Swedish Emcee/Producer Why-D Takes It Back to the Golden Era With His New Single and Video, “The Veteran (Out to Get the Props)”

Malmö, Sweden’s own Why-D takes it back to the glory days of Yo! MTV Raps and the Golden Era with his new single and video, “The Veteran (Out To Get The Props).”

Paying homage to the late ‘80s and early ‘90s isn’t just a style choice for Why-D, it’s out of respect for a time period that made him the artist he is. “This is the era that shaped me, and that’s what I was trying to bring back with this video,” the rapper/producer says. “The Kangol hats I’m wearing symbolize that I’m now a veteran in the game who was influenced by veterans before me.”

In addition to Kangol, you’ll see plenty of other “old school,” though still very sought-after, fashion in the video like FILA, Polo, and Champion, among others. Beyond the retro visuals, the track itself sounds like it emerged from that time period thanks to Why-D’s own sample-flipping production and slick talk-heavy bars. 

Check out the visuals and head over to your preferred digital retailer or streaming platform to support. Stay tuned for more music taken from Why-D’s forthcoming album, The Work of a Doloist, due out this fall! 

Stretch Money Takes it “To the West Coast…with Love” (EP Review)

Detroit, Michigan emcee Stretch Money returning 4 months after 1984 to release his 10th EP. Emerging in the fall of 2006 off his full-length debut album Take Money to Make Money, he would go on to put out 3 more LPs with 25 Miles Per Hour as well as Locked In & Lil Daran from da Way Way. His output of EPs consists of The Villain, The Tribute, The Drunken Master, The Real Money, the Upper Echelon: Legend of the Silver Surfa duology, Giant, Eastside Lord & the previously mentioned 1984. Stretch also formed the duo Bill & Isiah with Valid, introducing themselves a year ago on their eponymous debut paying homage to the 80s in the process. However to start the 2nd quarter of the year, he’s cooking up an open letter To the West Coast…with Love.

“L.A.” appropriately starts the EP by setting the tone as a warm, slick tribute to the entertainment capital of the world whereas “Make Sum Em” goes into atmospheric turf talking about being stuck to this shit & keeping the faith at his lowest. “This is Y They Mad” is this smooth ass middle finger to everyone hating on him for making paper leading into “Ain’t No Secret” spaciously acknowledging that the way he’s coming really isn’t a secret whatsoever.

Meanwhile on “No Favors”, we have Stretch passionately talking about not needing a plug since he has his own cables just before the souful “Never Thought” talks about never imagining serving time behind bars like he did. “Zombie” weaves these pianos & hi-hats only needing money & Mary Jane, but then “Cool” is a trap closer thanking everyone for hopping on the plane with him.

Being a Detroiter who considers Los Angeles his 2nd home, this EP really spoke to me & I feel like a lot of people in both cities are gonna enjoy To the West Coast…with Loveas a profound love letter to the sunshine state. He & the producer Vino coming straight outta South Central take the connection they have with one another & channel it all into this 8-track, 19 minute offering showing their appreciation for the City of Angels.

Score: 8/10

ALÉZ - "Starstruck"

ALÉZ is an artist who was born and raised in Australia and now resides in Los Angeles. This lead single to his debut EP “ALÉZ ARCADE” is a song that explores themes of love, betrayal and seeking revenge, but the artist ultimately realizes that vengeance isn’t the way to go about things. Check out "STARSTRUCK" below and follow ALÉZ on social media for his latest releases.

Connect:

Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/ZiyPR3QaLub4Cxa8A

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5vdLaicvkleJVEysvwe4vR?si=BIEV3WMBSdWYpRNnOBOgVg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8alezzz

FIND YOUR RELIGION IN THE BIBLE | GINO JENNINGS

Method Man, Redman, Styles P and More Ring in 4/20 at Inaugural BUD DROP

The dynamic duo of Method Man and Redman headlined the inaugural BUD DROP concert at Terminal 5 in NYC on Friday, April 19th. This groundbreaking event, produced by LTB Productions, provided a New Year’s Eve-style celebration on the eve of the cannabis holiday, culminating in a midnight “BUD DROP,” which is a spinoff of the NYE ball drop – counting down to the 4/20; marijuana culture’s high holiday.

The night started with sets from DJ DPrizzy. Host Ace the General introduced the opening act including Doov. DJ Self provided an enthusiastic set that transitioned from old-school hip-hop to Latin, to reggae, keeping the crowd energetic before the duo Girll Codee performed their set. They had the crowd chanting, “Roll that smoke that pass that” as it was a 4/20-themed event. DJ Self also paused for a brief moment to acknowledge the late great DJ Mister Cee, who recently passed away. Kyah Baby also graced the stage for the main acts. 

Yonkers legend Styles P performed some of his old hits including “Fuck You” and “Wild Out.” Fellow LOX member Sheek Louch came out to perform “Wild Out” with Styles P. The duo also paid tribute to the late rapper DMX, performing “We Gonna Make It.”

His high-energy performance set the tone and prepared the crowd for Method Man and Redman, who closed out the BUD DROP event with an iconic performance. In the middle of their set, Method Man and Redman counted down the last few seconds before it was officially 4/20. Balloons and confetti dropped soon after and the Wu-Tang members continued their celebratory performance. 

Throughout the show, attendees were able to shop with different THC and weed strain companies. Some vendors included Nectar Wellness, Motagua NYC, Don Karlos Cannabars, The Culture Craft Cannabis, and the Empire Cannabis Club. Attendees were able to purchase teas, candy bars, edibles, vapes, and weed strains.

Sei Less was the event’s food partner. They gave concert-goers a culinary journey that perfectly complements the festive atmosphere. Empire Cannabis Club NYC brought its unique touch to the event, ensuring concert-goers enjoyed an immersive holiday atmosphere. Empire provided all the pre-rolls in the balloons that dropped after the bud drop countdown, as well as complimentary tote bags upon entry filled with branded lighters, grinders, pre-rolls, edibles and more.