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Joyner Lucas pulls emperor card on hip-hop game in 2021
Liz Fay
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Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Joyner Lucas is his prevailing ability to be unapologetically over-thetop, a quality reflected in his 2021 release.
Lucas went on a rampage this past year, with the release of seven records in collaboration with hip-hop icons: J. Cole, Lil Baby, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil TJay and Lil Durk. Summing up the year with upward of 30 million listeners and nearly 500 million streams on Spotify, even before dropping “Rambo,” featuring Lil Durk, and his most recent single, “My Escape,” which was released Dec. 17. Streaming numbers like these certainly legitimize Lucas’ reign in the music industry — an idea the artist quite literally reps around his neck with his oftenworn emperor tarot card chain.
While Lucas dished out a well-diversified variety of themes over the course of the year, his main focus seems to revolve around marking his legacy, as noted in a slew of verses from “Duck Duck Goose,” “Rambo,” “My Escape” and “Ramen & OJ,” along with selecting “Legend,” from his 2020 “Evolution” album, as his encore performance this past September at Joyner Fest at the Palladium.
Of the seven songs released throughout the year, my favorite is “Duck Duck Goose.” Ruthless and determined, Lucas sarcastically pours out his most authentic self, spitting “Don’t give me advice go read on Wikipedia, huh,” something I can vividly picture him saying to my face right before angrily speeding off on his four-wheeler, chanting “Duck duck goose I am the goose!” in continuation of his triumphant fit, as seen in the video.
When talking about legacy, “Ramen and OJ” is probably Lucas’ best work, somehow spinning his autobiography into a song in under three minutes and thirty-eight seconds with verses such as, “I dreamed about it since I was a jit,” “came from the bottom and got me a check” and “I done did (expletive) you couldn’t imagine, leveled up and then bought me a mansion, I can never go back to a has-been, I can never go back to the old days, no way, back to walking to work on a cold day, back to thinking my ex was my soulmate.”
“Rambo” complements the rapperevolved-businessman’s claim to his throne well with references to Lucas’ ever-growing music management app, Tully, and his recent dabbling into the world of investing through verses like “I’ve been on my (expletive) business way, talkin’ like a (expletive) business man” and “fully-loaded won’t run out of ammo, ain’t no problem that I couldn’t handle” while at the same time leading us to Lucas’ second most popular theme this year; the glorification of his shadow self.
“I’m a player so I keep a bitch where I’m at” Lucas says confidently in “Rambo,” “My money long only thing short is my temper” and “I ain’t perfect might’ve made a few mistake, might’ve cheated on my (sexist expletive) but I knew she would’ve stayed,” Lucas says unapologetically in “My Escape.” But it’s in his collab with J. Cole, “Your Heart” — which trended number one in the world for weeks after its debut — where Lucas portrays a very raw and transparent persona of the man he’s owned being in relationships.
In the “Your Heart” music video costarring J. Cole — who initially reached out to Lucas asking him to direct the film —Lucas is witnessed sitting back calmly, watching as his significant other rips apart their house, stabs and shreds his personal belongings, and sets his car on fire in a fit of hysteria after finding out he cheated on her. I can’t say I know what it’s like to live in Lucas’ head, but I can imagine it’s very dramatic. Nonetheless, the music video felt pretty relatable coming from a woman’s perspective.
Lucas gets right to the point in the intro with his verse “I broke your heart, huh, you knew I was a (expletive) (racial expletive) from the start, huh, you should’ve listened when they said I was a dawg, huh, you should’ve listened to your head when you had thoughts, huh” before J. Cole responds with what Lucas refers to as “big homie talk,” saying, “I hate a (expletive) (expletive) used to be a (expletive) (racial expletive), couldn’t even blame her if she did (expletive) (racial expletive),” “you run your (sexist expletive) through the mud you deserve that so you can feel it for yourself where it hurt at,” and “what used to be the dynamic duo’s in flames, and you too proud to see that you hold the blame, from all that playin’ (racial expletive) we too old for games, mayne.”
Out of left field came “Late to the Party,” featuring Ty Dolla Sign. An actual “literally, what?” moment, this release surprised fans the most, since partying and night crawling aren’t topics Lucas typically runs to. This is proven by his “Dreams Unfold” video, a hilarious yet important attempt made by Lucas to express his concerns regarding the industry’s toxic marketing of drugs, violence and sex to minors — an issue Lucas is very passionate about, considering his reaction to the music video with Lil TJay being removed from the internet just a day after its debut. “They’ll put millions in $$$ behind what they wanna brainwash us and our kids with,” Lucas tweeted on Aug. 26.
Lucas’ natural penchant for vivid story-telling are why I’ve always considered him to be a music critic’s rapper. However, I find it harder to get the full Joyner Lucas experience without an album. But even without, Lucas successfully tapped into multiple layers of his character over the course of nine separate records while walking his listeners through a rollercoaster of emotions: anger, hostility, relief, accountability, pride, celebration and fun.
In 2021, all sides of Joyner Lucas were present.
Joyner Lucas headlined Joyner Fest Sept. 5 at the Palladium, his first local concert in about five years. JASON GREENOUGH/FILE
Chef
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“I sometimes describe it that same way.”
The chef, who supports the farm-to-table movement, said restaurant-goers today look for more variety and food quality. COVID-19 forever changed the restaurant industry, he said. “Take-out, curbside pickup and delivery definitely became more important for owners and their customers.” Samuel Slater’s offers seasonal dockside food pickup.
From the restaurant’s raw bar to menu openers and main stage, there’s variety. A sampling: Pan roasted duck, Portuguese steak, seared scallops, short rib shepherd’s pie, southern fried chicken and the chef’s signature cioppino, a spicy Italian seafood stew. The “Smokehouse” lists barbecue meats and chicken prepared on the restaurant’s outdoor smoker. Choose from the Nashville Plate, Opryland Plate or Graceland, accompanied by sauces made on premise. The B-Sides include smokehouse baked beans, pickled shishito peppers and the popular American comfort food tater tots, also available as Tater Tochos, tater tots drizzled with house made beer cheese, BBQ sauce, jalapenos and chives.
Other items: Burgers, salads, sandwiches, such as Duck This Grilled Cheese (duck confit piled on grilled Hawaiian bread with cheddar cheese cranberry sauce, caramelized onions, apple rings and bleu cheese aioli) and a few kids’ favorites.
Samuel Slater’s Restaurant, 200 Gore Road, Webster (www.samuelslaters.com) is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins welcome. The restaurant follows COVID protocols for guest safety. Telephone: (508) 9431639. Check social media as holidays will affect restaurant hours. The website lists several 2022 events that include an Elvis Presley Birthday Party with Fellowship of the King scheduled Jan. 8. Elvis Presley-inspired recipes on the menu?
Brown, 41, recently moved to Douglas to be closer to the restaurant. Earlier this month he created a five-course menu for a Holiday Feast wine dinner. Seafood, venison (osso bucco) and seasonal vegetables paired perfectly with wines. The restaurant looks to host a beer dinner with a local brewer in the new year.
Brown has competed in Worcester’s Best Chef, representing Prezo Grille & Bar in 2020. He won the 2015 Rhode Island Chowder Cook-Off and has New England Clam Chowda on Samuel Slater’s menu.
Teaching is a key part of Brown’s job and clearly something he likes to do. “As chefs we learn every single day,” he said. In his introduction on LinkedIn, Brown wrote, “You love what you do for a living, and never work a day in your life. I have been living my dream for the last 26 years and I still love what I do.”
His career advice for culinary students and young cooks is to “chase the dream, not the money. Never stop learning.”
Draft
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When buying beer glasses, look for the modern styles like Willi Beecher and Teku. They are essential beer vessels and most if not all of your favorite breweries carry their own version.
Other than at the breweries themselves, antique stores are excellent places to find beer glasses. I’ve grabbed many a dusty gem from behind some weird looking stuffed animal or old tome.
A gift card isn’t a cop-out
Finally, if you don’t want to commit to buying something specific, go the safe route: purchase a gift card to their favorite brewery.
Craft beer people know what they like and often would rather get it themselves.
A gift card isn’t just a couple of four-packs of beer; it’s an outing and an invitation to support a local brewery.
Before going last-minute gift shopping this week, be sure to check online for updated brewery hours.
Beer lovers can never have too many glasses. Consider gifting the craft beer fan in your life one of the classics, like a tulip or
Wayland Winter Farmers Market opens Jan. 8
The 2022 Wayland Winter Farmers Market at Russell’s Garden Center, 397 Boston Post Road, Wayland opens Jan. 8.
The Saturday market operates from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through March 12. The winter market has expanded the number of vendors participating this year to include 50 each week. There will be 25 vendors outdoors in tents; 25 inside the unheated greenhouses. Shoppers and vendors will be required to wear masks indoors, no matter what vaccination status. Masks are not required (but encouraged) for shopping outdoors. There will be outdoor seating if you want to enjoy a bite to eat, or sip on a hot or cold beverage. No eating or drinks indoors. More information about the market and vendors is available on the Russell’s Garden E-newsletter. Visit www.russellsgardencenter.com.
If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email tohoulefood@gmail.com.
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5 THINGS TO DO
PnB Rock will perform at the Palladium.
VIRGILIO VALENCIA/FOR PDN
PNB ROCK AND WAYS TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE
Victor D. Infante Worcester Magazine | USA TODAY NETWORK
Comedian Jimmy Cash will perform New Year's Eve at The BrickBox Theater at
the JMAC. PHOTO/DYLAN AZARI
Still on ‘Fleek’
Coming to prominence with the songs “Fleek” and “Selfish,” rapper PnB Rock delivers a smooth and confident hip-hop sound, riding the genre’s R&B strain to create a sort of languid heat in his songs. Oddly, it’s perhaps his collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Chance the Rapper, “Cross Me,” that puts that skill in focus: “Anything she needs, she can call me,” raps PnB on the track, “Don’t worry ‘bout her, that’s my seed, yup, that’s all me/Just know, if you cross her, then you cross me.” He skims across the top of complex emotional content in a way that makes it all feel genuine. What: PnB Rock When: 7 p.m. Dec. 29 Where: The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester How much: $30-$295
Up For a Laugh
There’s no denying that Worcester’s own “Janitor With Stamina,” Jimmy Cash, has become one of the hottest acts in New England comedy, hot on the heels of his viral “Janitor’s Parade” YouTube video, and a series of hilarious live performances. If you think that saying goodbye to 2021 – a year best described as, “at least it wasn’t 2020” – is definitely a laughing matter, then this is a good way to start 2022 with a laugh. What: New Year’s Eve With Jimmy Cash When: 8 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: The BrickBox Theater at the JMAC, 20B Franklin St., Worcester How much: $25
New Year’s Blues
It’s hard to resist the full, upbeat boogie-woogie sound that Roomful of Blues purveys, with horns blaring and red hot piano jangling. Songs such as “Boogie Woogie Country Girl,” “Lower on Your List of Priorities” and “What Can I Do?” positively demand that the listener cut a rug, and honestly, it’s hard to think of a better way to ring in the New Year than doing it with joy and dancing.
What: New Year’s Eve 2021 with Roomful of Blues When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $120 for dinner and show
Roomful of Blues will perform New Year's Eve at Bull Run
Restaurant. PHOTO COURTESY ANDY SMITH
Jazzing Things Up
The Russo Brothers have long been among Worcester’s favorite and most talented jazz performers, so swinging in the New Year with them at a vintagethemed party at Nick’s Bar and Restaurant definitely sounds like a good time. In keeping with the theme, “Mad Men” attire is encouraged.
What: Swinging in the New Year with the Russo Brothers When: 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester The Russo Brothers will perform New Year's Eve at Nick's Bar and How much: $15
Black-Tie and Dance Grooves
Are you looking for a classy, formal way to spend New Year’s Eve, but you also want to thrash? Then you definitely want to spend New Year’s Eve at Drafter’s, where a formal-attireonly dinner will be followed by music from popular local DJ Massappeal, spinning dance, EDM, Reggaetón music and more. It might be a study in contrasts, but it also promises to be a lot of fun.
What: The Timeless Gala NYE 2021 When: 6 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m. Where: Drafter’s Sports Café and Events Hall, 1017 Riverside Dr., North Grosvenor Dale, Conn, How much: $60
DJ Massappeal will provide the music New year's Eve at Drafter's. PROMOTIONAL IMAGE
