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When Collaborating With Other Artists, Don’t Settle

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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.

Editorials

DAI FIT is the Go-To Workout Program for Entertainers and Professionals Across the Globe

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DAI FIT is one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury nutrition & health training companies. The exciting company’s owner, DaiJa Monet, has used the last seven years to establish herself and create an insightful program that allows men and women of all shapes and sizes to build a consistent workout and dietary routine to lead toward a healthier lifestyle. The HBCU graduate’s reach stretches far past her hometown of Denver, Colorado. After spending most of her time at Equinox in the nation’s capital, she realized she had everything it took to become a top trainer for dedicated professionals willing to invest in their health. 

DAI FIT’s unique hybrid programs allow her to help her clients with whatever they need, whenever they need it. She offers virtual training, in-person, and a mixture of both in her separate packages. Her experience involves high-ranking government officials, lawyers, doctors, and some of the world’s top entertainers. Monet has built trust and strong bonds with her customers due to her excellent work ethic and infectious personality. Her goal remains the same for all her clients, and results will always be the driving force.

Start the year with a free consultation from one of the health industry’s best in the business today! Follow @daifitorg on Instagram and visit www.daifit.org to join the DAI FIT family today!

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Artist To Watch

Afrobeats record producer and artist Lancky Cresco releases “All This”

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Multifaceted Nigerian-American artist and record producer Lancky Cresco today shares a brand new single titled, “All This.”

The talented artist renowned for his cross-genre sound palette of Hip Hop, R&B & Afrobeats strikes again with this cathartic record that has him wear his heart on his sleeve. “All This,” is a creative blend of sounds and melodies that incorporates various elements into it – making for a dynamic work of art that sets the tone for who Cresco is.

Combining strummed guitars, haunting background cacophony, rhythmic shakers, among a raft of sounds, this Lancky cut, like the majority of his works, is sticky with emotion, grosses a fullness about it, and has an almost heartbroken texture. Subject matter wise, Lancky is in a lamentation state of an ex-lover as he combs through different feelings to share this powerful record. The track is a well-rounded effort of pain. 

“Looking at the world around us we have all this beauty, we need to take time to appreciate it,” Lanky Cresco says.

Lancky, who has made a name for himself for managing to bridge traditional influences of music with a modern approach, follows this song after his earlier releases “DONGOYARO” & “Super Glue.”

“Helping people is what is making me dedicate my life to music,” he says. “I believe music can change the world, and I want to contribute my music to uplift people, changing the world one step at a time.”

His bombastic vibes are clear for everyone to vibe to on “All This.” He has previously stated his music “is medicine for good mind and body” and this recipe is again reinstated on his latest single. 

He started making music from an early age while he was in elementary school in Nigeria before joining the choir to further his prowess on the drums. With a profound background in music, he has now developed his craft into a full-throttle music production craftsman and mix engineer that conjures savory sounds that exude feel-good vibrations. He is also a singer by design and can stir up different inflections and melodies to deliver meaningful messages through song. 

Listen to “All This” below:    

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4Men By Women

Bronx Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist, Denise Styless, Talks Hiphop Fashion and Fatman Scoop

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Denise Styless, New York upcoming celebrity wardrobe stylist is making moves and breaking barriers in the fashion industry. Commencing her budding fashion & entertainment career in 2019 Denise is already making a name for herself as a fashion staple. Growing in her career she has styled NYCs elite from Fatman Scoop, actor and child prodigy River Mason Eromosele, and Rizr Footwear. Denise styling technique is a merge of lifestyle meets couture. As well, she is a model liaison merging models with events, runway shows, photo-shoots and casting calls nationally. In addition to gaining online support from fashion house FUBU.  Rising in fame she has been featured on various top tier outlets: Medium24hiphopVocal, One West Magazine, and Grind Magazine.  Here’s my interview with  celebrity wardrobe stylist, Denise Stylesss.


 How did you land such prominent hip-hop clients? I landed my clients by building my relationships with people. As well, through networking within the entertainment industry. When you’re transparent with your intentions, opportunities present themselves. 

What made you get into fashion? I got into fashion through my grandmother. She had a sewing machine and would create my Halloween costumes when I was a child. Her creative influence inspired me immensely. Once I unearthed my vast zeal for fashion I realized her influence carried me through my adulthood. 

celebrity wardrobe stylist Denise Styless and FatMan Scoop on set together

How was it working with the legend FatMan Scoop? Working with Fatman Scoop was an amazing experience. Fatman scoop is an icon that I watched in my youth. It made me reflect on my childhood. It was a full circle moment for me to dress someone that created roots within the hip-hop community.

What is the best advice you can give to someone aspiring to dress as a hip hop artist? The best advice I can give an aspiring celebrity wardrobe stylist is  to be normal and organically yourself. You want to treat your clients with love; similar to family. You want to enhance their style while capturing the essence of fashion.

What is the key to your success? The key to my success is God. My faith in God continues to keep me motivated and devoted to my craft.


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