During an interview with Funkmaster Flex a few months ago, the ever quotable 50 Cent noted that he perceived something of a hippie streak running through urban music (pointing to the mainstream success of artists like Wiz Khalifa and songs such as Frank Ocean’s “Novacane”). Certainly, drugs both recreational and otherwise seem to be pervading Hip-Hop music now more than in recent years, and the trend has even seeped into contemporary R&B, a zone not typically associated with daring content. Read the rest of this entry »

Last week, I had the opportunity to catch Ducko McFli perform a short set featuring music from KingDuck, a collaborative EP featuring production by Chris King. The sounds had a Pied Piper effect with beats that managed to move the gathered crowd, which isn’t a small feat when considering how our audiences tend to be unresponsive to unfamiliar artists and material. Read the rest of this entry »

Today is a very special day. Since shortly after I started TSS, sharing material with Rio has always been a goal of mine. For disclosure purposes, I’ve known him since we were kids and the boy has always been able to sing. In fact, he sings, produces, plays instruments, writes…hell, I wouldn’t put it beyond him to be able to shit ice cream. Read the rest of this entry »