Latest news with #MIKE
Hypebeast
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Niontay: Underground Rap's Rockstar
Niontayneeds no introduction — his early-career co-signs say it all. At just 26 years old, the 10K rapper has garnered support and collaborations fromEarl SweatshirtandMIKE, the latter of whom has played a key role in the kickstart of the rapper's uprising from the confines of the East Coast underground. 'MIKE put a battery in my back before I even released music,' Niontay told Hypebeast, the pair boasting five studio tracks as a unit. Now, with two studio albums under his belt — fresh off the release ofFada<3of$at the end of April — the Milwaukee-born, Florida-raised, Brooklyn-based rapper has established a tight-knit, symbiotic network of creative collaborators, includingMAVIandSideshowwithTony Seltzeron production. What he hasn't established, per se, is a signature sound — because he doesn't necessarily want to. 'I don't think I'll ever make two albums that sound entirely the same,' he shared, explaining that he doesn't approach writing in a routine, structural way at all. Sometimes the first four bars he spits land perfectly as the hook, while in others, the final verse comes first. All the while, he ponders: 'What even is structure in a song anymore?' When the rapper pulled up to the Hypebeast studio, he donned a custom dark denim zip-up work jacket with 'Sex after church' embroidered on the back of the silhouette. That's the rapper's producer's name, and his original artist name that he ended up changing after deciding it was too raunchy. He still wanted to keep it for something, so it's still his Instagram name and producer tag, though not an alias. That's where lil peanutbutter comes in. A listed featured artist onFada<3of$,peanutbutter delivers some of bars on Tay's favorite track on the album 'Stuntin' like my baba,' taking a higher-pitched voice than the rapper's typical persona. With his primed production background and peanutbutter in tow, Niontay's come-up is in progress, and we're privy to it live. We're just over a month off from the release ofFada<3of$– how are you feeling? I'm feeling good. I'm happy with the reception. I think the release party was what really showed me the impact the project had and put that in perspective for me. People coming up to me and telling me they f*cked with it and that they bought the vinyl. Sh*t's not cheap. How has your connection with MIKE impacted your career? It would have taken me so much longer to figure it all out and get to where I am today if I didn't know MIKE. He opened so many doors for me. I'll tell him that forever. He put a battery in my back before I even released music. While I was in my head, he was just reassuring me like 'You got it. Don't even trip.' When did you first start making music? I started playing around with making music in 2015 when I was 16. I downloaded this platform called Mixpad. You could record yourself and make beats on it – kinda Ableton-ish. When did you drop the first piece of music that you felt good about? Probably in 2019. That was when I started dropping sh*t that I didn't feel bad about telling people to listen to and saying 'I'm a rapper.' Who is Sexafterchurch (your producer alias) in relation to Niontay and your credited alter ego, lil peanutbutter? Sexafterchurch isn't really an alias. It was my artist name at first, but then I decided to change it because it felt a little too raunchy. People were like 'We f*ck with bro, but he should change his name.' So I changed my name. But it's still my Instagram name, so I wanted to keep it for something. lil peanutbutter is my alter ego. How do you know when you want to tap into lil peanutbutter? It's really all about the subject matter. I just think about who would be the better rapper to deliver the lyrics. 'I feel like a real rockstar.' What was your mindset going into building this album? Honestly, I wasn't thinking about it too hard. I wasn't trying to make an album. That wasn't the goal. I was just making music. I didn't put that pressure on myself of 'Every song has to be for the album.' After about two years, I ended up with a bunch of songs, and I finally started going through all of them. I knew certain ones had to be on the album, like 'Top da top' and 'mumbleman.' I played the rest for the homies and got their input, and that's how I made the album. Did you ever feel pressure to drop a project? Toward the end of the two years. I started getting on myself more like, 'Tighten up. Drop. You got all this music. Put it all together. Come on.' So I finally did. How do you approach the writing process? It depends. Sometimes, I hear a beat, and I know the first four bars I say will be the hook. Other times, it'll just be whatever I'm feeling. What even is 'structure' in a song anymore? You hear rappers rap what you think is the hook, but it's really the verse, and then you think it's finally the hook, but it's still the first verse. How would you describe this album in relation toDiontay's inferno? Diontay's Infernowas me finding myself. I think n*ggas like it a lot because it's so raw. I was playing with a lot of different sounds. But this album is me coming in as a more established artist and acknowledging that, like, 'Iaman artist, let me speak more clearly. Let me put more energy into this verse.' Overall, it's just a more polished project. I don't think I'll ever make two albums that sound entirely the same. Why didn't you choose to produce the entire project? I thought about producing the whole thing but there are too many good ass producers out right now who I wanted on there – MIKE, Harrison, Tony Seltzer, WTFOMARI!, Evilgiane. Something unique about this project is the inclusion of speaking parts as interludes or added onto the end of tracks. Could you say more on this? On '32ummers,' that's my mom talking at the end. That's her funny ass. The rest of the album's interludes come from videos I like on YouTube. The one on 'FULLCOURTPRESSHA' comes from this old gangster documentary I watched in London with Omari. Where else do you draw inspiration from? I really admire the way rockstars carry themselves. I feel like a real rockstar. I draw a lot of inspiration from the golden age of rock n' roll, like Ozzy Osbourne. I try to keep that mindset when I approach designing my merch and my live performances. What's next for you? 10K is gonna have a crazy year. MIKE's got 30 tapes ready to go, so how can I not be ready to go myself?
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
USC adds three-star linebacker Taylor Johnson to 2026 class
For the second day in a row, USC football added a new commit to its already loaded 2026 recruiting class. On Monday, the Trojans picked up a commitment Taylor Johnson, a three-star linebacker from San Bernadino, California. Here is what 247Sports had to say about Johnson: Advertisement "The 6-foot-1 Johnson joins the linebacker mix with 6-foot-4 five-star prospect Xavier Griffin and the 6-foot-3 Scott. Scott was initially listed as an edge rusher while Griffin could also end up playing on the edge as well. Taylor projects as a true middle linebacker, capable of playing either MIKE or WILL as the next level. Johnson was ultra-productive as a junior with 174 total tackles, nine tackles for a loss (four sacks) and three passes defended." Johnson is USC's 28th commit in its top-ranked 2026 recruiting class. With new general manager Chad Bowden at the helm, it seems apparent that the Trojans plan to load up in this cycle after missing out on numerous key targets in years past. Now, it will be up to Lincoln Riley to win on the field this fall in order to ensure that the class remains intact. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Three-star linebacker Taylor Johnson commits to USC football for 2026
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
USC adds three-star linebacker Taylor Johnson to 2026 class
USC adds three-star linebacker Taylor Johnson to 2026 class USC 2026 class adds yet another recruit For the second day in a row, USC football added a new commit to its already loaded 2026 recruiting class. On Monday, the Trojans picked up a commitment Taylor Johnson, a three-star linebacker from San Bernadino, California. Here is what 247Sports had to say about Johnson: "The 6-foot-1 Johnson joins the linebacker mix with 6-foot-4 five-star prospect Xavier Griffin and the 6-foot-3 Scott. Scott was initially listed as an edge rusher while Griffin could also end up playing on the edge as well. Taylor projects as a true middle linebacker, capable of playing either MIKE or WILL as the next level. Johnson was ultra-productive as a junior with 174 total tackles, nine tackles for a loss (four sacks) and three passes defended." Johnson is USC's 28th commit in its top-ranked 2026 recruiting class. With new general manager Chad Bowden at the helm, it seems apparent that the Trojans plan to load up in this cycle after missing out on numerous key targets in years past. Now, it will be up to Lincoln Riley to win on the field this fall in order to ensure that the class remains intact.
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking and evaluating the top-10 linebackers in 2025 NFL draft
Ranking and evaluating the top-10 linebackers in 2025 NFL draft The New England Patriots could still use help at the off-ball linebacker position as they continue revamping their defense with faster, more aggressive athletes. Despite bringing in Harold Landry to upgrade the pass rush and getting flashes from Keion White, there's a clear need for more explosiveness and versatility in the second level of their defense. This class offers a strong mix of true Mikes, modern coverage linebackers and hybrid off-ball/edge types — all of which could complement the Patriots' evolving scheme. Whether they target one in the middle rounds or later, New England would be wise to keep a close eye on this position. Here's a look at the top off-ball linebackers in this year's class. 10. David Walker – Central Arkansas David Walker is a linebacker/edge hybrid with elite twitch and explosiveness. He made Bruce Feldman's freaks list and dominated at the FCS level with natural leverage, violent hands and a strong lower-body base. He finishes plays with violence and has a nose for the football. However, Walker is extremely limited in arm length and has a capped physical frame. He lacks ideal bend, has inconsistent pass-rush plans and dominated lower-level competition, which raises questions about his transition to the NFL. Still, the tools are exciting, and he could contribute as a developmental chess piece. 9. Smael Mondon Jr. – Georgia Smael Mondon Jr. is a rangy, athletic linebacker with excellent closing speed and impressive coverage instincts. He flashes sideline-to-sideline range and has a knack for blitz timing and diagnosing outside runs. He is battle-tested in the SEC with multiple years of starting experience. The concerns include durability—he's dealt with injuries in three consecutive seasons, plus his senior year of high school. He's maxed out physically and doesn't have the functional strength to hold up consistently in traffic. Still, on sub-packages and passing downs, he's a valuable coverage option. 8. Danny Stutsman – Oklahoma Stutsman is a downhill thumper who's at his best working in the box and attacking gaps. He brings physicality and a high motor, showing good instincts as a run defender and the ability to time blitzes well. His change of direction and spatial awareness are limited, and his pad level can get inconsistent when finishing tackles. He's not a sideline-to-sideline player, but in the right system, Stutsman can be an early-down enforcer who sets the tone inside. 7. Kobe King – Penn State King is one of the most reliable tacklers in the draft. He is a throwback MIKE with great gap integrity, strong thump in the run game and consistent stack-and-shed ability. He's a natural leader who quarterbacks the defense with poise and control. He doesn't offer much in coverage and isn't the most explosive athlete, but what he lacks in range, he makes up for in instincts, toughness and reliability. He's a plug-and-play interior linebacker for a team that needs a steady presence. 6. Barrett Carter – Clemson Carter is a modern linebacker with plus coverage skills and impressive explosiveness. He attacks downhill with control, is disruptive against screens and blitzes effectively when schemed up. He can line up in space and move fluidly against tight ends and running backs. But Carter occasionally hesitates when reading plays and struggles to disengage from blocks once engaged. He also gets flat-footed in man coverage at times, but his raw athletic traits and versatility make him an appealing WILL linebacker. 5. Chris Paul Jr. – Ole Miss Chris Paul Jr. is an undersized but twitchy linebacker who plays with his hair on fire. He has exceptional change-of-direction ability and elite short-area burst. He reads plays quickly, blitzes with violence and is a monster on special teams. He tends to overpursue and lacks length, limiting his ability to stack and shed. When fatigued, his tackling technique slips. Still, Paul brings juice and processing speed that can add value as a high-end third linebacker or coverage sub. 4. Jeffrey Bassa – Oregon Jeffrey Bassa is a converted safety with top-tier movement skills in coverage. He plays with fluidity and a deep understanding of zone spacing, making him ideal for modern spread offenses. He blitzes well, plays fast and communicates like a seasoned vet. Concerns include limited play strength when climbing linemen get into his chest, and despite strong positioning, his ball production is minimal. Even so, Bassa has the instincts and athletic profile to be an impactful WILL at the next level. 3. Carson Schwesinger – UCLA Schwesinger is one of the rangiest linebackers in the class. He flies to the football with elite closing speed and brings special teams value as a three-year standout. He's a loose-hipped mover with the processing speed to match his athleticism. A scrappy player with a chip on his shoulder — Schwesinger was a walk-on turned starter at UCLA — he embodies toughness and persistence. Granted, he's still raw with his stack-and-shed technique and inconsistent finishing in space, but he's a tone-setter and team captain with upside to be a starting WILL in the NFL. 2. Demetrius Knight Jr. – South Carolina Demetrius Knight Jr. is a classic downhill MIKE linebacker with strong instincts, violent hands and good zone awareness. He explodes through gaps and hits like a freight train. His leadership and maturity shine, and he's always around the football. Man coverage is a weakness, and he has a tendency to duck his head and dive at ankles, allowing some elusive backs to slip away. But for teams that run two-gap fronts and need physicality in the middle, Knight is a tone-setter. 1. Jihaad Campbell – Alabama Jihaad Campbell is the most complete linebacker in the class. He is an explosive, versatile defender with elite closing burst and a pass-rush element to his game. He can line up at MIKE, WILL, or EDGE, with the athleticism to cover tight ends and chase down ball carriers in space. He still needs to polish his discipline and hand placement, but his rare size-speed combo, instincts and age (just 21) give him true All-Pro upside. He's the kind of defender you build a linebacker room around Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
