Possibly one of the most anticipated hip hop releases of 2018 has now arrived in the form of Meek Mill’s album Championships. The album sits strong at 19 tracks and comes as quite a triumphant bookend to what’s been a rollercoaster of a year for the Philly artist. The rapper’s first album since his much-covered release from prison in April, Championships is already racking up the acclaim, with a tracklist that includes collaborations with the likes of Jay Z, Future, Cardi B, Young Thug and 21 Savage. Hell, Drake even pops up. Since his release from prison for violating probation, Meek Mill has been using his platform to rally fans, artists and even those outside hip hop to partake in a national discussion surrounding the US criminal justice system. He’s gone from an underdog beefing with Drake to one of the most important names in the game this year, with Championships heralding a new chapter for Meek and his circle.
Brisbane’s Midas.Gold has been channelling some pretty personal and intense memories and stories into recent releases, namely with the release of his single ‘Passions.’. The second half of the year saw Midas drop a special trilogy of singles that formed a wider narrative covering loss, suffering and finally, redemption. With ‘19 Forever’, ‘Suffer In Silence’ and now ‘Passions.’, the rapper has tackled some tough subjects, while turning the focus inward as he’s explored a more reflective emotional territory. The single has been drawing the attention of Beats 1 Radio and Triple J, the former spotlighting ‘Passions.’ as part of ‘The New Australia’ playlist conjured up during ARIA Week. For fans still hanging out for more, Midas’ ‘Passions.’ is set to be at the core of a new EP remix on the horizon, featuring a wide range of artists putting their own spin on Midas’ original material. For now though, you can check out the ‘Passions.’ music video online, directed by acclaimed Melbourne filmmaker, Hoodwolf Harris.
Spotify have paid special tribute to late rapper Mac Miller with the release of his Spotify Sessions episode, recorded a month before his passing by in releasing a limited edition 7” blue vinyl of the recording, with all proceeds going to The Mac Miller Circles Fund. The vinyl release is made available to Miller’s fans through the Spotify Fans First platform. Miller’s Spotify Sessions episode features stripped back versions of Swimming track ‘Dunno’ and a cover of US R&B and soul artist Billy Preston’s 1974 tune, ‘Nothing From Nothing’. The Mac Miller Circles Fund was established after Miller’s passing to help provide services to underserved youth, and was launched in October during a benefit concert featuring performances from the likes of Anderson .Paak, SZA, Ty Dolla $ign and Chance The Rapper.
