4.24.2024

Welcome to Blavity House Party, a New Event Series That Provides House Party Vibes at Festival Scale

The Inaugural Blavity House Party Arrives in Nashville From June 14th-15th, 2024

The Upcoming Festival Features Headlining Performances From Lil Wayne and Monica, Plus a Series of Cross-Generational Stars Including Victoria Monet, Dru Hill, Blxst, and Uncle Waffles, Plus Hosts Like Zack Fox and Dozens of Performers and Vendors From Nashville’s Unsung, But Vibrant Black Community

Critical Praise:

“Blavity Inc. partnering with RNB House Party is set to make a substantial impact.” – VIBE

“Blavity House Party is gearing up for another unforgettable event following the resounding success of its 2024 Pre-Grammys Celebration and All-Star Jam.” – The Source

“Blavity Inc., known for amplifying Black voices and reshaping the media landscape, is in the spotlight again” – Brand & Culture

“Blavity Media Group, a trailblazer in the digital media landscape, is taking its experiential offerings to the next level.” –  StupidDOPE

The Rundown:

Everybody knows the classic ingredients of a great house party. A great house party foments conversation and free-flowing laughter. A great house party features quality food and an abundance of drink. A great house party is a place where you are free to be yourself, free from prying iPhone cameras. Most importantly of all, a bumpin’ house party features great music, whether the host ponied up for a DJ or enlisted their friend on the aux.

Making its debut at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on June 14-15th, 2024, Blavity House Partyencompasses all these crucial house party elements and blows it up to festival scale. The result is an event that is both intimate and grand: a celebration of Black joy in the Music City, balancing can’t miss onstage moments with the small gestures that turn a group of strangers into a community. We at Audible Treats are thrilled to work with Blavity House Party in its inaugural edition.

The first festival presented by Blavity Media Group, the two-day, multi-stage House Party features a cross-generational array of talented performers, who have defined the sound of hip-hop and R&B for the past three decades. The headliners are heavy-hitting: Lil Wayne brings his bottomless bag of hits, spanning his dozens of albums and mixtapes, while proud southerner Monica offers her golden pipes during the festival’s second night (you know she never gets down on “The First Night”). Beyond the headliners is an excellent undercard, featuring the GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Victoria Monét, West Coast tunesmith Blxst, Baltimore’s favorite R&B group Dru Hill, acclaimed artist/producer Ryan Leslie, dancehall queen Shenseea, amapiano diva Uncle Waffles, rising R&B heartthrob Leon Thomas, Philly’s own Freeway, and the one and only Big Freedia. Beyond the performing artists, Blavity curates a collection of tastemaking DJs to keep the house party going, with help from hosts Zack Fox, Bridget Kelly, and Mani Millss.

The diverse lineup is only a small part of what Blavity House Party has to offer. The event shines a spotlight on Nashville’s vibrant Black community, bringing a complement of local vendors and restaurants, including neighborhood fave pizza & wings joint Slim & Husky’s and local tastemakers Nash Feels, who specialize in showcasing Nashville’s Black community and cowboy culture. Before and after the two-day festival, Blavity connects with local partners to present a club night, a comedy show, a brunch, a fitparty, and more. Keep an eye on Blavity House Party’s official website for more details.

Stay tuned for more news and announcements about the one-of-a-kind community celebration as it approaches. The first-ever Blavity House Party takes over Nashville Municipal Auditorium from June 14th-15th, 2024.

Find FAQs and more information at https://blavity.com/events/houseparty

Buy your festival passes HERE

Access the press application HERE

Contact:

Kerry Harrison, Audible Treats
Chris Walsh, Audible Treats
Destiny Riley, Audible Treats
T’Keyah Hayes, Audible Treats
Elizabeth Schmidt, Blavity, Inc.

The Background:

ABOUT BLAVITY MEDIA GROUP
Blavity Media Group is a pioneering media and entertainment division of Blavity Inc. dedicated to celebrating and empowering Black and multicultural communities. With an unparalleled reach of 250 million monthly Black and multicultural consumers, Blavity Media Group offers innovative storytelling, authentic partnerships, and experiential events that resonate and inspire.

ABOUT BLAVITY INC.
Blavity Inc. is a technology and news media company founded in 2014 around a simple idea: enable Black millennials to tell their own stories. Today, Blavity is home to the largest network of platforms and lifestyle brands serving Black millennials & Gen Z through original content, video, and unique experiences. The company has grown into a market leader for Black media, reaching over 250 million individuals per month through its growing brand portfolio, including Blavity, 21Ninety, Home & Texture, AfroTech, Travel Noire, Shadow & Act, Blavity360º, Talent Infusion, and Blavity TV.

Links:

Blavity House Party: official site | instagram
Blavity: website | instagram | linkedin | twitter

4.24.2024

Single: Jae Stephens – “Wet“

The Acclaimed R&B Artist, Signed to Raedio in Partnership With Def Jam Recordings, Shares a Snappy and Sensual New Song For the Club or the Boudoir

Critical Praise:

“A CELEBRATION OF DOING THINGS YOUR OWN WAY” – NYLON

“She’s already honed a distinct sound—a mix of classic R&B influences and polished modern production”– Complex

“’Sleek melancholy” – The FADER

“Stephens is an innovative artist” – Ones To Watch

“Jae Stephens is indeed an artist to watch” – Rated R&B

The Song:

Gifted singer, songwriter and producer, Jae Stephens is ready to elevate her game. Today, the acclaimed R&B artist shares new single “Wet,” via Raedio/Def Jam Recordings.

Smoothly futuristic and brashly confident, “Wet” finds Stephens seizing control of all aspects of her life–her art, her finances and, most crucially, her desires. Over the song’s uptempo, house-influenced production, Jae sings, “Sick of my sadness, end of an era, I got new habits, ” signaling her intention to start a new phase of her life and career, one with fewer inhibitions and more self-expression. Produced in part by Jae herself, “Wet” sonically traverses both Pop and R&B genres effortlessly.

“Wet” is the start of Jae Stephens’ next era, which will culminate in a new EP due later this year.

The Dallas native first turned heads as a teenaged R&B prodigy, gaining notice with her soul-stirring vocals and preternatural songwriting ability. While she was a high school student, Stephens built a devoted audience on Tumblr, winning 200,000 followers with her sterling covers of pop and R&B songs and her entertaining life updates. She stepped out on her own as a 19-year-old, in 2017, releasing “24K,” a single that earned praise from The FADER and garnered Jae a performance on COLORS. In 2019, Jae released f**k it, i’ll do it myself, a fully self-written and self-produced EP, home to her fan favorite single “got it like that,” and joined her friend Khalidduring his performance on Saturday Night Live. She has collaborated with kindred spirits like THEY, VanJess, Khamari, and Xavier Omar, and has racked up more than 50 million streams across her catalog. Her most recent EP, High My Name Is, came out in 2022, shifting her sound in a more alternative and personal direction.

Now signed to Raedio, the “audio everywhere” company, in partnership with Def Jam Recordings, Jae Stephens is primed to deliver on her limitless potential. Stay tuned for much more from the young singer-songwriter in the near future.

Stream “Wet”: https://jaestephens.lnk.to/WET

Photo Credit: Randijah Simmons

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

The Background:

Jae Stephens, an R&B futurist originally from Dallas and now based in Los Angeles, has been steadily building her profile since the release of her self-written and produced debut EP, f**k it i’ll do it myself, in 2019. With tastemaker singles like “Got It Like That” and “24K” receiving praise from The FADER, she has garnered attention and collaborations with artists such as THEY, VanJess, Khamari, and Xavier Omar, further solidifying her status as an artist on the rise. Press coverage from notable platforms like Colors, Fader, and Complex, as well as an invitation to perform with Khalid on SNL, have contributed to her growing recognition. In total, she has generated over 50 million streams across her catalog.

After a two-year hiatus, Stephens signed to Raedio and released her EP, High My Name Is, featuring standout tracks like “What’s A Monday” and the Jodeci-inspired single “Come and Talk to Me.” The EP’s success, driven primarily by fan support, highlighted the anticipation for her return. Recently signed as Raedio and Def Jam’s first major label artist, Jae Stephens is officially back and ready to take her place as the Queen of Pop R&B. Her future music promises to showcase her captivating vocals and trendsetting aesthetic, reminding audiences why her comeback has been eagerly awaited.

Links:

spotify | tiktok | instagram | youtube | soundcloud | facebook

“Wet”: https://jaestephens.lnk.to/WET

4.22.2024

Meet Skylar Blatt, the Barred-Out Cincy Beauty Who Is About To Blow

Signed to ILWT/Saint Ka$h/Arista, the Young Rapper Who Has Earned the Attention of Meek Mill, Tay Keith, Benny The Butcher, Babyface Ray, Lola Brooke, and More is Priming For a Massive Summer ’24

Stay Tuned For “Wake Up,” a Collaboration With Chris Brown, Coming Friday April 26th

Photo credit: Shawn Hanna

Critical Praise:

Billboard’s Hip-Hop/R&B Fresh Picks – October 30, 2023

“Cincinnati rapper Sade Johnson, better known as “Skylar Blatt” is one of my favorite female up-and-coming artists. Her story is so raw and genuine, that it’s not hard not to fall in love with her aura.” – Lyrical Lemonade

“Unbridled, unbreakable, and undeniable bars” – 24Hip-Hop

The Rundown:

Cincinnati is a blue collar town, known as the home of the Bengals, the Reds, Skyline Chili, and Procter & Gamble. But despite a bustling scene, the Queen City isn’t really known for its hip-hop. Enter rising rapper Skylar Blatt, who has the talent and charisma to put her city on the rap map. Her crushing bars and knack for easy melody has earned her co-signs from some of the biggest artists in the game, and with ILWT/Saint Ka$h/Arista Records at her back, the sky is the limit.

Raised by a single mother as one of six kids, Skylar learned early lessons about the high stakes of life on the Cincinnati streets. When her mom lost her job, she moved in with her Grandma–who Skylar describes as a “gangsta”–who taught her how to survive on her own. She found a safe harbor in hip-hop, escaping her troubles by listening to rappers from all regions–she learned free associative rhyming from Lil Wayne, picked up feminine fury from Nicki Minaj, took notes on the creative use of melody by artists like Young Thug and Future, and implemented plenty of the tough-talking bravado she learned from NY rappers like 50 Cent, Juelz Santana and Jadakiss.

With 10,000 hours of hip-hop study in the bank and a style that she knew stood out from others in her city, she started to embark on her own hip-hop dreams. At first, she uploaded freestyles to her personal Facebook and Instagram pages, and when those gained traction, she started writing her own songs. After gaining an early co-sign from Meek Mill, and a glowing profile from Lyrical Lemonade, the young rapper started collaborating with many of the Midwest’s finest rappers, connecting with Babyface Ray and fellow Cincinnati rapper Midwest Milly for “Exactly,” racking up over 800k YT views, and teaming with Icewear Vezzo for the sinister “God Forbid.” A lifelong Bengals fan, she teamed with fellow Ohioan Doe Boy to craft “BENGALS (SUPER BOWL),” an anthem meant to cheer on Joe Burrow and company as they played in Super Bowl LVI. In October 2023, Skylar shared her mixtape Blatt SZN, home to “God Forbid” and ten other Cincy slappers. The tape won her a fan in Lola Brooke, who hopped on a remix to her song “F*ck Fame.”

Skylar is currently riding a wave of momentum from her new single “Laughin To Tha Bank,” a hard-hitting anthem that is already beginning to impact local radio in Cincinnati. Produced by Too Dope and Akachi, “Laughin To Tha Bank” is a perfect exemplar of what makes Skylar a special talent: rhyming through a sly grin, Skylar crafts an addictive cadence, alternating rich life flexes with intimidating tough talk with effortless ease: “See I’m the type who took her on a date/Just so she can show me where she stay if you ever at her place,” rhymes Skylar.

Now, as the inaugural signee to Saint Ka$h Records, the record label founded by Kendell “Sav” Freeman, Skylar is looking to become the next Midwest rapper to break things open. With more music and, “Wake Up,” a major collaboration with Chris Brown coming this Friday, April 26th, the Queen City queen is ready to defy the odds. Watch this space.

Follow Skylar Blatt on socials: instagram | spotify | youtube | twitter | tiktok

Pre-save “Wake Up” ft Chris Brown: http://skylarblatt.lnk.to/WakeUpPreSave

Watch “Laughin To Tha Bank”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtOZcRYk5QA

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

Background:

When a lane doesn’t exist, Skylar Blatt will create one. The Cincinnati-born rapper has always thought beyond the confines of her circumstances and her city. She spits raw truth about the struggle, holding nothing back as she recollects trials, tribulations, and triumphs via her music. Generating millions of streams independently and earning the endorsement of everyone from Lyrical Lemonade to Meek Mill, her hunger has no comparison on a series of releases for Arista and more to come.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | twitter | tiktok

“Laughin To Tha Bank”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtOZcRYk5QA

4.22.2024

Video: Pressure9X19 – “Philly Boy“

Following Up the Remix to His Global Smash “VVS Switch,” the Raw Rapper Recalls His Early Years Living In Philadelphia In His New Latin Trap Banger

The Video:

Racking up numbers with his streetwise bangers, Pressure 9X19 is on his way to Latin trap stardom. Digging deep into his lore on his latest heater, Pressure shares “Philly Boy,” an ode to the city where he spent much of his early life. Rhyming over an apocalyptic instrumental with a sniper’s precision, the rhymer who calls himself El Rey de las rápidas recounts his hard-living youth in Northeast Philly and how it made him the man he is today. In the video, Pressure returns to the city of his birth, gathering a crew on Weymouth Street as he flaunts the riches he’s earned with his music.

Released by 10K Projects, Pressure’s new single is the follow-up to his smash hit “VVS Switch.” Released in October, the Bobby Caldwell-sampling song experienced a steady and organic rise to the Latin charts, racking up over 113 million streams across platforms. The song’s popularity in the Latin trap community drew immense interest, with superstar Latin artists clamoring to get on the remix. The interest prompted Pressure to release a mega-sized, 9-minute remix of the song featuring seven of the biggest names in Latin music: AnuelAA, YovngChimi, Hades66, C Dobleta & Luar La L. “VVS Switch” (Remix) quickly took off, peaking at #15 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart earlier this year (the remix currently sits at #44 on that chart).

As “VVS Switch” goes up, and “Philly Boy” follows, the Glizzy Gang chieftain is raising his profile in a big way. With over 13 million streams per week on his catalog, Pressure is cooking up much more music, as he seeks to fulfill his superstar destiny.

Watch “Philly Boy”: https://youtube.com/watch?v=oJBCV-Z4QWI

Stream “Philly Boy”: https://pressure9x19.lnk.to/phillyboy

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

Background:

Pressure 9×19 is a Puerto Rican rapper named Jam Daniel Ortiz Caraballo is a 23-year-old artist from San Juan, Puerto Rico who has become a seminal figure in the Latin trap scene with his tracks “VVS Switch”, “Asesinato”, and “El Rey De La Rapidas”. The artist started seeing growth after receiving co-signs from Latin TikTok influencers and seeding pages due to his unorthodox and memorable cadence and flow.

Links:

instagram | spotify | apple | youtube

“Philly Boy”: https://youtube.com/watch?v=oJBCV-Z4QWI

“VVS Switch” (Remix) ft. Anuel AA, YovngChimi, Hades66, C Dobleta & Luar La L: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4y5ShGn7t8

“VVS Switch”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwfrH7JSsV8

4.19.2024

Mozzy Releases Children Of The Slums, His Powerful New Album

Out Now via CMG/Interscope

The Sacramento Street Hero Shares the Video For Album Highlight “Red Nose Bully“

Mozzy’s Deeply Personal 17-Track Project is Dedicated to Those Left Behind By The Streets, Featuring True Stories and Impactful Life Lessons

The Tape Welcomes Guest Appearances from Fridayy, Eric Bellinger, and Mozzy’s Oak Park Associates Celly Ru and E Mozzy

Critical Praise:

“He never needs to raise his voice or act out just to grab your attention; his delivery is assured and consistent but never overconfident. But despite how second nature rapping is for Mozzy, he never lets that confidence tilt into arrogance.” – Pitchfork

“Mozzy is the definition of a rapper in the zone, with a signal-to-noise ratio that rivals anyone else working in hip-hop today.” – Complex

“Chalk it up as a victory for Sacramento’s lyrical champion.” – HipHopDX

Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest West Coast Rap Songs of All Time (#68, “Bladadah”)

The Announcement:

Dedicated to giving back to those less fortunate in his home of Oak Park in Sacramento, Mozzy is a true neighborhood hero. Today, the veteran artist shares one of his most personal project to date, Children Of The Slums, dedicated to his community and devoted to telling their stories. The new album comes along with a video for “RED NOSE BULLY,” an album highlight.

Over 17 deeply personal tracks, Mozzy chronicles the hardships of those born into poverty–many of whom appear in photos on the album’s cover–and details their daily trials and tribulations: “FREE JUJU” salutes a young man who lost his way, even after Mozzy took him under his wing, “MISS YOU BLOOD” mourns a close friend who grew up with Mozzy in the trenches, while opening track “DAMN” relates the story of a young dealer betrayed by a man he thought was his brother.

As Mozzy reflects on the lives on those around him, the 36-year-old rapper considers how his upbringing has affected his mindset, and how it haunts him even as he pursues his successful rap career. The album is his first since ending a year-long prison sentence, and though he missed the game while he was gone, Children Of The Slums reveals that he most regrets being less able to help his community. “EBONY FROM 12TH” finds Mozzy struggling to stay afloat under the weight of his community’s expectations, and regretting his inability to attend a friend’s funeral, while “TRAUMATIZED” reveals that the paranoia developed in the trenches doesn’t go away with success. The album reaches one of many emotional climaxes with “LOST IT ALL,” a heart-wrenching collaboration with Fridayy, whose heavenly melodies allow Mozzy to unlock secrets buried deep within.

“Growing up in the slums, we all thought that our way of life was the only one out there,” says Mozzy. “We didn’t have a choice. Most people think gangbanging and being captivated by the streets is a choice, but we don’t have that choice. We’re either a victim or become victimized. Even though I was fortunate enough to escape, I still take my role as a leader in that community very seriously. Somebody dies or goes to jail, I’m the first person they reach out to. Even though my life has turned out well, I am still deeply rooted and deeply connected to the slums. It’s impossible for me to fully break away.”

The new album is home to previously released singles like “JADED,” a heartfelt collaboration with Eric Bellinger, the lyrical “MISS BIG BRUH,” and “IF I DIE RIGHT NOW,” a moving tribute to Mozzy’s late grandmother. Featuring additional appearances from Mozzy’s longtime Oak Park associates Celly Ru and E Mozzy, Children Of The Slums is available everywhere via CMG/Interscope.

Children of the Slums tracklist:

1. DAMN
2. STILL HURT
3. CHILDREN OF THE SLUMS
4. RED NOSE BULLY
5. LOST IT ALL ft. Fridayy
6. MISS BIG BRUH
7. EBONY FROM 12TH
8. MISS YOU BLOOD
9. JADED ft. Eric Bellinger
10. LIVING PROOF ft. E Mozzy
11. TRAUMATIZED
12. LOST IN MY THOUGHTS
13. FREE JUJU
14. ACT A FOOL ft. Celly Ru & E Mozzy
15. I CAN’T GO OUT ft. Afira
16. IF I DIE RIGHT NOW
17. BETTER WITHOUT YOU

Mozzy’s next album continues his run as one of the most acclaimed and popular street rappers of his generation. He has earned two GOLD certifications from the RIAA as a lead artist–“Excuse Me” and “Sleep Walkin–and three more on his collaborations with Skylar Grey, Likybo, and $tupid Young. Mozzy earned mainstream recognition in 2018, when his song “Sleep Walkin” was featured in a pivotal scene in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther, and he earned a shout out from Kendrick Lamar in his Grammy Award acceptance speech. More recently, his street classic “Bladadah” placed #68 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Best West Coast Rap Songs of All Time.

“I’m still looking out for all the children of the slums,” says Mozzy. “I am there for them because I know if the situation was flipped, they would do the same for me.”

Photo credit: Nick Walker

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

Links:

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

Children of the Slums: https://mozzy.lnk.to/ChildrenOfTheSlums

“Red Nose Bully”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WQDcIKqMX4

“Jaded” ft. Eric Bellinger: https://Mozzy.lnk.to/Jaded / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3NOqXE2fPo

“Free Juju”: https://Mozzy.lnk.to/FREEJUJUVideo / https://Mozzy.lnk.to/FREEJUJU

“Ain’t On Sh*t” ft. Lil Zay Osama: https://mozzy.lnk.to/AINTONSHIT / https://youtu.be/GHw5oAVxUwM?si=Q2o2z-1yofsrbxba

“If I Die Right Now”: https://mozzy.lnk.to/ifidierightnow / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7UVt7KUkj4

“Count Time”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oaaW-sPj1M&

“10 Percent”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rZq8S5dpKk

KOLLECT KALL EP: https://mozzy.lnk.to/KOLLECTKALL/

4.19.2024

Festival D’été de Québec Adds Artists, Including All Time Low, Silverstein, Blue Rodeo,
Amanda Marshall and Sass Jordan, to Complete 2024 Lineup

The Festival Returns to Quebec City from July 4-14, 2024

Recruiting Over 200 Acts To Perform on Stages Throughout Picturesque Cities Over 11 Days In July, FEQ Has Brought an Unbeatable Community Atmosphere and A-List Talent From Multiple Genres Since Its Inception in 1968

Headliners Include Post Malone, 50 Cent, The Jonas Brothers, Nas, The Offspring, Rise Against, Nickelback, Zac Brown Band, and more

Other Notable Performers Include Ava Max, The Offspring, Rise Against, Killer Mike, Alan Walker, Loud Luxury, Mötley Crue, Future Islands, Hurray For The Riff Raff, and Many More

Critical Praise:

“I put it up there with Coachella, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands – it’s in the conversation as a top five festival in North America, for sure.” – Pollstar

“With their passion for their city and music at the centre of their plans, it’s safe to say the festival won’t be a hidden gem for long.” – NME

“Beyond the lineup, FEQ stands above other Canadian festivals of the same capacity when it comes to accessibility thanks to easy walkability from different stages, as well as access to and from the city. It’s situated amongst various parks and greenery, creating a perfect balance of modern stage design and outdoors beauty. ” – Consequence

“FEQ in Quebec will be your new favorite music festival…With the proliferation of music festivals here in North America and throughout the world, the choice of where to spend one’s money and time to see the artists you love is not an easy one. Based on the brief experience I had at the fest, I daresay that FEQ might be your best bet.” – Paste

“The result was a festival that remained impressive—in terms of both the fashion and the music—for the entire duration of its 12-day run. We can’t wait to see who graces the stage, and the audience, next year.” – Forbes

“Nested in the pure and bliss city of Quebec, the famed Festival d’été de Québec, stands as the apex of Canadian festival culture, dominating its industry since its beginning in 1968.” – Clash Magazine

“Surmise to say that Festival d’été de Québec is a gorgeously grassroots affair: created for the enjoyment of the province’s population, curated with a well-conceptualised human touch, and consummated by the wonderfully joyous people of the city.” – The Line of Best Fit

“Held annually in the provincial capital of la belle province since 1968, Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is one of Canada’s largest live music events: a world class experience that plays host to a genre-diverse collection of emerging artists and international stars alike.” – Exclaim!

The Announcement:

Quebec, April 19, 2024 – The lineup for the 56th edition of Festival d’Été de Québec is now complete! The festival today announced the remaining performing artists, who will rock the double stage at Parc de la Francophonie on July 10 and 13. Around ten names have been added added to the FEQ poster, including All Time Low, Silverstein, The Anti-Queens, Moneen and Cam Kahin, on July 10, then Blue Rodeo, Amanda Marshall, Sass Jordan, The Hello Darlins and Joffrey Charles on July 13.

Emo punk Night on July 10
Taking the headlining spot at 9:15 PM on the Loto-Québec Stage will be the American band All Time Low. Before them at 8:00 PM on the SiriusXM Stage, we welcome Canadian quartet Silverstein. These flagship emo punk bands will be preceded by a lineup of talented artists, including Toronto punk-rockers The Anti-Queens and Brampton-based Moneen. Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Cam Kahin will kick off the evening.

100% Canadian folk rock Night on July 13
On July 13, the festival will present an entirely Canadian night led by the alternative country rock of the legendary Blue Rodeo on the Loto-Québec Stage at 9:15 PM. Singer-songwriter Amanda Marshall, a significant figure in Canadian music from the 90s, will take the SiriusXM Stage at 8:00 PM. The lineup also includes Sass Jordan, an iconic figure in Canadian rock, the folk country roots collective The Hello Darlins, and Gatineau native and former participant of La Voix Joffrey Charles, who will showcase his debut album early in the evening.

These artists will help make two unforgettable evenings at Parc de la Francophonie, as part of Festival d’été de Québec. The FEQ takes this opportunity to remind everyone that two free stages, where a pass is not required, are included in this year’s lineup: Scène Découverte at Place d’Youville and the Hydro-Québec Stage at Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale.

More from FEQ 2024
With over 200 artists performing over the course of 11 days, Québec’s summer festival has more than enough music for any fan to enjoy. The eventful fest stands out among this summer’s music festivals by featuring the only summer festival performances by superstars like Post Malone, Jonas Brothers, and J Balvin. Rock music lovers have their pick of bands from all eras and subgenres, including radio heavyweights Nickelback, seasoned punk rockers The Offspring and Rise Against, hair metal mavens Mötley Crue, and metalcore legends Killswitch Engage. Hip-hop heads can enjoy legends like 50 Cent, Nas, and Killer Mike, plus rising names like TOBi. Pop fans will be thrilled to see artists like beloved Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen and “Sweet But Psycho” hitmaker Ava Max. Those looking for alternative and indie music can enjoy acclaimed acts like Fleet Foxes, Future Islands, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Mt. Joy, and Ben Howard. FEQ is known for its genre-focused nights, a country music hoedown headlined by Zac Brown Band, with Charley Crockett, and Morgan Wade, and of course, the always-incendiary EDM night, this year featuring an enviable Alan Walker and Loud Luxury double-bill. As always, the Festival shines a spotlight on the province of Québec’s most talented musicians, including composer/pianist Alexandra Stréliski, Polaris Prize-winning Montreal rock band Karkwa, and the soulful Quebecois group Clay and Friends, and brings diverse acts from across the globe, including red hot regional Mexican singer Ivan Cornejo, Malian performer Vieux Farka Touré, and Nigerien guitarist Bombino.

View full details at FEQ.ca.

Official visuals are available here

(Credit: FEQ/Philippe Ruel)

Photo Credit: FEQ/Andre-Olivier Lyra

Photo Credit: FEQ/Sébastien Dion

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

The Background:

About FEQ
In the heart of Quebec City, the Festival d’été de Québec welcomes international icons, rising stars and emerging artists of all musical genres.

Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is a music festival managed by a non-for-profit organization, right in the heart of Québec City. With five stages located in the historic part of Quebec City, the most imposing of which is on the Plains of Abraham, the event takes place in a unique setting. The FEQ offers more than 150 shows of all genres, from the biggest headliners in the world to the emerging scene, and has been getting hundreds of thousands of festival-goers dancing and singing since 1968. For 11 consecutive evenings, the city center resembles a real urban and open-air celebration. The FEQ is an accessible and safe gathering, a truly immersive experience in Quebec music and culture.

Next edition, July 4-14, 2024.

About BLEUFEU
BLEUFEU is an event organizer and show promoter that presents festive and inspiring experiences, including the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ), Toboggan – New Year’s Evenings and St-Roch XP, in addition to presenting hundreds of shows throughout the year at the Imperial Bell and a new showroom opening soon. The new umbrella brand will oversee the various existing NPOs, which already have a reputation in the industry for the quality of its productions. BLEUFEU has more than sixty permanent employees and recruits over 500 contract workers each year, in addition to hundreds of volunteers. Visit BLEUFEU.com for more information.

Links:

official site | tiktok | facebook | youtube | instagram

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

4.19.2024

Mez Drops The Loading EP, His First Official Project of the Streaming Era

The Respected North Carolina Rapper Recruits Isaiah Rashad for the “Hot Spot” Music Video

The Adventurous 7-Track EP by the Artist Once Known as King Mez Features Guest Appearances From Leon Bridges, Isaiah Rashad, MAVI, SAINt JHN, Childish Major, and More, Plus Production From Monte Booker, Tae Beast, DJ Mark B, Bizness Boi, Cam O’bi, Phoelix, and Many Others

Critical Praise:

“Allowing the art to grow organically and its own path, regardless of the medium, is something 29-year-old Mez, born Morris W. Ricks II, has never shied away from.”  – Billboard

“Mez is shooting to win.” – NPR

“Confident, but not braggadocious, there is a Southern timidness to Mez that is charming.” – Pitchfork

“Mez sees pressure and difficulty as a prime moment for preserving and conquering.” – Variety

The Announcement:

Making waves for over a decade for his immaculate pen game and keen visual eye, North Carolina rapper Mez has guided the creative of many of the game’s biggest artists. Finally ready for his moment in the sun, the multi-talented artist comes through with The Loading EP, his first official project of the streaming era. The seven track EP covers miles of ground, following Mez’s perspective as he explores the nature of love and friendship on “Around The World,” with help from Leon Bridges, reflects on a cold and uncaring universe in the contemplative “Devil Is A Judge,” and rattles off tongue-twisting tales about his pursuit of the bag in lead single “Call On” ft. Kurtis Wells. The diverse EP features production from talents as diverse as Los Angeles’s Tae Beast, Chicago underground sound architects Monte Booker, Phoelix & Cam O’bi, hard-hitting Atlanta native DJ Mark B, and more. Featuring additional guest appearances from Isaiah Rashad, MAVI, SAINt JHN, and Childish Major, The Loading EP is available everywhere via Mass Appeal.

Says Mez about the new EP: “The Loading EP symbolizes the (Un) Loading of my thoughts. My ideas. My fears. The (Re) Loading of my love for music after so many things felt in the way. The (Down) Loading of new energy. New courage and strength. New ideas. The Loading EP is conceptualized around the way I think. Making connections between things that might not always fit together. Creating something from the void in-between. Just bossing up in general.”

The EP arrives with a brand new video for “Hot Spot,” the standout collaboration with Isaiah Rashad, directed by Mez himself.  Produced by Monte Booker, Phoelix & Cam O’bi, the track finds the two talented musicians reflecting on relationships they’ve had over the years, never giving up on romance despite its challenges. Mez compares his unbreakable connection with his girl to a phone’s hotspot, taking the metaphor even further in the video with his love interest’s face being covered by a screen. Isaiah Rashad delivers a verse for the yearners, starting off completely separated on the screen from his love interest but slowly working his way closer to her as his verse goes on, symbolizing that modern romance is indeed possible.

The Loading EP marks the latest phase in a long and varied career for Mez. Emerging out of Raleigh in the early 2010s, Mez was a leading light in a fertile NC rap scene that birthed underground and mainstream stars. Mez’s sharp lyrics and assured artistic vision helped convince some of music’s biggest stars to trust him with their creative visions. Then known as “King Mez,” the rapper was one of the driving forces behind Compton, Dr. Dre’s long-awaited third album, appearing on nine tracks and writing on several others–his efforts drew praise from the likes of Pitchfork, NPR, Vulture, and many others. Mez has been a regular affiliate of his friend and fellow North Carolinian J. Cole, and has contributed several verses to Dreamville compilations, including Revenge Of The Dreamers III and last year’s Creed III: The Soundtrack. Mez is also a renowned video director, stepping behind the camera for clips like J. Cole’s “Middle Child” and “a m a r i,” Dreamville’s “Sleep Deprived” (on which he also raps), plus videos for Ari Lennox, Isaiah Rashad, and more. Most recently, Mez earned a writing credit on J. Cole’s chart-topping surprise album Might Delete Later, contributing to the Ari Lennox-sang hook on opening song “Pricey” ft. Ari Lennox, Young Dro & Gucci Mane.

With The Loading EP out now, Mez proves that he is an artistic force to be reckoned with in the rap game and beyond. Stay tuned for more.

The Loading EP: https://massappeal.lnk.to/loading

Watch “Call On” ft. Kurtis Wells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMshNSXOgPA

Stream “Around The World” ft. Leon Bridges: https://massappeal.lnk.to/mez-atw

Stream “Hot Spot” ft. Isaiah Rashad: https://massappeal.lnk.to/hotspot

The Loading EP tracklist:

1. Yeah Yeah
2. Humma Time ft. Childish Major
3. Call On ft. Kurtis Wells
4. Hot Spot ft. Isaiah Rashad
5. Bat Phone ft. SAINt JHN & MAVI
6. Devil Is A Judge
7. Around The World ft. Leon Bridges

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

The Background:

Mez, hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, is a true polymath – a GRAMMY-nominated recording artist, songwriter, music producer, and film director. His breakthrough came in 2015, when he wrote 14 of the 16 tracks on Dr. Dre’s critically acclaimed Compton album. In 2019, Mez’s multi-hyphenate talent was highlighted on Dreamville’s GRAMMY-nominated project, Revenge of the Dreamers III, where he was featured on two songs and directed the video for J. Cole’s 8x platinum record “Middle Child”, his directorial debut. Since then, he has directed commercial pieces for Jordan Brand and Nike among others. He also directed music videos for his contemporaries such as Ari Lennox, Isaiah Rashad, Sir, as well as continuing to direct and creative direct for J. Cole. Mez has most recently featured on the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed blockbuster film, Creed III. His sights are now set on releasing his own music projects in the near future.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube

Pre-save The Loading EP: https://massappeal.lnk.to/loading

“Around The World” ft. Leon Bridges: https://massappeal.lnk.to/mez-atw

“Hot Spot” ft. Isaiah Rashad: https://massappeal.lnk.to/hotspot

“Call On” ft. Kurtis Wells: https://youtu.be/sMshNSXOgPA / https://youtu.be/sMshNSXOgPA

4.19.2024

Video: Kenny Muney – “I Hate Me Too”

The Memphis Rapper Boasts About His Lifestyle in His Latest Video as He Reacts To Those Jealous of His Success

Critical Praise:

“Kenny’s standout skill is his sense of timing and rhythm. The rapper can do nearly any style or flow out there.” – XXL

“Laced with familiar southern swagger and street tales, the new project solidifies Kenny has a viable name to keep an eye on as the new year creeps up.” – HotNewHipHop

“The South Memphis native has become a master at bodying the braggadocious current Memphis trap sound, while still finding endless ways to make his personal wit and charm stand out on every track.” –Dirty Glove Bastard

The Video:

Paper Route Empire rapper Kenny Muney continues to show what success has brought to his luxurious life in “I Hate Me Too,” the latest visual from his recent project The Blue Seasons. Kenny positions himself as an outsider to his own life, watching through a TV screen as he witnesses all types of hatred coming his way. As he confidently expresses all he has and who he is, he repeatedly admits “If I wasn’t me, I’d hate me too.”

Whether it’s hot or cold, raining, or snowing, Kenny Muney counts his stacks all year long. Traveling from winter to summer and back again with his new album, the Paper Route Empire artist recently shared his album The Blue Seasons. The new project finds Kenny Muney showing all sides of himself: He rhymes with his signature smirk on hustle hard anthems like “Breezy” and “Paper Route,” his new collaboration with close friend Key Glock, but takes time to show his more sensitive side on songs like the romantic “Hate It There” and the reflective “Ion Feel That $hit.” The South Memphis native delivers the mission statement for the project on the Bandplay-produced opener “My $eason“: “I might just change my climate, change my mood, I’m tryna capture somethin’.” Featuring additional appearances from CEO Jizzle and BEO Lil Kenny, The Blue Seasons streams everywhere via Paper Route Empire.

The Blue Seasons is the latest step in Kenny Muney’s mission to take over the game and live up to the legacy of his late mentor Young Dolph. Last year, Kenny shared Blue Muney (Deluxe), home to fiery singles like the guitar-driven “Top,” the soulful intro “Muney Prayer,” and the Hitkidd-produced “In A Rush,” and guest appearances from Key Glock, Money Man, and more.

Kenny Muney shows that he has the talent and determination to succeed in the Empire-building business. Stay tuned for more from Kenny Muney and Paper Route Empire this summer.

Watch “I Hate Me Too”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1VfoAtqqfY

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

Background:

A native of South Memphis, Kenny Muney grew up idolizing rappers like Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, and Boosie. He started rapping at age 15, developing his aggressive aesthetic and honing his deeply rhythmic flow. Kenny got his first brush with fame when he released “YTN Freestyle,” which racked up over 2.5 million YouTube views, made him a neighborhood hero, and earned airplay on local radio. He made noise in 2019 with Muney Talk, his first mixtape for PRE. In 2020, Kenny Muney connected with his mentor Young Dolph for “No Regrets,” a highlight track from Dolph’s Rich Slave (Deluxe) album. “I’m never satisfied,” says Kenny Muney. “It’s a gift and a curse. I’m always looking for the next step.”

Links:

instagram | twitter | spotify | youtube

“I Hate Me Too”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1VfoAtqqfY

“Hate It There”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmhCIO9sWGA

“Breezy”: https://music.empi.re/breezykenny / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0PwhWs51qQ

“Lil Boys”: https://youtu.be/8IudAAM-yVs

“Spendin & Spinnin”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1x_dpFANiE

“UHN UHN”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTPZAuDKmCQ

“Holy Water”: https://youtu.be/ThOF0Aw6OhE

“AOGG” ft. Tay Keith: https://youtu.be/JwOBXtwD0m0

“After That”: https://youtu.be/TcAnkTbZoVA

Blue Muney (Deluxe): https://music.empi.re/bluemuneydeluxe

“Ramen Noodles Digital Scales”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzQu6zlDdZc

“Top”: https://youtu.be/d8K8OQUeP44

“Muney Prayer”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjOJBN9JMU8

Blue Muney: https://music.empi.re/bluemuney

“In A Rush”: https://youtu.be/ExDXDr6o0l8

“Big Muney Sh*t”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhY13hHP-X8

“King Pin”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhY13hHP-X8

“Nobody” ft. Dreezy: https://youtu.be/0lair4loOYs

“No Days Off”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJSY4dlD8EU

“Cross Country”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH3MXFf3JZ0

“Leeches” ft. Key Glock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rFx5-M8t28

“Change Up”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_A9VYXP2Cw

“Rabbit”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjY3dLr997w

Time is Muney: https://music.empi.re/timeismuney

Bio, photos, and streams available here: https://audibletreats.com/kenny-muney/

4.19.2024

Video: TDK – “Woke Up Today“

The Two Signees to Lupe Fiasco’s 1st & 15th Label Contemplate Life’s Problems, As They Pay Tribute to Their Hero Mac Miller in Their Hometown of Chicago in the Video For Their Latest Soundtrakk-Produced Single

Critical Praise:

“An attitude of perseverance and innovation is what continues to fuel the flame for TDK (Two Depressed Kids) as they aspire to change the game of music.” – Sheen Magazine

The Video:

Chicago duo Two Depressed Kids (TDK) might have a pessimistic band name, but they are optimists at heart. Weathering life’s hard times by focusing on its small pleasures, the duo shares “Woke Up Today,” their new video single. The song features sumptuous production from legendary producer Soundtrakk, TDK’s fellow signee to Lupe Fiasco’s 1st & 15th label, who layers energetic synth melodies, string section stabs, and a bouncy bassline into a nostalgic confection. The two rappers of TDK float atop the instrumental, as they doggedly determine to take on life’s problems head on. In the video, TDK head from the suburbs to the heart of Chicago, where they sing their song on the banks of the Chicago River.

“Our song ‘Woke Up Today’ was inspired by the simple things we often overlook in our busy lives that bring us happiness,” explain Jake and Drew of TDK. “This song reminds us a lot of one of our biggest musical heroes, Mac Miller. In the production and lyrics, we tried to capture his aura. Tortured by our own thoughts and the world around us but still looking up, we acknowledge that there are a lot of harsh realities in the world, but at its core life is beautiful and the good days outweigh the bad. With the music video, we wanted to give a feeling of innocence. We wore bright colors and did things that as kids helped us feel like nothing else mattered, like hanging out in nature, messing around in public and riding our bikes and skateboards.”

Signed to 1st & 15th by Lupe Fiasco, who has brought them as openers on multiple recent tours, Two Depressed Kids have made their name in Chicago with energetic performances and sharp songwriting. Earlier this year, TDK shared “Not In Love,” a bouncy, Soundtrakk-produced single that earned coverage in HipHopDX. Most recently, TDK shared “Can I Do It By Myself,” another uplifting single, along with a music video. The talented duo is currently hard at work at an upcoming EP, the follow-up to their 2022 effort Miss.Judge. With 1st & 15th behind them, TDK plans to bring their hybrid sound to the mainstream. Stay tuned for much more from TDK and 1st & 15th as 2024 moves along.

Watch “Woke Up Today”: https://youtu.be/h7woLb2KMEI

Stream “Woke Up Today”: https://orcd.co/tdk-wokeup

Photo credit: China Ufkes

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

Links:

linktree | instagram | spotify | youtube | tiktok

“Woke Up Today”: https://youtu.be/h7woLb2KMEI

“Can I Do It By Myself”: https://orcd.co/canidoitbymyself

“Not In Love”: https://orcd.co/notinlove / https://youtu.be/r8ywt2-mfUU?si=XnFLhqZQxWk8UsBy

4.19.2024

Video: Chicken P – “Ain’t Runnin’ Out“

A Respected Leader In the Ascendant Milwaukee Rap Scene, Chicken P Refuses to Go Back to the Old Days in the Single From His Upcoming Mixtape The Hardest N**** Living, Coming Soon

Critical Praise:

“One of the best rappers in the Midwest” – Pitchfork

There’s an argument that the artist of this current wave of Milwaukee street rap is Chicken P.” – Pitchfork

“A peer through his YouTube page reveals his versatility: He delivers remnants of Thug or Rich Homie Quan on the melodic ‘Money Counter,’ then excels at more straightforward rhyming on ‘Dawg Ass Chicken.'” – Rolling Stone

“Chicken P’s recording with blinders on—barreling forward at full speed without braking. His dope game raps come with the type of gritty and blunt detail that you can hear in songs from Milwaukee and all over Michigan. ‘Turn the music up, I’m tired of hearing the ringtone,’ he raps. It’s like a scene straight out of Snowfall.” – The FADER

“Arguably the most popular rapper living in Milwaukee for the past few years, Chicken P finally got the record deal he’s long deserved by partnering up with 10K Projects, the indie label behind Ice Spice and Trippie Redd. The latest mixtape in the “BussaBrick” series doesn’t mess with the raw beats and blunt punchlines formula, but “Rollin,” with its sticky chorus and survived-the-streets bravado, is definitely in the running for one of Chicken’s all-time best bangers.” – Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

The Video:

Over the past few years, the city of Milwaukee has developed one of the most diverse and exciting rap scenes in the country, and rising rapper Chicken P has been at the center of the action. While many rappers in the city have grabbed attention with danceable and memeable party anthems, Chicken P has built a large and devoted fanbase by staying true to himself and rapping his ass off.

The Really Rich Empire CEO demonstrates the skills that has him on top of his city’s rap game on “Ain’t Runnin’ Out,” his new single and music video. Over a beat by ProdbyKaio and OnlyOneG, which mixes booming, distorted midwest drums with the chaotic handclaps that define the Milwaukee sound, the rapper works a flow that oscillates between soft-spoken melody and hard-charging bite. The unflappable rhymer stacks flex after flex, expressing gratitude that he’ll never return to the trenches he emerged from: “I’m really havin’, I don’t keep track of where I’m spendin’/Tell the ref, throw the towel, these n****s finished/I done run this pape up, ain’t runnin’ out,” he lilts. In the video, Chicken P luxuriates in his Rolls Royce convertible, as he flashes his ice and contemplates his next move.

“Ain’t Runnin’ Out” is the next step on the road to Chicken P’s next mixtape, The Hardest N**** Living, arriving in the coming weeks via Really Rich Empire / 10K Projects. Home to the recent single “Shark,” the upcoming mixtape is a well-structured argument that supports the tape’s title, detailing the big and little things that make Chicken P one of the most respected rappers in the Midwest and beyond. The Hardest N**** Living is the proper follow-up to BussaBrick Vol. 3: ReallyRich4Eva and its accompanying deluxe, both of which placed in the Top 30 of Apple Music’s Hip-Hop Albums Chart (and in the Top 100 All-Genres Album Chart). Released in January, the Deluxe edition is home to “Venting,” which is gaining traction on short-form video platforms like TikTok and IG Reels (6.5k creations to date), and has racked up over 1.8 million views on its official music video.

First emerging in the late 2010s, the rapper then known as Lil Chicken made waves in Milwaukee with his raw, bass-boosted sound. Aided by video director TeeGlazedIt, one of the Milwaukee scene’s most respected tastemakers, Chicken P helped solidify the city’s reputation as a hip-hop hotbed, and established himself as its leading voice, with songs like 2021’s “Money Counter” (3.7 million views). The rapper found his stride with his three-volume BussaBrick series of mixtapes, home to fan-favorite singles like “Dawg Ass Chicken” (2.3 million views), “Rollin” (2.5 million views), and “Peoples’ Favorite” (1.8 million views on the visualizer). Six months after finishing a short stint in prison, Chicken P is drawing eyes from across the spectrum, racking up over 3 million streams on his catalog per week and earning co-signs from fellow rappers like Sexyy Red, Babyface Ray, Skilla Baby, Rylo Rodriguez, and Veeze, plus basketball players including  Jalen Green and Rob Dillingham.

Stay tuned for more information about The Hardest N**** Living in the near future.

Watch “Ain’t Runnin’ Out”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSq4QougSeo

Stream “Ain’t Runnin’ Out”: http://chickenp.lnk.to/aro

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

Links:

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

Check out more from Chicken P here: https://beacons.ai/chickenp

“Ain’t Runnin’ Out”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSq4QougSeo

“Shark”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCW2S6thths

“Venting”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvO3JRORfP0

BussaBrick Vol.3: ReallyRich4Eva (Deluxe): spotify | apple | soundcloud

4.18.2024

Afro Nation Detroit Adds Asake, Kizz Daniel & Omah Lay to Afro Nation Detroit 2024

The Three Nigerian Giants Join Rema, PartyNextDoor, and Many More on the Star-Studded Lineup

Tickets For Afro Nation Detroit Are Available Now HERE

The Second Annual Afro Nation Detroit Features Additional Performances from Rising Stars Like Amaarae and Ruger, Detroit Local Hero Kash Doll, and Amapiano Legends DJ Maphorisa, Uncle Waffles, Musa Keys, and DBN GoGo on the Piano People Stage

The Vibrant Celebration of Global Black Music Returns to Detroit on August 17-18, 2024

Critical Praise:

Featured on CNN

Featured in The New Yorker

“With previous events in Ghana and Puerto Rico, Afro Nation has the accolade of being the world’s biggest festival centered on Afrobeats music.” – Billboard

“When an international Afrobeats festival comes to one of the Blackest cities in America, history was bound to be made.” – Essence

“Detroit is Afro Nation…Afro Nation is more than just a two-day music festival. It’s even beyond a gathering of Africans, American or otherwise, descending on a city to have a good time with good vibes. It’s a mecca of unapologetic Blackness that puts the spotlight on not just music, but unity, and community.” – Detroit Metro Times

“The Afro Nation Festival made a lively Stateside debut in Miami over Memorial Day weekend, taking place a the 40,000 capacity LoanDepot Park (formerly Marlins Park). With Burna Boy headlining day one and Wizkid taking the stage on day two, Afro Nation Miami had an unmistakable African essence, fusing afrobeats, amapiano, and reggae.” – Variety

“The festival promises to deliver an impressive array of today’s hottest artists from Africa and the diaspora.”– Yahoo!

The Announcement:

Afro Nation celebrates Global Black Music with help from some of the industry’s biggest stars. Shortly after announcing its first wave of artists for Afro Nation Detroit 2024, the festival announces Asake as a festival headliner, and adds Kizz Daniel and Omah Lay to the festival’s illustrious lineup. All three are major figures in the Afrobeats scene, bringing uniquely African vibes to the Motor City. The trio of hitmakers join fellow Nigerian Rema on the bill, which also features stars like Toronto titan PartyNextDoor, and Detroit’s own Kash Doll. The only scheduled Afro Nation event in the United States in 2024, Afro Nation Detroit returns to Bedrock’s Douglass Site from August 17th-18th, 2024. Tickets for Afro Nation Detroit 2024 are available now at detroit.afronation.com. 

The second annual Afro Nation Detroit promises to be an unstoppable party, boasting an enviable undercard featuring some of the hottest acts in today’s industry. Afro Nation Detroit 2024 welcomes African giants like Adekunle Gold and Ayra Starr, rapidly rising stars of the Afrobeats scene, including Amaarae, and Ruger, and many others. The Piano People stage returns once more, bringing some of the most exciting acts performing the ascendant South African genre of Amapiano, including Uncle Waffles, Scorpion Kings, DBN Gogo, Musa Keys, and more. Stay tuned for even more announcements about Afro Nation Detroit.

“Bringing Afro Nation back to Detroit, the home of Motown and Techno music was an easy decision,” said Smade, Co-Founder of Afro Nation. “Detroit embodies culture, creativity, and pride. The energy here is electric, echoing the heartbeat of Afro Nation’s spirit. In Detroit, we found a community that welcomed us with open arms, sharing our passion for unity and celebration, giving us a home away from home. Afro Nation Detroit 2024 will be even bigger than last year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.”

Headlined last year by Burna Boy and Davido, Afro Nation Detroit 2023 drew tens of thousands of attendees each day to Bedrock’s Douglass Site, once a historically significant housing project in Detroit that was the first federally funded housing project for African Americans in the United States and the former home of legends like Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson. Before the festival, Afro Nation hosted a series of Homecoming Conversations for industry professionals and artists, covering topics including musical innovation, entrepreneurship, and more.

Afro Nation is quickly becoming an institution in Detroit, engaging the community and presenting some of the finest music in the international scene. Head to detroit.afronation.com to receive priority access to tickets and to sign up for the mailing list to receive updates about Afro Nation Detroit 2024.

Afro Nation festivals are dedicated to providing a global platform for music from Africa and its diaspora. In addition, Afro Nation teams with BBC Radio 1xtra and the Official Charts Company to host a weekly UK Afrobeats Chart Show, and in 2022, Afro Nation partnered with Billboard to present the first-ever U.S. Afrobeats Chart.

With more milestones to cross and many unforgettable sets in the near future, Afro Nation is primed to shine an even brighter spotlight on some of the most exciting artists in music today.

Access the Afro Nation Detroit 2024 press application HERE

Watch the Aftermovie for #AND2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qg75KPxWB4

Keep an eye on Afro Nation US’s Instagram for more updates.

Afro Nation Detroit 2024 is presented by Bedrock and The Malachite Group.

Please contact Michelle, Kevin, Destiny, or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

Launched in 2019 with critical acclaim by Nigerian creative industry entrepreneurs Obi Asika, and Smade, Afro Nation is the biggest Afrobeats celebration in the world and a fast growing global cultural influence. The brand made waves with events in Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Ghana, crafting events that unite the diaspora and deliver culturally-important music to an underserved audience. Past artists include Burna Boy, Davido, Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion, Scorpion Kings, Major League DJz and many more. In 2023, Afro Nation hosted its first two festivals in the United States: May’s Afro Nation Miami, headlined by Burna Boy and WizKid, and August’s Afro Nation Detroit, headlined by Burna Boy and Davido. A celebration of African and Global Black music in one of the world’s most historic music cities, Afro Nation Detroit returns in August 2024.

Links:

official site | twitter | instagram

Find more information at afronation.com and detroit.afronation.com

4.17.2024

Mozzy Shares Tracklist For Children Of The Slums, His New Album, Out This Friday, April 19th, via CMG/Interscope

A Soulful 17-Track Project Dedicated To Those Left Behind By The Streets, Children Of The Slums Features Guest Appearances From Fridayy and Eric Bellinger, Plus Mozzy’s Oak Park Associates Celly Ru and E Mozzy

Critical Praise:

“He never needs to raise his voice or act out just to grab your attention; his delivery is assured and consistent but never overconfident. But despite how second nature rapping is for Mozzy, he never lets that confidence tilt into arrogance.” – Pitchfork

“Mozzy is the definition of a rapper in the zone, with a signal-to-noise ratio that rivals anyone else working in hip-hop today.” – Complex

“Chalk it up as a victory for Sacramento’s lyrical champion.” – HipHopDX

Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest West Coast Rap Songs of All Time (#68, “Bladadah”)

The Announcement:

Mozzy earned his reputation as one of the most authentic rappers in the game today by staying dedicated to his home neighborhood of Oak Park in Sacramento. Today, the veteran artist announces the tracklist of Children Of The Slums, his next album, which is dedicated to his home neighborhood’s lost souls, and those who have lost loved ones to the streets via drugs or violence. The new album features a standout guest spot from Fridayy, who lends his otherworldly vocals to highlight track “LOST IT ALL,” as well as spots from Mozzy’s longtime collaborators Celly Ru and E Mozzy. Home to lead single “JADED” ft. Eric Bellinger, plus other previously-released fan favorites like “IF I DIE RIGHT NOW” (4 million views on YouTube), a heartfelt tribute to Mozzy’s latest grandmother, “MISS BIG BRUH,” and “FREE JUJU,”  Children Of The Slums drops on all platforms on Friday April 19th via CMG/Interscope.

“Nobody born in the slums has a choice,” says Mozzy. “Born into those kinds of circumstances, it’s hard to imagine a way to get out. They don’t have anyone to look out for them or to show them a better way. I’m still looking out for all the children of the slums. I am there for them because I know if the situation was flipped, they would do the same for me.”

Mozzy’s next album continues his run as one of the most acclaimed and popular street rappers of his generation. He has earned two GOLD certifications from the RIAA as a lead artist–“Excuse Me” and “Sleep Walkin–and three more on his collaborations with Skylar Grey, Likybo, and $tupid Young. Mozzy earned mainstream recognition in 2018, when his song “Sleep Walkin” was featured in a pivotal scene in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther, and he earned a shout out from Kendrick Lamar in his Grammy Award acceptance speech. More recently, his street classic “Bladadah” placed #68 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Best West Coast Rap Songs of All Time.

Stay tuned for Children Of The Slums, one of Mozzy’s most personal projects to date, coming this Friday.

Pre-save Children Of The Slums: https://Mozzy.lnk.to/ChildrenOfTheSlums

Watch “Jaded” ft. Eric Bellinger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3NOqXE2fPo

Children of the Slums tracklist:

1. DAMN
2. STILL HURT
3. CHILDREN OF THE SLUMS
4. RED NOSE BULLY
5. LOST IT ALL ft. Fridayy
6. MISS BIG BRUH
7. EBONY FROM 12TH
8. MISS YOU BLOOD
9. JADED ft. Eric Bellinger
10. LIVING PROOF ft. E Mozzy
11. TRAUMATIZED
12. LOST IN MY THOUGHTS
13. FREE JUJU
14. ACT A FOOL ft. Celly Ru & E Mozzy
15. I CAN’T GO OUT ft. Afira
16. IF I DIE RIGHT NOW
17. BETTER WITHOUT YOU

Photo credit: Nick Walker

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

Links:

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

Pre-save Children of the Slums: https://mozzy.lnk.to/ChildrenOfTheSlums

“Jaded” ft. Eric Bellinger: https://Mozzy.lnk.to/Jaded / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3NOqXE2fPo

“Free Juju”: https://Mozzy.lnk.to/FREEJUJUVideo / https://Mozzy.lnk.to/FREEJUJU

“Ain’t On Sh*t” ft. Lil Zay Osama: https://mozzy.lnk.to/AINTONSHIT / https://youtu.be/GHw5oAVxUwM?si=Q2o2z-1yofsrbxba

“If I Die Right Now”: https://mozzy.lnk.to/ifidierightnow / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7UVt7KUkj4

“Count Time”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oaaW-sPj1M&

“10 Percent”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rZq8S5dpKk

KOLLECT KALL EP: https://mozzy.lnk.to/KOLLECTKALL/

4.17.2024

Video: wolfacejoeyy – “I Know“

The Young Staten Island Native and His Close Friend and Producer WhereIs22, aka Actor Michael Rainey Jr., Star in the Mishcievous New Video For Their Collaboration, the Latest Single From the Upcoming Valentino Mixtape

Critical Praise:

“At 20 years old, Wolfacejoeyy has built a cult following on SoundCloud thanks to his production style and unique lyricism.” – Variety

“‘Joeyy packs so much fun into the song that all you can focus on is having as great of a time as he is.” – PITCHFORK

“‘Now, at 21, Joeyy knows he’s on the cusp of musical renown.” – HYPEBEAST

“Combining the best elements of Jersey club and New York drill to create fresh, lighthearted hits that are instantly recognizable, Joeyy’s tender vocals, fresh production and undeniably infectious hooks have allowed the “buku” artist to flourish beyond first-listen value; he’s a breath of fresh air.” – Complex

“The result is a unique blend of current rap genres that will make you want to get sturdy on your feet. It’s not too serious, but at the same time, it’s done with precision, which comes from the working relationship 22Joeyy has established since beginning to work together three years ago.” – BET

“He’s making the kind of songs that get stuck in your head after just a few listens.” – Lyrical Lemonade

“‘His sound is a fusion of other popular elements, though it is strikingly original and in-your-face. It sounds familiar yet different, subtly urging listeners to decode his music on repeat. He’s got a knack for making quality music, and his latest drops are a testament to that.” – ONE37PM

The Video:

wolfacejoeyy wins fans with his mischievous personality and angelic vocals, elucidating romantic situations through his genre-bending songs. Today, the 21-year-old Staten Island native tests the limits of his charms with his new video for “I Know,” co-starring the song’s producer WhereIs22, aka acclaimed actor Michael Rainey Jr (Power, Power Book II: Ghost). The song is a glistening anthem that draws from sexy drill and Jersey club, as wolfacejoeyy sings a gentle serenade to his latest ladt friend. In the video, he invites his date into a strip club, asking his driver (played by Rainey) to come along. The love interest is skeptical at first, but she quickly gets over her initial qualms, as she joins joeyy and 22 as they throw money and dance with the club’s patrons.

“I Know” is the latest video to emerge from wolfacejoeyy’s upcoming Valentino mixtape, following clips for “cake and “don’t be dishonest,” released as a double-single in February. Taking joeyy’s sound to a new level, the upcoming project is an exploration of joeyy’s loverboy persona, packed with romantic anthems that relay flirtatious conversations and late-night adventures in joeyy’s melodious croon. Refining the euphoric club-meets-drill hybrid sound on which joeyy has made his name, look for Valentino to drop in the coming weeks.

“cake” has quickly become a fan-favorite, generating over 160K combined views across social platforms before its official release, earning co-signs from stars like Sexyy Red, Rubi Rose, Veeze,and Kaliii on social media. The song, and it’s line “Ok, for sure/I tell her she’s sexy, she said ‘period, purr’,” has inspired more than 38.9k video creations on TikTok. The flirty music video for “cake”recently surpassed 1.2 million views on YouTube, becoming joeyy’s most-viewed video to date.

With his new music, joeyy is aiming to improve upon his breakout 2023, in which he partnered with Whereis22, on the acclaimed EP 22Joeyy. The album featured the single “weekend” ft. Cash Cobain & Chow Lee, acclaimed by Pitchfork, and additional guest spots from SoFaygo and B-Lovee. Joeyy discussed the project in an interview with BET, and a profile in HYPEBEAST that came out earlier this year, and his fiery 2023 inspired Complex to place him on their list of Rappers to Watch in 2024.

After the success of 22Joeyy, joey kept the train rolling, opening for Eem Triplin on tour, throwing a headlining show earlier this year at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, and delivering a standout performance at Rolling Loud California 2024. With over 1 million streams per week on his catalog, joeyy rolls into Spring 2024 with a head of steam.

Stay tuned for more announcements about Valentino, coming soon.

Watch “I Know” (prod. by WhereIs22): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfd7Otn-ySE

Stream “I Know” (prod. by WhereIs22): http://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/IKnow

(credit: Garrett Bruce)

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

Links:

instagram | tiktok | twitter | spotify | youtube

“I Know”: http://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/IKnow / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfd7Otn-ySE

“don’t be dishonest”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXcDpJQe2Go

“cake”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0_DM9lrHiM

“cake” / “don’t be dishonest”: http://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/2pack

“wya”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhtRpwi-Q7Q

“buku” ft. SoFaygo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj94OvX4PRk

“weekend” ft. Cash Cobain & Chow Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcT-z922Ts0

22Joeyy: https://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/22Joeyy

4.17.2024

Superstar Mexican Act Fuerza Regida Adds New Dates to “Pero No Te Enamores Tour,” Their Summer 2024 Tour, Following a Fast-Selling Start

Tickets Are Available April 19th at 10am Local HERE

Fuerza Regida adds several new dates to their recently-announced “Pero No Te Enamores Tour,” their Summer 2024 headlining tour, after eight dates sell out.  Fronted by Jesús Ortiz Paz, the San Bernardino-native group has taken Mexico by storm and made an impact on the American charts, and tickets for their upcoming tour are selling fast. Tickets for Fuerza Regida shows are available HERE

View the full release below, after reading these facts about Fuerza Regida and their incredible career so far:

• Formed in San Bernardino, CA in 2015, the five-man group is composed of lead singer/songwriter Jesús Ortiz Paz (aka JOP), Samuel Jaimez on requinto, Khrystian Ramos on armonía/guitarron, José Garcia on Tuba, and Moises Lopez on Tololoche
• In 2023, Fuerza Regida became the first Latin band to be No. 1 on the “Top Artists – Duo/Group” list of Billboard‘s year-end charts, and won 2023 Billboard Music Awards for Top Duo/Group and Top Latin Duo/Group
• Fuerza’s collaboration with Marshmello, “Harley Quinn,” became their first song to reach #1on the Latin Airplay Chart, generated over 395 million streams on Spotify, and peaked at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023
• The group has placed 7 albums and EPs in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, including their October 2023 album, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Latin Albums chart, and #14 on the Billboard 200, behind 53 million on-demand streams during its opening week, the third-largest opening total for a regional Mexican album to date
• Most recently, the group shared their new EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, which debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Latin Albums chart and at #2 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albumschart, and every song from the EP charted on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart
• Beyond their headlining tour, Fuerza Regida will headline Baja Beach Fest in Rosarito Beach, MX (August 13), and perform at La Onda (by BottleRock) in Napa Valley (June 1)

Critical Praise:

WINNER: 2023 Billboard Music Awards (“Top Duo/Group”; “Top Latin Duo/Group”)

“Belikeada is a testament to their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots, ensuring that that the group remains a reckoning force in the world of Mexican and Mexican-American music” – Billboard

“Fuerza Regida embodies the idea that if you work hard enough, you can achieve your version of the American Dream. This mindset is the subject matter for many of their songs (much of their music is either about the hustle, or the rewards that come from all that hard work). They’re not all talk, either. In the last 12 months, the band has released three albums and has gone on tour across the country.” – Los Angeles Times

“Shakira and Fuerza Regida defend the working class and tell off bad bosses everywhere in the new music video for their joint single ‘El Jefe,’ or ‘The Boss.'” – Variety

The Announcement:

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 17, 2024) – Following a successful tour on sale, Fuerza Regidaannounces that they will be adding four new dates to their recently-announced Summer 2024 headlining “Pero No Te Enamores Tour.” The announcement comes after eight of the initial announced tour dates sold out quickly. The newly added shows include Dallas, Phoenix, San Diego, and Inglewood’s Intuit Dome. Fuerza Regida will be one of the first Mexican music acts to perform at the Intuit Dome, where the tour will also wrap up with an already sold-out show on November 16.

Fronted by Jesús Ortiz Paz, the San Bernardino-native group has taken US and Mexico by storm. Fuerza Regida’s popularity has grown significantly since their 2023 Billboard Music Award wins and the success of their album Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada. Known for the high energy of their performances, the band continues to expand their reach and solidify their place as a power player in the music industry. .

Produced by Live Nation, the tour features a 360-degree stage configuration, placing fans in the center of the performance for a more immersive concert experience.

TICKETS: General onsale tickets will be available beginning on Friday, April 19 at 10am local timeat livenation.com.

VIP:  Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the VIP after party with members of the band, Soundcheck, Meet & Greet + group photo with Fuerza Regida, Pre-show VIP Lounge, specially designed VIP gift item & more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

“Pero No Te Enamores Tour” dates: 
*Not A Live Nation Date

Jun 06        Austin, TX                    Moody Center
Jun 09        Edinburg, TX                Bert Ogden Arena
Jun 14        Oklahoma City, OK      Paycom Center
Jun 15        Ridgedale, MO             Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Jun 16        Kansas City, MO          T-Mobile Center
Jun 20        San Diego, CA              Viejas Arena – NEW DATE
Jun 21        San Diego, CA              Viejas Arena – SOLD OUT
Jun 22        Phoenix, AZ                  Footprint Center – SOLD OUT
Jun 23        Phoenix, AZ                  Footprint Center – NEW DATE
Jun 29        Portland, OR                 Moda Center
Jun 30        Seattle, WA                   Climate Pledge Arena
Jul 06         San Jose, CA                SAP Center – SOLD OUT
Jul 07         Fresno, CA                    Save Mart Center at Fresno State
Jul 13         Houston, TX                  Toyota Center
Jul 20         Dallas, TX                      Dos Equis Pavilion – SOLD OUT
Jul 21         Dallas, TX                      Dos Equis Pavilion – NEW DATE
Jul 26         Atlanta, GA                    State Farm Arena
Jul 27         Tampa, FL                     Amalie Arena
Jul 28         Sunrise, FL                    Amerant Bank Arena
Aug 02       Greensboro, NC            Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Aug 04       Belmont Park, NY         UBS Arena
Aug 16       Milwaukee, WI               Fiserv Forum
Aug 17       Indianapolis, IN             Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Sep 01       Tinley Park, IL                Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre – SOLD OUT
Sep 06       Salt Lake City, UT          Delta Center
Sep 08       Denver, CO                     Ball Arena
Sep 15       Las Vegas, NV               T-Mobile Arena
Sep 20       San Antonio, TX            Frost Bank Center
Sep 21       El Paso, TX                    UTEP Don Haskins Center
Sep 28       Anaheim, CA                 Honda Center – SOLD OUT
Sep 29       Palm Desert, CA           Acrisure Arena – SOLD OUT
Oct 05        Sacramento, CA           Golden 1 Center
Oct 11         Leon, MX                      Mega Velaria*
Oct 12         Mexico City, MX          Plaza De Toros*
Oct 31         Monterrey, MX             Arena Monterrey*
Nov 1          Monterrey, MX             Arena Monterrey*
Nov 2          Torreon, MX                 Coliseo Centenario*
Nov 7          Oaxaca, MX                 Auditorio GNP*
Nov 9          San Luis Potosi, MX   El Domo*
Nov 15        Inglewood, CA             Intuit Dome – NEW DATE
Nov 16        Inglewood, CA             Intuit Dome – SOLD OUT

Fuerza released their latest EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The album debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Latin Albums chart, and all six songs from the EP reached Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. The upcoming tour will feature the first performances of songs from the new EP. Most recently, Fuerza revisited Pa Las Baby’s with their seductive new video for “CRAZYZ,” a hit from the album (150+ million Spotify streams).

Stay tuned for much more information about Fuerza Regida in the near future.

Stream Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

Contact:
For Fuerza Regida, please contact:
Kerry Harrison, Audible Treats

For Live Nation, please contact:
Nadia Hernandez | nadiahernandez@livenation.com
Isabel Gonzalez | isabelgonzalez@livenation.com

Press Portal:
To apply for media credentials for show coverage:
livenation.com/pressrequests

The Background:

About Fuerza Regida
Mexican regional band Fuerza Regida’s music has taken Mexico by storm , and is also making a big impact on the American charts. The prolific band has released eight albums in three years, with their second album, 2019’s Del Barrio Hasta Aqui, entering the Regional Mexican Charts at #1. Their 2018 single “Sigo Chambeando” has been streamed 300 million times on YouTube and Spotify alone. Singer/songwriter Jesús Ortiz Paz founded Fuerza Regida in 2015, originally to perform covers of their favorite songs. Slowly their fan base grew, and after two years they went viral with an original track called “Radicamos en South Central.” The tune was uploaded to Jesús’s personal YouTube channel and blew up. Jesus also maintains his popular YouTube channel (which boasts nearly 1,000,000 Million subscribers), augmenting Fuerza Regida videos with inventive content. His most recent releases include an EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, that went #1 Global with no features. Currently, Jesús Ortiz Paz is the owner and CEO of Street Mob Records, one of the most important regional Mexican music record labels, which opens the doors to new artists and composers, taking their careers to the highest levels of the entertainment industry.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Links:

official site | instagram | facebook | tiktok | youtube | spotify | apple

Jesús Ortiz Paz: instagram
Moises Lopez: instagram
Khrys Ramos: instagram
Pelon Garcia: instagram
Samuelon Jaimez: instagram

Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

“CRAZYZ”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX5WEmTCcgA

Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada: spotify | apple

Buy tickets for Fuerza’s “Pero No Te Enamores” Tour HERE

4.16.2024

Video: Chief Keef & Mike WiLL Made-It – “DAMN SHORTY” ft. Sexyy Red

Three Trap Titans Unite For an Impossibly Hard New Video For the Highlight From Chief Keef & Mike WiLL Made-It’s Collaborative Mixtape, DIRTY NACHOS, Out Now On All Platforms via 43B / Ear Drummer Records / RBC Records

Critical Praise:

Rolling Stone’s 200 Best Hip-Hop Albums of All-Time (Finally Rich, #32)

“There is still nothing that feels like ‘Love Sosa,’ the breakout single from a then 17-year-old Chief Keef, from his debut album, Finally Rich. The Chicago rapper’s melodic, hard-nosed anthem shook the foundation of hip-hop. The kids were taking control in a way that the genre had never seen.” – Rolling Stone

“There’s no denying the influence of Keef’s menacing production, straightforward verses, and early D.I.Y. rap ethos on the generation of hip-hop artists that has followed.” – Pitchfork

“The influence and staying power of Chief Keef really cannot be overstated.” – The FADER

The Video:

Chief Keef and Mike WiLL Made-It‘s recent mixtape DIRTY NACHOS is a nostalgia trip in the best way, harkening back to the raw sound and thrilling unpredictability of the DatPiff era. Today, the two trap titans recruit Sexyy Red for the video for “DAMN SHORTY,” a brassy and hard-hitting highlight from the tape. Propelled by Mike WiLL’s monster movie horns and crisp percussion and drops from the Trap-A-Holics themselves, “DAMN SHORTY” showcases the crackling chemistry between Sosa and Sexyy, who apply their signature styles to the swelling trap symphony. In the video, directed by NSTY, Sosa, Sexyy, and Mike WiLL sit down for a formal dinner, before they head to the gas station to do what they do best: get turnt.

The first collaborative mixtape between Chief Keef and Mike WiLL Made-It, DIRTY NACHOS is a diverse platter of hard-hitting street slappers, with each distinct element enhancing the other like jalapeños, chili, and cheese on a dish of fully-loaded nachos. The two legends make a perfect pair, the rapper switching up his flows to seamlessly fit the producer’s symphonic soundscapes. The scraping pizzicato strings of “RIDICULOUSNESS” inspire Sosa to sink his teeth into the instrumental and not let go, whipping quick cadences between the booming 808s. The album is home to acclaimed single “DIRTY NACHOS,” plus previously-released fan favorites “LOVE DON’T LIVE HERE,”  “HARLEY QUINN,” “STATUS,” and “BANG BANG.” Featuring an additional appearance from 2 Chainz on “PULL UP GHOST CLAN,” DIRTY NACHOS is available everywhere via 43B / Ear Drummer Records / RBC Records.

Dirty Nachos is the opening salvo in what is shaping up to be a busy year for Chief Keef. The 28-year-old rapper is currently hard at work putting the finishing touches on Almighty So 2. The sequel to one of Sosa’s most mind-bending projects (2013’s Almighty So, home to hits like “Blew My High”), Almighty So 2 follows in the wake of 2022 singles like “Racks Stuffed Inna Couch,” “Chief So,” and “Tony Montana Flow.” The hotly-anticipated Almighty So 2 drops later this year via 43B, Chief Keef’s record label, formed in a joint venture with BMG. Recently, Sosa collaborated with Sexyy Red on two singles from her Hood Hottest Princess (Deluxe)–”Ghetto Princess,” and “Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Mama),” and teamed up with Lil Yachty for “Say Ya Grace,” a highlight from All Is Yellow, the first album by Lyrical Lemonade. The song’s Cole Bennett-directed video reached the top 5 of YouTube’s Trending chart, and racked up over 3 million views in its first week of release (8.2 million total).

Mike WiLL Made-It has been on a momentous streak with recent successes, including notable releases such as  “Wanna Come Thru” ft. Coi Leray, the remix of U2’s “Atomic City”, Gucci Mane’s single, “Cold,” featuring B.G., and collaborations like “Blood Moon” with Lil Uzi Vert and “There I Go” with J. Cole and Gucci Mane. In a pioneering move, Mike WiLL Made-It was announced as the first-ever lead producer for the 2023-2024 NBA season on ESPN, with his track  “Now or Neva” featuring MoneyBagg Yo, showcased in ESPN’s NBA In-Season Tournament official commercial. This came as a follow up to the initial single, “Different Breed,” featuring the incomparable Swae Lee and Latto. At this year’s Grammy Awards Mike WiLL received an Album of The Year nomination for his work on Endless Summer Vacation, alongside longtime collaborator Miley Cyrus, holding a producer credit on “Thousand Miles” (Ft. Brandi Carlile), “Violet Chemistry,” and “Muddy Feet” (Ft. Sia)”. Showing no signs of slowing down, 2024 promises to be an impactful and buzzy year for Mike WiLL with more new music on the horizon.

Watch “DAMN SHORTY” ft. Sexyy Red: https://youtu.be/dPwGJdZ2Q-o

Stream DIRTY NACHOS: https://chief-keef-mike-will-made-it.lnk.to/Dirty-Nachos-Album

Watch “DIRTY NACHOS”: https://youtu.be/arhxLFRLWqQ

DIRTY NACHOS tracklist:

1. INTRO
2. 2 TIMES
3. DIRTY NACHOS
4. DOJA
5. RIDICULOUSNESS
6. PULL UP GHOST CLAN ft. 2 Chainz
7. DAMN SHORTY ft. Sexyy Red
8. WHY YOU MAD
9. WATCH FOR THE PIGS
10. CHARGED UP
11. PROMENADE
12. BEWARE OF DOGS
13. GIRL WOO
14. PLAYER IN ME
15. LOVE DON’T LIVE HERE
16. STATUS
17. HARLEY QUINN
18. BANG BANG

Contact:

For Chief Keef, please contact:
Kerry Harrison, Audible Treats

For Mike WiLL Made It, please contact:
Brittany Concannon, FYI Brand Group

The Background:

About Chief Keef
Uncountably prolific, yet never seeming to run out of ideas, Chief Keef is embarking on a new chapter of his storied career. In 2022, ten years after he stormed into the game and changed it forever at only 16-years old, he announced the formation of 43B, his new record label formed in conjunction with BMG, and signed its first artist, Lil Gnar. The two 43B artists combined for the single “Almighty Gnar,” a beat-shifting banger, and reconnected in 2023 for the fiery “PB&J,” which also featured Young Nudy. In December 2021, the rapper shared his critically acclaimed project 4NEM, home to viral single “Yes Sir” and titanic opener “Bitch Where,” prominently used in the fourth season of FX’s Atlanta and recently included in Pitchfork’s Best Singles of 2022 list, and founded his new Web3 venture DigiGlo. With Almighty So 2 on the way and more milestones to achieve, Chief Keef plans to make 2024 his own. Stay tuned for much more.

About Mike WiLL Made-It
A leading force in Atlanta’s commercial rap supremacy for the better part of the 2010s, Mike WiLL Made-It began working with Gucci Mane as a teenager at the age of 17 and rode that momentum to establish and sustain mainstream presence with imposing productions for high-profile artists spanning Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop. Since topping the Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart for the first time with Kanye West, not a year has passed without a hit from the producer. He is behind lean, imposing hits by the likes of Kanye West, Beyoncé, Rae Sremmurd, and Kendrick Lamar. Among his highlights are top ten pop entries with Lil Wayne’s “Love Me”, Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop”, Beyoncé’s “Formation”, Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles”, and Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” The last of which has won a Grammy for Record of the Year. Mike WiLL Made-It’s rise to stardom continued with him releasing an assortment of collaborative headlining projects, including albums such as Ransom 2 and Creed II: The Album.

Links:

instagram | twitter | youtube | spotify | apple

“DAMN SHORTY” ft. Sexyy Red (w/ Mike WiLL Made-It): https://youtu.be/dPwGJdZ2Q-o

Dirty Nachos (w/ Mike WiLL Made-It): https://chief-keef-mike-will-made-it.lnk.to/Dirty-Nachos-Album

“Dirty Nachos” (w/ Mike WiLL Made-It): https://chiefkeef.lnk.to/Dirty-Nachos

Finally Rich (Complete Edition): http://chiefkeef.lnk.to/FinallyRichCE

Pre-order Almighty So 2: https://chiefkeef.lnk.to/AlmightySo2

“Racks Stuffed Inna Couch”: https://chiefkeef.lnk.to/RacksStuffed

“Chief So”: https://stem.ffm.to/chiefso

4.16.24

Video: Lay Bankz – “Good Look“

The Versatile Rapper and Singer Leans Into Emcee Mode in the Video For Her Hard-Hitting New Single

Critical Praise:

“Of all the artists this year trying to infuse the bounce of East Coast club into pop hits, Lay Bankz might have the most seamless style. The 18-year-old’s songs with producer Jumbo Beats are sleek and tasteful—her voice has an elegant, almost synthetic quality that gives her busy instrumentals a smooth finish—but tap into the underlying momentum of 2022’s viral club music…Bankz’ freewheeling writing style and urgent club production add dimension to her point of view, capturing the rush of conflicting emotions behind her poised exterior.” – Pitchfork

“And on the feverish ‘Na Na Na,’ Lay Bankz reminds everyone she’s a better rapper than just about everyone else hopping on club beats.” – The FADER

“Updating the romantic desperation of old-school R&B with new-age toxicity, Lay Bankz is becoming the go-to feature for up-and-coming rap artists who need a silky verse to balance their frenetic flows on racing beats.” – Okayplayer

The Video:

Rising with her unique combination of velvety vocals and neck-snapping rhymes, Lay Bankz has racked up over 150 million streams since the start of 2024. Taking a moment to feel herself and send a warning to the competition, Lay Bankz shares the music video for “Good Look,” her latest single. Produced by $aint Vincent, Albin Tengblad & Simon Jonasson, “Good Look” is powered by infectious flutes and Lay’s radiant swag, as she leans into her inner Regina George and opens up her burn book: “How you ugly with no money? You just basic,” she raps. In the video, directed by EMBRCETHESTRNGE, Lay pilots an old school Ford truck around her hometown of Philadelphia, as she heads from the studio to the stacks of her local library.

“Good Look” and its music video continue the momentum created by “Tell Ur Girlfriend,” her nostalgic banger, which has already racked up over 20 million streams since its February release. The two new singles follow-up on an explosive 2023 that established Lay Bankz as one of the most exciting rising artists in music today. She kicked off the year with the frenetic club-rap anthem “Na Na Na,” a viral smash that generated over 127k video creations on TikTok and over 44 million global streams. Lay tapped into the zeitgeist once again with her single “ICK!,“ a ferocious club-rap song about the moment sparks stop flying, which became one of the biggest viral hits of 2023, peaking at #8 on Billboard x TikTok’s Viral Chart behind more than 1 million video creations, and generating over 89 million streams across platforms. Both “Na Na Na” and “ICK!” are highlights from Now You See Me, Lay’s debut EP, which shows her range across 7 memorable tracks, and racked up over 139 million streams. To close out 2023, Lay released “Sloppy Seconds (Ick Pt. 2),” the equally-cheeky follow-up single to “ICK!,” generating 19million streams since its release in December.

Last month, Lay Bankz made her first appearance at Rolling Loud, when she shut it down on the main stage during Rolling Loud California 2024. Earlier this year, she was named one of Spotify’s Most Necessary Artists To Watch for 2024, placed on Complex’s list of Rappers To Watch in 2024 and YouTube’s Fifty Deep Music Class of 2024, joined fellow club-influenced artist Skaiwater on “choosin u,” and walked the Red Carpet at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Lay Bankz is on a mission to bring Philly to the masses. Stay tuned for much more from the rapidly rising artist as the year continues.

Watch “Good Look”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YADhnLgrMOU

Stream “Good Look”: https://laybankz.lnk.to/GoodLook

Stream “Tell Ur Girlfriend”: https://laybankz.lnk.to/TellUrGirlfriend

Stream Now You See Me EP: https://laybankz.lnk.to/nowyouseeme

Follow Lay Bankz on socials: tiktok | instagram | spotify | youtube

Photo credit: Pablo Flores Perez

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

Lay Bankz is an 19 year old singer/songwriter and dancer hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Growing up she was influenced by musical greats such as Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Aaliyah, and Bruno Mars that helped to create her unique and vibrant sound. She effortlessly fuses club and R&B music by incorporating high energy Club beats coupled with her hard-hitting and electric dances. With her vibrant personality she has amassed 2.4M+ followers on TikTok with 88M likes and 582k followers on Instagram. A rising star, Lay is poised to take the music industry by storm.

Lay Bankz first emerged onto the scene as a dancer, gaining a following on social media with her energetic interpretations of regional dance moves, like the “blick.” When she built a large enough platform, she showed the world her true talent with the viral hit “Left Cheek (Doo Doo Blick),” a club and R&B hybrid that generated nearly 450k creations on TikTok. The success of “Doo Doo Blick” established Bankz as a bonafide TikTok phenomenon–with over 2.4 million followers and 88 million likes–and one of the most sought-after talents in the club scene–she showed off her chops on “PIANO,” a highlight from Bandmanrill’s debut album, and got a call from Ciara, who recruited Lay Bankz to appear on the “Dance Mix” of her new single “Da Girls.” Videos of Lay dancing with Ciara generated over 1 million combined views on TikTok. Lay earned critical acclaim from Pitchfork for her seamless club-n-b single “In My Bag,” and showed off her bars in a a performance with On The Radar. She was mentioned by Complex as a Philly artist on the rise in their list of The Best Rap Cities Right Now.

With viral hits like “Na Na Na” and “Ick!” under her belt, Lay Bankz is one of the most promising talents of her generation. Stay tuned for much more.

Links:

tiktok | instagram | spotify | youtube

“Good Look”: https://laybankz.lnk.to/GoodLook / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YADhnLgrMOU

“Tell Ur Girlfriend”: https://laybankz.lnk.to/TellUrGirlfriend

“Sloppy Seconds”: https://laybankz.lnk.to/sloppyseconds

“ICK!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqb9KeF-H_0

Now You See Me EP: https://laybankz.lnk.to/nowyouseeme

“Na Na Na”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNtWif6xayg

“Da Girls (Dance Mix)” (w/ Ciara): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp0jmazMXTM

“I Deserve”: https://laybankz.lnk.to/ideserve

“Throw Dat”: https://laybankz.lnk.to/throwdat

“No More Crying” ft. Maiya The Don: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHQBO_ptCjM

“In My Bag”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du7roy1k68I

“Left Cheek (Doo Doo Blick)”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOdXAxQABNk

4.15.2024

Video: Chow Lee – “S.N.A.!“

The Sexy Drill Pioneer Hosts a New York City Beauty Pageant in the Video For His Airy New Single

Critical Praise:

“Meet the Artists Taking New York Drill in a New Direction” – Rolling Stone

“Rappers to Watch in 2023” – Rolling Stone

“Cash Cobain and Chow Lee treat all of New York like it’s an X-rated dating show—and they’re the only available bachelors.” – Pitchfork

“In a just world, five different tracks on 2 Slizzy 2 Sexy would be serious song of the summer contenders.” – Pitchfork

Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2022 – UPROXX

The Video:

Always out of pocket and never out of options, Chow Lee uses his sly charisma to make quotable rap bangers. Today, the Sexy Drill pioneer lives up to his lofty reputation, sharing “S.N.A.!,” his new single. The song samples “Sexy Boy,” famously used by WWE wrestler Shawn Michaels as his entrance music, and transforms it into an airy instrumental filled with angelic vocal choirs that belie Chow’s sinful desires.  “S.N.A.!” is an outrageously confident missive that proves the young rapper is NYC’s most eligible, and least faithful, bachelor: “She asked if I got other b*tches/Is that a question, for real?/Look at me, is that a question for real?,” he raps. In the video, Chow presides over a beauty contest, as he invites all the finest ladies on the block to strut their stuff and before heading out for a night in the Towns.

The new single and video arrives shortly after a series of high profile live performances by the Long Island native. In February, Chow opened on several dates during Lil Tecca’s “HVN ON EARTH Tour,” and on Valentine’s Day, Chow hosted his own sold out show in Bushwick, which also featured appearances from his close friends Lonny Love and R2R Moe. In March, Chow made an appearance at Rolling Loud California 2024, performing hits from his catalog on the main stage. Last week, Chow made an appearance at the notorious Slizzyfest, celebrating his close collaborator Cash Cobain’s birthday.

“S.N.A.” continues a hot streak for Chow Lee, who has released several singles in the wake of his album, Hours After The Club. In December, Chow dropped “swag it!” (over 4 million audio + video streams across platforms), an ethereal sample drill anthem, which gained viral traction for its blunt opening line: “How do you feel about being my side b*tch?” In February, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Chow released the “porno story!” two-pack, featuring the title track and the viral, sensual, Cash Cobain-produced single “Ms. Beautiful V” (1 million streams on Apple Music, on top of 12.4k creates on TikTok), which reached the Top 25: New York City on Apple Music. Last summer, Chow released his super sexy album Hours After The Club, the latest evolution of his sexy drill sound. Hours After The Club is an addictive listen, radiating with the seductive charm that inspired Pitchfork to affectionately call Chow Lee the “horniest rapper out.” Hours After The Club is chock full of infectious melodies, as Chow’s natural bravado makes every X-rated flex feel natural. Chow followed-up Hours with singles like “team effort!” and  “ready 2 live.”

Stay tuned for much more from Chow as he continues to establish himself as the most eligible bachelor in the rap game.

Watch “S.N.A.!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2-uRTLWzGg

Stream “S.N.A.!”: https://music.empi.re/sna

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

The Background:

Chow Lee is on a mission to become the next King of New York. He made major moves in the city’s rap scene with 2 SLIZZY 2 SEXY, his 2022 collaborative project with Cash Cobain. Praised by Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, and earning “Best of 2022” distinction from UPROXX, The FADER, and more, 2 SLIZZY 2 SEXY combined the sample-heavy sound of the Bronx with the hard-hitting dance beats from New Jersey to change the face of the NYC drill scene. 2 SLIZZY 2 SEXY highlight “Vacant” was recently named the 73rd Best East Coast Rap Song of All Time by Rolling Stone. Chow recently reconnected with Cash on the sexy drill anthem “Rump,” plus the Nelly-sampling “Not No Xanax 2” from Cash’s new album, and joined Wolfacejoeyy and Cash on the Pitchfork-approved “Weekend,” and released the fiery Hours After The Club anthem in July 2023.

Now, with buzzing singles like “swag it!” and “Ms. Beautiful V,” the Long Island native is primed to take his sexy drill sound maintream. Stay tuned for more.

Links:

instagram | twitter | soundcloud | spotify | youtube | tiktok

“S.N.A.!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2-uRTLWzGg / https://music.empi.re/sna

“Porno Story!”: https://music.empi.re/pornostory / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgZ0Nz3uUfs

“swag it!”: https://music.empi.re/swagit / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgAOAmMtDP8

“ready 2 live”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlDzu3bPMhc / https://music.empi.re/readytolive

“team effort!”: https://music.empi.re/teameffort / https://youtu.be/R1y_B49qxME

“adultery”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwz3G-UVaYc

“Drais”: https://youtu.be/93Cb1n_z3Ro

“Chow Lee’s Life”: https://youtu.be/0MByBzmfvYA

Hours After The Club: https://music.empi.re/hoursaftertheclub

“YUP!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWzRIW65eDY

“SUPERSEXXXYSUMMER”: https://music.empi.re/supersexxxysummer

“no hesi”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQcgrvDuIk8

“pamper!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHGXZ4xVdxY

4.12.2024

Fuerza Regida Share the Sultry Video for “CRAZYZ,” a Highlight From Their Hit 2023 Album Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada

The Superstar Mexican Act Recently Announced Their “Pero No Te Enamores” North American Tour, Tickets On Sale Now

Superstar Mexican band Fuerza Regida share the new video from “CRAZYZ,” a highlight from their hit 2023 album Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada. The video for the hit song (over 144 million streams on Spotify alone) finds singer Jesús Ortiz Paz and the rest of Fuerza Regida host a party, populated by a bevy of beautiful women, including influencer Sky Bri. “CRAZYZ” comes hot on the heels of the announcement of the “Pero No Te Enamores Tour,” Fuerza’s Summer 2024 nationwide headlining tour.

Tickets for Fuerza Regida shows are available HERE

View the full release below, after reading these facts about Fuerza Regida and their incredible career so far:

• Formed in San Bernardino, CA in 2015, the five-man group is composed of lead singer/songwriter Jesús Ortiz Paz (aka JOP), Samuel Jaimez on requinto, Khrystian Ramos on armonía/guitarron, José Garcia on Tuba, and Moises Lopez on Tololoche
• In 2023, Fuerza Regida became the first Latin band to be No. 1 on the “Top Artists – Duo/Group” list of Billboard‘s year-end charts, and won 2023 Billboard Music Awards for Top Duo/Group and Top Latin Duo/Group
• Fuerza’s collaboration with Marshmello, “Harley Quinn,” became their first song to reach #1on the Latin Airplay Chart, generated over 395 million streams on Spotify, and peaked at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023
• The group has placed 7 albums and EPs in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, including their October 2023 album, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Latin Albums chart, and #14 on the Billboard 200, behind 53 million on-demand streams during its opening week, the third-largest opening total for a regional Mexican album to date
• Most recently, the group shared their new EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, which debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Latin Albums chart and at #2 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albumschart, and every song from the EP charted on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart
• Beyond their headlining tour, Fuerza Regida will headline Baja Beach Fest in Rosarito Beach, MX (August 13), and perform at La Onda (by BottleRock) in Napa Valley (June 1)

Video: Fuerza Regida – “CRAZYZ“

Fuerza Host a Party in the Hills, Attended by Beautiful Women, Including Sky Bri, in the Video for the Fan Favorite Song from the Billboard Top 20-Charting Album, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada

Critical Praise:

WINNER: 2023 Billboard Music Awards (“Top Duo/Group”; “Top Latin Duo/Group”)

“Belikeada is a testament to their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots, ensuring that that the group remains a reckoning force in the world of Mexican and Mexican-American music” – Billboard

“Fuerza Regida embodies the idea that if you work hard enough, you can achieve your version of the American Dream. This mindset is the subject matter for many of their songs (much of their music is either about the hustle, or the rewards that come from all that hard work). They’re not all talk, either. In the last 12 months, the band has released three albums and has gone on tour across the country.” – Los Angeles Times

“Shakira and Fuerza Regida defend the working class and tell off bad bosses everywhere in the new music video for their joint single ‘El Jefe,’ or ‘The Boss.'” – Variety

The Video:

Armed with their tight group chemistry and the songwriting and vocal chops of frontman Jesús Ortiz Paz, Fuerza Regida are leaders of the Mexican music boom. Today, the Platinum-selling grupo shares the video for “CRAZYZ,” a fan favorite song from their Billboard-charting album Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada. With hundreds of millions of streams across platforms, including over 144 million on Spotify alone, “CRAZYZ” tells the story of a party so wild and uninhibited that it feels like it lasts forever. In the video, Fuerza hosts one of these parties in a mansion in Southern California, inviting the baddest babes from their timelines to come join–including famed influencer Sky Bri(3M on Instagram). However, some of the party guests came to finesse instead of let loose, as some of the beautiful women take valuable pieces of jewelry from the band and sell them to the local pawn shop. The video for “CRAZYZ” comes hot on the heels of the announcement of Fuerza’s “Pero No Te Enamores Tour,” their next headlining tour.

“CRAZYZ” and Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada were highlights from their standout 2023, full of new commercial heights and well-deserved accolades. Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada was their highest-charting album to date, peaking at #2 on Billboard’s Latin Albums chart and reaching the Top 15of the Billboard 200. The album generated billions of streams across platforms, led by hits like “TQM” (peaked at #34 at the Billboard Hot 100), “Sabor Fresa” (#26 on the Hot 100), and “HARLEY QUINN” (#40 on the Hot 100), their collaboration with Marshmello that became their first-ever #1 hit on the Latin Airplay chart. The success of Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada propelled Fuerza Regida to two Billboard Music Awards in 2023, plus the #1 spot on Billboard’s Top Duo/Group year-end artist chart.

Most recently, Fuerza released their EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, which arrived just in time for Valentine’s Day. The album debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Latin Albums chart, and all six songs from the EP reached Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. The group will debut songs from their new EP on the “Pero No Te Enamores Tour.” Produced by Live Nation and kicking off on June 6th in Austin, TX, the “Pero No Te Enamores Tour” takes the group across North America for a series of dates, including shows in Atlanta, New York, Houston, and more, before closing with a show in Inglewood, CA. The 5-man group saluted their hometown fans with a special mural in their native San Bernardino, CA, displaying the tour artwork and dates in the center of the city. Tickets for the  “Pero No Te Enamores Tour” are available now at livenation.com.

Stay tuned for much more information about Fuerza Regida in the near future.

Watch “CRAZYZ”: https://youtu.be/EX5WEmTCcgA

Stream Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada: spotify | apple

Stream Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

“Pero No Te Enamores Tour” dates: 
*Not A Live Nation Date

Jun 06        Austin, TX        Moody Center
Jun 09        Edinburg, TX        Bert Ogden Arena
Jun 14        Oklahoma City, OK    Paycom Center
Jun 15        Ridgedale, MO        Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Jun 16        Kansas City, MO    T-Mobile Center
Jun 21        San Diego, CA        Viejas Arena
Jun 22        Phoenix, AZ        Footprint Center
Jun 29        Portland, OR        Moda Center
Jun 30        Seattle, WA        Climate Pledge Arena
Jul 06        San Jose, CA        SAP Center
Jul 07        Fresno, CA        Save Mart Center at Fresno State
Jul 13        Houston, TX        Toyota Center
Jul 20        Dallas, TX        Dos Equis Pavilion
Jul 26        Atlanta, GA        State Farm Arena
Jul 27        Tampa, FL        Amalie Arena
Jul 28        Sunrise, FL        Amerant Bank Arena
Aug 02        Greensboro, NC    Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Aug 04        Belmont Park, NY    UBS Arena
Aug 16        Milwaukee, WI        Fiserv Forum
Aug 17        Indianapolis, IN    Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Sep 01        Tinley Park, IL        Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Sep 06        Salt Lake City, UT    Delta Center
Sep 08        Denver, CO        Ball Arena
Sep 15        Las Vegas, NV        T-Mobile Arena
Sep 20        San Antonio, TX    Frost Bank Center
Sep 21        El Paso, TX        UTEP Don Haskins Center
Sep 28        Anaheim, CA        Honda Center
Sep 29        Palm Desert, CA    Acrisure Arena
Oct 05        Sacramento, CA    Golden 1 Center
Oct 11        Leon, MX        Mega Velaria*
Oct 12        Mexico City, MX    Plaza De Toros*
Oct 31        Monterrey, MX        Arena Monterrey*
Nov 1        Monterrey, MX        Arena Monterrey*
Nov 2        Torreon, MX        Coliseo Centenario*
Nov 7        Oaxaca, MX        Auditorio GNP*
Nov 9        San Luis Potosi, MX    El Domo
Nov 16        Inglewood, CA        Intuit Dome

Contact:
For Fuerza Regida, please contact:
Kerry Harrison, Audible Treats

For Live Nation, please contact:
Nadia Hernandez | nadiahernandez@livenation.com
Isabel Gonzalez | isabelgonzalez@livenation.com

Press Portal:
To apply for media credentials for show coverage:
livenation.com/pressrequests

The Background:

Mexican regional band Fuerza Regida’s music has taken Mexico by storm , and is also making a big impact on the American charts. The prolific band has released eight albums in three years, with their second album, 2019’s Del Barrio Hasta Aqui, entering the Regional Mexican Charts at #1. Their 2018 single “Sigo Chambeando” has been streamed 300 million times on YouTube and Spotify alone. Singer/songwriter Jesús Ortiz Paz founded Fuerza Regida in 2015, originally to perform covers of their favorite songs. Slowly their fan base grew, and after two years they went viral with an original track called “Radicamos en South Central.” The tune was uploaded to Jesús’s personal YouTube channel and blew up. Jesus also maintains his popular YouTube channel (which boasts nearly 1,000,000 Million subscribers), augmenting Fuerza Regida videos with inventive content. His most recent releases include an EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, that went #1 Global with no features. Currently, Jesús Ortiz Paz is the owner and CEO of Street Mob Records, one of the most important regional Mexican music record labels, which opens the doors to new artists and composers, taking their careers to the highest levels of the entertainment industry.

Links:

official site | instagram | facebook | tiktok | youtube | spotify | apple

Jesús Ortiz Paz: instagram
Moises Lopez: instagram
Khrys Ramos: instagram
Pelon Garcia: instagram
Samuelon Jaimez: instagram

“CRAZYZ”: https://youtu.be/EX5WEmTCcgA

Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada: spotify | apple

Buy tickets for Fuerza’s “Pero No Te Enamores” Tour HERE

04.12.2024

That Mexican OT Heads to Houston for the Rodeo with Slim Thug and DRODi in “Bull Riding,” the Latest Texas Technician Video

Stream HERE | Watch HERE

That Mexican OT is hip-hop’s favorite cowboy, and he has the horse-riding experience to back up his reputation. In his latest video, “Bull Riding,” OT heads down to Houston for the annual Livestock and Rodeo Show to demonstrate his steer-strapping bonafides. The highlight from OT’s recent mixtape, Texas Technician, features appearances from Houston legend Slim Thug and OT’s close collaborator DRODi.

Check out some of the most notable facts about That Mexican OT’s rise and view the full release below.

• The 25-year-old rapper was born in Bay City, Texas, a rough-and-tumble town 1 hour south of Houston, which residents appropriately call “Be Careful Texas”
• That Mexican OT’s new album, Texas Technician, features guest spots from Moneybagg Yo, DaBaby, Fredo Bang, Paul Wall, and a all-star lineup of Texan talent, has been racking up millions of streams per day since its release, en route to a #64 debut on the Billboard 200. The album currently sits at #114, having spent three weeks on the chart.
• That Mexican OT recently performed a standout set at the Rolling Loud California music festival – watch his set HERE
• OT’s single, “02.02.99,” is one of his most successful yet, with over 20 million streams since its early January release; “02.02.99” peaked at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100
• That Mexican OT was named an Artist To Watch For 2024 by Spotify and a “Breakthrough Artist to Watch” by Amazon Music
• That Mexican OT earned “Best of 2023” mentions from outlets such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Complex, and Pitchfork, who included OT in its “Best Songs of 2023” and “Best Music By Latine and Spanish Artists in 2023” lists
• OT’s career launched into the stratosphere when he shared the viral hit “Johnny Dang” ft. Paul Wall & Drodi, which has generated hundreds of millions of streams and climbed the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #65 peak, reaching Top 20 peaks on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs (#14) and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (#19) charts, and becoming OT’s first song to earn a GOLD certification from the RIAA
• His 2023 album Lonestar Luchador was a breakout success, peaking at #59 on the Billboard 200; the album also peaked at #1 on Billboard Heatseekers and at #6 on Apple Music’s All-Genre Charts, and earned mention on UPROXX’s Best Albums of 2023 list
• Recently profiled by the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, XXL’s The Break, Billboard, SPIN Magazine, Passion Of The Weiss, HITS Daily Double, and his hometown Houston Chronicle

Video: That Mexican OT – “Bull Riding” ft. Slim Thug & DRODi

The Bay City, Texas Native Is Fully In His Element in the Latest Video from Texas Technician, as He Rides Horses, Watches the Rodeo, and Pours Up With Houston Legends

Credit: Dorian Green

Critical Praise:

“That Mexican OT is a consummate entertainer: Sometimes he’s a down-and-dirty villain who cheats to win, other times he’s a comical babyface and a boisterous drunk… All the while, he underscores how syncretic Texas music has always been, infusing traditions from both sides of the border with his own idiosyncrasies. The result is a brightly colored spectacle, a freestyle brawl of rap styles and regional flavors.” – Pitchfork

“That Mexican OT is having a moment…The 24-year-old from Bay City, Texas, is the latest regional Mexican performer to take over the hearts and minds of a music-loving world. But instead of corridos tumbados y bélicos or longing cumbias, Virgil Rene Gazca, better known as That Mexican OT (the OT stands for “Outta Texas”), is making waves in the world of third coast rap.” – Los Angeles Times

“That Mexican OT looks like a cowboy. But he sounds like a rap star.” – The Washington Post

“He’s got his fans hopped up on the same giddy multiculturalism as he is.” – The FADER

“OT’s creativity and style is introducing something truly unprecedented to the rap industry and the relatively smaller landscape of Latin rap.” – Houston Chronicle

“The Texas rapper is climbing the charts and bridging generational divides” – SPIN

“His deep bag of flows and lyrical creativity as well as his consistent musical output is impressive.”  – Lyrical Lemonade

“That Mexican OT’s Southern Trap Shines On ‘Lonestar Luchador’…OT (Outta Texas) delivers a charming Southern style partnered with his own Bay City flow that makes ‘Lonestar Luchador’ a must-listen.” – HotNewHipHop

The Video:

A country boy from the rough-and-tumble small town of Bay City, Texas, That Mexican OT knows his way around a rodeo. The 25-year-old rapper feels right at home at the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show in the video for “Bull Riding,” a highlight track from his recently-released mixtape, Texas Technician. Produced by hitmaking duo Bankroll Got It, “Bull Riding” is a slow-moving slice of Texas trap, with mournful strings and percolating percussion. The song unites OT with Houston legend Slim Thug, who delivers a memorable verse in his booming baritone, and reunites OT with DRODi, his close friend and collaborator. Directed by OT’s regular shooter, DGreen Filmz, the video is a tribute to the intersection of the Lone Star State’s rural and urban cultures, as OT and crew ride horses and Escalades and rock jet black cowboy attire on the rodeo grounds.

Texas Technician is a high-octane tribute to his home state’s bountiful rap scene. Refining the all-encompassing aesthetic that he developed for his breakout 2023 album Lonestar Luchador,Texas Technician hones in on a sound that has percolated in the Lone Star State for decades–slow moving, warped, haunting, speaker-knocking Texas rap. Along with A-listers from across the country, OT rolls out the purple carpet for fellow Texans, including Trill-era legends like Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, and Propain, and contemporaries like Trapboy Freddy, OTB Fastlane, and his Bay City running mates Drodi and Hogg Booma.

Texas Technician is home to the hit single “02.02.99,” a haunting horrorcore heatrock which became one of OT’s biggest hits. Released in early January, the song has generated over 35 million streams across platforms. “02.02.99” peaked at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending three weeks on the chart. “Twisting Fingers,” a collaboration with Moneybagg Yo, is another highlight, racking up over 5.4 million YouTube views and reaching the Top 5 of YouTube’s Trending Chart. Racking up millions of streams in its debut week, Texas Technician debuted at #64 on the Billboard 200, reached #5 on Apple Music’s all-genre album charts, and was the #5 Global debut on Spotify during its opening weekend. The album currently sits at #187 on the Billboard 200, having spent 5 weeks on the chart.

Texas Technician continues OT’s formidable hot streak, which started last summer and made him one of the most exciting breakthrough rap stars of 2023. He started his legendary run with “Johnny Dang” ft. Drodi & Paul Wall, which spent 12 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, earned GOLD status from the RIAA, and appeared on Lonestar Luchador. Acclaimed by Pitchfork (7.5), last July’s Lonestar Luchador made an immediate impact, reaching #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and peaking at #59 on the Billboard 200. Last fall, That Mexican OT completed the “Lonestar Luchador Tour,” the Bay City native’s first-ever headlining tour, selling out dozens of dates across the country. The rapper earned “Best Of 2023” notices from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Complex, and Pitchfork. Most recently, OT tore it up at Rolling Loud California 2024, performing his hits in front of thousands of fans, and sat down with Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging discussion that became the most-listened to podcast in the United States on Spotify on its day of release.

Profiled by the Los Angeles Times, SPIN Magazine, and his hometown Houston Chronicle, and featured on XXL’s The Break, That Mexican OT is outta here. Stay tuned for much more from the Bay City, TX rhymer as he launches into the stratosphere.

Watch “Bull Riding” ft. Slim Thug & DRODi: https://youtu.be/CyvHAS1anCQ

Stream Texas Technician: https://thatmexicanot.lnk.to/TexasTechnician

Buy That Mexican OT concert tix: https://thatmexicanot.net/

Texas Technician tracklist:

1. 2.02.99
2. Point Em Out (with DaBaby)
3. Chicken Strips & Ass (feat. Paul Wall)
4. Bull Riding (feat. DRODi & Slim Thug)
5. Wockhardt (feat. Le$)
6. Function (feat. Propain)
7. Texas Pledge (feat. Z-Ro)
8. Crooked Officer (feat. Z-Ro)
9. Cowboy In A Escalade (feat. Trapboy Freddy)
10. Comin Down (feat. OTB Fastlane)
11. Glocks & Hammers
12. Twisting Fingers (feat. MoneyBaggYo)
13. Hola (feat. Fredo Bang)
14. In The Air (feat. Hogg Booma)
15. Mucho Gracias
16. Kick Doe Freestyle (feat. Homer & Mone)

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

Links:

official site | instagram | spotify | youtube | tiktok

“Bull Riding” ft. Slim Thug & DRODi: https://youtu.be/CyvHAS1anCQ

“Kick Doe Freestyle”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7vgltnAv68

“Function” ft. Propain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mhmhEBco1Y

Texas Technician: https://thatmexicanot.lnk.to/TexasTechnician

“Twisting Fingers” ft. Moneybagg Yo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAzRWq6QTTE

“Point ‘Em Out” ft. DaBaby: https://youtu.be/HcQTWq7Sea0?si=xiultvUv4_9TGw8m

“02.02.99”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FSgekLujqE

“OMG”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9lsGaAfxjw

“Cowboy In New York”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__HHZcBswN4

Lonestar Luchador (Chopped Not Slopped): https://thatmexicanot.lnk.to/LonestarLuchadorCNS

“Groovin (Remix)”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTDgWN3ZbNA

“Matagorda” ft. Hogg Booma: https://youtu.be/txX3yRVhJ2c

“Skelz”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_6wE1nOiL4

“15 Missed Calls” ft. Sploosh God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_6wE1nOiL4

“Opp Or 2” ft. Maxo Kream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FEBBQIevpI

“Cowboy Killer”: https://youtu.be/MDrRTupceaI

Buy tickets to see That Mexican OT on Tour: ThatMexicanOT.net

Lonestar Luchador: https://thatmexicanot.lnk.to/lonestarluchador

“Breannan”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy30aMkQsxg

“Barrio” ft. Lefty SM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSF1w_NCDKI

“Johnny Dang” ft. Paul Wall & Drodi: https://youtu.be/tvmUrOSahsc

4.12.2024

Remix: Key Glock & Young Dolph – “Let’s Go” (Remix)

Paper Route Business: the Memphis Rising Star Adds a Verse From His Late Mentor to His Arena-Ready Hot 100 Hit

The Remix:

When he was building his Paper Route Empire, the legendary rapper and mogul Young Dolphhandpicked his cousin Key Glock to be his consigliere, rap partner, and successor, recognizing the young man’s work ethic and singular talent. Since Dolph tragically passed in 2021, Key Glock has been holding it down for PRE and the city of Memphis, becoming a major star in his own right, all while keeping Dolph’s name alive. Today, Key Glock honors his mentor once more, adding a verse from Dolph to a new remix of “Let’s Go,” one of his biggest solo hits to date. This is the first song to feature both Glock and Dolph since “Thats How,” a highlight from Paper Route Frank, Dolph’s 2022 album.

A motivational record that transforms a Slavic folk chant into an arena-rap anthem, “Let’s Go” is an undeniable epic, which has racked up streams in the tens of millions, charted on the Billboard Hot 100, reached the Top 5 on Urban Radio, and has earned play in sports stadiums across the globe. The new remix adds an archival verse from Dolph, whose imperial, good-natured flexing fits perfectly over the towering instrumental: “The Henny got her loose/I think she lost one shoe!/Her head game the truth,” asserts Dolph. Key Glock also provides some new bars for the latest version of the song, flaunting his new Cybertruck as he proves he’s as “fly as Peter Pan.”

The brand new remix is the latest step in the steady rise of “Let’s Go.” “Let’s Go” finished 2023 on a hot streak, gaining viral traction and reaching the Top 25 charts on TikTok and Instagram Reels. The motivational song is a fixture in sports stadiums and arenas, and has been adopted as a theme song by the nationally-ranked University of Memphis men’s basketball team. The song inspired a cinematic video, directed by Chris Villa, a 7-minute epic for which the young rapper learned fight choreography and did his own stunts (10 million views to date). “Let’s Go” made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 in March, rising to #88, and hit the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart(#23 peak) and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (#29 peak).

Last month, Key Glock united with Brazilian producer Alok, one of the world’s most popular EDM artists, for a high octane “Let’s Go” (Alok Remix). With over 166 million streams across platforms to date, “Let’s Go” is the standout track from Glockoma 2 (Deluxe), an expansion of his February 2023 album Glockoma 2. Glockoma 2 spent 8 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at #13, and is home to hits like “From Nothing,” “Dirt,” and “Presidential Rolex.” Glockoma 2 and Glockoma 2 (Deluxe) highlighted a busy year for Glock, which also included the fast-selling SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation Presents: Key Glock – Glockoma Tour,” with support from XXL Freshman TiaCorine, Dallas riser BigXThaPlug, and his PRE associates including Kenny Muney and Jay Fizzle. Over the summer, Key Glock earned a well-deserved pair of RIAA-certified GOLD plaques: for Key Glock’s 2020 album, Yellow Tape, as well as his 2019 album, Dum and Dummer, a full-length collaboration with his mentor Young Dolph. Glock finished the year with #GLOCKTOBER, a month-long celebration of all things Key Glock, featuring new singles like “One Me,” “Murder & Millions,” and “No Hook 2.“

Now with more than 15 million monthly listeners on Spotify, multiple Hot 100 hits to his name, and 59k tickets sold in 2023 alone, Key Glock is on the brink of taking his no-holds-barred Memphis sound to the mainstream.

Stream “Let’s Go” (Remix) ft. Young Dolph: https://music.empi.re/letsgodolph

Stream “Let’s Go” (Alok Remix): https://music.empi.re/letsalok

Watch the video for “Let’s Go”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lccI0Hp_7PY

Check out behind-the-scenes photos from the set of “Let’s Go” HERE

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

Links:

twitter | soundcloud | instagram | spotify | youtube

Bio, photos, music and more can be found at www.audibletreats.com/key-glock

“Let’s Go” (Remix) ft. Young Dolph: https://music.empi.re/letsgodolph

“Let’s Go” (Alok Remix): https://music.empi.re/letsalok

“Let’s Go”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lccI0Hp_7PY

“One Me”: https://music.empi.re/oneme / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_4M8mpJFhQ

“Murder & Millions”: https://youtu.be/zyzuYBSAzjQ / https://music.empi.re/murdernmillions

“No Hook 2”: https://youtu.be/0ulbZdswZ3k / https://music.empi.re/nohook2

Buy Key Glock tour tickets: keyglock.com

“Penny”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ttImpkCWVw

“Glockoma Tour: The Vlog”: https://youtu.be/xfFNILXWul8?si=geI3iIvpx4IZ-SuQ

“Chromosomes”: https://youtu.be/Rzn3VHWF1Hc

“No Hook”: https://youtu.be/pKWGmKt_JqY

Glockoma 2 (Deluxe): https://music.empi.re/glockoma2deluxe

“Presidential Rolex”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3aY17IQxiM

“In And Outta Town”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odMLwaKgZv8

“Work”: https://youtu.be/Brq3tnICDsY

Glockoma 2: https://music.empi.re/glockoma2

“Dirt”: https://music.empi.re/dirt / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBbfksGeWDk

“Spike Lee”: https://youtu.be/iBUAMRXDXdQ

“Forgive Me”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL1Hh9XZV8k

PRE5L: https://music.empi.re/pre5l

“Jigsaw”: https://youtu.be/iZRlepKGpOk

“From Nothing”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-BHsMXTcN8

Yellow Tape 2 (Deluxe): https://music.empi.re/yellowtape2deluxe

4.11.2024

Video: DThang – “Many Opps“

The Red Hot Rapper Travels From the South Bronx to South Beach in His New Music Video

The Video:

Taking over the Five Boroughs with his relentless drill sound, DThang has been on a tear all 2024. Sending a message and saluting a NYC OG, the Bronx rapper shares “Many Opps,” his new video single. The energetic new single finds DThang paying tribute to 50 Cent, as he details his own plan to get rich or die trying. In the video, DThang and his crew travel to warmer climates, taking over South Beach with their souped-up foreign cars and endless supply of tequila.

“Many Opps” continues DThang’s successful start to 2024. After the rapper’s exoneration earlier this year, he has made the most of his first months out. DThang didn’t wait to leave jail before dropping new music though – he shared the invigorating freestyle “Hard Day’s Night / Last Day In” just before his release. The heartfelt music video for “Last Day In” racked up over 4.2 million views in three weeks. Upon his release ,DThang was greeted by his mentor French Montana, who gifted him a fresh piece of jewelry and took him shopping for the latest fits. On Valentine’s Day, DThang delivered a fresh ode to all of his smoochies, with “Smoochie Valentine,” inspired by Nelly and featuring a cameo by the legendary rapper in the video, which reached the Top 20 on YouTube’s Trending Chart for Music with over 1.7 million views. Most recently, DThang shared “Drill Cappers,” a ferocious missive aimed at fake drillers and clout-chasters.

DThang emerged in 2021, leading a Bronx drill wave that took his city by storm. He tore up the streets with songs like “Gz Bop,” “LIKE” and “Play It Back,” generating tens of millions of views on his raw and authentic music videos. Alongside peers like Kay Flock, Sha Gz, and Bando, DThang was set to define the sound of Bronx drill for years to come.

Now fully exonerated and back in the drill game for good, DThang is ready to turn heads in and out of the Five Boroughs with his hard-nosed rhymes. Keep your eyes peeled for a new project, coming soon.

Watch “Many Opps”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrlwvbAMEA0

Pre-save “Many Opps,” coming soon to DSPs: https://dthang.lnk.to/manyopps

Credit: Gz

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

DThang is a rapper out the Bronx who blew up as quick as Bronx drill did in 2021. He rose to popularity with the tracks “Caution” and “Talk Facts”, and attracted more attention with his “On The Radar Freestyle.” After being released from prison after being proven innocent of over 65 charges, DThang is back to take over the drill game for good. His mixtape dropping late-March will have some big name features and tenacious drill bars.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube

“Many Opps”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrlwvbAMEA0

“Lose It (Freestyle)”: http://dthang.lnk.to/loseit

“Drill Cappers”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc7BUPtT7Z8

“Smoochie Valentine”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KdB6XooJlE

“Hard Knock Life / Last Day In”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ue01eOELN4

4.10.2024

MCA Chicago announces Día del Niño, Day of the Children Program

Sueños Music Festival, Happening In Chicago This May, to Join MCA Chicago as a Partner for the April 27th Celebration

The Announcement:

CHICAGO—Today, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago announces its Día del Niño (Day of the Children) celebration, a neighborhood program that encourages participation in the arts beyond the museum and the first bilingual family program outside of the MCA. Joining the MCA’s ongoing, family-centered programs such as Family Day and Sensory-Friendly Mornings, this free, activity-filled event in Little Village will showcase local vendors, art, and performances at Saucedo Elementary School on April 27, 2024, from 11–2 pm. Guests can register for free tickets via the ticketing link on the event’s web page.

The festival uplifts Chicago youth by celebrating their place in the city through artmaking, food, music, and dance and is organized by the MCA alongside the Chicago White Sox, Sueños Music Festival, Little Village Chamber of Commerce, the Pilsen Chamber of Commerce, the Mexican Consulate in Chicago, Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, and the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation.

Families are invited to partake in a day of art and fun while learning about migrant experiences and the many communities that call Chicago home. Participating artists include Mr. Pintamuro, Salvador Andrade, Sabina Ángeles from The Jacobo María Ángeles Workshop in Oaxaca, and more. MCA Educators will also be present to facilitate activities. Drawings will take place during the celebration, with prizes such as two pairs of 2-day General Admission tickets to Sueños Music Festival, which runs from May 25 through 26, 2024. 

“As we celebrate the Day of the Children, let us acknowledge the rich diversity that defines our youth. In nurturing an inclusive educational environment, we sow the seeds for a future where every child’s unique background has the ability to build bridges of understanding that will strengthen the fabric of our global community,” said Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil of the Mexican Consulate in Chicago.

“The Latino Caucus Foundation is proud to work alongside the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago in supporting events that use art as a vehicle for diverse and equitable spaces for Latino families, artists, and Chicago’s cultural ecosystem. The Foundation is committed to supporting these accessible spaces, and we look forward to celebrating Día del Niño on April 27,” said Michael D. Rodriguez, Chairman of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation, Alderperson of the 22nd Ward.

“Families are at the heart of our community, and their well-being is our top priority. Collaboration with community organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies is vital to ensure that every child has the tools to thrive, especially through family friendly activities like ‘Día del Niño,’” 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez said.

“Celebrating the richness of culture and community is at the heart of our mission at the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. It’s our utmost pleasure to join hands with the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for their Day of the Children celebration. Our members embody the spirit of giving, and we’re honored to have Los Comales generously donate food for this event,” said Jennifer Aguilar, Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce.

“Pilsen Chamber of Commerce and La Michoacana Premium is more than excited to be a part of the Día del Diño event with the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Children are the happiness in this world who bring smiles to our faces in times of great fear and strife. This event is important not only by sharing love with them through paletas, but also by sharing tradition through our ancestors’ recipes from one generation to the next,” Noe Govea, Vice President of the Pilsen Chamber of Commerce and co-owner of La Michoacana Premium said in a joint statement with Evelyn Ortiz-Govea, co-owner of La Michoacana Premium.

“Investing in young minds and the next generation of Chicagoans, who are positioned to lift up our community and continue discovering ways to push progress, is essential. Día del Niño is an impactful route to help empower children in our neighboring Little Village community and provide the resources to help youth grow and thrive. The White Sox organization is proud to be a partner to bring this important program to life in Little Village,” said Sheena Quinn, Chicago White Sox Senior Director of Public Relations

“We at Choose Chicago are absolutely thrilled to support the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Day of Children event at Saucedo Academy in Little Village. This initiative is a remarkable example of community engagement, bringing the spirit of the MCA directly into one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods. It is so important to make art accessible to everyone and to help weave together the rich variety of cultures that makes Chicago such a uniquely vibrant place to live, work, and visit,” said Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO of Choose Chicago.

“Sueños Chicago is super happy and honored to be a part of Dia del Niño! Our hope is for every kid to know that there is no dream too big; every kid’s dream is worth fighting for. Now let’s celebrate todos los niños!” Said the Sueños Chicago Team.

“It’s truly an honor to be a part of this event at La Villita, hosted by the MCA. We are grateful to participate, and support the community that has supported us since day one,” said Javier Garcia and Nathalie Soli, founders of Big Mich.

A press conference detailing the event will take place on April 22, 2024, at 10 am in the Crown Family Room at the Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E Chicago Ave. To reserve a spot, please email the MCA media team by April 17, 2024.

IN-KIND SUPPORT
Día del Niño is proudly supported by the Office of the Mayor of Chicago, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Choose Chicago.

PROGRAMMING (ALL DAY)
1st floor
Auditorium:
11 am – 12 pm: Performances by Trio Ruby,
12 – 1 pm: DJ set by Stephanie Manriquez, aka Fanita Banana from Lumpen Radio
1:15 – 2 pm: Mexican Folkloric Dance with Pamela

Gymnasium: Bouncy houses and sports activities by the Chicago White Sox.

2nd floor
Cafeteria: Discounted small bites by La Michoacana Premium Pilsen presented by the Pilsen Chamber of Commerce, as well as free food from Los Comales presented in partnership with the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, there will be aguas frescas (free for children, $5 for adults) by Big Mich. Payasito Guapetin will be leading magic tricks, fun games with special prizes and dances.

Classrooms: Natural dye workshop with Sabina Ángeles; a collaborative installation with found objects, discarded food materials, and handpress with Salvadore Andrade; an illustration workshop based on anime characters, as well as Aztec and Mayan storytelling, by Mr. Pintamuro; and a Sueños-led workshop that focuses on participants’ own hopes and dreams.

MCA Educators will lead four different activities that relate to current and past MCA exhibitions, such as kaleidoscope-making inspired by artist Maryam Taghavi’s sculptures, a story quilt activity inspired by artist Faith Ringgold, a make-your-own flag activity inspired by the exhibition entre horizontes: Art and Activism Between Chicago and Puerto Rico, and a make-your-own zine activity.

Please contact Michelle or Kerry for more info.

The Background:

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Mr.Pintamuro is from Little Village in Chicago. Mr. Pintamuro is renowned for merging manga and Indigenous motifs into his narratives. With vibrant murals along 26th Street, his work not only celebrates cultural heritage but also ignites dialogue and change within and beyond his community.

Pamela Nanét and her brother, Ash Ernesto, began their Mexican folkloric dance journey in 2011. Through their involvement in danza, they formed a unique bond and established unforgettable relationships with other individuals and communities. They have danced with Ballet Folklorico Los Hermanos Avila, Ballet Nacional de Milwaukee, and Mexican Dance Ensemble, where they not only performed but also assumed either teaching or directing roles. In 2019, Pamela founded her own dance company, Itotia Mexica Xi, focusing on an inclusive approach to teaching ancestral duality. IMX has performed at renowned venues and cultural institutions throughout Chicago, collaborating with local folkloric and traditional dance groups.

Salvador Andrade Arévalo was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and raised in the Chicagoland area. He is a trained printmaker who works primarily in painting, drawing, and installation. As a fourth-generation migrant laborer, he contends with the erasure and commodification of his family’s culture, history, and traditions due to economic duress imposed by neoliberal policies and draconian immigration policies. His work draws potency from ancestral influences connected to intergenerational knowledge, folklore, hand crafts, syncretic belief systems, and vernacular traditions.

The Jacobo and María Ángeles Workshop, established in 1994 in San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, specializes in crafting figures from copal wood known as “tonas” and “nahuales.” Rooted in communal principles, the workshop fosters various projects in gastronomy, bioconservation, and material exploration—including ceramics and jewelry—all underscored by a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Jacobo and María Ángeles’s master craftsmanship has garnered international recognition, leading to participation in exhibitions, conferences, and competitions across Mexico and beyond.

Trio Ruby is a young group of musicians formed by Javier Martinez, Jose Zuñiga and Jesus Palafox. They are inspired by traditional Mexican folk songs and music that their parents and grandparents listened to. They believe that music from past generations needs to be conserved and celebrated today.

Stephanie Manriquez is the executive producer and educator at Yollocalli Arts Reach, where she leads the Your Story, Your Way audio journalism program for youth and produces the organization’s radio programs. A Mexico City native, Stephanie has also reported on issues including adult education, literacy, housing, mental health and migration. While rooted at the National Museum of Mexican Art, her work involves close partnerships with many community organizations, including: Casa Aztlán, Frida Kahlo Community Organization, Elevarte Community Studios and the Resurrection Project. As an educator, she strikes the hard-to-find balance of pushing young people to challenge themselves while also allowing them to pursue their creative desires.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO:
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The MCA interweaves exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs while providing a place for audiences to contemplate and discuss contemporary art in pursuit of a creative and diverse future. The MCA believes in the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) as a platform to enact structural change. The museum is generously supported by its Board of Trustees; individual and corporate members; private and corporate foundations, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; and government agencies. Museum capital improvements are supported by a Public Museum Capital Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The MCA is a proud member of Museums in the Park and receives major support from the Chicago Park District.

The MCA is located at 220 E. Chicago Avenue and is open 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday to Sunday and Tuesdays (free for IL residents) from 10 am to 9 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is free for all youth 18 and under, members of the military and veterans, and MCA members. Find more information about MCA’s exhibitions, programs, and special events at mcachicago.org or at 312.280.2660.

ABOUT SUEÑOS MUSIC FESTIVAL:
Located in the iconic Grant Park, offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, Sueños Festival (translation: dreams), was created to be an inclusive event with a mission to continue to celebrate and uplift Latin culture and the extraordinary music, people, food, and amazing energy that comes along with it. In addition to an entirely Latin lineup, the festival featured a curated selection of Chicago’s best Latin food, art installations, a ferris wheel, multiple bars, specialty cocktail lounges, and much more. Sueños 2024 features headlining performances from Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Maluma, and Ivan Cornejo, and will return to Grant Park on May 25-26, 2024.

Links:

Sueños Music Festival: official website | instagram | facebook | twitter
MCA Chicago: facebook | twitter | instagram

4.10.2024

GHOST, the Anonymous and Controversial Singer-Songwriter, Shares New Single

“MR. X!”

A “Posse Cut” Sung in the Style of Drake, Migos, Future, DJ Khaled, Gunna, and Lil Wayne

Praised by Timbaland, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, and Others, the Artist Formerly Known as Ghostwriter977 Continues the Conversation He Started With “Heart On My Sleeve,” Setting Out to Demonstrate His Chameleonic Songwriting Talent

The Announcement:

The story of recorded music is one of advancement: from analog phonograph to digital streaming, from massive studio consoles to accessible DAWs, technology pushes music forward by leaps and bounds.

When he released his song “Heart On My Sleeve” in 2023, singer-songwriter GHOST presented the next seismic shift in music technology: he used A.I. vocal filters to accurately recreate the voices of Drake and The Weeknd to bring his song to life.

Now, armed with co-signs from legendary producers like Timbaland and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, who called GHOST one of the “most talented songwriters” he has ever encountered, the mysterious and game-changing artist is ready to prove that he has enough talent to rival any of his idols, sharing “MR. X!,” a new single, which will appear on his debut album.

Inspired by a spate of notable reconciliations between rappers and their exes, “MR. X!” is a digitally-created “posse cut,” inspired by some of GHOST’s favorite artists: DJ Khaled (on the intro), Drake, Future, Migos, Gunna, and Lil Wayne.

“When I started my career, I used to consciously make songs in the style of certain artists,” says GHOST. “But now, I write to follow my own muse. I come up with the music, melodies, and lyrics, and then experiment to see which artists fit best with each particular song. ‘MR. X!’ wasn’t written with a particular artist in mind, which is why I felt inspire to make it a posse cut, combining several styles in a way that shows my songwriting versatility and makes one of my dream collaborations come true.”

GHOST’s “Heart On My Sleeve” caused a tidal wave in the music industry, earning coverage in The New York Times, Variety, HYPEBEAST, USA Today, The Verge, and many others, even drawing official comment from Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, Jr. GHOST finally told his side of the story in September, speaking with Billboard in a wide-ranging interview.

Despite the firestorm, GHOST never intended to court controversy, only to follow his muse and understand what makes his favorite artists so special.

“I don’t write songs for people that I’m not fans of,” says GHOST. “All the artists whose voices I emulate, I absolutely love and have a deep connection to their music. You have to be a true fan to understand the artist and help them tell their story.”

With his upcoming debut album, GHOST looks to immerse listeners in an alternate universe of his own creation, all the while proving that he has the chops stand up to the world’s biggest stars.

Stay tuned for much more.

Stream “MR. X!”: https://ffm.to/mrxghost

GHOST in conversation with Billboard: https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/ghostwriter-heart-on-my-sleeve-drake-ai-grammy-exclusive-interview-1235434099/

Photo credit: Anonymous

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

Links:

tiktok | instagram | twitter | spotify

“MR. X!”: https://ffm.to/mrxghost

GHOST in conversation with Billboard: https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/ghostwriter-heart-on-my-sleeve-drake-ai-grammy-exclusive-interview-1235434099/

4.10.2024

Single: wolfacejoeyy – “I Know“

The 21-Year-Old NYC Wunderkind Teams With Close Friend WhereIs22 (aka Actor Michael Rainey Jr.) to Refine His Burgeoning Lover Boy Persona in the Latest Single From Valentino, His Next Project, Coming Soon

Critical Praise:

“At 20 years old, Wolfacejoeyy has built a cult following on SoundCloud thanks to his production style and unique lyricism.” – Variety

“‘Joeyy packs so much fun into the song that all you can focus on is having as great of a time as he is.” – PITCHFORK

“‘Now, at 21, Joeyy knows he’s on the cusp of musical renown.” – HYPEBEAST

“Combining the best elements of Jersey club and New York drill to create fresh, lighthearted hits that are instantly recognizable, Joeyy’s tender vocals, fresh production and undeniably infectious hooks have allowed the “buku” artist to flourish beyond first-listen value; he’s a breath of fresh air.” – Complex

“The result is a unique blend of current rap genres that will make you want to get sturdy on your feet. It’s not too serious, but at the same time, it’s done with precision, which comes from the working relationship 22Joeyy has established since beginning to work together three years ago.” – BET

“He’s making the kind of songs that get stuck in your head after just a few listens.” – Lyrical Lemonade

“‘His sound is a fusion of other popular elements, though it is strikingly original and in-your-face. It sounds familiar yet different, subtly urging listeners to decode his music on repeat. He’s got a knack for making quality music, and his latest drops are a testament to that.” – ONE37PM

The Song:

A musical omnivore with the vocal talent to match his ambitions, wolfacejoeyy has his sights on conquering hearts and climbing charts. Reuniting with his close friend and producer WhereIs22, the 21-year-old Staten Island native shares “I Know,” a glistening new anthem. Powered by skittering hi-hats, speaker-knocking kicks, and timely triangle dings, “I Know” is a gently-propulsive serenade, as joeyy works the upper edges of his register in a successful attempt to woo the object of his intentions: “She said, ‘ but baby, you not 21/how the f*ck you gettin’ in the club’/Baby they play my sh*t when I’m in the club,” he spits.

“I Know” is the latest entry into joeyy’s growing catalog of “cutie patootie” anthems, following his recent release of the “cake” / “don’t be dishonest” double single. “cake” has quickly become a fan-favorite, generating over 160K combined views across social platforms before its official release, earning co-signs from stars like Sexyy Red, Rubi Rose, Veeze, and Kaliii on social media. The song, and it’s line “Ok, for sure/I tell her she’s sexy, she said ‘period, purr’,” has inspired more than 38.9k video creations on TikTok. The rlirty music video for “cake” recently surpassed 1.2 million views on YouTube, becoming joeyy’s most-viewed video to date. wolfacejoeyy currently averages more than 1 million on-demand streams per week across platforms.

“I Know,” “cake,” “don’t be dishonest,” and “wya” will appear on joeyy’s next project, Valentino, which will take joeyy’s hybrid sound to a new level. The upcoming project is an exploration of joeyy’s loverboy persona, packed with romantic anthems that relay flirtatious conversations and late-night adventures in joeyy’s melodious croon. Refining the euphoric club-meets-drill hybrid sound on which joeyy has made his name, look for Valentino to drop in the coming weeks.

With his new music, joeyy is aiming to improve upon his breakout 2023, in which he partnered with producer Whereis22 (aka the actor Michael Rainey Jr., from POWER on Starz), on the acclaimed EP 22Joeyy. The album featured the single “weekend” ft. Cash Cobain & Chow Lee, acclaimed by Pitchfork, and additional guest spots from SoFaygo and B-Lovee. Joeyy discussed the project in an interview with BET, and a profile in HYPEBEAST that came out earlier this year, and his fiery 2023 inspired Complex to place him on their list of Rappers to Watch in 2024.

After the success of 22Joeyy and a tour slot opening for Eem Triplin, a headlining show earlier this year at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, and a standout performance at Rolling Loud California 2024, Joeyy rolls into Spring 2024 with a head of steam. Stay tuned for much more music from Joeyy in the near future.

Stream “I Know” (prod. by WhereIs22): http://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/IKnow

(credit: Garrett Bruce)

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

Links:

instagram | tiktok | twitter | spotify | youtube

“I Know”: http://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/IKnow

“don’t be dishonest”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXcDpJQe2Go

“cake”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0_DM9lrHiM

“cake” / “don’t be dishonest”: http://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/2pack

“wya”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhtRpwi-Q7Q

“buku” ft. SoFaygo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj94OvX4PRk

“weekend” ft. Cash Cobain & Chow Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcT-z922Ts0

22Joeyy: https://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/22Joeyy

4.9.2024

Video: Tre Loaded – “Push Start“

The Bluff City Riser Prepares For His Upcoming EP With An Atlanta-Set New Video

Critical Praise:

“‘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 Video:

Effortlessly fly and endlessly quotable, Tre Loaded is making waves in Memphis and beyond. Today, the 21-year-old rapper shares the brand new video for  “Push Start,” his bass-heavy March single. Produced by Say Breezy, “Push Start” finds Tre stacking assonant flexes over bouncy production, complete with a croaking bassline and crisp snares. In the video, Tre turns his lyrics into reality, driving a slick yellow Corvette (with keyless ignition, naturally) around the streets of Atlanta and its suburbs. Linking up with his crew in a parking lot full of “push start” whips, Tre unloads glistening flexes with his Southern drawl: “With bad hoes in the Sprinter / Logo, I’m in the center / They copy what I do, move how I move just like a printer.”

The “Push Start” video continues a line of street-savvy bangers, following Tre’s street hit “Another Whip,” released earlier this year. With over 250k streams across platforms, “Another Whip” is picking up momentum on social platforms like TikTok and bubbling on Shazam. These singles, part of his upcoming Loaded mixtape, are the next steps on the young rapper’s ladder to success. Tre grew up in East Memphis surrounded by music, taking trips to the studio to listen to rappers like his uncle Don Trip. Tre started rhyming at age fifteen, inspired by his Memphis forebears and lyrical street rappers like Rod Wave and Ralo to turn the booth into his diary and turn rapping into his career. In early 2023, Tre first shared “Vo Flow,” a minimalist banger populated mostly by snapping fingers, low-note guitars, and Tre’s percussive voice, which eventually gained traction on social platforms like TikTok. The song generated over 2 million streams on Spotify and over 1.5 million combined views on YouTube. Tre Loaded recently spoke about his early life and burgeoning rap career on DGB’s Off The Porch.

With much more music on deck and much further to rise, Tre Loaded is the next Tennessee upstart to know. Stay tuned and watch him elevate.

Watch “Push Start”: https://youtu.be/F53jkgeTB4g

Stream “Push Start”: https://connect.ffm.to/treloaded_pushstart

Photo credit: Alex Tate

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

Tre Loaded has become a rising star, with videos amassing tens of millions of views and three successful mixtapes quickly making their mark. Rooted in his Memphis-inspired culture, Tre’s music reflects the city’s essence, delivering a catchy, lyrical, and hard-hitting flow.

Links:

instagram | tiktok |  spotify | youtube

“Push Start”: audio / video

“Another Whip”: https://connect.ffm.to/treloaded-anotherwhip / https://youtu.be/DwdJrnF0FJo

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

4.9.2024

Superstar Mexican Act Fuerza Regida Announces “Pero No Te Enamores Tour,” Their Summer 2024 Tour

Tickets Are Available April 12th at 10am Local HERE

Hitmaking Mexican music act Fuerza Regida announces “Pero No Te Enamores Tour,” their Summer 2024 nationwide headlining tour. Fronted by Jesús Ortiz Paz, the San Bernardino-native group has taken Mexico by storm and made an impact on the American charts, and now fans across the country will have a chance to see their powerhouse live performance. Tickets for Fuerza Regida shows are available HERE

View the full release below, after reading these facts about Fuerza Regida and their incredible career so far:

• Formed in San Bernardino, CA in 2015, the five-man group is composed of lead singer/songwriter Jesús Ortiz Paz (aka JOP), Samuel Jaimez on requinto, Khrystian Ramos on armonía/guitarron, José Garcia on Tuba, and Moises Lopez on Tololoche
• In 2023, Fuerza Regida became the first Latin band to be No. 1 on the “Top Artists – Duo/Group” list of Billboard‘s year-end charts, and won 2023 Billboard Music Awards for Top Duo/Group and Top Latin Duo/Group
• Fuerza’s collaboration with Marshmello, “Harley Quinn,” became their first song to reach #1on the Latin Airplay Chart, generated over 395 million streams on Spotify, and peaked at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023
• The group has placed 7 albums and EPs in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, including their October 2023 album, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Latin Albums chart, and #14 on the Billboard 200, behind 53 million on-demand streams during its opening week, the third-largest opening total for a regional Mexican album to date
• Most recently, the group shared their new EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, which debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Latin Albums chart and at #2 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albumschart, and every song from the EP charted on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart
• Beyond their headlining tour, Fuerza Regida will headline Baja Beach Fest in Rosarito Beach, MX (August 13), and perform at La Onda (by BottleRock) in Napa Valley (June 1)

Fuerza Regida Announces “Pero No Te Enamores Tour,” Their Summer 2024 Headlining Tour

Following Up Their Hit New EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, The Regional Mexican Superstars Prepare to Criss-Cross North America This Summer

Critical Praise:

WINNER: 2023 Billboard Music Awards (“Top Duo/Group”; “Top Latin Duo/Group”)

“Belikeada is a testament to their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots, ensuring that that the group remains a reckoning force in the world of Mexican and Mexican-American music” – Billboard

“Fuerza Regida embodies the idea that if you work hard enough, you can achieve your version of the American Dream. This mindset is the subject matter for many of their songs (much of their music is either about the hustle, or the rewards that come from all that hard work). They’re not all talk, either. In the last 12 months, the band has released three albums and has gone on tour across the country.” – Los Angeles Times

“Shakira and Fuerza Regida defend the working class and tell off bad bosses everywhere in the new music video for their joint single ‘El Jefe,’ or ‘The Boss.'” – Variety

The Announcement:

Led by their smooth-voiced singer Jesús Ortiz Paz, regional Mexican outfit Fuerza Regida has been climbing charts on both sides of the border. Today, the Platinum-selling grupo announces “Pero No Te Enamores Tour,” their next headlining tour. Produced by Live Nation and kicking off on June 6th in Austin, TX, the “Pero No Te Enamores Tour” takes the group across North America for a series of dates, including shows in Atlanta, New York, Houston, and more, before closing with a show in Inglewood, CA. The 5-man group saluted their hometown fans with a special mural in their native San Bernardino, CA, displaying the tour artwork and dates in the center of the city.

TICKETS: General onsale tickets will be available beginning on Friday, April 12 at 10am local timeat livenation.com.

VIP:  Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the VIP after party with members of the band, Soundcheck, Meet & Greet + group photo with Fuerza Regida, Pre-show VIP Lounge, specially designed VIP gift item & more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Fuerza’s upcoming nationwide tour is their latest step on the road to world domination, following a 2023 full of new commercial heights and well-deserved accolades. The group shared their biggest album to date, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, which peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Latin Albums chart and reached the Top 15 of the Billboard 200. The album generated billions of streams across platforms, led by hits like “TQM” (peaked at #34 at the Billboard Hot 100), “Sabor Fresa” (#26 on the Hot 100), and “HARLEY QUINN” (#40 on the Hot 100), their collaboration with Marshmello that became their first-ever #1 hit on the Latin Airplay chart. The success of Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada propelled Fuerza Regida to two Billboard Music Awards in 2023, plus the #1 spot on Billboard’s Top Duo/Group year-end artist chart.

Most recently, Fuerza released their EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, which arrived just in time for Valentine’s Day. The album debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Latin Albums chart, and all six songs from the EP reached Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. The upcoming tour will feature the first performances of songs from the new EP.

Stay tuned for much more information about Fuerza Regida in the near future.

Stream Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

“Pero No Te Enamores Tour” dates: 
*Not A Live Nation Date

Jun 06        Austin, TX        Moody Center
Jun 09        Edinburg, TX        Bert Ogden Arena
Jun 14        Oklahoma City, OK    Paycom Center
Jun 15        Ridgedale, MO        Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Jun 16        Kansas City, MO    T-Mobile Center
Jun 21        San Diego, CA        Viejas Arena
Jun 22        Phoenix, AZ        Footprint Center
Jun 29        Portland, OR        Moda Center
Jun 30        Seattle, WA        Climate Pledge Arena
Jul 06        San Jose, CA        SAP Center
Jul 07        Fresno, CA        Save Mart Center at Fresno State
Jul 13        Houston, TX        Toyota Center
Jul 20        Dallas, TX        Dos Equis Pavilion
Jul 26        Atlanta, GA        State Farm Arena
Jul 27        Tampa, FL        Amalie Arena
Jul 28        Sunrise, FL        Amerant Bank Arena
Aug 02        Greensboro, NC    Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Aug 04        Belmont Park, NY    UBS Arena
Aug 16        Milwaukee, WI        Fiserv Forum
Aug 17        Indianapolis, IN    Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Sep 01        Tinley Park, IL        Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Sep 06        Salt Lake City, UT    Delta Center
Sep 08        Denver, CO        Ball Arena
Sep 15        Las Vegas, NV        T-Mobile Arena
Sep 20        San Antonio, TX    Frost Bank Center
Sep 21        El Paso, TX        UTEP Don Haskins Center
Sep 28        Anaheim, CA        Honda Center
Sep 29        Palm Desert, CA    Acrisure Arena
Oct 05        Sacramento, CA    Golden 1 Center
Oct 11        Leon, MX        Mega Velaria*
Oct 12        Mexico City, MX    Plaza De Toros*
Oct 31        Monterrey, MX        Arena Monterrey*
Nov 1        Monterrey, MX        Arena Monterrey*
Nov 2        Torreon, MX        Coliseo Centenario*
Nov 7        Oaxaca, MX        Auditorio GNP*
Nov 9        San Luis Potosi, MX    El Domo
Nov 16        Inglewood, CA        Intuit Dome

Contact:
For Fuerza Regida, please contact:
Kerry Harrison, Audible Treats

For Live Nation, please contact:
Nadia Hernandez | nadiahernandez@livenation.com
Isabel Gonzalez | isabelgonzalez@livenation.com

Press Portal:
To apply for media credentials for show coverage:
livenation.com/pressrequests

The Background:

Mexican regional band Fuerza Regida’s music has taken Mexico by storm , and is also making a big impact on the American charts. The prolific band has released eight albums in three years, with their second album, 2019’s Del Barrio Hasta Aqui, entering the Regional Mexican Charts at #1. Their 2018 single “Sigo Chambeando” has been streamed 300 million times on YouTube and Spotify alone. Singer/songwriter Jesús Ortiz Paz founded Fuerza Regida in 2015, originally to perform covers of their favorite songs. Slowly their fan base grew, and after two years they went viral with an original track called “Radicamos en South Central.” The tune was uploaded to Jesús’s personal YouTube channel and blew up. Jesus also maintains his popular YouTube channel (which boasts nearly 1,000,000 Million subscribers), augmenting Fuerza Regida videos with inventive content. His most recent releases include an EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, that went #1 Global with no features. Currently, Jesús Ortiz Paz is the owner and CEO of Street Mob Records, one of the most important regional Mexican music record labels, which opens the doors to new artists and composers, taking their careers to the highest levels of the entertainment industry.

Links:

official site | instagram | facebook | tiktok | youtube | spotify | apple

Jesús Ortiz Paz: instagram
Moises Lopez: instagram
Khrys Ramos: instagram
Pelon Garcia: instagram
Samuelon Jaimez: instagram

Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada: spotify | apple

Buy tickets for Fuerza’s “Pero No Te Enamores” Tour HERE

4.9.2024

Video: YTB Fatt x OT7 Quanny – “I Did It“

The Loaf Boyz Rapper Goes Toe-To-Toe With the Red Hot Philadelphia Spitter For a Triumphant and High-Octane New Banger 

Critical Praise:

“YTB Fatt has been bubbling out of Memphis, specifically in the past few months. Though he’s yet to release an official body of work, he’s slowly gained momentum as the one to look out for in Memphis.” –HotNewHipHop

“He has been making a lot of noise in his hometown of West Memphis in the past few months. His singles “Come & Get Me,” “In My City,” and “At The Store” featuring Bankroll Freddie became some of the rapper’s regional hits.” – REVOLT

The Video:

YTB Fatt commands a rabid fanbase in the Southern streets, winning fans with his rapidfire flows and ferocious flexes. For his latest single, the West Memphis, AR rapper recruits a kindred spirit from the East Coast, sharing “I Did It,” a new collaboration with the red hot rising rapper out of Philadelphia. Though Fatt and Quanny come from vastly different regional traditions, each rapper has accomplished a huge amount in a short period of time…and neither is surprised by their string of successes. The two rappers demonstrate their differing, yet complementary styles over blown-out 808s and a creeping piano bassline, each one listing their hard-earned accomplishments: Fatt boasts about his loyal block soldiers and the 8 cars to his name, while Quanny speaks on owning the “biggest house on the block” like Friday‘s Uncle Elroy.

In the video, the two rappers flex on stage and in the studio, piling up more cash than they can hold, as they have one of their patented “100 grand nights.” “I Did It” continues YTB Fatt’s string of fiery singles, including the Usher-sampling “Same,” featuring a YouTube Top 25-trending video with cameo appearances from GloRilla and Big Homiie G, and “Brazi Blue Cheese,” an ode to the founder of GUMBO. 

With Moneybagg Yo‘s Loaf Boyz him and over 140 million streams in the bank, YTB Fatt had a breakout year in 2023, highlighted by his recent mixtape Who Is Fatt. His first full-length project, Who Is Fatt charted on Billboard and Apple Music, reaching #4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums and charting as high as #12 on Apple Music’s All-Genre Album Chart and at #6 on Apple Music’s Hip-Hop Albums Chart. The project is home to his breakout hit “Get Back” (19 million YouTube views), and the Pitchfork-praised “Poppin It Hard,” plus guest appearances from Rob49, Big Homiie G and FTO Sett. Fatt followed up Who Is Fatt with the no-holds-barred 10-pack Foxes Only, featuring guest appearances from Lil Yachty, GloRilla, and BabyDrill. Both Who Is Fatt and Foxes Only are available on all platforms via Loaf Boy Ventures / 10K Projects. 

YTB Fatt has been rising steadily in the Dirty South since the beginning of last year. Born and raised in West Memphis, Arkansas, just across the Mississippi from the Tennessee rap hotbed, YTB Fatt caught the attention of an impressed Moneybagg Yo with songs like “Played Out” and “Don’t Crash.” Moneybagg Yo quickly signed Fatt to his Bread Gang label, collaborating with Fatt on the hit “Shot Off Gumbo” (13 million YouTube views) and connecting Fatt with Lil Durk on “Rock Out“–both of Yo and Fatt’s collaborations appeared on the Memphis rapper’s Hard To Love album. Since then, Fatt has continued to drop more street hits, and has become an in-demand featured artist, working with artists like Trippie Redd, Rob 49, Icewear Vezzo, and many, many others.

With two successful mixtapes under his belt, Fatt is tirelessly working to reach the top of the rap game. Stay tuned for much more.

Watch YTB Fatt x OT7 Quanny – “I Did It”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QEOHoMpGC4

Stream YTB Fatt x OT7 Quanny – “I Did It”: https://ot7quanny.lnk.to/ididit

Credit: @princedaphotographer

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

YTB Fatt, a rising hip-hop artist, is making waves in the music industry. Born and raised in West Memphis, Arkansas, YTB Fatt recently made Miami his new home base, joining the inner circle of renowned rapper Moneybagg Yo. With the support of Moneybagg Yo, YTB Fatt is poised to make a significant impact on the rap scene. Despite his intimidating rap persona showcased in his songs and videos, YTB Fatt is surprisingly humble and polite in person. He expresses his admiration for Miami, still smitten with the vibrant city since his move in October. YTB Fatt’s upbringing in the Memphis region was tough, and he acknowledges the faster pace of Miami compared to his hometown. YTB Fatt’s journey into music began in 2019 when he transitioned from his previous passion for gambling. He dedicated himself to rap, performing relentlessly in West Memphis and building a reputation for his captivating stage presence. It was his talent and drive that caught the attention of Moneybagg Yo, who took him under his wing as a mentor. YTB Fatt’s video, “I Told You That” showcases his raw talent and ambition. With a series of weekly releases lined up, he aims to prove himself in the industry. YTB Fatt is determined to make his mark and solidify his position as one of the hottest up-and-coming rappers on the scene.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | soundcloud | tiktok

“I Did It” ft. OT7 Quanny: https://ot7quanny.lnk.to/ididit / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QEOHoMpGC4

“Same”: http://ytbfatt.lnk.to/sameb / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0eyGbCKBfo

“Brazi Blue Cheese”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdWUYnWohOs

Foxes Only: http://ytbfatt.lnk.to/foxesonly

“Gangsta Of The Year”: https://youtu.be/zVTtD1Xh-DA

“She Legit”: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/shelegit

“Let’s See”: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/letssee

Fox Prelude: http://ytbfatt.lnk.to/foxprelude

“Ric Flair Woo”: http://ytbfatt.lnk.to/rickflairwhoo / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sHUhMXLzQU

Who Is Fatt (Extended Clip): http://whoisfatt.lnk.to/extended

“Pimp Problems”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2HUyvh9uyA

Who Is Fatt: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/whoisfatt

“Backstabbin”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEYZVJUumVQ

“Bet I Whip It” ft. Rob49: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/BIWI

“Us” ft. Big Homiie G: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/usfeatbighomiieg / https://youtu.be/ba9Q65CMt4A

“Get Back”: https://youtu.be/11hJiuNg400

“Shot Off Gumbo” ft. Moneybagg Yo & Fat Wizza: https://youtu.be/2RxB6wpXxiU

4.8.2024

Mez Shares Cover Art and Tracklist For The Loading EP, Coming April 19th via Mass Appeal

The North Carolina Artist’s (fka King Mez) First Official Project in the Streaming Era Features Guest Appearances From Leon Bridges, Isaiah Rashad, MAVI, SAINt JHN, Childish Major, and More, Plus Production From Monte Booker, Tae Beast, DJ Mark B, Bizness Boi, Cam O’bi, Phoelix, and Many Others

Critical Praise:

“Allowing the art to grow organically and its own path, regardless of the medium, is something 29-year-old Mez, born Morris W. Ricks II, has never shied away from.”  – Billboard

“Mez is shooting to win.” – NPR

“Confident, but not braggadocious, there is a Southern timidness to Mez that is charming.” – Pitchfork

“Mez sees pressure and difficulty as a prime moment for preserving and conquering.” – Variety

The Announcement:

Respected in the industry for his multimedia mastery and incisive perspective, North Carolina artist Mez follows his muse wherever it may take him. Today, the artist formerly known as King Mez announces The Loading EP, his new EP, and first official project in the streaming era. The upcoming effort finds Mez enlisting assistance from kindred spirits from across the music landscape, who share Mez’s playful sense of soulful musicality and his dedication to the grind.

Leon Bridges and Isaiah Rashad appear on previously-shared singles “Around The World” (covered by Essence, Hits DD, HipHopDX, and more) and “Hot Spot” (mentioned in XXL and 2DopeBoyz, among others), respectively, while luminaries like SAINt JHN, MAVI, and Childish Major join him on to-be-released EP highlights. The EP features forward-thinking production from some of the game’s most creative beatmakers, including Tae Beast, Monte Booker, DJ Mark B, and many more, including Mez himself. Featuring an appearance from Kurtis Wells on lead single “Call On,” The Loading EP arrives on April 19th via Mass Appeal.

Emerging out of Raleigh in the early 2010s, Mez was a leading light in a fertile NC rap scene that birthed underground and mainstream stars. Mez’s sharp lyrics and assured artistic vision helped convince some of music’s biggest stars to trust him with their creative visions. Then known as “King Mez,” the rapper was one of the driving forces behind Compton, Dr. Dre’s long-awaited third album, appearing on nine tracks and writing on several others–his efforts drew praise from the likes of Pitchfork, NPR, Vulture, and many others. Mez has been a regular affiliate of his friend and fellow North Carolinian J. Cole, and has contributed several verses to Dreamville;compilations, including Revenge Of The Dreamers III and last year’s Creed III: The Soundtrack. Mez is also a renowned video director, stepping behind the camera for clips like J. Cole’s “Middle Child” and “a m a r i,” Dreamville’s “Sleep Deprived” (on which he also raps), plus videos for Ari Lennox, Isaiah Rashad, and more. Most recently, Mez earned a writing credit on J. Cole’s surprise album Might Delete Later, contributing to the Ari Lennox-sang hook on opening song “Pricey” ft. Ari Lennox, Young Dro & Gucci Mane.

Pre-save The Loading EP: https://massappeal.lnk.to/loading

Watch “Call On” ft. Kurtis Wells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMshNSXOgPA

Stream “Around The World” ft. Leon Bridges: https://massappeal.lnk.to/mez-atw

Stream “Hot Spot” ft. Isaiah Rashad: https://massappeal.lnk.to/hotspot

The Loading EP tracklist:

1. Yeah Yeah
2. Humma Time ft. Childish Major
3. Call On ft. Kurtis Wells
4. Hot Spot ft. Isaiah Rashad
5. Bat Phone ft. SAINt JHN & MAVI
6. Devil Is A Judge
7. Around The World ft. Leon Bridges

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

The Background:

Mez, hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, is a true polymath – a GRAMMY-nominated recording artist, songwriter, music producer, and film director. His breakthrough came in 2015, when he wrote 14 of the 16 tracks on Dr. Dre’s critically acclaimed Compton album. In 2019, Mez’s multi-hyphenate talent was highlighted on Dreamville’s GRAMMY-nominated project, Revenge of the Dreamers III, where he was featured on two songs and directed the video for J. Cole’s 8x platinum record “Middle Child”, his directorial debut. Since then, he has directed commercial pieces for Jordan Brand and Nike among others. He also directed music videos for his contemporaries such as Ari Lennox, Isaiah Rashad, Sir, as well as continuing to direct and creative direct for J. Cole. Mez has most recently featured on the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed blockbuster film, Creed III. His sights are now set on releasing his own music projects in the near future.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube

Pre-save The Loading EP: https://massappeal.lnk.to/loading

“Around The World” ft. Leon Bridges: https://massappeal.lnk.to/mez-atw

“Hot Spot” ft. Isaiah Rashad: https://massappeal.lnk.to/hotspot

“Call On” ft. Kurtis Wells: https://youtu.be/sMshNSXOgPA / https://youtu.be/sMshNSXOgPA

4.4.2024

Video: YTB Fatt – “Same“

The Rising Rapper Co-Stars With GloRilla and Big Homiie G in the Smoothly Romantic Video For His R&B-Sampling Recent Single

Critical Praise:

“YTB Fatt has been bubbling out of Memphis, specifically in the past few months. Though he’s yet to release an official body of work, he’s slowly gained momentum as the one to look out for in Memphis.” –HotNewHipHop

“He has been making a lot of noise in his hometown of West Memphis in the past few months. His singles “Come & Get Me,” “In My City,” and “At The Store” featuring Bankroll Freddie became some of the rapper’s regional hits.” – REVOLT

The Video:

Born and raised in West Memphis, AR, YTB Fatt has the suavity and silver tongue of a Southern gentleman. Crossing the Mississippi to link up with Memphis’s own GloRilla, the Loaf Boyz rapper shares the video for new single “Same.” A nostalgic and romantic new single with an 00s R&B-sampling beat, the new song features Fatt cutting through the luscious instrumental with emotional outbursts and bits of relationship wisdom that belie his 22 years of age. In the video, Fatt dramatizes the love triangle, as he and Big Homiie G take turns romancing GloRilla, as she happily plays both sides, before Fatt wins out at the end. “Same” and its music video are the latest releases in what’s shaping up to be a busy year for YTB Fatt. 

With Moneybagg Yo‘s Loaf Boyz him and over 140 million streams in the bank, YTB Fatt had a breakout year in 2023, highlighted by his recent mixtape Who Is Fatt. His first full-length project, Who Is Fatt charted on Billboard and Apple Music, reaching #4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums and charting as high as #12 on Apple Music’s All-Genre Album Chart and at #6 on Apple Music’s Hip-Hop Albums Chart. The project is home to his breakout hit “Get Back” (19 million YouTube views), and the Pitchfork-praised “Poppin It Hard,” plus guest appearances from Rob49, Big Homiie G and FTO Sett. Fatt followed up Who Is Fatt with the no-holds-barred 10-pack Foxes Only, featuring guest appearances from Lil Yachty, GloRilla, and BabyDrill. Both Who Is Fatt and Foxes Only are available on all platforms via Loaf Boy Ventures / 10K Projects. 

YTB Fatt has been rising steadily in the Dirty South since the beginning of last year. Born and raised in West Memphis, Arkansas, just across the Mississippi from the Tennessee rap hotbed, YTB Fatt caught the attention of an impressed Moneybagg Yo with songs like “Played Out” and “Don’t Crash.” Moneybagg Yo quickly signed Fatt to his Bread Gang label, collaborating with Fatt on the hit “Shot Off Gumbo” (11 million YouTube views) and connecting Fatt with Lil Durk on “Rock Out“–both of Yo and Fatt’s collaborations appeared on the Memphis rapper’s Hard To Love album. Since then, Fatt has continued to drop more street hits, and has become an in-demand featured artist, working with artists like Trippie Redd, Rob 49, Icewear Vezzo, and many, many others.

With two successful mixtapes under his belt, Fatt is tirelessly working to reach the top of the rap game. Stay tuned for much more.

Watch “Same”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0eyGbCKBfo

Stream “Same”: http://ytbfatt.lnk.to/sameb

Credit: @princedaphotographer

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

YTB Fatt, a rising hip-hop artist, is making waves in the music industry. Born and raised in West Memphis, Arkansas, YTB Fatt recently made Miami his new home base, joining the inner circle of renowned rapper Moneybagg Yo. With the support of Moneybagg Yo, YTB Fatt is poised to make a significant impact on the rap scene. Despite his intimidating rap persona showcased in his songs and videos, YTB Fatt is surprisingly humble and polite in person. He expresses his admiration for Miami, still smitten with the vibrant city since his move in October. YTB Fatt’s upbringing in the Memphis region was tough, and he acknowledges the faster pace of Miami compared to his hometown. YTB Fatt’s journey into music began in 2019 when he transitioned from his previous passion for gambling. He dedicated himself to rap, performing relentlessly in West Memphis and building a reputation for his captivating stage presence. It was his talent and drive that caught the attention of Moneybagg Yo, who took him under his wing as a mentor. YTB Fatt’s video, “I Told You That” showcases his raw talent and ambition. With a series of weekly releases lined up, he aims to prove himself in the industry. YTB Fatt is determined to make his mark and solidify his position as one of the hottest up-and-coming rappers on the scene.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | soundcloud | tiktok

“Same”: http://ytbfatt.lnk.to/sameb / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0eyGbCKBfo

“Brazi Blue Cheese”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdWUYnWohOs

Foxes Only: http://ytbfatt.lnk.to/foxesonly

“Gangsta Of The Year”: https://youtu.be/zVTtD1Xh-DA

“She Legit”: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/shelegit

“Let’s See”: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/letssee

Fox Prelude: http://ytbfatt.lnk.to/foxprelude

“Ric Flair Woo”: http://ytbfatt.lnk.to/rickflairwhoo / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sHUhMXLzQU

Who Is Fatt (Extended Clip): http://whoisfatt.lnk.to/extended

“Pimp Problems”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2HUyvh9uyA

Who Is Fatt: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/whoisfatt

“Backstabbin”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEYZVJUumVQ

“Bet I Whip It” ft. Rob49: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/BIWI

“Us” ft. Big Homiie G: https://ytbfatt.lnk.to/usfeatbighomiieg / https://youtu.be/ba9Q65CMt4A

“Get Back”: https://youtu.be/11hJiuNg400

“Shot Off Gumbo” ft. Moneybagg Yo & Fat Wizza: https://youtu.be/2RxB6wpXxiU

4.3.2024

Courtney Bell and Conway The Machine Collab For the Thought-Provoking “Word II Conway“

“Word II Conway” Will Appear on Microdose, Courtney Bell’s Next Mixtape, Coming May 17th

The New Microdose Highlight Follows “Westside,” the Detroit Native’s Recent Collaboration With His Mentor Royce Da 5’9

Critical Praise:

“Detroit’s Courtney Bell reflects on his own journey, offering seeds of wisdom sprinkled throughout his skillfully composed recollections.” – Billboard

“Courtney Bell is an up-and-coming rapper from Detroit whose gift for witty wordsmithing in singles like “Say You Wanna” and “Ice” has put him on the radars of traditional rap fans” – UPROXX

“There is much to admire about Courtney Bell, but perhaps the most incredible feat is how real Courtney appears on and off wax.”  – Audiomack

“Detroit rapper Courtney Bell has been making noise with his lyrics throughout the past few years.” – Hot 97

The Single:

(Detroit, MI – April 3, 2024) – Coming out of Westside Detroit with a bottomless book of bars, Courtney Bell can compete with any lyricist in the game. Today, Courtney recruits Griselda giant Conway The Machine to bless “Word II Conway,” his new single. Applying his heady concepts to a bass-heavy boom-bap instrumental, Courtney tosses off talismanic tongue-twisters, reflecting on his unfortunate upbringing and asserting that he has the fortitude to overcome anything: “Heart of a giant/I be in the jungle with lions/I’m David to every Goliath who made it out of all the hell we’ve been mired in,” spits Courtney. In a gruff voice that contrasts with Courtney’s pure tone, Conway delivers words of wisdom on the hook, before finishing the track with his wisest words of all: “Get familiar with my bro Courtney Bell.”

“Word II Conway” is the latest single from Courtney Bell’s upcoming project, Microdose, a wide-ranging effort that drops on May 17th via MNRK Urban. The single follows “Westside,” a single created in collaboration with Courtney’s mentor Royce Da 5’9, who plays Morpheus to Courtney’s Neo in the “Westside” video. Microdose was executive produced by Royce Da 5’9 and Keith “Pay Cash” Miller, and also features Skilla Baby, Black Thought, Symba and more.

Renowned in the Detroit streets and more than ready for national recognition, Courtney Bell is on the come-up. The rapper took his talents to On The Radar earlier this year, demonstrating his lyrical prowess and giving a glimpse into what to expect from him this year. The Westside native previously made waves with his 2020 mixtape, Poverty Stricken, featuring the single “ICE” (1.5 million streams on Spotify) and a collaboration with REASON. Last year, his Poverty Strickensingle “Celebrate” landed on the soundtrack for the blockbuster Gran Turismo film.

Credit: Anthony Harvey

For more info, please contact:
Michelle McDevitt, Audible Treats
Annjie Houston, Audible Treats
Giovanna Melchiorre, MNRK Music Group

The Background:

For nearly a decade, Courtney Bell has toed the line between consciousness, spirituality, and the streets across two self-released albums (2018’s 10 Commandments and 2020’s Poverty Stricken), including the million-plus streamer “ICE” and collaborations with mentor Royce 5’9”. During the early 2020s, the 29-year-old lyricist from Detroit’s West Side slowed his output after exiting a major label deal, grieving the loss of multiple family members, and rediscovering his passion for music. With an elevated skillset and the fire within, Microdose is a fitting catch-up for one of the most talented emerging voices in Hip Hop. The Royce-assisted “Westside” shares Courtney’s concrete roots with the world, while “Issues” reveals the inner turmoil of a relatable artist who draws from within. The potent reintroduction project features Royce, Black Thought, Symba, Conway The Machine, Skilla Baby, and more.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube

“Word II Conway” ft. Conway The Machine: https://lnk.to/WordIIConway

“Westside” ft. Royce Da 5’9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTRdWUFT2OU / https://courtneybellroyceda5.lnk.to/Westside