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YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

October 4, 2022

In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...

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Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

October 5, 2022

Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...

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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

October 17, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...

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How Steve Lacy Makes the Most with Less

October 18, 2022

Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...

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Has the Pandemic Changed the World of Live Music?

August 31, 2022

For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........

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Like the Early Days of Hip-Hop: The Future of Blockchain in the Music Industry

August 19, 2022

One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...

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Snapchat Announces a $100,000 Monthly Grant for Artists

August 19, 2022

Snapchat has recently announced Snapchat Sounds Creator Fund, a monthly grant program of up to $100,000 awarded to independent artists distributing music on the platform...

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TikTok Plans to Introduce a New Music Streaming App

August 15, 2022

Over the past few years, TikTok’s popularity has significantly increased resulting in 1 billion global daily users by early 2022. The app has also become extremely influential in the current music....

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Are Charlie Puth’s Music Classes Worth $300?

August 4, 2022

Charlie Puth has paired with Studio to create a 30-day online course that outlines the entire songwriting and production process for $279 USD. This hands-on learning experience has been marketed....

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Success Through Self-Exploration: Lexie Liu's Rise to Stardom

August 2, 2022

Whether you know Lexie Liu from her performance as Seraphine in K/DA’s “MORE” or her fourth-place finish on The Rap of China 2018, there’s no denying that the Chinese hip hop star is a global ...

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BTS: The First K-Pop Band to be Invited to the White House

June 17, 2022

BTS is the most famous K-Pop band in the world now, and recently, they were invited to the white house to speak about anti-Asian hate crimes and inclusivity. Being the first K-Pop band to be...

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SEVENTEEN is Going "HOT" This Summer

June 6, 2022

SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) is a 13 member Korean boy band under Pledis Entertainment. They are split into 3 teams, the Hip Hop unit (S.coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, Vernon), the Vocal unit (Jeonghan, Joshua, Woozi...

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Artist of the Week: Jay Z - The Blueprint of Success

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Photo Source: Entertainment Weekly

In a world where musical legends come and go, Jay Z stands as a towering figure, a testament to enduring talent and entrepreneurial genius. This week, we spotlight Shawn Carter, known universally as Jay Z, whose journey from the streets of Brooklyn to the pinnacle of global music and business is a compelling narrative of ambition, creativity, and resilience.

From Humble Beginnings to Hip-Hop Royalty

Born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, Jay Z's early life in the Marcy Houses was marked by challenges. However, it was in these streets where he honed his lyrical skills, setting the stage for a career that would redefine hip-hop. With his debut album "Reasonable Doubt" in 1996, Jay Z introduced a style that was at once smooth and gritty, a reflection of his life experiences.

A Discography That Speaks Volumes

Over the years, Jay Z's discography has grown to become a roadmap of hip-hop evolution. Albums like "The Blueprint" and "The Black Album" are not just collections of tracks but cultural milestones. His ability to merge street-smart narratives with slick production has earned him an unparalleled place in the music industry, with numerous awards and record-breaking sales.

More Than Just Music: A Business Mogul

Jay Z's influence extends far beyond music. As a businessman, he has ventured into clothing with Rocawear, championed the streaming service Tidal, and made significant strides in sports management with Roc Nation Sports. His Midas touch in business ventures has solidified his status as not just a musical icon but a global business powerhouse.

Philanthropy and Social Influence

Equally noteworthy is Jay Z's role as a philanthropist and social activist. He has used his platform to address social injustices and support underprivileged communities. His involvement in reforming the criminal justice system and supporting educational initiatives speaks volumes about his commitment to societal change.

Legacy and Influence

As Jay Z continues to evolve, so does his influence. He's not just an artist; he's a trendsetter, a mentor to upcoming artists, and a role model to many. His induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and his ever-expanding portfolio of accolades and enterprises are evidence of a legacy that transcends music. 

Looking Ahead

With every new venture, Jay Z continues to push boundaries and set new standards. His journey from a rapper to a global icon is a blueprint for success, inspiring not just artists but anyone with a dream and the determination to pursue it. As we celebrate Jay Z as our Artist of the Week, we recognize not just his musical genius but his remarkable journey to becoming a living legend in the world of music and beyond.