The Playground Industry News Wrap Up (July 26th, 2021)
By: Disney Molina
Tap in with The Playground for all the latest updates from New York and from around the industry - where we go over the most important things that went down this week that you need to know about. Here are some things that went down this week that you should be aware of.
1) The Industry Gathers in Miami For Rolling Loud
The biggest artists from around the country all converged on Miami this weekend for Rolling Loud - during what is really the first major hip hop festival since national COVID restrictions have been loosened. Many of the biggest names in the game were in attendance, including Lil Baby, Post Malone, Travis Scott, Meg Thee Stallion, Polo G, Lil Durk, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi, Yachty, Rock Ross, and many more. There was also plenty of New York representation on the Rolling Loud Stage this weekend from Fivio, Lil Tjay, Sleepy Hallow, J.I, Griselda, 22Gz, Dave East, ASAP Rocky, and of course special guest Bobby Shmurda made an appearance. Naturally, the weekend wasn’t without its fair share of drama: one of the main stages collapsed the day before the festival started, Coi Leray and Playboi Carti’s performances are drawing headlines, Lil Uzi is having a some streaming troubles, Trippie Redd is reportedly missing a piece of jewelry, and DaBaby is causing some controversy in more than one way.
2) Kanye (Almost) Releases His New Album, ‘DONDA’
Kanye left many fans in awe when he gathered a massive, last-minute sold out crowd at Atlanta’s 71,000 seat Mercedes Benz Stadium - to preview his new, much anticipated 10th album, ‘DONDA’. The album, named after his mother who passed away in 2007, including its many features have been a well kept secret. Various secrets of the album were revealed at the “listening party” - including the very unexpected collaboration with Jay-Z titled ‘’Guess Who's Going to Jail Tonight?’’. The two have not worked together since 2016 when the two were both featured on Drake’s Pop Style - and have had public differences in opinion over the years. Fans were very happy to see the ‘Watch The Throne’ Duo reunited. Other Artists reportedly featured on Donda include Pop Smoke, Travis Scott, Pusha T, Baby Keem, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, amongst others.
As of the time of posting, the album still isn’t released. In true Kanye fashion, he is reportedly living inside Mercedes Benz Stadium until he is done adding the finishing touches.
3) Roc Nation Announces New Media Platform: EDITION
Roc Nation and Modern Luxury Media have announced a partnership to launch a new luxury brand and multimedia platform titled EDITION. According to the press release, EDITION will offer “the first fully multi-platform portal into a world of luxury that celebrates talent from diverse communities.” The new venture will be executing its vision through print, digital, social and experiential activations and “innovative moments of discovery” to elevate a diverse range of creators that are shaping popular culture.
4) Prayers Are With Keyshia Cole Who Lost Her Mother, Frankie Lons This Week
Prayers are going out to R&B singer Keyshia Cole who lost her mother Frankie Lons this week. Fans became familiar with the star’s mother following the success of The BET Reality Tv show Keyshia cole : The Way it is. Lons was 61 years old and died as a result of her battle with substance abuse.
Keyshia Cole on Instagram: “This is so hard man. Can’t really even find the words. SMH. I honestly don’t even know how to feel. You can never prepare for something…”
5) Nas Diss Track Aimed at Tupac resurfaces 25 years later
A track by Nas that was recorded 25 years ago has resurfaced on the internet. The track ‘Real N***s’ is a diss track about Tupac, mad during a time where two were at odds. Thankfully the two made amends right before the late rapper’s tragic death. Nas takes shots at Tupac midway through the verse, rapping “from tube-socks in Timbs to blue rocks and Benz / Who got the ends, the type of n*gga Tupac pretends / To all n*ggas who shine, guess who got revenge.” Take a listen here.
6) EST Gee Is Making Noise With His New Album, ‘Bigger Than Life or Death’
EST Gee out of Louisville, KY released his album Bigger Than Life or Death album on Wednesday (July 21). Gee called on many of his star colleagues to collaborate with him on this impressive debut project. Features include Lil Baby, 42 Dugg, Future, Young Thug, Lil Durk, Yo Gotti, Pooh Shiesty and more. EST Gee on Instagram: “I lost almost everything I hold close to my heart for this moment. I know nothing last forever wit the exception of a few things…”
7) Yung Bleu Releases his Debut Album, ‘Moon Boy’
Yung Bleu is quietly transforming into a superstar. This week he released his debut album, Moon Boy, to a huge reception. The impressive album includes features from John, Legend, H.E.R, Kehlani, Big Sean, Davido, Chris Brown, 2 Chainz, Moneybagg Yo, and a bunch more.
That's all for this week , until next time!