Jay-Z's Got The Keys

DJ Khaled couldn’t have made a better choice than enlisting Jay-Z to lay down his meticulous bars on “I Got The Keys,” featuring Future. To keep it a buck, I really didn’t like the song—the hook was a bit much—but I did appreciate Jigga Man’s boss talk! If I had to listen to anyone in the Hip-Hop industry rap about having “keys,” it would be Bey’s boo. Heck, the man seemingly has a cheat code to life, and his latest achievement makes yet another valid case for that assumption.

On Monday, Jay and Beyoncé received the Key to the City of New Orleans for their humanitarian work. While on their On The Run II tour stop in the Big Easy, the ballerific couple was surprised by New Orleans’ mayor LaToya Cantrell with the acknowledgment. “The Carters recently launched scholarship funds that will benefit cities on their tour,” writes mayor Cantrell under an Instagram photo of herself and Mr. Carter smiling with the framed key. “The #CityofYes embraces you both with love!.”

Damn, I don’t even think Master P got one of those bad boys yet from his hometown. Should he be concerned?

Self Explanatory Rap Lyrics On Genius

Jae and Trey Richards of 4YE Media—better known as ‘4 Yall Entertainment’—are, in my humble opinion, the absolute funniest duo on YouTube. The Brampton, Ontario-born brothers truly believe in quality over quantity, which thoroughly explains their “lack” of skit releases on a back-to-back basis. They’re consistently going above and beyond to bruise the funny bone of fans (well over 612K on the popular video platform) so time is certainly necessary to strengthen their comedic blows.

One of the funnymen’s latest clips, titled “Self Explanatory Rap Lyrics On Genius” is a satire that effortlessly displays their knack for turning real life happenings into comical events. The clip is a Genius parody, which features fictional down south rappers, Scuba Da Surfa and Sneaky Sammy, explaining their mind-blowing lyrics of their single, “Gettin’ Cash Every Day.”

Check out the hilariousness below, and be on the lookout for the bros’ new skit that’ll be dropping shortly!

6lack's East Atlanta Love Letter

Staying true to his elusive nature, 6lack (damn, writing that name is equally hard as saying it) fled the scene after releasing his successful 2016 debut album, Free 6lack, to go on a seemingly never ending tour run, which left devout listeners distraught from the lack of new tunes. This year, the multitalented crooner has returned, not only with a clean cut (in the words of The Joe Budden Podcast crew, “he got a mean rebrand”), but a long awaited sonic body of work!

Coined, East Atlanta Love Letter, the rising hyphenate’s sophomore effort is filled with heartfelt tracks dedicated to his hometown patnas (use the urban dictionary for the meaning), friends, current lover, and of course exes. My favorite joint from the project is a song that was released just a few hours before it actually dropped called, “Pretty Little Fears,” featuring the incomparable J. Cole.

Man, 6lack and Cole both blacked on the smooth tune with their potent pen. Y’all might have to replay the song a couple times just to catch a few double entendres! Check it out below:

Yezzzir

I’m not one to hold on to the past, but gotdamn it’s difficult not to reminisce about the golden era of iconic streetwear brands, BAPE and Billionaire Boys Club/ Ice Cream. That particular period of time truly influenced me to become the man I am today. (Heck, I was blessed enough to work at BAPE NYC.) From NIGO’s lustrous kicks to Pharrell’s unorthodox, skateboard duder swag, the iconic style icons boosted my confidence to live my life unfiltered. Palm Angels’ latest collaboration brought the nostalgia right back!

You guessed it! The Los-Angeles based, skate culture influenced brand tagged team with Billionaire Boys Club to conjure up a kickflipping new varsity. Featuring an OG Ice Cream logo filled with Swarovski crystals, the letterman jacket is constructed from polyester and nylon. “Palm Angels” is written diagonally across the jacket’s chest, while pink and green stripped detailing can be found on the sleeves, collar and hem.

Unfortunately, there is no information on the piece’s official release date. I guess we’ll have to patiently wait in line like the true OG hypebeasts that we are (yeah, I’m excluding all you new n*ggaz…just kidding).

Kareem's Pick: Marco McKinnis

Marco McKinnis is on a major mission to bring back R&B at its most sensual state.  The soul singer burst on the scene last month with the release of his Underground EP.  Its very first song, titled "Still Waters," is a crystal clear display of the Virginia native's vulnerability, where he is requesting permission to properly care for his significant other. 

The reverb on the background vocals takes the tune to ethereal heights!  Check it out for yourself below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Vogue x Air Jordan 3 AWOK

Right on the heels of her Air Jordan 1 Zip High AWOK debut earlier this summer, Vogue's editor in chief Anna Wintour is running it back with the Jordan Brand to launch yet another stylish, high-flying sneaker for the ladies.

Utilizing the classic Air Jordan 3 silhouette, the Vogue x Air Jordan 3 AWOK is really an aesthetic piece inspired by the polarising fashion figure's affinity for tweed suits and big ol' designer shades.  The shoe's upper consists of a shimmering tweed, while its heel display Anna's signature, which signifies her ultimate approval--"AWOK" is actually an acronym for Anna Wintour Ok.  Furthermore, Wintour's second collaboration with Jumpman is equipped with a hangtag that reads, "Edited By Vogue."  Talk about a subtle flex, eh?

The red and black versions of the Vogue x Air Jordan 3 AWOK are expected to drop sometime next week (on the sixth, I believe).  'Tis the season to be boo'd up so fellas cop this joint for the shorty you really want to canoodle with.

Burberry's New Logo

I still remember the day seeing Ja Rule rocking the Burberry top with the matching bucket hat in the music video for his iconic single "Always On Time," featuring Ashanti.  It was the very first time I've been exposed to the brand, and I must admit, I wanted to get my hands on a piece, badly.  Who knew plaid could be so cool?  17 years has passed since the British luxury house's legendary cameo, and with time comes major change.  Recently, Burberry has ditched the classic checked pattern for a new logo and monogram ahead of its collection showing next month during London Fashion Week.

The historic maneuver was spearheaded by none other than Burberry's newly appointed Creative Director Riccardo Tisci.  Co-designed by Peter Saville--who is also responsible for conjuring up Calvin Klein's revamped emblem--the logo features the words "Burberry" with "London England" written underneath in an all caps, bold sans-serif text.  The British heritage brand's latest monogram, named after founder Thomas Burberry, is an interwoven 'TB' pattern in a red, honey-beige and white colorway.

What do you think of the brand's new look?  Do you want that old thing (logo) back? *JAY-Z voice*

Seven Is The Magic Number

As part of its Fall/Winter 2018 collection, Balenciaga is turning up the heat (literally) by releasing a coat with not one, not two, but a whopping seven layers for your ultimate cozy needs.

This is the type of parka that'll make you feel like Kanye West after he's been asked a demeaning question by the paparazzi about his possible venture into the fashion industry: "Do you see this coat?!  Come on, man."  Fortunately, being a style icon isn't a requirement to rock this jacket, but you better be sure to have a sufficient amount of funds in your bank account (or mattress, for the trappers reading this) to cop.  Valued at $9,000 USD, the luxury fashion house's prized outerwear piece consists of different garments, ranging from plaid shirts all the way down to fleece jackets.

Interested in upgrading your skier aesthetics this winter? Pre-order this item here.

In other news, my good friend Elisabeth Hadida is gearing up to leave Balenciaga after working there for almost a decade!  Revisit my Original Story on her by clicking the link: Elisabeth Hadida.

Tribe (Music Video)

"Is J. Cole Haitian?"  That's exactly what I searched on Google abruptly after viewing Bas' music video for his latest single "Tribe," featuring the Dreamville general.

Shot in Florida's Little Haiti, the Andrew Nisinson-directed clip finds the two rap pals reppin' my home country like no other as they're having a blast with the neighborhood's lively locals.  Unfortunately, Jermaine and Bas aren't fellow Haitians, but I'm extremely happy to see how much the two are embracing the culture.  Hey, after all, we're all one "tribe" anyway.

The vibrant track is from the 31-year-old Queens lyricist's album Milky Way, which dropped today!  Before you go and cop that, check out his latest vid below:

Kareem's Pick: Santigold

Santigold is far from underground but I felt this song, and her entire discography in general, deserves to be heard more.

The multi-talented songstress is one of the first black faces I personally saw in a genre other than R&B and Hip-Hop.  I am truly inspired by her authenticity in a musical space where African-Americans are rarely in.  Recently, Santi released her Dancehall mixtape, I Don't Want: The Gold Fire Sessions.  My favorite track from the project, "Run The Road," shares her honest opinions of being in the music industry.

Listen to the jam below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Nav and Trav Are Champions

As soon as I finished writing my previous post (see below), I gave Travis Scott's latest album Astroworld a proper spin, and I must say, it's truly one of the best projects released so far in 2018.  Kylie Jenner's baby daddy's winning streak continues as he is featured on the new scorching single from NAV.

Rightfully titled "Champion," the celebratory chune is from the XO rapper/producer's debut album Reckless. Its visual, directed by fellow XO member Amir "Cash" Esmailian, finds the two multitalented acts living splendidly in Hawaii with their all star crew.

Check out the clip below:

Stop Trying To Be God

Travis Scott wasted no time to unleash the cinematic clip for his Astroworld cut "Stop Trying To Be God."  Truth be told, I haven't heard the Houston emcee's latest offering yet, but from the sound of the aforementioned song, it seems promising.

As soon as my ears picked up on Cudi's heavenly hums, I knew this particular track would be awesome.  Also featuring James Blake, Earth, Wind & Fire's Philip Bailey and the legendary Stevie Wonder on harmonica, the mellow tune is all about Scott's budding god complex. 

Directed by Dave Meyers, the song's accompanying visual showcases a plethora of biblical imagery.  Check out the madness below:

It Is What It Is

The homie Diggy has just unleashed his first official single in a whopping six years!  A few articles ago, I mentioned that the multitalented 23-year-old rapper was gearing up to deliver some brand new sounds and he absolutely stayed true to his words.

Titled "It Is What It Is," (I bet you said that in your Drake voice), the uplifting track is minimalistic perfection featuring only a choir and violins.  When a lyricist is spitting fiery bars with a positive message an elaborate beat is optional.

Check out the tune's captivating visual below:

Got Friends

"All of my b*tches got friends!"  Fellas, you already know our hearts rejoice whenever we hear those words come out of a beautiful woman's mouth!  Well, Goldlink and R&B megastar Miguel made a song out of that statement to commemorate all of the baddies of the world and their fine ass cliques.

Aptly titled "Got Friends," the feel-good single is the very first track from the DMV spitter since he released his debut album At What Cost in 2017.  No one knows if this song is spearheading a new project campaign for Goldlink but it sure bangs.  The collaborative tune dropped right before the summer started, yet is still potent as we're slowly moving into the cool weather.  Just goes to show that good music is timeless.

Check out the scorcher below:

Get In Line (BAPE Edition)

Last Saturday, eager fans, parents and resellers alike stood up for hours on SoHo's Green street to get their beastly hands on the new items from BAPE's latest collaboration with adidas originals.  The homie Racks Hogan was in attendance with Complex to document the madness that ensued.

Pardon my bluntness, but I'm surprised BAPE still has crazy lines!  I'm not going to lie, though, the pieces from this particular release are fire.  Thank goodness I don't have to deal with the commotion anymore--don't get me wrong, I loved chopping it up with all of you, it's just that after eight hours of constant chatter, a brother gets tiyad! (had to break out the patois to fully express my emotion.)

In any case, I'm still in these lavish, cobblestone streets!  My new FRNDY LMRN stickers are posted throughout the beloved area so if you see one tag me on the gram.

For now, check out the humorous clip below:

Potato Salad

A huge smile creeped across my face when I heard the beat used in A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator's new freestyle, oddly titled "Potato Salad." 

Most of you reading this article might be too young to remember, but the riveting instrumental is also found on legendary R&B singer Monica's 2003 hit "Knock Knock."  Reworked by Missy Elliot and Kanye West, the beat dates all the way back to 1976 as it initially appeared on The Masqueraders' single, "It's A Terrible Thing To Waste Your Love."

It's always great when rappers flex their knowledge of music beyond Hip Hop (specifically classic R&B jams).  Furthermore, the juxtaposition of braggadocious lyrics over a soothing sample is the perfect recipe for an eargasmic tune! 

Serving as a teaser for their rumored collaborative WANG$AP album, the visual for the Rap duo's surprise chune appears in a new AWGE 3 DVD.  While we patiently wait for that project to surface, check out the flossy clip below:

Marcato

Damn!  It's been a while hasn't it?  I'm really glad to be back writing for FRNDY LMRN.  I wanted to hold off on releasing this article because I knew all of the big things that were ahead for the person I'm going to write about.  I wanted to incorporate everything for you guys in this piece so here we finally are.  Please allow me to introduce my longtime friend and latest interviewee, Marcato.

Meet Prince Nasir Dean, better known by his stage name, Marcato.  Nas is a budding music producer based out of Miami, Florida.  We have known each other since we were about six years old through our mothers.  We spent our adolescent years running the streets of Atlanta.  When Nas moved to New York in 2011, it was a huge change for the both of us.  A few years later, he relocated back to Miami and has been living bi-coastal ever since.  

Growing up, Nas was always involved in the music industry.  His father is the super successful music producer Swizz Beatz, so of course his musical influence is apparent.  Over the past few years, Nasir developed his musical passion and is currently on the journey of becoming a staple in the music business.  What I admire most about Nas is his relentless grind and passion to make it on his own.

Nas has gained tons of success in the last few months.  He received several hit placements with various recording artists throughout the nation!  Furthermore, Nas produced his first hit on IDK's latest single, "Star."  At the end of June, Nasir came to Atlanta to develop his music with several heavy hitters in the industry such as Lil Yachty, Trippie Redd, Rick Ross, Kodie Shane, Gwen Bunn, Black Metaphor and more.  Recently, Nas joined the A&R team at Epic Records!  I can truly say that as both a friend and his publicist, he is only going to the top from here.

While Nas visited Atlanta in June, we sat down to discuss life and his future.  Check out our conversation below:

JULIEN:  What's the origin of your stage name Marcato? 

NASIR:  The origin of my stage name stems from my self-development and self-discovery.  Marcato is a musical instruction indicating a note, chord or passage to be played louder than the surrounding music.  That's what I feel my music represents.

JULIEN:  What genre of music do you consider your work to fall in?

NASIR:  My sound fits in the Hip-Hop, Musical Theater, and Pop genres the best.

JULIEN:  Who influences you the most musically?

NASIR:  Michael Jackson, Jimmy Hendrix, André 3000, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, J. Cole and Pierre Dutour influence and inspire me the most.

JULIEN:  When did your interest for music initially come about?

NASIR:  I first realized that I was interested in potentially pursuing a career in music when my dad gifted me my first beat machine for my 10th birthday. I didn't know what to do with it at first though.

JULIEN:  Have you ever felt any type of pressure to do music due to your father and step-mother's great amount of success?

NASIR:  No, never.  Truthfully, I feel as if I was born to do this regardless.

JULIEN:  Could you briefly describe your music-making process?

NASIR:  My first step in the process of composing music is constructing the melody, percussions then finally the 808's.  Other than that, a good amount of the process is mental preparation—thinking positively.

JULIEN:  What environment do you produce music the best in?

NASIR:  Everyone's different, but for me, I prefer to produce music in the nighttime and ironically at school.

JULIEN:  How has your sound evolved since you first began producing?

NASIR:  Over time I have unlocked many new abilities by introducing myself to new techniques through focus.  It usually comes naturally when I'm working on my craft alone in the solitude of my quiet time.

JULIEN:  What is your biggest challenge musically?

NASIR:  Currently, music theory is my biggest challenge.  It can be overwhelming to completely grasp.

JULIEN:  Do you ever get stuck?

NASIR:  All the time!  I can't imagine there being any artist who doesn't get stuck.

JULIEN:  How do you get your creative juices flowing when that occurs?

NASIR:  If I get stuck during the daytime hours, I shelf the idea for the night.  I work best at night and try to have a positive day with great vibes and energy.  Usually the outcome at night reflects the energy I put out during that day.

JULIEN:  Which artists would you like to collaborate with? and why?

NASIR:  I would like to work with J. Cole and Travis Scott because their records inspire me.  I listen to them repeatedly to decipher and understand what it is that I like about their particular song.  Music should make you think!  It's going to happen when the time is right.

JULIEN:  What are your favorite songs out right now?

NASIR:  Right now, my two favorite songs are "Kevin's Heart" by J. Cole and "Mo Bamba" by Sheck Wes.

JULIEN:  What is your favorite album of all time? 

NASIR:  It would definitely have to be Metallica's Master of Puppets album.  I listened to it at a very young age—It truly helped develop the love of music I have now.

co-JULIEN:  What is the ultimate direction that you wish to go in musically?

NASIR:  I want to become a music aficionado and leader of the next generation's musical youth prospects.

JULIEN:  Can fans expect an EP from you anytime soon?

NASIR:  Yes!  One is currently in the making, but in the meantime, check out IDK's latest song "Star," co-produced by myself.

JULIEN:  What goals do you want to accomplish within this upcoming year?

NASIR:  I would like to develop my own record label.  I am going to be under Sylvia Rhone at Epic Records, which is huge for me!  I have an amazing lineup of creatives that I'm working closely with.  I am eager to explore and develop the projects.

JULIEN:  In five years, where do you see yourself?

NASIR:  In five years, I see myself in Corsica, France with Scarlett Johansson leading my companies to its highest pinnacle and beyond.

JULIEN:  When it comes to success, how do you define it?

NASIR:  To me, success embodies the inspiration for all generations.  My musical expressions create freedom of the soul from my artistic expression.  That is success.

JULIEN:  What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?

NASIR:  The best advice I ever received was from my mother Nichole.  She always reminds me to keep an open mind.

Written by Sir Julien George

Photographed by We Own The City

For any inquiries regarding Nasir Dean, feel free to visit Notemarcato.com or email 13th@notemarcato.com.

Diggy Is Back

Not too long ago, I bumped into the lil' homie Diggy Simmons right in front of SoHo's Crosby Street Hotel.  It was such a pleasant surprise because I haven't spoken to him in years since I stopped working at the BAPE store.  We caught up for a few minutes, but my main concern was his music: "When are you dropping some new joints?"  I asked.  Fortunately, he told me to expect some jams in the coming months.

Fast forward to now, and here he is with a new verse out of the blue!  The young rapper turned actor-model hopped on Atlanta native KEY!'s bouncy tune "Dig it," which actually references Diggy's appearances on his legendary dad's MTV reality television show, Run's House.

Listen to Diggy's scorching bars below:

R.A.N. (Official Music Video)

If you ever find yourself in a little jam with a shorty that you're trying to holla at, just play this new record from Miguel for some extra motivation to seal the deal!

Titled "R.A.N." (an acronym for 'Real Ass N*gga'), the confident-boosting tune is found on the soundtrack for legendary music video director Director X's SUPERFLY remake, which is currently in theaters.

Its visual finds the "Coffee" crooner on some Bonnie and Clyde ish with his old lady.  Being the real n*gga that he is, Miguel takes all the smoke in order to keep his woman out of harm's way.

Check out the Lesean Harris-directed clip below:

Rocky and Skepta Praises The Lord

It's only right that I present this right after the epic interview with my VLONE-affiliated buddy Ryan Mulry.  I like to keep everything cohesive, you know?  In any case, ASAP Rocky has finally unveiled the much anticipated visual for his Testing album standout cut, "Praise The Lord (Da Shine)," featuring the grimiest of emcees himself, Skepta.

The trippy, split-screen and building bouncing visual finds the two rap comrades in their respective hoods, as they exchange fiery bars on the"Shutdown" spitter-produced banger (I'm talking about Skepta, if you didn't know).

Check it out below: