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Write a Vocal Melody That Stands Out: Tips for Phrasing and Dynamics

August 25, 2024

If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.

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Add FX and Ear Candy to Your Tracks: Tips for Taking Your Sketch to the Next Level

August 23, 2024

Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.

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Recreate a Vocal Stutter Effect Like Skrillex: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 21, 2024

If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...

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Get a Great Sounding Synth: The Deadmau5 Approach

August 21, 2024

If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...

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Make Music Again: Overcoming Creative Burnout Like Pharrell Williams

August 21, 2024

Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...

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Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

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Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

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Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

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Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

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How to Create a Joyful Song Like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

July 24, 2024

Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...

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Why Nas' Illmatic Deserves the Top Spot: Rap Lyricism at its Finest

July 17, 2024

Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...

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How to Create a Viral Chart-Topping Song Like Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby"

July 8, 2024

Creating a viral, chart-topping song is the pinnacle of success for many music creators. Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" exemplifies how to craft a hit that resonates with a wide audience...

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Anticipating Lil Durk's Deep Thoughts: A Deep Dive into His Upcoming Album

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The Chicago rapper Lil Durk is out with his ninth studio album Deep Thoughts on 22nd November 2024. This album is a follow-up to his album Almost Healed (2023) and will have no shortage of eager listeners and critics. 

Album Announcement and Singles  

On October 3, 2024, Deep Thoughts was announced with Lil Durk posting the album title, release date and artwork to Instagram. On the cover, a beautiful black-and-white picture of Durk sailing on the ocean surface above a crescent moon was placed for deep thought and contemplation. 

To hype up, Durk dropped two singles from the album, "Turn Up a Notch" on 25 September 2024, and "Monitoring Me" on 4 October 2024. Both are his trademark songwriting blend of hooks and dirty narratives. Turn Up a Notch (with its guitar-driven, haunting beat courtesy of Southside and Smart Sertified) and Monitoring Me (with its confident lyrics over threatening, piano-backed production). 

Tracklist and Collaborations  

Though not yet announced, Deep Thoughts’ entire track list should include the above singles. Fans also hope Durk will make another effort with Drake since he’s shown us a track by streamer Adin Ross. 

Legal Challenges  

Until Late October 2024, when Lil Durk hit the legal stage after he was arrested in Florida on murder-for-hire charges. He is in jail on bond at Broward County Jail. This has left questions on what effect it might have on the album’s release and promotion. 

Conclusion  

Even after recent legal troubles, Deep Thoughts is still one of the most awaited hip-hop albums of 2024. Lil Durk's brand of raw emotion and real narrative is still taking hold of listeners and the album is set to only add to his standing in rap. Fans are waiting for the album to arrive in time, on November 22, 2024, so that they can witness Durk’s newest musical venture.