Praise Yeezus — G.O.O.D Music season is well and truly upon us. With the world still losing their collective shit over Pusha-T’s absolute scorcher of a diss track against Drake ‘The Story of Adidon’, and problematic fave Kanye West’s eighth solo LP ye nabbing top spots on streaming charts worldwide, June is already gearing up to be a huge month for hip hop. Kids See Ghosts, Kanye and Kid Cudi’s collaborative album just landed as well, and if everything goes to plan, we can expect to hear a new Nas album this week too. Bless.
In local news, Wu-Tang Clan wordsmith Raekwon made headlines after hitting up Fitzroy’s Lord Of The Fries restaurant to perform an intimate solo set while on tour with fellow US great Slick Rick. In addition to performing some of his best cuts, opening with his iconic verse from Wu-Tang’s ‘C.R.E.A.M’, Raekwon tucked into some veggie burgers to promote a new line of vegan-friendly burgers at the fast-food chain. Rae’s performance follows that of fellow Wu giant Ghostface Killah in 2015, who performed at Perth’s exquisitely named sandwich hub Toastface Grilla – it doesn’t get much better than that.
Remember 2008? Of course you do. Lots of good things happened in 2008 — notably, radio rap star Flo Rida (he comes from Florida) and Auto-Tune pioneer T-Pain released their hit single ‘Low,’ which believe it or not turns ten this year. To celebrate, Flo Rida is hitting up Australia next month for a very special run of shows – better get your apple-bottom jeans and boots with the fur on for this one. Or maybe you’re baggy sweatpants and a Rebooks with the straps kind of operator. We’re not here to judge.
Texan trapper Riff Raff’s Australian/New Zealand tour has been cancelled after a Melbourne woman alleged the rapper drugged and sexually assaulted her after a show in 2013. To shine a positive light on the situation, The Corner, which was set to host the rapper’s performance on Friday, held an industry discussion panel and musical performance featuring the likes of Shaad D’Souza, Divide and Disolve, Lush Puppie, Makeda, Bahdoesa and Mtlda-S instead, with all ticket proceeds going to related non-for-profit organisations. Props to The Corner for striving to be a safe venue for everybody to enjoy.
In other exciting news, Splendour In The Grass is right around the corner (in case you forgot), which means it’s just over a month till king Kendrick Lamar tears the roof off Rod Laver Arena. Get hyped.
