Russ Thinks You're A Sore Loser

Russ is back at it again with his self-empowering ways by releasing a fiery, finger-pointing new track called, "Sore Losers."

By the song's title alone, you can already infer that the multi-talented spitter (oh, you didn't know he produces, mixes, masters and writes all his records?) isn't backing down from any new age rapper who wants all the smoke!

"A lof of kids are poppin' xans and sippin' lean now/A lot of rappers using Instagram to teach how," the New Jersey bred rapper says in the mellow tune. "A lot of kids Od'ed that you don't read 'bout/Cause they don't follow rappers, they just follow fiends now/But I'm the bad guy for callin' it out/I come in clutch with the truth, y'all stalling' it out/I only get in trouble when I say the truth/Which means you gettin' fed lies every day, you fools."

The 5 minutes and 16 seconds track contains no chorus, yet is still intriguing due to Russ' hard-hitting bars on Hip Hop's current roster of gimmicky, drug-promoting players.  Similar to the single's chill vibes, its accompanying visual is pretty raw as it features Russ kicking it with a couple of day ones in a lavish living-room-turned-recording-studio.

Check out the Edgar Esteves-directed clip below:

Elias Becker

In our modern-day society, better known as "Generation Y," social media networks have connected millions of people all around the world.  Instagram, specifically, has been the cause of new friendships and even business opportunities.

Although I've lived in Atlanta full time since the age of 12, between those years I also resided in Miami, Florida.  Due to my sporadic periods living in the MIA, I've gained a significant amount of friends there.  If you are in any way familiar with Miami, you can definitely understand how true the saying "what a small world," is.  Everyone seems to know each other, so for obvious reasons, it is common to have lots of mutual friends.  The funny part is that you initially meet these individuals through Instagram.

Meet Elias Becker, better known as E. Current.  I've known him since I was about 14-years-old through mutual friends in Miami.  At just 18 years of age, Elias has gained a following well over 17,000 and has captured legendary moments on the gram since he was 12.  As long as I have known him he has always been next level.

Becker was born in Germany.  Elias' father, Boris Becker, was once Germany's number one professional Tennis player.  He has won five year-end championships, 13 Masters Series titles and an Olympic gold medal in Doubles.  His mother, Barbara Becker, is an American designer, actress and former model.  So, yes—as you may be able to recognize, talent runs in his genes.  Elias moved from Germany towards the end of 1999 to his current residence of Miami.  I can easily recognize how the city's live and distinct nature influenced his style.

I recently sat down with Elias to get his take on life, inspirations, dating life and find out about his future endeavors.  Check out our conversation below:

SIR JULIEN:  How did you come up with your nickname, "E. Current" ?

ELIAS:  I was on a FaceTime call with my friend Nasir like two years ago.  We were talking about social media and [how] we wanted our online personas to reflect what we had in mind.  Marvel superheroes were always an inspiration to us, so I first came up with "E. Current" to be an off-duty superhero with a secret ability to create waves and currents.  I liked the sound of it, too, so I kept it.  Then, as time went on, I thought of it as being in the flow or progression of a person.

SIR JULIEN: I know tons of people who love your style.  Who inspires you when it comes to expressing yourself through fashion?

ELIAS:  I think that my family really helped me find a way to express myself the most.  But in fashion, I was influenced as a kid by Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Odd Future and ASAP Rocky.

SIR JULIEN:  What are your favorite clothing lines right now?

ELIAS:  I like a couple of lines.  Sacai, Heron Preston, and Juun J are some, just to name a few.

SIR JULIEN:  What is the most exclusive piece that you own?

ELIAS:  My favorite piece right now are my grills from my homie Jonathan Raksha.  Those are so cold!

SIR JULIEN:  Would you ever consider dropping your own merch line or E. Current collection?

ELIAS:  Yeah, I'm actually working on a fashion, film and music collective at the moment.  It's expected to drop later this year.  Stay tuned.

SIR JULIEN:  What is most important to you when it comes to dating in Miami?  I know it can be difficult.  Do you have any advice for anyone?

ELIAS:  I'd probably suggest not getting mixed up in all the pointless drama and try to find someone that you feel comfortable with all the time.

SIR JULIEN: Do you sometimes feel like people expect you to follow in your father's footsteps as a Tennis player or are they pretty much supportive of whatever career path you choose to take?

ELIAS:   People who don't know me usually expect me to do something in the sports world.  [Although] I really love sports, it isn't a passion of mines.

SIR JULIEN:  What is your passion then?

ELIAS:  My life passion is filmmaking.  I really feel comfortable and at home when I'm writing scripts and directing my own films.  I'm not sure yet what I want to do as a profession, but it has to be in the film industry.  Whether it's in the way of art, directing photography, being a director/producer, or maybe even acting would be cool.

SIR JULIEN:  So, I know you're a big fan of Los Angeles.  Would you ever consider to move there in the near future?

ELIAS:  I'm going to university in London next year, but who knows where I'll be after that.  Maybe I'll stay or go to New York or LA for film school.  We'll have to wait and see what my future holds.

SIR JULIEN:  How do you want to be remembered?

ELIAS: I want to be remembered as a compassionate and giving person.  My ultimate goal is that my work serves as a legacy and is appreciated.

SIR JULIEN:  What is the best advice you ever received?

ELIAS:  Never give up and work hard—eventually you'll get to your destination.

Written by Sir Julien George

Come Through And Chill (Music Video)

"I need to feel your essence in my presence if you with it. I guarantee you won't regret you did it," J. Cole raps at the end of his second verse on Miguel's ballad "Come Through and Chill." Well, I'm sure they didn't regret their own decision to finally unveil the music video for the age old, yet potent single!

Directed by Kevin Calero, the visual is released less than a week after Jermaine shocked the world with his new rap album, KOD.  It features the "Coffee" crooner on a chair singing smoothly to a love interest. Cole is found doing the exact thing.  The only difference is that he's spitting some real stimulating bars to a shorty from a pay phone (haha).

If you're fortunate enough to have your significant other nearby, call them over to watch the clip below:

Kareem's Pick: Men I Trust

Based in Montreal, Canada, Men I Trust began in 2014.  The indie band consists of five members, which includes Emma (Vocalist/Guitarist), Dragos (Keyboard player/Guitarist), Jessy (bassist), Alexis (Bassist) and Mathieu (Drummer).

The group's single "Show Me How," has a bass that caresses your soul.  The track keeps my head bopping while relaxing my core all at the same time.  The song is simply about unrequited love.  Emma is singing about someone who she can't seem to stop loving—even if her affection will never be returned.

Enjoy the Men I Trust-directed visual for their tune below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Car Test: Flatbush Zombies

"I can't speak for everybody else, but I don't want nobody in my pocket, nobody in my mind, nobody telling me what to do," says Juice from Flatbush Zombies after Elliott Wilson inquired about his rap group's decision to remain independent.  I couldn't agree more with what the wild-bearded spitter stated—why would an artist want to be handcuffed to a major label when there are a number of ways (in this digital age) that he/she can "pop" independently?

This is just one of the many thought-provoking questions asked by Mr. Wilson during an interview with the Brooklyn Rap trio on his new show, Car Test.  Not familiar with the Tidal original series?  Well, each segment showcases the respected Hip Hop journalist riding around with a musical guest as he listens to and discuss their most recent body of work.  The program's latest episode, featuring the Zombies, is the first that was taped in New York City.

While cruising through my old stomping grounds of Flatbush in a dollar van (true BK heads know about those), Meech, Erick Arc Elliot and Juice previewed their phenomenal sophomore album, Vacation In Hell.

Check out the bumpy ride below:

The Rage

Aww man, it's always great to hear Cudi back at it again spitting potent bars on atmospheric beats.  Although Scott's latest tune titled, "The Rage," is found on the soundtrack of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's latest movie Rampage, it could easily be a bonus track in any of his iconic albums.

The single, produced by Ben Billions and Kid Cudi's longtime buddy and collaborator Dot Da Genius, samples the legendary alternative rock group The Smashing Pumpkins' classic 1995 track, "Bullet With Butterfly Wings."  If Cudi plans to drop more songs like this in the near future, his next project is sure to be one for the ages!  

Check out his latest groove via Spotify below:

How To Take Party Photos

It's been a minute since I posted a video from my longtime e-friend Merlin Bronques aka LastNightsParty.  If you're new to the blog, or simply don't know who he is (shame on you), I'll just say that Merlin is a deity when it comes to nightlife photography.  Furthermore, his spellbiding captures of some of the finest female specimens on the planet are unmatched, in my humble opinion.

The multi-talented lensman's latest Youtube upload is a must-see for all budding photographers who are painstakingly avoiding to take bland shots of a poppin' party.

"You miss out on so much of the world by acting cool," Bronques candidly states at the beginning of the clip, right before he mistakenly falls in the hot tub at a Grammys afterparty.  For most, this would be an embarrassing move, but for the smooth Canadian cameraman it is just a perfect segue that easily allows him to flourish.

Check out what transpires next below:

Kareem's Pick: Ravyn Lenae

Ravyn Lenae is doing R&B in her own way.  The Chicago-based songstress just released her EP, Crush, earlier this year.  The project consists of five songs, all produced by Steve Lacy.  Its lead single, "Sticky," is a bonafide hit that sticks like grits!

The tune is about a love that seems to be ending shortly.  Ravyn is pleading for her lover to do his part in the relationship.  The visual for the track involves vibrant colors and features the soulful singer grooving to the track while the camera circles around her.

Check out the Weird Life-directed clip below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

A$AP FOREVER (Video)

Man, I'm still thinking about the incredible SoHo Sounds event I was invited to last week hosted by Soho House.  The building (more like empty factory) was filled with so many entrepreneurs, models and just straight up dope individuals who are thriving in their respective creative fields.

Not only were the vibes on point, I was able to connect with so many people that I haven't seen in years.  One of my long lost acquaintances was DJ, who is affiliated with the A$AP MOB.  After we kindly greeted each other I had to come clean and state my distaste for Rocky's 2 previous Soundcloud releases.  Fortunately, I was told those loosies were not included in his much anticipated album and that fire is on the way.  Well, I'm really happy to see that he was right as Flacko recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform a medley of pleasing tunes that are speculated to be on his forthcoming project.

Not only did we get a performance from the braided-up spitter, he unleashed a mind-bending new visual for one of his new tracks titled, "A$AP Forever," featuring Moby.

Check out the Dexter Navy-directed clip below:

Raps' "New Freezer"

The lil' broski Ishmael Raps has been quite busy since he moved to Brooklyn from his hometown of Rochester, New York.  Luckily, the budding spitter found some time in between his numerous hustles in the Big Apple to deliver a brand new visual of him absolutely murdering Rich The Kid's "New Freezer," beat.

Check out Raps' "Don't Freeze" (New Freezer Freestyle) below:

SMALL CITY KIDS UP NEXT ~ MIXED BY JOE RICO THE FLOOD ~~~~~~