Big Sean hopped on IG Live to talk about his new album, Better Me Than You, and got emotional sharing some of the details behind the album. Here’s what he had to say.
Big Sean: I do it for the fans, with the power of Jesus Christ and all my angels, for real. You know, so.
Tetris Kelly: Big Sean got emotional on IG Live while giving fans an update on his album.
Big Sean: I’m gonna take my time.
Tetris Kelly: Big Sean’s album, Better Me Than You, drops on Friday, but the road to release hasn’t been easy.
Big Sean: Like I said, I ain’t been sleeping a lot. I’ve kinda just been giving this s–t my all and I’m burnt the f–k out. You know?
Tetris Kelly: During the livestream, Big Sean said he struggled with clearing samples, negativity online and even COVID. But after the release date was pushed, he’s ready to drop his sixth album this week, in large part thanks to his mother.
Big Sean: I appreciate my mom for being that guardian angel always giving me that advice. She really talked me through it for real.
Tetris Kelly: He said he got a call from his mom while he and Jhené were bathing their child and helped hype him up.
Big Sean: I’m excited, and that’s one thing that my mom said. She said, “Get excited.” Like, “Drop your album; it’s fire.”
Tetris Kelly: You can hear more from Sean tonight, when he talks with Billboard’s deputy director of hip-hop/R&B, Carl Lamarre, as part of the Samsung presents series at Samsung 837 in NYC.
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If you’re a fan of Tim Burton’sNightmare Before Christmas, this 13-foot, giant-sized animated LED of Jack Skellington is a must-have, bringing the iconic character to life with its huge build. This fan-favorite decoration is popular every Halloween, so act fast before it’s gone! Whether you’re planning ahead for Halloween festivities or simply looking to add a touch of Tim Burton’s unique characters to your home, you can’t go wrong with this one.
According to Home Depot, this giant-sized Jack Skellington can speak three different phrases and sing. It also comes with an illuminated LED face to achieve a spooky vibe. If that’s not all, its posable arms offer flexibility in displaying the character by letting you position and adjust the limbs in various ways.
This Jack Skellington also includes motion-sensor activation, a feature that triggers response when movement is detected. Plus, it also comes with its own plug-in power adapter.
Disney’s Giant-Sized Animated LED Jack Skellington
Customers enjoy the quick-and-easy process of putting this item together. One Home Depot customer said, “Assembly instructions were clear and thorough, he looks so awesome and the item seems to be made very well and will likely hold up for years to come. I highly recommend this guy!”
Another Home Depot customer said, “Easy to assemble considering its size. Instructions are clear. Good choice of audio clips from the movie.”
For those looking for a 2-in-1 decor piece, this is a great option. Fans can not only bring out Jack Skellington for their Halloween display, but also for Christmas. With this piece, you can bring the movie to life in the comfort of your home.
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
There’s a new Dyson Aiwrap on the market, and it’s the brand’s most futuristic hair tool yet. The Dyson Airwrap i.d. is a multi-styler and dryer with one-touch curling and styling capabilities that you can control through the Dyson app.
According to a press release, Dyson Airwrap i.d. uses Bluetooth technology to offer a “more personalized styling experience.” The device has a “personalized curling sequence” that allows you to style your hair with the touch of a button. With help from the Dyson app, Airwrap i.d. “automates the curling process based on user profile data such as hair type, length, and skill level.” It wraps, styles and curls your hair while “maintaining heat and airflow,” per Dyson.
The Airwrap i.d. was released on Monday (Aug. 26) and retails for $599.99. The hair tool is available in two options: Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-styler for Curly to Coily Hair T3-4 and Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-styler for Straight to Wavy Hair T1-2.
Dyson’s newest Airwrap comes in multiple colors, including Ceramic Patina and Topaz, Vinca Blue and Topaz, and a limited-edition Strawberry Bronze/Blush Pink dropping for the 2024 gifting season.
In other Dyson news, the company debuted a line of hair styling products earlier this month along with new colors of the original Dyson Airwrap. (The Chitosan collection consists of Pre-Styling Hair Cream ($59.99) and Post-Styling Hair Serum ($59.99) designed to fight humidity and frizz to help your hairstyles last longer. The line takes its name from chitosan, “a complex macromolecule derived from oyster mushrooms” and the star ingredient in the product lineup.
Dyson’s Chitosan collection is available at Sephora and Dyson.com.
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga introduced a liquid eyeliner whose design was inspired by a calligraphy pen, and beauty lovers are already “obsessed” with it. Clear Cut Liquid Eyeliner earned a 4.9-star rating on the Haus Labs website from more than 170 customer reviews raving over the quality of the product, including its deep pigment, easy application and “one-swipe wing precision,” as one shopper wrote.
The $26 liquid eyeliner — which delivers a long-lasting, waterproof, matte finish with no smudging — debuted on Tuesday (Aug. 26) via Haus Labs and Sephora.
Clear Cut Liquid Eyeliner is designed for all eye shapes, suitable for beginners and novices, and it’s only available in one shade: Black Onyx. Inspired by the design of Japanese calligraphy brushes, the eyeliner brush was constructed with more than 300 vegan fibers in different lengths and engineered in Korea.
Gaga teased the eyeliner on Instagram early in the month. “Say hello to Clear Cut Liquid Eyeliner: Haus Labs’ unique take on a highly-usable precision eyeliner. We’re really proud of this one. We’ve spent the last two years developing an ultra-black matte pigment that’s long wearing and won’t transfer or smudge with water or sweat,” Gaga shared with her 57 million followers. “And unlike most liquid liners, it is clean and completely free of carbon black. The brush is amazing. We were inspired by Japanese calligraphy and our design includes over 300 vegan fibers of varying lengths, resulting in effortless tug-free comfort and better control around the eye than anything else you’ll find. Whether you’re into fine lines or bold designs, I think you’ll love it and I can’t wait to see you use it very soon.”
Keeping with its commitment to clean beauty, Clear Cut Liquid Eyeliner features a vegan formula fueled by the brand’s charcoal powder and herbal flower complex and free from carbon black, a known carcinogen, that has been used to pigment eye makeup.
“Our new Clear Cut Liquid Eyeliner is two years in the making, labs across three countries and more than 20 iterations to land the right formulation,” said Gloria Ryu, chief product officer for Haus Labs. “In addition to being HausTech Powered with our custom Charcoal Powder Complex, the eyeliner is also formulated with an herbal flower complex, which boosts longwear performance while protecting the skin, and panthenol, rich in Vitamin B5 and supports skin barrier function for comfort and a smooth application. I am incredibly proud of how we were able to push innovation in this competitive category.”
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-08-27 19:07:142024-08-27 19:07:14Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs Releases Eyeliner Inspired by a Calligraphy Pen: Here’s Why Beauty Lovers Are ‘Obsessed’ With It
What will be the No. 1 song of the summer of 2024? With one week of tracking remaining, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen, maintains its lead for the coronation, per Billboard’s Songs of the Summer chart.
The 20-position Songs of the Summer running tally tracks the most popular titles based on cumulative performance on the weekly streaming-, airplay- and sales-based Billboard Hot 100 chart from Memorial Day through Labor Day (this year encompassing charts dated June 8 through Sept. 7). This year’s warm-weather winner is set to be revealed on Billboard.com and Billboard’s social channels Tuesday, Sept. 3.
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Shaboozey Scores Seventh Week at No. 1 on Hot 100, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars Debut
“I Had Some Help” has ruled Songs of the Summer all 13 weeks since the chart returned this season. It has also topped both the Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs surveys. Only one hit has earned season-ending No. 1 status on the Songs of the Summer chart after leading both the Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs – Wallen’s “Last Night” last year.
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” places at No. 2 on Songs of the Summer, with the last week of the chart’s tracking period potentially setting the stage for a photo finish between the song and Post Malone and Wallen’s team-up. “I Had Some Help” has ranked in the Hot 100’s top three, and at No. 1 for four weeks, over the past 13 weeks. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has placed in the top four, encompassing its seven weeks at No. 1, in that span.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” follows at No. 3 in the Songs of the Summer top five, with Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” at No. 4 and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” at No. 5.
Carpenter is the only act with two songs in the Songs of the Summer top 10, as her “Please Please Please” ranks at No. 7.
Prior to “Last Night” in 2023, Harry Styles’ “As It Was” was the No. 1 hit on the season-closing 2022 Songs of the Summer chart, after BTS’ “Butter” led for 2021 and DaBaby’s “Rockstar,” featuring Roddy Ricch, wrapped on top in 2020.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-08-27 19:03:372024-08-27 19:03:37With One Week to Go, Will ‘I Had Some Help’ Hold Off ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ for No. 1 on Billboard’s Songs of the Summer Chart?
The primary question around Texas country singer Randall King for the last several years has not been if will he break through on a national stage, but when? The answer could well be 2024, as Warner Music Nashville releases a single to country radio. “I Could Be That Rain” has a classic sound that draws from his ‘90s-country influences, and a weather-beaten lyric that rings true to his Amarillo roots.
“I just flat out love storms, man, being from West Texas, how open it is, how flat,” he says. “They say you can watch a dog run off for three days out there. And you can watch the thunderheads just rolling in, and it’s beautiful.”
The emotions in “I Could Be That Rain” aren’t nearly as beautiful, though, as they are twisted. The protagonist finds himself shut out by his ex, with no chance to get close to her again. If only he could take the place of a rain shower, he could manage to touch her once more. Morphing into a downpour might be a little sci-fi for country, but the broken heart behind it grounds the story.
“It’s just so real,” King says. “That’s what country music should be.”
Songwriter Mason Thornley developed the title and concept circa 2021 when he heard Brit-pop artist Labrinth’s 2014 ballad “Jealous” on Spotify. That song goes through a list of people and natural elements that may be sharing space with an ex, leaving the singer frustrated that his love interest is moving on when he cannot.
Thornley focused specifically on the rain in the opening image of “Jealous,” believing that that smaller concept could be built into something much larger. “I always thought that was a whole country song in itself,” he says.
Thornley developed the chorus hook and opening line, “Wish I could be that rain,” and wrote the front half of the chorus, personifying a downpour. As raindrops, he fantasized, he could touch his ex’s skin or sing her a song through the rhythm of raindrops on a tin roof.
He pitched the idea in several writing appointments, but didn’t get any traction. Finally, he got a good reception for his rain song during a writing appointment at the office of his publisher, the aptly named Deluge Music. Artist-writer Brian Fuller, one of Thornley’s frequent writing partners, thought humanizing the rain was a bit of an outlier concept, but he saw that as a positive.
“The wackier or weirder the idea, the more interesting it is to me,” Fuller says. “I like being able to chase hooks like that and just see [what happens]. Sometimes they turn out great. Sometimes they don’t turn out at all. But I really loved it. I mean, it wasn’t anything that I hesitated on at all.”
They finished the back half of the chorus – the first line in that exercise, “Wish I could move some clouds into your sunshine,” might be the song’s best – then moved to the first verse, pitched significantly lower to create some drama in the chorus.
“I like to write those big, overarching choruses a lot of times, if you got a singer in the room who can do it,” Thornley says. “Brian’s got a great voice, and it’s not a problem for him to go up and hit those notes.” Going low in the verse allowed for introspection. For that first stanza, they used a July shower to make the protagonist nostalgic, recalling the romantic moments the couple experienced in the rain. For the second verse, the singer contemplates how, if he had morphed into rain, he could affect her in ways he could not as a human.
“It’s not that I’m going to text her, or I’m going to go try to see where she’s at, if she’s at a bar that we used to hang out at, or she’s with her friends,” Fuller says. “I’m not going to drive by her house and see if she’s home. If there’d be a unique way to do this, if there’d be a way that I could get back to her and make her think about me, I know that the rain would be the way to do it.”
They didn’t cut a demo immediately, but when Thornley was on vacation months later, Fuller discovered that Parker McCollum was considering outside songs for a project. “I Could Be That Rain” seemed like a potential match to Fuller, so he asked Thornley if they could finish the demo. Thornley worked on it during his downtime, and when he got back to Nashville, Fuller put a vocal on it.
“Rain” didn’t land with McCollum, so Fuller recorded his own version with producer Joey Hyde. When Durango artist manager Scott Gunter was shopping for a producer for developing vocalist Jake Jacobson, Hyde sent that recording among several others to demonstrate his skills. Gunter listened steadily to “Rain” for weeks before he realized that the song might work for King. Indeed, King was instantly attracted to it, though he called Fuller to make sure it was cool.
Once he got a thumbs-up, King and co-producer Jared Conrad recorded it at Nashville’s Soundstage in July 2023, intent on balancing his ‘90s proclivities with 2020s touches. “I wanted it to still be the traditional country sound that I have, but with a little bit of that darker, modern edge,” King says. “I have a Gary Allan/Dierks Bentley influence in me, that’s kind of ‘Smoke Rings in the Dark.’ And that’s what we wanted on this record. I wanted to put some ‘Smoke’ on it.”
The band played it three times at a slightly faster tempo with okay results, but on the fourth go-round, King suggested steel guitarist Justin Schipper take a more prominent role, playing the opening signature lick and handling the instrumental solo.
“Production-wise, we did try to take it a little more sad,” Conrad says. “I mean, just adding a steel guitar to it helps that immediately.”
King also wanted to weave the feel of rain on a tin roof into the sound. Tim Galloway hinted at that with a pulsing rhythm on bouzouki, a tinny-sounding Greek stringed instrument, but King heightened the effect by asking drummer Evan Hutchings to play in tandem with Galloway, tapping the metallic side of the snare.
When King sang the final vocals for the album, Into the Neon, he held “Rain” back until the end, fearful that its range might destroy his voice for the rest of the songs. “This is by far the hardest record I’ve ever sang in my life,” he says. But he handled a couple full run-throughs well, then Conrad changed things up to focus on specific parts of the song.
“We just chopped it up into the sections so I could do all the low verses together and then move into the choruses,” Conrad says. “But I’m assuming he had practiced it a lot, because in the studio, it felt super natural.”
Warner Music Nashville released “Rain” to country radio via PlayMPE on July 10, making it his first single the label has worked nationally to primary stations. King is confident in its potential.
“It’s a song that people can relate to,” he says. “People understand when you’re hurting and missing somebody. You’re hoping that they hurt and miss you, too. That’s as straightforward as it could go.”
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From the blues to jazz to rock to folk to country, the guitar is probably the most pivotal instrument of the 20th century, serving as a centerpiece for a variety of genres that changed the course of culture in America and around the world.
In honor of the stringed instrument that has amped up audiences for centuries, we present Billboard’s complete list of the 100 Greatest Guitars of All Time — updated this week in full after revealing the first half (100-51) last week.
No, that’s not a typo. This is not a list of 100 guitarists – though each item on this list is associated with a particular guitar slinger. And it’s not a list of guitar brands or companies. This is a list of actual guitars, played by great guitarists. It puts the shine on guitars throughout modern history that have been a part of the evolution of popular music. Instead of focusing on guitar playing style, we’re looking at the instrument itself as handled by various luminaries across everything from bluegrass to heavy metal.
What is “the greatest”? Iconic, influential, inventive, famous, game changing? Unusual, oddball, beautiful, even whimsical? Just plain cool? It’s all of that and more. Some of the guitars that follow are standard models with minimal modifications; others are one-of-a-kind pieces that have been endlessly tinkered with. Some are technical and auditory wonders; others have been beaten to hell over the years by overzealous owners. But all are important to the guitar’s history and ongoing evolution.
This was a big undertaking that we didn’t want to do alone. We invited a panel of ace guitarists across a variety of genres, as well as journalists and experts, to peruse a lengthy list of guitars, compiled by Billboard, and vote on them. We invited our voters to submit their own picks. After tallying their responses, we sent it back to the voting panel, solicited additional feedback and incorporated that into a final list of the 100 Greatest Guitars of All Time.
In addition to a few voters who wished to remain anonymous, the voting panel included: Duane Betts, Nick Bowcott of Sweetwater, Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket, Larry Campbell, Joanna Connor, Michael Doyle of Guitar Center, Alejandro Escovedo, Pete Evick of Bret Michaels Band, Damian Fanelli of Guitar World, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Slim Gambill who plays for Lady A, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr, Dave Mason, Scott Metzger, Bob Mould, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Orianthi, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Joe Satriani, Chris Scapelliti of Guitar Player, Peter Stroud of Sheryl Crow’s band, Matthew Sweet, Mark Tremonti of Creed and Alter Bridge, Seth Walker, Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards, Jack White, Nancy Wilson, Andy Wood and Oliver Wood.
This list is far from exhaustive. There are so many legendary guitars that even a list of 100 fails to encompass all of them. Regardless, we hope what follows spurs some excitement, debate, discovery and even, perhaps, someone to pick up a guitar and start playing.
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With August slipping away into a moment in time, as Taylor Swift would say, the time is coming for you to pack away your jean shorts and start breaking out your layering pieces. An oversized sweater has become the definition of cozy season, but one particular style has caught the attention of TikTok for its loose, baggy look that’ll keep you comfortable while giving off a vintage aesthetic — and it just got restocked.
Grey Bandit’s Cool Vibe sweater has gone viral on the social media platform for its retro-inspired design that features the highly sought out “dad” pattern. At first glance, the geometric pattern will transport you to a wood cabin, cozied up in front of a fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate. Reviewers are also calling the design “perfect for the holidays,” as it can easily be paired with jeans or a classic pair of leggings.
According to the brand, the sweater was released back in 2023, and after going viral, quickly sold out. Now, it’s been restocked just in time for the new fall season.
Keep reading to learn more and buy the sweater online.
When you throw on Grey Bandit’s Cool Vibes Sweater, you’ll be met with a soft polyester, wool and spandex material to keep you warm and comfy. The style is more oversized, which means you’ll want to size down if you don’t want a baggier fit. Reviewers also mention that drying the sweater will shrink it.
TikToker @bri.belanger posted a video showing off the oversized fall sweater, which has earned more than 16,000 views on the platform. Commenters were quick to gush over the Grey Bandit sweater, even claiming it gives off Rory Gilmore vibes from Gilmore Girls.
“I will not be taking this sweater off until next spring, thank you,” the caption for the video reads.
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Few songs withstand time, distinguished by their infectious beats, experimental sounds, poignant lyrics or enduring appeal, rendering them as classics. In partnership with Tres Generaciones Tequila, a brand that champions the journey and not just the destination, we’re on an exploration to roundup the top Get Up Anthems over this next year from these six cities: Houston, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. Guided by curated panels, we delve deep into each city’s sonic history, spotlighting tracks that embody resilience, authenticity, and innovation and celebrate the power music has to inspire listeners to get up and chase their passions, in the spirit of perseverance.
The Top 10 Get Up Anthems from Chicago were crafted through a blend of editorial expertise, data-driven analytics, social impact and personal sentiment, to create a ranked list of the songs which inspired, captivated, and energized the A. In a historical dive from 1973 to present day, the city’s playlist [click HERE to play] features hometown hits that are synonymous with the city’s rich history and culture, hand selected by Chicago’s very own, Twista, Vic Mensa and Dreezy, Billboard editor, Kyle Denis, and moderated by Rocsi Diaz.
Did they get it right? Or were they off the mark?
Take a look at the Top 10 Get Up Anthems for Chicago:
10. “Kill S**t” – G Herbo and Lil Bibby (2012)
“Kill Shit” is a powerful embodiment of Chicago’s drill movement, a subgenre that captures the raw and often harsh realities of life in the city’s neighborhoods. The track, produced by DJ L, is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of resilience and survival. G Herbo and Lil Bibby’s aggressive delivery and vivid storytelling resonated with a generation of Chicago youth who saw their own lives reflected in the lyrics. While it didn’t chart on the Billboard Hot 100, its influence on the drill genre and the careers of both artists is undeniable. This track served as a catalyst, not just for G Herbo and Lil Bibby, but for the entire drill scene, which would go on to shape the sound of hip-hop for years to come.
9. “This Ain’t What You Want” – Lil Durk (2013)
“This Ain’t What You Want” marked a turning point for Lil Durk, both artistically and commercially. The track’s dark, menacing production, paired with Durk’s introspective lyrics, delves into the complexities of life in Chicago’s streets. It’s not just a song, but a reflection of the tension, struggles, and aspirations that define the drill music scene. By capturing these elements so effectively, Lil Durk solidified his role as one of the most influential voices in Chicago rap. The track also highlighted his ability to blend gritty street narratives with a more polished sound, a balance that would become a hallmark of his later work. It’s a song that helped put Lil Durk on the map nationally, while remaining deeply rooted in the city that shaped him.
8. “Percolator” – Cajmere (1992)
“Percolator” is a quintessential Chicago house track that exemplifies the city’s rich history in electronic music. Cajmere (aka Green Velvet) crafted a minimalistic yet infectious beat that became an instant classic on the dance floors of Chicago’s clubs. The repetitive, hypnotic nature of the track is a testament to the power of simplicity in music production. Though “Percolator” didn’t chart in the mainstream, its impact on the house music scene was profound, influencing countless DJs and producers around the world. The track’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to get people moving, a true “get up” anthem that speaks to the spirit of perseverance and joy that is at the heart of Chicago’s music culture.
7. “Kick, Push” – Lupe Fiasco (2006)
“Kick Push” is a breath of fresh air in the world of hip-hop, offering a narrative that was both unique and universally relatable. Lupe Fiasco’s debut single, produced by Soundtrakk, tells the story of a young skateboarder navigating life’s challenges, using his passion as a means of escape and expression. This was a stark departure from the prevailing themes in hip-hop at the time, and it showcased Lupe’s ability to bring new perspectives to the genre. The song’s smooth, jazzy production complements the storytelling perfectly, creating a track that feels both introspective and uplifting. “Kick Push” didn’t just introduce Lupe Fiasco to the world; it also expanded the boundaries of what hip-hop could be, resonating with listeners who found their own passions reflected in the lyrics.
6. “No Problems” – Chance the Rapper feat. Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz (2016)
“No Problems” is more than just a hit song; it’s an anthem of independence and celebration. Chance the Rapper’s collaboration with Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz on this track from his Coloring Book mixtape embodies the spirit of triumph over adversity. Produced by Brasstracks, the song’s upbeat energy and infectious hook made it an instant favorite, not just in Chicago but across the country. The track’s success—culminating in a Grammy win for Best Rap Performance—is a testament to Chance’s unique approach to music and business. As an independent artist, Chance’s success with “No Problems” sent a powerful message to the industry: you don’t need a major label to achieve greatness. The song resonates deeply with those who have faced obstacles and come out on top, making it a perfect addition to this list of Get Up Anthems.
6. “The Light” – Common (2000)
“The Light” is a beautiful example of how hip-hop can be both deeply personal and universally resonant. Produced by the legendary J Dilla, the track features a smooth, soulful beat that perfectly complements Common’s heartfelt lyrics about love and commitment. Released as part of his Like Water for Chocolate album, “The Light” stands out as a conscious, introspective track that showcases Common’s lyrical prowess. This song had a significant impact on Chicago’s hip-hop scene, as it highlighted a more thoughtful, positive side of the genre at a time when mainstream hip-hop was dominated by more aggressive content. “The Light” not only earned Common a Grammy nomination, but it also solidified his place as one of the most respected and influential voices in hip-hop. It’s a song that continues to inspire listeners to connect with their emotions and express themselves authentically.
5. “Hay” – Crucial Conflict (1996)
“Hay” is a track that encapsulates the eclectic nature of Chicago’s hip-hop scene. Crucial Conflict’s fusion of hip-hop with country vibes created a unique sound that was unlike anything else at the time. The song’s twangy production and catchy hook made it an instant hit in Chicago, and its success helped to shine a spotlight on the city’s West Side. Included in the group’s debut album The Final Tic, “Hay” played a crucial role in expanding the boundaries of hip-hop, showing that the genre could draw on a wide range of musical influences. The song’s success on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No. 18, is a testament to its broad appeal.
4. “Po Pimp” – Do or Die feat. Twista (1996)
The seminal track from Chicago rap group Do or Die, featuring Twista and produced by The Legendary Traxster, “Po Pimp” is characterized by its smooth, melodic production and rapid-fire verses, epitomizing the Midwest’s unique twist on gangsta rap. The song became a massive hit in Chicago and beyond, reaching No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and played a crucial role in popularizing the “speed rap” style and brought national attention to Chicago’s hip-hop scene.
3. “All Falls Down” – Kanye West feat. Syleena Johnson (2004)
The self-produced standout track from Kanye West’s debut album The College Dropout, “All Falls Down” blends soulful production with introspective, thought-provoking lyrics, featuring a sample of Lauryn Hill’s “Mystery of Iniquity,” reinterpreted with Syleena Johnson’s powerful vocals. Kanye’s commentary on materialism, self-consciousness, and societal pressures struck a chord with listeners, both in Chicago and beyond. The song’s success, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidified Kanye’s place as a leading figure in hip-hop, known for pushing boundaries both musically and lyrically. “All Falls Down” is more than just a hit; it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with listeners who grapple with similar themes in their own lives
2. “Don’t Like” – Chief Keef (2012)
“Don’t Like” is a raw, unfiltered anthem that became the defining track of Chicago’s drill movement. Produced by Young Chop, the song’s minimalist production and aggressive lyrics capture the stark realities of life on Chicago’s South Side. Chief Keef’s delivery is unapologetically direct, and the song’s hook became a rallying cry for a generation of listeners. The impact of “Don’t Like” was immense, not only in Chicago but across the world, as it introduced drill music to a global audience. The song’s influence is evident in the countless artists who have adopted the drill sound, and its legacy continues to shape the trajectory of hip-hop. The remix by Kanye West and other artists on the G.O.O.D. Music compilation further cemented its status as a modern classic.
1. “Overnight Celebrity” – Twista (2004)
“Overnight Celebrity” is a masterclass in hip-hop production and lyrical delivery, showcasing Twista’s rapid-fire flow over a dramatic, orchestral beat produced by Kanye West. Released as part of Twista’s Kamikaze album, the song is a perfect blend of soulful samples and modern hip-hop, creating a sound that is both timeless and innovative. The track’s narrative of sudden fame and its pitfalls resonates with listeners, making it more than just a club hit. Peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Overnight Celebrity” played a significant role in elevating Twista’s status in the music industry, while also highlighting the unique style of rap that Chicago is known for. The song’s impact on the city’s music scene is profound, as it exemplifies the creativity and resilience that have always defined Chicago’s hip-hop culture.
Watch the full discussion HERE and recreate the cocktails that powered the conversation at home! And be sure to follow along on all content for the Get Up Anthems series HERE.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-08-27 17:42:362024-08-27 17:42:36Twista, Vic Mensa, Dreezy & More Rank their Chicago Top 10 Get Up Anthems: See The List
Selena Gomez says that Wizards of Waverly Place is just as magical as it was when she left.
In a recent sit-down interview with People, the 32-year-old singer-songwriter opened up about the process of bringing her breakout Disney Channel series back to life via a reboot slated to arrive this fall. “It was like a dream,” she told the outlet in a video clip posted Tuesday (Aug. 27).
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“I truly feel like it was the place I started, and I will always be grateful for that time,” the Rare Beauty founder added. “I just hope that this new chapter can bring a whole new audience joy the same way that we did when we were younger.”
The new Wizards will find Gomez reprising her role as Alex Russo, as well as serving as executive producer. David Henrie will lead the show alongside a cast of new characters, stepping back into his role as Justin Russo, Alex’s older brother.
Fans got their first look at the reboot in May, when photos arrived showing the “Single Soon” singer and her costars posing on set. In one photo, Gomez and Henrie hold up their magic wands in what appears to be the same wizard’s lair from the original Disney Channel series, which ran from 2007 to 2012; in another, the pair smiles in a new kitchen setup alongside the actors playing Justin’s family: Alkaio Thiele, Janice Leann Brown, Max Matenko and Mimi Gianopulos.
The interview clip arrived on the same day as Only Murders in the Building‘s season four premiere on Hulu, with Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short returning to their roles as murder-mystery podcasters Mabel, Charles and Oliver. The “Lose You to Love Me” artist recently earned her first Emmy nomination in an acting category for her work on the show’s previous season.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-08-27 17:42:352024-08-27 17:42:35Selena Gomez Says Filming ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Reboot Was ‘Like a Dream’
