“Everything is still surreal to me,” says Jeremih. Although it’s been three years since the release of his eponymous debut, the Chicago crooner still grinds like he’s a new artist. In 2009, Jeremih inked a deal with Def Jam after he effortlessly created his first hit, “Birthday Sex.” One year later, he cemented his hitmaking abilities with his infectious single, “Down on Me,” the song that 50 Cent claims saved his career. He kept the momentum going, appearing on tracks for Lloyd Banks, Wale, Diggy Simmons, Meek Mill, and more.
While he records the follow-up to his 2010 sophomore album All About You, the 25-year-old holds fans over with his first mixtape Late Nights, featuring appearances from 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane, Fabolous, Twista, and E-40, plus production from Sak Pase, Soundz, Tricky Stewart, Mike Will Made It, and more.
On the eve of its release, Jeremih phoned up Rap-Up.com to chat about his latest project, his R&B peers, dream collaborations, and his legacy.
“We’re trying to make this album massive and epic,” says Niles “Cyrano” Hollowell-Dhar of the L.A.-based indie hip-hop duo, The Cataracs. “So we had to pick a name for it that’s an artifact of how we got started.” Gordo Taqueria—affectionately referring to the Mexican eatery that Niles and his creative other half, David “Campa” Benjamin Singer-Vine, gorged on in the studio—is the Bay Area natives’ newly-released EP.
The hitmaking duo, who’ve produced for Far East Movement (“Like a G6”), 50 Cent (“I’m on It”), and Snoop Dogg (“Wet”), generated a buzz among the mainstream earlier this summer with their single “All You” featuring Waka Flocka Flame—an unlikely pairing, but the track was oddly palatable. Dabbling in every synth, sound, and serenade, Niles and David have jumped out of the box and into an undefined genre that they hope to stay in.
In between working on new music for Robin Thicke, Rap-Up.com caught up with The Cataracs to talk about everything from their evolution to which Kardashian sister they would serenade to their appreciation for Frank Ocean and George Clooney.
Hip-hop heads rejoice. Nas is taking it back to his roots with his 10th album Life Is Good, due July 17. In the second part of Rap-Up.com’s exclusive interview, the hip-hop legend opened up about making “timeless” music and collaborating with No I.D. and Salaam Remi, who handled the bulk of production. Get some insight into the album’s direction (’90s meets 2015), the two featured guests he has in mind, and the inspiration behind the shocking cover art.
Despite all the controversy over Summer Jam, Nas went through with his surprise performance at MetLife Stadium, bringing Lauryn Hill with him. The New York veteran, who was originally supposed to appear during Nicki Minaj’s headlining set, spoke exclusively with Rap-Up.com about returning to the Summer Jam stage for the first time in nearly a decade, reuniting with L-Boogie, and his thoughts on Nicki’s cancellation.
Nas butted heats with Hot 97 during his performance at Summer Jam in 2001 when he was beefing with Jay-Z. But he remained neutral this time around, showing support for both camps. Hear what the Don had to say.
Ali, Quez, and Strap, the step brothers that make up Travis Porter, are fueled by A-list beats, groupie love, and a youthful spirit. Several mixtapes into the game, the early twenty-somethings find themselves past the preliminary stages and into the fun part of their career, which includes boasting about parties and focusing on the raw art of lyrical seduction—all based on reality, of course.
Hip-hop frat-like singles such as “Ayy Ladies” and the Jeremih-infused “Ride Like That,” along with features from 2 Chainz, Mike Posner, and Mac Miller, set the tone for their long-awaited debut From Day 1.
Fresh off the release of the album, Rap-Up.com spoke with the hip-hop trio about which late legend they would like to work with, why a Rihanna collaboration makes sense, and why they can’t do a song with Beyoncé.
Tank takes it from the bedroom to the club on his fifth album This Is How I Feel, due May 8. The follow-up to 2010’s Now or Never features production from Danja, Troy Taylor, and Kevin McCall, plus collaborations with Chris Brown (“Lonely”), Busta Rhymes (“Nowhere”), and T.I. (“Compliments”).
While out on the road promoting the record, the smooth operator phoned in to Rap-Up.com to discuss his latest work, how Busta Rhymes came through for him at the last minute, collaborating with Chris Brown, and which artists he’s listening to these days. Read on for our exclusive Q&A with the General.
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg will turn the desert into one giant West Coast party when they hit the stage for a co-headlining performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival this Sunday and again on April 22 in Indio, Calif. Joining them will be plenty of surprise guests (Eminem? Wiz Khalifa?) and JoiStaRR, who will provide background vocals.
The L.A.-based singer-songwriter, who previously toured with Kanye West, took a break from rehearsals to speak to Rap-Up.com about being a part of the historic hip-hop moment. Find out what you can expect from the highly-anticipated show, whether we’ll get to hear some long-awaited Detox material, and some of the surprises that await.
In addition to prepping solo albums, B.o.B and T.I. are joining forces for their highly-anticipated joint venture The Man and the Martian. Bobby Ray, whose sophomore album Strange Clouds drops May 1, spoke to Rap-Up.com about recording the “hybrid” project with the King of the South, experimenting with new sounds, and enlisting Hustle Gang members Iggy Azalea and Chip. Plus, is a Grand Hustle tour in the works? Find out in our exclusive Q&A.
