SEARCH FOR: J. COLE

This morning Chicago native Kiraly Payne is back with his second offering of the year, coming in the form of his brand new freestyle track called “July 8th”. I have always enjoyed when artists use dates as their titles of songs (i.e. J. Cole’s January 28th), and I know that might sound ridiculous but I was excited to see the title of this one, but I was even more happy after I gave it my first listen. Take a few minutes to start your day with some of Chicago’s finest underground talent, I assure you that you will not regret it.

J. Cole is one of the best emcees in the game and he has been for damn near a decade now, and a couple days back he blessed us with a brand new music video for his smash hit titled “Middle Child”. This is something that the fans have been craving since the release of this track, and you already knew it was going to be good because Cole always goes above and beyond with his visuals. The idea and creative direction behind this music video is monumental to say the least, I saw certain aspects in this visual that I have never seen before. Watch this brand new music video below and if you enjoy it be sure to share it with a friend!

Raleigh, North Carolina recording artist Toosii continues to flood the streets with releases and his latest offering “Opps” is a melodic banger. North Carolina is hot right now and it looks like they aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. The tar heel state’s talent is on display with artists like J.Cole at who is at the forefront of hip-hop right now and becoming an icon in his own right. On the other side of the spectrum, there are emcees like DaBaby and his artist Stunna4Vegas who are taking off and are some of the hottest risers in rap right now. Toosii may very well be the next name to emerge from the state with the kind of potential and drive he has. At a young age of 19, he has an early grasp in creating catchy street anthems which remind me of popular newcomers like Roddy Ricch. Similar to Roddy, just because Toosii has melodic hooks he doesn’t mean he lacks creative lyricism or witty wordplay. Stream his track for “Opps” below!

Even in the age of social media, where artists can constantly connect and speak to an endless number of fans with the click of a few buttons, the art of the sit-down interview will never be lost or, for that matter, replaced. From the intricate details of Nardwuar interviews to the knowledgeable conversations of Elliott Wilson, these interviews are what adds a dimension of background and personality to the musicians we know and love, and for that, they demand appreciation. Whether explaining obscure childhood stories, the meaning of albums, their influences, or any other plethora of topics, musicians tend to open up when paired with the right interviewer, and the benefit of these conversations is for all to enjoy. Interviews provide fans with background, insight, and nowadays, viral moments, offering up endless entertainment that satisfies casual listeners and stans alike. They allow artists an opportunity to communicate their messages and aspirations on a level far more profound than a simple tweet, and consequently, an opportunity to breathe new life into the music that soundtracks the lives of so many. Here at Lyrical Lemonade, we’re constantly posting new interviews with all of our favorite artists to learn more about the masterminds …

Chicago native Spenzo is making his way back on our platform this afternoon with his brand new freestyle over J. Cole’s hit record “Middle Child”. This instrumental has inspired plenty of emcees to give it a spin because of just how hard it hits, but Spenzo’s take on the record might be the best remix I have heard yet. Spenzo flexed his insane lyrical ability on this joint but that’s what I expected from the veteran, be to hear prepared for one of his best verses to date. Listen to this brand new offering below and if you like it be sure to give Spenzo a follow on Soundcloud here!

On the Recording Academy’s Up-and-Down Relationship with Rap     The scent of weed wafting its way down the hall to my room from Andre3000’s neighboring after party cements the night in my mind like it was yesterday. Andre had reason to celebrate: it was 2004, and Outkast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below had just won what is generally considered to be the top prize on “Music’s Biggest Night”—the Grammy Award for album of the year. I remember the night, and that smell of success, like it was yesterday. But it was hardly yesterday, was it? It’s the most oft-mentioned, ongoing streak of embarrassment for the Grammys, but it must be repeated annually until it’s broken: it has been fifteen years since that Outkast win, and no rap project since has reached the Grammy summit. Plenty of worthy LP’s have been nominated, but all have come up short, including exceptional  releases by Lil Wayne, Drake, Jay-Z and—three times each, Eminem, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar. That’s fifteen years, mind you, in which hip-hop has only solidified its place as contemporary culture’s preeminent sound and style. What can you say? Fool me once…but fool me fifteen times? The 61st Grammy Awards will take …

Yesterday Dreamville leader J. Cole blessed the world with his brand new offering titled “Middle Child”, and it’s easily the hottest record of 2019 so far. I’m not the only one that thinks that though obviously, if you check the numbers this song is going CRAZY, it’s been #1 trending on Youtube since it’s release and I don’t see it slowing down. You fill find Cole addressing his naysayers on this track as well as flexing his unmatched lyrical ability and foreshadowing what is to come in the near future, trust me when I say it’s an all around pleasing tune. Take a few minutes of your night to check out this brand new record below and if you enjoy it be sure to share it with a friend!

Josi Green is an artist that we have been covering here on Lyrical Lemonade for some years now, and today he is making his return with his brand new interview with Illanoize! You will find the three of them asking Josi about plenty of things such as living in both Chicago and Texas, the music culture of both of those cities, being in the studio with Paul Wall, how moving to Texas influenced his music, a project that he is dropping later this month, collaborating with Ro, looking at his analytics, marketing himself as an artist, going to school, how his crew AIM came together, his relationship with Chi Adkins, the recording process of Bad Habits, being inspired by J. Cole, Lupe & Wale, the message he wants to send in his music and so much more. Check out this awesome new conversation below!

Well, he didn’t forget this time. Two weeks after the initially-announced release date of his new album, 21 Savage has finally let loose the project, and it’s everything we hoped it would be and more. Spanning fifteen tracks, the body of work has vibes for everyone alongside features from the likes of Childish Gambino, J. Cole, and more. Without a doubt, i am > i was ensures a star-studded experience, and 21’s display of artistic maturity is a reassuring sign for both fans new and old. There’s a lot to dive in to in this one, and we’re sure to have it on repeat for weeks to come. Make sure you don’t forget 21 Savage on your year-end lists. Listen to the new album below!

Fresh off of the release of his highly-anticipated new album, DiCaprio 2, J.I.D. is at the top of rap headlines right now, as his latest full-length effort will certainly claim a spot in the best projects of 2018. Today, the Dreamville signee is back to keep the wins coming, this time dropping off a brand new visual for DiCaprio 2-standout, “Off Deez”, alongside J. Cole. Directed by Lyrical Lemonade’s own, Cole Bennett, this video finds each of the two rappers in a world of ominous color that perfectly fits their flamethrowing flows and undeniable chemistry. The world of creative animation from Bennett only adds to the excitement of this release, and needless to say, it’s one my favorite visuals to come out in recent months, even featuring a quick cameo from Joey Bada$$. Watch the new video for  “Off Deez” below and if you haven’t already, check out DiCaprio 2 here!