Born and raised in Queens, NY, Meyhem Lauren has long been one of the culture’s most reliable brands; built from quality, consistency, and flavor. The multimedia artist and personality takes pride in expressing himself artistically from a raw and unfettered perspective.
In addition to his musical contributions, Meyhem has also gained international notoriety as a charismatic cast member on the smash TV series Fu*c That’s Delicious; alongside long-time friends and frequent collaborators Action Bronson, Big Body Bes and The Alchemist. When not composing masterpieces, Meyhem Lauren also does voice work, which has been heard in memorable commercials and campaigns for FIFA World Cup and the NFL Super Bowl.
Meyhem has an extensive collaborative musical history, which includes previous projects with DJ Muggs, Harry Fraud, Buckwild, Madlib and now the just announced Black Vladimir album with Daringer. The album is also the first project for Meyhem’s new label imprint Black Truffle Enterprises.
For the better part of a decade, Daringer has created a completely unique aesthetic and become an industry staple for his ability to shift from creating dark and gritty canvases to more melodic jazzy-infused productions. His production has helped shape the “Griselda Sound,” and Daringer has been a vital cog in their movement from day one, and there is rarely a drop from Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, or Conway The Machine where Daringer’s sound is not omnipresent. The same can be said of his chemistry with Action Bronson, as Daringer has added his flourishes to Blue Chips, White Bronco, Only For Dolphins, and Cocodrillo Turbo. Now, Daringer takes the helm to oversee the production for another of his “Fu*k That’s Delicious” cohorts Meyhem Lauren with Black Vladimir.
Meyhem and Daringer’s Black Vladimir will be released on 8-26-22 and is produced in its entirety by Daringer, and includes guest appearances from Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, ELCamino and Hologram. The duo has now congregated with Westside Gunn for their new single and to deliver some “Trigger Point Therapy.”
Meyhem Lauren is also known for a series of unconventional, yet very effective cooking videos that have created a cult-following and culinary frenzy online with his growing YouTube channel.
Meyhem’s latest cooking show, Flavor In Your Ear, consists of him cooking meals exclusively based on hip-hop song lyrics. Previous episodes from the season include dishes created around lyrics from Rick Ross, Notorious B.I.G., Beastie Boys and MF Doom. Upcoming episodes will feature dishes cultivated around lyrics from G-Dep, Big Pun and Dead Prez.
Meyhem Lauren & Daringer’s Black Vladimir will be released on 8-26-22.
Jay Worthy and Harry Fraud have a long-standing collaborative history. Even as established in the industry as they both are, a lot has transpired since the last time they connected, Eat When You’re Hungry, Sleep When You’re Tired (2020), and there’s little debating that both artists have experienced a major level up in between.
Both Jay and Harry have seen their profiles raised exponentially. Jay Worthy has since signed with Griselda Records, appeared on Isaiah Rashad’s The House Is Burning (“True Story”), released a new project with LNDN DRGS (Burnout 4) and collaborated with Larry June on the breakout 2 P’z In A Pod.
Harry Fraud has been equally as busy. Since Eat When You’re Hungry, Harry has produced chart-topping projects for Curren$y (The OutRunners), Dave East (Hoffa), Lil Peep (High Fashion), Benny The Butcher (The Plugs I Met 2), Jim Jones (The Fraud Department) and French Montana (Montega).
Their latest re-formation, You Take The Credit, We’ll Take The Check, is produced entirely by Harry Fraud, You Take The Credit, We’ll Take The Check features appearances from Larry June, Curren$y, Conway The Machine, Big Body Bes, Kamaiyah, BandGang Lonnie Bands, MadeinTYO & A$AP Twelvyy.
Today, Jay and Harry released the third visual from the album, “Winnipeg Winters,” which features A$AP Twelvyy.
Jay Worthy & Harry Fraud’s You Take The Credit, We’ll Take The Check is now available at all DSP’s.
Swoosh God (AKA “Swoosh Jesus”) is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Valley Stream, NY. A cultural shapeshifter and iconic tastemaker, Swoosh originally made waves during the “Soundcloud Rap” era, and created a virtual cult following before he was discovered by Playboy Carti; who inked Swoosh God to his label imprint at Interscope Records.
After departing his deal with Carti, Swoosh got back on his independent grind and continued to release the music that displays why he was so heavily sought after and labeled a future star; including collaborations with Lil Uzi Vert, Juicy J, Rich The Kid, Famous Dex, Matt Ox, placement on the NBA2K Soundtrack and an appearance (“Swoosh Me Up!”) on A$AP Rocky’s AWGE DVD release.
Now, with major ties to the A$AP Mob & AWGE, Swoosh God returns with his new EP, Echo Son, and a new video for “Do Ya Sh#t.”
Swoosh God’s Echo Son EP is now available.
Before she even dropped her debut project, Griselda’s First Lady Armani Caesar received a “Best Rap Verse of 2020” nod from Complex for her contribution (“Lil Cease”) to Westside Gunn’s Flygod Is An Awesome God 2.
Armani’s Griselda debut project, The Liz (2020), was met with immediate press and fan acclaim and the project was highlighted by esteemed press outlets such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Complex, Fader, Stereogum, Hypebeast, CoS, XXL, HNHH, Uproxx, DJbooth, Forbes and NPR just to name a few. The Liz featured appearances from Griselda’s core (Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher and Conway The Machine) and production from DJ Premier, Camouflage Monk and 808 Mafia.
Since The Liz was released, Armani has raised her profile exponentially, ripping guest verses on Westside Gunn’s the aforementioned Flygod Is An Awesome God 2 (“Lil Cease”), his Shady Records debut Who Made The Sunshine (“Liz Loves Luger” & “98 Sabers” Feat Conway The Machine & Benny The Butcher) and #HWH8 (“Forest Lawn” which also featured 2 Chainz), Conway The Machine’s From King To A GOD (“Anza”), two songs on Griselda’s Conflicted Official Music Soundtrack (“Mission Accomplished” with Westside Gunn, Conway & Benny & her solo offering (“Nerve Of You”) and most recently with her fellow 716 queen Che Noir’s Food For Thought (“Ladies Brunch”). Armani also performed standout sets at Coachella (both weeks), Rolling Loud (NYC, Miami & LA), Made In America Festival, Day In Vegas and Art Basel.
Now, #ARMANISZN is officially here. After announcing her upcoming sophomore album, The Liz 2, with “Hunnit Dolla Hiccup” featuring Benny The Butcher & Stove God Cooks, Armani returns to share the video for the project’s lead single.
While The Liz officially put Armani Caesar on the map, The Liz 2 will make her a star.
Armani Caesar’s The Liz 2 will be released on 9-16-22 via Griselda/GXFR Records.
Reuben Vincent makes intellectual, socially aware, and lyrically dexterous rap that promises to firmly plant him in the conversation for being “next up.”
Though the Charlotte, NC bred rapper & producer is only 21-years old, his buzz is already palpable, as he spent his high school years dividing his extracurricular hours between recording at home and trekking to 9th Wonder’s studio. “I don’t have typical high-school memories, I was in the studio” Reuben recalls. “Instead of going to prom, I went to meet Kendrick Lamar.”
Having already recorded records with his mentors 9th Wonder, and Rapsody, Reuben creates songs full of wisdom that extends well beyond someone still in his formative years. His growing catalog displays as much, as he deftly pivots from incisive social commentary, mature introspection, and sharp, allusion-heavy wordplay. The new Roc Nation signee knows where the form has been, and he’s pushing it forward with his own unique style and identity.
That unique form is readily apparent on Love Is War, Reuben’s first joint release with Roc Nation/Jamla Records. Love Is War is a conceptual, yet subtly constructed project that will place him at the forefront of debates about the new rap greats. Unpacking relationships and romantic entanglements over warm, soulful beats from 9th Wonder, Young Guru, The Soul Council and his own production, whose collective work both modernizes and morphs boom-bap. With polished and varied flows, Reuben weighs the time spent on love against the hours necessary to pursue his art and dreams. “Instead of looking for love from others, I had to find the love within” Reuben asserts.
Now, after joining Pusha T on his It’s Almost Dry Tour, the rising North Carolina artist puts the industry on notice with his new single and video, “Geechie Suede,” verifying the undeniable importance of the South Coast is in good hands. “Geechie Suede” is now available via Jamla/Roc Nation and was premiered by Complex. “Geechie” is slang for descendants of West African slaves who retained their cultural, and linguistic culture and this is Southernplayalisticadillak music right here. Straight Playa shit” Reuben explains. “This is me and the guys riding around in the whip on the way to the party ready to pull all the vibes. This is feel good music. Shout out to Camp Lo!”
While the accolades will surely come for Reuben, for now, he’s focused on being an example to his peers and especially representing first generation Liberian Americans. Conversely, Reuben wouldn’t be here with both love and war. His parents fled Liberia during the country’s first civil war and settled in Charlotte; where they immersed him and his six younger siblings in West African culture at vibrant cookouts and house parties. Afrobeat blared from the speakers, but Reuben fell in love with Hip-Hop while listening to 2Pac and B.I.G. in his Father’s Cadillac. While friends played, got into mischief, or began their first steps down the wrong path, Reuben drew album covers and wrote rhymes. The stresses of being a first-generation American only fueled his desire to succeed. “Your parents sacrifice for you to have a better life, so there are expectations” he explains. “While you’re trying to put on for your country, your ancestors, and your last name, there are all of these barriers; like racism and classism that you encounter as a Black person. But first-generation kids are hustlers. We’re going to get it regardless.”
Reuben is also an avid and obsessed student of sneaker culture, and he was recently chosen by the Turner Brothers to create the theme song and star in the branded content for A Ma Maniere’s collaborativeAirShip Sneaker launch; which started airing nationally on 8-22-22. “When Michael Jordan was a rookie, he wore the ‘Air Ship’ sneaker. It was the first sneaker Nike gave him as he was beginning to prove his eventual greatness. After his rookie season, they came out with the first edition Air Jordan which revolutionized the shoe industry” Vincent commented. “The concept is relatable to anyone, as I’m also trying to prove my greatness.”
Hip Hop’s golden era constituent, Queens’ native, the godfather of Mafioso rap, legendary and influential emcee, Kool G Rap, broke out in the late 80s and early 90s as one-half of the duo with DJ Polo. Together, Kool G Rap and DJ Polo released three undisputed classic albums; beginning with their debut album, Road To The Riches(1989), Wanted: Dead or Alive (1990) and Live and Let Die(1992).
Simultaneously, G Rap and DJ Polo gained notoriety as members of the Juice Crew, whose noteworthy membership includes DJ Marley Marl, Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace, and Roxanne Shante At the height of hip-hop’s golden age, The Juice Crew was the definition of innovative and not only influenced the culture as a whole (style, lyricism, creativity), but also impressed the importance of style, substance, and technique upon the next wave of street ambassadors.
After a successful run with DJ Polo and the Juice Crew, G Rap embarked on a solo career, with his solo debut, 4, 5, 6, (1995), which was preceded by Roots of Evil(1998) and The Giancana Story(2002). Since then, we’ve only been intermittingly blessed by bodies of work from the Kool Genius Of Rap; Half a Klip(2008), Riches, Royalty, Respect (2011), Return Of The Don (2017) and Son Of G Rap with 38 Spesh (2018).
Now, heads can rejoice, because Kool G Rap is back, and his return includes the announcement of his forthcoming album, Last of A Dying Breed, and a new single with fellow icon and Juice Crew member Big Daddy Kane who guests on the aptly-titled “Fly Till I Die”; which was premiered by Ambrosiaforheads.
With Hip-Hop about to celebrate its 50th birthday, G Rap’s new single and album announcement coincides with his induction (the induction class also includes Slick Rick, Diamond D, Whodini, UTFO & Chubb Rock) into the National Hip-Hop Museum. The induction ceremony will take place on 8-26-22, at Atlantucky in Atlanta, GA. The induction ceremony will conclude with “Fly Till I Die” being played for the distinguished guests in attendance.
Kool G Rap’s Last Of A Dying Breed features collaborations with AZ, Sean Price, NEMS, Vado, 38 Spesh, Royal Flush, and Big Daddy Kane; with production supplied by Domingo.
Kool G Rap’s Last Of A Dying Breed will be released on 10-14-22.
NEW VIDEO: BLACK SOPRANO FAMILY (BENNY THE BUTCHER, RICK HYDE & ELCAMINO) FT STOVE GOD COOKS “297 PARKSIDE”
BENNY THE BUTCHER & BSF’S NEW ALBUM ‘LONG LIVE DJ SHAY’ WILL BE RELEASED ON 9-9-22
‘LONG LIVE DJ SHAY’ FEATURES APPEARANCES & PRODUCTION FROM WESTSIDE GUNN, CONWAY THE MACHINE, BOLDY JAMES, STOVE GOD COOKS, KRAYZIE BONE, ARMANI CAESAR, DJ PREMIER, THE ALCHEMIST, JANSPORT J
August 26, 2022 (Buffalo, NY)– Benny The Butcher and his Black Soprano Family (BSF) have announced their biggest compilation project to date, Long Live DJ Shay, which will be released on 9-9-22.
After announcing the new album with the project’s smash lead single and video “Times Is Rough,” (produced by DJ Premier), Benny and BSF are back with “297 Parkside.” The new single and video features Stove God Cooks and is produced by Camoflauge Monk.
“297 Parkside” is our wave on steroids. An instant classic!” Benny The Butcher confidently asserts. “The track title represents Shay; it’s a Buffalo thing.”
Long Live DJ Shay, is a celebration of the legacy and impact of DJ Shay (RIP), not only for BSF and Griselda, but his lasting impact on the culture. Long Live DJ Shay is Benny’s Roc La Familia project, a warning shot for the streets that not only showcases himself and his label but more importantly his burgeoning roster of talent; and those closely associated with him. Long Live DJ Shay features appearances and production from Benny and his BSF brethren along with Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Boldy James, Stove God Cooks, Krayzie Bone, Armani Caesar, DJ Premier, The Alchemist & Jansport J.
“Long Live DJ Shay! We put so much into this knowing he is watching down on us, and I know this is gonna wake everyone up,” Benny The Butcher affirms. “B$F is the biggest. I promise you we them ones. The album is top-notch; from production to the rhymes and it’s entirely mixed by the legendary Young Guru, so I know it’s gone pop out ya speakers the right way. “
No one questions Benny The Butcher’s stardom, but in 2021, he officially became an undisputed multi-hyphenate. His acting debut in Griselda’s first foray into motion pictures, Conflicted, set off an influx of acting offers. Benny also ushered in his new sports marketing agency, with clients consisting of NFL Players, BMX riders and freestyle skiers. Further, Benny was tapped by his beloved Buffalo Bills to create the team’s theme song as they make a push for the Super Bowl and became an official team spokesperson.
Keeping the plugs happy, Benny’s The Plugs I Met 2 sequel not only exceeded fan expectations but was a press favorite; as it was included on EOY Best of 2021 lists from esteemed outlets such as New York Times, Complex, Stereogum, Spin, XXL and Hotnewhiphop (among many other esteemed outlets). Perhaps, Benny’s biggest moment was the announcement of his new solo deal with Snoop Dogg’s newly helmed Def Jam Records; and in Snoop’s first act as Def Jam President, was his signing of Benny to lead the label’s reiteration. That announcement lead to Snoop’s first Def Jam project Algorithm, which included Benny on the first-single “Murder Music” which also featured Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes. To cap off his unparalleled run, Benny was nominated for BET’s “Best New Artist” award for 2022.
Benny’s Black Soprano Family (consisting of Rick Hyde, Heem, Loveboat Luciano, Young World, Flexxbabyy, Cristina Mackey and its newest signees Fuego Base and ELCamino)imprint has experienced similar success, as projects from Heem (Long Story Short), Rick Hyde (Plates 2 & Stima), and their most recent collective effort, Trust The Sopranos, all debuted in the top 10 on DSP’s, and resulted in a 300% percent growth for all BSF artists on DSP’s.
Closed mouths don’t stay fed, and it’s been five years since the culture has been able to eat off the Dollar Menu. However, the drought is officially over, as with a surprise drop, Mach-Hommy has released a new installment of his trend-setting Dollar Menu series with Dollar Menu 4.
With Dollar Menu 4, the protagonists are joined by a few other chefs, which gives the menu added variety, with no loss of integrity. In addition to Mach-Hommy and Tha God Fahim, the new project also features Your Old Droog, Big Cheeko, and JuJu Gotti, with fresh instrumentals from Sadhu Gold, Tha God Fahim and Fortes.
Accomplishing a rare four-peat, Dollar Menu 4 is a triumphant return to the beloved series after a five-year hiatus. Always highly anticipated, the Dollar Menu series is also known for its basketball-related cover art. From Jordan, to Lebron, and then Kobe, Mach commemorates his fourth championship ring in prophetic fashion with Steph Curry-inspired artwork for Dollar Menu 4.
Mach-Hommy’s Dollar Menu 4 is now available for consumption!
Born and raised in Queens, NY, Meyhem Lauren has long been one of the culture’s most reliable brands; built from quality, consistency, and flavor. The multi-media artist and personality takes pride in expressing himself artistically from a raw and unfettered perspective.
In addition to his musical contributions, Meyhem has also gained international notoriety as a charismatic cast member on the smash TV series Fu*c That’s Delicious; alongside long-time friends and frequent collaborators Action Bronson, Big Body Bes and The Alchemist. When not composing masterpieces, Meyhem Lauren also does voice work, which has been heard in memorable commercials and campaigns for FIFA World Cup and the NFL Super Bowl.
Meyhem has an extensive collaborative musical history, which includes previous projects with DJ Muggs, Harry Fraud, Buckwild, Madlib and now the Black Vladimir album; Daringer adds his stamp to the esteemed list of collaborators. The album is also the first project for Meyhem’s new label imprint Black Truffle Enterprises.
“I went to Buffalo to kick it with Griselda. It was a Halloween show and Westside Gunn brought out me and Prodigy (Mobb Deep) as special guests. Afterward, I was in Buffalo for a few days with Daringer, Conway and Westside Gunn making some music. Wes saw the chemistry I had with Daringer and suggested we should do an album together” Meyhem Lauren recalls. “The first three songs we made in Daringer’s house. All of Griselda was there and it bore witness to the process, which is why you hear them doing ad-libs on songs their not even on. It was natural, fun, easy and it just flowed.”
For the better part of a decade, Daringer has created a completely unique aesthetic and become an industry staple for his ability to shift from creating dark and gritty canvasses to more melodic jazzy-infused productions. His production has helped shape the “Griselda Sound,” and Daringer has been a vital cog in their movement from day one, and there is rarely a drop from Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, or Conway The Machine where Daringer’s sound is not omnipresent. The same can be said of his chemistry with Action Bronson, as Daringer has added his flourishes to Blue Chips, White Bronco, Only For Dolphins, and Cocodrillo Turbo. Now, Daringer takes the helm to oversee the production for another of his “Fu*k That’s Delicious” cohorts with Black Vladimir.
Black Vladimir includes guest appearances from Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, ELCamino and Hologram.
Meyhem Lauren is also known for a series of unconventional, yet very effective cooking videos that have created a cult-following and culinary frenzy online with his growing YouTube channel.
Meyhem’s latest cooking show, Flavor In Your Ear, consists of him cooking meals exclusively based on hip-hop song lyrics. A recent episode, Christmas In July, features Lauren making an entire holiday smorgasbord taken from the Run-DMC festive anthem “Christmas In Hollis.” Previous episodes from the season include dishes created around lyrics from Rick Ross, Notorious B.I.G., Beastie Boys and MF Doom. Upcoming episodes will feature dishes cultivated around lyrics from G-Dep, Big Pun and Dead Prez.
Meyhem Lauren & Daringer’s Black Vladimir is now available!
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
