30 Years of Illmatic
30 years ago today, Nas would release the epitome of Hip-Hop, the incomparable Illmatic. John Myles looks back at one of the most important albums of the modern age.
Westside Gunn Albums Ranked
Westside Gunn is one of the most prolific figures in modern hip-hop. With an extensive catalog and influence, he is one of the most important artists of this generation. With his most recent release. I decided to go back through the discography and rank one of the most prolific and unique catalogs we have seen to date.
Earl sweatshirt & the alchemist - voir dire review
After years of yearning from fans, and countless hours of internet scouring in search of a hidden album, Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist finally joined forces this year to drop their first full-length collab album, VOIR DIRE. But now that the dust has settled and the album has been digested, was it worth the wait? Did it live up to the massive expectations set upon it by fans?
Catalyst / Vs Self @ Market Hotel
Tucked into an unassuming street corner, Market Hotel is a historic venue located in Bushwick Brooklyn. With an iconic large window behind the stage that overlooks a working train station, Market Hotel is unique and unforgettable. On Saturday, September 2nd, Sleepwell, Auxiena Saint, Olth, Catalyst, and Vs Self brought insanity to this little Brooklyn stage. As people watch the show through the window while waiting for their train, concertgoers indoors are just as enthralled.
JAM POETRY, NO MOMENTUM, GOOD SLEEPY, OOLONG @ STONE CIRCLE THEATER NY
It's impossible to go wrong when playing on a stage adorned with stained glass windows, underneath a tall and decretive high ceiling. Church by day, concert venue by night, Ridgewood Presbyterian Church in Queens New York, otherwise known as Stone Circle Theatre, opened its doors on Saturday, August 5th for bands, Jam Poetry, No Momentum, Oolong, and all the way from Massachusetts, Good Sleepy.
HIP-HOP TURNS 50
“Every song, artist, and album does something different for me than the one before it…I hope to never discover the amount of money I’ve spent replacing blown-out headphones and speakers.”
UTOPIA (Album Review)
Almost 5 years to the day. It had been almost half a decade since the release of Travis Scott’s phenomenal (in every sense of the word) album, ASTROWORLD. The world is far different than it was in 2018, and on July 28th, Travis returned and revealed to us, a new world and soundscape. All the rage, booming production, and a feature list like an Avengers movie present, culminating into this grand-epic body of work; we are presented with the 4th album in the discography of one of the biggest artists in not just hip-hop, but all of music: UTOPIA.
Your Arms Are My Cocoon, Oolong, Godfuck, Gingerbee, & Warm Wishes, July 17th @ The Meadows - Brooklyn, NY
Your Arms Are My Cocoon began as a solo project by Tyler Odom, releasing their brilliant self-titled EP in September of 2020, and they have steadily grown a dedicated fanbase since then. On Monday, July 17th, they played a packed show as a part of their 2023 summer tour at The Meadows in Brooklyn, New York, with support from bands Warm Wishes, Gingerbee, Godfuck, and Oolong, for a rowdy yet intimate crowd.
Drake & 21 Savage - Barclays Center (07/17/23)
The Boy. The 6ix God. “Wheelchair Jimmy.” Champagne Papi. For those who don’t know, these appear random. But they all have one central meaning, Drake. The Degrassi actor turned one of the greatest rappers of all time, is finally back on the road for his “IT’S ALL A BLUR” Tour with 21 Savage.
Marcyline @ The Mercury Lounge (07/07/23)
On July 7th, New York City band Marcyline proved this very wrong as they opened with an energetic set at the Mercury Lounge in lower Manhattan. It was a shame for anyone who missed this opener.
MooseCreek Park @ Sand City South (06/17/23)
The first opener MooseCreek Park, a young emo band from Long Island, immediately got the crowd comfortable, setting the tone for the rest of the show. Having the pleasure to capture photos of this band since the summer of 2022 has only further documented their tremendous growth. Expanding colossally since their last release, Moose’s new work is nothing short of masterful as they plan to release their first full album titled “Hope This Clears Things Up” this July 1st, 2023.
Warm Wishes In Middle Island, NY (06/10/23)
A staple part of Long Island’s music scene is its abundant basement shows, and just last Saturday, June 10th, an unassuming house in Middle Island hosted Georgie’s Birthday Bash for an overflowing basement. Together, The Cavaliers, Oolong (solo set), There Are No Tigers, and Warm Wishes played an unforgettable four-band gig in honor of Warm Wishes’ lead singer’s birthday.
Navy Blue @ The Market Hotel (06/10/2023)
If Navy Blue is not on your radar, you are doing yourself and your ears a disservice. If you are debating going to one of the shows he has left on the tour, you would be remiss to not attend if you’re able. That was a show I will always feel lucky to have attended.
Navy Blue: The Truest - "Ways of Knowing" Album Review
Released on March 23, with 13 tracks, this candid and personable album hits all the marks, and is a solid debut for the Brooklyn-based artist. Only 26, he exudes and displays on this album, better than any of his other projects, an incredibly strong sense of self-awareness, honesty, and knowledge, that those who are 10 years older than him may still not discover for a few more years. Topics like self-growth, pain, death, loss of feelings, and honest reflections about one’s self and love are all on display and discussed. All while leaving behind any sense of preachiness and cliché.
StonedFest @ Rams Pub
Rams Pub in Holbrook is notorious for its rowdy metal shows, drawing in crowds so large they spill out through the door and onto the front lawn.
Spring / Summer Preview: Three Metal Projects You Need to Pay Attention to
Comebacks from Incendiary, Avenged Sevenfold, and a follow-up to The Depression Sessions.