TenthLetterMedia Archives - Page 6 of 10 - Straight Official Magazine

Andre 3000 To Release New Album This Week

on November 15, 2023 Artist News TenthLetterMedia add comment

ANDRE 3000 has decided to bless the masses with a new solo project this Friday. The ATLien and Hip-Hop legend announced this week that he will be releasing “New Blue Sun” which will be his first project since his joint project Idlewild.

Andre is the epitome of being an unpredictable artist. His impeccable wordplay and unique style is what has catapulted him to the top of most Hip-Hop fan’s lists. As one half of Outkast, Andre has created timeless songs that still slap to this day!

So what would make New Blue Sun any different from his other projects? Andre has two words…no bars.

What Can We Expect?

Andre 3000 New Blue Sun — Andre 3000-New Blue Sun (Photo Cred: BrooklynVegan)

The New York Times reports that the record will be “is an entirely instrumental album centered around woodwinds.” Andre made the announcement on Tuesday saying “I’ve been interested in winds for a long time, so it was just a natural progression for me to go into flutes,” He continued, “I just like messing with instruments and I gravitated mostly toward wind.”

While messing around he drew inspiration from Alice Coltrane, Steve Reich and Pharoah Sanders. The album was co-produced by André and Carlos Niño, and includes contributions from the guitarist Nate Mercereau and Surya Botofasina on keyboards and synthesizers.

I remember, at like 25, saying, ‘I don’t want to be a 40-year-old rapper. I’m still standing by that.
Andre 3000, New York Times interview when he was 39

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Scar Lip Emerges as Hip-Hop’s New Wave

on September 30, 2023 Entertainment Music TenthLetterMedia add comment

SCAR LIP is from a place where they don’t do no rattin’. But anyone who has a ear for Hip-Hop can’t help but to speak about the femcee from the Bronx. Her emergence to the frontline of Hip-Hop is great to see. Scar has the ability to wield two swords: gritty delivery and ability to captivate the crowd.

This past summer belonged to Scar. At the BET Awards she took the stage alongside Busta Rhymes for a performance that got everyone caught up. The 22 year old artist has cosigns from some of the industry’s best including Jadakiss & Cardi B. Along with lyrical prowess, her energy is built from both personal tragedy and resiliency.

WHO IS SCAR LIP?

Sierra Lewis is a example of how someone can overcome obstacles in life. The scar on her lip is a reminder of how traumatic life can become. While others would be bothered by this, Scar is unbothered. She would use her platform to be an advocate for those who could relate. Songs like “Foster Care” & “Therapy” are therapeutic to her fans.

Her viral sensation hit “Glizzy Gobbler” that would take Scar to the next level overnight. The influences on Scar Lip’s style include both ONYX and DMX. In her smash hit “This Is New York” she would strongly embody those artists to demand fake ones to vacate the city!

NEW MUSIC ALERT

Scar Lip is making a statement with her new release titled “No Statements”. The track is a vibe with a visual that is equally dope. The video released on September 15th and currently has over 1 million views and counting! Check out the official music video for “No Statements” down below.

STAY CONNECTED

Make sure to follow Scar Lip on Tik Tok, Twitter & Instagram

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Jeezy & Jeannie Mai Calling It Quits?

on September 15, 2023 Entertainment News TenthLetterMedia add comment

Jeezy & Jeannie Mai Are Over

Jeezy & Jeannie Mai are no more. Multiple news outlets are reporting the Atlanta rap star filed for divorce on Thursday. In documents obtained by People Magazine, the couple is “currently living in a bona fide state of separation,” and that their marriage is “irretrievably broken” with “no hope for reconciliation.”

Jeezy & Jeannie married in March of 2021. In that time the couple quickly became the talk of social media, becoming the next new power couple. In January of 2022 the couple welcomed their daughter Monaco into the world. People reports that Jeezy is seeking local joint custody of the child.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Jeezy & Jeannie were married for two years. The couple did have a prenuptial agreement in place. While reps for Jeezy & Mai were unavailable for comment by the time the news broke, the shockwaves have social media on fire.

They appeared to be such a good look together. It seems like yesterday they were just gushing about evolving from sweethearts to parents. What does this say about marriage as a whole when even the most successful of us cannot seem to make it last forever?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Jeezy and Jeannie Mai are officially a wrap! What do you think about this developing news? Let us know in the comment section below and stay connected with Straight Official Magazine as we celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle & culture.

Lizzo Under Fire, Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

on August 3, 2023 Entertainment News TenthLetterMedia add comment

LIZZO is in the spotlight this week but for reasons not related to her musical talent. The Grammy award winning artist is facing sexual harassment charges filed this week. Three former dancers have come forward stating that Lizzo created a hostile work environment for over two years.

NPR reports the suit brought against Melissa Viviane Jefferson (professionally known as Lizzo) was filed at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. It paints a picture of an allegedly hostile work environment, in stark contrast to how she portrays herself to the public.

Widely known as the ambassador for body positivity, Lizzo faces serious accusations. They include both racial and religious harassment as well as false imprisonment.

WHAT’S BEING SAID

Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez are the three former dancers that are seeking a jury trial against Lizzo. From May 2021 to May of 2023, the trio claims they endured horrible treatment from both the singer and her team.

A WCEL attorney stated “The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything she stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing.”

There has been no official statement from Lizzo or her team regarding these accusations. With nine total charges filed against her, it should be a matter of time before we hear a response about the situation.

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

While we await a reply from her camp, what are your thoughts on this situation? Let us know in the comments down below.

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CoChica Tequila Is Coming Soon

on July 11, 2023 Food & Beverages TenthLetterMedia add comment

WELCOME TO COCHICA

COCHICA Tequila is a new brand of tequila releasing soon. This unique brand has flavor and distinction. With 40% alcohol by volume, this new spirit will become a standard at bars, clubs and major events. CoChica has not only a distinct taste but a rich history that quenches anyone’s thirst to be free.

HISTORY OF COCHICA TEQUILA

Let me tell you a little about the origins of CoChica Tequila. For starters, the name CoChica comes from combining the words Costa and Chica. Costa Chica means “small coast” and refers to the region that has significant populations of Afro-Mexicans who settled in the area as escaped slaves.

However, most local stories about how Africans arrived in the area have to do with local shipwrecks, whether it was a slave ship or not. All tales end with the idea that they found freedom and refuge in the communities along the coast. Due to the isolation of the area and their desire to keep their freedom, little was written about their history.

Spanish landholders gave them protection in return for cheap labor, mostly tending cattle and curing leather, etc. Over time, there was significant interracial mixing among Europeans, indigenous people, and Africans.

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER

“Today, we are highlighting this region and many regions alike throughout North America, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. This rich heritage makes us all connected. With that in mind, we have developed a tequila that’s meant to be bold and full of flavor in celebration of who we are.”

“Don’t Hide Your Flavor”

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Stay connected with CoChica Tequila on Instagram (@cochicatequila)

Ice-T & KRS-One Shoot On State of Hip-Hop

on July 6, 2023 Entertainment News TenthLetterMedia add comment

TWO LEGENDS SPEAK

ICE-T & KRS-ONE are not just legendary rap artists. They’re also gatekeepers to the genre. As Hip-Hop turns 50 this year, who better to speak on the culture and where the movement is going than these two pioneers. Ice is the original gangsta who helped to elevate Gangsta Rap and KRS would usher the Boom Bap style of rap.

Three days ago the Essence Festival of Culture took place in New Orleans. People Magazine reports that the two artists took time to speak with reporters. They spoke on the essence that is Hip-Hop, it’s meteroic rise and how it is undeniably the most influential genre of music.

KRS-One admitted to some foresight on the genre’s future saying “Fifty years ago, some of us knew this was going to happen, most of us did not know to the magnitude it would happen. But 50 years later proves that first of all, you can do anything with your mind and secondly, culture is probably the most magnificent strategy for human development known on the planet.”

Ice-T spoke on the longevity of the genre. He said, “When we started Hip-Hop was just a fad. It’s great. Hip-Hop has grey hairs. The beauty of it is that it’s still here, still flourishing and people still love it. Hip-Hop is a platform to express themselves and give insight to it’s listeners.

HAS HIP-HOP LOST IT’S WAY?

Over the course of fifty years, Hip-Hop has taken several turns that altered the appearance of the artform. It is a “young man’s game.” In that vein the consensus is whether or not that fact is making the genre lose it’s way. Ice-T was quoted saying, “I think people from my generation are really upset with what’s going on with the youngsters because every week somebody’s going to jail. People are dying off drugs, killing each other.”

He continued, “My generation, we lost Tupac, we lost Biggie and we got the memo. Everybody calmed down. We all figured this out. We [were] rapping to get out of the streets.”

KRS-One finds the transformation from Hip-Hop’s origins to the current state deplorable. “Real Hip-Hop is free. We ain’t with no corporations, none of that. Our culture was built from the center, now we’re billionaires. We don’t [care] what people think about us.”

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

Ice-T & KRS-One have spoken. How do you feel about the current state of Hip-Hop? Let us know in the comment section down below.

The 12th Annual Fleet DJs Music Conference

on June 25, 2023 Entertainment Events TenthLetterMedia add comment

The Fleet DJs Music Conference is an event that for over a decade has been the official open invite from the entertainment industry. Hosted by The Worldwide Fleet DJs, it is one of the major events that kicks off the start of the summer. This year the party takes place in Raleigh, North Carolina. As the chief editor of Straight Official Magazine, I attended last year’s conference and made it a point not to miss another one!

WHO ARE THE FLEET DJs?

A coalition of over 600 and counting, Fleet is a makeup of DJs, industry tastemakers, producers, models, bloggers and artists. This dynamic group is the top DJ coalition in the world, producing mixtapes that feature both major and independent artists. Fleet is well documented for for not only changing the industry, but the members that make up their amazing team.

The Fleet DJs Music Conference provides opportunities to artists and business owners through networking experiences unlike any other. Some events include a celebrity basketball game, a Sneaker Ball and a Panel Day. All attendees can also meet members of Fleet DJ’s as well. They can also gain knowledge from radio program directors and record label executives who will be in the building to assist artists in getting both seen and heard.

THIS YEAR’S ITINERARY

The itinerary for this year’s conference released this week and it will be UP! The event will last 4 days from July 20th to July 24th. Along with the DJ battles, private listening parties and music networking panels Fleet will be teaming with Hot 97.9 FM to provide both a festival & concert. This will allow the Fleet Artist Soundstage to be broadcast live in front of the city and the industry.

WHO TO EXPECT?

The guestlist continues to grow for the event! With more special guests slated to appear, this year’s music conference will be one that you will NOT want to miss!! You can take our word for it, or listen to Tisha Campbell tell you herself.

The Fleet DJs Music Conference is open to any and everyone. To be a part of the hottest event of the summer, log on to www.fleetdjs.com to register. Tickets are going fast so get yours today!

Klassik, CEO of the Fleet DJ’s welcoming all to the Fleet DJ’s Music Conference

Artists You Should Know | Jet Santiago

on June 24, 2023 Artist Interviews TenthLetterMedia add comment

MEET JET SANTIAGO

JET SANTIAGO is an quickly emerging artist holding down the culture of Hip-Hop from the nineteenth state. His approach is one that is built upon solid production and prominent lyrics. As a cultivator of the movement, Jetty realizes his position and what the genre means to him. “Hip-Hop is expression and perspective. It’s a way to tell stories from your point of view and let people into your view of life.”

There is always a driving force that makes a person commit to being an artist. For Jet, all it took was for him to attend a J. Cole concert in 2014. Speaking on the experience he recalls “It was his Forest Hills Drive Tour and I somehow snuck into the section right in front of the stage. Being able to hear and see one of my favorite artists up close gave me a different level of inspiration.”

Moments like that have inspired him to derive his own lane in his artistry. Jetty’s unique sound and delivery are not necessarily like your “run-of-the-mill” rappers. When asked about it, he replied “I had to develop my own flavor. I love all styles of music but I never compromise my sound to fit in with what’s hot at the moment.”

Music comes in waves. You can’t ride the wave. You have to be the wave.
Jet Santiago

BODY OF WORK

Since 2019 Jet has staked his claim in Hip-Hop. Releasing dope singles like New Age, Mood! and City of Dreams, he prepared us for his EP Le Jour de Anniversair. When asked about his creative process he replied, “I need to be inspired in order to create. I get inspiration from traveling, meeting new people and having new experiences. Once it’s there I lock in and won’t leave the studio until 5am.”

In 2020 Jet released his first album titled “Santiago Summers” to rave reviews. The 12 track project is full of gems but one in particular caught my attention. The track “Andy Bought A Basquiat” was not only #7 (my favorite number) but also my introduction to him as an artist. From the samples to the lyricism, Jetty flew high on this track!

The Hip-Hop scene in Indianapolis is growing. When I asked Jetty how he stands out amongst his peers, his response was brilliant. “I’m authentic, and original. I’m not promoting the destruction of our people, nor am I promoting killing each other in the streets or overly glorifying drugs. I have a message but I’m not preaching to you. With me you get a perfectionist who cares about music and the culture. You can party, laugh, cry, feel motivated and inspired when listening to my music.”

Jet Santiago (Video Cred: DJ Slikk’s Booth Action)

NEW MUSIC FROM JET

Jet’s upcoming release You Could’ve Been Here promises to be another impression of his craft and artistry. “It’s a culmination of my experiences over the previous 3 years since my last solo project. 10 songs with the vibe of the album being mostly upbeat. Not only my best project to date but the best rap album of the year.”

We shifted gears and spoke about the journey to get here. Jet spoke on the peaks and valleys to arrive here. “Being able to monetize what I create is a blessing. People actually invested in your art and waiting for you to drop music is the dopest thing in the world. I’ve gained people but also lost people. Overall it has shaped me and helped me grow as an artist and person. It’s all a part of the journey.”

I asked Jet what he would change about the industry from an artist’s standpoint. He spoke on an overhaul, “I would change the structure of deals. I’d make contracts easier to understand and fair to both sides. The wording in contracts however can trap an artist into more than they originally thought they signed up for.”

EDITOR’S PICK

I was fortunate to meet Jet way back when I was a blogger for this publication. Through another dope individual and friend, I listened to Jet and from jump knew this was something special. He alongside countless others from Indy would dominate my #SaturdaySpotlight & #NewMusicMondays features with great music.

YCBH is set to release on January 11th. I was able to hear a few tracks exclusively. No spoilers obviously, but my pick from what I heard was “Law of Attraction” which you can check out down below!

Read and be as knowledgeable as possible. The more you know, the more you will be able to talk about.
Jet Santiago

FOLLOW JET SANTIAGO ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Stay connected with Jet Santiago on Instagram (@jetsstayhigh)

“You Could’ve Been Here” to release soon on all music streaming platforms (Apple, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube)

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Harry Belafonte, Singer, Activist & Icon Dies at 96

on April 27, 2023 News TenthLetterMedia add comment

HARRY BELAFONTE, the beloved Caribbean singer that topped the charts and helped change the world has died. On Tuesday at his home in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, he passed alongside his wife. Forbes reports that according to his publicist Ken Sunshine, Belafonte succumbed to congestive heart failure. He was 96.

Harry Belafonte was more than just a performing artist. The Harlem native began his career singing in clubs. He would go on to become a champion for civil rights. His deep Jamaican roots enabled him to become the ambassador of Jamaica and it’s culture.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

Harry Belafonte was successful in all that he pursued in life. Well renowned for his iconic chant of “Day-O!” from The Banana Boat song, he took calypso music to unbelievable heights. In 1956 he released an album Calypso that would become the first LP from a solo artist to sell a million records.

Upon realizing he had a platform, he would follow in the footsteps of those who came before him. Belafonte became an activist for the Civil Rights Movement. “Out of Many, One People.” This Jamaican motto would become his mantra as up until his death, he was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Harry Belafonte with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Coretta Scott-King (Photo Cred: Getty Images)

Straight Official Magazine offers our prayers and condolences to his family, fans and friends. In his memory, check out this touching tribute to the icon, activist and legend down below.

USA for Africa- Harry Belafonte Tribute

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Magic Johnson Secures $6 Billion Deal

on April 14, 2023 News Sports TenthLetterMedia add comment

MAGIC JOHNSON is making news as the former Los Angeles Lakers legend continues to win off of the court. TMZ is reporting that he has teamed up with Josh Harris, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers to finalize a deal to acquire the Washington Commanders. The numbers on the deal were $6.05 billion.

Johnson adds another team to his gauntlet like he was Thanos going for Infinity Stones. The Commanders are the first non-L.A. based team he has vested in. Heavy.com reports that he has been adding to his portfolio of sports teams in recent years. These team include the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks & LAFC soccer teams.

Dan Snyder has agreed to sell the Washington Commanders for $6 billion to a group led by 76ers managing partner Josh Harris and including Magic Johnson, per @Sportico

It would be the highest price ever paid for a sports team. pic.twitter.com/xJDlSKSQyW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2023

Photo Cred (Bleacher Report Twitter)

WILL MAGIC JOHNSON HELP RUN THINGS?

Former owner of the Commanders Dan Snyder agreed to sell the team Thursday. $6 billion dollars is a lot to invest in a team that hasn’t seen much of a turnaround since changing their name. Magic is involved in multiple business ventures to date. While it’s not certain, it would be interesting to see if Johnson would have any involvement in the day-to-day running of the team.

It’s a good look for Magic Johnson. Keep getting to the bag, sir!

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