By Estefania Torres | Staff Writer| G-Eazy engaged the crowd of screaming fans at the Shrine Auditorium sporting his signature comb-over, dressed from head to toe in black, and a skull bandanna covering half of his face. Walking into the designated press area I was immediately drawn to the inventive stage. There was a very dark, urban feel to his stage setup. A grungy inspired layout displayed a sign that read Motel, a strip club and a bar with neon lights flashing the words "The Saint," and "Girls, Girls, Girls." This highly anticipated five month world tour was announced after the release of his new album "When It's Dark Out." Selling out almost every show, the young … [Read more...] about G-Eazy lights up the Shrine
A$AP Rocky
Summer Playlist
By Raphael Dunn |Staff Writer| School is coming to an end and the weather is starting to change; summer is almost back coyotes! There is something about summer we all love, and a fresh music playlist is ideal for creating memories of those long warm nights. Many summer anthems seem to bear certain similarities depicting upbeat sounds, themes of friendship and love and lounging away with a drink in hand. With that being said, here are some of CSUSB students' top favorite songs for this summer. One Direction seems to be the boy band that never goes away, and despite the recent loss of Zayn Malik, their song "No Control" is still on repeat. The track is off their album "Four," … [Read more...] about Summer Playlist
Long Live “At.Long.Last.A$AP”
By Itzayana Jimenez |Staff Writer| A$AP Rocky surprised us all by releasing his highly anticipated sophomore album, “At.Long.Last.A$AP,” which was originally set to be released on June 2. Rocky, who also goes by Pretty Flacko, has always been very open about his life and drug use. In a recent interview with The New York Post, he mentioned his recent interaction with LSD, stating, “Makonnen gave me acid at SXSW (South by Southwest)... After that, I went back to my mansion and fucked nine chicks.” He also mentioned that in his new album. “There’s definitely a psychedelic influence,” said Rocky. In the ninth track, “Jukebox Joints,” he raps, “I’m tripping off the acid, now yo ass … [Read more...] about Long Live “At.Long.Last.A$AP”
Hip-Hop lyrics holding good women down
By Marissa Mooney |A&E Editor| As the mainstream music industry has grown over the years, a substantial majority of the songs being played on the radio are far from appropriate. Not even a simple replacement of an inappropriate word with something cheesy and age-appropriate can help, mostly because hip-hop and urban street culture has often praised the demeaning of women. Popular old school hip-hop artists like Too Short, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg are just a few that seem to embrace the disrespect of women. Snoop’s famous line “Bitches ain’t s***, but hoes and tricks,” and Too Short’s song “Gangstas and Strippers” are so inappropriate, that it may not even be … [Read more...] about Hip-Hop lyrics holding good women down
Review: Rihanna’s fifth stop on the Diamonds World Tour
By Manal Museitef |Managing Editor| Very few artists have had as many hits in their career as Rihanna. I’m talking about Billboard hits, relax. The Barbados princess of Rocafella rose to fame quicker than we can say her full name, Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty. Since Jay-Z signed her on the spot in an impromptu audition in 2003 the 24-year-old has become one of the most consistent and influential pop stars of all time. I had the chance to catch Rihanna on her fifth stop of the “Diamonds World Tour” at the Honda Center in Anaheim Tuesday night. Doors opened at approximately 6:30 p.m. The crowds began to creep in and before I knew it the lights began to dim, as I prepared for … [Read more...] about Review: Rihanna’s fifth stop on the Diamonds World Tour
A thin line between album and mixtape
By Martin Solano | Staff Writer | In 2012, Kendrick Lamar took the title of hip-hop’s album of the year with good kid, m.A.A.d. city, while Meek Mill’s mixtape, Dreamchasers 2 was considered “#1 mix tape of 2012” by datpiff.com, a site referred to as “the authority in mixtapes” according to albumoftheyear.org, Although it is safe to say these two rappers made noise in the hip-hop world this past year, Meek Mill’s mixtape effort can’t be placed in the same category as Kendrick’s album. Or can it? Aren’t they two completely different things? Mixtapes are released by the artist independently and albums are released through major record labels. Often times, hip-hop heads and music … [Read more...] about A thin line between album and mixtape
VIVA LA A$AP: Rocky’s debut lives up to its name
By Mike Sessions |Staff Writer| The highly anticipated debut album from A$AP Rocky, LONG.LIVE.A$AP, was finally released despite numerous setbacks last year. Singles such as “Goldie,” and the very popular “F***** Problems” featuring 2 Chainz, Drake and Kendrick Lamar, helped continue the hype for the freshman rapper and his crew, A$AP Mob. Rocky’s critically acclaimed 2011 mixtape, Live.Love.A$AP, was a breakthrough for the New York-based MC, who seemingly came out of nowhere. Rarely do we see a rapper without much musical history top the charts, and rarely do we see a rapper do it with such impact like Rocky. Known for his Houston-style of rap, you can see the inspiration from … [Read more...] about VIVA LA A$AP: Rocky’s debut lives up to its name