The music journalism world might as well have played an elaborate prank on its loyal readers this week, considering the headlines. Jay Z pledges veganism. Justin Bieber has a song with Chance The Rapper. Donald Glover made an album. But these things really happened, and we must acknowledge them accordingly. Really, this is what makes music news fun. The moments when we get to imagine the possiblities. In the brief moments between knowing about the Chance and Bieber song and its release, we get to think about what it will sound like. Maybe this will be the moment that catapults Chance to superstar status, when the entire world a.k.a. Bieber's Twitter followers hear it. Or maybe Bieber will murder this year's most promising new lyricist and this moment will mark the moment that Bieber makes a transition to seriously considered rapper. While we're thinking about that, we can can wonder if Jay's veganism will become a new trend in rap. Green juice deals become the norm over liquor lines. Or maybe you can follow along for the 22 days that he has pledged to plants. There are few better reasons to change your diet than because Mr. Carter is doing it. But knowing him, he probably has some vested interest in what he's doing here. Perhaps he already owns the New York-based Blueprint Juice company. He has to be making money off of this somehow. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, what the hell else happened in music this week?
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A$AP Mob did a song with Method Man.
A$AP Mob did a song with Method Man.
Date: December 3
"It's been a banner year for A$AP Mob. The Harlem crew bookended 2013 with stellar albums—A$AP Rocky's January-released debut studio album Long.Live.A$AP and A$AP Ferg's dank summer stunner Trap Lord. And now they're gunning for 2014. The collective plans to release a brand new Mob compilation in March and our first visual taste of what's on deck comes via 'Trillmatic,' a grimey, NYC trip from A$AP Nast and his guest Method Man." —Claire Lobenfeld
Drake signed a deal with Jordan brand.
Drake signed a deal with Jordan brand.
Date: December 4
"Does Jordan Brand think Drake is the person who has the talent and charisma (and a strong enough following) to drive consumers to buy his sneakers despite the fact that he can't dunk a basketball? Obviously. Hey, the Raptors think he can transcend genres. And while Jordan aligning itself with Drake isn't as much of a sure shot as the Kanye adidas partnership might be, it’s more of a sure shot than aligning with yet another athlete, because the brand never has to worry about a rapper getting hurt, or playing in a small market for a terrible team (and Aubrey doesn't seem like the type to drop a date rape verse). In the niche world of 'sneaker culture,' Drake's always kind of been an is-he-or-is-he-not a true sneakerhead (yes, just writing that sounds a bit nerdy) so it will be interesting to see the reception upcoming collaborations receive. But it’s not like he’s an untested rookie." —Joe La Puma
Chidish Gambino's album leaked.
Chidish Gambino's album leaked.
Date: December 3
"Childish Gambino has released an early stream of his new album Because the Internet. The 19-song project includes features from Chance The Rapper, Jhené Aiko, Azealia Banks, as well as Problem, who offers infectious ad-libs on 'Sweatpants.' The tracklist may seem a bit lengthy, but there's a number of interludes that tie the project together. There's also a slight difference on the album version of "Telegraph Ave" compared to the one that was previously released. It features an intro of Power 106's Yesi Ortiz promoting a new Lloyd song called 'Oakland' on the radio. This seamlessly transitions into Gambino's song. On first listen Because the Internet is a marked improvement to his last studio release Camp and definitely has radio potential on songs like 'Telegraph Ave' and 'Pink Toes. —Edwin Ortiz
Jay Z and Beyonce went vegan.
Jay Z and Beyonce went vegan.
Date: December 3
"Jay Z, the man who once rapped, 'After that government cheese/we eating steak,' can no longer eat either. He has announced in a note on Life+Times that he and Beyoncé have adopted an organic, vegan and gluten-free diet. Well, for three weeks, at least. The cleanse, which was designed by exercise physiologist and friend of Hov, Marco Borges, will have the two meat-, dairy-, and wheat-free, among other things, until Christmas. The couple started today, the day before Jay's 44th birthday (December 4). Read Jay's note below.
Psychologists have said it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. On the 22nd day, you’ve found the way. On December 3rd, one day before my 44th birthday I will embark on a 22 Days challenge to go completely vegan, or as I prefer to call it, plant-based!! This all began a few months back when a good friend and vegan challenged me to embrace a “plant-based breakfast” everyday. It was surprisingly easier on me than I thought… Why now? There’s something spiritual to me about it being my 44th birthday and the serendipity behind the number of days in this challenge; 22 (2+2=4) coupled with the fact that the challenge ends on Christmas day…It just feels right! So you can call it a spiritual and physical cleanse. I will post my progress… Any professional vegans out there that have any great food spots please help out! Please ha. I don’t know what happens after Christmas. A semi-vegan, a full plant-based diet? Or just a spiritual and physical challenge? We’ll see… Best of luck and health! P.S. B is also joining me.
Jay, allow me to reintroduce myself recommend Dirt Candy in the East Village. Maybe they'll name a dessert after Blue Ivy." —Claire Lobenfeld
Justin Bieber announced a Chance The Rapper collaboration.
Justin Bieber announced a Chance The Rapper collaboration.
Date: December 5
"Justin Bieber's next Music Monday installment is about to be his biggest one yet. The song is called 'Confident,' and it will have an appearance from Chance The Rapper. Bieber had hinted about his collaboration with Chicago's buzzmaker earlier this week, hinting at two songs in the works, including one that will also include Lil Wayne, Diplo, Big Sean, and R. Kelly.
Chance's rise has been meteoric in 2013, starting with the buildup to Acid Rap, which came out in April, and culminating in songs with music's biggest names, regardless of genre. He has already worked with Wayne before, having appeared on Wayne's Dedication 5." —Dharmic X
The Kanye West adidas deal was officially announced.
The Kanye West adidas deal was officially announced.
Date: December 3
Adidas has confirmed that the Kanye West partnership is real.
Before, the venture was all but official after Kanye went on Hot 97's Angie Martinez show and said 'I took the adidas deal because I have royalties and I have to provide for my family.'
But when Angie pressed on whether this deal was official, Ye replied with a vague, 'Whatever is official, non-official, official—what y'all gonna see is I'm gonna be the Tupac of product.'
Well, now it is official. A statement from adidas outlines why Kanye was brought into the company's family, and the big plans that will come to fruition in the next year. The full statement reads:
'For 2014, we welcome to the adidas family one of the most influential cultural icons of this generation, Kanye West. Well known for breaking boundaries across music, film and design and partnering with our history in street wear culture and leading innovations in sport, we look forward to creating a new chapter. Details to follow.'
Looks like Yeezy season will continue into the new year." —James Harris
The Grammy nominations were a bit...out of touch.
The Grammy nominations were a bit...out of touch.
Date: December 6
"So, under the auspices of longtime host LL Cool J and accompanied by live performances from artists like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Katy Perry, Miguel and more, 'The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night®' show unfolded tonight.
The highlights of the nominations are below, while a full list of all genres can be found here. Leading the pack with nine nominations is Jay Z, while Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Pharrell each received seven. Also of note were Drake and Daft Punk, each of whom received five nominations.
Song of the Year
'Just Give Me A Reason,' Pink f/ Nate Ruess
'Locked Out Of Heaven,' Bruno Mars
'Roar,' Katy Perry
'Royals,' Lorde
'Same Love,' Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/ Mary Lambert
Record Of The Year
'Get Lucky' Daft Punk & Pharrell Williams
'Radioactive' Imagine Dragons
'Royals' Lorde
'Locked Out Of Heaven' Bruno Mars
'Blurred Lines' Robin Thicke f/ T.I. & Pharrell Williams
Album of the Year
The Blessed Unrest, Sara Bareilles
Random Access Memories, Daft Punk
good kid m.A.A.d. city, Kendrick Lamar
The Heist, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Red, Taylor Swift
Best New Artist
James Blake
Kendrick Lamar
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Kacey Musgraves
Ed Sheeran
Best Rap Performance
'Started From The Bottom' Drake
'Berzerk' Eminem
'Tom Ford' Jay Z
Swimming Pools (Drank)' Kendrick Lamar
'Thrift Shop' Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/ Wanz
