About Last Night: Hip-Hop at Mr. Smalls by Alex Young

Choo Jackson

Choo Jackson

Energy was good inside a concert theatre, formerly an 18th century Catholic church, known to people in Pittsburgh, Pa. and the national music community as Mr. Smalls Funhouse.

Local artistry, as well as legend, on display at the venue moved Pittsburgh community members to support and attend a May 13 rap show.

The atmosphere became particularly festive when Taylor Gang's own, DJ Motor Mane, one of the hosts of the concert along with DJ Afterthought, played a knocking song by Carnage, "WDYW," featuring studs A$AP Ferg, Lil Uzi Vert, and Rich The Kid. Attendees started to dance in the middle section of the crowd and wallflowers and standstills throughout began to loosen up.

Soon after, Jimmy Wopo, a rapper native to the 'burgh streets, hit the stage energetically. Notably, he rattled off a catchy chant, "woponese, woponese, woponese," he said in his last song before leaving the stage.

Via rbfaresh Snapchat

Via rbfaresh Snapchat

A surprise party came from Chevy Woods, another Taylor Gang member. He stepped on stage, stunna shades in tact, and slid over top a beat, "I just made a play on ya bitch she in love with my watch, yeah, yeah, ooh."  The lyrics open Chevy's newest song, "Forever," which was released and performed Friday the 13th to celebrate the rapper's birthday.

Fans met thorough enthusiasm when local rock star, Foreverkool Records honcho, and signee to Mac Miller's Remember® music label, Choo Jackson began his set. Gold Miller High Life can in his right hand and microphone in his left hand, Choo split one of his jean pant legs down the seam, and his inner thigh showed on stage. Playing through his catalogue, he encouraged the crowd, "before this next song drops, I need everybody to say 'Hell Fucking Yeah, Nigga!'" Many complied and amidst the yelling, the rapper's new anthem, "Back From Texas," a song about getting head while driving and other important things, rained down. In between songs, Choo engaged with the crowd, "I just want to say happy birthday to RB (owner of Pittsburgh lifestyle clothier farESH Brand)." An audience member chimed in, "put titties in RB's face!" "Titties in RB's face," Choo shouted to everyone.

However, despite the merry-making, female attendees started roaring for the next performer in the lineup, "Hardo, Hardo, Hardo, Hardo," they screamed as Choo finished his last two songs. The girls essentially encored the biggest trap star in Pittsburgh onto the stage, and their hearts skipped a beat when he entered. Hardo and his DJ, Christo, also known as Bounceman, had heads nodding as the rapper narrated his Wilkinsburg, Pa. neighborhood experiences to his hometown comrades.

Hardo's new school, gangster sound appropriately warmed the crowd for the night's headliner, Cam'ron, leader of Dipset, proud representative of Harlem, N.Y., and Rico from the movie Paid In Full. The hip-hop legend performed popular jams like "Down and Out," "Hey Ma," and "Oh Boy." Killa Cam thanked the Pittsburgh crowd on numerous occasions for their era long support. He even let an excited, burly man "rock out" with him on stage.

From the fanfare, to the festivities, it was a pleasure to see youth and old heads intermingle and show appreciation for various styles and genuine forms of hip-hop. It is nice to experience and know the purest forms of popular culture can thrive in Pittsburgh.

 

This Rapper Has Vision Like Bob Marley by Alex Young

A British-Cyrpiot rapper, named A.M. SNiPER, crafts genuine tones in his new song, "Hype." Authenticity and appreciation for musical and popular culture are noted in the musician's sampling of A Tribe Called Quest's "Butter" track and use of vocal cuts from the group's late member Phife Dawg.

The artist based in Ayia Napa, a town on the southeast coast of Mediterranean island country Cyprus, and hotspot for grime and urban music in Europe, focuses on the vision and artistic quality of his work rather than the hype, a characteristic SNiPER derives from icon Bob Marley.

Regarding "Hype," the song promotes the rapper's forthcoming debut album and features New Orleans product Curren$y. SNiPER's latest offering oozes vibes many rap fans can relate to so listen below.

PK Delay Drops New Song After Getting 22 Favorites on Tweet by Alex Young

Artists use social media to engage with their fans, to promote their image, and to receive feedback on their individual masterpieces.

Pittsburgh rapper PK Delay, also known as dad for his wisdom and fervor for life, takes advantage of the numerous impressions he makes on sites such as Twitter. While his posts flutter in jest or entertainment, like when he Tweets, "don't jack off in front of ur pets have some respek," or rattles off, "ay man make sure you don't be creepin' on ya exes pages tonight. jus do u," the rapper boosts his online presence, which is smart because that is where the majority of music listeners listen.

There was no delay when PK promised a new freestyle to his fans if a specific Tweet reached 22 favorites. Within an hour, the rapper announced his new track, "Booker T," thanks to news spreading on the social network.

PK Delay's new single makes waves before his upcoming mixtape, 'DAD YEAR.' Follow @pkdelay on Twitter to stay current.

Janet Jackson Looking Sprightly by Alex Young

Since losing Prince, musical legends still walk Earth, and while their music lives forever, it is imperative to enjoy their presence whenever possible.

Janet Jackson's family and musical legacy spurs on, as the almost 50-year-old singer is reportedly pregnant, and has released a new music video from a song off her most recent album, Unbreakable. With the news, the magical woman is sprightly in this black and white, well-choreographed video for her song "Dammn Baby."

Thrift. Hear. Repeat by Maxwell Young

In association with Thrift. Wear. Repeat, InTheRough and ThriftLorde$ collaborated on an audio sample to accompany the visuals while you browse their selection of quality vintage wear.

+ Shopping vibes

+ lineformation M.I.L.F follows up 10 Beers Deep with 10 Blunts Deep.  Did you peep in time for April's holiday?

+ Choo Jackson is back from Texas with a hitter.

+The Afro-hip hop fusion is in full force on Aminé's Calling Brio

+ We found Jerreau from King James' turnt Instagram