#Repost BET.com: #Mood: 13 Thoughts While Listening to Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.'

BET's Music Staff Collaboration originally published here. My contributions below.

1. 'KUNG FU KENNY IS A PERFECT NICKNAME. LET'S KEEP IT.' – KC

   Growing up, I felt like everyone had a cool nickname but me. It's a blessing I was born with zero musical talent because all too often a rap moniker is not self-selected, it is given to you from someone else, someone older and wiser, and I probably would have been stuck with something I hated. With the transition of Cornrow Kenny ("He was born with a vision") into Kung Fu Kenny ("Ain't nobody prayin' for me"), a name assumed to have been selected by the likes of Kid Capri, Kendrick Lamar takes on these alternate egos with grace, allowing each one to enable him to freely explore a different facet of his creativity. With Kung Fu influencing hip-hop from the formative days of Wu-Tang and beyond, Lamar expresses his lifelong commitment to perfecting his craft ("I'm willin' to die for this s**t / I done cried for this s**t”) further proving why this is a nickname that not only will happily stick, but is one that makes a lot of sense at this point in his journey. Nothing was given to him and therefore everything is at stake. This is serious, serious business. Lifeblood business. Willing to die for it business. How can you greet that with anything else but the utmost respect?

2. 'YOU SMART, YOU LOYAL.' – KC

   When Drake raps about loyalty, he's whining he doesn't have any and interpreting that unfortunately missing quality as "fake love." Rather than shine a light on those who have betrayed them, when Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna talk about loyalty, they bring an entire new meaning to the word. For their collaborative track “LOYALTY.,” Rihanna and Kendrick (can you name a more iconic duo?) address that with loyalty, the second it has to be questioned, it's lost forever. Such a loss isn't mourned, however. Instead it’s a revelation that is looked at simply as a blessing. Now that's real AF. 

3. 'INTROSPECTION IS EVERYTHING.' – KC

   As someone who believes religion is a sacred thing that should be allowed to be kept private (a sentiment my outwardly Christian family does not share), Kendrick's introspection on "PRIDE." is a personal call-to-action to challenge my own instinctual perspectives and really let his words resonate. As he dives deep over a fittingly whimsical beat, he allows his conflicted critical thinking to freely question various idiosyncrasies surrounding religion and wonder aloud what is expected of him as a religious man. As he plays with the idea of how he'd be different in a perfect world or in another life, he explores pride, one of the original seven deadly sins, in an extremely captivating way. While bringing it back to the present moment with the line, "I can't fake humble just 'cause your ass is insecure," it becomes clear that, regardless of who you are (or where you're at with your own faith), this is a song to get lost in, especially if, like Kendrick, you care even when you don't necessarily know or understand why. Without the integral art of introspection, we'd be even more lost than we all too frequently appear. This track welcomes a vulnerability that in turn requires multiple listens and, naturally, introspective reflection. Even though we often look to Kendrick to have all the answers, especially regarding the bigger picture, this track reminds us that he, too, is human after all.

4. 'OUT OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE ENTIRE WORLD TO COLLABORATE WITH, HE PICKS U2?!' – KC

   Has Kendrick Lamar been a closet U2 fan this whole time?! What? Huh?! As one of the most curious collaborations in the rapper’s entire storied discography, it's hard not to raise an eyebrow at the news of this extremely unlikely pairing. However, the direction "XXX." takes us in is nothing like either party has created before and somehow as much as it doesn't make sense, it works, especially considering the song’s political heat. U2 is on a rap record in the year 2017 and everything is wonderfully weird. F**k it. The song is a roller coaster of emotions and instrumentation alike, as they all switch it up just when you start to warm up to the idea that this collaboration is actually happening and is amazing at that. Whoever said they saw this one coming is straight up lying. 

5. 'LET THIS SOAK IN: KENDRICK LAMAR IS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.' – KC

   The idea of progress is a weird one. How does one measure if they are getting better? Or more creative? One could argue that progress is directly related to how many risks you take over time. With DAMN., Kendrick takes all the risks, in turn raising his own bar to an unprecedented level, all while reminding himself that there are no ceilings in the first place. At this point in his career, he technically has nothing left to prove. His legacy is solidified. We love him. The culture needs him. The internet literally cannot even. For argument's sake, such an overwhelming amount of support could kill off all creativity. How do you motivate yourself to get better if you're consistently being hailed as the best? Do you quit while you're ahead? Do you wonder if it’s time to pass the torch? Luckily for us, Kendrick Lamar is as unpredictable as he is talented and, for now, he’s got plenty of fight left in him. While we don't know what the future may have in store for him, it's hard not to feel some type of way about the fact that Kendrick. Lamar. Is. Still. Getting. Better.

#Repost Spotify x Billboard.com: Kendrick Lamar, Chris Stapleton, PWR BTTM & More Are Spotify Editors' Picks for April 14

Originally published here via Billboard.com. 

Every week, Spotify updates their "New Music Friday" playlist, featuring 50 of the freshest new tracks hitting the service that week.

On the heels of Billboard's partnership with the streaming giant, we'll be tapping Spotify's editors to sift through the soon-to-be-hits and highlight the best of the bunch.

Check out the picks and listen to the entire "New Music Friday" playlist for April 14 below.

Kendrick Lamar - DAMN.

Now that Kendrick Lamar's highly anticipated fourth studio album, DAMN., has officially arrived, the ongoing joke that the Compton rapper now owns the Internet is becoming increasingly true. With his loyal fan base already championing the record as his greatest to date, many are throwing out countless fire emojis, re-posting the menacing portrait-turned-cover-art on social media and hailing King Kendrick as one of the best rappers of all time in the caption. Although the evidence may be overwhelming that the 29-year-old does have his eyes on further solidifying his legacy as the GOAT, Lamar has also proven staying humble is at the core of his being while he pursues his destiny. Earning every single accolade and whisper of praise with each polished release through relentless hard work and undeniable talent; Lamar now has fans shouting compliments from the rooftops, with DAMN. raising the bar for contemporary hip-hop to an arguably unprecedented level.

The 14-track collection includes three lone features, from the likes of Rihanna, TDE-affiliate Zacari and U2, allowing Lamar to take center stage and shine a light on his insane talents as a socially conscious emcee. As he delivers bar after bar, he lives up to the word-of-mouth hype he has spent years fostering, with each single its own full course meal of material to digest and make sense of. With tracks such as his Rihanna-assisted "LOYALTY.," "DNA.," "LOVE." featuring Zacari and the U2-blessed "XXX." all gracing our New Music Friday playlist this week, it's definitely time for K. Dot to reclaim his rightful place atop the throne and sit back to watch how fans take in his latest addition to his critically acclaimed discography. As a disclaimer, when listening to the project front to back, reactionary words such as "damn," (after all, Kung Fu Kenny was strategic with this one), "legendary" and/or "classic" may all come to mind. We promise this is a normal response to listening to what many are already calling Kendrick Lamar's latest magnum opus. Sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Chris Stapleton - "Broken Halos"

Chris Stapleton is gearing up to have a very busy 2017. With a week until his extensive tour schedule kicks off -- which has dates booking out all the way through November -- the acclaimed singer-songwriter has released the first single off of his forthcoming sophomore album, From a Room: Volume 1. His highly anticipated follow-up arrives roughly two years after his debut record, Traveller, went on to score him his first Grammy Awards (taking home for best country album and best country solo performance) as well as cleaning up at the Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards alike. As Stapleton adds to both his ever-growing trophy collection and discography, his new single "Broken Halos" helps build a strong argument that he is one of the most refreshing and consistent country artists to emerge in recent memory.

With song credits under his belt including working with artists such as Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Darius Rucker, Adele, Sheryl Crow, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw and more, Stapleton is now further honing his songwriting talents but this time around, for his own solo career. With fans hailing him as an artist who creates "a classic every time," his new single is already being met with high praise. Opening up with a simple strum of an acoustic guitar and his powerful voice, the Nashville staple does what he does best, with the song's strikingly beautiful and somber nature captivating listeners with expert ease. Sure to tide fans over until his forthcoming studio album is set free on May 5th, Stapleton's well on his way back to the top and deservedly so.

PWR BTTM - "LOL"

From swapping instruments mid-set to infamously referring to themselves as "genre-queer" the duo fondly known as PWR BTTM has been heroically switching things up from the jump, first joining forces creatively in 2013. Comprised of members Ben Hopkins and Liv Bruce, who both interchangeably handle vocals and instrumentation, the duo has been steadily winning over the hearts of their growing fan base by unapologetically staying true to themselves in all their queer glory. By refreshingly addressing identity in their music, with Hopkins identifying as queer and using he/him/his pronouns while Bruce identifies as queer, non-binary and transfeminine and uses they/them/their pronouns, the pair is spearheading a movement inspiring others to be exactly who they are. With each release, the Brooklyn-based duo covers new ground, effortlessly gliding between different styles of music stemming from a foundation built on empowering garage punk rock. Following their 2015 debut, Ugly Cherries, PWR BTTM has been fostering a community of fans that is as diverse as it is die-hard, with their lyrical content as political as it is personal and their sound as feel-good and welcoming as it is designed to fiercely challenge the status quo. Currently in the middle of a sold-out tour in Europe, PWR BTTM has sweetened the announcement of their sophomore full-length album, Pageant, with the release of the lead single, "LOL," a song that is much more dynamic than its acronym of "laughing out loud" may suggest.

"'LOL' is a song about trying," member Ben Hopkins shared exclusively with Spotify. "Trying to understand. Trying to grow up. Trying to reconcile who you wish you were with who you can't help being. Sometimes you try as hard you can to do those things and you fail. You fing fail really, really hard. So hard that you have to give yourself a break and just laugh about how hard and weird things can be; about how no matter how secure you think you are deep down there's a part of us all the feels like they're doing everything for the first time."

With their sophomore album inspired by their self-declared shared interests in high-femme glamor, systems of gender, identity performance and all things drag, "LOL" is a glorious place to first become enamored by PWR BTTM, especially if you haven't yet indulged in experiencing the group's boundless creativity.

Bishop Briggs - self-titled EP

Bishop Briggs has been whimsically living a dream life the past year, going on to accomplish incredible milestones and impressively establish her budding music career, all before even releasing an official album or EP. While her first-ever single, "Wild Horses," proved she was poised for greatness, something that her impressive follow-up track "River" further solidified, she essentially has been silencing haters ever since with every boss move she makes next. After "River" first put her on Coldplay's radar -- a track that has since garnered over 30 million streams -- the powerhouse vocalist went on to open up for the veteran rockers on their recent A Head Full of Dreams Tour and officially got to work on her highly anticipated debut six-track EP.

Now that the self-titled project has finally arrived, the 24-year-old is making her mark as dark pop's next alternative voice, finding her stride in the mysterious fringes of life's melodramatic moments. In addition to including her breakout singles, the project also features the previously unheard tracks "The Fire" and "Dark Side," with each a strong offering to her growing catalog. As we get to know Briggs more and more through her music, with the project arriving just in time for her to perform at Coachella and kick off her first-ever headlining tour, it's undeniable Bishop Briggs has a long career ahead of her. The best part? She's still just getting started.

Royal Blood - "Lights Out"

After several years of nonstop touring, including with the likes of the Foo Fighters, English rock duo Royal Blood is picking up where they last left off in the studio and this time around, are returning as hungry as ever. Earlier this week, the pair, comprised of bassist/singer Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher, officially announced their follow-up to their 2014 self-titled debut, confirming their upcoming album, How Did We Get So Dark?, will arrive this summer on June 16th via Warner Bros. Records.

Pairing their new single, "Lights Off," with a brilliantly chaotic visual, Royal Blood is already back to their tried-and-true talented ways, scoring many points for creativity and top-tier songwriting alike. During the accompanying music video for the track, the rampageous rock-n-rollers hold their ground in a dimly lit interior, powering through the gritty anthem despite a mob of bodies unexpectedly bursting through the ceilings and walls. As the enclosed room's walls surreally becomes like water, the bodies thrash about the enclosed room as the song builds, with everyone eventually being washed in red light as the music takes over. Earlier this year, frontman Mike Kerr shared that their approach to their new album was to toss out any ideas that they weren't proud of, something that judging by "Lights Out" is a method that works extremely in their favor. With 10 new tracks on the way, narrowed down from the 50 Kerr revealed they originally wrote, Royal Blood is putting it in their own words that their new album is "way sexier, more confident sounding" than their impressive debut was. Needless to say, the countdown for album number two has officially begun.

Words by KC Orcutt

#Repost XXLMag.com: 21 Rappers Who Clap Back at Fans on Social Media

Social media has vastly changed the landscape for artists (and fans) on every level.

Whether you’re an OG who remembers the days of the pre-internet hustle or are still in your teenage years getting your bars up, social media has essentially become one important pillar in hip-hop and participating is vital in maintaining one’s career in music. With artists having the ability to interact with fans by simply taking 15 seconds to type something out on a smart phone and hit send also comes the responsibility to use such easily-accessed mediums wisely and responsibly. All it takes, in this unforgiving era of RTs and screenshots, is one poorly worded or ill-received tweet or Instagram comment to hurl an artist into the middle of an actual PR nightmare.

While French Montana recently found himself in the hot seat, with fans setting his mentions on fire reacting to an insensitive and offensive comment he made in response to a female fan, he’s hardly alone in the category of rappers learning the hard way about some of the cons that come with being a public figure in the rap game in the year 2017.

As a handful of rappers will tell you firsthand, sometimes the block button is your best friend (a la Remy Ma), whereas other times, not everything warrants a response (such as with T.I. once simply stating, “Bye Felicia”). However, sometimes you just have to hit record on a selfie video to say how you really feel (a response Soulja Boy is all too familiar with) or go off on a fan in the comments section and pen a ruthless novel in defense (a move Chris Brown or The Game commonly make). Regardless of whether you ignore the comments section entirely or further add fuel to the fire by getting involved, artists of today would be wise to remember that the Internet doesn’t sleep and is always watching.

XXL takes a look at 21 rappers who have been sharpening their social media swords and perfecting their clap back game on social media here.