2.27.2023

Levi’s® Launches Tailor Shop Experience at Rolling Loud California

The Announcement:

(MARCH, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA) – This year marks the 150th anniversary of Levi’s® 501® jeans, an enduring icon of global style that has long been synonymous with the world of popular music. This year is also the 50th anniversary of the birth of the musical genre and cultural movement known as hip-hop. To celebrate these two landmark anniversaries, Levi’s® has teamed up with Rolling Loud—the first and largest global hip-hop music festival—as their first-ever global partner.

Beginning with Rolling Loud California, each Rolling Loud festival this year will feature a special Levi’s® x Rolling Loud capsule collection with limited-edition merchandise exclusive to each festival city. The capsule includes Levi’s® 501’s®, Trucker Jackets, as well as a tee and knit offering, all of which can be customized with a selection of Levi’s® x Rolling Loud graphics at the all-new Levi’s® X Rolling Loud Shop.

The Levi’s® X Rolling Loud Shop will feature a one-of-a-kind customization offering where you can choose from an assortment of Levi’s® tees, hoodies, 501’s® and Trucker Jackets to customize with the festival lineup alongside a mix of chainstitch, patches, and heat press graphics. After adding the artwork of your choice, you can walk away with a special one-of-one piece of Levi’s® x Rolling Loud merch. For those who want to grab merch and head straight to the stage quickly, there will be a to-go offering of pre-made Levi’s x Rolling Loud products.

Exclusive to Rolling Loud California 2023, there will also be a special Levi’s® x Rolling Loud x Born x Raised festival collection and customization studio experience. The collection includes a Levi’s® & Born x Raised denim Type I-style Trucker and Levi’s® 501® jean, hoodie, and T-shirt, all featuring allover graphics from LA cult label Born x Raised. Following the purchase, fans can access the design studio where they can choose from exclusive Born x Raised artworks and patches that can be chainstitched, screen printed, or heat pressed. The result is one-of-a-kind Levi’s® x Rolling Loud x Born & Raised merch.

From February 15th – February 22nd, Levi’s® ran a VIP giveaway where consumers can enter to win (2) 3-day VIP tickets to Rolling Loud California 2023, a customization session of Levi’s® merch at the Levi’s on-site Tailor Shop experience, and access to Levi’s VIP Main Stage lounge. Consumers entered to win at participating Levi’s LA Store locations – Del Amo, Topanga, Century City, and Citadel – where you must be an LA resident and Red Tab™ Loyalty member to enter. Members of the Levi’s® Red Tab™ loyalty program – which offers exclusive early access to the latest collabs, limited-edition launches, and sales – earned a chance to upgrade their ticket to a VIP 3-day pass or an opportunity to win a free Levi’s® patch to customize their purchased Levi’s® merch.

Along with these customization collections, the Rolling Loud partnership will also include a special 501® Day celebration on May 20th—the date in 1873 when Levi Strauss & Co. was granted a patent on the process of riveting pants—featuring four club concerts in four different cities: Tokyo, Paris, London, and San Francisco.

Link to Levi’s x Rolling Loud Merchandise: HERE
Link to Levi’s & Rolling Loud & Born x Raised Merchandise: HERE

Levi’s x Rolling Loud Merchandise:

• Trucker: $98
• Hoodie: $65
• 501 Shorts: $60
• Tee: $35

Born x Raised Merchandise:

• Born x Raised Hoodie $130
• Born x Raised Tee $70
• Born x Raised Jacket $160
• Born x Raised 501® $160

Customization Add Ons:

• Heat Transfers: 3 for $5
• Patches: 3 for $15
• Chain Stitch Embroidery: $10+

To-Go Merchandise:

• Trucker: $98
• Hoodie: $65
• 501 Shorts: $60

Contact:

For Rolling Loud:
Please email rollingloud@audibletreats.com

For Levi’s®:
Molly Hayes – mhayes@levi.com; Isabella Sangiacomo – isangiacomo@levi.com

The Background:

About Levi Strauss & Co.:
Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women, and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, and Denizen® brands. Its products are sold in more than 110 countries and worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 3,000 retail stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.’s reported fiscal 2018 net revenues were $5.6 billion. For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com.

About Rolling Loud
Founded by 5-time Billboard Hip-Hop Power Players Matt Zingler & Tariq Cherif as a one-day Miami show, Rolling Loud has grown into a global festival phenomenon, putting on shows on both coasts and in multiple countries. Rolling Loud is the premier festival brand in hip-hop, known for its expert curation of wide-ranging lineups that reflect the state of the genre.

Rolling Loud recently wrapped Miami 2022, its biggest event to date, headlined by Kid Cudi, Kendrick Lamar, and Future, and the inaugural Rolling Loud Portugal, which brought an international array of all-stars to the beaches of Portimåo, Portugal. The festival’s busy 2022 continued in September, with the first ever Rolling Loud Toronto, headlined by Future, WizKid, and Dave, and Rolling Loud New York, headlined by Nicki Minaj, A$AP Rocky & Future.

In 2023, Rolling Loud expands its empire even further, returning to Los Angeles for Rolling Loud California, debuting Rolling Loud Thailand, its first-ever Asian festival, and staging three European shows including Rolling Loud Portugal, and the inaugural editions of Rolling Loud Rotterdam and Rolling Loud Germany.

Links:

website | facebook | twitter | instagram

For full information, head to
https://www.rollingloud.com

Find more information about Rolling Loud California: https://www.rollingloud.com/cali2023

Check out Rolling Loud on Twitch: twitch.tv/rollingloud

2.24.2023

Video: Kenzo Balla – “Opp Huntin“

The New York Native Riser Unloads on the Opposition as He Prepares to Release a New EP 

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 Song:

With his cold, calculated approach and his rapid-fire flow, Kenzo Balla is an apex predator behind the mic. Returning to put his enemies on notice, the Bronx native shares his latest spine-chilling video single, “Opp Huntin’.” Backed by an eerie instrumental that flips a children’s choir sample into a booming drill beat, Kenzo lets the opposition know he’s running up the score until the mercy rule goes into effect: “N****s keep dissing and making these tracks/But they never put on, that’s a fact.”

The video for “Opp Huntin’” brings viewers into Kenzo’s world, where his clique of black-clad, masked up menaces follow his every move, waiting for him to call the shots. The video single arrives ahead of Kenzo’s upcoming EP, and follows December’s Mr. Ready to Blitz (Deluxe). Recently, Kenzo shared a pair of smooth-talking singles including “What’s The Move” and “Wonderful,” from his On The Radar freestyle, featuring frequent collaborator Rayy Balla on all platforms.

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 Crippy, Kenzo kicked off his career with a frenzy of fiery videos, including local hits like “5th To Sev” ft. TG Crippy & Pdot Sav (2.1 million video views), “OOTAZ,” and the “Love Nwantiti”-remixing “Let Me Know” (2 million views). This summer, the former AAU baller tore up the streets with “Dead Gzz,” a vicious, uptempo missive that racked up over 1.6 million video views since its release in June.

Now signed to 10K Projects, Kenzo Balla emerges from his perch in the Bronx to blitz the rap game. Sit back and watch his rise, because there’s no stopping it.

Watch “Opp Huntin'”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiFVRFKs-v8

Stream “Opp Huntin'”: https://kenzoballa.lnk.to/opphuntin

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

“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

2.24.2023

PI’ERRE BOURNE OFFICIALLY DROPS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED

“IG”

LISTEN HERE

THE HIP-HOP POLYMATH & SOSSHOUSE FOUNDER IS CURRENTLY PREPARING FOR COACHELLA 2023 AND WORKING ON NEXT ALBUM

Critical Praise:

“Bourne’s raps are wordplay-heavy, funneling boasts about money and fashion, flirtations with lovers, and the occasional autobiographical gem through the tried-and-true art of the metaphor.” – Pitchfork

“Pi’erre Bourne just might be on his way to a Kanye-esque crossover.” – Rolling Stone

“The Life of Pi’erre 5 reflects the lyrical and emotional growth Pi’erre has gained since dropping the last entry in 2019, while maintaining his usual high-level production.” – Billboard

The Song:

February 24, 2023 – GRAMMY® Award Winning Producer / Rapper, and SossHouse CEO, Pi’erre Bourne rewards his fans with the official release of “IG,” his first new song of 2023. First emerging as a snippet in 2021, “IG” is spoken about in hushed tones in rap fan circles, beloved for its all-encompassing atmosphere, combining thick synth pads with twinkling melodies and subsonic percussion.

Bourne cuts through his own production with taffy-like melodies, cheekily musing about his tendency to spot clout-chasing social media models wherever he goes. Now available on all platforms, “IG” is an outstanding addition to Pi’erre Bourne’s catalog of playalistic trap odysseys.

Listen HERE

“IG” is the latest salvo in what’s shaping up to be a busy year for the SossHouse Founder and CEO. In April, Pi’erre Bourne prepares to make his desert debut at Coachella 2023. Last month, Pi’erre shared the new video for “DJ In The Car,” danceable highlight from his 2022 album Good Movie, available now HERE. The South Carolina-born artist is hard at work on the follow-up to Good Movie, dropping later this year.

The prolific Pi’erre Bourne had a busy 2022, highlighted by two full-length projects: Good Movie and Space Age Pimpin. A versatile effort released in the late summer, Good Movie demonstrates Pi’erre’s evolution as a producer and songwriter, home to highlights like “Moving Too Fast” ft. Young Nudy, the mutating situationship anthem “Love Drill,” and the percolating  “Psane” ft. Don Toliver. Good Movie is available everywhere via SossHouse/Interscope Records. Released earlier in 2022, Space Age Pimpin is a collaborative project with legendary artist Juicy J. The project received critical acclaim from Pitchfork, The Fader, Stereogum, Complex, Hypebeast, UPROXX, Paste Magazine, and many more. Listen HERE.

Pi’erre Bourne has established himself as one of rap’s most inventive producers, and he flashed his behind-the-boards prowess in 2022 with his production on EA Monster, the critically acclaimed album by Young Nudy. As well as crafting beats for the likes of Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, and many others over hte years,  he also dropped acclaimed solo projects The Life of Pi’erre 4 and The Life of Pi’erre 5, which was hailed as one of the “Best Albums of 2021” by NPR, Complex, Rolling Stone, and XXL. Pi’erre is the founder and CEO of his own SossHouse imprint – home to artists like Chavo and Sharc.

Stay tuned for much, much more from the superstar polymath as 2023 moves along, including his first-ever performance at Coachella. Pi’erre will kick off Coachella with a concert at The Novo in Downtown LA on Thursday, April 13th.

Stream “IG”: http://PierreBourne.lnk.to/PBIG

Stream Good Movie: https://pierrebourne.lnk.to/GoodMovie

Buy Pi’erre Bourne concert tickets: https://www.yopierre.com/tour/

Buy Pi’erre Bourne merch: https://shop.yopierre.com/

Photo Credit: Chris “Ceez” Nunez Saunders

Please contact
Michelle McDevitt, Kerry Harrison, Audible Treats
Sasha Camacho, Interscope

Links:

official site | instagram | facebook | twitter | youtube | spotify | soundcloud

“IG Hoes”:

“DJ In The Car”: https://pierrebourne.lnk.to/DJIntheCarVideo

Good Movie: https://PierreBourne.lnk.to/GoodMovie

“Where You Going”: https://youtu.be/RM2XJEboBng

Buy Tickets for “GOOD MOVIE TOUR”: http://yopierre.com/tour

Buy SossHouse merch: sosshouse.com

2.24.2023

Rich Amiri Announces EVOLUTION, Coming Soon, Shares Percolating “Poppin” ft. Lil Tecca Single and Video

The Boston-Native Wunderkind Meets His Melodic Match in Lil Tecca, as the Two Trade Bars Over Twinkling Internet Money Production

Critical Praise:

“For someone who has only been rapping for two years, Rich continues to deliver nothing but perfection track after track.” – Lyrical Lemonade

The Video:

Cutting through the noise with his velvety baritone, 19-year-old rhymer Rich Amiri has stardom in his sights. Recruiting Lil Tecca to join him for a percolating banger, Amiri shares “Poppin.” “Poppin” is the first glimpse of EVOLUTION, Amiri’s upcoming project, and the follow-up to his 2022 debut release For The Better.

Produced by Rio Leyva, Thankyouwill, Paryo, and Taz Taylor of Internet Money, the new song is an intricate bit of pluggnb, packed to the gills with enticing sonic details and complex harmonies. Slickly sliding through the mix, Amiri unfurls stop-starting bars about his high-end tastes and humble brags about his rising star status: “I ain’t popular, but I’m kinda poppin,” he belts during the chorus. Lil Tecca is an ideal foil for Amiri, spinning his signature conversational melodies with a nonchalant charm. In the video, Tecca and Amiri spend an eventful night in Tecca’s hometown of NYC, complete with rooftop hangs and dimly lit club activities.

“Poppin” is the first new single of the year by the busy, Boston-born rapper. Capitalizing on the momentum from his 2021 hit “Never Fail,” which recently surpassed 3 million streams on SoundCloud, Amiri shared a consistent stream of underground hits. In June, the rapper shared For The Better, his debut project. Featuring appearances from SSGKobe, Summrs, and others, the 8-song effort showcased Amiri’s beyond-his-years maturity and sharp songwriting, while Internet Money helped craft a soundscape that suited his inimitable voice. For the rest of the year, Amiri kept busy with a series of singles and videos, including the chest-thumping, Cxdy & Taz Taylor-produced single “Can’t Die,” the irresistible “Dirty Money,” the rage-heavy two-pack “ruthless” and “trouble,” and most recently, the soulful slow jam “Keep All That.”

With the respect of his peers, co-signs from heavy hitters like Internet Money and Lil Tecca, and a fast-growing fanbase, Rich Amiri prepares to rise to mainstream recognition. Stay tuned for much more from the rising star in the near future.

Watch “Poppin” ft. Lil Tecca: https://youtu.be/gFOUNmy_msU

Stream “Poppin” ft. Lil Tecca: https://richamiri.lnk.to/POPPIN

Photo credit: Lain Becker

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

Hypnotic and honeyed, Rich Amiri’s voice is like little else in rap. Having only recently started taking music seriously, his syrupy melodies have already helped him stand out from his peers in plugg&B–a slurry blend of soul and cloud rap that’s been taking over the internet. Amiri’s humble and nonchalant about his gifts but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of his scene’s most free-associative songwriters. He switches lanes with grace, as evidenced by some of the highlights from his recent EP Chase. Tracks like “J10” are low-key and sensitive, while “Never Fail” allows him room to rage, showing off his many sides in quick succession. Though the 18-year-old hails from Boston, he’s a child of the internet who’s been uploading bedroom recordings to SoundCloud since 2020. Like many Gen Z stars, Amiri is something of a one-man army. He says even before he made music, he was on TikTok “from sunup to sundown,” meaning he knew exactly how to get “Never Fail” to go viral—and it’s now inching toward 2 million SoundCloud streams. Amiri’s just getting started, but he’s already starting to accomplish his goals, reaching fans and sharing his innermost feelings. And yet, he’s quickly learned not to force anything. He’s made it this far by trusting his gut, after all. “If it’s a good beat, it’ll speak to me,” he says. “Then I make it speak to other people, too. “

Links:

instagram | twitter | tiktok | youtube | spotify

“Poppin” ft. Lil Tecca: https://richamiri.lnk.to/POPPIN / https://youtu.be/gFOUNmy_msU

“Keep All That”: https://richamiri.lnk.to/keepallthat

“Dirty Money”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0tefEn2nWE

“Feelings” ft. Desire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9HpEe0KELM

“Can’t Die”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_NwWezxmvE

“trouble”: https://richamiri.lnk.to/trouble

“ruthless”: https://richamiri.lnk.to/ruthless

“Bounty”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHPnZWRfdqU

For The Better: https://richamiri.lnk.to/forthebetter

“Jumpin” ft. iayze: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRMuJ_RCmZo

2.24.2023

Album: Key Glock – Glockoma 2

The Paper Route Empire Rapper Levels Up With His New Album, Spanning 15 Tracks of Piping Hot Memphis Music

The 25-Year-Old Shares the Video for Project Highlight “Dirt”

The Album:

In the five years since releasing his 2018 mixtape Glockoma, Memphis’s Key Glock has established himself as one of the South’s essential rising stars. Coming through with the highly-anticipated sequel to his breakthrough tape, Key Glock shares Glockoma 2, a brand new full length. Rhyming over soulful, speaker-knocking trap beats, Glock shoulders the 15 track length, as always, without any features: “I might just go and pay myself for a feature/It’s Glizock, I be fresh and I finesse ya like a preacher,” he spits on the closing track “F*ck A Feature.” The 25-year-old rapper levels up his pen game, taking inspiration from the late Young Dolph to hone his metaphors and sharpen his punchlines, while keeping the same suavity that his fans expect. Home to recent singles “Work” and “Dirt,” plus the Fall 2022 hit “From Nothin,“ along with new highlights like the triumphant “Chromosomes” and the cloudy lyrical showcase “Key Rex, “Glockoma 2 is available everywhere via Paper Route Empire.

Along with Glockoma 2, Key Glock shares the video for “Dirt.” Released earlier this week, “Dirt” is the album’s forceful opening track. Backed by a heartening, vintage soul-sampling instrumental, the track finds Glock powering through life’s highs and lows while maintaining a sober perspective on the streets: “Number one rule: get that money, mane, (I learned that sh*t from Dolph)/It ain’t no shame up in my game, (I’m tryna get it off)/This street sh*t is just not the same, (most of these n****s soft).” In the video, Glock heads out to the desert, spitting bars as spiky as the surrounding Saguaro cactuses.

Following the album’s release, Key Glock embarks on SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation Presents: Key Glock – Glockoma Tour. The 32-date run kicks off on March 5th at Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy, making stops in Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and more before wrapping up in Nashville, TN at Marathon Music Works on April 28th. Key Glock will perform his vast array of hits, including the recently Platinum-certified “Ambition For Cash” and the recently GOLD-certified “Dough.” The tour features support from NC riser TiaCorine, Glock’s Paper Route Empire brethren Kenny Muney and Jay Fizzle, and Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug will join as a special guest for the Texas dates. With five dates already sold out, and low-ticket warnings for multiple other shows, tickets for SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation Presents: Key Glock – Glockoma Tour are available now at keyglock.com.

Glockoma 2 heralds a big 2023 for Glock, and follows up PRE5L, Glock’s EP, released on in November 2022. The five-track project paints a way forward for the legendary Memphis label, as the 25-year-old rapper shows his determination to lead Paper Route Empire into a bright future. Released on #DolphDay, PRE5L is dedicated to Glock’s mentor Young Dolph. Fans of Dolph and Glock can pay tribute to Dolph at the traveling Dolphland museum, which hits San Antonio this weekend, before heading to Washington, DC and CHicago in the near future.

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

Watch “Dirt”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBbfksGeWDk

Buy tickets for “The Glockoma Tour” at  keyglock.com

Buy tickets for Dolphland at YOUNGDOLPH.COM

SIRIUSXM’S HIP-HOP NATION PRESENTS KEY GLOCK – GLOCKOMA TOUR DATES: 

Sun Mar 05 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
Thu Mar 09 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
Fri Mar 10 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
Sat Mar 11 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
Sun Mar 12 – Greensboro, NC — Piedmont Hall
Wed Mar 15 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
Thu Mar 16 – Washington, DC – Echostage
Sat Mar 18 – Queens, NY – The Knockdown Center
Sun Mar 19 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live
Wed Mar 22 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Thu Mar 23 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
Fri Mar 24 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
Sat Mar 25 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Sun Mar 26 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall
Wed Mar 29 – Chicago, IL – Radius
Thu Mar 30 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
Fri Mar 31 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis
Sun Apr 02 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Tue Apr 04 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Thu Apr 06 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo*
Sat Apr 08 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
Tue Apr 11 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Fri Apr 14 – San Diego, CA – SOMA
Sat Apr 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Sun Apr 16 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
Thu Apr 20 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
Fri Apr 21 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
Sat Apr 22 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Sun Apr 23 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom
Wed Apr 26 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans
Thu Apr 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
Fri Apr 28 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
*Not A Live Nation Date

Please contact Michelle or Kerry for more info.

Links:

twitter | soundcloud | instagram | spotify | youtube

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

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

2.23.2023

Video: J Stalin – “World On My Shoulders“

The West Oakland Original Flexes His Inner Atlas in Latest Video from Prenuptial Agreement 2

Critical Praise:

“Vibrant and exploding with personality, J. Stalin is a knowing, mischievous wise-ass whose charisma hangs between unapologetic cockiness and the ability to cut through rap’s fantasy-addled drug fetishism and provide sobering reality.” – Pitchfork

“One of Oakland’s illest MCs” – XXL

“As the owner of Livewire Records, West Oakland rapper J Stalin provides a place for the growth of incredibly creative, meat-and-potatoes Bay Area hip-hop. The label hosts gritty rubbery street music that navigates crack dealing devastation and grounded partying tracks with equal aplomb, with artists that range from Stalin himself to MCs like Shady Nate and Philthy Rich among others.” – SPIN

“This is what Stalin does: he takes things–sounds, human beings, grocery stores–and warps them into something extraterrestrial. It’s eerie, but you’re dancing anyway.” – Passion of the Weiss

The Video:

Standing at the vanguard of mob music for over a decade, J. Stalin exemplifies the dedication it takes to turn a wave into a movement. Reasserting his status as one of the Bay’s biggest movers and shakers, Stalin continues to carry the scene in his new video for “World On My Shoulders.” A highlight track from his recent project Prenuptial Agreement 2, “World On My Shoulders” finds Stalin reminiscing on the strength it takes to move masses: “Damn I still miss trapping with my brother/All night, counting money, laughing at the suckers.”

The video for “World On My Shoulders,” which quickly follows clips for project highlights like “Basic,” “To Do List,” and “Backwoods,” finds Stalin cruising around Oakland in a Beamer with the butterfly doors up, hopping out to reconnect with familiar faces, including his auntie, as he revels in his OG status.

“World On My Shoulders” is the latest video from Prenuptial Agreement 2, Stalin’s new album. The sequel to the 2010 breakout project that made him a regional star, Prenuptial Agreement 2 is a showcase for Stalin’s raspy vocals, brutally honest lyrics, and peerless ability to navigate mob instrumentals. Moving from love songs to hustlers’ anthems and back with effortless ease, the album features production from Mob Music architects like The Mekanix, Clayton Williams, and Mike Made The 808s, plus younger beatmakers like Juneonnabeat. Like the Pitchfork-acclaimed original, which brought guest spots from the likes of E-40 and The Jacka, Prenuptial Agreement brings an eclectic cast of characters, from fellow Oaklanders like Philthy Rich, 22nd Jim, and Jane Handcock standing up for the 357, and street heroes from other cities, like Florida’s Jackboy and Stockton’s EBK Young Joc, who sound right at home.

J. Stalin is celebrating the success of Prenuptial Agreement 2 with the Livewire Reunion Tour, hitting cities across the West Coast. The tour reunites the original Livewire Records crew, including Bay Area royalty Philthy Rich and Lil Blood. The Livewire Reunion Tour hits Club Insomnia in Oakland on May 19th and May 20th. Stay tuned for more announcements.

Loyal to the grind and his family, J. Stalin is building a legacy for himself and the Oakland scene he hails from. With Prenuptial Agreement 2, the proudly independent artist cements his rightful place in Bay Area history.

Watch “World On My Shoulders”: https://youtu.be/ZBasX_uefh4

Stream Prenuptial Agreement 2:  https://music.empi.re/prenuptialagreement2

Buy tickets HERE for the Livewire Reunion Tour, featuring J Stalin, Philthy Rich, and Lil Blood

Prenuptial Agreement 2 tracklist:

1. The Boss
2. Who U Talkin 2 (ft. June)
3. Bricks in the City (ft. Jackboy)
4. World On My Shoulders
5. A Lot of Money (ft. 22nd Jim)
6. Everywhere I Go
7. Basic (ft. Lyjah)
8. Don’t Front Pt. 2 (ft. Big Breaux)
9. To Do List (ft. June Poole)
10. Issues (ft. Stunnaman02 & Lyjah)
11. S. 580 (ft. Lyjah)
12. Tupac (ft. EBK Young Joc)
13. Count On 1 Hand (ft. Jane Handcock)
14. 3 Minutes (ft. Philthy Rich)
15. Backwoods (ft. Kevin Allen)
16. Grind For It (ft. 4rAx of The Mekanix & Acito)
17. The One

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | instagram

Bio, pics, and more available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/j-stalin

“World On My Shoulders”: https://youtu.be/ZBasX_uefh4

“Basic” ft. Lyjah: https://youtu.be/fYc_4Ztm29Y

“Backwoods” ft. Kevin Allen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgsBNAnyNRo

“Who U Talkin 2” ft. June: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAJeq4BPiQE

“To Do List” ft. June Poole: https://youtu.be/1igzgSeXLsA

Prenuptial Agreement 2: https://music.empi.re/prenuptialagreement2

“S580”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGczu0tw1OM

2.22.2023

TikTok Treats, Week of February 22nd

Rihanna Receives a Super Bowl Boost, Toosii Inspires Valentine’s Day Feels, Creators Examine Their Place in History, and More From Music on TikTok

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. Check out this week’s trends below:

• Returning to the stage for her first performance in six years with her Super Bowl halftime show, Rihanna reminded the world that her reign has yet to let up. In the wake of her halftime performance, songs from Rihanna’s catalog have received a massive boost on TikTok. Several songs from RiRi’s illustrious catalog are trending on the platform: the soulful ballad “Lift Me Up” (505.5K+ creations) finds creators appreciating intimate moments with their partner; “Needed Me” (14.6K+ creations) soundtracks creators’ makeup routines; and Rihanna’s backup dancers shared behind-the-scenes footage of their rehearsal of “Pour It Up” (55.7K+ creations). Rihanna’s backup dancers had a field day on TikTok in the week following the game, revealing that they were able to keep their costumes after the show. Enjoying their favorite Rihanna songs in their own creative ways, the TikTok community helped propel Rihanna back to the Billboard charts, while also earning her one of her biggest streaming weeks ever.
• The rise of Mississippi rapper Superstar Pride is a perfect example of how the TikTok community embraces rising artists and propels them to the charts. Pride shared a clip from a live performance of his 2022 song “Painting Pictures” in early February, inspiring TikTok creators to show off their best reenactments of his performance with comedic flair. Garnering over 38.1K creations, the bubbling trend finds creators using random objects to remake Pride’s haircut. Creators use their favorite snacks, garbage bags, and house plants to channel their inner Superstar Pride. In other videos, TikTok users show off their shag haircuts and reveal that the rapper inspired their recent hair decisions. Backed by the support of the TikTok community, Superstar Pride topped Spotify’s US and Global Viral 50 charts, reached the Top 15 of Spotify’s U.S. Top 50 streaming chart, and earned his first-ever Billboard Hot 100 entry.
• Nobody’s perfect, and British singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man has been preaching that notion since long before his 2016 breakout hit “Human” became TikTok’s tongue-in-cheek anthem for unhinged behavior. Racking up over 297.9k total creations across multiple sounds, including sped-up and extra sped-up versions, the track has inspired multiple recent trends as creators find new ways to acknowledge their flawed behavior. Using a scene from the track’s music video and TikTok’s CapCut video edit feature, one trend emerged with creators trying to justify things like why their posts haven’t performed well, how a founding father processed his own mistakes, or commit a classic restaurant faux pas. Another trend, using the sped-up version of the sound, saw creators revealing their daily schedules to share good excuses for always being tired and bad excuses for not doing their homework.
• Since rising on TikTok in 2020 with romantic R&B jams like “Love Cycle” and “Love Is…,” Syracuse native rapper-singer Toosii just notched his biggest TikTok hit to date with the Valentine’s Day-appropriate “Favorite Song.” Racking up over 69.7k creations, Toosii first teased the track in early January before returning earlier this month to discover it was quickly gaining traction as some creators get in their feelings about the track’s message of maintaining high expectations, while others live up to that high mark by showing affection for their loved ones. Since its official release last Friday, “Favorite Song” has racked up over 1.3 million streams on Spotify alone.
• It often seems like TikTok runs on nostalgia, with creators pining for the fashion and music from their youth, or even earlier. A new trend, however, bucks that nostalgic mindset, giving those who know they were born at the exact right time a chance to shine. Using Glen Campbell’s classic 1976 version of Allen Toussaint’s “Southern Nights,” creators muse on whether they were born in the era that best fits their personality. Some creators appreciate the modern era for its unprecedented coziness, while others are thankful for social media or being alive at the same time as Taylor Swift. On the flip side of the coin, other creators pine for days when songs like “Southern Nights” routinely topped the charts. With over 11k video creations to date on the song, many of which from the past week, it is very possible that “Southern Nights” can usher in a new renaissance for “dad music” of all stripes.
• The passage of time and the advancement of technology have combined to create a modern world that would be entirely unrecognizable to someone living even a few decades in the past. Using a sped up remix of pop singer Ryn Weaver’s “Pierre” (52k+ creations), creators on TikTok draw unexpected connections between historical eras, or ponder how their ancestors would react to certain aspects of their lives that they take for granted. In the first trend, called #historyrepeatsitself (69.3 million views), creators explore how some modern beauty secrets actually come from Ancient Egypt, how the LGBTQ activists of the past paved the way for current members of the community to live in the open, and how midwives helped set medical sanitation standards we still use today. In the second, more humorous trend, creators focus on the differences between eras, imagining how their ancestors would react to the domestication of dogs, modern pop music, sugary soft drinks, and much more. 

Check 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:
Miley and Shakira Get Petty, Miguel’s “Sure Thing” Revival, and More TikTok Music Stories
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
Omar Apollo, The Throne, and More TikTok Trends to Watch This Week
BLACKPINK, Steve Lacy, and The Smashing Pumpkins Lead a Busy Week of Music on TikTok
On TikTok: ‘Yonce, Yeat, Lizzo, SZA and More
Britney & Elton, Snoop Dogg & Ice Spice Lead This Week’s TikTok Trends
Latin Pop, Celebrity Nemeses, and More From TikTok Music
Teenage Dirtbags and Super Freaks Take Over on TikTok
On TikTok: Beyoncé Strikes Back, Rosalía Returns, and More
“BILLIE EILISH,” Oklahoma Smokeshows, and K. Michelle Heat Up on TikTok
Rising Stars, Latin Pop Queens, and More From Music on TikTok
Step 1: Beyoncé, Ryan Tedder, Steve Lacy, & More on TikTok
Metallica, Flo Milli, Avril Lavigne, and More From Music on TikTok
Drake Feels No Ways, Doja Channels Elvis, and More from Music on TikTok
Gorillaz, John Legend, JOJI, and More TikTok Treats
ABBA and Radiohead Trend, Tate McRae Drops a New Video, and More from Music on TikTok
Highway to the Nostalgia Zone: the ‘80s Are Back on TikTok
Harry, Kendrick, and Kate Bush Highlight a Busy Week of Music on TikTok
This Newsletter Doesn’t Jiggle Jiggle, It Reports on the Biggest Music Moments on TikTok
On TikTok: Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and Suki Waterhouse Make Waves
Justin Gets “Honest,” PSY Returns, and More TikTok Stories
Moon Knight, Skillibeng, and More From a Leveled Up Week For Music on TikTok
On TikTok: Lizzo Returns, Ambitious Creators Show Off Their Skills, and More
A Harry Styles Hit, a Daddy Yankee Renaissance, and More TikTok Music Stories
Durk, Jack, Demi, and Fergie Inspire TikTok Music Trends
Pharrell, Coi & Nicki, and 80s Country Lead the Way on TikTok
Only On TikTok: Kevin Gates, Patsy Cline, and Pixar Make Music Trends
French Pop Meme-Making, Russ Remixes, and More TikTok Stories
All The Pheelz: Afrobeats, Batman, and More TikTok Music Stories
Mariah Carey, Euphoria, Cat Burns, & More on TikTok
Dre’s Halftime, Phoebe’s “Motion Sickness,” and More from Music on TikTok
Becky & Karol G, Madonna, and Nelly Furtado Highlight the Week in Music on TikTok
Major Bags, ’70s Gems, Space Jam DVDs, and More TikTok Music Stories
Here Come the TikTok-Steppers: Charlie Puth, Ini Kamoze, Mason Ramsey & More
Act Like You Know: Time Machines, The Ting Tings, & More on TikTok
“Pushin P,” Papa Roach, “Pompeii” and More Music Trends from TikTok
We Need to Talk About “Bruno,” And Other TikTok Music Trends
TikTok Rings In The New Year with Bad Bunny, Drill Remixes, and R&B Hits
TikTok’s 2021 Music Report: Key Takeaways
TikTok Reveals Top Songs of 2021, Incl. Doja Cat, Coi Leray and More

2.22.2023

Single: Key Glock – “Dirt”

The Piping-Hot Paper Route Empire Rapper Cleans the Slate with Triumphant, Soul-Sampling Single from Glockoma 2 Album, Arriving 2/24

The Single:

A master of motivational, Memphis trap anthems, Key Glock tirelessly practices the hustle he preaches. Back again with another powerful single from his upcoming Glockoma 2 album, the Paper Route Empire playmaker shares “Dirt.” Backed by a heartening, vintage soul-sampling instrumental, the track finds Glock powering through life’s highs and lows while maintaining a sober perspective on the streets: “Number one rule: get that money, mane, (I learned that sh*t from Dolph)/It ain’t no shame up in my game, (I’m tryna get it off)/This street sh*t is just not the same, (most of these n****s soft).”

“Dirt” follows “Work” as the latest single from Glockoma 2, the sequel to Glock’s fan-favorite 2018 album Glockoma, home to some of his biggest hits, including the GOLD-certified bangers “Since 6ix” and “Gang Sh*t No Lame Sh*t.” Five years later, Glock is keeping that same energy, returning to the no-nonsense lyricism that helped cement him as the hottest and coldest in his city. Currently available for pre-order, Glockoma 2 hits the streets on February 24th via Paper Route Empire.

Following the album’s release, Key Glock embarks on SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation Presents: Key Glock – Glockoma Tour. The 32-date run kicks off on March 5th at Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy, making stops in Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and more before wrapping up in Nashville, TN at Marathon Music Works on April 28th. Key Glock will perform his vast array of hits, including the recently Platinum-certified “Ambition For Cash” and the recently GOLD-certified “Dough.” The tour features support from NC riser TiaCorine, Glock’s Paper Route Empire brethren Kenny Muney and Jay Fizzle, and Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug will join as a special guest for the Texas dates. With five dates already sold out, and low-ticket warnings for multiple other shows, tickets for SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation Presents: Key Glock – Glockoma Tour are available now at keyglock.com.

Glockoma 2 heralds a big 2023 for Glock, and follows up PRE5L, Glock’s EP, released on in November 2022. The five-track project paints a way forward for the legendary Memphis label, as the 25-year-old rapper shows his determination to lead Paper Route Empire into a bright future. Released on #DolphDay, PRE5L is dedicated to Glock’s mentor Young Dolph. Fans of Dolph and Glock can pay tribute to Dolph at the traveling Dolphland museum, which hit Houston this past weekend, before heading to San Antonio and Washington, DC in the near future.

Stream “Dirt”: https://music.empi.re/dirt

Pre-save Glockoma 2: https://music.empi.re/glockoma2

Buy tickets for “The Glockoma Tour” at  keyglock.com

Buy tickets for Dolphland at YOUNGDOLPH.COM

SIRIUSXM’S HIP-HOP NATION PRESENTS KEY GLOCK – GLOCKOMA TOUR DATES: 

Sun Mar 05 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
Thu Mar 09 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
Fri Mar 10 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
Sat Mar 11 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
Sun Mar 12 – Greensboro, NC — Piedmont Hall
Wed Mar 15 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
Thu Mar 16 – Washington, DC – Echostage
Sat Mar 18 – Queens, NY – The Knockdown Center
Sun Mar 19 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live
Wed Mar 22 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Thu Mar 23 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
Fri Mar 24 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
Sat Mar 25 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Sun Mar 26 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall
Wed Mar 29 – Chicago, IL – Radius
Thu Mar 30 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
Fri Mar 31 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis
Sun Apr 02 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Tue Apr 04 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Thu Apr 06 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo*
Sat Apr 08 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
Tue Apr 11 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Fri Apr 14 – San Diego, CA – SOMA
Sat Apr 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Sun Apr 16 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
Thu Apr 20 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
Fri Apr 21 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
Sat Apr 22 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Sun Apr 23 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom
Wed Apr 26 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans
Thu Apr 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
Fri Apr 28 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
*Not A Live Nation Date

Please contact Michelle or Kerry for more info.

Links:

twitter | soundcloud | instagram | spotify | youtube

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

“Dirt”: https://music.empi.re/dirt

Pre-save Glockoma 2: https://music.empi.re/glockoma2

“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

2.21.2023

Video: Jay Critch – “Handle“

The 24-Year-Old Brooklyn Native Celebrates the Release of Jugg Season in His Home Borough

Featuring Guest Spots from Max B, Rich The Kid, and Baby Money, Jugg Season is Available Everywhere via Talk Money Entertainment/EMPIRE

Critical Praise:

“Jay Critch is the new New York”– The FADER

“Since last summer, he’s kept his foot on the pedal with a slew of new releases, and those efforts seemingly ramped up even more since the top of the year.” – HotNewHipHop

“Jay Critch is naturally gifted” – Rap Radar

The Video:

Confidently charismatic with the talent to back it up, Jay Critch has the attitude and ambition to succeed in the NYC rap scene. Drawing a crowd in his stomping grounds as he celebrates the release of his new project Jugg Season, Critch shares “Handle,” a brand new music video. Produced by BrentRambo, “Handle” provides an ethereal and cloudy atmosphere for Critch to cut through with his no-nonsense bravado. The 24-year-old Clinton Hill native bobs and weaves between the airy synths as he tells his rags-to-riches story: “What are they having cause n****s ain’t having cheese/I was so broke, I ‘member I would be happy just to have a pack of weed/But now I raise up the salary/Now a opp get burnt like calories.” Directed by Dee Sauce, the video finds Jay Critch ushering in Jugg Season in Brooklyn, as he dances on Flatbush Avenue, kicks back in the studio, and parties with his fellow NYC elites, including Jim Jones and Dave East.

With a cover that finds Jay surveying his kingdom from the top of the Barclays Center, Jugg Season is the culmination of Jay’s five years as a crucial figure in his city’s scene, brimming with the confidence of a hot shot upstart made good. Incorporating sounds from the Five Boroughs and beyond, the 19-track project bounces from the Shiny Suit Era to the SoundCloud explosion to the heyday of the Coke Boys, with Critch serving as a versatile and charismatic navigator. The 24-year-old Clinton Hill native flashes a lyrical maturity that nearly matches his ambition, weaving his own history with the rich heritage of NYC rap music. Jugg Season recruits producers from all over the rap map, with contributions from plugg maestro MexikoDro, heady Chicago sound architect BrentRambo, Atlanta impresario Richie Souf, West Coast magician RonRonTheProducer, and more. Featuring guest spots from Max B, Rich The Kid, and Baby Money, Jugg Season is available everywhere via EMPIRE.

Since he burst onto the scene as a teenager with singles like “Ad Libs” and the beloved Hood Favorite mixtape, Jay Critch has been one of New York’s favorite sons. His collaborations with Rich The Kid and Famous Dex on the Rich Forever mixtape series remain the stuff of legend, but he hasn’t stopped switching up his style or releasing new heat for the streets. His 23-track 2021 effort Critch Tape found the artist expanding his sound to absorb drill and other prevailing street styles. The tape featured collaborations with fellow New Yorkers Fivio Foreign and Lil Tjay, as well as influential figures Skillibeng and Drakeo The Ruler. Critch recently expanded his CV to include modeling, as he modeled for the Kors x Ellesse campaign alongside Emily Ratajkowski in 2022.

With Jugg Season in the books Jay Critch seeks to resume his Five Borough takeover. Stream Jugg Season everywhere via Talk Money Ent./EMPIRE.

Watch “Handle”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqqYokoGAvk

Stream Jugg Season: https://music.empi.re/juggseason

Jugg Season tracklist:

1. That Was Random (prod. A Lau x Zuko x Eli Wtf)
2. Cargos (prod. E Rose)
3. Punchy (prod. Laron)
4. Minutes (prod. Luca Beats)
5. Nuh Uh (This Ain’t That) (prod. Bngrz)
6. No Edits (prod. 17ondatrack)
7. Tackle (prod. Chulo)
8. Riddle / Greece (prod. Laron)
9. Raincoats (feat. Baby Money) (prod. Laron)
10. Oh What A Feeling (prod. Fizzle & Julia Lewis)
11. Still Wavy (feat. Max B)
12. Tuscan (prod. Laron)
13. Handle (prod. BrentRambo)
14. Chanel and Paris (prod. Chulo)
15. Missiles (feat. Rich The Kid) (prod. D Mac)
16. Clutch (prod. MexikoDro)
17. Landslide (prod. Richie Souf)
18. Shit To Say (prod. OkayKhan)
19. Bonus Track – Wrong Person (prod. RonRon)

Photo credit: @HazzNYC

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

The Background:

Jay Critch may very well be the answer to New York’s calls for representation in the rap game. As a young kid, Jay Critch was fascinated by his older brother’s music. Listening to his brother rap, Critch began to eventually do the same. Born in 1998 in Clinton Hill, Critch wrote raps at a young age, but wasn’t recording until he was of preteen age. Rappers such as Lil Wayne, Fabolous, and Max B dominated Critch’s listening habits and became major influences in his own music career.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | twitter | facebook | soundcloud | tiktok

“Handle”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqqYokoGAvk

Jugg Season: https://music.empi.re/juggseason

“Oh, What A Feeling!”: https://music.empi.re/ohwhatafeeling

“Cheating Frestyle”: music.empi.re/cheatingfreestyle / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSyt1dm6j2I

“Up All Night”: https://music.empi.re/upallnight / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttRa4st-KYc

“Lefty” ft. Rich The Kid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ayZp7teMaU

“Close To Me/Active”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOpFf73QLdU

“Born With It” (w/ Harry Fraud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6un6DNeqIHY

2.17.2023

Video: Rucci & Bankroll Got It – “Lamb Chops“

Inglewood’s Finest Emcee Teams Up with the Hitmaking Production Team for a Mouth-Watering Preview of Their Upcoming Collab Album–Bankroll Got It’s First-Ever Collaborative Full-Length with a Single Artist

Critical Praise:

“On the spectrum of the new Los Angeles, Rucci sits closest to classicism, capturing the spirit of greats like Suga Free and Mack 10. But don’t mistake that homage for predictability: Rucci consumes these beats. His presence throughout this album is glowing, outsized, and even within the frames of L.A. bump — minor keys, minimal bass — he makes daring production choices. (“Lowrider” interpolates, you know, that song). But beneath the booming production and drug inventories that run rampant on Tako’s Son are stories of deep loss and chosen family” – NPR

“Rucci is one of the few young and buzzing West Coast rappers capable of pleasing both emcee traditionalists and those seeking true starpower and hit-making potential… Inglewood’s chosen son is on his way to stardom.” – HYPEBEAST

“He’s become equally adept at writing fun party slappers and ferocious pain rap dirges, gangsta rap indebted to history but hounded by the demons of the present.” – The LAnd

“A formalist who raps with ease even at his most aggressive, Rucci bridges the divide between his ’90s predecessors and his peers in LA’s continued rap renaissance. If Drakeo the Ruler’s grumbling, slowed verses is one end of the spectrum, Rucci’s the opposite. He’s direct, pouring up but pouring less, popping molly and ready to party and rhyme with mounting momentum. Undergirding it all is the inherent tension that comes from making turn-up music colored by red paisley rags and blood-red tragedy. Beneath the celebration and self-medication, you can hear Rucci wrestling with what to share and how best to prod wounds that haven’t healed.” – The FADER

The Video:

With a breakneck flow and boundless ambition, Inglewood heavy-hitter Rucci has grown into one of L.A.’s most complete artists. Delivering a snapping and propulsive ode to the high life, Rucci squads up with Bay Area based production team Bankroll Got It for “Lamb Chops.” The new song showcases the chemistry between the Inglewood artist and hitmaking producers, with Bankroll layering a bouncy West Coast bassline with airy electric piano chords and tick-tocking bells that harken back to the earliest days of L.A. gangsta rap. Rucci swerves into the production like a souped-up sports car, unfurling a series of breakneck bars with a snarling delivery: “Got a big AP, I can’t even tell the time/Don’t be lookin’ at my neck if you don’t want to go blind.”

In the video, directed by Stacking Memories, Rucci speeds down Centinela Avenue in his big bodied Lamborghini Urus, heading to a parking lot to do donuts and chomp on some perfectly-cooked red meat. “Lamb Chop” is the first salvo from the upcoming joint album by Rucci and Bankroll Got It. The first-ever collaborative album between the production team–responsible for producing platinum hits for artists like Latto and Coi Leray, among others–and a single artist, Rucci’s next project arrives later this year via Mackk&Co/EMPIRE.

Since emerging in 2018 with his breakout mixtape El Perro and staking his claim as one of his region’s most vital artists with 2019’s Tako Son, Rucci has gracefully grown into his status as one of the West Coast’s top dawgs. 2022 was a busy year for the 28-year-old rapper, marked by three full-lengths, two EPs, and countless music videos. He made the biggest splash with El Perro 2, which featured guest spots from G Perico, 1TakeJay, and Wallie The Sensei. Rucci made waves online with “Tell Your Friends” ft. Kalan.FrFr, which racked up over 2 million streams across platforms. Hits from Rucci’s deep catalog (150 million career streams to date) continue to percolate in the West Coast, including the G Perico collab “Keep Killin” (nearly 10 million total streams), the Blxst-assisted ballad “Understand“ (4.9 million Spotify streams), and “Hoodrat,” a Boosie Badazz-featuring banger from Kourtesy Of Us, Rucci’s collaborative project with frequent rap partner AzChike.

Rucci started 2023 on a high note, sharing the Been Here, Still Here EP, a collaboration with L.A. beatmaker Cypress Moreno. Stay tuned for much more music from Rucci, as the Year of the Dawg kicks into high gear.

Watch “Lamb Chops”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKtY2o9Td_o

Stream “Lamb Chops”: https://music.empi.re/lambchops

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

The Background:

Rucci Background: 
“When something is great, you aren’t always able to explain it,” says self-made Inglewood rap star Rucci. “I want to keep giving the fans stuff, and I don’t want them to figure me out.” Since the mid-2010s, Rucci has established himself as an elite voice among the new West Coast. A student of the greats before him, Rucci insists on evolving and flaunting his range while appeasing the millions of fans that have supported his career thus far. Following up a busy 2022, which saw the release of his acclaimed mixtape El Perro 2, Rucci is ready to go even bigger in 2023 with multiple projects, starting with the Been Here, Still Here EP w/ Cypress Moreno. “I want to rebrand myself,” says the 28-year-old. “I want to show the West Coast that I’m here to enhance anything we got going on musically.”

Bankroll Got It Background:
Bankroll Got It is a platinum production duo, comprised of brothers from the Bay Area. Growing up, they were inspired by Dr. Dre to become heavy-hitting producers in their own right. They have produced songs for superstar artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, YG,, Coi Leray, Polo G, and Lil Baby. In 2023, they’re returning to their West Coast roots, teaming up with Inglewood’s Rucci for their first-ever full-length collaborative project with an artist.

Links:

instagram | twitter | soundcloud | youtube | spotify

“Lamb Chops” (prod. by Bankroll Got It): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKtY2o9Td_o / https://music.empi.re/lambchops

“Tell Your Friends” ft. Kalan.FrFr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1miuHapJ6Q

El Perro 2: https://music.empi.re/elperro2

2.17.2023

Key Glock Shares “Work,” the First Single from Glockoma 2, Out February 24th via Paper Route Empire

The Piping Hot Memphis Rapper Takes Inspiration From His Late Mentor As Prepares For His New Album and the “Glockoma Tour,” Launching in in March

The Announcement:

Key Glock made his name on no-nonsense Memphis-style bangers, and in 2023, he’s preparing to return to his roots. Coming through with the first single from the upcoming Glockoma 2, the Paper Route Empire stunna shares “Work.” A somber and speaker-knocking banger produced by PRE’s own Bandplay, “Work” finds Glock powering through haunting vocal samples and crackling Tennessee trap percussion with his hustle-hard mantras. Flexing and reflecting in equal measure, Glock thinks of his mentor Young Dolph as he resolves to go harder than ever: “All of this money, I feel like I’m cursed/I lost my dog every day this sh*t hurt/(I lost my dog every day this sh*t hurt)/His voice in my head keep on telling me ‘work.'”

His first full-length project since last year’s Yellow Tape 2 (Deluxe), Glockoma 2 is the sequel to Glock’s fan-favorite 2018 album Glockoma, home to some of his biggest hits, including the GOLD-certified bangers “Since 6ix” and “Gang Sh*t No Lame Sh*t.” Five years later, Glock is keeping that same energy, returning to the no-nonsense lyricism that helped cement him as the hottest and coldest in his city. Currently available for pre-order, Glockoma 2 hits the streets on February 24th via Paper Route Empire

“Work” and Glockoma 2 arrive ahead of SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation Presents: Key Glock – Glockoma Tour, which kicks off in March. The 32-date run kicks off on March 5th at Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy making stops in Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and more before wrapping up in Nashville, TN at Marathon Music Works on April 28th. Key Glock will perform his vast array of hits, including the recently Platinum-certified “Ambition For Cash” and the recently GOLD-certified “Dough.” The tour features support from NC riser TiaCorine, Glock’s Paper Route Empire brethren Kenny Muney and Jay Fizzle, and Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug will join as a special guest for the Texas dates. With five dates already sold out, and low-ticket warnings for multiple other shows, tickets for SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation Presents: Key Glock – Glockoma Tour are available now at keyglock.com.

Glockoma 2 heralds a big 2023 for Glock, and follows up PRE5L, Glock’s EP, released on in November 2022. The five-track project paints a way forward for the legendary Memphis label, as the 25-year-old rapper shows his determination to lead Paper Route Empire into a bright future. Released on #DolphDay, PRE5L is dedicated to Glock’s mentor Young Dolph. Fans of Dolph and Glock can pay tribute to Dolph at the traveling Dolphland museum, which hits Houston this weekend, February 17-February 19, before heading to San Antonio and Washington, DC in the near future.

Pre-save Glockoma 2: https://music.empi.re/glockoma2

Stream “Work”: https://music.empi.re/work

Buy tickets for “The Glockoma Tour” at  keyglock.com

Buy tickets for Dolphland at YOUNGDOLPH.COM

SIRIUSXM’S HIP-HOP NATION PRESENTS KEY GLOCK – GLOCKOMA TOUR DATES: 

Sun Mar 05 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
Thu Mar 09 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
Fri Mar 10 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
Sat Mar 11 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
Sun Mar 12 – Greensboro, NC — Piedmont Hall
Wed Mar 15 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
Thu Mar 16 – Washington, DC – Echostage
Sat Mar 18 – Queens, NY – The Knockdown Center
Sun Mar 19 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live
Wed Mar 22 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Thu Mar 23 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
Fri Mar 24 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
Sat Mar 25 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Sun Mar 26 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall
Wed Mar 29 – Chicago, IL – Radius
Thu Mar 30 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
Fri Mar 31 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis
Sun Apr 02 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Tue Apr 04 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Thu Apr 06 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo*
Sat Apr 08 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
Tue Apr 11 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Fri Apr 14 – San Diego, CA – SOMA
Sat Apr 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Sun Apr 16 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
Thu Apr 20 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
Fri Apr 21 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
Sat Apr 22 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Sun Apr 23 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom
Wed Apr 26 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans
Thu Apr 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
Fri Apr 28 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
*Not A Live Nation Date

Please contact Michelle or Kerry for more info.

Links:

twitter | soundcloud | instagram | spotify | youtube

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

Pre-save Glockoma 2: https://music.empi.re/glockoma2

“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

2.17.2023

Clinton Hill’s Own Jay Critch Shares Jugg Season, His New Project

The Multi-Faceted New Project Features Appearances From Max B, Rich The Kid, and Baby Money, Plus Production from Laron, MexikoDro, BrentRambo, and More

Critical Praise:

“Jay Critch is the new New York”– The FADER

“Since last summer, he’s kept his foot on the pedal with a slew of new releases, and those efforts seemingly ramped up even more since the top of the year.” – HotNewHipHop

“Jay Critch is naturally gifted” – Rap Radar

The Project:

Firing up New York City with his no-nonsense flow and expensive tastes, Brooklyn’s Jay Critch has his borough on his back. Taking his fate and his bag into his own hands, Critch shares  Jugg Season, an expansive and effortlessly fly new album. With a cover that finds Jay surveying his kingdom from the top of the Barclays Center, the new album is the culmination of Jay’s five years as a crucial figure in his city’s scene, brimming with the confidence of a hot shot upstart made good. Incorporating sounds from the Five Boroughs and beyond, the 19-track project bounces from the Shiny Suit Era to the SoundCloud explosion to the heyday of the Coke Boys, with Critch serving as a versatile and charismatic navigator. The 24-year-old Clinton Hill native flashes a lyrical maturity that nearly matches his ambition, weaving his own history with the rich heritage of NYC rap music.

Jugg Season recruits producers from all over the rap map, with contributions from plugg maestro MexikoDro, heady Chicago sound architect BrentRambo, Atlanta impresario Richie Souf, West Coast magicians RonRonTheProducer and ThankYouFizzle, plus more. The tape’s 19 tracks provide plenty of opportunity for Critch to unfurl disrespectful flexes and visceral bars, as he dances over icy keyboards on “No Edits,” processes his pain on the guitar-flecked “Tuscan,” and reestablishes his Hood Favorite status on the towering “Cargos.“ “Raincoats” pairs Critch with Detroit rhymer Baby Money for a motivational hustler’s anthem, and reunites with mentor Rich The Kid for “Missiles,” an atmospheric banger that easily could’ve fit on one of the classic Rich Forever tapes. Most notably, Critch goes toe-to-toe with Max B on the aptly-titled “Still Wavy,” combining Max’s signature melodies with Critch’s hard-headed snarl.

Since he burst onto the scene as a teenager with singles like “Ad Libs” and the beloved Hood Favorite mixtape, Jay Critch has been one of New York’s favorite sons. His collaborations with Rich The Kid and Famous Dex on the Rich Forever mixtape series remain the stuff of legend, but he hasn’t stopped switching up his style or releasing new heat for the streets. His 23-track 2021 effort Critch Tape found the artist expanding his sound to absorb drill and other prevailing street styles. The tape featured collaborations with fellow New Yorkers Fivio Foreign and Lil Tjay, as well as influential figures Skillibeng and Drakeo The Ruler. Critch recently expanded his CV to include modeling, as he modeled for the Kors x Ellesse campaign alongside Emily Ratajkowski in 2022.

With Jugg Season in the books Jay Critch seeks to resume his Five Borough takeover. Stream Jugg Season everywhere via Talk Money Ent./EMPIRE.

Stream Jugg Season: https://music.empi.re/juggseason

Watch Jay Critch’s Vlog about the run-up to Jugg Season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLLsOvdtQEs

Jugg Season tracklist:

1. That Was Random (prod. A Lau x Zuko x Eli Wtf)
2. Cargos (prod. E Rose)
3. Punchy (prod. Laron)
4. Minutes (prod. Luca Beats)
5. Nuh Uh (This Ain’t That) (prod. Bngrz)
6. No Edits (prod. 17ondatrack)
7. Tackle (prod. Chulo)
8. Riddle / Greece (prod. Laron)
9. Raincoats (feat. Baby Money) (prod. Laron)
10. Oh What A Feeling (prod. Fizzle & Julia Lewis)
11. Still Wavy (feat. Max B)
12. Tuscan (prod. Laron)
13. Handle (prod. BrentRambo)
14. Chanel and Paris (prod. Chulo)
15. Missiles (feat. Rich The Kid) (prod. D Mac)
16. Clutch (prod. MexikoDro)
17. Landslide (prod. Richie Souf)
18. Shit To Say (prod. OkayKhan)
19. Bonus Track – Wrong Person (prod. RonRon)

Photo credit: @HazzNYC

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

The Background:

Jay Critch may very well be the answer to New York’s calls for representation in the rap game. As a young kid, Jay Critch was fascinated by his older brother’s music. Listening to his brother rap, Critch began to eventually do the same. Born in 1998 in Clinton Hill, Critch wrote raps at a young age, but wasn’t recording until he was of preteen age. Rappers such as Lil Wayne, Fabolous, and Max B dominated Critch’s listening habits and became major influences in his own music career.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | twitter | facebook | soundcloud | tiktok

Jugg Season: https://music.empi.re/juggseason

“Oh, What A Feeling!”: https://music.empi.re/ohwhatafeeling

“Cheating Frestyle”: music.empi.re/cheatingfreestyle / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSyt1dm6j2I

“Up All Night”: https://music.empi.re/upallnight / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttRa4st-KYc

“Lefty” ft. Rich The Kid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ayZp7teMaU

“Close To Me/Active”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOpFf73QLdU

“Born With It” (w/ Harry Fraud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6un6DNeqIHY

2.16.2022

Baja Beach Fest to Celebrate 5th Anniversary in Rosarito This Summer

With the Lineup To Be Announced Soon, Baja Beach Fest Returns August 11-13th, 2023

Presale Tickets for BBF 2023 Are Available on February 28th at 12pm PST

Prepare For the Return of the Iconic Reggaeton and Latin Music Festival with the 2022 Aftermovie (Live at 5pm PST), Featuring Clips of Performances by Daddy Yankee, Farruko, Wisin Y Yandel, and More

Critical Praise:

“Baja Beach Fest (BBF) presented some of reggaeton and Latin trap’s biggest names, cementing the beachside event as a top-tier celebration of música urbana” – Billboard

Featured article: Baja Beach Fest Founders Aaron Ampudia And Chris Den Uijl Discuss Their Reggaeton Festival’s Cross-Border Business – Pollstar

Best New Festival in North America – USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice 2019

The Announcement:

With its beautiful beachside locale and immaculate feel-good vibes, Baja Beach Fest provides the perfect opportunity for Latin music and reggaeton fans to see their faves. Today, BBF reveals the lineup for its 2022 festival, offering the fest’s most expansive and diverse array of talent to date. Headlined by Daddy Yankee, Anuel AA, Farruko, Maluma, Wisin y Yandel, and Banda MS, Baja Beach Fest returns to Rosarito Beach, MX on August 12th-14th, 2022 and August 19th-21st, 2022. Tickets are available now on BajaBeachFest.com.

Check out photos from the 2021 Festival HERE

For its fourth annual edition, and second as a 2-weekend event, Baja Beach Fest branches out, catering to Latin music fans of all ages and tastes. As always, BBF plays host to some of the hottest names in modern reggaeton, including headliners Anuel AA and Farruko, and heavy-hitters like Sech, Jhay Cortez, Myke Towers, Jay Wheeler, Mora, and more. The 2022 lineup adds even more to love for longtime fans of the genre, promising the first-ever BBF performance by Daddy Yankee, a headlining set from Wisin y Yandel, and sets from Arcangel and Jowell & Randy. Fans of Latin Pop can enjoy Maluma, while Dembow diehards can perfect their perreo to the sounds of El Alfa and Tokischa.

The 2022 lineup reflects the festival’s proud Mexican origins, showcasing Mexican stars from different generations in prominent timeslots. Last year, Sinaloa icons Banda MS made for one of the most memorable moments in the festival, when they took the stage along with Becky G. This year, Banda MS gets a whole headlining set to themselves, and they’re looking to bring the same energy. Baja Beach Fest 2022 also marks the Rosarito debut of Natanael Cano, one of the nation’s most promising stars, who will bring his corridos tumbados to the Playa.

Baja Beach Fest 2022 follows a massively successful 2021, headlined by Anuel AA, J Balvin, Ozuna, and Karol G, along with a red hot undercard led by Rauw Alejandro, Farruko, Jhay Cortez, Becky G, and many more. A triumphant return for live Latin Music after a long absence due to the pandemic, Baja Beach Fest 2021 overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become the first Latin American music festival to return last year. In addition, BBF was the first festival in any location to be granted permission by local government to successfully and safely complete a second weekend in 2021. Earlier this month, Baja Beach Fest shared the two-part 2021 aftermovie, allowing fans to relive the event’s best moments.

Watch the Baja Beach Fest 2021 Aftermovie: Pt. 1 | Pt. 2

Founded by Chris Den Uijl and Aaron Ampudia as a single-day festival before expanding to two weekends in 2021, Baja Beach Fest is already an institution in global music industry, with plans of even greater expansion in the near future.

Could a stateside (maybe, lakeside?) festival be on the horizon? Stay tuned to find out which way the wind blows.

Buy tickets for Baja Beach Fest 2022 @ bajabeachfest.com

Visit BajaBeachfest.com for more info.

Please contact Michelle, Kerry. Kevin, or Annjie for more info.

The Background:

Bringing the best in Latin Music and Reggaeton to a beautiful beachside locale, Baja Beach Fest is the premier live showcase for one of music’s ascendant genres. Starting in 2018 as a single day fest, Baja Beach Fest has grown into an institution, bringing the best and brightest in Latin Music to Rosarito Beach, MX each summer. The one-of-a-kind festival has recruited headliners including Bad Bunny, Ozuna, Karol G, Daddy Yankee, Maluma, and more. Founded by Chris Den Uijl and Aaron Ampudia of La Familia Presenta, Baja Beach Fest prepares to celebrate its Fifth Anniversary in 2023 with one massive weekend full of great music, unforgettable moments, and immaculate vibes.

Links:

official website | instagram | facebook | twitter

Watch the Baja Beach Fest 2022 Aftermovie (live at 5pm PST): https://youtu.be/66eQK0aC4C4

2.16.2023

Video: J Stalin – “Basic” ft. Lyjah

The West Oakland OG Taps his Livewire Records Signee to Give the Streets a Litmus Test in Latest Video from Prenuptial Agreement 2

Critical Praise:

“Vibrant and exploding with personality, J. Stalin is a knowing, mischievous wise-ass whose charisma hangs between unapologetic cockiness and the ability to cut through rap’s fantasy-addled drug fetishism and provide sobering reality.” – Pitchfork

“One of Oakland’s illest MCs” – XXL

“As the owner of Livewire Records, West Oakland rapper J Stalin provides a place for the growth of incredibly creative, meat-and-potatoes Bay Area hip-hop. The label hosts gritty rubbery street music that navigates crack dealing devastation and grounded partying tracks with equal aplomb, with artists that range from Stalin himself to MCs like Shady Nate and Philthy Rich among others.” – SPIN

“This is what Stalin does: he takes things–sounds, human beings, grocery stores–and warps them into something extraterrestrial. It’s eerie, but you’re dancing anyway.” – Passion of the Weiss

The Video:

J. Stalin solidified his legacy in the Bay Area with a sense of individuality that permeates every move. Teaming with Lyjah, his frequent collaborator and Livewire Records signee, Stalin returns to re-establish his high standards with his new video for “Basic.” The highlight track from his recent project, Prenuptial Agreement 2, finds Stalin searching for a high-class lover worthy of a high-caliber hustler like himself: “Movin, n**** I’m in motion/Hundred bands on me, baby I don’t need no lotion.”

The video for “Basic,” which quickly follows clips for project highlights “To Do List” and “Backwoods,” finds Stalin and Lyjah cruising around the city “minding their spaceships,” which come in the form of Audi convertibles and charged-up Challengers. Looking over their shoulders as they circle corners before linking back up to conduct business in an abandoned lot, Stalin and Lyjah exemplify the balance it takes to rise above the basics before it gets too acidic.

“Basic” is the latest video from Prenuptial Agreement 2, Stalin’s new album. The sequel to the 2010 breakout project that made him a regional star, Prenuptial Agreement 2 is a showcase for Stalin’s raspy vocals, brutally honest lyrics, and peerless ability to navigate mob instrumentals. Moving from love songs to hustlers’ anthems and back with effortless ease, the album features production from Mob Music architects like The Mekanix, Clayton Williams, and Mike Made The 808s, plus younger beatmakers like Juneonnabeat. Like the Pitchfork-acclaimed original, which brought guest spots from the likes of E-40 and The Jacka, Prenuptial Agreement brings an eclectic cast of characters, from fellow Oaklanders like Philthy Rich, 22nd Jim, and Jane Handcock standing up for the 357, and street heroes from other cities, like Florida’s Jackboy and Stockton’s EBK Young Joc, who sound right at home.

J. Stalin is celebrating the success of Prenuptial Agreement 2 with the Livewire Reunion Tour, hitting cities across the West Coast. The tour reunites the original Livewire Records crew, including Bay Area royalty Philthy Rich and Lil Blood. The Livewire Reunion Tour hits Club Insomnia in Oakland on May 19th and May 20th. Stay tuned for more announcements.

Loyal to the grind and his family, J. Stalin is building a legacy for himself and the Oakland scene he hails from. With Prenuptial Agreement 2, the proudly independent artist cements his rightful place in Bay Area history.

Watch “Basic” ft. Lyjah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYc_4Ztm29Y

Stream Prenuptial Agreement 2:  https://music.empi.re/prenuptialagreement2

Buy tickets HERE for the Livewire Reunion Tour, featuring J Stalin, Philthy Rich, and Lil Blood

Prenuptial Agreement 2 tracklist:

1. The Boss
2. Who U Talkin 2 (ft. June)
3. Bricks in the City (ft. Jackboy)
4. World On My Shoulders
5. A Lot of Money (ft. 22nd Jim)
6. Everywhere I Go
7. Basic (ft. Lyjah)
8. Don’t Front Pt. 2 (ft. Big Breaux)
9. To Do List (ft. June Poole)
10. Issues (ft. Stunnaman02 & Lyjah)
11. S. 580 (ft. Lyjah)
12. Tupac (ft. EBK Young Joc)
13. Count On 1 Hand (ft. Jane Handcock)
14. 3 Minutes (ft. Philthy Rich)
15. Backwoods (ft. Kevin Allen)
16. Grind For It (ft. 4rAx of The Mekanix & Acito)
17. The One

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | instagram

Bio, pics, and more available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/j-stalin

“Basic” ft. Lyjah: https://youtu.be/fYc_4Ztm29Y

“Backwoods” ft. Kevin Allen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgsBNAnyNRo

“Who U Talkin 2” ft. June: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAJeq4BPiQE

“To Do List” ft. June Poole: https://youtu.be/1igzgSeXLsA

Prenuptial Agreement 2: https://music.empi.re/prenuptialagreement2

“S580”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGczu0tw1OM

2.15.2023

TikTok Treats, Week of February 13th

Skrillex Gets Ready to Rumble, Philly Rapper 2RARE Welcomes Fans to His High-Energy World, New Hits From Rising Singer-Songwriters Lizzy McAlpine and Mae Stephens, Plus 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. Check out this week’s trends below: :

• The love for club music continues to grow on TikTok, inspiring artists like Coi Leray and NLE Choppa to release club-infused bangers. Philly riser 2RARE helped usher in the club wave  on TikTok with songs like “Back It Up” (29K+ total creations) and “Cupid” (173K+ creations), and now he’s back trending with “Rare’s Room.” Previewed on TikTok in late December, “Rare’s Room” garnered over 286.9K total creations since its official release in February. The upbeat track finds creators showing off their best Philly club moves in a dance choreographed by creator @jakewestt. Later named the #raresroomchallenge, creators show off their renditions in class, at the airport, and in an arcade. Rapper Lakeyah also hopped on the trend, dancing to 2RARE’s verse, which mentions her by name. 2RARE did his part to keep the trend going on his TikTok, doing the viral dance as he shows off his shoe collection, teaching Ghanaian residents how to do Philly’s signature blicking dance, and vibing out in the crowd at the Super Bowl.
• Iconic electronic DJ and record producer Skrillex has another hit on his hands with “Rumble,” his collaboration with British producer Fred again.. and British rapper Flowdan. It’s soundtracking many of the most high-energy, creative, and cool creations on TikTok, including intense indoor cycling classes, intricate clay designs of Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, and even home laser shows. Skrillex is ready to “Rumble” on his own account, adding himself to the sound’s 33K+ creations as he uses it to do everything from teasing the song at the beginning of the year to showing off fun nights in the club with Flowdan.
• Alternative singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine joins the array of artists who have a trending sped-up song under their belt, courtesy of TikTok. Almost a year after the initial release of the original version, the sped-up version of her song “ceilings” has won over the hearts of the TikTok community. The heartfelt ballad has inspired over 46K creations, and has sparked a trend in which creators put their romance film-inspired theatrics to the test as the song’s instrumental builds. The song and trend are perfect for those ready to tap into inner drama queens and kings at Galentine’s brunch with friends, in front of a stunning night skyline, and during the sunset at the beach. Lizzy embraces the sped up-sound as well, sharing behind the scenes footage of the video shoot and revealing the official video stars her actual boyfriend.
• Latin music has long thrived on TikTok, with recent songs like Shakira & Ozuna’s “Monotonía” (406.6K+ total creations) and Rosalía’s “BIZCOCHITO” (2.1M+ total creations) sparking trends. A new Spanish-language hit is rising up TikTok’s trending charts–Puerto Rican rapper Peso Pluma and Mexican rapper Natanael Cano keep creators grooving with their collaboration, “PRC.” Boasting over 80.7K creations, the song finds creators doing a dance by creator @whoisbarbarag. Creators remake the dance with their best friends, show off before a girls’ night out, and pause in the middle of their tasks to dance. In other recent videos, “PRC” soundtracks creators’ bottle decorating tutorials and attempts to record their gym workouts.
• Being single on Valentine’s Day is never easy, but resilient TikTok creators have turned to an upbeat anthem to prove how their relationship does not define them. British singer Mae Stephens teased her song “If We Ever Broke Up” on TikTok throughout 2022, first revealing it as a voice note in August and bringing it back as a demo in mid-December. The snippet was an immediate TikTok sensation, generating over 48k creations on the original audio in two months. The official audio racked up over 186k creations, soundtracking relationship quirks, couples’ determination to be together forever, unexpected icks, separation anxieties, and much more. The TikTok success of “If We Ever Broke Up,” which Mae called the funkiest song she’s ever written, drew the attention of major record labels, eventually earning her a record deal and an official release date for the song–February 10th. With over 4 million Spotify streams in its first four days of release, Mae’s Anti-Valentine’s Day anthem has a real chance to make an impact on the pop charts in the coming weeks.
• Years into its reign as an engine for global hits, TikTok can still surprise–a TikTok hit can come from any region, era, or artist. The latest surprising TikTok smash is “Ameyatchi,” a spritely 1996 song by Ivorian singer Mathey, which generated over 302k video creations on the platform. The bouncy banger inspired a dance challenge that first took hold in Latin America, reaching prominent influencers like Kimberly Loaiza, TikTok’s top global artist of 2022. “Ameyatchi” and its corresponding dance challenge is used to soundtrack moments when a loved one hurts a creator’s feelings, when being a mom means working multiple jobs, when it’s time to meet a significant other’s family, and much more.

This week, TikTok announced a new partnership with Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records to bring the iconic record label’s catalog to TikTok through SoundOn, TikTok’s all-in-one distribution platform for music creators. The new deal marks Death Row’s first digital distribution deal since Snoop purchased the catalog in 2022, and allows TikTok creators to use songs from classic albums like Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle in their videos. With the catalog comes a new AR filter, called “What Dogg Are You?,” inspired by Snoop’s song “Who Am I? (What’s My Name)” and its classic music video. Head to TikTok’s music hub to find a playlist of Death Row’s greatest hits, available for creators to use in their videos, in advance of its wider release next week, and check out more details about the new partnership at TikTok’s newsroom.

Check 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:
Miley and Shakira Get Petty, Miguel’s “Sure Thing” Revival, and More TikTok Music Stories
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
Omar Apollo, The Throne, and More TikTok Trends to Watch This Week
BLACKPINK, Steve Lacy, and The Smashing Pumpkins Lead a Busy Week of Music on TikTok
On TikTok: ‘Yonce, Yeat, Lizzo, SZA and More
Britney & Elton, Snoop Dogg & Ice Spice Lead This Week’s TikTok Trends
Latin Pop, Celebrity Nemeses, and More From TikTok Music
Teenage Dirtbags and Super Freaks Take Over on TikTok
On TikTok: Beyoncé Strikes Back, Rosalía Returns, and More
“BILLIE EILISH,” Oklahoma Smokeshows, and K. Michelle Heat Up on TikTok
Rising Stars, Latin Pop Queens, and More From Music on TikTok
Step 1: Beyoncé, Ryan Tedder, Steve Lacy, & More on TikTok
Metallica, Flo Milli, Avril Lavigne, and More From Music on TikTok
Drake Feels No Ways, Doja Channels Elvis, and More from Music on TikTok
Gorillaz, John Legend, JOJI, and More TikTok Treats
ABBA and Radiohead Trend, Tate McRae Drops a New Video, and More from Music on TikTok
Highway to the Nostalgia Zone: the ‘80s Are Back on TikTok
Harry, Kendrick, and Kate Bush Highlight a Busy Week of Music on TikTok
This Newsletter Doesn’t Jiggle Jiggle, It Reports on the Biggest Music Moments on TikTok
On TikTok: Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and Suki Waterhouse Make Waves
Justin Gets “Honest,” PSY Returns, and More TikTok Stories
Moon Knight, Skillibeng, and More From a Leveled Up Week For Music on TikTok
On TikTok: Lizzo Returns, Ambitious Creators Show Off Their Skills, and More
A Harry Styles Hit, a Daddy Yankee Renaissance, and More TikTok Music Stories
Durk, Jack, Demi, and Fergie Inspire TikTok Music Trends
Pharrell, Coi & Nicki, and 80s Country Lead the Way on TikTok
Only On TikTok: Kevin Gates, Patsy Cline, and Pixar Make Music Trends
French Pop Meme-Making, Russ Remixes, and More TikTok Stories
All The Pheelz: Afrobeats, Batman, and More TikTok Music Stories
Mariah Carey, Euphoria, Cat Burns, & More on TikTok
Dre’s Halftime, Phoebe’s “Motion Sickness,” and More from Music on TikTok
Becky & Karol G, Madonna, and Nelly Furtado Highlight the Week in Music on TikTok
Major Bags, ’70s Gems, Space Jam DVDs, and More TikTok Music Stories
Here Come the TikTok-Steppers: Charlie Puth, Ini Kamoze, Mason Ramsey & More
Act Like You Know: Time Machines, The Ting Tings, & More on TikTok
“Pushin P,” Papa Roach, “Pompeii” and More Music Trends from TikTok
We Need to Talk About “Bruno,” And Other TikTok Music Trends
TikTok Rings In The New Year with Bad Bunny, Drill Remixes, and R&B Hits
TikTok’s 2021 Music Report: Key Takeaways
TikTok Reveals Top Songs of 2021, Incl. Doja Cat, Coi Leray and More

2.16.2023

Video: Baby Stone Gorillas – “Y’all Know Who Did That”

The Magnetic LA Rap Crew Deploy Overseas in Latest Video from Their Brand New The Military Mixtape

Critical Praise:

“…They pass the baton with an uncanny chemistry.” – The Los Angeles Times, The 100 Best Songs of 2022

“The South East L.A. crew are having one of those runs where a regional rapper or group just break off hit after hit.” – Pitchfork

“Over the last year, the four childhood friends turned rappers have released a string of steadily improving and increasingly popular singles, the cumulative millions of music video views all culminating in “Keep Goin” and the other 22 songs on the group’s debut, BABYST5XNE GORILLAS (Baby Stone Gorillas / EMPIRE). They have the potential to be the biggest rappers to emerge from the Baldwin Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, the gang-heavy and palm-tree-lined community that locals know by its foliage-inspired and far more evocative nickname: the Jungles.” – SPIN

“Baby Stone Gorillas have been on an impeccable run as of late, matching consistent releases with a deeply unique sense of artistry that only improves and expands with each new release” – Lyrical Lemonade

“Youthful and fiery, BSG continues to witness their sound sweep over Southern California and are poised to break across the map.” – Our Generation Music

The Video:

Coming straight from the Baldwin Village jungles with an endless arsenal of bars, Baby Stone Gorillas bring a whole new meaning to “gorilla” warfare. Returning to deploy the latest video from their recent mixtape, The Military, the LA rap quartet shares “Y’all Know Who Did That.” The standout track finds 5Much, Top5ivee, EKillaOffDaBlocck, and P4K plotting how to leave their mark on the enemy over a sinister instrumental as they assert their status: “You a lil pup, get your rank up, I’m a big dog,” raps 5Much.

The video for “Y’all Know Who Did That,” which follows recent clips for the singles, “WOP” and “Block Benders,” takes viewers on a whimsically animated journey into the mixtape’s militaristic world of tanks, choppers, and humvees. The scene surrounding the crew depicts the aftermath rather than the action, as the desert floor is littered with crashed vehicles and spent artillery. As the video progresses, it becomes no more clear what happened there, but there’s no question as to who did it.

Released earlier this month, The Military refines the group’s hard-hitting West Coast sound, its glossy textures, funk-forward rhythms, and boosted bass adding emphasis to quartet’s raw lyricism. The Gorillas shoulder the tape’s full 23 song trackload without outside features–allowing plenty of opportunity for each of the four rappers to show off their distinct styles. The mixtape is home to new highlights like mischievous, piano-led “Slide On Em,” the provocative and infectious “We Love Opp Hoes,” and the luscious “Koldest Addiction.” With production from West Coast mainstays like RonRonTheProducer, Juneonnabeat, and more, The Military is available everywhere via Park Money Records / EMPIRE.

The four members of Baby Stone Gorillas have known each other since they were 10-years-old, and were friends far before they dreamed of music stardom. Last summer, the group’s self-titled video racked up 1.9 million views, precipitating a streak of viral singles inclusing the Pitchfork–approved “Military,” which earned airplay on Drake’s OVOSound Radio, and “Untouchable” ft. RJMrLA, catching the attention of Shaquille O’Neal. The group made a major impact with their debut mixtape BABYST5XNE GORILLAS in March 2022, which earned praise from Pitchfork, SPIN, Audiomack, and many others, and featured “Keep Goin,” which The Los Angeles Times named one of the 100 Best Songs of 2022.

With The Military available everywhere and more mixtapes ready to go, the Baby Stone Gorillas are on a mission to prove they’re the realest in L.A. Stay tuned for much more.

Watch “Y’all Know Who Did That”: https://youtu.be/E2wVD-xqIfI
Stream The Military: https://music.empi.re/themilitary

The Military tracklist:

1. We The Ones They Talkin Bout
2. Slide on Em
3. Off the Meds
4. Block Benders
5. Watch Your Step
6. Wop
7. Unstable
8. Tomorrow Not Promised
9. Vaccine
10. Introduce You
11. We Love Opp Hoes
12. Off His Crew
13. Gettin’ Money Steppas
14. Fully Active
15. Ain’t Like That
16. Koldest Addiction
17. Miley Cyrus
18. In The Field Huntin
19. Y’all Know Who Did That
20. Let’s Get It Lit Then
21. First Place
22. Elite
23. Murder Musik

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

“You can go and listen to damn near 50 people outta L.A., period, but you’ll notice that we’ve got a different sound,” proclaims Baby Stone Gorillas member EKillaOffDaBlocck. E.K., along with group-mates Top5ivee, P4K, 5Much are creating some of the most original music out of the West Coast. From Baldwin Villages, better known as “The Jungles,” this talented quartet blends elements of their street surroundings with imagination, humor, and a will to stand out. In 2021, videos like their introductory “STL Caps & Jay Hats,” “Baby Stone Gorillas,” and the charged-up “Military” made a powerful impression and garnered several million streams. By the end of 2021, OVORadio played music from Baby Stone Gorillas while Shaq reposted a video. Now, B.S.G. readies a 23-track mixtape that features 1takejay, Bla$ta, Band Gang Lonnie Bands, and Wallie the Sensei. “If we don’t capitalize on this moment right now, there’s no other time,” urges P4K. “That’s how we’re treating it: If we don’t do it now, it’s never.”

Links:

BSG: instagram | spotify | youtube
P4K: instagram
5Much: instagram
Top5ivee: instagram
EKillaOffDaBlocck: instagram

“Y’all Know Who Did That”: https://youtu.be/E2wVD-xqIfI

The Military: https://music.empi.re/themilitary

“Block Benders”: https://music.empi.re/blockbenders / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHdFiX7RmhY

“WOP”: https://music.empi.re/wopstone / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xbNxbke-CQ

“Keep Goin”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oHhK1qloGU

“Start Sumn”: https://youtu.be/xcoO8VtO664

“That’s What You Suppose To Do”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAV6PUUJdH4

BABYST5XNE GORILLAS: https://music.empi.re/babyst5xne

“Do It Up” ft. Wallie The Sensei: https://youtu.be/11-USp41ao8

2.14.2023

TikTok Partners With Death Row Records Partners to Bring Its Legendary Catalog Exclusively to the Platform

The Announcement:

It’s Death Row Day and everybody’s celebrating! TikTok partners with the one-and-only Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records to bring the iconic record label’s catalog to TikTok through SoundOn, its all-in-one distribution platform for music creators. Head to TikTok’s music hub to find a playlist of Death Row’s greatest hits, available for creators to use in their videos, in advance of its wider release next week.

Starting this past Sunday, and continuing for the rest of the week, TikTok is the exclusive home of the Death Row catalog, an essential slice of hip-hop history that changed the course of music forever. TikTok creators can choose from a host of classic recordings, including songs from legendary, multi-Platinum-selling albums like Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle and The Doggfather, The Dogg Pound’s Dogg Food, and the Above The Rim soundtrack, plus tracks from legendary artists like 2Pac, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, The Lady Of Rage, and more. The new partnership between Death Row and TikTok marks the label’s first official online release since its removal from streaming services in early 2022, and the first-ever catalog reissue to release exclusively through SoundOn.

To celebrate the new exclusive addition of the catalog, TikTok and Death Row curated the Death Row’s Greatest Hits playlist, featuring tracks from Snoop, Dre, 2Pac, and more, and created the new “What Dogg Are You?” TikTok filter. Using Snoop’s legendary song “Who Am I? (What’s My Name),” and inspired by the classic music video, the new filter uses AR technology to transform creators into the breed that best represents them. Stay tuned for more surprises as the week moves along.

“Since I took death row off streaming almost a year ago, not a day goes by without people asking me to put it back up,” says Snoop Dogg. “As the Super Bowl rolled around, I knew fans would be looking for the music from our iconic performance in 2022, so I wanted to reintroduce the most historic catalog to the people. I reached out to the folks at TikTok to make more history…enjoy ya’ll.”

Founded in 1991 in Los Angeles, California, Death Row Records quickly became one of hip-hop’s most important and influential labels, defining West Coast rap with its uncompromising attitude, raw lyricism, and game-changing G-funk sound. The label produced and distributed some of the greatest albums of the ’90s, including Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, and 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me. Last year, Snoop Dogg acquired the Death Row catalog, placing the essential catalog under the care of one of its most important architects.

TikTok is honored to work with Snoop Dogg to help usher in the next chapter of this legendary label. So, roll down the street, sip the beverage of your choice, and let this incredible music inspire you to be as creative as you can!

Read the story on TikTok’s newsroom: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/death-row-is-in-the-tiktok-house

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

2.14.2023

Video: Yatta Bandz – “Way Out West“

The Buzzing, Melodic 21-Year-Old Artist from the Bay Celebrates Valentine’s Day a Classic Western to Accompany His Brand New Lovelorn Rap Ballad

The Video for “Way Out West” Goes Live at 8pm ET/5pm PT; Audio Out Now

The Video:

Yatta Bandz is taking over Northern California, generating a cult following in the Bay and beyond with his heartfelt melodies and authentic lyricism. Paying tribute to classic western films and telling a story worthy of the inspiration, Yatta shares a Valentine’s Day gift for his fans: “Way Out West,” his new video, out tonight at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Demonstrating his natural gift for sweetly-sung storytelling, Yatta works his way through a complex relationship, struggling to come to terms with his significant other’s fading feelings and wondering if he’ll ever find true love: “Moving on, I know I been stuck here for way too long/But I know I’m scared to leave/Cause I don’t how to believe, out there somewhere there’s a heart that’s meant for me.”

Directed by AdamKG, the video for “Way Out West” faithfully recreates the vibe of western films of the mid-20th century. Yatta decks himself in an all-black cowboy get up, playing the role of an outlaw who takes over a frontier town with the help of his very own Calamity Jane. As they ride off into the sunset, Yatta’s partner shows her true colors, robbing Yatta and escaping with the full loot. The video ends with Yatta and his horse, alone in the wilderness, with only his six-shooter at his side.

“Way Out West” continues Yatta’s run as one of the most promising artists to emerge from the Bay in recent years. Born in Hayward, an East Bay city south of Oakland and north of Fremont, Yatta endured a rough childhood, experiencing periods of homelessness during his elementary school years. He found refuge from his hardships with his love of music, immersing himself in the discographies of artists like Juice Wrld, J. Cole, XXXTentacion, and Polo G. Yatta first found an outlet for his creativity by posting his original freestyles on Instagram, building a following that naturally followed him to SoundCloud, where he released underground hits like “Loyalty” and “Somebody,” and to YouTube, where he cultivated a following of over 178k subscribers. Yatta broke out in a big way in 2022 with the release of singles like “Don’t Go” (17.6 million Spotify streams, 5 million YouTube views) and “Unseen Scars” (nearly 2 million views on YouTube audio, 17.7 million Spotify streams), both of which can be found on Perfect Storm, his debut album.

Hard at work on his follow-up to Perfect Storm, Yatta is hoping to expand beyond the Bay and earn some natonal recognition. Stay tuned for much more from the 21-year-old rapper very soon.

Watch “Way Out West”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0rxc64ldxQ

Stream “Way Out West”: https://music.empi.re/wayoutwest

Please contact Michelle or Chris if interested in talking with Yatta Bandz.

The Background:

Switching flows like lanes, Yatta Bandz ducks in and out of heart-aching rhymes and magnetic melodies. The Hayward, CA rapper, singer, and artist extracts harmony out of heartbreak, transmuting trials and tribulations into airtight emotionally charged anthems and making a connection by sharing his truth. After piling up millions of streams and views independently, he perfects this soaring and soulful signature style on a series of singles for EMPIRE and more to come.

Links:

instagram | youtube | spotify | tiktok

“Way Out West”: https://music.empi.re/wayoutwest / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0rxc64ldxQ

“Take It Easy (AUX)”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93T5PoR7Zx8

“On My Way”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6eJTcO9o4Q

“Boys Don’t Cry”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nuOlc3QgNY

“Unseen Scars”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=049O1kl-Pb4

“Don’t Go”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC-10WnX1a8

2.14.2023

Video: J Billz – “Megan Thee Stallion” (Prod. by Pi’erre Bourne)

Spartanburg, South Carolina’s Favorite Son Drives the Boat in the Latest Music Video From His Upcoming Streetz Hottest Young’n Tape

Critical Praise:

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

The Video:

A charismatic stepper with a knack for annihilating Pi’erre Bourne beats, J Billz is the next SossHouse rapper to know. The Spartanburg, SC native lives it up in “Megan Thee Stallion,” his first new music video of the year. Layering spritely synths, dancing high-note melodies, and trampolining 808s, Pi’erre provides a perfect showcase for J Billz to show off his drawly charm. The rapper combines a flex-heavy chorus with an infectious call-and-response verse, a conceit he uses to put his opposition in their place. In the video, Billz takes a speedboat out off the coast of South Carolina, bringing some of his prettiest friends along for the ride.

“Megan Thee Stallion” continues J Billz’s streak of fun-loving and hard-hitting music videos. 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.”

Handpicked by Pi’erre Bourne for his SossHouse label, J Billz is determined to speed out of Spartanburg and race to the top of the rap game. Stay tuned for much more from the saucy southerner–including Streetz Hottest Young’n, his upcoming SossHouse debut full-length–as the year moves along.

Watch “Megan Thee Stallion”: https://youtu.be/k4hF-8CXvF8

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

Links:

instagram | youtube | spotify

“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

2.13.23

Video: Danny Towers & DJ Scheme  “Florida Water” ft. Ski Mask The Slump God & Luh Tyler

The Dynamic Sunshine State Duo Share A Star-Studded First Video Single With Two More Florida Phenoms

Critical Praise:

“Danny Towers has always stayed down, whether working on his craft or coming up through the ranks” – XXL

“DJ Scheme is a driving force behind Miami’s Members Only collective, and his menacing beats helped turn XXXTentacion and Juice WRLD into household names.” – Consequence of Sound

“The Palm Beach-raised music curator and general of vibes Gabe Guerra, better known as DJ Scheme, is among the biggest influencers in South Florida hip-hop…Think of him as DJ Clue to Miami’s up-and-coming Jay-Zs.” – Miami New Times

The Video:

Bruising emcee Danny Towers and versatile producer/DJ DJ Scheme are crucial figures in the Florida rap scene. Today, the producer/rapper duo recruits two more heavy-hitters from the Sunshine State, teaming up with South Florida superstar Ski Mask The Slump God and 16-year-old phenom Luh Tyler, one of the state’s fastest-rising rappers, for new video single “Florida Water.“ “Florida Water” is a sinister slapper (“this that weed blowin’, lean pourin’, real gangsta music,” intones Danny Towers), combining the smooth rider music of Luh Tyler’s native Tallahassee with the darker edges that have defined the South Florida underground sound.

The song is a showcase for Danny Towers’ bone-deep rasp, as the Orlando native delivers a memorable hook alongside one of his most tongue-twisting verses to date: “Bumper to bumper, I’m in Rancho Cucamonga, I just snuck in with that thumper, n****.” Luh Tyler and Ski Mask The Slump God elevate their games to keep up with their host, the former weaving his signature laid back flow around Scheme’s seismic 808 thumps, and the latter closing the proceedings with a colorful, Chia Pet-referencing verse. In the video, directed by Paperwork Productions, the fearsome Florida foursome gathers in Broward County backstreets, commanding a fleet of off-roaders and dirtbikers as they flaunt their ice and bring out the block to rap along.

Longtime friends and close collaborators, the creative relationship Danny Towers and DJ Scheme reaches back over half a decade. Born and raised in Orlando, Towers has been a member of the Members Only and Very Rare collectives since 2015, regularly collaborating with the likes of Ski Mask, XXXTentacion, and more. Miami native DJ Scheme worked his way into the scene as a DJ and producer, starting his career as a tour DJ for wifisfuneral before linking up with the Members Only crew shortly afterward. The duo first officially connected on Scheme’s debut EP PRESEASON, serving up the upbeat “RVD” and the massive underground hit “How You Feel? (Freestyle),” also featuring Ski Mask The Slump God and Lil Yachty, which generated over 100 million on-demand streams en route to GOLD certification by the RIAA. Towers appeared on multiple highlights from Scheme’s FAMILY album, including “E-ER” which reunited the four artists behind “How You Feel?” and once again went GOLD. Both Towers and Scheme are fixtures at Rolling Loud Festival, performing at nearly every event since its founding in 2015.

With “Florida Water” in the books and more fiery singles to come, Scheme and Towers prepare to make a splash in 2023. Stay tuned for much more.

Watch “Florida Water” ft. Ski Mask The Slump God & Luh Tyler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J14-hiZf1Ic

Stream “Florida Water”: https://music.empi.re/floridawater

(Photo credit: James Pereira)

Please contact Michelle or Kerry for more info.

The Background:

DJ Scheme Background

DJ Scheme has evolved into one of the rap industry’s most influential figures. The Miami native started his career as a tour DJ for wifisfuneral, before linking up with Ski Mask The Slump God and XXXTentacion and joining their Members Only collective. Over the past half-decade, Scheme has evolved into one of rap’s most in-demand DJ’s, serving as official tour DJ for the likes of Juice WRLD, Pouya, Robb Bank$, Fat Nick, and more. In 2019, XXL tapped Scheme to be the official DJ for its 2019 Freshman Cyphers. In 2019, Scheme released the PRESEASON EP, his first release as a lead artist, featuring the hit single “How You Feel” ft. Ski Mask The Slump God & Danny Towers, which recently earned a GOLD certification from the RIAA.

DJ Scheme is a fixture at Rolling Loud, hip-hop’s biggest festival brand, performing DJ sets at every Rolling Loud event since its inception and acting as master of ceremonies for the emotional Juice WRLD memorial during Rolling Loud Los Angeles 2019. As the official DJ of Rolling Loud’s Twitch channel, Scheme has evolved into an engaging on-camera personality, regularly co-hosting Rolling Loud’s “The Rotation” talk show and acting as host for two “Loud Stream” virtual festivals.

With his album FAMILY, Scheme looks translate his vision into a cohesive statement about the power of artistic collaboration. FAMILY is available everywhere via Scheme Records/EMPIRE.

Links:

DJ Scheme: instagram | twitter | spotify | soundcloud | youtube
Danny Towers: instagram | spotify | soundcloud | youtube

DJ Scheme & Danny Towers – “Florida Water” ft. Ski Mask The Slump God & Luh Tyler: https://music.empi.re/floridawater / https://youtu.be/J14-hiZf1Ic

DJ Scheme – “E-ER” ft. Lil Yachty, Ski Mask The Slump God & Danny Towers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpkHydjPgZg

DJ Scheme – “How You Feel” ft. Ski Mask The Slump God, Lil Yachty & Danny Towers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjTsQINzwl8

2.10.2023

Video: Chavo – “Wasabi” ft. A$AP Ant & GT (Prod. by Pi’erre Bourne

The SossHouse Standout Teams with Baltimore’s A$AP Ant and Detroit Veteran GT for New Video Single Ahead of Upcoming Chavo’s World 3 Project

The Video:

Chavo approaches his high-octane luxury rap with the cool composure of a veteran. Enlisting the talents of seasoned stunners A$AP Ant and GT, Chavo shares his new video single, “Wasabi.” Backed by a booming instrumental from SossHouse head honcho Pi’erre Bourne, the sharp timbre of Chavo’s voice cuts through the digital textures of saturated bass and hypnotic melody as he flexes: “I say what’s on my mind, I don’t got time to be writing/My pops know I get high as hell but I’m living righteous.”

“Wasabi” arrives as Chavo’s first collaboration with Pi’erre Bourne since 2021’s Chavo’s World 2, the sequel to his first-ever full-length project with Pi’erre in 2020. The video for “Wasabi,” directed by CASEUNO, finds Chavo linking up with Ant and GT while providing support for Pi’erre’s “Good Movie World Tour” this past fall. Shot mostly during the Detroit stop of the tour, and featuring a cameo from Babyface Ray, who appeared on the remix of Chavo’s viral 2021 hit “Michigan,” the video follows Chavo and company as they turn up on the tour bus and green room, before Chavo takes the stage with a powerful presence.

A key member of Pi’erre’s SossHouse label, Chavo’s rap ambitions date back to his early childhood, when he landed a deal with Interscope at the age of nine under the name Ray Ray, as part of a trio with his cousin James and Baby Bun, Big Pun’s son. Around 2014, Chavo was introduced to Pi’erre through his cousin, YSL artist Strick, planting the seeds for his recruitment as one of the first SossHouse signees years later. Chavo earned internet attention when he released his hit “Michigan” in 2021, generating over 31k TikTok creations and millions of streams across platforms.

Stay tuned for much more music from Chavo, including his anticipated project Chavo’s World 3, and SossHouse as 2023 rolls on!

Watch “Wasabi” ft. A$AP Ant & GT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q9FulQM7vc

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah if interested in talking with Chavo.

Links:

official site | instagram | twitter | youtube | spotify

“Wasabi” ft. A$AP Ant & GT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q9FulQM7vc

2.10.2023

Brooklyn Big Hitter Jay Critch Announces Jugg Season, His Next Project, Coming February 17th via Talk Money Ent./EMPIRE

The Clinton Hill Native Shines Brightly in the Euphoric Video for Project Highlight “Oh, What A Feeling!“

Spanning 19 Tracks and Moving Between Several Styles, Jugg Season Features Guest Appearances from Max B, Baby Money, and Critch’s Rich Forever Associate Rich The Kid

Critical Praise:

“Jay Critch is the new New York”– The FADER

“Since last summer, he’s kept his foot on the pedal with a slew of new releases, and those efforts seemingly ramped up even more since the top of the year.” – HotNewHipHop

“Jay Critch is naturally gifted” – Rap Radar

The Announcement:

Nimble, hard-hitting and full of effortless flexes, Brooklyn bruiser Jay Critch embodies the hustler mentality of his home borough. Resolving to get his bag by any means necessary, Jay announces Jugg Season, his next project, coming soon via EMPIRE. Adorned with a cover that depicts Jay surveying his kingdom from atop the Barclays Center, steps away from the Clinton Hill neighborhood he calls home, Jugg Season incorporates sounds from the Five Boroughs and beyond. The 19-track project bounces from the Shiny Suit Era to the SoundCloud explosion to the heyday of the Coke Boys, with Critch serving as a versatile and charismatic navigator, weaving his own history with the rich heritage of NYC rap music.

Though it remains firmly rooted in his hometown, Jugg Season recruits producers from all over the rap map, with contributions from plugg maestro MexikoDro, heady Chicago sound architect BrentRambo, Atlanta impresario Richie Souf, West Coast magicians RonRonTheProducer and ThankYouFizzle, plus more. Featuring appearances from the legendary Max B, Critch’s mentor and Rich Forever associate Rich The Kid, and Detroit hustler Baby Money, Jugg Season commences on February 17th via Talk Money Ent./EMPIRE.

Along with the official announcement of the tape, Critch shares “Oh, What A Feeling!,“ his exuberant new video single. Tip-toeing atop a woozy instrumental complete with detuned horn synths and stuttering percussion, Critch unfurls a series of motivational flexes. Exuding an otherworldly confidence, the 24-year-old spitter defiantly shoots down the notion that there is anything he isn’t capable of: “This money sh*t gettin’ easy to me/Tell the lawyers go read it for me/Windows tinted, can’t see it was me/In the foreign, I heated the seats.”

Since he burst onto the scene as a teenager with singles like “Ad Libs” and the beloved Hood Favorite mixtape, Jay Critch has been one of New York’s favorite sons. His collaborations with Rich The Kid and Famous Dex on the Rich Forever mixtape series remain the stuff of legend, but he hasn’t stopped switching up his style or releasing new heat for the streets. His 23-track 2021 effort Critch Tape found the artist expanding his sound to absorb drill and other prevailing street styles. The tape featured collaborations with fellow New Yorkers Fivio Foreign and Lil Tjay, as well as influential figures Skillibeng and Drakeo The Ruler. Critch recently expanded his CV to include modeling, as he modeled for the Kors x Ellesse campaign alongside Emily Ratajkowski in 2022.

With Jugg Season on the way, Jay Critch seeks to resume his Five Borough takeover. Stay tuned for much more.

Pre-order Jugg Season: https://music.empi.re/juggseason

Watch “Oh, What A Feeling!”: https://music.empi.re/ohwhatafeeling

Jugg Season tracklist:

1. That Was Random (prod. A Lau x Zuko x Eli Wtf)
2. Cargos (prod. E Rose)
3. Punchy (prod. Laron)
4. Minutes (prod. Luca Beats)
5. Nuh Uh (This Ain’t That) (prod. Bngrz)
6. No Edits (prod. 17ondatrack)
7. Tackle (prod. Chulo)
8. Riddle / Greece (prod. Laron)
9. Raincoats (feat. Baby Money) (prod. Laron)
10. Oh What A Feeling (prod. Fizzle & Julia Lewis)
11. Still Wavy (feat. Max B)
12. Tuscan (prod. Laron)
13. Handle (prod. BrentRambo)
14. Chanel and Paris (prod. Chulo)
15. Missiles (feat. Rich The Kid) (prod. D Mac)
16. Clutch (prod. MexikoDro)
17. Landslide (prod. Richie Souf)
18. Shit To Say (prod. OkayKhan)
19. Bonus Track – Wrong Person (prod. RonRon)

Photo credit: @HazzNYC

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

The Background:

Jay Critch may very well be the answer to New York’s calls for representation in the rap game. As a young kid, Jay Critch was fascinated by his older brother’s music. Listening to his brother rap, Critch began to eventually do the same. Born in 1998 in Clinton Hill, Critch wrote raps at a young age, but wasn’t recording until he was of preteen age. Rappers such as Lil Wayne, Fabolous, and Max B dominated Critch’s listening habits and became major influences in his own music career.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | twitter | facebook | soundcloud | tiktok

Pre-order Jugg Season: https://music.empi.re/juggseason

“Oh, What A Feeling!”: https://music.empi.re/ohwhatafeeling

“Cheating Frestyle”: music.empi.re/cheatingfreestyle / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSyt1dm6j2I

“Up All Night”: https://music.empi.re/upallnight / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttRa4st-KYc

“Lefty” ft. Rich The Kid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ayZp7teMaU

“Close To Me/Active”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOpFf73QLdU

“Born With It” (w/ Harry Fraud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6un6DNeqIHY

2.10.2023

Single: Kenzo Balla – “What’s The Move“

The Rising New York Native Smooth Talks a Vibe and Speeds Up a Slow Jam as He Prepares to Release a New EP 

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 Song:

Charging up each verse with an electric intensity, Kenzo Balla raps with a sense of certainty that can’t be faked. Taking account of his romantic desires as he plots his next move, Kenzo shares his new lover’s anthem, “What’s The Move.” Backed by a soulful R&B sample, infused with elements of frenzied Bronx drill and booming Jersey club, the track finds Kenzo exploring the feeling of butterflies in his stomach that his love interest inspires: “Every time I’m with you it’s a vibe/Any time you want to you can slide/I love a b**** that’s on my type of time/Keep it real, no you don’t gotta lie.”

The new single arrives ahead of Kenzo’s upcoming EP, and follows December’s Mr. Ready to Blitz (Deluxe), which added five new tracks to the expansive effort, first released in November. Recently, Kenzo shared “Wonderful,” from his On The Radar freestyle, featuring frequent collaborator Rayy Balla on all platforms.

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 Crippy, Kenzo kicked off his career with a frenzy of fiery videos, including local hits like “5th To Sev” ft. TG Crippy & Pdot Sav (2.1 million video views), “OOTAZ,” and the “Love Nwantiti”-remixing “Let Me Know” (2 million views). This summer, the former AAU baller tore up the streets with “Dead Gzz,” a vicious, uptempo missive that racked up over 1.6 million video views since its release in June.

Now signed to 10K Projects, Kenzo Balla emerges from his perch in the Bronx to blitz the rap game. Sit back and watch his rise, because there’s no stopping it.

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

Credit: WonTon Films

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

“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

2.10.2023

FOREVER 21 JOINS ROLLING LOUD AS THE OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE ICONIC MULTI-CITY HIP-HOP MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Announcement:

LOS ANGELES – February 10, 2023 – Forever 21, a leading fashion retailer, today announced a partnership with Rolling Loud, the biggest hip-hop music festival in the world. Forever 21 will be the official partner of Rolling Loud, through a collaboration that spans festival experiences, limited edition co-branded merchandise and in-store events.  On site festival activations will include key 2023 Rolling Loud festivals in California, Miami and New York City.

“As a brand, we embrace what festivals mean to our consumers – a moment to express themselves through music and fashion,” said Winnie Park, CEO, Forever 21. “We have built a loyal following with our vast festival collections over the years and are excited to roll out our largest festival product line to date and offer consumers a new experience through our partnership with Rolling Loud. Bringing attributes of the festival to life in our stores, online and at the festival events, allows brand fans to be a part of the excitement at every touch point as the partnership spans three incredible cities, kicking off in our birthplace, Los Angeles.”

Forever 21 and Bunny Zingler will team up to bring Bunny’s Bae Bar to life, a fan favorite on-site festival activation for Rolling Loud’s guests. Forever 21 x Bunny’s Bae Bar, a one-stop-glam-shop, will offer everything partygoers need to refresh and elevate their festival looks. The experience will offer hair extensions, hair accessories, biodegradable glitter makeovers and beauty touch-ups, as well as a variety of Insta-worthy photo opportunities and unique giveaways. The Forever 21 x Rolling Loud fashion collection will also be available for purchase at Rolling Loud, encouraging fans to personalize their looks with the help of on-site style experts.
“Forever 21 has always been my go-to place for all things fashion, allowing me to experiment and play with different trends and looks, as my style has evolved throughout the years,” said Bunny Zingler, Bunny’s Bae Bar founder. “I’m so excited to partner with the ultimate fashion brand and be able to inspire others to be bold, have fun, and express themselves through not only their festival looks but everyday apparel as well.”

“Rolling Loud is always a huge fashion moment for our festival attendees and you can especially feel that energy on-site at Bunny’s Bae Bar. We’re excited to partner with Forever 21, a brand that has been the forerunner in providing affordable, fashion-forward products, and see how fans style the collection and experience it at our California, Miami and New York festivals.” – Matt Zingler, Co-Founder/Co-CEO of Rolling Loud

Kicking off the partnership, a one-of-a-kind Rolling Loud x Forever 21 in collaboration with Bunny Zingler, will drop a limited-edition collection on February 10 in Forever 21 stores, on Forever21.com and on the Forever 21 mobile app. The collection will also be available for purchase at Rolling Loud California 2023 from March 3-5.

The Forever 21 x Rolling Loud LA collection is Forever 21’s first-ever Los Angeles-inspired collection, paying homage to the brand’s LA origins with key styles from the early aughts era. The collection will feature grunge art graphics and bold color palettes across seven styles available in sizes XS-XL.

This collection is part of Forever 21’s expansive festival product collection, with more iconic brand collaborations that feature this season’s must-have styles to be announced soon.

Access the Rolling Loud California 2023 press application HERE

Stay tuned for more info, and check out Rolling Loud on Instagram for all the latest updates.

Buy Rolling Loud Merch: shoprollingloud.com

Contact:

For Rolling Loud:
Please email rollingloud@audibletreats.com

For Forever 21
Madison Bell, madison.b@forever21.com

For Authentic Brands Group
Giana Elenterio, gelenterio@authenticbrands.com

The Background:

About Rolling Loud

Founded by 5-time Billboard Hip-Hop Power Players Matt Zingler & Tariq Cherif as a one-day Miami show, Rolling Loud has grown into a global festival phenomenon, putting on shows on both coasts and in multiple countries. Rolling Loud is the premier festival brand in hip-hop, known for its expert curation of wide-ranging lineups that reflect the state of the genre.

Rolling Loud recently wrapped Miami 2022, its biggest event to date, headlined by Kid Cudi, Kendrick Lamar, and Future, and the inaugural Rolling Loud Portugal, which brought an international array of all-stars to the beaches of Portimåo, Portugal. The festival’s busy 2022 continued in September, with the first ever Rolling Loud Toronto, headlined by Future, WizKid, and Dave, and Rolling Loud New York, headlined by Nicki Minaj, A$AP Rocky & Future.

In 2023, Rolling Loud expands its empire even further, returning to Los Angeles for Rolling Loud California, debuting Rolling Loud Thailand, its first-ever Asian festival, and staging three European shows including Rolling Loud Portugal, and the inaugural editions of Rolling Loud Rotterdam and Rolling Loud Germany.

About Forever 21
Forever 21 is a fashion industry leader making the latest trends accessible to all while inspiring unique style and confidence. With a renewed focus on the customer experience, the brand offers high style designs and fashion basics with compelling values and a dynamic store environment. While driving innovation across e-commerce and digital to expand access and convenience, the brand continues to strengthen its positioning as today’s preferred destination for the fashionable consumer. Forever 21 is located in more than 572 locations globally and online. For more information visit Forever21.com.

For more information or to find a store location, please visit: www.forever21.com.
Follow @forever21 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Links:

website | facebook | twitter | instagram

For full information, head to
https://www.rollingloud.com

Find more information about Rolling Loud California: https://www.rollingloud.com/cali2023

Check out Rolling Loud on Twitch: twitch.tv/rollingloud

2.10.2023

Lupe Fiasco Shares Vince Lawrence House Remix of “Wild Child” as Part of Chill’s Spotlight 4, the New 5-Track Compilation from His 1st & 15th Label

“Wild Child” First Appeared on Lupe’s 2018 Album DROGAS WAVE

Produced in Full by Chicago Legend Vince Lawrence, the New EP Pays Tribute to the Rich History of Chicago’s House Music

Lupe’s Critically Acclaimed 2022 Album DRILL MUSIC IN ZION Is Available Everywhere Now

The Compilation + Remix:

A proud Chicago native, Lupe Fiasco is an inheritor and caretaker of his city’s rich and innovative Black music history. Today, Lupe and his label 1st & 15th share Chill’s Spotlight 4, a new compilation EP that delves deep into the history of House music, the now worldwide phenomenon that started in Chicago in the early 1980s. Produced in full by Vince Lawrence, known as the father of House music, Chill’s Spotlight 4 takes the genre back to its roots, offering five pulse-elevating dance anthems from Chicago artists to salute “The Spirit of Chicago House.”

Notable among the songs on Chill’s Spotlight 4, is a brand new remix of Lupe Fiasco’s song “Wild Child,” originally released on Lupe’s 2018 album DROGAS WAVE. Aided by Lawrence’s smooth sensibilities, the new remix translates the bouncy guitar pop of the original version into the language of House, adding a liquid bassline, smooth electric keys, and prominent, washed out percussion, each element weaving between Lupe’s rhymes to create an exhilarating effect. Featuring additional songs from Lil G, from the multi-Platinum-selling R&B group Silk, Chicago singer-songwriter Peter Jericho, and more, Chill’s Spotlight 4 is available everywhere via Thirty Tigers.

The new Chill’s Spotlight compilation comes hot on the heels of  “PRECIOUS THINGS,” an innovative, Alberto Angelini-directed music video for a highlight from Lupe’s acclaimed 2022 album DRILL MUSIC IN ZION. Released on June 24th, 2022, DRILL MUSIC IN ZION earned critical acclaim from NPR, Complex, The FADER, and many others, including Vinyl Me Please, who wrote “At their best, Lupe’s bars are as visually and phonetically pleasing as popped bubble wrap.” The product of a burst of thoughtful spontaneity, Lupe created DRILL MUSIC IN ZION over a short period, diving into a folder of beats sent by Soundtrakk and emerging with a fully-realized album in just three days (“Sometimes deadlines are lifelines,” says Lupe). The album is home to highlights like “NAOMI,” in which Lupe fuses playful political analysis with poignant emotional resonance, and “MS. MURAL,” which continues a series of songs that started on 2014’s Tetsuo & Youth (“Mural”) and continued with his last album DROGAS WAVE (“Mural Jr.”), and the jazz-inflected title track, which slyly comments on how art created amidst strife becomes commodified entertainment for the masses. DRILL MUSIC IN ZION earned “Best Of 2022” honors from the likes of Complex, Okayplayer, RIFF Magazine, and The Needle Drop.

Beyond DRILL MUSIC IN ZION, 2022 was a massive year for the iconic Chicago rapper. He celebrated the 15th anniversary of Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool, recently certified Platinum by the RIAA, and launched “LFT,” an NFT program that allows fans to get closer than ever to Lupe. He blessed his fans with archival releases and loose singles, including the self-produced “100 Chicagos” and “Galveston,” an Apple Music exclusive created in observation of Juneteenth. In the fall, Lupe started his position as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he teaches “Rap Theory and Practice.” The rapper is currently teaching his first semester of the course, with plans to continue in the future. Beyond music, Lupe continues to focus on the community organizations he founded, including We Are M.U.R.A.L, The Neighborhood Start-Up Fund, Society of Spoken Art, and his cross-cultural content venture, Studio SV.

With more music and other ventures on the way, Lupe Fiasco has entered a new chapter in his career, but he’s not done growing.

“Your whole life you’re physically growing, and as an artist, I feel like I’m taller now,” says Lupe. “Not that I’m at a higher place of morality, it’s that my vantage point and perspective is higher. I can see further.”

DRILL MUSIC IN ZION and Chill’s Spotlight 4 are available everywhere via 1st & 15th/Thirty Tigers.

Stream Chill’s Spotlight 4: https://orcd.co/chillsspotlight4

Buy/Stream DRILL MUSIC IN ZION: https://orcd.co/dmiz

Chill’s Spotlight 4 tracklist:
*all tracks produced by Vince Lawrence
1. Happiest Pictures feat Peter Jericho (@princejericho)
2. Wild Child (Remix) feat Lupe Fiasco (@lupefiasco)
3. Rise Up feat Lil G (from Silk) (@garylilg)
4. I Remember Love feat Mira Black (@mirablackproductions)
5. Could Not Be Real (instrumental)

Credit: Jessica Hatter Weaver

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is a Chicago-born, Grammy award-winning American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and community advocate. Rising to fame in 2006, following the success of his debut album, Food & Liquor, Lupe has released more than four acclaimed studio albums; his latest being Drogas Wave released fall 2018. His efforts to propagate conscious material helped solidify him as GQ’s Man of the Year in 2006, and garnered recognition as a Henry Crown Fellow. While musical genius and ingenuity are at the forefront of Lupe’s achievements, the artist extends his innovation to projects that aim to foster creative discourse and opportunities in underprivileged and impoverished communities.

Links:

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

Chill’s Spotlight 4 (featuring “Wild Child” (Remix)): https://orcd.co/chillsspotlight4

“PRECIOUS THINGS” ft. Nayirah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygUCRN65avY

Chill Spotlight 3: https://orcd.co/chillsspotlight3

“AUTOBOTO” ft. Nayirah: https://orcd.co/autoboto / https://youtu.be/k4bTVV4OR4Y

DRILL MUSIC IN ZION: https://orcd.co/dmiz

“DRILL MUSIC IN ZION”: https://orcd.co/drillmusicinzion

“Galveston”: https://orcd.co/galveston-lupe

“100 Chicagos”: https://orcd.co/100chicagos

“Hustlaz”: https://orcd.co/hustlaz

Buy concert tickets at https://www.lupefiasco.com/shows

2.10.2023

Mixtape: Baby Stone Gorillas – The Military

The 4-Man L.A. Crew–5Much, EKillaOffDaBlocck, P4K, and Top5ivee–Returns With Their Second Full-Length Mixtape, Spanning 23 Tracks With Production from RonRon, Juneonnabeat, and More

Critical Praise:

“…They pass the baton with an uncanny chemistry.” – The Los Angeles Times, The 100 Best Songs of 2022

“The South East L.A. crew are having one of those runs where a regional rapper or group just break off hit after hit.” – Pitchfork

“Over the last year, the four childhood friends turned rappers have released a string of steadily improving and increasingly popular singles, the cumulative millions of music video views all culminating in “Keep Goin” and the other 22 songs on the group’s debut, BABYST5XNE GORILLAS (Baby Stone Gorillas / EMPIRE). They have the potential to be the biggest rappers to emerge from the Baldwin Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, the gang-heavy and palm-tree-lined community that locals know by its foliage-inspired and far more evocative nickname: the Jungles.” – SPIN

“Baby Stone Gorillas have been on an impeccable run as of late, matching consistent releases with a deeply unique sense of artistry that only improves and expands with each new release” – Lyrical Lemonade

“Youthful and fiery, BSG continues to witness their sound sweep over Southern California and are poised to break across the map.” – Our Generation Music

The Mixtape:

Serving sizzling slices of funked-up L.A. street rap straight from the Baldwin Village jungles, Baby Stone Gorillas are their city’s hottest rap crew. Mounting up for a 23-track effort that bursts with inventive chemistry and fresh styles, the four-man group shares The Military, their second full-length mixtape. The new mixtape refines the group’s hard-hitting West Coast sound, its glossy textures, funk-forward rhythms, and boosted bass adding emphasis to quartet’s raw lyricism. The only voices you’ll hear on the album belong to the Gorillas themselves–who shoulder the full trackload without outside features–allowing plenty of opportunity for each of the four rappers to show off their distinct styles.

Sparkplug EKillaOffDaBlocck lights tracks aflame with his energetic, snarling delivery; Top5ivee brings his effortlessly cool flow and devious wordplay; P4K‘s syllable-rich, laid-back bars draw from L.A.’s rich street rap tradition; and 5Much uses the opportunity to show off his distinctive flow and unconventional melodies, taking the lead on hooks for songs like the recent single “WOP.“ The new mixtape is home to the recent single “Block Benders,” plus new highlights like mischievous, piano-led “Slide On Em,” the provocative and infectious “We Love Opp Hoes,” and the luscious “Koldest Addiction.” With production from West Coast mainstays like RonRonTheProducer, Juneonnabeat, and more, The Military is available everywhere via Park Money Records / EMPIRE.

The four members of Baby Stone Gorillas have known each other since they were 10-years-old, and were friends far before they dreamed of music stardom. The rappers have distinct styles and roles: 5Much brings a hustler’s mentality and vents about his life, while EK packs the energy. P4K is the proud instigator known for slick-talking raps, while Top5ivee often comes up with B.S.G.’s catchy hooks. In 2021, the group’s self-titled video racked up views in the millions, precipitating a winning streak of viral singles that included the Pitchfork–approved “Military,” which earned airplay on Drake’s OVOSound Radio, and “Untouchable” ft. RJMrLA, catching the attention of Shaquille O’Neal. The group made a major impact with their debut mixtape BABYST5XNE GORILLAS, released in March 2022, which earned praise from Pitchfork, SPIN, Audiomack, and many others, and featured “Keep Goin,” which The Los Angeles Times named one of the 100 Best Songs of 2022.

With The Military available everywhere, the Baby Stone Gorillas are on a mission to prove they’re the realest in L.A. Stay tuned for much more.

Stream The Military: https://music.empi.re/themilitary

The Military tracklist:

1. We The Ones They Talkin Bout
2. Slide on Em
3. Off the Meds
4. Block Benders
5. Watch Your Step
6. Wop
7. Unstable
8. Tomorrow Not Promised
9. Vaccine
10. Introduce You
11. We Love Opp Hoes
12. Off His Crew
13. Gettin’ Money Steppas
14. Fully Active
15. Ain’t Like That
16. Koldest Addiction
17. Miley Cyrus
18. In The Field Huntin
19. Y’all Know Who Did That
20. Let’s Get It Lit Then
21. First Place
22. Elite
23. Murder Musik

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

“You can go and listen to damn near 50 people outta L.A., period, but you’ll notice that we’ve got a different sound,” proclaims Baby Stone Gorillas member EKillaOffDaBlocck. E.K., along with group-mates Top5ivee, P4K, 5Much are creating some of the most original music out of the West Coast. From Baldwin Villages, better known as “The Jungles,” this talented quartet blends elements of their street surroundings with imagination, humor, and a will to stand out. In 2021, videos like their introductory “STL Caps & Jay Hats,” “Baby Stone Gorillas,” and the charged-up “Military” made a powerful impression and garnered several million streams. By the end of 2021, OVORadio played music from Baby Stone Gorillas while Shaq reposted a video. Now, B.S.G. readies a 23-track mixtape that features 1takejay, Bla$ta, Band Gang Lonnie Bands, and Wallie the Sensei. “If we don’t capitalize on this moment right now, there’s no other time,” urges P4K. “That’s how we’re treating it: If we don’t do it now, it’s never.”

Links:

BSG: instagram | spotify | youtube
P4K: instagram
5Much: instagram
Top5ivee: instagram
EKillaOffDaBlocck: instagram

The Military: https://music.empi.re/themilitary

“Block Benders”: https://music.empi.re/blockbenders / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHdFiX7RmhY

“WOP”: https://music.empi.re/wopstone / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xbNxbke-CQ

“Keep Goin”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oHhK1qloGU

“Start Sumn”: https://youtu.be/xcoO8VtO664

“That’s What You Suppose To Do”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAV6PUUJdH4

BABYST5XNE GORILLAS: https://music.empi.re/babyst5xne

“Do It Up” ft. Wallie The Sensei: https://youtu.be/11-USp41ao8

2.10.2023

Video: Smokepurpp – “Draco“

The South Florida Star Shares the First Video From the 3-Song Anti “Capsule”

Critical Praise:

XXL Class of 2018 Freshman

“Purpp has caught the ears of everyone from The Weeknd and D.R.A.M. to Chief Keef and Travis Scott, and the 19-year-old rapper is in position for a rapid ascent” – Pigeons & Planes

“If you’ve not been following along, the rise of young Miami rapper SmokePurrp – alongside that of his longtime pal and collaborator Lil Pump – has been one of the more exciting rides in rap’s underground this year” – Noisey

“Out of all the SoundCloud and Florida rappers that have gained floods of attention and acclaim in recent years, Smokepurpp has stood as one of the movement’s strongest proponents and artists.“ –HYPEBEAST

The Video:

Smokepurpp specializes in defiant hedonism, expressing his defiant attitude in thrilling, bite-sized segments. Posting up in a remote mansion with enough firepower to seize a Caribbean island, Purpp shares his new video for “Draco.” Dancing over sirenic synths with his clipped cadences, Purpp is in rare form on the Gesco and Klokez-produced track, unfurling antisocial gems at a rapidfire pace: “Bitch, I’m busy, I’m out chasing dollars/I’m a dog like I need me a collar.” In the video, Purpp demonstrates how he keeps his “whole gang on the payroll,” recruiting them out to his remote mansion where they can tote their prized firearms and sip champagne in the middle of the day.

“Draco” is a highlight from Anti, Purpp’s first new release of 2023. A new experimental format for Purpp, where he can follow his iconoclastic muse in short-form bursts, the new “capsule” Anti compiles three quick-hitting bangers into a potent salvo. Featuring production from Supah Mario, DSC Sunny, and Bido, the hedonistic Anti capsule is available everywhere via Alamo Records.

The new Anti capsule is a high-energy follow-up to “Shoot First,” released in November. “Shoot First” was Purpp’s first new single as a lead artist since 2021’s “Not Your Speed” ft. Lil Gnar, but he has kept busy in the meantime collaborating with the likes of Masked Wolf, Rarri, and Mike Stone. Purpp is hard at work on more “capsules” and a new project, his first since Psycho (Legally Insane) EP and his first full-length since the ferocious 2020 mixtape Florida Jit.

Stay tuned from much more from the iconoclastic artist as the year moves on, including a performance at the inaugural Rolling Loud Thailand in April.

Watch “Draco”:

Listen to Anti: http://Smokepurpp.lnk.to/Anti

Anti tracklist:

1. Draco (Prod. by Gesco & Klokez)
2. Chop Off The Top (Prod. by Supah Mario)
3. Out My Body (Prod. by DSC Sunny & Bido)

Please contact Michelle or Kerry for more info.

The Background:

The Chicago-born, Miami-raised rapper and producer Smokepurpp has been one of the cornerstones of Florida’s burgeoning rap scene since the release of his “Ski Mask” video in 2015. The buzz from the video and other singles with close friend Lil Pump culminated in a record deal with Alamo/Interscope Records and Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Records. The 21-year old Purpp quickly went to work, collaborating with Scott, Yo Gotti, Pump, and more. His debut release, Deadstar, spawned the gold-certified single “Audi” and generated features from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Pigeons & Planes, XXL, Mass Appeal, and many more. The follow up release, Bless Yo Trap, was a collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Murda Beatz, boasted the standout single “123” and collaborations with Lil Yachty, Offset, and A$AP Ferg. 2018 has been a banner year for Purpp so far, thanks to his selection on the 2018 XXL Freshman list, the release of “Nephew,” his Gold-certified collaboration with Lil Pump, which has over 100M streams across all platforms, and “I Love It,” the Kanye West and Pump collaboration which Purpp co-wrote and debuted at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. After delighting his fans with the Lost Planet EP in April, Purpp closed 2020 out with the highly-anticipated Deadstar 2. In 2020, Purpp released his project Florida Jit, with appearances from Lil Pump, Denzel Curry, and more.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube | soundcloud | Instagram

“Draco”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9R1sw_kKQM

Anti: http://Smokepurpp.lnk.to/Anti

“Shoot First”: http://smokepurpp.lnk.to/ShootFirst / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYmvfst2Wjw

Psycho (Legally Insane): https://smarturl.it/SmokepurppPsycho

Florida Jit: https://smarturl.it/FloridaJit

2.10.2023

CENTRAL CEE RETURNS WITH REFLECTIVE AND EMOTIVE NEW OFFERING “ME AND YOU”

OUT NOW: https://cench.lnk.to/MeAndYou

Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

Critical Praise:

“23 displays just how good Central Cee is in the business of making records.” – The Guardian

“A fast rising voice” – Rolling Stone

“The UK’s new rap superstar” – The Face

A suave demeanor” – Pitchfork

“London’s rapper of the moment” – Evening Standard

“Essential within the scene” – Crack

“Forever-buzzing” – Noisey

“Who is bigger than Central Cee right now?” – NME

“Central Cee deserves his seat at the table.” – Trench

Critical Praise:

[February 9th 2023] Central Cee is impossible to ignore. After dominating the airwaves with his hit single “Let Go” (currently on 217 million streams), today the West London hailing musician returns with a surprise offering – new single “Me And You.” 

On “Me And You” Cench showcases his more romantic side, declaring his loyalty to a loved one. It’s an addictive ear-worm of a track that can sit alongside his more heart-felt releases, such as the aforementioned “Let Go,” “Commitment Issues,” and platinum viral hit “Obsessed With You.”

Produced by EY and co-produced by Razor, the single showcases Cench’s inimitable flow, punctuated by an expertly chosen sample – the iconic American singer songwriter and record producer, Donell Jones’ “Shorty Got Her Eyes On Me.” It’s a moment of reflection amongst the young rapper’s hectic lifestyle and a declaration of devotion. “We ain’t gotta worry about nobody else it’s, Me and You” Cench begins, before admitting that “love is a contagious feeling.”

A platinum-selling global phenomenon, Central Cee has reached a truly poignant moment in his career, with high anticipation around his every move. Having concluded the UK and EU leg of his “Still Loading World Tour” with a sold-out and critically lauded moment at Alexandra Palace (live streamed by Amazon), Cench is now finishing the tour in America and Canada.

                                                                                                                               Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

No stranger to a surprise drop, at the end of last year Central Cee floored the fashion and music world alike when he fronted the new Jacquemus “Neve World” Winter campaign. The viral campaign landed after the release of No More Leaks, a surprise project, which also saw the launch of the “Live Yours” Youtube channel – the visual home of Central Cee’s record label of the same name, which  is set to highlight different musical artists from across the globe.

Continually breaking down barriers, Cench dominated the summer airwaves in 2022 with his global viral smash single “Doja“, a track that saw him become the first ever UK artist to have a video directed by Cole Bennett, and hosted on the Lyrical Lemonade YouTube channel. Since then, “Doja” has racked up over 450 million global streams and Cench has become the first UK artist to have the most streamed hip hop track globally on Spotify in one week. “Doja” also landed at #2 debut on the UK Official Charts, and has since declared Central Cee as the first UK Solo artist to gain a platinum single in France. 

Central Cee is the UK’s hottest and most followed rapper, with a social audience of over 12 million, and an awe-inspiring 3 Billion global artist streams. Last year, he became the first UK rapper to reach 1 Billion streams in a year on Spotify. 

As Cench continues to smash every ceiling, fans eagerly await a new project, which will follow in the footsteps of his critically acclaimed 23 mixtape – a project that debuted at Number 1 in the UK official charts, and followed on from 2021’s Wild West, which was the highest selling British debut project of the year. 

Central Cee has more than cemented his position at the top, and the world is truly his oyster. 

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

For UK opportunities, please contact joss@wired-pr.co.uk

The Background:

Central Cee has an undeniable magnetism. On Christmas Day 2021, in the wake of his enormous Pink Pantheress-sampling single “Obsessed With You,”  he released a GRM Daily Duppy (a performance on one of the UK’s most popular street rap platforms), which went on to be the highest charting in history. This year, after a stellar position in 2022’s BBC Sound Poll, Central Cee consequently received an astounding three BRIT Award nominations, for Best New Artist, Best Song, and Best British Hip Hop, Rap, Grime act. Late last year, Central Cee won Best Male Artist and Breakthrough Artist of The Year at the GRM Awards, accolades which add to his already incredible position as Spotify’s Radar Artist and YouTube’s Artist On The Rise, not to mention his recent double gong win at the MOBO Awards for Best Newcomer and Best Drill Act. The young superstar is currently gracing the cover of The Face Magazine, where he reveals the motivations that drive his rapid rise to the top.

With co-signs from The Guardian, Pitchfork, NME, Clash, The Face, Complex, Crack, the late Virgil Abloh and other global music icons, Central Cee is taking over, and the 23 mixtape’s arrival is certain to propel him even further on his unparalleled journey. 

Links:

instagram | twitter | youtube | spotify | tiktok

“Me And You”: https://cench.lnk.to/MeAndYou

“LET GO”: https://cench.lnk.to/LET-GO / https://youtu.be/BqucGvLxrEk

No More Leaks EP: https://cench.lnk.to/Leaks

“One Up”: https://cench.lnk.to/OneUp

“LA Leakers Freestyle”: https://cench.lnk.to/Leakers

“Doja” (dir by Cole Bennett): https://cench.lnk.to/Doja-vid / https://cench.lnk.to/Doja

Buy Central Cee concert tickets: tour.centralcee.com

“Ungrateful”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtmqU4J-5X8

“Eurovision”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlnLvLDP4Zg

23: https://ada.lnk.to/Cench23

“Straight Back To It”: https://ada.lnk.to/StraightBackToIt-Vid

“Khabib”: https://ada.lnk.to/Khabib / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-wf8Yb5ZCM

“Cold Shoulder”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8efu1VaDk0c

“Retail Therapy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1CbX1k9m5Q

“Obsessed With You”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP7KHC129RQ

“Commitment Issues”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbHGtGSwoGA

Wild West: https://ada.lnk.to/Wild-West

“Loading”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ok-i3uGXkM

“Day In The Life”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq2JJf7jB00

2.10.2023

Detroit Heavy-Hitter FMB DZ Announces 12-Track P Rock Baby Project, An Ode to the City That Raised Him

The West Side Rhymer Takes a Ride Down Plymouth Road in the Video for “The Show“

An Underground Hero in His Hometown, DZ’s Upcoming Project Tells His Plymouth Road Origin Story, Mixing Michigan Beats With Breezier West Coast Sounds

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 Announcement:

Dispensing street wisdom in a calm, authoritative manner, FMB DZ embodies the hustler spirit of his hometown. Chronicling his rise from block boy to top shotta, DZ announces P Rock Baby, his next project, coming soon. Named after the area he grew up in–P Rock, short for Plymouth Road–in West Side Detroit, the project explains how DZ’s life in his neighborhood helped him develop the quick wits and hard lessons that enabled his hustler mentality.

The 12-track project is a showcase for DZ’s gritty street stories, each one packed with the gems of wisdom and hard-nosed flexes that earned the 28-year-old rapper a loyal following in the midwest and beyond. Though it’s rooted firmly in Detroit, the expansive album welcomes sounds from all regions, particularly from the West Coast where the project was recorded. Home to recent singles like the hard-charging “Mo Money Mo Problems,“ the P Rock Baby project arrives soon via Fast Money Boyz / EMPIRE.

Along with the announcement of the project, DZ shares “The Show,” a smooth and straight-talking new anthem. Blessed with ringing guitars and skittering percussion, the song chronicles DZ’s rise, commenting on the legacy he’s creating and delivering words of wisdom for aspiring hustlers: “Conceal your intentions, never show ’em how you feelin/Always say less than necessary when you chillin/Started from the bottom now a n**** own the building/I ain’t know what a pint was ’til I spilled it.” In the video, directed by CT Films, DZ takes a ride down Plymouth Road in his Michigan-made SUV, taking his GMC and his Escalade through the neighborhood and acknowledging how far he’s come.

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.

Ready to elevate his game in 2023, FMB DZ plans to show the world just how they live on P Rock. Stay tuned for much more.

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

Please contact Michelle 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

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

2.9.2022

Video: Rot Ken – “Yea Yea” ft. Yung Sinn

The Internet Money/BoyMeetSpace Riser Enlists Fellow Georgia Native Yung Sinn for New Video from Yahweh Child Project

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:

Rising down south with a rawness that permeates each track he approaches, Rot Ken is a true one-of-a-kind talent. Continuing to flaunt his versatility, Ken teams with Slaughter Gang rapper and fellow Georgia native, Yung Sinn, to share his new video for “Yea Yea.” The video sees Ken and Sinn posted up at an abandoned self-service car wash in Decatur, GA. Shot in the gray of winter, the scene creates a backdrop of hopelessness that Ken is motivated to overcome as his rhymes animate the scene: “I sell it for 5, but I got it for 1, I’m just tryna make a better way/I came from the hood, I know how you feel, I’m praying these youngins gon’ relate.”

“Yea Yea” is the latest video from Ken’s new project, Yahweh Child, arriving on the heels of “Solo,” released in late January. Signed to a joint venture with Taz Taylor‘s Internet Money and JetsonMade‘s BoyMeetSpace, Rot Ken has earned co-signs from two of the industry’s top producers, who trust him to annihilate some of their most invigorating instrumentals. On Yahweh Child, the young rapper demonstrates that their faith is not unfounded, as he rains down triplet flows and searing hooks like manna from heaven. Home to recent singles “Mask On,“ “Heartless,” and “No Mind” (1.2 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“ (1.7 million Spotify streams), “Heartbreak Kid“ (1.7 million Spotify streams), and “Beautiful,” a collaboration with SoFaygo that racked up over 3.9 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.

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

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

Yahweh Child tracklist:

1. Idol
2. Mask On
3. Never Too Rich
4. Yea Yea feat Yung Sinn
5. Gigi
6. No Mind feat JetsonMade
7. Glock 23
8. On One
9. Clear Out The Room
10. Heartless
11. Car Got Switches
12. Drop The Price
13. Bubbly
14. Solo
15. 007

Please contact Michelle or Kevin 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

“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