Category: Hip-Hop

  • Ranking Top-7 Lines From Curren$y’s 8/30

    Ranking Top-7 Lines From Curren$y’s 8/30

    One time for the Aries. EASTSIDE!

    For a nigga signed to Cash Money I can not remember them days nor records and I feel like I been the biggest blood since Cash Money took over around 99-2000. 

    How does this nigga Curren$y have so much music out. JETLIFE!? Hell is that. Saw it on a couple jackets once in my life. Long story short: you can answer that for me. 

    While the bangers stick out it’s Curren$y airlines” schtick on this album that are hilarious and bring energy to the production.

    Here are seven of the best lines from Curren$y latest project. (Non-ranking)

    Rich Uncle Intro (song) #WHOLETHANG

    1. “Full-time job not to kill ’em, somebody else’ll get ’em

    I tried to help some niggas, but I’ma be selfish with it

    That’s more healthier, n***a, that’s self-care, my n***a

    Generational wealth”

    Song- Combination

    2. “Minimize the problems, maximize the money

    I hoped out my Impala, hit switches, makе it sit funny

    Leanin’ to the side, stylе wild drunk monkey
    Gorillas in the mist, and the YNs hungry

    They pull up and get some change and a whole lot more game from me”

    Song- Blog Air (feat. Wiz Khalifa)

    3. “I never conspired with liars, I had me a younger Mariah

    And she was just takin’ me higher, keepin’ my pocket and mind right

    She even told me keep it P, and she never wanted the limelight

    She told me she watchin’ TV, ’cause she know that’s where she’ll find Mike”

    Song- Kush Clouds (feat. Killer Miker)

    4. “It’s been parked up for a month, we can’t find the joints

    I’m finna fire up a joint as I score more points

    Stackin’ up these golden coins, Jet Life I’m enjoyin’

    Errybody can’t go, sucka niggas can’t join

    Song- Saratoga Races

    5. “You better go find a hustle. Rinse and repeat.”

    Song- Store Owners (feat. LES)

    6. Not talking to nobody just enjoying the feeling 

    I’m silent but I’m plotting on dividing a million 

    With my nigga on his 1’s[?] I think I know where to get it

    Song- Due Diligence

    7. “Ganja in a chalice, reclinin’ on fabrics

    Smokin’, anticipatin’ the next challenge

    They went with there’s, we got right back at ’em”

    Song- Vision Board

  • Get Ready, Buffalo: T-Pain’s TP20 Tour Hits Outer Harbor Live on October 10!

    Get Ready, Buffalo: T-Pain’s TP20 Tour Hits Outer Harbor Live on October 10!

    Get Ready, Buffalo: T-Pain’s TP20 Tour Hits Outer Harbor Live on October 10!

    Buffalo’s music scene is about to get a massive dose of nostalgia and high-energy vibes as Grammy-winning artist T-Pain rolls into town for a can’t-miss performance at Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 10, 2025—this stop on his TP20 Tour: Celebrating 20 Years of T-Pain promises to be an epic night of hits, auto-tune magic, and unbreakable party spirit. 

    For those who grew up blasting tracks like “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” or “Bartender,” T-Pain needs no introduction. The Florida-born rapper, singer, and producer revolutionized the game in the mid-2000s with his innovative use of auto-tune, turning it from a studio tool into a cultural phenomenon. Over two decades, he’s racked up collaborations with everyone from Kanye West and Lil Wayne to Taylor Swift and Flo Rida, earning two Grammys along the way for smashes like “Blame It” with Jamie Foxx and “Good Life” with Kanye. But T-Pain’s story isn’t just about the charts—it’s about resilience. After facing backlash for his signature sound, he stripped it away on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert in 2014, proving his raw vocal talent and sparking a career renaissance. Now, at 40, he’s hotter than ever, with viral TikToks, a Twitch streaming empire, and fresh music that bridges generations.

    The TP20 Tour is T-Pain’s way of saying thank you to fans who’ve stuck with him through the highs and lows. Announced earlier this year with a heartfelt video message, the tour highlights his evolution from club anthems to introspective bangers, complete with surprise guests and deep cuts.  Expect a setlist packed with classics like “I’m Sprung,” “Chopped ‘N’ Skrewed,” and “Can’t Believe It,” alongside newer gems from his 2023 album On Top of the Covers, where he reimagines hits by artists like Sam Cooke and Journey. And if his recent shows are any indication, T-Pain’s live energy is infectious—he’s known for crowd-surfing, impromptu freestyles, and turning venues into massive sing-alongs.

    Joining T-Pain on stage in Buffalo are rising stars EarthGang and Armani White, adding layers of hip-hop flair and fresh sounds to the lineup.  EarthGang, the Atlanta duo signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville, brings their eclectic mix of soulful rhymes and psychedelic beats, while Armani White’s viral hit “Billie Eilish” promises to get the crowd hyped early.

    The venue couldn’t be more perfect for a fall night out. Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B, nestled along the shores of Lake Erie at 901 Fuhrmann Boulevard, is Buffalo’s go-to spot for outdoor concerts with stunning waterfront views.  Part of the Seneca Casinos Outer Harbor Live Concert Series, this amphitheater-style setup holds thousands and has hosted big names like Wallows this summer. 

    Gates open around 6:30 PM, with the show kicking off at 8 PM—plenty of time to grab drinks, snag merch, and soak in the sunset vibes.  Pro tip: Dress in layers for that crisp October air off the lake.

    Tickets are on sale now, starting at about $55, and they’re moving fast— Whether you’re a longtime fan reliving the glory days or a newcomer discovering his catalog, this concert is set to be a highlight of Buffalo’s 2025 music calendar.

    T-Pain’s ready to turn up; are you?

  • Freddie Gibbs Brings “Alfredo: The Tour North American Edition” to Life: A Celebration of Grit and Groove this Fall

    Freddie Gibbs Brings “Alfredo: The Tour North American Edition” to Life: A Celebration of Grit and Groove this Fall

    Hip-hop fans, mark your calendars—Freddie Gibbs, the relentless storyteller from the streets of Gary, Indiana, is hitting the road with “Alfredo: The Tour North American Edition.” 

    This fall trek celebrates the release of Alfredo 2, the highly anticipated sequel to his 2020 Grammy-nominated collaboration with producer The Alchemist. Kicking off in September and winding through major cities across the U.S. and Canada, the tour promises high-energy performances blending Gibbs’ razor-sharp lyricism with The Alchemist’s soulful, sample-heavy beats. Supporting acts like Jalen Ngonda, MAVI, and Sven Wunder will join on select dates, adding layers of R&B, rap, and instrumental flair to the lineup.   

    Born Fredrick Jamel Tipton on June 14, 1982, in Gary, Indiana, Freddie Gibbs grew up on the city’s east side amid challenging circumstances. He briefly attended Ball State University on a football scholarship but was expelled, leading him to enlist in the U.S. Army at age 19 as part of a pre-trial diversion for theft and gun charges—only to be dishonorably discharged after eight months for marijuana use. Turning to music, Gibbs connected with local producer Finger Roll and joined the No Tamin Entertainment crew, releasing his first mixtape, Full Metal Jackit, in 2004. A short-lived deal with Interscope Records in 2006 ended without an album due to label shakeups, but Gibbs persevered independently.

    His breakthrough came in the 2010s with mixtapes like Cold Day in Hell (2011) and Baby Face Killa (2012) during a stint with Young Jeezy’s CTE World. After parting ways in 2013, he founded his own label, ESGN, and dropped his debut album of the same name. Gibbs’ solo discography shines with projects like Shadow of a Doubt (2015), You Only Live 2wice (2017), Freddie (2018), Soul Sold Separately (2022)—which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200—and You Only Die 1nce (2024). His collaborative work stands out, including three with The Alchemist (Fetti with Currensy in 2018, Alfredo in 2020, and Alfredo 2 in 2025). Alfredo earned a Grammy nod for Best Rap Album, while Gibbs’ uncredited feature on Ye’s “Back to Me” (2024) hit No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. Beyond music, he’s ventured into acting with roles in Power Book IV: Force (2022), Bust Down (2022), and the film Down with the King (2021). 

    “Alfredo: The Tour” draws from the raw, introspective vibes of the Alfredo series, where Gibbs grapples with personal growth, street life, and moral ambiguities over The Alchemist’s intricate production. Expect sets heavy on tracks from both albums, plus fan favorites from Gibbs’ catalog. The tour spans from Philadelphia on September 20 to San Francisco on November 10, hitting theaters, ballrooms, and iconic spots like Red Rocks Amphitheatre.  

    For fans in and around Rochester, New York, the nearest stops offer prime opportunities to catch Gibbs live without a long haul:

    The closest is Toronto, Ontario, on October 19 at History, just about 160 miles away—a quick drive across the border. Tickets start at around $75.   

    Next up is Cleveland, Ohio, on October 17 at Agora Theatre, roughly 220 miles from Rochester, with tickets also starting near $75.   

    Detroit, Michigan, follows on October 18 at the Masonic Jack White Theatre, about 330 miles away, where prices begin at $79.

    If you’re up for a bit more travel, the Brooklyn, New York, shows on September 21 and 22 at Brooklyn Paramount (around 340 miles) have tickets starting at $75.  

    With Gibbs’ reputation for electrifying live shows—fueled by his unfiltered delivery and crowd command—this tour is a must-see for anyone craving authentic hip-hop. Tickets are available now via major outlets like Ticketmaster, but act fast as high-demand stops could sell out. Whether you’re drawn by the beats, the bars, or the backstory, “Alfredo: The Tour” is set to serve up a feast of hip-hop excellence.  

  • ALBUM REVIEW: JIDs “God Does Like Ugly” Is A Lyrical Triumph With Cinematic Flair [8/10]

    ALBUM REVIEW: JIDs “God Does Like Ugly” Is A Lyrical Triumph With Cinematic Flair [8/10]

    Encuentro a DIOS

    … Through the lenses of Westside Gunn it’s clear to note as JID embarks on his fourth solo album obviously any under 40-years-old rapper is u-g-l-y compared to heem and should not be mentioned on any Mount Rushmore with him as he is self proclaimed Top-3 not Top-5!

    It’s been a long time coming, three years, but after his #CeilingChallenge he is no conscience rapper he just likes what he likes. JID’s latest album, God Does Like Ugly (released stacked 2025 industry release date), cements his status as one of hip-hop’s sharpest lyricists. If music is going back to regional sounds how would an East Atlanta rapper garner new audiences and attentions; and show his technically proficient emceeing.  

    As I examined JID’s “God Does Like Ugly,” I was blown away by how it builds on the lyrical density of his previous work while exploring themes of growth, karma, and spirituality. With production that is cinematic and varied, the 15-track album clocks in at around an hour and feels ambitious and introspective at the same time. My rating would be 8/10-while the cohesion is not as flawless as “The Forever Story,” JID’s pen game is sharper and his standout features from Westside Gunn, Vince Staples, and Clipse elevate the album without overshadowing its star. JID can say he is doing it because he is cold not because of J. Cole. Let’s talk about the album, track by track, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Just listened to it, and now I’m ready to break it down.

    1.  YouUgly (feat. Westside Gunn): Has JID produced his Meek Mill Dreams and Nightmares (Intro) moment. Right out the gate, this opener slapped me with its dark, glitchy beat and aggressive energy—it’s like JID is declaring war on doubters and industry BS. The beat switches keep it unpredictable, weaving in conversational bars with sharp observations, like lying “from the depths of hell with angel wings.” Westside Gunn’s verse adds that gritty contrast, making it a true banger. It’s got this reckless poetic vibe that had me replaying it instantly.    The album’s thesis on resilience and defiance is set in this aggressive, high-energy opener. JID and Westside Gunn deliver stacked verses over stuttering 808s, live drumstick snares, and dizzying shifts from aggravating bass to gospel organ. Several reviews have called it the best opening of the year, with heavy bass and crooked percussion, while another has called it the most disarming opener yet, as it pits haters and sales checkers against each other, thus making it an endurance test of lyrical performance.

    2.  Glory: This one hit me like a motivational sermon, with epic gospel chops and JID reflecting on his come-up and spirituality. The beat switch amps up the hype, and lines about his brother’s incarceration in the “Garden of Eden” analogy really stuck with me—it’s dark yet uplifting. I felt the personal growth theme kicking in here, making it a standout for its emotional depth.   Highlighted for its motivational, gospel-tinged sermon-like quality, this track uses stormy piano-driven soul and a transposed soul loop to ground soaring samples, allowing JID’s fast syllables to shine. The beat switch serves as a turning point, elevating the emotional intensity and reinforcing the track’s themes of perseverance and self-reflection. JID’s intricate flow and poignant lyrics, combined with the dynamic production, create a powerful listening experience that resonates deeply with listeners.

    3.  WRK: Man, this track’s chant-like “work” hook got under my skin—it’s a war cry about hustle and drive, with horror synths and gang vocals creating a massive trap anthem. JID’s wordplay, like comparing his unstoppable drive to cruising ’85 in a ‘52 Dodge, had me nodding along. It’s one of those songs that feels like a flex on his work ethic, though it reminded me a bit of his older stuff. It is important not to sound too Taylor Swiftish in another reaction, but FORCED-POP is at an all-time high in the year 2025.

    4.  Community (feat. Clipse – Pusha T & Malice): I can tell you about “Community” however I rather just inform you ain’t nobody care when lil bro was laying dead on that block. No bad & boujie Malice is a highlight of Clipse audio adventure on God Does Like Audio and it’s clear both Pusha T and his brother were in album mode when penning these verses taking us bik to the state-skreet where the two blossomed and where JID created an adult life. This boom-bap infused cut had me hooked with its themes of suffering, violence, and cultural resilience. JID’s rage boils over in bars like putting “a bullet in Bob the Builder” to fight gentrification, and passing the mic to Pusha and Malice keeps the storytelling seamless. The hypnotic vocals drive the anger home—it’s urgent and prophetic, one of my favorites for its cohesion and wordplay.     

    5.  Gz: The aggression here floored me—JID embraces the “ugly” side with confrontational lines on racial injustice, like questioning Martin vs. Malcolm. The warped sax loop and bass-heavy production give it a mad, sewer-grate jazz feel. It’s short but packs a punch, fitting perfectly in the album’s early high-energy run. This bass-heavy cut is about gangster image expectations, systemic problems like racial injustice, and cycles of struggle.

    6.  VCRs (feat. Vince Staples): This moody track snapped me into focus with its dusty, collage-like beat and snapshots of the American Dream gone wrong. JID warns haters not to test him, and Vince’s feature is one of the strongest, adding depth to the soul-searching. It’s got that introspective edge that makes you think about fame’s toll.   A standout with spellbinding Spanish guitars, sandy percussion, and dusty collage-like production deconstructing capitalism’s damage. JID warns naysayers while Vince Staples delivers deeply, making it frictionless and potentially special; one calls it the best beat on the album, complemented by guitar flutters.     

    7.  Sk8 (feat. Ciara & Earthgang): The tone shift here was refreshing—a throwback block party jam with Miami Bass vibes and highlife rhythms that made me want to move. If you have never skated backwards or sat out during couples-skate I wouldn’t expect you to understand; It’s JID’s most danceable track yet, with Ciara and Earthgang bringing melodic joy. For my ladies who always wanted to do it like a boy this is the fun record of the album where JID pen is less wordy and just let as the youth say let the vibe win! I appreciated the kinetic fun after the heavier start.   

    8.  What We On (feat. Don Toliver): This dreamy, spacey cut with reversed bass and autotune had a vibey, eerie Silent Hill feel, but it dragged a bit for me—Don Toliver’s part felt phoned in. Still, it’s a solid flex, though not as gripping as the surrounding tracks.   

    9.  Wholeheartedly (feat. Ty Dolla $ign & 6lack): The orchestral strings and harmonies here gripped me emotionally—it’s like a slower, more vulnerable “Kody Blu 31.” Ty and 6lack’s cameos create this shared ache, making it a beautiful breather in the album’s midpoint.  An orchestral ache with creaking strings and choirs, it’s one of JID’s best sung performances, evoking shared emotions, but criticized for limp production and not emphasizing concepts, serving as a soulful counterpart to darker tracks.    

    10.  No Boo (feat. Jessie Reyez & Mereba): This luxurious R&B fusion with sultry vocals and piano had me in my feelings—JID’s smooth singing in Spanish alongside Reyez is a highlight. It’s lush and romantic, though it borders on generic radio fare at times.   The most luxuriant moment, with floating piano and rich male-female vocals in a back-and-forth conversation, JID in his R&B bag and Reyez sultry. It’s compared to “We Cry Together” but criticized for not reaching vulnerability, though it livens the album.     

    11.  And We Vibing: As a brief interlude, this stacked-voice moment felt heavy with elliptical meaning—a quick palate cleanser that sets up the final stretch. It’s subtle but adds to the album’s layered vibe. 

    12.  On McAfee : This hit like a late-night freestyle—nonchalant yet precise, with rapid bars that land like snipers. It’s a fun, grinning track that could’ve been an EP leftover, but it keeps the energy high.  

    13.  Of Blue (feat. Mereba): A multi-part epic with soft guitars and angelic vocals easing into calm before bursts, confronting self-doubt, religious exploitation, and institutional issues. It’s optimistic yet heavy-handed, with phases tripping over each other in its six minutes. This 6-minute epic bowled me over with its soft guitars turning into a beat-switch sermon on self-doubt and demons. The optimistic chorus about light through darkness is inspirational, though it can feel heavy-handed. Mereba’s angelic vocals elevate it. 

    14.  K-Word (feat. Pastor Troy): The cinematic guitars and shifting moods made this intense karma meditation feel scriptural—part confession, part battle cry. There s a lot going on here, and it’s a dense, dramatic standout that rewards close listening.

    15.  For Keeps: Ending on this gut-punch recount of JID’s come-up—from SoundCloud uploads to fatherhood—left me emotional. The plainspoken finale is a reflection on early career struggles, paying homage to fans and ending with JID’s child, confirming fatherhood. It’s thankful and accepting of horrors as missions, reading like a memo to his past self. The kid’s cameo asking if “Daddy got best bars in the world?” is heartwarming and bittersweet, wrapping the album perfectly.   

    In the end, this album grew on me with each spin—it’s dense and rewarding, though some critics call it overstuffed. Fan reactions echo my excitement, with many praising the flows, production, and no-skips feel. If you’re a JID stan like myself, it’s essential; for newcomers, it’s a showcase of why he’s one of the best out. God Does Like Ugly is a must-listen for JID fans and newcomers alike, proving he’s a force independent of mentor J. Cole.

  • JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” North American Leg Preview

    JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” North American Leg Preview

    Atlanta rapper JID, born Destin Choice Route, is set to ignite stages across North America with his “God Does Like Paradise Tour,” the North American leg of his expansive “God Does Like World Tours.” This blockbuster run, supporting his critically acclaimed fourth studio album God Does Like Ugly (released August 8, 2025, via Dreamville/Interscope), kicks off October 15, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA, and wraps with a two-night finale at Brooklyn’s Paramount on December 15 and 16. With fellow Atlanta native Young Nudy as a special guest for most U.S. dates, alongside additional acts like Baby Kia, DC The Don, and Kai Ca$h, JID is poised to deliver a high-energy celebration of hip-hop that showcases his lyrical dexterity and electrifying stage presence. For fans in and around Rochester, NY, the tour offers several nearby shows to catch this rising star in action.

    JID’s Background: From East Atlanta to Global Stages

    Born on October 31, 1990, in East Atlanta, JID grew up immersed in his parents’ collection of classic funk and soul LPs, which shaped his eclectic musical palette. Influences like OutKast, Goodie Mob, Lil Wayne, and Wu-Tang Clan fueled his passion for hip-hop, while his fluent rapping style and intricate wordplay have earned him widespread critical acclaim. JID first gained recognition with independent projects like Route of Evil (2012), Para Tu (2013), and DiCaprio (2015). His big break came in 2017 when he signed with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records, releasing his debut album The Never Story, which featured the standout single “Never.” Subsequent projects, including DiCaprio 2 (2018) and The Forever Story (2022), solidified his reputation as a lyrical powerhouse. His 2021 single “Enemy” with Imagine Dragons, the theme for Netflix’s Arcane, became his highest-charting hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.

    JID’s latest album, God Does Like Ugly, has been hailed as one of 2025’s strongest hip-hop releases, with critics praising its ambitious production and introspective storytelling. Featuring heavyweights like Clipse, Vince Staples, Ciara, and Westside Gunn, the album reflects JID’s evolution as an artist who carries “the weight of Atlanta’s past, present, and future” on his shoulders. The tour’s title, God Does Like Paradise, nods to the album’s themes of resilience and redemption, promising fans a live experience that’s both raw and reflective.

    Tour Highlights and Rochester, NY Proximity

    The North American leg of the “God Does Like Paradise Tour” spans 31 shows across major cities, with Young Nudy bringing his signature trap energy to all U.S. dates (except Canadian stops). The tour’s itinerary includes stops in Chicago, Seattle, Miami, and more, but for Rochester, NY, fans, three nearby shows stand out:

    •  October 22, 2025 – Toronto, ON @ REBEL: Just a three-hour drive from Rochester, this show at the 2,500-capacity REBEL nightclub offers an intimate setting to experience JID’s dynamic performance. Note that Young Nudy will not appear at this Canadian date, but JID’s solo set, likely featuring tracks like “WRK” and “Surround Sound,” will keep the energy high.

    •  October 24, 2025 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS: A four-hour drive from Rochester, this stop at the 2,300-capacity MTELUS venue promises a vibrant atmosphere. Like the Toronto show, it’s a Young Nudy-free performance, but JID’s reputation as a “notorious live performer” ensures a memorable night.

    •  December 15-16, 2025 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount: Approximately a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Rochester, these back-to-back shows mark the tour’s grand finale. The 2,700-capacity Brooklyn Paramount will host JID and Young Nudy, delivering a high-octane close to the North American leg.

    What to Expect from the Tour

    JID’s live shows are known for their raw, unfiltered energy, transforming venues into “high-octane, crowd-shaking celebrations.”. Additional acts like Baby Kia and DC The Don will bring fresh voices to the stage, amplifying the tour’s appeal. JID’s promise of a special Atlanta hometown show (date TBD) underscores his commitment to his roots, but for now, Rochester fans can plan road trips to Toronto, Montreal, or Brooklyn to catch him live.

    Tickets for North American shows are available through Ticketmaster.

    His journey from East Atlanta to global stages mirrors the hustle and heart of his music, making these shows a must-see for fans of lyrical precision and authentic storytelling. Whether you’re vibing to “151 Rum” or reflecting on the personal narratives of God Does Like Ugly, JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” is set to be a defining moment in his career—and a thrilling experience for North America

    For more details and tickets, visit www.jidsv.com.

  • Joey Bada$$ Announces Dark Aura Tour w/ Rapsody & Ab-Soul, Bringing Lyrical Fire to North America

    Joey Bada$$ Announces Dark Aura Tour w/ Rapsody & Ab-Soul, Bringing Lyrical Fire to North America

    #UPDATE

    Joey Bada$$ has canceled his Dark Aura Tour

    In a sudden and disappointing turn, Joey Bada$$‘ highly anticipated “Dark Aura Tour,” has been reportedly cancelled.

    New York’s own Joey Bada$$ is set to ignite stages across North America with his Dark Aura Tour, a 25-date run kicking off October 16, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, and wrapping up November 21, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The tour, named after his latest single “Dark Aura,” features hip-hop heavyweights Ab-Soul and Rapsody as special guests, promising a night of introspective lyricism and high-energy performances. With his forthcoming album Lonely at the Top dropping August 29, 2025, Joey is poised to make 2025 a defining year. Fans near Rochester, New York, will have several opportunities to catch this powerhouse trio at nearby stops.

    Joey Bada$$: From Pro Era Prodigy to Hip-Hop Luminary

    Born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, Joey Bada$$ emerged in 2012 with his debut mixtape 1999, a nod to East Coast rap’s golden era that showcased his lyrical skill at age 17. As a co-founder of the Pro Era collective, he blended raw storytelling with boom-bap beats. His albums B4.DA.$$ (2015) and 2000 (2022) cemented his status as a voice for conscious rap. Beyond music, Joey’s acting roles in Mr. Robot and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, along with his entrepreneurial and activist work, highlight his versatility. His upcoming album Lonely at the Top explores fame, isolation, and resilience, with singles like “Dark Aura” and “The Ruler’s Back” setting the tone. The Dark Aura Tour marks his first headlining run since 2022, joined by Ab-Soul’s cerebral rhymes and Rapsody’s poetic flow.

    Tour Highlights and Rochester-Area Shows

    The Dark Aura Tour hits major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Brooklyn, but fans in Rochester, New York, can catch the show at several nearby venues. The closest stops include:

    •  October 20, 2025 – Toronto, ON @ REBEL (approximately 85 miles from Rochester, a 1.5-hour drive across the border). This show at the vibrant REBEL venue brings Joey, Ab-Soul, and Rapsody to Canada’s hip-hop scene, making it the most accessible option for Rochester fans.

    •  October 21, 2025 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland (approximately 225 miles from Rochester, a 3.5-hour drive). The intimate House of Blues will amplify the trio’s lyrical intensity, perfect for a road trip.

    •  October 22, 2025 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore (approximately 300 miles from Rochester, a 4.5-hour drive). This stop at the historic Fillmore Detroit offers a high-energy night for fans up for a longer drive.

    The Toronto show is the closest and most convenient for Rochester fans, though a valid passport is required for Canada.

    What to Expect

    The Dark Aura Tour promises a showcase of hip-hop’s lyrical core. Joey will likely perform tracks from Lonely at the Top alongside classics from 1999 and 2000. Ab-Soul, fresh off his 2022 album Herbert, brings philosophical depth, while Rapsody, a Grammy-winning lyricist, delivers poetic flows from works like Eve. This trio’s commitment to substance over flash makes the tour unmissable for hip-hop purists.

    Ticket Information

    Tickets are live via www.joeybadass.com or platforms like Ticketmaster. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so Rochester fans should act quickly, especially for Toronto and Cleveland.

    Why This Tour Matters

    The Dark Aura Tour follows Joey’s struggles with label delays at Columbia Records, which pushed Lonely at the Top from its original August 1 release. His defiance shines in “Dark Aura,” produced by Chuck Strangers, with lines like, “Independent mindset, we ain’t f**kin’ with the majors.” Paired with Ab-Soul and Rapsody, this tour celebrates hip-hop’s authenticity. Rochester fans, grab tickets early for a night of raw lyricism—whether in Toronto, Cleveland, or Detroit. Follow @joeybadass on Instagram and X for updates.

  • OBK Reacts To Album Star Line by Chance the Rapper

    OBK Reacts To Album Star Line by Chance the Rapper

    Bitch, 🫵🏻 you guessed it. I skipped straight to track six with da guy VIC MENSA, and the light-skin legion did not disappoint.

    “A Yung Nigga Classic!” • OBK on ‘Back To The Go’

    That bitch needs to be a single, but VIC MENSA might be too ugly to pose candidly with the new bachelor, Chance the Rapper.

    If we blame it on the internet, I listened to my friends and skipped his debut. I was cool letting different South Side artists explain love through their eyes. HA!

    Am I the only content creator who cares about a sophomore slump? Or surprise—the writing’s on the wall. We can sing, cook, or dance to your project Star Line while we forget your personal issues for two verses and three choruses. Chance the Rapper is bik. Go crazy; bitch, you guessed it—the track prior to the disrespect, ‘Drapetomania,’ really sets the album to new heights, where Chance raps bars like “I got a nine with no serial number, I call it playin’ hard to get. Got a high-point I call hard to find, and an MK12 called hard to miss.” These are simple lines until a Young Nigga (YN) is selecting music for a Kia Boyz-sponsored reel.

    BUT STILL REMAINS:  

    Where the fuck was G Herbo? Nigga, Chance, you’ve been in Chicago sad since the little pretty baby’s momma disposed of you. How did we land with a BabyChiefDoit when Herb is even doing work with Lyrical Lemonade, aka he’s O-U-T-S-I-D-E?

    If anybody asks me, you’ve seen me say no.

    If you like to look women in their eyes when you dance, this is the album—just when you think Chance the Rapper won’t, he goes too far and adds the unnecessary extra syllable to extend his speech. Lil Durk, Rapsody, and Latto are featured just because of Search Engine Optimization and we want you to win so big; with records of this impact, Chance may be able to make another run at the Recording Academy for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

    Great singing by Chance the Rapper on ‘Just A Drop’ leads into a passionate outro assisted by guest Jazmine Sullivan.

    Automatic Playlist Adds:

     ‘No More Old Men’ because who does not love vocals from an unknown singer on a Chance Project. S/O Jamila Woods you did that girly. 

    ‘Ride’ featuring Do or Die is post “Late Registration” vibes without the Ye. Who does not want new Ye without Ye. 

    ‘Back To The Go’

  • Kendrick Lamar performs at UCF’s annual “420 Concert Series”

    Kendrick Lamar stated to CFE Arena that he would be back, when he performed at the venue last year, and Sunday night he lived up to his promise. After taking a break in 2013, UCF brought back their annual “420 Concert Series,” with Mr. Lamar. He was supported by a vast of supporting acts, with the most recognizable act being his Top Dawg Entertainment label mate Jay Rock.

    Mr. Lamar stayed true to his “Control” verse — where he stated that “I ain’t rockin’ no more designer sh*t” —  as he hit the stage sporting a white tee, blue jeans, Detroit Tigers fitted, and a pair of white, blue and gold Nikes (possibly Lebron 9’s). He does not have many show dates on his schedule, so it’s uncertain what Mr. Lamar has been up. Based off of his scruffy look, possibly (hopefully) working on a new album. The Compton, Calif. rapper performed songs dating back to his first project “O.verly D.edicated,” up to singles past his “good kid, m.A.A.d city.”

    Aside from his short set, Mr. Jay Rock would join Mr. Lamar on stage during his performance to play their song “Money Trees” together. During his solo set, he performed his 2011 hit “Hood Gone Love It,’ as well as his verse from Ab-Soul’s “Black Lil Bastard.”

    Orlando-based rapper Caskey also made a brief visit to the stage. While he did not perform, he and his DJ Slim did manage to take over the microphone and hype up the crowd prior to TDE taking the stage.