Both A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator released full-length projects this year, At. Long. Last. ASAP and Cherry Bomb respectively. Now, the two rappers have announced a joint co-headlining tour this fall. Rocky and Tyler Tour kicks off September 19 in Lowell, MA and features accompaniments by Danny Brown and Vince Staples. Tickets go on sale this Friday, 10am at rockyandtyler.com and be aware for added show dates.
Drake & Air Jordan 10 'OVO' /
For the last two weeks Drake's behavior resembles more of his boss, Michael Jordan; a statement complimenting and comparing Drake's winning spirit he exuded all throughout his beef with Meek Mill. Two years ago Drake aligned himself and OVO with greatness announcing a partnership with Jordan Brand. Quickly after the news fans learned they would be the ones to reap the rewards of the deal as 'OVO' Air Jordan 10 and 12 silhouettes surfaced on Drake's Instagram but never received a release date.
Roll forward to July 22, 2015, on this day to many Drake sits as the game's most popular rapper and most talented rapper. Meek Mill goes on a Twitter rant saying his recent success made relevant by his album Dreams Worth More Than Money should not be a surprise, he has "been had the culture" and it is no credit to his relationship with Nicki Minaj. He went on to Tweet, "Stop comparing drake to me too... He don't write his own raps! That's why he ain't tweet my album because we found out!" Drake is being challenged and rap's brash, primal, and proud culture means Drake must respond. Imagine how Michael Jordan felt after being challenged any point after winning back-to-back-to-back NBA championships, that is the type of frustration and determination that leads to the Flu Game and 6 rings when it is all said and done.
Drake's counterattack came swiftly, strategically dropping two diss tracks "Charged Up" and "Back To Back Freestyle" right before hip hop's epicenter shifted to Drake's home court-- Toronto, for OVO Fest this past weekend. OVO and all its fans relished in their icon's victory, taunting the loser with "Free Meek Mill" t-shirts and memes on screen while Drake performed. OVO Fest served as Drake's trophy ceremony, the man delivered on a world stage-- a true championship moment that made wearing the Air Jordan 10 'OVO' only appropriate, especially with the sneaker's public release date officially announced.
On September 12, 2015 the 'OVO' 10 will launch globally to select Jordan retailers. The sneaker boasts a tonal white colorway built with premium leathers and gold accents branding both parties. When Drake signed to Jordan Brand in 2013 it is unknown if the plan was to hold the shoes for a special moment, but thanks to Drake's dismantling of Meek Mill now is the perfect and only time. Watch the golden owl become timeless.
Mac Miller Performs New Album's First Single "100 Grandkids" /
Mac Miller divulged to Twitter on July 30, 2015 his third studio album was finally complete after scrapping nine albums and pushing through two and a half years of hard work. His first project on new label Warner Bros. has no release date yet, but the record's first single has surfaced. August 1st at Grass Roots Music Festival in Omaha, NE Mac played "100 Grandkids" for the crowd. The new sounds hit, the track will be a welcome site when CD Quality hits Internet waves. Stay tuned for updates on Mac's new album and watch him perform "100 Grandkids" below.
Update 8/10/15: The YouTube Video has been deleted, and this weekend Mac Miller officially released the track as well as tour dates for Good A.M.
Jaden Smith Freestyles We are All Individuals on Soulection Radio Show /
The beauty of Apple Music lies in the nooks and crannies of the streaming service. For instance, artists' Connect profiles, essentially Apple's exclusive social networking platform. Or the diverse offering of curated radio shows. Along with the likes of OVOSound and Dr. Dre's The Pharmacy, Soulection-- a Los Angeles collective of producers and DJs like Sángo and esta-- hosts a set every Saturday featuring The Sound of Tomorrow. Progressive, introspective, and fluid vibes describe Soulection so support by Jaden Smith is not unexpected. But, certainly welcome after recently expounding upon his "misfit" movement, calling it individualism fused with collaborative spirit. He stopped by Joe Kay's Soulection show on Beats 1 over the weekend to deliver a freestyle over Mr. Carmack's "1994" instrumental; the song expands Jaden's message encouraging everyone to find themselves through self expression-- listen below.
InTheRough Gallery for Life's Goods /
Today, InTheRough celebrates the opening of "Gallery"-- a space where consumers can browse and purchase selections of art. Gallery compliments ITR's "Life's Goods" and "Projects" pages because it offers tangible creations that comment on popular culture. The marketplace place houses work by multiple artists leaving endless possibilities to what specifically is and will be sold in the future. Gallery will open and close as InTheRough works to showcase new, unique products.
First to display in Gallery is Amani Davis of Kamili and Alex of InTheRough presenting a range of illustration and photography prints. Gallery's first exhibition comes on the cusp of Kamili, an art exhibition that re-purposed wood from torn down Pittsburgh neighborhoods. ITR's work with Amani and Hannibal Hopson now allows the opportunity for a space dedicated to the sale of art.
Amani comes to Gallery with colorful 11x17in illustration prints influenced by hip hop music's current atmosphere. The pieces recognize musicians' popularity as well as their rambunctious lifestyle. While Amani's pieces are pointed, there is an abstract quality that characterizes the illustrations, particularly in "Thuggin Noise".
In documenting Life's Goods for InTheRough, Alex finds he has amassed many photographs of his Pittsburgh environment and images inviting to the eye. He adds an intriguing 16x20 photograph print capturing the city's David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
On July 25th Alex, Amani, and Hannibal took to Pittsburgh's Hamilton Ave where a building covered in pink served as the backdrop to show Gallery's pieces. The area's painted walls substituted for any basic white or black background, the physical gallery we crafted in the building's parking lot serves as the visuals consumers will see in Gallery. Explore the exhibit here.