2nd Week of January In Review

In the first article of our new weekly underground hip hop news round-up, we bring you the biggest stories this week so you can find all the hottest happenings in one spot. The second week of the new year has only proven that 2021 isn’t going to be any more of a walk in the park than 2020 was! This week’s headlines are as hopeful as they are bittersweet, this second week of January hasn’t held back. Let’s take a look at what it’s brought us.

Worldwide FM Holds a MF DOOM Tribute

DOOM’s legacy and reach has only become more apparent as the industry tries to wrap it’s head around such a tragic loss. Anyone who knows their stuff about underground rap knows the significance of the late rapper and producer. From samples, to features, and of course his classic tracks, Worldwide FM put on a two-and-a-half hour tribute show recognizing the eclectic and talented career of the man himself. You can find the tracklist and a link to listen here. 

If that isn’t quite enough for you (is it ever?), check out Loud News Net’s Top 10 MF DOOM albums.

Royce Da 5’9” Isn’t Sure How to Feel About His Grammy Nomination

The Allegory was easily one of 2020’s strongest albums, and the Grammy’s agree. It was recently named to the shortlist for Best Rap Album, and those of you familiar with the rapper’s attitude might be surprised to hear that he’s taking it in stride. Appearing on Ebro Darden’s Apple show The Message, Royce was adamant that he has a newfound perspective on the awards nominations.

“It feels cool. I’m not going to lie, man. I’m a little bit embarrassed because I’m one of those guys who was like, ‘Fuck the Grammys.’ And I’m totally like, ‘I’m fucking with the Grammys this year.’

Nominated alongside albums from D Smoke, Nas, Freddie Gibbs, and Jay Electronica, his project will see some fierce competition in the final round of Grammy selection. While the Grammy’s have a notorious reputation for snubbing high quality works, we have to admit that the lineup this year is quite higher in terms of actual quality. For Royce Da 5’9”, fame has never been the motivation, but who wouldn’t mind another trophy in the case?

Live Music Will Live Again! Dr. Fauci is Hopeful for 2021 Tours

With the vaccinations taking place swiftly across the nation, the industries that were damaged during the spread of COVID-19 are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Many artists have been postponing their forthcoming projects due to the nearly dead live music scene in venues around the nation. Luckily, Dr. Fauci has come out on record saying that hopefully herd immunity will be reached in the fall of this year. Congress themselves have even passed an act giving 15 billion dollars towards keeping venues and and the dependent industry’s head above water until everything goes back to normal.

If you’re like us and can barely stand being cooped up any longer, have no fear! You’ll be packed into underground shows shoulder to shoulder soon enough. Not only does this bode well for concerts and tours, but new releases as well. With the main avenue of income for artists opening back up, the albums and EP’s of your favorite rappers are locked and loaded waiting for the right month.

Dr. Dre Recovering Well After Suffering Brain Aneurysm

After a major scare in the legendary producer’s life, it eases our worries to hear that Dr. Dre is well on his way to recovery after being taken to the hospital due to a brain aneurysm. Many of his close peers have taken to social media to assure everyone that he is doing better each day, although there is still a long way to go. Ice-T announced recently on Instagram that he had been in contact with Dre, reminding friends and fans that he’s doing alright. 

“Just talked to the homie @drdre He’s doing good and hopefully he’ll be home soon… But let’s keep him in our prayers. 🙏 For a full recovery.”

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Check back into Loud News Net every week for new underground releases, the most vital stories from around the industry, and more!