Ab-Soul made sure to keep the crowd live in Los Angeles as he took the stage at The Belasco Theater last night. The TDE wordsmith’s set took the show to another level as ScHoolboy Q decided to join Soulo for “SOPA” and his Habits & Contradictions standout track “Druggys With Hoes Again.”
The highly anticipated short documentary provided by Life+Times hits the net. Follow the TDE crew as they tour and prepare for the Budweiser Made In America Festival which is set to go down over the Labor Day weekend. Directed by Scheme Engine, go behind-the-scenes for an up close and personal look at the West Coast rising stars. Hear how it all came together as each individual breaks down their early struggles, love for the music, hometown and what they hope to accomplish in Hip Hop.
On the latest episode of Noisey and Budweiser’s Turning Point web series, TDE’s own Ab-Soul sits down for an intimate one-on-one interview and even brings cameras along to his family’s old record shop. The Carson, Calif. native speaks on spending a lot of time during his earlier years at the location and says it was a big part of his life just before his music career with TDE took off. Hear more of what Ab-Soul had to say in the visual below.
Guerilla Union links up with Kendrick Lamar for a new interview where he talks the early stages of Black Hippy and the philosophy behind the group’s movement. The Compton native also shares his thoughts on the group’s early plan to eventually come back together after establishing their own respective careers. Black Hippy will also be performing at Guerilla Union’s upcoming Rock The Bells 2013 Festival which starts September 7.
Ab-Soul finally delivers something new for the fans with a controversially titled track “Christopher DRONEr”. The artwork for the track also sports a well recognized photo of former LAPD officer Christopher Doner who declared war on law enforcement a few months ago, with hints of familiar characteristics from Ab-Soul such as his signature glasses and wild hair. During Doner’s rampage against police, the TDE artist made it public knowledge that he was in support of Doner’s efforts and believed his infamous manifesto which attempted to justify his questionable actions. Produced by Willie B, “Christopher DRONEr” showcases Soulo’s socially conscious subject matter and attempts to enlighten listeners by encouraging them to think for themselves and not to simply behave as mindless drones. Equipped with an aggressive delivery, Ab-Soul drops bars over a military-like track packed with slappin’ drums and ominous bells.
Rapper and recently turned reality star Mac Miller catches up with DJ Skee to share his excitement on some of the unreleased music he’s heard that will be featured on ScHoolboy Q’s upcoming Oxymoron album. Miller also believes that Q’s commercial appeal could potentially reach greater heights than TDE front man Kendrick Lamar and deliver platinum singles. DJ Skee also chimes in and jokingly agrees that Q is somewhat of a hybrid artist who embodies styles from both Waka Flocka and K Dot. Mac also reassures fans that Ab-Soul and Jay Rock’s new music is just as incredible and that each artist’s respective project is something special to look forward to.
As the interview continues, Miller shares his opinion on Lil Wayne and Rick Ross losing their lucrative endorsements with big brands like Mountain Dew and Reebok. With Mac being previously endorsed by Mountain Dew himself, DJ Skee proposes the question of what type of creative approach an artist needs to consider in order to successfully balance out these types of business relationships. Miller stresses the need for artists to first decide on how far they are willing to compromise their creative freedom and to meet companies halfway in order to maintain their integrity as musicians.
Los Angeles rapper Vince Staples releases a new track with “Killin’ Y’all” to give fans a treat of what’s to come on his upcoming collaborative project with Mac Miller who will serve up production under his alias Larry Fisherman. Stolen Youth will not only offer up Vince’s introduction to the rap game but will also showcase Mac Miller’s production skills for the entirety of the album. Take a listen below to “Killin’ Y’all” which also features a solid verse from TDE artist Ab-Soul.
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The official instagram account for ThisIs50.com recently unveiled yesterday this photo to the surprise and excitement to hip hop fans everywhere. Pictured above, is Black Hippy members Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul in the studio working with none other than Eminem and Royce Da 5’9″. Needless to say, this is great news and I’m sure fans will be eagerly waiting to see what classic songs will come from this meeting of great minds.
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Black Hippy is currently on the road officially for the Good Kid m.A.A.d. City tour and as added promotional encouragement the group delivers their own remix of Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O.”. Needless to say there’s probably no reason to listen to the original now that this has hit the net because each member does their thing and drops the best remix version yet. Above a promo video to give the fans a heads up on the tour which pops off tonight in Las Vegas and below is the stream and download for the new remix.
Sir Michael Rocks delivers another dope track titled “In A Minute” that features The Cool Kids rapper collabing with Ab-Soul and rapper Dash. Track produced by Mac Miller aka Larry Fisherman.
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