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A-Trak has become associated with the dance music scene over the past few years, but his roots in hip-hop are deep. He started out as a hip-hop DJ, winning the DMC DJ Championships at age 15. He was Kanye West's touring disc jockey in 2004 and has been a frequent collaborator with other DJs and rappers like DJ Craze, Wale and Cam'ron. He recently penned a new editorial on Medium on the state of hip-hop and how he thinks the genre has shifted so rapidly over the past year in new and fascinating ways.The main shift has been the fact that the status quo in hip-hop has been challenged and it is being broken down. He uses "Yeezus" as his primary example, as "it broke formats of song structure and challenged the industry. One year later, the left field seeped out of the margins and into the mainstream."One of the primary ways the genre has shifted directions is a move online and how new types of sounds and artists are able to get a voice."More than ever, rap and tech go hand in hand. 2014 was the year of SoundCloud rap — why hasn't anybody pointed that out?" he said.His best example is Drake, who has found OVO rappers on SoundCloud and releases the bulk of his music through the platform. -
YG Talks Grammy Snub on Power 106 After 'My Krazy Life' Named Best Rap Album of 2014 [WATCH]
It was a tough year for rap, word to A$AP Yams. Nonetheless, there were some hot releases, including YG's My Krazy Life. While many are still wondering how the album was overlooked by the Grammys, the West Coast rapper stopped by Power 106 to discuss the snub after his debut was named the Best Rap Album of 2014. -
A$AP Yams Talks Mob Album Delay, Calls 2014 Worst Year In Rap After Rocky Takes Shots At Hood By Air, Been Trill
Fans have been patiently waiting for an A$AP Mob album but according to A$AP Yams, it won't be happening anytime soon as the album has been delayed indefinitely. During a recent interview, Yams called 2014 the worst year of rap and discussed plans for the rap collective following A$AP Rocky's shots at Hood By Air and Been Trill. -
Sting and Al Green Named 2014 Kennedy Center Honorees
Can you believe that it's already time to start talking about the Kennedy Center Honors? This years' ceremony will be taking place on December 7th and the five extraordinary honorees include Sting, Al Green, Tom Hanks, Lily Tomlin and ballerina Patricia McBride. The 2014 Kennedy Center Honors will set out to honor these five celebs for devoting their lives to making the world a more culturally vibrant place. -
Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter Carnegie Hall 2014-15 Perspectives Artist Features Berlin Philharmonic, Sebastian Currier, Sir Andre Previn at Series Opening October 1
Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter as Carnegie Hall's 2014-2015 Perspectives artist has curated a six-night concert series. Beginning on October 1, the Opening Night Gala will feature Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. The series will also include the U.S. Premiere of Sebastian...
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