Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
Black Star will be releasing a physical version of their 2022 effort No Fear Of Time for the first time to partially benefit relief efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Haiti and Gaza.
Recorded guerrilla-style in hotels and dressing rooms over the course of four years, the LP was released exclusively via the podcast platform Luminary. The nine-song effort was produced entirely by Madlib and boasted just one guest appearance from Black Thought.
On November 22, fans can get their hands on vinyl, CD and cassette versions, along with a limited deluxe double-LP that includes both the main version and the instrumentals. Autographed copies, apparel and accessories will also be available, and they’re up for pre-order now here.
The Brooklyn duo is partnering with Save The Children for their global relief efforts, which you can learn more about here.
Just over a year after its release, No Fear of Time was quietly and abruptly removed from Luminary.
Further aggravating paying fans, the album became available to purchase on Bandcamp for $9 and last June, Kweli announced it would soon be available on vinyl.
As several fans flocked to the comments section of his Instagram post to express their displeasure at being made to paid twice to hear the same album, Kweli confronted the backlash head on.
“Why was it taken off Luminary???” one user asked, to which Kweli responded: “Because luminary don’t own it. We do.”
After a separate fan called his response “a non answer,” the MC hit back with venom.
“Imagine thinking I owe you an explanation for how I release my album that you didn’t make,” he wrote. “I don’t. Our deal with luminary was for three months. We left it up there for a year. That means you got to hear it for free for 7 months. You’re welcome. Now if you wanna buy it you can.”
He added: “If you want to complain instead, you’re proving this album was never for you. I don’t work for you and I actually don’t care whether you hear it or not. I don’t make music for you. I make music for my own mental health. How you feel about that doesn’t matter.”
The fan then pointed out that they had just renewed their $34.99-per-year Luminary subscription under the assumption that they would continue to get exclusive access to No Fear of Time, as well as Kweli’s Liberation 2 LP with Madlib.
“You paid to hear black star for 3 months because that’s what our deal was. You gonna tell me about MY deal? Don’t do that. That’s stupid of you,” Kweli responded. “In addition to being able to hear black star new album for 3 months you got an additional 7 months for free and the midnight miracle and many other great podcasts with what you paid. You’re welcome. Stop crying you look pathetic right now.”
The argument continued with Kweli calling the fan a “facist” and telling him to “fuck off” while denying his suggestion that he was “drunk.”
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For artists, industry professionals and music fans alike, the second Thursday of April means one thing: arriving in Indio, California. Once again this year, Billboard is setting the tone for the big weekend by hosting The Arrival, a private, invite only event created to welcome select artists and key figures from the music world just ahead of the festival.
Held at an upscale private estate in Indio, the gathering will spotlight performances from a curated group of electronic acts. The lineup includes fan favorites Louis The Child, UK hitmaker Jonas Blue and rising dance music talent Arlo, all scheduled to take the stage.
Louis The Child plan to mix some of their most recognized tracks such as “It’s Strange” and “Better Not” with brand new material during their performance. The Chicago pair are also preparing to release their sophomore studio album later this year. At the same time, internationally known producer Jonas Blue will deliver a set filled with his signature dance sound, including his 2025 hit “Edge of Desire.” Additional performers who have not yet been revealed are also expected to appear during the night.
Throughout the evening, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of drinks along with a specially curated food menu from Jimmy John’s Dream Rotation lineup. The popular supper club Mary Lou’s, known for its presence in Palm Beach, Miami, Montauk and Aspen among other destinations, will also provide exclusive VIP dining experiences.
The Arrival is intended to serve as a space where leaders from media, music and entertainment can meet and build relationships ahead of three of the most talked about days in the desert. Past editions of the event have attracted notable names such as Charli xcx, Sydney Sweeney, Saweetie, Halsey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Paris Jackson, G Eazy, Victoria Justice and other well known personalities.
Additional partners helping bring The Arrival to life include Skechers U.S.A., Inc, FanUp, Buldak Ramen, Bandero Tequila, Adobe, Blind Lemon Hard Lemonade, The Beast, Haku Vodka, 196 Vodka Seltzer, Voss Water and Monster Energy. Guests will also have access to a beauty lounge presented in collaboration with ESW Beauty, PanicPanties, Fazit and Clutch Glue.
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