Buzzing Florida rapper Yungeen Ace is back in emphatic fashion this week! With his hit single “All In” making it’s well-deserved rounds (the video just surpassed 1 million views!), Ace comes through with the official video for his equally-loved banger “Finding Myself” produced by KingWill Music. The visual was shot in NYC and finds Ace rapping his passionate verses on a rooftop where he’s able to reflect and reminisce on his life. Although a young artist and just getting his feet wet, Ace moves with efficiency and in a way that will keep him relevant for some time.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fniFI9cSU-U&w=560&h=315]

Bubble Baths, Bubblies and Mansions

Model, Ana Montana, is the star of the GOAT 2.0 lyric video and she looks amazing! Eric Bellinger’s music video starring the super talented Teyana Taylor, featuring Wale has hit over 1.7 million views and climbing, and we expect the lyric video to do the same.

Let’s get the GOAT 2.0 lyric video to 1M!!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XEkBEnhKao]

“Atlanta’s Trap scene called, Caulfield answered.”

Caulfield is an American Hip Hop artist from Athens, Georgia whose recent EP, “Under the Influence” has taken social media by storm. Grabbing the attentions of fans nationwide, Caulfield’s independent rise has afforded him opportunities to perform at renowned venues such as Georgia Theater in his hometown.

Local music journalists have shown their support early on as well: “Atlanta’s Trap scene called and Caulfield answered. The rapper has carved out his own space.” – Adam Barton (Flagpole Magazine, Athens GA)

Before the first quarter of the new year wraps up, Caulfield is ready to unveil his latest visual work for his bold single, “No F*cks Given.” The single serves as the first off his upcoming EP, “God is Dead.” While the single is self-explanatory – it’s a verbal onslaught directed to his haters – his “God is Dead” EP delves a bit deeper into the five stages of grief.

“And when I wrote NFG, I was entering the anger stage of grief,” shares Caulfield.

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Over the last several days the community leader and celebrity mentor, Brother Polight was spotted at various locations speaking to thousands of people in Austin, Texas to attend #SXSW Technology and Music Conference. He not only commanded the of attention of thousands in the streets but one of his teachings received over 60,000 views within an hour on Facebook.

He spoke on a series of topics that included:

• Low Nutrition and Bad Decision-Making
• We Have to Love Each Other More Than We Hate Each Other
• The Gender Specific War in Our Community For The Lack of Understanding for  Each Other
• Ecology and being in tune with nature

Brother Polight taught about the importance of understanding what he believes true black power is. It is more than just raising your fist in the air chanting black power, or speaking negatively against another black person for being successful.

Hundreds of thousands descended on Austin’s SXSW every year so this was a great opportunity for Brother Polight to speak to attendees on a host of topics from his years of studying and teaching.

He also stressed the importance of self-education when it comes to health, finances, and even the human DNA.

In 2017, Brother Polight announced that he was going to be retiring from the speaking circuit which was met with displeasure from thousands of his fans and followers. But after seeing the love and admiration from his lectures while in #SXSW, he has decided to come out of retirement as he realized that his work isn’t done. It must be noted that Polight has been lecturing and teaching for over 10 years and also has authored over 90 + books. It is no wonder why he felt it was necessary to take a break or go into retirement. He recently posted the following on his social media platform:

A short open letter to my community
About last night … In Texas
I saw the confidence in the youths’ eyes. I felt the concern of the mothers.
I saw the streets awaken. I saw the restoration of the image of the black man lamented into the consciousness of the sisters that have lost hope.
With every picture I took and for every questioned that I answered it felt so good to resonate with the people.
 
Why did I retire?
Where ever my people are I cannot help but to lead. To speak. To teach.
Surely if I step back in the limelight the jealous teachers will attack. The religious groups will make threats. Black white and other races will hate me. None will appreciate my material success. The government will endeavor to bring me down. They will continue to set me up and my people that I do it for will be easy prey to be deceived. Are they all worth it?
So many have said that I changed their lives last night in person and online. Some cried before my presence. Others recited my teachings.

Those that truly support me hold my hand and I will never let you go again!
They will come for me worse than they ever did before.
I love my daughters. Please understand the one time daddy did not keep his word.
@renentet @maat31 #Nysuttet
#BackOutOfRetirement

You can follow Brother Polight on social media at @Brother_Polight.

Rochester native POUNDS makes it very clear on his standout new EP, Borgata, that he’s cut from a similar anti-hero, mafioso-rap cloth that led to so many classic records over the years. Armed with his unique voice and meditative delivery, he draws inspiration from the artists he listened to growing up (Mobb Deep, Sean Price, Nas) and pens gritty street tales that are all his own.

You can peer into his vivid pen game on “Last Supper,” where he spits “How the f*ck you bragging when your captain ain’t fed?”, or on instant standout “448 Grams Pt. 2,” which includes lines like “I just slip through the fingers of the task force.” These bars bring even more life and color to Borgata, which is hopefully only the beginning of POUNDS and Oh No’s work together.

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A lessor known rapper has just accused TIG recording artist YFN Lucci of jacking his song and he wants a court to render a decision in his favor. According to the lawsuit, a rapper by the name Rackboy Cam (Yeah, we never heard of him either) has accused the rapper of recreating his lyrics music and presenting it as an original creation.

Rackboy’s song is called “Everything Be Lit feat. Maino” and Lucci’s song is “Everyday We Lit” which sounds similar.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Cam says his song came out first in 2015 and that YFN’s 2017 track is virtually the same song, especially when it comes to the hook — namely, “Everyday we lit” vs “Everything be lit,” sung in a similar melody.

Cam also claims that YFN lifted 2 out of the 3 elements Cam brags about in his song — his chain, his whip and his bitch … saying YFN raps about jewelry and women.

Cam wants a judge to yank the song from airwaves and to halt all sales of it immediately. He also wants YFN to fork over any profits he’s made off the tune.

After listening to the song, it is clear from our perspective there is likely a case here. Check out both videos below and you be the judge. Was this a case of jacking or not?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5yjPNvUo7M&w=560&h=315]

Craig Mack Dies at the age of 46

Another hip-hop great has died, Long Island rapper Craig Mack died Monday due to heart failure according to NY Daily News.  

Known as one of Bad Boy Entertainment’s foundation pieces along with the late Notorious BIG. Mack is best known for his 1994 summer smash hit ” Flava In Ya Ear” which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo of the year.

Mack died in a hospital near his home in Walterboro, S.C. He leaves behind his wife and two adult children.

Longtime friend and producer Alvin Toney shared with the Daily News his final visit with Mack at his church just one week ago. In his statement he shares that;

He visited the former emcee at the Overcomer Ministry church he attends in Walterboro to film a documentary about the retired rhymer, and his decision to pass on fame for a life of deep religious conviction.

“Nobody got to understand his story,” Toney said. “I wanted the world to know the talent he had. It was something I wanted people to enjoy, but it was cut short because he was very religious and wanted to go to church.”

Tony said Mack told him during his visit that he had been ill for some time and knew he wouldn’t survive.

“He was prepared for whatever comes, to go home to the Lord,” Toney said. “He was prepared to do that. He wasn’t scared, he was ready.”

The foundation of Bad Boy Entertainment

According to the NY Times profile of Mack he had always dreamed of being a great rapper like LL Cool J and Run DMC. He began writing his own rhymes at the age of 12. Hoping that his rap dreams would come true Mack had his chance to prove himself to Bad Boy Entertainment founder P. Diddy better known then as Puff Daddy. Diddy promised he would sign Mack if he freestyled to Mary J. Blige.

In an MTV Raps interview, Diddy declared both Biggie Smalls and Mack as the foundation of Bad Boy Entertainment. “This is my life here,” Diddy said, gesturing to Biggie Smalls and Mack. “We all need each other to live and breath. That’s the way we treat each other.”

From the booth to the pulpit

Due to Mack’s dedication to his religious beliefs, the rapper retired mic and dedicated his life to Christ. After years of staying out of the limelight, Mack resurfaced in a bizarre video in the congregation of the self-proclaimed Prophet, Ralph Gordon Stair who was arrested on rape and molestation charges in December of 2017.

In the video, Stair says “Craig Mack is dead. We have somebody who used to be Craig Mack. He didn’t join anything. God joined him”. Stair gave Mack, the chance to speak for himself. “What did you use to do,” the broadcast preacher asked. “Wickedness,” Mack said. “And what are you doing now,” Stair continued. “Righteousness,” Mack replied before bouncing up and down with his hands in the air. Later in the video, Mack could be seen picking up the microphone to freestyle. Former congregation members said that Mack was a faithful member of the church and attended worship until his death. 

Rest In Peace! Good brother… #CraigMack …. Alvin Toney love my brother… https://t.co/zHjZbjbfMS

— Funk Flex !!!!! (@funkflex) March 13, 2018

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CT upstart, Patrick Phanor, is heating things up while repping his home – a state often overlooked for its Hip Hop. Following up his critically acclaimed, “Sorry, No Apologies” album, Phanor delivers fresh visuals to keep the momentum going. Teaming up with director, Monumental Films, Phanor takes us to Chinatown for his “Whatchu Saying Doe” single.

Tune in as Midwest rapper Digmata returns with a new music video for his song “Dreaming” taken from his well received album Digmata: The Life.

The song is the outro his album and is an introspective song that allows Digmata to reflect on the struggle of growing up around street violence and crime in a small city between Cleveland and Columbus.

“I try to make sure each new project is unique. I don’t want every song to sound the same. I try to step it up a level with each new thing I do,” Digmata said of his music.

But there was a time when the streets almost claimed Digmata himself, as the young emcee dodged a 28 year prison sentence all while losing his mentor, David (King Dave) Bronson, to street violence. The path was not easy, but Digmata has never given up and he continues to pursue his dreams no matter the challenges he faces.

“After Dave was murdered I turned to music to find a way out of the hood. This song was created to give inspiration to anyone like me that may need that push to continue following your dreams. It’s important to continue to fight through life’s obstacles,” Digmatasaid in a statement to the press.

As the NewEraCam directed visual continues to circulate across the internet, Digmata is gearing up to perform at the Nerve DJs SXSW Midwest Monsters Stage March 16th and 17th in Austin, Texas.

Digmata is no stranger to the stage having done shows with Stalley, Ray Jr. and Bone Thugs, while he is also set to be featured on Big Heff’s 15 city Streets Most Wanted Tour starting in April.

“I love all my fans that have been able to catch me on tour I appreciate everyone taking the time to listen to my music and add me on social media. I am involved in all aspects of my career so when you follow me, I’ll follow back. Catch a show, pick up a CD, I always have something I’m working on so there will be new projects coming soon!” Digmata added.

With a growing list of achievements, Digmata has started his own record label One Team One Dream, LLC (OTOD) to keep his music going until the dream is complete.

Digmata: The Life is now available on all streaming sites and online stores.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z43zWYMJcM&w=560&h=315]

New York rapper Banko Dupree just unleashed this fire video for his new single “She’s Yours”.

Banko has fueled his passion and love for music at an early age. Using his knowledge and passion for music, Banko Dupree decided to use his talent and draw inspiration from the streets of Upstate New York, there he could cultivate and nurture his creative interest to further pursue his rap career. Banko Dupree has made mention that his only inspiration for creating music apart from his love of music is the drive and determination given to him by his family, “Being able to provide and helping my family, is the only motivation I need to create music”.

Banko Dupree also inspired by the Dipset, Outkast, Kanye West, Rob Zombie and The Beatles. Each of these artists style, finesse and confidence are all characteristics that Banko Dupree aspires to mirror within music. His latest single, She’s Yours is slowly becoming an internet sensation and social media phenomenon, with over 700k plays on Soundcloud, 450k Streams on Spotify, 320k on FB and 80k Youtube impression.

Having worked with artists such as D Weathers, Manolo Rose, Brandyn Dayne and Tony E., Banko Dupree is slowly on his way to making a name for himself as one of New York’s own. With his mix-tape releasing and such a dynamic following along with heavy social media promotion, Banko Dupree is destined to not only leave his imprint within the hip hop community but to channel his voice to help influence and implement a positive light for his generation.

Links:
https://soundcloud.com/bankodupree/shes-yours-prod-by-king-leeboy
https://open.spotify.com/track/1xYmbvIVtCDkWVWVUyjWUY
https://www.instagram.com/bankodupree/
https://twitter.com/BankoDupree