Music Videos

Ace Hood and Killer Mike Paint a Portrait of Black “Greatness” in New Video

Published

2 years ago

May 6, 2022

Weasel

Driven by health, spirituality, self-sovereignty, and social consciousness, Ace Hood knows that true power comes from independence. Following the example of the historic Black trailblazers who preceded him, and looking to set an example of his own, Ace shares “Greatness,” the latest video from his recent M.I.N.D. (Memories Inside Never Die) EP, available everywhere via Hood Nation / EMPIRE.

Enlisting the help of Killer Mike, the track serves as a celebration of Black excellence which finds the two artists taking stock of the many hardships they faced along their journeys before laughing at the failures of those who aimed to derail their rises, as Killer Mike raps, “A greater man, I’m greater than any hater, man/I started off serving hand-to-hand in Decatur, man.”

Directed by Alex Heider, who recently connected with Ace for the powerful “At War” and “Free” videos, “Greatness” opens with the image of Ace sitting in a home office decorated with antique furnishings, before transitioning to the interspersed portraits of Black historical figures lining the home’s mahogany walls. Those immortalized in the portraits include Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to go to space; Arthur Ashe, the first Black athlete to win many of tennis’ most prized tournaments; Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress and first Black person to run for US presidency; and Young Dolph and Nipsey Hussle, both revolutionaries of independence in hip-hop. After paying homage to the leaders that paved the way for them to achieve their own “Greatness,” the last two portraits are revealed, capturing the heroic images of Ace Hood and Killer Mike.

Featuring recent singles like the boldly aspirational, “Glory,” and the glowingly self-assured, “Little Light,” M.I.N.D. marked a fresh, new start for Ace. Enlisting fellow independent veteran and outspoken activist Killer Mike for the project’s sole feature, the project is animated by a clear social message that dissects the mentality required to triumph over personal and generational trauma. Whether he’s celebrating the spoils of his hard-earned self-sovereignty as an artist on tracks like “Living Legend,” or grappling with long-standing structures which serve to deny him that autonomy as a black man on songs like “Free,” M.I.N.D. serves as Ace’s testament to the universal truths found only by looking inward.

“Knowledge is power,” asserts Ace Hood. “The key is to work together to further each other. I speak on a human level because at some point I, or a loved one, have been affected by the issues I speak about in my rhymes. I believe people need a fearless representation of what these issues look like.”

Stay tuned for much more music and mindfulness from Ace Hood in 2022.

Watch “Greatness” ft. Killer Mike today!

Music Videos

Multifaceted Artist and Professional Athlete Lu’, Shares New Afrobeat Vibes “Over”

Published

13 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Weasel

Lu’ (@ottawasveryown) is back with another one! He has been shaking things up in the music scene since his ground-breaking debut “FEVA,” released earlier in February this year. Now, he returns with another highly-anticipated single, “Over,” out now. This offering is accompanied with a music video & solidifies Lu’s mark in the music game with his captivating storytelling and infectious sound.

“Over” is another compelling feel good single that highlights Lu’s artistic identity and capability. “Over evokes pure enjoyment and immaculate summer vibes,” he says. He invites listeners into an irresistible musical experience through the Afrobeats sound. Drawing inspiration from English and French-speaking artists, as well as Congolese artists, he sets himself apart from the industry as a multilingual artist. The accompanying music video was shot in Lagos, Nigeria and offers a setting of African greatness, luxury, and an overall great time.

Originally hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and now making waves in Phoenix, Arizona, Lu’ is a renowned Arizona Cardinals linebacker who made his musical debut earlier this year with his debut single, “FEVA.” Fighting the notion of “shut up and dribble,” Lu’ has shown that he’s far more multifaceted than just an average athlete. He shares, “The narrative of ‘shut up and dribble’ is one I’ve fought internally for a very long time. I want my audience to grasp how passionate I am about chasing my wildest dreams. You can’t let another person tell you, your dreams are too far unattainable.” Lu’ has been able to perfectly parallel his passion and dedication of being a talented athlete as well as a talented artist.

It’s worth noting that Lu’ is a definite powerhouse to keep an eye on as he continues to break barriers in both sports and music. His transition from sports to music is a prominent testament to him embracing his versatility, following his dreams, and reaching new heights. The unfolding musical journey of this rising Canadian artist is a must see.

Watch the video for “Over” HERE.

Stream “Over” HERE.

Music Videos

ChinaTownRunner x $tupid Young x Star2 Shares “FWM”

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2024

Weasel

Asian-American rappers Star2, ChinaTownRunner, and $tupid Young release the new single / video entitled “FWM”. The single precedes Star2 and ChinaTownRunner’s upcoming EP and sets the bar high with haunting cavernous beats and dark melodic flow.

Each of them affirm that they are “about money” in their separate verses and all ask listeners to “come and F*** With Me.” The music video for “FWM” captures Star2, ChinaTownRunner, and $tupid Young in a graffiti-stroked garage full of sports cars and women. Leaning into the sheer magnitude of the track itself, the visuals for “FWM” zero in on each rapper for an intense performance.

Star2 and ChinaTownRunner are preparing to embark on a summer tour with $tupid Young set to appear at multiple dates. Additionally, Star2 and ChinaTownRunner will perform on July 6th in support of the annual Ka-ren Soccer Tournament and Concert in South Dakota.

Star2 is a refugee artist from the Mae La refugee camp in Thailand. Star2’s documentary, RETURN TO KAWTHOOLEI: A Refugee Rapper’s Journey to His Homeland in Burma will be screened at the New Media Film Festival in LA on June 6th. So far, the documentary has been awarded with “Best Short Documentary” at the Malaysian Film Festival, “Best Documentary” at the Busan New Wave Short Film Festival in S. Korea, “Best Web and Media” at the IndieX Film Fest in LA, and “Exceptional Merit in Docu-drama Short & Human Spirit” at the Documentaries Without Borders Film Festival. Star2 returns to Thailand in May for his second trip.

Music Videos

Ann-Derie Releases “Maximum Capacity”

Published

2 weeks ago

April 23, 2024

Weasel

Hollywood, Florida native Ann-Derie presents the official video for “Maximum Capacity”, the new single from I Am Only Human, her forthcoming album which also spawned “Just Us”, produced by Alvin Speights (R.I.P.), the engineer behind tracks for India Arie, TLC, Keith Sweat and many more. Shot in New York City, the “Maximum Capacity” clip comes on the heels of Ann-Derie’s tour of the East Coast (watch her interview with 99JAMZ). “Maximum Capacity” is out now on Dxnna Music Group.

Check it out!