Raekwon

Everyone's favourite pop rebel Miley Cyrus made a welcome surprise appearance at SXSW 2015 during Mike WiLL Made It's much-anticipated headline set at the Fader Fort on Thursday (March 19th 2015) alongside the likes of Riff Raff and Future.

Miley Cyrus brought sass to SXSW

Despite recent rumours regarding her personal life, Miley proved to be on top form in her professional life as she brought the house down during her unexpected performance alongside Mike Will Made It - who was scheduled to be mysteriously headlining with 'Friends'.

Continue reading: Miley Cyrus Makes Surprise Appearance With Mike Will Made It At SXSW 2015

It's that time of year again as the full line-up announcement for Coachella 2015 arrives following some spectacular headliners: AC/DC, Jack White and Drake will all top the bills at the two-weekend event in April.

Well known for its diverse collection of rock, pop, electronic, hip hop and indie artists from around the world, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is yet again set to arrive at the Empire Polo Club fields in Indio, California. Kicking off with the first event from Friday April 10th - 12th, the festival will repeat the following week from April 17th - 19th.

Continue reading: From Steely Dan To Raekwon And Ghostface Killah: Who's Been Announced For Coachella 2015?

The CMJ Festival, or CMJ Music Marathon, has come a long way since hosting two bands in one small New York City venue in 1981. Now, the festival is considered one of the world's most important outlets for new music. To set the scene, it gives 1,400 performers the chance to showcase their talents in over 80 clubs and theaters spread across Gotham.

The festival draws 120,000 people annual for five non-stop days and nights. As well as live music, there is exclusive parties, conference events featuring industry insiders and entertainment law seminars and college days. 

CMJ gives quality new acts a true platform and the festival has success. In 2004, it hosted a couple of little known bands named Arcade Fire, Antony & The Johnsons, The Decemberists and Coheed & Cambria. A year later it was Grizzly Bear, Hot Chip and We Are Scientists. In 2008, Lady Gaga played and Mumford & Sons turned out in 2009.

Continue reading: Raekwon To Headline 15 Year Anniversary Show At CMJ Festival

Kanye West has finally broken his silence over his new mixtape, Cruel Summer. The notoriously media-shy West has, until now, left it up to some of the other stars on the compilation to spread the world about this week’ album release. Now, though, Kanye himself is appearing in a black and white interview clip, hosted on YouTube. Cruel Summer features not only Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music crew, but also the likes of Jay-Z, R. Kelly, 2 Chainz, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. “This isn't the beginning of the conversation; this isn't the end of the conversation, explains West. It's our offering as a collective of a sonic snapshot of what's happening right now 2012, this Cruel Summer.”

Explaining how the album came together, he explained “we started out getting everyone in the lab together… one track might have thirty people’s opinions on it. It’s not just about a tracklist and a name. It’s about the communal style of work.” He also explained that the artwork to Cruel Summer played a vital part in shaping its sound, He would have the artwork in front of him whilst he recorded the tracks and would ask himself “does this album sound like the artwork looks?”

A few snippets of Cruel Summer had already been leaked before it was even released. And much had been made of some of Kanye’s lyrics, especially those that are about his new girlfriend Kim Kardashian. One choice rhyme from Kanye references Kim’s notorious sex tape: “Eat breakfast at Gucci. My girl a superstar all from a home movie.” Stay classy, yeah Kanye?