Pk Delay - dad. (EP) /  by Alex Young

On and for Father's Day, Pk Delay, an artist who goes by the title of 'dad,' released his "dad." extended play.

Later in the day, a person, who some would call "washed up," sent advice over Twitter motivating fathers to be the best version of themselves they can be. The person was Atlanta, Ga. rapper Trinidad James and while he was celebrating the day's paternal occasion, he also played into his own 'dad' nickname.

One of Pk's fans, and the designer of the "dad." EP's cover, @wahoolagan, rebuked to James, "@pkdelay is the true dad. Have some respect and change your name." A conversation ensued where both artists explained what their dad acronyms truly meant. 

By the end of the thread, James explained that 'DAD' to him means "destroying all doubters," and compared to Pk's "doing all deeds," the Pittsburgh rapper presents more of a father figure. 

"Besides our birth fathers, Pk Delay is the only dad we know," another fan said on Twitter to James.

Pk's phrase and consequent nickname assert that everyone should be accountable to themselves and the people around them as to build a strong and honest community. The lifestyle exemplifies some of the traits any good father should have.

Additionally, the conversation on Twitter further promoted Pk and his "dad." project, and also offered some reflection on what it means to be a father, especially on the day when showing appreciation for a dad's leadership and staunch resolve is paramount.

Although the events on social media provide a relevant talking point, focus is placed on Pk Delay's musical work. Hosting seven songs, "dad." features Pittsburgh locals Choo Jackson and The Company Only comrades Deem Trill, Joel Kellem, Seas Supreme, and Slicky Williams. The track "Here" with Slicky is a hit and something you want to hear live, which people in the 'Burgh might be able to do July 31 as Joel and Pk will open up for Young Thug.

Listen to "dad." below.

Coco - MY G (Music Video) /  by Alex Young

East London birthed grime, what we in America would call British rap. The genre of music originates from dance tracks produced at 140 beats-per-minute which was then essentially rapped over. Grime's narrative is authentic to the life of disenfranchised British youths.

Progress continues for the genre as it has been around longer than a decade. Thanks to grime's founders, like Wiley, and current heavyweights, like Giggs, JME, and Skepta, the sound and participants' growth garners mainstream exposure.

The landscape supports talented contemporaries who push the quality of grime. For instance, Coco, a native of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, gains attention for his fiery lyrics laid over hitting bass-lines.

"This fire is gonna spread, My G. You're gonna need you're bed, My G... Real I am not a bootleg, My G," Coco raps in his new music video, "My G."

While Coco receives play on British radio waves such as BBC Radio 1Xtra, he also prepares for his first ever headline show held at O2 Academy2 in Islington, London.

Hear a taste of the UK's grime scene with "My G" below and watch a proper documentary on the culture on Viceland.

 

 

 

Liana Bank$ - Off /  by Alex Young

"I've always found it alluring, the way we buy clothes to please the eye, and the eye in turn only wishes to remove them," says Liana Banks, a New York native songstress.

While Banks explains her latest single, "Off," her vocals evoke sensuality and caress listeners into the mood. With each release, following her success on "LVLUP," Banks gives tastes of her future debut project, and her soulful sounds. Enjoy "Off" below.

Juicy J Featuring Travis Scott - No English /  by Alex Young

juicy j.jpg

After slamming his "TGOD Mafia: Rude Awakening" album with fellow Taylor Gang associate Wiz Khalifa and producer TM88, Juicy J returns with new music featuring Travi$ Scott.

The new song, "No English," crafted by TM88, comes before Juicy's to-be-released mixtape, "Rubberband Business 3," and Scott's forthcoming "Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight" album.  

Thoughts on "Driving While Black" /  by Alex Young

"This is pro-black, so black it make you nervous."

Watching the memorial service for Muhammad Ali broadcasted on ESPN, Jordan Montgomery's debut solo album plays in the background. Titled "Driving While Black," Montgomery's project is a coming of age story of what it means to be young and black in America.

Since Ali's death, many stories and quotes about his champion individuality and demand for respect amongst all humans echo from the people the boxer touched. "Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong," Ali said.

Paralleled by the day of remembrance and recognition for the heavyweight champion of the world, Montgomery's music raises awareness about a problem we still face in America and around the world, racial injustice.

The Pittsburgh resident, activist and rapper, a product of 1Hood, a collective of hip-hop artists who believe art is the best way to challenge inequity and unify humanity, presents an album inspired specifically by social and political issues, like police brutality, affecting the African American community.

Conceptually, "I wanted the album to serve as a time capsule. I feel like the sound and content represents how a lot of young people feel about the modern injustices that we've witnessed," Montgomery says.

From the heavy guitar chords DJ Thermos inserts in the song "Bodies in the Trunk," and declarations like, "This is pro-black, so black it make you nervous," which Montgomery says in "Black People," the rapper resonates with the frustration some Afro-Americans feel about their treatment. The track "East Side" illustrates the life-threatening possibility of being racially profiled and arrested by police.

Though "Driving While Black" travels through troubling times of the black community, it also offers a beaming light of hope for those who relate to the album's content. Montgomery's lyricism is revolutionary and celebratory. With bounce provided by producer Christo, the song "Only Thing" offers excitement and pride around black culture. "We the only thing I hear poppin', we them boys you can't stop us,"  Montgomery raps.

However, commercial, white audiences' adoration of black culture cannot cover up the lack of respect some people have towards its creators.

Jordan Montgomery's "Driving While Black" album makes listeners aware of the injustices some people face simply because of their skin color.