Dead End Hip Hop

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Michael Stover

Devin Burgess: “Trash” [Album Stream]

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Cincinnati’s Devin Burgess has been on a tear this year performing all over the Northeast, conquering stages. All of these performances led to the release of his album “Trash”. 15 tracks deep and full of guest appearances, Burgess puts on for his city and presents one of my favorite albums of this year.

Now I’m still digesting this garbage but off a few listens this marquee lyricism my friends. The production is wavy and immerses you in the experience while Devin Burgess flows with such precision and sharpness you can’t help but applaud his execution in a time where some are making half-baked music. Burgess came out and said that the guests were meant to put Cincinnati on and it works with vocals and help from Miir, Siri Imani, Dxnny Dolphin and more. You can peep the stream below and get ready as we’ll be talking to the Cincinnati artist soon.

 

Joell Ortiz & Apollo Brown: “Timberlan’d Up” (feat. Royce Da 5’9)

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If you aren’t aware Joell Ortiz (formerly of Slaughterhouse) and Apollo Brown have teamed to released an LP called “Mona Lisa” which is slated to come out in October. A couple weeks ago the duo released their first single in “Decisions” and listen I love every Apollo Brown released but Joell Ortiz is showing he’s not here to mince words or play games. The duo returns with their second single in “Timberlan’d Up” which features Royce Da 5’9.

I mean in all honesty I shouldn’t have to pitch this to you, you’re getting two of the hardest emcees in existence over a beat from one of the best producers to exist. This is the only feature on “Mona Lisa” and rightfully so, also props to Royce for shouting out A3C. You can stream “Timberlan’d Up” below and if you missed it you can stream their first single “Decisions” right HERE.

 

Marlowe (L’Orange & Solemn Brigham): “Vagrant” Bonus Cut + Interview

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Mello Music Group continues to just pump out consistent music and this year is no difference. L’Orange and Solemn Brigham have known each other for a minute but it wasn’t until now that the two came together to become “Marlowe”. They released their self-titled debut back in July. Today they’re here with a bonus cut called “Vagrant” I had the chance to ask a couple questions about the album and their relationship. You can peep “Vagrant” below and make sure you peep “Marlowe” HERE.

Dead End Hip Hop: Fill me in on how the two of you came together?

L’Orange:
We went to college together. My first memory of working with him was driving around campus listening to him rap to these wack beats I made back in the day and being blown away by his style. After I moved away from North Carolina, we stopped working together but stayed friends.

Solemn:
You could call it fate or coincidence. Most MC’s start rapping pretty early in life and it was the same for me up until college. I used to rap with some of my friends- one of them recorded me once and said he knew this mysterious producer. Not long after that I was working on an album with L’Orange. After that I was more than just a dude who could rap.

DEHH: Nowadays a group project seems to be a rarity. How did the name Marlowe come about?

L’Orange:
Marlowe is a name I’ve wanted to use for a long time. I wanted to tell a story with this new character involved. Once Solemn and I started brainstorming, it clicked that this was the right way to tell that story.

Solemn:
Group projects are rare which is another reason I was so pumped to make this album. As different as L’Orange and Solemn Brigham are as artists, there are several places we meet in terms of musicality and philosophy. I like the seriousness and sense of mystery that comes with the name Marlowe. It perfectly represents where our worlds collide.

DEHH: Solemn your energy on this record is vibrant and explosive on here. What was it like working with L’Orange? (Also props on the Fred Sanford track he’s one of themy favorite characters of all time).

Solemn:
First off all respect to the O.G. Fred Sanford. Really pleased you felt the energy of the album as well. Working with L’Orange is familiar territory for me so it was more like chillin blazin and hangin with the homie while making dope music. I think that’s why the album has so much life. There were crazy moments and frustrating times but it was exactly how I always pictured making music, pure enjoyment. So to everyone looking for some jewels…. make sure you enjoy yourself.

DEHH: Now L’O on one hand I feel like I can pinpoint a L’Orange beat when I hear it, on the other hand every project you’re involved in has a unique sound. What was the motivation behind the sound on this record?

L’Orange:
This was a new take for me. Instead of going to my usual jazz records, I tried to draw on a different era of music. I was looking for a vintage international sound: psych, surf, experimental.

DEHH: When cats are done listening to “Marlowe” what do you want them to walk away with? And I might be pushing it a bit, but will we get a sequel record from you two in the future?

Solemn:
When people finish that last hit of Marlowe, I want you to feel a sense of empowerment. I want you to know that the energy you just felt was us being and feeling alive and doing our best to seize control. You too can have power, just peep game. As for a sequel well, neither of us got killed off in Marlowe so we may return. All I know is if there is a sequel cant nobody play me but me.

DEHH: Can you talk about this bonus cut “Vagrant” you have for us?

L’Orange:
Vagrant was a song we worked on together in Seattle. It was one of our favorites but got cut for being a bit different from the rest of the songs musically. It’s a great song, centering around a time in Seattle where Solemn was denied a lyft.

Solemn:
Are you tired of being misjudged? Sick of everyone’s perceptions weighing on you? Do you find yourself playing the villain? Do you have responsibilities you couldn’t give less of a damn about? Do you or have you ever had an afro? If so then Vagrant is for you. Vagrant is to remind you that no matter what you do, we don’t define ourselves. People see what they want to see.

Yahweh On Depression & Recovery, “Arcadia” & Working With TheDeeepEnd [Interview]

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North Carolina’s Yahweh has released his EP “Arcadia” that goes both ways. In one hand “Arcadia” is a dark exploration into Yahweh’s mind and the struggles he’s dealt with. However what separates “Arcadia” from most projects like it is Yahweh gives multiple solutions, a light, a way out of the darkness. I had a chance to sit down with the NC standout to talk about his journey.

Dead End Hip Hop: Who’s Yahweh, where’d the name come from?

Yahweh: Yahweh is a 20 year old kid who grew up in a small town just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina. My real name is Alex, but I chose to go by Yahweh for a few different reasons. First and foremost, I’m not saying that I’m God, which is how some people interpret it unfortunately. I didn’t pick that alias with any bad intentions in mind. Growing up, Yahweh was one word in the bible that always stuck out to me and I just loved the way it rolled off the tongue. ‘Yahweh’ is built off the Hebrew word for ‘I Am’, and I love that translation because of all the translations it entails. It’s relatable. No past, no future, just simply being. I am what I am, and will be until I meet my end.

DEHH: Talk to me about growing up in North Carolina and how you get into hip-hop?

Yahweh: I didn’t grow up with family issues, I didn’t have to worry about where my next meal was coming from, and I was blessed with a solid group of guys that I grew up with (3 of which are now my roommates in Boone, NC where I attend App State). Honestly, I wouldn’t say I had any issues throughout my childhood until high school came around, and junior year is when I’d say shit hit the fan. I was in a toxic relationship and was being mentally and emotionally abused, I was bullied worse than anything I’d experienced before (I’m talking getting chased down the highway by a group of guys, getting pictures sent to me of other guys messing with my girlfriend at parties, and getting calls from random people late at night just to let me know that I was the equivalent of dirt), and I could feel my mind degrading quickly. I started getting more into drugs shortly after the relationship ended, hoping that it would ease my anxiety, but of course it was only a temporary bandage. That bad decision followed me out of high school and led to my arrest in July of 2016. With my college acceptance rescinded, my car impounded, 2 felonies staring me in the face, and my family and peers looking down on me, the depression and anxiety attacks kicked in quickly, and much worse than before. I felt so alone and helpless that suicide crossed my mind several times a day. I’d never been the type to open up about how I was feeling, so I suppressed everything as best as I could. One day I was with my friend Levi (who’s a damn good musician) and we were messing around with some instrumentals. He told me to put some lyrics over the beat he had created, so I searched lyrics online. He realized what I was doing and basically told me to cut that out and write something myself. This was the first time I’d ever written my own lyrics. From then on, I just wrote, and wrote, and wrote. I would go on YouTube and find cool beats to try to fit my poems/lyrics. But for the first time, I felt that I could let it all out.

DEHH: One thing I always like to ask artists is what made you make the transition from a fan of the genre to making music?

Yahweh: I’d been into hip-hop and rap since middle school, but never in a deep way. I enjoyed listening to the music, but I wouldn’t say that I developed a deep respect for the music until I realized what an effective outlet it was for me to express my feelings that I had suppressed for so long. I dove deep into the genre, extended my reach, and really tried to get an understanding of the music I’d been listening to for years. If I was going to get into rapping seriously, I needed to know how important it was for the artists that made the genre what it is today. I started listening to lyrics more carefully, and for the first time I understood the stories, the emotions, and the journeys.

Early on in my musical career, a few months after my arrest, an old middle school friend named Key reached out to me. She saw via Instagram that I was a decent photographer and she was hoping I could do a photo shoot for her to promote some new music. We got together and I was surprised at how well she rapped and how clean her music sounded. Truthfully, I was surprised she hadn’t blown up locally yet. Driving around one night, I told Key and her cousin Noah that I had been writing some raps. They smiled, and I could tell they didn’t take it too seriously, but they wanted to hear what I had in store. When I rapped for them over I beat I had found on SoundCloud, they both looked shocked, laughed, and Key said, “Yeah we need to get you in the booth”. That was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. She helped me make my first connections to other artists and engineers. To this day, I’m thankful for Levi, Key, and Noah for getting me started in Hip-Hop and taking it seriously.

DEHH: “Arcadia”…what’s it mean? What gave you the idea for it?

Yahweh: Originally, I wanted to make an E.P. that was more uplifting and positive than the music I had released in the previous few months. I was in a better place in life, or so I thought, so why not try to express that through some new music? With just a concept in mind, I went to Malcolm (theDeeepEnd) and asked him to produce the whole project. One of the first beats he created was for the song ‘Welcome to Arcadia’, and to me it just had this retro arcade game vibe that I really liked. The word Arcadia just popped into my head. When I looked up the word, I learned that it’s a Greek term that describes “a poetic shaped space associated with bountiful natural splendor and harmony.” However, Arcadia was often regarded as unattainable.

This was the name for the project. I knew it as soon as I saw that description. It captured my emotions to a tee. Through my trials and errors, I thought that I had reached a safe, harmonious place. My anxiety led me to believe that it could’ve been a farce, but I tried to reassure myself that I was indeed in a better place. In reality, I bounced between a happy, strong state of mind (Arcadia), and feelings of doubt and dread that aimed to make me believe that this sense of peace could never be attained.

It was perfect.

DEHH: I’m a sucker for a emotionally honest music, what made you open up like this in a hip-hop climate that doesn’t always reward emotional vulnerability?

Yahweh: Whether my openness would be rewarded or not, hip-hop gave me an outlet to unload. The only outlet that I’d been given before. Hip-Hop literally saved my life. If I hadn’t found a way to express myself and let my feelings out, they would’ve killed me one way or another. I didn’t start rapping to impress people by talking about drugs, money, and girls, I started rapping to let others know that I’m f*cked in the head too. My goal with making music is to relate to my listeners and induce a feeling of relief that they aren’t alone, a feeling I’ve been enduring for far too long. I opened up to be real and keep true to myself. Sure, it’s fun to bump some hard ass hip-hop, but I find gratification in meaningful lyrics. I hope that one day my music will be appreciated by those who understand what I’ve gone through and they’re able to relate.

DEHH: You worked with North Carolina’s theDeeepEnd. Tell me what that was like and what he added to your creative experience.

Yahweh: Ahhh Malcolm. I met theDeeepEnd on September 8th, 2017 at North Carolina’s Hopscotch Festival. I saw that there was a day party and thought this might be a good opportunity to get some cool pictures. I got to the show way too early so I was hanging around outside the venue when this tall dude wearing khaki cut off jeans walks out and asks if I’m here for the day party. I say, ”yeah I am, you too?” He told me he was performing and his name was theDeeepEnd. He brought me inside the venue where he introduced me to a few locals like Ace Henderson, his manager Elliot, and Marc Figueras. I felt a bit out of place being the only one who wasn’t in this group of people who had known each other well, so I ended up drifting away while more artists joined their circle. Malcolm saw me on the sidelines and pulled me back in to introduce me to the others that had arrived – Nance, G. Yamazawa, M8ALLA, and others.

This may seem like a small gesture, but it made me feel like I belonged somewhere. Here I am, some random white kid no one knew in a room of people I didn’t know, and Malcolm took a few seconds out of his day to make me feel included although he had only known me for less than an hour. I knew this dude was special and I was eager to try to work with him.

When I was planning the project out, I knew I wanted to have a sole producer create all the beats to have a similar sound throughout the entirety of the E.P. To my relief, he was down to work. Through the whole process, he helped me develop my voice and find myself within my own lyrics. He gave me tips to further advance my delivery, he offered to throw down adlibs and vocal doubles, and even a back and forth verse on the song ‘Masks’. theDeeepEnd influenced me to think outside of my organized little box I had been using to make songs prior to our sessions, and overall this project wouldn’t have been nearly as much of a success as it was with out him. I feel that I’ve improved so much as an artist just because of him, and I can’t express my gratitude enough for that.

DEHH: “Arcadia” is a bit different in that you don’t just talk about the problems you’ve faced, but you’ve talked about the solutions and how they’ve helped you. Can you go in depth on the strategies you used and the importance of including it in the music?

Yahweh: I’ve tried a lot of things to get my head space back in a positive place. Stuff like eating better, drinking a gallon of water a day, washing my face twice a day, and working out. My hope was that a better physical health could in turn boost my mental health, and I have seen some positive results with this. I’ve cut out negative people from my life including people who I haven’t talked to in years. I’ve tried opening up to people more about what I go through, which hasn’t been easy, but it’s a step. A big thing I’ve been doing is just letting go of the past, which I think is where a lot of my stress comes from.

I thought it could be important to include stuff like that in the songs because just in case I catch someone’s ear who has similar troubles, they may be able to use these strategies to overcome their demons just like myself.

In all honestly, I’ve still got a long road ahead of me before I can say I’m in a good place. I’m still looking for more positive influences and outlets, but I’m confident that things will improve in the future.

DEHH: When people are done listening to “Arcadia” what do you want them to walk away with?

Yahweh: I want them to know that it’ll be okay. We all have our demons. I don’t care how old you are, what you do for a living, how much money you have, or how big of a smile you have on your face. We’re all going through some shit, and I’m no different. I know what the bottomless pit feels like, and you aren’t alone. I’d hope that listeners can leave this project with a sense of relief and like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. Of course, I hope they enjoyed bumping the project in general too.

DEHH: North Carolina, despite having legends like Phonte, 9th Wonder, Rapsody is still underrated. What do you bring to the hip-hop climate and who are some other artists that inspire your movement?

Yahweh: I’m still trying to figure out where I fit in the NC Hip-Hop scene, but from my short time in the game I believe that I bring a different state of mind than other locals. I’ve been at rock bottom and I’m still down, and I think I can help others out of the pit even if I can’t get myself out. Not that other local artists haven’t been at the bottom and aren’t down, because I know a few who currently are, but I have a strong will to fight for people. I want to uplift others, help others, and push others to be great. I feel like there are plenty of people in the local music scene who won’t uplift other artists mainly because they don’t want anyone else to take their spotlight. Of course, this is just a minority in a sea of amazing local artists who are here to push NC to the top. I would love to be a person that artists and others in general can come to with their problems and seek help that I’d be more than willing to give.

One of my absolute favorite things to do is connect with people, especially artists I look up to. Some of my biggest influences are artists like Nas, Isaiah Rashad, Joey Badass, Anderson .Paak, Gambino, Tyler, Earl, Frank Ocean, Saba, Noname, and of course the late Mac Miller (whose passing pained me more than I could’ve imagined). These artists make music that induce a strong emotional pull in me that leaves me wanting more. It’s relatable and that’s why I keep going back to listen to them, something I hope to be able to do through my music one day.

Rapsody is one NC artist that I would love to work with above almost all others one day. Her energy is infatuating, and she truly seems like an amazing person. Definitely someone I can look at and think, “I’ll be there one day.”

DEHH: 2018 is wrapping up but it isn’t over yet, what can we expect from you as the year comes to a close?

Yahweh: As we start wrapping up the year, I’ve got some plans. I’ve already begun to work on some new music with Levi (the same friend that encouraged me to write my first lyrics), but I’m taking a different approach. Being a relatively new artist, I don’t know where I fit. I don’t know what type of hip-hop I’m best at making. So for the next few months I’m going to be working outside of my comfort zone with new kinds of beats, new flows, and mainly just experimenting with different things.

I’d also love to perform in some more shows, so hopefully I can make that happen as well. Getting my name out there is a top priority, but I try to remind myself that I’m still a baby in the genre.

I’m not even close to reaching my full potential, and I think that’s what I’m most excited about.

Rolling Loud Highlights From Day 1 Feat. Wiz Khalifa, Kevin Gates, Lil Baby & More

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Fireworks Above the Dryp Stage (Photo Credit: James Baxter)


Growing from a single day Miami-based festival into a global company and the biggest live brand in rap music, Rolling Loud’s success embodies the spirit of Hip-Hop. Gathering a variety of rap’s biggest names for a two day bash, Rolling Loud is preparing the finishing touches on Rolling Loud Bay Area 2018, occurring on September 15th and 16th. Headlined by turn-up titan Travis Scott and Taylor Gang ringleader Wiz Khalifa, the artist roster for Rolling Loud Bay Area is as star-studded as they come, boasting Hip-Hop heavy hitters like Rae Sremmurd, Pusha T, Gucci Mane, and Kevin Gates, local heroes like E-40, IAMSU!, Kamaiyah, Mozzy, and P-Lo, XXL Freshmen like Trippie Redd, wifisfuneral and  BlocBoy JB, and other rapidly rising stars, including Juice WRLD, Lil Baby,  Yung Bans, Lil Skies, and Saweetie. Occurring over two days on the grounds of Oakland Coliseum, Rolling Loud Bay Area brings the blast of hyphy local energy that the rap game desperately needs.

You can check out some pics from the Oakland festival below and if you really want to re-experience some of the festival, click HERE to check out some behind the scenes content and interviews.

 

Wiz Khalifa Performs a Headlining Set with a Live Band, Playing Hits Like “Black & Yellow” and Bringing Out Vallejo’s Own SOB X RBE (Photo Credit: Marcus McDonald)

 

The G.O.O.D. Music CEO Performs Hits From His Acclaimed DAYTONA Album

 

Kevin Gates Charms the Crowd With His Irascible Personality and His Deep Array of Hits (Photo Credit: Adi Muhtarevic)

 

ATL’s Hottest Emcee Turns in a Starmaking Performance on the Main Stage (Photo Credit: Adi Muhtarevic)

Kenzie Tarantino On His Group Shaolin Temple, “Red Daze” & The Future [Interview]

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Atlanta’s Kenzie Tarantino comes by way of Virginia. He’s recently released his EP “Red Daze”. Kenzie is able to blend underground AND “mainstream” influences with top notch lyricism. It’s not just about cutthroat words, but Kenzie is here to educate his listeners as well. I had the chance to sit down with Kenzie Tarantino to talk about his project, his group The Shaolin Temple and what’s to come.

Dead End Hip Hop: For those who don’t know who is Kenzie Tarantino?

Kenzie Tarantino: I’m a hip hop/rap artist out of Atlanta, GA. Originally from Virginia. 24 years old. I like to believe im a very laid back individual with a complex mindset but that mindset helps with the creativity. Family oriented & i try to be as genuine as possible. God fearing & spiritual for sure. Started writing poetry in elementary school which would then turn into lyrics for me. Moved to GA in 2005 & started recording music in 09’.

DEHH: Before we get into things, tell me about growing up in Virginia and the hip-hop climate out there.

KT: Growing up in Virginia was somewhat short lived compared to the years i’ve spent in Georgia. Virginia gave me my calm spirit & my ability to stay humble. Had alot of family around that lived in VA as well.

Born in South hill , moved to richmond then lastly Virginia Beach. It’s beautiful in my opinion. i feel like people tend to mind they own more out in VA & have the will to really make it happen on their own.

Growing up the hip hop climate was jumping on a mainstream level with legends like Pusha T, Missy Elliot, Pharrell & more. It helped change the sound & landscape of hip hop from the bounce of the drums to the instrumentation.

DEHH: You’re one half of the Shaolin Temple, who’s the other half and what’s the story behind the duo?

KT: The other half of the Temple comes from an artist named Slice Dhe Guevara. Originally from New Jersey. Thats family right there. He’s really like my brother in this. Honestly the duo was years in the making.

We met & went to high school together here in GA & instantly connected. We both were doing music individually at the time so we had that in common off the rip.

About two years ago we were sitting on my back deck stairs & the idea sparked in Slice’s head for us to do this together. It made sense since we were already had that tight relationship. What better way to come up than together.

DEHH: Red Daze is the name of the project, what brought this about?

KT: I was speaking to my girlfriend one night about different way to grow as an artist marketing & branding wise. She brought up the idea to maybe do vlogs. She said “maybe u should call it Red Daze”.

I brushed it off & then after thought it was actually genius. Red being my favorite color & Daze meaning the focus, the mindset when im in my creative space. I always keep a red light in my space when im making music. I wanted something i could attach who i am personally & as an artist to.

I definitely wanted to release an EP but while creating it, the Red Daze name stuck to me. The tracks i had prepared had a vibe & a tempo that fit perfect. From there i based the vlogs around the EP to coincide.

DEHH: Off top you can hear influences like Wu-Tang Clan in here but your music goes beyond burying your sound in underground music, who else influences your sound?

When i first started recording, i was influenced by the likes of Wale, T.I, 50 cent. In more recent years artists like Big Sean, J Cole, & Kendrick. I was & still am big into substance oriented music. Those artists gave me that type of feeling from when i was writing poetry at an early age to recording now. The sound & songs i heard were relatable.

DEHH: When people are done listening to “Red Daze” what do you want them to leave with?

KT: When people finish listening i want them to take away another side of Kenzie. In this fast paced generation i feel it’s important to touch the current sound but more important to make it your own. “Red Daze” is that sound for me. I want people to know its Kenzie Tarantino when they hear it. A sound thats lyricism & 808 style production for a different type of vibe.

I want listeners to feel connected to me on this sound too even though the chill hip hop sound is my original go to.

DEHH: What can we expect from you as 2018 comes to a close and we enter a new year?

KT: As the year closes you can expect more visuals from the “Red Daze” EP & more vlogs. Plotting on some new tracks to drop as well in between to keep listeners fed but overall the rest of 2018 is Red Daze season.

DEHH: Honestly for my own knowledge, will we hear work from the Shaolin Temple, groups are such a rarity these days tell me you guys are about to bring it back

KT: There will definitely be work from Shaolin the Temple coming very soon. We have been planning & throwing ideas out for awhile between each other. We have some unreleased music that we are sitting on & dare i say ready to drop off before the year is over. Visuals to come along with them. Expect some projects to come as well 2019. We want to bring back that collective hip hop feeling.