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.
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!
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.
TDE’s Isaiah Rashad took the stage for his highly anticipated Cilvia Demo 10 Year Anniversary Tour, delivering a verteran performance. The moment Rashad took the stage, the Fillmore crowd was going crazy, and the energy sustained throughout his set that highlighted his extensive catalog.
Rashad kicked off the night with tracks from his celebrated mixtape “Cilvia Demo.” Songs like “Heavenly Father” and “Soliloquy” resonated strongly, drawing the audience into Rashad’s world of introspection and cinematic imagery. He closed out the night with fan favorites like “Free Lunch,” and “Shot You Down.”
The performance showcased Rashad’s talent as a rapper and storyteller, leaving an indelible impression on all who attended. With his thought-provoking lyrics and captivating stage presence, Rashad proved once again why he’s considered one of hip-hop’s most compelling voices. Our friend Armando Geneyro captured the show, check out the photos below!
Get ready for a sonic journey as A Hundred Drums takes the stage in Denver, CO, at the Ogden Theater on January 13th. Renowned for her genre-defying blend of electronic beats, tribal rhythms, and ethereal melodies, A Hundred Drums promises an unforgettable night of immersive soundscapes. We’ve been rocking with her for years now, and the growth is undeniable. We’re looking forward to catching her headlining performance alongside openers Atyya, Zen Selekta and more, next week in Denver.
Known for her high-energy performances and connection with the audience, attendees can expect a night of pulsating basslines, intricate percussion, and mind-bending visuals. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to A Hundred Drums’ sonic universe, this concert promises to be a transcendent experience that pushes the boundaries of electronic music. Check out her latest EP Body & Soul below, and secure your tickets now to be part of what’s sure to be an unforgettable night!
Victoria Monét’s latest triumph, Jaguar II, dropped this summer but we could not let this solar year turn over without lauding the virtues of this gem. A solid listen top to tail, this album gives flavors of candle-lit Neo Soul, Dub Reggae, Alt R&B, and even a few moments of fusion. A particularly juicy moment in this album is Party Girls, featuring Buju Banton. The track has a few distinct movements, each more bumpin than the next. Viral sensation “On My Mama” has produced dance challenges and various cultural memes. As you find yourself in coming moments of winter stillness, curl up with this big cat.
The Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado, transformed into a hip-hop haven last Friday night, as legendary acts Wu-Tang Clan, Run The Jewels, and Deltron 3030 graced the stage.
If you’re a classic hip hop head and you weren’t at this show, you missed out on an amazing combination of East Coast and West Coast heavyweights! Denver’s Stay Tuned set things off with a hard hitting set, followed by Def I who took things up another notch. As the house started to fill out, Brooklyn’s legendary MC Masta Ace took the stage with veteran prowess. Performing tracks from various parts of his lengthy career, he reminded fans why he’s one of the most respected rappers in the game. He ran through all of his classics including “Sittin’ on Chrome,” “Beautiful,” and had fans participating in a tribute to his late, great mentor Biz Markie before closing out his strong set.
Dubstep as a genre has become an international phenomenon, filling massive venues and birthing the careers of countless DJ’s and producers worldwide, but like any genre, it has is humble origins. In the case of Dubstep those origins are in dark clubs and on late night radio waves in the incomparable city of London. When delving into the history of this music, a few names will continue to surface, one of those is Dan Lockhart, better known to the world as DJ Youngsta. The famed DJ got his start early, before his teenage years, finessing his way into club sets and performing on borrowed radio frequencies helping to create an underground culture that would go on to take the world by storm starting in the early 2000’s.
