Editorials

When Collaborating With Other Artists, Don’t Settle

Published

6 years ago

August 4, 2018

Weasel

Dick Grayson first suited up as Robin, Boy Wonder in Detective Comics # 38. Batman took the 8-year-old child under his wing, adopting him as a legal ward of the state. The Caped Crusader would morph the child into a valuable asset for the former’s everlasting battle for Gotham’s streets; forging a partnership that has withstood the test of time (the original comic came out in 1940). The relationship — up until Robin chose to become Nightwing — consisted of Batman taking the lead and Robin following accordingly. With Batman in charge, the two-man team soundly defeated ghoulish and criminal entities time and time again.

There was a reason for the duo’s continued success; besides the creativity of the comic’s authors penning the storylines. With the stronger hero and personality in charge, being Batman, Robin followed suit; finding ways to emulate Batman’s success and grow as a hero. This made proceedings fairly predictable but effective. Their track record, nearly unblemished, goes to show that someone taking the lead is much more effective than meeting somewhere in the middle ground.

In rap music, this kind of relationship doesn’t exist. In a genre defined by fake relationships, the concept of fraternalism becomes that much more important. The age-old mantra gifted to the public time and time again is that the industry is fake, rappers are bogus, and relationships are strictly for business purposes. It’s why genuine friendships constructed through industry experiences are celebrated by the media; Drake and Future’s unlikely connection — previously on the outs because of the latter’s comments about being better than the Canadian crooner — was the subject of many memes in its heyday. Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, two artists of a similar ilk, are known to be close associates. Just recently, Lil Durk and Tee Grizzley publically declared their brotherly love for each other, becoming best friends in the process.

These types of relationships that form inside and outside of rap usually lead back into it in the form of collaborative projects. Friends, eager to celebrate and capitalize from their peers’ successes, hop in the booth together and give fans what they want from both; a best of both worlds collective effort that’ll surely knock the socks off of fans worldwide. Only, in nearly every case so far, results have been lackluster across the board.

Huncho Jack is perhaps the latest example of collaboration albums that stunk. Both artists have collaborated on a number of occasions, most notably on“Pick Up The Phone” from the former’s Birds In The Trap Sing Brian McKnight; Scott also credits Quavo for inspiring the name behind the album. Both have startlingly different recording styles; Scott uses autotune to support his zany rap-singing mix and warbles affectionally over constantly changing production while Quavo is silky smooth, primarily a trap aficionado who can drop a tone or two when necessary. The two’s consummation was heavily anticipated by fans worldwide, finally releasing on Dec. 21. While it does contain some bangers that will carry fans throughout the winter, the general consensus of the tape is that it is a missed opportunity. There’s a little bit of both worlds, but ultimately not enough of either one to be considered memorable.

When multiple star-level forces collide to create music, it often times results in a success — see “biebs in the trap” by Travis Scott and Nav or “Motorsport” by Migos, Cardi B, and Nicki Minaj. On single songs, the primary artist taps the other to meet them at their aesthetic, crafting their vocals to match their song’s intensity and style. The problem arises when artists come together to create a body of work without establishing a lead. A middle meeting ground solves nothing, only complicating the sonic message that both artists are trying to portray.

Drake and Future’s What A Time To Be Alive lacked the staying power to warrant it as anything but a passing fad. Drake’s intimate singing and rapping style contrasted heavily with Future’s more direct, yet spacey, method of warbling. The beat choices used on the project, a jarring mix of both’s preferred styles, only exaggerated this point, leading to some great recordings that followed into questionable ones. “Jumpman” was a rare feat that captured both artists in their best lights, while the following track “Jersey” lacked Drake entirely, presumably because he wouldn’t fit in on the Monster-esque production. On the very next track, “30 for 30 Freestyle,” Drake chimes in for a solemn outing, backed by softly-strung piano keys and muted bass. The contrast between the three tracks highlighted the fact that individually, both artists are amazing, but together, when trying to strike the right mix of both aesthetics, the two suffer considerably.

Perhaps the camaraderie that exists between artists is harder to marriage on wax then they let on to be. This would explain why Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole’s long-rumored project has never come to fruition. Or why artist and producer projects like Gucci Mane’s DropTopWop and Big Sean’s Double or Nothing — both featuring Metro Boomin as the projects’ beatsmith — often fair better critically than two artists collaborative works. Producers cater to the needs of the artist versus finding common ground. The latter would lead to some less than worthy results. Without the proper lead, the arrangements feel empty and barren. By this time next year, neither of these projects will remain remembered.

The enduring success of Batman and Robin as an iconic team, able to defeat nearly any villain in the history of the heroes’ lore, should encourage musicians to rethink their approaches to crafting collaborative projects. Huncho Jack should have been the talk of the town but has already received an alarming dropoff in appreciation so soon after its release because of the two powerhouses being unable to establish whose setting the stage for the other to join. It’s not about showcasing bravado or taking the backseat to the other’s arrangements — it’s about creating something wholesome that will be memorable for fans everywhere.

Related Topics:features Lil Durk Tee Grizzley

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Editorials

Rising Rap Star KP Skywalka Set To Release Highly Anticipated Sequel to ‘Granny’s House’ On May 10th

Published

3 days ago

April 30, 2024

Kalisha Perera

KP Skywalka, the most-played rapper from the D.C. area, is poised to captivate audiences once again with the release of his latest project, “Back to Granny’s,” set to drop on May 10th, 2024. Following the success of his previous project, “Granny’s House,” KP Skywalka is back with a sequel that promises to deliver the same soulful vibes and introspective lyricism that has made him a standout in the hip-hop scene.

Known for his distinctive blend of warm soul and ’90s and ‘70s R&B samples, KP Skywalka’s music resonates with audiences on a deeply emotional level. His doe-eyed rhymes weave tales of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, inviting listeners into his world with a raw honesty that is both abrasive and sweet. With “Back to Granny’s,” KP continues to showcase his lyrical prowess, offering a unique blend of spiritual depth and street authenticity that sets him apart from his peers.

One of the highlights of “Back to Granny’s” is a feature from popular Detroit artist Peezy, adding an extra layer of depth and diversity to KP’s already impressive sound. Peezy’s contribution further elevates the project, promising fans an unforgettable listening experience from start to finish.

Drawing inspiration from his upbringing in the southeast neighborhoods of Washington, D.C., KP Skywalka pays homage to his roots while also infusing his music with elements of Jay-Z, young Wiz Khalifa, Boosie, and Pimp C. The result is a captivating fusion of D.C. influence and classic hip-hop swagger that showcases KP’s versatility as an artist.

As anticipation builds for the release of “Back to Granny’s House,” KP Skywalka stands as a beacon for those seeking lyrical depth and real-world resonance in their playlists. With cosigns from industry heavyweights like IDK, Veeze, and Offset, KP Skywalka is poised to make a lasting impact on the hip-hop landscape with his latest offering.

“Back to Granny’s” will be available on all major streaming platforms on May 10th, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to experience the next chapter in KP Skywalka’s musical journey.

Connect with KP Skywalka:

Instagram: @ skywalkalaflarekp
X: @kpskywalka
Spotify: KP Skywalka
Apple Music: KP Skywalka

Editorials

The New West Coast Festival: A Revelation in the West Coast Music Scene

Published

1 week ago

April 25, 2024

Kalisha Perera

Photo Credit : @ShotByTicas

The pulsating rhythm of music, the vivid spectacle of lights, and the passionate energy of the crowd all converged at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium in Riverside, California at the highly anticipated music festival, The New West Coast Festival. Organized by New West Coast, this grand event showcased a remarkable lineup of notable DJs and artists who brought their unique styles and talents to the stage, leaving the audience craving for more.

The festival kicked off on a high note with the charismatic Riverside social media star, JFromRiv, taking on the role of host. With his contagious enthusiasm and entertaining banter, JFromRiv effortlessly connected with the audience, building an interactive and engaging atmosphere throughout the festival.

The festival’s impressive array of DJs set the stage ablaze with their sensational performances. DJ Trill, DJ V.I.P,, and Cypress Moreno brought their distinct musical styles, delivering sets that transcended boundaries and genres. Each DJ showcased their prowess, seamlessly blending catchy beats and contagious melodies that got the crowd moving and grooving to the rhythm.

The main stage was graced by a lineup of talented artists who left a lasting impression on the audience. Lambo4oe, John Mackk, R3 Da Chilliman, Lil Maru, EBK Young Joc, Memo The Mafioso, DB.Boutabag, Fenix Flexin, Bluebucks Clan, Bravo The Bagchaser, and many more, took the festival to greater heights with their energetic performances and undeniable stage presence. Their magnetic charisma and lyrical prowess captivated the audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere that resonated throughout the venue.

However, it was the festival’s headliner, Los Angeles superstar 03 Greedo, who truly stole the show. With his unique blend of raw talent and captivating storytelling, the audience was held captive by his charismatic presence. 03 Greedo’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating why he has become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Behind the scenes, the festival’s detailed planning and organizational efforts were evident. The team behind the event worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the festival was meticulously executed, from the lighting and sound arrangements to the overall ambiance of the venue. Festival Representative Selena Reyes affirmed the team’s dedication and expressed confidence in the future of the festival, stating that this year’s event was merely a glimpse of what they are capable of achieving.

The New West Coast Festival also owes its success to the support of its sponsors. Urban Water, Heavenly Farms, and Cough Syrup by Desto Dubb played a significant role in bringing the festival to life. Their contributions, both financial and otherwise, were integral to creating an unforgettable experience for the participants.

In conclusion, The New West Coast Festival was a remarkable showcase of talent, commitment, and passion for music. From the energetic performances of the DJs to the captivating acts of the artists and the meticulous planning behind the scenes, every element of the festival came together harmoniously, creating a truly remarkable experience. As the West Coast’s music scene continues to evolve and thrive, The New West Coast Festival has undoubtedly emerged as a beacon of creativity and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to have been part of this extraordinary event.

Editorials

New Jersey’s TMG Has What It Takes

Published

3 weeks ago

April 15, 2024

Kalisha Perera

TMG is a Rising Artist From Paterson New Jersey. He found his talent for making music on accident and went with it ever since. His sound is a mixture of Hip Hop, R&B, and pop music. The people who influenced him the most in music are Tupac, LL Cool J, Notorious B.I.G, Drake just to name a few.

“I started on this journey in 2017 just having fun with it. But I remembered my little brother who passed away telling me that he always wanted to be famous. So I do it for him and hopefully one day everyone will know both our stories. The journey that I’m on now is the next stage of my artistry, and that’s to climb to the top of the charts.” – TMG.

With a nice catalog and new music set to drop soon keep TMG on your radar.