tracks and his undeniable presence, That Mexican OT is carving a path for 2024, proving that he’s not only here to stay, but also to conquer. Follow along as OT continues to break boundaries and assert his dominance in the rap game.
Stay tuned to That Mexican OT’s gripping ascent as we await more electrifying drops from the artist who’s just getting warmed up.
Hip-hop reverberates far beyond the bounds of music, spilling into the world of fashion with a rhythm all its own. Enter the latest power duo: rapper Tek-Neek and his son, who’ve shifted gears to drive a new joint fashion venture that’s as daring as it is dynamic—Rackathon Petroleum. At the intersection of rack racing’s adrenaline and high-octane style, they unveil their inaugural creation: the Rackathon Petroleum Tundra Cap.
This isn’t just headwear; it’s a trophy cap. Designed to symbolize the zenith of rack racing prowess and suave, the Tundra Cap comes charged with significance. Its crown boasts a bold 3D raised Rackathon Petroleum logo, celebrating not just a brand but a legacy. With the Racktona 500 embroidery, wearers carry the spirit of the track, while the Legion of Villains Hazard Fire logo blazes a trail of rebellion and nonconformity at the sidelines.
But it’s the mantra ‘Gassin the American Spirit’ etched on the snapback that encapsulates the essence of this piece—fueling the fiery soul of ambition and dreams. A glance inside the cap reveals a stitch of unity—the Legion Of Villains father-son logo, weaving family and fashion into one narrative.
This cap isn’t just a mere accessory—it’s a membership to an exclusive club. Be one of the 500 to don this cap, and you’re not just sporting a brand—you’re igniting a legacy, gassing a lap on the Circuit Tundra and etching your name in the annals of rack racing triumph.
Are you ready to join the race? Buckle up, embrace the legacy, and become part of something more than fabric and thread—become part of the Rackathon Petroleum revolution.
In the tapestry of cinematic grandeur, there lies a thread of muscular charisma that’s as much about heart as it is about biceps. Often eclipsed by the shimmering spotlight but undeniably radiant in his own right, is an icon who’s been delivering knock-out performances since the accession of the silver screen. Carl Weathers, a titan of action, a legend of the ring, and a proud bearer of the torch in the passing Olympic of stories and legends. Beyond the gloss, let’s delve into the meticulously crafted career of a man who not only personified strength but was a beacon for representation, all while being an unforgettable piece of black history that is worth celebrating every day, not just in passing.
Unwrapping a Hero’s Journey
We start our odyssey with the bronzed hero from the City of Angels. For those who remember, Weathers wasn’t just Apollo Creed, the blistering antagonist turned mentor in the ‘Rocky’ saga; he was a paragon of black excellence on the Hollywood marquee. His ascendancy is a blueprint of determination and skill, tempered in the crucible of the entertainment industry. Each iconic portrayal was not simply a role but an epoch in motion, a remaining chapter in a continuing legacy.
From ‘Action Jackson’ to the deep-roaring recruit in ‘Predator’, Weathers’ performances were imbued with finesse that belied the aggressive physicality often associated with the genre. His characters weren’t insipid or binary; they strutted across the screen with layers, shades, and the kind of depth that only a thespian of his calibre could impart. Furthermore, his presence wasn’t accidental or token—each role, each trademark grin, each baritone delivery was calculated, a statement in every stride.
Training with the Best: Weathers on the Rocky Set
It wasn’t simply about the end result, it was about the journey, and how it shaped both the man and the industry he graced. Weathers, under the tutelage of Sylvester Stallone, underwent a metamorphosis into the pugilist extraordinaire we came to know and cheer for. His dedication and work ethic mirrored that of the character he breathed life into—a powerfully humbling parallel of a man engaging with an art that mirrored life, and sometimes, surpassed its metaphor.
Apollo Creed and the Cultural Impact
The impact of Apollo Creed, however, went beyond mere movies—they etched themselves into the cultural consciousness. In Weathers’ portrayal, Creed was the perfect foil to Stallone’s Balboa. Their rivalry turned respect turned brotherhood was a reflection of societal undercurrents; it was the tale of the underdog, a parable that resonated with audience members globally.
Beyond the ropes, Creed was a symbol—a flagbearer of black pride, a reminder that in a sport otherwise beset by stereotypes and paternalistic overtones, there could exist a champion, a king, without compromise or condescension. Weathers, with Creed, wasn’t just playing a role; he was bringing to life an archetype that would, and did, inspire generations.
Beyond the Sixteenth Round: Creed’s Legacy Lives On
The ‘Rocky’ franchise didn’t fade into obscurity; it hurdled forward with Creed’s baton, serving both as a poignant flashback and a galvanizing beacon for a new wave of audiences. With 2015’s ‘Creed’, helmed by Ryan Coogler and leviathan-ed by Michael B. Jordan, the legacy of Apollo’s shadow was not just honored, but emboldened. The torch, held high by Weathers, was festooned with new and old flame alike, a testament to the character’s—and Weathers’—enduring appeal.
Blasting Off to ‘Star Wars’: Carl Weathers in the Galaxy Far, Far Away
Weathers didn’t just confine his galactic presence to the squared circle; in 2019, he blasted the screens, light and silver, using a blaster, not gloves. As Greef Karga in ‘The Mandalorian’, Weathers brought an interstellar machismo that he’d polished and championed throughout his career. His appearance in the ‘Star Wars’ universe was an amalgamation of nostalgia and new: a veteran actor relishing a role that resonated with the child in him as much as the men and women who fondly remembered his other exploits.
Greef Karga and the Loyalty of Lando Calrissian
In Greef Karga, one couldn’t help but see parallels with Lando Calrissian, another character etched in the star-studded canvas of ‘Star Wars’. Karga’s motives weren’t always clean-cut, but Weathers imbued him with a charm and a sense of morality that made him as redeemable as he was delightful. It was a performance that stood tall beside one of the most respected and beloved characters in the franchise, which is no small feat.
The resonance of Weathers career is a persistent and vibrant echo that has left landmarks not just on the screen, but in the scripts and hearts of the audience. He didn’t just act in popular culture; he, along with a cadre of imaginative minds, actively shaped it. His significance in the action-adventure genre cannot be overstated—it was, and remains, pivotal. He was a template, an inspiration, a living testament to the craft and scope of storytelling at its most visceral and universal level.
Weathers’ contribution wasn’t about exclusivity; it was about inclusivity. It was about showing that the human experience, the human narrative, was one that could be shared and empathized with across demographics and geographies. His perseverance in the face of type-casting and the nuances underlying his more robust roles was a subversive reclamation of the narrative positions available to black actors at his time.
Why We Must Remember Carl Weathers
The greats live on, not just in memory, but in the stories we pass down. Weathers’ story isn’t just that of a man who acted; it’s a story of a man who lived. Who, in the portrayal of his characters, became immortal. But more than that, he’s a story of continuous inspiration, a guiding light to those with dreams and destiny in their eyes. His legacy is a knighthood that encourages due diligence to the craft, an accolade that beckons the next wave to not just reach for the stars but to journey beyond them.
Remembering Carl Weathers isn’t a wistful gaze in the past; it’s an acknowledgement of the conviction that molded the future. He was, and is, a testament to the greatness that beats within every human heart, awaiting its moment to step into the ring, brandish the blaster, and inspire others to stand tall. His is a legacy that’s not just worth remembering; it’s one worth emulating.
French Montana has just released his latest track, “Hard Life,” which serves as a sneak peek into his much-anticipated ‘Mac & Cheese 5’ album. Fans can catch a glimpse of French Montana’s new direction with this single, showcasing his classic sound and hinting at more to come from the upcoming album release.
In an insightful visit to Sway In the Morning, Erick Sermon—hip-hop royalty—debuted his latest groove “Back 2 The Party,” featuring the iconic duo Salt-N-Pepa. The single is bursting with old-school vibes reimagined for today’s audience, promising a taste of the collaboration to come in his forthcoming album, Dynamic Duo.
“Back 2 The Party” isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a statement. Erick Sermon, known for his seamless blend of sharp lyrics and ear-catching rhythms, demonstrates that his creative spark burns as brightly as ever. As the first release off his upcoming album, this track sets the stage for an exciting revival of the sound that made him a pioneering force in the music industry.
Throughout the interview, Sermon delves into poignant aspects of his life and career. From the emotional weight of EPMD’s split to his solo ascendancy, Erick reflects on how early production techniques set the groundwork for current hits. He also tackles the elephant in the room—ageism in hip-hop—countering it with the timeless quality of his music.
Image by Andrew Young
In a cultural moment thirsty for authenticity, Sermon’s blend of artistry with Salt-N-Pepa offers a refreshing model of collaboration. Meanwhile, he offers candid insights into his creative process today and the evolution of his relationship with other industry veterans like Hitmaka, Redman, and Method Man.
Erick Sermon also shared his candid take on today’s music landscape, musing on its interplay with the history he helped shape. His legacy, he believes, lies in the authentic expression and transformation of the genre.
However, it’s not just about the accolades; Sermon’s journey is deeply personal. Opening up about his struggle with addiction, he underscores the importance of understanding painkiller abuse and extends hope to those on the path to recovery. His resilience, both in his career and personal life, shines as a beacon of hope to fans and peers alike.
Catch Erick Sermon’s vibrant return with “Back 2 The Party,” and stay tuned for more collaborations and honest reflections from this dynamic luminary as we await the release of Dynamic Duo.
Coming this summer to the City of Brotherly Love is the 2024 Roots Picnic, a festival that has become a cultural staple, epitomizing the rich musical tapestry that defines Philadelphia. The Grammy® Award-winning legends, The Roots, in collaboration with Live Nation Urban, will transform The Mann in Fairmount Park into a sprawling melodious playground on June 1st and 2nd.
This year’s edition takes on special significance as it hosts a grand celebration of New Orleans, featuring the formidable Lil Wayne & The Roots, who are set to deliver a performance that promises to be as legendary as the city’s jazz-filled streets. A cavalcade of sound awaits, with performances from Jill Scott, decked in her soulful brilliance, the ever-enigmatic André 3000, and a lineup that’s as diverse as it is dynamic.
Victoria Monét, fresh off her 2024 GRAMMY® wins, is sure to captivate with tracks from ‘Jaguar II,’ while Gunna aims to recreate the spectacle of his sell-out performance in Brooklyn. They’re just the tip of the iceberg, with artists like Nas, Babyface, and Cam’ron also bringing their unique flair to the Philadelphia stage.
But “Roots Picnic” is more than just music. It’s an experience that bleeds into the veins of art and culture with its Parkside Stage set to dish out live podcasts and DJ sets that will electrify the atmosphere. The concourse will pulse with life, filled with activations waiting to engage the festival-goers.
The excitement is palpable, and as tickets go on sale, fans are ready to claim their spot at what’s shaping up to be the not-to-be-missed event of the year. The full lineup is a testament to the festival’s ability to blend genres, celebrate legacy, and uphold the spirit of creative collaboration that “Roots Picnic” symbolizes.
The festival will feature Lil Wayne & The Roots Celebrate New Orleans (feat. Special guests PJ Morton, Trombone Shorty), Jill Scott, André 3000, Nas, Gunna, Victoria Monét, Sexyy Red, Babyface, Robert Glasper & Yebba, J.Period Live Mixtape featuring Black Thought, Method Man, and, Redman, Adam Blackstone’s Legacy Experience featuring Fantasia and Muni Long, Smino, Cam’ron and more.
Ticket sales begin with a presale for Roots Picnic alumni on February 20th, followed by general public sales starting February 23rd. Grab your chance at an unforgettable experience by visiting Roots Picnic Tickets. With a weekend filled with legendary performances and immersive experiences, “Roots Picnic” 2024 is set to be the ultimate homage to the power of music and culture.
