Another week and another crop of fresh music videos from some of your favourite artists and some of your new favourite artists (you just don’t know it yet). We’ve taken the time to round them all up for you to take a gander at below
Emma Louise – Illuminate
The video for Emma Lousie’s hugely successful Illuminate is a beautiful marriage between music and visuals. Under blue lights, there are dancers moving together as one to bring the words to life and the video paired with the music is so natural and seamless it is as though they were created together as one performance piece.
Coming together for their fourth video, it is a collaboration between the singer and director Dylan Duclos using choreography by Jason Winters and it is a true testament to the adage that sometimes, less is more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yBgjYOyPY0&feature=youtu.be
Bloc Party – Stunt Queen
They may have only released Hymns in January, but already the revamped Bloc Party have dropped a new single Stunt Queen. Written along with a bunch of other new material during their tour with Falls Festival earlier in the year, the song is reminiscent of their earlier work while (note the the hints of Silent Alarm, particularly at the open) with the renewed energy that comes with a fresh lineup.
The video is a classic tour diary, sticking strong with the theme and narrative that finds its footings somewhere between the sticky floors of The Forum (Melbourne) and Enmore (Sydney) Theatres.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVPulAbfAj0
AYLA – Like The Other Kids
A decked out abandoned train carriage, lush fields and daisy chains make up the sweet, sun-drenched visuals for the new video from Sunshine Coast’s AYLA. Going her own way as she frolics through the greenery, chops firewood and takes aim at beer cans with a slingshot, the video is a symbol of personal libation and a celebration of the wonderfully feeling of fulfilment that comes with forging your own path.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd838scz2NE
The song might be called Down At The Beach, but the new video from Sydney’s Big White was filmed in an abandoned Belgian castle between shows in Paris and Amsterdam. Shooting the footage themselves, they opted to avoid a beach clip as the song is about “killing something that’s old”, letting go and finding time and space to reflect.
With the filtered, hand-shot footage, the video has a certain poignant nostalgia about it, ensuring that they achieved just that. A far cry from (and far better than) the cheesy tourist beach shots they could have gone for instead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2p5A8vgF7M&feature=youtu.be
Dave – Six Paths
Fresh from his game-changing remix with Toronto’s incumbent king Drake, South London’s Dave has returned with the third visual accompaniment from his incredible Six Paths EP. Embodying the same stunning artistic direction, the title track video shows Dave stunting eerily in black and white with a medieval castle as his setting. Tying in with the dark, gritty, string lead beat, Dave brings his same razor sharp bars.
To keep with tradition, there’s even a cameo from collaborator AJ Tracey proving these two are bros ‘til the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuV_cyckCqY
Sampa The Great – HERoes (The Response)
After sending out a call to action in the first half of HERoes earlier this month, the incredible Sampa The Great has returned with its answer. Sporadic electronic tones open the tune, making way for a truly neck shattering African-influenced drum beat.
Sampa flexes a seriously incredible flow alongside her always constant attention to lyricism. As she raps at an incredible pace, despite it being a lyric video, it’s hard enough just to read along.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1nLFBy_weU
Action Bronson – Durag vs. Headband
Everyone’s favourite Albanian rapper turned chef in Action Bronson has finally returned with the new hilariously named track Durag vs Headband. Featuring the whole Fuck That’s Delicious crew, plus producer and Ancient Aliens co-star Knxwledge.
Both the video and music are outstanding, the whole gang filling the screen with their raw tenacity over a rough boom bap beat by Knx and always on point verses by Bronson. Not to mention Big Body Bes on the hook, reminding all once again how incredible he is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWLg7_G0_go
The Avalanches – Because I’m Me
After returning oh so wonderfully at the start of this year and dropping their highly anticipated sophomore album Wildflower, The Avalanches have been casually releasing a number of music videos from the project over the last few months. Obviously, they’ve saved the best until now though, with the video for Because I’m Me.
This heartstring-plucking love tale follows a young kid in the subway trying to seduce the girl behind the ticket desk. What results is an incredible sing and dance video which is simply put, brilliantly acted, choreographed and scripted. It’s pretty much the definition of feel-good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu0KsZ_MVBc
YG – One Time Comin’
A possible glimpse into an upcoming project, YG’s One Time Comin’ continues with the police brutality themes which are evident throughout much of his music.
Shots of YG evading the police by car are paired with shocking first person footage of an innocent man frantically on the run, who is inevitably shot for no reason. It’s a powerful video with a similarly intense track below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nTCUI5reJw
I AM D – Seven Deuce
Brisbane’s most veracious emcee, I AM D, has come a long way since his 90s inspired boom bap tracks early in his career. After releasing a range of new and fresh, yet similarly dark anthems over the last few months, the D has now returned with yet another straight to the point track in Seven Deuce.
Paired with bold cinematography, this track is nothing short of fire. There’s no sugarcoated hooks to be found here either, just three minutes of the ill-est verses around, demonstrating I AM D’s skill brilliantly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWomlPOS73o
twelveAM – On My Own
One of Melbourne’s latest rising stars in twelveAM has released the video to his catchy heartfelt tune, On My Own. The track leads his debut EP, demonstrating briefly his ear for brilliant hooks, alongside his unique melodic flow and deep tone, painting a vivid picture as he longs for a lover.
No doubt he’ll be one to watch in the months to come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po-RQD36–M&feature=youtu.be
Johnossi – Air Is Free
One of Sweden’s largest bands, the platinum selling Johnossi, have returned with yet another rock scorcher to get you grooving. Backed by harsh guitar riffs, bopping bass lines, marching drums and incredible, powerhouse vocals, Air Is Free follows a young nomad as he yearns for independence and freedom.
The result is a truly moving journey, with a soundtrack that is oh so sweet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQDTG-caCOs
High Klassified – Gold feat. Mick Jenkins
One of Montreal’s finest upcoming producers, High Klassified has blessed us with a vocal collaboration with a similarly incredible artist in Chicago lyrical legend Mick Jenkins. With its smooth, jazzy and booming beat, we see its producer starring in a spooky love story.
Just in time for the Halloween period, the surrealistic clip is fit with creepy bunnies, eerie dolls and clowns, not to mention the sheer insanity of the narrative. Definitely a see it to believe it type video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzsaHjE27zo
Bad//Dreems – Mob Rule
After recently wrapping up their tour with Sydney rockers DMA’s, Adelaide kings Bad//Dreems have followed this up with the release of an incredible new track Mob Rule.
This rough and tough anthem sees the lads reflecting on Australia’s own culture, and what better way that to piece the whole track together with a range of hazy, 80s TV excerpts and clips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmsffFCA4fQ
Image: Pitchfork
YG – Still Brazy
YG’s debut, My Crazy Life, was one of the best hip-hop albums of 2014. Combining DJ Mustard’s ratchet beats meets G-Funk production, alongside YG’s reflective lyrics on life in Compton, the album was a mix between Kendrick Lamar‘s good kid m.A.A.d. city and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic. YG looked set to be the next big West Coast star, but things haven’t exactly panned out that way. The rapper was shot by an unidentified man last year, resulting in his sophomore album being pushed back. He was also involved in a long running feud with Mustard, and while the two have reconciled, Mustard’s absence from Still Brazy has left many wondering if YG can achieve the same level of success as his debut. In short, the answer is yes.
Mustard might not be involved, but there are still elements of YG’s sound he helped shaped throughout the album, with former Mustard associate DJ Swish handling the majority of the album’s G-Funk inspired sounds. With the beats West Coast-Centric, lyrically, Still Brazy is another expletive filled journey through Compton and YG’s turbulent life. The rapper goes into detail describing life on the streets on Don’t Come To LA, addresses his shooting on Who Shot Me? and talks about politics on FDT (Fuck Donald Trump). First single Twist My Fingaz is classic 90s gangster rap, while YG and Drake’s chemistry never falters on the banging Why You Always Hating.
Drake isn’t the only big name on the album, with YG recruiting Lil Wayne for I Got A Question and Nipsey Hussle for the aforementioned FDT (Fuck Donald Trump). Fellow Cali locals Slim 400 and Sad Boy feature on a number of tracks, with the best effort being the slinky Word Is Bond.
Verdict: Finally a sophomore album worth the wait.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1CLmap_CVU]
Chymes – Grow
New on the scene, Aussie electronic duo Chymes will have tongues wagging with their debut EP Grow. The four track release is a joyous celebration of minimal electronica, spearhead by multi-instrumentalist Cameron Taylor and vocalist Kirsten Nyman. The production is gorgeous, with the four tracks running the gambit of chilled, dreamy soundscapes with lush pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Nyman’s ethereal vocals reign supreme over the minimalist beats, no more so than on delicate opener Oracle. The harmonies of both Taylor and Nyman add another element to Chymes, with the delicate Grow featuring Taylor’s hushed vocals and Nyman’s soaring lead, the two projecting the emotions of the song seamlessly.
The EP’s other two tracks, the electronic-chiller Clouds and glitchy, melodic Colours round off what is an incredible debut from one of our countries best new acts.
Verdict: One of the best Australian releases you’ll hear this year.
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The Game – Streets Of Compton
It’s been a fairly productive past 12 months for West Coast rapper The Game. Having released The Documentary 2 and 2.5, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2005 debut of the same name, The Game has also been involved in filming the A&R series Streets Of Compton. The three part documentary premiered last week and delves into the history of Compton and how drugs, gang culture, political and social turmoil helped pave the way for gangster rap. The Game features heavily, along with Compton celebrities Kendrick Lamar and the Williams sisters Venus and Serena, while local community members also have their say on the cities rich and controversial history.
Accompanying the series is the soundtrack from The Game. The 11 track album showcases up-and-coming Compton rappers and producers alongside The Game’s own offerings. As you’d expect on an album dedicated to the home of gangster rap, Streets Of Compton is steeped in the sounds of early 90s hip-hop, with relative unknowns Payso and J3 opening the album alongside Game on the throwback Support Compton. One of my new favourite producers, Jay Nari, provides the beats for popping Hit The News and Bullshit, a cautionary tale of gang violence. Game and Problem link up for the player anthem Unfollow Me Bitch while Micha and Payso lend their vocals to For The Homies, The Game’s touching dedication to all the friends and family he’s lost to gang violence.
The albums best tracks are The Game’s solo cuts. An underrated rapper often disparaged for his constant name dropping (still present), The Game’s storytelling on Street Of Compton is as good as it’s ever been. The Game uses the well-known Blood call sign Soo Woo as a way to describe two females that represent his two Cougar pistols on Can’t Wait, while Death Row Chain is a compact history of Death Row Records, with Game reflecting on the impact the label had on him.
Verdict: The Game cements his position as one of the West’s best.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO4htruAt-A]
Friday is an auspicious day in any given week – the final working day, the last tag on the way out the door to the weekend where the door to revelry is thrust open. Only rarely is Friday is not a day to celebrate, but equally unique is a Friday with so much to celebrate as this Friday which we have just seen – June 3, 2016.
Wading through the joyous chaos to find you the best of this stupendous day, what you will find below is as good a start to your weekend as you could ever hope to imagine. Part Rap Wrap, part Amazing Albums, and entirely juicy, here’s your final Howl & Echoes playlist for the week:
Vic Mensa – 16 Shots and There’s Alot Going On
How soon they forget, eh, Vic? Yes, that’s right. The Chicago MC who we last saw making extraordinary guest appearances on recent albums by Flume and Kaytranada has burst back onto the solo scene today, with a new seven track EP. Having been three years since his last full-length solo release, 2013’s Innanetape, some fans may have forgotten Vic Mensa’s competency as a solo artist. While collaborations with Kanye West (U Mad) and Skrillex (No Chill) kept him in our ears last year, it was the high-profile guests who stole the spotlight. All of that changes now, however. Not satisfied with plans to drop just an album, studio debut Traffic later this year, Mensa has unveiled tremendous new EP There’s Alot Going On today via Apple Music. With only one feature on the project, coming from Ty Dolla $ign, it’s clear that Mensa is intent on reminding the world just how fantastic he is without needing a boost from any bigger names.
Perhaps no single song is a better example of Mensa’s talent, however, than 16 Shots, which debuted on Ebro Darden‘s Beats 1 Radio program earlier today. An aggressive, impactful protest piece written in tribute to the struggles of his native Chicago, 16 Shots is earnestly awe-inducing, and should prove profoundly affective in whetting appetites everywhere for not only There’s Alot Going On, but also Traffic in the not so distant future. Follow the link below, and listen to 16 Shots now.
Asher Roth – Laundry (ft. Michael Christmas & Larry June)
Asher Roth has come a long way from his I Love College days, with his last full-length project RetroHash, released in 2014, breaking new ground for the artist in terms of both content and impact. Fast forward two years and Roth is working off the back of a Rawther, a collaborative EP with Nottz Raw & Travis Barker, and preparing the future release of his third studio album.
Linking up on this track, entitled Laundry, with Larry June and Boston rapper Michael Christmas (himself hot off the back of a recent EP release), Asher Roth raps over a thick bassline about a girl who smells like, well, laundry. Peep the hot release below.
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YG – Still Brazy
Having only just announced the final title of his new album, due June 17, YG has offered up a taster today in the form of groovy title track Still Brazy. In many ways, Still Brazy seems a continuation of the vibe and atmosphere of Why You Always Hatin, as well as maintaining the growing accessibility of the trap artist. Given the popularity of both 2014 albums My Krazy Life and Blame It On The Streets, anticipation for Still Brazy is already sky high, and the album’s title track will do that anticipation considerable favours. Join in below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxnWAoM9Lf4]
Mike Will Made-It – Nothing Is Promised (ft. Rihanna)
Rihanna is an artist who has undergone a serious resurgence of late, with latest album ANTI widely considered to be her best. Mike Will Made-It as a producer, on the other hand, is not a man who needs any kind of resurgence – with his solid catalogue of work for various artists of various genres continuing through to today. His last ‘solo’ album Ransom, however, was a comparatively poor showing by the powerhouse producer, despite the grand showing of lead single 23 featuring Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J. With latest release Nothing is Promised, the full-length follow-up Ransom 2 suddenly looks a whole lot more promising. A continuation of the aggressive, confident Rihanna heard on ANTI, Nothing is Promised will lend particularly well to car speakers and over the ear headphones, as the Barbados-born artist wages war with the bass-heavy beat.
A.CHAL – Welcome to GAZI
Peruvian born crooner A.CHAL already has an extensive list of accolades for an artist who has otherwise existed completely beneath the radar. All of that seems poised to rapidly change, however, with the release of debut album Welcome to GAZI. Led by extraordinary singles Round Whippin and Far From Home, Welcome to GAZI is an infectiously charming introduction to the talent previously co-signed by such names as Oliver El-Khatib, A$AP Rocky and Zane Lowe, with the latter describing the album: “His lyrics are very honest, his hooks very intuitive, and the production if you turn it up loud whether its in the car, in your living room, or in the club, SNAPS in every single location. I think he’s the real deal and I’m not alone.”
With such esteemed industry praise, a certain element of scepticism with regards to A.CHAL’s talent could be expected. Nevertheless, it it quickly resolved with the sounds of Welcome to GAZI, perhaps one of the best debuts of 2016. A big call, but a deserved one.
Get the full release here.
Smino Brown – Blkjuptr
Along with the re-release of his Blkjuptr EP, upcoming name Smino Brown has dropped the visuals for the EP’s fire title track. Shining the spotlight on himself – particularly his vocals, while toying with space and distance to allow the rapturously dark and ominous beat to resonate, the video finds a mysterious figure painted entirely in black dancing interpretively to the Smino offering – which is sure to capture the attention of several new fans and draw well deserved attention to the Blkjuptr EP. Watch the video below, grab the full EP right here.
blkjuptr (Official Video)https://t.co/HtmPoT4JDT
— blkjuptrLA 6/7 (@SminoBrown) June 2, 2016
Of course, this list is not entirely the complete offering of Friday, June 3, without mentioning the brand new Classixx album Faraway Reach, which notably features an extraordinary T-Pain collab.
Considering that this has all happened in less than 24 hours, you’d even be excused for wondering how it could ever get any better from here. Enter:
Meanwhile, @youngthug and @atrak in the stu together 👀 pic.twitter.com/HKj8761RxL
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) June 3, 2016
What a day, what a day.
You can find James Schofield on Twitter and Instagram.
Image Credit: YG – Still Brazy Album Cover
The lead-up to YG‘s sophomore album, Still Krazy, is ramping up with the release of the album’s third and best single, Why You Always Hatin? Following on from the G-Funk era Twist My Fingaz and the Nipsey Hussle and 50 Cent-featuring I Wanna Benz, Why You Always Hatin? finds the Compton native reuniting with Drake for an absolute banger.
Premiering on OVO Sound Radio over the weekend, Why You Always Hatin? finds YG and Drake addressing their detractors and questioning why people hate on them for being successful. The two have great chemistry, with their first collaboration, Who Do You Love?, one of the stand out tracks from YG’s debut, My Krazy Life. Both MC’s trade top verses, with Drake just edging YG, but the biggest surprise is the appearance of up-and-comer Oakland rapper Kamaiyah. The 21-year-old released her debut mixtape, A Good Night In The Ghetto, earlier this year, and while she only helps out YG on the hook, it’s a big break for her career and adds another element to the track.
Still Krazy is fast becoming one of my most anticipated albums of 2016. YG has hinted at working with big time producers Terrace Martin, London on da Track, Hit-Boy and Metro Boomin, with the album set to feature a host of high profile guests alongside Nipsey Hussle, 50 Cent and Drake. I’m really interested to see if YG can re-create the magic of his debut considering the absence of longtime friend and collaborator DJ Mustard, who was responsible for much of the production on My Crazy Life.
Still Krazy is set for release this June.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1CLmap_CVU]
Image: Genius
A slew of new hip-hop video clips have hit the net today, so to make it easy for you, we’ve gathered together the best for your viewing pleasure below. Enjoy!
YG & Lil Nipsey Hussle, FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)
YG and Nipsey Hussle let their thoughts known about Presidential hopeful Donald Trump with the video for FDT (Fuck Donald Trump). The filming of the protest video was shut down by police a few weeks back, but that hasn’t stopped the two from releasing what footage they could gather. The black and white clip – with flashes of patriotic red and blue – opens with a short message reminding people of the advances made by President Obama and how if the wrong candidate is elected in the current race to the Whitehouse, all Obama’s good work could be reversed.
This isn’t actually a bad track. While the refrain, “Fuck Donald Trump,” isn’t the most positive of slogans, I applaud YG and Nipsey Hussle for using their position to advocate their political beliefs
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkZ5e94QnWk]
Trouble, Ready (Remix Ft. Big Bank Black, Young Thug & Young Dolph)
Released last month, Atlanta rapper Trouble delivers the film clip for the remix of hit cut Ready. Joined by Southern alumni Big Blank Black, Young Thug and Young Dolph, the four MC’s kick it in the street with their posses as 90s visual effects flash on screen.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX34S53M4a0]
Bankroll Mafia, Out My Face
The latest in a long of hip-hop super groups, Bankroll Mafia is lead by the team of T.I. and Young Thug with able support from Shad Da God and Peewee Roscoe. While Roscoe is currently facing prison time following the shooting of Lil Wayne’s tour bus last year, the group look set to continue as a trio, as evident by new single Out My Face. Fellow Hustle Gang label mate London Jae joins the three on this trap banger, with the video showing the quartet hanging out in a warehouse with their crew while footage of money burning is intercut throughout.
Bankroll Mafia’s debut album is set to drop this Friday April 22.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLQtqMQYO1w]
Curren$y, Grand Theft Auto
Ahead of the release of Curren$y’s 4/20 celebrating project, Bourbon Street Secrets, the New Orleans rapper has dropped the visuals for new tune Grand Theft Auto. Produced by frequent collaborator, Purps of 808 Mafia, Curren$y’s smooth rhymes float over the bouncy production as he stands around some fancy cars smoking spliffs. What a life.
Bourbon Street Secrets is released this Friday April 22.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq8eidzw-ks]
Homeboy Sandman, Talking (Bleep)
Stones Throw Records’ Homeboy Sandman is less than three weeks away from dropping his new album Kindness For Weakness (May 6), and today sees the video release for recent single Talking (Bleep). It feels like a kind of parody take on the typical hip-hop gangster video, with boxing and martial arts, street shootings, running from men in black suits and so on.
Homeboy’s crystal clear storytelling lyrics slow down the video’s dramatic pace just enough to allow you to take in each scene. Remarkably surreal, mostly due to the small embellishments, like how some characters’ mouths are stretched wide, are creepy and eerie to say the least. The pace and lyrics work in an interesting way with the video, with the clear storyline essentially making the entire visual experience even more hyperreal and off-kilter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgsossmuDXA&feature=youtu.be
Remi, For Good (ft. Sampa The Great)
Undoubtedly the best Australian hip-hop track of the year so far, Remi‘s For Good, featuring Sampa The Great, now has its own visual accompaniment. This is the first single from Remi’s forthcoming album with Sensible J titled Divas and Demons, and if it’s anything to go by, we’re in for something truly special.
The video splices scenes of Sampa and Remi dancing and performing with theatrical scenes of a lone girl sitting at a restaurant table, having been stood up on a date – by the guy we soon see riding in a car with two girls and a bottle of wine. He’s having a great time, she’s feeling incredibly low. After a minute he eventually shows up, so late that he sees another guy chatting to her. Fed up when he begins to argue with the other guy, she leaves, obviously distraught.
It’s not exactly a feel good clip. Here’s Remi explaining the song’s straightforward inspiration: I was a scandalous prick, and I wanted to outline how it went down and how it effected everyone involved. The best way to do this was to have both the male and female perspective.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrW7GNFwPsM
Written by Tobias Handke & Lauren Ziegler
Image: Billboard
Just last week, rappers YG and Nipsey Hussle got some valuable exposure with their diss track aimed at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The family friendly musical complaint, titled Fuck Donald Trump, or FDT, ruffled more than a few feathers on the inter-webs, but also served as strong voice against the ideas and actions of one man in a democratic society.
https://soundcloud.com/4hunnidrecords/fdt-1
However, when the rap duo tried to shoot a video for the song in Los Angeles over the weekend, police intervened and shut down the shoot, TMZ reports.
Witnesses reported that up to 100 people fell in behind the rappers as they shot the video, chanting “fuck Donald Trump” and gaining the attention of the LAPD in the process.
Responding to a call about cars cruising the streets, and donning their finest riot gear for the occasion, the police reportedly dispersed the protesters before things got out of control.
Admittedly, it seems things were already pretty crazy before they got there. Check out this mental video of a lad doing doughies in his car before taking out a bystander, who proceeds to walk away seemingly unharmed.
Despite the police intervention, sources report that the rappers managed to collect plenty of footage before they were moved on, so we can hope to see the fruit of their labour soon.
This incident is just the latest in a series of hip-hop artists joining the fight against Donald Trump, with multiple artists calling for a change in the mindset of Americans.
“Failing to vote is a vote for this clown,” wrote T.I. in an impassioned plea to the American Youth to exercise their right to vote.
Killer Mike has vocally endorsed Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders from day one, while protesters have been continuously crashing Trump party rallies and chanting “We gon’ be alright”, the key hook of Kendrick Lamar‘s protest song Alright.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-48u_uWMHY
Given rock legends such as Gene Simmons from KISS think that Trump is “good for the political system”, it’s not hard to see why people are looking to the icons of hip-hop for political inspiration on the issue.
Let’s hope FDT become more than a flash in the pan in the minds of Americans as the election approaches.
IMAGE: Pitchfork
He may be up for a staggering 11 Grammy nominations, but Kendrick Lamar now has another accolade that’s somewhat closer to home; Grand Marshal of the 63rd annual Compton Christmas Parade.
Along with rapper YG, K-dot rode through the streets of his hometown, after the pair had been invited by Mayor Aja Brown.
“I want ya’ll to enjoy yourselves and keep on pushing you know like we do like none other,” K. Dot says. “Compton. Number one. Remember that.”
An amazing way to end what may have been the most important year of his life, it’s not his only non-musical award, either; earlier this year he was gifted with the honoured title of Generational Icon by the State of California. Of course, this follows on from his extensive work towards pushing education in underprivileged communities, school scholarships and more.
Kendrick and his fiance sat in the backseat as they drove though the streets, and he addressed his fellow Compton natives. “I want ya’ll to enjoy yourselves and keep on pushing you know like we do like none other. Compton. Number One. Remember That.”
Kendrick Lamar will be visiting Australia in 2016 to headline Bluesfest, and a string of stadium headline shows. Full details right here.
https://twitter.com/IamAkademiks/status/675848398415728640
Check out a couple more shots of the Grand Marshal in action, courtesy of TMZ.
