08.05.2026

P-Lo Teams with San Francisco’s Muni to Provide Special One-Way Cable Car Ride to Outside Lands on Sunday August 9th

30 Lucky Fans Will Receive a Special Out The Box Clipper Card, Celebrating P-Lo’s Next Album, Out The Box, Coming August 14th via EMPIRE

RSVP HERE

The Pinole, CA Native Continues to Give Back to His Region, Partnering With the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)  to Give His Biggest Hometown Fans a Special Experience: a Party on a Cable Car DJ’d by P-Lo Himself

The Announcement:

West Coast rap icon P-Lo is deeply dedicated to his home region, putting on for the community whenever he can. The Pinole, CA native and Bay Area legend plans to give some lucky fans an experience they will never forget, announcing a new activation in partnership with San Francisco’s Muni (San Francisco’s transit system) and KMEL to transport fans to Outside Lands Music Festival.

On Sunday, August 9th, P-Lo will pick up 30 fans in San Francisco’s Embarcadero district at 3pm, taking them to the famous music festival in Golden Gate Park via a one-of-a-kind Cable Car, inspired by P-Lo’s upcoming album Out The Box. P-Lo will be present on the Cable Car, performing a DJ set for the entirety of the 1-hour ride. All 30 fans will receive an exclusive P-Lo “Out The Box” Clipper Card, San Francisco’s reloadable travel card, with a design modeled after P-Lo’s upcoming album. P-Lo’s Cable Car DJ set will be available to watch on P-Lo’s YouTube channel after the ride.

P-Lo’s Outside Lands activation arrives just ahead of Out The Box, his next album.  Announced in June with a cinematic trailer featuring NFL legend Marshawn Lynch, Out The Box is one of P-Lo’s most ambitious projects to date, with high-octane beats, party-positive lyrics, and a stellar array of guest stars. Most recently, P-Lo dropped a music video for album highlight “Dumblr,” a collaboration with fellow Bay Area icons E-40 and Kreayshawn. Home to recent singles like last month’s “Run It Back,” the triumphant and percussive “Out The Box,” and “S/O Alysa Liu,” a salute to the Olympic Gold Medal-winning Oakland native, Out The Box arrives on August 14th via Everywhere Like Air / EMPIRE.

Photo credit: Bryan Berry

Please contact Michelle or Tamera for more info.

The Background:

P-Lo is a Bay Area born rapper, producer, and cultural tastemaker known for blending West Coast sound with community-driven experiences.

P-Lo has built a career that extends beyond music creating moments that authentically connect fans, local businesses, and brands. With a deep-rooted connection to San Francisco and the greater Bay Area, his work consistently reflects regional pride, innovation, and cultural relevance.

Born and raised in Pinole, California, P-Lo is a foundational figure in the Bay Area music scene. As a producer and artist, he’s helped shape the region’s sound, producing for major artists like Yo Gotti, Kehlani, and Wiz Khalifa, while also gaining recognition for his own hits like “Same Squad” and “Put Me On Somethin’.”

Notable credits:
“Act Right” – Yo Gotti ft. Jeezy & YG (Platinum)
“GDFR” – FloRida (4x Platinum)
“All Me” – Kehlani
“Too Big” – Mount Westmore
“Word is Bond” – YG
“I Bet” – Chris Brown & Tyga ft. 50 Cent
“Always” – SOB x RBE
“Do It For The Bay” – Saweetie
“Put Me On Somethin’” – P-Lo ft. E-40

Links:

official site | instagram | tiktok | twitter | official store | spotify | apple | youtube

“Dumblr” ft. E-40 & Kreayshawn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA_J8F_E498

“Run It Back”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMFdFUOfHpc

“S/O Alysa Liu”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp_6_wXT-hE

“Out The Box” ft. Brisko: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p8pzwG4iRo

08.03.2026

Jackboy Processes His Pain, Releasing “Heartbroken,” a New Single, With a Mykonos-Set Music Video

The Pompano Beach, FL Native is Putting the Finishing Touches on I Can’t Do No Wrong, Coming August 13th via 1804 Records / EMPIRE

Following Buzzing Singles Like “Hussle Like Nipsey” and “Derek Fisher” ft. C Glizzy, “Heartbroken” Primes the Public for the Emotional and Confessional I Can’t Do No Wrong, Jackboy’s First Album Since 2024’s Trust The Process

Critical Praise

“Jackboy has carved out a niche for himself as a budding rap superstar and an entertaining personality on social media”  – Spotify

“One thing for sure: Jackboy is on his way” – XXL

“Jackboy is one of the hardest-working artists out right now” – HotNewHipHop

The Announcement:

Pompano Beach, FL stalwart Jackboy bares his soul on record with snapping flows and sharp melodies. The 28-year-old rapper continues the road to his upcoming album, I Can’t Do Nothing Wrong, releasing the emotional new trap ballad “Heartbroken,” and its accompanying music video.

Opening with dramatic piano chords and wailing guitars, Jackboy laments his rotten luck, as he remembers how it feels to be heartbroken and like his fortunes won’t turn around no matter how hard he works. An unabashed fan of pop music who counts Adele as one of his favorite artists, Jackboy switches effortlessly between drawling rhymes and impassioned vocals: “Ain’t got heartbroke in a minute, I forgot it really hurts,” he sings. The video shows clips from Jackboy’s recent vacation to Mykonos, where he contemplates his choices by the pool and watches kites fly over the Mediterranean Sea.

“Heartbroken” continues the road to I Can’t Do Nothing Wrong, Jackboy’s next album and his first since 2024’s Trust The Process. The album is home to Jackboy’s recent singles, including the fierce “Hussle Like Nipsey” and “Derek Fisher,” a collaboration with fellow Floridian C Glizzy. I Can’t Do No Wrong captures Jackboy at a new creative peak: wiser, sharper, and more intentional than ever. As described in songs like “In God’s Hands” and in a recent interview with REVOLT’s Big Facts Podcast, Jackboy has changed his life to reflect his new circumstances, converting to Islam and embracing his role as a family man, community leader, and label CEO. Having beaten the odds and forged a sound unmistakably his own, he channels both grit and growth into a project defined that signals a new era for Jackboy, one driven by perseverance, evolution, and an unstoppable creative force. Featuring production from SephGotTheWaves, ReeceBeats, and many more, I Can’t Do No Wrong arrives on August 13th via 1804 Records / EMPIRE.

Watch “Heartbroken”: https://youtu.be/P2_qLeCQ6AM

Stream “Heartbroken”: https://music.empi.re/heartbroken

I Can’t Do No Wrong Tracklist:

1. Far From Average (prod by OMGZANOZA)
2. Hustle Like Nipsey (prod by SephGotTheWaves, ReachHighEli, Regi & BeatsByCarpp)
3. Free Sig (prod by CBezeOnDaBeat)
4. Derek Fisher (ft. C. Glizzy) (prod by LMC)
5. Locked In (prod by CBezeOnDaBeat)
6. Benji’s (prod by Flame Beatz)
7. Gatekeep (prod by CBezeOnDaBeat)
8. Fuck The Law (prod by CBezeOnDaBeat)
9. Woo Lady
10. Obstacles (prod by CBezeOnDaBeat)
11. Private (prod by SFL Xavi)
12. Emo (prod by MaxFlames, MacShooter & ProdKeyon)
13. Seoul (prod by MaxFlames & KyleBeats)
14. Fast Life (prod by CBezeOnDaBeat)
15. In God’s Hands (prod by AlexMadeThisBeat, Simo Fre & Gabe Lucas)
16. Heartbroken (prod by DocPlayboi, MoxartBeatz, AYL, SephGotTheWaves & SickDrumz)
17. Forever (prod by ReeceBeats)

Credit: Tristan Anderson

Please contact Michelle or Francesca for more info.

The Background:

With over 1.5 billion global streams and a RIAA Gold-certified single (“Pressure”), Jackboy stands firmly among rap’s most authentic and consistently rising voices. Born in Haiti and raised in Pompano Beach, FL, he brings the resilience of his upbringing into every record. His charisma, singular tone, and vivid storytelling have earned him both industry respect and an ever-growing fanbase. His reach spans all major platforms, 375M Apple Music streams, 290M Spotify streams, 130M SoundCloud streams, 700M YouTube views, and 2M Instagram followers—underscoring the demand for his voice and vision.

Through his label 1804 Records, named in honor of the year of Haiti’s independence, Jackboy continues to build a foundation for other artists who share his hunger, discipline, and drive. The imprint reflects his commitment to giving back and uplifting the next generation – values embedded throughout his next album, I Can’t Do No Wrong, coming August 13th.

Links:

instagram | tiktok | youtube | spotify | apple

“Heartbroken”: https://youtu.be/P2_qLeCQ6AM

“Hussle Like Nipsey”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clbaB9JSzLk

“Derek Fisher” ft. C Glizzy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX3MSRyk84Q

“In God’s Hands”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ4mVvQEmws

07.30.2026

Trippie Redd Prepares For NDA, Coming August 14th via 1400 / 10k / Atlantic, Sharing Euphoric “SWAGGER” and Its Haunting Music Video

Stream HERE

Watch HERE

Watch the Album Trailer HERE

The Diamond-Selling Ohio Native Puts the Finishing Touches On His Highly-Anticipated NDA Album, Sharing a Melodic Banger with Drops by DJ Whoo Kid and a Surreal Music Video Featuring All-White Animals in a Haunted Office Complex

Critical Praise

“How Trippie Redd Keeps The SoundCloud Rap Spirit Alive” – Rolling Stone

“Redd’s gifts for melody and mood are strong” – Pitchfork

“Trippie Redd woke up hungry and he’s getting in everyone’s face” – HotNewHipHop

The Announcement:

Guided only by his creative impulses and sharply-defined sense of aesthetics, Trippie Reddnever compromises, knowing that his loyal fans will follow and that the mainstream will have to meet him where he is at. The 27-year-old artist begins his late summer takeover, releasing “SWAGGER” as he puts the finishing touches on NDA, his highly-anticipated next album. Earlier this week, Trippie dropped a trailer teasing the aesthetic of the album, filled with sharp blacks and striking whites and images of the natural world corrupted by vice and technology, ending with a snippet of “SWAGGER.” An epic, career-encompassing project that unifies the youthful firebrand that Trippie once was with the businessman and culture changer that he has become, NDA arrives on August 14th via 1400 / 10k / Atlantic.

Produced by JBone, southboy, and Igor Mamet, and featuring drops by DJ Whoo Kid, “SWAGGER” combines a sirenic synth melody with angelic vocal samples and propulsive trap percussion, laying the groundwork for Trippie to launch into his melodies and rhymes. Filling the beat’s negative spaces with soaring vocals, Trippie oozes the titular quality, delivering his outrageously confident verses with a series of mutating cadences: “Bad b*tch, I’m gonna put Rick on my body/Lil’ talkin’ ass’ll make me sick to my tummy,” he sings. Directed by Salty, “SWAGGER” follows Trippie into a haunted, Backrooms-inspired office complex, filled with white doves, goats, and pigs, warped, Cronenbergian sculptures, and a couple pledging vows to one another during a white wedding. Rocking a leather jacket, a Cossack-style fur cap, and a multi-faceted chain that stretches down to his oversized belt buckle, Trippie performs with aplomb, keeping the beat with his manicured nails (black polish, obviously) and doing his dance in defiance of his haunting background.

“SWAGGER” follows April’s “Paperbag Boy,” a collaboration with Young Thug, on the road to NDA. The superstar rapper kept busy in 2025 with a string of high-quality singles, including the defiant “Can’t Count Me Out,” produced Platinum-selling trap sound architect ATL Jacob, and the soaring Nick Mira-produced “Sketchy.” Trippie enjoyed viral success when his 2018 Diplocollaboration “Wish,” resurged thanks to the rediscovery of Trippie’s 2019 Audiomack Trap Symphony performance. Powered by an emotional social media trend, the original and orchestral versions of the song have generated over 1.2 million creations and over 8 billion views across platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, leading to 1.5 million daily streams and 10.5 million weekly streams across platforms at its peak. In Fall 2025, more than seven years after its initial release, “Wish” reached the Billboard Hot 100, spending five weeks on the chart and peaking at #79.

A Diamond-certified global phenom, Trippie Redd remains one of the most prolific, genre-blurring voices of his generation. With more than 14 billion streams worldwide, he continues to shape modern rap’s emotional DNA through fearless experimentation and melody-driven storytelling.

With “SWAGGER” out now and much more on the way, Trippie Redd prepares to reclaim his spot atop the rap game with NDA. Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Austin William Simmons (“Salty”)

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

Michael Lamar White IV, better known as Trippie Redd, is a rapper from Canton, Ohio. Trippie Redd has achieved significant certification milestones, including a diamond RIAA certification for “Fuck Love,” 4x platinum for “Dark Knight Dummo,” and 3x platinum for both “Taking A Walk” and “1400 / 999 Freestyle.” To date, he has amassed 16.9 billion global streams and 12.8 billion US streams, cementing his place as a key figure in modern rap.

After releasing early mixtapes like Beast Mode and Awakening My Inner Beast, he gained widespread attention with 2017’s A Love Letter to You, which reached the Top 100 of the Billboard 200. As his fame grew, Trippie relocated from Ohio to Miami. A Love Letter to You 2debuted in the Top 40 of the Billboard 200, and later that year, he scored his first Hot 100 entry with the Travis Scott-assisted “Dark Knight Dummo.” In 2018, Trippie released his debut studio album, Life’s a Trip, followed by A Love Letter to You 3, continuing his mix of sung and rapped emotional tracks. His second studio album, !, inspired by XXXTentacion, arrived in 2019, and A Love Letter to You 4 earned him his first #1 on the Billboard 200. In 2021 and 2022, Trippie kept up momentum with Trip at Knight, featuring collaborations with Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, and Playboi Carti. In 2023, he released A Love Letter to You 5 and the Saint Michael V2 album. In 2024, he dropped singles like “Murderman” with LAZER DIM 700, “LGLG,” and “Bando Kid.”

Trippie’s next album, NDA, is due in 2026.

Links:

official site | instagram | twitter | tiktok | youtube | soundcloud | spotify | apple

“SWAGGER”: https://trippieredd.lnk.to/swagger / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKbk4Hqzj18

Watch the NDA Trailer: https://youtu.be/4TNdbd1K17c

“Paperbag Boy” ft. Young Thug: https://trippieredd.lnk.to/paperbagboy

“Can’t Count Me Out” (Prod. by ATL Jacob): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot8gt5HIRw0

“Stay The Same”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqFU4LrPGww

“Checklist”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehKliwJhylc

“Sketchy” (Prod. by Nick Mira): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3edLt0E3Sk

“World Boss”: https://trippieredd.lnk.to/worldboss / https://youtu.be/1ykDy_S97lA

“Woke Up” / “The Face”: https://trippieredd.lnk.to/WokeUp_TheFace

“Woke Up” / “The Face” 2-Part Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG6igUGyqoI

07.30.2026

Donwill Welcomes Grammy Winner Durand Bernarr on Okayplayer’s 2x Webby-Winning Podcast The Almanac of Rap

The Two Ohio Natives Discuss Durand’s Recent Grammy Win, His Experience on the Road with Earth, Wind & Fire, and Much More

Listen to The Episode HERE

A Queer Artist in the Traditionally Hetereosexual Realms of R&B and Soul, Bernarr is an Engaging and Very Funny Guest, Opining on Current Trends and Revealing His Diverse Influences

Critical Praise:

WEBBY AWARD WINNER 2025 – EXPERIMENTAL INNOVATION

WEBBY AWARD WINNER 2023 – BEST MUSIC PODCAST

The Announcement:

Donwill uses his 2x Webby Award-winning podcast The Almanac of Rap to show a different side of many of music’s most interesting people, asking humorous, but thought-provoking questions to bring out fascinating answers. This week, Donwill welcomes Grammy-winning artist Durand Bernarr to the show for a wide-ranging conversation about his career, backstory secrets, and much more. A veteran in the scene, and like Donwill a native of Ohio, Durand Bernarr built a reputation for his immaculate vocal control, classicist songwriting, and soulful instrumentals. The veteran singer-songwriter reached a new level of acclaim when his 2025 album BLOOM earned the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

On the podcast, Durand and Donwill have a discussion that ranges from silly to serious and back again. The singer reveals a hidden past as the son of a roadie for Earth, Wind & Fire, which allowed him to get up close and personal lessons from one of the greatest R&B bands to ever grace a stage. Durand gives invaluable insights on his relationship with social media, explaining how his persona has become an extension of his art. Durand discusses his inspiring Grammy acceptance speech, in which he encouraged everyone to be their most authentic selves, and discussed current faves and unexpected influences, including J*Davey, Rochelle Jordan, Crash Cut, and Vula. Though the conversation lasts just 30 minutes, the rapport between the two Ohio natives is infectious, and radiating a love of music that could sustain multiple conversations.

This week’s episode is the 22nd episode of The Almanac of Rap’s Season 4, which continues what Donwill calls “The Almanac of Rap’s most ambitious undertaking ever.” The podcast plans to drop a new episode every week for a whole year, alternating between audio/video and audio-only podcasts. A master of engaging conversation, Donwill uses his experience as a rapper (he is part of the group Tanya Morgan), and lifelong love of music to dig into under-explored nooks and crannies, revealing a different side of his illustrious guests. The veteran rapper keeps things fresh each week with recurring segments, including hot take-centric “The Ballistics” and “The Big Playback,” in which Donwill and his guest give flowers to an under-heralded or underrated gem.

The Season 4 Premiere, featuring an interview with Cupid, the Line Dance King, reached the Top 10 of Apple Music’s Top Shows (Music) chart. Recent guests include Flying Lotus, Raekwon, Shaggy, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Bun B, Jharrel Jerome, 9th Wonder & Reuben Vincent, Masta Ace, and many others. As it continues, Season 4 promises an illustrious list of influential guests, including Chika, LaRussell, La Reezy, and more. Most recently, for the show’s 18th episode, Donwill interviewed Awon and Joe Miles of “The Other Guys” about running an independent rap label. Donwill recently discussed The Almanac of Rap in an interview with Newsweek.

The Almanac of Rap wouldn’t exist but for the passion and curiosity of host Donwill. Born in Cincinnati before re-locating to Brooklyn, Donwill entered the music industry as one-third of hip-hop group Tanya Morgan, with his creative partners Von Pea and Ilyas. The group is best known for the 2009 album Brooklynati, now hailed as an underground classic, but performing music is only part of Donwill’s story. He is a prolific DJ, holding court at many of Brooklyn’s hottest nightlife establishments and touring as the DJ for comedian Michelle Buteau. His music production work has earned him credits on Emmy-winning programs like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and produced theme music for award-winning podcasts like Slow Burn (Slate), Another Round (Buzzfeed), and #Adulting (WNYC).

Donwill brings that unique experience, curiosity, and dedication to his craft to each episode of The Almanac Of Rap. Don’t miss the rest of Season 4, which promises to be one of the most wide-ranging and entertaining seasons of the award-winning podcast to date.

Listen to The Almanac Of Rap wherever you get your podcasts:

Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

About the Almanac of Rap:

The Almanac of Rap is a weekly show hosted by Donwill that examines the origins of specific trends in hip hop and their impact over time and it’s way more fun than that description makes it sound. Each week, Donwill asks a question, presents a theory, and finds a guest to come to some sort of consensus about it. Simply put, it’s a show about rap by a rapper who loves rap music.

About Donwill:
Pulling from the crates of the blog era and the extremely online, Donwill is a certified rap encyclopedia — err, rather, a rap almanac. So then, it’s only right he’s the host of Almanac of Rap, a Webby Award-winning Okayplayer-produced series that combines the smartest, If You Know You Know™ rap conversations with deep-in-the-weeds fandom and sharp satirical humor. It’s all curated by Donwill, a former blogger who’s traded book recommendations with Lupe Fiasco and rapped with Drake as a member of the duo Tanya Morgan. If he’s not the most interesting rapper alive, he could do a hell of an interview with them. In an age of less-than-ethical streamers and scandal-chasing “interviewers,” Donwill employs a workmanlike approach to the art of journalism, taking at least a week to research each episode of his show. It’s appreciation as much as attention to craft. It’s also why his podcast stands as a show by and for the culture. And that’s probably because it is the culture. More specifically speaking, Donwill is the culture. Having written for The Village Voice as a reporter, traded bars with Drake, and interviewed rap titans like Lupe Fiasco, Donwill is the coach, the player, and the opponent — the journalist and the source. In other words, he’s the rapper-turned-podcaster we deserve.

Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer

Links:

Donwill: official site | instagram | twitter | mixcloud

Connect with Donwill at Donwill.Me

07.29.2026

Trippie Redd Releases Album Trailer for NDA, Coming August 14th via 1400 / 10k / Atlantic

Watch the Trailer HERE

The Announcement:

Trippie Redd emerges from the shadows, officially announcing his highly-anticipated album NDA. The Diamond-selling, 27-year-old artist revealed the album with a haunting trailer, teasing the album’s aesthetic and teasing a preview of the album’s next single, “Swagger,” dropping this Friday. Also home to the recent single  “Paperbag Boy,” a collaboration with Young Thug, NDAarrives on August 14th via 1400 / 10k / Atlantic.

A Diamond-certified global phenom, Trippie Redd remains one of the most prolific, genre-blurring voices of his generation. With more than 14 billion streams worldwide, he continues to shape modern rap’s emotional DNA through fearless experimentation and melody-driven storytelling.

With “Swagger” out in two days and much more on the way, Trippie Redd prepares to reclaim his spot atop the rap game with NDA. Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Austin William Simmons (“Salty”)

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

Michael Lamar White IV, better known as Trippie Redd, is a rapper from Canton, Ohio. Trippie Redd has achieved significant certification milestones, including a diamond RIAA certification for “Fuck Love,” 4x platinum for “Dark Knight Dummo,” and 3x platinum for both “Taking A Walk” and “1400 / 999 Freestyle.” To date, he has amassed 16.9 billion global streams and 12.8 billion US streams, cementing his place as a key figure in modern rap.

After releasing early mixtapes like Beast Mode and Awakening My Inner Beast, he gained widespread attention with 2017’s A Love Letter to You, which reached the Top 100 of the Billboard 200. As his fame grew, Trippie relocated from Ohio to Miami. A Love Letter to You 2debuted in the Top 40 of the Billboard 200, and later that year, he scored his first Hot 100 entry with the Travis Scott-assisted “Dark Knight Dummo.” In 2018, Trippie released his debut studio album, Life’s a Trip, followed by A Love Letter to You 3, continuing his mix of sung and rapped emotional tracks. His second studio album, !, inspired by XXXTentacion, arrived in 2019, and A Love Letter to You 4 earned him his first #1 on the Billboard 200. In 2021 and 2022, Trippie kept up momentum with Trip at Knight, featuring collaborations with Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, and Playboi Carti. In 2023, he released A Love Letter to You 5 and the Saint Michael V2 album. In 2024, he dropped singles like “Murderman” with LAZER DIM 700, “LGLG,” and “Bando Kid.”

Trippie’s next album, NDA, is due in 2026.

Links:

official site | instagram | twitter | tiktok | youtube | soundcloud | spotify | apple

Watch the NDA Trailer: https://youtu.be/4TNdbd1K17c

“Paperbag Boy” ft. Young Thug: https://trippieredd.lnk.to/paperbagboy

“Can’t Count Me Out” (Prod. by ATL Jacob): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot8gt5HIRw0

“Stay The Same”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqFU4LrPGww

“Checklist”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehKliwJhylc

“Sketchy” (Prod. by Nick Mira): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3edLt0E3Sk

“World Boss”: https://trippieredd.lnk.to/worldboss / https://youtu.be/1ykDy_S97lA

“Woke Up” / “The Face”: https://trippieredd.lnk.to/WokeUp_TheFace

“Woke Up” / “The Face” 2-Part Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG6igUGyqoI

07.29.2026

Vory Connects with Rich The Kid for New Single “SIAMESE“

The Grammy-Winning Artist-Songwriter Prepares to Release New Album DONDADA Later This Summer via EMPIRE

Known For His Multi-Platinum Collaborations with the Likes of Drake, Ye, The Carters, Bryson Tiller, and Many Others, Vory Paves the Road to His Next Album With a Fiery New Flex Fest that Shows Off His Soaring Melodies and Triplet Flows

Critical Praise:

“Vory Is Hip-Hop’s Secret Weapon” – GQ

“Vory’s unique ability to blend emotional crooning with bars that vividly describe his struggles is what makes him such a compelling artist” – Complex

“Equipped with his unique sound, wisdom beyond his years, and plenty more work he wants to get done, the young artist is only scratching the surface of his potential.” – Billboard

The Announcement:

With a track record of smash hits that stretches back more than a decade, Vory is a rap game cheat code, sending songs to the top of the charts with his special sense of melody. The five-time Grammy-winning Kentucky native returns with a new statement, dropping his new single “SIAMESE.” Produced by Chrishan, Don Valy, Pray4iz & fashotim, “SIAMESE” is a showcase for Vory’s sharp wordplay, making references to comic book heroes and villains as he recounts his romances in the South of France: “Two of a kind, I turn the Maybach into Noah’s Ark/Ayy, diamonds on me, they bustin’, chain like Tony Stark,” he spits. Vory welcomes Rich The Kid for a guest verse, the trap veteran’s confident triplets blending perfectly with Vory’s fast-paced melodics. The song takes an unexpected turn after the final chorus, shifting into overdrive with rock guitars and stadium-ready drums.

“SIAMESE” is the first glimpse of DONDADA, Vory’s next album. The upcoming DONDADAbegins a new chapter of Vory’s career, as his first official full-length under his new independent label, EROS LLC. Following the ambitious mixtape EROS 2.0 Love & War, which came out earlier this year, DONDADA arrives on August 14th via EROS LLC / EMPIRE.

Since emerging in the mid-2010s, Vory has helped define the sound of contemporary rap and R&B with his work on the mic and behind the scenes. He scored his first hit at just 18-years-old, with his contribution to fellow Louisville native Bryson Tiller’s now-classic “Don’t,” which racked up billions of streams en route to a Diamond certification. The artist’s distinct pen helped launch further hits, like Drake’s “Mob Ties,” which peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Vory’s talents earned the attention of some of the biggest stars in the game: he earned his first Grammy win for his contribution to Everything Is Love, the Best Urban Contemporary Album-winning project by Jay-Z and Beyoncé as The Carters. In 2020, Vory signed a joint venture with Meek Mill’s Dream Chasers, through which he released his debut studio album, Lost Souls, in 2022. The now 28-year-old polymath became a household name among hip-hop fans when he contributed songwriting and vocals to “God Breathed,” “Jonah,” and “No Child Left Behind” from Kanye West’s Grammy-nominated DONDA album. With additional credits for artists like Lil Baby, 2 Chainz, DaniLeigh, and many more, Vory has racked up 15 Platinum plaques and 4 Gold records on his written works.

Now independent and ready to push his sound forward, Vory looks to make a major splash with DONDADA. Stay tuned for much more from Vory as the summer heats up.

Stream “SIAMESE” ft. Rich The Kid: https://music.empi.re/siamese

Credit: @JesShotThis

Please contact Michelle or Francesca for more info.

Links:

instagram | youtube | spotify | apple

“SIAMESE” ft. Rich The Kid: https://music.empi.re/siamese

07.27.2026

Big Moochie Grape Shares “Genie,” His New Single + Music Video via Paper Route Empire

The “Gigantic” PRE Rapper Follows In the Footsteps of Heroes Like Gucci Mane, Future, and Moochie’s Mentor Young Dolph

Critical Praise:

“Big Moochie Grape is feeling like a champion in these streets” – Billboard

“It’s hard-working hustler music that never lets up, with a beat that never sleeps. Big Moochie Grape makes soundtracks not just for grinding, but for surviving.” – Pitchfork

“[East Haiti Baby is] an impressive body of work from one of Memphis’s strongest frontrunners.” – HotNewHipHop

“A consummate hustler with money always on his mind, Big Moochie Grape could sell water to a well.” – Attack The Culture

The Announcement:

With his gigantic personality and no-nonsense rhymes, Big Moochie Grape’s name rings bells all over the Dirty South. Today, the Paper Route Empire solider shares “Genie,” featuring his signature swing, layered with bewitching flutes atop monster movie horns and 808 cowbells. On the track produced by Dinero Love and Jamichael Benson, the East Memphis native runs roughshod atop the instrumental, touting his status on the block and growing bankroll, despite his humble origins: `B*tch I come from out East Haiti where they smoke outta soda cans,” he spits. In the video, Moochie retires to his gothic mansion–complete with garish artwork, a grand piano, and a servile butler–where he parties with some of the baddest in his city.

“Genie” follows Big Moochie Grape’s 2025 mixtape, Nightmare On AB.  Released on Halloween 2025, Moochie posits himself as the block’s own Freddie Krueger on Nightmare On AB. A reference to the famous Nightmare films and his home block of Apple Blossom Drive, in East Memphis, Nightmare On AB quickly establishes the life and death stakes of day-to-day in his neighborhood, where it is hustle or fall behind, and kill or be killed. Sometimes, Moochie is the monster in the movie, while other times, he is the victim, and the roles reverse more often than you can count. Home to singles like “Humongous” and “I Earned It,” Nightmare On AB is available on all platforms via Paper Route Empire. Nightmare On AB was Moochie’s second release of 2025, following EAT OR GET ATE 2 (DELUXE). Most recently, Moochie teamed up with fellow Southerner Fetty P Franklin for “Do What I Wanna,” and for Fetty’s single “Bows and Bricks.”

Ready to drop even more music this year, Big Moochie Grape promises to keep grinding until the whole world knows what PRE and East Memphis are all about.

Watch “Genie” (live at 3PM ET): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=parX2U-OG7o

Stream “Genie”: https://music.empi.re/geniegrape

Please contact Michelle or Francesca for more info.

Links:

youtube | instagram | spotify

“Genie”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=parX2U-OG7o

“Da Reason”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDnqTMV9cAU

“Humongous”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NpsxsQP6Zo

Nightmare on AB: https://music.empi.re/nightmareonab

EAT OR GET ATE 2 (DELUXE): https://music.empi.re/eatorgetate2

“Patrick Mahomes”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSyKqSr_Dik

EAT OR GET ATE 2: https://music.empi.re/eatgate2

“Fun” ft. Young Dolph: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDv5pTZXiVg

07.24.2026

2026 XXL Freshman Hurricane Wisdom Announces New Album, Weathering The World, Coming August 7th via Rebel/gamma.

Pre-Save HERE

With Over 1 Billion Streams in the Bank and A Growing Catalog of Melodic Hits, Hurricane Wisdom Prepares to Take the Next Step with the Upcoming Weathering The World, the Highly Anticipated Follow-Up to 2025’s Billboard 200-Charting Perfect Storm and Perfect Storm: Sorry 4 The Rain

Critical Praise:

Member of the 2026 XXL Freshman Class

2026 Complex Artist To Watch

2026 Spotify Artist To Watch

“Wisdom, from Havana (a tiny suburb of Tallahassee), fuses the tropical bounce of Florida street rap with the tenderness in the ballads of Southern and Midwestern truth-tellers. And the instrumental—flickering percussion and scattered, Broward County steel drums, merged with slow-mo, almost G-funk synths—is both melancholic and upbeat at the same time. It’s all rounded out by Wisdom’s raspy melodies, as he seamlessly toggles between no-frills aggression and lilts that hit like a sunshower.” – Pitchfork

“The Havana native broke down the regional barriers of Tallahassee with the twitchy “Giannis” in August, which picked up momentum like the Milwaukee Bucks superstar on a fast break to close out 2024. Hurricane narrates his gritty come-up but also delivers witty one-liners making light of his situation. He compares guns to the size of Giannis Antetokounmpo and jokes about not being good at math, but keeping problem-solvers around – if you catch his drift.” – Billboard

The Announcement:

Hurricane Wisdom is winning hearts and minds across the rap game with his sharp songwriting and infectious melodies. After scoring several hits and amassing over 1 billion streams across his catalog, the young North Florida artist prepares for his next chapter, officially announcing Weathering The World, his upcoming album via a stylish new album trailer on Instagram. The highly-anticipated follow-up to 2025’s Billboard 200-charting Perfect Storm and Perfect Storm: Sorry 4 The Rain, on Friday, August 7th via Rebel/gamma.

The upcoming album is home to several buzzing singles that Hurricane has released in the first half of the year, led by “Barbie Doll,” his first-ever collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Chance The Rapper. The song is a perfect merger of their two melodic sensibilities, which has the song heading towards Top 20 at Urban Radio on the back of over 15M global streams since its May release. Hurricane welcomes another high profile feature to the tracklisting on “YK Where It’s Goin,” enlisting Atlanta crooner Gunna for a hard-hitting record that is made for end-of-summer rotation.

Earlier in the year, the North Florida native expanded into the world of Afrobeats with “LIVING UP,” recorded on a trip to Lagos, Nigeria, and recently performed the track on tastemaker performance platform COLORS. Additional album highlights include  “Over Now” (5.9 million views), “Dangerous” (3.7 million views), and “Enough (2.4 million views). This album arrives as Hurricane continues to put the game on notice, cemented by recently being honored as a member of the 2026 XXL Freshman Class. Wisdom also earned Artist To Watch honors from Spotify and Complex at the beginning of 2026.

Pre-save Weathering The World:
https://openshift.vyd.co/HurricaneWisdomWeatheringTheWorld

Stream “Barbie Doll” ft. Chance The Rapper: https://rebelmusic-gamma.lnk.to/BarbieDoll

Keep up with Hurricane Wisdom: https://linktr.ee/HurricaneWisdom

Weathering The World – Tracklist

1. Lately
2. Enough
3. Another Morning
4. Get Up
5. Living Up
6. YK Where It’s Goin ft. Gunna
7. All On You
8. Wrong Place
9. Everything Wrong
10. Barbie Doll ft. Chance The Rapper
11. All Of It
12. Major Payne
13. Running
14. Blinded Love
15. Dangerous
16. Swae
17. Over Now
18. The End
19. My Life – Bonus Track

Hurricane Wisdom and Gunna on set of “YK Where It’s Goin” video shoot

The Background:

Hurricane Wisdom had an outstanding 2025, during which he established himself as one of rap music’s most-exciting rising stars. After elevating in Summer 2024 with “Giannis” (over 60 million streams across platforms), named one of the best songs of that year by Pitchfork, Hurricane boosted his profile with two high-quality projects in 2025. In February, Hurricane dropped Perfect Storm. Home to “Giannis” (Remix) ft. Polo G, and additional hits like “Drugs Callin” and “On God” ft. Raq Baby, Perfect Storm charted on the Billboard 200 for three weeks (#126 peak).

Later in the year, Hurricane kept his streak going with Perfect Storm: Sorry 4 The Rain. More than a deluxe, Perfect Storm: Sorry 4 The Rain brings 17 original songs, not yet collected on any project, landing multiple weeks on the Billboard 200 with a peak of #54, debuting in the Top Ten of Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart and at #16 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The success of Sorry 4 The Rain was driven by a high-wattage remix to Hurricane’s viral hit “Drugs Callin,” featuring Lil Baby. Updating Future’s classic “Perkys Callin'” for a new era, “Drugs Callin” racked up over 50 million streams across platforms, while the remix music video reached #1 on YouTube’s Trending Chart. Complex placed “Drugs Callin” (Remix) at #36on their list of 2025’s 50 Best Songs, and at #23 on their list of 2025’s 30 Best Rap Songs. At the end of the year, Audiomack revealed that “Drugs Callin'” was the most-streamed rap song on the platform in 2025, with Hurricane’s “Need Me” following suit at #4.

When Perfect Storm: Sorry 4 The Rain made landfall, Hurricane Wisdom’s hotness became undeniable. He performed “Rich Dropout” as his Lyrical Lemonade’s Lunch Break Freestyle(2.1 million views), and  made a standout appearance during On The Radar’s 2nd All-Star Cypher. The young rapper recently wrapped his “Perfect Storm: No Umbrellas Tour,” a headlining tour featuring several sold out dates.

Please contact Michelle and Kevin for more info.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | apple

“Barbie Doll” ft. Chance The Rapper: https://rebelmusic-gamma.lnk.to/BarbieDoll / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POEtNqTuB48

“Enough”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjjOXKDXLm0

“LIVING UP”: https://youtu.be/PqGOGvv-X5U

“Dangerous”: https://openshift.vyd.co/HurricaneWisdomDangerous

Perfect Storm: Sorry 4 The Rain: https://openshift.vyd.co/PerfectStormSorry4TheRain

“Drugs Callin” (Remix) ft. Lil Baby: https://openshift.vyd.co/DrugsCallinRemix

Perfect Storm: https://openshift.vyd.co/PerfectStorm

“Giannis”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5JaOnul46A

07.24.2026

17-Year-Old Palestinian Rapper MC Abdul Heats Up With the New Single “Shway Shway”

Coasting Over a Breezy, Afrobeats-Style Instrumental With Lilting Melody, the Young Gaza Native and Current Refugee Refuses to Let the Pain Control Him, Letting Off Steam With His Summery New Song

Critical Praise:

“Rolling Stone Future 25…In a place where education isn’t a given, the power of music has a way of shining through, especially with a gift like MC Abdul’s.” — Rolling Stone

“MC Abdul re-introduces himself with ‘Wein Abdul?’” — DAZED MENA

“At just 17 years old, MC Abdul has already lived a story that most artists wouldn’t experience in a lifetime.” — L.A. Weekly

“…Even with all the trauma surrounding him, Abdul beat all the thousands of odds and got signed by EMPIRE Records. He has amassed millions of views ever since through his songs, where he shares a glimpse of life in Gaza.” — GRAZIA

“MC Abdul’s lyrical vigor is reminiscent of hip-hop’s glory days, when storytelling and shifty fictions were the precedence. He seems to be following in the footsteps of Tupac, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and Black Star– rappers that never failed to create multigenerational works of art reflecting trying times.” — MILLE 

“At just 15, he has already established himself as a seasoned lyricist of global significance, serving up verses that resonate deeply with their complexity and emotional weight.” — YUNG

The Song:

Resilient and passionate, Palestinian rapper MC Abdul overcame unimaginable circumstances to follow his hip-hop dreams. Stressing the importance of enjoying life, even amidst hardship, the 17-year-old artist shows a new side of himself on “Shway Shway,” his new single. Produced by !llmind, the Afrobeats-influenced song represents a major artistic leap for Abdul, demonstrating how far he has come since his first exposure as a pre-teen rapping atop rubble.

Like many young people from Gaza living through Israel’s ongoing military occupation and genocide, Abdul had few chances to live a normal childhood, the oppressive trauma leaving precious little time for carefree expression. Abdul’s celebration on “Shway Shway” is therefore a radical act. The artist radiates a rebellious positivity as he shows off his skill with melody, sending a message to the Palestinian youth. “Mish Moshkila” (not a problem), he sings, tenderly, but firmly urging his nation to take things day-by-day, and to refuse to live in fear.

“Shway Shway” is the third single to emerge from MC Abdul’s next album, coming this fall. Executive produced by Suhel Nafar, the album is home to “Wein Abdul?,” a bravura rap workout that is one of his purest examples of talent to date. Earlier, Abdul released “Wait For Me,” co-produced by illmind, which used lyrical references to Abdul’s hip-hop heroes like J Cole, Eminem, and Nas to demonstrate how hip-hop inspired him to continue to fight for Gaza and his people. Abdul performed “Wein Abdul?” and “Wait For Me” at the inaugural OC MENA Festival in Costa Mesa, California, electrifying the crowd with his new single and fan favorite songs alike.

“Shway Shway” continues MC Abdul’s remarkable story, which began when videos of his 11-year-old self rapping atop rubble sparked a global viral sensation and has continued through his teenage years as one of music’s foremost advocates for Palestinian liberation. Growing up in Gaza, hip-hop provided a lifeline for the young Abdul, who learned English from rap legends and was inspired by the hip-hop tradition of speaking out against oppression. Videos of Abdul–of this middle school-aged child forcefully and soulfully articulating his struggle–circulated among music fans and activists alike, making him an iconic figure, but also putting a target on his back. It was a complex, hardship-filled journey for Abdul to leave Gaza, eventually reach the United States, where he currently lives, and later reunite with his family.

After reaching the United States, Abdul has pursued his dream of becoming a rap star. He made a historic Rolling Loud debut in 2024 as the youngest artist and first Gaza-born artist to perform on that stage. In addition, Abdul performed powerful showcases for platforms like GRAMMYs Global Spin, On The Radar, and From The Block. His cultural impact was further solidified by starring in Mustafa’s “Gaza Is Calling” music video alongside Bella Hadid. Having toured and collaborated with artists like Macklemore, Anees, Elyanna, and Saint Levant, and after opening for global superstar Atif Aslam, Abdul’s résumé is a testament to his status as a powerful voice for his people. With over 100 million views on his music videos, the champion for peace has already gained media support from Complex, Mashable, GRAZIA, Billboard, DAZED, RapTV, MILLE, Variety, VIBE, and LA Weekly among others, demonstrating the world’s growing desire to hear his side of the story.

Abdul’s forthcoming debut LP represents a leap onto the global stage, not just as a rapper but as an icon for a generation of youth whose stories of resilience are often left untold. Stay tuned for much more from the young artist as he continues his journey.

Stream “Shway Shway”: https://music.empi.re/shwayshway

Stream “Wein Abdul?”: https://music.empi.re/weinabdul

Watch “Wait For Me”: https://youtu.be/ZHD0QPEkCpw

Photo credit: Daniel Aziz

Please contact Michelle or Francesca for more info.

The Background:

17-year-old rapper from Gaza, MC Abdul, follows a rich Rap tradition of speaking up for the oppressed and taking people to the front lines of struggle and injustice. “We wanted to show the world what is going on in Gaza right now. I rapped in front of the rubble to inspire.” Abdul has done just that. His freestyle videos have garnered over 100 million views, highlighting the pain his community has endured for generations. Fat Joe, Chance the Rapper, Bella Hadid, and many others have praised Abdul’s courage, skill, and substance. His first EP, “Can I Live,” arrived via EMPIRE, and he is set to release his debut album in 2026. Using art, MC Abdul stands on the front lines of change. This brave 17-year-old is a champion for peace, fighting for his people’s freedom with his words.

Links:

instagram | tiktok | youtube | spotify

“Shway Shway”: https://music.empi.re/shwayshway

“Wein Abdul?”: https://music.empi.re/weinabdul

“Wait For Me”: https://music.empi.re/waitforme

07.24.2026

P-Lo Unites With E-40 and Kreayshawn for “Dumblr,” His New Single and Music Video

“Dumblr” is a Highlight From the West Coast Icon’s Album, Out The Box, Coming August 14th via EMPIRE

After Producing a Top 10 Billboard Hit for Drake and Revealing His Upcoming Album with Help From Marshawn Lynch, the Pinole, CA Native Delivers Booming Bass and Irreverent Bars in the Latest Banger From Out The Box

The Announcement:

P-Lo‘s bass-heavy sound tears up functions from coast to coast, bringing the sound of his native Bay Area to a nationwide audience. Today, the Filipino-American artist and producer joins forces with two fellow Bay Area icons, recruiting E-40 and Kreayshawn for “Dumblr.” Sampling 40’s immortal refrain from rap classic “Tell Me When to Go,” “Dumblr” is designed to obliterate subwoofers, stacking a delectable variety of low end sounds atop one another for maximum floor-shaking potential. P-Lo and Kreayshawn double-track the song’s hook, urging listeners to go as dumb as they can, before 40 Water comes through with a tongue-twisting verse of his own. In the video, b

“Dumblr” is the latest preview of Out The Box, P-Lo’s next album. Announced in June with a cinematic trailer featuring NFL legend Marshawn Lynch, Out The Box is one of P-Lo’s most ambitious projects to date, with high-octane beats, party-positive lyrics, and a stellar array of guest stars. Home to recent singles like last month’s “Run It Back,” the triumphant and percussive “Out The Box,” and “S/O Alysa Liu,” a salute to the Olympic Gold Medal-winning Oakland native, Out The Box arrives on August 14th via Everywhere Like Air / EMPIRE.

P-Lo enters this summer on a hot streak, having made an important contribution to the year’s biggest hip-hop album, collaborating with  “2 Hard 4 The Radio,” a highlight from Iceman.  Paying tribute to the legendary Mac Dre, interpolating lyrics and flow from the late Vallejo artist’s 1989 classic “”Too Hard For the F@#kin’ Radio,” 5he new song continueD P-Lo’s mission to infuse his sound and the sound of the Bay Area into hip-hop’s mainstream, and continues to establish the artist as one of his region’s contemporary icons. “2 Hard 4 The Radio” became one of the album’s most popular tracks, racking up over 55 million Spotify streams, and peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it currently sits at #22.

On May 7th, P-Lo celebrated “P-Lo Day” in his hometown of Pinole, CA. The second annual P-Lo Day arrived one year after P-Lo received the Pinole Key To The City, in recognition of his deep community roots and global representation, and engagement with the community through school visits, mentorship, and support for local businesses and nonprofits. P-Lo is also very proud of his heritage as a Filipino-American; he earned recognition from the Recording Academy for his advocacy for AAPI musicians and creators.

Since emerging as the sonic architect of the East Bay’s HBK Gang in the 2010s, P-Lo has been a force in hip-hop, redefining the West Coast sound without losing his strong focus on uplifting his local community. Born and raised in Pinole, CA, P-Lo has crafted hits like the Platinum-selling “Act Right” for Yo Gotti and “Always” for Chris Brown, and has collaborated with artists like Kehlani, Wiz Khalifa, and YG. As an artist, he released iconic anthems like “Put Me On Somethin'” ft. E-40 and “Same Squad,” and guested on Denise Julia’s smash hit “B.A.D.” (85 million Spotify streams). The artist is known for pushing the sound of the Bay Area forward, with acclaimed albums like More Than Anything, SHINE, and STUNNA, and the high-profile collaborative album Majorly Independent w/ LaRussell.

In 2025, P-Lo made history with For The Soil, a landmark collaborative album released by Golden State Entertainment and EMPIRE. Released in time for All-Star Weekend 2025 in the Bay Area, the album was the first-ever hip-hop album released in partnership by a local rapper and an NBA franchise, the Golden State Warriors. The album was a major moment for Bay Area hip-hop, featuring heavyweights like E-40, Too $hort, Saweetie, Kamaiyah, and many others. With music videos for highlights like “Prayer ’25” and “Had To” filmed across major San Francisco landmarks, P-Lo reaffirmed his region as a central pillar of the modern rap scene. For The Soil was P-Lo’s one of his many official partnerships with a Bay Area sports team, including his single “Do It For The Bay” ft. Saweetie, the official anthem for the San Francisco 49ers2024 season, and his status as an ambassador for the Warriors, Niners, and San Francisco Giants.

With plenty of music to come, P-Lo aims to cement his legendary status and build on his already impressive catalog. Stay tuned for much more.

Stream “Dumblr” ft. E-40 & Kreayshawn: https://music.empi.re/dumblr

Watch “Dumblr” ft. E-40 & Kreayshawn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA_J8F_E498

Watch the trailer for Out The Box featuring Marshawn Lynch: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZ89rkatLBz/

Connect with P-Lo: official site | instagram | tiktok | twitter | official store

Photo credit: Bryan Berry

Please contact Michelle or Tamera for more info.

The Background:

P-Lo is a Bay Area born rapper, producer, and cultural tastemaker known for blending West Coast sound with community-driven experiences.

P-Lo has built a career that extends beyond music creating moments that authentically connect fans, local businesses, and brands. With a deep-rooted connection to San Francisco and the greater Bay Area, his work consistently reflects regional pride, innovation, and cultural relevance.

Born and raised in Pinole, California, P-Lo is a foundational figure in the Bay Area music scene. As a producer and artist, he’s helped shape the region’s sound, producing for major artists like Yo Gotti, Kehlani, and Wiz Khalifa, while also gaining recognition for his own hits like “Same Squad” and “Put Me On Somethin’.”

Notable credits:
“Act Right” – Yo Gotti ft. Jeezy & YG (Platinum)
“GDFR” – FloRida (4x Platinum)
“All Me” – Kehlani
“Too Big” – Mount Westmore
“Word is Bond” – YG
“I Bet” – Chris Brown & Tyga ft. 50 Cent
“Always” – SOB x RBE
“Do It For The Bay” – Saweetie
“Put Me On Somethin’” – P-Lo ft. E-40

Links:

official site | instagram | tiktok | twitter | official store | spotify | apple | youtube

“Run It Back”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMFdFUOfHpc

“S/O Alysa Liu”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp_6_wXT-hE

“Out The Box” ft. Brisko: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p8pzwG4iRo

07.24.2026

Sheff G Puts His City on His Back, Releasing Weight On Me: The Album via Winners Circle / RCA Records

Stream HERE

The Brooklyn Drill Pioneer Connects With G Herbo for Furious Highlight “Ventilator” (Music Video Live at 3pm on Sheff’s YouTube)

Determined to Run NYC Even While Behind Bars, the Winners Circle Rapper Delivers an Emotional, Yet Hard-Hitting Pack of 16 Tracks, With Glistening Production from Great John and Guest Appearances From Sleepy Hallow, Skrilla, Wallie The Sensei, and More

Weight On Me: The Album artwork

Critical Praise:

“A pioneer of Brooklyn drill and one of its most technically gifted lyricists” – Pitchfork

“Sheff G helped define the Brooklyn drill sound — now he’s pushing it forward” – COMPLEX

“[A] hard, forceful New York rapper with a deep, resonant voice” – Stereogum

“High area-of-impact raps…Sheff arrives at the frontlines of battle with a rare firmness and singlemindedness” – Passion of the Weiss

“Combining drill beats with softer melodies through sampling has become [Sleepy Hallow’s] forte” – Billboard

“[Sleepy Hallow] spits with the kind of ease and flash that starts block parties” – Pitchfork

The Announcement:

Ever since he emerged on the scene as a teenager at the beginning of the Brooklyn drill boom, Sheff G has been a fixture in New York’s rap scene, bringing his perspective to life with raw emotion, gritty realism, and lilting melodies. Today, the East Flatbush native returns with Weight On Me: The Album, the new soundtrack to NYC’s historic summer. Released as Sheff continues his journey of accountability from behind bars, the new album mixes heavy subject matter and contemplative introspection with airy summer anthems and gritty street stories. Blessed with instrumentals from Sheff’s Winners Circle associate and longtime creative partner Great John, Weight On Me: The Album sparkles with glistening keys and is lifted by chirruping vocal samples, providing a hefty backdrop for Sheff to flex his vocal muscles. His sonorous baritone is more expressive than ever, projecting confidence and pain in equal measure, is Sheff slides into pockets with lilting melodies.

Along with the album, Sheff teams up with G Herbo for “Ventilator,” highlighted by a new music video that releases at 3pm ET on Sheff’s YouTube channel. The song supplies Sheff and Herbo with an insistent, siren-laden instrumental, delivering a sharp message for any challengers who want smoke. Sheff kicks things off with an ice cold hook, before making room for G Herbo to breath fire on the first verse: “Hop out a new coupe, drop in another truck/And if he ever fall, I’m a pick brodie up.” Sheff ditches his usual melodies on his closing verse, instead stacking triplets about his official status in the streets: “Gettin’ to the money fast/Humble we ain’t gotta brag.” In the video, Sheff and Herb link up at the club for a night off, linking with beautiful women and fellow brethren along the way.

The new album is home to recent singles like soulful mission statement “Eat Work Pray” and uber-confident opener “HIM,” making room for plenty of new songs that speak on his perspective as a kingpin and community leader. “Count Me Out” uses a sparkling Great John beat to speak out against his doubters, while the sensuous “My Love” finds Sheff dancing around a chopped vocal sample with uncommon tenderness. The Winners Circle head honcho also goes toe-to-toe with Philadelphia rapper Skrilla on the fiery “Cashing Out By the time Sheff reaches the closing “All In,” Sheff has demonstrated a newfound maturity, reflecting his role as a leader for his community and a provider for his family. Featuring a guest spot from Sleepy Hallow on “Woke Up,” Weight On Me: The Album is available on all platforms via Winners Circle / RCA Records.

A pioneer of his home borough’s drill explosion, Sheff G first began making music while he was still in high school. He quickly garnered buzz with his debut track “4 Them Racks”, a release that led to his 2017 breakout moment with explosive underground hit, “No Suburban,” later followed-up in 2020 with the Gold-certified “No Suburban Pt. 2.” Rocking pigtail braids and a Puma tracksuit, Sheff popularized a style entirely his own, quite pronounced amid a flurry of EP releases, which led to his critically-lauded debut studio album One and Only. An undeniable trailblazer in the genre space, Sheff quickly rose to prominence, boasting a flurry of Platinum and Gold-certified records across his projects and up to 2024’s Proud of Myself. Sheff also garnered hits alongside friend and fellow artist/labelmate Sleepy Hallow, such as the Gold-certified “Tip Toe‘.’ A testament to the Winners Circle CEO’s enduring legacy and continued influence in the drill genre, despite controversies, when the NY rapper’s inquisitive nature, found him experimenting with new sounds on his 2024 LP, while still delivering the high-energy anthems he’s known for. The softer sound he’s crafted alongside Sleepy, continues to reverberate through the drill scene today.

Not one to let a prison sentence get in the way of his self-expression, Sheff G’s new album is sure to become a mainstay on stereos this summer.

Listen to Weight On Me: The Album: https://SheffG.lnk.to/weightonme

Watch “Ventilator” ft. G Herbo (live at 3pm): https://sheffg.lnk.to/weightonme/youtube

Weight On Me tracklist

1. Him
2. Eat, Work, Pray
3. Grind 4
4. Count Me Out
5. My Love
6. On The Road
7. Never Doubt feat. Wallie The Sensei
8. Word 2
9. Ventilator feat. G Herbo
10. Woke Up feat. Sleepy Hallow
11. Brokey
12. Cashing Out feat. Skrilla
13. Real Drill Freestyle
14. Saint
15. Love Me More Or Less
16. All In

Credit: Courtesy of RCA Records

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

Links:

Sheff G: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple | SoundCloud
Sleepy Hallow: instagram | youtube | spotify | apple | soundcloud

Sheff G – “All In”: https://sheffg.lnk.to/allin

Sheff G – “Eat Work Pray”: https://sheffg.lnk.to/eatworkpray

Sheff G – “Him”: https://sheffg.lnk.to/him

Sheff G & Sleepy Hallow – “Baby I”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Z8LCaGcOY

Sheff G & Sleepy Hallow – “Lucky” ft. Bay Swag: audio | video

Sheff G – Proud of Myself: https://sheffg.lnk.to/proudofmyself

Sheff G – “Never Again” ft. Lil Tecca: https://sheffg.lnk.to/neveragain

07.24.2026

Baltimore Rapper NASG Chaz Keeps Hot Streak Going with “Blow My High,” His New Single

Rising Behind His Viral Anthem “Outta Town” and Co-Signs From Cardi B and More, the 23-Year-Old Rapper is Ready to Bring His Baltimore Sound to the Masses

The Announcement:

Incorporating sounds from all regions and injecting his Baltimore-born swag, NASG Chaz is a student of the game. The 23-year-old artist applies his nimble, hard-hitting flow to a Southern-style instrumental on “Blow My High,” his new single. A change of pace from his last single, “Beat Up Or Not,” which used a Baltimore club beat, “Blow My High” layers church organ and twinkling pianos above insistent trap percussion, laying groundwork for Chaz to melodically work through the issues that threaten to ruin his good time: “Our opps ain’t getting money, I don’t know how they gettin’ by,” he spits.

“Blow My High” continues a red hot summer for Baltimore’s NASG Chaz, who is looking to be the next star to break out of Charm City. Making his name with successful mixtapes like 2024’s OFF THE DON and his collaborations with fellow Baltimoreans like Yg Teck, Chaz has been on a red hot run since dropping “DID MY SH*T” in 2025. With over 1.5 million streams across platforms, the song was one of the biggest Baltimore club anthems of the year, earning the attention of tastemakers like Cardi B, who posted “DID MY SH*T” on her story and brought Chaz onstage during her Baltimore tour date.

The young artist is currently experiencing a viral moment with his new single  “Outta Town.” n earworm that blends an emotional guitar-loop with heavy trap percussion, “Outta Town” shows another side of Chaz, as he delivers fast-paced, yet soulful melodies about his rise from the grind to his current luxurious lifestyle: “I remember robbin’ n****s for they money.They can have it back, don’t need it now/F*ck around and rob a n**** just for nothin’/Take his money, leave it on the ground,” he lilts. Released on May 13th, the song has become a local hit, inspiring a dance on TikTok off its snippet, and racking up over 1 million streams across platforms and over 500k YouTube views to date. Chaz followed “Outta Town” with “Beat Up Or Not,” revealing another arrow in his sonic quiver.

A fixture in the DMV rap scene since he was a teenager, NASG Chaz’s recent moves have him well on his way to national recognition. With a large and growing fanbase in his city and much more music to come, NASG Chaz is primed to bring his Baltimore sound to the forefront of the rap game. Stay tuned for more.

Stream “Blow My High”: https://nasgchaz.ffm.to/blowmyhigh

Photo credit: Gino Suvino-Vinatieri

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, NASG Chaz holds the key to his city’s tough yet hopeful spirit. Chaz’s roots grow where grit and dreams collide, creating a voice and vision that could only come from him. The young artist’s career started before most others– in his early teens– giving him the advantage of time to sharpen his pen. Chaz has already been in-demand for at least two years with consistent shows and live engagements in the DMV area, to the point that fans are saying they don’t remember the last two summers without Chaz in the mix. NASG Chaz has the potential to be the first street rapper in recent (and distant) memory to plant a real flag in Baltimore, and he’s positioned to do exactly that.

Links:

instagram | tiktok | youtube | spotify | apple

“Blow My High”: https://nasgchaz.ffm.to/blowmyhigh

“Beat Up Or Not”: https://nasgchaz.ffm.to/beatupornot / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CiWtwIzdPc

“Outta Town”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyogk0aNjhw

“Illegal”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsFNlP8j7u0

“DID MY SH*T”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0Vq8rwKS84

07.24.2026

Surf7 Teams Up with Fellow Philadelphia-native and Legend Meek Mill for the Remix of His Breakout Hit “GOOSE COAT”

After building a devoted social media following and more than 5 million plays on his viral anthem “GOOSE COAT” the rising rapper joins forces with one of his hometown heroes for the next chapter of his rapid ascent.

The Announcement:

Philadelphia breakout Surf7 recruits hometown legend Meek Mill for the remix of “GOOSE COAT,” the breakout anthem that has rapidly established the young rapper as one of the city’s most exciting new voices. In just a matter of weeks, Surf7 has built a devoted following through gritty authenticity, relentless work ethic, and a sound that channels the spirit of Philadelphia rap while carving out a lane entirely his own. Now, with Meek Mill joining him on “GOOSE COAT (Remix),” Surf7 brings his ascent full circle, connecting one of the city’s most promising emerging artists with one of its most influential rap icons.

Built around Surf7’s rapid-fire lyricism and vivid street storytelling, “GOOSE COAT” is a triumphant account of survival, ambition, and the realities of his come-up. While much of Philadelphia’s current rap scene has gravitated toward drill, Surf distinguishes himself through introspective writing and an undeniable sense of momentum. The original “GOOSE COAT” quickly became a fan favorite, amassing over 5 million streams across platforms and over 1 million TikTok creates to date. Together with his first release, “FRM DA JETZ,” the two songs generated more than 3 million plays in their first month, transforming Surf7 from a rising local artist into one of the most talked-about new voices in Philadelphia rap.

In the accompanying “GOOSE COAT” (Remix) video, Surf7 brings the song’s gritty, triumphant energy to life, offering a visual introduction to the world he has built around the breakout anthem. The video further captures the raw authenticity and relentless momentum that have made Surf7 one of the most exciting new artists to emerge from Philadelphia.

Watch the Video HERE

Surf7 has already begun expanding the world established by “GOOSE COAT.” On his most recent release, “7AM in NY,” he trades the streets of Philadelphia for New York City, offering another glimpse into the perspective of a young artist navigating ambition, movement, and the realities of his rapidly changing life. The release further demonstrates Surf7’s ability to turn personal experiences and everyday environments into compelling rap narratives.

With “GOOSE COAT (Remix),” Surf7 enters his next chapter alongside one of the most important artists to emerge from Philadelphia. As he prepares to bring his music to DSPs for the first time, the young rapper is poised to convert the grassroots momentum behind “GOOSE COAT” into lasting commercial impact. The remix marks a new milestone in Surf7’s rapid ascent – and a major statement from an artist whose story is only just beginning.

Stream “GOOSE COAT (Remix)” ft. Meek Mill: https://surf7.lnk.to/goosecoatremix

Please contact Michelle or Francesca for more info.

Links:

instagram | spotify | soundcloud | tiktok | youtube

“GOOSE COAT” ft. Meek Mill: https://surf7.lnk.to/GCRemixVideo

“GOOSE COAT”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlP-e2Yfp6c

“7AM in NY”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEjro_gmpRo

“FRM DA JETZ”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4BSORxtPeQ

07.23.2026

Sheff G and Winners Circle Launch “True 2 My Brother,” an Impact Campaign and Charitable Organization to Give Back to His Community”

True 2 My Brother” Kicked Off With an Event On July 22nd, Hosted In Partnership With Children Of Promise NYC, Benefitting Children Impacted by Parental Incarceration

Determined to Use Their Influential Status for a Good Cause, Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow, and the Rest of Winners Circle Plan a Series of Givebacks For Their Brooklyn Community to Accompany Their Upcoming Releases and Extending Into the Future

Credit – @whatwouldpetedo

Critical Praise:

“A pioneer of Brooklyn drill and one of its most technically gifted lyricists” – Pitchfork

“Sheff G helped define the Brooklyn drill sound — now he’s pushing it forward” – COMPLEX

“[A] hard, forceful New York rapper with a deep, resonant voice” – Stereogum

“High area-of-impact raps…Sheff arrives at the frontlines of battle with a rare firmness and singlemindedness” – Passion of the Weiss

“Combining drill beats with softer melodies through sampling has become [Sleepy Hallow’s] forte” – Billboard

“[Sleepy Hallow] spits with the kind of ease and flash that starts block parties” – Pitchfork

The Announcement:

Sheff G and Winners Circle have officially launched announce the launch of “True 2 My Brother,” a community impact campaign and charitable organization, dedicated to giving back to the Brooklyn community they call home. The campaign launches just before Sheff releases his upcoming Weight On Me: The Album, and will continue through future releases, including Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow’s upcoming collaborative album, We Won, and Sleepy’s Still Sleep 2.

To launch the initiative, Winners Circle partnered with Children of Promise, NYC, an organization dedicated to serving children impacted by parental incarceration for an event in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn on July 22nd. The event brought together children and families served by Children of Promise for an afternoon of community, encouragement, and celebration. This is the first of many initiatives Winners Circle plans for the rest of the year, including food and clothing drives, back-to-school giveaways, holiday events, and much more.

True 2 My Brother is rooted in the lifelong bond between Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow. Growing up together in Brooklyn, they relied on one another through difficult circumstances, creating a relationship built on loyalty, resilience, and mutual support. That philosophy became the foundation of T2MB: an ongoing commitment to give back to the communities that shaped them while supporting individuals and families facing adversity.

Together, Sheff, Sleepy, and Winners Circle aim to establish T2MB as a lasting organization, rooted in authentic philanthropy and community investment.

Later this week, Sheff releases his highly-anticipated Weight On Me: The Album.  Dealing with expectations and heavy responsibilities, all while reflecting on his past choices, the album arrives as Sheff G continues his journey in accountability, maintaining strong positive and creative spirits through his prison sentence. Home to recent singles like “Eat Work Pray,” “HIM,” and “All In,” Weight On Me: The Album mixes heavy subject matter with airy party anthems, as Sheff looks to demonstrate he can run a NYC summer, even from behind bars. His first new album since 2024’s Proud Of Myself, Weight On Me: The Album arrives on July 24th via Winners Circle / RCA Records.

Not one to let a prison sentence get in the way of his self-expression, Sheff G looks to make an impact this summer with his music and charitable efforts. Stay tuned for many more announcements in the days to come.

Stream “All In”: https://SheffG.lnk.to/allin

Watch “All In” https://SheffG.lnk.to/allin/youtube

Pre-save Weight On Me: The Album: https://SheffG.lnk.to/weightonme

Weight On Me: The Album artwork

Credit: Courtesy of RCA Records

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

Links:

Sheff G: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple | SoundCloud
Sleepy Hallow: instagram | youtube | spotify | apple | soundcloud

Sheff G – “All In”: https://sheffg.lnk.to/allin

Sheff G – “Eat Work Pray”: https://sheffg.lnk.to/eatworkpray

Sheff G – “Him”: https://sheffg.lnk.to/him

Sheff G & Sleepy Hallow – “Baby I”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Z8LCaGcOY

Sheff G & Sleepy Hallow – “Lucky” ft. Bay Swag: audio | video

Sheff G – Proud of Myself: https://sheffg.lnk.to/proudofmyself

Sheff G – “Never Again” ft. Lil Tecca: https://sheffg.lnk.to/neveragain

07.23.2026

Tre Loaded Drops Video for “Curious George,” Highlight From A LongWay From NoWay, A New Project Produced in Full by Platinum-Selling Production Team Bankroll Got It

Watch HERE

A LongWay From NoWay is Available on All Platforms via Loaded 4 Life / Connect Music

Stream HERE

Duetting With a Trumpet as He Spits His Liquid-Cool Rhymes, Tre Brings a Highlight From A LongWay From NoWay to Life, Following Recent Videos for “Break Even” and “One Thing Or Another”

Critical Praise:

“The East Memphis rapper brings bouncy trap beats & old school swagger to his music.” – Genius

“Tre Loaded has been making a name for himself over the past couple years.” – Stereogum

“Tre Loaded is looking to follow in the footsteps of Memphis greats like Key Glock, Young Dolph, Moneybagg Yo, NLE Choppa, and more with his newest LP, LOADED. His newest project features 12 tracks with endless bravado, proving the young emcee will be around for a long time.”  – Rap-Up

“Tre Loaded has successfully positioned himself among the esteemed ranks of Memphis’ musical icons. …Tre makes evocative trap music that reflects the reality of the streets, and relates to Gen Z fans worldwide.” – The Tennessee Tribune

“Rapidly rising rap renegade Tre Loaded views his burgeoning career like a proud new papa because he financed his own embryonic career.” – Rolling Out

“Tre Loaded is one of the hottest new talents on his way to the top with videos soaring into the millions and three mind-boggling mixtapes doing numbers right out the gate.” – Grip Magazine

The Announcement:

Tre Loaded is rising in the South behind his smooth flows and effortless flexes. Hot on the heels A Long Way From NoWay, his new project, produced in full by Platinum-selling production team Bankroll Got It, the East Memphis native drops “Curious George,” a brand new music video. Blessed with mournful trumpets and jazzy keys, “Curious George” kicks off with a tribute to Tre’s late big homie, ABP, before he piles high-flying flexes atop one another in his silky cadence. In the video, Tre and his trumpeter spend a late night on the streets of L.A., posting up outside a mini-mart before retiring to count his racks.

Seamlessly combining simmering Southern sound with the rider music that defines Bankroll Got It’s West Coast, the 8-track A LongWay From NoWay is a showcase for Tre’s quicksilver flexes, as he stacks syllables atop a diverse array of soundscapes. The project kicks off with the glistening “One Thing Or Another,” before making room for singles like the horn-drenched “Break Even,” and the dial tone screed “Quit Calling.” Bankroll Got It provide the tape with a cinematic sheen, the better to illustrate Tre’s glow-up from local hustler to cash-flush jet-setter. The culmination of Tre’s hard work, which he redoubled after the death of ABP 18 months ago, A LongWay From NoWay is available on all platforms via Loaded 4 Life / Connect Music.

Tre Loaded exploded into the consciousness in 2024, with with viral hits and important co-signs, leading to over 50 million catalog streams in 2024 alone. The new single follows in the footsteps of “Another Whip,” a viral hit that generated over 7 million streams across platforms. In the fall, Tre added a verse from his compadre BigXThaPlug to the remix, after joining X on his fast-selling “Take Care Tour” as the direct support. Trending on TikTok and charting on Shazam, “Another Whip” provided a breakout moment for Tre Loaded, and was a highlight from his LOADED mixtape home to singles like “Push Start,” and a guest appearance from That Mexican OT on the trumpet-laden single “The Ticket,” covered by outlets like Stereogum and HipHopDX. In 2025, Tre dropped the LOADED (Deluxe), and connected with L.A. legend 03 Greedo for the 2-pack Memphis to L.A.

With A LongWay From NoWay out now, Tre Loaded is looking to take the next step toward mainstream stardom. It is just the beginning for this silky-smooth spitter, who plans to keep releasing music as the year moves along.

Watch “Curious George”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhnCQ7W1i0s

Stream A LongWay From No Way: https://connect.ffm.to/alongwayfromnoway

Watch “One Thing Or Another”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaRwzs9hKAc

A LongWay From NoWay Tracklist:

1. One Thing Or Another
2. Mud to Mansion
3. Break Even
4. Won’t Say Too Much
5. Leg Up
6. Curious George
7. 2 Tone
8. Quit Calling

Photo credit: Gino Suvino-Vinatieri

Please contact Michelle or Francesca for more info.

The Background:

Tre Loaded is a dynamic rapper renowned for his evocative trap music that vividly portrays the realities of street life. At just 23 years old, the East Memphis native has made significant waves in the music scene, particularly with his viral hit “Vo Flow,” which has garnered over 6 million streams globally. Tre Loaded’s music, shaped by his tough upbringing and familial ties to Memphis rap through his uncle, rap pioneer Don Trip, reflects a blend of influences from hip-hop legends like Future and Lil Wayne to pop icons like Bruno Mars. His breakthrough came through TikTok, where “Vo Flow” propelled him into the spotlight and showcased his distinctive style. Committed to staying relevant in a competitive industry, Tre Loaded has quickly risen with a steady stream of successful singles and mixtapes, including Made In Memphis, Loaded 4 Life, All Bout Profit, and his critically acclaimed 2024 mixtape LOADED, home to viral single “Another Whip” and its BigXThaPlug-featuring remix. The young rapper is preparing his next tape, LongWay From NoWay, a collaboration with hitmaking producer team Bankroll Got It, due in Summer 2026.

Links:

instagram | tiktok |  spotify | youtube

“Curious George”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhnCQ7W1i0s

“One Thing Or Another”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaRwzs9hKAc

A LongWay From NoWay: https://connect.ffm.to/alongwayfromnoway

“Quit Calling” (Prod. by Bankroll Got It): https://connect.ffm.to/quitcalling

Memphis to L.A. (w/ 03 Greedo): https://treloaded.ffm.to/memphistola

LOADED (Deluxe): https://treloaded.ffm.to/loadeddeluxe

“Stuck In The Dirt”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDXBZrHwQLk

“Another Whip” ft. BigXThaPlug: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lilLhNUcf9k

Loaded: https://treloaded.ffm.to/loaded

“Push Start”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F53jkgeTB4g

“Another Whip”: https://youtu.be/DwdJrnF0FJo

“Vo Flow”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWUPoMJZ-L4

07.20.2026

The Almanac of Rap Shares Special Episode, Featuring Interviews Recorded Live from the BET Media House Experience at the 2026 BET Awards

Donwill Interviews Rapsody, Hurricane Wisdom, Slim Jxmmi, Miles Minnick and Many Others with Quick-Hitting Questions

Watch The Episode HERE

The Tanya Morgan Rapper and Award-Winning Podcast Host Gathers an All-Star Lineup of Artists, Creators, Executives, and Media Personalities to Ask ONE Auestion: What Does Winning an Award Actually Mean?

Critical Praise:

WEBBY AWARD WINNER 2025 – EXPERIMENTAL INNOVATION

WEBBY AWARD WINNER 2023 – BEST MUSIC PODCAST

The Announcement:

Host Donwill is always willing to experiment with the format of his 2x Webby Award-winningpodcast The Almanac of Rap. This week’s episode presents a collage of interviews captured at the “BET Media House Experience” at the 2026 BET Awards, offering a series of quick-hitting interviews with artists, executives, creators, and many others. Though the list of guests is diverse, ranging from Grammy winners like Rapsody, to chart-toppers like Slim Jxmmi, to legends like Salt of Salt-N-Pepa, Donwill keeps the interview focused on one thing: how much value should we put on awards, and what would winning an award mean to you?

From rising stars visualizing their first BET Award to veterans reflecting on careers filled with accolades, this special episode captures honest conversations about ambition, validation, legacy, and the relationship between recognition and impact. Additional guests include Miles Minnick, Hurricane Wisdom, Babyfxce E, Big Cat, Jason Lee, Deontay Kyle, and The War and Treaty, who share what they’d say if they stepped onto the BET stage and whether awards are the goal or simply the byproduct of meaningful work. The answers run the gamut, but are always fascinating: Rapsody stresses the importance of giving flowers, Slim Jxmmi compares winning an award to graduating high school (“you still need to do the work!”), and Michael Trotter Jr. of The War and Treaty shares advice he learned from LL Cool J, who told him to “f*ck all that humble sh*t” and “tell the world who you are.” Even more interviews by Donwill at BET Media House will soon be available on Okayplayer’s YouTube Channel.

This week’s special episode is the 21st episode of The Almanac of Rap’s Season 4, which continues what Donwill calls “The Almanac of Rap’s most ambitious undertaking ever.” The podcast plans to drop a new episode every week for a whole year, alternating between audio/video and audio-only podcasts. A master of engaging conversation, Donwill uses his experience as a rapper (he is part of the group Tanya Morgan), and lifelong love of music to dig into under-explored nooks and crannies, revealing a different side of his illustrious guests. The veteran rapper keeps things fresh each week with recurring segments, including hot take-centric “The Ballistics” and “The Big Playback,” in which Donwill and his guest give flowers to an under-heralded or underrated gem.

The Season 4 Premiere, featuring an interview with Cupid, the Line Dance King, reached the Top 10 of Apple Music’s Top Shows (Music) chart. Recent guests include Flying Lotus, Raekwon, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Bun B, Jharrel Jerome, 9th Wonder & Reuben Vincent, Masta Ace, and many others. As it continues, Season 4 promises an illustrious list of influential guests, including Chika, LaRussell, La Reezy, and more. Donwill recently discussed The Almanac of Rap in an interview with Newsweek.

Listen to the episode HERE, or wherever you get your podcasts

Watch the teaser for The Almanac of Rap Season 4 HERE

The Almanac of Rap wouldn’t exist but for the passion and curiosity of host Donwill. Born in Cincinnati before re-locating to Brooklyn, Donwill entered the music industry as one-third of hip-hop group Tanya Morgan, with his creative partners Von Pea and Ilyas. The group is best known for the 2009 album Brooklynati, now hailed as an underground classic, but performing music is only part of Donwill’s story. He is a prolific DJ, holding court at many of Brooklyn’s hottest nightlife establishments and touring as the DJ for comedian Michelle Buteau. His music production work has earned him credits on Emmy-winning programs like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and produced theme music for award-winning podcasts like Slow Burn (Slate), Another Round (Buzzfeed), and #Adulting (WNYC).

Donwill brings that unique experience, curiosity, and dedication to his craft to each episode of The Almanac Of Rap. Don’t miss the rest of Season 4, which promises to be one of the most wide-ranging and entertaining seasons of the award-winning podcast to date.

Listen to The Almanac Of Rap wherever you get your podcasts:

Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

About the Almanac of Rap:

The Almanac of Rap is a weekly show hosted by Donwill that examines the origins of specific trends in hip hop and their impact over time and it’s way more fun than that description makes it sound. Each week, Donwill asks a question, presents a theory, and finds a guest to come to some sort of consensus about it. Simply put, it’s a show about rap by a rapper who loves rap music.

About Donwill:
Pulling from the crates of the blog era and the extremely online, Donwill is a certified rap encyclopedia — err, rather, a rap almanac. So then, it’s only right he’s the host of Almanac of Rap, a Webby Award-winning Okayplayer-produced series that combines the smartest, If You Know You Know™ rap conversations with deep-in-the-weeds fandom and sharp satirical humor. It’s all curated by Donwill, a former blogger who’s traded book recommendations with Lupe Fiasco and rapped with Drake as a member of the duo Tanya Morgan. If he’s not the most interesting rapper alive, he could do a hell of an interview with them. In an age of less-than-ethical streamers and scandal-chasing “interviewers,” Donwill employs a workmanlike approach to the art of journalism, taking at least a week to research each episode of his show. It’s appreciation as much as attention to craft. It’s also why his podcast stands as a show by and for the culture. And that’s probably because it is the culture. More specifically speaking, Donwill is the culture. Having written for The Village Voice as a reporter, traded bars with Drake, and interviewed rap titans like Lupe Fiasco, Donwill is the coach, the player, and the opponent — the journalist and the source. In other words, he’s the rapper-turned-podcaster we deserve.

Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer

Links:

Donwill: official site | instagram | twitter | mixcloud

Connect with Donwill at Donwill.Me

07.20.2026

Festival d’été de Québec Recap: July 13-19

The One-of-a-Kind Québec City Festival Brings Out An International Group of Hitmakers, With Era-Spanning Sets From Gwen Stefani and Kesha, an Epic Concert by Muse, a Powerful Set from Jelly Roll, Nonstop Hits From Shaggy, and Performances From Local Quebecois Heroes Souldia and Patrick Watson

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

THE RECAP:

JELLY ROLL:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

GWEN STEFANI:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

MUSE:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

KESHA:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

MARTIN GARRIX:

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

SHAGGY:

(Credit: FEQ / Sam Billington)

ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS:

(Credit: FEQ / Sam Billington)

ROYAL OTIS:

(Credit: FEQ / Marion Desjardins)

LORD HURON:

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

JESSIE REYEZ:

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

GOLDFINGER:

(Credit: FEQ / Sebastien Dion)

MOTHER MOTHER:

(Credit: FEQ / Sebastien Dion)

NATE SMITH:

(Credit: FEQ / Sam Billington)

PATRICK WATSON:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

NO JOY:

(Credit: FEQ / Marion Desjardins)

SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ / Sebastien Dion)

(Credit: FEQ / Marion Desjardins)

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

Links:

official site | tiktok | facebook | youtube | instagram

Visit the FEQ website for FAQs and tickets: https://www.feq.ca/en

07.17.2026

Sleepy Hallow Returns, Delivering “First Day Out” and “WTW? Freestyle,” His First New Songs Since Earning His Freedom in May

The Winners Circle Rapper Prepares For a Big Summer with a Pair of Confident, Yet Introspective Single

Stream HERE

The Multi-Platinum-Selling Brooklyn Rapper Delivers Two Songs For the Price of One, Each Produced by Great John, Connecting With Singer Annalise Azadian for the Anthemic “First Day Out” and Rhyming Off the Dome on the Introspective “WTW? Freestyle” 

Stay Tuned For the Music Video, Dropping Later Today on Sleepy’s YouTube

Critical Praise:

“A pioneer of Brooklyn drill and one of its most technically gifted lyricists” – Pitchfork

“Sheff G helped define the Brooklyn drill sound — now he’s pushing it forward” – COMPLEX

“[A] hard, forceful New York rapper with a deep, resonant voice” – Stereogum

“High area-of-impact raps…Sheff arrives at the frontlines of battle with a rare firmness and singlemindedness” – Passion of the Weiss

“Combining drill beats with softer melodies through sampling has become [Sleepy Hallow’s] forte” – Billboard

“[Sleepy Hallow] spits with the kind of ease and flash that starts block parties” – Pitchfork

The Announcement:

Sleepy Hallow used his recent time in prison to reflect on his responsibilities as a community leader and his mission as an artist, emerging with a new sense of purpose this past May. Today, the Multi-Platinum Brooklyn native makes his triumphant return to the rap scene, releasing “WTW? First Day Out,” a two-pack EP via Winners Circle / RCA Records.

Each produced by frequent collaborator Great John, “WTW? Freestyle” and “First Day Out” encapsulate the rapper’s state of mind as he regains his freedom. Rhyming with lilting melody over Great John’s insistent percussion and descending synths, Sleepy speaks on loyalty and leadership on “WTW? Freestyle,” expressing his desire to find comfort and love and praying for the serenity to accept the things he can’t change. On the other hand, “First Day Out” is a celebratory anthem, with a hook from singer Annalise Azadian, as Sleepy describes his feelings of invulnerability and immense accomplishment amidst the new chapter in his career.

The EP arrives with a music video, directed by Nimi Hendrix, featuring both songs presented back-to-back. Starting with clips of Sleepy making the most of this prison sentence, the video shows off the rapper’s platinum plaques before he heads to Downtown Manhattan to meet the public upon his release from prison. The video for “WTW? First Day Out” drops at 3pm on Sleepy Hallow’s YouTube channel.

Sleepy Hallow is one of the founding members of Winners Circle Entertainment, and one of the key breakout stars of the Brooklyn Drill hip-hop scene. Coming from East Flatbush Brooklyn, Sleepy worked hard to. overcome the struggles of the environment in Brooklyn that most are raised around in that area. Though peers expected the two big personalities to clash, Sheff G and Sleepy connected/bonded over similar upbringings. The two connected with now business partners White and Jerm to found the independent label Winners Circle to release their music.

Sleepy Hallow kept busy before his current time away, and continues his flurry of activity even from behind bars. 2025 was highlighted by the resurgence of his hit single “Anxiety” ft. Doechii and“Hallow Heart,” an immersive virtual concert experience, created in Fortnite and produced in partnership with Winners Circle, RCA, and Sony Music. Boosted by a TikTok trend that swept the platform, “Anxiety” became one of 2025’s biggest hits, with hundreds of millions of streams across platforms and a #45 peak on the Billboard Hot 100.

Riding high off the momentum of 2024’s  Read This When You Wake Up  project (224+ million streams),  Sleepy Hallow has scored several RIAA-certified hits throughout his career, most notably the quadruple-Platinum “2055” (over 1 billion Spotify streams) and the Platinum “Deep End Freestyle” featuring Fousheé. Additionally, Sleepy’s 2021 album Still Sleep?  earned Gold-certification, along with single “Breaking Bad” ft. Sheff G, while “Molly” ft. Sheff G is now Platinum-certified. Most recently, Sleepy released “Young & Dumb,” a confident and melodic single, in May 2026, and he will make an appearance on his close friend Sheff G’s Weight On Me: The Album, out on July 24th via Winners Circle / RCA Records.

Stay tuned for more music and updates from Sleepy and Winners Circle as the summer moves along.

Shot by Peter Aboseff

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

Links:

Sheff G: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple | SoundCloud
Sleepy Hallow: instagram | youtube | spotify | apple | soundcloud

Sleepy Hallow – “WTW? First Day Out”: https://sleepyhallow.lnk.to/firstdayout

Sleepy Hallow – “Young & Dumb”: https://sleepyhallow.lnk.to/younganddumb

Sheff G & Sleepy Hallow – “Baby I”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Z8LCaGcOY

Sheff G & Sleepy Hallow – “Lucky” ft. Bay Swag: audio | video

07.17.2026

Luhh Dyl Gets Introspective Over Acoustic Guitars on His New Single “Forgive Never Forget“

The Rising Detroit Rapper Continues to Impress With New Music in the Wake of His His May 2026 Album A Time To Hurt, A Time To Heal (ATH²) 

Watch HERE

Stream HERE

The 22-Year-Old Rapper Tries to Find Peace in a Chaotic World, as He Rhymes With Lilting Melody Over Gently-Strummed Guitar and Thumping Percussion

Split Into Two Sections, “A Time To Hurt” and “A Time To Heal,” the Young Rapper’s Recent Album is a Showcase For His Dense Lyricism and Beyond-His-Years Wisdom, With Guest Features From NoCap, Babyfxce E, 1Up Tee, Lihtz, and Shiloh Dynasty

Critical Praise:

“2026 Rapper To Watch: Luhh Dyl makes rap music that’s deeply emotive, introspective, and increasingly spiritual,” and that Hear My Cry “stands out for how locked in he is on confronting his inner demons and imagining what it means to emerge from the darkness.” – Complex

“Somewhere between “Ski” and collabs with Veeze and Tee Grizzley, Dyl’s raps went from good to locked in.” – The FADER

“There’s just something about the slurry, slightly behind-the-beat delivery of newcomers like Dyl and Veeze that makes them very appealing and easy to listen to.” – UPROXX

The Announcement:

With his dense lyricism and focus on introspection, 22-year-old rapper Luhh Dyl cuts a unique figure in his native Detroit. Continuing to impress with new singles in the wake of his recent album, A Time To Hurt, A Time To Heal (ATH²), Dyl ponders how to right past wrongs in “Forgive Never Forget,” his new single. Like many of Dyl’s greatest songs, “Forgive Never Forget” gets its sonic backbone from an acoustic guitar. Augmented by ethereal vocal samples and booming percussion, the beat by producers LQthabanker and 1patrick.brennan lends a contemplative atmosphere to Dyl’s confessional verses. Dyl declares his forgiveness toward the father who abandoned him, confronting the trust issues his absence created with the poignant lyric, “The person that had me the one who did it.” Directed by Diego, the video takes viewers back to Dyl’s early life in Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood, where he and his cousin pay homage to their roots while reflecting on shared experiences of loss, resilience, and forgiveness.

Following the summery single “South Beach,” “Forgive Never Forget” is another quality song to emerge in the wake of A Time To Hurt, A Time To Heal (ATH²), released in May. Divided into two halves, A Time To Hurt and A Time To Heal, the 21-track ATH² digs deep into Dyl’s efforts to overcome his trauma, dealing with his emotional pain and choosing to find the joy in life amid the hurt. Aided by regular producers like Hardheaded, LQTheBanker, and Bugg, plus high-profile new collaborators like Helluva, Pooh Beatz, TNTxD, and A-Lau, Dyl cultivates a sound that mixes acoustic instrumentation with thumping Michigan bass, creating a contemplative, yet propulsive background that fits his introspective lyricism. The album is home to Dyl’s acclaimed singles like the Helluva-produced “Rollin With Me,” and “Still Having Problems,” a collaboration with NoCap, and the standout posse cut “New Edition” ft. Babyfxce E, Luh Tyler, and 1Up Tee. With an additional guest appearance from Lihtz on the emotional intro “A Momma’s Prayer” and from internet sensation Shiloh Dynasty on “Way It Goes,” A Time To Hurt, A Time To Heal (ATH²) is available on all platforms via 300 Ent.

A Time To Hurt, A Time To Heal (ATH²) is the follow-up to Hear My Cry, Luhh Dyl’s October 2025 album, anointed by Pitchfork as one of the Best Rap Albums of 2025. Dyl kept the momentum from his critically acclaimed album, and his collabs with the likes of Veeze, Tee Grizzley, and Lil Tony Official, going into 2026: In January, Complex named him one of the Rappers To Watch in 2026.

Only just tapping into his immense potential, Luhh Dyl is ready to make a name for himself. With ATH² out now, and much more music to come, he proves that he is an artistic force that can’t be ignored.

Stream “Forgive Never Forget”: https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/forgiveneverforget

Watch “Forgive Never Forget”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4HUo2ZtKDw

Watch “South Beach”: https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/southbeachomv

Stream A Time To Hurt, A Time To Heal (ATH²): https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/ATH2

Photo credit: Keenan Litmon

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

Luhh Dyl wants to keep you guessing. Poised to be the next big thing out of his city, the 21-year-old Detroit native has cultivated a devoted online fanbase, constantly re-defining himself, and his sound. The burgeoning rapper has coined his own unique subset of hip hop called “Cart Music ” built from a social media concept turned viral movement. From Michael Jackson to artists across genres, Luhh Dyl’s influences are heard in his eclectic sound, consisting of his raw lyricism and a punchy cadence layered on top of rhythmic, melodic beats. In his own words, he wants to make music that is “fun and unexpected,” saying “people have to listen carefully, because they won’t know what I’m going to say next.”

To his family, he’s Dylan – to his friends, Dyl for short, so when it came time to choose a rap moniker, the rapper says Luhh Dyl was a no-brainer. Dyl’s introduction to music came at an early age, freestyling with his brothers & friends. At 17 years old, he went to the studio for the first time, in search of a coping mechanism after his cousin’s passing. From there, making music became a passion almost immediately, and the studio continued to be an outlet for Dyl to express himself in ways that he never had before. He recorded his first song in 2022, tapping into his natural microphone talent and idiosyncratic delivery. Raised by a single mother and growing up in Detroit (amongst other places) he navigated an ever-changing environment, and had to mature quickly, but Dyl says his upbringing put him at an advantage. His experiences in his life have not only pushed him forward but would later serve as the inspiration behind his lyricism.

Links:

instagram | tiktok | youtube | spotify | soundcloud

“Forgive Never Forget”: https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/forgiveneverforget

“South Beach”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEqeucjpo9Y

“Tour Life”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ca7EcJvAWE

A Time To Hurt, A Time To Heal (ATH²): https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/ATH2

“A Momma’s Prayer” ft. Lihtz: https://youtu.be/GIuJMIAfm9o?si=ySuO0i4XT1_29Lop

“Till Den”: https://youtu.be/DWhef9IDfuc?si=RiZdF4mqDHnUCngI / https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/tillden

“Rollin’ With Me”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K5V4y9MIMg

“Still Having Problems” ft. NoCap: https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/stillhavingproblems / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0XnNjIwXe0

Hear My Cry: https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/hearmycry

“Nite N Day” ft. Babyfxce E & 1Up Tee: https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/nitenday / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Vsj8155p4

“Wouldn’t Believe” ft. Lil Tony: https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/wouldntbelieve / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXSdLkQTJS4

Intrude (Deluxe): https://luhhdyl.lnk.to/intrudedeluxe

07.17.2026

Young M.A Releases Video for “Dancer,” an Uptempo Highlight From Kween

Kween, the Brooklyn Born Star’s Hard-Hitting and Reflective New Album is Available on All Platforms via M.A Music / 3D

Young M.A Keeps the Streets Hot With a Drill-Flavored, Romantic Banger From Her Latest Album, Her First Studio Effort Since Her GOLD-Selling HERStory In The Making

Critical Praise:

“She’s one of the last rappers remaining whose freestyles are appointment viewing. M.A. can slip in and out of conversation with ease, delivers her punchlines in a laid-back, unbothered tone that makes every line sound like street poetry. She moves at a slow pace like she’s giving a sermon, and you lean in to make sure not a word is missed.” – Pitchfork

“Young M.A. is the real mayor of NYC” – Rolling Stone

“Young M.A Is Her Own Biggest Inspiration” – Interview Mag

“The 15-track album strikes a balance between vulnerability and confidence, shaping itself as her most personal release yet. Kween, which she recorded in her home studio with her engineer, opens the door to her world, giving listeners a glimpse of who Young M.A. is away from the spotlight. Each song serves as a reflection of the journey she’s been through over the past few years, exploring her mindset shifts, trials, pains and growth.” – PEOPLE

“the bars remain razor-sharp” – Billboard

“The Brooklyn MC has delivered countless knockout verses.” – REVOLT

The Video:

07.16.2026

TouchGrass Music Fest Partners With Dream Con, Offering the Winner of Dream Con’s Music Star Search an Opportunity to Perform at the Inaugural Fest

Zay Of The Zoo, the Dream Con Star Search Contest Winner Will Open For Stars Such as Headliner PARTYNEXTDOOR

With Additional Performances by JID, Aminé, Monaleo, Flo Milli, TiaCorine, and Many More, TouchGrass Arrives in Orlando, FL on October 3rd 2026

Purchase Tickets for TGMF HERE

Hosted by the TouchGrass TV Collective, the Upcoming Music Fest Invites Fans and Creators to Emerge From Behind Their Screens and Connect in Real Life

Zay Of The Zoo, winner of Dream Con’s Music Star Search
(Credit: iKBoy)

The Announcement:

TouchGrass Music Fest, a one-of-a-kind music experience bringing internet culture, creators, artists, and fans together in real life, partnered with  Dream Con, the premier entertainment convention celebrating gaming, anime, sports, film, music, and pop culture, to become the official prize sponsor for the Dream Con Music Star Search.  On Saturday, July 11th, 10 contestants took the stage at Dream Con in Houston, TX, and one contestant emerged victorious: Zay Of The Zoo. As the winner of Dream Con’s Music Search competition, Zay Of The Zoo, a Chicago-based singer, songwriter, and producer, will earn the opportunity to open at TouchGrass Music Fest in Orlando, Florida on October 3, 2026. ARTIST’s upcoming festival set is a massive opportunity to win new fans, as they will grace a stage that will later feature luminaries like PARTYNEXTDOOR, and many more.

Touch Grass Music Fest exists to bring internet culture into the real world, creating a space where fans, artists, and creators can connect beyond their screens, be fully present in the moment, and celebrate the communities and creatives that inspire them. Along with its world-class artists, TouchGrass Music Fest welcomes a diverse array of creators, streamers, gamers, and YouTubers to join the party. The upcoming music fest brings a heavy-hitting lineup of high-quality artists, sure to satisfy hip-hop and R&B fans of all stripes. Along with headliner PARTYNEXTDOOR, the festival welcomes rap heavyweights JID, Aminé, Monaleo, Flo Milli, and many more. Most recently, TGMF added Trim, Slayr, and Sosocomo, three rappers from the recently-revealed 2026 XXL Freshman List, joining Chris Patrick on the bill. Tickets for the Tickets are on sale at TouchGrassMusicFest.com.

TouchGrass Music Fest will be hosted by the TouchGrass TV collective, a dynamic streaming collective, composed of Dwight (Roshi), Sheera (ItzSheera), Paul (Lupasan), JazzyGuns, and Dwayne Kyng. Each member brings a distinct energy to the group. Dwight’s visionary leadership and entrepreneurial mindset, Sheera’s multifaceted drive and business acumen, and Paul’s infectious humor and deep roots in online gaming culture are complemented by JazzyGuns’ high-energy presence and cultural impact in gaming and anime, and Dwayne Kyng’s influential voice in the reaction and gaming community.

Each creator built a following on their own, but they bonded after meeting in person at several live events, forming a friendship that evolved into regular collaborations and eventually, building a unified platform rooted in their shared passions: gaming, anime, music, and internet culture. Together, they have built a loyal and highly engaged community, amassing millions of subscribers across platforms and establishing a top-tier presence in the digital content space. As individuals and as a group, the collective aims to push boundaries, and with TouchGrass Music Fest, they are taking their biggest step yet.

Stay tuned for more announcements about TouchGrass Music Fest as the event approaches.

Find more information at the TouchGrass Music Fest website.

Follow the festival on instagram

Follow DreamCon Star Search winner Zay Of The Zoo on Instagram

TouchGrassTV: ( l to r) JazzyGuns, Roshi, Lupasan, Sheera, Dwayne Kyng
Credit: Motion State Media

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

About TouchGrass TV Collective:
Roshi
Content Creator | Streamer | Entrepreneur
Dwight, known online as Roshi is a content creator and entertainer. Representing the Tampa, FL area he entered the creator world with his wife Sheera and best friend Paul (Lupasan) in the late 2010s. Since then he has led the trio to the top of the reaction community, Amassing over 1 million subscribers on YouTube and managing one of the top 25 Patreon channels in the world, cementing one of the largest loyal communities in the niche. In addition, Dwight is also a variety streamer alongside his wife, providing entertainment and community through gaming. In a climate where creatives are defined by their greatest hits, he continues to prove that you are more than your most viral moment. Continued growth and evolution is a key goal throughout Dwight’s career and he plans to continue to show that black creatives have no limits or restrictions.

Sheera 
Content Creator | Streamer | Entrepreneur
Sheera, also known as ItzSheera, is a multifaceted force in both business and entertainment. Based in Florida, her vibrant personality reflects the energy of the state she calls home. Alongside her husband, YaBoyRoshi, she has built a powerful presence in the digital space—amassing over 1 million YouTube subscribers and ranking among the top 1% of Patreon creators. Together, they’ve cultivated a highly engaged and loyal community. Expanding beyond content, Sheera is stepping into the live events space with the launch of their first music festival, marking an exciting new chapter in their entrepreneurial journey. Driven by excellence in everything she pursues, Sheera is committed to building a lasting legacy—paving the way for her children while inspiring others to dream bigger and achieve more.

Lupasan
Content Creator | Gamer | Entertainer
Lupasan is a content creator and gaming personality. Residing in the Tampa, FL area, he started his career as a creator as one of the early online personalities on YouTube in its infancy. His boisterous personality allowed him to be a part of the early fighting game community online and build a significant fanbase. Lupasan continues to entertain through comedy with his infectious energy as one of the core members of the YaBoyRoshi trio and has built a strong core community through his gaming streams.

JazzyGuns
Content Creator | Gamer | Entertainer
Jasmine, aka JazzyGuns (“Bang Bang Gang Gang”) is a powerhouse in the gaming and entertainment space. Hailing from the D(M)V, she is known for her infectious laugh, high-energy personality, and authentic reactions! Partnered with her Fiancé Dwayne Kyng they both have amassed over 2 million YouTube subscribers and plan to keep representing Black nerds in gaming, anime, and pop culture.

Dwayne Kyng 
Content Creator | Entertainer | Gamer
Dwayne, known as Dwayne Kyng (With a “Y” not an “I”) is a cornerstone of the YouTube reaction and entertainment community. Dwayne was born in New York and later became a D(M)V resident. Along with gaining over 2 million subscribers with his fiancé JazzyGuns, Dwayne is making waves in the gaming community as he focuses on Marvel Rivals and making a space for Black gamers!

Links:

TouchGrass Music Fest: official site | instagram
TouchGrass TV: instagram | youtube
Dream Con: website | instagram | youtube

07.15.2026

Armanii Keeps His Hot Streak Going With “WORLD CLASS,” a Sumptuous New Single

Recently Nominated for Three Caribbean Music Awards, the Kingston Native is One of His Home Island’s Global Superstars

Following Up His Surging Summer Hit “WUL UP” and His Acclaimed 2025 Debut Album THE IMPACT, Armanii Channels Beenie Man on a New Bass-Heavy Anthem

Watch the “WORLD CLASS” Music Video, Live on Armanii’s VEVO, Tidal, and Apple Music Channels at 6pm ET

Critical Praise:

“#8 Best Caribbean Album of 2025 (The Impact)… From breezy reggae love songs (“Lose Your Love”) to Afropop-infused party tracks (“U A Gwan”), steamy dancehall-R&B duets (“Balcony,” with Jada Kingdom) and pensive anthems of encouragement (“Champion”), Armanii crafted an album that doesn’t just announce the arrival of a new star, it also invites audiences to explore the full range of his versatility.” – Billboard

“With each new single, Armanii uncovers new layers of his artistry, ranging from suggestive, Kartel-esque wordplay (“XOXO”) to transformed soul samples (“B.B.B.”). His magnetism, drive and overall artistic instincts make him a natural leader of the next generation of Caribbean music superstars — and a natural pick for Billboard’s inaugural Caribbean Rookie of the Month.” – Billboard

“…it is clear he is not interested in a moment that flashes and fades. He wants something people feel and carry. Kingston in his voice, Jamaica in his rhythm, the Caribbean in his range. The work is already there. Now the world gets to catch up.” – TMRW Mag

“With THE IMPACT, Armanii delivers a bold and soulful debut that positions him as one of the most promising voices in the next generation of dancehall artists.” – Caribbean National Weekly

The Announcement:

Please contact Michelle, Kevin, or Tamera for more info.

The Background:

Armanii is a recording artist from Kingston, Jamaica, making waves in the music industry, particularly in the dancehall scene, with his unique blend of soulful ballads and genre-bending sound. Influenced by a wide range of musical styles and shaped by personal experiences, Armanii began writing and recording in his teenage years, using themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery to connect with listeners on a deeper level. His breakout tracks “B.B.B (Snapchat)”, “HAAD (Fiesta)”, “8:00PM” ft. Malie Donn have solidified his place as one of the Caribbean’s most exciting new voices. Over the past year, he has been featured on major playlists such as Dancehall Official and Caribbean Heat, earned a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards, and delivered a standout performance at Reggae Sumfest. With an authentic sound and growing international appeal, and his debut album THE IMPACTclimbing charts, Armanii is steadily carving out a powerful presence in the global music scene.

Links:

instagram | spotify | tiktok | youtube | apple

“WORLD CLASS”: https://symphony.to/armanii/world-class

“WUL UP”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VZiXQWSWoU

THE IMPACT: https://armanii.lnk.to/theimpact

“B.B.B. (Snapchat)”: https://armanii.lnk.to/bbb

07.15.2026

Lupe Fiasco and gymclassheroes. Announce “Back To Basics,” a Co-Headlining Tour, Featuring Special Guest B.o.B

The 19-Date Nationwide Tour Launches in September

Tickets are Available on July 17th, With Pre-Sales Starting Later Today

The Announcement:

Lupe Fiasco, the Chicago-born rap legend, teams up with gymclassheroes. to announce Back To Basics Tour, a co-headlining tour, featuring special guest B.o.B. The upcoming tour gives fans the opportunity to see three Platinum-selling acts for the price of one, each responsible for some of the most enduring hits of the blog era. Spanning 19 dates, the Back To Basics Tour criss-crosses the nation, kicking off in Cleveland on September 10th, making its way through markets like Denver, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Boston before its finale in Florida on October 25th. Tickets for the Back To Basics Tour are available HERE or HERE on July 17th at 10am local. Pre-sales begin later today at 12pm ET.

“Back To Basics Tour” Dates:
September 10th – Cleveland, OH (Jacobs Pavilion)
September 11th – Pittsburgh, PA (Stage AE Outdoors)
September 17th – Denver, CO (Mission Ballroom)
September 18th – Phoenix, AZ (Arizona Financial Theatre)
September 19th – Ruidoso, NM (Jacks Backstage)
September 23rd – Minneapolis, MN (The Armory)
September 24th – Omaha, NE (Steelhouse Omaha)
September 26th – Columbus, OH (KEMBA Live! Outdoors) **Without B.o.B
September 27th – Detroit, MI (The Fillmore)
September 30th – Sugar Land, TX (Smart Financial Centre)
October 1st – San Antonio, TX (The Espee)
October 2nd – Lemoore, CA (Tachi Palace Casino Resort)
October 3rd – Henderson, NV (M Resort Pool)
October 10th – Mashantucket, CT (Foxwoods Resort Casino)
October 11th – Boston, MA (Citizens House of Blues Boston)
October 14th – Waukee, IA (Vibrant Music Hall)
October 15th – La Crosse, WI (La Crosse Center)
October 24th – Apopka, FL (Apopka Amphitheater)
October 25th – Pinellas Park, FL (England Brothers Park)

Lupe Fiasco Background
Prior to the tour, Lupe Fiasco plans on performing some dates throughout the summer. Lupe will hit up the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival on August 8th, in Richmond, VA, before one-off shows in Ontario, California and Montauk, NY later in the month. On August 30th, Lupe Fiasco will perform at HieroDay in Los Angeles, gracing the stage of the Hollywood Palladium during the annual holiday to celebrate Cali’s Hieroglyphics rap collective. Tickets for Lupe Fiasco shows are available HERE

Lupe Fiasco has been busy in 2026. The rapper celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Grammy-winning debut album, Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor, with the “Lupe Fiasco Presents: Food & Liquor 20th Anniversary Tour,” a short run that included sold out shows in New York, L.A., and Lupe’s hometown of Chicago. In June, Lupe released Lupe Fiasco x Nu Deco Ensemble Live From Miami Beach, a one-of-a-kind live album, presenting a pristine recording of Lupe’s performance with Miami’s Nu Deco Ensemble, a hybrid orchestra dedicated to reimagining a fresh vision of what an orchestra can accomplish in the 21st Century. Invigorated by the backing of the 33-person full orchestra, led by conductor Jacomo Bairos, the 9-track set is a scorcher, reaffirming Lupe’s status as one of the most proficient and electrifying live performers in hip-hop today.

gymclassheroes. background
Known for blending hip-hop, alternative, pop, and rock into a sound uniquely their own, gymclassheroes. became one of the most influential crossover acts of the 2000s, earning multi-platinum success and chart dominance with era-defining hits like “Cupid’s Chokehold,” “Stereo Hearts,” and “Ass Back Home.” Throughout their career, the group, led by frontman and pop culture icon Travie McCoy, has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Bruno Mars, Adam Levine, Patrick Stump, and many more, helping to shape a generation.

B.o.B background
B.o.B burst onto the hip-hop scene in late 2006 becoming a six-time Grammy Award nominee and solidifying his notoriety as a multifaceted lyricist, storyteller, and producer. Born Bobby Ray Simmons, the Decatur, GA native has successfully paved his way in the entertainment industry constantly killing the game by daring to convey his true self through his music.

Over the years, raw talent and originality have separated B.o.B from most hip-hop artists in the game making him innovative and unpredictable. His spirit of innovation, impeccable work ethic, and commitment to excellence continues to elevate him as a musician, producer, and overall creative.

Credit: Karl Ray

Credit: Cooper Burton

Credit: Jasper Matthew Gonzalez

For inquiries related to Lupe Fiasco, please contact Michelle or Kevin.

For inquiries related to gymclassheroes., please contact Nate Sirotta (Impulse Artists)

Links:

Lupe Fiasco: official site | store | instagram | twitter | facebook | spotify | youtube | apple
gymclassheroes.: official site | instagram | youtube | spotify
B.o.B: official site | spotify | instagram | youtube

Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco x Nu Deco Ensemble Live From Miami Beach: https://lupefiasco.ffm.to/livefrommiamibeach
Samurai DX: https://lupefiasco.ffm.to/samuraidx
“SOS”: https://lupefiasco.ffm.to/sos
“Palaces” (Remix): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS7Ii49ai04
Samurai: https://orcd.co/lupe-samurai
“No. 1 Headband”: https://youtu.be/-qpInC2hSSw
“Cake”: https://orcd.co/lupe-cake
“Samurai”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcoRc2ieFzE

gymclassheroes.
New “Universal Language” Single, first in over 14 years here: https://gch.black17.media/gymclassheroes/presave
“Cupids Chokehold” official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiiU-Fky18s&list=RDeiiU-Fky18s&start_radio=1
“Stereo Hearts w/ Adam Levine” official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3E9Wjbq44E&list=RDT3E9Wjbq44E&start_radio=1

07.13.2026

Festival d’été de Québec Recap: July 9-12

FEQ Returns For Its 58th Edition, Bringing an Array Multi-Genre Stars to Québec City’s Plains of Abraham During Its Festive First Weekend, Including Limp Bizkit, Luis Fonsi, The Lumineers, Cypress Hill, Michael Bublé, bbno$, and Many More

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

THE RECAP:

LIMP BIZKIT:

(Credit: FEQ / Sebastien Dion )

LUIS FONSI:

(Credit: FEQ / Sam Billington)

(Credit: FEQ / Sam Billington)

CYPRESS HILL:

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

bbno$:

(Credit: FEQ / Sam Billington)

HAUTE & FREDDY:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL:

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

(Credit: FEQ / Sam Billington )

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

(Credit: FEQ / Sebastien Dion)

(Credit: FEQ / Sam Billington)

Links:

official site | tiktok | facebook | youtube | instagram

Visit the FEQ website for FAQs and tickets: https://www.feq.ca/en

07.10.2026

Tre Loaded and Platinum-Selling Producer Team Bankroll Got It Release A LongWay From NoWay, A New Project, Available on All Platforms via Loaded 4 Life / Connect Music

The Memphis Riser Stars in a New Video for Sparkling Opening Track “One Thing Or Another”

Stream HERE

Watch HERE

Dedicated to His Late Big Homie ABP, Tre Loaded’s Latest Layers His Ultra-Smooth Flow Atop Bankroll Got It’s High Definition Soundscapes

The New Tape is Home to Recent Singles “Break Even” and “Quit Calling”

Critical Praise:

“The East Memphis rapper brings bouncy trap beats & old school swagger to his music.” – Genius

“Tre Loaded has been making a name for himself over the past couple years.” – Stereogum

“Tre Loaded is looking to follow in the footsteps of Memphis greats like Key Glock, Young Dolph, Moneybagg Yo, NLE Choppa, and more with his newest LP, LOADED. His newest project features 12 tracks with endless bravado, proving the young emcee will be around for a long time.”  – Rap-Up

“Tre Loaded has successfully positioned himself among the esteemed ranks of Memphis’ musical icons. …Tre makes evocative trap music that reflects the reality of the streets, and relates to Gen Z fans worldwide.” – The Tennessee Tribune

“Rapidly rising rap renegade Tre Loaded views his burgeoning career like a proud new papa because he financed his own embryonic career.” – Rolling Out

“Tre Loaded is one of the hottest new talents on his way to the top with videos soaring into the millions and three mind-boggling mixtapes doing numbers right out the gate.” – Grip Magazine

The Announcement:

Building a reputation in Memphis and beyond with his ultra-smooth flow, Tre Loaded is ready to show the world what he can do. The young rapper keeps his hot streak going, teaming up with Platinum-selling production team Bankroll Got It for A Long Way From NoWay, his new project. Seamlessly combining simmering Southern sound with the rider music that defines Bankroll Got It’s West Coast, the 8-track project is a showcase for Tre’s quicksilver flexes, as he stacks syllables atop a diverse array of soundscapes.

The album starts with the glistening, “One Thing Or Another,” for which Tre has prepared a brand new music video. Speaking his truth atop sentimental pianos and chirruping vocal samples, Tre attempts to shoulder his newfound responsibilities, explaining how his riches can’t stop his problems from compounding. Still, the young rapper remains grateful for his emergence from the mud to his current life of luxury: “I been flowin’/Ain’t have nowhere to go but now I’m touring,” he spits. In the video, Tre relaxes in his mansion, flashing his jewelry as his lyrics come to life around him.

“One Thing Or Another” kicks off a blistering 8 tracks, including the triumphant, horn-drenched single “Break Even” and the dialtone-assisted screed  “Quit Calling.” New highlights include the lush and laid back “Curious George” which starts with one of many shoutouts to Tre’s late big homie ABP and “Won’t Say Too Much,” blessed with the bluesy piano that defines Tre’s hometown. Bankroll Got It provide the tape with a cinematic sheen, the better to illustrate Tre’s glow-up from local hustler to cash-flush jet-setter. The culmination of Tre’s hard work, which he redoubled after the death of ABP 18 months ago, A LongWay From NoWay is available on all platforms via Loaded 4 Life / Connect Music.

Tre Loaded exploded into the consciousness in 2024, with viral hits and important co-signs, leading to over 50 million catalog streams in 2024 alone. The new single follows in the footsteps of “Another Whip” a viral hit that generated over 7 million streams across platforms. In the fall, Tre added a verse from his compadre BigXThaPlug to the remix after joining X on his fast-selling “Take Care Tour” as the direct support. Trending on TikTok and charting on Shazam, “Another Whip” provided a breakout moment for Tre Loaded, and was a highlight from his LOADED mixtape home to singles like “Push Start” and a guest appearance from That Mexican OT on the trumpet-laden single “The Ticket” covered by outlets like Stereogum and HipHopDX. In 2025, Tre dropped the  LOADED (Deluxe, and connected with L.A. legend 03 Greedo for the 2-pack Memphis to L.A.

With A LongWay From NoWay out now, Tre Loaded is looking to take the next step toward mainstream stardom. It is just the beginning for this silky-smooth spitter, who plans to keep releasing music as the year moves along.

Stream A LongWay From No Way: https://connect.ffm.to/alongwayfromnoway

Watch “One Thing Or Another”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaRwzs9hKAc

A LongWay From NoWay Tracklist:

1. One Thing Or Another
2. Mud to Mansion
3. Break Even
4. Won’t Say Too Much
5. Leg Up
6. Curious George
7. 2 Tone
8. Quit Calling

Photo credit: Gino Suvino-Vinatieri

Please contact Michelle or Francesca for more info.

The Background:

Tre Loaded is a dynamic rapper renowned for his evocative trap music that vividly portrays the realities of street life. At just 23 years old, the East Memphis native has made significant waves in the music scene, particularly with his viral hit “Vo Flow,” which has garnered over 6 million streams globally. Tre Loaded’s music, shaped by his tough upbringing and familial ties to Memphis rap through his uncle, rap pioneer Don Trip, reflects a blend of influences from hip-hop legends like Future and Lil Wayne to pop icons like Bruno Mars. His breakthrough came through TikTok, where “Vo Flow” propelled him into the spotlight and showcased his distinctive style. Committed to staying relevant in a competitive industry, Tre Loaded has quickly risen with a steady stream of successful singles and mixtapes, including Made In Memphis, Loaded 4 Life, All Bout Profit, and his critically acclaimed 2024 mixtape LOADED, home to viral single “Another Whip” and its BigXThaPlug-featuring remix. The young rapper is preparing his next tape, LongWay From NoWay, a collaboration with hitmaking producer team Bankroll Got It, due in Summer 2026.

Links:

instagram | tiktok |  spotify | youtube

“One Thing Or Another”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaRwzs9hKAc

A LongWay From NoWay: https://connect.ffm.to/alongwayfromnoway

“Quit Calling” (Prod. by Bankroll Got It): https://connect.ffm.to/quitcalling

Memphis to L.A. (w/ 03 Greedo): https://treloaded.ffm.to/memphistola

LOADED (Deluxe): https://treloaded.ffm.to/loadeddeluxe

“Stuck In The Dirt”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDXBZrHwQLk

“Another Whip” ft. BigXThaPlug: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lilLhNUcf9k

Loaded: https://treloaded.ffm.to/loaded

“Push Start”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F53jkgeTB4g

“Another Whip”: https://youtu.be/DwdJrnF0FJo

“Vo Flow”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWUPoMJZ-L4

07.10.2026

Grammy-Winning Rapper-Songwriter Bizzy Crook Officially Releases Underdogs Win Eventually via Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records

Stream HERE

The Miami Native Connects With Creative Partner Leon Thomas for an Eye-Catching Video for Lead Single “Could Be Worse”

Watch HERE

Already a Winner of A Grammy For “Best R&B Song” and a BMI Pop Award, the Decorated Rapper-Songwriter Steps Out On His Own With a University-Themed Concept Album (Inspired by Kanye West’s The College Dropout) About Overcoming Great Odds to Achieve a Major Victory

The Album Features Multiple Appearances from Leon Thomas, and is Home to Singles “What Do U Like?” ft. Ty Dolla $ign, “Risky” ft. Rick Ross & C Stunna, and “100%” ft. Leven Kali

Critical Praise:

“Bizzy speaks about the new project, Underdogs Win Eventually, with the weight of someone who has paid it all to see their dreams unfold. Due out this summer, the LP tells the story of a hungry up-and-comer ready to do anything it takes to break through to the finish line.” — Newsweek

“It’s been one hell of a week for Miami’s own Bizzy Crook. Fresh off earning his first Grammy wins for his songwriting contributions to Leon Thomas’ acclaimed debut album Mutt, the rapper and songwriter is channeling that momentum straight into his next chapter.” – Miami New Times

“How do you bounce back from a place so dark and deep you could never dream of escaping? If you’re American rapper Bizzy Crook, the answer is simple: put it into song. The rapper is renowned for his deeply personal writing style and mellow vocal delivery” – Wonderland

“By any measure, the underdog days are over.” –  Yahoo

“Bizzy Crook has been dropping some heat as of late, and on Friday, he returned with the likes of Leon Thomas. Their new song is called “Could Be Worse,” and as you can imagine, it is a phenomenal effort. From the smooth instrumental to both artists’ vocal performances, we get a track that is certainly going to excite the fans.” — HotNewHipHop

“Despite [Bizzy and Leon’s] past work together, [Could Be Worse] may be their best yet. On a deeper level, their chemistry has taken another step and allowed them to maximize their level of vulnerability.” — Remixd

“You already know whenever Leon Thomas is cooking up – it’s fire. But how about adding the lyrical flexing of Bizzy Crook to the mix for their ‘Could Be Worse’ tune? Oh yes. The song is repeat-worthy and comes through with rap bars plus an R&B vibe.” — Attack The Culture

The Announcement:

Photo Credit: @catchmyfocus

Please contact Michelle or Francesca for more info.

The Background:

Bizzy Crook is a Grammy-award winning songwriter and rap artist from Miami, Florida, signed to EZMNY Records, the label founded by Shawn Barron and Ty Dolla $ign. Known for his sharp pen and emotional depth, Bizzy has helped craft standout records across hip-hop and R&B, including Leon Thomas’ “Mutt,” Drake’s “Pipe Down,” Coco Jones’ “Sweep It Up,” Giveon’s “MUD,” and 4Batz’s “She Ain’t No Angel” feat. Leon Thomas, among others.

Equally respected as a behind-the-scenes hitmaker and a compelling recording artist, Bizzy Crook brings raw honesty, melodic instinct, and Miami-bred perspective to every record. With industry acclaim and creative momentum on his side, he continues to emerge as one of music’s most impactful new voices.

Links:

instagram | youtube | spotify | apple

Underdogs Win Eventually: https://createmusic.fm/underdogs

“Could Be Worse” ft. Leon Thomas: https://createmusic.fm/couldbeworse

“Risky” ft. Rick Ross & C Stunna: https://createmusic.fm/risky

“What Do U Like?” ft. Ty Dolla $ign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHr46CVLW9A

“100%” ft. Leven Kali: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHZlba1IimU