who's Wrld is this? Juice π
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I still get excited when rappers put up big numbers. Itβs strong for the culture. The tragedy is that the late Juice is not here to live his huge success. The early sales projections of Juice WRLDβs new, posthumous Legends Never Die (Grade A/Interscope) has him going No. 1 with 400,000+ in the first week. I knew Jarad Anthony Higgins was popular βΒ but damn. His last album, 2019βs Death Race For Love (Grade A/Interscope) debuted at No. 1, but with 165,000. So the level-up is real. TheMotto No.Β 65 finds me placing extra respect on the commitment of Juiceβs passionate fanbase: they always rise up for their fallen star.
This is Juiceβs first album since his December 8, 2019 death. At the age of 21, the Chicago native suffered a seizure at Midway International Airport. It was caused by an accidental overdose of oxycodone and cocaine. This has been the year of posthumous MC success. Juiceβs work joins Mac Millerβs critically acclaimed Circles (Warner), which was his biggest career first week at 164, 000 and Pop Smokeβs triumph last week at 248, 606.
A gifted songwriter, Juiceβs video ‡οΈβοΈβ¬οΈ for βCome & Goβ features an animated sword fight. The track is produced by Marshmello: itβs guitar fueled, a nod to Juiceβs rock star ambitions. The clip is via Grade A Productions, and directed by Steve Cannon.
top billinβ:Β
mood ‡οΈΒ
watch out, now:
Mr. West blessed us on Sunday with βDonda,β a song dedicated to his moms.
Tell me, how? I donβt understand how anyone could not dig Snoh Aalegraβs new βDying 4 Your Love.β A sultry tale of the unrequited is brought to life by a vibrant visual πΆβ¬οΈ
Five rules that you must abide / When youβre in the mob | Never break the oath | Bend or fold | Never steal or rob. A new deluxe version of The Price Of Tea (ALC/Boldy) means there are more of Alchemistβs menacing tracks for Boldy James to slow-flow over. This is epitomized by βBernadinesβ which is filled with more than a few Jay-Z lyrical references β¬οΈβ€΅οΈπ
Kehlani is not only back in her Hyphy Williams directorβs chair, she throws on the white wedding gown for βBad News,β a true heartbreak story. Her quarantine style videos remain undefeated π°π½π¬π΅β¬οΈ
Finally β a video for this powerful New York collaboration. On βMove Like a Boss,β I love how Fivioβs choppy kinetic style compliments Young M.Aβs brash and rugged attitude ‡οΈπ€β¬οΈ
you must learn:Β
Questlove Supreme podcast β Rick Rubin
The Music Industry Is Trapped In A Void Year π’ π author: Yoh/DJ Booth
On Jack Harlowβs βSuddenβ Success π author: Donna-Claire Chesman/DonnaCWrites
ESPN Enters Into Multi-Year Agreement with United Masters
made you look:Β
β€΄οΈ Travis gets tatted
β€΄οΈ Freddie Gibbs shoots with Benny The Butcher for the upcoming Alfredo movie. Directed by: Will Gates
π β€΄οΈ on the move: City Girl JT.
turn it up:Β
The Moon Man and Slim Shady? Admission: I was skeptical of this pairing on paper. But: they delivered. Cudi is confident and focused. And Em goes crazy with 64 bars that touch on everything from Drew Brees to Ahmaud Arbery ‡οΈ
β€΄οΈ still shining from her 2019 Over It (LVRN/Interscope) victory, Summer Walker just dropped a surprise EP, Life on Earth (LVRN/Interscope). The highlight is βMy Affection,β another pair-up with PartyNextDoor Itβs the projectβs most satisfying selection. I wouldnβt mind a whole EP from this duo β¬οΈ
Akademiks recently pointed out that the below collab is lowkey running Soundcloud. Say hi to Iann Dior, a Puerto Rican-American raised in Corpus Christi, Texas who benefits greatly by this Wheezy production and guest appearance by Mr. Midas Touch, Lil Baby ‡οΈ
what more can I say:Β
Another young rapper is gone too soon. RIP Quality Controlβs Marlo (center, above, on the set of his January β1st N 3rdβ video) was killed July 11 in a highway shooting. He was 30. QC bosses P and Coach K sent their heartfelt condolences.
P: So Much Potential That The World Didnβt Get A Chance To See. Love You Bro. Itβs Really Hard For Me To Say RIP
Coach K: You always had a smile on your face when we talked. If only everybody couldβve seen the pureness of your heart. This is such hard thing to do RIP Marlo. Prayers to your kids & family. AsΓ¨ ππΏππΏππΏππΏ
My favorite Marlo joint is the classic 2017 β2 The Hard Wayβ with Lil Baby β¬οΈ If I never sell a record | Or a song | In the trap I went gold.
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Danyel Smith + Elliott Wilson