Yesterday Detroit’s own Big Sean traveled to his sister city of Chicago to speak to aspiring artists at the Chicago Cultural Center, in an event held by Donda’s House (Kanye West’s nonprofit, named in honor of his late mother, Dr. Donda West). The “Behind The Mic” event consisted of a number of local performances, followed by a Q&A session where fans and the program’s hosts (including the Grammy Award winning Rhymefest) asked Big Sean a number of questions. Throughout the night, Sean gave advice to the young crowd, talked about his upcoming album and payed tribute to his late grandmother. After the event we met with Big Sean to discuss a number of topics, including the sound of his new album, Cruel Winter, a new “G.O.O.D. Fridays” and Kanye’s latest addition to the G.O.O.D. Music team, singer Kacy Hill.
Yesterday Donda’s House and The Chicago Track hosted rapper Big Sean and his Sean Anderson Foundation for their “Behind The Mic” Q&A series. For those who may not know, Donda’s House is Kanye West’s nonprofit organization, named in honor of his late mother, which devotes its time and efforts to supporting young aspiring artists in Chicago. From hosting the community portion of this year’s inaugural AAHH! Fest to hosting this Q&A with Sean, and for the great amount of small events that the organization hosts throughout the city all year,Kanye and the Donda’s House team are continuing Dr. Donda West’s love for education.
Last night Bay Area rapper G-Eazy made his second Chicago stop for his From The Bay To The Universe tour at the sold-out Concord Music Hall. G-Eazy performed a number of tracks from his latest These Things Happen album, as well as a selection from his earlier projects. Also to show his love for the city, G-Eazy brought out Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper, Rockie Fresh and Vic Mensa to help rock the sold-out crowd. Check out our photos below, as The Early Registration was there to catch some of the best moments from last night.
Throughout television and cinema we are constantly introduced to singers, bands and rappers whom we desperately wish were real, but usually the best we can hope for is a sequel. Most recently we have Fox and Terrance Howard’s new series Empire, which follows rapper turned label head Lucious Lyon. Next up we will have Donald Glover’s (Childish Gambino) upcoming FX comedy Atlanta, which will follow two cousins who have very different views on how to rise up in the Atlanta rap scene. To help build the anticipation to these two series, and to get nostalgic on past fictional artists, have comprised a list of the best, most swagged out, and absolutely awesome musicians whom we wish were real (and even one who kind of is).
Social media is bigger than ever, and one of the biggest social media apps today is Snapchat. For those not familiar (if you live under a rock), Snapchat allows users to send photos and videos to their friends that can be viewed for up to ten seconds. After the photo or video is seen, it cannot be viewed again (unless you screenshot or save it yourself of course). Anyone with a Snapchat knows that the best part of the app is being able to draw on the the pictures. This has allowed the more creative and artistically inclined to make some brilliant recreations of popular rappers. Check out some of our favorite rapper recreations on Snapchat, with appearances by Drake, Lil Jon, Big Sean, Kanye and many more.
Earlier today the lineup for New York City’s Governors Ball 2015 was released, as Governors Ball continues to impress. From our 2014 Woman of the Year Lana Del Rey to Drizzy Drake, this year’s Govenors Ball is a can’t miss. Check out our 10 acts that you need to see if you make it NYC this June (in no particular order).
Earlier today the lineup for Coachella 2015 was released and it has something for everyone. From the veterans like Steely Dan and AC/DC, to the biggest names in music like Drake, and even Lil B the Based God, this year’s Coachella is a can’t miss. Check out our 20 acts that you need to check out if you make it to Coachella this year (in no particular order).
Sometimes an MVP is decide almost solely based on how they finish the season. Such is the case for 2014 and our Man of the Year, J. Cole. In what may have otherwise not been possible, thanks to a lackluster year in rap, J. Cole single handed saved rap music from having a disastrous 2014 and he did in just one month’s time and virtually out of nowhere. This is not to say that rappers like Big Sean, Childish Gambino, Run the Jewels and several others didn’t have a great past 12-months, but Hollywood Cole is the real MVP.
It is hard to imagine what woman (or man) in music had a better year than our 2014 Woman of the Year, Lana Del Rey. In just a year’s time Lana has continued her way to the top by touring the world, recording tracks for some of your favorite directors, putting out her best and most critically acclaimed album to date and picking up a number of award nominations on the way.
Some may argue that 2014 has not been the best year for albums. However no matter which side of that argument you are on, we have compiled our list of the 30 albums of the year that you NEED to listen to. From the up-and-comers like Raury and Vince Staples to the pop icons like T. Swift, our list has everything you need from 2014’s year in music.
The Early Registration 