Jay Rock @ Mod Club on the Redemption Tour w/ REASON
Jay Rock came by Toronto’s Mod Club, November 2nd. For his second last stop on the Redemption Tour....
Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr, better known as Jay Rock grew up in Watts, Los Angeles, California, which has gained a poor reputation for gang violence and low income. After battling the hardships of life in the streets, Jay Rock found a creative outlet with rapping. In 2005, Anthony Tiffin the CEO of Top Dog Entertainment found the young Jay Rock and signed him. Two years later, Tiffin was able to get Jay Rock a major label deal with Warner Bros. Records and started working on his debut album Follow Me Home, which featured established artists such as Lil Wayne, will.i.am, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Tech N9ne, and Rick Ross.
Following the success and release of his debut album, Jay Rock has kept a low profile and hasn't released much of his own music. With the massive success of label mate Kendrick Lamar's break out album good kid, m.A.A.d city and standout track "Money Trees" that features Jay Rock, the buzz has continued to build and is setting up his new release very well. Now of course the best strategic move for Jay Rock is to play off that success of his feature and has released a sequel "Money Trees Deuce". Produced by Flippa and JProof, the two masterfully sample what sounds to be "Flamenco Sketches" by Miles Davis from his illustrious album Kind Of Blue. Melancholy with a focused mindset, Jay Rock discusses his past involvements with gangs, living in the projects, and future aspirations in the music industry. Making it clear that he has not forgotten where he came from and is staying true to himself and his art, Jay Rock's state of mind seems to be in the ready for breakout success. With an untitled album and no exact release date, Jay Rock is still expected to drop his project later this year and it has also been rumoured that a Top Dawg Entertainment compilation album is expected to drop soon as well.
Taylor Gang's own Ty Dolla $ign teams up with TDE's Jay Rock for "Never Be The Same" off of Ty's Beach House EP. The black-and-white visuals depict both artists as they analyze a community stricken by carnage and hardship. Produced by D Mi & Ty of DRUGS, you can watch the Jerome D-directed visual video below.
Top Dawg Entertainment has been the topic of discussion among thousands and thousands of people and their Black Hippy movement is growing stronger each day. They have made a major impact on the music industry in such a short time it makes you wonder what the future holds for these talented and influential artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and ScHoolboy Q. Shortly after the teaser video for this Budweiser feature presentation documentary of TDE on the road in preparation for their performance at the Budweiser Made In America Festival, the full length video became available and what great insight it gives into the lives of these four artists. Speaking on everything from how all of them became to form as a collaborative group, their upbringing, love for their neighborhoods to their legacies. This sixteen minute short film is definitely something you have to watch if you love their music as much as I do! Jay Z's Life and Times hits the road with TDE to bring it all together for you from performances on stage to them just speaking so humbly as if you were right there having the conversation with them. Take this one in and let me know what makes you such a big fan of TDE in the comments section.
A trailer for an upcoming documentary about Top Dawg Entertainment aka TDE was released today. TDE is the label that hosts rap-stars Jay Rock, ScHoolBoy Q, Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul but you already knew that. The documentary will be available through Jay Z's LifeandTimes.com. We will learn about the origins and the rise of TDE as a label. Fans will also get a behind the scenes look at performances from their tours. TDE has made a huge impact in hip-hop and we look forward to the full-length documentary when it drops next week. For now, check out the trailer below. Are you a fan of TDE? What draws you to their music? Share your thoughts in the comments underneath. 