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Kendrick Lamar- Not Like Us [MUSIC VIDEO]

on July 5, 2024 Artist Music Videos TenthLetterMedia add comment

Kendrick Lamar Not Like Us — Photo Cred: Entertainment Weekly

KENDRICK LAMAR has Hip-Hop in the palm of his hand.

The West Coast MC is only 15 days removed from his Juneteenth pop-out concert that set Inglewood on fire. Lamar would continue his domination of Drake by releasing the official music video for the monster hit single “Not Like Us” yesterday.

Several reports circulated today amidst our 4th of July celebrations that the visual would release “sometime soon”. As the day went on there were a number of screenshots from the video that made their rounds. In addition, there has also been talks of Kendrick releasing an album soon as well.

“NOT LIKE US”- KENDRICK LAMAR

The video for “Not Like Us” was shot entirely in Lamar’s city of Compton. The victory lap for Kendrick post their rap beef would show Kendrick still taking shots at the 69 God. Visuals included K-Dot staring menacingly upon the OVO’s mascot and taking a bat to a pinata version of the owl. Lamar would also give nods to his opponent’s track “Push Ups” by busting out sets on concrete blocks.

Directed by Lamar & Dave Free, “Not Like Us” uses high still imagery and a plethora of cameos. DJ Mustard, Tommy the Clown and former Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan are just a few of the faces that are recognizable in the dope music video.

Perhaps the best hit leading into the summer, “Not Like Us” now has one of the dopest music videos released this year! Check out the official music video down below and let us know in the comments what you think!

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture!

Rakim Returns After 15 Years With New & First Of It’s Kind Project

on June 23, 2024 Music Videos News TenthLetterMedia add comment

The God MC Is Back

RAKIM, Hip-Hop’s most prominent MC has announced that he is releasing a new project next month. The legendary artist known for his classic hits “Paid In Full” & “Don’t Sweat The Technique” is dropping G.O.D’s Network (Reb7rth) on July 26th. Pre-orders for the project began last week and The God MC has not lost a step!

After a 15 year hiatus, Rakim returns to the fray with a project that is truly one of a kind. The album is the first fully produced project by Rakim himself. True fans of Rakim know that he’s more than just an MC. He has a number of production credits under his belt including hit songs like “Know The Ledge” from the classic film Juice.

RAKIM- G.O.D’s Network (Reb7rth)

G.O.D’s Network is Rakim’s 4th official solo album. The 7 track project not only highlights the fact that Rakim is still a lyrical threat but features a plethora of artists. In anticipation for the album, the hot single “Be Ill” released last Friday. It features West Coast legend Kurupt & Masta Killa.

Rakim Be Ill — (Photo Cred: The Industry Cosign)

Over the infectious drums on the track, the God MC bodies the track. He spits “Design flows in binary codes, no matrix/Light-speeds, time could be froze, no spaceships/ Walkin’ paradox, I made them all believers/Ship the paradigm, even time, alter features”

Check out the official music video for Rakim’s “Be Ill” down below!

The guest list for Rakim’s LP is composed of Hip-Hop’s elite artists. The list includes Snoop Dogg, BG, Planet Asia, Method Man, .38 Spesh, Crooked I, Fred Da Godson and Kool G Rap to name a few. The album also includes posthumous features from Nipsey Hussle, Prodigy and DMX.

EDITOR’S TAKE

Rakim returning to the game proves that it’s indeed a great time to be alive! The God MC producing an album such as this at this time is legendary and solidifies Hip-Hop’s staying power as a genre and a movement. The push of good music is building momentum this year.

We had the opportunity to attend a private listening session for the upcoming project. In collaboration with Stop Beefin Radio & the Indiana Fleet DJs, we listened to A&R Extraordinaire Matthew “M-80” Markoff express deep gratitude and admiration for this project. After listening to three songs (“Be Ill” being one of them) we wished July 26th was sooner! M-80, you’ve done it again!

Stay tuned for Rakim’s G.O.D’s Network to officially release next month. Let us know in the comments below what you think!

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION is available NOW at www.rakimpresents.com

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture!

#SaturdaySpotlight featuring June | @june1oth

on June 22, 2024 Artist Saturday Spotlight TenthLetterMedia add comment

MEET JUNE

JUNE is a versatile artist from Indianapolis, IN that like the season he’s named after is hot. The artist and producer has 5 years vested in his craft and presents a different type of sound. June has also been part of Naptown’s biggest pop-outs in Hip-Hop this year, including the How You What? Sophomore Cypher that’s still making noise to this day!

June has a connection to Hip-Hop that he admits altered the course of his life for the better. Before picking up the mic, he played pro basketball in South America and Europe. When I asked him what Hip-Hop means to him, his response was all too familiar.

“(Hip-Hop) It’s a lifestyle! It gives life. The full origin of it and how it impacted the culture helped saved my life. Growing up with few resources we didn’t have choices to become someone.” June intends to cultivate the genre and add to the growing landscape of Hip-Hop in the Circle City.

Growing up in Gary & the Far east side of Indy with very few resources we didn’t have choices to become someone. I’m blessed to use my music to tell our stories and turn pain into therapy.
June

JUNE- DRUNK BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

Drunk Beautiful Girls is June’s current project that has a sequel coming next month. The 8-track production features solid bangers in tracks like “Red Handed” that spotlight his delivery and style. Check out the official music video down below!

STAY CONNECTED

Follow June on social media on Instagram (@june1oth) and stay tuned for the release of Drunk Beautiful Girls 2 on July 11th. If you’re the reading type, check out the track list for DBG2 and you’ll get to know the vibes!

1: Gotta

2: Have Some Fun

3: 2nite

4: My Vibe

5: Toxic

6: Baby

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle & culture!

Kendrick Lamar Pops Out With Friends LIVE In Concert

on June 20, 2024 Artist Entertainment Events TenthLetterMedia add comment

KENDRICK LAMAR was outside last night, and it was one for the ages!

The Compton MC and Drake destroyer performed a one-off concert that took place in Inglewood, CA at the Kia Forum. In celebration of Juneteenth, as well as his first performance post the highly publicized beef between him and the 69 God, he would double down live with a collection of hits stemmed from the feud.

The Pop Out: Ken & Friends show was also streamed live on Amazon Music as well as Twitch. Kendrick didn’t skimp out on the friends part as a plethora of artists joined him on stage. The performance was the greatest show in Hip-Hop this year and had several memorable moments.

THE POP OUT: KEN & FRIENDS

Lamar was donned in apparel similar to what 2 Pac wore for a concert in 1994. He would channel his inner Pac to performs songs like “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA” for the first time live. The energy was high as Kendrick would reunite with TDE mates Jay Rock & ScHoolboy Q to perform hits like “Money Trees” & “That Part.”

Then Kendrick would stop being humble. After that he would go right back on business! He then performed ” Like That” which was the track that began the best week in Hip-Hop musically. Once the buzz fell a bit, Kenny surprised everyone by bringing out Dr. Dre to perform his classics. He would then whisper something in Kendrick’s ear that everyone in attendance could hear… “Psst, I See Dead People”

Saving the best for last, Kendrick performed “Not Like Us” which is the final installment of the series of disses between him and Drake. He would then go on to perform the song again, and again and again! The crowd came alive as Kenny performed the song six times total!

Here is a scorecard for those who didn’t get to see it live. Kendrick performed the song once with Dr. Dre, twice by himself, once with the cultivator of the track (DJ Mustard) and two more times with everyone from Big Boi, Black Hippy and many more!!

Kendrick put on for his city and for Hip-Hop yesterday. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out down below if you weren’t able to yesterday. Let us know down in the comments what you think of the performance.

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle & culture!

Straight Official Sit Downs: Money Thirsty Jay

on June 9, 2024 Artist Interviews TenthLetterMedia add comment

MONEY THIRSTY JAY is up next for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs where we spotlight emerging artists. @TenthLetterMedia served up the questions and the vibe was dope! Check out their one-on-one down below and click here for more Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH MONEY THIRSTY JAY

Introduce yourself. Tell us where you are from and what first interested you in the entertainment industry?

I am Money Thirsty Jay and I am from New Orleans, Louisiana. My overall love of music is what interested me in becoming an artist.

Who or what inspires you to create?

I’m inspired to create by a combination of my life and everything that is happening in the world right now.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is a blend of smooth, melodic bars with a dose of savagery.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Tell us about your creative process. What are your go-to’s for a session?

No matter if I’m freestyling or writing, I always follow how I’m feeling that particular day. The track can hit my ears and I will speak on what my heart tells me.

What artists would you like to collaborate with?

Lil’ Wayne & Curren$y are a few of the artists that I would love to work with.

Being challenged in life is inevitable. Being defeated is optional. Ignite your hustle & make it happen.
Money Thirsty Jay

LET’S SHIFT GEARS

What’s a skill/talent that you possess that no one knows about?

A lot of people wouldn’t know it, but I’m cold when it comes to basketball!

If not for music, where would you be in life right now?

More than likely if not for music I’d definitely be a blogger right now.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Success is measured not by the position one has reached in life, but by the obstacles which you had to overcome while trying to succeed.

WRAPPING IT UP

So what’s next for you? Where will we see you in the next five years?

I will continue to grow as an artist and further my brand. In five years I want my fanbase to expand not just through the south, but nationwide.

If there was one thing that you would change about the industry, what would that be?

All bad music deals should be illegal!

How can we stay tapped in? Let us know where we can follow you on social media?

You can follow me on all social media platforms at Money Thirsty Jay.

Check out the single “WYA” From Money Thirsty Jay down below and let us know in the comments what you think.

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle & culture!

[MIXTAPE] BIGUNKSAIDIT PRESENTS NASTTY 500

on June 8, 2024 Artist Mixtapes TenthLetterMedia add comment

BIGUNKSAIDIT, a staple in the Indianapolis Hip-Hop scene released a new mixtape that features Naptown’s most renowned artists. Unk blessed the masses with “Nastty 500” this week. In continuance with cementing the fact that talent has always been here, Big Unk played Nick Fury to assemble this dope project.

BIGUNKSAIDIT PRESENTS NASTTY 500

The 38 track demonstration highlights the sound and vibe that is beginning to make the industry take notice. Big Unk features Naptown legends in Trajik, Maxie, Tony Cleveland, Jim E Mac and Kittii Red to name a few. In addition, he also introduces listeners to emerging artists like T.G.I. Free, Skypp, Parris LaDame and many more.

EDITOR’S PICK

The hits from Naptown just keep on coming!

BigUnkSaidIt so you know it’s truth, is more than just a rapper or producer. He’s also a talent consultant and motivator to the Circle City. Nastty 500 is a road map for Hip-Hop for Indiana. We’ve had the pleasure of taking part in conference calls surrounding artists that are running rampant around here.

My pick from this project goes to T.G.I. Free as his “Set You Free” track is an example of what’s coming out the nineteenth state. Check out BigUnkSaidIt Presents Nastty 500 down below and let us know in the comments what you think.

https://mymixtapez.com/album/269258

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to discover more emerging artists.

[MUSIC VIDEO] Dead Silence-Vanilla Bean

on May 28, 2024 Artist Music Videos TenthLetterMedia add comment

Dead Silence Vanilla Bean — Photo Cred: Renee Shelton

DEAD SILENCE, just a week removed from his latest release Thru The Fire blessed the masses with the music video for his hit single “Vanilla Bean.” The Indianapolis MC’s vibe and smooth delivery has captivated fans both here and abroad.

TTF has been making noise as singles from the album have appeared on shows like Rebuilding Black Wall Street on BET+ and Impact X Nightline featuring Michael Strahan. The single “Vanilla Bean” made it’s way across the pond, which increased his streams on Spotify by over 250,000.

“Vanilla Bean” was produced by ZeroYouAFooBoy (@zeroyouafooboy) and mixed and mastered by Eddie J (@play_eddiej) & Shordeli (fiver).

DEAD SILENCE VANILLA BEAN SHOOT

The visual for “Vanilla Bean” includes Silence’s spot on CBS affiliate WISH-TV 8 to promote the album. Filming would conclude at GORDONS MILKSHAKE BAR. Captured by PMFGOAT Films, the vibe was infectious as people walking by couldn’t help but to groove with the set.

Silence is an amazing talent you need to hear! Thru The Fire is available now on all streaming platforms. Check out the official music video for “Vanilla Bean” which features yours truly on the thumbnail down below. Let us know in the comments down below what you think!

STAY CONNECTED

Follow Dead Silence on social media on Instagram @deadsilence9

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to discover more emerging artists.

#SaturdaySpotlight Featuring Trajik | @big_trajik

on May 25, 2024 Artist Music TenthLetterMedia add comment

MEET TRAJIK

TRAJIK is an Indianapolis artist who’s a household name in the Hip-Hop landscape. The Traptown MC has a career that spans over a decade and includes milestones that most artists dream about. Always standing on business, Trajik delivers with gritty, impactful lyrics that highlight his well-documented rise to fame.

From gracing the cover of The Indianapolis Star as the face of Hip-Hop to appearing in hit FOX TV shows like Empire & Proven Innocent, Big Trajik has what it takes to break the glass ceiling.

TRAJIK-TO KILL A GOAT

Trajik’s latest release To Kill A Goat is ten tracks of his raw and uncut delivery. He links up with Naptown’s own Skypp for the single “My Truth” and Parris Ladame on “Me and My Bitch” that further cement the notion of talent in Indy.

The first single on the album “Goated” is where Trajik turns his thoughts into poetry. He spits, “cuz I was devoted/wise words been quoted/I took my pain an turned it into poetry/ready for the world ain’t no hoe in me/they act nonchalant but they notice me”

Check out the official video for “Goated” down below. To Kill A Goat is available now on all music streaming platforms.

EDITOR’S TAKE

Trajik is not only a veteran in the game, but also a dope friend. We’re both native to the east side of Nap and I have covered his career since the beginning of mine. I remember our first sit-down interview years ago while writing for Scoop The Entertainment Source magazine. He would then go on to grace our pages years later.

I reflect back to what I asked him in that interview about his future. No joke, he spoke on doing more than just rap. He had aspirations to become an actor, brand ambassador, etc… and it’s dope to see all of that come full circle!

Stay locked in with Trajik via social media on Instagram @big_trajik and give a listed to “To Kill A Goat” TODAY!!

The 13th Annual Fleet DJs Music Conference

on May 24, 2024 Events Music TenthLetterMedia add comment

The Fleet DJs Music Conference is an award-winning event that for over a decade is the official kick-off to summer. A multi-day festival of music and entertainment, the conference is an independent artists’ dream as they will be able to network and build relationships with the most important aspect to the genre of Hip-Hop- the DJ’s.

This year’s event marks the 13th year of the conference. As an official sponsor of the conference, we can tell you from previous experience that it’s an event that you DON’T want to miss! Come party with DJs, producers, record execs, models and tastemakers in addition to Fleet DJs worldwide!

Klassik CEO invites you to the Fleet DJs Music Conference

WHO ARE THE FLEET DJS?

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

The Fleet DJs Music Conference provides the opportunity for artists and business owners to experience networking experiences unlike any other. An artist soundstage, private listening sessions and a media panel day are just some of the events that will make Orlando seem like a movie!

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 18th to July 22th. The events include artists listening parties, business and music networking panels and community based events. In addition, Fleet will have an artist soundstage that gives artists the opp to prove their skills.

WHO’S GONNA BE THERE?

The guestlist continues to grow for the event! You never know who might pop out for the conference this year! But don’t take our words for it. You should be there for an unforgettable experience. Listen to some of our friends tell you all about it down below!

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!

**#GetSOM via** @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture.

#SaturdaySpotlight featuring Dead Silence | @deadsilence9

on May 11, 2024 Artist Saturday Spotlight TenthLetterMedia add comment

MEET DEAD SILENCE

DEAD SILENCE is an artist who while his moniker interprets his approach as quiet is the polar opposite. The Indianapolis MC has been making his rounds as of late. From hosting the How You What? Sophomore Cypher last month to appearances on CBS News affiliate morning shows, Silence is quiet as kept a staple in the Indy Hip-Hop community.

Dead Silence has both the talent, mind and heart to thrive as an artist. With his music featured on segments for both ESPN and The NBA on TNT, he has unique star quality. On the eve of his new project Thru The Fire being released, he invited us for a unique experience. Silence held a TTF listening session & video shoot for the smooth single “Vanilla Bean.”

Upon first listen, TTF is a no-skip project. It serves as both a story being told and background music for any facet of life. He then would tell us that the project was engineered to play as such, which is mind-blowing!

DEAD SILENCE-THRU THE FIRE

Thru The Fire is a 9 track EP that is designed to please. Dead Silence links with Naptown’s own Foxd’legnd on “Been Thru Hell” and provides the most relatable feeling to anyone listening. With production from DJ D Nyce & Zero The Composer, TTF is a vibe that needs to be experienced.

EDITOR’S PICK

Dead Silence is yet another deserving artist from Indianapolis who along with his counterparts continue to chip at the glass ceiling. Dubbed as the Morgan Freeman of Hip-Hop by his fans, his smooth delivery and cadence helps cater to the notion of music making a comeback this year.

My pick from TTF is the single “Vanilla Bean” which is making noise both here and across the pond. The single has made streaming platforms in Germany and helped expedite Silence to over 250,000 streams on Spotify.

But don’t take my word for it. Check out the lyric video for “Vanilla Bean” down below and stay tuned for the official music video featuring a cameo or two from yours truly!

Thru The Fire available NOW on all music streaming platforms!

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle & culture!