TDE’s SiR is one of the hottest R&B artists out right now, and his recent album Heavy was the subject of critical acclaim, and fan adoration. He’s been on the road in support of the album for the last several months, but after news broke that his mother had passed away, we weren’t sure the Denver show scheduled just a few days later would happen. Shortly after, SiR himself tweeted “We gon finish this tour strong,” alleviating concerns while displaying his passion for his music and his dedication to his fans.
Killer Mike is one of the most important artists in hip hop. He’s educated, dangerous, and musically elite, authentically bridging the gap between idealism and practicality in his effective activism and powerful lyricism. The last few times we’ve seen him, he’s been serving as one half of Run The Jewels, which is always dope, but fresh off last year’s Michael (contender for AOTY) and subsequent grammy sweep, it’s only right that he’s on a solo US Tour with DJ Trackstar.
From the moment he hit the stage, Ski Mask the Slum God commanded attention of adoring fans with his infectious charisma and supreme confidence. The Florida rapper is notably present with his fans, giving off the feeling that he’s actually one of them.
It’s no secret that when it comes bars, few can even be mentioned in the same sentence as Conway The Machine, especially in 2024. Despite his international status and unanimous respect from elite emcees, Conway is still rapping like he’s got shit to prove, and he goes all the way in every time he touches the stage. His recent performance earlier this week at Cervantes was just another testament to his greatness. He rattled off all the classic griselda joints that catapulted him to fame over the last several years, and he also pulled out plenty of new material, most notably from his brand new album, Slant Face Killa.
On a hot summer evening in Denver, Schoolboy Q lit up the Mission Ballroom with his highly anticipated Blue Lips Tour, delivering an unforgettable performance that left fans buzzing with excitement. The packed out show was a testament to his undeniable talent and the continued TDE winning streak we’ve all been lucky to witness this year.
The word “iconic” gets thrown around a lot these days, but there’s really no other way to describe an evening with the great Carlos Santana at the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Santana delivered an immaculate performance as expected from one of the most celebrated guitarists of all time.
New York based songwriter Carlita Gay has arrived with her debut solo release, Focus. The ethereal record is soft, yet powerful, with gorgeous background harmonies laying the foundation for her dynamic topline melody and heartfelt lyrics. Assisted with precise jazz percussion and delicious low end sonics from Brooklyn producer Nico Tower, the song evolves from start to finish, building up to unexpected drops and energy shifts that nicely compliment the ambient vibes at its core. Subtle textures and concise instrumentation leave plenty of space for Carlita’s beautiful vocals in this unique fusion of r&b, electro, soul, and more. We’re excited to hear more from this blossoming artist, check out “Focus” below!
The Roots and Digable Planets delivered an unforgettable night at the Mission Ballroom in Denver last Saturday, July 20th. The concert was a full display of the innovative hip-hop and jazz-infused beats that both groups have become known for. The packed venue was a testament to their impressive longevity.
This year marked the 4th annual Block Party, a music festival hosted by Denver Hip Hop Station The Drop 303 (104.3). This year’s event featured legendary MC, Common, hailing from Chicago, as well as rising afrobeats star E.M.E. who is currently residing in Denver by way of Nigeria. With two distincly different sounds, the uniting factor was positive vibes and undeniable stage energy from both artists, which made for an unforgettable Saturday at Levitt Pavillion, one of Denver’s premier outdoor music venues.
The 2024 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia was an incredible celebration of music, culture, and community. Continuing the tradition, the event delivered a stellar lineup and unforgettable experiences for fans including musical performances and DJ sets, as well as live podcasting, art and food. Held in the heart of the city, the festival showcased an eclectic blend of artists across various genres ranging from Sexxy Red to Jill Scott, to Smino, and event the reinvented and highly elusive Andre 3000. As always there was a healthy platter featuring some of our favorite classic acts, as well as some of the best fresh talent in the game.
Mount Kimbie’s performance at Meow Wolf Denver on May 21st was an extraordinary fusion of sound and visuals, captivating the audience from start to finish. The renowned experimental electronic group brought their unique blend of atmospheric soundscapes and intricate beats to the immersive venue, creating an unforgettable experience. The show kicked off with a mesmerizing rendition of “Four Years in a Day” setting the tone with its ethereal melodies and pulsating rhythms, drawing the crowd into the duo’s hypnotic world.
Led by Ashley Sullivan, Sherree Lee, Joan Sullivan and Lindsey Evans, Chicago Creed is a quiet giant in the industry and has built an award winning legacy in tandem with Kingdom Records. The family led business is a unique industry connection that has bridged the generational gap within music, like many other family legacies. With major distribution through Universal Music Group and Virgin Music, Chicago Creed’s long-standing reputation for signing major talent, will be the future of the music industry.
Anyone who says hip hop is dead wasn’t at Cervantes in Denver last night. California OG’s The Pharcyde and Souls of Mischief made a clear statement about the status of classic rap, rocking a completely sold out house and reminding us why both groups have managed to stay relevent for over 30 years straight.
The secret’s out that Denver is the place to be for the high holiday, 420. With the massive stoner celebration comes one of the best (if not the best) weekends of the year for live music in the city. Our friends at Cervantes always host some of the dopest shows of the weekend, and this year is no exception. From hip hop, to reggae, and beyond, check out their amazing line up of stoner friendly talent, including rare intimate shows with legends The Game, and Wiz Khalifa, as well as weed royalty Collie Buddz, and Dizzy Wright. In case you can’t make it for the holiday weekend, fear not, there’s more classic hip hop in the chamber the following weekend, with The Pharcyde and Souls of Mischief on 4/28!
Be on the lookout for some big ticket giveaways on our facebook and instagram, but, there’s always a lot of extra heads in town for the party, so be sure to grab your tickets now, or forever hold your peace! Check out the full lineup below!
Dreamville Records artist Bas has been grinding it out for over a decade, and he’s leveled up once again with his recent drop, We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up. Without a doubt he’s hit his stride like never before, evidenced by the star studded feature list on the new album, as well as his departure on another nation wide headline tour.
Born in Tel Aviv and living in Austin, TX, The Widdler is widely recognized as an innovator and originator of dub sound. He’s back again with a brand new EP, Running Red, on London based label Sentry Records. The project features 5 hard hitting records that showcase the evolution of The Widdler and his style through. Featuring unique vibes, addictive rhythms, and the immaculate sound design we’ve come to expect from the ever rising talent that is The Widdler, we have a feeling this project will be making waves all summer. Chek out Running Red on all streaming platforms, and show some extra love by purchasing the EP on Bandcamp.
Lee Fields, the legendary soul singer, graced the stage Denver last night, along with support from Monophonics and Kendra Morris, for a truly special evening in the historic Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom.
Ashley Paul is an electrifying force in the world of dance-pop. As a successful singer-songwriter and performer, she is known for her powerful pop vocals, fearless performances and imaginative and boundless musical creativity. With a passion for contemporary pop/dance music, she has been captivating audiences worldwide, re-imagining the nostalgic sounds of the late 80s with heavy dance remixes and rhythmic new school pop.
24 year old R&B singer Destin Conrad has been making a name for himself for the last few years amassing a huge following through viral internet performances, gaining the respect of acclaimed artists including Khelani and more. He’s on his first major national tour, which included a stop at The Marquis Theater in Denver with support from frequent collaborator Amaria. Destin rocked the packed house with youthful excitement, and impressive veteran prowess and stage presence far beyond his status as a rising artist. We’re excited to see where Destin takes his budding career. Check out the photos below, captured by our friend Anthony Maes.
Brooklyn songwriter and vocalist Khiry makes an impressive debut with the single “Black Ken.” Khiry’s silky voice dances along a beautifully dreary soundscape, playfully yet sensually reminiscing on a past love left unresolved. This entirely unique and original record captures the melancholic hopefulness of an undefined relationship that so many of us have experienced. “Black Ken” transcends genre with an experimental blend of neo-soul, psychedellic rock, RnB, and electronic sounds, courtesy of producer Nico Tower. We’ll be looking out to see what else Khiry is working on! Spoiler alert, there’s a crazy drop near the end, wait for it.
