Tunji Balogun Becomes RCA’s Exec VP Of A&R & Launches Keep Cool Records

New York, NY – Tunji Balogun has been promoted to Executive Vice President of AR at RCA Records and created a new imprint for the label called Keep Cool Records. Balogun — along with Keep Cool co-founders Courtney Stewart, Jon Tanners and Jared Sherman — will be signing and developing artists under the banner.

The first artist signed to Balogun’s label is Normani of the multi-platinum selling Pop-RB group Fifth Harmony. Normani released her duet “Love Lies” with Grammy Award-nominated artist Khalid in February, and the song has already been certified gold by the RIAA.

“I’m so incredibly grateful to be able to be in a place where I can explore myself as an artist and what I’m capable of,” Normani said in a press release. “Never in a million years did I think I would be in this position in 2018. Everyone has been so supportive and patient, thank you so much to my fans for giving me the opportunity…I’d like to say thank you to Tunji and Peter for believing in the vision that I have for myself as an artist. I’m appreciative for their commitment and perseverance.”

Balogun is responsible for Brockhampton’s $15 million deal with RCA and played a key role in the music career of Grammy Award-winner Donald Glover a.k.a. Childish Gambino. He also assisted in establishing the careers of Khalid, Bryson Tiller and H.E.R. as well as putting together Top Dawg Entertainment’s RCA partnership with SZA.

the only Donald we acknowledge @childishgambino

A post shared by tunji (@tunji) on Jan 29, 2018 at 9:25am PST

Beginning his career as a marketing intern at Warner Bros. Records, Balogun previously held AR positions at Interscope Records. During his time there, he brought Los Angeles rapper Cozz to J. Cole’s Dreamville joint venture with Interscope.

“RCA is a company that prioritizes artistry, creativity and long-term vision,” Balogun said in a statement. “I’m honored to be able to continue that legacy with the launch of Keep Cool. My passion is discovering and working with artists that are slightly left-of-center, and finding meaningful ways to organically build culture around them. Keep Cool will be a safe-haven for artists and creatives who want to do things differently. I couldn’t be more thankful to Peter Edge and Keith Naftaly for their guidance, and to the world-class staff at RCA for their support. I also must acknowledge all of the amazing artists and their teams for constantly inspiring me to work harder and dream bigger. I can’t wait to see what else we can do in the future.”

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46458/title.tunji-balogun-becomes-rcas-exec-vp-of-ar-launches-keep-cool-records

T.I. Smacks Down Gucci Mane’s Claims Of Inventing Trap Music

T.I. is adamant about being the creator of trap music, which prompted him to shut down some recent claims by Gucci Mane. Just a few days after Guwop said he invented the sub-genre in an Instagram post, T.I. fired back by reiterating his position of being the true founder.

“Ok,so…. AGAIN for the slow ones in the back… August 19th,2003 Birth of Trap Muzik Only fools dispute facts!!!” he wrote on Instagram. “FOH wit that Christopher Columbus ass… ‘Look what I discovered,even though they was already here ass shit!!!!’ WITCHO GOOD CAPPIN ASS.”

Ok,so…. AGAIN for the slow ones in the back… August 19th,2003 Birth of Trap Muzik Only fools dispute facts!!! FOH wit that Christopher Columbus ass… “Look what I discovered,even though they was already here ass shit!!!!” WITCHO GOOD CAPPIN ASS ?

A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31) on Apr 9, 2018 at 11:12am PDT

Gucci’s original post led to an extensive debate in his comments. Many of the fans echoed T.I.’s sentiment.

“#FBF The Day I Invented Trap Music #Guwop aka #TheEvilGenius #1017Ceo,” La Flare wrote.

#FBF The Day I Invented Trap Music #Guwop aka #TheEvilGenius #1017Ceo

A post shared by Gucci Mane (@laflare1017) on Apr 6, 2018 at 12:34pm PDT

Although T.I. has readily acknowledged the evolution of trap music, he’s been steadfast about being the man responsible for its existence. In an interview with HipHopDX from last year, he insisted on being referred to as its creator.

The conversation with DX took place months after he staked his claim as trap’s originator in an appearance on The Angie Martinez Show.

“A lot of people don’t really, really know that I created trap music,” he told Martinez. “There was no such thing as trap music prior to [T.I.]. No such thing. It didn’t exist. It was Outkast and crunk, like that’s what it was. Organized Noize and crunk.”

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46459/title.t-i-smacks-down-gucci-manes-claims-of-inventing-trap-music

Smoke DZA Releases "Ringside 6" EP

WrestleMania weekend is over, but Smoke DZA has some grappling-inspired music for those who need more of the action. The Harlem MC has released his Ringside 6 EP in celebration of the pro wrestling festivities.

The sixth volume of DZA’s wrestling-themed series is produced entirely by 183rd. The seven-track EP includes guest appearances by Griselda Records artists Westside Gunn and Benny plus interludes from Wale and Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg.

Check out DZA’s Ringside 6 stream, cover art and tracklist below.

Smoke DZA Drops Ringside 6Smoke DZA Drops Ringside 6

1. Peter Rosenberg Wrestlemania Intro
2. Broken Brilliance
3. Demon Eyes f. Westside Gunn
4. Wale Speaks
5. Booker N Stevie Memoirs
6. The KG Show
7. Debiase Decisions f. Benny The Butcher

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46460/title.smoke-dza-releases-ringside-6-ep

SOB x RBE Shout "Fuck The Migos" At Concert

Santa Ana, CA – SOB x RBE are on the come up, but they’re already aiming for competition with one of Hip Hop’s most popular groups. During a concert at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California, the Bay Area crew threw shots at Migos.

“You can tell the Migos we the hottest group in the game,” Yhung T.O. declared before getting more antagonistic. “Fuck the Migos!”

SOBxRBE says “F*CK MIGOS” and say they the hottest group in the game at their show ???. Who u like more #migos or #SOBxRBE ??

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akadmiks) on Apr 7, 2018 at 4:59pm PDT

DaBoii, Lul G, Slimmy B and Yhung T.O. comprise SOB x RBE — short for Strictly Only Brothers x Real Boi Entertainment. The Bay Area group released its debut album, Gangin, in February after building a buzz and racking up millions of views on YouTube.

The Vallejo, California natives got their biggest look to date when Kendrick Lamar and Top Dawg Entertainment enlisted them for the Black Panther soundtrack. Now, they’re coming for Migos’ spot.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46447/title.sob-x-rbe-shout-fuck-the-migos-declare-themselves-the-hottest-group-in-the-game

Q-Tip To Teach Jazz & Hip Hop Course At NYU

New York, NY – Q-Tip is bringing his jazz rap expertise to the classroom. New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music has announced the A Tribe Called Quest co-founder will be teaching a course about the connections between jazz and Hip Hop this fall.

“We’re thrilled to have Q-Tip join the faculty of The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music,” Jason King, associate professor and director of Writing, History Emergent Media Studies at the Clive Davis Institute, said in a press release. “In searching for instructors to teach in our program, our aim is to always bring top-flight working professionals to the classroom who have made a major impact in their fields.

“That’s why we’re so excited to welcome Q-Tip, since he’s a peerless icon who redefined hip-hop for generations to come and brought jazz to the genre, especially through his contribution with A Tribe Called Quest. He also has a natural instinct for teaching and cultivating excellence in students in terms of their focus on craft and expressive style. It’s going to be transformative to have him on board.”

The teaching role adds another wrinkle to the résumé of Q-Tip, who was named the Artistic Director for Hip Hop Culture by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2016.

“I couldn’t be more excited to share with the students what I know and I look forward to them also teaching me,” he said. “Teaching is an exchange of sharing and receiving for all involved.”

Q-Tip’s class begins on September 5 and will run through the fall semester.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46448/title.q-tip-to-teach-jazz-hip-hop-course-at-nyu