Who doesn’t enjoy Chance the Rapper and his beautiful voice?! Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, known professionally as Chance the Rapper, is American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and activist. The genre of his musical career includes Hip Hop and R&B. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Chance first released his debut mixtape 10 day in 2012. By 2013 he had gained mainstream recognition with his second mixtape. By 2016 he had earned three grammy awards, including the award for best rap album, and peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200. Alongside of his solo career, Chance is a member of the Chicago collective Savemoney, and is the vocalist for the band the Social Experiment. He is also involved in social activism in the Chicago community where he resides. When Chance the Rapper came about, I wasn’t particularly a huge fan, but as the years went on and I started listening to his lyrics I adapted into a his style. For those who watch Netflix, he is also now on Rhythm + Flow where he actually chooses rappers from his home town to enter a competition. I personally enjoy it but I know his taste isn’t for everyone. What I love the most is his hat he always wears that has #3 on it. Three is my lucky number and of course I own one myself. Shocker I kn0w!

Champagne Papi

I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I’m just trying to keep it real. Listen, I’m a big fan of hip-hop. Good hip-hop, that is. Drake is a revolutionary, a dreamer, a voice, and an inspiration. He doesn’t settle for mediocrity, doesn’t fit the status-quo, and he makes a pathway for new art. Aubrey Drake Graham is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and business man. I’ve been listening to his music for years especially back when he released his album Thank Me Later in 2010. For those who used to watch Degrassi, a teen drama television series, Drake initially gained recognition from this show. However, he had the intentions to keep pursing a career in music and left the series in 2007.

He continued releasing numerous albums, made number one on the US Billboard, recieved platinum certifications, music awards including top artist, and to this day holds top several Billboard records. He has the most charted songs of any artists in the history of the Billboard Hot 100. He makes quality music and his lyrics can be extremely relatable. There are some old songs that I still listen to and think to myself, “dang this whole album is still just as good as when I first listened to it.”

As an entrepreneur, Drake founded OVO Sound record label with a longtime collaborator 40 in 2012. Following the launch of Apple Music, Apple announced Drake as the figurehead for the platform at their Worldwide Developers Conference. Drake is also a huge Toronto fan and proud to represent where he is from. In 2016, Drake was announced as the new “global ambassador” for the Toronto Raptors, thereby joining the executive committee of the NBA franchise.

Some of my favorite songs by Drake include: “Life is Good”, “Money In The Grave”, “God’s Plan”, “In My Feelings” and “Know Yourself”.

This week calls for another artist I wanted to add to my blog. Russell Vitale, better known by his stage name Russ, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, author and record producer. This is another one of my top 10 favorite artist, and I enjoy so much of his music that he creates! He is known for his singles “What They Want” and “Losin Control”, which peaked respectively at number 83 and 68 of the US Billboard Hot 100. The genres of his music falls under Hip hop, alternative hip hop, and R&B. He was born September 26, 1992 in New Jersey but lives in Atlanta, Georgia. His fourteenth studio album and most recent, Shake the Snow Globe, was released on January 31, 2020, peaking at number 4 on the US Billboard 200. Outside of his solo music, he is part of the Diemon Crew, a rap group. Some of you may not like his music or his lyrics but I personally am a HUGE fan of him.

Some of my favorite songs by Russ include: “BEST ON EARTH”, “Losin Control”, “Pyscho”, “CIVIL WAR”, and “Missin You Crazy”.

Let’s talk about some awesome vibes and positivity within the making. Khalid is one of my most favorite singers out there today. I will admit, when he first came about I wasn’t exactly a huge fan of him, but overtime that quickly changed. Khalid Donnel Robinson is an American singer and songwriter. He is signed to Right Hand Music group and RCA Records. As must are familiar with, his debut single, “Location”, was released in July 2018 and peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and was later certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His debut album, American Teen, was released on March 3, 2017. Since then he has achieved several top 10 hits, a top-ten charting EP, a number one album and six grammy nominations. He is from Fort Stewart, Georgia and only 22 years old. The genres of his music typically falls under R&B, pop, hip hop, and soul. I personally love his music, and all the emotions behind his work. If you haven’t ever heard of him or know songs he has established with other famous artist such as John Mayer, Billie Eilish, and Halsey but haven’t actually heard his solo albums I highly recommend you give it a try if you come across it.

Some of my favorite songs by Khalid include the following: “Eastside”, “Young Dumb & Broke”, “Location”, “Saved”, and “Know Your Worth”.

So this week I’ve been deep cleaning my house like crazy while being out of school for the COVID-19. I always play some music when I clean because it makes the process a little bit more enjoyable. I thought I would turn things around with my blog post and begin to discuss some artist most people in my generation are familiar with. Malcolm James McCormick, know professionally as Mac Miller, was an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He was so talented and even started his career producing music at the age of 15 in 2007. After signing his record deal with Pittsburgh- based independent label Rostrum Record in 2010, he released the mixtape K.I.D.S. and Best Day Ever. Millers debut studio album, Blue Slide Park became the first independently distributed debut studio album to top the US Billboard 200 since 1995. Mac Miller is hands down my all time favorite rapper and I still cannot wrap my head around his death. He struggled with substance abuse, which was often referenced in his lyrics. He died from an accidental drug overdose at his home on September 7th, 2018, at the age of 26. Mac Miller will always be a legend in my eyes, and of course I also have his record album in my collection as well.

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Some of my favorite song by Mac Miller include: “Self Care,” “Circles,” “Hand Me Downs,” “Weekend,” and “Jump.”

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How could I not list Steve Miller Band as another artist for my music blog post!? I have such a passion for their music and enjoy listening to their songs for countless reasons. I get such good vibes and this band really takes me back to my childhood. Steve Miller Band is an America rock band formed in 1966 in San Francisco, California. The band is led by Steve Miller on guitar and lead vocals. This group is best known for a string of mainly their releases in the 70s that are staples of classic rock radio, as well as several earlier psychedelic rock albums.

There is one song by this band that is hands down one of my favorites called “The Joker” and I’m sure most of you are familiar with it too. I’ve heard this song so many times and every time I play it I always think about how it never gets old and will always be such a great song. I strongly encourage you guys to listen to them if you haven’t already. I understand some of you don’t enjoy this kind of music but for those who do, you’ll understand why I chose this week to talk about this band!

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Some songs by Steve Miller Band include: “The Joker,” “Fly like an Eagle”, “Rock’n Me,” “Jet Airliner,” and “All Right Now.”

This week brings the next artist I want to add to my music blog and share with you guy a little bit about Pink Floyd. They were an English rock band formed in London in 1965. As a psychedelic rock group, they were distinguished for their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, they became the leading band of the progressive rock genre. Pink Floyd is one of the most commercially successful and influential bands in popular music history. Members of this band included: Syd Barrett (guitar, lead vocals), Nick Mason (drums), Roger Waters (bass guitar, vocals), and Richard Wright (keyboard and vocals). David Gilmour also joined in 1967. However, Syd Barrett left I 1968 due to deteriorating mental health. Richard and Roger left as well but Richard later rejoined and the three (David, Nick, Richard) proceeded to produce two more albums. In 2005, all but Syd reunited for one-off performance at the global awareness event Live 8.

I truly admire their music and some people will same the opposite for them, but if you haven’t listened to their lyrics I recommend you should at least give it a shot. You might like what you hear! Pink Floyd were one of the first pyschedelia groups, and are credited with influencing genres such as progressive rock and ambient music.

Some of my favorite songs by Pink Floyd:

“Another Brick in the Wall,” “Wish you were here,” “Comfortably Numb,” “Money,” and “Time.”

Okay… if you aren’t a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd all I can say is smh. Their music functions not only reflect but mobilize feelings of regionalism, representing the rebellion of the countryside. American rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964. The group was originally named My Backyard with Ronnie Van Zant (lead vocalist), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass guitar) and Bob Burns (drums). The band finally decided to change their name to Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969. However, they included other members such as Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell, Ed King later replacing Burn. The band popularized the southern rock genre. They proudly sang about their rural upbringing and the differences between town and country. Ronnie Van Zant stated, “But one smell from the city and this country boy is gone big city, hard times never bother me I’m a country boy, I’m happy as can be.” Lynyrd Skynyrd voiced a similar message in previous songs, including most notably in their ultimate hit, “Sweet Home Alabama.” The band suffered from tragic accident when Ronnie, Steve, and backup singer Cassie Gains were killed in an airplane crash in 1977. In regard to their loss, Ronnie’s brother Johnny Van Zant joined the band as the lead vocalist reforming Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1987. Just like my other artist in my pervious posts, Lynyrd Skynyrd was also listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. The band has sold 28 million records in the United States. This band will forever and ALWAYS be one of my top favorites. If you haven’t listened to their songs, I strongly recommend you do. One of their songs called ‘Free Bird’ is very significant to me because in our senior year of high school one of my closest friends hung herself and this song was played during the slideshow at the funeral. I’ll be honest, to this day I still can’t listen to it without having tears rolling down my face. But on a brighter note, Lynyrd Skynyrd is an amazing band and I’m sure you can relate to their lyrics as much as I do.

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Another week another artist! For this post I wanted to include an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer ELTON JOHN. A little description of him going back to where he first started included his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin in 1967 which they have collaborated for over 30 albums. In addition to my posts, Elton John is also listed one of the best-selling music artist who has sold more than 300 million records! John has received five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award, a Disney Legends awards, and the Kennedy Center Honor.

Yep, you guessed it! I myself have one of his record albums and I LOVE his music. John was raised in the Pinner are of London and starting playing the piano at a very early age. Back in 2013, he was ranked in the most successful male solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100 Top All-Time Artist AND third overall. (behind the Beatles and Madonna.) Elton John even performed at numerous royal events. Princess Diana’s funeral would be a good example.

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Some of my favorite songs include: “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Your Song,” and “Don’t Go Breaking my heart.“

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This week I wanted to do my blog on another artist Tom Petty. I sure most of you guys have heard of him or know a song that he has written. He was an American singer, songwriter, multi- instrumentalist, record producer, and actor. At the age of 26, Tom Petty was the lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He also led the band Mudcrutch and was a member of the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys during the late 80s. I’ve been listening to his music since I was a child. In fact, when I was 3 years old, my mom told me every time she put me in the car I would continuously say “Tom Petty, Tom Petty.” We laugh about it up to this day, but I am so sad I never had an opportunity to see him perform live. He had sold more than 80 million records and was one of the best-selling music artists of all time. In 2002, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, one week after the Heartbreakers’ 40^th anniversary tour, Tom died at the age of 66 of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in 2017. To say I was heartbroken to hear about his death would be an understatement. Tom Petty’s music created vibrant energy that became irresistible to me and could have you singing along within 30 seconds of a song. I couldn’t help myself but to buy his record album Full Moon Fever to add to my collection of records. 

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My favorite songs include: “I Won’t Back Down”, “Free Fallin,” “Wildflowers,” “You don’t know how it feels,” “Breakdown,” and “Runnin’ Down A Dream.”