With the exception of Drake’s 2016 album Views, the classic YMCMB trio have all had us waiting years for a formal album release.

I don’t know about my fellow fans, but I am getting a bit antsy for More Life, The Carter V, and more following Nicki’s “Bom Bidi Bom” and “Regret In Your Tears.” 

Following multiple social media posts with the three of them, and the two singles “No Frauds” and “Changed It” were released soon after.

Apparently these two singles were created in response to Remy Ma’s singles with lyrics and cover art directed at Nicki. Although Remy was extremely clear in her attacks on Nicki, it is a bit surprising that Nicki even acknowledged her attack.

This minor feud has only benefitted Nicki, by increasing her album sales. Nonetheless, Nicki enlisted the help of here two go-to YMCMB brothers, and as always, the trio put out some great tracks.
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Nicki takes a subtle approach with her response diss track (Shether.)

She does not directly say Remy’s name, but addresses the majority of her points against Nicki. Along with ghost writers, kids and before and after surgery pictures.

Of course she also has Drake and Wayne backing her up at the end of the track, just for good measure and to flex her connections, I mean who wouldn’t?


This track (Changed It) does not seem to have a direct purpose, other than general reflection on the changes that these two artists have created.

Both have definitely been influential in the world of hip-hop. Nicki’s comments on education and selling her clothing line naturally stick out to me.

She is constantly encouraging her fans to stay in school and have the background and drive to support themselves.

As well as her conscious decision to sell her clothing line in stores that her fans can afford.

This long awaited album has absolutely everything that you could possibly ask for from Ed Sheeran, including a continuation of the mathematical album theme.

After spending an entire year “off the grid” in terms of social media and publicity, traveling and writing, Ed has returned with a classic yet refreshing style.

Song topics include introspection, childhood memories, romance, lust, young love, an Irish one-night stand, ex’s rebound (sad or confident), long-lasting love, Ed’s version of “Waiting On the World to Change,” this album’s wedding song, death, gallivanting in a beautiful European city, African-inspired hangover resolution,

“The Troubles” of Ireland, and vices- all in that order!

My personal favorites are “Eraser,” “Galway Girl,” “What Do I Know?,” “Barcelona,” and “Nancy Mulligan."
 

As someone who listens to a wide variety of rap artists and styles, I was immediately intrigued by this interview exploring race within rap.

It also helped to see Mac Miller was involved, that was the only clickbait I needed if we’re being honest.

The Fader’s Matthew Trammell brings readers a compelling conversation between rap artists Mac Miller and Vince Staples.

The two focus on the topic of race within rap, the evolution of white rappers, relating to listeners, support (or the lack thereof?) from the artist’s corresponding racial community, typical “types of white rappers,” to recognizing the roots of rap music and how those artists and styles come into modern rap nowadays.

Both Vince and Mac appreciate each other as peers and take a very realistic, unbiased, matter-of-fact stance on all of these issues.

They recognize areas where either they, their racial communities, or both excel or could use some reflection and improvement.
 

 Big Sean released his latest album on February 3rd, prior to the formal release, the public was teased with the singles “Moves” and “Halfway Off The Balcony.”

Following the release popular radio stations immediately picked up “Bounce Back” and it has been playing constantly.

Two of my personal favorites from the album are “Jump Out The Window” and “Voices In My Head/Stick To The Plan.”

I think Big Sean has struck a perfect balance of self reflection, and public appeal/relatable content within this album.

One of this spring’s most highly anticipated pop-punk releases has to be You’re Not As ___ As You Think, the newest album by Sorority Noise.

In anticipation of the album’s release next week, the band’s been dropping new singles, like “No Halo” and “A Better Sun.”. Today, “Disappeared” became every fan’s new favorite.

It’s hard not to let the upbeat sound of Sorority Noise’s music disguise the fact that their songs are usually about the lowest lows in life, from depressive episodes and suicide attempts, to losing close friends and breakups.

Judging from these singles, this new album will stay true to the sad lyrics and beautiful sound of Joy, Departed and Forgettable.

The band also rescheduled their previously cancelled tour with Modern Baseball, headlining with The Obsessives and a handful of other artists including Shannon Moser and Mat Kerekes (lead singer of Citizen).

I’ll be catching their show at Vintage Vinyls in Fords, NJ this month (and hopefully their Williamsburg show!) for Bruised Knuckles, so stay tuned for some more articles.

Listen to “Disappeared,” along with Sorority Noise’s other two new singles below and judge for yourself.

I'm obsessed with 6LACK's PRBLMS and just found Mark John's cover and maybe in low key celebration of International Women's Day, I thought I'd share this sick cover. 

The track is super complimentary to her voice and I think this is a great cover. Also the art!!!!!

Stream below via Soundcloud and note that it's available for free download. 

Also check out the YouTube video for the song. 

As someone who listens to a wide variety of rap artists and styles, I was immediately intrigued by this interview exploring race within rap.

It also helped to see Mac Miller was involved, that was the only clickbait I needed if we’re being honest.

The Fader’s Matthew Trammell brings readers a compelling conversation between rap artists Mac Miller and Vince Staples.

The two focus on the topic of race within rap, the evolution of white rappers, relating to listeners, support (or the lack thereof?) from the artist’s corresponding racial community, typical “types of white rappers”, to recognizing the roots of rap music and how those artists and styles come into modern rap nowadays.

Both Vince and Mac appreciate each other as peers and take a very realistic, unbiased, matter-of-fact stance on all of these issues.

​They recognize areas where either they, their racial communities, or both excel or could use some reflection and improvement.

Big Sean released his latest album on February 3rd, prior to the formal release, the public was teased with the singles “Moves” and “Halfway Off The Balcony”.

Following the release popular radio stations immediately picked up “Bounce Back” and it has been playing constantly.

Two of my personal favorites from the album are “Jump Out The Window” and “Voices In My Head/Stick To The Plan”.

​I think Big Sean has struck a perfect balance of self reflection, and public appeal/relatable content within this album.

A few weeks ago, Foxing released two remastered classics in their EP “Two.” It includes the reworked versions of Redwoods and Indica, off their album “Dealer.” The first time I listened to it, Two reminded me of the album Hospice (the Antlers, anyone?)

Something about the lyrics and ambient-indie sound that haunts you in the same way Hospice does. From the strong vocals to the melancholy tone, Foxing didn’t cease to amaze their listeners with a Part “Two” that stays true to their sound. Though this was the first time listening to Foxing, I think I’ll be checking out their music more often.
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You can listen to/purchase Foxing’s new EP here and buy tickets from their tour here.

It’s been eight years since Scranton-based band The Menzingers released their first EP, and this generation of pop-punk rockers has grown up together throughout the years. In fact, that’s the theme of their new album After The Party- each song sticks with the idea of growing up, having your heart broken, and figuring it all out.

The album opens up with “Tellin’ Lies,” the one song that best embodies the tone of the album, the main lyrics being, “Where are we gonna go now that our twenties are over?” Another hit off the album is “Midwestern States,” which highlights many young adults’ burden of student debt. My favorite off the record is “Bad Catholics” because it manages to make you feel nostalgic about adventures you haven’t even had yet.

What makes this album so special is that it perfectly sums up the experience that most Menzingers die-hards are going through right now; this generation of the punk scene are all around the same age (mid-twenties to mid-thirties) and all growing up and getting over their first loves, their college years, and everything that comes with the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Previous to After The Party, I hadn’t given The Menzingers much of a listen, but I have officially started to dig their music. They embody everything great about the PA pop punk scene, and I’m looking forward to hearing whatever they create in the future.