April 8, 2023
In October 2019, member of the K-pop group Monsta X, WONHO, faced allegations of drug usage, resulting in his departure from the group. Fans were disheartened by the news of him leaving and wondered..
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April 1, 2023
Songwriters, composers, and publishers have long been underpaid when it comes to the live concert industry. However, a successful court case may be the first step to changing that.....
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March 28, 2023
Society has always placed a high value on music. As technology starts to become more part of our lives, social media and music platforms have become more and more prominent in the music business....
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March 28, 2023
The Latin GRAMMY Awards are changing it up this year for songwriters! On March 21, 2023, The Latin Recording Academy released a press release announcing various additions and changes to the awards...
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March 22, 2023
Even if you haven't heard of NewJeans yet, there's a good chance you'll soon be humming along to their infectious tunes. The Korean pop group is quickly gaining international attention and breaking..
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March 31, 2023
Even if you don’t know who Max Martin is, you’ve definitely heard his songs. Hit-pop songs are kind of his thing after all. Martin first stepped into the music world in 1985 as a frontman for....
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March 18, 2023
The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......
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March 17, 2023
The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....
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March 4, 2023
Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is
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March 3, 2023
Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve
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February 25, 2023
People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and
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"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.
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