Drop The Needle [FILM]

I bought tickets so many events here. I sold tickets for event through here. I bought music here. Drake and I bought a DJ starter kit from here because we had to have DJ equipment to launch a career in Hip Hop. Play De Record was ground zero for Toronto vinyl lovers and the documentary Drop the Needle recounts Eugene Tam’s role in developing Canada’s hip-hop and dance music scene through his Toronto store Play De Record.

Helmed by first-time director Rob Freeman and conceived by freelance sportswriter Neil Acharya, the film provides a fascinating look at the evolution of the underground urban music scene that was all but ignored by the vanilla Canadian music industry, and Tam’s role as a catalyst in its development through Play De Record.

Now screening. Get your tickets HERE.

An Evening with Silk Sonic [MUSIC]

Bruno Mars has announced that he will be dropping a new album with rapper and singer Anderson.Paak.

The duo, who are both Grammy winners, has also formed a band called Silk Sonic.

The album, An Evening with Silk Sonic, will also feature Funk Master and Parliament Funkadelic bassist Bootsy Collins as a special guest host.

The duo made the announcement via their social media platforms on Thursday February 25th.

"We locked in and made an album. The band’s called Silk Sonic. First song drops next Friday 3/5," wrote Mars.

UPDATE: Check out the new music video for the first single "Leave The Door Open" HERE.

The Future Of Live Music [CONCERTS]

While the timing of live music’s return remains uncertain, Ticketmaster has already begun reimagining the future of concert safety. 

Billboard Magazine has reported exclusively that the ticketing juggernaut, which shares ownership with Live Nation — the world’s leading concert promoter — is discussing plans that would require patrons to provide either proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test to gain entry to a concert. This would be done through a combination of third-party entities: A fan would need to request that its vaccine or test provider send their results to a health pass provider, such as CLEAR Health Pass or IBM’s Digital Health Pass, who would then verify the results to Ticketmaster, who would not store or have access to customers’ medical records, Billboard said. In lieu of a vaccine, a negative test would need to be produced approximately 24 to 72 hours before the event, according to the plan, which remains in developmental stages.

Because Ticketmaster tickets the vast majority of sports leagues in the United States, as well as concert venues and Live Nation owned properties, the implementation of their COVID-19 plan will be an important milestone for the live entertainment industry.

Read more here.

Square May Acquire Jay-Z’s Tidal Streaming Service [TECH]

Square Inc., the digital-payment company run by Jack Dorsey, has held talks to acquire the music-streaming service Tidal as part of a push to diversify, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Dorsey has discussed a potential deal with Jay-Z, the rapper and music mogul who acquired Tidal for $56 million in early 2015, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the talks were private. The negotiations may not result in a transaction.

Square declined to comment, while Tidal didn’t respond to requests for comment.

via Bloomberg

Kennedy Rd. - Still Luv EP [MUSIC]

Kennedy Rd. makes her return with a new EP titled “Still Luv”.

Playing off the title of her 2019 Valentine’s Day debut “Good Luv”, Kennedy Rd. leads the project with her single ‘Afraid Of‘ which she premiered in May already surpassing 250K streams.  Its very clear that the Toronto artist is ready to go up as she oozes with soul across the seven songs starting off with an intro titled ‘Nighttime in Toronto’ which transitions into the title track.

With the 90’s imputed in the fabric of her artistry, she releases stirring lyrics with warmth in her naturally soft vocals with relatable stories and experiences across slow-tempo’s even mixing in some lyrics en Francais.  Producer ‘itsashleetho’ shows up on the title track as well as the conclusion and standout single ‘Give U Luv’ which has Kennedy experiencing unconditional love as she gives all of her soul, heart and love away.

A great project that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of today and the golden era of R&B. Available on all streaming platforms now.

via Music Group

2 Chainz feat. Lil' Boosie – Wuda Cuda Shoulda [MUSIC]

Before 2 Chainz releases his upcoming Freebase EP this coming Monday, he decides to let loose one for the most anticipated collab tracks off the project, “Wuda Cuda Shoulda” featuring Lil Boosie. On the record, 2 Chainz goes in on the Mike Will-produced beat taking aim at those who doubt his talent and success. Lil Boosie aids in this process letting the listeners know that just because he’s been to jail doesn’t mean he lost the skills that made him a legend. Shouts to AO.

BELLE - post.traumatic.stress.disorder EP [MUSIC]

Belle is a Toronto based alternative R&B singer I stumbled across on twitter while chanting #WeTheNorth. Her sound is certainly in the vein of a partynextdoor, or theWeeknd. An accomplished pianist, you can feel her pain through the prism of her music. Sexually molested at a young age, the consequence of her innocence lost is her debut EP post.traumatic.stress.disorder (ptsd)  Which is currently on SoundCloud, and it certainly showcases the multi-talented singer/songwriter’s ability to sing in command over vibey, trap influenced beats that are reminiscent of gun shots in the dark like a sweet serenade!

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD: BELLE - post.traumatic.stress.disorder EP

Pharrell - Marilyn Monroe [MUSIC]

caption "I'ma get on this Pharrell single artwork mama, I'ma tear shit doooown! I'ma make sure these light skinned bitches never ever ever come back in styyyyyle!"

Watch the video HERE.

Get Pharrell's new album G I R L with 10 Brand New Tracks on iTunes: HERE.
Get Pharrell's new album G I R L with 10 Brand New Tracks on Amazon: HERE.

Follow Pharrell:
http://pharrellwilliams.com
http://facebook.com/pharrell
http://twitter.com/pharrell
http://instagram.com/pharrell

Lykke Li feat. A$AP Rocky – No Rest For The Wicked [MUSIC]

The two worlds collide again, as A$AP Rocky provides a new remix to to Lykki Li's "No Rest For The Wicked" that dropped earlier in March. The bass-driven number will be included on Lykki's forthcoming album I Never Learn due out on May 6 and is available as an exclusive stream over at Beats Music and CIVCIVLI.

Download HERE.

Future feat. André 3000 – Benz Friendz (Watchutola) [MUSIC]

White button down and emory scrubs
Had to write her birthday down 'cause my memory sucks
But this shit come back up like some acid reflux
Or Michael Jackson jacket with some plastic zip ups
I was zippin' through the city and I don't give a fuck
1994 Toyota Land Cruiser because
That bitch never broke down on me, why would I do that to her
Simplism, symbolism I pull up at a club
And might never buy a new car again if I can help it
'Cause if I buy one they will sell ten and what I'm left with
Throw a nigga one on his rim, then we might can talk
Til then I will ride my fucking bike or walk

-Three Stacks

Stream Future’s sophomore LP, Honest, out April 22 HERE.

Girl Talk x Freeway: Broken Ankles EP [MUSIC]

Two worlds will collide on Broken Ankles, a collaborative EP between veteran rapper Freewayand mash-up connoisseur Girl Talk. Both artists hail from Pennsylvania, though their paths have been anything but similar. Now, the two join forces on this high-octane project that samples everyone one from Beyoncé and OutKast to Nine Inch Nails and Notorious B.I.G. Also included are appearances from Waka Flocka Flame, Jadakiss, and Freeway's fellow State Property memberYoung Chris.

"I wanted to work closer to traditional song structure compared to my last few albums, but still include some detailed sample splicing and change-ups when it felt appropriate," Girl Talk says of their collaborative effort. "The overall structure is what I thought worked best with Freeway's style... It's always important to me to have an album that works as a whole; something that has a calculated flow to it, which is intended to be listened to front to back."

Check out the video for the lead off single "Tolerated"which features Waka Flocka HERE.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD: Girl Talk & Freeway - Broken Ankles EP

Flatbush ZOMBiES - Better Off Dead [MUSIC]

The girl I'm currently seeing put me onto the BK, New York trio Flatbush ZOMBiES just recently, and these dudes are dope... err hope! Breathing life into hip-hop, all hands down; 6:30! They have released their heavily-delayed, but finally available new mix-album, Better Off Dead. I'd call them a hybrid of Wu-Tang and The Ruff Ryders... you remember them, right?


Included on the bulky, 19-track free release is the Booth-featured, reader-approved "Palm Trees." Special guests are limited to buzzmakers Action Bronson and Danny Brown, while group architect and resident producer Erick Arc Elliott handles the bulk of the set's boardwork. Both Harry Fraud ("LiveFromHell") and Obey City ("TP4") contribute one track a piece.


Download HERE.

Bob Marley & The Wailers - Legend Remixed [MUSIC]

Been looking forward to this for awhile now, and the day has finally arrived. With the rise of electronic dance music over the past few years, it's only natural to bring the old and the new together. The great Bob Marley’s critically acclaimed compilation album has gotten a 21st century overhaul with the help of some top notch producers. Usually, I would say that these classics should be left alone but since artists like Lee "Scratch" Perry, Thievery Corporation, RAC, Jim James, and the Marley clan lend in their efforts, it is safe to say that there is very little room for error. Stream HERE and purchase it HERE if you like what you hear.

Kid MK Presents: The iPod Shuffle Vol. 2 [MIXTAPE]

The concept is simple; Toronto DJ Kid MK asked 10 people to press shuffle on their respective iPods 5 times. Then use those 50 chosen songs to creative one of the most eclectic mixes ever!

See below for the FREE download, and check out Vol. 1 if you haven't done so already.

DJ Khaled feat. Drake, Rick Ross, & Lil Wayne – No New Friends [VIDEO]

No New Friends by YardieGoals

OVO SOUND!

Raheem - Concrete [VIDEO]

Toronto native Raheem is back with the latest single "Concrete" off his forthcoming mixtape. I  was lucky enough  to actually sit in on this video shoot, and it is by far one of the coolest visuals I have ever seen.

2 Chainz feat. Pharrell - Feds Watching [MUSIC]

After premiering it at Summer Jam XX last night, 2 Chainz gives us the studio version of his new single “Feds Watching” featuring Pharrell. The track appears on his upcoming not-yet-titled sophomore album due out September 10. Stream below, purchase on iTunes.

Raheem - Notorious [MUSIC]

The Toronto wonder kid and Re-Fill gang poster child, Raheem releases the Notorious B.I.G sampled record "Notorious" in commemoration of Frank White's birthday this past week. RIP. We'll always love Big Poppa!

"...and I know you ain't about that life, because everyday I live out that life." -Raheem, Notorious

The Dream feat. Jay-Z - High Art [MUSIC]

Off The-Dream’s upcoming album, IV Play, out May 28th.

Raheem - Shoulda Known Better [MUSIC]

                                                   "too open mined... too open hearted."

Re-Fill Gang franchise player Raheem.



via Hot New Hip Hop