ESSINCE™

Graziano and Gutierrez Make Fashion from Mexico's Handwoven Textiles

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 22:15:00 +0000

I just learned about Graziano & Gutierrez while researching Latino-owned clothing companies. I've always loved the blending and honoring of cultures that clothing and streetwear can create. G&G repurposes Mexican textiles that you normally see in tablecloths, etc and use them in clothing.

G&G was founded in 2018 by Alejandro Gutierrez and Samuel Graziano while studying at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning. Development started junior year, Alejandro spent a semester un the Yucatan working with hand-woven textiles. He then formed their first partnership with an indigenous family in Oaxaca and Chiapas, families they still work with.

All pieces are cut and sewn to order by hand by Alejandro Gutierrez in their studio in Portland. This way they can customize their orders.

"We aim to create pieces to preserve, honor and share the incredibly rich heritage of Mexico while also providing a platform for the artisans work to shine. Due to the nature of our artisan collaboration and hand-made production processes, we escaped the traditional industry model and offer smaller, seasonally appropriate capsule collections released throughout the year."

Check out some of the collection below and visit www.grazianoandgutierrez.com to learn more.

New Nas Album: a Literally Ill Review

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:52:00 +0000

Nas and the illustrious DJ Premier teamed up for the latest and last Mass Appeal "Legend Has It" series drop, "Light-Years". This follows in the footsteps of recent drops from De La Soul, Slick Rick, Mobb Deep, Raekwon, and more! I've been a big fan of the OGs coming back and dropping bangers. I do my best to avoid other people's critiques, mostly because they seem to rush through to be the first. I understand why, but this is art. Sometimes you gotta let it marinate, n'ah mean?

That's what I've been doing. I just got back from a 10-day trip to Asia (Thailand+Japan) and, you guessed it, all that traveling did me in. Your boy got sick. So, in an attempt to get outta the bed and feel useful I threw on the new album while I attempted to clean up the crib and I let it ride all the way through.

It starts off pretty dope. I love Preemo's production. I wasn't sure what to expect. Are we getting classic Preem? Is he updating his sound? Flipping samples?

All of the above.

Check it out below while I briefly touch on some of my favorites.

STAND OUT RECORDS (to me)

I enjoyed this album. I'm sure I'll get a few more spins out of it. But these ones specifically stood out to me.

"Welcome to the Underground" for the sheer imagery & wordplay

"Pause Tape" - I used to tape off the radio, not to make beats, but it's something I can relate to and feel like I was there. Salute to the crate diggers and DJs.

"Writers" - I was a big graff head as a kid so hearing him name drop writers like Taki183 and giving the artform its respect is so dope to hear.

"It's Time" - I love the Steve Miller flip. Hella funky. Cadence on point. This is dope.

"My Story Your Story feat. AZ" - AZ is the Man. I love the collab. Love it.

"Bouquet (to the Ladies)" - Always dope to give flowers and respect where it's due.

Please drop more, Mass Appeal.

De La Soul Release "Cabin in the Sky"

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:56:00 +0000

De La Soul are the latest hip-hop legends to release new material via Mass Appeal, whose drops include critically-acclaimed projects from Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick, and more). Their "Cabin in the Sky" album marks the first group release in the past 9 years and the first since the passing of founding member Dave Jolicoeur in 2023.

The album title "obviously gives homage and reference to our brother Dave.” who appears on the album, says Posdnuos.

“He’s there, he’s with us. For me, that’s how it’s been to get through it and to run these rhymes and ideas. It’s been, like, just joyful and therapeutic.” - Maseo

This album was a really fun listen for me. Especially in a day where rap's been kinda boring me, the new albums from the OGs have really been the reminder of why I fell in love with hip-hop in the first place.

"Cabin in the Sky" has some dope features from a hip-hop Who's Who, including Nas, Q-Tip, Slick Rick, Black Thought, Common, and more. Check out one of my favorites above in a super cool visualizer, "Day In The Sun (Getting’ wit U)” and check the album below on apple music.

Vinnie Paz - "Perfect Enemy" video

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Vinnie Paz has been a staple of not only hip-hop culture and no-nonsense lyricism for decades, but has been personally influential to me and what I consume. When I first heard Jedi Mind Tricks it blew my mind. The aggressive punch you in the face bars over ill samples and production was something I hadn't really heard before and man it stuck. Their "Visions of Gandhi" album stayed on repeat and after hearing the video I'm about to feature, I not only played the new "God Sent Vengeance" album all the way through but I went back and streamed "Visions of Gandhi".

There aren't too many artists I can say I'm a "fan" of anymore and it seems like lately it's the veteran artists who are dropping new albums that I'm bumping on repeat (eg. Redman, Clipse)

I was on youtube and saw the video recommended and had to check it. He not only comes with his trademark flow over a fire instrumental, the hook is what really made me keep this on loop. The melody of the singsong chorus brings everything together.

Check out the video and check out the album below.
Visit jmtstore.com for more.

Atmosphere Debuts New Music Video for "Velour"

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:34:00 +0000

Atmosphere just droppd the video for the new single "Velour" from the forthcoming album "Jestures" (via Rhymesayers). This track represents a lot to me for a few reasons. One, I've been a big fan of Atmosphere for a hot minuto. Reason two, I was the king of velour track suits in high school. Big shout out to Mr. Alan's in Cleveland Heights for keeping the boy funky fresh in my formative years.

When I was in college I was fortunate to be able to see a few Rhymesayers shows at the nearby Washington University in STL. They had a hip-hop club that brought some of the best shows (Brother Ali came a few times and changed my life). But one of the best shows I saw was Atmosphere. I vividly remember seeing Any just roaming the halls looking at posters and genuinely enjoying himself. He stopped to talk to my friend and I and signed something for me. Really kind. Then went in and rocked the shit out of that show.

"GodLovesUgly" was my introduction to the duo and been rocking since. So I was glad when this new video ended up in my inbox. "Velour" follows singer/songwriter Nyssa Rae POV-style on a summer date from a picnic to thrifting and a trip to the pier all with cuts to Slug spitting game as well as splices of he and Ant rocking the piano at the airport. I'll let you enjoy it on your own.

"Jestures" drops Friday September 19th but a few singles are available for consumption now. Tour dates below (really sad to not see Cleveland dates anymore😢)

A deluxe and standard vinyl, cassette, and limited merchandise are available for pre-order on atmospheresucks.com.

2025 TOUR DATES:

July 26th to July 27 - Long Beach, CA @ Warped Tour * August 8th - St. Augustine, FL @ The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre + August 9th - North Charleston, SC @ Firefly Distillery + August 10th - Wilmington, NC @ Live Oak Bank Pavillion + August 12th - Charlotte, NC @ The Amp Ballantyne + August 13th - Virginia Beach, VA @ The Dome + August 15th - Baltimore, MD @ Pier Six Pavillion + August 16th - New Haven, CT @ Westville Music Bowl + August 17th - Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage + August 19th - Lewiston, NY @ Artpark Amphitheatre + August 20th - Cincinnati, OH @ Andrew J Brady Music Center + August 22nd - Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Ballroom + August 23rd - St. Paul, MN @ Minnesota State Fair Grandstand w/ Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde, DJ Abilities August 24th - Council Bluffs, IA @ Harrah’s Stir Cove + August 26th - Dillon, CO @ Dillon Amphitheater + August 27th - Salt Lake City, UT @ Granary Live + August 29th - Boise, ID @ Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden + August 30th - Redmond, OR @ Reggae Rise Up Oregon * September 19th - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre w/ Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples, Living Legends, Immortal Technique, Cunninlynguists, DeeJayBird (SOLD OUT)

*Atmosphere Festival Performance

+ Dank Daze Of Summer Tour w/ Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde

Raekwon Drops "The Emperor's New Clothes"

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:42:00 +0000

Raekwon of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan just released his 8th studio album "The Emperor's New Clothes" via Ice H20/Mass Appeal Records.

I just listened to the album yesterday while perusing Apple Music for something new and played it straight through. I love it. He has some dope features like Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Benny the Butcher to Wu-Tang's Inspectah Deck, Ghostface, and Method Man, and Marsia Ambrosius to name a few. It's that classic Raekwon sound but still modern with some dope features from the Griselda camp, some Wu-Tangers, and more. Good to just put in and let it ride,

The release comes as part of a major announcement by Mass Appeal back in April when they announced the "Legend Has It..." series which will feature 7 albums from 7 hip-hop icons. The list of artists also includes Nas & DJ Premier, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, De La Soul, Big L (R.I.P.), and on of my all-time favorites, Slick Rick,

Check it out below.

Lil Wayne - "The Carter VI" Album Review

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 21:37:00 +0000

Lil Wayne recently dropped the sixth installment of his famed Carter series, Carter VI to hot and cold responses. While some fans love it, it's also drawn some amusing commentary by people who aren't too fond of it (particularly the elephant song...you'll get it when you hear it).

I gave it a proper straight through listen (as in I didn't play any songs in between, but not straight through with no stops) and I liked it. He has a few songs that I think would've killed during the mixtape era (eg. the Weezer remake "Island Holiday")

I think the major issue is that we've built Wayne up to this larger-than-life figure and our expectations are so high we wouldn't know greatness if we heard it. But don't forget at one point he WAS that mythical figure. Millennials and up (and MAYBE some older Gen Z) remember the mixtape run he had leading up to the Carter I & II that put him in a league of his own. Recently, however, things took a turn for him after the whole Superbowl scenario where he felt he should've been awarded the slot, then people saw footage of him performing and he kinda became a laughingstock (the performance did look terrible, not gonna lie).

So now after this, we've built him up and torn him down while still expecting magic. Don't forget the social media reviewers skimming through snippets to be the first to comment while picking things apart without being able to appreciate it for what it is.

There are some songs I don't expect to have a long shelf life but the album is good. He's branching out and expanding. He is larger than life. The dude is an arguable Top 10 rapper, collabed with U2's Bono, Jellyroll, rehashed a Weezer song and more. He's able to experiment and go for more stadium songs now. Plus, we've been fans since he was a teenager, what do we expect him to talk about now?

As you may know, I do not review albums. I don't like doing it, I just post what I like. But I felt that this album was unfairly judged a flop and wanted to say something. Time will tell it's shelf life but I expect some beat choices and delivery to influence new songs in the near future.

J Dilla Memorialized in New Watch Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Sun, 18 May 2025 15:42:00 +0000

Recently Detroit-based watchmaker Shinola teamed up with J Dilla’s estate to release a limited collection to honor the late, great producer.

J Dilla produced some of my favorite artists and it's cool seeing his legacy live on in various other mediums like fashion.

The J Dilla Collection includes 2 watches (J Dilla Runwell Chronograph Watch Midnight Blue & J Dilla Runwell Automatic Watch Midnight Blue) and a J Dilla Record Messenger Bag

"Shinola is proud to honor J Dilla, our next Great American, with two new timepieces celebrating his legacy as a hip-hop legend and Detroit native. Both watches are crafted with reverence, designed to keep pace with the legacy of a true innovator."

The limited collection is sold out but stay tuned for new releases and see details below.

J Dilla Runwell Automatic Watch

Details
Stainless steel case plating, layered multi-color, skeletonized Elabore Grade SW200-1 Automatic with Ruthenium Anthracite platine and snailed finishing

The caseback features iridescent crystal that shimmers as it reeveals the complexities of the movement inside. Lightworks edition is deep-etched on the rotor.

J Dilla Runwell Chronograph Watch

Wu-Tang is back with Kung-Fu-inspired AI Music video

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 20:25:00 +0000

The illustrious Wu-Tang Clan are back with a new single and accompanying video for "Mandingo". The difference? This Kung-Fu flick-inspired video is all done with AI.

It's causing some controversy by some people complaining about the AI, but I feel like this is the best use of AI videos I've seen. The story is cool with some typical Martial Arts tropes and cliffhanger.

The song is nice, too. Glad to hear them together on a track.

I saw some negative blog post about it and I was going to make some counterpoints, but I accidentally closed the tab and ultimately, who cares, right?

Check it out below.
Wu Tang is back!

Larry June + 2 Chainz + The Alchemist = "Life is Beautiful"

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:43:00 +0000

So I came across this album while looking for new music to work to. I'd updated my New Year's resolution to something fun so I'm going back to listen to classic albums I'd never heard. But I'd taken a few deviations to try new things and found this. Larry June + The Alchemist + 2 Chainz.

"Life is Beautiful" is a dope collaborative project that made me realize I'd been severely sleeping on 2 Chainz as an emcee. Larry June and the Alchemist have teamed up before and it was pretty dope but I wasn't expecting the addition of 2Chainz or for it to slow so well.

The album is pretty smooth, like this is luxury rap at it's finest.

Apple Music says this about the release.

"Commonalities and contrasts between the two rappers make Life Is Beautiful a uniquely satisfying listening experience. “Colossal” recalls 2 Chainz’s Most Expensivest exploits, his luxe litany of decidedly un-humble brags pleasantly incongruous with June’s signature lifestyle index involving fresh-squeezed juices, vintage timepieces, and automotive excellence. At times, they suit one another like a well-balanced cocktail, trading unapologetically profane bars for more methodical and measured ones on “I Been” and “Any Day.” Elsewhere, their shared maturity differentiates them from the brand-name-dropping rap pack, their grown-folks motivations informing the flexes of “LLC” and the title track. Devoid of distractions from outside guests, both artists’ skills and quirks come to the fore over Alchemist’s breathtaking, often sublimely soulful, instrumentals."

Check it out below on Apple Music or listen here on Amazon.

Mac Miller - "Funny Papers"

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 23:23:00 +0000

Mac Miller (R.I.P.) still has music coming out, which is great for fans but sometimes projects like these leave questions about posthumous releases. Some artists have left statements asking for unreleased music to not be shared publicly for various reasons. However, fortunately in this instance, this wasn't the case.

Here's an official statement about the curation of the project:

"...Balloonerism—the second album from the beloved musician since his death in 2018, released two days ahead of what would have been his 33rd birthday—is far from an assemblage of cutting-room floor scraps. Culled from a single week of extended jam sessions (according to close collaborators), the album is considered to be Mac Miller’s “lost project,” recorded between his 2013 album Watching Movies with the Sound Off and his 2014 mixtape Faces—arguably the most pivotal year of his creative evolution."

Mac Miller’s estate adds, "It is a project that was of great importance to Malcolm, to the extent that he commissioned artwork for it.”

I've watched the video a few times and I'm bumping the album "Ballonerism" while writing this.

Watch the video below for "Funny Papers" or click here to listen on Apple Music.

Samara Cyn's 'KATANA' is Too Funky

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:53:00 +0000

I just got hip to Samara Cyn recently. I've been sitting on this post for a minute (for unknown reasons) but was inspired today to pull the trigger. This is 1 of the funkiest basslines I've heard in a minute. She's drawn comparisons to a combination of Erykah Badu, Doja Cat, and Smino, among other names but with a style all her own.

I wasn't hip to Samara Cyn and was inspired by this crunchy groove to check her out. She's form Tennessee and doing her thing for a minute. She's released 8 songs since her debut in 2022

In an interview with the Southern News, she admitted that she's inspired by the artists she gets compared to. “I just go in and do what comes naturally based on my influences and experiences,” Cyn said. “The creative just goes to those places.”

She co-directs all her music videos and I love this. Her style is dope, flow is on point, funky as shit. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Redman is back with "Muddy Waters Too"

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 18:34:00 +0000

Redman "Muddy Waters Too" is a sequel to his classic "Muddy Waters" LP released in 1996. It's also his first full album release in about a decade. This release features guest appearances from not only the usual suspects like Method Man, Snoop Dogg, and KRS-One, but he tapped into Jersey with a posse cut featuring Lady Luck, Rah Digga, Treach of Naughty by Nature, and SHAQ! He dropped it on Christmas Eve this year.

I've always been a big fan of Redman. Red & Meth put out 2 collaborative classics and he's still remained relevant in hip-hop largely due to the fact he still drops heat. He's kept his style but it doesn't sound dated at all. He's bringing back the classic east coast delivery, beats, and Redman humor and skits in this release. I played it all the way through yesterday while working on some publishing work for some clients. It's dope.

Official Essince co-sign. Check it out below and let me know what you think. Does Red still have it?

Love Hate Struggle with Dave Blunts and "The Cup"

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 21:44:00 +0000

Recently 500-lb recording artist Dave Blunts has been going viral for more than the uber repetitive hook in his new codeine-filled single "The Cup".

I have 2 dueling perspectives on this song and Dave. One is about him, the other the song. And it's created this weird love-"unlove" dichotomy (no hate over here, couldn't think of a better way to phrase it in the subject).

Who is Dave Blunts

Dave Blunts (aka Davion Blessing) is a rapper/recording artist from Los Angeles by way of Salt Lake City, UT. He's gone viral for not only his sometimes-controversial "shock value" lyrics (which is funny to say when I think of all the Eminem, horrorcore, and battle rap I grew up on lol) but also for his weight. He's clocking in at a reported 500lbs.

And for those who are new, Big Pun is my favorite rapper of all time, and he died at 698lbs.

I also grew up on syrup-sipping southern rap, too. I mean the UGK's and Big M.O.E.'s (RIP) of the world. So it's not a content issue either but I'm feeling conflicted.

The Pros and Cons (Melody, VFX, and Sadness)

So I was watching a snippet on IG that's been going viral and right before it cuts off I can hear this little teaser of what this kid can be. He hits this note and carries this little melody for a few lines at the 1:09 mark in the video and I'm stuck on it. I love that part and I've replayed it a few times. I'll probably do it again after I write this.

As a big fan of animation, I'm all about the crazy over the tope visual effects. Dope. I'm all for it. Doesn't quite make sense to me but who cares, it kept me entertained.

But I debated sharing this because of what should be some obvious issues and that's feeling that my support comes off as support of the lifestyle which is a wild weight problem and drug addiction.

Him saying "I can't put down the cup" isn't just a catchy and way overused line in the hook (over half the song I'd bet); but feels like an addiction and it kinda makes me sad, freewill be damned.

But I hope this kid gets some help in his personal life because if that little run at the 1:09 mark I mentioned is indicative of the potential this kid has, then it'd be a shame to lose another one to something preventable.

So...now that I've completely killed the mood, enjoy "the Cup".

MGK - BMXXing

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 03:08:00 +0000

MGK BMXXing just dropped. And, Man, it feels good hear MGK rapping again. I respect the guitar and rock vibes. I love seeing artists go outside of their comfort zone but coming up I knew him as a rapper.

I saw him post clips from this on social media and the hook is super catchy. From the smooth tempo and the acoustic guitar licks this is pretty smooth.

My boy Marcus finally developed some film from a trip we took to Long Beach over a decade ago and had a picture of me with Terry Kennedy and it reminded me of all the DC skateboarding videos we used to watch back in the day. Those were like the AND1 mixtapes of the skate world. I didn't skate much but always appreciated the culture.

So here's a nod to the BMXers and Skaters who keep innovating and always had a pretty bad-ass soundtrack. So check out Machine Gun Kelly (MGK)'s newest single "BMXXing"

Pete & Bas - 'Bish Bash Bosh'

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 16:47:00 +0000

Pete & Bas quickly became my favorite new rap group when I stumbled upon them a few years ago. I'd gotten so bored with rap, at least current American mainstream rap, that I was suffering from burnout. Pete & Bas were not only interesting because of what many considered a "gimmick", 2 older English guys rapping, but because the music is so damn good.

The production is wild. Let's just start there. Whoever produces their music has been making straight up bangers. From Grime to proper hip-hop, the beats his so hard. "Bish Bash Bosh" produced by 91shots is no different. The haunting melody over hard, fast-paced drums is nasty.

The bars and word-play are off the chain. Combine that when the characters and their voices and you have a recipe for a hit. Bas (taller bloke) has a smoother, deeper voice where Pete is gravely and more aggressive. Pinky and the Brain dynamic without the idiocy of Pinky.

Check out "Bish Bash Bosh" below. Much love to Pete & Bas.

Artist Spotlight: Josvani

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:31:00 +0000

I've been working with rising R&B/Rap star Josvani for a little while. He's about to get on tour now with T Rell and a couple months ago I promoted his first headlining show in New York City.

He recently dropped a new remix of Offset and Don Tolliver's single "WORTH IT" and I felt compelled to share it in the first of a new ongoing series of Artist Spotlights.

Check out the video below and click here to follow Josvani/listen to his music.

Welcome Back Robin Thicke (From the Block performance)

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 20:37:00 +0000

Robin Thicke is back after a long hiatus with an appearance on "From the Block". 4 Shooters Only became famous for their suspended microphone live outside performances in a series called "From the Block".

We haven't seen Robin for a while so it was great to hear him. In his appearance he sings his remix to "Why" by Lizzen. I found out today Lizzen is from near me in OH so it's pretty cool hearing that.

Check it out below. Looking forward to hearing more from Robin Thicke. There's a big opening for his style of music/fanbase.

Vel Nine is a 'Gangsta B*tch'

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:37:00 +0000

The late, great Apache (R.I.P.) made one of my favorite rap songs with "Gangsta Bitch". It's dope seeing the song sampled and remixed with a west coast spin through Vel Nine (aka Vel the Wonder).

I've known Vel for a few years and she's been doing her thing touring, merch, and art and I booked her on a few shows. I love how she flipped this. I'm always a fan of bars and love seeing our gente doing it.

The video is mostly shot in black and white but has splashes of color. The crew shots of the ladies in the park are dope. Check it out below.

Shout out to the all the cholas and gangsta bitches.

Juvenile Drops Music Video 25 Years After Release

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:38:00 +0000

Juvenile was one of my favorite rappers growing up. That was largely in part to the impact of his "400 Degreez" album. There are so many hits on that album, but 1 of my favorites was always the title track.

I first got hip watching the music video for "Ha". And of course "Back That Azz Up" became a multi-generational hit, while album cuts "Rich N*ggaz" and "400 Degreez" were street hits.

Apparently to commemorate the release of the 25th anniversary vinyl, Juvenile and Mannie Fresh reunited to shoot the official music video for "400 Degreez"

Juvie said "Better late than never" and I tend to agree.

Check it out below:

Better late than never !! Deluxe Digital out Friday w 2 new songs https://t.co/FOujEDGEto https://t.co/6oXY8iIPC6
— JUVENILE (@juviethegreat) March 27, 2024

Click above to open/view on X or watch below.

The Discussion Around Meek Mill Charging $250k for a Verse

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 04:03:00 +0000

Meek Mill is making the viral rounds on twitter again, this time for revealing the price he charges for a feature.

Every time I do a verse I charge 250k and up if you got 150k on sight and I like the song we can swap it outtt!!!!
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) January 23, 2024

"Every time I do a verse I charge 250k and up if you got 150k on sight and I like the song we can swap it outtt!!!!"

What intrests me isn't that he charges 6 figures, it's the conversation that's happening now in the rap world, particularly from the indie rapper perspective.

According to Billboard's Music Royalty Calculator, you'd need 50 Million Spotify streams to earn back your $250k for the feature alone. That doesn't include getting your feature cleared, recording, mixing, mastering, production, and marketing of the song in order to get it to 50 Million streams.

The belief that just having Meek Mill on a song would generate millions of streams without a significant marketing budget is silly and wrong. And artists erroneously assume that just because an artist is paid for a feature that means s/he will promote the song, too. The price is for the verse and doesn't always include promotion. Does it make sense that they'd want to promote the song they were paid on? Yes, but that's not always how the game works.

One misinformed response to criticism of paying $150k to $250k to Meek Mill was "yeah but YOUR math was based streams, you're obviously not hip to the many ways you can flip proximity. Using it to fuel a label campaign is 1 example. If I have an independent track thats doin spins on Philly radio I would def consider that feature to maximize my label leverage."

A famous feature is NEVER a guarantee of anything except a feature. Not sales, not attention, not even the right to release it. I've been told too many stories from label people and artists who paid tens of thousands of dollars and weren't allowed to release the song because the label refused to clear it (aka allow them to release the song). Or equally bad, they'll allow you to drop it but not promote the artist is on the song. So artists can't benefit from the big name. Don't expect a refund because that's not coming either.

I'm all for getting features from bigger artists. I just want the dollars to make sense. And right now, in 2024, I don't think a Meek Mill verse is worth a quarter of a million dollars.

What are your thoughts? Have you paid for a major feature before? Was it worth it?

Ed Lover Defends Eminem Against Foolish Comments by Dr. Umar Johnson

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 18:47:00 +0000

Shout out to OG Ed Lover.

Of all people, Eminem doesn't need defending. He's been dealing with race issues his whole life and at this point he's beyond established. He's the highest selling rapper of all time.

Recently, charlatan 'dr." Umar Johnson went on Joe Budden's podcast and slandered Eminem claiming he can't be considered one of the greatest ever because, get this..."he's white". He elaborates saying "no non-African can ever be the best of anything African. It is an insult to the ancestors, it is an insult to the race and it is an insult to every Black person."

Using that logic only a white Canadian can be the best basketball player ever. Sorry MJ, Sorry Lebron. You guys aren't the best. Shoot, Larry Bird isn't Canadian-American so he's out of the discussion, too. Ed Lover came to his defense on his "Cmon Son" podcast saying:

“Where did you get your doctorate? What makes you a doctor? And then, where did you come from and what makes you a[n] authority on Hip-Hop? Eminem don’t need Dr. Umar to tell him he’s one of the greatest of all time because we’ve already said it. Hip-Hop is for everybody. Hip-Hop might’ve been created by Black people, but the love of music, melodies, and rhymes have spread all over this world.”
"That’s like saying [Big] Pun can’t be one of the greatest of all time because he’s not African American, ’cause he’s Puerto Rican; Fat Joe don’t deserve to be in Hip-Hop because he’s not African American. You weren’t there, Dr. Umar, respectively. You were not there."

I try not to write too much about this stuff but that just goes to show you that we should not value everyone's opinions. This just shows to me how little "dr" Umar Johnson knows about hip-hop. People of all races have been active participants since the beginning. Also, if Eminem is at that level SOLELY because he's white, why aren't the rest of the top 10 highest selling rappers all white?

Why are the Beastie Boys the only other rappers on the list of 16 Highest Selling Rappers of All Time compiled by Business Insider citing statistics by the RIAA?

I bring this up because I'm so tired of having this conversation. Hip-Hop is an inclusive artform built from exclusion. Parents couldn't afford music lessons so kids rapped/beatboxed, no dance lessons became breakdancing, and so forth. Excluding arguably the best rapper of all-time because of his skin color is historically UN-hip-hop.

I hope if that charlatan ever opens his school that he's been taking people's money for, for over a decade, that it doesn't preach this kind of silly divisive idealism, but I already know.

Ho Ho ho (Christmas Mixtape)

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 20:49:00 +0000

It's that time of year so I feel the need to share my favorite holiday music. The holidays don't feel the same as they used to so it's nice to have traditions and nostalgic memories to help me get back in the proverbial 'spirit of Christmas'. Enter music.

Some of my favorite songs are Christmas songs so when some artists started doing hip-hop takes on famous songs I had to add some to my cue.

Not gonna lie to you but I love me some Kenny G Christmas. I played sax for Years (still got it in my closet) so I can really appreciate that, but Mariah changed the game.

That being said, I'm going to leave my favorite of the newest holiday songs below and make sure you click here to listen to the Christmas Mixtape I curated with DJ Flaco Flash. (forreal, click that. It's DOPE).

AI Drops 'リスペクト' (Respect All) Official Video

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Wed, 24 May 2023 00:42:00 +0000

EMI/Universal Japan artist AI releases her new single "Respect All". You all know how much I love hip-hop and particularly Japanese hip-hop, so when I saw my homegirl Tomoko killed a classic Bob James sample for this I had to share it.

Bob James is the f'n man. I've been cruising around to Angela's theme the past couple weeks and his hit "Shamboozie" (used here) has been sampled by many in hip-hop, most notably, perhaps Rakim.

AI earnestly wishes for world peace, which is consistent driver in her music. Protect your loved ones, be yourself, and try your best to understand each other. The message is clear, and in hip-hop's 50th anniversary, that's a great international message.

Watch the video below or click here to listen on your favorite platform: https://lnk.to/Rptai

J57 Teams Up with Rass Kass and El Gant on New Single

noreply@blogger.com (Essince) — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:18:00 +0000

J57 is solid. Like, he's been a solid dude since we met down in A3C in 2014 .So when I saw he was dropping a new project (listen to 'San Gennaro' here) and the lead single featured another of my favorites, Ras Kass I had to check it out.

"Jamo Jamo" features his Jamo Gang groupmates Ras Kass & El Gant and his Brown Bag AllStars teammate DeeJay Element who cut on the single. This is definitely one for the hip-hop heads.

If you aren't hip, J57 has been rocking for a minute as an MC and radio host. Working with the greats from DJ Premier, Wu-Tand, and Joey Bada$$ to name a few, check out the single and EP below. Tell him Essince sent you.

FiveSe7enCollective.com
https://www.instagram.com/j57music
https://twitter.com/J57