Category: Editorials

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Editorials

Consistency In Hip Hop, The Golden Era of Mixtapes, & The Demise of the XXL Freshman List (Editorial)

Does Consistency Matter In Hip Hop Anymore? If a well-renowned rapper drops a classic album at some point in their career, hip hop heads pray another one will be coming soon. Let’s think about Eminem. I have no problem deeming his first three projects masterpieces (The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, and The Eminem Show). After The Eminem Show came Encore, the first … Continue reading Consistency In Hip Hop, The Golden Era of Mixtapes, & The Demise of the XXL Freshman List (Editorial)

Julie S.
chicago, Editorials

The Importance Of Juice WRLD’s ‘Lucid Dreams’

I first heard Juice WRLD’s platinum hit Lucid Dreams as soon as it got the visual treatment from videographer sensation Cole Bennett. A bit sad, as the 19-year old is a Chicago native, and the song was featured on last year’s Juice WRLD 999 EP. Fakeshoredrive has covered him from the beginning, and last year music sites of high-caliber finally noticed the kid. This year, he … Continue reading The Importance Of Juice WRLD’s ‘Lucid Dreams’

Julie S.
Editorials

Hip Hop Albums You Should Know: Mobb Deep’s ‘Hell On Earth’

Mobb Deep is easily in my top 5 favorite hip hop groups of all time. I recently read Prodigy’s autobiography that was pretty vulgar, but honest and gave me an understanding of what he tends to talk about in his music. Yes, their debut project The Infamous is often dubbed their best album, and while it’s a genius record, I prefer Hell On Earth. This … Continue reading Hip Hop Albums You Should Know: Mobb Deep’s ‘Hell On Earth’

Julie S.
chicago, Editorials

Hip Hop YouTube Pages Worth Subscribing To (Chicago Edition)

Goody – Follow him on YouTube Goody has already had a landmark year. He’s found great success with his music, but most impressive has been his music video output. 2014 saw his first visual on YouTube, but it can’t hold a candle to the 5 that have dropped this year. Goody has worked with an array of talented videographers to keep his content fresh and … Continue reading Hip Hop YouTube Pages Worth Subscribing To (Chicago Edition)

Julie S.
Editorials

Where Is The Love? The Power of Relating to & Supporting Artists (Editorial)

It’s Sunday, and I’m sitting at Osmium – apopular coffee shop in Lakeview. On Saturdays, and especially Sundays, it’s packed. Many strangers sit together in large tables and bar stools. Who are these people sitting next to me? What are their stories? What are they struggling with right now? I wish I could talk to them without weird glances. I wish I could learn more … Continue reading Where Is The Love? The Power of Relating to & Supporting Artists (Editorial)

Julie S.
Editorials

Nas’ Illmatic & The Story Of My First Vinyl Record

I am on a one-woman mission to collect as many 90’s hip-hop albums as possible – in the form of vinyl, CD’s, or my new obsession, cassettes. I try my best to buy original pressings, but these can be taxing (to put it lightly.) When I can’t afford the OG copies, I reluctantly purchase re-pressings. It took $15, and 19 years to grab the first “classic” … Continue reading Nas’ Illmatic & The Story Of My First Vinyl Record

Julie S.
Editorials, New Music, New Videos

Catching Up On Submissions Part 3 (Best Of)

Sebastian Kamae – Dust (Single) Instrumental goodness from Chicago producer Sebastian Kame who is currently working on a new project featuring a host Chicago based artists. Dust is an apt description of the instrumental above, with similarities to Guru’s Jazzmattazz series along with lo-fi sonics and elements of old school hip hop. Singles will continue to drop while we wait for the LP out in June. … Continue reading Catching Up On Submissions Part 3 (Best Of)

Julie S.
Editorials

Hiding Behind A Screen: Music, Cyber-Bullying And Mental Health In The Age Of Social Media – Part 1 (Editorial)

When you grew up, where you grew up, how you grew up, the friends you had, the high school you went to, your ability to frequent record stores, your medium of listening to music, the popular songs on the radio, how you discovered hip hop, how you read about hip hop, and your values dictate your idea of a “classic hip hop.” Period. Why is … Continue reading Hiding Behind A Screen: Music, Cyber-Bullying And Mental Health In The Age Of Social Media – Part 1 (Editorial)

Julie S.
Editorials

What Ever Happened To Black Cobain? Discussing The Overlooked MC and His Masterpiece “Young Gifted And Black”

Black Cobain was born and raised in Virginia, and after his uncle introduced him to Nirvana and Kurt Cobain, he was given a nickname which became his rapper moniker. After graduating from Virginia State University, he knew he could make a comfortable income by becoming a popular MC. Cobain began to perform at local venues, collaborated with underground MC’s, and put out a host of … Continue reading What Ever Happened To Black Cobain? Discussing The Overlooked MC and His Masterpiece “Young Gifted And Black”

Julie S.Leave a comment
chicago, Editorials, New Music, series, Submissions, tracks

Catching Up On Submissions Part 2 (Best Of)

Sareem Poems and Ess Be put their heart and soul into their new collab Dance For the Dead. The only introduction you need is the cover art. While listening, read Sareem’s excerpt on why he created it, along with some analysis: “Dance for the Dead is an upbeat single that I begin writing over the summer of 2017. It’s about reflection & celebration of those who … Continue reading Catching Up On Submissions Part 2 (Best Of)

Julie S.Leave a comment
chicago, Editorials, New Music, New Videos, Projects, series, tracks

Catching Up On Submissions Part 1 (Best Of)

Detroit’s Ty Farris, formerly known as 40 Flame, returns this year with his elegant new track Dirt Naps. A silky smooth beat from Stu Bangas starts Ty’s even flow, combining effortless punch-lines with no holds back bars. Both Stu and Ty bring a soulful vibe to 2018, and I’m excited for his upcoming EP No Co-sign, Just Cocaine. Dirt Naps is the first single off the … Continue reading Catching Up On Submissions Part 1 (Best Of)

Julie S.Leave a comment
chicago, Editorials, Project Review

LOOKING BACK ON KING LOUIE’S CLASSIC CHICAGO MIXTAPE – “DRILLUMINATI”

If you aren’t from Chicago it may be difficult to plant yourself in the hip hop scene in 2012. Outside of the city, most hip hop fans were aware of Chief Keef, Lil Durk, and the budding drill music movement. Keef was the first drill rapper to take the sub-genre mainstream with his Don’t Like visual, although he had already built a strong buzz with … Continue reading LOOKING BACK ON KING LOUIE’S CLASSIC CHICAGO MIXTAPE – “DRILLUMINATI”

Julie S.
Editorials, series

Album Recommendations From Julie: Sleigh Bells – “Treats”

For over a year flowsfordays has focused on sharing hip hop music from independent artists. While I listen to hip hop the most, some of my favorite albums of all time delve into punk, rock, electronic, R&B, experimental, and more. As of today I am starting a series highlighting albums that don’t fall into the hip hop category – in hopes that it may compel … Continue reading Album Recommendations From Julie: Sleigh Bells – “Treats”

Julie S.1 Comment
Artist Spotlight, Editorials, series, tracks

Tales of the Sin: 5 Songs Defining Las Vegas Right Now

When it comes to Las Vegas and Hip-Hop, the marriage hasn’t always been so fruitful. Sure, now you’re starting to see more middle-tier acts make stops at venues like Brooklyn Bowl, The Joint, Vinyl and some others; but it wasn’t always this way. In fact, until recently, Hip-Hop shows were highly frowned upon outside of the confines of the strip and despite an evolving relationship … Continue reading Tales of the Sin: 5 Songs Defining Las Vegas Right Now

ajhoward47
Editorials

“Would you die for yours?” An exploration of Kendrick Lamar’s Music Video, “Loyalty”

Love is strange. It can turn you into someone you’ve never know. “Love is like a drug” may serve as a tired cliche, but can often be true. Kendrick Lamar’s music video for Loyalty, directed by Dave Meyers, plays on the oddly insane relationship between two partners in crime. It takes crazy, cunning and Loyalty. It’s no ordinary trust, though. It’s an unbreakable bond that … Continue reading “Would you die for yours?” An exploration of Kendrick Lamar’s Music Video, “Loyalty”

gregorytremel
Editorials

“I am not a fucking role model” – The Most Important Essay You’ll Ever Read About Tyler, The Creator

I went back and listened to Tyler, the Creator’s studio albums in succession, beginning with Goblin and ending with Flower Boy. I’ve collected my thoughts, feelings and opinions here because there’s no one narrative or critique that Mr. Okuna’s music produces. The emcee who once confused me with his bars now inspires me to do and say whatever the fuck I want because tomorrow will … Continue reading “I am not a fucking role model” – The Most Important Essay You’ll Ever Read About Tyler, The Creator

gregorytremel
Editorials, Reviews

This Week in Hip-Hop: Missy Elliott’s The Cookbook

Any time I see a comment, post or editorial written about the Queen of female emcees, I find myself shaking my head at the masses. I don’t think that my opinion holds any more weight than the next, but I give credit when credit is due. Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim seem to be all I ever read about. But what about Eve, Trina, Lil’ … Continue reading This Week in Hip-Hop: Missy Elliott’s The Cookbook

gregorytremel
Editorials, Uncategorized

How Mixtape Weezy Turned My Hip Hop Love Affair Into A Full Blown Marriage

When we talk about the inception of hip hop, we should start with Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, The Sugarhill Gang, and a host of other crucial players in the development and progression of the genre. Those who heard Rapper’s Delight on the radio and rocked Adidas (Run DMC), are now adults, but thanks to streaming sites, younger audiences … Continue reading How Mixtape Weezy Turned My Hip Hop Love Affair Into A Full Blown Marriage

Julie S.
chicago, Editorials, throwback

Throwback: My First Compilation Tape Off My Old Hip Hop Blog Featured Saba! WTF?!

Many of my readers may not know that I started a pretty successful hip hop blog in 2011.  I had just enrolled at Columbia College, a well-renowned arts school in Chicago. Majors included (but not limited to) photography, animation, theater, and poetry. In 2014 I received a Bachelors of Arts in music business. Throughout those 3 years I worked tirelessly on my site, as it … Continue reading Throwback: My First Compilation Tape Off My Old Hip Hop Blog Featured Saba! WTF?!

Julie S.