Young RJ returns with his World Tour album and a video for the title track featuring Pete Rock and Rebel Kuzco. The reflections on the ups and downs of a romantic relationship has the same sonic feel as his work with Slum Village honoring all the things he learned from his mentor J.Dilla. He previously shared “Lucky” featuring fellow Detroiter Boldy James. The rapper and producer revealed the motivation for his third studio album in a statement:

“I missed being out there with the fans performing. It felt right to title [the album ‘World Tour’]. There were so many things going on all over the world while recording, it was hard to focus… To take my mind away from the news of everything that was going on around me – capitol riots, missing family members, not being able to see them, etc.–I put all my focus into being creative… [This album] captures everything I was dealing with (good and bad) between 2020 and 2021… it was therapy for me.” 

World Tour has guest appearances from Pino Palladino, Blu, Mega Ran, Eric Roberson, Pete Rock, Boldy James, Rosewood 2055, Abstract Orchestra, Kezia and Dankery Harv. 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7GQrjLJNs-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Skyzoo and Pete Rock have completed their Retropolitan project and give a preview with the single “It’s All Good.” The legendary producer took a beat from his secret 1994 SP-1200 stash to use for Skyzoo’s autobiographical lyrics. The 12-song album has appearances from Conway, Raheem DeVaughn, Styles P, Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn and Elzhi. Skyzoo made a statement about the album’s purpose in a press release:

“The idea for Retropolitan came from a feeling of necessity. The album is both a love letter and a wake-up call to the city of New York. In an age where hype dominates reality, FOMO supersedes integrity and gentrification has supplanted tradition, this album is screaming for NYC to wake TF up – even as Pete & myself thank the city for all it’s done for us at the same time. Wake up from accepting your culture being stripped away from you. Wake up from believing that the people who aren’t cut from the cloth you created know your fabric better than you. Wake up from denying the change that’s taken place within you, told to be for your betterment, when it’s solely for theirs, and at your expense and detriment. Wake up from ignoring the identity you once had, the community you once built, the strength you once manifested, all to take on that of one you assumed would expand your reach, when all it’s doing is spreading you comically thin. Dear New York, all five boroughs of you, thank you for all you’ve done. You’re the greatest. Now sit back, listen, and wake TF up.”

“It’s All Good” is available as a free download and Retropolitan comes out September 20th. 

The annual Moogfest took place this past weekend in Durham, North Carolina. Every year synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog is celebrated with a series of performances and installations. Shabazz Palaces, Waajeed, Pete Rock, Kelela, Sassy Black,  and Jamila Woods were among the artists who gave performances. To find out about next year’s Moogfest go here.