Been a tough, tough couple weeks: first a good friend, who’s one of the best DJ’s I know here in Toronto, lost his wife, then Ranking Roger of the The (English) Beat, a childhood musical hero of Kitchen capo, Ian, passed away and now this: Nipsey Hussle, one of the brightest lights in the new school of hip-hop has had his life taken away in its prime, he was only 33.
Nipsey was smart, a leader, and a hard worker, dedicated to his craft as an artist and a community activist. Every album he released was better than the last. His most recent, Victory Lap was a masterwork and a favorite of ours from last year. These losses all hurt in a different ways but Nipsey’s really hits hard for what a loss it is for the culture.
Check out Nipsey’s last music release (Music Video + MP3), “Racks In The Middle” featuring Roddy Ricch & Hit-Boy here and see how hip-hop has been reacting to his untimely passing on the Kitchen IG. #ripnipseyhussle
Stream + download “Racks In The Middle” HERE
We won’t lie, after the masterpiece that was Anderson .Paak‘s Malibu, a major favorite of ours from 2016, we were a little underwhelmed by last year’s follow-up, Oxnard. Either Paak heard the same from others or he just has so much music in the chamber that he’s already set to come back with a follow-up album titled, Ventura (when is Pomona coming out?) dropping April 12!
Lead-off single, “King James” sounds straight to us although others are less sold on it. Sucks for them! Knowing that Paak puts on incredible live shows though, I’m all set, ticket already purchased, to soak in the Ventura vibes when his tour touches down in Toronto on June 1.
The (new) house that (Dr.) Dre built….
Why didn’t someone tell us there a brand new Anderson .Paak single out featuring Kendrick Lamar??!
Poppin’ in LA (where I am staying right now….) Hit the jump for a bonus joint by the homie, 1TakeJay…
More of that west coast pop wave we love here at the Kitchen!