Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week we have a couple major releases, an update to some long-running rap beef and a couple standouts that deserve a shout!
GloRilla just released her latest album “GLORIOUS” after her recent more mainstream success. From performing at the Grammys, to having chart topping hits with the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, it’s no surprise that her newest album is being met with such a wide reception.
Personally, I really liked the project. It’s loud, it’s aggressive and it utilizes GloRillas extremely unique vocals very well. I think we are reaching a turning point in hip hop where women are finally starting to crack through to the mainstream, and not just to female audiences. GloRilla’s incredibly blunt, harsh and fun music is a testament to that fact. Just a few years ago this type of music would never have made it so far.
J. Cole made headlines again after dropping his latest song “Port Antonio” which addresses not only his future, but his thoughts on the longstanding Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef. For those who might not remember, J. Cole had a very rough start to the beef, releasing his own diss and then taking it down almost immediately. The backlash was immense, and it feels like ever since then he’s been trying hard to get back to where he was before. This song is a turning point, it shows that he still has it, he still knows what he’s doing and his future in music is no longer in doubt.
BigXthaPlug also released a new album entitled “TAKE CARE.” A surprisingly consistent and well put together album that is not only able to maintain the funny and unique spin BigXthaPlug has on the rap scene, but actually goes a good bit deeper than any of his music has in the past. It’s by no means an introspective masterpiece, but if you’re a fan of his music I would definitely recommend it.
And lastly, a bit of unconventional music news, we’re going to cover an upcoming movie release! By the time you are reading this, the Pharrell Williams biopic “Piece by Piece” will have been released. The film is set entirely in a Lego universe, covering Williams upbringing and some history behind a lot of his most iconic songs.
From Snoop Dogg to Despicable Me, Williams has played a crucial part in so many of the most iconic cultural moments of the past few decades. The film is important on a variety of levels, but most importantly it’s just his story being told. The Lego setting, the PG rating and the musical nature all lend the film to be an incredibly inspiring piece for the next generation of music producers.
