GRUNGECAKE

Author: grungecake

  • Travis Scott earns #1 spot on Billboard 200 with 10-year-old mixtape ‘Days Before Rodeo’

    Officially the higest-selling mixtape in history, ‘Days Before Radio’ is officially Scott’s highest-selling vinyl release of his career, highest-selling in Rap history, and sixth highest across all genres since 1991

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    Celebrated for its transformative impact on Hip-Hop, ‘Days Before Rodeo’ is now the highest-selling Rap album of 2024, and marks Travis Scott’s highest-selling vinyl release of his career, in Rap history, and sixth across all genres since 1991.

    ‘Days Before Rodeo’ was re-released on all digital streaming platforms for the first time on August 23 to celebrate its tenth anniversary and a decade of groundbreaking influence. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 on September 7 with 361,000 units. In its fourth week of release, the album jumped to #1 after its vinyl editions shipped to customers who had pre-ordered the album before its release, eventually earning 156,000 equivalent album units in the United States week ending September 19 (up 1,295%).

    ‘Days Before Rodeo’ marks Scott’s fourth consecutive #1 previously topping the charts with ‘Utopia’ (2023), ‘Astroworld’ (2018), and ‘Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight’ (2016).

    This seminal project heralded a new era of sonic innovation and played a crucial role in shaping today’s music and culture. Travis originally released ‘Days Before Rodeo’ in 2014 as his second mixtape, almost a full year before his debut album ‘Rodeo’ arrived. Featuring an impressive lineup of guest appearances from Young Thug, Big Sean, The 1975, Rich Homie Quan, Migos, TI, and Peewee Longway, the mixtape introduced a new era of Progressive Trap production that contributed to the genesis of some of today’s most influential artists, including Young Thug, Metro Boomin, and Migos. The project stands as a testament to Scott’s visionary approach, marking a monumental moment in music.

    Tracks like ‘Mamacita’ featuring Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug, and ‘Don’t Play’ featuring Big Sean and The 1975, underscore the mixtape’s impact, blending moody production with dynamic collaborations that captivated both fans and critics. The gritty production, crafted by Metro Boomin, Lex Luger, FKi, Wondagurl, and Travis Scott himself, set a new tone for Hip-Hop and played a pivotal role in shaping its direction in today’s culture. The re-release of ‘Days Before Rodeo’, offers both longtime fans and new listeners worldwide the chance to experience a project that has profoundly influenced the music industry. Hailed as one of the best mixtapes of the 2010s, ‘Days Before Rodeo’ was instrumental in redefining the sonic landscape of hip-hop, amplifying Travis Scott’s enduring legacy and trailblazing contributions to music.

    Travis Scott’s sold-out Circus Maximus Tour made stops across Latin America this month, and will be arriving in Australia and New Zealand in October. Additionally, he will be returning to North America for a special one-night-only stadium show in East Rutherford, New Jersey at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

    Circus Maximus Fall Tour Dates

    Oct 9 – East Rutherford, New Jersey – MetLife Stadium
    Oct 17 – Sydney, Australia – Allianz Stadium
    Oct 22 – Melbourne, Australia – Marvel Stadium
    Oct 26 – Brisbane, Australia – Suncorp Stadium
    Oct 31 – Auckland, New Zealand – Eden Park
    *Non-Live Nation Date

  • Listen to New York rapper Esparo’s latest record ‘Onika’ featuring Rob49

    “Her ass on Minaj/I got her locked in as Onika”

    On August 30, Esparo — one of Giant Music’s newest signees — released a new single titled ‘Onika’ from his forthcoming album (no confirmed release date shared yet). On the Mike Mvjor, Meech, and AUSGOD production, the hazel-eyed artist raps about dealing with women who look like vixens, his deceased friends, and a pink Lamborghini. Joining, New Orleans rapper Rob49 rhymes about being in the trenches with big ass guns and getting paid for features. The arrival of this record couldn’t be more coincidental.

    At least a week or so later, Nicki Minaj — real name Onika Tanya Maraj — publicly criticised JAY Z’s choice to book Kendrick Lamar instead of Lil Wayne, one the world’s most influential artists ever to headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. As we could imagine, everyone from Stephen A Smith to Memphis Bleek added their thoughts and hot-takes to the bag. Hopefully, and eventually, the “Queen of Rap” receives another bouquet for her hard work that doesn’t go unnoticed.

    Stream the single below, and stay tuned for the official music video. Recently, the artists met up in New York City to film the song named after the chart-topping legendary superstar, Nicki Minaj.

    The official cover art features her iconic pink wig, a way for Esparo, her fellow Queensite, to pay homage to what she has done to change the landscape of modern Hip-Hop music — especially for women who are rapping.

  • Listen to Yugoszn’s latest record ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ inspired by Drake and Wizkid’s ‘One Dance’

    So far, the record has been picked up on Spotify’s ‘New Music Naija’ and ‘Sizzlers’ editorial playlists.

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    Yesterday, Nigerian artist Yugoszn released a new song inspired by Drake and Wizkid’s triumphant Afrobeats classic jam ‘One Dance’. On the melodic downtempo song, the African wunderkind pours his heart out to his mate, ensuring her that he would ride for her and give her whatever her soul desires although she’s indecisive. It comes after the release of his eponymous debut EP, which streamed well for a new indie artist. About a month before the release of his debut effort, Yugozn paired up with Connor Price on ‘Tombstone’ for his Spin the Globe series. The song has over 3.5 million streams on Spotify.

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    Without further ado, stream Yugoszn’s self-produced track below. And stay tuned for the forthcoming official music video.

  • Watch Winston-Salem rapper TiaCorine’s new video ‘Different Color Stones’

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    As the boundless rising star spends time in Lower Manhattan (New York City) and walks out of a shoppe, TiaCorine’s unique eccentric look is on display. Freeing herself from the cords of perfection and worrying herself out of releasing any music, the Winston-Salem rapper put trust in her team and her daughter for this release. Over the track produced by Pooh Beatz, Ambezza, Fizzle and Julia Lewis, she warns about people giving her space, having money to spend, being different, and chilling at home in a thong. As a result, TiaCorine’s die-hard fans and the inevitable new ones will have the pleasure of hearing and seeing her in all of her glory.

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  • Play Nigerian artist Major AJ’s new project ‘BadBoy Major’ more than once

    If you are a fan of Asake and 1da Banton, the chances are high that you would enjoy Major AJ’s new seven-track EP.

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    It seems September 20 was a day of many high-profile music industry releases. Yesterday, Nigerian singer-songwriter and rapper Major AJ bestowed his growing fan base with seven well-made anthemic songs. In an effort called ‘BadBoy AJ’, the budding Chocolate City signee Major AJ opens up to share what’s been on his mind and what has inspired him since his last release. From highlighting the aftermath of a disagreement (‘Consent’) to fixing or patching up whatever may have happened between them (‘Mon Cherie’), the Benue State-bred creator, who’s been on the scene officially as Major AJ since 2020, starts his EP by saying he’s different —likening it to his confidence (or “Godfidence”), particularly on the first track ‘Omo Ologo’.

    On ‘Kere’ featuring Crayon (the lone feature), the artists sing about gaining popularity and reveal they’ve seen things that would shock the average person. On the following track ‘Consent’, two lovers decide to remain together through difficult times (being upset with one another) which isn’t always easy. ‘Mon Cherie’ is the track where he sounds most like 1da Banton to me — from the production to the song’s writing focus.

    Before you head out, stream the Afrobeats project below (more than once) to get to know Major AJ. It’s less than nineteen minutes long and has a high playback value, and if you cannot understand Yoruba or Nigerian Pidgin, there are enough English lyrics to figure out the essence of his effort.

    In March, the artist also teamed up with fellow Nigerian artists PsychoYP and Minz for ‘Some Kind Things’. It has garnered over three hundred thousand streams on Spotify alone.

  • President Joseph R Biden, Jr approves major disaster declaration for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

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    FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms and flooding from August 8-10, 2024.

    Public Assistance federal funding is available to the Tribal Nation and certain private nonprofit organisations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding.

    Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.

    Catherine O Fan has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further assessments.

  • Stream Future’s new album ‘Mixtape Pluto’

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    Paying homage to the late Rico Wade and the legendary Dungeon Family, Future incorporated imagery of the storied home studio in Atlanta where the legacy of Future was born.

    Today, Future released his new album ‘Mixtape Pluto’. Lastly, the official music video for ‘Too Fast’ is out now, too. Kid Art filmed the direction in Harlem, New York. According to the description, it details the lamentation of the peaks and valleys of his fast-paced life.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YHDGLqH1VM&h=315]Check out the seventeen-track album below, executive produced by 808 Mafia’s Southside and Wheezy.

  • Stevie Wonder announces ‘Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart’ tour

    As a special thank you, Stevie Wonder will be offering a designated amount of complimentary tickets to those in our communities who are already working tirelessly to fix our nation’s broken heart.

     

    Today, Stevie Wonder announced his upcoming tour in hopes of utilising his celebrity to mend the country “at the height of a critical election season”. The legendary 25x GRAMMY Award-winning singer with hits spanning decades will perform in ten cities during October to address “a pivotal juncture in American politics and culture, in a call for joy over anger, kindness over recrimination, peace over war.”

    Tickets will be available for purchase tomorrow at noon local time — Eastern Standard Time. Please find the dates below for the ‘Sing Your Song! As We TFix Our Nation’s Broken Heart’.

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    ‘Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart’ Dates

    Tuesday, October 8 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena
    Thursday, October 10 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
    Saturday, October 12 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
    Tuesday, October 15 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena 
    Thursday, October 17 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
    Saturday, October 19 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
    Tuesday, October 22 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena
    Thursday, October 24 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum
    Sunday, October 27 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
    Wednesday, October 30 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena

  • Usher joins Coke Studio 2024 lineup

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    Coke Studio 2024 unveiled exciting additions to this year’s lineup, welcoming global music superstars, Usher and Tyla. Marking another milestone for Coke Studio, Coca-Cola’s premier global music platform, Usher and Tyla are joining this season alongside several incredible artists including Karol G, NewJeans and Peggy Gou, delivering exclusive musical experiences to fans around the world. 

    As part of the Coke Studio programming, fans can look forward to an array of immersive experiences from Usher and Tyla, including exclusive original tracks and thrilling live performances to be announced in the coming weeks. In October, Usher will perform live in Atlanta as part of his upcoming tour, whilst Tyla will take the stage in Johannesburg, South Africa where lucky fans will get to be some of the first in the world to experience the new tracks performed live for the very first time. 

    “Being part of this year’s Coke Studio lineup is both an honour and an opportunity to engage with my fans through the power of music. Partnering with Coca-Cola to bring these experiences to life is exciting, and I can’t wait for fans to join us in the magic we’re crafting together”, said Usher.

    “I’m excited to perform in my hometown of Johannesburg as part of the Coke Studio platform. It’s a privilege to bring these vibrant moments to life and share the joy and energy with music lovers across the world”, said Tyla.

    Usher and Tyla are the latest artists to curate new music for Coke Studio 2024 following the successful song drops of Karol G’s ‘Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido’, Peggy Gou’s ‘Find The Way’, and NewJeans’ ‘How Sweet’ videos. Karol G’s Coke Studio session has been celebrated for its remarkable achievements, as it reached the #1 global top music video on YouTube with over 225 million views. The song has been on top of the global charts for more than ten weeks, whilst reaching the # 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome two of our favourite artists, Usher and Tyla, to our incredible 2024 lineup. This year Coke Studio offers unparalleled access to exclusive content and experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. We’ve partnered with both Usher and Tyla to create something special for their fans, and we’re sure that they will love what we have in store for the rest of 2024”, said Josh Burke, global head of music and culture marketing at The Coca-Cola Company.

  • Dame Dash says Drake wanted to buy his shares of Roc-A-Fella

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    It could all be a way to drive traffic to his network… and it’s working.

    According to Dame Dash via his America Nu Network, Drake attempted to buy his shares of Roc-A-Fella. Had the deal gone through, the Toronto-bred legendary artist would have owned a third of the masters to JAY Z’s debut album, ‘Reasonable Doubt’. Could you imagine? That would have certainly been the talk of the town amid Kendrick Lamar’s recent announcement about performing at the Super Bowl during its Halftime Show in February 2025. Based on the reports, Drake contacted Dame Dash in a direct message. In any event, as previously reported on GRUNGECAKE, JAY Z’s legal is not having it and filed a motion that states the rights of his debut will return to its original owner in 2031.

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