Black Music Month: J. Cole

J. Cole - Black Music Month

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When it comes to leaving an imprint with music, J.Cole is one of the best.

Since stepping on the scene, Cole has released five albums. His debut studio album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, and was soon certified platinum, alonh with his next two releases, 2013’s Born Sinner and 2014’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive.

However it was was with his fourth studio album 4 Your Eyez Only, that he would earn his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album. In April, he released his fifth album, KOD which has already broken several streaming records and certified Gold

Below are our Top 5 Favorite J. Cole songs.

1. “Lost Ones”

2. “No Role Modelz”

3. “Lights Please”

4. “Crooked Smile”

5. “Power Trip”

Black Music Month: The Rise Of Future

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Rapper Future is a staple in Hip Hop music, and the sound he created has completely taken over the music industry. Future began using his stage name while performing with popular Atlanta rap group The Dungeon Family.  Future’s cousin keep him focused on his craft and by 2010, Future was ready to come into his own as an artist.

He released a series of mixtapes from 2010 to 2011 including 1000Dirty Sprite and True Story. With songs like  “Tony Montana” and  “Racks,” 

Future had found a sound that was worldwide. He signed his first record label with Epic Records in 2011, took the Auto-Tune sound, mixed it with trap music and fans of Hip Hop absolutely loved it!

Future was selected to the annual XXL Freshmen list in early 2012. He released his first album entitled “Pluto,” April 17th. With co-signs from Drake and T.I. the album was a hit and his song “Magic” hit  Billboard Hot 100.

After, the hits just kept on coming….

2012 – “Same Damn Time


2013 – “Bugatti


2014 – “Move That Dope


2015 – “F*ck Up Some Commas


2016 – “I Got the Keys,” Jumpman


2017 – Mask Off

Cardi B Talks About Her Aspirations And Bringing Something Different To Hip Hop [VIDEO]

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Cardi B went from a reality star to a No. 1 spot on Billboard for her song “Bodak Yellow.” Cardi B spoke to a group last year about her aspirations and things she wants to do, but who would of though all of her dreams would’ve come true.

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She dropped several mix tapes overtime and although people might not know her for them her fans love her for it. Cardi B spoke about how she raps about everything all girls in the hood think or talk about. Rapping about jewelry, money and things of that sort didn’t interest her. She talks about fighting and not the conscious music some people want to here.

Cardi B said, “There are a lot of talented people out here. People passing out cd’s and no one wants to listen to it.” Her vibe is just different and she continues to show us that hard work really does pay off. Congrats Cardi B on making your dreams come true.

RELATED: What’s Next For Cardi B Now That She’s Nabbed The #1 Spot? [EXCLUSIVE]

RELATED: Cardi B Hits #1 With “Bodak Yellow”

RELATED: Gary’s Tea: Is Cardi B Telling The Truth About Police Assault? [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

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Russ “Me You” [NEW MUSIC VIDEO]

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The music video for rapper Russ’ “Me You” is here! The video for the bouncy, catchy tune features Russ working toward his dream with help from three other people- who are also himself. Watch as the camera follows him around his creative journey. Check out this video above to see the dopeness for yourself.

RELATED: John Legend “Surefire” [NEW MUSIC VIDEO]

RELATED: Travis Greene “You Waited” [MUSIC VIDEO]

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Maxwell Releases Documentary About His King & Queen of Hearts Tour [VIDEO]

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Maxwell is giving fans a preview of everything that went into the his King & Queen Of Hearts Tour, which he embarked on with Mary J. Blige. In this new documentary, he opens up about what it takes to put on the quality kind of show that he wants every night, and showcases the members of his team that really make touring a family affair. He also talks about working with Mary J during the whole process. Check out the video above to watch his story unfold!

RELATED: Maxwell “Gods” [NEW MUSIC VIDEO] 

RELATED: Maxwell’s “Lake By The Ocean” Video Is A Sexy Nod To His Caribbean Roots [NEW MUSIC VIDEO] 

RELATED: Maxwell Explains Why He Won’t Grow His Hair Out Again [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

 

Alfred Liggins III Delivers Speech At Cathy Hughes School Of Communications [VIDEO]

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Last year, Howard University announced that it was renaming its school of communications to the “Cathy Hughes School of Communications,” in honor of the founder of Radio One and the subsequent conglomerate of media build on those foundations. Once a student at Howard’s school of communications, Cathy Hughes took her skills and went on to build an entire company, becoming the first black woman to head up a publicly traded corporation. This year, the first group of graduates from the newly named school celebrated the culmination of all their hard work.

Alfred Liggins III, CEO of Radio One and the progeny of Cathy Hughes, fittingly delivered a motivating speech to the group of graduates. He told the story of his mother’s relentless pursuit of her dreams, urging students to continue the fight bravely fought by Cathy and her predecessors to be the authority on the narrative of the black diaspora. Check out the video above to watch the powerful speech for yourself!

RELATED: Radio One CEO Alfred Liggins To Be Inducted Into Broadcasting & Cable Hall Of Fame

RELATED: Kamala Harris Encourages Howard University Grads During Commencement [VIDEO]

RELATED: Michelle Obama Surprises Howard University Students [VIDEO]

 

John Legend “Surefire” [NEW MUSIC VIDEO]

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The music video for John Legend‘s “Surefire” is a cinematic experience. It follows the struggle of two halves of a young couple, as they struggle to bridge to each other from their different cultures. We watch their journey is they go against all odds to love each other freely and passionately. Check out the video above to see the beautiful story unfold!

RELATED: John Legend Reveals How Fatherhood Has Affected His Music [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

RELATED: What Common & John Legend’s Oscar Win Means For Hip-Hop [EXCLUSIVE AUDIO]

RELATED: John Legend “You & I (Nobody In The World)” [NEW MUSIC VIDEO]

Future “Mask Off” [MUSIC VIDEO]

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Future‘s platinum-selling single “Mask Off,” which came out in February, is his highest charting single to date. The music video, directed by Colin Tilley matches in literal explosiveness, as the dark scenes are lit by up the robbery that takes place at the top of the scene. As Future drives through a city full of guns and fires blazing along the streets, we catch none other than Amber Rose by his side in the car. Check out the intense music video for yourself above!

RELATED: Gary’s Tea: Did Future Have A Breakthrough? [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

 RELATED: Why Future Doesn’t Want To Be Attached To “What A Time To Be Alive” [EXCLUSIVE]

RELATED: Hip-Hop Spot: Why Gucci Mane & Future’s Mixtape Shouldn’t Be Free [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

 

 

Maxwell “Gods” [NEW MUSIC VIDEO]

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Maxwell‘s new music video for his sultry new song, “Gods,” is solitary and futuristic. In the song, he tells a story of the confusion and miscommunication of heartbreak. The video features plenty of night sky and moments of Maxwell racing through a glowing cityscape. Check out the music video above!

RELATED: Maxwell Explains Why He Won’t Grow His Hair Out Again [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

RELATED: Maxwell’s “Lake By The Ocean” Video Is A Sexy Nod To His Caribbean Roots [NEW MUSIC VIDEO]

RELATED: Maxwell “1990X” [NEW MUSIC]

Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy “Trust In You” [NEW MUSIC VIDEO]

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Anthony Brown and Group Therapy are back with another powerful single; “Trust In You.” The new music video for the song is a strong stance in the rejection of worrying, fear, hesitation, and all the negativity that can intrude on one’s unwavering faith in God, and thus, one’s peace of mind. Watch the uplifting video above!

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