Mars Jackson - Jack$ino 2

"When Mars speaks niggas listen."

The lyrics end a song called "Jack$ino," released by Mars Jackson last year, in which the Pittsburgh artist motivates with confident bars. He declares himself "the new prince of the city," a title that foreshadowed the rappers' current ascension.

Mars' puts in hard work for "family reasons," and it is paying off, as he capitalizes off a Misra Records deal, shows relatable qualities in his latest project, "I'm Just Being Nice," and, at the moment, relishes in a Pittsburgh only tour.

Continuing to progress, Mars makes headlines for a new effort, "Jack$ino 2." The rapper upgrades his crown in light of his recent success, and says in the song, "I remain humble on some king shit." Flaunting nothing other than his musical prowess, Mars is having fun, along with being nice.

His friendly qualities attract listeners and concert goers alike. Enjoy "Jack$ino 2" below and see Mars Jackson June 4 at Spirit Lodge for Layer Cake Festival, a music festival with 170 plus bands, and June 5 at Club Cafe, as he opens for JMSN, who tours nationally for his new R&B album, "It Is." Check more of Mars Jackson's tour dates here.

Spirit Lodge

242 51st Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Club Cafe

56 S 12th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

InTheRough - Oath-Keeper (Playlist)

Inspired by the sword of loyal and dedicated Brienne of Tarth, a female knight in HBO's hit series, Game Of Thrones, InTheRough's latest playlist is ready for a listen.

Titled 'Oath-Keeper,' the playlist demonstrates ITR's ability to curate enjoyable sounds fit for contemporary environments.

New music and popular tracks filter into ITR's mix, with Philadelphia artist Lil Uzi Vert featured most frequently. In an effort to support and expose local Pittsburgh talent, musicians Bradley Atom, Choo Jackson, DJ Afterthought, Knuccleheadz, Mars Jackson, PK Delay, and Slicky Williams all have songs listed that were recently released.

The energy builds from the start, and remains alight hitting high points at "Sorry For The Wait" by UK artist SNE, "Gain Green" by Boston's Cousin Stizz, as well as "Devastated" by Pro Era's Joey Bada$$.

Additionally, 'Oath-Keeper's' cover photo supports InTheRough's free T-shirt, which will release this summer.

Hear the 'Trillful' Sounds of SNE

SNE

The geographic focal point of hip-hop is ever changing thanks to fast moving internet culture and diversification of sound and taste. Areas like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and now, London are in the spotlight.

Labeled as Hackney's "Golden Child," northeast London's SNE fully embraces his self-coined 'Trillful' genre of music. Blending rap, trap, and R&B soul, SNE gives listeners a real sonic dose of the London streets.

Formerly a member of Grime collective S.O.S (Sound Of The Streets), SNE, an acronym for Sound Never Ends, continues his four-year solo career releasing a string of terrific tracks. The artist's latest song, "Sorry For The Wait," displays vocal variety and rap finesse.

SNE looks to rise in the world's hip-hop ranks, and past released songs like lively "Goku," with Nadia Rose, and "Rico Rodrigo" certainly help.

Follow SNE on Soundcloud for a hot 2016 campaign filled with new music.

Kanye West 1997 Beat Tape

Today we are blessed with unreleased music from Kanye West.  No, this isn't the new album he teased was coming this summer, but rather a nineteen-year old tape of the beat variety--one of Kanye's first ever.  Posted by Trilly Madison on SoundCloud, the eight tracks are said to be made circa September 1997.  This is Kanye before the contemporary influencers, like Jay Z, Roc-A-Fella, Common, etc. helped catapult West into bonafide rockstar territory.  This sounds like a Kayne West rooted in the 90's Chicago rap scene perfecting and experimenting with the classic boom-bap sound.  Stream the early 'Ye sounds below and catch a few bars. 

Ain't Easy Being "Lit"

Shawn K and JKJ

Personal mood, while influenced by one's life experiences and interactions, is largely controlled by the self. Emotion is mental and particular styles in which to react to situations.

There is often somebody who always seems to be the highest of highs or the lowest of lows. They are always having fun, happy, and laughing, or frowning, complaining, and dejected. Either way, a person's mood is a mindset, a choice, and a lifestyle.

At a release party for Pittsburgh, Pa. rapper Palermo Stone's new Hendawg Millionaire mixtape, I watched the night's celebratory performers consciously go from casual supporters to bouncy, uplifting, and entertaining, also known as "lit."

The atmosphere in Boom Concepts, the creative incubation hub that hosted Stone's event, was vitalized by the flow of Hennessy, and a jamboree when acts were on stage.

An out-of-towner named Shawn K, an artist from Cleveland, Ohio, was brave enough to show his face in the Steel City wearing a Cleveland Indians jersey. Ignoring his loyalty, the crowd at Boom paid attention to Shawn K as his raspy voice moaned, "Heeeey, I'm a dead man movin'," atop the stage. When the crowd was not as active as he wanted, the rapper called his squad to the front to turn up with him, and they instantly jumped up and down together. Taylor Gang DJ, Motor Mane took notice and later invited Shawn K to ID Labs, the studio where Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller crafted many hit records.

Deem Trill, DJ Spillz, Joel Kellem, PK Delay, Slicky Williams, Flack412

Shawn K's approach was infectious, and unmatched only until native Pittsburgh collective The Company Only performed. The group of six, led by Chill God and dad, officially Joel Kellem and PK Delay, put on a set that featured all of its members. Dressed in pastel colors, reflective public works stripes, and gold jewels plus gold grills, the aforementioned, Deem Trill, Fat Corey, Seas, and Slicky Williams, at one point, rapped the lyrics a cappella to Kellem's "Language" song when a DJ's computer malfunctioned. People rallied around them saying, "Fuck it up, fuck it up, fuck it up." I found myself most engaged when Williams performed "My Wrist" for the first time ever. His energy suggested everybody knew the words, and despite the opposite, people felt the authentic vibes.

Seas

Before I left the party, Thomas Agnew, an owner of Boom Concepts and founder of Jenesis Magazine, a youth lifestyle publication, gifted me a T-shirt that dramatically reads, "Party or Die." 

To that end, how do you choose to live your life?