.png)
August 11, 2025
The Soul Train Awards and Hip-Hop Awards, two cornerstone events celebrating Black music and culture, have been suspended by BET. The news was confirmed by BET CEO Scott Mills in an interview with...
Read more.png)
August 11, 2025
When Memphis rapper GloRilla's October 2024 debut album Glorious, one track left everyone talking; "Rain Down on Me," featuring gospel heavyweights Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra...
Read more.png)
August 11, 2025
When the Kansas City Chiefs' three-peat dreams collapsed at Super Bowl LIX, the real drama wasn't just on the field it was in Travis Kelce's VIP box where Taylor Swift and Machine Gun Kelly were...
Read more.png)
August 10, 2025
In a powerful fusion of music and philanthropy, some of today’s most celebrated artists are stepping onto the stage not just to perform, but to make a difference. Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) returns...
Read more.png)
August 10, 2025
The Juno Awards are officially recognizing the powerful rise of Latin music in Canada. Starting in 2026, the annual awards ceremony will feature a brand-new category: Latin Music Recording of the...
Read more.png)
August 7, 2025
Read more.png)
August 7, 2025
Guitarist, songwriter, and frontwoman of Covet, Yvette Young, is known for her intricate tapping technique, genre-bending sound, that creates a calm presence. But in a new interview, the math rock...
Read more.png)
August 7, 2025
A June 13, 2025, Baptist News Global article highlights the long-standing conflicts between traditional Black gospel music and contemporary Christian music (CCM), which are exacerbated by racial...
Read more.png)
August 7, 2025
In April 2025, The Who unexpectedly fired long‑time drummer Zak Starkey during a Royal Albert Hall show, reportedly over performance issues. Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, had been...
Read more.png)
August 7, 2025
The 2025 MTV Video Music Award nominations have been announced, boasting a diverse lineup with 33 first-time nominees. Pop icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé even earned artist of the year nods without...
Read more.png)
August 7, 2025
From church pews in Northampton to crowds in Zimbabwe, DC3 is more than just a popular TikTok artist; he is a devout musician who is setting a new standard for UK rap. Through ingenious videos...
Read more.png)
August 7, 2025
Under the blazing Chicago sun, HYBE’s rising stars KATSEYE and BOYNEXTDOOR didn’t just perform at Lollapalooza—they owned it. From viral on-stage chemistry to career-defining sets, the two groups...
Read more.png)
"Fans said they want 2015 Vince,” Vince Staples declares on “Étouffée,” a standout track from his sixth studio album, Dark Times. While the Southern California rapper’s career is a testament to his success and evolution, far removed from his days as a teenage Crip, he remains haunted by the spectre of violence that could lurk around any corner.
The album cover, stark and provocative, features a barely visible noose against a black background, setting the tone for the paranoia that permeates the album. Tracks like “Government Cheese” amplify this unease. The refrain, “Don’t forget to smile,” drips with irony as a dejected Staples takes a call from an imprisoned friend, reflecting on his inability to be truthful about his well-being. His numb monotone delivery suggests he’s forcing the words out, reflecting the weight of his experiences.
Staples’ mistrust extends beyond his environment to his romantic relationships. On “Nothing Matters,” he laments over a melancholic piano loop and clattering drums about a woman who ignores his calls. In “Justin,” he narrates an encounter with a woman who leads him back to her apartment, only for him to discover she has a partner.
Dark Times is rich with samples, both spoken and musical. The interlude “Liars” features a discussion between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, adding intellectual weight to the album. Musical nods to DJ Screw on “Black & Blue” and Marvin Gaye on “Radio” weave a tapestry of influences, grounding Staples’ contemporary struggles in a broader cultural context. For the first time on a Vince Staples album, there’s an R&B influence, with soulful backing vocals on tracks like “Shame on the Devil.”
Dark Times is a testament to Vince Staples’ growth as an artist. His ability to explore different styles while maintaining his unique sound is commendable. This album will likely be considered one of Staples’ best works. His blend of escapist rap, clever wordplay, and nostalgic musical elements has once again captured the music world's attention. With its seamless listening experience, high-quality production, and standout tracks, Dark Times solidifies Staples’ place as one of the most innovative voices in hip-hop today. As he declares in “Little Homies,” “Life hard, better go harder.” Such an evolution inspires new up-and-coming artists to stay true to their music. Authenticity creates a powerful bond with the audience and sets them apart from those trying to fit into popular trends.
.png)
