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- THE DIGITAL DEN #19
THE DIGITAL DEN #19
🎤 Welcome to The Digital Den - Your Weekly Hip-Hop Herald 🎤
THE DIGITAL DEN
August 21, 2024
Modello Brown, the creator of "Hip Hop Littles" children's book series, has announced an upcoming animated series to expand his venture. Brown, an acclaimed author, CEO, and former underground Hip Hop artist, draws inspiration from his challenging upbringing in Chicago to motivate and uplift inner-city youth.
The "Hip Hop Littles" series introduces young readers to important life lessons and encourages them to embrace diversity, form friendships, and stand up against racism. Brown aims to bring people together through art and music, using his books, animations, and other content to foster unity and positivity.
The animated series, set to debut on YouTube and TikTok, will reach a broader audience and reinforce the values of love, inclusivity, and positivity. Brown's mission is to create a better future for children by teaching them the importance of expressing their feelings and embracing diversity.
He believes that music, particularly Hip Hop, can transcend cultural barriers and promote unity. Brown's ultimate goal for the Hip Hop Littles brand is to create more book series, music, animated cartoons, and movies, and expand the impact of his work through Modello Brown Creative Studios.
In this compassionate article, Hip Hop Golden Age compiles a list of the top 50 greatest rap groups of all time, showcasing the impact and influence each group has had on the genre. From iconic acts like Fugees and Salt-N-Pepa to underground legends like Hieroglyphics and Atmosphere, the list covers a diverse range of groups from different eras of Hip Hop.
The article delves into each group's discography, highlighting their innovative style, powerful lyricism, and their role in shaping the culture of Hip Hop. It also acknowledges the challenges and controversies some groups faced throughout their careers, recognizing the resilience and determination they displayed.
Overall, this article offers a compassionate and appreciative look at the contributions of these rap groups, recognizing their lasting legacy and significant impact on the evolution of Hip Hop.
This article discusses the relationship between hip hop and feminism, highlighting the genre's often criticized misogynistic language and stereotypes. It acknowledges the underrepresentation of black bodies in media and draws parallels to the lack of diversity in Disney movies, noting how Moana and other diverse characters have made a positive impact.
The article also recognizes the efforts of female hip hop artists like Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, Lauryn Hill, and Salt-N-Pepa, who have worked hard to change the narrative and create a legacy of trendsetting black women.
The concept of hip hop feminism is introduced, which focuses on representing and empowering women of color in the genre.
The term was coined by Joan Morgan in her book 'Why Chickenheads Come to Roast?' and it aims to subvert male-dominated narratives that have marginalized women. Instead of pitting white feminism against black feminism, hip hop feminism seeks to bridge the gap in intellectual and artistic expression.
Overall, this article advocates for the collaboration and friendship between hip hop and feminism, recognizing the potential for empowerment and positive change.
Afro Nation Detroit 2024 was a two-day music festival that celebrated Afro artists across various genres, including Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and more. The festival took place in Detroit, the birthplace of Motown and techno, and showcased performances from artists such as Rema, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, Kizz Daniel, and Kash Doll.
The festival experienced a rocky start due to weather delays on the opening day, but once the festivities began, the party didn't stop. Standout performances included PARTYNEXTDOOR, who brought R&B vibes to the predominantly Afrobeats festival, King Promise who captivated the crowd with his energy, Shenseea who displayed star power and charisma, and Ayra Starr who dazzled the audience with her dynamic stage presence.
Despite Lil Wayne's cancellation due to bad weather, Afro Nation Detroit 2024 was still an incredible experience.
In honor of what would have been Nipsey Hussle's 39th birthday, Rick Ross took a moment to remember and pay tribute to the late rapper. Ross described Hussle as ahead of his time and his peers, and expressed admiration for his legacy and the empire he built.
The two artists had a mutual respect and admiration for each other, collaborating on multiple songs throughout the years. Ross even tried to sign Hussle to his Mayback Music Group imprint in 2013, but encountered obstacles within the corporate structure of the music industry.
Despite these challenges, Ross and Hussle maintained a strong bond, and Ross encouraged his followers to stream Hussle's 2010 mixtape, "The Marathon," in his memory. Overall, Ross's tribute reflects the love and respect he had for Hussle as an artist and a person.
In a historic feat, NASA has transmitted a Missy Elliott song 158 million miles through space to Venus. The Grammy-winning rapper's 1997 hit "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" was beamed from Earth to the yellow-white planet at the speed of light.
Elliott herself chose Venus as the destination because it represents strength, beauty, and empowerment. The transmission, made by a radio dish antenna at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, took nearly 14 minutes to reach Venus.
This marks the first time a hip-hop song has been transmitted to space. NASA chose Elliott for this collaboration due to her track record of incorporating space-centric storytelling and futuristic visuals in her music videos.
Elliott celebrated the achievement by sharing images of planets and dancing aliens online. This milestone adds to the list of accomplishments Elliott has achieved in recent years, including receiving prestigious awards and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Hitkidd is making waves in the music industry with his innovative and authentic approach. His latest release, "If I Were President," featuring Co Cash and TripStar, is not just a song, but a statement that reflects the turbulent political climate.
The video, filmed in Washington D.C.
, adds to the impact of the song, with lyrics that resonate with the struggles people face today and a desire to help those in need. Hitkidd's ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop is evident in this track, and his dedication to his city extends beyond music as he actively works on projects to improve the lives of Memphis residents.
"If I Were President" is a powerful reminder of the role hip-hop plays in reflecting societal issues and inspiring change, and it stands as a bold and necessary statement in today's musical and political landscape.
This article explores the rise of Afrobeats, a genre that blends African rhythms with elements of jazz, funk, and traditional West African music. Two Nigerian artists, Wizkid and Burna Boy, have been instrumental in bringing Afrobeats to international audiences and have propelled the genre into the global spotlight.
Wizkid's innovative blending of Afrobeats with pop, reggae, and hip-hop has earned him praise from international superstars like Drake and Skepta. Burna Boy, known for his eclectic sound and fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and American hip-hop, has received international acclaim and even won a Grammy for Best Global Music Album.
Their success has paved the way for a new generation of African artists who are gaining unprecedented international exposure. The infectious rhythms, vibrant energy, and rich cultural roots of Afrobeats have captivated audiences worldwide and are solidifying the genre's place in the global music canon.
South African hip-hop artist Maraza has achieved success on Apple Music, reaching an impressive milestone of 700K plays for all-time plays on the platform. Maraza has been instrumental in shaping the genre's landscape in South Africa over the past decade, and his innovative sound and powerful lyrics have inspired a new generation of artists.
This achievement not only demonstrates his enduring popularity but also highlights the impact and resonance of his music. Maraza expressed gratitude to his fans and supporters, acknowledging their unwavering loyalty and their role in propelling his success.
The rapper recently released an LP titled "Babies In April," which showcases his versatility as an artist and explores the intricate emotions and stories tied to love. Maraza's milestone is a testament to his dedication, passion, and creativity in the music industry.
In this article, mattyballz explores the issue of "industry plants" in hip-hop. An industry plant is an artist who seems to come out of nowhere with a polished image and a strong following, leading many to believe that they are artificially created and promoted by record labels or other industry entities.
The author mentions several artists who have been subject to this scrutiny, including Tommy Richman, Tyla, 4batz, Teeso Touchdown, Ice Spice, and Ian. The article raises questions about authenticity and the influence of the music industry on artists' success.
It highlights the debate surrounding these artists and the suspicion that surrounds their rise to fame. The author invites readers to decide for themselves whether these artists are genuinely talented or merely products of the industry.
Houston rapper and producer BeatKing's cause of death has been revealed as a pulmonary embolism, according to TMZ. BeatKing passed away at Houston Hospital on August 15th after he collapsed during a radio appearance.
He had been receiving treatment for a blood clot that blocked blood flow to his lungs. The 39-year-old artist died surrounded by his two daughters.
BeatKing, known for his contributions to the Houston club scene, was beloved by fans and fellow artists alike. Rappers such as Bun B, 2 Chainz, and Juicy J have expressed their condolences and fond memories of BeatKing.
His manager, Tasha Felder, paid tribute to him, stating that he has been an integral part of the club scene for over a decade and that his music and legacy would live on.
In a surprising move, Post Malone has transitioned from hip-hop to country music with his latest album, "F-1 Trillion." The album marks a bold shift in his career as he fully embraces the world of country, leaving behind his hip-hop roots.
Post Malone's journey into country music was not an easy one, as he had to navigate the Nashville scene and collaborate with some of country music's biggest names. The album's sound is smooth and polished, with catchy hooks and top-notch production.
While some fans have embraced this new direction, others feel betrayed by the move away from hip-hop. However, regardless of the mixed reactions, Post Malone's talent and charisma shine through, proving that he is here to stay in the music industry, no matter the genre.
Detroit is set to host its first Hip-Hop Theatre Festival, organized by local collective Beats Rhymes Everything Detroit (BRED). The festival aims to merge the worlds of music and theater by transforming hip-hop songs into full-fledged theatrical works.
In addition to live performances of these new productions, the event will feature rap performances, DJ sets, panel discussions, dance battles, and virtual reality experiences. BRED, founded by Alesyn “Al Wu” McCall and Richard “King Kvll” McCall II, aims to provide more theater opportunities for Black artists and create a platform for their work.
The festival will take place on September 7 at Hilberry Gateway on Wayne State University’s campus and coincides with the popular Dally in the Alley festival. Tickets are donation-based, with a suggested donation of $25-$35, in line with BRED's mission of accessibility.
This article explores the origins and growth of the Hip-Hop industry, tracing its roots back to the 1970s in New York City. It highlights how Hip-Hop provided a creative outlet for Black and LatinX kids in the city, who capitalized on the abundance of abandoned buildings to host parties and showcase their talent.
Over the years, Hip-Hop has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, offering opportunities for success and wealth creation for many artists. The article also discusses the financial worth of the industry, with estimates in the billions of dollars, and highlights some of the top-earning stars in Hip-Hop, including Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Jay-Z.
It acknowledges the genre's impact in shaping pop culture and its global reach. However, it also highlights some of the challenges faced by Hip-Hop, such as insurance companies' reluctance to provide policies for events.
Overall, the article celebrates Hip-Hop's rise to prominence and its ability to change lives through art and entrepreneurship.