[News] 2 Chainz drops his new album Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
2 Chainz is a hit maker, but Pretty Girls Like Trap Music shows there are deeper ambitions afoot. His production arm is strong—Mike WiLL Made-It, Murda Beatz, and Mike Dean all put in work. He speaks his mind, dissing the government and “mumble-rap” while Nicki Minaj references her Remy Ma beef on “Realize.” Pharrell leaves his platinum imprint on “Bailan.” Then 2 Chainz puts his life story out there on the revelatory “Burglar Bars”—the realest song he’s ever cut.
Purchase Tickets to Pretty Girls Like Trap Music Tour in Chicago here.
Lollapalooza 2017 Aftershows listed here with over 55 performances
Want to see even more from your favorite artists at the fest? Keep the party going at one of our Official 2017 Lollapalooza Aftershows with more than 55 performances featuring over 110 artists. From Metro to House of Blues, these legendary rooms will host the ultimate Lolla after-parties from Tuesday, August 1st through Sunday, August 6th. This list will be updated as more information is released. Who is ready for another year at Lollapalooza? Well rock your Chicago Music because it is Festival Season!
WEDNESDAY 8/2
- Kaytranada - Concord Music Hall - Tickets available HERE
THURSDAY 8/3
- Porter Robinson - the MID - Tickets available HERE
- Little Dragon - Concord Music Hall - Tickets available HERE
- Jai Wolf & Gryffin - Logan Square Auditorium - Tickets available HERE
- Mac DeMarco - Concord Music Hall - Tickets available HERE
- Slushii - Logan Square Auditorium - Tickets available HERE
- Gramatik - the MID - Tickets available HERE
SATURDAY 8/5
- Alison Wonderland w/ Ephwurd - the MID - Tickets available HERE
- NGHTMRE - Logan Square Auditorium - Tickets available HERE
- G Jones & EPROM - Chop Shop - Tickets available HERE
- Zane Lowe Presents: Towkio, Jidenna and Aminé - Concord Music Hall - Tickets available HERE
SUNDAY 8/6
Lollapalooza 2017 Aftershows
Review: Kevin Ross's Album Is Truly An Awakening
In a time where many are convinced "young people don't know music" and all they want to do is turn up and sing about getting a girl back to the crib to hit, Kevin Ross is giving you an inspiring and musical alternative. That alternative is with his album, The Awakening.
The Awakening is a genre-less timeless musical effort that is far beyond Kevin's years. You feel that classic R&B like you were listening to an R. Kelly or Boyz II Men album. Then you can hear that unique Michael Jackson influence and then you can even feel inspirational gospel, soulful rock and elements of bands like "Toto" in it. Kevin Ross may make you feel all this and much more, but this is a project that has it's on land and stands firm on its own. You can tell the influences run deep, but he's crafted something tailor made to his voice and journey.
The Awakening is a call to be great, be inspired and a sincere love of music. The original "Be Great" with Chaz French and the remix with BJ The Chicago has two different feels with the same inspirational message. Do you want to be great? That is the question being asked and Kevin Ross delivers in great fashion alongside the accompanied features. Greatness could also be a running theme for the album. Lecrae lends a dope and Pac inspired verse on "Look Up". The spiritual and inspirational song that encourages you to look up to God when you are need of someone to get you through is not alone on this album. "Genesis 1 and 2", "Her Hymn" "Pick You Up"and "New Man" all compliment this album well.
"Long Song Away" is tearing up charts across the country and is a very smooth track for any music lover. My favorite song on the album is "Don't Go". It gives me the feeling of Michael Jackson's "Butterflies". I know I'm putting it in big shoes, but it's truly a first listen and instantly love song.
Kevin Ross is not trying to save R&B music. The Awakening is an album that's meant to inspire the masses. It's a soundtrack to a young man and his journey in this music industry and his quest to be great. You can listen to this album and be inspired and in a better spirit. That's not something you're going to get from just any album. Definitely get your ears on The Awakening.
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Lollapalooza 2017: Chance The Rapper, Arcade Fire, Muse and The Killers to headline Lolla 2017
Lollapalooza 2017 just released it's lineup and it's incredible! Chicago’s biggest music festival returns to Grant Park August 3 – 6, returning as a four-day spectacle.
Four day GA passes went on sale and to no surprise to anyone, sold out a few short hours after release.
Single day tickets are now available but be sure to snag those up as they too will sell out almost immediately.
Headliners Muse, The Killers, Chance The Rapper and Arcade Fire, respectfully all close out the 26th annual Lollapalooza.
Other notable heavyweights include" Lorde, Wiz Khalifa, Run The Jewels, Big Sean, Zeds Dead, Blink -182, Porter Robinson, and Cage the Elephant.
We need some time to digest the return of one of the biggest music festivals. Be sure to check out for an in-depth take on this year’s lineup. We’ll see where it stacks up against previous years.
Single day tickets are available here.
Lollapalooza 2017 lineup
Review: "More Life" Gives More "Views"
What many feel is Drake's accelerated path to get out of his current deal continues as Drake releases his 4th project in 2 years, More Life. Every time Drake releases music, it is a topic of conversation. This is no different. Drake continues to bring out the lovers, haters and the constant critics with More Life.
Drake does not put out 100% rap albums. He's bigger than the genre of hip-hop. Get over it. I don't believe Drake has been concerned with being the best rapper for some years now. Then you have his biggest records not being rap songs and you have no choice but to understand that More Life is indeed a playlist. A playlist of music Drake likes to experiment with. In what sounds like an extension of Views and the response from it, More Life is "Drake doing Drake "with no apologies or respect for your personal opinion.
In case you were wondering. Yes. Joe Budden, Meek Mill and Jay Z all get a few shots thrown their way throughout the project. See songs "Free Smoke", "Portland", "Lose You", "Do Not Disturb", and "Can't Have Everything". You can throw "Fake Love" in that mix too. Although there is a large population that doesn't like or respect the subliminal diss and the lack of saying names while throwing slander. It must be understood that Drake didn't create that game. He just plays it well. More Life forces you to listen and pay close attention to more of Drake's life. You also get some good music to vibe to.
Whether you believe Drake took down J.Lo or not. You better believe he took a hook to one of her biggest songs and made a nice track called "Teenage Fever". The title of the song should tell you what's up though. I like "Passionfruit". That's honestly one of my favorites on the album. Makes me want to sip and sing passionately. "Blem" has that real question every man wants to know "I wanna know, how come we can never splash and stay friends?". So you will want to repeat that one cause at one point in life you've related. "Nothings To Somethings" is either the Drake you love or kind of hate, but you listen cause it's vulnerable and emotional.
Drake's mother says the realest thing on the album while being concerned for her son on "Can't Have Everything". Kanye West appears on "Glow". It's a good song, but I'm still not excited about them coming together for a project. Young Thug chose to shut every mumble rap critic up with his features on "Sacrifices" [also features 2 Chainz] and "Ice Melts".
Long review short. Drake is over you ni**as that got too much to say about a life you never lived. His "real" and your "real" are different. He doesn't care and you shouldn't either. Drake is also confused how you all question his pen game when he's literally gave you more than one for what will be 10 summers this year. More Life is focused on making hits in a genre that is not focused on solely rap or R&B. But don't get it confused. There are dope rap moments throughout More Life. More Life like every other Drake album is worth your ear and listen. Take your expectation out of his mission and enjoy!
The running theme? And more chune for your head tops. So watch how you speak on my name. You know?
"This Is Us" Series Unexpected Season One Finale
Over the course of six months, the new NBC series This Is Us has captivated audience’s hearts. The series tells the beautiful story that revolves around six individuals and how their lives connect as one family.
It is no surprise that the series was nominated for several awards, including screen actors guild awards and golden globe awards for best television series and best performances by an actress; This is Us has also won awards for the series’ overall quality from the People’s Choice Awards, the Writers Guild of America, the AFI awards, and more.
(Spoilers) As I sat down to watch the season one finale last week on March 14th, emotions were high. The previous episode had left off with the family patriarch, Jack Pearson, driving drunk on his way to make amends with his wife Rebecca. As most long-term audience members of This Is Us know, Jack faces an early death. His children are in their teens/early 20s when his passing occurs. But the "how" is still uncertain. Many expected this to be it, the big reveal of how Jack dies and the story behind his death.
Yet, pleasantly, the season finale of This Is Us did not end with a sorrow tone. Instead, there is hope and the promise of a future. These goals are not only shown through Jack and Rebecca, but a new possible life-altering avenue for Randall too. Randall proposes that he and his wife adopt a baby.
This decision allows the story to come full circle in a way. Randall's choice to adopt a child shows his understanding and appreciation for his parents on a new level. Randall realizes that although Rebecca didn’t make the best decisions when it came to Randall’s birth parents, she was always there for him 110%, and he believes that Rebecca did what she thought was best for Randall growing up. Although Randall didn’t get much time with his birth father, he understands how loved he was by William, Jack, and Rebecca. Randall, in turn, wants to give that same powerful love that he had with Jack and Rebecca to another child.
As for Jack and Rebecca, despite their hostile words exchanged with one another, they didn’t simply apologize. Although both felt guilt at the way the expressed their feelings, they both meant what they said. Rebecca even states this truth directly. Rebecca has sacrificed having something of her own, and her opportunity to have her “big break” as a singer was ruined by Jack who showed up drunk. She depicts herself as a house wife and a mother of teenage children who don’t need her anymore. Yet, Jack has visibly made sacrifices too; such as, asking his drunk abusive father for money, so Jack and Rebecca didn't have to move in with Rebecca's parents. But at the end of the day, Jack is fighting for his marriage with Rebecca. He is showing the lengths of his love for her, and that this is only the beginning of their story.
It is in this episode that we discover how Jack and Rebecca meet. It is a joyful revelation, rather than one filled with tragedy and pain. We, the audience, see how Rebecca saved Jack from acting out a really stupid plan; a plan that could have altered the course of his life and ruined his future. Rebecca was Jack’s “big break.”
Although many were anticipating the season finale to reveal the truth about Jack’s death, this episode gave audiences so much more in such a positive, uplifting way. It gives these characters time: time to mend, time to heal, and time to continue to build a life together with the ones that they love. The This Is Us season finale continues to tell the story of the Pearson family and their journey together.
Review: Rick Ross Redefines Boss With Rather You Than Me
Just when you thought it was over, Rick Ross drops Rather You Than Me and confirms he's going to be here for as long as he pleases. Many thought Rick Ross had lost a step musically. Rather You Than Me proves that not only is Ross solid, but he may have dropped a Top 5 album for his catalog.
Let's get right to what the world is talking about. "Idols Become Rivals" featuring Chris Rock. Rick Ross makes it clear he's siding with Lil Wayne the best way he can. In song as he rips Birdman for his bad business practices and fake jewelry. There wasn't anything that was shocking to hear, but it is the most courageous attack on Birdman ever. Rick Ross's love for Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled did this. Ross takes another shot at Birdman later in the album. You'll hear it. I think Rick Ross may have opened up the floodgates on the already violently bubbling issue. Who's next? We'll see when these Young Money albums drop is my guess.
With all the above said "Trap Trap Trap" with Young Thug and Wale might be the best song on the album. Musically, I think we can all agree, Thugger has quite a few good moments. "She On My D**k" featuring Gucci Mane is funny and has a "Same Hoes" vibe. When Rick Ross is slut shaming, it's entertaining. Period. "Game Based on Sympathy" is fire! It's literally the type of rap song you pray your favorite emcee makes.
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Rather You Than Me also has another dope moment with Ross and Nas on "Powers That Be". There's also a Dej Loaf sighting on "Maybach Music V". You already know what "I Think She Like Me" with Ty Dolla Sign do and the streets have already embraced "Dead Presidents" with Future, Jeezy and Gotti. Realistically those aren't the best this album has to offer. So if you liked those joints, this album might be your favorite of the year so far halfway through.
I think it's safe to say that Rick Ross is the greatest beat picker of all time. No matter what year or what turmoil. Ross makes sure his beats bang. They're hard, soulful, beautiful, cinematic and infectious. No matter where you have Rick Ross on your top rappers list, you can't deny the man knows how to put together a dope album. Rather You Than Me is exactly that. A dope album.
Check out another album review here.
Ike Sav Leaves Rap with Song, "Chargin' Me"
Ike Sav is a midwest artist that you may be familiar with. If you're just now getting introduced to him, the next thing you read may be hard to grasp. Ike Sav has dropped a rap song and has decided to leave rap music. "Chargin' Me" is a song full of emotions. Ike Sav reflects on his last two years and the trials and tribulations in real life and in the music industry.
It has an easy groove and the hook has a soulful and melodic vibe. Ike Sav says this is his last official rap song. However, I don't believe that means he is done with music. This song proves he still has a lot to say and it could very well be only the beginning.
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Only time will tell where his current fork in the road will lead him. In the meantime, "Chargin' Me" is available for your ears to enjoy right now.
Check out our gallery for a recap of The Dream’s show at the Metro