Wale’s latest album, Everything Is A Lot , is a rare thing, a true album designed to run from start to finish, uninterrupted. This project feels different. It’s an album with the polish of someone twenty years in the game, but with the passion of an artist introducing themselves to the world for the first time. It must be listened to in sequence, the order of the tracklist itself is part of the experience. It’s the kind of project we almost forgot the industry was capable of producing...A curated, intentional, a sonic art exhibit where everything matters. And while Wale has nothing left to prove, his name is already in the rafters. This feels like someone choosing expression over expectation and in the process, landed on a classic. THE MOMENT THE ALBUM LOCKS YOU IN From the first few tracks, you can feel this album is on a mission. You’re meant to feel something, and that intent becomes undeniable when you reach the Michael Fredo record. It doesn’t arrive gently. It hits sharp, sudden, undeniable. The kind of hit that pulls a reaction out of you before you even register the sound. Your face curls into that involuntary stank face and your body rocks, not because you decided to move, but because something inside you is trying to keep up with what just landed in your ears. By the time the Michael Fredo track ends, your hand is already drifting toward the rewind button, your mind racing: “Nah, run that back.”  But the album has its own timing and doesn’t wait for you. Before your thumb even makes contact, the next track “Power and Problems”  drops in, smooth, sudden, and controlled. Like a plane breaking out of turbulence into clean air. This isn’t just Wale performing. He’s conducting and guiding every rise and fall, shaping every emotional swing with the precision of someone who knows exactly where he wants to take you and exactly how he wants you to feel when you get there. REAL INGREDIENTS IN A PROCESSED ERA Part of what makes this album feel alive is the instrumentation. We’ve all been fed algorithmic, over-compressed, and now AI-flavored music for so long that real ingredients almost shock the palate: Real piano. Real bass. Real drums. Real arrangements. Real lyrics. Real rapping. Real music. Shout out to all the producers and musicians who contributed to this classic. This is hip-hop. This is Wale at his most dialed-in. THE CROSSROADS OF DREAMING & BECOMING Everything Is A Lot  confronts the pressure we’re conditioned to ignore, the emotional crossroads athletes describe after winning a championship. Once the confetti settles, the question no one prepares you for appears: What now? The truth is, life’s complexity and heaviness don’t disappear just because things look stable on paper or because your dreams finally became “reality.” There’s a hunger in this album that echoes the first version of falling in love with something the purity before expectations, before pressure, before anyone else’s voice enters the room. It’s authenticity at its rawest. This is why the album hits so deeply. It taps into that early joy of the craft, the first clean swish, the first time you beat your older brother 1-on-1, the moment where achievement feels weightless and all that matters is the love of the game. Creating for passion, not validation. Everything Is A Lot  reaches back into pure origin energy with beats that transport you back to banging your hands on the cafeteria table for the lunch time cyphers. As the album moves toward its final stretch, “Survive”  stands out as an emotional center, the moment where truth and exhaustion sit together in the dark and decide to keep going. And ending with the track “Lonely”  feels highly intentional and poetic, a quiet hallway exit from the art exhibit, the space where you’re still processing everything you just experienced. Everything Is A Lot  is now streaming on all platforms.For updates, follow Wale on social media and visit his official site for tour dates, merch, and new releases.

It was one of those nights that started without a plan. Just landed in Nairobi and somehow found myself at Koda, tucked away in Westlands, for R&B Night curated by @nairobirnb . From the moment I walked in and heard KARRL spinning, I knew this wasn’t just another set. His set was very intentional, every blend, every drop, every look he gave the crowd carried purpose. This wasn’t someone hiding behind a “good playlist.” This was an artist performing on stage. A Night with KARRL in Nairobi I’ve seen a lot of DJs, but few make you stop dancing just to watch them work. KARRL has that presence. No mic-talk, no forced hype, just pure crowd control, commanding the room to dance and move to the rhythm he sets. The way he layered riddims and folded new tracks into familiar grooves was poetry in motion. One minute he was deep in 90s R&B, the next he had us vibing to something fresh out of Nairobi’s underground. I kept catching myself pulling out my phone just to Shazam song after song. There was this one moment, when Karrl dropped Nviiri the Storyteller’s track “Niko Sawa”  featuring Bien. I couldn’t even tell you how he got there, I think it was off a Keyshia Cole or Tevin Campbell track, but either way it was unexpected. All I know is when that beat landed, I froze for a second, laughed to myself, and silently mouthed, “Who the fuck is this guy?” and I meant that with full respect. From that moment on, I wasn’t just listening; I was fully locked in. KARRL didn’t just play for  the crowd, he moved with  us. You could see it in how he built the tension in his transitions, how he made you guess what was coming next, then flipped it in a way that still made perfect sense. Every transition was a reminder that DJing is like playing an instrument and when done right, its like an act of storytelling. It’s that rare mix of intention and instinct that separates a playlist from a performance. Be Present for the Music For a time, everything disappeared in the crowd, no phone in hand, no recording, just sound, light, motion and presence. Watching KARRL reminded me why being in the moment still matters. There’s nothing like catching that look on someone’s face when the beat hits and the collective release when the crowd has when they move as one, that’s the magic we all as artists chase. Those subtle moments, when crafted with intention, are what turn a good DJ into a great one. It’s not always about playing what’s trending to spark a crowd. I have to believe there is greater satisfaction when you take risks and pop an underground song into a set and cause the crowd to have no clue why they starting vibing even harder to something “unfamiliar”. KARRL has that spirit. You can tell he’s not chasing clout; he’s chasing craft. Koda Nairobi Energy Koda was the perfect backdrop, minimalist, raw, the kind of place where the music does the heavy lifting. Upstairs, an open bar overlooked a dance floor full of people who weren’t too cool to move with tons of sections and VIP areas. Maybe it was the R&B crowd, but the night felt communal, like everyone came to exhale together. Shoutout to @nairobirnb for curating a night that gave space to up and coming artists. The night felt like a reflection of what “real music” can do when given space to breathe. Anytime we at Sheddin find ourselves in a place that lives and moves in the spirit of our ethos " where real music happens ” it hits home. Stay Connected Follow @iam_karrl for a glimpse into his world.If you’re in Nairobi and want to feel the city’s rhythm and blues, tap in with @nairobirnb and @kodanairobi .

There’s a vulnerability that comes with performing—a unique exposure that intensifies when an artist bares their heart on stage. At World Cafe Live’s Philly Rising open mic, that vulnerability transforms into power. For Angel Concepcion ( @arconcepcion ), this night was more than just another performance; it was a full-circle moment. When she first arrived in Philly, she shared how the Philly Rising stage at World Cafe Live became her safe space—a place to refine her craft and strengthen her confidence. Now, she stood on that same stage, commanding the room with ease, charisma, not as a random act but as a featured artist. Open mics are the place where artists grow and evolve. But performance isn’t just about talent—it’s about connection. Comfortability on stage is something many up-and-coming artists struggle to master, but Angel made it look effortless. Before she even began to sing, her personality shined causing an immediate audience connection where you sat there feeling like you were watching a good friend perform. Storytelling, Humor, and a Song About a Donut A standout moment of the night occurred when Angel gave the Philly Rising audience an exclusive sneak peek of her new song, “Yum” (which, at the time of this article, has yet to be released). She recounted an interview with WXPN, the radio station at The World Cafe Live, where they asked, "What was the strangest or funniest inspiration for a song?" Her answer? A donut. But “Yum” wasn’t just a playful jingle—it was a song layered with emotion, struggle, and the internal battle between temptation and discipline. Angel took a deeply personal yet universally relatable experience from her own weight loss journey and transformed it into a song that we can’t wait to hear when it’s released. Her intro to the song was a perfect mix of humor, personality, and authenticity, delivered with the timing of a comedian setting up their punchline. She shared a humorous memory: after losing 20 pounds, she heard her mom walk into the living room and, mimicking her mom’s Filipino accent, say, “Angel, I got a box of your favorite donuts.” The room erupted in laughter. But beneath the humor was a song that resonated deeply—a reflection of the struggle we all face when trying to resist what we know isn’t always good for us. Even before singing a note, Angel had the crowd completely locked in, hanging on to her every word. By the time she began to sing, we were hanging on every lyric. A Rising Star to Watch Beyond her storytelling and stage presence, Angel Concepcion’s musicianship and the fully loaded pen with ink in it is what truly sets her apart. Performing her own songs with her guitar, her original melodies feel both fresh and familiar, her soulful vibrato carrying echoes of that Philly magic that tends to bless those that spend time in the city. There’s no doubt—Angel is one of those rising stars. It won’t be a surprise to us when she graces bigger stages, and it’s only a matter of time before she becomes one of those undeniable voices in Philly’s music scene. Be on the lookout—Angel Concepcion is on the rise. Be sure to follow Angel Concepcion on socials: @arconcepcion. You don’t want to miss what’s coming next.

Philadelphia’s live music scene is alive and well, and Seraiah Nicole is a name you need to know. The singer-songwriter took the stage at South Jazz Kitchen last night for another sold-out, soul-infused performance that left the audience captivated from the first note to the last. With Southern-inspired cuisine in one room and a world-class jazz experience in the other, South set the perfect stage for a night where music, culture, and community came together. Backed by an all-star band, including Dan Rouse ( @drouse ) on keys, Sunny Dee ( @sunnydeedrumma ) on drums, and Tim Ragsdale ( @timonbass_ ) on bass. Supporting her powerhouse vocals were Dise Diasonama ( @disemusic ) and Maya Belardo ( @mayabelardo ) weaving harmonies that wrapped around the room like a warm hug. Seraiah’s Live Show Feels Like Family One thing about a Seraiah Nicole concert—by the time you leave, you’ll feel like family. Her set was an emotional journey, effortlessly moving between soul-stirring originals and reimagined classics. Standouts of the night included her stunning takes on "At Last" and "Over the Rainbow," each performed with the kind of passion that makes you hear the lyrics in a whole new way. You could feel her gospel roots shining through every note, creating an atmosphere that felt as warm and welcoming as a Sunday service or a family gathering. But it’s more than just the music—it’s the way Seraiah connects with her audience. Between songs, she shares personal stories, cracks jokes, and makes it feel like she’s singing directly to you. There’s an authenticity to her delivery, a rawness that reminds you that great music is not just only about how great one sings but it’s about making people feel something real. Whether you walked in alone or with friends, by the end of the night, you were swaying, singing, and vibing like long-lost cousins at a cookout. If you’re looking for a live music experience in Philly that blends soul, jazz, and genuine connection, Seraiah Nicole is an artist you need to follow. Her shows sell out fast—so grab your tickets early and prepare for a night you won’t forget. Follow @SeraiahNicole on socials or at www.seraiahnicole.com  and don’t miss out on the next unforgettable performance.

From the creative minds of Joey “Stix” & Terrance “Mac” comes Move Something, a live music dance party / concert experience held at Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia in partnership with Live Nation. Stix and Mac are really on to something special with this one. When coming to a Move Something dance party expect to encounter an elevated elevated club / concert experience, with a lineup personally curated by Stix and Mac featuring the best local DJs, Musicians and Artists alike ready to party. Hosted by Queen Jo who was just super fun the entire night and a great ball of energy. Sheddin was able to sit down with Queen Jo for a quick interview to give her thoughts on the event, you can check out or interview with Queen Jo and a few of the other featured acts that were on the main stage below. From covering a lot of events wether you’re an artist or DJ no one likes playing to a dead crowd full of wall flowers but with the structure of Move Something featuring DJs and not just as an interlude between bands setting up they were able to always keep the energy high and the people engaged and that was just so refreshing to see. Looking into the crowd we saw every shade in the crayon box represented, and its just something really fun about the power of music and how it can bring all types of people together. Here are our quick take aways from Move Something For artists / DJs Move Something great platform to showcase your talent at a notable venue to network and get new fans. Tired of the typical “club scene” but want to get dressed up to have a fun night of partying Move Something is your spot Get on the bandwagon now, it would be dope to see this event tour at all the other Brooklyn Bowl locations Theres always something entertaining going on, wether its talking to a vendor or just grabbing some shoes to go bowl there’s plenty to do for fun at Brooklyn Bowl. Cant wait for the next one! We didn’t get a chance to connect with everyone that took the stage but want to also shout out the co-sponsors of the event Soundroom and REC Philly. Special shout out to all the artists that stopped by our cameras to chat, be sure to follow them on instagram! Check out the videos below of the artists we were able to chat with during the event.

Split sheets are essential documents for musicians, especially in situations where multiple individuals collaborate on creating a musical work. Here are several reasons why musicians need split sheets: 1. Clear Documentation of Contributions: Split sheets provide a clear and written record of who contributed to the creation of a song. This includes songwriters, composers, lyricists, and anyone else involved in the creative process. 2. Ownership and Copyright Information: They specify the percentage of the song owned by each contributor. This is crucial for establishing ownership rights and determining how royalties will be divided in the future. 3. Avoids Disputes and Misunderstandings: Having a written agreement prevents disagreements and misunderstandings among collaborators regarding their respective contributions and entitlements to royalties. 4. Simplifies Royalty Distribution: Split sheets simplify the process of distributing royalties. Performance rights organizations and other royalty collection agencies rely on these agreements to distribute payments accurately. 5. Facilitates Future Dealings: When a song becomes successful, there might be future opportunities for licensing, covers, or collaborations. Having a clear record of ownership makes negotiations with third parties much smoother. . 6. Preserves Creative Relationships: By clearly defining each person's contribution and ownership stake, split sheets can prevent disputes from arising, preserving creative relationships between collaborators. 7. Reference for Credits: Split sheets serve as a reference for album credits, ensuring that all contributors are properly acknowledged for their work. In summary, split sheets are crucial because they provide transparency, prevent conflicts, ensure fair compensation, and help maintain positive and professional relationships among musicians and collaborators. They are a fundamental tool for establishing a clear understanding of the business aspects of music creation.

Creator: Mike Coppola | Credit: Getty Images| Copyright: 2019 Getty Images Much like how Johnny Carson revolutionized interviews and introduced new comedians to the world, Sway Calloway has become synonymous with authentic music discovery through his segment '5 Fingers of Death' on the popular show 'Sway in the Morning' on Sirius XM Radio. While the concept of inviting artists to freestyle over random beats isn't novel, Sway has elevated it to an art form, setting an unparalleled standard in the industry. Comparing this phenomenon to Michael Jackson's moonwalk, it's safe to assume that other hosts might have attempted a similar approach in the past. However, Sway stands out as the best, a fact attested not just by my opinion but also by the YouTube community. To gauge the authenticity of any content, one only needs to read the honest and passionate opinions shared in the YouTube comments section of popular videos featuring Sway's interviews. His unique style and genuine passion for music have truly set a gold standard in the realm of musical discovery. The 5 fingers of death will make or break an artist or fraud. Not everyone can handle it. I remember watching an interview where I wish he would call out the frauds by name where he would bring artists on and they themselves would say I am cool with the interview but I am not trying to come in there and rap. That’s like me having a show on TV where I interview basketball players where people tune in to here me talk to athletes about the fundamentals of basketball and them telling me I’ll talk but don’t ask me to dribble, shoot, or dunk though. If consider yourself to be a lover of music regardless of genre, love a real MC, can appreciate hip-hop check out King Los. Literally one of my favorite artists that Sway introduced me to via the 5 fingers of death. Check out the below video below of the epic true freestyle flow of a real MC destroying the mic. This is real talent, real music. For more music and culture check out the SwayUniverse For the latest and greatest from King Los check out his latest work God, Money, War on iTunes #SWAYINTHEMORNING #HIPHOP #KINGLOS #REALMUSIC #REALHIPHOP #swayuniver

The Divine Lorraine Hotel has seen its fair share of history, but on this night, it was all TreWay and The Now Generation officially introducing their latest single, "Comfortable." Setting the tone for the night was DJ @ohlei, with a dop set that blurred the lines between performance and musicianship. DJs who take their craft seriously and has the ability to drops some easter eggs in their set and not just have a basic playlist we are big fans of! Her ability to read the room, mix genres, and create a seamless flow of sound is something you have to experience live. If you haven’t yet, find out where she’s playing next—her sets are more than music you're getting an experience! TreWay & The Now Generation: @its_treway | @juicebox_music | @musicbymurph | @brays.anatomy | @izjohnson The night, however, was about more than just a song. Tre Way is carving a space that merges Philly’s deep-rooted musical legacy with a forward-thinking sound. He spoke candidly about the time he spent at home in 2021, a rare moment of stillness after years on the road do to covid. Tre said “The pandemic gave me time to reflect on who I am and what I’m meant to do…” That period became a catalyst for growth. Philly has always been a city that breeds authenticity. “Philly taught me to be myself,” he shared, a philosophy that pulses through his music. His sound doesn’t chase trends—it tells stories, reflects experience, and stays true to who he is. If you haven’t yet, stream "Comfortable" and keep an eye out for what’s next from Tre Way and The Now Generation. Philly’s music scene just got even more exciting. Follow: @its_treway; @_thenowgen | @ohlei | @juicebox_music | @musicbymurph | @brays.anatomy | @izjohnson

Taylor Swift’s rise from “just a girl in a Chevy truck” to one of the most influential artists in the world is nothing short of legendary. She epitomizes an American artist—flawed, honest, and ever-evolving. Her music has an unmatched ability to resonate with listeners, especially young women. From the start, she’s captured the raw emotions of love, heartbreak, and life, making her the voice of a generation. Her latest surprise double album, The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD) , is her most vulnerable work yet. Released mid-“Eras Tour” with 31 tracks, the album explores her emotional depths, particularly after her breakup with longtime boyfriend Joe Alwyn. Swifties, her devoted fanbase, quickly decoded the hidden messages and symbolic gestures she teased, like the iconic two fingers at the 2024 Grammys signaling the double album. Swift’s not just making music—she’s changing the game. By re-recording her old albums to take back control, she’s shaking up the industry and setting a new standard for artist ownership. But it’s not just about music. Swift's political stance is clear—she’s used her platform to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and challenge industry sexism, speaking out when many stay silent. She’s faced more scrutiny as a woman in the spotlight than most men ever will, yet she keeps winning. Taylor Swift is a cultural powerhouse who uses her influence to inspire change and empower others. Whether dominating the charts, reinventing the music industry, or simply living her truth, she’s an icon whose impact goes far beyond pop stardom. Swift isn’t just an artist; she’s a movement. Writing Staff: Kimberly Childers ( our resident Swifty extraordinaire) Follow Sheddin on Instagram  and TikTok  for more music and music reviews.

Jason Hadshian, better known as J Hatch, truly embodied the spirit of living life to the fullest. Despite juggling numerous projects, he had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, making each individual feel valued. Through his influential work with iStandard, Creative Spaces, and the RnB Playlists, Hatch left an indelible mark on the global music community, building a network that empowered countless artists to grow and thrive. Photo Courtesy of Monty "WRIGGZ" Burks | @SHOTBYWRIGGZ Experiencing firsthand the three day Creative Space Camp in Manhattan back in October of 2023 it was nothing short of epic, The energy in New York that weekend was electric as fifty emerging artists, writers, and producers from across the country came together to connect, create, and collaborate.   Day 1: Honoring Legends and Building Community The camp kicked off with Hatch giving out his flowers, honoring industry icons Benny Boom, Buckwild,and others celebrating their achievements and providing us all the opportunity to hear their stories and network directly. Photos Courtesy of: Monty "WRIGGZ" Burks | @SHOTBYWRIGGZ Day 2: Music, Collaboration, and Creation On the second day, the focus shifted to making music. We all listened to the records each other produced that best represented ones sound. This is what helped Hatch and team form pairings of writers and producers to create new records over the weekend. These collaborations opened doors for potential sync and artist placements. There are too many to name but this night was insane, you walked into any of the studios you felt like you were hearing the future of music. Photos Courtesy of: Christien Gerrick Day 3: Feedback and Growth The final day brought everything together as guest judges gave us constructive feedback on our creations. They pushed us to refine our tracks and inspired us to the possibilities of where music can take you. A really fun moment came when it was @keyzdamogulllc chance to play his records. He literally had the whole studio jumping along with the judges! I swear the whole camp almost fought Hatch because he was joking around and cut Keyz track right before the drop! Truly by the end of the camp, although you walked in as strangers, you had no choice by to leave as family and friends. A Legacy Beyond Music Now a year later, looking back on this moment you would have never known that Hatch was battling stage 4 colon and liver cancer and doing chemo therapy every 2 weeks. The only way you found this out from Hatch was for motivational purposes only to inspire you. Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us, so when you look back on your life, will you be able to say you took every chance you could? Photo Courtesy of Monty "WRIGGZ" Burks | @SHOTBYWRIGGZ Hatch's legacy goes beyond the music he helped create. His influence lives on in the countless lives he touched, encouraging us all to live with purpose and passion. Although he’s no longer with us, his spirit continues to inspire us to embrace life without regrets. Rest in power, Hatch. May we all continue to strive to live as you did—full throttle, embracing every moment, full of purpose and passion. Honour Jason's memory by donating in his name to The American Cancer Society (Donate)