music

top of page

Kick The Concrete

happenings.

news and features
in the here and now

How "Songs From the Hole" offers hope and healing from depths of prison

How "Songs From the Hole" offers hope and healing from depths of prison

How "Songs From the Hole" offers hope and healing from depths of prison

The Netflix film and accompanying EP tell the story of James "JJ'88" Jacobs and his journey of redemption in a broken system.

Kick The Concrete

2 days ago6 min read

The cover art of AmirSaysNothing's "We Are Who We Say We Are" album featuring a photo of the rapper with his mouth open against a blue backdrop

The cover art of AmirSaysNothing's "We Are Who We Say We Are" album featuring a photo of the rapper with his mouth open against a blue backdrop

KTC Music Report: AmirSaysNothing releases thoughtful "We Are Who We Say We Are," JID drops highly-anticipated "God Don't Love Ugly"

Did you catch all the sports stars JID name dropped?

Kick The Concrete

Aug 83 min read

Tyler, The Creator carries a Louis Vuitton duffel bag while wearing a Louis Vuitton jacket and an aviator cap while walking away from a small plane

Tyler, The Creator carries a Louis Vuitton duffel bag while wearing a Louis Vuitton jacket and an aviator cap while walking away from a small plane

Master Collaborator: Tyler, The Creator’s Top 5 Fashion Collaborations

He even created a Louis Vuitton chess set!

Kick The Concrete

Jul 304 min read

Ace Hood sits in a chair with his hands crossed over the back of it

Ace Hood sits in a chair with his hands crossed over the back of it

KTC Music Report: Ace Hood makes soulful return, AmirSaysNothing shares synthy single

Plus albums from At'Eaze and Jim Legxacy.

Kick The Concrete

Jul 183 min read

F1 British Grand Prix Drip Check: Fernando Alonso looked fresh, Lando Norris shined bright

F1 British Grand Prix Drip Check: Fernando Alonso looked fresh, Lando Norris shined bright

F1 British Grand Prix Drip Check: Fernando Alonso looked fresh, Lando Norris shined bright

And Raye looked stunning!

Kick The Concrete

Jul 83 min read

Slawn standing in a dimly lit room front of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 car featuring the livery he designed wearing the team kit he designed

Slawn standing in a dimly lit room front of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 car featuring the livery he designed wearing the team kit he designed

See Visa Cash App Racing Bulls' awesome Slawn livery for British Grand Prix

Tens across the board.

Kick The Concrete

Jul 11 min read

A collage of album covers from 2025

A collage of album covers from 2025

Best Albums of 2025 So Far

Who has our ears so far this year?

Kick The Concrete

Jun 205 min read

Little Simz sits in a black-tiled swimming pool holding up lotus flowers

Little Simz sits in a black-tiled swimming pool holding up lotus flowers

KTC Music Report: Little Simz brings raw authenticity on "Lotus," Childlike CiCi and Flau'jae offer powerful reflections

Childlike CiCi and Flau'jae also bring something powerful.

Kick The Concrete

Jun 63 min read

Xzibit wearing a suit and sunglasses standing against a light blue backdrop

Xzibit wearing a suit and sunglasses standing against a light blue backdrop

KTC Music Report: Xzibit claims new territory with "Kingmaker," Joy Crookes challenges beauty standards in "Carmen"

Is boombap your love language?

Kick The Concrete

May 164 min read

Tre Capital and Victoria Hernandez pose for a picture in front of a platinum plaque from Xzibit

Tre Capital and Victoria Hernandez pose for a picture in front of a platinum plaque from Xzibit

Hero to Kingmaker: Catching up with Tre Capital

Staring at the mirror seeing the image of a king.

Kick The Concrete

May 155 min read

Darren Waller and JRod look to the left against a white backdrop.

Darren Waller and JRod look to the left against a white backdrop.

Cadillac Problems: Darren Waller expands into R&B with JRod, embraces life after football

Music continues to be a foundation for Darren Waller’s personal expression.

Victoria Hernandez

May 149 min read

Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell and Anna Wintour pose for a picture on the blue carpet of the 2025 Met Gala

Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell and Anna Wintour pose for a picture on the blue carpet of the 2025 Met Gala

2025 Met Gala celebrates Black culture with "Superfine" theme

Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and Pharrell led the charge.

Kick The Concrete

May 812 min read

Zacchae'us Paul lifts his hand while singing into a microphone

Zacchae'us Paul lifts his hand while singing into a microphone

Zacchae'us Paul combines church background and Caribbean rhythms on "Jazz Money"

The Atlanta-bred musician emphasizes the importance of community on his debut album.

Victoria Hernandez

Apr 1617 min read

The inside of a restaurant with a sign that says Marathon Burger and people seated around a counter.

The inside of a restaurant with a sign that says Marathon Burger and people seated around a counter.

Double Up at Nipsey Hussle's Marathon Burger

The Marathon Continues.

Kick The Concrete

Apr 143 min read

Darren Waller rapping in front of Allegiant Stadium with his arms crossed

Darren Waller rapping in front of Allegiant Stadium with his arms crossed

KTC Music Report: Darren Waller drops banger "Top Play," Propaganda shows rap isn't a "Passion Project"

Whether you need something to smile and dance to or lock in with some grit, we got you.

Kick The Concrete

Apr 114 min read

Flau'jae's "Ready or Not Freestyle" Wins Kick The Concrete's 2025 Big Dance Tournament

Flau'jae's "Ready or Not Freestyle" Wins Kick The Concrete's 2025 Big Dance Tournament

Flau'jae's "Ready or Not Freestyle" Wins Kick The Concrete's 2025 Big Dance Tournament

Big Four!

Kick The Concrete

Apr 81 min read

Dee Dot Jones sits in a scraper car outside the Oakland Coliseum with an Oakland Roots flag flying behind him.

Dee Dot Jones sits in a scraper car outside the Oakland Coliseum with an Oakland Roots flag flying behind him.

Ten Toes Down: Creating "Tru 2 My Roots," a Certified Bay Anthem With Dee Dot Jones and the Oakland Roots

The story behind the soundtrack for the Oakland Roots' commitment to The Town.

Kick The Concrete

Mar 265 min read

A graphic with the headline "2025 Big Dance Tournament: What is the Best Song by an Athlete" against a concrete background an pictures of Lewis Hamilton, Lawrence Okolie, Damian Lillard and Flau'jae.

A graphic with the headline "2025 Big Dance Tournament: What is the Best Song by an Athlete" against a concrete background an pictures of Lewis Hamilton, Lawrence Okolie, Damian Lillard and Flau'jae.

Kick The Concrete's 2025 Big Dance Tournament: What is the best song by an athlete?

From the worlds of boxing, baseball, basketball, football, soccer and Formula 1.

Kick The Concrete

Mar 172 min read

Cardec Drums poses holding his arms at his chest while wearing a Hawaiian shirt.

Cardec Drums poses holding his arms at his chest while wearing a Hawaiian shirt.

Cardec Drums reflects on breaking ground in Latin music while being true to himself

El Gordito Lindo is all about having fun.

Victoria Hernandez

Feb 2110 min read

Sheryl Swoopes speaks into a mic while A'ja Wilson smiles standing next to her

Sheryl Swoopes speaks into a mic while A'ja Wilson smiles standing next to her

5 Highlights from 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend: Sheryl Swoopes passes torch to A'ja Wilson, Damian Lillard's homecoming

NBA All-Star Weekend is so much more than a game.

Kick The Concrete

Feb 196 min read

bottom of page