Tag Archives: News

UndergroundHipHopBlog.com Featured in Feedspot Top 100 Hip Hop and Rap Blogs

In the world of online music journalism, recognition is a coveted milestone for any platform. So, when UndergroundHipHopBlog.com was recently handpicked by Feedspot panelists as one of the Top 100 Hip Hop and Rap Blogs on the web, it marked not only a significant achievement for the site but also a validation of its commitment to showcasing the best of underground hip hop culture. When most are saying the Blog era is coming to an end, it’s great to see us keeping the niche alive and well.

With its finger firmly on the pulse of the underground hip hop scene, UndergroundHipHopBlog.com has carved out a niche as a go-to destination for enthusiasts seeking fresh sounds, emerging artists, and insightful commentary. The recognition from Feedspot alongside AllHipHop, XXL, Hot New Hip Hop, and more serves as a testament to our dedication to curating quality content and staying abreast of the latest trends and developments in the genre.

While mainstream hip hop often dominates the spotlight, we remain dedicated to shining a light on underground artists who may not have the same level of exposure but possess immense talent and potential. One unique aspect of our platform is our renowned mic session series. When artists on the rise come to UGHHBlog for a Mic Session, it’s proven as a recipe for success. The platform has a knack for highlighting artists like Benny The Butcher, Dax, Trippie Redd, Kota The Friend, Beanz, and more before they blew up onto the mainstream scene. These sessions not only provide exposure for up-and-coming talent but also serve as a testament to the blog’s keen eye for identifying potential stars in the making.

UndergroundHipHopBlog.com‘s recognition on the web is a well-deserved accolade that highlights our commitment to excellence and its invaluable contribution to the hip hop community. As the blog continues to thrive and push boundaries, it remains a beacon of creativity and innovation in an ever-evolving musical landscape.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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House of Representatives Pass Bill to Ban TikTok in U.S., Bill Heads to Senate

tiktoklogo gettyimages 072121

The House of Representatives has passed a bill furthering the fight to ban TikTok.

The bill, named the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, was supported by Democrats and Republicans, while others on both sides of the aisle cited free speech issues.

According to NBC, the bill now heads to the Senate with an uncertain future. President Joe Biden stated he would sign the bill if it made it to him.

The U.S. is hoping to force TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell the app to fight a ban. America believes China can impact national security, free speech, and the social media industry.

TikTok is owned by ByteDance. The U.S. would hope for a sale within six months.

Users have stated the bill would alter their business and content creators. Others believe it could cause political problems for young voters in an election year.

Those voting against it were Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat running for Arizona’s Senate seat, who stated, “It’s vital we find a balance that both protects our national security interests and respects our fundamental rights. This is not that.”

In addition to the bill, New York City is taking TikTok, YouTube, and other social media applications to court. The city, led by Mayor Eric Adams, cites the aforementioned, along with Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and more, as a contribution to a “nationwide youth mental health crisis.”

The lawsuit is filed in the California Superior Court, stating the social applications are purposefully designed to be addictive to children and teenagers. The suit follows the Health Commissioner’s Advisory that DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Vasan issued last month, citing the continued use of social media as a public hazard. The advisory calls for parents, healthcare providers, and more to take action.

“Over the past decade, we have seen just how addictive and overwhelming the online world can be, exposing our children to a non-stop stream of harmful content and fueling our national youth mental health crisis,” said Mayor Adams in a press statement.. “Our city is built on innovation and technology, but many social media platforms end up endangering our children’s mental health, promoting addiction, and encouraging unsafe behavior.

“Today, we’re taking bold action on behalf of millions of New Yorkers to hold these companies accountable for their role in this crisis, and we’re building on our work to address this public health hazard. This lawsuit and action plan are part of a larger reckoning that will shape the lives of our young people, our city, and our society for years to come.”

NYC H+H Chief of Behavioral Health and Co-Deputy Chief Medical Officer Omar Fattal, MD, MPH added, “We must maximize our efforts to support the mental health needs of children and adolescents by providing families with tools and resources that foster healthy development. This includes robustly addressing the negative impact of social media on the mental health of children and adolescents. We join the mayor and DOHMH in encouraging all young people and their families to consider their use of social media and how it may be negatively affecting them.”

Mayor Adams’ administration has been actively addressing the youth mental health crisis. In a significant move last year, the city introduced TeenSpace, a free tele-mental health service catering to New York City teenagers aged 13 to 17. This service enables youths to connect with licensed therapists via phone, video, or text. Since its launch, TeenSpace has provided support to over 2,000 teenagers across the five boroughs within just three months of operation.

The post House of Representatives Pass Bill to Ban TikTok in U.S., Bill Heads to Senate first appeared on The Source.

The post House of Representatives Pass Bill to Ban TikTok in U.S., Bill Heads to Senate appeared first on The Source.

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The unConventionAl KingZ Sign to Strange Music Subsidiary It Goes Up Entertainment

Arizona duo the unConventionAl KingZ consisting of High Deafinician & Lowkey the Wizard have officially signed to the Strange Music subsidiary It Goes Up Entertainment owned by Travis O’Guin. They’re also fresh off a dope freestyle on the Bootleg Kev Podcast a month ago & we’re very excited to see what the future holds for them on the label.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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The Importance Unveiling Top 5 Markets For Indie Artists On Spotify

Platforms like Spotify offer a treasure trove of insights for artists striving to understand their audience and expand their reach. Among the plethora of data available, discovering the top markets where your music resonates the most can be a game-changer for indie artists looking to tailor their strategies and connect with their listeners on a deeper level.

One simple yet often overlooked method to unveil these crucial insights lies within the ‘About’ section of an artist’s profile on Spotify. By merely scrolling down on a computer and clicking on this section, a wealth of information becomes readily accessible. Among the various statistics provided, the top five markets where an artist’s music is being streamed the most stand out as invaluable pieces of information.

Understanding these top markets offers indie artists a multitude of benefits:

  1. Targeted Promotion: Armed with the knowledge of their top markets, artists can craft targeted promotional campaigns to further engage listeners in those regions. Whether it’s organizing local gigs, reaching out to local media outlets, or collaborating with influencers from those areas, targeted promotion can significantly amplify an artist’s presence.
  2. Tour Planning: For musicians considering touring, knowing their top markets helps in strategic tour planning. Instead of embarking on a cross-country tour with uncertain outcomes, artists can focus their efforts on regions where they already have a solid fan base, ensuring better attendance and overall success.
  3. Cultural Insights: Delving into the top markets provides artists with valuable cultural insights into the preferences and tastes of their audience. This understanding can inform songwriting, production decisions, and even visuals, enabling artists to create content that resonates more deeply with their listeners.
  4. Networking Opportunities: Armed with the knowledge of their top markets, indie artists can proactively network with local music industry professionals, fellow musicians, and potential collaborators in those regions. Building connections in these areas can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations, further expanding an artist’s reach.
  5. Data-Driven Decision Making: In an industry inundated with data, knowing the top markets simplifies decision-making processes for indie artists. Whether it’s deciding where to focus marketing efforts, which songs to prioritize for playlists, or even where to plan their next tour stop, having concrete data at hand empowers artists to make informed decisions that maximize their impact.
Top 5 Markets on Spotify
Los Angeles based artist Nuglife Top 5 markets on Spotify

As you can see above, understanding an artist’s popularity in specific markets on Spotify significantly influences the decisions made by venues and promoters when considering booking artists for shows or events.

  1. Risk Mitigation: Venues and promoters face considerable risks when booking artists for live performances. They invest resources in venue rental, marketing, and promotion, with no guarantee of a return on investment. By booking artists who are heavily streamed in a particular market, they mitigate some of that risk. A high streaming presence indicates an existing fan base in the area, increasing the likelihood of ticket sales and a successful event.
  2. Audience Engagement: For venues and promoters, the primary goal is to attract audiences and ensure a memorable experience for attendees. Booking artists who are popular in a specific market directly contributes to audience engagement. Fans are more likely to attend shows of artists they already enjoy listening to, leading to higher attendance rates, increased ticket sales, and a more enthusiastic audience.
  3. Maximizing Revenue: Successful events generate revenue not only from ticket sales but also from merchandise, concessions, and ancillary sales. Booking artists with a strong streaming presence in a particular market maximizes revenue potential. It creates opportunities for upselling tickets, premium experiences, and exclusive merchandise, enhancing the overall profitability of the event.
  4. Building a Reputation: Venues and promoters aim to establish themselves as go-to destinations for live music in their respective markets. By consistently booking artists who resonate with local audiences, they build a reputation for curating quality performances and staying attuned to the preferences of their patrons. This, in turn, fosters loyalty among attendees and strengthens the venue or promoter’s brand within the music community.
  5. Attracting Sponsorship and Partnerships: Successful events draw the attention of sponsors and potential partners looking to align their brands with popular artists and engaging experiences. Booking artists with a significant streaming presence in key markets enhances the appeal of events to potential sponsors, leading to lucrative partnerships that further support the growth and sustainability of venues and promoters.

In essence, uncovering the top markets on Spotify isn’t just about numbers; it’s about unlocking opportunities and forging meaningful connections with listeners around the world. This information serves as a compass, guiding indie artists in particular towards success and sustainability in their musical journey. This data also serves as a valuable tool for venues and promoters, guiding their decision-making processes and enabling them to curate lineups that resonate with local audiences. By leveraging this information, they not only minimize risk and maximize revenue but also foster stronger connections with fans and stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of the live music ecosystem.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Shaggy 2 Dope Adds HEXXX Onto May 16 Show of the Psychopathic Soldier Tour

Shaggy 2 Dope of the Insane Clown Posse had a wicked fresh show at the Catch One last summer & this spring, the Southwest Strangla is making his way around the 1720 Warehouse on May 16 for his upcoming Psychopathic Soldier solo tour. He also added HEXXX to open the upcoming Los Angeles show. You can get tickets here

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Sky-High Art: Graffiti’s Rise with Drone Tech and Social Media

In the bustling heart of Downtown Los Angeles, where towering skyscrapers pierce the heavens, a new breed of artists are making their mark on the urban landscape. But these artists aren’t armed with just cans of spray paint and paint rollers, they are also deploying drones to capture their art in places where you can only see while high in the sky.

Graffiti, once confined to the walls of alleyways and abandoned buildings, has transcended its traditional boundaries in recent years. Thanks to advancements in drone technology and the ubiquity of social media platforms, graffiti artists are gaining unprecedented notoriety and reaching audiences on a global scale.

Take, for instance, the abandoned skyscraper in Downtown LA—a towering monument to urban decay that has become a canvas for these daring artists. What was once a forgotten relic of a bygone era now serves as a stage for an exhilarating dance between man and machine. Armed with drones equipped with high-powered cameras and precision controls, these artists take to the skies, transforming the dilapidated facade into a breathtaking work of art.

But it’s not just the act of painting these towering structures that captivates audiences—it’s the spectacle of it all. As drones buzz around the skyscraper, capturing every twist and turn, bystanders below are drawn in by the sheer audacity of the endeavor. Passersby stop in their tracks, their eyes glued to their smartphones as they watch the live stream unfold on social media platforms.

And therein lies the magic of this new form of Skyscraper graffiti. No longer confined to physical space, these artists transcend boundaries, both literal and figurative. But with this newfound fame comes controversy. Critics argue that these artists are merely vandals, defacing public property for their own selfish gain. Yet, proponents counter that graffiti has always been a form of self-expression—a way for marginalized voices to be heard in a world that often ignores them.

In the end, perhaps the true beauty of graffiti lies not in the legality of its execution, but in the emotions it evokes and the conversations it sparks. As drones continue to soar ever higher and social media platforms connect us in ways we never thought possible, one thing is clear: the sky is no longer the limit for graffiti artists in the future.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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The Greatest Hip-Hop DJs of All-Time

In the world of hip-hop culture, the DJs play a crucial role. With deft hands, ear, and mind they set the sound, mood, and flow of the music. The best of them become legends. The greatest DJs of all time bring unique elements in hip-hop like no other, charting its evolution. Creating new sound effects, influencing textual content and social movements define their contributions to cultural diversity.

Besides, hip-hop has a long history of cultural and musical transformations. Now this type of music has turned into an integral part of global pop culture. It still changes, gives birth to new styles, sub-genres and trends, staying important and meaningful in the sphere of music. As well as providing you with the chance to show off your technical ability and creativity, dj jobs in New York on Jooble can also make you one of those who help hip-hop grow up.

It is not possible to celebrate every hip-hop DJing legend. Nevertheless, included among them are some of the most influential, respected and deserving of cult status whose beats have delighted millions of people across the planet:

  1. DJ Premier

Christopher Martin is DJ Premier’s real name. As a member of Gang Starr, he has recorded many classic albums (Step In The Arena, Daily Operation, Jazzmatazz: Street Soul, Hard to Earn, Moment of Truth, etc.). It should be noted that this Texas native created the unique and inimitable sound of 90s New York City. Primo was one of the main creators of the reference sound for “golden era” along with Pete Rock and D.I.T.C. crew. 

  1. Dr. Dre

Andre Young, better known as Dr. Dre, became a notable character of the 90s west coast hip hop style in Compton, California. Leaving the electro-funk band World Class Wreckin’ Cru, Andre Young got involved in hip-hop music in 1988. This led to his formation of N.W.A with some friends and production of their inaugural album called Straight Out of Compton that set new trends for the West Coast rap scene for years. In 1992, he released his first solo work “The Chronic”. With his singles “Nuthin ‘But a G’ Thang” and “Fuck Wit Dre Day” Dre rose to stardom and was recognized as the best-selling producer in rap.

  1. J Dilla

If you want to know what hip-hop would look like being human, then check out the photo of J Dilla. His real name is James Yancey, and although he lived a short life, his beats became famous and influenced a generation of young producers. Jay’s skill with the MPC drum machine made him one of the most unusual producers in history. 

  1. RZA

RZA is a very prominent hip-hop figure. Moreover, he is identified not only with the DJ but also as a producer, rapper and the founder of Wu-Tang Clan. RZA, who was Robert Diggs, produced several tracks for the group, and he also invented its unique sound. He did it by using distinctive sound samples – from films and also music- to create a new signature in Wu-Tang Clan’s works of art. Of course, his involvement in hip hop is not just about music – he has the cultural and artistic side as well.

  1. Timbaland

In the 1996-1970, Timbaland made himself very famous to the world through recording a song titled ”One in Million” with Aaliyah. Their second Missy Elliott album, namely “Supa Dupa Fly”, further established them as a winning duo of young stars. Timbaland’s sound is a very exclusive occurrence in hip-hop and also R&B music. With the help of Timbo’s unique drum pads, beatboxing and vocal inserts, one is capable of recognizing his beat seconds after a track starts. 

Thus, some of the greatest hip-hop DJs of all time have had a huge impact on the genre. Their contributions have become an integral part of the cultural heritage. Their skills and influence continue to inspire future generations of artists. 

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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3 Industries That Have Been Influenced by Hip Hop

Hip hop culture is a vibrant and powerful movement that is constantly evolving and impacting different parts of society such as music, art and fashion. Interestingly this culture has impacted various big industries in the world, including fashion, film and interestingly, the casino industry. This article is going to explore how hip hop has impacted the fashion, casino and film industry, helped to modernize them and the positive impact it has had in attracting bigger audiences.

Casino 

The casino and gambling industry is one of the biggest in the world. With many to choose from, online casinos and land-based, there are a variety of casinos out there that are specialized and influenced by a variety of different themes and cultures. Many casinos incorporate hip hop music into their venues and events. Whether that’s playing music through the speakers to create an exciting atmosphere, or even featuring hip hop artists in live performances and events. This has helped to attract a younger demographic as well as creating an unmatched atmosphere within the casino. Hip hop inspired slot machines with iconic symbols and references and casino games that feature icons and music are becoming more popular too. Themes like this cater to fans and create a more enjoyable and immersive experience for them. 

You could even argue that hip hop has played a role in the less strict dress codes that most casinos go by now too. Heading out to the casino was once a formal affair. Men would have to wear tailored suits and women formal dresses. Now, thanks to the evolution of fashion, which hip hop has played a huge role in, dress codes are more easygoing. This makes casinos more accessible as well as allowing bettors to head out in clothing that they want to wear. 

Some casinos’ marketing strategies have been influenced by hip hop. There are many promotions and advertisements that incorporate hip hop stars, language and imagery. These come with the intention of staying relevent and reaching a wider and younger audience. Some casinos have even collaborated with hip hop stars directly to promote their new games, casinos and even big events. 

Fashion 

The fashion industry has been massively influenced by hip hop. The culture has created a whole new sense of style that millions of people incorporate into their outfits every day. Hip hop works hand in hand with street fashion and has helped to modernize style and shape it into some of the popular styles we know today. Fashion isn’t just about looking good in clothes, it’s also about expressing yourself and Hip Hop has given so many individuals the inspiration to express their personality through their clothing. Some popular styles are baggy jeans, sneakers and of course, bling. 

With names such as Drake, Cardi BBLU and Roy Royal acting as style icons and huge brands such as Nike, Addidas and Puma creating clothing lines that are inspired by the culture, hip hop style has never been so accessible to individuals. This has led to a huge movement in fashion and hip hop becoming its own entity in the fashion world. Many artists have even collaborated with big brands to create collections of clothing and even limited-edition items, which further solidifies the influence of the culture on fashion trends. 

Film

And finally, hip hop culture has also had a huge impact on the film industry. A lot of artists put their tracks on movie soundtracks or even write music specifically for a certain movie. This has led to even more exposure to the music genre and artists and has been a great way to enhance the cinematic experience for the audience. There have even been artists who have transitioned into acting, such as Will Smith and Queen Latifah and become household names in both industries. This just shows the level of influence hip hop can have. 

The culture has also provided a source of inspiration for a lot of filmmakers. Some popular examples are “Boyz in the Hood” and “Straight Outta Compton”. The themes of these movies celebrate the rich history and reflect the struggles and triumphs of the community, educating the rest of the world on cultural and social issues most artists have had to face. 

In summary, it’s clear that hip hop has played a huge role and influence in a number of different industries. With a culture that is so loved and celebrated, it’s easy to see why these industries have incorporated and celebrated into their business. The impact is huge, we can see it in our clothes, in our entertainment, it’s all around us. With hip hop continuing to impact trends and push boundaries, it’s exciting to see what other industries are incorporating the vibrant culture too.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Statue Of Notorious B.I.G. Returns To Brooklyn For Exhibition

Notorious BIG Statue x Sherwin Banfield

Source: The Billie Holiday Theatre / The Billie Holiday Theatre

A popular statue commemorating The Notorious B.I.G. will return to Brooklyn for a special exhibit on Black resistance and music in time for Black History Month.

Notorious BIG Statue x Sherwin Banfield

Source: The Billie Holiday Theatre / The Billie Holiday Theatre

On Friday (Feb. 9), The Billie Holiday Theatre announced that it would be hosting Sky’s The Limit: Music Is My Resistance, a visual art exhibition. At the heart of the exhibition will be the striking statue dedicated to a beloved son of the borough, the late Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace aka Biggie. The statue, created by artist Sherwin Banfield, is entitled: “Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings,” which will be present at the theatre for the duration of the exhibition.

The exhibition is slated to also feature smaller sculpted pieces from Banfield’s extensive portfolio of work in addition to paintings, prints and sculptures from a slew of other artists. All of the works will be displayed in the lobby of The Billie Holiday Theatre, located in Bedford-Stuyvesant only minutes away from where The Notorious B.I.G. grew up. The exhibition will open Feb. 15 with a reception featuring a Q&A session with Banfield. The Queens, New York, native will return to the theatre Feb. 28 for an artists’ talk on resistance with Hip-Hop icon and host of Video Music Box, Ralph McDaniels, and Hip-Hop historian Leroy McCarty. Sky’s The Limit: Music Is My Resistance will be free to the public for viewing until May 30. 

“Music and the arts have always been a cornerstone of Black expression through which we get to authentically tell our stories. For this exhibition, we wanted to highlight how vital music has been to the Black experience as it relates to resistance and we wanted to do it in a way that was unique to Brooklyn,” said Shadawn Smith, The Billie Holiday Theatre’s executive director in the announcement. “With his Biggie sculpture as the centerpiece, Sherwin Banfield is the perfect collaborator to help us bring that vision to life.”

“The Notorious B.I.G. is the truest representation of Brooklyn. His poetry is peppered with mentions of Brooklyn throughout his short but impactful career. By immortalizing The Notorious B.I.G into a respected monument, we introduce a unique cultural and educational opportunity for his community and his millions of fans around the world to experience this monument in B.I.G.’s Bed Stuy neighborhood while showcasing a diverse representation of creativity here at The Billie Holiday Theatre,” Banfield said in the press release.

Source: HipHopWired.com

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X Clowns Jermaine Dupri’s Apple Music Halftime Show Fit, Say His Socks Were So So Trash

X Clowns Jermaine Dupri's Super Bowl Halftime Performance Outfit

Source: PATRICK T. FALLON / Getty / Jermaine Dupri

Jermaine Dupri thought he got a fit off, but X users vehemently disagreed.

Usher’s highly anticipated Apple Music Halftime performance at Super Bowl LVIII blessed us with many moments worth talking about and, most importantly, joking about.

One person catching heat on social media is So So Def general Jermaine Dupri and his choice of drip, which many believe was so so trash.

Dupri hit the stage during the performance, rocking a black short suit with a white button-up underneath paired with some eyebrow-raising socks and loafers.

Many viewers thought Durpi was CeeLo Green at first. One person wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “MY MAMA THOUGHT JERMAINE DUPRI WAS CEELO LMFAOOOOOOOO.”

Others couldn’t help but clown Dupri’s fit, especially his choice of socks.

Even Suge Knight got in on the fun. Also, how the hell is he running an X account from prison?

Of course, the slander of his fit didn’t get past him, and Dupri decided to respond via Instagram by showing that his socks were from Louis Vuitton.

In the caption for the post, he wrote, Ha!! ok I ain’t have time for y’all last night I was too drunk, me and my homies performed at the Super Bowl!so I’m just really seeing y’all got me fucked up !! But I will say it’s funny as hell,yoooo!! @pharrell you see this !? PS we came into this game with our clothes on backwards, i ain’t no regular nigga.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jermaine Dupri (@jermainedupri)

Little did Dupri know that his responding by showing us he bought a pair of overpriced socks would only worsen the situation.

We’re glad Jermaine Dupri is being a good sport about the jokes. You can see more reactions to his awful fit in the gallery below.


Source: HipHopWired.com

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