Anyone can rap. This playlist is dedicated to the countless freestyle sessions you and your homies have obliterated on those Friday nights following the club, the silent rhymes you formulate in your head or even the fire you only seem to spit when you're alone. Regardless of the situation, these tracks have the bounce, bap, and boom that will have you laying down a sequence of 16s until you realize you're flowing a cappella whilst the speakers fell silent.
A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator Co-headline Rocky and Tyler Tour /
Both A$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.