6.1.2023

TikTok Treats, Week of May 29th

d4vd Rises From BandLab to the Big Time Using TikTok, Plus Trends From Taylor Swift, Ice Spice, Mandy Moore, and More

The News:

Each week, the TikTok Treats newsletter gives a snapshot of the state of music on TikTok, touching on trending hits, emerging artists, superstar moves, ascendant memes, and much more.

d4vd is one of music’s biggest rising stars, who earned multiple Billboard Hot 100 hits and a deal with Darkroom/Interscope before his 18th birthday. Before that, though, d4vd was a singer-songwriter trying to get attention the best way he knew how: posting his own music on TikTok.

d4vd grew up in a religious family, listening only to gospel music until one day, he found pop music in the unlikely form of “Gucci Gang” by Lil Pump. Just five years later, in the summer of 2022, d4vd was an avid user of the collaborative music platform BandLab, where the then-17-year-old artist would post his music and solicit collaborations from other users. Free from expectations as he developed his artistic voice, d4vd created rock songs, hyperpop songs, faithful covers, and more, posting each creation to his steadily-growing base of followers. As he continued to experiment, he developed his own artistic voice, borrowing elements of R&B and Jersey club to create songs like “Time,” and built the confidence to officially release his songs. Lest fans think that his artistic prowess came from technology alone, d4vd occasionally put away his recording equipment and showed off his natural voice.

d4vd’s slow and steady rise on TikTok turned into a massive spike when he released “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide” in quick succession in July 2022. Cheekily posting “I FORGOT ABOUT THIS SONG,” d4vd shared sped-up and slowed versions of “Here With Me,” racking up over 1 million views on a series of four videos. The sped-up version took off, eventually generating over 197k video creations. He quickly capitalized on that momentum by sharing “Romantic Homicide,” with a caption reading “this is not a cover” and text-on-screen illustrating his progression “from love song to heartbreak.” The first clip of “Romantic Homicide” earned over 14 million video views, and the song became an even bigger hit than “Here With Me.” Just two months after its July release, “Romantic Homicide” had over 245k video creations, and made waves off the platform, reaching #3 on Billboard’s Hot Alternative Songs chart and #33 on the Hot 100. At the height of the song’s popularity, he shared a cheeky behind-the-scenes video explaining how he made it in a makeshift studio in his sister’s closet.

Now, the Queens, NY native is living his dream–he signed to the same label as his hero Billie Eilish, earned co-signs from SZA and more–and he still continues to post his new music to TikTok. Last week, before he released debut EP, Petals to Thorns, on May 26th, d4vd fed his fans a barrage of TikTok content, performing his new song “The Bridge,” reminiscing about how he made “Here With Me,” and teasing his new collaboration with Laufey.

Check out more recent trends and tidbits from the world of music on TikTok:

• A new trend is using Mandy Moore’s “When Will My Life Begin?” (160K+ creations) from the 2010 Tangled soundtrack and karmaismydog’s “My Cartoon Boyfriend” effect that helps creators determine if the partner they’re with is their soulmate. The effect shuffles through cartoon and animated characters before landing on one. Creators then compare their partners’ appearance to the filter’s result. The effect is often very accurate, suggesting to creators that their soulmate should look like Mulan’s Li Shang, Moana’s Maui, and even, unexpectedly, Megamind.
• Regional Mexican music is thriving on TikTok, helping shed light on the diverse spectrum of sounds that originate in Latin America. Regional Mexican band Fuerza Regida is currently having a moment on the platform with their hit “TQM.” Previewed on TikTok in early May, the song boasts over 114K creations to date. “TQM” soundtracks creators as they show off their makeup skills, unbox their recent luxury purchases, and reveal their outfit of the day. In other recent videos, creators experiment with TikTok’s Que Pesco filter to find out what kind of partners they’re searching for. Fuerza Regida also interacted with the sound on their TikTok page, announcing the release of the official music video. Thanks to a boost from TikTok’s Latin music community, “TQM” earned a top 40 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with over 30 million streams across platforms.
• Returning to the stage for her first tour in five years and recently releasing a deluxe version of Midnights, Taylor Swift is keeping her foot on the gas in the first half of 2023. Creators of #SwiftTok are celebrating Taylor’s return to touring, as two of her songs received a boost on TikTok. Several songs from her Midnights album are trending: “Cruel Summer” (313K+ total creations), which finds creators gearing up to see Taylor perform live; and “Karma” (162K+ creations), where creators and their moms reveal their matching concert outfits. #SwiftTok’s celebration of The Eras Tour and Midnights propelled “Cruel Summer” to the top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Meanwhile, “Karma” is getting second life with its buzzy remix featuring TikTok favorite Ice Spice. With over 4k creations in just five days, “Karma (feat. Ice Spice)” has united two of the platform’s most active fan communities, and has inspired videos comparing Ice’s laid back bars with Taylor’s frenzied vocals. Already at #29 on the Hot 100,” look for “Karma” to rise even higher as the remix continues to gain steam.

Visit TikTok’s Newsroom for more noteworthy stories: newsroom.tiktok.com

For more info, please contact:
Michelle McDevitt, Annjie Houston, Destiny Riley, T’Keyah Hayes, Audible Treats
Leah Linder, TikTok

The Background:

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Their mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Links:

TikTok’s Newsroom: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us

Check out previous editions of TikTok Treats, a weekly newsletter about the most interesting music happenings on TikTok:
TikTok Trends Assemble: Fresh x Reckless, Taylor Swift & Much More
Madonna, Brent Faiyaz, Destroy Lonely & More from Music on TikTok
On TikTok: De La, Bieber, Tank & The Bangas, and More
On TikTok: The “Buddy Holly” Lick, Dogg Transformations, and More
RiRi Returns, Superstar Pride Shines, and TikTok Trends That Prove
On TikTok: Skrillex & Fred Again.., Philly Club, and New Trends From Rising Artists
Grammy Winners, Mariah’s “Wrap,” “Mrs. Right,” and more
Celine Brings It All Back, Tech N9ne Celebrates the Chiefs, Plus More TikTok Music Stories
Pink Floyd’s New Great Gig, PARTYNEXTDOOR’s Sped Up Makeover, & More on TikTok
Miley and Shakira Get Petty, Miguel’s “Sure Thing” Revival, and More TikTok Music Stories
TikTok Welcomes 2023 with Timbaland Jams, K-Pop Bangers, and Multilingual Raps 
Music on TikTok: 21 Savage, Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse, and Ice Spice Headline a Star-Studded Week of Trends
SZA’s ‘SOS’ Signal, Coi and Busta Mash Up, Plus More TikTok Trends to Close Out 2022
Metro & The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Baile Funk and More TikTok Trends to Warm Up The Winter
2022 For You: TikTok’s Top Songs, Artists, and Music Stories of 2022
Blink 182, Lil Yachty, Cardi & GloRilla, and More from Music On TikTok
Taylor Track Reveals, Sam Smith + Kim Petras, and More From Music on TikTok
BLACKPINK, Steve Lacy, and The Smashing Pumpkins Lead a Busy Week of Music on TikTok
On TikTok: ‘Yonce, Yeat, Lizzo, SZA and More
TikTok’s 2021 Music Report: Key Takeaways
TikTok Reveals Top Songs of 2021, Incl. Doja Cat, Coi Leray and More

6.2.2023

TikTok celebrates ten years with BTS, in collaboration with 2023 BTS Festa #10yrsWithBTS

The Announcement:

In 2013 a music phenomenon burst onto the music scene from South Korea. In the ten years that followed, BTS have broken countless barriers, borders, and hearts to become one of the biggest bands in the world. BTS have also been breaking records since they first joined TikTok in 2019, when they instantly became the fastest account to reach 1m followers in the platform’s history (in just 13 hours). They currently have over 59.8m fans globally, are the most-followed TikTok account in Korea, and are currently the most searched-for music artist on TikTok worldwide.

Today, TikTok is very proud to announce a collaboration with BTS 10th Anniversary FESTA (2023 BTS FESTA), the annual celebration of all things BTS. TikTok will be celebrating the band’s major milestone via a series of events and campaigns, including a #10yrsWithBTS hashtag challenge and unique effect, a community-created compilation video as well as unique and exclusive footage to support the group’s upcoming new single; all designed to celebrate ten years of BTS together with their global community of almost 60 million followers on the platform.

For the ARMY, TikTok is the place to celebrate with the band and fellow fans over the next few weeks.

• To celebrate 2023 BTS Festa, TikTok has launched a new BTS hashtag challenge and effect. Simply go to #10yrsWithBTS to find out more.
• A compilation video will also be created from the global TikTok community’s creations throughout the campaign period so that ARMY can get the opportunity to be connected with BTS by using #10yrsWithBTS when creating to TikTok.
• TikTok will be supporting the release of BTS’ forthcoming new single “Take Two” in the #newmusic hub, where the band will be posting exclusive footage celebrating their decade as a group, as well as a special message to fans. To find out more, simply search for #newmusic.
• A very special collaboration between TikTok and 2023 BTS FESTA to be announced in the coming days – stay tuned.

Isabel Quinteros, TikTok‘s global lead, music partnerships, added: “We are incredibly excited to be collaborating with 2023 BTS FESTA to celebrate this incredible milestone on TikTok. We are proud that TikTok is where the global ARMY come together to connect, show their creativity, and celebrate BTS as a community.”

Read more on TikTok’s newsroom: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/tiktok-celebrates-ten-years-with-bts-in-collaboration-with-2023-bts-festa-10-yrswithbts

For TikTok inquiries, please contact:
Michelle McDevitt, Annjie Houston, Destiny Riley, T’Keyah Hayes, Audible Treats
Leah Linder, TikTok

The Background:

TikTok is the world’s go-to platform for music discovery and a launching pad for smash hits by artists of all genres and levels of fame. Empowering its community of creators and music fans, the platform supercharges the discovery process, introducing fans to their new favorite songs and allowing artists to directly engage with listeners. TikTok starts trends that reverberate throughout the culture, the industry, and the charts.

Links:

Read more on TikTok’s newsroom: newsroom.tiktok.com

6.2.2023

Mixtape: Trapland Pat – Professor Trap

The Broward Country Breakout Completes His Hood Curriculum, Serving Infectious Melodies and Spitting Words of Wisdom On His Follow-Up to Last Year’s Trapnificent

Featuring Appearances From Rick Ross, Tee Grizzley, Fredo Bang, Luh Tyler, and More, Professor Trap is Out Now via Bang Biz/Alamo Records

Critical Praise:

“He’s subtly melodic and catchy even outside of the hook. He does the beat justice by making what he grew up with into something new.” – Pitchfork

“”Big Business is the #18 Best Rap Song of 2021–If “Big Business” is any indication, Trapland Pat may well become South Florida’s next rap auteur. In less than two minutes, he deftly connects Broward County’s disparate styles, vibrating at his own zany frequency.” – Passion Of The Weiss

“10 New Miami Rappers To Watch…Trapland Pat is unlike any other act to come out of South Florida. Since 2019, Pat has consistently delivered grimy bars and smooth cadences over an array of trap beats. Over the past three years, the Deerfield Beach native has been feeding his growing fanbase with singles like “Emergency” and “Dealings,” along with four projects: Exit 41, Pak Man, Interstate Baby, and 2020 Vision. (The last two albums were released via Fredo Bang’s imprint Bang Biz Productions/Create Music Group.) In 2021, Trapland Pat dropped his latest project, Thru Da Door, via Bang Biz, featuring collaborations with Kuttem Reese and Members Only rapper Kid Trunks. He’s still pushing his latest single, ‘Boondocks,”‘which dropped last month. However, on Instagram, Pat celebrated the anniversary of his song ‘Big Business’ and teased a potential remix coming later this year.” – Miami New Times

“Over the course of the last few weeks perhaps no one else has hit the scene as hard as Pat…The Florida rapper raps with wide-eyed astonishment, seemingly at his own bars sometimes which become as animated as his facial expressions. To be honest, the sheer confidence Trapland Pat employs on the track here just makes you want to pay attention or risk missing out on something.” – ELEVATOR

“Trapland Pat makes pretty music.” – Stereogum

The Announcement:

Communicating his street lessons using crisp turns of phrase and easygoing melodies, Trapland Pat is wise beyond his years. Taking fools to school with his expert-level wealth of trap knowledge, the Deerfield Beach native shares Professor Trap, his new mixtape. Featuring varied and tuneful production from his running mate PepperJack Zoe, along with other Florida sound architects like 2Side and Dom2groovy, Professor Trap deepens Pat’s tropical mythology, as the artist embraces his region’s signature sound and makes them his own.

Spanning 15 tracks, Professor Trap runs the gamut from sinister, on tracks like the creeping “Z Land” and the recent single “Spoof” ft. Tee Grizzley, to celebratory, on the uptempo rider’s anthem “Hood Star” and the soaring “Top Floor.” At times, the new tape finds Pat embracing his funkier side, on tracks like the speaker-knocking Broward County anthem “Dixie Highway” and the DJ Chose & Hardbody B-Eazy-produced “Where’s Billie Jean,” a soulful collaboration with Pat’s Bang Biz boss. The 24-year-old rapper asserts himself as a major player in his home state’s scene, recruiting rising and veteran Florida stars to spar: Luh Tyler‘s laid back rasp meshes perfectly with Pat’s easygoing croon on “Backstreet,” while The Boss himself, Rick Ross, shows up to bless Pat’s “Big Business (Remix).” Featuring additional appearances from Big Yavo, GT, Loe Shimmy, Lil Toe, and C Stunna, Professor Trap is available everywhere via Bang Biz/Alamo Records.

Professor Trap is the anticipated follow-up to Trapnificent, Pat’s acclaimed 2022 mixtape. Pat’s first release for Bang Biz and Alamo Records, Trapnificent earned praise from Pitchfork, who called the project a “zippy distillation of his regional roots” and said that Pat’s music is “extremely regionally and culturally specific, like so much exciting and promising new rap music.” Trapnificent kept up the momentum from 2021’s Thru The Door, home to “Big Business,” which generated over 10 million streams and earned a spot on Passion Of The Weiss’s list of Best Rap Songs of 2021.

Ready to build on his impressive 2022 and bring his South Florida street raps to a larger audience, Trapland Pat has the goods to be Broward County’s next big star. Professor Trap completes his evolution from student to master. Stay tuned for much more.

Stream Professor Trap: http://TraplandPat.lnk.to/ProfessorTrap

Professor Trap tracklist:

1. Overview (feat. C Stunna)
2. Spoof (feat. Tee Grizzley)
3. Power @ Da Wells (feat. Big Yavo)
4. Real Spill (feat. GT)
5. 5 Hour Layover (feat. Loe Shimmy)
6. Groovy
7. Big Business (feat. Rick Ross)
8. Backstreet (feat. Luh Tyler)
9. Top Floor
10. Dixie Highway
11. Hood Star (feat. Lil Toe)
12. Bond No. 9
13. Inside Looking Out
14. Z Land
15. Where Is (Billie Jean) (feat. Fredo Bang)

Credit: @ShotByJolo

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

Links:

instagram | twitter | facebook | soundcloud | youtube | spotify

Professor Trap: http://TraplandPat.lnk.to/ProfessorTrap

“Spoof” ft. Tee Grizzley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMuu7UriMpc

“Keep It Goin” ft. Lil Toe: https://traplandpat.lnk.to/keepitgoin

“Backstreet” ft. Luh Tyler: https://traplandpat.lnk.to/backstreet / https://youtu.be/LTsd2DzqAWw

“Inside Looking Out”: https://traplandpat.lnk.to/insidelookingout/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V13xXBzlpHs

“Woo”: http://traplandpat.lnk.to/woo / https://youtu.be/GHW-ONXFsb8

“Road 2 Riches”: https://youtu.be/tM0GlOifSVA / https://traplandpat.lnk.to/R2R

“Z-Land”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7DAzti-cuA

“Vibes”: http://traplandpat.lnk.to/Vibes / http://traplandpat.lnk.to/VibesVideo

“Big Business (Remix)” ft. Rick Ross: https://traplandpat.lnk.to/bigbusinessremix

“Mad”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCHLvMwFS7k

Trapnificent: http://traplandpat.lnk.to/Trapnificent

“Astronaut Status” ft. Fredo Bang: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtCcMKvvqWg

“D.O.A.” ft. BIG30: https://youtu.be/iUINiLJTC_0

“Cappin” (Live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBiyYztzMGw

“Losses”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z0FmZ2Sfjk

“Trap Dance”: http://traplandpat.lnk.to/TrapDance / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL2JCj6inD8

“Hellcat” ft. Eli Fross: https://traplandpat.lnk.to/Hellcat / https://youtu.be/R7zRRzOpIV8

“Motions”: http://lnk.to/traplandpat-motions

“Boondocks”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5moVllc-YN8

“Big Business”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7DyEwc3_iU

6.2.2023

Mixtape: J Billz – Streetz Hottest Young’n (Prod. by Pi’erre Bourne)

The Boisterous South Carolina Native Connects With His SossHouse Boss for an Immersive and Speaker-Knocking Set of Southern Rap Tunes

Critical Praise:

“…he raps with a devilish smirk.” – The FADER

The Project:

Gleefully talking smack with a sumptuous Southern drawl, SossHouse rapper J Billz dominates trap tracks with his supersized personality. Teaming up with fellow South Carolina native Pi’erre Bourne, J Billz shares Streetz Hottest Young’n, his new mixtape. Over the course of 13 tracks, J Billz captivates with his slippery and emphatic delivery, injecting charm and gravitas into every bar. Pi’erre complements Billz’s booming bars with boosted low-end and sinister synth, occasionally supplementing with haunting church organ to add a soulful trap flavor. Opening track “Trappin Like A Fool” sets the vibe, with airy keyboard chords and sonorous steel drums floating atop the trampoline 808s.

The Spartanburg, SC native’s Streetz Hottest Young’n tape is firmly located in the trap–with songs on the tape’s first half like “Onion” and pre-release single “Megan Thee Stallion” focusing on how his “25/8” work ethic allowed him to escape his broke circumstances and take command of the streets. On the second half of the tape, J Billz confronts the realities of life in his community, telling a vivid narrative in “Tony Jeff Story Part 1,” and reflecting on his obligations on the touching “Depend On Me”: “I’m bout to rack me up a milli, gotta take care of my family/Break the family curse, I’m the hero, they depend on me,” he spits.

The charismatic J Billz is one of the standout stars of Pi’erre Bourne’s SossHouse label. Last year, the SC stunner popped out in Seattle for “Fresh Off The Plane,” and earned praise from The FADER for his symphonic trap banger “Everywhere We Go.” Streetz Hottest Young’n follows up previous J Billz releases, THE MIDDLE CHILD and Home Detention.

The release of Streetz Hottest Young’n continues a busy spring for the imprint, featuring several consecutive albums, all produced in full by Pi’erre Bourne. SossHouse Spring started in early May with Frazier Trill‘s mixtape Still Trapp’n, continued with Chavo’s mixtape, Chavo’s World 3, featuring guest spots from Veeze and Pi’erre himself, and the aquatic effort from Sharc, titled Sharc Wave. Stay tuned next week, as SossHouse Spring continues with Detroit rhymer Kura‘s upcoming Born Seditionary.

Stream Streetz Hottest Young’n: http://ingrv.es/streetz-hottest-young-e24-i

Streetz Hottest Young’n tracklist:

1. Trappin Like A Fool
2. Onion
3. Pick Today
4. War With Us
5. Steppas
6. Fuxk Dat
7. Megan Thee Stallion
8. Kreepin
9. Tony Jeff Story Part 1
10. Depend On Me
11. Back To Trappin
12. Best Of Me
13. Opp N****z

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

Links:

instagram | youtube | spotify

Streetz Hottest Young’n: http://ingrv.es/streetz-hottest-young-e24-i

“Megan Thee Stallion” (Prod. by Pi’erre Bourne): https://youtu.be/k4hF-8CXvF8

“Fresh Off The Plane” (Prod. by Pi’erre Bourne): https://ffm.to/freshofftheplane / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KUKKyQp4qc

“Everywhere I Go” (Prod. by Pi’erre Bourne): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwqdHWfFgcA

6.2.2023

Video: Rot Ken – “Walk Em Down”

The Internet Money/BoyMeetSpace Riser Asks Listeners to Walk a Mile in His Shoes on New Single

Critical Praise:

“With each release…it’s evident that Ken’s artistry has gotten more divine with time.” – XXL

“His most recent offering “007” is definitely going to have you bobbing your head and realizing why he’s beginning to gain some much-deserved traction with his music.” – Lyrical Lemonade

“Touting hard-hitting 808s and iridescent ad-libs, Ken’s passionate vocals are the star of the show, coming through with waves of self-reflective depth and power to overcome the adversity he faces.” – Our Generation Music

The Video:

Separating himself from the pack with his chilling lyricism and emotive tenor, Rot Ken has a natural gift for expression. Returning to expose the parasitic relationships and fake friends plaguing his peace since his return from prison last summer, Rot Ken shares “Walk Em Down,” his brand new video single. Produced by Chrismade, Ike, Prodkutoff, Spaceman, and Taz Taylor, “Walk Em Down” mixes the chilling airiness of Ken’s echoing vocals with sharp, biting piano riffs before whipping it into a trap frenzy with hurried percussion. With a masterful control of his ever-evolving melody, Ken launches onto the beat like he can hardly contain himself, as he vents: “I’m on a journey right now, might just go off the map/I said my shooter walk ‘em down, he walk ‘em down with a smile/I’ve been going through some pain and it’s been hurting for a while/Never ask if Kenny is okay but they want me to help ‘em out.”

Arriving with a music video directed by Rich Porter, “Walk Em Down” arrives as Ken’s third new single of 2023, following March’s “Bleed About It” and April’s “Miracle” ft. Young Nudy. The three-pack of spring singles continue the momentum Ken kicked off with his December project, Yahweh Child. On Yahweh Child, the young rapper rains down triplet flows and searing hooks like manna from heaven over a complement of state-of-the-art Internet Money and BoyMeetSpace instrumentals. Home to fiery singles like “Mask On“ (1.3 million Spotify streams) and “No Mind” (1.5 million Spotify streams), Yahweh Child is available everywhere via BoyMeetSpace / Internet Money / 10K Projects.

Rot Ken made a name for himself in 2022 as one of the Georgia trap scene’s hottest up-and-comers. Yahweh Child is the follow-up to May’s Free Me, a 17-track project that showed his range, and demonstrated his singular ability to cut through immersive production with effervescent flows. The Augusta native’s project featured underground hits like “Baby Choppa“ (1.8 million Spotify streams), “Heartbreak Kid“ (1.7 million Spotify streams), and “Beautiful,” a collaboration with SoFaygo that racked up over 4.1 million Spotify streams. With additional appearances from Kalan.FrFr, Hunxho, and 21 Lil Harold, the 17-track Free Me project is available everywhere now.

Focused firmly on the future and with some of the best producers in the game in his corner, there’s no stopping Rot Ken’s rise to the top of the rap game. Stay tuned for much more.

Stream “Walk Em Down”: https://RotKen.lnk.to/WalkEmDown

Watch “Walk Em Down”: https://youtu.be/zQr_RBqX8Sk

Photo Credit: Clifford Edwards “Man Films” @man_films

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

The Background:

Rot Ken is a rapper with a rare eye for the little details. Fueled by a childhood watching music videos on his family television, the Georgia rapper has a widescreen, auteurist understanding of rap that’s stuck with him to this day. His recent album Free Me is full of tracks that foreground arresting sensory images and establish Rot Ken as a stylist with few parallels. Growing up in Augusta, music came at a point in Rot Ken’s life when he needed a constructive distraction. Even at his earliest stages as an artist, it was clear that he was able to channel the pain and strife of his environment into songs that are vibrant and original. Though the momentum he was beginning to build seemed stalled, in late 2021, by a stint behind bars, Rot Ken came out of that situation stronger than ever. Now affiliated with the Taz Taylor-helmed Internet Money collective as well as the producer JetsonMade’s Boy Meets Space crew, Rot Ken announced his return with Free Me, a deliriously versatile showcase of his varied interests. From the emotional bloodletting of “Baby Choppa” to the entrancing, syrupy SoFaygo collaboration “Beautiful,” Rot Ken reveals just how adaptive his flows and pen have become. Since coming home, he’s spent nearly every day in the studio, where he aims to craft songs that connect with mass audiences while revealing the specifics of his own story—songs that, it should be obvious to anyone who hears them, are fit for the biggest screens imaginable.

Links:

instagram | spotify | soundcloud | youtube | twitter

“Walk Em Down”: https://youtu.be/zQr_RBqX8Sk / https://RotKen.lnk.to/WalkEmDown

“Miracle” ft. Young Nudy: https://rotken.lnk.to/Miracle

“Bleed About It”: https://rotken.lnk.to/BleedAboutIt

“Yea Yea” ft. Yung Sinn: https://youtu.be/rseVWQneMdY

“Solo”: https://youtu.be/RCn1_83GWWo

Yahweh Child: https://rotken.lnk.to/yahwehchild

“Mask On”: https://youtu.be/U0ykoB-8r1w

“Heartless”: https://RotKen.lnk.to/heartless / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVj56Ub8TUc

“Moshpit” ft. Anti Da Menace: https://youtu.be/0c3oK4zP_pg

“No Mind”: https://youtu.be/VCSEv_vnYnE

“Foreign”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyK0e9qbJeA

“Rollin”: https://rotken.lnk.to/rollin

Free Me: https://rotken.lnk.to/freeme

6.5.2023

Video: Key Glock – “In And Outta Town” (Prod. by Hitkidd & Bandplay)

The Paper Route Empire Superstar Shares His First New Song Since His Billboard Top 15 Album Glockoma 2

The Video:

Flexing since he came out the womb, Memphis heavy-hitter Key Glock is always on the move. Hopping in his turquoise Rolls Royce, the Paper Route Empire rapper shares “In And Outta Town,” his new video from February’s Glockoma 2 project. Produced by PRE’s own Bandplay and Memphis maestro Hitkidd, “In And Outta Town” builds on a clipped bassline and thumping Tennessee trap percussion, leaving space for Glizzock to lock in and talk his smack: “Don’t tell me to slide, I been out here for a long time/These n****s porcupines, backstab ya and that is not my kind.” In the video, Glock and some of his PRE brethren, including Kenny Muney, take a break from the sold out “Glockoma 2 Tour.” Riding around in his Rolls Royce Dawn convertible, Glock and his boys ride to the studio, as Glock gets fresh new ink.

Released in February, Glockoma 2 spans 15 tracks with no features, boasting street hits like “Work,” “Dirt,” and “Chromosomes.” The hard-hitting tape debuted at #13 on the Billboard 200. This Spring, Key Glock launched the “SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation Presents: Key Glock – Glockoma Tour,” featuring support from NC riser TiaCorine, Glock’s Paper Route Empire brethren Kenny Muney and Jay Fizzle, and Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug. The “Glockoma Tour” criss-crossed the country with dozens of sold out dates. Glock recently paid tribute to his mentor Young Dolph with the “Love For The Streets Celebrity Car Show,” hosted by PRE and DJ Envy, which occurred in Memphis over Memorial Day Weekend, and included the final stop of the DOLPHLAND Museum.

Stay tuned for much more from Key Glock in the coming weeks and months.

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

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

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

“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

“Work”: https://music.empi.re/work

Buy tickets for Key Glock’s “The Glockoma Tour Presented by SiriusXM’s HipHopNation”: keyglock.com

“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

“I Be”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roXenoChtzM

“Diapers”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u6L-ykSLPU

“712AM” (Freestyle): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-KtdEIHOVo

“No Choice”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8iqVXdYMmE

“Ambition For Cash” (Acoustic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7MKx1F5mus

“Grammys”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xNNPUy8Zmw

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

Buy Key Glock concert tix: https://www.keyglock.com/

“Pain Killers”: https://youtu.be/P_JwzVsv5Ps

Key Glock – Yellow Tape 2: http://music.empi.re/yellowtape2

“Proud”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NeFPEAu9CA

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

6.29.2022

Sueños Music Festival ’23: Sunday Recap

Chicago’s Latin Music Festival Ends in Style, Bringing a Rousing Set From Grupo Firme, Powerhouse Performances from Nicky Jam and Myke Towers, Plus Sets from Becky G, Eladio Carrión, Young Miko, Junior H, and More

(Photo credit: Sueños)

CRITICAL PRAISE:

“Sueños, named after the Spanish word for dreams, drew a wide spectrum from Chicago’s Latino community. Whether the music featured hard-driving beats from the Dominican Republic or accordion melodies from Mexico, the crowd — with groups of friends, family members, singles and couples, all mostly under age 40 — seemed to know every word to the songs.” – The Chicago Tribune

“…the joy and enthusiasm among fans was unmistakable. There is something very exciting about reggaetón and Latin trap—genres that have become global sensations over the last few years—being blasted throughout downtown Chicago. You don’t need to understand Spanish to feel the passion and pride of all the music showcased at Sueños.” – Chicago Sun Times

THE RECAP:

The second annual Sueños Music Festival was a beautiful celebration of the bonds and strengths of the Latino community that transcend borders. Fans from across the US and the globe filled Grant Park with buenas vibras, amazing outfits, and epic singalongs that reverberated across downtown Chicago and the shores of Lake Michigan. Sueños’ successful sophomore act cemented the festival as an institution for Latin music and culture.

The kings of regional Mexican music closed out the festival with style and power, as Grupo Firme took the stage to deafening roars and a sea of Mexican flags waving throughout the crowd. Backed by a lively 18 piece band, lead singer Eduin Cazares serenaded fans with pitch perfect vocals and jumped into the crowd to embrace the fans. The night’s first headliner Nicky Jam lit the crowd up with long-standing hits, inspiring mucho perreo and crowd singalongs. Earlier in the evening, Myke Towers brought the vibras with his signature blend of reggaeton meets R&B, Becky G served pop superstardom with perfect choreography and a full, live band and Eladio Carrión performed tracks off his latest album, 3men2 Kbrn. Fans arrived early and in droves to watch rising Mexican star Junior H perform his flavor of corridos tumbados. Colombia’s Ryan Castro got the crowd moving with his reggaeton flair and Puerto Rican rapera Young Miko brought 2022’s Trap Kitty to life. Elsewhere in the festival, Jhayco was spotted serving up drinks to VIP festival goers at the CÎROC bar.

Proudly produced by the teams behind Baja Beach Fest and Lollapalooza, 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 features a curated selection of Chicago’s best Latin food, art installations, a ferris wheel, multiple bars, and specialty cocktail lounges, and much more.

Check out highlights from the second annual Sueños below, and follow Sueños on Instagram for the latest updates.

Check the Day 1 recap video here.

View photos and video from the festival in this Dropbox. (Please credit Sueños / @photographer)

Contact:

Media Contacts:

suenos@audibletreats.com
press@c3presents.com

GRUPO FIRME

Tijuana’s favorite banda provides a fitting finale for the second annual Sueños
(Photo credit: Sueños / @FRANKIEVERGARA_)

(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

NICKY JAM

The Puerto Rican performer draws from a two decades-worth catalog of reggaeton smashes
(Photo credit: Sueños / @FRANKIEVERGARA_)

(Photo credit: Sueños / @FRANKIEVERGARA_)

BECKY G

The Mexican-American pop princess brings the heat
(Photo credit: Sueños / @FRANKIEVERGARA_)

(Photo credit: Sueños / @FRANKIEVERGARA_)

MYKE TOWERS

Myke Towers performs his signature blend of hip-hop, R&B, and reggaeton
(Photo credit: Sueños / @FRANKIEVERGARA_)

ELADIO CARRIÓN

A native midwesterner, born in Kansas City, MO, Eladio thrives in Central Time
(Photo credit: Sueños / @FRANKIEVERGARA_)

YOUNG MIKO

Co-signed by Karol G and a recent collaborator of Feid, Young Miko proves she belongs on the Latin Music A-List (Photo credit: Sueños / @DIEGOGUILLEN)

JUNIOR H

Mexican artist Junior H rose to popularity with his incendiary trap corridos
(Photo credit: Sueños / @EL_MATZU)

RYAN CASTRO

The Colombian singer shows off his golden pipes (Photo credit: Sueños / @FRANKIEVERGARA_)

SORRY PAPI

The SORRY PAPI Lounge is a “girls-only” compound that features hair braiding, face jewels, make-up touch-ups, photo ops, and a live feed of the festival stage. (Photo credit: Sueños / @AIMEEBRINGAS)

(Photo credit: Sueños / @AIMEEBRINGAS)

SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL

(Photo credit: Sueños)

(Photo credit: Sueños / @FRANKIEVERGARA_)

(Photo credit: Sueños )

(Photo credit: Sueños )

(Photo credit: Sueños )

Links:

official website | instagram | facebook | twitter

5.28.2022

Sueños Music Festival ’23: Saturday Recap

Sueños Returns For Its Second Festival, Bringing Beautiful Weather and Performances From Legendary Duo Wisin Y Yandel, Red Hot Reggaetonero Feid, Icons like Arcangel, Chencho Corleone, and El Alfa “El Jefe,” Plus a Coronation for the Legendary Ivy Queen

(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

CRITICAL PRAISE:

“Sueños, named after the Spanish word for dreams, drew a wide spectrum from Chicago’s Latino community. Whether the music featured hard-driving beats from the Dominican Republic or accordion melodies from Mexico, the crowd — with groups of friends, family members, singles and couples, all mostly under age 40 — seemed to know every word to the songs.” – The Chicago Tribune

“…the joy and enthusiasm among fans was unmistakable. There is something very exciting about reggaetón and Latin trap—genres that have become global sensations over the last few years—being blasted throughout downtown Chicago. You don’t need to understand Spanish to feel the passion and pride of all the music showcased at Sueños.” – Chicago Sun Times

THE RECAP:

The highly anticipated return of Sueños Music Festival’s second edition didn’t disappoint, bringing amazing weather, incomparable vibes, and extraordinary performances. Nestled in Chicago’s picturesque Grant Park, the celebration of Latin music and culture showcased the vibrancy and diversity of the artists and the community.

Superstar legends Wisin Y Yandel performed hit after hit from their deep catalog – “Ahora Es,” “El Telefono,” and “Noche De Sexo” had fans singing along word for word. The crowd shook when they brought out the night’s first headliner, Feid, to perform “Yandel 150,” his collaboration with Yandel. Feid’s performance set the tone for the night with his fiery headlining set, showing why he is the reggaetonero of the moment.

Earlier in the day, Arcangel instigated some perreo intenso, and Chencho Corleone surprised fans with the debut of an unreleased single. The Dembow don El Alfa entranced the crowd with “La Mamá de la Mamá” and other hits, while Ivy Queen delivered an iconic set that left no doubt as to why she is known as La Reina de Reggaeton. Paopao melded reggaeton with alt-pop, while regional Mexican riser Gera MX and local favorite DJ Miriam rounded out the first day of the festival.

Proudly produced by the teams behind Baja Beach Fest and Lollapalooza, 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 features a curated selection of Chicago’s best Latin food, art installations, a ferris wheel, multiple bars, and specialty cocktail lounges, and much more.

Check out highlights from the second annual Sueños below, and follow Sueños on Instagram for the latest updates.

View a full complement of photos from the festival at this Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/onv3r47smy2usmkg3u9bn/h?dl=0&rlkey=bsja3jil2y1vrgyp1axhtprbr (Please credit Sueños / @photographer)

Contact:

Media Contacts:

suenos@audibletreats.com
press@c3presents.com

WISIN Y YANDEL

The reggaeton kings continue “La Última Misión” at Sueños
(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

Feid joins Wisin Y Yandel onstage
(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

FEID

The performer also known as “FERXXO” is one of reggaeton’s hottest stars
(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

EL ALFA

Dembow jefe El Alfa brings the relentless bass and rapidfire rhymes for which he’s known
(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

ARCANGEL

The Latin trap pioneer brings the house down
(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

CHENCHO CORLEONE

Formerly a member of trailblazing reggaeton duo Plan B, Chencho scored a Top 10 hit with his Bad Bunny collaboration “Me Porto Bonito” (Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

IVY QUEEN

“La Reina” reigns supreme, performing classic hits for an adoring crowd
(Photo credit: Sueños / @el_matzu)

GERA MX

The red hot Mexican rapper struts his stuff
(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

paopao

The Puerto Rican songwriter and artist showcased her range
(Photo credit: Sueños / @frankievergara_)

SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL

(Photo credit: Sueños / @diegoguillen)

(Photo credit: Sueños / @diegoguillen)

(Photo credit: Sueños / @diegoguillen)

(Photo credit: Sueños / @diegoguillen)

Links:

official website | instagram | facebook | twitter

5.31.2023

Trapland Pat Recruits Detroit’s Tee Grizzley For Hard-Hitting “Spoof” Single, Out Now

“Spoof” Music Video Drops at 5pm ET

“Spoof” Will Appear on Professor Trap, Pat’s Next Mixtape, Coming June 2nd via Bang Biz/Alamo Records

The Broward Breakout’s Next Project Features Appearances From Rick Ross, Luh Tyler, His Bang Biz Boss Fredo Bang, Peezy, and More

Critical Praise:

“He’s subtly melodic and catchy even outside of the hook. He does the beat justice by making what he grew up with into something new.” – Pitchfork

“”Big Business is the #18 Best Rap Song of 2021–If “Big Business” is any indication, Trapland Pat may well become South Florida’s next rap auteur. In less than two minutes, he deftly connects Broward County’s disparate styles, vibrating at his own zany frequency.” – Passion Of The Weiss

“10 New Miami Rappers To Watch…Trapland Pat is unlike any other act to come out of South Florida. Since 2019, Pat has consistently delivered grimy bars and smooth cadences over an array of trap beats. Over the past three years, the Deerfield Beach native has been feeding his growing fanbase with singles like “Emergency” and “Dealings,” along with four projects: Exit 41, Pak Man, Interstate Baby, and 2020 Vision. (The last two albums were released via Fredo Bang’s imprint Bang Biz Productions/Create Music Group.) In 2021, Trapland Pat dropped his latest project, Thru Da Door, via Bang Biz, featuring collaborations with Kuttem Reese and Members Only rapper Kid Trunks. He’s still pushing his latest single, ‘Boondocks,”‘which dropped last month. However, on Instagram, Pat celebrated the anniversary of his song ‘Big Business’ and teased a potential remix coming later this year.” – Miami New Times

“Over the course of the last few weeks perhaps no one else has hit the scene as hard as Pat…The Florida rapper raps with wide-eyed astonishment, seemingly at his own bars sometimes which become as animated as his facial expressions. To be honest, the sheer confidence Trapland Pat employs on the track here just makes you want to pay attention or risk missing out on something.” – ELEVATOR

“Trapland Pat makes pretty music.” – Stereogum

The Announcement:

Trapland Pat‘s wide-eyed charisma and gently melodic flow have established him as one of South Florida’s most exciting young emcees. Preparing for the release of his upcoming Professor Trap mixtape, Pat shares “Spoof,” a cross-regional collaboration with Detroit heavy-hitter Tee Grizzley. Produced by frequent collaborator 2Side, “Spoof” is an exuberant and thumping anthem for the hitters, inviting each rapper to lock into the beat with their signature styles. Pat leans into his intensity, picking up the pace with rising melody as he elevates his flexes: “Went and got some property through the realtor, coulda got a car/The way these n****s really make wishes, they just seen a star,” spits Pat. For his part, Tee Grizzley proves he’s a beast in his city, and assures that he always keeps his homies fed. In the video, directed by Pat’s frequent shooter ShotByJolo, Trapland Pat and Tee Grizzley connect in Detroit, as the Florida favorite adapts admirably to the weather, rocking an Isiah Thomas Pistons jersey and a Bape winter coat. Watch the “Spoof” video at 5pm ET on Trapland Pat’s YouTube.

This week, class is in session with Professor Trap, the new mixtape by Trapland Pat. The tape gives a home to standout singles like the effortlessly funky “Backstreet” ft. Luh Tyler, the sinister “Z Land,” and the “Big Business” (Remix), which adds a verse from Rick Ross to Pat’s 2021 breakout hit. Featuring additional appearances from Big Yavo, G.T., and Pat’s Bang Biz label boss Fredo Bang, Professor Trap hits the streets on June 2nd via Bang Biz./Alamo Records.

The upcoming Professor Trap is the anticipated follow-up to Trapnificent, Pat’s acclaimed 2022 mixtape. Pat’s first release for Bang Biz and Alamo Records, Trapnificent earned praise from Pitchfork, who called the project a “zippy distillation of his regional roots” and said that Pat’s music is “extremely regionally and culturally specific, like so much exciting and promising new rap music.” Trapnificent kept up the momentum from 2021’s Thru The Door, home to “Big Business,” which generated over 10 million streams and earned a spot on Passion Of The Weiss’s list of Best Rap Songs of 2021.

Ready to build on his impressive 2022 and bring his South Florida street raps to a larger audience, Trapland Pat has the goods to be Broward County’s next big star. Stay tuned for Professor Trap, coming very soon.

Watch “Spoof” ft. Tee Grizzley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMuu7UriMpc

Stream “Spoof” ft. Tee Grizzley: https://TraplandPat.lnk.to/Spoof

Professor Trap tracklist:

1. Overview (feat. C Stunna)
2. Spoof (feat. Tee Grizzley)
3. Power @ Da Wells (feat. Big Yavo)
4. Real Spill (feat. GT)
5. 5 Hour Layover (feat. Loe Shimmy)
6. Groovy
7. Big Business (feat. Rick Ross)
8. Backstreet (feat. Luh Tyler)
9. Top Floor
10. Dixie Highway
11. Hood Star (feat. Lil Toe)
12. Bond No. 9
13. Inside Looking Out
14. Z Land
15. Where Is (Billie Jean) (feat. Fredo Bang)

Credit: @ShotByJolo

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

Links:

instagram | twitter | facebook | soundcloud | youtube | spotify

“Spoof” ft. Tee Grizzley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMuu7UriMpc

“Inside Looking Out”: https://traplandpat.lnk.to/insidelookingout/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V13xXBzlpHs

“Woo”: http://traplandpat.lnk.to/woo / https://youtu.be/GHW-ONXFsb8

“Road 2 Riches”: https://youtu.be/tM0GlOifSVA / https://traplandpat.lnk.to/R2R

“Z-Land”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7DAzti-cuA

“Vibes”: http://traplandpat.lnk.to/Vibes / http://traplandpat.lnk.to/VibesVideo

“Big Business (Remix)” ft. Rick Ross: https://traplandpat.lnk.to/bigbusinessremix

“Mad”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCHLvMwFS7k

Trapnificent: http://traplandpat.lnk.to/Trapnificent

“Astronaut Status” ft. Fredo Bang: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtCcMKvvqWg

“D.O.A.” ft. BIG30: https://youtu.be/iUINiLJTC_0

“Cappin” (Live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBiyYztzMGw

“Losses”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z0FmZ2Sfjk

“Trap Dance”: http://traplandpat.lnk.to/TrapDance / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL2JCj6inD8

“Hellcat” ft. Eli Fross: https://traplandpat.lnk.to/Hellcat / https://youtu.be/R7zRRzOpIV8

“Motions”: http://lnk.to/traplandpat-motions

“Boondocks”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5moVllc-YN8

“Big Business”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7DyEwc3_iU

5.26.2023

Audio: Sexyy Red & Nicki Minaj – “Pound Town 2” (Prod. by Tay Keith)

The X-Rated Song of the Summer Gets a Royal Remix, as the Queen Puts Her Stamp on the Tay Keith-Produced Hit

Sexyy Red’s Original “Pound Town” Continues to Rise, With Over 15 Million On-Demand Streams and Over 10 Million Combined YouTube Views to Date

Critical Praise:

“St. Louis rapper Sexyy Red has been delivering raunchy singles over the past three years, turning herself into a quotable local star with songs like “Throw That Mf” and “Hood Bitch.” Yet the MC is primed to break out of the midwest thanks to the X-rated anthem “Pound Town,” with weekly streams for the track starting to soar in recent weeks following the single’s late January release.” – Billboard

“I’d like to imagine Sam Cooke beaming with pride at the creativity of these Black women for turning a song about segregation into an unapologetic twerk anthem.” – Pitchfork

“Known for her raunchy style and unapologetic flow, this viral female MC continues to kick down doors and not give a damn who’s behind them!” – Broadway World

The Remix:

A charismatic and quotable emcee on the rise, St. Louis native Sexyy Red has a song of the summer contender with her X-rated banger “Pound Town,” produced by Tay Keith. Adding a royal element to the fast-rising hit, Sexyy Red connects with the Queen herself, Nicki Minaj, for “Pound Town 2.”

“Pound Town 2”  arrives as the song continues to make waves and set the scene for a Sexyy Summer. The song has over 15 million on-demand streams since its release, and has spent months on Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart, reaching the #1 spot multiple times. Originally released in January, “Pound Town” picked up steam in the subsequent months thanks to the viral #PoundTownChallenge, which helped the song generate over 200k video creations on TikTok. A coterie of high-profile fans tapping in and quoting their favorite lyrics, including Cardi B, Summer Walker, GloRilla, JT of City Girls, Rico Nasty, and TiaCorine.

Sexyy is keeping the hits coming, with the recently released “Female Gucci Mane” single, and an appearance on on the first remix to “Slut Me Out,” the Billboard-charting hit by NLE Choppa

With much more music on deck and a burgeoning fanbase that can’t get enough of her hits, the rising rapper is preparing for a Sexyy Red Summer. Get on board now, before the ship blasts off.

Listen to “Pound Town” (Remix) ft. Nicki Minaj: https://openshiftdistro.lnk.to/poundtown2

Watch “Pound Town”: official video | live video | “Spring Break” video

Photo Credit: @lucamarieg

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

Born and raised in St. Louis, Sexyy Red is one of the hottest rising stars in rap today. Her explicitly quotable hit “Pound Town” has been steadily rising up charts, and she’s earned co-signs from the likes of Cardi B, Summer Walker, GloRilla, JT of City Girls, Rico Nasty, and TiaCorine.

“Pound Town” might be her breakthrough moment, but real (dread) heads know that Sexyy Red has been putting in work for a long time. She first turned heads with her gender-flipped remixes of songs like Three 6 Mafia’s “Slob On My Knob” (“Slob On My Ckat“) and Tay-K’s “I Love My Choppa” (“I Love My Nickel“), showing off her knack for crisp turns-of-phrase and eye-popping and viscerally frank bars. Her inventive visuals for songs like “Throwin It” and “Sexyy,” from her 2021 mixtape Ghetto Superstar, helped her build a following on Instagram (307k followers), YouTube (67.5k subscribers), and Twitter (139.4k followers).

Sexyy Red hype reached a fever pitch in the Fall, when she collaborated with Summer Walker on “Sense Dat God Gave You” and with fellow sex positive diva Sukihana on “Born By The River.” Built around a flip of a famous Sam Cooke lyric, the latter song was an impressive statement, earning a glowing review in Pitchfork and prompting an Instagram follow from Drake.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | twitter | tiktok

“Pound Town 2” ft. Nicki Minaj: https://openshiftdistro.lnk.to/poundtown2

“Female Gucci Mane”: https://openshiftdistro.lnk.to/FemaleGucciMane

“Pound Town” (prod. by Tay Keith): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GyvXrxOYK4

“Pound Town” (Spring Break edition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agp7tDPbk0o

“Pound Town” (Live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx7GKCCYLkg

“Born By The River” ft. Sukihana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19YildLFUEU

“Sense Dat God Gave You” (w/ Summer Walker): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPBhdlSSols

5.26.2023

Video: That Mexican OT – “Johnny Dang” ft. Paul Wall & Drodi

Releasing the Full Version of His Viral Snippet, the Texas Rapper Connects With Houston Legends in a Tribute to the City’s Finest Jeweler

Critical Praise:

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

“Bay City, TX rapper That Mexican OT is one of the premier emerging talents coming out of Texas right now.” – Daily Chiefers

The Video:

With his dexterous flow and Texas-sized personality, Bay City’s That Mexican OT annihilates instrumentals with a smile on his face. Shining brighter than a chain full of VVS rocks, OT connects with Texas legend Paul Wall and Freeport, TX rapper Drodi for “Johnny Dang,” his new video single. The song is a tribute to the famed Texas jeweler Johnny Dang, who makes a cameo appearance in the music video.

Teased on socials earlier this month, the snippet for “Johnny Dang” struck a major chord, racking up over 9.8 million views on TikTok and 2.6 million views on Instagram. Weaving between stabs of staccato synth strings, OT dazzles with his fast-paced flow, unfurling tongue-twisting punchlines that demand to be rewound over and over again: “Pop trunk on a hater while we wavin’ goodbye/I’m from Lone Star sippin lean with pecan pie.” Drodi–a frequent collaborator on OT’s including on the breakout hit “La Cobra“–follows with a barrage of flexes, and Paul Wall takes the anchor spot with a vintage verse, giving his stamp of approval to another diamond-clad Texas rapper.

Directed by D Green Filmz and filmed at Johnny Dang’s famed jewelry shop in downtown Houston, the video for “Johnny Dang” is a showcase for OT’s eye-popping charisma. Rocking a bejeweled belt, flashing a 100-carat grin, and wearing his signature cowboy hat, That Mexican OT pours Paul Masson cognac with Johnny, shows off his custom slabs with Paul Wall and Drodi, and kicks it with his homies under a Houston highway.

“Johnny Dang” is the latest in a series of colorful videos that have That Mexican OT buzzing in his home state and beyond. Born and raised in Bay City, a small Texas town located 80 miles south of Houston, That Mexican OT built a massive following on social media with his effervescent charm and undeniable rap talent–along with classic Texas rappers and the traditional Mexican tunes favored by his family, OT grew up idolizing the late Harlem legend Big L. The young rapper has over 265k YouTube subscribers, and his videos often soar to multi-million views. Songs like 2022’s “Hardest Ese Ever” (11 million YouTube views), “La Cobra” (7.2 million views), and “Kick Doe Click” (5.2 million views), along with his 2022 mixtape Nonsense & Mexican Sh*t, established him as one of the Lone Star State’s hottest emcees.

Now signed to Manifest Music, in partnership with Cinematic Music Group and Fee Banks‘ Good Money Global, That Mexican OT is preparing to turn heads with his upcoming project. Stay tuned for many more updates.

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

Stream “Johnny Dang” ft. Drodi & Paul Wall: https://thatmexicanot.lnk.to/JohnnyDang

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | tiktok

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

5.26.2023

Afro Nation Detroit Announces Lineup for Inaugural Festival

Burna Boy and Davido to Headline, Ari Lennox, Latto, Kizz Daniel, P-Square, Coi Leray & More to Perform

The World’s Biggest Afrobeats Festival Hits the Motor City on August 19-20

Afro Nation Brings An A-List Array of Global Talent to a Historic Music City, Offering a Weekend Full of the Best in Global African and Black Music 

Sign up at Detroit.afronation.com for Additional Festival Information

Critical Praise:

“Afro Nation events began in Portugal in 2019 and are continuing to grow and expand across the globe as a way to showcase and celebrate Afro-fusion, reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, soca and more Black-led music.” – Billboard

“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

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

“For the festival goers, this year’s event fulfilled the 2-year long draught of social distancing and zero socializing. Social media was a buzz with Instagram reels featuring artist performances, festival fashion, and social engagements by the beach on the beautiful Praia da Rocha beach, just south of Portimão….Now with a second edition taking place in Ghana, this coming December, Afro Nation is yet to see more success.” – MEFeater

The Announcement:

Celebrating Afrobeats, global Black music, and African culture with festivals around the globe, Afro Nation brings fans of all nations together with great vibes and even better music. Today, Afro Nation announces the lineup for Afro Nation Detroit 2023, its next festival in the United States. The festival brings in Burna Boy and Davido, to headline a genre-spanning lineup of heavy-hitters. Featured on the lineup are R&B singer Ari Lennox, Nigerian duo P-Square, ATL rapper Latto, “Players” hitmaker Coi Leray, Nigerian star Kizz Daniel, genre-bending musician Masego, and many more. Presented in partnership with Bedrock, a Detroit-based company, Afro Nation Detroit 2023 arrives on August 19th-20th, 2023 at Bedrock’s Douglass Site in Detroit, Michigan. Tickets are available on Friday, June 2nd at 10am.

Expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees each day from around the globe, Afro Nation Detroit 2023 will feature additional activations and events to honor Detroit’s musical contributions to the world and highlight its connection to present day American, African, and global Black culture and music. The festival offers an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and enduring legacy and to connect with Detroit’s vibrant music and artistic communities.The Douglass site is a historically significant housing project in Detroit that was the first federally funded housing project for African Americans in the United States. It was home to icons such as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and other influential African Americans.

The announcement of the Afro Nation Detroit lineup arrives ahead of this weekend’s Afro Nation Miami, the first Afro Nation event in the U.S. The inaugural Miami festival highlights the best in Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, amapiano, and other Black-led musical genres. Headlined by Afrobeats giants Burna Boy and WizKid, and featuring a powerful lineup of artists from Africa, the Caribbean, and across the globe, Afro Nation Miami touches down at loanDepot Park this weekend, May 27 & 28, 2023.

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.

Sign up at Detroit.afronation.com for updates on headliners, ticket options and additional festival information

Access the Afro Nation Detroit press application HERE

Watch the Afro Nation 2022 Recap Video HERE

Keep an eye on Afro Nation US’s Instagram for more updates, and all the highlights from Afro Nation Miami 2023.

Afro Nation Detroit 2023 is presented by Bedrock, Event Horizon, SMADE, and Live Nation.

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

The Background:

Launched in 2019 to critical acclaim, Afro Nation is the biggest and best Afrobeats celebration in the world and a fast growing global cultural influence. The events unite the diaspora and deliver something culturally important to a hugely underserved audience. In 2022, 40,000 music lovers attended Afro Nation Portugal to see the biggest names in Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, R&B, Dancehall and Bashment, at one of the most beautiful beach locations on the planet. After finishing 2022 with Afro Nation Ghana (Dec. 29-30), Afro Nation expands even further in 2023, with Miami 2023, its first-ever festival on the continental U.S.

Links:

official site | twitter | instagram

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

5.26.2023

Sueños Music Festival Makes Donations Totaling $220K to Chicago Charitable Organizations

Sueños Provides for New Youth Media Center at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center in Chicago

View Photos from the Grand Opening HERE

Chicago’s Latin Music Festival Returns To Grant Park On May 27-28, 2023

(l to r) Aaron Ampudia – Sueños, Co-Founder, Omar Torres Kortright – SRBCC, Executive Director, Brenda Torres-Figueroa – SRBCC, Education Director (Photo credit: Christian Duran)

The Announcement:

(Chicago, IL – May 26, 2023) – Before its first annual event in Chicago in 2022, Sueños Music Festival displayed its dedication to giving back to the city’s community by donating $220,000 to Chicago charitable organizations serving the city’s Latino population.

Last year, Sueños donated $50,000 to Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC), the largest Latin cultural center in Chicago, to fund the development of a Youth Media Center. Now, Sueños and SRBCC announce the grand opening of the Youth Media Center, plus an additional $50,000 donation to the Center, in the hopes that it will provide space for Chicago’s Latin youth to make their artistic dreams come true. Yesterday, Sueños Festival co-founder Aaron Ampudia of La Familia, attended the ribbon cutting, along with representatives from SRBCC. The new cultural program shows Sueños’s long term commitment to its host city and its vibrant Latin community.

“When we were coming out to Chicago with the festival, the plan was always to be involved in the community,” Aaron Ampudia, co-founder of Sueños, told Billboard. “We want to have a positive impact, it’s not just about the festival. It really comes from the heart and the desire to want to help these places that are doing great work for the community, especially for the youth because they are the future of these communities.”

In addition to its donation to the SRBCC, Sueños announces donations to other Latin organizations dedicated to promoting cultural opportunities for young Latinos and Latinas and to preserving Latin American art.

Sueños donated $50,000 to Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, a Chicago-based nonprofit that advocates for social justice, education reform, healthcare, immigration reform and civic engagement. Through leadership training and coaching, Pilsen Neighbors empowers individuals to enact positive change for themselves, their families and their community. Sueños donated an additional $20,000 to the PNCC’s Latino Legal Institute, providing for the organization’s DACA & Immigration Summit 2023, which updated community members about the legal status of DACA in courts, and provided services and legal advice for those affected. Read more about the DACA Summit HERE, and more about the Latino Legal Fund HERE.

Sueños also made a $50,000 donation to the National Museum of Mexican Art, located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, and an additional $50,000 donation to Chicago’s Puerto Rican Art Alliance.

Returning for its second annual edition, Sueños is a Latin music festival located in Grant Park, in the heart of downtown Chicago. This year’s edition features performances from artists like Grupo Firme, Wisin Y Yandel, Nicky Jam, Feid, and more. Sueños 2023 hits Chicago this weekend, May 27th and May 28th. Buy passes and find more information about the festival at www.suenosmusicfestival.com

View photos from the SRBCC opening event HERE (credit photos to Christian Duran)

Read the article on Billboard: https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/suenos-music-festival-chicago-cultural-center-donation-1235340659/

Ampudia, Torres-Figueroa, and Kortright (Photo credit: Christian Duran)

Sueños co-founder Aaron Ampudia speaks at the Youth Media Center opening
(Photo credit: Christian Duran)

Contact:

Media Contacts:
suenos@audibletreats.com

Links:

official website | instagram | facebook | twitter

5.26.2023

Video: SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – “Super Trap Bros”

Paper Route Empire’s Hottest Duo Assert Their “Super” Status In The Latest Video from BOYZ N THE HOOD Mixtape

Critical Praise: 

“The Memphis natives have dropped a raw and street-heavy collab that champions authenticity.” – HNHH

The Video:

Making waves in Memphis and beyond with their undeniable chemistry and knack for boastful bars, SNUPE BANDZ and PaperRoute Woo recognize the power of teamwork. Taking inspiration from the famed Nintendo duo, Super Mario Bros., the Paper Route Empire artists share “Super Trap Bros,” the latest video from their October album BOYZ N THE HOOD. Over bouncy yet ominous production, SNUPE and Woo detail their trap superpowers: “They can’t see me, cause I’m real hard but I make that sh*t look easy / Water on my body no Fiji.” In the video, complete with Super Smash Bros.-level special effects, Memphis’ super trap bros flex with their crew in front of the Young Dolph mural in their hometown, paying homage to the man who helped them earn their superpowers.

SNUPE and Woo’s Southern synergy is felt throughout the 15 tracks on BOYZ N THE HOOD, released in October. Each artist’s individual strengths shine through brilliantly – on “When I’m Bored,” Woo’s flex-heavy ferocity emerges in rare form, while SNUPE dazzles with his head-turning hooks and clever rhymes on standouts like “Dam Fool.” With high-energy features from Arkansas’ own Bankroll Freddie and the crunkstar himself, Duke Deuce, BOYZ N THE HOOD continues a new era of dominance for Paper Route Empire.

Stay tuned for more from Woo and SNUPE as the year moves along.

Watch “Super Trap Bros”: https://youtu.be/RaVq7EUHA9o

Buy/Stream BOYZ N THE HOOD: https://music.empi.re/boyznthehoodpre

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

Links:

SNUPE BANDZ: instagram | youtube | spotify
PaperRoute Woo: instagram | youtube | spotify

SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – “Super Trap Bros”: https://youtu.be/KFSgtEXQExc

SNUPE BANDZ – “Bigger Dreams”: https://youtu.be/zAokUkTuxe8

SNUPE BANDZ – “Green Beam” ft. Bankroll Freddie: https://youtu.be/G-Ab_UffFPY

SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – “Team Player”: https://youtu.be/agSdQgMVmFU

SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – “Pop Out” ft. Duke Deuce: https://youtu.be/QPxfEcD6nB4

SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – “When I’m Bored”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9tiEEbnUxI

SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – “Mold Me”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQGD5wjp7oE

SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – BOYZ N THE HOOD: https://music.empi.re/boyznthehoodpre

SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – “Loyal”: https://youtu.be/1DeO4roCyBo

SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – “Straight Like That”: https://youtu.be/esl5UFsIbxc

SNUPE BANDZ & PaperRoute Woo – “Dam Fool”: https://youtu.be/1hUrR2NW9Vk

SNUPE BANDZ – “Barnacle Boy”: https://youtu.be/NF3u3sA7p8E

PaperRoute Woo – “Made It Happen”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXpU4-3tzek

PaperRoute Woo – “Fully Equipt”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYAZ6KN28GM

SNUPE BANDZ – “I Know Why”: https://youtu.be/ttxs9nPIh-4

Joddy Badass ft. SNUPE BANDZ – “I Like”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMZrwPCr7R4

Paper Route Empire Presents: Long Live Dolph: https://music.empi.re/longliveyoungdolph

PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi: https://music.empi.re/preilluminati

5.26.2023

Song: $NOT – “Easter Pink“

The 25-Year-Old Artist Pontificates Over a Lush Guitar Instrumental on His First New Single of 2023

Critical Praise:

“At a certain point, all these moments added up to one undeniable fact: $NOT is a legitimate star who makes music that will find its way to the ears of millions, no matter where it’s shared on the internet.” – Complex

“The rapper and singer has been one of hip-hop’s most exciting, charismatic and likable young guns for nearly three years now…But musically, Ethereal may be his finest chapter yet: alternately dark and light, dreamy and menacing, dismissive and romantic, evoking angels, demons, winter and summertime.” – GQ

“He’s well on his way to being one of the next independent rappers to make a mainstream splash… $NOT’s got a very particular kind of charisma, and one single at a time, everything’s clicking.” – Pigeons & Planes

“Over the years, $not has evolved from an experimental ASMR-type artist to a distinctive lyricist who’s destined to lead the new wave of the SoundCloud era.” – Miami New Times (cover story)

“Beautiful Havoc presents a spectrum of ever-changing moods, reflecting the binary suggested by its title. The tone is mostly relaxed and casually charismatic, anchored by $NOT’s precise and direct delivery, but there’s a creeping negativity on the margins…There’s enough havoc in the world already—$NOT finds time in his music for more elegant things.” – Pitchfork

“$NOT’s ‘Pressure’ Reveals a Changing Tide in Hip Hop…His nonchalant flow and reserved style does not diminish his dark, heavy lyrics and straight-to-it delivery.” – Teen Vogue

The Song:

Looking out at the world through his tightly-drawn hoodie, $NOT finds little reason to be impressed. Returning to the world of mortals with an invitation to his trippy musical universe, $NOT shares “Easter Pink” via 300 Entertainment. Over shimmering, psychedelic guitar riffs and bold, thumping bass, $NOT sermonizes about cars, killers, loneliness, Nikes, and more in his steadfast, sinister delivery: “I got hella money but it don’t mean nothing/Cause what’s happiness if my brain can’t function/My mental’s all trapped and I can’t feel nothing, I’m running.”

“Easter Pink” arrives as $NOT nears the halfway point of his 33-date “Get Busy Or Die Tour.” With support from Night Lovell, Eem Triplin, and DC The Don, the “Get Busy Or Die Tour” kicked off on May 4th in Orlando, FL, made its way up the West Coast earlier this week, and stops in NYC on June 15th before wrapping up on June 22nd in Nashville, TN.

The new single marks $NOT’s first solo release of 2023, arriving after a banner year in 2022 that helped catapult the New York native’s catalog to over 2 billion total streams. Last February, $NOT shared his project Ethereal, with creative direction by AWGE and appearances from A$AP Rocky, Trippie Redd, Joey Bada$$, Juicy J. The AWGE-directed video for the single “Doja” ft. A$AP Rocky reached YouTube’s trending chart after the audio generated over 10 million combined streams in its first week of release. Powered by a memorable hook that caught the attention of Doja Cat herself, “Doja” premiered at #87 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming $NOT’s first Hot 100 hit as a lead artist.

With the “Get Busy Or Die Tour” fully underway, plenty of music to come, and two billion streams in the bank, keep an eye on the young rapper as he continues to evolve into an icon on his own uncompromising terms.

Stream “Easter Pink”: https://snot.lnk.to/EasterPink

Buy Tickets to the “Get Busy Or Die Tour”: https://snot.xyz/tour

“Get Busy Or Die Tour” Dates:
5/26 Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House and Event Center
5/28 Salt Lake City, UT, The Complex
5/29 Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
5/31 Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha
6/4 Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis, presented by Affinity Plus
6/5 Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
6/7 Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
6/8 Mckees Rocks, PA – Roxian Theatre
6/9 Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
6/12 Montréal, QC – Olympia de Montréal
6/14 Boston, MA – House of Blues
6/15 New York, NY – Irving Plaza
6/17 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
6/18 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
6/20 Charlotte, NC – The Underground
6/21 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
6/22 Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works

For inquiries, please contact

Michelle McDevitt, Audible Treats
Kerry Harrison, Audible Treats

Links:

instagram | twitter | soundcloud | youtube | spotify | merch

“Easter Pink”: https://snot.lnk.to/EasterPink

Tickets for “Get Busy Or Die Tour”: https://snot.xyz/tour

“BENZO”: https://youtu.be/51VT49Z1nX0

Ethereal: https://snot.ffm.to/ethereal

“Doja” ft. A$AP Rocky: https://youtu.be/xiVqKFDqxyg / https://snot.ffm.to/doja

“GO!”: https://youtu.be/XYnMAnZTQu0

“RED”: https://snot.ffm.to/red / https://youtu.be/wYTQ5ELGH-M

Buy $NOT merch: https://www.roseingoodfaith.com/collections/x-not

“Whipski” ft. Lil Skies (dir. by Cole Bennett): https://snot.ffm.to/whipski / https://youtu.be/Et6RbSRQsps

“Life”: https://youtu.be/63DoeeYqHMg

“Sangria” ft. Denzel Curry: https://snot.ffm.to/sangria / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES5vq_385HU

“Like Me” ft. iann dior: https://youtu.be/SA9binN4wJs

“Watch Out”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcXAy94Ou6U

“Who Do I Trust?”: https://youtu.be/c6vWXsSGaiU

Beautiful Havoc: https://snot.ffm.to/beautifulhavoc

“Mean” ft. Flo Milli (dir. by Cole Bennett): https://snot.ffm.to/mean

“Revenge” (dir. by Cole Bennett): https://snot.ffm.to/revenge

Buy $NOT merch: shop.snot.xyz

“Can You Help Me”: https://snot.ffm.to/canyouhelpme

“BERETTA” ft. wifisfuneral: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzHK5M9uoEA

“Moon & Stars” ft. Maggie Lindemann: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHjyKQiuTyg

– TRAGEDY +:  https://snot.ffm.to/tragedy

5.26.2023

FMB DZ Stands Up For Detroit with P Rock Baby Project, Out Now via Fast Money Boyz/EMPIRE

DZ Chops It Up With BabyTron in the “Level Up” Video

Chronicling DZ’s Rise From His Plymouth Road Upbringing, and Featuring Appearances from Icewear Vezzo, Sada Baby, Skilla Baby & More, P Rock Baby Establishes DZ as a Member of Detroit’s Rap Elite

Critical Praise 

“Detroit is arguably the hottest rap region in the U.S. right now, and FMB DZ is one of the foremost street rappers in the city at the moment.” – XXL

“Among the most talented [in Detroit], combining clever wordplay, and a natural ear for beats, with sobering storytelling” – The FADER

“Detroit is on the cusp of dominating the national hip-hop landscape like Atlanta once did, and FMB DZ is one of the city’s strongest talents” – HYPEBEAST

The Album:

Mixing smooth-talking flexes with pearls of street wisdom, FMB DZ radiates the gravitas of one who worked hard for every dollar. Reflecting on his upbringing as he enjoys the fruits of his labor, the Fast Money Boyz rapper shares P Rock Baby, his new album. Spanning 13 tracks, P Rock Baby gets its title from the local term for Plymouth Road, or P Rock, a thoroughfare in Detroit that runs from the heart of downtown out to the suburbs. The street is a microcosm for all that Detroit has to offer, from the city’s largest public pool to Coney Island diners and more.

“P Rock is the place to be in the summertime,” explains FMB DZ. “You’ll see lines 100-200 cars deep of people trying to spend time by the pool, play some basketball, or grill outside. When I was younger, me and my friends would get some pocket change and go get some snacks from the corner store and walk the 2-3 miles to the pool and spend all day there.”

Released as summer approaches, P Rock Baby resembles what it might feel like to gather many of Detroit’s best rappers for a P Rock cookout, with DZ as the soft-spoken, yet authoritative host. DZ’s longtime collaborator Sada Baby, who appears on buzzing pre-release single “Double Headed Dragon,” while he demonstrates an easy chemistry with fellow Eastsider Icewear Vezzo on “Try Me,” and goes toe-to-toe with Skilla Baby and The Glockboy on “With A Bang.“

The tape reverberates with the piano arpeggios and bouncing basslines characteristic of the city’s flourishing rap scene, providing a propulsive backdrop for DZ to reminisce about his youth and revel in his boss lifestyle. Project highlight “Rocktroit” expands on the formula, combining the Detroit sound with ominous guitars and synths and a burbling organ that recall 80s-style arena rock anthems. Recent singles like “Starting 5” and “Wasting Time” dig deep into DZ’s mogul mentality, revealing the ruthless mentality and deep loyalty that earned him a following in his city and the respect of his peers.

“This neighborhood got me ready for life,” says FMB DZ. “I learned about love, betrayal, spending my money, making my money…everything I know I learned on P Rock.”

Along with the album, FMB DZ shares the video for “Level Up,” a P Rock Baby banger featuring BabyTron. Pirouetting above skittering snares and resonant handclaps, the two rappers go punchline-for-punchline, competing with one another to see who  can craft the most outlandish boast. In the video, Detroit takes over Los Angeles, as the Fast Money Boyz and ShittyBoyz chieftains ball out in Beverly Hills, counting dozens of bands and still having money to burn.

Featuring additional appearances from BabyTron, LOM Rudy, and P Rock Sean, P Rock Baby is available everywhere via Fast Money Boyz / EMPIRE.

FMB DZ continues to make waves in Detroit and beyond. Stay tuned for much more from the young OG in the near future.

P Rock Baby: https://music.empi.re/prockbaby

Watch “Level Up” ft. BabyTron: https://youtu.be/wYaAB7Wwwkg

P Rock Baby tracklist:
1. The Show
2. Make Em Feel It
3. Double Headed Dragon ft. Sada Baby
4. Lost Without You
5. Rocktroit
6. Starting 5
7. Mo Money Mo Problems ft. LOM Rudy
8. Wasting Time
9. With A Bang ft. Skilla Baby & The Glockboy
10. Level Up ft. BabyTron
11. Try Me ft. Icewear Vezzo
12. Dear Fans
13. Exit 10 ft. P-Rock Sean

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

The Background

Detroit is going through its latest Rap renaissance with a host of new talented voices emerging across a unified city. FMB DZ is quickly making a bid as one of Motown’s new leaders, with millions of views and listens in a short time. After a 2017 that witnessed three consecutive high-profile independent releases (I Ain’t Gone Lie, Washington DZ and lastly, The Gift), the rags-to-riches rapper is packing more powder in the cannon. With a new EMPIRE partnership, the FastMoneyBoyz Ent flagship artist is giving the fans more music to celebrate amidst his booming career.

Links:

twitter | instagram | soundcloud | spotify

Bio, music, photos, and more available at www.audibletreats.com/fmb-dz

P Rock Baby: https://music.empi.re/prockbaby

“Level Up” ft. BabyTron: https://youtu.be/wYaAB7Wwwkg

“With A Bang” ft. Skilla Baby & The Glockboy:

“Starting 5”: https://youtu.be/fjPKjUBFsko / https://music.empi.re/starting5

“The Show”: https://youtu.be/fjPKjUBFsko

5.29.2022

Afro Nation Miami: Sunday Recap

Wizkid Closes America’s Biggest Celebration of Global African Music and Culture, Headlining a Star-Studded Night Featuring Rema, Fireboy DML, Sech, and More

(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

THE RECAP:

One of the fastest-rising global genres, Afrobeats finally has a proper home in the United States with Afro Nation. Afro Nation’s first event in the US, this weekend’s Afro Nation Miami, which concluded on Sunday, was an ecstatic celebration of the genre, African culture, and Black music of all kinds, featuring an array of the world’s biggest stars. Fans from all over the globe turned out in droves, waving flags and loudly singing along with their favorite hits.

The second day of Afro Nation Miami brought unbeatable star power to loanDepot Park, with production value to match. Appropriately, the night ended with a performance by the Starboy himself, Wizkid, whose energetic and celebratory set, which dug deep into his decade-long catalog of bangers. The performance was highlighted by a rendition of global top ten hit “Essence” and a guest appearance from BNXN on “Mood.” Earlier in the night, Miami welcomed dazzling sets from two of Nigeria’s biggest rising stars: Rema and Fireboy DML. Rema lit up the stage with hits like “Calm Down” and “Woman,” while Fireboy’s widescreen African pop music proved to be a perfect fit for a stadium setting.

Before the sun set, an undercard of extremely talented artists rewarded fans willing to brave the heat. Panamanian reggaetonero Sech displayed his stunning musicality, playing piano and strutting his stuff with a squadron of dancers at his back. Nigerian riser BNXN led the crowd in rousing renditions of hits like “Finesse” and “Kenkele,” before welcoming rising star Libianca to perform her Hot 100 hit “People.” Dancehall queen Shenseea, who later joined Fireboy DML onstage, cooked up some bangers to inspire feverish dancing in the summer swelter. Meanwhile, the Piano People stage spotlighted the ascendant South African genre of amapiano, featuring genre heavy-hitters like Major League Djz, Kama Mphelo, and DBN Gogo.

Now firmly established on American shores, Afro Nation aims to keep expanding, and continues to deliver an event joyous, spectacular, and celebratory enough to give Afrobeats a proper home. Afro Nation’s next stop? Afro Nation Detroit, hitting the Motor City on August 19-20, 2023.

Stay tuned for more announcements about Afro Nation Detroit and more, and follow Afro Nation U.S. on Instagram for in-the-moment updates.

View photos of Afro Nation Miami 2023 (please credit all photos to Afro Nation / @photographer):
Saturday: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mhxuctl8bxioqf0/AAAr4IpYSvHKjbFJ3Qo-fZ0Ra?dl=0
Sunday: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2nfag4yzppbpb2i/AADLFSzgXTJ1Fi_cRYEeRCESa?dl=0

For all other inquiries, please contact Michelle, Kevin, Destiny, or T’Keyah

WIZKID:

Starboy shuts it down like only he can, playing hits from More Love Less Ego, Made In Lagos, and more
(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

REMA:

The “Calm Down” hitmaker shows why he’s an ascendant superstar (Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn)

FIREBOY DML:

Fireboy travels from “Peru” and back as he lights up the stage
(Credit: Afro Nation / @mel.visuals)

Fireboy brought Shenseea back onstage as a special guest (Credit: Afro Nation / @mel.visuals)

SHENSEEA:

Dancehall queen Sheensea cooks up a sizzling set (Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn)

SECH:

A superstar who impresses with his deep musicality, Sech hails from reggaeton’s home country of Panama (Credit: Afro Nation / @a_ciggs)

BNXN:

The rising star draws from his growing bag of hits, leads a sing-along of “Finesse”
(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

BNXN performed with rising star Libianca (pictured), whose hit “People” continues to climb charts
(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

MAJOR LEAGUE DJZ:

The Amapiano duo headlined the Piano People stage (Credit: Afro Nation / @mel.visuals)

DBN GOGO:

South Africa’s DBN GoGo is one of Amapiano’s most promising rising DJs
(Credit: Afro Nation / @a_ciggs)

FRANKGLISH:

The star French rapper (of Congolese descent) struts his stuff at loanDepot Park
(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn_)

TXC:

South African duo TxC shut it down on the Piano People stage
(Credit: Afro Nation / Kenneth Dapaah)

SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL:

The crowd at the Piano People stage (Credit: Afro Nation / @a_ciggs)

(Credit: Afro Nation / Kenneth Dapaah)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @mel.visuals)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @mel.visuals)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @mel.visuals)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

CRITICAL PRAISE:

“Afro Nation events began in Portugal in 2019 and are continuing to grow and expand across the globe as a way to showcase and celebrate Afro-fusion, reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, soca and more Black-led music.” – Billboard

“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

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

“For the festival goers, this year’s event fulfilled the 2-year long draught of social distancing and zero socializing. Social media was a buzz with Instagram reels featuring artist performances, festival fashion, and social engagements by the beach on the beautiful Praia da Rocha beach, just south of Portimão….Now with a second edition taking place in Ghana, this coming December, Afro Nation is yet to see more success.” – MEFeater

THE BACKGROUND:

Launched in 2019 with critical acclaim, Afro Nation is the biggest Afrobeats celebration in the world and a fast growing global cultural influence. The festival was founded by Nigerian creative industry entrepreneurs Obi Asika, and Smade, in association with BBC 1 Xtra. The events unite the diaspora and deliver something culturally important to a hugely underserved audience. In 2022, 40,000 music lovers attended Afro Nation Portugal to see the biggest names in Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Dancehall at one of the most beautiful beach locations on the planet – past artists include Burna Boy, Davido, Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion, Scorpion Kings, Major League DJz and many more. After finishing 2022 with Afro Nation Ghana (Dec. 29-30), Afro Nation is expanding even further in 2023, with Miami 2023, its first-ever festival on the continental U.S.

Links:

website | facebook | twitter | instagram

5.28.2022

Afro Nation Miami: Saturday Recap

Burna Boy Headlines the Sold Out First Day of Afro Nation’s U.S. Debut, Plus Performances from Asake, Mavado, Uncle Waffles, and Many More

(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

THE RECAP:

Afro Nation is the world’s largest celebration of Afrobeats and African culture, uniting the diaspora under the banner of excellent music. Fans from all over the globe flocked to loanDepot park for Afro Nation Miami, the festival brand’s first-ever event in the continental United States. With the stadium roof open and the good vibes flowing, the sold out first day of the event was a smashing success.

Performing in front of 20,000 fans, African giant Burna Boy brought the house down, playing hits from his 2022 album Love, Damini, and earlier classics, welcoming special guest Black Sherif, the Ghanaian drill phenom, and closing the evening with a rousing, crowd-assisted version of “Last Last.” Asake shined in a spotlight set of his own, leading the crowd in energetic sing-alongs of his Mr. Money With The Vibe cuts, and Black Sherif performed a set of his own. Dancehall veteran Mavado, Nigerian riser CKay, and French singer Dadju lifted spirits earlier in the day from the main stage.

Folks looking to dance found an energetic outlet at the Piano People stage, sponsored by Audiomack. The first stage at an Afro Nation festival to spotlight the ascendant South African electronic genre of amapiano, the Piano People stage found notable names like Uncle Waffles, Musa Keys, and Focalistic spinning gold out of shaker intros and log drum breaks.

On Friday night, Afro Nation kicked the weekend off right with an official pre-party at the Oasis Wynwood, a spacious outdoor event space in the heart of one of Miami’s most storied neighborhoods. DJs like Walshy Fire, Chromatic, and Silent Addy set the vibe with Afrobeats, amapiano, dancehall, rap, and R&B hits.

During breaks in the action, fans enjoyed themselves at sponsored lounges and the African food truck courtyard outside. CÎROC featured its newest flavor, Honey Melon, at festival bars, while Hennessy sponsored two of the festival’s VIP lounges: the sky terrace, and the Recess Lounge.

Check back tomorrow for a recap of Afro Nation Miami’s star-studded Sunday, headlined by Wizkid and featuring performances by Rema, Fireboy DML, and more, and follow Afro Nation U.S. on Instagram for in-the-moment updates.

View photos of Afro Nation Miami 2023 Saturday HERE (please credit all photos to Afro Nation / @photographer)

View photos of the Oasis Wynwood pre-party HERE

For all other inquiries, please contact Michelle, Kevin, Destiny, or T’Keyah

BURNA BOY:

The African Giant closes the night with a hit-filled set with a grandeur that befits his artistic stature
(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @a_ciggs)

Burna Boy performs with Black Sherif (Credit: Afro Nation / @a_ciggs)

ASAKE:

Nigeria’s fastest-rising star leads the crowd in singalongs of hits like “PBUY” and “Sungba”
(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @flixz)

MAVADO:

The dancehall don performs a wide-ranging set drawing from his 20-year career
(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn_)

UNCLE WAFFLES:

The South African Amapiano DJ brought the house down as the Piano People stage headliner
(Credit: Afro Nation / @mel.visuals)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @mel.visuals)

DADJU:

The star French singer crosses the Atlantic for a sterling set
(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

BLACK SHERIF:

The Ghanaian drill star turned heads with his signature rapidfire flow
(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn_)

CKAY:

Known for his worldwide hit “Love Nwantiti,” CKay’s standout performance showed his range
(Credit: Afro Nation / @a_ciggs)

NISSI:

The Nigerian riser glows in her regal white dress as she rocks a keytar solo
(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewllyn_)

PIANO PEOPLE STAGE:

MUSA KEYS (Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

FOCALISTIC (Credit: Afro Nation / @flixz)

SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL:

(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn_)

The Piano People crowd (Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

Fans pose with the DRC flag (Credit: Afro Nation / @chrisallmeid)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @a_ciggs)

AFRO NATION WELCOME PARTY @ OASIS WYNWOOD:

(Credit: Afro Nation / @a_ciggs)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn_)

(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn_)

CRITICAL PRAISE:

“Afro Nation events began in Portugal in 2019 and are continuing to grow and expand across the globe as a way to showcase and celebrate Afro-fusion, reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, soca and more Black-led music.” – Billboard

“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

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

“For the festival goers, this year’s event fulfilled the 2-year long draught of social distancing and zero socializing. Social media was a buzz with Instagram reels featuring artist performances, festival fashion, and social engagements by the beach on the beautiful Praia da Rocha beach, just south of Portimão….Now with a second edition taking place in Ghana, this coming December, Afro Nation is yet to see more success.” – MEFeater

THE BACKGROUND:

Launched in 2019 with critical acclaim, Afro Nation is the biggest Afrobeats celebration in the world and a fast growing global cultural influence. The festival was founded by Nigerian creative industry entrepreneurs Obi Asika, and Smade, in association with BBC 1 Xtra. The events unite the diaspora and deliver something culturally important to a hugely underserved audience. In 2022, 40,000 music lovers attended Afro Nation Portugal to see the biggest names in Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Dancehall at one of the most beautiful beach locations on the planet – past artists include Burna Boy, Davido, Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion, Scorpion Kings, Major League DJz and many more. After finishing 2022 with Afro Nation Ghana (Dec. 29-30), Afro Nation is expanding even further in 2023, with Miami 2023, its first-ever festival on the continental U.S.

Links:

website | facebook | twitter | instagram

5.17.2023

TikTok Treats, Week of May 15th

CHINCHILLA’s “Little Girl Gone” Shows How TikTok Can Help Level the Playing Field for Indie Artists, Plus New Trends Featuring Songs by Rich The Kid, Megan Moroney, and More

The News:

Each week, the TikTok Treats newsletter gives a snapshot of the state of music on TikTok, touching on trending hits, emerging artists, superstar moves, ascendant memes, and much more.

TikTok is the ideal platform for independent artists who want to build a loyal audience. British singer-songwriter CHINCHILLA is the latest artist to find out what putting in the legwork on TikTok can do for a career.

Known for her powerful voice and collection of stylish hats, CHINCHILLA made her name on TikTok by showing off that voice (and those hats) by attempting a series of difficult vocal challenges, using songs by the likes of Minnie Riperton and Jessie J.

In April, CHINCHILLA made her biggest impact yet, sharing a snippet her fierce new song “LITTLE GIRL GONE” with a caption reading, “When they walk in and assume you aren’t the producer because you’re a girl,” and reacting with the appropriate angry attitude. The snippet gained major traction on TikTok, generating over 6.8 million video views and prompting CHINCHILLA to move quickly to release the song on all platforms.

With over 114k creations to date, “LITTLE GIRL GONE” has become a go-to anthem for women who are sick and tired of being underestimated, whether they are determined to get fit, dedicated to learning the tricks of a stereotypically male trade, or ready to defy the odds and start a successful small business. For her part, CHINCHILLA has been eagerly promoting the song on her own page, as she processes her rush hour rage on the London Underground, claps back at critics, gives a glimpse of her recording process, and dances along with her youngest fans.

The TikTok success of “LITTLE GIRL GONE” has brought CHINCHILLA the independent success she worked so hard for. Upon its release on April 21, the song racked up 11,000 digital downloads and CHINCHILLA became the first female solo artist to ever reach the top spot on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. She kept the momentum going with a cinematic music video–using TikTok to give her biggest fans behind-the-scenes sneak peeks–and by collaborating with an actual chinchilla. Currently sitting at #1 on Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart, “LITTLE GIRL GONE” shows no signs of slowing down.

Check out more recent trends and tidbits from the world of music on TikTok:

• NYC rapper Jay Eazy has the TikTok community tapping into their performance skills in a fun, yet tasty way. After promoting his viral single “Tomioka” in a clip on his TikTok page in mid-March, Jay sparked a trend of creators rapping the emphatic hook over a meal with friends. Originally previewed on TikTok and released in 2022, “Tomioka” garnered over 393K+ total creations. The trend finds grandparents rapping as they enjoy lunch, creators sharing their dads’ hilarious outtakes while recording, and an indulgent post-prom meal with besties. Jay Eazy also does his part to keep the trend going on TikTok, sharing videos of him and his girlfriend eating at different restaurants and reciting the lyrics. Backed by the support of the TikTok community, “Tomioka” earned a spot on Spotify’s US Viral 50 chart with over 11M+ streams, becoming Jay Eazy’s highest-streamed release to date.
• With her new single “Sleep On My Side” (40K+ creations), country songstress Megan Moroney provides a perfect outlet for the TikTok community to call out their misbehaving exes. While some creators reveal that their ex talked to other girls during their relationship, others let those who’ve experienced unfaithful partners know that they deserve better. On her own account, Megan explains the meaning behind the viral lyrics “I sleep on my side and you sleep with everyone” and warns her future boyfriends not to get on her bad side or they could end up having a song written about them too.
• The beauty community on TikTok continues to be a driving force behind viral sounds, and a recent trend using Rich The Kid’s “New Freezer” has returned that 2017 hit to the conversation. Recently reaching #7 on TikTok’s Trending Songs chart, the song has racked up over 56K+ creations, many coming in just the past two weeks, and has become the soundtrack for a beauty transformation challenge where creators show off their regal prom looks, display their glam makeup skills, and reveal a new, braces-free smile. Rich The Kid also did his part to keep the trend circulating on TikTok, using the catchy hook in his own video to debut a luxurious outfit.

TikTok’s Commercial Music Library continues to evolve the variety and volume of music to fuel branded content creation and support artists worldwide. TikTok today announces the Artist Impact Program via the signing of several distribution partnerships within the Commercial Music Library, which now consists of over 1 million rights-cleared tracks and sounds sourced from an extensive network of partnerships.

You can find the full announcement about the Artist Impact Program and its benefits to brands and musicians via TikTok’s newsroom.

Visit TikTok’s Newsroom for more noteworthy stories: newsroom.tiktok.com

For more info, please contact:
Michelle McDevitt, Annjie Houston, Destiny Riley, T’Keyah Hayes, Audible Treats
Leah Linder, TikTok

The Background:

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Their mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Links:

TikTok’s Newsroom: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us

Check out previous editions of TikTok Treats, a weekly newsletter about the most interesting music happenings on TikTok:
TikTok Trends Assemble: Fresh x Reckless, Taylor Swift & Much More
Madonna, Brent Faiyaz, Destroy Lonely & More from Music on TikTok
On TikTok: De La, Bieber, Tank & The Bangas, and More
On TikTok: The “Buddy Holly” Lick, Dogg Transformations, and More
RiRi Returns, Superstar Pride Shines, and TikTok Trends That Prove
On TikTok: Skrillex & Fred Again.., Philly Club, and New Trends From Rising Artists
Grammy Winners, Mariah’s “Wrap,” “Mrs. Right,” and more
Celine Brings It All Back, Tech N9ne Celebrates the Chiefs, Plus More TikTok Music Stories
Pink Floyd’s New Great Gig, PARTYNEXTDOOR’s Sped Up Makeover, & More on TikTok
Miley and Shakira Get Petty, Miguel’s “Sure Thing” Revival, and More TikTok Music Stories
TikTok Welcomes 2023 with Timbaland Jams, K-Pop Bangers, and Multilingual Raps 
Music on TikTok: 21 Savage, Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse, and Ice Spice Headline a Star-Studded Week of Trends
SZA’s ‘SOS’ Signal, Coi and Busta Mash Up, Plus More TikTok Trends to Close Out 2022
Metro & The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Baile Funk and More TikTok Trends to Warm Up The Winter
2022 For You: TikTok’s Top Songs, Artists, and Music Stories of 2022
Blink 182, Lil Yachty, Cardi & GloRilla, and More from Music On TikTok
Taylor Track Reveals, Sam Smith + Kim Petras, and More From Music on TikTok
BLACKPINK, Steve Lacy, and The Smashing Pumpkins Lead a Busy Week of Music on TikTok
On TikTok: ‘Yonce, Yeat, Lizzo, SZA and More
TikTok’s 2021 Music Report: Key Takeaways
TikTok Reveals Top Songs of 2021, Incl. Doja Cat, Coi Leray and More

5.25.2023

TikTok Treats, Week of May 22nd

#WesAnderson Sparks a Film Score Moment on TikTok, Plus Trends By Nardo Wick, Latto & More

The News:

Each week, the TikTok Treats newsletter gives a snapshot of the state of music on TikTok, touching on trending hits, emerging artists, superstar moves, ascendant memes, and much more.

WIth their ability to pack a lifetime’s worth of emotion into a few short bars or an orchestral flourish, film composers are a director’s best friend. Amateur directors on TikTok have adopted certain pieces from film scores as an audio shorthand for certain trends, whether they’re meant to evoke the film in question or just a similar feeling.

The most notable use of film music in recent weeks comes from Alexander Desplat, a go-to composer for many filmmakers, including oft-imitated auteur Wes Anderson. Desplat’s “Obituary,” from the soundtrack to Anderson’s 2021 film The French Dispatch, became the soundtrack to TikTok’s ubiquitous “Wes Anderson trend.” Using Desplat’s bouncy pizzicato strings and engaging harpsichord melody, TikTok creators lovingly recreate Anderson’s signature style–symmetrical framing, rich color schemes, title cards, fourth-wall breaking looks into the camera–turning a picturesque vacation, a lunch break, or a lifetime of love into a scene straight out of one of his films. “Obituary” has inspired nearly 165k creations, including a memorable video by Tony Hawk, and the #wesanderson tag has over 1.3 billion views.

Desplat’s “Obituary” is far from the only bit of film scoring to inspire TikTok trends in recent weeks. Composer and producer Jon Brion’s score for Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird has spiked in recent weeks. Inspired by the title character’s vibrant and singular personality, the dulcet tones of “Thanksgiving In Sacramento” (29k) is the primary soundtrack to a trend in which TikTok creators discover which flower or fruit (or bread or plant or instrument…) best fits their personality and the personality of their significant other. Though creators are divided on whether their respective elements share an aesthetic, Brion’s gentle woodwinds tie each distinct flavor into a cohesive whole.

Finally, a creepy song from The Hunger Games series accompanies a recent trend using one of TikTok’s artistic AI filters. Last week, a creator named @adorkablejaja used “The Hanging Tree,” composed by the late James Newton Horner and softly sung by Jennifer Lawrence, to soundtrack her use of the filter, claiming that it could reveal a creator’s “godly parent” with just one scan of their face. In just one week, the song has generated over 103k creations from creators looking for divine artistic inspiration, many of whom simply stitched Jaja’s original video (which has since racked up over 223k views). Creators have discovered their similarity to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, or that they might have been mermaids in a past life.

TikTok has proven its ability to elevate soundtrack songs, like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” into the stratosphere. These recent trends indicate that TikTok, and its endlessly creative community, can provide a similar bump to scores or less traditional pieces of film music.

Check out more recent trends and tidbits from the world of music on TikTok:

• Is Rihanna signaling that she’s going to be more active on TikTok? The generational superstar joined the platform in late 2022, posting an adorable video of her son. The video generated nearly 35 million views, but RiRi had been quiet since. Until Wednesday, when the hitmaker and entrepreneur shared a mysterious video, focused firmly on her feet, soundtracked by underground rapper RXK Nephew’s song “I Love My Girlfriend.” Whether this is a start of a TikTok barrage, or Rihanna just wanted to show off her favorite song, Rihanna’s latest video proves TikTok’ss status as the place where artists can be their most authentic selves.
• Following her viral hits “Big Energy” and “It’s Givin,” rap star and TikTok favorite Latto is making waves on the platform once again with her song “Put It On Da Floor” (76K+ creations) sparking fun, comedic trends on the platform. Inspired by Latto and her friends, one trend finds creators and their friends challenging each other to see who can run the fastest, soundtracked by the start of the song’s invigorating second verse. Another trend using “Put It On Da Floor” finds creators hitting up their local Walmart to act out the lyrics of the second verse, dancing in different sections and aisles of the store that coordinate with the lyrics. Latto eagerly hopped on the second trend, putting her own spin on it with help from her friends.
• Creators in the TikTok community pride themselves on their raw, honest authenticity, and Tone-Loc’s 1989 hit “Wild Thing” has become the perfect soundtrack for their hot takes. Garnering over 135K+ total creations, the song finds creators sharing true-to-life commentary using TikTok’s text-on-screen feature. Over the thumping beats of the song’s instrumental, creators reveal their toxic traits, offer reasons why one should date older women, and express how their intuition prevents them from being hurt by betrayal. In other “Wild Thing” creations, mothers discover what type of mothers they are using TikTok’s “What Type of Mom Are You” filter.
• Florida rhymer Nardo Wick’s deadpan delivery and id-driven lyricism have made him a favorite in the TikTok community. Two years after first breaking through with “Who Want Smoke?” (135k videos), and one year after making waves with the haunting “Dah Dah DahDah” (168k videos), Nardo is trending once again with his song “Shh.” With over 55k creations, “Shh” is the perfect song for creators who don’t feel like speaking. The song from Nardo’s 2021 album Who Is Nardo Wick? inspired a trend in which creators attempt to creatively interpret the songs lyrics using hand signals and other images. Many creators have used the song to ascribe emotions to their new babies, expressive pets, and more, or just have their kids perform the trend themselves.

Visit TikTok’s Newsroom for more noteworthy stories: newsroom.tiktok.com

For more info, please contact:
Michelle McDevitt, Annjie Houston, Destiny Riley, T’Keyah Hayes, Audible Treats
Leah Linder, TikTok

The Background:

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Their mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Links:

TikTok’s Newsroom: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us

Check out previous editions of TikTok Treats, a weekly newsletter about the most interesting music happenings on TikTok:
TikTok Trends Assemble: Fresh x Reckless, Taylor Swift & Much More
Madonna, Brent Faiyaz, Destroy Lonely & More from Music on TikTok
On TikTok: De La, Bieber, Tank & The Bangas, and More
On TikTok: The “Buddy Holly” Lick, Dogg Transformations, and More
RiRi Returns, Superstar Pride Shines, and TikTok Trends That Prove
On TikTok: Skrillex & Fred Again.., Philly Club, and New Trends From Rising Artists
Grammy Winners, Mariah’s “Wrap,” “Mrs. Right,” and more
Celine Brings It All Back, Tech N9ne Celebrates the Chiefs, Plus More TikTok Music Stories
Pink Floyd’s New Great Gig, PARTYNEXTDOOR’s Sped Up Makeover, & More on TikTok
Miley and Shakira Get Petty, Miguel’s “Sure Thing” Revival, and More TikTok Music Stories
TikTok Welcomes 2023 with Timbaland Jams, K-Pop Bangers, and Multilingual Raps 
Music on TikTok: 21 Savage, Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse, and Ice Spice Headline a Star-Studded Week of Trends
SZA’s ‘SOS’ Signal, Coi and Busta Mash Up, Plus More TikTok Trends to Close Out 2022
Metro & The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Baile Funk and More TikTok Trends to Warm Up The Winter
2022 For You: TikTok’s Top Songs, Artists, and Music Stories of 2022
Blink 182, Lil Yachty, Cardi & GloRilla, and More from Music On TikTok
Taylor Track Reveals, Sam Smith + Kim Petras, and More From Music on TikTok
BLACKPINK, Steve Lacy, and The Smashing Pumpkins Lead a Busy Week of Music on TikTok
On TikTok: ‘Yonce, Yeat, Lizzo, SZA and More
TikTok’s 2021 Music Report: Key Takeaways
TikTok Reveals Top Songs of 2021, Incl. Doja Cat, Coi Leray and More

5.24.2023

Afro Nation Miami 2023 Announces Set Times, Shares Site Map

The World’s Biggest Afrobeats Festival Prepares For Its Imminent U.S. Arrival, Touching Down at loanDepot park in Miami, FL This Weekend, May 27 & 28, 2023

Headlined by Burna Boy and Wizkid, With Special Appearances by Rema and Asake, Afro Nation Miami 2023 Follows Up Massively Successful Afro Nation Festivals in Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Ghana

Critical Praise:

“Afro Nation events began in Portugal in 2019 and are continuing to grow and expand across the globe as a way to showcase and celebrate Afro-fusion, reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, soca and more Black-led music.” – Billboard

“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

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

“For the festival goers, this year’s event fulfilled the 2-year long draught of social distancing and zero socializing. Social media was a buzz with Instagram reels featuring artist performances, festival fashion, and social engagements by the beach on the beautiful Praia da Rocha beach, just south of Portimão….Now with a second edition taking place in Ghana, this coming December, Afro Nation is yet to see more success.” – MEFeater

The Announcement:

Celebrating Afrobeats and African culture with events across the globe, Afro Nation prepares to make its United States debut this weekend in Miami. Today, the inaugural Afro Nation Miami announces set times for the festival, occurring this weekend at loanDepot park.

Afro Nation Miami boasts two stages: the Afro Nation Main stage, a full-sized stage for many of the festivals performers, including headliners Burna Boy on Saturday and Wizkid on Sunday. Fans looking to dance the night away can attend the Piano People stage, a showcase for the emerging South African club genre of amapiano, featuring major names Uncle Waffles, Major League DJZ, and more. Along with the set times, Afro Nation Miami shares the festival site map, which makes good use of the loanDepot field and surrounding grounds.

Afro Nation Miami boasts a deep lineup that Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, amapiano, and other Black-led musical genres. On Saturday, fans can watch ascending Afrobeats icons Rema and CKay, plus dancehall legend Mavado, and rising Ghanaian drill star Black Sherif, before ending the night with Burna Boy’s catalog of hits. Sunday brings a diverse array of global stars, including Hot 100 hitmakers Rema and Fireboy DML, red hot reggaetonero Sech, and Nigerian riser BNXN, before Wizkid shuts it down to end the night.

Afro Nation Miami announces sponsor activations for this year’s festival. CÎROC will feature its newest flavor, Honey Melon, at festival bars. Hennessy sponsors two of the festival’s VIP lounges: the sky terrace, and the Recess Lounge. Audiomack joins as the official sponsor of the Piano People stage, and will create the official playlist for Afro Nation Miami.

Stay tuned for more announcements about Afro Nation Miami 2023, happening this weekend, May 27th and 28th, in the 305.

Afro Nation Miami 2023 comes hot on the heels of Afro Nation’s announcement of its second U.S. festival, Afro Nation Detroit 2023. The upcoming festival promises performances from the biggest names in Afrobeats and superstars in Hip-Hop, R&B, Amapiano, Dancehall, Reggae, and other African, Afro-Caribbean, and African-American musical genres. Presented in partnership with Bedrock, a Detroit-based company, Afro Nation Detroit 2023 arrives on August 19th-20th, 2023 at Bedrock’s Douglass Site in Detroit, Michigan.

Afro Nation has established itself as a major tastemaker and advocate for African music since its founding in 2019. In 2022, Afro Nation brought a high-powered group of international music stars and over 40,000 fans to the beaches of Portimáo in July for the second-ever Afro Nation Portugal, with headliners that included Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Megan Thee Stallion. Earlier in the year, the innovative festival made its North American debut with Afro Nation Puerto Rico. The festival closed out 2022 with Afro Nation Ghana 2022 in Accra, Afro Nation’s first event in Ghana since 2019.

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.

Visit https://usa.afronation.com/ to view more information about the festival.

Watch the Afro Nation 2022 Recap Video HERE

Buy tickets for Afro Nation HERE

Afro Nation Miami 2023 is presented by Event Horizon, SMADE, and Live Nation.

Afro Nation Miami thanks its sponsors: CÎROC, Red Bull, Hennessy, EMPIRE, and Audiomack

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

The Background:

Launched in 2019 to critical acclaim, Afro Nation is the biggest and best Afrobeats celebration in the world and a fast growing global cultural influence. The events unite the diaspora and deliver something culturally important to a hugely underserved audience. In 2022, 40,000 music lovers attended Afro Nation Portugal to see the biggest names in Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, R&B, Dancehall and Bashment, at one of the most beautiful beach locations on the planet. After finishing 2022 with Afro Nation Ghana (Dec. 29-30), Afro Nation expands even further in 2023, with Miami 2023, its first-ever festival on the continental U.S.

Links:

official site | afro nation u.s. official site | twitter | instagram

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

5.24.2023

My Favorite Color Shares “car pack” Double Single, With Flashy “Pink Lac” and Grounded “Nissan”

The Los Angeles-via-Pittsburgh Rapper Rides in a Cotton Candy-Colored Cruiser in Video for “Pink Lac“

The Acclaimed Rostrum Records Signee Explores the Difference Between Materialistic Lust and Unconditional Love in His Soulful Two-Pack

Critical Praise:

“Best New Artist for September 2021: It’s clear My Favorite Color is okay not taking himself too seriously and letting the music speak for itself.” = Pigeons & Planes

“The Pittsburgh MC once again flashes signs of brilliance on his new song ‘Old News.’ His zany personality and frenetic flow are the main drivers of his fun-filled anthem.”
– Billboard

“He truly brings you on a sonic journey that contains so many different styles, sounds, and narratives, you have no choice but to pay attention.”
– Lyrical Lemonade

“His music is powerful. Each bar drips with the confusion and existential dread of a man who feels out of place in his world.” – Noisey

The Single + Video:

Effortlessly switching up his style with humor and soul, My Favorite Color never paints with the same hue twice. Serving up an auto-themed double single that tells two sides of a story, the Rostrum Records signee shares “car pack.” The first release of the year by the rising rapper, “car pack” contains two thematically connected, but tonally distinct singles.

“I’d say ‘Pink Lac’ is the dream and ‘Nissan’ is when I finally wake up,” explains My Favorite Color. “I see both songs as the perfect contrast between what you hope this rap sh*t is and what it ACTUALLY is before you get to what you were hoping for. In the life of a rapper, things like love become complicated, to say the least. On ‘Pink Lac,’ I was thinking I needed the glamour and glitz to find love, but it turns out losing those things is exactly what helped love find me. I don’t want anyone loving me for my Pink Lac , if they weren’t loving me for my Nissan. ‘Pink Lac’ is a metaphor for lust while ‘Nissan’ is a metaphor for love. Choose your car wisely cause it’s a long road, regardless.”

Driven by a meandering guitar lick and an ambling drumbeat, “Pink Lac” is a soulful and effortlessly fly anthem. A showcase for My Favorite Color’s inviting falsetto, “Pink Lac” finds the rapper fantasizing about achieving his goals and enjoying a life filled with adoring female fans, jealous male acquaintances, and Cotton Candy-colored coupes. Though the mood is celebratory, MFC allows some melancholy to seep through: “How would I have time for a ho?/I barely have time for my friends.”

The second track, “Nissan,” explores the flip side of the first song’s luxurious fantasy. Ambling along like a beat-up sedan, “Nissan” swells with a gauzy, synth-filled atmosphere. In between his laid back and tuneful hooks, My Favorite Color describes a deep and loving relationship based not on material things, like pink Cadillacs, but on mutual support and the hope for a better future: “Heard it a million times, I know that love is blind/But I’m tryna work it out, you’re like my 9-5.” 

“car pack” arrives alongside a music video for “Pink Lac,” expanding My Favorite Color’s already deep catalog of inventive visuals. Directed by Globe, the video for “Pink Lac” ping pongs back in time between My Favorite Color’s childhood and present, as the young rapper fantasizes about what life might be like as a successful rap star. In the fantasy, MFC cruises through the Hollywood Hills to the San Fernando valley in the titular car, reveling in the company of four beautiful women and the jealous looks of his neighbors. By the end of the video, My Favorite Color snaps it back to reality with a humorous twist, showing the hollowness of the feeling he once fantasized about and revealing a crucial life lesson: surround yourself with people who love you for you, not for your things.

Hailing from Pittsburgh and based in L.A., My Favorite Color is constantly evolving. The rapper is known for his inventive music videos, including the recent animated video for “Man Man” ft. Valee, the ’90s sitcom-themed “Mama’s House,” the mannequin-filled “Cut Me In,” and 2021’s “Old News.” The creativity on display in “Old News,” in which the artist portrayed multiple characters a la Eddie Murphy, ranging from a kidnap victim, to a possibly untrained pilot, to a truth-telling stand-up comedian, inspired Pigeons & Planes to name him a Best New Artist in September 2021. The naturally funny rapper recently trended on TikTok with a rant in support of one of his favorite artists, Mac Miller.

Currently hard at work on his next project, an effort that keeps up the experimental spirit even as it properly continues the story he started with his heartfelt 2020 debut album Velma, stay tuned for much more from My Favorite Color.

Stream “car pack”: http://rostrumrecords.lnk.to/carpack

Watch “Pink Lac”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er_f0OU0x8U

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

Links:

instagram | twitter | youtube | spotify | tiktok

“car pack”: http://rostrumrecords.lnk.to/carpack

“Pink Lac”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er_f0OU0x8U

“Man Man” ft. Valee: http://rostrumrecords.lnk.to/ManMan / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ8Qljs7OFU

“Mama’s House”: http://Rostrum.lnk.to/MamasHouse / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rsu5NKxAP8

“Cut Me In”: http://lnk.to/MyFavoriteColorCutMeIn / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue3HmnQuQG8

“Dead It”: https://youtu.be/O_H7TJf5_Fk / http://lnk.to/DeadIt

“Frustrated”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfogD_HqHmY

“Mayday”: https://smarturl.it/MyFavColorMAYDAY / https://youtu.be/3d6lSpLwf7A

“Old News”: https://smarturl.it/MFCOldNews / https://youtu.be/aCbEpgPLIY4

Velma: https://smarturl.it/MyFavColorVelma

“Dale”: https://smarturl.it/MyFavColorDale

“Funeral”: https://smarturl.it/MyFavColorFuneral / https://youtu.be/DsTMpiv9WWg

Go: https://open.spotify.com/album/4lecD6MBZj8LC4QG3Dg7w2?si=J1RmkzfNT0y71uH0OV9Tbg

5.24.2023

CNN Mikey Signs with Polo G’s ODA (Only Dreamers Achieve) Label, in JV with 25/7 Songs

The Toledo Rapper Shares “For My People” Video Single

The Young Rapper Shows Off the Honest Lyricism and Natural Melodic Ability That Impressed Polo G, As He Brings Out His Toledo, OH Community for a Heartwarming Video

The Announcement:

Processing his pain with heartfelt melodies, CNN Mikey represents Toledo, Ohio to the fullest. Today, the 21-year-old rapper announces his signing to ODA (Only Dreamers Achieve), the label founded by Polo G, in a joint venture with 25/7 Songs, the newly created label and publishing arm of LA based 25/7 Management (founders include Mike Maloian and Patrick MacDonald). Blessed with a tuneful, yet conversational delivery, Mikey’s strong sense of storytelling about his life of struggle and the steps he takes to overcome endeared him to Polo. His serendipitous rise from abject poverty to potential rap stardom make him a perfect fit on Only Dreamers Achieve.

Polo and Mikey announced the new signing this week on The Cruz Show, on L.A.’s 92.3 station.

Growing up in South Toledo, Mikey bounced between trailer parks and public housing. His parents suffered from addiction issues–a topic that Mikey returns to in his music and on social media–meaning Mikey needed to grow up fast. He found solace in music as an outlet to exercise his demons, and his infectious and affecting songs quickly won hearts in his city’s fledgling rap scene, and eventually Mikey moved to L.A. to pursue music full time. Mikey caught the attention of Polo G the old fashioned way–he spotted Polo with his brother Trench Baby at LAX, approached them and asked them to listen to his music. Though they were hesitant at first, Mikey convinced them to listen to one of his songs. The Capalot twosome were immediately hooked, and within six months, Mikey had a deal in place with ODA.

Mikey’s new video single and ODA debut, “For My People,” is an anthem dedicated to his family, friends, and supporters and ashowcase of the natural ability and engaging storytelling that endeared him to Polo G that fateful day at LAX. Produced by Major 7, JHURLY & Omar Grand, the song is blessed with spindly guitar melodies and thumping 808s that set the scene for Mikey’s soul-baring bars. Switching between athletic flows on the verses and a bouncy, octave-leaping hook, Mikey is an open book, speaking on his love for his mother and sister, and worries for their safety: “Mama’s stuck, she’s overdosing, this one ain’t the first time / Every day I think about your death, I’m glad you still alive.” Towards the end of the song, the heavens open in the form of romantic violins and past despair transforms into hope for the future.

In the video, Mikey shines a spotlight on life in his Rust Belt hometown, examining his past and showing how people in Toledo live. Directed by Boomin Films, the video finds the young rapper traveling through his past in a red pickup, reflecting on his hard times and reveling in the support of his city’s community. As high as he might rise in his career, CNN Mikey will never forget where he came from.

With his new label deal and much more music on the way, CNN Mikey never takes an opportunity for granted. Expect big things from CNN Mikey in the near future.

Watch “For My People”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6BKRrGoqkU

Stream “For My People”: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cnnmikey/for-my-people

Check out the signing announcement at Billboard HERE

Photo credit: Swaggy Nick

Polo G & CNN Mikey
(Photo credit: Benji Allen)

Please contact Michelle, Kerry, or Chris for more info.

Links:

spotify | instagram | youtube | tiktok

“For My People”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6BKRrGoqkU

5.19.2023

Album: Kenny Muney – Blue Muney (Deluxe)

The Paper Route Empire Standout Adds Eight New Memphis Trap Anthems to His Recent Project, Featuring Production from Tay Keith & More

Critical Praise:

“5 under-the-radar rappers from Memphis you should know about…Kenny Muney stands as the city’s rap emissary.” – The FADER

“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 Album:

Kenny Muney‘s locked-in, bass-heavy bangers are equally suited to the whip or headphones. Coming through with an expansion to his most accomplished effort to date, Kenny shares Blue Muney (Deluxe). The new edition adds eight new songs to the Paper Route Empire rapper’s recent album, each adding a new flavor to Kenny’s trap sound. “AOGG” mixes Kenny’s low-talking flexes with Tay Keith‘s flute-flavored thump, the titanic “Walkin’” samples an old school Memphis classic, and “Mrs. Muney” affirms Kenny’s commitment to his one true love: cold hard cash. The South Memphis native takes a moment to process his feelings on the poingnant “After That.” Home to “Ramen Noodles Digital Scales,” released as a video earlier this week, Blue Muney (Deluxe) is available everywhere via Paper Route Empire.

The follow-up to last year’s Time Is Muney, Blue Muney finds Kenny locking into trunk-rattling instrumentals with surgical precision, packing more flexes into his rapidfire triplets than one can count. Released in April, the tape is home to fiery singles like the guitar-driven “Top,” the soulful intro “Muney Prayer,” and the Hitkidd-produced “In A Rush.” Featuring additional production from Bandplay and more, with guest appearances from his PRE brother Key Glock, Money Man, Ceo Jizzle, and KATO2X, Blue Muney is available everywhere via Paper Route Empire. Kenny Muney recently wrapped up his supporting role on Key Glock’s sold out “The Glockoma Tour.”

With Blue Muney (Deluxe), 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.

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

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

Blue Muney (Deluxe) tracklist:
*denotes new track for the Deluxe
1. No Rest*
2. Walkin*
3. Mrs. Muney*
4. Lil Boys*
5. After That*
6. AOGG ft. Tay Keith*
7. Spendin & Spinnin*
8. Ramen Noodles Digital Scales*
9. Muney Prayer
10. Whole Lotta Errthang
11. Antartica ft. Key Glock
12. The Top
13. Holy Water
14. Shake
15. In My Bag ft. Money Man
16. Something Else
17. Stand On It ft. CEO Jizzle & KATO2X
18. In A Rush
19. Big Muney Sh*t

Photo Credit: @ShotBySpencer

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

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/

5.18.2022

Video: Icewear Vezzo – “Back On Road“

The Detroit Heavy-Hitter and Quality Control Signee Prepares For His Next Project With a Sinister Street Slapper

Critical Praise:

“His latest project basks in the idea that an album this regionally specific can still have nationwide appeal.” – Pitchfork

“The King of contemporary Detroit rap” – HYPEBEAST

“As a Detroit hip-hop veteran, Icewear Vezzo has earned his position in the city’s hierarchy. With his first mixtape, The Clarity, dropping in 2013, and turning into a series, along with his presence in Detroit, the groundwork he’s put in over time is respected.” – XXL

“I don’t think a day will go by moving forward where he isn’t one of the main points in every conversation about rap all over the world.” – Lyrical Lemonade

The Mixtape:

Telling street stories with gravitas and panache, Icewear Vezzo hustles as a way of life. Flashing his water and resolving to never let the well run dry, the Detroit rhymer shares “Back On Road,” his new video single. A bite-sized banger with ominous synths and low-note piano, “Back On Road” finds Vezzo packing a lifetime’s worth of wisdom into a single verse, as he compares himself to his heroes like Gucci Mane and Lil Wayne and touts his unparalleled work ethic: “F*ck around, be trappin’ ’til I’m 50, b*tch I love the life/I hate p*ssy n****s, don’t like rappers, I like mud and ice.” In the video, Vezzo posts up in his native 6 Mile with some of his Iced Up Records associates, as he rocks Gallery Dept. and flaunts his fleet of foreign cars.

“Back On Road” is Icewear Vezzo’s first solo single of 2023, arriving in the wake of a breakout year for the respected rapper. Last year, Vezzo and his own Iced Up Records entered into a partnership with Quality Control Music, where he was a natural fit with the label’s illustrious roster. Vezzo’s first release with QC was Paint The City, a Gangsta Grillz mixtape hosted by DJ Drama. Home to the hit single “It’s All On U” ft. Kodak Black, as well as guest spots from Future, Jeezy, 2 Chainz, and more, Paint The City was a natural evolution and elevatin from his acclaimed Rich Off Pintsseries of mixtapes. Most recently, Vezzo hopped on the remix to “2 Million Up,” the GOLD-certified single by Vezzo’s Eastside associate Peezy.

Vezzo’s deal with Quality Control continues an exciting period of success for the budding superstar. Consistently racking up more than 4 million streams on his catalog per week, Vezzo’s ambitions reach far beyond music, and even beyond the physical realm. The Iced Up Records CEO is a serial entrepreneur, starting his own businesses in fields as diverse as real estate, cannabis, snacks (We Eatin! brand recently dropped Vezzo’s own flavor of chips, called Vezzo Hotz), and jewelry maintenance. V

With limitless ambition and the work ethic to achieve his every desire, it’s only a matter of time before Icewear Vezzo takes over the game. Stay tuned for Vezzo’s next mixtape, Live From The 6, coming very soon via Iced Up Records/Quality Control.

Watch “Back On Road”: https://youtu.be/dAfcBZriVkQ

For more info about Icewear Vezzo, please contact Michelle or Annjie

The Background:

Respected from The A to The Bay and everywhere in between, Icewear Vezzo helped build the Detroit rap scene into the flourishing behemoth it is today.  Since releasing his first mixtape The Clarity in 2013, Vezzo built a large and loyal fanbase in The Mitten and beyond, feeding the streets and his 131k YouTube subscribers with high-quality releases and representing for Detroit on tracks by Big Sean, G Herbo, Drakeo The Ruler, DJ Mustard, Zaytoven, and many others. The 31-year-old artist frequently collaborates with other major figures in the Detroit scene, including Peezy and Babyface Ray, who he featured on his street hit –in just the past two years, Vezzo made waves with songs like “Meg Thee Stallion” ft. Babyface Ray, GT & Veeze (7.8 million YouTube views. named one of the Best Songs of 2020 by Passion Of The Weiss), “The Sit-Down” ft. Babyface Ray (6.2 million views), and “Dog Action” ft. Rio Da Yung OG (10 million YouTube views).

In addition to his heavy stature in the rap game, Vezzo makes moves as an entrepreneur in multiple industries. He’s the owner of his own label Iced Up Records, recently launched the Iced Up Films, a production company whose first film Price Of Love (starring Vezzo himself) is available for rent on Amazon, and is the CEO of his own clothing company Drank God Clothing. Though he’s a self-made man, Vezzo never forgets to give back–his company Iced Up Realty focuses on providing affordable housing in the Detroit community in which he was raised, and he teamed up with his mom to start The Detroit Rappers Organization, which is heavily involved in seasonal giveaways and field trips for Detroit’s youth.

Links:

official site | instagram | twitter | youtube | spotify

“Back On Road”: https://youtu.be/dAfcBZriVkQ

Paint The City (w/ DJ Drama): https://icewearvezzo.lnk.to/paintthecity

“One Time” (w/ DJ Drama) ft. Jeezy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5bc1JW3yYI

“God Bless The 6” (w/ DJ Drama) ft. Babyface Ray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bdn8pNatpw

“It’s All On U” ft. Kodak Black: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqqkq_PCxCI / https://icewearvezzo.lnk.to/itsallonyou

“Whatever” ft. Key Glock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIKOQjjcl_c

Rich Off Pints 3: https://foundation-media.ffm.to/rop3

5.19.2023

FMB DZ Announces P Rock Baby Project, With BabyTron, Sada Baby & More, Coming May 26th via Fast Money Boyz/EMPIRE

The Detroit Native Makes The Most of The Time He Has in “Wasting Time” Video

Named After His Home Neighborhood, Plymouth Road, P Rock Baby Details How the Fast Money Boyz Rapper Rose From Nothing to Become One of the Finest in His City

Critical Praise:

“Detroit is arguably the hottest rap region in the U.S. right now, and FMB DZ is one of the foremost street rappers in the city at the moment.” – XXL

“Among the most talented [in Detroit], combining clever wordplay, and a natural ear for beats, with sobering storytelling” – The FADER

“Detroit is on the cusp of dominating the national hip-hop landscape like Atlanta once did, and FMB DZ is one of the city’s strongest talents” – HYPEBEAST

The Video:

Rising to the top of his city’s scene with sharp wit and gritty wisdom, FMB DZ is Detroit’s reigning people’s champ. Today, the Fast Money Boyz rapper officially announces P Rock Baby, his next project, which examines how his upbringing molded him into the man he is today. Named after the neighborhood he grew up in–P Rock, short for Plymouth Road–in Detroit, an unassuming neighborhood that helped him develop the quick wits and hard lessons that enabled his hustler mentality. The tape is firmly rooted in Detroit, featuring guest spots from his fellow Michigan rap heavy-hitters like BabyTron, Skilla Baby, Icewear Vezzo, and his longtime collaborator Sada Baby, who appears on buzzing pre-release single “Double Headed Dragon.” Home to recent singles “With A Bang” ft. Skilla Baby & The Glockboy, and glistening anthem “Starting 5,” P Rock Baby releases on May 26th via Fast Money Boyz/EMPIRE.

Along with the official announcement of P Rock Baby, DZ shares the brand new video for project highlight “Wasting Time.” Driven by a propulsive bassline and spritely, stately piano, “Wasting Time” finds DZ delving into his mogul mentality, applying his hard-earned lessons and celebrating his wins. Toe-tagging the beat with fast and slow flows, DZ unfurls pearls of street knowledge and couplets perfect for Instagram flexes: “I’m tryna get some money, you wastin’ n****s time/I love fast money, I couldn’t do a 9 to 5,” asserts the P Rock native. In the video, DZ lays low in his base of operations, plotting his fast money moves and smoking on his favorite strains.

Emerging in the mid-2010s, FMB DZ quickly took his place at the vanguard of the ascendant Detroit scene. He earned national recognition for his The Gift mixtape series, and made an impact with standalone projects like In My Bag and I Ain’t Gone Lie. Buoyed by local hits like “Hold Me Down” ft. GT and “DrippleDragons” ft. Sada Baby, DZ earned praise from the likes of XXL, HYPEBEAST, and The FADER, who praised him for combining “clever wordplay, and a natural ear for beats, with sobering storytelling.” In 2022, DZ shared his 16-song mixtape Back On Track, which featured guest spots from Louie Ray, Rmc Mike, Skilla Baby, and frequent collaborator Sada Baby.

With P Rock Baby on the way, FMB DZ continues to make waves in Detroit and beyond. Stay tuned for much more from the young OG in the near future.

Pre-order P Rock Baby: https://music.empi.re/prockbaby

Watch “Wasting Time”: https://youtu.be/cfAvGD_jHrU

Stream “Wasting Time”: https://music.empi.re/wastingtime

P Rock Baby tracklist:
1. The Show
2. Make Em Feel It
3. Double Headed Dragon ft. Sada Baby
4. Lost Without You
5. Rocktroit
6. Starting 5
7. Mo Money Mo Problems ft. LOM Rudy
8. Wasting Time
9. With A Bang ft. Skilla Baby & The Glockboy
10. Level Up ft. BabyTron
11. Try Me ft. Icewear Vezzo
12. Dear Fans
13. Exit 10 ft. P-Rock Sean

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

The Background

Detroit is going through its latest Rap renaissance with a host of new talented voices emerging across a unified city. FMB DZ is quickly making a bid as one of Motown’s new leaders, with millions of views and listens. With a new EMPIRE-distributed project on the way, the FastMoneyBoyz Ent flagship artist is giving the fans more music to celebrate amidst his booming career.

Links:

twitter | instagram | soundcloud | spotify

Bio, music, photos, and more available at www.audibletreats.com/fmb-dz

“Wasting Time”: https://youtu.be/cfAvGD_jHrU

Pre-order P Rock Baby:

“With A Bang” ft. Skilla Baby & The Glockboy:

“Starting 5”: https://youtu.be/fjPKjUBFsko / https://music.empi.re/starting5

“The Show”: https://youtu.be/fjPKjUBFsko

5.22.2023

Video: Kenzo Balla – “In My Moods” (Prod. by Kenuthia)

The Ready-To-Blitz Bronx Driller Works Through a Relationship in His Luscious New Single

Critical Praise

“…few songs feel as dutifully assembled as ‘Krash Out.’ As the sample gradually uncoils, Kenzo slashes right through the center. A weird phenomenon seems to happen, the rap equivalent of bullet time, where the listener gets an enhanced perception of the rapper’s speed relative to the world around him.” – NPR

“Kenzo Balla is yet another emerging voice out of New York City’s drill scene right now.” – Billboard

“Kenzo’s energy is magnetic” – COMPLEX

“Kenzo Balla’s commanding voice makes the new [“Let Me Know”] single an immediate standout.” – Audiomack

“Kenzo Balla is stepping into the game with sky high ambitions and a pen to match.” – IMPRINT

The Audio:

Kenzo Balla is known for his full-throated aggression, but the Bronx native is equally effective when he takes it slow. Baring his soul and demanding honesty in return, Kenzo shares “In My Moods,” an immersive and ethereal drill love song. Produced by Kuthania, “In My Moods” combines a lush R&B sample with the syncopated hi-hats and sliding 808s characteristic of Kenzo’s home borough’s drill scene. Applying the same emotional intensity to this ballad as his blitz-heavy bangers, Kenzo directly confronts the object of his intentions, as he uncharacteristically wearing his heart on sleeve: “Like what, where you going?/Like I thought that you was here to stay?/How you leave a n**** alone in the rain?/Left me alone to deal with all this pain.” In the video, Kenzo walks alongside the Hudson River in a vintage Hellstar hoodie as he spits his emotional rhymes.

Following the recent video for “Enough Is Enough,” “In My Moods” is the latest new song to emerge in the wake of The Year Of The Balla, Kenzo’s high-powered EP. Home to songs like the unrelenting “Opp Huntin’” (1.8 million views), the soulful “What’s The Move,” and the TG Crippy and Rayy Balla-featuring “Unfinished Business,” The Year Of The Balla is the Bronx rapper’s most expansive effort to date, incorporating new elements while remaining rooted in the East Coast drill sound. The Year Of The Balla is available everywhere via 10k Projects,

A rising name in one of the nation’s busiest rap scenes, Kenzo Balla made his mark on the scene with his relentless rhymes and high-energy vocals. Known for collaborating with fellow Bronx heavyweights like his brother TG Flockaa, Kenzo kicked off his career with a frenzy of fiery videos, including local hits like “5th To Sev” ft. TG Flockaa & Pdot Sav (2.2 million video views), “OOTAZ,” and the “Love Nwantiti”-remixing “Let Me Know” (2.1 million views). This summer, the former AAU baller tore up the streets with “Dead Gzz,” a vicious, uptempo missive that racked up over 1.8 million video views since its release in June 2022. Kenzo closed out 2022 in typically aggressive fashion with Mr. Ready to Blitz (Deluxe), home to the NPR-approved “Krash Out.”

Continuing to rise as his year progresses, stay tuned for much more from Kenzo Balla.

Watch “In My Moods”: https://youtu.be/mfxccNzN5CE

Stream “In My Moods”: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/InMyMoods

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

Kenzo Balla evokes both the ecstasy and the peril of New York street rap. The Bronx artist serves up chilly bars over hammering drill beats for stylish, yet raw anthems that are drawing the attention of the world by the day. Teaming with frequent collaborators TG Crippy (his brother) and Jay Da Chaser, he blends those elements on tracks like “OOTAZ,” which drips with adrenaline and confrontation. While the track and others like it evoke unsettling force, they’ve also become the soundtrack of functions across the East Coast, and Kenzo wouldn’t have it any other way. Growing up in the BX, everyone knew each other and attended the same parties, but as he became a teenager, the drama escalated. Kenzo realized he’d have to change his lifestyle to survive. He’d spent much of his early years freestyling with friends, so he decided to record his first songs in 2018. After catching attention with melodic tracks like “Backends,” each new release earned more streams than the last. In September 2021, he unloaded “5th to the Sev,” an anthem for his neighborhood that garnered 1 million YouTube views. By 2022, he’d signed a deal with 10K Projects, alongside Crippy. With a growing fan base and an evolving sound in the works for a new project, Kenzo recognizes the potential of the moment he’s having now. On a grander level, he wants to rep the neighborhood that raised him. “I’m making music for me, my brother, my block, for the Bronx, and the whole city,” he says. “The Bronx is just me”.

Links:

instagram | spotify | apple music  | youtube | tiktok

“In My Moods”: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/InMyMoods / https://youtu.be/mfxccNzN5CE

“Enough Is Enough” ft. Rayy Balla & Cito Blick: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/EnoughIsEnough / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI08-pTvUO8

The Year Of The Balla: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/TheYearOfTheBalla

“Kan’t Lack”: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/kantlack

“Unfinished Business” ft. TG Crippy & Rayy Balla: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/UnfinishedBusiness / https://youtu.be/Cxmf14zLICE

“Opp Huntin'”: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/opphuntin / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiFVRFKs-v8

“What’s The Move”: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/whatsthemove

Wonderful [OTR Freestyle]” ft. Rayy Balla: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/wonderful

Mr. Ready To Blitz (Deluxe): https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/readytoblitz-deluxe

“PSA” ft. Kyle Richh: https://youtu.be/fwyVMdYmDyw

“No Sympathy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ9fJithyKg

Mr. Ready To Blitz: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/mrreadytoblitz

“SMMBF” ft. Nas EBK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YejXmE6gni0

“Krash Out”: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/krashout / https://youtu.be/ZiVuC9pnQJk

“Don’t Panic” ft. Cito Blick & Pdot Sav:  https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/dontpanic / https://youtu.be/eAKju7ALGPk

“Dead Gzz”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-i6u70lSpY

“Let Me Know”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn0jGNT_QV8

“5th To Sav”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY2tBWgA81U

5.22.2023

Video: Key Glock – “Work”

The Paper Route Empire Rapper Moves Smarter, Not Harder, in New Video from Glockoma 2

The Album:

Leading by example and always on his grind, Key Glock is one of rap’s most reliable playmakers. Bringing the action once again, the Paper Route Empire artist puts his money where his mouth is in the new video for “Work,” a standout track from February’s Glockoma 2. “Work” finds the Memphis native flexing and reflecting in equal measure, as he thinks of his mentor Young Dolph and resolves to elevate his hustle to greater heights than ever before.

The video for “Work” opens with Key Glock on the phone, making moves and keeping his schedule full as he knocks down tour stops across the country. At times, the camera takes the perspective of a fly on the wall in meetings and photoshoots, and at others, a behind-the-scenes perspective gives the viewer a sense of urgency to keep up with the action, but the most striking moments come when Glock looks directly into the camera amidst his everyday hustle, adding layers of sincerity where Glock’s art and reality intersect.

Glockoma 2 kicked off a big 2023 for Glock, including dozens of sold out dates on the fast-selling SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation Presents: Key Glock – Glockoma Tour, featuring support from NC riser TiaCorine, Glock’s Paper Route Empire brethren Kenny Muney and Jay Fizzle, and Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug. Fans of Dolph and Glock can pay tribute to Dolph in his Memphis hometown at the DOLPHLAND Museum, which concludes its nationwide run this weekend at the Agricenter International.

On Sunday, May 28th, the grand finale of DOLPHLAND will take place with an expansion of the exhibition to include the “Love For The Streets Celebrity Car Show” featuring Young Dolph’s entire fleet of exotic luxury cars curated in partnership with celebrity DJ, car enthusiast and host of nationally syndicated radio & TV show The Breakfast Club DJ ENVY and his “Drive Your Dreams” car show series. In addition to Young Dolph’s impressive fleet, the car show will also feature stunning custom and luxury cars from the collections of DJ Envy, 50 Cent, Key Glock and many other celebrities.

Watch “Work”: https://youtu.be/Brq3tnICDsY

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

Buy tickets for Dolphland at YOUNGDOLPH.COM

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

“Work”: https://youtu.be/Brq3tnICDsY

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

“Dirt”: https://music.empi.re/dirt

“Work”: https://music.empi.re/work

Buy tickets for Key Glock’s “The Glockoma Tour Presented by SiriusXM’s HipHopNation”: keyglock.com

“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

“I Be”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roXenoChtzM

“Diapers”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u6L-ykSLPU

“712AM” (Freestyle): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-KtdEIHOVo

“No Choice”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8iqVXdYMmE

“Ambition For Cash” (Acoustic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7MKx1F5mus

“Grammys”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xNNPUy8Zmw

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

Buy Key Glock concert tix: https://www.keyglock.com/

“Pain Killers”: https://youtu.be/P_JwzVsv5Ps

Key Glock – Yellow Tape 2: http://music.empi.re/yellowtape2

“Proud”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NeFPEAu9CA

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

5.22.2023

Waka Flocka Flame Headlines Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl, Enlisting Emerging Artist and TSU Music Business Accelerator Student MILLE MANNY as Opening Act

The Atlanta Rapper was a Keynote Speaker at the Music Business Accelerator, Powered by Amazon Music, Presented by BMAC, Nashville Music Equality, the Recording Industry Association of America, and Wasserman Music

Waka Flocka Flame, emerging artist Mille Manny, and Prophet, Co-Founder & Co-Chair of BMAC, with Waka Flocka Flame (credit: 353 Media Group)

The Announcement:

Waka Flocka Flame took over Nashville last Thursday with a concert at Brooklyn Bowl and a keynote speech at Tennessee State University, an HBCU in Nashville. Waka started the day as the keynote speaker at the second annual Music Business Accelerator Program at TSU, presented in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Nashville Music Equality, the Recording Industry Association of America, and Wasserman Music. Waka and Prophet, Co-Founder / Co-Chair of BMAC, dropped gems of industry wisdom in their words to TSU Students in attendance at the East Iris Studios in Nashville.

Waka chose one lucky TSU student, Mille Manny, to open his show that night at the Brooklyn Bowl. An emerging artist from During his opening performance, Mille Manny performed 4 songs, “All In”, “Foreign Lover,” “Trumpets and Trophies,” and “Peace in You.”  After opening with 3 songs, Manny serenaded two audience members who were celebrating their birthdays, closing out his set by giving roses to the birthday ladies. Manny brought in the talents of Memphis Track Boy and LilCeo Josh as producers and writers on various songs.

Waka Flocka Flame closed the night for a sold out audience at the Brooklyn Bowl with hits like “No Hands,” “Hard in Da Paint,” “Grove St. Party,” and “Wild Boy.” Waka immersed the audience in performance, performing from inside and all around the audience.

View photos from the events (credit all photos to 353 Media Group):
Waka Flocka Flame Keynote at TSU Music Accelerator
Waka Flocka Flame Show – Opening Act Mille Manny

In attendance were students from the 2023 and 2022 editions of the Music Business Accelerator Program from TSU. The Music Business Accelerator Program, powered by Amazon Music, offers Black college students in Tennessee career resources to help them break into the music industry. With an emphasis on mentorship, the Coalition brings in executives and artists to guest lecture throughout the program. This year’s program is sponsored by Primary Wave’s BMAC-James Brown Education Fund, a fund announced at BMAC’s second Music In Action Awards Gala, that will grow annually and will cover the costs for 30 students to take this elective class for free

Sample highlights coming up for the final week of the Music Accelerator Program:

• Monday May, 22: Music 101, hosted by Amazon Music, with representatives Gary Bushrod and Frankie Yaptinchay.
• Thursday May 25:  Music Accelerator Program Closing retreat, with Tim Reid,, SiriusXM Host Swaggy Sie, actress/artist Bre-Z, actress/artist Serayah, artist/activist YelloPain, and Tennessee native artist and songwriter Daisha “The Rap Girl” McBribe  at the National Museum of African American Music. Topic: How to use your platform to impact change. Moderated by: Prophet and Senior Vice-Presdient Repertoire and Marketing of BMG, Tim Reid

The 2023 Maymester Music Accelerator follows in the footsteps of last year’s successful inaugural program, which placed students in opportune internships across multiple music industry companies, including Wasserman Music, Warner Music Nashville, and LVRN. The program included speakers from various sectors of the music business, including recording artists BRELAND, Blanco Brown and Joy Oladokun, team members for artists like Post Malone and Mary J. Blige, plus representatives from companies like Wasserman Music, YouTube Music, Goldenvoice, BMG, and EMPIRE. The program concluded with guest lectures from super producer Dallas Austin and recording artist Sir The Baptist, both of whom received an honorary doctorate in music from TSU that month. The last class was held at the National Museum of African American Music, where each student was surprised with their very own gold plaque from the RIAA.

This year’s program aims to continue last year’s wide-ranging curriculum and impressive list of guest speakers, while instilling a strong sense of social responsibilities

BMAC Co-Founder/Chairman, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, “The Music Business Accelerator Program continues to expand and the opportunity Waka Flocka and his team offered to up-and-coming artist, Millie Manny, who is a student in this year’s class, represents the purpose and potential of this program. Our inaugural program led to several paid internships and full time employment for 4 students by companies in our industry. BMAC will continue to be intentional about bringing this level of programming, resources and access to the next generation artists, executives and business leaders in our communities.” 

The Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Gary Bushrod for Amazon Music adds, “What the Black Music Action Coalition is doing to bridge the racial gap in the music business is invaluable work. As an HBCU graduate myself, I am extremely proud and energized by what the Music Accelerator Program is creating for students at Tennessee State and Fisk University.”

Stay tuned for many more announcements from BMAC about the program.

Mille Manny performs at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl (credit: 353 Media Group)

Prophet and Waka Flocka Flame address the students of TSU’s Maymester Music Business Accelerator Program

Waka Flocka Flame

The Background:

About BMAC
The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) endeavors to uphold and actualize the mission of Black Lives Matter in the music industry and reach racial justice not just across labels, publishers, agencies, distributors, and DSP’s but throughout society at large. BMAC works together with leaders from various business leaders to hold their companies accountable and implement a system of checks and balances to ensure change takes root. The group fosters and shepherds various educational, mental health, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, policing, social justice, and political causes that directly impact Black communities.

Learn more about the Black Music Action Coalition at https://www.bmacoalition.org/.

About Mille Manny
Future Multi-Platinum Artist Bringing R&B to GEN Z Mille Manny is a fresh, emerging R&B star from Memphis. Manny has been serious about creating music since the age 14, when he premiered his first single “Bad Start”, followed by Impatient, Mind Games ,ALL IN, SOLDIER and No 925. Since then Manny has worked to further develop his musical talents. He’s entertained crowds with his unique style of Hip-hop and R&B, signature hairstyles, new age wardrobe and boastful voice. Currently, he is excited about his new; first-ever EP entitled First Semester – a 6 song track list showcasing a more mature sound with help from a team of young producers and collaborators. He has performed in arenas, at Memphis Madness, Music Festivals, on College Campus and local high schools. Manny made his television debut appearing as a contestant on Ms. T’s Music Factory, a Lifetime reality TV Show. Outside of music you can find Mille Manny living college campus life balancing classwork and music career work. He’s currently a freshman at Tennessee State University in Nashville. College is a great way to expand his influence and music fanbase, while pursuing a degree in Business Data Analytics. Check out Mille Manny’s EPK HERE

ABOUT NASHVILLE MUSIC EQUALITY MISSION
Nashville Music Equality mission is to create an anti-racist environment in the Nashville Music industry.

ABOUT RIAA
The Recording Industry Association of America® advocates for recorded music and the people and companies that create it in the United States. RIAA’s several hundred members – ranging from major American music groups with global reach to artist-owned labels and small businesses – make up the world’s most vibrant and innovative music community, working to help artists reach their potential and connect with fans while supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

ABOUT WASSERMAN MUSIC
Wasserman Music represents a world-class roster of artists for live performance, touring, brand partnerships and beyond, empowering them to create culture and impact audiences globally. The passionate, entrepreneurial agents at Wasserman Music are long-term artist development strategists who build significant, global platforms for the world’s most impactful artists. Wasserman Music is a division of Wasserman, a partner to the world’s most iconic sports figures, musical artists, brands, and properties.
Website | Roster | Instagram

ABOUT DEF JAM RECORDINGS
For 40 years and counting, Def Jam Recordings has defined the sound of hip-hop as we know it. From its inception, the label has been a home for the boundary-breaking artists and visionary executives who have defined the sound of hip-hop in real time. Today, Def Jam is a global multimedia brand built on daring creativity, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to quality, from its marquee superstars to its emerging artists to its global expansion into the UK, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Worldwide, Def Jam is the most recognizable brand in hip-hop.

ABOUT AMAZON MUSIC
Amazon has been in the music business for more than 20 years (CDs were the second item sold on Amazon, after books) and has long-established trust with both customers and the industry. Amazon Music launched music streaming in 2014, initially as a benefit just for Prime members (formerly known as Prime Music). Since then, it has expanded into a full streaming service, offering a variety of tiers, content, and plans to customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Amazon Music currently has more than 55 million customers globally, and today is considered the third largest streaming service after Spotify (1st) and Apple Music (2nd). Key marketplaces for Amazon Music include US, UK, DE, JP, FR, IT, ES, IN, MX, BR, CA, and AU.

ABOUT MUSIC BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM AT TSU
This program was founded in 2022 by Willie Stiggers aka “Prophet” from the Black Music Action Coalition, Brian Sexton from Nashville Music Equality, Jackie Jones from RIAA, Margaret Hart from YouTube Music, Lee Anderson, Lenore Kinder, Lindsay LeBennett and Denise Melanson from Wasserman Music, and Dr. Mark Crawford from Tennessee State University.

ABOUT TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research-intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Contact:

For more information on Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), please contact:
Michelle McDevitt | Audible Treats
Kerry Harrison | Audible Treats
Khalila Douze | Biz 3
Kathryn Frazier | Biz3

For more information on Nashville Music Equality (NME), please contact:
Brian Sexton

For more information on RIAA, please contact:
Marcel Pariseau

For more information on Wasserman Music, please contact:
Shore Fire Media

For more information about the course, please contact:
Dr. Mark Crawford

5.19.2023

SUEÑOS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 ANNOUNCES SET TIMES

HEADLINED BY GRUPO FIRME, WISIN Y YANDEL, FEID, AND NICKY JAM, CHICAGO’S LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO GRANT PARK ON MAY 27-28, 2023

The Announcement:

(Chicago, IL – May 19, 2023) – Uniting Chicago’s community with great music and even better vibes, Sueños Music Festival brings the best in Latin music and reggaeton to the heart of the city. In preparation for the second annual festival next week, Sueños shares the set times for Sueños 2023. Fans can plan their arrivals to coincide with their favorite artists’ performance, or come early to see some of the genre’s biggest rising stars. Boasting a star-studded array of performers each day, with plenty of surprises and DJ sets in between, Sueños  returns to picturesque Grant Park in the heart of downtown Chicago on May 27-28, 2023.

Proudly produced by La Familia, the team behind Baja Beach Fest, and the producers of Lollapalooza, Sueños offers performances from some of the biggest names and hottest rising stars in music today. Saturday brings the reggaeton heavyweights: after the sun goes down, Feid performs, leading into an epic set from superstar veterans Wisin Y Yandel, closing out a day that also includes Arcangel and Chencho Corleone. Early arriving fans can see rising Latin trap star YOVNGCHIMI and Mexican rapper Gera MX, and witness a performance by the legendary reggaeton veteran Ivy Queen.

Sunday offers a diverse slate that draws from the past, present, and future of Latin music, headlined by red hot banda Grupo Firme and reggaeton superstar Nicky Jam, plus performances from Mexican-American pop idol Becky G, reggaeton stalwarts Eladio Carrion and Myke Towers. Early arrivers can see some of the hottest young stars in Latin music, including Colombian singer Ryan Castro, rising Puerto Rican rap superstar Young Miko, and Mexico’s own urban corrido phenom Junior H.

The party doesn’t stop when the festival ends. Sueños announced a series of afterparties and pre-shows, happening all weekend throughout Chicago. Notable afterparties include Arcangel at Tao on Saturday, Saturday’s official SORRY PAPI afterparty featuring Young Miko and Ivy Queen, Chencho Corleone at Tao on Sunday, and many more. View the full list of afterparties on the Sueños website. 

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 will feature a curated selection of Chicago’s best Latin food, art installations, a ferris wheel, multiple bars, and specialty cocktail lounges, and much more.

This year’s festival introduces SUEÑOS x SORRY PAPI, a “girls only” onsite activation where fans can freshen up without missing any of the onstage action. Hosted in partnership with SORRY PAPI, the only all-girl reggaeton party, the compound features hair braiding, face jewels, and make-up touch-ups, plus cocktails from Corona Refresca, photo ops, and a live feed of the festival stage.

Located in Grant Park, offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, Sueños sold out its initial pre-sale–Chicago can’t wait to welcome back the festival for another year. Passes for Sueños Music Festival are available now. 

Buy passes: www.suenosmusicfestival.com

Watch the official Sueños 2022 aftermovie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgnAFKpC5c8

Access the Sueños on-site press application HERE

Find more information at www.suenosmusicfestival.com

Sueños has partnered with Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) to help keep Sueños attendees and Chicago residents informed during the festival weekend. All attendees are encouraged to download the OEMC app for alerts, information, train times, and more.

Chicago OEMC App:  Downloading the Chicago OEMC app is a great way to get emergency alerts, check CTA Tracker information, monitor weather reports and radar, see street closures for events and even share your walk with a friend through CHI Safe Walk – all in one place. Residents are encouraged to get the new Chicago OEMC App as a public safety tool providing Safe Chicago information, preparedness tips and more in the palm of your hand, Smart911 and more. The app is now available through the Apple App and Google Play stores. To immediately download, click HERE or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC

Contact:

Media Contacts:
suenos@audibletreats.com

Links:

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