[For Urbanology Magazine 2017 : http://urbanologymag.com/terminator-flexin/] When I pressed play on “Terminator” by Lil Yachty feat. A$AP Ferg, I felt like I was playing The Legend of Zelda. Built over a series of N64-era flute-lines, a barrage of vicious, distorted 808s cruise the soundscape, looking for little bits of snare and hi-hat to chew up and spit … Continue reading
Category Archives: Music
Recognizing why music counts
[ For Urbanology Magazine 2016 http://urbanologymag.com/?p=11502 ] Toronto-based singer/songwriter Vanessa Lu appears onstage from behind a black curtain. Standing tall and tranquil in an olive bomber jacket and black leggings, she shows no signs of nervousness. The crowd gathered inside the city’s Union Station transit hub awaits her, speaking amongst themselves, yielding a quiet sort … Continue reading
A$AP Ferg: Still Striving
[For Urbanology Magazine 2016 http://urbanologymag.com/?p=11464%5D The weather on Canada’s west coast reminds A$AP Ferg of his home city New York. “Today, it’s dreary, it’s rainy outside,” he says over the phone while on a Vancouver tour stop, his voice reflecting the weather. Though he’s hesitant to select a favourite song off the recently released A$AP … Continue reading
Making Yams proud
[ For Urbanology Magazine 2016 http://urbanologymag.com/?p=11445 ] When thinking of Harlem rap collective, A$AP Mob, a few words come to mind: Brash. Flamboyant. Talented. Organized. When digging deeper and considering the death of the Mob’s co-founder, friend and mentor, A$AP Yams: Persevering. Understanding. Tight-knit. Stubborn. Human. All of these traits come together to form the … Continue reading
Battling past demons
[ For Urbanology Magazine 2016 http://urbanologymag.com/?p=11498 ] Earlier this month, Toronto rapper Gilla released a music video for “Pray for Me,” the first single from his newest project, Stay Solid 2 Part 2. The video shows Gilla and members of his Reps Up crew clad in all black, sipping Henny out of plastic cups and … Continue reading
Nav: Worthy of co-signs
[ For Urbanology Magazine 2016 http://urbanologymag.com/?p=11437 ] Rexdale rapper/producer, Nav, is on the come up. Speculations point to him being an XO-affiliate, and he’s earned many notable industry co-signs. On his new single, the artist paints muddy pictures of drug use and melancholia through woozy, atmospheric synths and flamboyant lyrics. It begins with a slippery … Continue reading
Skepta’s Double Halloween Treat
[ For Urbanology Magazine 2016 http://urbanologymag.com/?p=11298 ] This Halloween, north London grime veteran Skepta released two new songs. One called “No Security” (Halloween Sound) and the other called “Worst,” feat. south London emcees, Section Boyz. “No Security,” starts with an eerie bell loop which gives way to the song’s hook, which Skepta raps out like a … Continue reading