Alain Clerine

1 week ago | nysmusic.com | Alain Clerine

There was a time in history where hip hop gave insight into the issues facing the Black race. But as the infantile genre continued its ascendency into the mainstream during the mid-to-late 1990’s, popular acts and record labels began shifting away from the raw, gutter and street sound of rap. Rather than focus on tales of the inner-city, lyrics began to reflect a more glamorous lifestyle, that was backed by a wardrobe to match. Onyx never suffered from that conundrum.

3 weeks ago | nysmusic.com | Alain Clerine

Hit records celebrating a city are supposed to bring people together. Take Ja Rule’s 2004 smash single “New York,” for instance. Featuring hip-hop heavyweights Fat Joe and Jadakiss, the song was released as the second single from his 2004 studio album R.U.L.E. and peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. Having caught on with the masses as a major hit, it should have also served as reminder amongst New York emcees of the bond they share as the proprietors of hip hop.

1 month ago | nysmusic.com | Alain Clerine

The city of New York is used to being serenaded. Entertainers famous and obscure alike have sung the city’s praises – delivering some of their biggest records in doing so. From Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” to Jay – Z and Alecia Keys’ 2009 fall hit “Empire State of Mind,” New York City is used to being romanticized and looked at as a potential nesting ground for out-of-towners.

Jan 19, 2025 | nysmusic.com | Alain Clerine

In times of revolution, those in upheaval look to the leaders of their communities for guidance and support. The Black community is no different. But what happens when many of the great leaders are tampered with, undermined and ultimately left to be martyred? We are left with a void. So much, that instead of legitimate community organizers, the general public looks to what they believe is the next best thing – celebrities.

Dec 5, 2024 | nysmusic.com | Alain Clerine

Former NFL pro bowler and NY Giant tight end Darren Waller continues his post-retirement musical journey with a new single and music video featuring Westside Boogie. The inspiring track explores themes of personal introspection, blending vulnerability and memories of self-doubt to create a strong message of growth and self-discovery. Additionally, Shady Records artist, Westside Boogie, chimes in with his own moment of self-reflection to top off the emotional record.