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Usher CELEBRATES 15th Anniversary Of “Usher’s New Look” Foundation With Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri & MORE + Lil Wayne Covers XXL August/September 2014 Issue

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Usher celebrated 15 years of his “Usher’s New Look” foundation with a luncheon and some of his celeb friends came out to support. Plus, Lil Wayne is talking about the authenticity of Hip Hop and his upcoming album in the newest issue of XXL. Pics and deets inside…

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Today, Usher celebrated 15 years of his “Usher’s New Look” foundation with his buddy Ludacris at the President’s Circle Awards Luncheon in Atlanta. The “Good Kisser” singer’s foundation aims to help disadvantaged youth develop leadership skills and help them discover careers that match their passions.

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Retired professional boxer turned motivational speaker Sugar Ray Leonard came out to support.

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Taking a break from the studio with Jagged Edge, Usher’s friend Jermaine Dupri hit the luncheon and snapped a pic with the legendary boxer.

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Broadway director Kenny Leon hit the carpet.

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Grammy award winning songwriter/producer Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri’s dad Michael Mauldin was also in the mix.

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Usher’s mom Jonetta Patton looked nice. Twins.

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Ludacris chopped it up with Suagr Ray Leonard during the luncheon.

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Sugar Ray got on stage to say a few words.

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And Luda hit the stage to support his good friend.

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Usher also posed it up with Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed and Malia Murray.

Fab times!

 

And on a magazine cover….

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As he gears up his long awaited release of his 12th studio album Tha Carter V, Lil Wayne nabs the cover of the August/September 2014 issue of XXL.

Doesn’t look like Wayne will have any trouble with sales of his new album because his lead single “Believe Me,” featuring Drake is currently at the No.1 spot on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Along with topping the charts, Weezy has also garnered some extra media attention as he and Christina Milian seemingly get closer. Rumors have been circulating that the two are dating but according to Christina, they’re just making music. Mmmhmm…

In the XXL cover story, Weezy sounded off on the authenticity in the Hip Hop game, his highly-anticipated upcoming album, on how he decided to sign Drake & Nicki Minaj to YMCMB and more.

Below are the highlights:

ON THA CARTER V:

“I was feeling the success of Tha Carter I. I felt like people wanted to hear me. I was amped to do that, but then Tha Carter III? I don’t know what happened. It was amazing. And then Tha Carter IV was just unexplainable, and now this one here, there’s no words. I just hope everyone likes it.”

“I’m always feeling like I ain’t done shit. I’m still nervous about Tha Carter V… I’m confident about what I do, but I’m still nervous about what people think.

ON AUTHENTCITY IN HIP-HOP:

“I know I’m authentic because I’m 35 million years in the game. I don’t know where the authenticity is in the game anymore. Today everyone sounds alike, they looking alike, they acting alike, they dressing alike. I came out when everybody was super different. You had an ODB. You had a Busta Rhymes and then you had a 2Pac. You had a Biggie. And everybody was different. Biggie was talking about Mob and Mafia shit. 2Pac was wylin’, talking about West Coast this and that. You had niggas like Meth and Red talking about how high they got and making people laugh. And then now, you got them, them. You got the categories and then everyone falls under it.”

ON PRINCE BEING HIS MAJOR MUSICAL INFLUENCE:

“It was the way he pronounced words and the way he used his voice. It was like if he was playing with a baby. You know if he was playing with a kid. [Imitates a baby cooing] It was the way that he was exploring it. He wasn’t doing it because it was funny. He was doing it because he could make it sound good and exceptional. I realized that I could do that too. He wasn’t afraid of how he sounded because he knew what he was saying and how he was saying it would always sound good.”

ON SIGNING DRAKE AND NICKI MINAJ:

“Call me old-fashioned and country, but with Drake, that was the first time I’d seen someone that knew how to sing and rap. That’s all it was. I didn’t know nobody who knew how to do that. You had those old school singing niggas, where people would do a little eight-bar verse on their songs. But [Drake] was spitting and singing and killing that too. It took a while though. It wasn’t until I heard him spitting on one of my beats when I was like, ‘This fool’s retarded.’ When I hear something that I know I can’t do better? That’s when I’m like, ‘They need to be on the team.’”

“I wanted a female. Every team needs a female to rep your gang. She was annihilating niggas. I mean males. I was like, ‘I have to beef my shit up on that muthafucka.’ She just knocked it out the park from day one. She’s just Nicki. I don’t know whose idea it was, but it was a good idea.”

Wayne’s issue hits newsstands August 12th.

EXTRAS:

1. Kendrick Lamar will debut a 14-minute short film titled m.A.A.d at Sundance’s first annual NEXT Fest. STORY

Photos: Getty/ Atiba Jefferson /XXL

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Original Post Source – http://www.theybf.com/

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Albums

Reezie Roc Releases Epic Visuals To “What Playas Ride To” A New Song From His New Album “Dapper Season 2”

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In the realm of hip-hop style, few can rival Reezie Roc—and his newest music video is a testament to his unmatched flair. From tailored suits to top-shelf wine and cigars, Reezie Roc’s aesthetic is in a league of its own, solidifying his status as a true trendsetter.

But Reezie Roc isn’t just about the looks; he’s also reshaping the very fabric of hip-hop itself. With his sophisticated appearance and refined approach, he’s offering a breath of fresh air amidst the mainstream noise.

His music goes beyond entertainment—it’s a movement. Through his tracks, Reezie Roc imparts wisdom and insight, drawing from his own life experiences to guide listeners on a journey of self-discovery.

As the demand for new sounds grows, so does the influence of the Dapper Rap movement—a movement spearheaded by none other than Reezie Roc.

Fresh off the release of his latest album, “Dapper Season 2,” Reezie Roc continues to push boundaries and redefine the genre. Featuring collaborations with top-tier artists like Daizy Hunter, Imani Fordham, Cory Stone, and more, the album is a testament to Reezie Roc’s vision and influence.

For those eager to explore the cutting edge of hip-hop, look no further than “Dapper Season 2.” listen here:

 

Dive into the visuals for “What Playas Ride To” and immerse yourself in the world of Reezie Roc. With his leadership, the possibilities are limitless in this exciting new era of hip-hop.

 

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Music

Bailey Snow Shines Bright Like A “Pink Diamonds”

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SoFaygo-producer Trenton Kyle handles instrumentation duties for Alternative act Bailey Snow‘s latest single “Pink Diamonds.” Following the release of “5150” back in March, “Pink Diamonds” is a fun upbeat song with catchy flows that centers around simply wanting more for yourself.

In a press statement, the North Carolina native revealed: “Pink diamonds speak to my future existence. It depicts everything I see myself achieving. Definitely something you can play anywhere; your car, a party, or whenever you need to hear something inspiring.”

Combining the genres of Hip-Hop, EDM, Punk, and Rage, Bailey Snow has successfully cultivated a unique brand of sonics in just a few short years. With the canny ability to set the mood for a kick back while simultaneously having you reflect on your darkest moments, his music paints a picture with words that allow listeners to see the world through his eyes.

Stream “Pink Diamonds” on your DSP of choice below via Nu Nation / Vydia and watch the visual for “5150” | HERE.

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Interview

The Art of the Grynd: Restless Marc’s Guide to Success in the Music Industry

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The independent music scene is awash with tales of both burgeoning success and challenging setbacks. In a candid conversation with Shah Cypha on The Grynd Live, Restless Marc offers a deep dive into the life of an independent artist who’s not only producing and performing his own music but also navigating the industry with a distinct sense of identity and purpose. Here we’ll decode the intricacies of his journey, the significance of a robust support system, and the transformative power of perseverance in the music industry.

The independent music scene is awash with tales of both burgeoning success and challenging setbacks. In a candid conversation with Shah Cypha on The Grynd Live, Restless Marc offers a deep dive into the life of an independent artist who’s not only producing and performing his own music but also navigating the industry with a distinct sense of identity and purpose. Here we’ll decode the intricacies of his journey, the significance of a robust support system, and the transformative power of perseverance in the music industry.

Building a Brand: The Origin of “Restless Mark”

Embracing Uniqueness

The conversation with Restless Marc starts by delving into **the story behind his moniker**, an essential component of his identity within the music world. Initially known as Mark Erickson, a blend of his given name and father’s name, Marc reveals how “Restless” came into play, originally as part of a collective and later, permanently influencing his personal brand.

*”When you see me, you see dope people.”* This statement reflects Marc’s drive for originality and association with excellence, laying out a commitment to stand out in an industry replete with generic names. It’s not only a choice; it’s a statement. The significance is not lost, as Shah Cypha keenly observes, “*You got to have a name. When people google you, they’ll find you and not somebody else.*”

The Influence of Gaming on Music

An intriguing twist in Marc’s narrative is the **evolution of his stage name from a gaming tag**. The digital realm and its subcultures offer a space for reinvention and experimentation. For Marc, crossing elements from his gaming identity into his musical persona is more than a branding exercise; it’s an organic merging of passions, indicative of how modern artists are often multifaceted individuals.

From Setback to Comeback: Recovering from Loss

The Value of Resilience

In what could be regarded as a devastating blow, Marc recounts the theft of his laptop and the ramifications it had on his music creation process. Here, we witness a crucial theme: **the role of hardship in defining an artist’s path**. Despite the setback, Marc channeled this experience into a form of motivation, reinforcing Shah Cypha’s perspective on the importance of converting negative experiences into positive outcomes.

Continuation Through Creation

The interview delves into the mental and emotional processes that blend **Marc’s personas as a producer and an artist**. Whether it’s producing in the dark to cultivate a specific ambiance or finding unexpected inspiration for lyrics, we see a glimpse into the intimate journey of creation. Marc’s narrative is a testament to the ongoing drive to create, despite obstacles, and the undying belief in oneself common to successful artists.

Ambitions Beyond the Microphone: Restless Marc’s Vision

A Vision for Diversification

As the discussion shifts to future goals, Marc outlines his ambition **to impact various aspects of culture**, including fashion and potentially sports. His intentions to remain independent and to build upon his own brand mirror the forward-thinking ethos of artists like Dr. Dre and Kanye West, who have diversified their reach while simultaneously contributing to their music’s authenticity and intimacy.

Breaking the Mold of an Artist

Tackling the broader implications of a music career, Marc speaks on wanting to exist beyond the music. His blueprint for success elucidates how modern independent artists must cultivate a multi-disciplinary approach to their careers, blending creativity with **business acumen**.

In synthesizing his past experiences with his aspirations, Marc’s trajectory underscores a fundamental shift in the music industry. No longer is it enough to produce hit records—now, artists are challenging themselves to be innovators, influencers, and entrepreneurs.

Restless Marc’s story reveals a reality where victory is not just about endurance but about the expansion of one’s horizons. In sharing his journey, his resilience, and his plans for future conquests, Marc becomes both a product and a prophet of the evolving musical landscape—a restless force in an industry that never sleep

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