Listen to ‘No Shopping’ below! Catch that lyric back to Joe Budden…
Remember when French Montana and Drake were seen together recording a new song? Well that song, ‘No Shopping,’ drops tomorrow.
Produced by 40 and Murda Beatz, the single will appear on French’s upcoming album MC4, which is expected to drop on August 19.
The video has already been shot for the song, but it’s not confirmed if that will be dropping with the audio. Regardless, I’m looking forward to this collab.
Hey yinz! Made it back from our annual 4th of July trip alive and well. Not extremely well but alive enough to make it to work on time and get through the day. I’ll be crafting a post for Miss Mandy but am wanting to wait for the official video to be made first :).
What helped me get through the day though?
Coffee, a lot of work, a chocolate chip cookie, my new Travi$ Scott dad hat that arrived in the mail, and most importantly music. Not just any music but new music from my fellow Pittsburgh native, KH.
Produced by Justin Cicco and Sledgren, KH’s newest song ‘Potion’ gives off the right amount of vibes for this day of recovery. The chill yet sexy sound is the perfect mix. Listen below!
I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be starting a new series on on californyinz where I’ll be highlighting new artists or artists that I think you should be listening to on WATCH OUT WEDNESDAY (WOW). *watch out lil bih* I’m super pumped about this because I always feel like I’m listening to new artists or being recommended artists, and I need to spread the word about these epic and talented people. While I may highlight new songs, I want to stick to the people who create those songs.
Now I can’t promise it will be every Wednesday, but I will definitely be starting next week on July 13 with the artist featured in this post, KH. What better artist to start off with than someone who is also from Pittsburgh? Not to mention, we did a dope interview, and he’s so down to earth, and I can’t wait for you to e-meet him.
So listen to the track *DRUMMA BOY VOICE* and let me know what you think!
So many of you may know about our annual 4th of July trip to Catalina. For those of you who don’t, I highly suggest you watch the video below. I mean, even if you are aware of the trip, you should still watch it.
We are boarding the beautiful Miss Mandy once again this weekend – leaving early Saturday morning and returning on Monday. Fourteen, yes 14, of us will be on board, and I just really cannot wait. The weekend will consist of lots of Coors Light, Coronas, epic music, comedy courtesy of The Donald, and most importantly good company.
Photo cred: Neek
Major shout out and thank you to the Trojan family for organizing this every year and allowing a bunch of rowdy folks to get on your boat.
Alright, no more typing. Watch below!
Oh, and it’s #SocialMediaDay. Every day is honestly social media day but today is the day it’s being celebrated on social media – how ironic.
LOL ^ Get it? It’s a Lil Wayne mixtape. But really, apologies for the delay in this post as the concert was on Saturday, June 25.
That concert seriously had the most energy. From Lil Wayne to 2 Chainz to the crowd, and even the ushers – everyone was hype. I can’t forget to mention who opened for the two headliners though. Those artists being: Ty Dolla $ign, Tory Lanez, A$AP Ferg, and Fetty Wap. It was a true rap concert, and I loved every second of it. My and Syd’s seats were also really really good, so that helped. Thanks other Sid for the tickets!
MY OVERALL THOUGHTS:
Ty Dolla $ign should not have opened. That man has too many bangers to be the opener. And not to mention he performed for a VERY brief time. Maybe he had to go somewhere after?
At one point during A$AP Ferg’s set, he yelled for the crowd to get closer to the stage. You would think just people with floor seats would move towards the front. Nope. People in the 100 level section at Staples Center (first section up from the floor) HOPPED over the railings and rushed towards the front. It was pretty epic and hilarious TBH.
Fetty Wap redeemed himself performance-wise, and everyone loved him. He really does have solid tracks outside of ‘Trap Queen.’
The main attractions: Seriously, Wayne and 2 Chainz had that place lit. Weezy performed a handful of songs from Tha Carter III, which happens to be one of it not his best piece of work. And 2 Chainz just has this stage presence, well Lil Wayne too, that gets everyone SO hype and about that hip-hop life!
So great. Watch my Snap story below to see what I’m talking about. I highly recommend you attend a Lil Tunechi and/or Tity Boi concert if you ever have the chance.
The concert ended with 1% battery left on my phone. Don’t think the night stopped there. Sydney and I ventured across the street to this Mexican rooftop lounge and shut the place down at 12:30am – still early. We then headed next door to this restaurant – started another dance party there and ultimately made it home and in bed by 3am. Aggressive but worth every second.
Okay, I am so thankful for this version of Drake’s hit ‘One Dance’! To be honest, I was getting a little sick of the original, mostly because it was overplayed on the radio.
But this!!! I am so digging this island vibe and dancehall flow.
Listen below! And stay tuned for the official music video because over the past few days, the 6 God was spotted in South Africa filming for it.
The above Usher lyric was my exact reaction to his performance. Everyone else did great, but like Usher. He played ALL the old school jams. Banger after banger, he did not disappoint.
Okay, let me start from the beginning of the night. Syd and I arrived DTLA (downtown Los Angeles) just before 7pm, and that was obviously ample time to stop at a bar to get a pre-concert beverage. Refreshing AF. We entered Staples Center, took our seats (in the nosebleeds, ugh) and patiently waited for this ish to start. Wait, I actually forgot that before getting to our seats, we popped in on the 100 level section to catch the end of MadeinTYO perform his banger ‘Uber Everywhere.’ They even played it back with the Travi$ Scott remix. Travvy didn’t show up though – bummer.
KEHLANI | Okay, now we’re back in the 300 level seats. Kehlani killed it. I’ve never seen her live before, so I was eager for her performance. Her vocals are on point. I sort of wish she had a stronger stage presence. Again, this was only me seeing her for the first time – I’ve seen video snippets of her other shows, and they were more lit than last night. Just my initial thoughts! But overall, she is so very talented. #girlpower
BRYSON TILLER | Now onto the baby making music maker himself, Bryson Tiller. That was my second time seeing him live (first time back in January), and he did an amazing job. I know I mentioned this in my write-up about his concert back in January, but I wish the stage lighting wasn’t so dark. It clearly has to be the vibe and look he’s going for, but it’s difficult to see him. I want to see that face! And it’s harder to capture pictures/videos. Regardless, he had the crowd (both the ladies and dudes) moving and singing. Success.
USHER | Okay. Now onto the main attraction. Seriously. U-S-H-E-R-R-A-Y-M-O-N-D. I saw him perform at his UR Experience tour, and while that was good, I thought last night’s performance was better in terms of song choices. I feel like he danced way more during UR Experience, but last night, he pulled out ALL the old songs. How can one artist have SO many hits? I’m so serious. Even the slow songs, people were jamming. Although, two people near us fell asleep – SMH. They aren’t about that concert life. Back to Usher.
From songs off of his Confessions album (listening to that now) to Looking 4 Myself to 8701 and more, he slayed it. Usher was really the first R&B artist that I started listening to, and I credit him for my love of R&B today. And while I’ve danced my whole life, again shout out to Usher who every time I see him perform or watch a music video of his, it makes me love and appreciate the art of dance even more. I mean, my very first hip-hop dance was to Usher’s ‘Yeah’ in the 8th grade. And last night he closed with that song, and I obvi remembered the dance moves to the chorus, so I got to perform that while Usher was singing it live. GOALS AF. Bucket list item – check.
Wait, and how could I forget to mention all of the special guests Usher brought out?! In order of appearance: Snoop Dogg, Wale, Young Thug, and Ice Cube. EP-IC. I actually teared up a bit when Ice Cube came out because it made me think of the movie Straight Outta Compton and NWA and the hip-hop culture in general, and I just love it so much.
Okay, instead of me continuing to ramble, peep my Snap story last night. Apologies that it’s so far away. For tonight’s Lil Wayne x 2 Chainz concert, I’ll be significantly lower and am actually thinking about doing a Facebook Live stream for parts of it. Keep an eye out! And if I don’t do that (depending on cell service and battery), def follow me on El Snap (@ergense) to see Tity Boi and Tunechi.
Today’s post is a little different as its part of Eventbrite’s summer series: getting people to squash FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and to get in the habit of GOMO (Going Out More Often). For those of you who don’t know me, I suffer from FOMO quite often. I mean, have you seen how many concerts I’ve been to? Once I see a lineup or tour announced, I start to stress out about who the surprise performers are going to be and that if I think it’s going to be someone epic, how I have to be there. The FOMO is real!
How does one treat FOMO? The cure is simple – get into the habit of GOMO! That’s what I’ve been doing, and it’s working really well for me. The FOMO has decreased.
What do I have lined up, you ask? Well for starters, I’m attending two concerts this weekend – one being tonight!
I am SO dang excited to go to those concerts you have no idea. And depending on what other concerts pop up this summer, I’ll do my best to attend those as well because you know I can’t be missing out – and neither should you!
Now having attended more concerts than I can count, I’ve learned a thing or two about concert-going etiquette, and I’d love to share these tips with yinz. See below :).
DO’S –
Regarding attire, stick to sneaks, jean shorts or leggings, a flannel wrapped around your waist (it’s trendy & in case you get cold), and a cute shirt. If wearing something high-waisted, pair that with a crop top, and you’re good to go.
What to bring in your purse? Definitely some gloss, perfume, a portable phone charger/case (major), and some cash. Simple tings. I don’t think I have to cover what the dudes need to bring – they always have it easy in this regard!
When you arrive at the concert, get your beverage immediately. That way you can get settled in your seat and not be ‘that person’ when the opening act is about to start and you need a drank… very rude. Enjoy the first act, take a bathroom break, buy another bev, and you’re good to go!
For those concerts that aren’t at a major venue like Staples Center but provide a more intimate vibe… get to the front, and hold your ground! Don’t let those fakes say ‘my friend is up here – I need get to the front.’ Bish, I’ve been up here and no one has been looking for you. Then kindly smile and continue dancing.
While you should be paying full attention to the live act, I think it’s also important and beneficial to be active on social during a concert. 1) It shows your support for the artist and perhaps radio station putting on the event. 2) You’ll more than likely get new followers and meet cool people who share your same interests. 3) Your posts could go viral. How dope though. Be active on that for real.
DON’TS –
Don’t wear heels, ladies. I used to do that. Like would actually go out and buy a new outfit. Well that was just dumb because it’s not like Drake is going to see me from the nosebleeds.
Don’t get so drunk beforehand that you don’t remember what songs were performed, who came out as a surprise guest, where you parked your car (although you definitely shouldn’t be driving if you plan on drinking), or your whole night in general.
Don’t be that obnoxious person in the crowd/in your seat causing a scene. Yes, I’ve had my moments when Drake makes a surprise appearance, but don’t be out of control. That’s annoying.
Don’t leave early! A big mistake I’ve noticed is people leave during what they think is the artist’s last song so they can beat traffic. Listen, you paid a decent amount of money for your ticket, stay the whole show! And not even that, why would you want to miss seeing a favorite artist of yours perform all the way through? Isn’t that why you went in the first place? And more times than not, the artist will “finish,” but then will come back out for an encore. Worth the wait!
Don’t be late! With traffic, parking, waiting in line to get a pre-concert beer, making your way to your seat and who knows what else, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue. I actually like getting there before the opening acts start because there’s typically a dope DJ, so you can just vibe out for a bit with your squad before the main event.
I hope the above tips help you and my upcoming list of concerts motivates you to get out more, especially this summer! Life’s too short to sit around and Netflix and chill your days away.
Now you can take it one step further and actually be the one to start the GOMO effect. Create an event in your city with the help of Eventbrite’s ticket selling platform. So whether you go to an event or bring the event to you, I hope yinz take a dose of going out more so you don’t catch a case of FOMO.
It’s here, and it’s flames. Well from at least what I’ve heard so far, I’m into it. Especially that Drake x 2 Chainz track, ‘100it Racks.’ Last night Future and DJ Esco (aka the coolest DJ in the world), posted the artwork shown below on Instagram, and it got everyone hype AF. Well, it’s here, and you should listen to it.
TRACKLIST
01. DJ Esco – Project E.T. Intro [Prod. By DJ Esco & DJ Mustard]
02. DJ Esco – Check On Me (Feat. Future) [Prod. By DJ Esco & DY]
03. DJ Esco – Right Now (Feat. Future) [Prod. By DJ Esco & Cassius Jay]
04. DJ Esco – 100it Racks (Feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Future) [Prod. By DJ Esco & Southside]
05. DJ Esco – Juice (Feat. Future)
06. DJ Esco – My Blower (Feat. Future & Juicy J) [Prod. By DJ Esco & Tarentino]
07. DJ Esco – Too Much Sauce (Feat. Future & Lil Uzi Vert) [Prod. By DJ Esco & Zaytoven]
08. DJ Esco – Who (Feat. Future & Young Thug) [Prod. By DJ Esco & Metro Boomin]
09. DJ Esco – Party Pack (Feat. Future & Rae Sremmurd) [Prod. By DJ Esco & Southside]
10. DJ Esco – Married To The Game (Feat. Future) [Prod. By Southside]
11. DJ Esco – Stupidly Crazy (Feat. Casey Veggies & Nef The Pharaoh) [Prod. By DJ Esco & DJ Mustard]
12. DJ Esco – Thot Hoe (Feat. Future) [Prod. By Southside]
13. DJ Esco – Super Dumb (Feat. Rambo So Weird) [Prod. By DJ Esco & DY]
14. DJ Esco – Champagne Shower (Feat. Future & Rich Homie Quan) [Prod. By DJ Esco & Moon]
15. DJ Esco – Deal Wit It (Feat. Stuey Rock) [Prod. By DJ Esco, Cameron Cartee & J Platt]
16. DJ Esco – Benjamins Burn (Feat. Future) [Prod. By Metro Boomin]
Currently available on LiveMixtapes.com, I quickly downloaded the app this morning to stream the fire. Don’t want to download the app? All good. I got yinz. Stream it on their site here.
So, last night was pretty epic for a Tuesday night. I attended an event hosted by Vevo (major props and many thanks for the invite!) that highlighted their breakout artist of the year. This year’s being Jidenna. Now, I must admit that I don’t listen to Jidenna on the reg and really am only familiar with his ‘Classic Man’ song. However, after seeing him live and hearing the new music he has lined up… holy. smokes.
The man is a natural entertainer. From his facial expressions to his dance moves to his way of working the crowd, Jidenna has gained a new fan from me. It also helped that he was performing literally right in front of me. So cool.
At the NeueHouse venue in Hollywood, Syd and I checked in and were greeted with complimentary champagne. There was an open bar with cocktails named after Jidenna songs and trends – very tasty BTW. And as if the drinks weren’t enough of a treat, cue the mac and cheese bar and french fry cups. I mean. My dream. But yes, thank you again to Vevo for being the host with the most!
Now back to the real star. Check out my Snapchat story (ergense) from last night to get a better feel of what went down with Vevo’s breakout artist of the year!
Okay, I need to get way better about posting music videos on this thang. Well, and better about posting in general. Any ways.
I just world premiered this music video from my bed, and I love it. It’s nothing too complex – but just so cool. And if you check out my Snapchat (ergense), you will hear what I think of this video. Again, it all goes back to being cool and to me Rihanna is the Queen of Cool, 100%.
So watch the video below, and let me know what you think! Oh, and pay attention to the cube RiRi is dancing in. Let’s just say it looks a lot like that ‘Hotline Bling’ box Drake was busting a move in. Hmmm…
Regardless, I’m team Rihanna and team Calvin. Enjoy!
Oh, and HOW COULD I FORGET. It’s still June 16 on the West Coast, so since that’s the case I’d like to wish a happy birthday to the late Tupac. How can you resist such a face?
And Kendrick Lamar’s birthday is tomorrow. Two of the GREATS born a day apart? Incredible.
Photo cred: Neek 
Californyinz 