AAHH! Fest

Vic Mensa's debut album The Autobiography available for Pre Order

Vic Mensa announced the release date and title of his debut album, The Autobiography. Releasing on July 28, Mensa’s highly anticipated debut will give the Chicago rapper his first major introduction into the music world. Pre Order The Autobiography here on Apple Music.

From his latest projects like the There’s A lot Going On EP. To his most recent work in what he calls a capsule of music in The Manuscript, this is a whole new Mensa.

Mensa has matured in front of our eyes and through his music over the years. Tacking heavy issues from the Laquan McDonald shooting, Flint water crisis, self-harm and drug addiction Mensa has stated The Autobiography will be his most personal yet.

https://twitter.com/VicMensa/status/885298384080261120

Mensa took to Twitter to announce The Autobiography to fans. Using screenshots of different locations. Mensa had fans post a photo of themselves for a chance to listen to his album.

https://twitter.com/VicMensa/status/884811399179886592

Hearing Mensa’s dark and serious tone packed with gut punching lyrics in There’s A lot Going On and The Manuscript, July 28 can’t come soon enough.

If you haven’t already check out Mensa’s recent release of the music video for “OMG”.“OMG” was a Tidal exclusive, now streaming everywhere you can check out Mensa’s release from The Manuscript.

The Pharrell produced track features Pusha T and has guest appearances from Pusha T, Ethan Cutkosky, Joey Purp and Towkio.

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Check out these 5 Chicago artists at Lollapalooza. Whitney, Noname, Kweku Collins, The O'My's and Chance The Rapper

Let’s dive into the incredible lineup at this year’s Lollapalooza. Chicago artists came to represent at one of the largest music festivals in the world. The talent to tough but their Chicago breed artist standout in a big way. Below let’s visit five artists that call Chicago their home that you absolutely can’t miss at this year’s Lollapalooza!

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Whitney

Indie-rock band Whitney will represent the Chicago indie scene well. The young band will have the perfect match of blended tunes and heart wrenching lyrics. Their debut album Light Upon the Lake is one of the best pieces of work coming out from Chicago in the past few years. Seeing them rock the stage at Lollapalooza will be a great experience for the young band. It definitely won’t be the last time on the Lollapalooza stage.

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Noname

After an incredible year of appearances at Saturday Night Live, Bronzeville native Noname will be making her Lollapalooza debut. The spoken word artist made the past year her own with her soulful and honest approach to storytelling that we hear in her latest protect, Telefone.

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Kweku Collins

Closed Sessions rapper Kweku Collins will bring his poetry and melodic rap sound to life at Lollapalooza. Making his Lollapalooza debut, the Evanston (close enough) native will represent the young label well. He will be rubbing shoulders with some heavyweight rapper while making a bold appearance at Lollapalooza in his own right.

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The O’ My’s

Rock meets soul back again when the O’ My’s return at Lollapalooza. Showing early support in their career to the likes of Chance The Rapper, the O’ My’s will receive a long overdue warm welcome. Seeing Maceo Haymes taking the stage with Nick Hennessey, Boyang Matsapola, Baron Golden, Erick Mateo will bring the longtime Chicago favorites to new heights. If you haven’t already do yourself a favor and check out their EP, Keeping The Faith.

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Chance The Rapper

This one goes without saying. If you’re from Chicago, you have to come through and support Chicago’s biggest name in the business. Chance The Rapper just a few short years ago performed at the smaller BMI stage. This year, Chance The Rapper will headline August 5 on the main stage expecting his biggest crowd to date.

After a number of incredible accolades for the young 24-year-old artist, Chance The Rapper will bring it all home at Lollapalooza. After his three well deserved Grammy wins, donating over 1 million dollars to the Chicago Public School District and widely praised third released mixtape Coloring Book, Chance’s set will be one to remember for years to come.

4-Day Passes and single day passes are currently sold-out, VIP passes are now at Lollapalooza.com.


Freddie Gibbs.

Freddie Gibbs You Only Live 2wice concert at the Metro Chicago

Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs had his share of ups and downs throughout his life, yet he shakes it off like it's nothing. When Gibbs took the stage the crowd went absolutely crazy. Welcoming him home with a lot of love is what fueled Gangsta Gibbs. He seemed to be in good spirits during his show at the Metro Thursday night and clearly enjoying being back in the rap game. Gibbs performed cuts from his latest album, You Only Live 2wice, including "20 Karat Jesus." He also blazed through hits from his previous records ESGN and Shadow of a Doubt. Relive the night with our photo gallery below.

Words by Ashley Perez

Freddie Gibbs Photos by: Kevin Baker 

Freddie Gibbs Video shot by: Kevin BakerChopped by Lateef Idris


Why shouldn't Chrisette Michele perform at Inauguration 2017?

The mild news hitting the wire this past week is that of Chrisette Michele performing at President-Elect Donald Trump's Inauguration, on January 20, 2017.

Although the "woke" thing to do right now is to mount up for a "witch hunt" and point out the "cooning and buffoning" within the black delegation; I would like everyone to back away slowly, and respect Chrisette Michele's decision to perform at Trump's Inauguration.

The funny, yet sad thing about this announcement is that Chrisette didn't have enough "die hard fans" to spark consistent viral outrage for 48 hours. People want to criticize, but they don't want to support. They also don't necessarily have a better alternative for her and her career. This reason alone is exactly why she should do the inauguration. Sure, she is popular, has had success, and she does tour and make great music. Still, for one reason or another it's not reaching the masses at the rate I'm willing to bet her label nor her team desire.

For the last decade, Chrisette has been on Def Jam. A staple that has done nothing but support and shed light on some of the greatest artist ever in the world of hip-hop and R&B. She's put out 5 albums in that span of time and, I know for sure, some know her solely as "the woman on Aston Martin Music". That's not a good thing. She was also on Jay-Z's "Lost One".

A very serious reality is that we are in what is deemed the "microwave popcorn era" of music where hit songs become "old news" within 3 weeks. The only thing that has stuck in the last calendar year is the love or hate for Donald Trump. With that said, why wouldn't a talented artist on a historic label, with no gold or platinum albums or solo number 1 singles in 10 years perform at one of the biggest moments of 2017?

This may be the moment that truly exposes Chrisette Michele's music to an audience that never heard of her. A paying audience just might say "that woman is really good". She'll certainly get more shows at a better rate to provide for her artistry and family. I remember when Chrisette was one of the first faces of "neo soul". You know, that genre that black folks left behind once Erykah Badu took a break and Chris Brown and Trey Songz became horny young men.

I see no bad in this move for her, and I don't hate people for supporting Donald Trump. I am not hurt when people of color want to talk to him. Now I will add, I am not going to be upset at an under-appreciated artist seizing a moment. This particular moment in time will be historic whether people like the move or not. It's easy to say "it shouldn't be about the money" or "all business isn't good business". That is, of course, when you're not a professional recording artist. Relax. It's a performance. Not an endorsement or an advocation of anything Trump does or says. Did we do Michael Jackson this way when he met with Reagan?

To Chrisette Michele. Although you don't need my validation to make a business decision; I respect your decision as both a human being and an artist. I want you to do great and  hope the upcoming moment leads you to a prosperous 2017.

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Riot Fest 2016 Lineup Flyer

15 Must-See Acts at Riot Fest 2016 Douglas Park Chicago

Riot Fest 2016 is this week! Aren't you excited? Lace up those Docs, put on your favorite NOFX shirt, and remember not throw 'bows in the pit. Are you heading out to Douglas Park but still can't figure out which acts to spend your valuable time skanking and moshing to? Ruby Hornet has you covered as we'll share the 15 must-see acts at Riot Fest this weekend!


Pop Performers Dominate MTV Music Videos

Pop Performers Era of the Late 1990s/Early 2000s

It was a time where pop demanded the attention of young teens, from boy bands to girls groups. Even powerful pop solo performers took center stage during this age. These performers styled baggy jumpsuits and performed coordinated dances that were largely popular in music videos that took over MTV. Let's take a look back at 6 throwback music videos from the late 90s/early 2000s that make us nostalgic: 

“No Scrubs” by TLC —> The groups girl trio performed their music video “No Scrub” in true 1990s fashion. They wore baggy pants and platform shoes with synchronized dance movements in an intergalactic space atmosphere. Although the music video only received 40 million views on YouTube, this 1999 hit was the most played clip on MTV in May of 1999, according to Billboard. The music video performance for “No Scrubs” won several awards. Some of which included two Grammys, for best r&b song and best r&b performance. The TLC song also won an MTV music video award for best group. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrLequ6dUdM

“I Want it That Way” by The Backstreet Boys —>  The 1990s started the memorable trend of pop boy bands, like N’Sync and the Backstreet Boys. In 2000, the Backstreet Boys released their hit “I Want it That Way.” Although the song displayed less of the classic boy band choreographed dance style compared to their song “Backstreets Back,” the boys still made some coordinated moves in a matching all white attire. The song was also up for numerous music award nominations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fndeDfaWCg

“Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears —> This 1998 song features Britney Spears in a choreographed music video with multiple background dancers. In the music video first displayed all over tv screens on MTV, Spears goes from catholic school girl to hip hop girl. These planned out dance moves were a reoccurring theme in Spears’ videos. Over 10 years later, the music video of “Baby One More Time” was posted to YouTube. Since it was posted, the music video accumulated over 200 million views. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-u5WLJ9Yk4

”Bye Bye Bye” by N’Sync —> The well known boy band that monopolized the early 2000s, N’Sync, took over MTV in 2000 with their smash hit “Bye Bye Bye." With all five band members following in suit to every choreographed dance move, from hanging on strings like puppets to dancing on walls. N’Sync perfected the boy band image and dominated the game in 2000 with their “No Strings Attached” album. Their song “Bye Bye Bye” was also awarded for multiple MTV music videos. Some of the awards included the MTV video music award for: best choreography, best pop video, and the viewer’s choice award. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo-KmOd3i7s

“Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera —> Aguilera first came into public recognition in the late 1990s with songs like “What A Girl Wants” and “Genie in a Bottle.” Christina Aguilera’s music video for “Genie in a Bottle” moves back and forth between “normal” seeming scenes in which Aguilera is hanging out with friends, to strongly choreographed dance scenes. Although the song didn’t receive any awards, the hit was featured on her self entitled album that led Christina to win a grammy for best new artist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIDWgqDBNXA

“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child —> Before Beyonce went solo, she too was in a girl group known as Destiny’s Child. The fierce trio depicts their strength to survive and showcases powerful, coordinating dance moves in the music video. The group’s 2001 song “Survivor” was awarded for MTV video music award for best r&b video. The music video was also the recipient of many MTV nominations. According to Billboard, “Survivor” was reported as the second most played clip on MTV in March of 2001. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmc8bQoL-J0

Although it is a bit of a cringeworthy period to look back on, these pop sensations represented a strange phenomenon in music history that many of us love to reminisce over. After growing up with Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, it’s hard to simply forget all the words that we once memorized. 


Interview: Borgore gives insight on his musical beginnings

Israeli Asaf Borger is better known to his millions of devoted fans as the dubstep producer and DJ Borgore. Transcending from his first found success Borgore has branched out to other forms of electronic music like drum and bass and house music.

He has also seen recent success in his hip-hop endeavors. His newest video single 100s showcases Borgore’s rap skills. Borgore has been associated in the past with collaborations with heavy hitters like G-Eazy, Miley Cyrus, and Diplo.

Electronic music and all things considered EDM have been looked at under a microscope in recent years for its fanatic and massive sellout crowds. The stereotypical never ending party antics, overly suggested drug usage, and the sexually aggressive atmosphere still haunts the growing music community.

Borgore is no stranger to controversy. The producer/DJ has been criticized for his suggestive and misogynist lyrics and his on stage antics. His persona is one of the loudest in your face in electronic music today. His unapologetic actions and records are a continuing sign of holding nothing back when it comes to his world of DJing.

A music prodigy growing up, Borgore had a not so average up bringing. After graduating at the age of 18 years-old he spent three years in the Israel’s national army. Borgore also has his own label Buygore.

We sat down with EDM’s bad boy at the fifth annual Spring Awakening Music Festival.

CM: You recently released the video for “100s." Not only do you showcase your rap skills but you also say “You don’t have to love, but I’m here making millions." What do you mean by that?

B: I’m a strange person in the EDM world. I don’t one hundred percent fit in, in a classical EDM way.  That gets a lot of people mad. When people aren’t used to something they either love it or hate it. That’s a fact, you don’t have to love me but regardless I’m still doing pretty good.

From the Israeli army to producing music. How has that journey been coming from a place of uncertainty? 

When I was in the army I was one hundred percent sure what I was going to do. I was in the army, my girlfriend broke up with me, I was miserable and was stuck with five hundred dudes getting shot at everyday.

That’s when I said to myself you know what I don’t want to be in this position. I want to be successful. I’m going to be successful.

I started trading stocks and did really well actually but that didn’t fulfill my life emotionally, so I want back to music. Music is something I’ve done my whole life. But you know what, if I wasn’t good at music I would do something else. I’d be a great lawyer or doctor. Fuck it, it’s all a matter of perspective. If you want to be great at something, then be great at it. Just work hard for it.

Borgore
Borgore after our interview for quick portrait shots after his set at Spring Awakening. Photo: Jesus J. Montero

Your music has been attacked for what many suggest to be overly sexualized and misogynistic. How do you now reflect dealing with that and how many interrupted your music?

I don’t disrespect anyone. I don’t care what’s your gender or where you’re from as long as you’re a good person I respect you. If you come to my show and you want to show your tits if you’re a dude, chick, or trans (sexual) do it, I don’t care.

I’ll give you that option. You have the freedom to do whatever the fuck you want. How am I misogynist? You want me to tell them to stay at home and wear hijabs and stay in the kitchen all day?

When being criticized, the misunderstood culture of electronic music in being overly sexualized towards women is attached to your debate. How is it not only representing you but a specific culture of electronic music?

It feels natural. I’m going to do that for my whole life. For me art is theory. There’s so many questions I cannot answer. I don’t know what happens after death.

The world is fucking vague. The one thing I do know is the music makes me happy. This is what I’m going to do even if I’m not successful in making music, I’m still going to be making music.

Being involved and having a hand in every step the process with your music, from your label, production, to now rapping on "100s." Why is that important to you?

That’s the way it should be. If you’re a so called DJ, you better fucking know how to play some instruments. You better know how to produce. The whole idea of people becoming famous from other producer’s work is bullshit.

We are musicians - this is our job. First and foremost, we are all musicians you better know the notes in a C major scale, that’s basic! You got to know the basics.

Just bouncing back to "100s," how was it making the video for this light-hearted track?

It was amazing to shoot. We had a great time; I love the song. For years I was working with directors, some were great some weren’t. I was so happy to work with someone that I had so much fun with. All my friends were there together just fucking around. While on set I literally destroyed a golf cart for the music video. (laughs)

Borgore's "100s"

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Kanye West announces the Saint Pablo tour with 2 dates in Chicago

Kanye West announced the dates for his highly anticipated Saint Pablo tour today via Tidal. The tour will begin August 25 in Indianapolis, and conclude Oct. 29 in Las Vegas, hitting almost 40 major cities across North America. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, with a special preorder period for American Express cardholders today at 10 a.m., and another preorder period for Tidal subscribers beginning Thursday at 10 a.m.

The Life of Pablo set several records for Tidal upon its release on Feb. 14. For the first 10 days of its release, the album surpassed 250 million streams and reportedly doubled the streaming service’s subscriber base from one million to 2.5 million. After a short window of exclusivity for Tidal, the album was released on other platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, increasing its dominance in the music streaming market even more.

The Saint Pablo Tour
Kanye West - The Saint Pablo Tour

Article Originally Published by Complex