March 29, 2024

On the Radar: Kendrick Lamar makes history, Kanye West reveals new album, Eddie Reyes leaves Taking Back Sunday, + More

Chicago Music

It’s Monday again, which means it’s time for the latest edition of On the Radar. Catch up with all the music news you missed right here.

Kendrick Lamar wins 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Music

Kendrick Lamar scored a major win last week that’s better than all his awards so far. Lamar’s fourth album, DAMN., was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Music. This marks the first time a non-classical or jazz artist has won the award. In the announcement, the Pulitzer board gave praise to the album for capturing “the complexity of African-American life.”

The album received several Grammy nominations including Album of the Year but lost out to Bruno Mars. Lamar is also up for 15 nominations along with Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. His nominations include Top Rap Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, and Top Selling Album. Check out all the nominees here.

Congrats, Kendrick!

Taking Back Sunday announce the departure of founding member Eddie Reyes

Last Monday (April 16) Taking Back Sunday revealed that they have parted ways with guitarist and co-founder Eddie Reyes. The band didn’t offer many details behind the exit aside from “personal reasons.” Reyes has yet to make his own statement. The band did make a post on Facebook saying:

“Guitarist Eddie Reyes and Taking Back Sunday have parted ways due to personal reasons. Eddie was a founding member of the band and his contributions can be felt all along the way. John, Shaun, Mark, and Adam love Eddie, wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Reyes and current Brand New frontman Jesse Lacey started Taking Back Sunday in 1999. Lacey left the following year. While they haven’t announced a replacement, they’re still on for their co-headlining tour with Coheed and Cambria this summer. Check out those dates here.

Kanye West reveals his seventh album is coming in June

Last week was strange for Yeezy. He began “publishing” his philosophy book on Twitter in a series of seemingly random, confusing tweets. In between all that, West provided an update on his new album(s). It drops June 1 and consists of seven tracks. A few minutes later he revealed another album with Kid Cudi out June 8.

June 1st

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 19, 2018

my album is 7 songs

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 19, 2018

me and Cudi album June 8th

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 19, 2018

A few days later, West posted a tweet confirming he’s producing numerous albums, including Nas’ new LP, which, according to West, will be out June 15:

I’m hand producing all the albums I tweeted about. Been chopping samples from the sunken place 😂Pusha May 25th My album June 1st me and Cudi June 8th and Teyana June 22nd and oh yeah…

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 22, 2018

Nas June 15th

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 22, 2018

Hopefully, West will give us some more album updates when he wants to take a break from his book. And if you haven’t been following along, check out his Twitter for his unbelievable philosophy book.

Upcoming Shows

Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductees Bon Jovi hit up the United Center April 26. Find tickets here.

You don’t want to miss X Ambassadors when they play the Aragon Ballroom on April 27 as part of their Joyful Tour. Grab tickets here.

Three 6 Mafia brings their Hypnotize Camp Posse Tour featuring Project Pat, Frayser Boy, La Chat, Gangsta Book, and Lil Wyte to Joe’s on Weed Street April 27. You still have a chance to get tickets here.

The one and only Sir Mix-A-Lot hits up the Cubby Bear on April 28. Make sure you don’t miss out and get tickets.

Chicago Artist Spotlight: Half Dog

Bolingbrook’s Half Dog are the new kids on the block. The band consists of Paul De Leon, Anthony Maas, and Nathan Martine-Tetzloff. They only formed last year and have been working hard to get their name out there in the local scene. But what stands out about this trio is how they bring their diverse influences together. They take their love of hard rock, blues, EDM, and synth to create an alternative sound of their own.

Since their formation, the band has already recorded and released five new singles. They’re currently back in the studio working on singles. Their latest comes in the form of “Old Habits,” which will be released April 29. Their goal is to release five new singles by the end of summer. Halfdog are ones to watch out for, so make sure to follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.