Author Archives: Shake

Kanye West Debuts “New Slaves” On Buildings Across the Globe (Video) [Update: Full Version Added]

Posted on by
Reply

Earlier tonight Kanye deleted his June Eighteenth Twitter update and replaced it with the one you see below. And as Yeezy Season begins, Kanye West is taking to 66 buildings across the globe (locations can be found here) to premiere his new song “New Slaves” against the sides of them. UPDATE: Clips of the entire song from all over are starting to surface. Hit the jump for the Brooklyn, Toronto (thanks to our very own Ghost of Shake) and Chicago premieres.




Bedford St. in Brooklyn, NYC (via Mikey Fresh)


Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada (via our very own Ghost of Shake).


Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Perform At Hangout Festival (Video)

Posted on by
Reply

Wrapping up their performance for the Billboard Music Awards in Vegas yesterday, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis flew to Alabama to perform an hour-long set at the Hangout Festival in Alabama. Check the performance of “Thrift Shop” up top and their marriage equality anthem “Same Love” downn bottom (which was preceded by a heart-felt speech from the Seattle rapper.

“We are in a very special time in American history right now. In fact, I would say we are in the middle of the biggest civil rights movement of our generation. I don’t know how you feel, but me personally, I believe that no government, no state, no institution, no religion, no other human being can tell you who you love in your heart is right or wrong. That is up to you. Finally in 2013 we are starting to have discussion and dialogue about the issue of marriage equality. The fear and the hatred that has been passed on from generation to generation to generation is finally starting to cease and love is prevailing all over the world. I believe in tolerance, I believe in compassion and I believe in equality.”


Marion Write – Purple

Posted on by
Reply

On week four of his #FreeBars series, Las Vegas’ Marion Write tackles Nas’ hood-narrated classic with some Grand Daddy Purp in his system. Take a listen below and get ready for Marion’s upcoming 2DopeBoyz-presented Goodness Gracious project with DJ/producer DJ Finyl (together known as The Greater Good) on June 25th.

PREVIOUS: Marion Write – Bag Lady Freestyle | Locked Down | Alone In Vegas Freestyle

Melanie Fiona Pens Open Letter to Lauryn Hill

Posted on by
Reply

After attending Lauryn Hill’s recent show in Brooklyn, Melanie Fiona was so moved that she expressed her extreme gratitude in an open letter penned to The Fugee’s Queen piece. Take a look below.

I have had many blessed, spiritual, and unforgettable moments in my life… But none more inspiring and life altering than last night. For those of you have ever listened to my music as a full body of work, heard any of my interviews, or have been to any of my live shows… Knows, that Lauryn Hill is a driving force of inspiration in everything I do. There would be no first audition for me if couldn’t sing her version of “his eye is on the sparrow”… There wouldn’t be “Felony Miona”… There wouldn’t be the artist you see today who isn’t afraid to bare her soul about life and love. And last night, I got to tell her that. After seeing her murder the stage…I personally got to express my teary eyed gratitude. A REAL dream come true for me. Lauryn Hill is the true essence of artistry that I aspire to represent… One who can break barriers, colour lines, industry standards, and ignorant minds… All while making amazing heartfelt educated music. My life will never be the same… It will be better… For what I received last night in energy and inspiration will most definitely make me a better artist and woman in this industry. You will feel it. Thank You #LaurynHill… You are singlehandedly, hands down, the greatest to ever do it ALL… Triple Threat… And to inspire a musical generation so starved that we still anticipate any and everything that you will do in the future. With Love, Respect, Support and Gratitude, MF xo

This is awesome.

Melanie Fiona Pens Open Letter to Lauryn Hill

Posted on by
Reply

After attending Lauryn Hill’s recent show in Brooklyn, Melanie Fiona was so moved that she expressed her extreme gratitude in an open letter penned to The Fugee’s Queen piece. Take a look below.

I have had many blessed, spiritual, and unforgettable moments in my life… But none more inspiring and life altering than last night. For those of you have ever listened to my music as a full body of work, heard any of my interviews, or have been to any of my live shows… Knows, that Lauryn Hill is a driving force of inspiration in everything I do. There would be no first audition for me if couldn’t sing her version of “his eye is on the sparrow”… There wouldn’t be “Felony Miona”… There wouldn’t be the artist you see today who isn’t afraid to bare her soul about life and love. And last night, I got to tell her that. After seeing her murder the stage…I personally got to express my teary eyed gratitude. A REAL dream come true for me. Lauryn Hill is the true essence of artistry that I aspire to represent… One who can break barriers, colour lines, industry standards, and ignorant minds… All while making amazing heartfelt educated music. My life will never be the same… It will be better… For what I received last night in energy and inspiration will most definitely make me a better artist and woman in this industry. You will feel it. Thank You #LaurynHill… You are singlehandedly, hands down, the greatest to ever do it ALL… Triple Threat… And to inspire a musical generation so starved that we still anticipate any and everything that you will do in the future. With Love, Respect, Support and Gratitude, MF xo

This is awesome.

Melanie Fiona Pens Open Letter to Lauryn Hill

Posted on by
Reply

After attending Lauryn Hill’s recent show in Brooklyn, Melanie Fiona was so moved that she expressed her extreme gratitude in an open letter penned to The Fugee’s Queen piece. Take a look below.

I have had many blessed, spiritual, and unforgettable moments in my life… But none more inspiring and life altering than last night. For those of you have ever listened to my music as a full body of work, heard any of my interviews, or have been to any of my live shows… Knows, that Lauryn Hill is a driving force of inspiration in everything I do. There would be no first audition for me if couldn’t sing her version of “his eye is on the sparrow”… There wouldn’t be “Felony Miona”… There wouldn’t be the artist you see today who isn’t afraid to bare her soul about life and love. And last night, I got to tell her that. After seeing her murder the stage…I personally got to express my teary eyed gratitude. A REAL dream come true for me. Lauryn Hill is the true essence of artistry that I aspire to represent… One who can break barriers, colour lines, industry standards, and ignorant minds… All while making amazing heartfelt educated music. My life will never be the same… It will be better… For what I received last night in energy and inspiration will most definitely make me a better artist and woman in this industry. You will feel it. Thank You #LaurynHill… You are singlehandedly, hands down, the greatest to ever do it ALL… Triple Threat… And to inspire a musical generation so starved that we still anticipate any and everything that you will do in the future. With Love, Respect, Support and Gratitude, MF xo

This is awesome.

J. Cole: Essentials

Posted on by
Reply

Jermaine is next up to participate in Hype Beast’s ongoing Essentials series, emptying out his bag and breaking down his everyday needs.

Like many rappers, Cole considers no less than two chains, a bottle of Hennessy, and a hookah as necessary items. In another respect though, we find noise-canceling headphones, a pen and pad (rare in an age of smartphone raps), and even more convincingly: a copy of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel is of great importance here, as it symbolizes what has made J. Cole’s music so appealing over the years: the balance between dark and light.

Check the break down for each item over at HB and get ready for Born Sinner on June 25th.