Start With: ‘Reason to Smile’ and ‘Silk’ MORE BLACK SUPERHEROES by Westside Boogie An alternative hip hop album for when you’re looking for a narrative-led project We have the likes of Wretch 32, Shae Universe and Masego. He brings a big dose of it on tracks like ‘Payback’ (featuring Knucks), which hits as heavy as James Brown’s ‘The Payback.’ The track delivers memorable and uplifting bars like “Man, it feel good to be black.” As well as Kojey’s genre-bending prowess, the diverse features are also what make this an alternative rap album goldmine. Kojey uses this space to reflect on the things that bring him joy – “My life better cause my son got his mum’s smile”, for example.īlack pride is a staple element of any Kojey project. It encapsulates the overall message, using echoes of a gospel track. Opening track ‘Reason to Smile’, featuring Tiana Major9 sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the project. Intelligent and uplifting, Reason to Smile, was released to much critical acclaim, with nominations for a Mercury Prize. Kojey Radical has made a name for himself as a trailblazer and trendsetter within the UK music scene. “I thank Angelou too/Cause still I rise” – Reason to Smile Reason to Smile by Kojey Radical An alternative rap album for when you want to feel uplifted Get into our picks of the best Alternative Rap / Soulful Rap albums of 2022 below. The fusions have led to some mind-blowingly great music. Leading the pack are artists like Little Simz, Smino, Kojey Radical and Knucks, who are rappers at their core, but aren’t afraid to experiment with their sounds, adding elements of Soul, Jazz, Funk, Blues and R&B. The rule book has been thrown out! Rap is evolving to encompass a whole plethora of sounds, creating the umbrella sound of alternative rap, often heavily rooted in Soul. 2022 in particular has seen a real groundswell of exceptional albums in Soulful Rap / Alternative Hip Hop. In recent years, Hip Hop and Rap music has rediscovered its roots in Soul music. Soul music is at the core of everything we do and we champion the sound in the diversity of ways it shows up. Introducing our countdown of 2022’s best and most innovative alternative Hip Hop and soulful rap albums. Featuring the likes of Little Simz, Smino and Knucks Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium is the latest announcement surrounding Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50 initiative-a massive cross-platform initiative that celebrates Hip Hop’s momentous anniversary in the most authentic and globally impactful way possible by acknowledging and recognizing Hip Hop as not only a genre but a movement that has impacted the worldwide community.The best new soulful, alternative rap albums pushing the boundaries of Hip Hop to greater heights. “Aug 11th is Hip Hop’s 50th birthday! So…‘Up in the Bronx’ where it all started we will be celebrating this historic moment in history! I am honored to pay tribute to the culture that allowed this little shy kid from Queens to grow up and become The Mighty King of Rock! Thank you Hip Hop!!!” said DMC. “I am honored to hit the stage in the Bronx, the birthplace of Hip Hop and celebrate all of my heroes,” said Run. Additional acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium is co-produced by Mass Appeal, Live Nation, and the New York Yankees. Early bird access to tickets will be granted to Renaissance Youth Center, New Settlement, SCAN-Harbor, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, North East Bronx YMCA, Castle Hill YMCA, New York Urban League, Hispanic Federation, Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Bronx Community Foundation, and CORO New York Leadership Center. Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium tickets will start as low as $50. EST before the general on sale on Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. Tickets will become available beginning with presales on Thursday, June 8 at 10 a.m. A “Pillars of Hip-Hop” set will feature Kool Herc & Cindy Campbell, Grandmaster Caz, Kurtis Blow, Melle Mel, Roxanne Shante, Scorpio and the Sugar Hill Gang, and a “Legendary DJ” set will have Clark Kent, Marley Marl, Mannie Fresh, and Battlecat.

Alternate sound hip hop