Ain’t no party like a Denver 420 party. Legal weed is mainstream now and with that comes 420 celebrations around the country and even the globe, but Denver’s Civic Center Park has a deep tradition of massive smoke sessions on the highest of holidays, and the once protest/rally has evolved into a proper sanctioned music festival and smoke fest where everyone can consume our favorite plant in peace. This year’s celebration featured the likes of Rick Ross, Waka Flocka, The Alchemist, Tommy Chong, and more! Complete with top tier music acts, massive joints, smoke guns, and plenty of doobies, woods, bongs, and any other method of puffing you can imagine, this year’s Mile High 420 Festival was another one for the books. We teamed up with Armando Geneyro, Anthony Maes, and 3rd Division of Denver’s photojournalist collective TheyShootn to capture the fun. Check out the recap!
With 4/20 just about a week away, the excitement that surrounds the Front Range’s growing number of cannabis-related festivals, shows and events is becoming more and more palpable. But one show in particular has cannabis enthusiasts rolling their joints extra fat. On Saturday, April 22, Red Rocks will play host to some of weed culture’s most vocal members. Wiz Khalifa, Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson and Berner will be joined by Marlon Craft, Chevy Woods and Little Stranger for a show that will surely have an aroma wafting from Morrison to Aurora.
Spark Master Tape is the only name you’ll know him by — the otherwise anonymous rapper, who is speculatively based in California, is most identifiable for his sound. His pitched-down voice, masked face and gloved hands, and consistent protection of his true likeness leaves little else to identify him by. All of these things, in conjunction with his intoxicating and addictive music, contribute to an authentic, growing mystique surrounding Spark and his collective of musicians and artists, the Paper Platoon. SMT went dark on social media in recent years, only briefly resurfacing here and there, further adding to the intrigue for fans awaiting his next album.
Last time we saw songwriting artist ¿Téo? he was doing stadiums with megastar Justin Bieber. He’s back again with a slew of new releases and his own international headlining run, the Sol & Luna tour. ¿Téo? brought his unique blend of rock, r&b, hip hop, and reggaeton to Denver’s Larimer Lounge, where the sold out crowd went crazy for the rising star.
Don’t bring your girl to the DVSN show. She might runaway forever if this guy Daniel Daley invites her on stage, and if that doesn’t happen she might get mad at you for being in the presence of every other baddie in the city. Lawd. All jokes aside, the Toronto artist can SING, for real. We caught DVSN’s performance (sans producer Nineteen85) last night at Summit Music Hall in the heart of Denver, and we were quickly reminded that his powerful voice and dynamic range are even more impressive in the live arena.
If you’ve ever seen J Boog in person you know the man literally radiates good vibes. Born in southern Cali, raised in Hawaii, Boog carries a warmth with him that translates into his music, and especially his live performances. The critically acclaimed artist is on an extensive tour right now, heading into festival season, and we were lucky enough to catch his sold out show at the incomparable Cervantes ballroom.
Prolific artist Fo Chief has been in the game for years, consistently dropping a myriad of solo projects and group ventures alike. His output has been consistent, but sonically he’s experimented with everything from boom bap, to trap, to records that sound like Rock and Roll, or even Soul. His latest offering, Dark Matter, is a mature blend of his dynamic singing, rapping, and writing talents, cohesively gelled by his unique production ear. With beats from the New York producer 8bars, as well as Anno Domini, Massprod and others, the project has a somber sonic landscape that matches the album’s title and gives way to vulnerable and honest concepts from Fo Chief.
On the heels of his acclaimed, self-named- mixtape, Seattle born artist Highway is back with a brand new song and video “Jet.” The young rapper is settling into his new lifestyle as freshly signed artist, and from from the looks of it, he’s enjoying it. While the video is definitely decadent, the melodic song has much more of a reserved and reflective vibe than it does a braggadocious one. So far, Highway is displaying a high taste level and a dope aesthetic, we’ll be looiking out for more of his new releases soon!
Already drawing comparisons to Juice WRLD and other greats, rising artist Yung City has garnered over 31 million plays on his recent track, This One is For You, a heartfelt tribute to his departed father. The 20 year old artist is hitting the charts for the first time and trailblazing for the next generation of conscious hip-hop by combining melodic rap with real messages and content. He’s now back again with another single, and this time he’s teamed up with acclaimed artist and songwriter Global Dan for their new collab, Hopeless, which is out now on all major streaming platforms.
Vaping has emerged as a popular alternative to smoking in recent years, as several studies indicate that it is easier on the lungs. The smoke is relatively cool and does not irritate the lungs, so one can indulge in guilt-free puffs. Not surprisingly, more and more smokers are switching to this gentler form of inhalation. As a beginner, you can start by choosing a simple vape device with minimal features. But you will probably want to move to a better tool at some point. In fact, you must do it sooner than later if you encounter one or more of these signs.
My simple question for any artist is this: do you have something you’ve GOT to say? It doesn’t matter what, as long as there’s a story they NEED to tell. When they do, it usually resonates with people. This is the case with Yonnas Abraham of Obliterati Records. He finally feels like he has his story. It hasn’t always been an easy road for the celebrated artist. At times the path to his only outlet, music, blocked by the same demons that once drew him to create. His latest album Féven, is an exploration of this journey through love and addiction, and most importantly recovery and peace. We caught up with Yonnas at his home studio and had an honest conversation about his upcoming performance, his team, addiction, Blackness, and so much more. Photo and video captured by Midnight Suns. Check out the interview below!
People throw around the term “meteoric rise” around a lot these days, but there’s really no other way to describe the ascent of Memphis rapper GloRilla. Within the last few months she garnered her first grammy nomination, and her first Billboard Hot 100 ranking. Not to mention, her record “Tomorrow 2” ft. Cardi B was sitting at #1 at urban radio for over six weeks. When she announced her Anyway Life’s Great Tour a few months back, almost every date sold out within days. Even after upgrading her Denver show from Cervantes Other Side to the much larger ballroom, the show once again sold out immediately. We were lucky enough to catch the packed out Valentines Day show, which included appearances from fell Memphis artists Slime and GlossUp.
JID has been getting bigger and better every year since we first heard him on Earthgang’s ‘Meditate’ in 2017. After last night, one thing is certain. He’s no longer J Cole’s little homie. JID is a bona fide star in his own right. Last time we saw him was in the modest 500 cap Fox Theater in Boulder, but last night, JID rocked a packed out Mission Ballroom in Denver with veteran stage presence and an epic set that eventually turned the whole floor into a whole mosh pit. He played a selection of tracks from ‘DiCaprio 2’, as well as ‘Revenge of The Dreamers,’ and of course quite a few from his latest album, “The Forever Story.” The final offering, “Stick,” had the place in a complete frenzy that was a rare spectacle for a hip hop show.
Up and coming artist KNDRX has been at it for a minute. The man has serious work ethic, with several full length projects and a few tours already under his belt. In late 2021 KNDRX dropped his label debut project GUMBO and made serious waves, ultimately earning him the #8 spot on the iTunes hip hop charts among some of the biggest rappers in the world. He’s managed to keep the momentum going too. We’ve seen him popping up in sessions with legends, dropping new music consistently, rocking huge stages, and producing records and videos for local and national artists alike. We caught up with KNDRX at his Denver studio (where he was cooking up house beats and smoking fat joints) to preview some new music and videos, and talk about his career. Check out the interview below! Photos by Anthony Maes.
Yonnas is an artist’s artist. Over the last decade we’ve seen many iterations of his talent, covering a wide spectrum of styles in various mediums. He’s once again reinvented himself with his latest project, a future dream pop journey that is entirely unique and showcases the dynamic artist’s continued evolution. The title of the track is self explanatory, Yonnas explores the true story of his life in love and addiction. The somber visuals directed by Blake Jackson delve into the surreal and powerfully capture the detachment and numbness experienced by Yonnas and so many others battling demons.
Paris-based producer NxxxxxS (pronounced “N-Five X-S”) has enlisted London rapper Jeshi for his new single “Grub,” out now via Mad Decent. The track features a melancholic drill beat with soulful pianos and hard-hitting lyrics depicting the current struggles of London’s youth. Arriving alongside the single is an 80’s arcade inspired visualizer by Julien Marmar (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Supreme) that brings to life the nostalgic feel of the track. “Grub” solidifies NxxxxxS’ shapeshifting ability and pushes his boundless music into new territory.
Following the release of his latest album I Got Issues, YG has officially hit the road for The Red Cup Tour 2023, along with special guests OhGeesy, Kalan.frfr, Day Sulan, and D3szn. The tour kicked off Friday night in Denver at the legendary Fillmore Auditorium. With a healthy roster of openers the energy was immediately present in the packed building. LA’s OhGeesy (of shoreline mafia) took things to the next level turning the crowd up with some of his new music from is 2021 album GEEZYWORLD, but even after a killer set, it was clear the people were ready for YG.
Switzerland’s producer/artist Necosso presents his latest work, Set Me Free, an energetic record ready for any nightclub! With addictive rhythms and impressive sonics, we’re excited to hear more from this rising producer!
Midwest Rapper Ideal kicked in the door of the hip hop industry and has been making a major impression from touring with Griselda’s own Conway and dropping new music with Benny The Butcher, Mick Jenkins and October London. His one of a kind flow and delivery has transcended through his music garnering major press features on The Source.com, RespectMyRegion, Allhiphop.com, Hiphopcanada & more. His latest single “The Crown,” highlights Ideal’s commercial appeal to a broader audience and solidifies his lane in hip hop. Produced by his partner in crime Pooney, the single showcases the melodic hook infused with an effortless flow of bars from Benny the Butcher and Ideal himself. The Crown is a preview of what’s featured on Ideal’s highly anticipated LP release “Scatterbrained,” dropping early 2023.
