24 Moments and People We’re Thankful for in 2011
In 2011, hip-hop and R&B ruled not only the charts but the news headlines as well. There were artists’ triumphs and tribulations, veteran comebacks, rookies that stole the show, baby news and prison hijinks. In celebration of Thanksgiving, The BoomBox looks back on a year leading up to the holiday that was just as entertaining musically as it was outside of the studio. Here’s 24 artists and accompanying moments that made us thankful to be a part of hip-hop and R&B in 2011.
24. Shabazz Palaces
Tim Mosenfelder, Getty Images
Hip-hop has always been about big names, big cars and bling, but in 2011 it took a turn down a more literal, independent road. Shabazz Palaces is one of the acts that drove down the indie avenue, as the first hip-hop act signed to rock-based indie label SubPop. The duo, led by former Digable Planets MC Butterfly, dropped on the scene with the critically lauded album ‘Black Up,’ showing that like rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop can usher in different types of sub-genres. Read more…
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Future Says ‘Tony Montana’ Video Is ‘Long Overdue’ — Watch
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Atlanta rap upstart Future is at the center of hip-hop’s horizon for his ‘Scarface’-inspired single ‘Tony Montana,’ and the accompanying Jessy Terrero-directed visuals, which debuted today (Oct. 27). He may be a newcomer to some, but his lyrical hustle has a history. From features on mixtapes to an assist on YC’s stack-happy anthem ‘Racks,’ this former basketball player is thrilled to have the ball in his court now — Future scored a meeting with L.A. Reid and inked a fresh deal with Epic Records just a few months ago. Currently, his ‘Streetz Calling’ mixtape is heating up the rap scene, but that’s just a precursor to the “astronaut music” he’s creating for his debut LP, ‘Pluto,’ which will also feature his follow-up single ‘Magic.’ “I’m a trendsetter,” he tells The BoomBox. “It’s astronaut music ’cause it’s music without limitations.”
Read on as the dreadlocked rhymer shares his love of Shakespeare, tells the story of his rap sibling and explains the concept behind his ‘Tony Montana’ video.
What can people expect from you in the video, being that it’s the first time your officially showing off visuals for a song?
The concept of the video, [it's] me going from Atlanta over to Santo Domingo, it was a robbery going on and I’m supposed to come over and see what’s going on, like who was behind the schemes and who’s all involved in the robbery. I come over and meet the modern day 2011 Tony Montana. It’s more of a movie than a video.
Shaggy Is Sweet on the Ladies in ‘Sugarcane’ Video
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It’s been 10 years since we heard anything new from the ‘Boombastic’ crooner Shaggy. The dancehall superstar just released his eight-song mini-album, titled ‘Summer in Kingston,’ and the set’s first single is the island ditty, ‘Sugarcane.’ The video for the song is a glorified postcard of Jamaica with its palm trees, sandy beaches and aqua-blue-colored ocean.
Shaggy is in loverman mode as he becomes a tour guide for a beautiful debutante and shows her the beauty of the island. The young woman is so enamored with Jamaica that she decides to leave her rich lifestyle behind and be with Shaggy as he sings, “No bright lights / No fame / No caviar or champagne / She wanna be a plain old Jane / She likes the taste of my sugarcane.” Oh Shaggy, you are such a cad.
The comic relief comes in when the young girl’s mother flies to Jamaica to steal her away from Shaggy, and she ends up falling in love with the ‘Sugarcane’ herself — and snags her a dreadlocked island boy in the process. What a cougar!
Double entendres aside, ‘Sugarcane’ is a perfect song for our currently scorching hot season. It’s not as catchy as ‘Boombastic,’ but it should get you in the mood for some fun in the sun. Now if you’ll excuse us, we are going to book a one-way trip to Jamaica!
Watch the Shaggy ‘Sugarcane’ Video