In a stunning turn of events, Slipknot sent shockwaves through the music industry by announcing the departure of longtime member Craig Jones. With 27 years of contribution to the heavy metal band, Jones was an integral part of their identity. The news came as a surprise to fans worldwide.
Craig Jones Is Out of Slipknot
Using their official social media channels, Slipknot made the solemn announcement to their fans, saying that the band is announcing that it has parted ways with Craig Jones. They wished Jones all the best for the future, and shortly after, the band’s Instagram page mysteriously vanished, leaving followers bewildered and craving more information.
Supporters of Slipknot expressed their disbelief upon hearing the news of Jones’ departure. The band’s lineup, once consisting of nine members, has now been reduced to four of its original members. Some fans even suggested that with a lineup drop below 50%, it might be time for the band to consider retirement, allowing room for new artistic endeavors.
The Clown Faces Hard Times
Recognizable for his distinctive spiky face mask worn during live performances, Craig Jones, also known as 133, joined Slipknot shortly after the group had finished recording their demo album in 1996. He held the position of “number five” within the band’s nine-member ensemble. As of now, Jones has remained silent regarding the unexpected development, and Slipknot has not disclosed any details about his replacement.
In the midst of this significant lineup change, Slipknot faces another challenge as one of its members recently announced a temporary departure from the band. On the band’s Twitter page, the band member, known as “the clown,” shared a heartfelt message with fans, explaining that he needed to be at home supporting his spouse through some health issues. He assured fans that he would return to the road as soon as possible and expressed gratitude for the continued love and support.
As Slipknot prepares for their upcoming performance at the Rock For People concert in the Czech Republic, the absence of Craig Jones and the temporary departure of another member leave fans wondering about the future direction of the band. It remains to be seen how Slipknot will navigate these changes.
How the US Rap Scene Evolves: Milwaukee Rap Takes Over TikTok
There’s no denying that Milwaukee rap doesn’t have the rich history of nearby Detroit or Chicago. However, young and prominent rappers are making the city the new rap hub. Names like Steve Da Stoner and AyooLii have been dominating social media, especially TikTok, for several months. It seems that a new rap generation is being born here, putting Milwaukee’s tunes in the limelight.
Milwaukee Rap – Rise and Development
Milwaukee is a place where a community of individualistic artists can create colorful jams. At times, Chicago’s influence is evident, but the tunes are overall one-of-a-kind. Think twice if you believe only Steve and AyooLii are making the place a new rap hub. While they’ve undoubtedly reigned over TikTok for quite a while, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Another prominent name is Lakeyah, but she’s just one of many artists.
Let’s talk about the TikTok superstars now. Steve, born in Milwaukee, often includes dance moves in his clips. Growing up, he was a part of the Juke Boys, a crew that often danced at house parties. His first viral moment was back in 2018 when he released the video of his “2 Busy”. It includes a scene where the rapper dances his so-called “Buckin” move, which became infamous for resembling twerking.
The other Milwaukee MC, AyooLii, rose to fame by dancing as well. He and his fellow dancers, Certified Trapper and Maz G., did various TikTok clips, many of which got over four million views. In his “Same” video, AyooLii performs one of his signature moves while wearing a balaclava ski mask.
Trending Rap Songs
As said, Steve and AyooLii might be among the top Milwaukee rappers right now, but they’re far from the only ones. Chicken P is another prominent artist who largely shares AyooLii’s style and sense of humor. Still, his delivery comes in a completely different package. Take a look at his YouTube page, and you’ll see either a combination of tunes and rhymes that combine thug and rich boy.
Evidently, there’s quite something going on in the state, which is often described as a stiff and separated community. Still, there are plenty of talents here, so much so that the Milwaukee rap scene is slowly earning a name for itself. However, it’s worth noting that many of these young rappers face many obstructions. So, it’s crucial to give this community its fair share of notoriety among US rap hubs. That way, we can encourage other artists to try and make it work.