We stopped by LIL GRIT’s Instagram profile and the fan base is craaazy! GRIND. Weekly reached out to Lil Grit to see how he obtained such social success. His reply was pretty obvious. “Music fans today gravitate towards what’s different. When it comes to music, image and all that good sh*t,” Lil Grit states.
Follow Lil Grit On IG : www.instagram.com/_lilgrit
Listen to the sounds of Lil Grit on SoundCloud : https://soundcloud.com/lil-grit-hoe
The Cosmos Ice Cream Truck was born as an Airport Shuttle Gillig bus. The bus started its transformation in Brooklyn, NY. Once selected for the build the second floor was added along with a staircase. All remnants inside the cabin were stripped out to make room for a cutting edge Nitrogen Ice Cream kitchen. The 2019 SweetSunshine Music Festival will kick off in Daytona this year. Atlanta-based Amada Records has taken the role of providing the talent for the festival.
Delivering smiles, ice cream and LOTS of fond memories to all those who get to experience the Cosmos Ice Cream Truck is what we’re about. Feel free to take pictures with the truck while enjoying your ice cream. Make sure to post to your favorite social media account and tag us to win special Cosmos prizes.
“The SweetSunshine Music Fest (SSMF) has grown to be the largest summer festival in the South and Amada Records is proud to return as the official talent sponsor for the 2019 event,” said Mike Hudgins, Director of Field Marketing at Amada Records. “We’re excited to have contributed to the growth of this unique festival experience, and proud to showcase some of the best talent in music on the Beatbopper Showcase Stage.”
“We are excited for Amada Records to be a major partner for the 2nd annual SweetSunshine Music Fest (SSMF),” said Shawn Johnson, President of The SweetSunshine Music Fest. “Amada Records’ partnership is vital to the success of this event, as its on-site activation includes several innovative, interactive offerings that give SSMF guests additional activities to look forward to. Amada Records is an iconic brand, which naturally aligns with the iconic superstars we’re hosting at Daytona’s largest outdoor music fest.” Even though the festival is free, tickets for the SSMF concerts are available now and can be purchased at www.AmadaRecords.com/tickets.
“The SweetSunshine Music Fest (SSMF) has grown to be the largest summer festival in the South and Amada Records is proud to return as the official talent sponsor for the 2019 event,” said Mike Hudgins, Director of Field Marketing at Amada Records. “We’re excited to have contributed to the growth of this unique festival experience and proud to showcase some of the best talents in music on the Beatbopper Showcase Stage.”
In search of date night inspiration for the year ahead? There are dozens of amazing Daytona events to choose from in 2019. Take your pick of the endless options: a stellar concert lineup, Broadway shows, festivals to delight foodies, theme park happenings, sporting events, and so much more. Here are a few of our favorites to pencil into your calendar for date night this year.
Amada Records extends its partnership as the official talent sponsor for The SweetSunshine Music Festival, the three-day event that brings some of the biggest names in music to Daytona, FL. The unforgettable live concert experience takes place at the Bethune Arts Center venue on July 26-28, 2019. Special invited guests include The Miracles, The Chi-Lites, Jordin Sparks, Members From The Orlando Magic, DJ Choice of WJAM 99 JAMZ Tampa, Sean Kingston, Susan Bennett (Siri) and more. Concert goers over the age of 21 will also have a chance to enjoy festival experiences from other Hush Media brands including live, intimate shows at the Predicted Platinum Performance Tent.
Even though the festival is free, tickets for the SSMF concerts are available now and can be purchased at www.AmadaRecords.com/tickets. We want to hear from you. Who would you like to see perform at The 2019 SweetSunshine Music Festival? Tweet @GRINDWEEKLYcom On Twitter and Include the hashtag #SweetSunshineMusicFestival.
Electric violinist, Asher Laub, spent the last 2 decades entrenched in the new york tristate club date music scene, although you wouldn’t know it from his youthful looks. He obtained three degrees in the sciences from top tier universities and pretty much ditched them all as he started gaining international exposure as an electric violinist. This ultra-intellectual artist is pretty versatile to say the least. This also captures our attention in more ways than one. It's ironic that his new single is a take on Charlie Puth's "Attention". It seems this man's backstory is something that would already garner people's attention as well.
So how does a bright young nursing professional with so many degrees end up in music? According to Laub himself, it's because the violin is his passion. He started out on it so early. In an interview, he states that he chose the violin during his formative years. And he was deeply involved in the Suzuki method by the tender age of 3.
With a craving for music, Laub studied classical, growing up. However, he loves to integrate the violin into modern pop, electronic and hip hop music. Take for example his song "Neon Dreams". Laub has just finished his music video for it as well. It features a pretty complex break-dancing routine. If you think that the violin does not pair with upbeat electronica, this song would prove you wrong.
The New York based artist loves incorporating edgy music into his repertoire. His party-animal side seems to peak out from under the covers, as do the original tunes he produces. The marriage of such musical dichotomies as classical and dance is exactly what makes Laub so unique. His high energy productions set him apart from virtually anyone out there. And forging a unique path seems to be exactly the niche that Laub is so comfortable in. He is reticent, it seems, to produce anything that appears slightly conventional.
The feedback from audiences around the world regarding "Neon Dreams" seems to prove that people really dig what Asher Laub is doing. His previous accolades might pale in comparison to the admiration he may garner from putting a fresh take on Charlie Puth's hit "Attention". The music video has some surprises, including the technology that comprises of special effects. Through even his covers, Laub utilizes the element of surprise that seems to be working for him so well.
Those who have little exposure to either genres of music may have difficulty understanding what Asher Laub is trying to do. Radiohead faced the same confusion when they forged their unique path as a band. But experimental music does not have to sound clangy. It doesn't even need to be dissonant. In fact, it can be down right pop music friendly.
Laub is on his mission to break into sacred musical spaces. He co-headlines at Carnegie Hall on June 29th to help raise funds and humanitarian awareness. Not only is it sure to be an eye-catching performance, but proceeds are going to Haitian-Americans in Action. The charity aims to end child slavery in Haiti. Also, the charity helps needy Haitians world-wide, including the United States.
Ultimately, you will miss out if you don't at least try to see what all the hype is about. You will at the very least be impressed by Laub's dexterity.
Download Asher’s music via iTunes, stream it on Spotify or click here. Find & follow Asher Laub on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
Afimi Music Records and Amada Records are thrilled to announce the release of Kali Ranks newest album. “Living Legends” will be available everywhere on 6/7/19.
“Living Legends” is a special project consisting of Kali Ranks original hits & collaborations.
It's a classic record in the making featuring hit songs already well received by the public and industry greats. With the likes of Ms Lauryn Hill and Chris Brown, “Living Legends” presents an incredible list of heavy weights and definite living legends.
This fantastic compilation also features Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz of Onyx, Rampage (Flip Mode) and Black Rob, and Canibus for a Legendary star-studded line up. “Living Legends” will also be showcasing some brand new up and coming talent with features by the sultry Stephanie Adler (La Cubana) and upcoming rapper Optimystic MC.
The album brings you well-loved classics, remixes, and brand-new fire such as the songs featuring Canibus.
“Living Legends” is an album that touches several genres of music such as Reggae, Hip-Hop, RnB, and even a touch of Bad Boy Pop to create a unique style of music, and the number one album you should be getting in 2019.
It seems “Living Legends” is a project of love for Kali Ranks because he stated, “I just wanted some of my best songs all together on one project, it's a combination of some of the best from my generation and the new one.”
Kali Ranks also stated that he chose to team up with Amada Records because they have the necessary promo engine to take the record to the next level, and they have had success charting records like, “Tropical Cruises To Jamaica” and current projects.
At the writing of this release Kali Ranks mentioned, “We have a team and we are looking forward to charting the record, with the help of Shawn Mickelonis, Inlighten Music Group, The Formula Production and DJ Grid, we are ready!” Afimi Music Records LLC is an Independent label established in 2009 and Distributed by Amada Records/Universal Music Group Distribution.
Chris Brown celebrated his Dirty Thirty the right way.
In an Instagram post he uploaded on his Birthday Sunday (May 5), Chris Breezy couldn’t help letting his followers in on a “secret” about his Indigo album. As he celebrated his 30th birthday and impressive commercial success of his new song, “Undecided,” Brown revealed that his new LP will have a grand total of 30 tracks.
“IM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS INDIGO ALBUM NOW! ( oh, and just to let y’all in on a lil secret) IM TURNING 30 so there will be 30 songs on this one. SORRY NOT SORRY,” the singer wrote in his IG caption.
While 30 songs may seem like a lot, Breezy’s previous LP Heartbreak on a Full Moon contains 45 tracks, and the deluxe edition includes a total of 57 tracks. Brown’s latest tidbit about the album comes after the singer revealed a handful of featured artists who will appear on the album. Expect to hear contributions from Drake, Justin Bieber, Tory Lanez, Tyga, Tank, H.E.R., Juvenile, Joyner Lucas, Gunna, Juicy J, Nicki Minaj and G-Eazy.
The album could arrive before the end of June. On April 26, Brown’s record label announced details about new albums from both Brown and Tyler, The Creator when they released their year-end financial results. Breezy and Tyler’s names are included in the list of “noteworthy projects” they’re expecting for the quarter ending on June 30. Both of their album titles are listed as T.B.D.
Jack Frigid brings a blizzard of vocabulary and snows you right into the music with deep substance and presentation. His sound is enough to draw in the masses and his message is filled with growth in times the world makes you feel small. So to title his new catalog as “The Prophet” was very fitting.
The 12 song project holds everything a hip hop head requires to call an album “classic.” From the Out the Lab to Street Chronicles, every essence of real street music is there. From A-Z there is no disappointment of clone of whats popular Jack Frigid brings it raw and original. “The Prophet” is available now on all major streaming and distribution platforms. Grab your copy today and see that true Hip Hop isn’t dead…it’s buried in the underground.
Keep Up With Jack Frigid @JFrigid
“Hello world, I am Jack Frigid, an artist from the South Bronx, New York. I currently have and over thousands of streams on Spotify over the last month. With hardcore sound I am about bringing good music through personal experiences and trying to inject hope into the people through the music industry.”
CLICK HERE for a Sample Listen of “The Prophet” and for All Platfor…
Artist: Jon Blaze
Track Name: Panties (feat. The DJ Grid)
Album Name: Tropical House Cruises To Jamaica
Jonathan Mercer also known as Jon Blaze was born and raised out Norfolk Virgina. He started writing music when he was 15 but didn’t take it serious til he turned 19. He signed to his first independent record label called 10MillionGang in 2015 and have released 1 single called 'Tick Tock' as well as a mixtape called 'Puzzle Of Life' in 2016. In 2017 he released another mixtape called 'Music Massacre'. His influences are Lil Wayne, Migos and Lil Snupe.
The latest single 'Panties' by Jon Blaze was recently added to the #1 Billboard Charting compilation album 'Tropical House Cruises To Jamaica'. Stream the album exclusively on Billboard.
Singer and artist Christine Storm takes on the depths of relationship turmoil, regret and heartache with this latest single Pain. The song builds up slowly, beginning with the purity of an acoustic riff, steadily then introducing the two singers to begin this back and forth performance between perspectives and ideas. The verses see the rhyme-scheme overbear a little at first, but musically and indeed performance-wise the whole thing starts to evolve fairly quickly afterwards. The quietness of those near-whispered opening vocals reveals itself to be a fitting building block in preparation for the contrast and impact of later on.
The song’s hook presents a mighty moment of emotion and boldness – the weight and volume of the song intensifies and the performances reflect well the lyrical resolve and the longing in that leading question.
By the time the song has finished, that entrancing acoustic riff has managed to linger in your mind, and both vocalists have worked in unison to make certain the song’s hook will be easily recognized the next time around. In terms of the style, there’s a fairly classic, pop-ballad vibe to the single. You can imagine the live show as this full-band offering, or you can see it as a purely acoustic delivery that thrives on the strength of the vocals. Overall, it’s clear that there’s plenty of opportunity for Pain to stand out. Download the single via iTunes. Find & follow Christine Storm on Facebook & Twitter or visit her Website.
Artist: The Neighborhood Watch
Song: Neighborhood Watch (Remix) feat. Lord Jamar
The tale of two cities (Nashville, Tennessee and Ocala, Florida) has given birth to 2 of the hip hop industry best in recent years. Homiletix & MultiMilCUZiMULTiTASK, two artist with two totally different styles would join forces in 2018 to form The Neighborhood Watch. In the time in which mainstream artist are playing out their soap opera, and misleading black culture The Neighborhood Watch has stuck to the code of staying true to the game. The Neighborhood Watch has gained notoriety throughout the U.K. as Launch Pad Media Group out of London has been their driving force throughout London and surrounding areas. Their single "Neighborhood Watch" which features Lord Jamar of the legendary hip group Brand Nubians has garnered them much success being picked up by DJ Choice for inclusion on the project "Cruises To Jamaica" which reached #1 on the Billboard's Chart. We ask that the industry brace itself for the arrival of Homiletix & MultiMilCUZiMULTiTASK "The Neighborhood Watch".
Shares of streaming music service Spotify fell Monday as investors grew nervous about a report suggesting that Amazon.com was preparing to launch a free, ad-supported music service.
Spotify (SPOT) stock, up roughly 20% in 2019, was recently down 3.8% to $139.50 following the publication of a Friday story by Billboard that said the Amazon music launch could happen this week. Amazon shares were trading essentially flat Monday afternoon, at $1,841.
Amazon (AMZN) didn’t respond to Barron’s request for comment in time for publication; a Spotify spokeswoman declined to comment. Some details were unclear, among them whether the new Amazon service would be marketed beyond Amazon’s Echo speakers.
At 10:39 p.m., Ariana Grande’s vocals belted out “Raindrops (An Angel Cried)” from offstage. Consider it her version of, “If you can hear me, clap twice.” She had the crowd’s full attention from the first note.
Once she stepped onstage for her highly-anticipated headlining set on the third and final day of Coachella (April 14), she moved immediately into a girl-powered version of The Last Supper for “God Is A Woman” (not too dissimilar from her MTV Video Music Awards version last year) off Sweetener before seamlessly moving into Thank U, Next track “Bad Idea.” The swift transition illustrated just how intertwined, and fluid, the two releases are -- and her star-powered delivery made it clear that her set was, if nothing more, a triumphant celebration of her continuous professional winning streak as of late.
Cardi B, DJ Snake, Selena Gomez and Ozuna perform onstage on the Outdoor Stage during Weekend 1, Day 1 of the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 12, 2019 in Indio, Calif.
This year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival in Indio, Calif. was a joyride that reflected the music industry’s ever-expanding embrace of sounds from across the world. There were thrilling debut performances, an endless number of surprise guests, way too many tacos and unforgettable headlining sets.
After weekend one (which ran from April 12-14) officially wrapped, we're still feeling the musical high from the festival -- and also trying to recover from the grueling hot and dusty desert grounds. Below, we've gathered the 10 best moments we enjoyed throughout the wild whirldwind that was Coachella.
Aretha Franklin was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize’s Special Citation, the prestigious journalism and the arts organization announced Monday.
Franklin was recognized “for her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades,” the Pulitzer Prize board added of the honor.
Franklin is one of less than a dozen musicians – and the first female artist – to receive the Pulitzers’ Special Citation for the arts; previous winners include Rodgers & Hammerstein, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Bob Dylan and, most recently in 2010, Hank Williams.
The last song that Nipsey Hussle ever released during his lifetime was "Racks In The Middle," which features Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy. Roddy has been rising for the last several years, recently hitting his stride as he's expected to make a huge impact this year. The Compton rapper was close with Nipsey Hussle, working closely with the artist while he made Victory Lap and considering signing to All Money In. Nipsey saw the talent in Roddy and he told him that since he knew the 20-year-old would blow up, he wanted him to sign elsewhere so that he could be a priority. They finally crossed paths musically in 2019 and it ended up being their first and last song together. During a sit-down with Big Boy on his radio show, Roddy spoke about the impact that Nipsey had in his life, noting that the Los Angeles rapper was the only artist on the West Coast to give him a co-sign.
As R. Kelly continues dodging responsibility for the years of sexual abuse allegationsagainst him, he’s also swerving around his financial obligations. His lawyer admitted at a hearing that Kelly’s finances were “a mess,” so much so that the disgraced R&B singer needed a friend to bail him out of jail. Now, new court documents from yet another case against Kelly have revealed just how dire his monetary situation is.
In addition to owing $160,000 in child support (which he’s since paid, again with the help of a friend), Kelly was sued by the landlord of his Chicago studio (the warehouse location out of where his so-called “sex cult” was based) for over $200,000 in back rent. The landlord won a $173,000 judgement, which triggered Kelly’s creditor, Midwest Commercial Funding, to seize some of Kelly’s bank accounts, as well as issue subpoenas to Sony; the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers; and Kelly’s other banks to see where they could recoup their losses.
Over the weekend (March 8), YBN Almighty Jay was jumped in a brutal altercation while roaming the streets of NYC. Jay, who was hospitalized as a result of his injuries, was also robbed of several valuables including his Rap-A-Lot Records chain, which is now reportedly being passed around the boroughs. Rap-A-Lot ceo J. Prince posted a PSA Monday (March 11), calling out the alleged attackers by name to return Jay's chains before things get taken to the next level.
"Mob Ties Call To My Real Street N----s Around The World But Especially On The East Coast In The Bronx. There’s A Clown By The Name Of Zae And His Crew Who Want To Become Famous By Bragging About Robbing Rap Industry N----s," he wrote. "They Recently Bragged About Robbing The Artist YBN Almighty Jay Whom I’m Invested In. They’ve Robbed Him Of His Money And Jewelry Including A Rap-A-Lot Piece. So Therefore They Have Robbed A Piece Of Me."
Prince then summoned a few NYC natives to get in contact with the robbers to help squash the beef. "This Is A Perfect Opportunity To Execute Our Unity Where We Don’t Allow Moment Thinkers To Muddy The Water Over The Movement. With That Being Said To The Homies In The Bronx If Any Of These Clowns Are Yall’s Family Or Friends Speak Now So We Can Get An Understanding. To Ignore This Is A Recipe For Disaster. Other Than That It’s These Clowns Vs The Realest N----s In Every Hood Around The World And That’s The Meaning Of Mob Ties," he concluded.
In the midst of the U.K. leg of her European Nicki WRLD Tour, Nicki Minaj returned with the latest episode of Beats 1's Queen Radio on Tuesday morning (March 12). Once DJ Boof ran through a plethora of Minaj tunes, Nicki finally arrived nearly 90 minutes late, thanks to her driver getting lost and some London bumper-to-bumper traffic caused by rain.
Still, the 35-year-old seemed to be in a more upbeat mood after tearing down the O2 arena with a memorable performance that went on without technical difficulties. "Whenever you're in London, you might as well be in Queens. London knew every single fucking thing. They know 'LLC,' 'Coco Chanel' -- they knew everything," she said about Monday night's crowd.
"I don't like having to shorten my show today," Minaj stated. She then brought in a few special guests to take part in Queen Radio, all of whom made appearances during the dynamic London performance hours prior. British artists Yxng Bane, Ms Banks, Stylo G and Lisa Mercedez each popped into the studio at various times, as Minaj gushed over their musical talents, accents, relationships and Stylo's Jamaican roots.
The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards are getting bad and boujee. Billboardhas learned Migos will take the stage to perform a medley of their hits at this year’s show, which will air March 23, hosted by DJ Khaled.
The multi-platinum trio also will be joined by Grammy-winning record producer and songwriter DJ Mustard, with whom they collaborated in January on the earworm “Pure Water.”
Migos are nominated for their first KCA this year, in the category of favorite music group. The appearance in front of Nickelodeon’s primary audience of kids, tweens and teens is the latest extension in what’s shaping up to be another banner year for the act and its members.
As Lil Wayne once said, the drought is over. ScHoolboy Q made his long-awaited return on Thursday (March 14) with his first single in nearly three years with “Numb Numb Juice.” The sub-two-minute track officially kicks off the rollout leaning into Q’s anticipated fifth studio album.
The TDE rapper rhymes acapella for the first six seconds, before the hard-hitting beat enters the picture. Production on the tune is handled by Chicago’s Nez & Rio, DJ Fu, and Hykeem Carter. “Two-door coupe, hoppin' out like Jack-in-the-Box, n---a/ I'm gon' shoot if this 30's all that I got, n---a/ Y'all on mute, ain't no back-talk on my block, n---a/ Numb numb juice to the head, fuck up the opps, n---,” he raps with a pugnacious tone.
Groovy Q delivered on his promise after initially teasing his return at the start of the week. “2 more days,” he seemingly wrote out of nowhere to social media. “Numb Numb Juice” plays off of the California slang for alcohol, which was a ‘90s reference turned more mainstream by artists like E-40.
Listen On Billboard
1. What music is on your playlist right now?
If have currently all popular releases in my playlist from german and US artists. I listen to all kind of music genres, so that i will be influenced in any way when producing new music.
2. How did you get involved in music?
As far as i can remember, i grew up with music. I started in the early years by writing down my thoughts, fears and feelings so that i can say, that music shaped me in an amazing way.
3. Who influenced you?
Many have shaped me like Lil Wayne, Jadakiss, Fabolous, 2Pac, Biggie and more ...
4. What do you feel about the current state of Hip Hop?
I think Hip Hop just changed, it does not have much to do with Real Talk anymore, it's more ´who´s better, faster and more famous. The messages are no longer real but that's just what people want to hear. It used to be real life now it's dream life.
5. What is your hottest song to date? Why?
My hottest song today is "Oriental Poison", which charted in 16 countries. 30 Millions clicks and numerous awards - and it is still a must in many countries.
6. What makes you different from other artists/Producers?
I do my thing and do not give much of other opinions or what´s currently fame ... I make my music as I like it and I drive it very well. I'm a self made and managed it without help here and it was worth it. 1 man army.
7. With the music changing how to market your music what network are you utilizing?
I have worked with several majors and do not want to name names, but I was always disappointed and then I founded BROWN ENTERTAINMENT (my record company) and got everything in hand from Spotify to Youtube to everything and now fly with me.
8. Which artist today would you like to collaborate with?
Booba, Tory Lanez, Lil Wayne ... many but my biggest collabo wish would be Jadakiss.
9. Any upcoming events?
Ya, I am fully booked in Turkey, Germany and other countries ... it is time for USA.
10. Please give your social media info to the world
INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/officialbabybrown
FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/officialbabybrown.de
YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/thebabybrowntv
TWITTER
https://www.twitter.com/BabyBrownBE
SOUNDCLOUD
https://www.soundcloud.com/brownentertainment
