Cultured

hi, everyone, and welcome back. So today I want to talk about that. And that's annoying discourse as to whether she should be labeled a rap artist. Um, over the weekend, she released visuals for her latest single, Vegas, and the second verse cause a lot of attention because she was wrapping as she does. And in addition to this, um, are also said in a recent interview, that she doesn't classify Doja Cat as a rapper. Now I have to ask, what makes a rap artist or what defines a rap artist because for me personally, I think is one of the top rap artist in today's generation. I do. I think she's better than a lot of mainstream rappers that are out there right now in the hip hop space. If I'm being honest off the top of my head, I can list various songs where she's proven that she has the lyrical ability. I mean, we see this in Woman, which is one of her best selling pop singles today. We see this in Juicy Get Into It, even rules where a lot of people have actually compared to lyrical ability to Kendrick, Lamar and manage and I think what's interesting is when we compare it to someone like Drake, who is a global mainstream artist and has gained a lot of recognition for being a rapper slash singer. So it leads me to ask, Why is it different for Is it because she's a woman or is it because she's a pop artist?Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

Hey everyone and welcome back. So the B E T awards has stirred up quite the controversy in the past 24 hours. Um, the awards ceremony will be making its return on June 26 has revealed the nominations with Doja Cat leading with six, while Drake and Ari Lennox received for. However, Lil Nas X has received zero and has criticised the award show for snubbing him in a series of since deleted tweets. Loners Ex called out the award show for continuously making artists within the LGBT. Q I plus community feel invisible, he wrote. Thank you B E T awards, an outstanding zero nominations again. Black excellence, he further added. Not even that it doesn't have to be me nominated. I just feel like black people have to fight to be seen in this world. And even when we make it to the top, M s trying to pretend we're invisible Now. What a lot of people are noting is that Jack Harlow, a white rapper, has been nominated for best male hip hop artist. Um, while Loners X, a black artist, hasn't been nominated for any awards, and I think what is interesting to note is that even within the B E T awards, a lot of non black artists have received nominations. But I think where a lot of people are struggling and what they have a problem with is a white artist taking up space in the black community while a black artist in what feels like isn't being appreciated. But let me know what you guys think.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

hi, everyone and welcome back. So over the weekend I sat down with Joe Biden on his podcast, and this was the rapper's first sit down since an alleged sex tape featuring him and another man was leaked in February. In the interview, I said he identifies as sexually fluid, and he went on to further and what it was like when the tape leaked, saying that not only was concerned about how the tape would impact his family, but he was already dealing with other issues, like his grandmother's battle with cancer and his grandfather's death from a stroke. And while I haven't spoken out about the tape outright prior to the interview, he briefly addressed in a video that played before his Coachella last month. The clip featured hip hop figures, including himself, discussing the video before the narration played, saying the purpose of doing that was to embarrass him. However, it backfired when his video leaked his streams and everything went up. He's up on the charts now, and, of course, naturally discourse took place on Twitter, with people saying he didn't have to explain anything to anyone, let alone people like Joe Biden, who don't have the range for context. Joe Biden equated sexual fluidity with being non monogamous. Others argued that idea clearly felt comfortable enough to give the interview for me personally, I just can't wait for the day in hip-hop when it becomes a safe space for rappers to come out and talk about their sexuality freely.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

hi, everyone and welcome back. So I don't know if you've seen the news today, but Justin Timberlake sold his entire song catalog to Hypnosis Song Management for reportedly $100 million. This deal gives the management company full control, ownership and copyrights to approximately two-hundred songs that just in wrote or co-wrote, including songs with Sink and as a solo artist. But the deal doesn't include his future releases. The news has left a lot of people shocked, with many arguing that Justin understood himself. I mean, I completely agree. I don't know how pricing and valuation works in this particular case, but to stop at $100 million for Justin Timberlake doesn't add up. It's so interesting, though, because since the pandemic, there's been an emerging trend of music artists selling their music catalogs. We've seen this with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Timberlands, Calvin Harris. No idea, Shakira. I mean, the list is enlist, but I think what people are questioning is why this is becoming a trend. And according to D J birth, it's as simple as money. Valuations are increasing, buyers are finding creative ways to structure them, and artists are acting quickly to get more money than they might otherwise get with a traditional deal. But let me know what you think about this whole situation. Do you think Justin Timberlake's catalog is worth $100 million?Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

hi, everyone, and welcome back if you haven't already seen. There's been a discussion over the past couple of days on the music industry attempts to fabricate viral moments on tiktok. It all sort of started when he posted a video that actually ended up going viral, claiming that their label wouldn't let them released a new song without some sort of strategy to make it go viral. There is no denying that over the past few years, Tiktok has become one of the biggest marketing tools in the music industry. In its initial stages, it naturally served as a platform that prompted their careers at the time of emerging artists like six. And however more recently, we're seeing the shift in which music labels are forcing the up to formulate instant vitality. In fact, labels, I'm now paying notable influences to post video to their songs. Some, like Universal Music Group, have even got as far to sign deals with Tiktok to cross promote content. And this is not to say that the strategy isn't working. I mean, look at Mexican pizza jingle with Dolly Parton. It's viral Success has turned the song into a full-blown musical, but this tactic doesn't work for everyone. And, if anything is hurting creatives alongside horsey F K twigs, Charlie X, C X and Florence and the Machine have also publicly spoken out against the pressures they feel to promote their music on tiktok. They really need to do better, because this obsession is getting way too much.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

hi, everyone and welcome back. So today I want to move a bit into the world of Afrobeat. Over the past few years, the West African genre has exploded into the mainstream. We've seen this with the rise of Afrobeat artists like kids David Oh boy who recently sold out the Madison Square Garden in New York. And now, more than ever, we're seeing a trend of American and British artists jumping on some of these songs. Justin Bieber with Kids Essence and Cheering on Fire Boys, Peru and, more recently, Chris Brown on the MonaLisa. The latter actually sparked a conversation on Twitter this weekend, which was very similar to the response when Justin Bieber collaborated with this kid last year. While some were really happy about the future, others added that not every Afrobeat song needs a remix with a non Afrobeat artist. To be fair, I totally get it, but it's a tricky one. Afrobeat is such a massive genre across the diaspora, and it's finally getting much deserved attention outside of the space. And when a non Afrobeat artist who doesn't have much experience with the sound jumped on a song, it can often shift the genre, if not water down the sound, However, I must admit that these Western artists do give the more exposure to audiences that aren't familiar with the sound. If anything, it's up to us who know the sound as with any natural drama like hip hop, for example, to continue to champion and support the artist so they can make their music without feeling the pressure to sound more mainstream.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

hi, everyone and welcome back. So today I want to talk a bit more about Mr Morale and the big step is if I'm being honest. I've been struggling with this album quite a bit. Overall. I love how Kendrick is more personal and vulnerable. In this album, we learn a bit more about his relationship with his father and other family members. So, honestly, I think this album is amazing and has such a high production value. However, I think there are so many controversial elements in this album that makes it hard for me to come to terms with First being and diaries and diaries is such an amazing and beautiful perspective to learn from. I think it's really interesting in the way that Kendrick tells the story and tells his experience and shares his perspective. However, I do feel like it's overshadowed by the use of the word on top of that product backs presents throughout. This entire album makes it very hard for me to listen to both elements sort of ruin the overall listening experience for me personally. However, in saying that I will say that my top three songs are Die-hard in Ninety-five and we cry together so far, we pray together. I love the whole more element that Mark Taylor Page trying to recreate in this story of an abusive relationship. But that's enough from me. Let me know what you think.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

Hey, everyone, welcome back. So you've probably seen the viral clip of Jack Harlow, where he exposes himself for not knowing the R and B icon Brandy and singer TV personality Ray Jr siblings. For those of you who haven't. During a game segment of Jack's interview with Hot 97 the rapper was asked to identify the singer behind the 1998 track Angel in Disguise. After incorrectly guessing the song was biophilia, host Ebro tried to give him a hint by referring to the artists as Ray J. Sister. However, this failed and instead prompted the rapper to ask Who's Rage? A sister quickly. The embarrassing clip made rounds on the Internet, with many weighing in on Jack, not knowing about the siblings relation and even worse brandy. Some labelled him ignorance. Some used the opportunity to interrogate the rappers credibility in the music industry, while others Jack Harlow fans, I don't even know if we have a name for them yet defended the rapper today. Brandi herself responded to the clip, replying to a fan account on Twitter, saying, I will mark this dude and wrap at 43 on his own beat and then sing his ass to sleep. In a further tweet, Brandy made sure to point out that she, too, can have fun. And it's all love. I think that is interesting to note, which is a point made by many is that sure. He may not have been exposed to Brandy's music growing up due to a lot of factors, but him being a white rapper, taking up space in music of black origin and not knowing about cultural history gets a bit problematic. But then again, can people really be angry at Jack when a lot of new generation rappers don't know some of the icons that came before them?Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

Hey, everyone, welcome back. So the Billboard Music Awards took place last night, and before I get into it, I really want to talk about Let me give a brief overview of the night hosted by the The Nights or B T has become the most award group in history of the award ceremony, which was previously held by Destiny Child. Mary J. Blige received the Billboard Icon Award and has been made into a meme after assessing over in Australia in the entire night in terms of awards, Olivia, which was the biggest winner of the night with seven awards. Canyon UM six. Drake five and four. Which brings me to my next point out of those four awards. Doja Cat 13 from the R and B categories. In response, Summer Waters Boyfriend took to Instagram to voices frustration over to being in the Army section of the ceremony, labeling her a pop artist in the process. Dogs categorization in the music scene has been a long discussion among music enthusiastic. Just a few months ago, many were debating whether she was worthy of being labeled a rapper while others came. She is solely a pop artist. I loved it, and I think these conversations yet again proved how versatile she is as an artist, where my issue lies with these award shows constantly boxing, black artist in the R and B categories, regardless of what their music sounds like. We've seen in the past with artists like the Weekend and even Wanna, who have made exclusively pop albums, these rigid classifications, so many black artists of recognition and do a disservice. Artists that genuinely make music on a full-time basis. But attacking doesn't do anything. The problem lies with the industry.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

Hey, everyone joined me as I share my thoughts and break down the latest music and pop culture. So let's get into it. Kendrick Lamar finally dropped his highly anticipated album, Mr Morale and The Big Steppers Again. This is his first solo project in five years. The album is split into two volumes of nine tracks and features a string of notable collaboration. With Summer. Walker puts his head Gibbons, Thunder Cat, Ghostface Killah, Santa Baby Came and many others production notes, including G s Own Sound Wave, Timothy Boy Wonder Himself and for a while the album also features voices from spiritual teacher at the Whole Partner With Me Outfit and Jack Black. In this episode, I just want to give my initial thoughts, because for me personally, it's way too early to give an in-depth review. So, firstly, the production is great and it feels like theme wise. Kendrick is using this album to acknowledge past mistakes, self reflect and open up about mental health. He also lose the council culture quite a bit in the album, and you can tell he's been influenced by baby team. I mean, I definitely felt this enriched spirit. However, I do not understand why Black has multiple appearances throughout the album, which is definitely a disappointing and made to draw back for me. But as for the project as a whole, I don't know it's still early days for me, but this album definitely feels different. What do you guys think?Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

Hey, everyone, welcome to my show where I share my thoughts and break down the latest music and pop culture. So let's get into it today. I want to talk about the unwavering obsession with Jack Carlo. If you've been on social media or just a fan of music in general, then you'll have felt his presence one way or another to give a bit of context. The American rapper roasted prominence following his 2020 single What's Pop in, which wasted no time and going viral tiktok. This, coupled with a remix featuring versus From the Baby Lanes, pushed the song to place Number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 essentially projected tax career. Now, two years later, Jack has become somewhat of an icon for this generation, and I use that term loosely. His charm, charisma and relax demeanor has somehow put the Internet into a choke hold. A compilation of him flirting with fans have gone viral, their accounts dedicated to documenting his manicures. Commentary on why women, particularly black women are so infatuated with him, has taken over Twitter and rappers like Kanye hailing him as the top five out right now and yeah, off the back of his latest viral hit, First Class, which samples for the classic single Glamorous Jack released his second album, Come Home, The Kids Miss You, which so far has received incredibly mixed reviews. I mean, Pitchfork gave the album of 2.9. Personally, I don't get the hype, but this inescapable feel is giving very much Drake in terms of Jack's ubiquitous presence. Yes, it might not reach the same capacity as Drake, but I don't think the Jack Hollow effect is going anywhere anytime soon.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

Hey, everyone, welcome to my new show, where I share my thoughts and break down the latest and music and culture. So, as always, let's get into it. It has been a long five years since Kendrick Lamar released a solo project, his last being the political winning album Damn! After teasing new music back in August and announcing his long awaited album, Mr Morale and the Big Step is in April Kendrick, with his first lead single on Sunday night and visuals to accompany it. The Hard Part five is a continuation of the rapper's iconic The Heart Series, which he started in 2000 and 10. The ongoing series has been a staple and Kendrick discography and always coincide with the release of an album from the rapper. The video opens with Kendrick Lamar standing in front of Dark Backdrop, in which he raps about institutionalized racism and references his childhood in California. But as the video continues, Kendrick face most intercultural figures, some more controversial than others using deep fake technology. Among them include O. J. Simpson, Kanye, just Smaller, Will Smith, Kobe Bryant and The Hustle. The lyrics align with the person he's resembling, so the words in the land where people hurt more people occur when transforms into Will Smith, a reference of this year's Oscars when will publically slap Chris Rock after he made a harsh joke about Jane Smith. Meanwhile, the last verse pays homage to Nipsey, in which he dropped the perspective of the rapper for both words and mannerisms. In the video. These visual elements and use of storytelling are typical Kendrick, and if this is just off the back of one song, there's no telling what to expect from the entire album.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

Hey, everyone, and welcome back to what's trending a show where I unpacked the latest in digital culture. So let's get into it. In the midst of the most Twitter saga, another discussion on the social platform has been taking place. The emerging trend of influencer fatigue. Despite the influence of marketing industry set to grow to approximately $16.4 billion this year, many consumers and followers are actually growing tired of influence the content expressing the shared lack of interest on the timeline. Some have tied this to growing misinformation, questionable promotion tactics and excess sponsored content. Others even went on to add that the issue was actually rooted and no longer wanting to engage with content that felt out of touch. And they're not the only ones. According to the INFLUENCER marketing platform tracker, people are engaging less with influencer content. While the number of active users and sponsored posts across makeup, skincare and hair care increased In the last three months of 2021 engagement has fallen quarter over quarter. Naturally, as with celebrities, the more exposure and growth influences get, the less relatable followers may feel. They are thus severing that once held bond between both parties. As for my own thoughts, I think consumers, especially since the pandemic, are just growing more conscious about the content they want to see, which is completely fair. But I do also think that this is another indication for some brands to truly rethink their marketing strategy. Influencer marketing goes beyond sponsored ads and selling products. True, engagement comes through long term partnerships that feel authentic, and right now it's clear that we need more of that.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

Hey everyone and welcome back to what's trending a show where I impact the latest and digital culture. So let's get into it. DJ and presented. Tim Westwood is currently facing allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women in a joint investigation by the Guardian and BBC. The 64 year old was an early champion of hip hop in the U. K, leading him to host the first naturally broadcast rap show on UK radio in 1994 and MTV UK is pimp My Ride UK. He also became a notable figure in black music in the UK, which led many to accuse him of cultural appropriation and taking up space in the industry. Following the investigations, three women have accused the DJ of predatory sexual behaviour while four others allege they were groped by him at club events. The women, who are all black, decided to tell their stories following a series of anonymous allegations of inappropriate behaviour from westward, which surfaced on Twitter in 2020. Some of the women revealed they felt unable to talk about their experience in the past due to fear they would not be taken seriously and that racial discrimination would also lead people to overlook their claims. The women tell their stories in a BBC documentary, Tim Westwood. Abuse of Power, which aired on BBC three last night. And in response to this, a Twitter space hosted by actor and podcast for collecting Okay for took place right after with thousands of listeners tuning in as a selection of speakers discussed the allegations. As for westward, the presenter has denied these allegations but today stepped down from his capital extra radio show until further notice.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm

Hey, everyone, and welcome back to what? Trending a show where I unpack the latest digital culture. So let's get into it. It's official. Elon Musk is buying Twitter. Last night, the company announced the board's decision to accept masks offer to take the company private for $44 billion. What stem from a tweet almost a month ago in which the C E. O asked what should be done about the platform has now resulted in mosque owning the company, in a press release announcing the news must stated Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is a digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated. The deal is expected to take around six months to close. In the meantime, current C E O Paragraph intends to stay with the company for the close of the deal, leaving many to question who must will eventually replace them with. There will also be a partial freeze on new features during this period, and, as expected, many Twitter employees are not too happy about the new ownership. As for the face of the platform itself, must have revealed plans to eliminate harmful box, make the algorithm open source and authenticate all humans on the platform. Issues may arrive, however, we must push for free speech. For some, it gives them more freedom to say what they want. But for others, particularly those from marginalized background, this same freedom of expression could post serious online abuse. And lastly, for those wondering if this new ownership will make a return from Donald Trump, the answer is no. The former U. S president expressed he absolutely will not return to Twitter even if he was invited.Check out the replies and reactions on Beams.fm