Wyclef Jean doesn't get his just due. It was only after The Fugees had the world in their collective palms, and then disbanded, when we got to know his unadulterated abilities as a musician — his first solo album The Carnival was a project equal to (if not greater than) his greatest successes with The Fugees. From there, his focus shifted to discovering and producing stars, stretching all genres in his solo mission, and philanthropic work for his homeland of Haiti.
A seasoned pro, he walked through our doors greeting and charming anyone within arm's reach. Once in front of an audience, he was in attack mode, playing every instrument in sight. Clef doled out stories ranging from his upbringing and rise with The Fugees to intimate musical encounters with Whitney Houston and Destiny's Child. The mentions were properly placed and added substance to the performance, but to me, he pulled what I'd call a "subtle stunt." Hip-hop is and has always been about youth and freshness, so most elder statesmen of rap aren't celebrated to the degree of their peers in rock 'n' roll and country music. Every now and again it's necessary to inform the younger generation, who would otherwise never know these epic moments ever happened.
Over the past few years, we've seen a resurgence of sorts for Wyclef. Young Thug noted a heavy influence, naming a song after him and then tag-teaming on a different track on last year's Jeffery; one of the biggest songs of 2017, DJ Khaled's "Wild Thoughts," prominently samples Wyclef's colossal collaboration with Carlos Santana on "Maria Maria." His career trajectory was recently documented on TV One's Unsung, and in September he dropped the third installment of The Carnival. He starts his set with two highlights from his latest record, and finishes with a climactic rendition of his signature hit like you've never seen or heard.
Louisiana's fan favorite Hip Hop duo Undeniably Genuine announce the release of their new project 'Heart Of The City.' The 10-track mixtape comes with production by The Real DJ Spins and features Scraplron and BFMG. The duo offers listeners a chronicle of their resilience, unity, and unyielding authentic in the face of adversity. Stream 'Heart Of The City' mixtape and…See More
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. SATURDAY, JULY 6The JUST RE'D UP TourYGDoe BoyDJ Vision@ Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., OaklandDoors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM…See More
August 17, 2024 at 11am to August 18, 2024 at 10pm
Sat Aug 17th & Sun Aug 18th, 2024 20TH EMERALD CUP FESTIVAL One of the largest and most prestigious cannabis competitions in the world and California’s premier consumer cannabis culture event. Taking root in Oakland: Emerald Cup’s 20th anniversary festival site spans across the historic and newly renovated Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts at Lake Merritt, Oakland…See More
Heating Up the Summer SceneAs the summer hits its peak, a new anthem emerges from the vibrant and competitive world of hip-hop. TwoRStarr, the dynamic artist hailing from Philly's south side, has just dropped her latest single, "WTM (Where The Money)," and it's set to ignite dance floors and playlists across the nation. With this infectious track, TwoRStarr is poised to take her place as the next big female hip-hop star.Bold and Unapologetic"WTM" is a powerful declaration of financial…See More
Buffalo rapper & Black Forbes Entertainment CEO, Saint Soprano, unveils his latest video "What's That Aroma" produced by DJ Cash (EPMD Manager). The single is taken from Soprano's forthcoming album titled 'Don't Forget To Hustle." The indie artist is also nominated for several awards for this year's 716 Music Awards, cast votes below. Soprano, or coined as The Pot…See More
August 17, 2024 at 11am to August 18, 2024 at 10pm
Sat Aug 17th & Sun Aug 18th, 2024 20TH EMERALD CUP FESTIVAL One of the largest and most prestigious cannabis competitions in the world and California’s premier consumer cannabis culture event. Taking root in Oakland: Emerald Cup’s 20th anniversary festival site spans across the historic and newly renovated Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts at Lake Merritt, Oakland…See More
August 17, 2024 at 11am to August 18, 2024 at 10pm
Sat Aug 17th & Sun Aug 18th, 2024 20TH EMERALD CUP FESTIVAL One of the largest and most prestigious cannabis competitions in the world and California’s premier consumer cannabis culture event. Taking root in Oakland: Emerald Cup’s 20th anniversary festival site spans across the historic and newly renovated Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts at Lake Merritt, Oakland…See More