Latest news with #MassAppealRecords
Black America Web
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
The Ruler's Back: Slick Rick Announces New ‘Victory' Visual Album
Slick Rick has not released a full-length project in over 26 years, and that will soon change this summer. Partnering with Idris Elba, Slick Rick is slated to release his visual album Victory this summer via Elba's 7Wallace label and Nas' Mass Appeal Records. Slick Rick, long considered Hip-Hop's most masterful storyteller, will deliver Victory this June. As we see in the trailer for the project, the artist, real name Ricky Walters, constructed the album over four years and recorded in Europe, Africa, and North America. Rick's suave voice can be heard explaining the value of songwriting and poetry, reminding viewers that before films, words were how pictures were painted. Victory serves as Slick Rick's fifth studio album, last releasing his gold-selling album, The Art of Storytelling , in 1999. Rick and Elba are the executive producers for the album, with special appearances from Nas, Giggs, and Estelle. 'Victory is all about perseverance, storytelling, imagination and evolution. A visual blend of art and heart — a sonic journey that reflects where I've been and where I'm going. Victory isn't just music — it's a bold in your face statement, showcasing British artistry at its finest!' Rick shared in a statment. Elba adds, 'Working with Slick Rick… back home in the UK, and then offering the world of hip hop something amazing has been a blessing. It's literally a gift!' Mass Appeal co-founder Nas also shared a statement. 'Slick Rick and I have a long history of working together so it was great to get back in the studio with him to create this new record. He has been such an influential figure in Hip Hop culture and I look forward to him sharing this project with the next generation of fans,' shared the Queensbridge MC. Victory clocks in at 30 minutes and is directed by Meji Alabi, who worked with Beyoncé on her Black Is King project. The project carries the bold, creative visions of both Rick and Elba, who, beyond acting, released music previously and is an active DJ, among Elba's other talents. The powerhouse affair features longtime studio engineer Young Guru, who mixed the project, and photography was provided by Jonathan Mannion. Victory will see a world premiere at SXS7 London at Shoreditch Town Hall on June 7, followed by a special session with Slick Rick, Idris Elba, and Meji Alabi. Victory will make its debut in the States on June 13 at the SVA 1 Theater during the Tribeca Festival, which will have a Q&A session with Slick Rick. That same day, Victory will be available on DSPs and for purchase. To purchase tickets for the SXSW London showing, click here. For the Tribeca Festival showing, click here. — Photo: Jonathan Mannion SEE ALSO The Ruler's Back: Slick Rick Announces New 'Victory' Visual Album was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
CairoScene
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Smallx is the First MENA Artist to Sign With Global Label Mass Appeal
Mass Appeal is a New York-based label co-founded by Grammy-winning artist Nas, dedicated to spotlighting artists who uphold hip-hop's core values while pushing boundaries from across the globe. Apr 19, 2025 Moroccan rapper Smallx has officially inked a deal with New York's famed Mass Appeal Records, becoming the first artist from the Middle East and North Africa region to join the label's ranks. Smallx's intuitive sharp bars in Darija and commanding delivery have established him as a driving force in the evolution of the North African rap scene. From his early beginnings with iconic trap duo Shayfeen to his solo career, Smallx has managed to chart his own path, showcasing his artistic versatility and contributing to a new wave of rap in the region that combined lyrical complexity with unfiltered social commentary. His debut solo EP 'Phoenix' accumulated over 25 million streams across all platforms. Mass Appeal is a global hip-hop label co-founded by Grammy Award-winning Sudanese-American artist Nas. The label is dedicated to documenting and elevating hip-hop culture in its rawest and most innovative forms, and spotlighting artists who uphold hip-hop's core values while pushing boundaries. Its roster includes legendary artists such as Dave East, Hit-Boy, Cormega, DJ Shadow, and Boldy James, along Nas himself. Through collaborations and music projects like 'The Hip-Hop 50 initiative', Mass Appeal continues to shape the future of the genre while preserving its roots. In 2024, Mass Appeal Records expanded its footprint to Pakistan as part of its mission to amplify South Asian voices, partnering with prominent artists such as Talha Anjum and Umair, as well as emerging stars like JANI, Maanu and Blal Bloch. By bringing Smallx into the fold, Mass Appeal is not only expanding its footprint but also acknowledging the growing impact of the MENA scene on the global stage. Could this be the beginning of an era where labels become a part of the artist's brand - and, perhaps, the resurgence of more cult-following labels? Smallx is set to release his debut project on Mass Appeal within weeks. Stay tuned.
CairoScene
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Small X is the First MENA Artist to Sign With Global Label Mass Appeal
Mass Appeal is a New York-based label co-founded by Grammy-winning artist Nas, dedicated to spotlighting artists who uphold hip-hop's core values while pushing boundaries from across the globe. Apr 19, 2025 Moroccan rapper Small X has officially inked a deal with New York's famed Mass Appeal Records, becoming the first artist from the Middle East and North Africa region to join the label's ranks. Small X's intuitive sharp bars in Darija and commanding delivery have established him as a driving force in the evolution of the North African rap scene. From his early beginnings with iconic trap duo Shayfeen to his solo career, Small X has managed to chart his own path, showcasing his artistic versatility and contributing to a new wave of rap in the region that combined lyrical complexity with unfiltered social commentary. His debut solo EP 'Phoenix' accumulated over 25 million streams across all platforms. Mass Appeal is a global hip-hop label co-founded by Grammy Award-winning Sudanese-American artist Nas. The label is dedicated to documenting and elevating hip-hop culture in its rawest and most innovative forms, and spotlighting artists who uphold hip-hop's core values while pushing boundaries. Its roster includes legendary artists such as Dave East, Hit-Boy, Cormega, DJ Shadow, and Boldy James, along Nas himself. Through collaborations and music projects like 'The Hip-Hop 50 initiative', Mass Appeal continues to shape the future of the genre while preserving its roots. In 2024, Mass Appeal Records expanded its footprint to Pakistan as part of its mission to amplify South Asian voices, partnering with prominent artists such as Talha Anjum and Umair, as well as emerging stars like JANI, Maanu and Blal Bloch. By bringing Small X into the fold, Mass Appeal is not only expanding its footprint but also acknowledging the growing impact of the MENA scene on the global stage. Could this be the beginning of an era where labels become a part of the artist's brand - and, perhaps, the resurgence of more cult-following labels? Small X is set to release his debut project on Mass Appeal within weeks. Stay tuned.
Axios
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Boldy James is Detroit's hardest-working rapper
Detroit rapper Boldy James, known for telling cold street tales over atmospheric beats, has released three albums in 2025 already, with two more on the way. Why it matters: Since a near-fatal car accident two years ago in Metro Detroit, Boldy's reputation as a tireless rapper has reached new heights with the quality and pace of his latest music. State of play: Boldy's next two releases — "Alphabet Highway" (out next Friday) and "Conversational Pieces" (May 2) — landed on Pitchfork's new list of spring's 50 most-anticipated albums. "It might take an extraterrestrial attack to stop Boldy James from making albums," writer Matthew Strauss quipped. Catch up quick: When he was 8, Boldy moved in with his father, a police officer, on the city's west side, per Metro Times. "My neighborhood was a drug zone," he said in a 2023 interview. He began pursuing music in the early 2000s with his cousin, rapper/producer Chuck Inglish, who grew up in Mount Clemens. His 2013 album, "My 1st Chemistry Set," caught the attention of hip-hop icon Nas, which led to a deal with Mass Appeal Records. Between the lines: While many rappers employ a stable of producers for a single album, Boldy often works with a single producer — hip-hop legend The Alchemist, most notably — giving each project a unique yet consistent soundscape. Inside the room: He's said his albums can be made in a matter of days during intense studio sessions. In this clip, Boldy can be seen in his socks on a couch, writing on a notepad while The Alchemist fine-tunes the music over which he'll rap. "I don't feel like I can ever oversaturate the market as long as it's a quality product," he said in 2022. "If the music wasn't hot, then we wouldn't even be having this discussion right now." Zoom in: Boldy's gift for storytelling pays extra dividends for local listeners. His music frequently places him on streets like McNichols and the Lodge Freeway. Songs are sprinkled with references to his "crib in Hazel Park" ("Telephono"), wearing Gucci pants at Flood's ("Janky"), and business calls with former NBA player and Benton Harbor native Wilson Chandler ("Unapologetic"). 💭 Joe's thought bubble: Boldy's music reminds me of when I heard Mobb Deep's " Hell on Earth" for the first time in high school. His lyrics are engrossing, with Easter eggs you might not discover until the 10th listen: " Royal Oak on my wrist, screaming 'f— Oakland County'" he raps on "Lop Sided," playing off the shared name of the Detroit suburb and luxury watch. What they're saying: Boldy says that his reality raps are meant to have a scared-straight effect on the listener, rather than glorify life on the streets. During a stop in Germany during 2023's Six Million Dollar Man Tour, he marveled at the unfamiliar ambulance sirens, the kindness from local fans and his motivation to keep representing Detroit. "Keep putting on for all the real ghetto boys worldwide who didn't let being from the ghetto get in the way of them making sure their dreams came true," he said before signing off with his signature two-word catchphrase that captures his relentless nature: "What else?"
