Amber

One of hip hop's favorite trios has blessed the world with a new song. On Friday (April 3), The Lox returned with a single that is all about their dedication to themselves, each other, the streets that raised them, and the code that they live by. Styles P, Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch each trade verses and partner up on the catchy chorus of "Loyalty & Love," a streetwise, straightforward song that packs a New York punch. "Loyalty & Love" comes almost a month after Jadakiss released his acclaimed album, Ignatius. When The Lox aren't' in the studio cooking some heat for their fans, they're working on heir successful careers. Outside of music, you can catch Styles P and his wife on Marriage Boot Camp, hashing out their personal lives in front of adoring reality television fans. In the meantime, stream "Loyalty & Love" by The Lox and let us know what you think. Quotable Lyrics You know what the f*ck it is, I ain't got a f*ck to give (I ain't got a f*ck to give) I ain’t got a buck to give, the n*ggas on that sucker sh*t Got me on my '93, Wu, bring the rucker sh*t Only break bread with the homies that I suffered with (My homies) That sucker sh*t don't reside here, you should slide or die from a wild n*ggas idea (Die) View the full article

The world was first given a sneak peek at Frank Ocean's song "Cayendo" last year during his coveted club appearance in New York City. The song was a much different tempo as the track he delivered on Friday (April 3), but music lovers aren't being picky. Frank Ocean surprised fans with two releases, "Cayendo (Side A - Acoustic)" and "Dear April," giving them a bit of sunshine through this strange time under quarantine. The tracks were available on SoundCloud for a short time before officially making their way to streaming services. The songs were featured on Ocean's 7" vinyl that was made available for pre-order last year. The records only recently made their way into the hands of fans who were eager to leak Ocean's latest tunes. On "Cayendo," Frank Ocean slows things down and delivers a song bilingual track of Spanish and English lyrics about love and loss. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. Quotable Lyrics You stood me up, you lay me down You know too much, I can't be proud I still really, really love you, yes I do When I still really, really love you, like I do If you won't, then I will If you can't, then I will Is it love to keep it from you? View the full article

What better way to introduce herself to the world than to deliver a debut album titled after her nickname. Kiana Ledé is no stranger to the entertainment industry and has been navigating her career since she was just 14-years-old. The now-22-year-old has been given a second chance at a first impression with the release of her debut project KIKI that was released on her new label, Republic Records. The R&B sounds from the Arizona native are a delightful addition to the rising artists in music's current culture who are looking to stake their claim as the next noteworthy star. Kiana calls on a handful of fellow artists to help her along on KIKI including Lucky Daye, 6LACK, Moneybagg Yo, BIA, Col3trane, Arin Ray, and Dreamville's Ari Lennox. Stream KIKI by Kiana Ledé and let us know your thoughts. Tracklist 1. Cancelled. 2. Movin. 3. Mad at Me. 4. Chocolate. ft. Ari Lennox 5. Forfeit. ft. Lucky Daye 6. Second Chances ft. 6LACK 7. Crazy. 8. Plenty More. 9. Skiterlude. 10. Labels. ft. Moneybagg Yo & BIA 11. Honest. 12. Feel a Way. 13. Good Girl. ft. Col3trane 14. Attention. 15. Separation ft. Arin Ray 16. Protection. 17. No Takebacks View the full article

With as many collaborations as Lil West and Brevin Kim have together, they're well on their way to having enough tracks for a joint album. The Delaware rapper and Boston duo have steadily released multiple collaborative singles over the last few months. Back in December, Brevin Kim added Lil West to the remix of their song "the wedding!" Then, weeks ago, Lil West featured them on his track, "Bleach." The artists return once again, this time to round out their trio of singles with "Luck." The short-running track falls under two minutes, but it's a good vibe for these quarantine days. Last year, we received two projects from Lil West, Vex Part 1 & Vex Part 2, both of which were well-received from the newcomer. The young artist is known for experimenting with various genres, so it'll be interesting to see what he comes up with on his next album. In the meantime, stream "Luck" by Lil West and Brevin Kim and let us know what you think. Quotable Lyrics Just me and my bro, can't do no wrong Pull out all this cash to feed my hoes Boy want all this action, G.I. Joe You worryin' about your past but me I don't View the full article

Fusing genres is a Thundercat specialty. On his latest release, Is Is What It Is, the Los Angeles singer-songwriter blends R&B, funk, soul, and futuristic sounds to deliver a smooth, jam-filled project. Thundercat has endured much throughout his career—and life—to bring him to the place he is now. The title of his album is a phrase commonly used by millions that speak on accepting things as they are. “It feels like a place of rest, a bit, for me,” Thundercat told Entertainment Weekly. “Even saying it to myself sometimes makes things feel a bit better. It's a hard thing.” If you listen to the record hard enough, you'll find that you hear the lyrics "it is what it is" sprinkled throughout the album. Thundercat has also called on a handful of other artists to assist him on the project including Childish Gambino, Ty Dolla $ign, Louis Cole, Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, Zack Fox, Lil B, and Pedro Martins. Give It Is What It Is a few spins and let us know what you think. Tracklist 1. Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22-26 2. Innerstellar Love 3. I Love Louis Cole ft. Louis Cole 4. Black Quails ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino 5. Miguel's Happy Dance 6. How Sway 7. Funny Thing 8. Overseas ft. Zack Fox 9. Dragonball Durag 10. How I Feel 11. King of the Hill 12. Unrequited Love 13. Fair Chance ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Lil B 14. Existential Dread 15. It is What it is ft. Pedro Martins [via] View the full article

Drake releases his new dance single "Toosie Slide," which is already a viral dance trend on TikTok. View the full article

On the heels of receiving a co-sign from Oprah Winfrey, Drake delivers his latest single "Toosie Slide." The OWN mogul recently reacted to Lil Yachty's track "Oprah's Bank Account" featuring Drake and DaBaby. "I love it. I love it. I loveeeeee it! Yes, I love it," she told the Associated Press. "I haven’t seen the video but it’s nice to be in a Drake song no matter what — especially for your bank account, OK!" Drake returns with "Toosie Slide," a song that has already set social media on fire. We may not see Oprah taking to TikTok to give her best dance moves to Drake's bars, but thousands of the social platform's users have made the snippet a viral hit prior to the song's release. “Drake hit me up and was like, ‘Yo, I need your help,'” Toosie, a dancer from the original video told Rolling Stone. “So he sends the record. It was just an idea at the time. It was just the hook and a verse. I came up with this dance. [Drake said,] ‘What you think? You think you can come up with a dance for this song that I made?’ So I sit down, listen to it. Luckily, I’m at Ayo and Teo’s house with Hii Key and all of us. We all chilling. We came up with it pretty fast. We just all pieced it together. We all contributed.” Check out Drake's "Toosie Slide" and let us know what you think of the OVO mogul's bars. Quotable Lyrics Nike crossbody, got a piece in it Got a dance, but it's really on some street sh*t I'ma show you how to get it It go right foot up, left foot, slide Left foot up, right foot, slide Basically, I'm sayin', either way, we 'bout to slide, ayy Can't let this one slide, ayy [via] View the full article

Millions of creatives have found themselves confronted with financial hardships during this COVID-19 quarantine. Independent contractors and freelancers have been fired or laid off from their jobs, and with artists on pause because of the coronavirus pandemic, the musicians and singers that work with them are out of work. Some members of the rich and famous elite are donating money to COVID-19 relief efforts, but H.E.R. reportedly made sure that her team is taken care of financially. Emma McIntyre / Staff / Getty Images H.E.R.'s act of generosity would have gone unnoticed if it wasn't for her supporting vocalist Ajanee Hambrick. In an Instagram post, Ajanee shared that H.E.R. not only gave her money to cover her expenses for the next few months, but for everyone who works with and for her. "I’ve been gone for a second because My family was directly effected by COVID 19 All of us were infected with the virus," Ajanee wrote. "Today This BOSS just blessed her whole team With some COVID 19 funds to help us through the next few months I’m not talking about alil bag for groceries! SHE JUST BLESSED EVERY LAST ONE OF US! THANK YOU sis!" She went to encourage all artists "who HAS It like that" to mirror H.E.R.'s act of altruism. "Especially if they have been down from day 1 Thank You @hermusicofficial for being someone who leads by example!" Check out Ajanee Hambrick's post below. View the full article

The COVID-19 quarantine has caused many political leaders to go to extreme measures to ensure the safety of their citizens. Some places are issuing fines for people found out and about with purpose and it was rumored that some states in the U.S. would begin implementing "arrests" for people who violated "Stay At Home" orders. Some people find the mandatory lockdown to be an invasion of their rights, while others are taking the ordinance as seriously as possible with the hopes that it will be over sooner than later. One leader has reportedly used the threat of death on his citizens. Controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has reportedly stated that if anyone is found wandering the streets, they are to be shot on sight. According to CBS News, residents on the mainland are under strict lockdown orders. However, some have taken to the streets to protest the lack of supplies and poor living conditions during the COVID-19 quarantine. The government has reportedly denied these allegations, and now President Rodrigo Duterte is putting his foot down. "I will not hesitate. My orders are to the police and military, as well as village officials, if there is any trouble, or occasions where there's violence and your lives are in danger, shoot them dead," the Philippine President said during a televised speech. "Do not intimidate the government. Do not challenge the government. You will lose." Of their 57 million citizens, the Philippines reportedly has approximately 2,700 reported cases and 110 deaths to date. "I will not hesitate my soldiers to shoot you," Duterte added. "I will not hesitate to order the police to arrest and detain you." [via] View the full article

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has been granted early release from prison due to COVID-19 concerns and will serve the rest of his sentence in home confinement. View the full article

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine will serve the balance of his federal sentence in home confinement, a judge ordered, due to coronavirus-related conditions in prison. View the full article

Adam Schlesinger, who died April 1, wrote songs that were loved by many fans who never knew his name. Here's a sampling of his work in rock, film, TV and more. View the full article

Sam Hunt will release his new album "Southside" into a musical environment that Lil Nas X, Blanco Brown and others would tell you Hunt helped shape. View the full article

Kathy Valentine's hair-raising memoir recounts life before, during and shortly after the Go-Go's ascended to become the darlings of the MTV generation. View the full article

James Corden in "One Man, Two Guvnors," stories with Dolly, Cirque du Soleil, Nadia Sirota with Anthony Roth Costanzo, L.A. Chamber Orchestra and more. View the full article

Fountains of Wayne's "Utopia Parkway" features what may be the late Adam Schlesinger's most lovable hero: An outer-borough striver with big plans. View the full article

Ellis Marsalis, jazz pianist, teacher and patriarch of a New Orleans musical family that includes famed musician sons Wynton and Branford, has died. He was 85. View the full article

Adam Schlesinger, the Fountains of Wayne co-founder who died Wednesday of coronavirus complications, is being fondly remembered by his peers and admirers. View the full article

Adam Schlesinger, cofounder of "Stacy's Mom" rock band Fountains of Wayne and songwriter for film and television, died from complications related to COVID-19. He was 52. View the full article

From Neil Diamond's updated "Sweet Caroline" to spoofs of "Kokomo" and "Stayin' Alive," here are the best song parodies to keep you company in quarantine. View the full article

Chuck D says Public Enemy firing Flavor Flav was a hoax intended to send a message. The revelation coincides with today's release of Enemy Radio's new album. View the full article

The NBA season may have been stopped because of the current global health pandemic but that doesn't mean that the league is exempt from the usual drama. Things have just shifted over to the virtual world. Without the opportunity to compete on the hardwood, NBA players will be going head-to-head in a Players-Only League on NBA 2K20. The game's social media head, Ronnie 2K, is well-known in the basketball community and, although he usually remains diplomatic, he forgot that he was on a live-stream when he hopped on a call about the upcoming tournament. Speaking to one of his colleagues, he accidentally revealed his true feelings about DeMarcus Cousins. "Cousins is such a dick, I can see him just being like, 'I don't wanna fucking do this,'" said Ronnie 2K, forgetting that he was in the middle of a live-stream. Once the 7-foot-tall center caught wind of the comment, he responded with a GIF on Twitter, which forced the gaming wiz to apologize. "Bro in a moment of work stress, I said something super dumb that wasn’t at all how I feel about you," said Ronnie 2K. "My bad & I sincerely apologize. Let’s have some fun starting this weekend, bring the action and see if you can be crowned champ." Rookie mistake. [via] View the full article

It's been awhile since we last scoured Soundcloud and brought you an edition of The Discovery Channel playlist. Since last summer, actually. Since it's inevitable everyone is at home working on their next musical masterpiece, or perhaps just beginning to dabble and experiment (because nothing else to do), we've decided it's an opportune moment to bring the playlist back. For this particular edition, we really relied on YOU. We put out a call for submissions on both Instagram and Twitter, and we received a shit ton of submissions in our Soundcloud DMs, and the best ones we heard actually make up the bulk of this playlist. For clarity purposes, I want to say: not every single song on the playlist below was submitted by a user -- approximately 12 of the songs that make up the 18-song playlist were user-submitted, and the rest I found through Soundcloud listening sessions. If you submitted but didn't make it this time, please keep your eyes peeled for when our DMs will be back open, as we plan to do that again very soon. The artists below are true Soundcloud up and comers, with followers that are growing, or barely-there yet. They've impressed with a singular song, adapting sounds and trends to suit their design, or experimenting and exploring new pop/rap/trap/lowfi avenues all in a very DIY-Soundcloud fashion. We start w the melodic, airy, rap, with Yola Ktwo's opening "Mhhm" really setting the stage for that. Things get progressively harder, and perhaps more angst-y, as the tracklist reaches closer to Slime Tokyo's submitted record "No Show" before things take a turn for the relaxing again, with the closing out songs veering firmly into r'n'b territory (with varying degrees of experimentation). If you are an upcoming artist, Soundcloud is also doing weekly Instagram Live sessions, AMAs and workshops to help artists continue to move their careers forward during this time. On top of that, Soundcloud has a complete guide for how to keep the music going during COVID-19, you can check out that resource here. Check out the new playlist, and let us know who you are fucking with from the tracklist below. The @'s in bracket indicate the user's Soundcloud handle, so you can check out and support their page. Let us know if you'd like more of this. THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL PLAYLIST - EPISODE 5 - TRACKLIST 1. Yola Ktwo - "Mhhm" (@yolaktwo) 2. Rence - "Hate u btw" (@yourstrulyrence) 3. Swank x Landeezy - "Believe In" (@justswankbruh) 4. Lil West - "BLEACH" (@lilwestbb) 5. J Neat - "Bros" (@jneat) 6. Lantrobroy Rosa - "Poltergeist" (@user-640821032) 7. Zarin Michael - "CRY IN THE RAIN" (@zarinmicheal1) 8. Macca Wiles - "Slime" (@maccawiles) 9. Slime Tokyo - "No Show" feat. RLNGOONY (@slimetokyo) 10. Just John - "Recipe" (@justjohnforreal) 11. Relu$ - "Rasheed Wallace" (@relusmoneysign-965153403) 12. Jay Pareil - "Hop Slide" (@user-666005475-913505696) 13. MAXIMILLZ - "On Your Own" feat. MULLALLY & ROMELL (@sumthrowaways) 14. Sierra Sellers - "Grown" (@sierra_sellers) 15. audrie powell - "Your Girl" (@audrie-powell) 16. Liza - "Morning Glory" (@liza_waz) 17. Eli Sostre - "FISH" (@elisostre) 18. Deonte Jupiter - "Enough" (@deontejupiter) 19. Ills Aint - "If You Wanna Run, Just Fucking Run" (@user980774583) View the full article

There's no denying that DMX is one of the greatest rappers in hip-hop history. Look no further than his epic 1998 run that included both It's Dark And Hell Is Hot and Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood, two classics released back-to-back. Not to mention his "Damien" trilogy, some of the best hip-hop horror penmanship of all time. A legacy act that has no doubt influenced a vast crop of modern-day rappers to some degree, fans have been eagerly anticipating the long-awaited followup to DMX's last studio album Return Of The Beast, which hit stores in 2015. Now, it would appear the time for a comeback is nearly upon us. Chris McKay/Getty Images Since we last heard from DMX, the rapper has experienced a slew of hardships, including a brief stint in prison for a tax-fraud charge. Determined to remind the masses what he's all about on the mic, X took to Instagram to provide an update on the state of his next project, which has been in the works for a minute. "Look thru my eyes," he captions. "Locked in the studio, there's a lot I have to say." The brief yet exciting update arrives on the heels of an unexpected cameo on Tory Lanez' madcap Quarantine Radio, which found X confirming that the album was currently in the works. Given that X has been increasingly active on social media of late, it wouldn't be surprising to see him kick off a rollout sooner rather than later. Regardless of how you might feel about new DMX music, it should be noted that his return is nothing short of a hip-hop triumph -- especially given some of the hardship he's endured in recent memory. Keep an eye out for more updates on the new DMX album as they surface. View the full article

We're only two days pout from the release of Rod Wave's next project, Pray 4 Love, a title that rings entirely true during these hard times. Ahead of its release, the rapper returned with a brand new single to uplift spirits titled, "The Greatest." Riding on a motivational theme, the rapper touches on the struggles he faced growing up before reaching the level of fame he's currently enjoying at these times and aspiring for bigger things. But even then, there are moments in the song where he touches on the paranoia and anxiety that he faces when contemplating what would happen if he lost everything he had now "The Greatest" arrives a few weeks after he released the title track off of the forthcoming project. Pray 4 Love serves as the follow-up to November 2019's Ghetto Gospel executive produced by Kevin Gates. Check out the Pray 4 Love tracklist below. 1. Pray 4 Love 2. To The Moon (Fuck The World) 3. Thief In The Night 4. Thug Life 5. I Remember 6. Rags2Riches 7. No Weakness 8. Roaming 9. The Greatest 10. Ribbon In The Sky 11. 5% Tints 12. Girl Of My Dreams 13. Dark Clouds 14. Thug Motivation Quotable Lyrics I ain't with the minimum wage I ain't with the modern day slavery Fuck is you sayin'? Told them crackas, 'Fuck you, pay me' Had to tell 'em 'Fuck you, pay me' This rap shit a block I guess it's back to the block In the streets, runnin' 'round playin' hookie View the full article