I was curious to ask Ross if he’s participated (without performing) in any ceremonies – secular. The show certainly was as close to a ceremonial experience as I’ve had outside of a music venue. I hope the recordings capture the same magic. THANKS to everyone in Wolf Mask.

The new Lindsay The Mathlete single “Mrs. Blue” is out on all streaming platforms!! The next album, “A New Album,” will be out on April 15th!!

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lindsaythemathlete/mrs-blue

“Life Is Beautiful,” the joint album by 2 Chainz, Alchemist, and Larry June, emerges as an impressive showcase of artistry that highlights the potential of blending varied styles within hip-hop. The project released with an impressively swift approach, is truly an ‘understated gem’ for the world of hip hop.

To truly grasp the depth of this collaboration, it is we to ‘take it back’ for those that DONT know.

2 Chainz, who initially entered the scene as Tity Boi, rose to fame in the...

“Life Is Beautiful,” the joint album by 2 Chainz, Alchemist, and Larry June, emerges as an impressive showcase of artistry that highlights the potential of blending varied styles within hip-hop. The project released with an impressively swift approach, is truly an ‘understated gem’ for the world of hip hop.

To truly grasp the depth of this collaboration, it is we to ‘take it back’ for those that DONT know.

2 Chainz, who initially entered the scene as Tity Boi, rose to fame in the early 2000s as part of the duo Playaz Circle before starting a crazy run as a solo artist with “No Lie” and “I’m Different.” His delivery and one of a kind style have positioned him as a leading figure in the early days of the trap movement.

Larry June has established his identity through a smooth cadence while promoting themes of wellness, lifestyle, and growth. Blowong up out of the West Coast, he gained major traction in the underground  with his mixtapes, exposing a distinctive viewpoints within the genre.

Lastly, Alchemist, an iconic producer rooted in the underground, has crafted beats for influential and legendary artists such as Mobb Deep, Eminem, Action Bronson, just to name a few. His careful attention to detail and ability to create complex yet approachable instrumentals establish him as a major force in modern hip-hop.

“Life is Beautiful”  kicks off with “Munyon Canyon” which effectively introduces the atmosphere with its silky rhythm and relatable lines, embodying the project’s core message of cherishing life’s fleeting moments through all circumstances. This theme reverberates throughout the collection, emphasizing an uplifting narrative amid trials.

Among the notable tracks, “Generation” highlights the trio’s knack for fusing lyrical substance with trap elements. The production is both eerie and precise, enabling Chainz and June to reflect on their path and influence on their generation. With the more trap-bop vibe, this song was tailored more towards 2Chainz but of course Joyner holds his own.

Another exceptional track, “Tru Organics” features a fluid transition between the artists that emphasizes their synergy. Notably, Larry June’s delivery here stands out; his relaxed flow juxtaposes Chainz’s more punchy approach, creating a super cool exchange between the emcees.

This interplay reflects the evolving trends in hip-hop, where various styles and rhythms are increasingly intertwined, resulting in a more immersive auditory experience. MESSSAGE.

An underlying concept I found interesting in the album is the integrating and harmonizing of multiple styles within today’s hip-hop sphere. This project embraces modern innovative perspectives in hip hop, while simultaneously paying tribute to hip-hop’s traditional roots.

Breaking the mold and inspiring artists to test the waters of the culture.

Alchemist’s production merits particular recognition throughout the album. His careful craftsmanship is apparent in tracks like “Bad Choices” where he intricately samples and layers sounds, crafting a cozy soundscape. This meticulousness not only enriches the listening experience but also elevates the lyrical narratives. Alchemist’s skill in merging classic hip-hop elements with contemporary influences remains a legendary characteristic of his artistry, perfectly evident in this project.

As for the album’s release strategy, the direct and uncomplicated approach was a breath of fresh air. In a time when promotion often overshadows the music itself, 2 Chainz, Alchemist, and Larry June opted to let their creativity take center stage. This convinces me that they genuinely created this project for the fans to enjoy such a fire and ‘left field’ collab that still holds some girth.

This method lowkey reflects the rise of independent musicians in hip-hop, who increasingly prioritize their art’s substance over extravagant marketing tactics.

“Life Is Beautiful” is a powerful #GxldApproved reminder of the strength of collaboration in hip-hop. 2 Chainz, Alchemist, and Larry June have crafted a collection that merges styles, highlights lyrical fluidity, and delivers exceptional production. The synthesis of trap and lyricism, combined with Alchemist’s remarkable production, has indeed forged an understated classic that celebrates life in its entirety, reflecting the journeys and significant moments that have shaped each artist’s path, while inspiring artists to push the bounds of sounds and subgenres of hip hop.

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@jmichael You know I will come and support!!!!!! Let’s Go! #Success

I will be performing for the February Bash on Saturday February 22nd, 2025 at Purple Buffalo! I hope you guys can come and show support.

Ashley Nichole Johnson, known as A$HLEY JAYYY, is an artist, songwriter, entrepreneur, musician, engineer, sound engineer, and a host. She owns her own studio business called the AJAYYY Studio Production, LLC. Also, she is the owner and leader of a music group owned by ASPLLC called #Success. The members are also J. Michael, FoEva Glo, and Sevan Beats. She started her business ASPLLC on June 2015. #Success has started since April 2024. She played trombone during her middle school and high school years. She played keyboard on her own when she was 11 years old. She graduated from Full Sail University in 2017 for Recording Arts. Her favorite genres of music are R&B, gospel, neo-soul, afrobeats, and...

Ashley Nichole Johnson, known as A$HLEY JAYYY, is an artist, songwriter, entrepreneur, musician, engineer, sound engineer, and a host. She owns her own studio business called the AJAYYY Studio Production, LLC. Also, she is the owner and leader of a music group owned by ASPLLC called #Success. The members are also J. Michael, FoEva Glo, and Sevan Beats. She started her business ASPLLC on June 2015. #Success has started since April 2024. She played trombone during her middle school and high school years. She played keyboard on her own when she was 11 years old. She graduated from Full Sail University in 2017 for Recording Arts. Her favorite genres of music are R&B, gospel, neo-soul, afrobeats, and pop. Her favorite artists are Chris Brown, Omarion, India. Arie, Alicia Keys, and Lauryn Hill. Hopefully she will be able to meet them and work with them in the future.

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Hi!

I just dropped a brand new song called “Screens,” if you like The Strokes, Ginger Root, or Cake I think you’ll enjoy it. That’s who I was really listening to while writing it 🙂

Screens by Mister Morning (indie pop/alt)

 

I’m digging this new Waxahatchee song a lot – “Mud”

It does sound almost like a B-Side from Tiger’s Blood but I can’t complain because I loved that album.

I keep thinking about the time they played at Royal, had a bad attitude and walked out on their bar tab. Hard to forget something like that from early in her career. But the music is so good…

Hell yeah dude! Thank you for sharing, and thank you for continuing to come back to this forum. Means a lot!

Hope things are going well out there in Charleston

Black Mountain is streaming now for anyone and everyone

 

I’ve got some new tunes on the way too

Thank you, @toastedcarrot!

For anybody curious, here’s a list of the winners in the main categories. A more detailed list can be found directly on the Grammy website

General Field

• Album of the Year: Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
• Record of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• Best New Artist: Chappell Roan

Pop

• Best Pop Solo Performance: “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
• Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Die With a Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
• Best Pop Vocal Album: Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
...

Thank you, @toastedcarrot!

For anybody curious, here’s a list of the winners in the main categories. A more detailed list can be found directly on the Grammy website

General Field

• Album of the Year: Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
• Record of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• Best New Artist: Chappell Roan

Pop

• Best Pop Solo Performance: “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
• Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Die With a Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
• Best Pop Vocal Album: Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter

Dance/Electronic Music

• Best Dance/Electronic Recording: “Neverender” – Justice and Tame Impala
• Best Dance/Electronic Album: Brat – Charli XCX

Rock

• Best Rock Performance: “The Path” – St. Vincent
• Best Metal Performance: “Circle With Me” – Spiritbox
• Best Rock Song: “Broken Horses” – Brandi Carlile
• Best Rock Album: Daddy’s Home – St. Vincent

Alternative

• Best Alternative Music Album: Cool It Down – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

R&B

• Best R&B Performance: “Pick Up Your Feelings” – Jazmine Sullivan
• Best Traditional R&B Performance: “Born Again” – Leon Bridges
• Best R&B Song: “Leave the Door Open” – Silk Sonic
• Best Progressive R&B Album: Something to Say – Masego
• Best R&B Album: Heaux Tales – Jazmine Sullivan

Rap

• Best Rap Performance: “Family Ties” – Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar
• Best Melodic Rap Performance: “Hurricane” – Kanye West featuring The Weeknd & Lil Baby
• Best Rap Song: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• Best Rap Album: Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii

Country

• Best Country Solo Performance: “Remember Her Name” – Mickey Guyton
• Best Country Duo/Group Performance: “Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris
• Best Country Song: “Cold” – Chris Stapleton
• Best Country Album: Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé

New Age

• Best New Age Album: Divine Tides – Stewart Copeland & Ricky Kej

Jazz

• Best Improvised Jazz Solo: “Humpty Dumpty (Set 2)” – Chick Corea
• Best Jazz Vocal Album: Songwrights Apothecary Lab – Esperanza Spalding
• Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Skyline – Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette & Gonzalo Rubalcaba
• Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: For Jimmy, Wes and Oliver – Christian McBride Big Band
• Best Latin Jazz Album: Mirror Mirror – Eliane Elias with Chick Corea and Chucho Valdés

Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music

• Best Gospel Performance/Song: “Never Lost” – CeCe Winans
• Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: “Believe For It” – CeCe Winans
• Best Gospel Album: Believe For It – CeCe Winans
• Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: Old Church Basement – Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music
• Best Roots Gospel Album: My Savior – Carrie Underwood

Latin

• Best Latin Pop Album: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran – Shakira
• Best Música Urbana Album: El Último Tour Del Mundo – Bad Bunny
• Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album: Origen – Juanes
• Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano): A Mis 80’s – Vicente Fernández
• Best Tropical Latin Album: Alma, Corazón y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional) – Tony Succar & Mimy Succar

American Roots Music

• Best American Roots Performance: “Cry” – Jon Batiste
• Best American Roots Song: “Cry” – Jon Batiste
• Best Americana Album: Outside Child – Allison Russell
• Best Bluegrass Album: My Bluegrass Heart – Béla Fleck
• Best Traditional Blues Album: I Be Trying – Cedric Burnside
• Best Contemporary Blues Album: 662 – Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
• Best Folk Album: They’re Calling Me Home – Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi

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New Sherwood’s Florist single radioheadhunters. Let me know what y’all think!

Yo! Dropped another single called radioheadhunters. Check it out!!

 

Dude congrats on the vinyl!

Here is the direct link to the Eyeland Vibes listing of the album for anybody interested: https://eyelandvibes.com/products/carolina-underground-lp

Ben is a super solid dude, who I also had the pleasure of calling my roommate during my last few months in Charleston. This project is very cool and highly recommended for fans of the Charleston music scene.

Thanks for sharing it here man!

Also, here is Ben’s instagram