The Paper Route Empire Rapper Follows-Up His Recent Single “Never Too Much,” Showing Out in Miami in His New Music Video
Critical Praise:
“..the members of Paper Route Empire reach a level of sincerity and emotional reflection that’s still hard to come by.” – Pitchfork
“The Memphis natives have dropped a raw and street-heavy collab that champions authenticity.” – HNHH
The Video:
Paper Route Empire spitta SNUPE BANDZ is one of Memphis’s smoothest emcees. The rising rapper teaches his listeners about the finer points of hustling in “Bag Talk,” his new video single. Dancing atop mysterious keyboards and thunderous Tennessee trap percussion, SNUPE proves himself to be an expert at both making and spending money, as he brags about being the plug’s best friend and his souped-up car. In the video, SNUPE haunts backstreets, popping out in color in a sea of black, white, and gray. “Bag Talk” follows recent singles from SNUPE BANDZ, including the BandPlay-produced “Profit” and “Never Too Much,” a collab with fellow Memphis riser Yung Skooley.
Signed to PRE by Dolph himself, SNUPE BANDZ makes an impact with each release. He first gained attention with his standout verses on 2021’s label compilation mixtape, PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi, stealing the show on songs like “Blue Boyz” and “Nothing To Me.” In 2022, SNUPE connected with his fellow Paper Route Empire rapper Paper Route Woo for BOYZ IN THE HOOD, a sizzling set of Memphis bangers, with guest spots from Bankroll Freddie and Duke Deuce. In 2024, the rapper dropped two heavy-hitting singles, the flex-heavy “Blocstar” and the emotional “Scarred,” showing the various facets of the artist’s state of mind.
Hard at work on his next project, SNUPE BANDZ is ready to make good on his promise and become one of his city’s most vital rap stars. Stay tuned for more.
Netflix officially releases SONGS FROM THE HOLE, a music film about the life of JJ’88, who began a life sentence at 15 and processed his experience through rap and soul music. Along with the documentary, JJ’88 releases his debut EP, titled Songs From The Hole, originally written and recorded while in prison. Home to the smooth and introspective single “Here Now,” is a 13 track melodic testament to survival and transformation, executive produced by richie reseda, JJ’88 and Rahael Asfaw for Question Culture.
Originally written and recorded by JJ’88, with producer richie reseda in prison, it was later reproduced by richie reseda, Dylan Wiggins and Tairiq Bright & Garfield Bright III of Twiin Towers, keeping the original prison vocals. Gritty and vulnerable, the EP is a real-life hood-healing story—one that can only be told by someone who lived it.
Buy Songs from the Hole EP Deluxe double disc vinyl HERE
** Deluxe version includes 6 additional tracks, 4 of the original versions from prison.
Songs From The Hole EP tracklist:
Letter To The Homies
MostHunted
Betrayal
The Haunting
Steel Grave
Overwhelmed
SeaFloor
WakeUp
Rise and Shine
N8tive Psalms
ROOT
NoTimeToW8ste
Here Now
WINNER — SXSW, Audience Award: Visions, 2024
WINNER — Cinema Eye Honors: Heterodox Award, 2025
WINNER — BlackStar Film Festival, Jury Prize: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — Newark Black Film Festival, Jury Prize: Spirit of Paul Robeson Award, 2024
WINNER — Indie Street Film Festival, Jury Prize: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — Fist Up Film Festival, Jury Prize: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — Sing Sing Film Festival, Jury Prize: Excellence in Criminal Justice Storytelling, 2024
WINNER — Buffalo International Film Festival, Audience Award: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — Urbanworld Film Festival, Audience Award: Best Feature, 2024
WINNER — St. Louis Film Festival, Audience Award: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — New Orleans Film Festival, Audience Award: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
NOMINEE — IDA Award: Best Music Documentary, 2024
Synopsis:
At 15, he took a life. Three days later, his brother’s life was taken. A moving chronicle of forgiveness, family, and the transformative power of art, SONGS FROM THE HOLE weaves music and mixed-media storytelling into an innovative documentary visual album.
Through clear-eyed narration and lyrical journal entries, incarcerated musician James “JJ’88” Jacobsreveals his innermost struggles as a person who has both committed and experienced violent harm. While serving a double-life prison sentence, he searches for healing and peace as he comes of age in this documentary-musical odyssey composed behind bars.
In a unique creative process director Contessa Gayles (The Feminist on Cellblock Y, Founder Girls, The Debutantes) collaborated with protagonist/writer JJ’88 and producer/music producer richie reseda to interweave the collective storytelling of the film’s non-fiction participants, with imagined memories, dreams and spiritual dialogues set to JJ’88’s original music. The result is a powerful mix of truth-telling and dreaming that reveal the potential for healing and liberation within us all.
Director: Contessa Gayles Songs Written and Performed by: JJ’88 Writers: JJ’88, Contessa Gayles Producers: Contessa Gayles, richie reseda, David Felix Sutcliffe Co-Producer: JJ’88 Executive Producers: Jenny Raskin, Lauren Haber, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Regina K. Scully, Meadow Fund, dream hampton Production Companies: Cocomotion Pictures and Question Culture
Download Key Art HERE
Download Stills HERE
Read more at TUDUM
Visit the official Songs From The Hole website HERE
Follow Songs From The Hole on Instagram
Montana 700 Moves Cargo and Stacks Cash in “Rap & Trap,” His New Self-Directed Video
The Song is a Highlight From His Fresh MixtapeThe Greatest of All Traps, His New Mixtape, Available On All Platforms via Remain Solid / 300 Ent.
A Motivational Tape That Defines the “New Dallas” Sound With Songs Like “Boosie Flow,” Montana’s The Greatest Of All Traps Features Guest Spots From YFN Lucci, Loe Shimmy, Fellow New Dallas Hitmaker Zillionaire Doe, and More
The Announcement:
Motivating the masses with his soulful Texas trap, Montana 700 makes music for money-getters. The “New Dallas” chieftain proves that fame will never change him in his new music video for “Rap & Trap.” Rhyming over dramatic keys and propulsive percussion, the young artist counts hundreds of reasons why he will never leave his block, even if he achieves rap stardom: “Rap and trap, do it at the same time/Oak Cliff n****, handling business on Pine/Sign a major deal, n****, I come from selling dimes,” he raps. In the video, directed by Montana himself, the Dallas native packs up a UHaul with product, even as he celebrates the release of his new mixtape and procures a baby gator as a pet.
“Rap & Trap” is a highlight from The Greatest of All Traps, Montana 700’s kinetic new mixtape. Home to the single “Boosie Flow,” which trended at #17 on YouTube’s Trending Charts and generated over 1.4 million views, mixtape continues Montana’s trailblazing “New Dallas” movement, which attempts to form a united front in the city, eliminating beef for a shared goal of building a flourishing rap scene. Like Montana’s last mixtape, February’s 700 Reasons, the new tape provides a fresh spin on classic Southern rap sounds, making trap music that makes you want to move. Featuring appearances from YFN Lucci, Loe Shimmy, Kocky Ka, and Montana’s “New Dallas” running mate Zillionaire Doe, The Greatest Of All Traps is available on all platforms via Remain Solid / 300 Entertainment.
Born and raised in South Dallas, Montana 700 is ready to make 2025 his year. He first hit the scene in 2022, making music that combined the twangy and bass-heavy Dallas rap template with broader Southern rap sounds. Along with his close friend and frequent collaborator Zillionaire Doe, Montana 700 is a leader of the New Dallas movement, an effort from the younger generation to stop the violence that has plagued Dallas hip-hop for years, and instead to build a community-focused scene that will allow the whole city to prosper. Montana spoke about the New Dallas scene on a recent episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game. The rapper broke out in a big way this year with 700 Reasons, Featuring songs like Count A Hunnit,” featuring a sample of Jeezy’s “And Then What,” which earned positive attention from Jeezy himself, and “Pipeline” (Remix), a new version of Montana’s local hit featuring BigXThaPlug
With The Greatest Of All Traps out now, Montana 700 prepares to make an impact on a grand scale. Stay tuned for much more.
And We Back Tour Presales Begins August 12, General On Sale Begins August 15
The Announcement:
Grammy-winner and global independent innovator Chance the Rapper has announced dates for his “And We Back Tour.”The 15-city North American headlining run promoted by Live Nation kicks off on September 26 in Houston, TX, with stops in New Orleans, Atlanta, New York City, Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, and more. In New York, Chance will perform at the iconic Rooftop at Pier 17, an open-air venue with sweeping views of the city skyline. The tour also features a special hometown performance in Chicago at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, a scenic lakeside amphitheater. The run wraps in Los Angeles on October 20 at the historic Hollywood Palladium. Ticket presales begin Tuesday, August 12, starting with a Citi presale and Verizon (additional details below), with general on sale starting Friday, August 15. For all tour dates and ticket information, visit chancestuff.com.
PRESALES: Citi is the official card of the “And We Back Tour.” Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, August 12 at 10am ET until Thursday, August 14 at 10 pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com
Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale for the Chance the Rapper and the And We Back Tour in the U.S. – no strings attached, simply for being a Verizon customer. The presale for select shows runs from Tuesday, August 12 at 10am ET until Thursday, August 14 at 10pm local time. Visit myAccess in the My Verizon app for more details. Learn more about Verizon Access here.
AboutStar Line:
CThe tour follows the announcement of Chance the Rapper’s highly anticipated new full length albumStar Line, out this Friday, August 15. The independent project reflects Chance’s global journey, artistically, spiritually, and physically, over the past six years. Created with longtime producer DexLvL and shaped by travels to Ghana, Jamaica, and art fairs around the world, Star Line blends hip-hop, soul, and experimental sounds with lyrical meditations on identity, resilience, and legacy. Its lead single, “Tree” featuring Lil Wayne and Smino, is out now, a powerful meditation on cannabis justice, racial inequality, and Black resilience, wrapped in a soulful flip of India.Arie’s classic “Video.” While Chance has circled the globe in search of new perspectives, Star Line remains grounded in the worldview that has always defined Chance’s art: a deep, unshakable connection to Chicago and to Black culture across the diaspora. Star Line is available now for CD pre-order at Chancestuff.com, alongside the special Star Line Shipping Co. merch collection.
For complete tour and ticketing information, and to pre-order the album visit chancestuff.com.
Read the Star Line announcement press release HERE
CHANCE THE RAPPER – 2025 NORTH AMERICAN “AND WE BACK TOUR” DATES
September 26, 2025 — Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
September 27, 2025 — New Orleans, LA @ The Fillmore
September 29, 2025 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
October 1, 2025 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
October 2, 2025 — New York, NY @ The Rooftop at Pier 17
October 4, 2025 — Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall
October 6, 2025 — Toronto, ON @ Rebel
October 8, 2025 — Washington, DC @ Echostage
October 10, 2025 — Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
October 12, 2025 — Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
October 14, 2025 — Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre
October 16, 2025 — San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
October 17, 2025 — Highland, CA @ Yaamava’ Theater
October 18, 2025 — Las Vegas, NV @ Fontainebleau
October 20, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
The Two Northern California Slick-Talkers Trade Punchlines in the Latest Video From DB’s Deeply PErsonal New Album
Critical Praise:
“DB.Boutabag is a Sacramento, California rapper who makes hip-hop that’ll cave in floors at West Coast house parties.” – Pitchfork
“DB.Boutabag takes hating to new levels” – The FADER
“South Sacramento rapper DB.Boutabag makes rap music meant to hit you in the chest” – Passion Of The Weiss
The Video:
Blitzing his opposition with slick punchlines and a relentless work ethic, DB.Boutabag is one of the most beloved smack talkers in Northern Cali. DB joins up with a fellow NorCal hustler for “Drink Bleach,” his new music video, featuring ex-SOB x RBE heavy-hitter DaBoii. Skating atop spritely piano chords and knocking West Coast percussion, the two emcees swap out-of-pocket punchlines to embarrass any broke boys in the vicinity: “The same three you spent on rent, I spent that 3 on my beat,” says DB, while DaBoii says, “Thought he was invincible, who he think he King Kong?” In the video, the two rappers talk business in a luxurious boardroom before hitting the streets in an all-black SUV.
“Drink Bleach” is a highlight from DB’s new album, The Real Boutabag II, a focused and motivated effort that reflects his new perspective as a first-time father. Giving his fans a deep look into his life as a working rapper, DB peppers his punchline-filled bars with hints at how much fatherhood changed him. As he says on recent single “A Dad Talk“: “Get inside my feelings, watch me sh*t talk my ass off/On these beats, I be in that mode with my mask off.”
A sequel to his popular 2022 EP The Real Boutabag, which featured fan-favorite singles like “Out The Way,” the second volume doesn’t let the heavier subject matter stop DB from bringing the bass-boosted West Coast energy for which he is known. The rapper’s one-liners are in rare form, whether he is sneering at lazy hangers-on on the DaBoii collaboration “Drink Bleach” or getting a raucous party started on songs like the recent single “Both Ways.” Throughout, DB remains focused, ignoring neighborhood distractions and the trappings of fame to keep his eye on the biggest prize of all: financial security for his family. Also home to the recent singles “Slight Vent Pt. 3” and “Not At Home” ft. Big Sad 1900, The Real Boutabag II is available on all platforms.
Since emerging from the South Sacramento street scene in 2020, DB.Boutabag has established himself as one of the most prolific slick talkers on either coast. With a style inspired by the greats from L.A. and The Bay, including the late Mac Dre, DB has generated tens of millions of streams across platforms, thanks to West Coast anthems like “1st Off,” “Don’t Choke,” “Cocky,” and “Fettucine.” The rapper has earned praise from the likes of Pitchfork, The FADER, and Passion of the Weiss, and has collaborated with everybody from 03 Greedo to Skilla Baby to Kamaiyah to the legendary Drakeo The Ruler on their street hit “Top Rapper.”
With The Real Boutabag II out now, DB is ready to prove he’s the man on the West Coast. Stay tuned for more.
The Michigan Rap Hero Shares Five New Music Videos From the Album, Including Collabs with Star Bandz and YN Jay
Packed With Scintillating Beats From Regular Collaborators Like BEATSBYSAV and Wayne616, Rio’s New Album Pays Tribute to the Hardscrabble City of His Birth, Welcoming Guest Spots From VonOff1700, Star Bandz, Zillionaire Doe, Rmc Mike, YN Jay, FBLManny, and More
Continuing His Post-Prison Hot Streak, the Rapper Adds To His Career Accomplishments, Which Includes Over 300 Million Catalog Streams in 2025 Alone and a Platinum Plaque on His Single “Legendary”
Catch Rio On His First-Ever Headlining Tour, the Nationwide “Welcome Home Tour,” Spanning Over 60 Dates This Summer and Fall
“…the loose-lipped, punchline god from Flint who became a Michigan rap titan” – Pitchfork
#66 Best Album of the Decade So Far (City On My Back)– Even his offhand comments have the power to smack you with bitter truths while you try to hold back the laughter.” – Passion of the Weiss
Best Albums of 2025 So Far (RIO FREE (Something Happen)) – The FADER
“I cannot possibly list all the lines that made me laugh out loud” – Stereogum
“Even his offhand comments have the power to smack you with bitter truths while you try to hold back the laughter.” – Passion of the Weiss
The Announcement:
Emerging from one of the nation’s roughest cities and shaking off a multi-year prison sentence, Rio Da Yung OG is having a massive 2025, filled with sold out dates, trending videos, and more punchlines than you can count. Reflecting on all he has accomplished against the odds, Rio gives thanks to the city that raised him with F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I’m Not Through), his new album.
Packed with kinetic beats by Rio’s frequent collaborators like Wayne616, BEATSBYSAV, and Danny G Beats, the new album allows Rio to test out some truly head-spinning flows, doubling back on his bars to create rewindable punchlines and unexpected moments of poignancy. Spanning 20 tracks, F.L.I.N.T. is one of Rio’s most focused works to date, spanning 20 tracks of bass-heavy Michigan music including recent singles like “What U Spend” ft. Zillionaire Doe(Top 30 on YouTube trending), “Great Day,”(trended in YouTube’s Trending Top 20 with over 1.3 million views), “Sneaky B,” and “Big Ben.” The album brings collaborations with Michigan associates like Flint’s own Coochie Man YN Jay and his Dum N Dumber duet partner Rmc Mike, and connects Rio with his favorite up-and-comers from the national scene, including Chicago emcees VonOff1700 and Star Bandz, Dallas’s Zillionaire Doe, and Atlanta’s FBLManny.
Along with the album, Rio releases a whopping five new music videos, all directed by 2M Digital, as a gift to his longtime fans:
“Ghetto Star“: A collaboration with Chicago riser Star Bandz, in which both rappers trade flexes like only they can (“Street legend, feel like Rick Ross, I’m not a star/But I’m with Star,” he spits)
“Back Rubbed“: Rio sinks his teeth into a sparkling Wayne616 beat, reflecting on his time in jail and how he now appreciates the finer things even more.
“Rich Regardless“: An out-of-pocket duet with fellow Flint character YN Jay, with a beat that sounds like a late night drive.
“Different Music“: Another Wayne616 production with sonorous bass and a torrent of memorable punchlines (“Do you know what a ‘Rari truck costs? Cause I can buy 4”)
“Ask Jay“: YN Jay doesn’t appear on this one, but he gets a lyrical shout out on this Wayne616-produced heater, with a video featuring a cameo by BabyTron
The F.L.I.N.T. album arrives as Rio Da Yung OG continues his epic “Welcome Home Tour,” which kicked off with a show in Detroit. Continuing this summer and fall, “Welcome Home Tour” spans over 60 dates, passing through San Francisco on August 10th (Regency Ballroom), Los Angeles on August 12th (The Belasco Theater), Houston on August 30th (9pm Music Venue), and New York on September 24th (Webster Hall) before concluding in Chicago on October 11th (Patio Theater). Featuring support from Baby Money, FBLManny, and many special guests, tickets for the “Welcome Home Tour” are available at https://www.touringwithrio.com/
A salute to his hometown, the album arrives weeks after Rio received a proclamation from the City of Flint for his cultural and for his contributions to the city’s culture and community. Releasing as the rapper celebrates his freedom and puts his city on his back, F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I’m Not Through) is available on all platforms via M I N E Ent. / EMPIRE
Emerging out of Flint in the late 2010s, Rio Da Yung OG helped transform his working class city into one of the most exciting rap hotbeds of the past several years. Elevated by notable co-signs from Detroit rappers like Peezy and buoyed by fan excitement over his freestyles and guest spots, Rio stormed onto the national scene, garnering overwhelming critical acclaim for releases like 2020’s City On My Back (named the #66 Best Album of the 2020s So Far by Pitchfork), Fiends Don’t Matter,2 FACED, and his Dum and Dumber mixtape series with fellow Flint punchline artist Rmc Mike. During this time, Rio released some of his scene’s defining rap hits, including “Movie” ft. Louie Ray, “Chicken Coupe” ft.Peezy, and “1v1,” his collaboration with Lil Yachty. Just as his career was hitting high gear, Rio hit an obstacle in the form of a 4-year prison sentence. In late 2021, he left words of wisdom for his fans in the form of his “Last Day Out” freestyle, and went away. Even prison couldn’t stop Rio from putting in work. Fans rallied behind his 2019 hit “Legendary,” which grew into his biggest hit, generating hundreds of millions of streams.
In December 2024, Rio returned to the scene with a bang, releasing the epic first day out freestyle “RIO FREE,” racking up over 1 million views in a day and 8 million streams in just three days. The music video trended #1 on YouTube Music for three weeks straight. “RIO FREE” paved the way for the RIO FREE EP, which earned praise from Pitchfork, and its expansion RIO FREE (Something Happen), named one of the Best Albums of 2025 So Far by The FADER. In early January, Rio performed his first concert since 2021, selling out a star-studded show in Detroit, and in April, “Legendary” earned PLATINUM status from the RIAA, making Rio the first-ever rapper from Flint to earn a PLATINUM record. Rio has also been a willing collaborator, jumping on the viral “Shark” with Jorjiana, recently performed at the NBA Finals, appearing on Money Man’s new album, and reuniting with Rmc Mike for “Bragging Rights,” which trended at #28 on YouTube for music with over 1 million views in its first week.
With F.L.I.N.T. on the way and more excitement in the future, Rio looks to make 2025 his year. Stay tuned for more music and announcements in the coming weeks.
Photo credit: Esdras Thelusma
Rio receives his proclamation from the Mayor of Flint
Home to the Recent Single “23 AND 1” ft. YFN Lucci (Top 20 YouTube Trending) and Additional Guest Spots from Boosie Badazz, Hunxho, Nardo Wick, Rexx Life Raj, and More, the New Album Features Some of the Sacramento Street Hero’s Most Personal Rhymes and Athletic Flows to Date
INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS 2 Follows Up April’s INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS
Critical Praise:
“Mozzy is the flip side of that coin, conscience-stricken and tormented by every loss. Less than a year removed from a stint in federal prison, there is seemingly even greater caution to his music now, turning his matter-of-fact disposition in an even more poignant direction. Mozzy, who recently said he was “not one to glorify his L’s,” has moved into a hyper-reflective position on his new album, Children of the Slums.” – NPR
“He never needs to raise his voice or act out just to grab your attention; his delivery is assured and consistent but never overconfident. But despite how second nature rapping is for Mozzy, he never lets that confidence tilt into arrogance.” –Pitchfork
“Mozzy is the definition of a rapper in the zone, with a signal-to-noise ratio that rivals anyone else working in hip-hop today.” –Complex
“Chalk it up as a victory for Sacramento’s lyrical champion.” – HipHopDX
Mozzy‘s detail-rich rhymes contain multitudes, transforming tales of trauma and triumph into life-affirming West Coast anthems. The Sacramento street hero’s latest album, INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS 2, probes deep into the recesses of Mozzy’s mind, exploring traumatic memories of his youth, and how they echo into the present day. Along with the release, Mozzy shares the video for “WILL IT EVER STOP RAININ,” a heartbreaking highlight from the album.
INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS 2 is the follow-up to April’s INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS, discussing similar themes but with refined focus, and even more emotional transparency. While the first project only welcomed features on 4 of its 18 tracks, the sequel is more collaborative in nature, welcoming guest stars from all regions to share their experiences alongside Mozzy’s. The complementary points-of-view pay immediate dividends on “23 AND 1,” a poignant collaboration with YFN Lucci,which reached #19 on YouTube’s Trending chart for music and generated over 4 million streams across platforms. Elsewhere on the project, Mozzy taps ATL heavy-hitter Hunxho to add melodic pathos to “ALL I GOT,” paves the way for Boosie Badazz to process his pain on “SUPER SOAKER,” and welcomes Nardo Wick to be the devil on his shoulder on the sinister “STUTTER.” Each song, solo or collaborative, communicates a compelling narrative, whether it imagines the mind of a hustler trying to get out of the mud (on “4 A NECKLACE“), reflects on the allure of breaking the law (“CAN’T SAVE ME“), or it imagines an alternate reality where Mozzy had an easy life (“PRAYER“). Featuring addition guest spots from, Rexx Life Raj,Millyz, DCMBR, and his Sacramento associates Celly Ru, E Mozzy and Marco Mula, INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS 2 is available on all platformsvia Mozzy Records / EMPIRE.
INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS 2 and INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS,the Pitchfork-praised “NIGHTMARES” ft. Lil Poppa ,continue Mozzy’s run as one of the most acclaimed and popular street rappers of his generation. He has earned a PLATINUM certification (for “Sleep Walkin”) and one GOLD certification from the RIAA as a lead artist (for “Excuse Me”) and three more on his collaborations with Skylar Grey, Likybo, and $tupid Young. Mozzy earned mainstream recognition in 2018, when his song “Sleep Walkin” was featured in a pivotal scene in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther, and he earned a shout out from Kendrick Lamar in his Grammy Award acceptance speech. His street classic “Bladadah” placed #68 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Best West Coast Rap Songs of All Time. Late last year, Mozzy teamed with Kalan.FrFr for the breezy LUCKY HER, and earlier, he paid tribute to his neighborhood with the album CHILDREN OF THE SLUMS.
With two albums out this year and even more music on the way, Mozzy is making up for lost time, looking to further his claim to greatness on the West Coast and beyond.
reGGie for “On Stream,” a punchline-heavy single with a fun-filled video that reached #2 on YouTube’s Trending Chart, and peaked at #14 on YouTube’s Music Video charts. With over 1 million views in its first week of release, “On Stream” leads directly into Perfect Storm (Deluxe), the expansion of Hurricane’s February 2025 mixtape, which releases on August 22nd via Open Shift Distribution, along with recent singles like “Woosah” (which peaked at #9 for YouTube trending and #40 on the YouTube Top Music Video chart) and “Afraid” (reached at #12 on YouTube’s Trending Chart).
Charting on the Billboard 200 for three weeks (#126 peak), Perfect Storm illustrates why Hurricane Wisdom is one of the most exciting artists in Florida’s bustling rap scene. From the opening track, Hurricane delivers addictive melodies and unapologetic lyrics with the kinetic urgency of an artist hellbent on achieving rap stardom. Perfect Storm is home to “Giannis (Remix),” a new version of Hurricane’s 2024 breakout hit with a guest verse from Polo G, and the buzzing single “Drugs Callin,” which has over 12 million views on YouTube. Earlier, Hurricane dropped videos for his high profile collabs, “On God” ft. Raq Baby (3.8 million views) and “Mind Gone” ft. Dthang (2.1 million views). Featuring additional guest spots from Sleepy Hallow, NoCap, Fredo Bang, Skilla Baby, and more, Perfect Storm is available on all platforms via Open Shift Distribution.
Born and raised in Havana, Florida, just 30 minutes from Tallahassee, Hurricane Wisdom earned a big fanbase (207k YouTube subscribers, 369k Instagram followers) with his emotionally honest lyrics and entrancing melodies. His 2024 project Eye Of The Storm featured “Giannis,” a kinetic anthem dedicated to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, which became Hurricane Wisdom’s biggest hit to date, with over 15 million YouTube views and 6 million Spotify streams. “Giannis” earned rapturous reviews from critics, as well, including Pitchfork, who called the song “the feel-good Florida anthem of the moment” and listed it at #36 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2024.
With Hurricane Wisdom’s Perfect Storm (Deluxe) approaching landfall, the artist continues to put the pressure on, making a Category 5 impact on the industry. Keep an eye out…a storm is coming.
Fusing expressive church vocals with themes of optimism and perseverance, Hurricane Wisdom makes songs for survivors — anthems that are as spiritual as they are heartfelt. A down-home storyteller, the Florida native serves up motivational soundtracks for everymen with dreams of sunnier days; his music gives them the resolve to get there. It’s an artistic approach as much as it is a mission, and it’s earned him a growing legion of fans, cosigns from Rod Wave and NLE Choppa, and status as one of the most potent young voices in the South East. It’s a position he reinforces with “Hard Knock Life,” an engrossing rumination on the struggle of the hopeful underdogs. His blurry melodies spill out like teardrops even as his lyrics spell out danger. Through it all, he’s swirled themes of aspiration with tales of frayed friendships and other blockboy hazards while showcasing an inborn sincerity — and a heightened humanity — that connects soul to sound and listeners to love.
Since breaking out with “Granny’s Baby” in 2020, he’s cultivated a sizable buzz with projects like Hurricane Season (2021), State of Emergency (2022) and Category 5: The Biggest Hurricane (2023), with each new release earning more streams than the last. To date, he’s collaborated with the likes of NLE Choppa, SpottemGottem, NoCap, Luh Tyler and more as he’s proven his ability to infuse songs with empathy that soars above genres or classifications. Looking ahead, Hurricane wants to continue to be a voice for the people who don’t have one. The beats will change and his songwriting skills will grow, but it will all be rooted in a spirit of mutual understanding. “At the end of the day, I just try to make shit that people can relate to as humans,” he says. “We’re all human.”
Hurricane Wisdom Teams With Lil Baby to Remix His Viral Hit “Drugs Callin‘”
The North Florida Rapper Prepares For August 22nd’s Perfect Storm (Deluxe) by Recruiting an ATL Superstar to Remix One of the Biggest Hits (40+ Million Streams) From the Billboard 200-Charting Original Album
Critical Praise:
“Wisdom, from Havana (a tiny suburb of Tallahassee), fuses the tropical bounce of Florida street rap with the tenderness in the ballads of Southern and Midwestern truth-tellers. And the instrumental—flickering percussion and scattered, Broward County steel drums, merged with slow-mo, almost G-funk synths—is both melancholic and upbeat at the same time. It’s all rounded out by Wisdom’s raspy melodies, as he seamlessly toggles between no-frills aggression and lilts that hit like a sunshower.” – Pitchfork
“The Havana native broke down the regional barriers of Tallahassee with the twitchy “Giannis” in August, which picked up momentum like the Milwaukee Bucks superstar on a fast break to close out 2024. Hurricane narrates his gritty come-up but also delivers witty one-liners making light of his situation. He compares guns to the size of Giannis Antentokounmpo and jokes about not being good at math, but keeping problem-solvers around – if you catch his drift.” – Billboard
“Hurricane Wisdom Is On His Way To Becoming Rap’s Next Breakout Act” – UPROXX
“Dedicated to cultivating music that aims to uplift and inspire, Wisdom crafts his music for survivors and for the downtrodden soldiers who are giving their all to overcome adversity.” – The Knockturnal
The Video:
Rising in the Southern rap scene with a reputation for piercing melodies and effortless flexes, Hurricane Wisdom is turning heads amongst the game’s elite. Today, the North Florida rapper meets his melodic match, connecting with Lil Baby for a high-wattage remix to his viral hit “Drugs Callin.” Providing a new twist to Future’s classic “Perky’s Callin,” Hurricane Wisdom’s “Drugs Callin” is a showcase for the artist’s tuneful flexes, its earworm bars helping the song rack up over 40 millionstreams to date across platforms (including over 16 million views on YouTube). Lil Baby’s slurred hooks are a perfect match for Hurricane, as he adds a quotable verse of his own. In the video, Hurricane and Lil Baby rendezvous backstage, where they sip dirty soda and powwow with celebs like Young Thug, G Herbo, and Druski.
The “Drugs Callin'” (Remix) continues a breakout moment for the 23-year-old rapper. Last week, Hurricane teamed up with streamer/rapper reGGie for “On Stream,” a punchline-heavy single with a fun-filled video that reached #2 on YouTube’s Trending Chart, and peaked at #14 on YouTube’s Music Video charts. With over 1 million views in its first week of release, “On Stream” leads directly into Perfect Storm (Deluxe), the expansion of Hurricane’s February 2025 mixtape, which releases on August 22nd via Open Shift Distribution, along with recent singles like “Woosah” (which peaked at #9 for YouTube trending and #40 on the YouTube Top Music Video chart) and “Afraid” (reached at #12 on YouTube’s Trending Chart).
Charting on the Billboard 200 for three weeks (#126 peak), Perfect Storm illustrates why Hurricane Wisdom is one of the most exciting artists in Florida’s bustling rap scene. From the opening track, Hurricane delivers addictive melodies and unapologetic lyrics with the kinetic urgency of an artist hellbent on achieving rap stardom. Perfect Storm is home to “Giannis (Remix),” a new version of Hurricane’s 2024 breakout hit with a guest verse from Polo G, and the buzzing single “Drugs Callin,” which has over 12 million views on YouTube. Earlier, Hurricane dropped videos for his high profile collabs, “On God” ft. Raq Baby (3.8 million views) and “Mind Gone” ft. Dthang (2.1 million views). Featuring additional guest spots from Sleepy Hallow, NoCap, Fredo Bang, Skilla Baby, and more, Perfect Storm is available on all platforms via Open Shift Distribution.
Born and raised in Havana, Florida, just 30 minutes from Tallahassee, Hurricane Wisdom earned a big fanbase (207k YouTube subscribers, 369k Instagram followers) with his emotionally honest lyrics and entrancing melodies. His 2024 project Eye Of The Storm featured “Giannis,” a kinetic anthem dedicated to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, which became Hurricane Wisdom’s biggest hit to date, with over 15 million YouTube views and 6 million Spotify streams. “Giannis” earned rapturous reviews from critics, as well, including Pitchfork, who called the song “the feel-good Florida anthem of the moment” and listed it at #36 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2024.
With Hurricane Wisdom’s Perfect Storm (Deluxe) approaching landfall, the artist continues to put the pressure on, making a Category 5 impact on the industry. Keep an eye out…a storm is coming.
Fusing expressive church vocals with themes of optimism and perseverance, Hurricane Wisdom makes songs for survivors — anthems that are as spiritual as they are heartfelt. A down-home storyteller, the Florida native serves up motivational soundtracks for everymen with dreams of sunnier days; his music gives them the resolve to get there. It’s an artistic approach as much as it is a mission, and it’s earned him a growing legion of fans, cosigns from Rod Wave and NLE Choppa, and status as one of the most potent young voices in the South East. It’s a position he reinforces with “Hard Knock Life,” an engrossing rumination on the struggle of the hopeful underdogs. His blurry melodies spill out like teardrops even as his lyrics spell out danger. Through it all, he’s swirled themes of aspiration with tales of frayed friendships and other blockboy hazards while showcasing an inborn sincerity — and a heightened humanity — that connects soul to sound and listeners to love.
Since breaking out with “Granny’s Baby” in 2020, he’s cultivated a sizable buzz with projects like Hurricane Season (2021), State of Emergency (2022) and Category 5: The Biggest Hurricane (2023), with each new release earning more streams than the last. To date, he’s collaborated with the likes of NLE Choppa, SpottemGottem, NoCap, Luh Tyler and more as he’s proven his ability to infuse songs with empathy that soars above genres or classifications. Looking ahead, Hurricane wants to continue to be a voice for the people who don’t have one. The beats will change and his songwriting skills will grow, but it will all be rooted in a spirit of mutual understanding. “At the end of the day, I just try to make shit that people can relate to as humans,” he says. “We’re all human.”
Sheff G Announces Upcoming Album Weight On Me, Shares New Single “Grind 4“
Facing Down a Potential Absence From the Rap Game, the Brooklyn Big Shot Takes Stock of What’s Important Over Great John’s Sweeping Strings
Critical Praise:
“A pioneer of Brooklyn drill and one of its most technically gifted lyricists” – Pitchfork
“Sheff G helped define the Brooklyn drill sound — now he’s pushing it forward” – COMPLEX
“[A] hard, forceful New York rapper with a deep, resonant voice” – Stereogum
“High area-of-impact raps…Sheff arrives at the frontlines of battle with a rare firmness and singlemindedness” – Passion of the Weiss
The Video:
Beloved in all Five Boroughs for his stylistic innovations, Brooklyn’s Sheff G is ready to receive his flowers. The East Flatbush native and Brooklyn drill forefather prepares to release his next project, Weight On Me, later this month. As he prepares for the possibility of a prison sentence taking him away from his music and his loved ones, Sheff reminds the rap game of all he has already accomplished, and promises his family and fans that they can rely on him no matter the circumstance. Weight On Me features production from Sheff’s frequent collaborator Great John, who laces the project with some of his most textured instrumentals to date. Home 2025 singles “Brokey,” “Real Drill Freestyle,” and “Woke Up,” a collaboration with Sheff’s running mate Sleepy Hallow, Weight On Me arrives on August 22nd via Winners Circle Ent/ /RCA Records.
Along with the announcement of the project, Sheff shares “Grind 4,” his new single and music video. Produced by Great John, the song combines the sweeping strings and melodic basslines of New York’s Shiny Suit Era with the bouncy percussion and dancing hi-hats that characterize the drill sound Sheff helped popularize. Sheff contemplates his circumstances in his signature sing-song flow, reflecting on lessons learned over his several years in the rap game: “I learned to/Do more, say less/If you do less, you speak bigger/My bank account and it’s bigger/It’s seven spaces for them figures,” he spits. Dressed to the nines in the new video, a tuxedo-clad Sheff performs with a string orchestra as he celebrates his various wins with his circle.
A pioneer of his home borough’s drill explosion, Sheff G first began making music while he was still in high school. He quickly garnered buzz with his debut track “4 Them Racks”, a release that led to his 2017 breakout moment with explosive underground hit “No Suburban.” A strong run of releases followed, including his critically-acclaimed debut album One and Only, as he ascended through the genre’s ranks, collaborating with fellow rap mainstays A Boogie Wit da Hoodie (“Run It Up”), King Von (“PICASSO”), Eli Fross (“ISO”), Polo G (“On Go”), and Fivio Foreign (“Waiting”), racking up millions of streams and video views, including 6 RIAA-certified Gold Records and a Platinum Record, in the process. The upcoming Weight On Me follows-up Sheff G’s November 2024 album Proud of Myself. The album features guest spots from Lil Tecca, Polo G, Winners Circle’s Fresh G, and Sheff’s frequent running mate Sleepy Hallow.
Still just 26-years-old, Sheff G plays a heavy role in his home city’s rap scene, pushing the sound of Brooklyn forward as he paves the way for young artists. A community-oriented artist to the core, Sheff G is also dialed-in with his non-profit organization Love On Life Foundation, which he founded while still behind bars to address mental health and income disparities in his community.
With Weight On Me coming out soon, Sheff G is ready to make an impact that his city will feel for a long time.
Luhh Dyl Samples Pinegrove on the Heartfelt “Holdin Back,” His New Single and Music Video
The 21-Year-Old Detroit Rapper Gets In His Feelings Over Acoustic Guitars From Pinegrove’s Viral Hit “Need 2,” Approaching the Next Phase of His Career With Doubletime Pearls of Wisdom
Critical Praise:
“Somewhere between “Ski” and collabs with Veeze and Tee Grizzley, Dyl’s raps went from good to locked in.” – The FADER
“There’s just something about the slurry, slightly behind-the-beat delivery of newcomers like Dyl and Veeze that makes them very appealing and easy to listen to.” – UPROXX
“Luhh Dyl wants to keep you guessing. Poised to be the next big thing out of his city, the 21-year-old Detroit native has cultivated a devoted online fanbase, constantly re-defining himself, and his sound.” – Fox 2 Detroit
The Video:
With beyond-his-years wisdom and a chip on his shoulder, Luhh Dyl has the goods to become the next great rapper out of Detroit. The 21-year-old showcases his ability to fit his rhymes into unique rhythmic pockets on “Holdin Back,” his wistful new single and music video. Produced by Yo Mar!, “Holdin Back” adds thumping percussion to a sample of Pinegrove’s melancholy indie song “Need 2,” giving the young artist an excuse to get introspective, as he examines the circumstances of his come up and dwells on how much further he has to go: “If you go too fast, you might lose your feet,” he intones. In the video, Dyl takes a trip to NY, as he posts up in front of Joe’s Pizza and prepares a live performance.
“Holdin Back” continues Luhh Dyl’s rise into acclaim and prominence. The new single follows the release of “Wish You Could,” a contemplative anthem that earned acclaim from Clash Magazine, and “Wouldn’t Believe,” his collaboration with Lil Tony Official, which was named one of the Best Rap Songs of May 2025 by The FADER, and has generated over 2 million streams to date. Earlier this year, Dyl released his album Intrude, which featured guest appearance from Detroit heroes like Tee Grizzley, Veeze, and Sada Baby, and national names like Loe Shimmy. The young rapper has already shown a tendency to experiment with flows and use unconventional samples, and dazzled with his live performance on From The Block.
Only just tapping into his immense potential, Luhh Dyl is ready to make a name for himself. Stay tuned for much more music from the 21-year-old artist in the near future.
Luhh Dyl wants to keep you guessing. Poised to be the next big thing out of his city, the 21-year-old Detroit native has cultivated a devoted online fanbase, constantly re-defining himself, and his sound. The burgeoning rapper has coined his own unique subset of hip hop called “Cart Music ” built from a social media concept turned viral movement. From Michael Jackson to artists across genres, Luhh Dyl’s influences are heard in his eclectic sound, consisting of his raw lyricism and a punchy cadence layered on top of rhythmic, melodic beats. In his own words, he wants to make music that is “fun and unexpected,” saying “people have to listen carefully, because they won’t know what I’m going to say next.”
To his family, he’s Dylan – to his friends, Dyl for short, so when it came time to choose a rap moniker, the rapper says Luhh Dyl was a no-brainer. Dyl’s introduction to music came at an early age, freestyling with his brothers & friends. At 17 years old, he went to the studio for the first time, in search of a coping mechanism after his cousin’s passing. From there, making music became a passion almost immediately, and the studio continued to be an outlet for Dyl to express himself in ways that he never had before. He recorded his first song in 2022, tapping into his natural microphone talent and idiosyncratic delivery. Raised by a single mother and growing up in Detroit (amongst other places) he navigated an ever-changing environment, and had to mature quickly, but Dyl says his upbringing put him at an advantage. His experiences in his life have not only pushed him forward but would later serve as the inspiration behind his lyricism.
The Paper Route Empire Sharpens His Sword and His Pen on the Latest Video From EAT OR GET ATE 2 (DELUXE), Also Home to Singles “Bad Pill” and “Patrick Mahomes”
Critical Praise:
“Big Moochie Grape is feeling like a champion in these streets” – Billboard
“It’s hard-working hustler music that never lets up, with a beat that never sleeps. Big Moochie Grape makes soundtracks not just for grinding, but for surviving.” – Pitchfork
“[East Haiti Baby is] an impressive body of work from one of Memphis’s strongest frontrunners.” –HotNewHipHop
The Video:
Boosted by his buoyant charisma and devil-may-care attitude, Big Moochie Grape is one of Memphis’s most exciting rappers. Retreating to his hideaway to upgrade his weaponry, the Paper Route Empire rapper shares the video for “Big Pun,” a video from his recent EAT OR GET ATE 2 (DELUXE). Produced by PRE’s own BandPlay, “Big Pun” layers haunting strings atop speaker-knocking percussion, as Moochie flexes like only he can: Got out of jail and young n**** went back to the trap/N*****s not gangster they talk over apps,” he spits. In the video, Moochie heads to a remote cabin in the Tennessee woods to rendezvous with a baddie and blacksmith, who forges a sword to awaken Moochie’s inner warrior.
Featuring hard-hitting production from the likes of BandPlay, King Wonka, and more, EAT OR GET ATE 2 (DELUXE) is the purest distillation yet of Moochie’s relentless Tennessee trap sound, a monument to his self-made status and a chronicle of gigantic flexes. On the apocalyptic “2 Rich 2 Care,” the East Memphis native dismisses his naysayers with nonchalance, touting his wrist, “colder than a Frigidaire,” while on the BandPlay-produced “No Fumbles,” Moochie navigates the landmines threatening to send him back to the trap or the pen at a moment’s notice. The tape features odes to Moochie’s heroes, including all-Pros like “AB,” legendary rappers like “Big Pun,” and symbols of excellence like 3x Super Bowl winner “Patrick Mahomes,” in a single praised by Billboard. EAT OR GET ATE 2 (Deluxe) is available on all platforms via Paper Route Empire. Released in 2024, as a follow-up to Moochie’s 2019 debut mixtape, EAT OR GET ATE 2 earned praise from XXL, The FADER, VIBE, and more.
With EAT OR GET ATE 2(Deluxe) out now, Big Moochie Grape is running up a purple summer. Stay tuned for more.
Meet Nali, the Versatile NY Singer-Songwriter Who Is Turning Heads With Her Heartfelt R&B
The 22-Year-Old Artist Prepares I Love Nali, Her Eclectic Debut Mixtape, For Release On August 20th via Courtesy Of Records
Known for the Viral Single “4U” and For Her Engaging Live Performances, the Brooklyn Native Hops Between Styles to Showcase All Facets of Her Personality On the Upcoming EP
22-year-old singer Nali puts her heart and soul into every song, channeling each artistic impulse with the lived-in authenticity of a born-and-bred Brooklyn girl. Since she started releasing music in 2020, the multi-talented artist has been the R&B industry’s best-kept secret, captivating in-the-know crowds with her mesmerizing live performances and winning over tastemakers with songs like “4U.” Now signed to Courtesy Of Records, the new label formed by industry vets Solomon Sounds, Daniel “Birdman Zoe” Desir, Saint Harraway, and Ryan Ruden, Nali is ready for her turn in the limelight, announcing I Love Nali, her debut mixtape, coming August 20th.
Following up her 3-song No Spaces EP, and channeling the spirit of her “No Spaces Live” stoop performance (over 125k YouTube views), 1 Love Nali blends R&B, hip-hop percussion, with heavy notes of jazz, each track showing off her natural musicality and soul-baring lyrics. The mixtape fuses those styles into a sound of Nali’s own, resembling a series of journal entries that reflect her moods and experiences. I Love Nali gives a home to the harmonious love song “4U,” with over 900k streams on Spotify, and the guitar-driven recent single “Crossfaded,” along with six other standout songs that show what the young artist can do.
I Love Nali continues a journey that started when the artist of Puerto Rican and Jamaican descent was a child, born to a musical family in Brooklyn. She fell in love with the piano as a child, but didn’t seriously consider pursuing music until the world stopped during the pandemic. With nothing to stop her from following her dream, she dove into recording, developing a raw and deeply personal sound with an authenticity that doesn’t sacrifice chops or complexity. At the age of 19, Nali released “POV,” which made an organic impact on SoundCloud and social media before she had even made a music-focused account. In late 2023, Nali got a boost when the popular music discovery account @IBreatheMusicAllDay discovered a snippet of “4U,” sharing it to his 340k followers and quickly going viral. In early 2024, Nali released the finished version of the song, which became her official debut single, garnering notice from FashionablyEarly and Spotify Fresh Finds, earning a spot on Spotify’s 2024 Fresh Finds R&B of the Year playlist. Nali followed “4U” with her first mini-EP, No Spaces, which she performed live during one of her signature “Stoop Sessions.”
With I Love Nali, the rising singer-songwriter invites us into her world, exploring the corners of her mind before she emerges fully-formed with her debut album. Stay tuned for more from Nali in the near future.
Courtesy Of Records, founded by veteran music industry executives Solomon Sounds, Daniel “Birdman Zoe” Desir, Saint Harraway, and Ryan Ruden, serves as an incubation house for artists, offering hands-on development, marketing, distribution, and business strategy tailored to each artist’s unique potential. COR blends corporate-level execution with a grassroots approach, ensuring both major industry impact and artist authenticity. COR understands that success in today’s music industry requires more than just talent. It demands: strategic positioning, cross-platform branding, and long-term vision. Artists thrive when given creative freedom, strategic support, and business empowerment. COR is designed to nurture talent while building sustainable careers, equipping artists with the tools to become industry powerhouses. Courtesy Of Records is home to Nali, Stunna Sandy, Like The Night (LTN), Haydin Travis, and many more artists to be announced.
Afro Nation Announces Afro Nation Punta Cana, A Multi-Day Music Experience in the Dominican Republic
Afro Nation Punta Cana Reveals Lineup, Headlined by Sexyy Red, Ayra Starr, and DJ Maphorisa
Odeal, Shallipopi, Moliy, Ruger, TxC, and More Fill Out the Star-Studded Bill
Celebrating Global Black Music and Culture For Over Five Years, Afro Nation Plans an Intimate Experience With Three Venues in Three Days, Complete With a Thrilling Lineup of African and International Heavy-Hitters Over Three Action-Packed Days
“With previous events in Ghana and Puerto Rico, Afro Nation has the accolade of being the world’s biggest festival centered on Afrobeats music.” – Billboard
“When an international Afrobeats festival comes to one of the Blackest cities in America, history was bound to be made.” – Essence
“Detroit is Afro Nation…Afro Nation is more than just a two-day music festival. It’s even beyond a gathering of Africans, American or otherwise, descending on a city to have a good time with good vibes. It’s a mecca of unapologetic Blackness that puts the spotlight on not just music, but unity, and community.” –Detroit Metro Times
“The Afro Nation Festival made a lively Stateside debut in Miami over Memorial Day weekend, taking place a the 40,000 capacity LoanDepot Park (formerly Marlins Park). With Burna Boy headlining day one and Wizkid taking the stage on day two, Afro Nation Miami had an unmistakable African essence, fusing afrobeats, amapiano, and reggae.” – Variety
“The festival promises to deliver an impressive array of today’s hottest artists from Africa and the diaspora.” – Yahoo!
The Announcement:
Since its founding in 2019, Afro Nation has celebrated Global Black music and culture, bringing superstar artists to must-attend events in Europe, Africa, the U.S., and Puerto Rico. This fall, Afro Nation returns to the Caribbean with Afro Nation Punta Cana, a multi-day experience. Today, the international brand reveals the lineup for its first-ever event in the Dominican Republic, headlined by Afrobeats phenom Ayra Starr, hitmaking hip-hop princess Sexyy Red, and amapiano originator DJ Maphorisa. The three headliners will be supported by a thrilling array of ascendant and established artists from Africa and the diaspora, representing additional genres like dancehall, electronic, and more. With more artists to be announced in the near future, Afro Nation Punta Cana launches from November 7-9 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Afro Nation Punta Cana is unique among Afro Nation events, offering an intimate multi-day experience with excellent music electrifying three different venues around the beautiful beach town. For the first segment of the event, Afro Nation hits up Pearl Beach Club for two nights of dancing. On the final day of the event, Afro Nation takes over El Dorado Waterpark, creating a festival-like atmosphere on the park’s grounds, with performances from some of the event’s biggest artists. With a number of partnering resorts helping to make the experience seamless, Afro Nation Punta Cana is a one-way ticket to paradise, with beautiful music and glorious weather to liven up the fall.
Afro Nation Punta Cana continues Afro Nation’s tradition of high-profile events in diverse global locales. With a reputation as the world’s biggest Afrobeats festival, Afro Nation has hosted events in Portugal, Ghana, Puerto Rico, and produced U.S. festivals in Miami and Detroit. Last year, Afro Nation hosted Afro Nation Detroit 2024, recruiting stars like Lil Wayne, Asake, and Rema to tear it up in the historic music city.
Afro Nation is dedicated to providing a global platform for music from Africa and its diaspora. In addition, Afro Nation teams with BBC Radio 1xtra and the Official Charts Company to host a weekly UK Afrobeats Chart Show, and in 2022, Afro Nation partnered with Billboard to present the first-ever U.S. Afrobeats Chart.
With more milestones to cross and many unforgettable sets in the near future, Afro Nation Punta Cana is primed to shine a spotlight on some of the most exciting artists in music today.
Keep an eye on Afro Nation US’s Instagram for more updates.
Launched in 2019 with critical acclaim by Nigerian creative industry entrepreneurs Obi Asika, and Smade, Afro Nation is the biggest Afrobeats celebration in the world and a fast growing global cultural influence. The brand made waves with events in Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Ghana, crafting events that unite the diaspora and deliver culturally-important music to an underserved audience. Past artists include Burna Boy, Davido, Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion, Scorpion Kings, Major League DJz and many more. In 2023, Afro Nation hosted its first two festivals in the United States: May’s Afro Nation Miami, headlined by Burna Boy and WizKid, and August’s Afro Nation Detroit, headlined by Burna Boy and Davido. A celebration of African and Global Black music in one of the world’s most historic music cities, Afro Nation Detroit returns in August 2024.
Chance The Rapper thrilled fans in Chicago with a performance at Lollapalooza on August 4th, featuring new music from his album Star Line, out August 15th. The Grammy-winning artist always gives a little something extra when performing in his hometown, speaking directly to those who have supported him since the beginning and winning over new fans in the 115,000 capacity crowd. The short, but impactful performance primes fans for his ambitious Star Line album, his first full-length in 6 years.
Download photos from his performance HERE (credit – Keeley Parenteau)
Download video from his performance HERE (credit – CJ Callins)
AboutStar Line:
Created with longtime producer DexLvL and shaped by travels to Ghana, Jamaica, and art fairs around the world, Star Line blends hip-hop, soul, and experimental sounds with lyrical meditations on identity, resilience, and legacy. While Chance has circled the globe in search of new perspectives, the project remains grounded in the worldview that has always defined his art: a deep, unshakable connection to Chicago and to Black culture across the diaspora. The album features artwork by Chance’s longtime collaborator Brandon Breux, who designed the iconic artwork for 10 Day,Acid Rap, and Coloring Book.
Star Line is available now for CD pre-order at Chancestuff.com, alongside the special Star Line Shipping Co. merch collection. Each item in the Shipping Co. merch collection, as well as the CDs, feature a built-in NFC chip that has Star Line content. Merch purchases include exclusive Star Line content through the NFC, while the CD comes with a download of the album. Additional merch drops and activations will be announced soon.
Learn how to use the NFC Technology via the below videos, posted on Chance’s IG: CDs | Merch
With Star Line, Chance The Rapper prepares his most ambitious and personal project to date.
Stay tuned for much more about Star Line in the near future.
Mozzy Announces INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS 2, His Next Album, Coming August 8th via Mozzy Records / EMPIRE
The Oak Park Rapper Releases “4 A NECKLACE,” a New Single and Music Video From the Upcoming Album
Home to the Recent Single “23 AND 1” ft. YFN Lucci (Top 20 YouTube Trending) and Additional Guest Spots from Boosie Badazz, Hunxho, Nardo Wick, Rexx Life Raj, and More, the Upcoming Album Follows-Up the Sacramento Street Hero’s Acclaimed INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS, Released in April
Critical Praise:
“Mozzy is the flip side of that coin, conscience-stricken and tormented by every loss. Less than a year removed from a stint in federal prison, there is seemingly even greater caution to his music now, turning his matter-of-fact disposition in an even more poignant direction. Mozzy, who recently said he was “not one to glorify his L’s,” has moved into a hyper-reflective position on his new album, Children of the Slums.” – NPR
“He never needs to raise his voice or act out just to grab your attention; his delivery is assured and consistent but never overconfident. But despite how second nature rapping is for Mozzy, he never lets that confidence tilt into arrogance.” –Pitchfork
“Mozzy is the definition of a rapper in the zone, with a signal-to-noise ratio that rivals anyone else working in hip-hop today.” –Complex
“Chalk it up as a victory for Sacramento’s lyrical champion.” – HipHopDX
Processing his pain through his gritty and detailed lyrics, Mozzy understands that one cannot fully escape from a traumatic youth. Continuing to explore the memories that never fade, Mozzy announces INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS 2, his next project. Following up April’s INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS, the sequel dives even deeper into the recesses of Mozzy’s mind, as the veteran rapper learns to live with regret, and attempts to dodge the specters of his past that return to haunt him to this day. The upcoming album is home to the recent single “23 AND 1,” a poignant collaboration with YFN Lucci,which reached #19 on YouTube’s Trending chart for music and generated over 4 million streams across platforms, and features additional guest spots from Boosie Badazz, Hunxho, Nardo Wick, Rexx Life Raj,Millyz, DCMBR, and his Sacramento associates Celly Ru, E Mozzy and Marco Mula. Mozzy’s second project of 2025, INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS 2 arrives on August 8th via Mozzy Records / EMPIRE.
Along with the announcement, Mozzy shares “4 A NECKLACE,” a new single and music video from the album. A sinister West Coast rider’s anthem, “4 A NECKLACE” is blessed with the same lyrical dexterity and cinematic detail that defines Mozzy’s recent work. The rapper reflects on his life trying to dig out the mud, vividly relating the mind state of a hustler who will stop at nothing to shine: “Fingernails dirty got it out the mud, that’s how my life is/Waist deep is way different from you divin’ in/If we don’t get up, we gon’ try again,” he spits. The song arrives with a stylish video directed by AdamKG.
The upcoming INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS 2 picks up right where INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS left off, dramatizing Mozzy’s journey toward inner peace, as he attempts to move forward from the memories of traumatic youth that flood back, even during his current life of luxury. INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS swerves between emotional paeans like the Pitchfork-praised “NIGHTMARES” ft. Lil Poppa and ruthless anthems like “BLOOD DIAMONDS” ft. Peysoh and “KATTA CLIPS,” making space for fan favorite singles like “10 PERCENT” and high profile collaborations like “WHO WANT WAR” ft. Polo G. Featuring additional guest spots from EST Gee, Maine Muzik, Tsu Surf, and Mozzy’s faithful Sactown associates E Mozzy and Celly Ru, INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS is available everywhere via Mozzy Records / EMPIRE.
INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS continues Mozzy’s run as one of the most acclaimed and popular street rappers of his generation. He has earned a PLATINUM certification (for “Sleep Walkin”) and one GOLD certification from the RIAA as a lead artist (for “Excuse Me”) and three more on his collaborations with Skylar Grey, Likybo, and $tupid Young. Mozzy earned mainstream recognition in 2018, when his song “Sleep Walkin” was featured in a pivotal scene in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther, and he earned a shout out from Kendrick Lamar in his Grammy Award acceptance speech. His street classic “Bladadah” placed #68 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Best West Coast Rap Songs of All Time. Late last year, Mozzy teamed with Kalan.FrFr for the breezy LUCKY HER, and earlier, he paid tribute to his neighborhood with the album CHILDREN OF THE SLUMS.
Stay tuned for much more music from Mozzy in the coming days and weeks.
Flint’s Biggest Rap Star With a Platinum Plaque and Over 300 Million Catalog Streams in 2025 Alone, Rio Pays Tribute to the Hardscrabble City of His Birth With His Upcoming Album, Featuring Guest Appearances From VonOff1700, Star Bandz, Zillionaire Doe, Rmc Mike, YN Jay, FBLManny, and More
The Heavy-Hitting Michigan Rapper Is Crushing It On His First-Ever Headlining Tour, the Nationwide “Welcome Home Tour,” Spanning Over 60 Dates This Summer and Fall
“…the loose-lipped, punchline god from Flint who became a Michigan rap titan” – Pitchfork
#66 Best Album of the Decade So Far (City On My Back)– Even his offhand comments have the power to smack you with bitter truths while you try to hold back the laughter.” – Passion of the Weiss
Best Albums of 2025 So Far (RIO FREE (Something Happen)) – The FADER
“I cannot possibly list all the lines that made me laugh out loud” – Stereogum
“Even his offhand comments have the power to smack you with bitter truths while you try to hold back the laughter.” – Passion of the Weiss
The Announcement:
With a reputation as Michigan’s top punchline artist, Flint native Rio Da Yung OG has been ion a tear since emerging from prison late last year. Today, the rapper shares “Big Ben,” the newest propulsive single from his upcoming album F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I’m Not Through). Produced by Rio’s frequent collaborator Wayne616, “Big Ben” delivers a torrent of rewind-worthy punchlines (“I gotta lotta money on me, that’s why my clothes big”), occasionally giving a glimpse of the hard life he led before achieving his goals (“I miss my cousin, but I miss my brother more”). Directed by 2M Digital (who receive a shout out in the song’s lyrics), the video finds Rio rhyming with his son, BabyRio, a precocious youngster with a rap future of his own.
Following recent clips for songs like “What U Spend” ft. Zillionaire Doe (currently #30 on Youtube’s trending chart), “Great Day,”(trended in YouTube’s Trending Top 20 with over 1 million views in under 10 days), and “I GO,” featuring FBLManny, “Big Ben” is the latest release from F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I’m Not Through), Rio’s next album. Filled with high-octane instrumentals from regular collaborators like Wayne616, BEATSBYSAV, and Danny G Beats, F.L.I.N.T. promises the same head-spinning flows and rewindable punchlines that Rio always brings, imbued with a new perspective and focus that Rio achieved after emerging from prison in late 2024. The album brings collaborations with Michigan associates like Flint’s own Coochie Man YN Jay and his Dum N Dumber duet partner Rmc Mike, and connects Rio with his favorite up-and-comers from the national scene, including Chicago emcees VonOff1700 and Star Bandz, Dallas’s Zillionaire Doe, and Atlanta’s FBLManny. Home to the quotable recent single “Sneaky ‘B’,” F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I’m Not Through) arrives on August 10th via M I N E Ent. / EMPIRE.
Rio recently kicked off his “Welcome Home Tour,” his first-ever headlining trek, with a sold-out show in Detroit. The show in Detroit followed an appearance at Flint’s Harmony Fest, during which he received a proclamation from the City of Flint for his contributions to the city’s culture and community. Hosted behind Flint’s county jail, Rio’s homecoming was a symbol of his massive success, as the former inmate had a police escort parking luxury cars behind the building. Rio’s event was a special one for his whole family, as Rio’s son performed while the rapper signed autographs and Rio entered the jail to visit his close associate Big Ghost for the first time since 2021. Since Rio’s Flint homecoming, he has performed for rabid fans across the Midwest and Southwest, rhyming as enthusiastic fans shouted his lyrics back at him.
Continuing this summer and fall, “Welcome Home Tour” spans over 60 dates, passing through San Francisco on August 10th (Regency Ballroom), Los Angeles on August 12th (The Belasco Theater), Houston on August 30th (9pm Music Venue), and New York on September 24th (Webster Hall) before concluding in Chicago on October 11th (Patio Theater). Featuring support from Baby Money, FBLManny, and many special guests, tickets for the “Welcome Home Tour” are available at https://www.touringwithrio.com/
Emerging out of Flint in the late 2010s, Rio Da Yung OG helped transform his working class city into one of the most exciting rap hotbeds of the past several years. Elevated by notable co-signs from Detroit rappers like Peezy and buoyed by fan excitement over his freestyles and guest spots, Rio stormed onto the national scene, garnering overwhelming critical acclaim for releases like 2020’s City On My Back (named the #66 Best Album of the 2020s So Far by Pitchfork), Fiends Don’t Matter,2 FACED, and his Dum and Dumber mixtape series with fellow Flint punchline artist Rmc Mike. During this time, Rio released some of his scene’s defining rap hits, including “Movie” ft. Louie Ray, “Chicken Coupe” ft.Peezy, and “1v1,” his collaboration with Lil Yachty. Just as his career was hitting high gear, Rio hit an obstacle in the form of a 4-year prison sentence. In late 2021, he left words of wisdom for his fans in the form of his “Last Day Out” freestyle, and went away. Even prison couldn’t stop Rio from putting in work. Fans rallied behind his 2019 hit “Legendary,” which grew into his biggest hit, generating hundreds of millions of streams.
In December 2024, Rio returned to the scene with a bang, releasing the epic first day out freestyle “RIO FREE,” racking up over 1 million views in a day and 8 million streams in just three days. The music video trended #1 on YouTube Music for three weeks straight. “RIO FREE” paved the way for the RIO FREE EP, which earned praise from Pitchfork, and its expansion RIO FREE (Something Happen), named one of the Best Albums of 2025 So Far by The FADER. In early January, Rio performed his first concert since 2021, selling out a star-studded show in Detroit, and in April, “Legendary” earned PLATINUM status from the RIAA, making Rio the first-ever rapper from Flint to earn a PLATINUM record. Rio has also been a willing collaborator, jumping on the viral “Shark” with Jorjiana, recently performed at the NBA Finals, appearing on Money Man’s new album, and reuniting with Rmc Mike for “Bragging Rights,” which trended at #28 on YouTube for music with over 1 million views in its first week.
With F.L.I.N.T. on the way and more excitement in the future, Rio looks to make 2025 his year. Stay tuned for more music and announcements in the coming weeks.
Photo credit: Esdras Thelusma
Rio receives his proclamation from the Mayor of Flint
Following Up “Baby Mad At Me” ft. Lil Wayne and Its Action-Packed Music Video, the Slow-Mo Heater “Accessories” Re-Affirms OT’s Generational Ability to Craft Texas Trap Bangers
Critical Praise:
“That Mexican OT is a consummate entertainer…he underscores how syncretic Texas music has always been, infusing traditions from both sides of the border with his own idiosyncrasies. The result is a brightly colored spectacle, a freestyle brawl of rap styles and regional flavors.” – Pitchfork
“That Mexican OT is having a moment…The 24-year-old from Bay City, Texas, is the latest regional Mexican performer to take over the hearts and minds of a music-loving world. But instead of corridos tumbados y bélicos or longing cumbias, Virgil Rene Gazca, better known as That Mexican OT (the OT stands for “Outta Texas”), is making waves in the world of third coast rap.” – Los Angeles Times
“That Mexican OT looks like a cowboy. But he sounds like a rap star.” – The Washington Post
“He’s got his fans hopped up on the same giddy multiculturalism as he is.” – The FADER
“OT’s creativity and style is introducing something truly unprecedented to the rap industry and the relatively smaller landscape of Latin rap.” – Houston Chronicle
“The Texas rapper is climbing the charts and bridging generational divides” – SPIN
“His deep bag of flows and lyrical creativity as well as his consistent musical output is impressive.” – Lyrical Lemonade
“That Mexican OT’s Southern Trap Shines On ‘Lonestar Luchador’…OT (Outta Texas) delivers a charming Southern style partnered with his own Bay City flow that makes ‘Lonestar Luchador’ a must-listen.” – HotNewHipHop
The Song:
Rhyming with an effortless drawl and a devilish charm, That Mexican OT has the skills to back up his smack talk. Today, the 26-year-old Texan warns all potential challengers that they can’t mess with his verbal firepower, sharing “Accessories,“ his new single. A collaboration with a fellow East Texas rapper of Mexican descent, Peso Peso, “Accessories” is a simmering slice of Texas trap, combining subsonic bass and resonant piano chords to create a song perfect for late-night smoke sessions. The 26-year-old rapper locks into the beat, spitting out-of-pocket flex after out-of-pocket flex, before Peso Peso comes through to match the Bay City native’s freaky energy. Directed by DGreen Filmz, the video for “Accessories” finds OT and Peso Peso collaborating on an illicit job, demonstrating the methodical way they run the Texas streets. “Accessories” is the latest single to emerge from Recess, That Mexican OT’s next album, coming in Summer 2025 via Capitol/GoodTalk/Good Money Global/Manifest.
Stream “Accessories” ft. Peso Peso HERE
Watch “Accessories” ft. Peso Peso HERE
“Accessories” is a worthy follow-up to “Baby Mad At Me,” OT’s melodic collaboration with Lil Wayne. Also produced by Bankroll Got It, “Baby Mad At Me” is a guitar-driven situationship ballad, in which OT attempts to smooth things over with a woman who did him wrong. Last month, OT dropped the “Baby Mad At Me” music video, directed by Jon Sutcliffe, which gave fans a glimpse into OT’s wild world.
Watch “Baby Mad At Me” ft. Lil Wayne HERE
Stream “Baby Mad At Me” ft. Lil Wayne HERE
“Accessories” and “Baby Mad At Me” will appear on Recess, OT’s upcoming album. The anticipated follow-up to last year’s Texas Technician, Recess is another level up from the defiant rapper, who channels the carefree spirit of the characters from the titular Disney cartoon and applies it to his simmering Texas rap sound. The tape is the latest showcase of OT’s singular blend of lightning-fast flows and twangy melodies that earned him his status as one of the rap game’s most exciting risers.
Earlier this summer, That Mexican OT announced the “Recess Tour,” launching in late August. The tour finds the Bay City rapper performing 24 dates across the South and Midwest, stopping in cities like Memphis, Pittsburgh, and Minneapolis, and spending 4 dates touring his native Texas. Tickets for the “Recess Tour” are available at ThatMexicanOT.net
After breaking out in 2023 with his PLATINUM-selling hit “Johnny Dang” ft. Paull Wall & DRODi and the critically acclaimed album Lonestar Luchador–earning “Best of” recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Complex, and Pitchfork–That Mexican OT took his success to a new level in 2024. The rapper earned a spot on the 2024 XXL Freshman list, was named one of the 7 Artists Shaping the Sound of 2024 by The New York Times, appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast (his episode topped the podcast chart for multiple days), sat for an interview with Nardwuar, headlined a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, and shut down his sets at the Austin City LimitsFestival. Last March, OT shared Texas Technician, which featured guest spots from Slim Thug, Paul Wall, and many more from the Texas scene, as well as national figures like Moneybagg Yo. The Texas Technician single “02.02.99” peaked at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100, en route to GOLD status. In the fall, OT released “War Wounds,” a collaboration with close friend Maxo Kream and Houston legend Lil’ Keke. Earlier this year, OT connected with Houston heavy-hitter Sauce Walka for Chicken & Sauce, a full-length collaborative mixtape that showcases each rapper’s unparalleled rhyming ability.
Hard at work on the forthcoming Recess, That Mexican OT prepares for a massive 2025. Stay tuned for much more from the Texas rhymer as he ascends to the stratosphere.
“Recess Tour” Dates:
August 28 – Midland, TX (The Tailgate)
August 29 – Canyon, TX (The Lumberyard)
August 30 – Beaumont, TX (Doggett Ford Park Exhibit Hall)
August 31 – College Station, TX (Shiner Park)
September 3 – Chattanooga, TN (The Signal)
September 4 – Memphis, TN (Minglewood Hall)
September 8 – Lexington, KY (Manchester Music Hall)
September 9 – Newport, KY (MegaCorp Pavilion)
September 11 – Pittsburgh, PA (Stage AE)
September 12 – Milwaukee, WI (The Rave)
September 13 – Minneapolis, MN (The Fillmore)
September 16 – Missoula, MT (The Wilma)
September 17 – Garden City, ID (Revolution Concert House)
September 18 – Salt Lake City, UT (Rockwell at the Complex)
September 20 – Fort Worth, TX (TEXXASFEST)
September 22 – Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)
September 23 – Tulsa, OK (Tulsa Theater)
September 24 – Wichita, KS (The Cotillion)
September 26 – Omaha, NE (The Waiting Room)
September 27 – Bentonville, AR (The Momentary Green)
September 30 – Des Moines, IA (Val Air Ballroom)
October 1 – Kansas City, MO (Grinders)
October 2 – St. Louis, MO (The Factory)
That Mexican OT is making sure Texas has a seat secured at the rap table. The Bay City, Texas rapper has burst onto the scene with his unique mix of exuberant, confidence-filled bars and the truck-rattling sensibilities of prime southern rap, mixed with the experimentation of DJ Screw’s signature sludgy chopped-n-screwed sound.
He flaunts a sound that plays just as well globally as it does at the parking lot kickback. The Tejano rapper rose to fame off his legendary linkup with Houston royalty Paul Wall on “Johnny Dang” (300 Million+ Streams), which Pitchfork honored as one of the best 100 songs of 2023. He parlayed that success into his breakout mixtape Lonestar Luchador, which was heralded by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, HipHopDX, The Houston Chronicle, Passion Of The Weiss, and more.
Notching tens of millions of streams on hits such as “Hardest Ese Ever,” “Cowboy Killer,” and “Hit List” solidified him as one of the most exciting southern rappers on the come up. With his latest album, Texas Technician, That Mexican OT delivers on the fun and raucous sound that made him, while also showing off a meticulous desire to expand his range.
Conway The Machine Releases New Single “Se7enteen5ive” (Prod. by Conductor Williams), and Jets to Colombia for the Music Video
The Bruising Buffalo-Born Emcee Bags Bricks in Bogota in the Cinematic Video For His Plug Talking, Soul-Sampling New Song, Out Now via Roc Nation Distribution
“…he’s stayed consistent and staked his claim as one of the fiercest rappers working” – Pitchfork
“The Buffalo-based rapper has built a reputation for his raw lyricism, impeccable flow, and uncompromising dedication to the art of hip-hop.” – Billboard
“…the Buffalo, NY artist has paved his own path and set his own definition of success, building up a following through high-quality mixtapes of raw hip-hop that takes the classic boom bap sound and updates it with the modern grit of his hometown.” – Forbes
“Conway The Machine is on a roll right now. Easily one of the most productive, creatively fluid figures in American rap, his journey – from a near-fatal shooting to immense acclaim – is one of his generation’s most notable arcs.” – Clash
“When some rappers talk about violence, it can feel hollow, but when Conway admits to “crying in the mirror while I look at my face” on the poignant album highlight ‘Stressed’, you feel every single word. It feels like you’re listening to Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the Mirror’ reimagined for gangsters.” – HUCK
The Announcement:
Overcoming a lifetime’s worth of obstacles off the strength of his unimpeachable work ethic and cinematic street rhymes, Conway The Machine can’t be stopped by mortal technology. The acclaimed rapper and Griselda co-Founder returns for his first new single of 2025, sharing the Conductor Williams-produced “Se7enteen5ive,” and its accompanying music video. “Se7enteen5ive” showcases Conway’s methodical mastery of his pen, as he packs pearls of plug wisdom between Conductor’s sirenic organs and grainy blasts of brass: “Let that resonate/For all the non-believers I set the record straight/With shots to the head and face/That n**** was sellin’ weight, but still he died with no cake/Just to pay for the weight, his ma was selling plates.”
Directed by Head Make Book Productions, the video for “Se7enteen5ive” sends Conway to Colombia, where the Machine connects with his plug and explores the colorful streets of Bogotá, while beautiful baddies do his dirty work.”Se7enteen5ive” is the first single from Conway’s next album, coming soon via Roc Nation Distribution.
“Se7enteen5ive” marks a triumphant return for Conway, as he looks to make a major statement with the proper follow-up to last year’s Slant Face Killah. The album follows in the footsteps of acclaimed solo works like 2023’s Won’t He Do It, 2022’s God Don’t Make Mistakes, and 2021’s La Maquina. Always keeping busy, the prolific rapper also released multiple collaborative projects last year, teaming with Ransom and V Don for Chaos Is My Ladder 2, and tapping close associate 38 Spesh and producer Big Ghost Ltd. for the latest edition of the Speshal Machinery mixtape series: Special Machinery: The Ghronic Edition.
A consummate hustler and survivalist, Conway overcame a rough past–including surviving multiple gunshot wounds to his head and neck–to become one of rap’s most respected lyricists. Now the leader of his own Drumwork Music Group, Conway is ready to remind the rap game that he can stand up to the greats. Stay tuned for more.
Roc Nation was founded with an independent spirit and an artist-first mentality. ROC Nation distribution is a hybrid, offering a unique blend of services. The mission is to support and empower independent artists while providing them the tools and services to distribute their music. Artists who partner with ROC Nation distribution are independent, retain ownership of their master’s and creative control of their art. Artists receive data analytics from a proprietary dashboard and have the ability to opt into various services across the company.
“On Stream” is Hurricane Wisdom’s latest release on the road to Perfect Storm (Deluxe), following the releases of “Woosah” (which peaked at #9 for YouTube trending and #40 on the YouTube Top Music Video chart), “Anyways,” and most recently, “Afraid.” With over 654k views in its first week of release, “Afraid” reached #12 on YouTube’s Trending Chart, while “Woosah” boasts over 4.3 million YouTube views and currently sits as the #56 Top Music Video in the United States on the platform.
Charting on the Billboard 200 for three weeks (#126 peak), Perfect Storm illustrates why Hurricane Wisdom is one of the most exciting artists in Florida’s bustling rap scene. From the opening track, Hurricane delivers addictive melodies and unapologetic lyrics with the kinetic urgency of an artist hellbent on achieving rap stardom. Perfect Storm is home to “Giannis (Remix),” a new version of Hurricane’s 2024 breakout hit with a guest verse from Polo G, and the buzzing single “Drugs Callin,” which has over 12 million views on YouTube. Earlier, Hurricane dropped videos for his high profile collabs, “On God” ft. Raq Baby (3.8 million views) and “Mind Gone” ft. Dthang (2.1 million views). Featuring additional guest spots from Sleepy Hallow, NoCap, Fredo Bang, Skilla Baby, and more, Perfect Storm is available on all platforms via Open Shift Distribution.
Born and raised in Havana, Florida, just 30 minutes from Tallahassee, Hurricane Wisdom earned a big fanbase (207k YouTube subscribers, 369k Instagram followers) with his emotionally honest lyrics and entrancing melodies. His 2024 project Eye Of The Storm featured “Giannis,” a kinetic anthem dedicated to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, which became Hurricane Wisdom’s biggest hit to date, with over 15 million YouTube views and 6 million Spotify streams. “Giannis” earned rapturous reviews from critics, as well, including Pitchfork, who called the song “the feel-good Florida anthem of the moment” and listed it at #36 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2024.
With Hurricane Wisdom’s Perfect Storm (Deluxe) approaching the horizon, the artist continues to put the pressure on, making a Category 5 impact on the industry. Keep an eye out…a storm is coming.
Fusing expressive church vocals with themes of optimism and perseverance, Hurricane Wisdom makes songs for survivors — anthems that are as spiritual as they are heartfelt. A down-home storyteller, the Florida native serves up motivational soundtracks for everymen with dreams of sunnier days; his music gives them the resolve to get there. It’s an artistic approach as much as it is a mission, and it’s earned him a growing legion of fans, cosigns from Rod Wave and NLE Choppa, and status as one of the most potent young voices in the South East. It’s a position he reinforces with “Hard Knock Life,” an engrossing rumination on the struggle of the hopeful underdogs. His blurry melodies spill out like teardrops even as his lyrics spell out danger. Through it all, he’s swirled themes of aspiration with tales of frayed friendships and other blockboy hazards while showcasing an inborn sincerity — and a heightened humanity — that connects soul to sound and listeners to love.
Since breaking out with “Granny’s Baby” in 2020, he’s cultivated a sizable buzz with projects like Hurricane Season (2021), State of Emergency (2022) and Category 5: The Biggest Hurricane (2023), with each new release earning more streams than the last. To date, he’s collaborated with the likes of NLE Choppa, SpottemGottem, NoCap, Luh Tyler and more as he’s proven his ability to infuse songs with empathy that soars above genres or classifications. Looking ahead, Hurricane wants to continue to be a voice for the people who don’t have one. The beats will change and his songwriting skills will grow, but it will all be rooted in a spirit of mutual understanding. “At the end of the day, I just try to make shit that people can relate to as humans,” he says. “We’re all human.”
Hurricane Wisdom Unites With reGGie for the Blistering “On Stream“
Originally Unveiled Live on reGGie’s Popular Stream, the Single Is the Latest Landmark on the Road To Hurricane’s Perfect Storm (Deluxe)
Home to Hits like “Giannis” and “Drugs Callin’,” the Original Perfect Storm Spent 3 Weeks on the Billboard 200 Earlier This Year
Critical Praise:
“Wisdom, from Havana (a tiny suburb of Tallahassee), fuses the tropical bounce of Florida street rap with the tenderness in the ballads of Southern and Midwestern truth-tellers. And the instrumental—flickering percussion and scattered, Broward County steel drums, merged with slow-mo, almost G-funk synths—is both melancholic and upbeat at the same time. It’s all rounded out by Wisdom’s raspy melodies, as he seamlessly toggles between no-frills aggression and lilts that hit like a sunshower.” – Pitchfork
“The Havana native broke down the regional barriers of Tallahassee with the twitchy “Giannis” in August, which picked up momentum like the Milwaukee Bucks superstar on a fast break to close out 2024. Hurricane narrates his gritty come-up but also delivers witty one-liners making light of his situation. He compares guns to the size of Giannis Antentokounmpo and jokes about not being good at math, but keeping problem-solvers around – if you catch his drift.” – Billboard
“Hurricane Wisdom Is On His Way To Becoming Rap’s Next Breakout Act” – UPROXX
“Dedicated to cultivating music that aims to uplift and inspire, Wisdom crafts his music for survivors and for the downtrodden soldiers who are giving their all to overcome adversity.” – The Knockturnal
The Video:
Hurricane Wisdom‘s piercing tenor and infectious flow can turn any instrumental into a heartfelt banger. Teaming up with streamer/rapper reGGie to resurrect a world famous beat, Hurricane officially releases the hotly-anticipated single “On Stream.” Originally premiered live on reGGie’s popular stream, “On Stream” is a bite-sized flex fest, as the two rappers trade melodic bars: “Know that I’m from Florida, every song, I speed it up/Okay, know we on our grind, what Kendrick say? ‘It’s not enough,'” spits Hurricane. Showing off Hurricane’s acting skills, the action-packed video for “On Stream” shows what happens to those who cross the young rapper: they meet the business end of a bazooka.
“On Stream” is Hurricane Wisdom’s latest release on the road to Perfect Storm (Deluxe), following the releases of “Woosah” (which peaked at #9 for YouTube trending and #40 on the YouTube Top Music Video chart), “Anyways,” and most recently, “Afraid.” With over 654k views in its first week of release, “Afraid” reached #12 on YouTube’s Trending Chart, while “Woosah” boasts over 4.3 million YouTube views and currently sits as the #56 Top Music Video in the United States on the platform.
Charting on the Billboard 200 for three weeks (#126 peak), Perfect Storm illustrates why Hurricane Wisdom is one of the most exciting artists in Florida’s bustling rap scene. From the opening track, Hurricane delivers addictive melodies and unapologetic lyrics with the kinetic urgency of an artist hellbent on achieving rap stardom. Perfect Storm is home to “Giannis (Remix),” a new version of Hurricane’s 2024 breakout hit with a guest verse from Polo G, and the buzzing single “Drugs Callin,” which has over 12 million views on YouTube. Earlier, Hurricane dropped videos for his high profile collabs, “On God” ft. Raq Baby (3.8 million views) and “Mind Gone” ft. Dthang (2.1 million views). Featuring additional guest spots from Sleepy Hallow, NoCap, Fredo Bang, Skilla Baby, and more, Perfect Storm is available on all platforms via Open Shift Distribution.
Born and raised in Havana, Florida, just 30 minutes from Tallahassee, Hurricane Wisdom earned a big fanbase (207k YouTube subscribers, 369k Instagram followers) with his emotionally honest lyrics and entrancing melodies. His 2024 project Eye Of The Storm featured “Giannis,” a kinetic anthem dedicated to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, which became Hurricane Wisdom’s biggest hit to date, with over 15 million YouTube views and 6 million Spotify streams. “Giannis” earned rapturous reviews from critics, as well, including Pitchfork, who called the song “the feel-good Florida anthem of the moment” and listed it at #36 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2024.
With Hurricane Wisdom’s Perfect Storm (Deluxe) approaching the horizon, the artist continues to put the pressure on, making a Category 5 impact on the industry. Keep an eye out…a storm is coming.
Fusing expressive church vocals with themes of optimism and perseverance, Hurricane Wisdom makes songs for survivors — anthems that are as spiritual as they are heartfelt. A down-home storyteller, the Florida native serves up motivational soundtracks for everymen with dreams of sunnier days; his music gives them the resolve to get there. It’s an artistic approach as much as it is a mission, and it’s earned him a growing legion of fans, cosigns from Rod Wave and NLE Choppa, and status as one of the most potent young voices in the South East. It’s a position he reinforces with “Hard Knock Life,” an engrossing rumination on the struggle of the hopeful underdogs. His blurry melodies spill out like teardrops even as his lyrics spell out danger. Through it all, he’s swirled themes of aspiration with tales of frayed friendships and other blockboy hazards while showcasing an inborn sincerity — and a heightened humanity — that connects soul to sound and listeners to love.
Since breaking out with “Granny’s Baby” in 2020, he’s cultivated a sizable buzz with projects like Hurricane Season (2021), State of Emergency (2022) and Category 5: The Biggest Hurricane (2023), with each new release earning more streams than the last. To date, he’s collaborated with the likes of NLE Choppa, SpottemGottem, NoCap, Luh Tyler and more as he’s proven his ability to infuse songs with empathy that soars above genres or classifications. Looking ahead, Hurricane wants to continue to be a voice for the people who don’t have one. The beats will change and his songwriting skills will grow, but it will all be rooted in a spirit of mutual understanding. “At the end of the day, I just try to make shit that people can relate to as humans,” he says. “We’re all human.”
14x Platinum Producer Buddah Bless Stars With BossMan Dlow, Big Sean & 2 Chainz in the Video for “See The World“
“See The World” is the Hitmaking Producer’s Debut Single as a Lead Artist
Welcome to Buddah Bless Airlines: the ATL-via-NYC Producer Takes to the Skies As He Travels From Paradise to Paradise With His Rap Star Friends and A Crew of Baddies
Critical Praise:
14x RIAA Platinum and 3x RIAA Gold Certifications on His Productions
“Buddah Bless snapped on everything he touched this year.” – XXL
“…one of the game’s hottest producers right now” – HotNewHipHop
The Video:
A hitmaker for more than a decade with over 14 Platinum plaques, Buddah Bless is ready for his flowers. The Atlanta-based producer, known for his “Buddah Bless this beat” production tag, gathers his A-List friends for the new music video for “See The World,” his debut single as a lead artist. The song is a organ-led banger, featuring standout verses from BossMan Dlow, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz. In the video, directed by Killahjack and Buddah Bless himself, Buddah flies from Miami to L.A., then back to the A, flying in a plane as jumpin’ as any party bus. The producer-artist parties with Dlow in Miami, connects with Sean in L.A., and brings 2 Chainz along as his co-pilot. “See The World” marks the start of a new chapter in the career of Buddah Bless, who been an in-demand collaborator for artists of all kinds, from Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott, to Migos and NBA YoungBoy.
Born in the New York City area but raised in Atlanta, Buddah Bless strives to merge the sensibility of his two home hip-hop regions through his music. He began his musical career in church, playing piano and organ, and learned how to make beats from his uncle during one fateful Thanksgiving. As a young man, breaking into the industry at 18-years-old, Buddah emerged into the flourishing Atlanta scene as one of its most in-demand beatmakers, collaborating with the likes of Migos, 2 Chainz, and Young Thug on their early hits, and later producing ATL classics like Migos’ “Call Casting” and 2 Chainz’s “Big Amount” ft. Drake. In recent years, Buddah produced hits like Jackboys’ “OUT WEST” ft. Young Thug (over 1 billion worldwide streams), and has developed a productive artistic relationship with Megan Thee Stallion on songs like “Don’t Stop,” “Miami Blue,” and “Shots Fired.” The 33-year-old producer has earned 14 Platinum certifications and 3 Gold certifications from the RIAA, and has also collaborated with the likes of Gunna, Chris Brown, Summer Walker, Key Glock, and dozens of other rap and R&B superstars.
Hard at work on his debut album, Buddah Bless plans to show the world what elite artists already know: that he has the sauce to turn a banger into a world-conquering hit.
Stay tuned for much more from Buddah Bless in the near future.
Watch Buddah Bless, Big Sean, 2 Chainz – “See The World” (ft. Bossman Dlow) HERE
Stream Buddah Bless, Big Sean, 2 Chainz – “See The World” (ft. Bossman Dlow) HERE
Buddah Bless, also known as Buddah Bless This Beat, is one of the most prominent names in Hip-Hop. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Buddah Bless has produced for some of the biggest rap artists in the world. Notable cuts include “Big Amount” by Drake and 2 Chainz, “OUT WEST” by Travis Scott and Young Thug, “Call Casting” by Migos, “Heat” by Chris Brown & Gunna, “Shots Fired” by Meg The Stallion, “Make No Sense” by NBA YoungBoy, and “Saint Laurent Mask” by Travis Scott & Quavo. He’s also been working on projects for Kodak Black, Bossman Dlow, JT, Yung Miami, 2 Chainz, Key Glock, Quavo, Lil Yachty, and more.
Montana 700 Releases The Greatest of All Traps, His New Mixtape, Available On All Platforms via Remain Solid / 300 Ent.
Featuring Guest Appearances From YFN Lucci, Loe Shimmy, Fellow New Dallas Hitmaker Zillionaire Doe, and More, the Latest Mixtape by Montana 700 Bridges Eras of Southern Rap, Delivering Motivational Bangers and Raw Lyrics That Will Make You Want to Get a Bag
The Album is Home to Lead Single “Boosie Flow,” Which Surpassed 1 Million YouTube Views in Less Than Two Weeks
The Announcement:
A master of motivational money-getting music, Montana 700 is rising in the game with his propulsive new sound. The Dallas artist stakes out a claim as his generation’s premier trapper-turned-rapper on The Greatest of All Traps, his kinetic new mixtape. The mixtape continues Montana’s trailblazing “New Dallas” movement, which attempts to form a united front in the city, eliminating beef for a shared goal of building a flourishing rap scene. Along with his frequent rap partner Zillionaire Doe, who appears on the tape’s “Real Pain,” Montana 700 defines the sound of the scene, pulling from all eras to create anthems with motivational energy and raw lyricism.
Like Montana’s last mixtape, February’s 700 Reasons, the new tape provides a fresh spin on classic Southern rap sounds, making trap music that makes you want to move. Recent single “Boosie Flow,” which trended at #17 on YouTube’s Trending Charts and generated over 1 million views in under 2 weeks, exemplifies the approach, mixing a flow inspired by the legendary Baton Rouge rapper with syncopated piano plunks and emphatic percussion, creating a sound that crosses regions and generations. Songs like “White Ones” and “Getting Off” are imperious bangers inspired by the mid-00s ATL sound favored by Young Jeezy and Grand Hustle, while “Rap & Trap” borrows a demonic Detroit feel and “Chains On” adds a thumping Texas bounce to a classic West Coast riders’ anthem.
The Greatest Of All Traps is more soulful and contemplative than its predecessor, taking its foot off the gas for reflective highlights like the twinkling “On The Road,” and “5AM In Miami,” a woozy collaboration with Loe Shimmy. The tape reaches a climax with “Pray,” a collaboration with melodic rapper Kocky Ka and a local gospel choir, which conveys Montana’s fears and aspirations with cinematic grandeur. Featuring an additional guest appearance from YFN Lucci on tape highlight “Loyalty Is Real,” The Greatest Of All Traps is available on all platforms via Remain Solid / 300 Entertainment.
Born and raised in South Dallas, Montana 700 is ready to make 2025 his year. He first hit the scene in 2022, making music that combined the twangy and bass-heavy Dallas rap template with broader Southern rap sounds. Along with his close friend and frequent collaborator Zillionaire Doe, Montana 700 is a leader of the New Dallas movement, an effort from the younger generation to stop the violence that has plagued Dallas hip-hop for years, and instead to build a community-focused scene that will allow the whole city to prosper. Montana spoke about the New Dallas scene on a recent episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game. The rapper broke out in a big way this year with 700 Reasons, Featuring songs like Count A Hunnit,” featuring a sample of Jeezy’s “And Then What,” which earned positive attention from Jeezy himself, and “Pipeline” (Remix), a new version of Montana’s local hit featuring BigXThaPlug
With The Greatest Of All Traps out now, Montana 700 prepares to make an impact on a grand scale. Stay tuned for much more.
The Grammy-Winning Chicago Native Unveils New Line of “Star Line Shipping Co.” Merch, Available at ChanceStuff.com, Each Item Featuring a Built-In NFC Chip That Has Star Line Content
The Announcement/Song/Video/Album:
Grammy-winner and global independent innovator Chance the Rapper has officially announced the release date of Star Line,his most ambitious and personal project to date, arriving August 15. Star Line reflects Chance’s global journey, artistically, spiritually, and physically, over the past six years. Created with longtime producer DexLvL and shaped by travels to Ghana, Jamaica, and art fairs around the world, Star Line blends hip-hop, soul, and experimental sounds with lyrical meditations on identity, resilience, and legacy. While Chance has circled the globe in search of new perspectives, the project remains grounded in the worldview that has always defined his art: a deep, unshakable connection to Chicago and to Black culture across the diaspora.
Star Line is available now for CD pre-order at Chancestuff.com, alongside the special Star Line Shipping Co. merch collection. Each item in the Shipping Co. merch collection, as well as the CDs, feature a built-in NFC chip that has Star Line content. Merch purchases include exclusive Star Line content through the NFC, while the CD comes with a download of the album. Additional merch drops and activations will be announced soon.
Learn how to use the NFC Technology via the below videos, posted on Chance’s IG: CDs Merch
Chicago-based artist Brandon Breaux, Chance’s longtime visual collaborator behind the iconic covers for 10 Day, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book, created the album’s artwork. Over more than a decade, Chance and Breaux have developed a distinct visual language—one that resists reductive industry tropes and centers Blackness in vibrant, imaginative fullness. With Star Line, their creative dialogue continues, honoring Chance’s evolution while remaining rooted in authenticity and cultural reverence.
The album’s lead single, “Tree” featuring Lil Wayne and Smino, is out now. Built around a soulful reinterpretation of India.Arie’s “Video,” the track functions as both a personal tribute and a liberation anthem. Lyrically, Chance reflects on the strength of his mother and the inequities in agricultural industries. Blending vulnerability with defiance, he also reclaims cannabis as a symbol of peace, healing, and economic resistance.
The self-directed music video extends this vision. Set in a Black women-owned dispensary that doubles as a growing facility, the visual celebrates ownership, cultivation, and community-building, while challenging long-held stigmas around cannabis and Black entrepreneurship. The dispensary becomes a symbol of sovereignty, drawing a direct line to Marcus Garvey’s original Black Star Line: not just a vessel for liberation, but a platform for sustainable wealth, mobility, and self-determination. Playful, surreal, and rooted in joy, the video rejects tragedy and instead centers resilience, resistance, and Black women’s leadership. Watch the music video HERE.
Photo credit: Keeley Parentau
Chance The Rapper & Brandon Breaux (Photo credit: Keeley Parenteau)
Learn how to access an exclusive song via NFC technology in Star Line Shipping Co. Merch HERE
END
). Buddah ends the song with a rare appearance on mic, signaling his intent to reap the attention he deserves.
Born in the New York City area but raised in Atlanta, Buddah Bless strives to merge the sensibility of his two home hip-hop regions through his music. He began his musical career in church, playing piano and organ, and learned how to make beats from his uncle during one fateful Thanksgiving. As a young man, breaking into the industry at 18-years-old, Buddah emerged into the flourishing Atlanta scene as one of its most in-demand beatmakers, collaborating with the likes of Migos, 2 Chainz, and Young Thug on their early hits, and later producing ATL classics like Migos’ “Call Casting” and 2 Chainz’s “Big Amount” ft. Drake. In recent years, Buddah produced hits like Jackboys’ “OUT WEST” ft. Young Thug (over 1 billion worldwide streams), and has developed a productive artistic relationship with Megan Thee Stallion on songs like “Don’t Stop,” “Miami Blue,” and “Shots Fired.” The 33-year-old producer has earned 14 Platinum certifications and 3 Gold certifications from the RIAA, and has also collaborated with the likes of NBA YoungBoy, Gunna, Chris Brown, Summer Walker, Key Glock, and dozens of other rap and R&B superstars.
Hard at work on his debut album, Buddah Bless plans to show the world what elite artists already know: that he has the sauce to turn a banger into a world-conquering hit.
Stay tuned for much more from Buddah Bless in the near future.
Buddah Bless, also known as Buddah Bless This Beat, is one of the most prominent names in Hip-Hop. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Buddah Bless has produced for some of the biggest rap artists in the world. Notable cuts include “Big Amount” by Drake and 2 Chainz, “OUT WEST” by Travis Scott and Young Thug, “Call Casting” by Migos, “Heat” by Chris Brown & Gunna, “Shots Fired” by Meg The Stallion, “Make No Sense” by NBA YoungBoy, and “Saint Laurent Mask” by Travis Scott & Quavo. He’s also been working on projects for Kodak Black, Bossman Dlow, JT, Yung Miami, 2 Chainz, Key Glock, Quavo, Lil Yachty, and more.
Platinum Producer Buddah Bless Shares “See The World,” His Debut Single as Lead Artist
Featuring BossMan Dlow, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz
The 14x Platinum Certified Sound Architect Steps Out From Behind The Boards, Finally Ready to Assume the Spotlight After a Career Crafting Hits For the Rap Game’s Biggest Stars
Critical Praise:
14x RIAA Platinum and 3x RIAA Gold Certifications on His Productions
“Buddah Bless snapped on everything he touched this year.” – XXL
“…one of the game’s hottest producers right now” – HotNewHipHop
The Single:
For over a decade, Buddah Bless has used his expert sonic sensibilities to craft hits for some of the rap game’s biggest stars. Now, the 14x Platinum-certified producer, known for his tag “Buddah Bless this beat,” is ready to assume the spotlight, dropping “See The World,” his first-ever release as a lead artist. The new single unites Buddah with BossMan Dlow,who previously connected with Buddah on “Plenty Motion” from his Dlow Curry (Deluxe), and 2 Chainz, a frequent of collaborator of Buddah’s on hits like the Platinum-certified “Big Amount” ft. Drake, and marks the producer/artist’s first-ever collaboration with Big Sean.
Mixing a smooth organ melody with space-age 808s, Buddah Bless’s beat provides a luxurious backdrop for the three emcees to enter player mode. Dlow kicks the song off with his brash pronouncements (“Come here baby, I ain’t gon’ bite you less you want me to”), before Big Sean spits his trademark witticisms and references his old verses in a double-time flow (“Flew from Pacific to Atlantic, went from Detroit to Miami/From Miami to Jamaica just to take you someplace sandy”), and 2 Chainz anchors with signature punchlines (“Havin’ sex to some Keith Sweat, start perspiratin'”). Buddah ends the song with a rare appearance on mic, signaling his intent to reap the attention he deserves.
Born in the New York City area but raised in Atlanta, Buddah Bless strives to merge the sensibility of his two home hip-hop regions through his music. He began his musical career in church, playing piano and organ, and learned how to make beats from his uncle during one fateful Thanksgiving. As a young man, breaking into the industry at 18-years-old, Buddah emerged into the flourishing Atlanta scene as one of its most in-demand beatmakers, collaborating with the likes of Migos, 2 Chainz, and Young Thug on their early hits, and later producing ATL classics like Migos’ “Call Casting” and 2 Chainz’s “Big Amount” ft. Drake. In recent years, Buddah produced hits like Jackboys’ “OUT WEST” ft. Young Thug (over 1 billion worldwide streams), and has developed a productive artistic relationship with Megan Thee Stallion on songs like “Don’t Stop,” “Miami Blue,” and “Shots Fired.” The 33-year-old producer has earned 14 Platinum certifications and 3 Gold certifications from the RIAA, and has also collaborated with the likes of NBA YoungBoy, Gunna, Chris Brown, Summer Walker, Key Glock, and dozens of other rap and R&B superstars.
Hard at work on his debut album, Buddah Bless plans to show the world what elite artists already know: that he has the sauce to turn a banger into a world-conquering hit.
Stay tuned for much more from Buddah Bless in the near future.
Buddah Bless, also known as Buddah Bless This Beat, is one of the most prominent names in Hip-Hop. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Buddah Bless has produced for some of the biggest rap artists in the world. Notable cuts include “Big Amount” by Drake and 2 Chainz, “OUT WEST” by Travis Scott and Young Thug, “Call Casting” by Migos, “Heat” by Chris Brown & Gunna, “Shots Fired” by Meg The Stallion, “Make No Sense” by NBA YoungBoy, and “Saint Laurent Mask” by Travis Scott & Quavo. He’s also been working on projects for Kodak Black, Bossman Dlow, JT, Yung Miami, 2 Chainz, Key Glock, Quavo, Lil Yachty, and more.
With Over 300 Million Streams on His Catalog This Year To Date, Rio Da Yung OG’s Video With the Rising Dallas Rapper Follows a Triumphant Homecoming To the City of Flint, Where He Received a Proclamation In His Honor
Steeped in the Sounds and Traditions of the City of Flint, Which Recently Gave Rio a Proclamation Recognizing His Achievements, Including His Status as the City’s Only Platinum-Certified Rapper, the Upcoming F.L.I.N.T. Features Guest Appearances From Peezy, VonOff1700, Star Bandz, Zillionaire Doe, Rmc Mike, YN Jay, FBLManny, and More
“…the loose-lipped, punchline god from Flint who became a Michigan rap titan” – Pitchfork
#66 Best Album of the Decade So Far (City On My Back)– Even his offhand comments have the power to smack you with bitter truths while you try to hold back the laughter.” – Passion of the Weiss
Best Albums of 2025 So Far (RIO FREE (Something Happen)) – The FADER
“I cannot possibly list all the lines that made me laugh out loud” – Stereogum
“Even his offhand comments have the power to smack you with bitter truths while you try to hold back the laughter.” – Passion of the Weiss
The Announcement:
Tearing through the Michigan rap scene with his trademark sense of humor and unapologetic authenticity, Rio Da Yung OG has been waiting his whole life to embrace his rap star lifestyle. Now, with his legal troubles behind him and a new album plus 62-date tour in the near future, Rio is in the mood for flexing, sharing his new video “What U Spend.” Produced by his frequent collaborator Danny G Beats, “What U Spend” uses a kinetic Flint-style beat, complete with thumping bass and dancing steel drums. Rio connects with rising Dallas rapper Zillionaire Doe for a hustle-hard dialogue, as Rio touts the giant diamond earrings on his “tiny ears” and Zillionaire pays tribute to Rio’s home state and promises to ball hard like Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham. In the video, the two rappers connect at night with their bankrolls and foreign cars, as Rio prepares to head out on his epic “Welcome Home Tour.”
Following recent clips for songs like “Great Day,” (currently trending on YouTube at #19 with over 550k views in one week) and “I GO,” featuring FBLManny, “What U Spend” is the latest release from F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I’m Not Through), Rio’s next album. Filled with high-octane instrumentals from regular collaborators like Wayne616, BEATSBYSAV, and Danny G Beats, F.L.I.N.T. promises the same headspinning flows and rewindable punchlines that Rio always brings, imbued with a new perspective and focus that Rio achieved after emerging from prison in late 2024. The album brings collaborations with Michigan associates like Flint’s own Coochie Man YN Jay and his Dum N Dumber duet partner Rmc Mike, and connects Rio with his favorite up-and-comers from the national scene, including Chicago emcees VonOff1700 and Star Bandz, Dallas’s Zillionaire Doe, and Atlanta’s FBLManny. Home to the quotable recent single “Sneaky ‘B’,” F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I’m Not Through) arrives on August 10th via M I N E Ent. / EMPIRE.
Rio recently kicked off his “Welcome Home Tour,” his first-ever headlining trek, with a sold-out show in Detroit. The show in Detroit followed an appearance at Flint’s Harmony Fest, during which he received a proclamation from the City of Flint for his contributions to the city’s culture and community. Hosted behind Flint’s county jail, Rio’s homecoming was a symbol of his massive success, as the former inmate had a police escort parking luxury cars behind the building. Rio’s event was a special one for his whole family, as Rio’s son performed while the rapper signed autographs and Rio entered the jail to visit his close associate Big Ghost for the first time since 2021.
The “Welcome Home Tour” spans over 60 dates, passing through San Francisco on August 10th (Regency Ballroom), Los Angeles on August 12th (The Belasco Theater), Houston on August 30th (9pm Music Venue), and New York on September 24th (Webster Hall) before concluding in Chicago on October 11th (Patio Theater). Featuring support from Baby Money, FBLManny, and many special guests, tickets for the “Welcome Home Tour” are available at https://www.touringwithrio.com/
Emerging out of Flint in the late 2010s, Rio Da Yung OG helped transform his working class city into one of the most exciting rap hotbeds of the past several years. Elevated by notable co-signs from Detroit rappers like Peezy and buoyed by fan excitement over his freestyles and guest spots, Rio stormed onto the national scene, garnering overwhelming critical acclaim for releases like 2020’s City On My Back (named the #66 Best Album of the 2020s So Far by Pitchfork), Fiends Don’t Matter,2 FACED, and his Dum and Dumber mixtape series with fellow Flint punchline artist Rmc Mike. During this time, Rio released some of his scene’s defining rap hits, including “Movie” ft. Louie Ray, “Chicken Coupe” ft.Peezy, and “1v1,” his collaboration with Lil Yachty. Just as his career was hitting high gear, Rio hit an obstacle in the form of a 4-year prison sentence. In late 2021, he left words of wisdom for his fans in the form of his “Last Day Out” freestyle, and went away. Even prison couldn’t stop Rio from putting in work. Fans rallied behind his 2019 hit “Legendary,” which grew into his biggest hit, generating hundreds of millions of streams.
In December 2024, Rio returned to the scene with a bang, releasing the epic first day out freestyle “RIO FREE,” racking up over 1 million views in a day and 8 million streams in just three days. The music video trended #1 on YouTube Music for three weeks straight. “RIO FREE” paved the way for the RIO FREE EP, which earned praise from Pitchfork, and its expansion RIO FREE (Something Happen), named one of the Best Albums of 2025 So Far by The FADER. In early January, Rio performed his first concert since 2021, selling out a star-studded show in Detroit, and in April, “Legendary” earned PLATINUM status from the RIAA, making Rio the first-ever rapper from Flint to earn a PLATINUM record. Rio has also been a willing collaborator, jumping on the viral “Shark” with Jorjiana, recently performed at the NBA Finals, appearing on Money Man’s new album, and reuniting with Rmc Mike for “Bragging Rights,” which trended at #28 on YouTube for music with over 1 million views in its first week.
With F.L.I.N.T. on the way and more excitement in the future, Rio looks to make 2025 his year. Stay tuned for more music and announcements in the coming weeks.
Photo credit: Esdras Thelusma
Rio receives his proclamation from the Mayor of Flint
Eddie Valero Continues to Tap Into Memphis Musical History, Sharing Gangsta Blues 2
Featuring Guest Spots from Starlito, Don Trip, and BigWalkDog, Gangsta Blues 2 is Available on All Platforms in Partnership with ONErpm
Following Up the Recently Released Gangsta Blues, Memphis’s Own Superman Shoulders a Burden For His City
Check for Eddie’s Video for Album Intro “Ready For It,” Dropping Later Today on Eddie’s YouTube
Critical Praise:
“2025 Rap Albums You Haven’t Heard—But Should (Gangsta Blues)” – CABBAGES
“In the landscape of contemporary Memphis hip-hop, Eddie Valero’s trajectory is distinguished by his beat selection and narrative prowess. A fusion of street blues, Valero’s sound taps into Memphis’ rich musical legacy, while his lyrical narratives delve into the darker nuances of the city that shaped him. Valero is one of the few up-and-comers to not come under the musical trees of Three 6 Mafia, Yo Gotti or Young Dolph. His rise stands as a testament to his individual artistry and distinct contribution to the Memphis sound.” –HITS DD
The Announcement:
Steeped in the musical history of his hometown, Memphis rapper Eddie Valero processes his pain through his pen. Returning for another helping of soulful rap songs, Eddie shares Gangsta Blues 2, his new album. The album keeps continues the aesthetic Eddie introduced on May’s Gangsta Blues, using classic soul samples and widescreen soundscapes to evoke the superfly grandeur of a blaxploitation film. Eddie uses the cinematic backdrop as launching point for his gritty street tales, which comment on how he uses the lessons learned during his troubled past to inform his current independent rap hustle. Gangsta Blues 2 features guest appearances from kindred spirits Don Trip & Starlito on the BandPlay-produced “3 Headed Monster,” and a spot from 1017-signed Southerner BigWalkDog on “Flawless Gang.” Home to the high-flying recent single “Clark Kent,” Gangsta Blues 2 is available on all platforms, in partnership with ONErpm.
Along with the new album, Eddie shares the music video for album intro, “Ready For It.” Featuring a sample of Eddie Holman’s 1969 soul classic “Four Walls,” “Ready For It” is a high-octane table-setter for the rest of Gangsta Blues 2, as he delivers a visceral mission statement, explaining why he felt he owed it to his community to return with another project so soon: “Trenches yeah they need me, had to come back I couldn’t let ’em wait,” he spits. Directed by Eddie’s frequent collaborator Global Films, the video drops later today on Eddie Valero’s YouTube.
In May, Eddie Valero made waves with Gangsta Blues, drawing attention from CABBAGES, which named Gangsta Blues one of the “2025 Rap Albums You Haven’t Heard—But Should.” Eddie Valero spent several dates this spring opening for Don Trip & Starlito on their “Step Brothers 4 Life Tour.” Eddie has one more performance lined up supporting those two Tennessee legends, hitting Indianapolis on July 27th.
With Gangsta Blues2 on the way, Eddie Valero is ready to become Memphis’s next big thing. Stay tuned for more.
About Eddie Valero
When you talk about the new generation of Memphis Hip Hop, you have to mention Eddie Valero. Eddie’s beat selection and storytelling have moved him right up the ladder in the city and now he’s the talk of the town from the fans to the OGs. His brand of street blues feels like the familiar sound that the city of Memphis was built on but his brand of street tales definitely define the dark side of the city that raised him. And, he’s one of the few true rap success stories to not come under the musical trees of Three 6 Mafia, Yo Gotti, or Young Dolph.
Born and raised in Memphis, Eddie Valero has built a large audience in his city and beyond the hard way, never compromising his style and eschewing high-profile co-signs on his route to local legend status. Growing up in awe of his city’s OGs, Eddie worked hard at his craft, using his expert beat selection and gritty storytelling to grow his following to over 60k YouTube subscribers. Always confident fans would find him, he started his signature mixtape series, Until They Feel Me, in 2021, releasing 4 installments in all, featuring local hits like “Lero BandPlay” (1.38 million Spotify streams) his hard-hitting collab with the PRE-signed producer. In 2023, he dropped “Flex N Go” with JpOnTheTrack, racking up over 2.5 million YouTube views in the process, and he followed in 2024 with the Undefeated mixtape. Most recently, Eddie shared Just For Y’all, a no frills street tape featuring the buzzing single “Money Locked In.”
About ONErpm
ONErpm is a next generation music company and leader in new revenue opportunities, operating one of the world’s largest music distribution platforms and YouTube Multi-Channel Networks. Offering a full suite of services that includes marketing support, supply chain tools, business intelligence, publishing, accounting, and global payment solutions, ONErpm provides the infrastructure needed to help creators and content owners succeed. As a trusted partner, ONErpm emphasizes transparency in everything it does, from executing a marketing campaign to making payments. Located in 29 cities across 20 countries with a staff of over 450, the company’s global footprint is constantly expanding, making it one of the fastest growing independent music companies in the world.
The Melodic Rapper Continues to Be NYC’s Most Eligible Bachelor, Coming Through With A Breezy, Acoustic Ballad
Critical Praise:
“Meet the Artists Taking New York Drill in a New Direction” – Rolling Stone
“His new album, Sex Drive, arrives amid a surge of sexy drill, but while artists like wolfacejoeyy and Baby Osama have brought the sound into new territories, Lee remains the genre’s greatest entertainer.” – Pitchfork
“Chow Lee, one of the torchbearers of the sexy drill sound that has taken over the Empire State this year.” – Billboard
“It’s not just his pen that’s sharpened: Sex Drive finds Chow firmly in the pocket, teasing out stop-start meters across a startling breadth of instrumentals.” – The FADER
“He fully leans into the sexy drill version of Allen Iverson, who infamously dismissed practice in his classic press conference in the early 2000s. Chow’s constant teeth-sucking on the track is also fitting for the level of pretentiousness he conveys on the track. ‘Practice!’ is great.” – VIBE
“…we consider them pioneers of this sexy drill sound.” – HotNewHipHop
The Song + Video:
Exploring every recess of his one-track mind, Chow Lee can bring the sexiness with or without the drill. On his new single and music video, “Hold It Down 4 Me,” the Long Island native switches up his sound. Bouncing atop acoustic guitars, the melodic master attempts to dodge his current fling’s attempts to lock him down and he indulges in his unfaithful urges. Though Chow indulges a more mellow sound, his bars remain as outlandish as ever: “Like when I die, bury my favorite b*tch in my casket/With my flask, b*tch, my molly, and my chrome glasses/I’m gonna be high as hell when I’m chillin’ up in heaven, wodie/I’m gonna be fly as hell, talkin’ to Jesus about my jewelry,” he sings. Released in partnership with On The Radar, the single arrives with a special “live” version of “Hold It Down 4 Me.”
“Hold It Down 4 Me” follows several fiery singles by Chow Lee so far this year. Most recently, Chow connected with fellow sexy drill maestro Vontee The Singer for the Gvrind!-produced “redflag!.” “redflag!” followed “B2A (Belt 2 Ass),” a smooth single inspired by Atlanta and Miami bass music. On Valentine’s Day, Chow Lee released GIRLS C*M FIRST!, an EP featuring three of Chow’s best love songs to date. The EP is home to “krazy 4 u,“ a collaboration with fellow NYC melodist 2300, which is an expression of unbridled desire, built around a sample drill instrumental perfectly-suited to warm up the winter. The first song, “yes mami!,” hints at Chow’s intentions to give up his bachelor lifestyle and settle down, riding a sultry call-and-response that is alternatively lustful and sweet, while “lemme get ya #” showcases him at his flirty best. Arriving after his recent single “Kinda Up Off Talent,” Chow Lee’s GIRLS C*M FIRST! is available everywhere via TC Music LLC / EMPIRE.
GIRLS C*M FIRST! was Chow’s first project since last September’s Sex Drive. Praised by outlets like Pitchfork, Billboard, The FADER, XXL, and more, Sex Drive affirms Chow’s position as leader of the sexy drill scene. Sex Drive is also home to Chow’s series of viral singles, including “swag it!,” which earned a remix featuring Flo Milli, and “ms. beautiful V,” which generated millions of streams, went viral on TikTok, and placed on the Top 25: New York City chart on Apple Music, along with Cash Cobain-produced singles “act bad twin” ft. Bay Swag & Cash Cobain and the Allen Iverson-referencing “practice!” With additional features from Anycia, AJ Tracey, Sleepy Hallow, and more, Sex Drive is available on all platforms now via EMPIRE.
A fixture and pioneer in NYC’s ascendant sexy drill scene, Chow Lee’s music radiates a seductive charm that inspired Pitchfork to affectionately call him the “horniest rapper out.” He first earned mainstream attention with his 2022 album 2 Sexy 2 Slizzy, Chow’s totemic collaboration with Cash Cobain that kickstarted the sexy drill movement, named the 19th Best Album of the 2020s So Far by Pitchfork. Recently, Chow Lee turnt up “In The Booth” with Cash Cobain and Plaqueboymax, and performed a stellar set at Rolling Loud California, as featured on The FADER’s official TikTok.
With much more music on the way in 2025, Chow Lee is enjoying yet another super sexy summer. Stay tuned.
Chow Lee is on a mission to become the next King of New York. He made major moves in the city’s rap scene with 2 SLIZZY 2 SEXY, his 2022 collaborative project with Cash Cobain. Praised by Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, and earning “Best of 2022” distinction from UPROXX, The FADER, and more, 2 SLIZZY 2 SEXY combined the sample-heavy sound of the Bronx with the hard-hitting dance beats from New Jersey to change the face of the NYC drill scene. 2 SLIZZY 2 SEXY highlight “Vacant” was recently named the 73rd Best East Coast Rap Song of All Time by Rolling Stone. Chow recently reconnected with Cash on the sexy drill anthem “Rump,” plus the Nelly-sampling “Not No Xanax 2” from Cash’s new album, and joined Wolfacejoeyy and Cash on the Pitchfork-approved “Weekend,” and released the fiery Hours After The Club anthem in July 2023.
Now, with buzzing singles like “swag it!” and “Ms. Beautiful V,” the Long Island native is primed to take his sexy drill sound mainstream. Stay tuned for more.
Sacramento’s DB.Boutabag Shares The Real Boutabag II, Digging Deep Into His Personal Life Without Sacrificing Energy
The Beloved West Coast Rapper Connects With L.A.’s Big Sad 1900 for “Not At Home” Music Video
Known as an Expert Smack Talker, DB.Boutabag Opens Up About His Life as a Rising Rap Star and New Father, Adding Some Pathos to His Clever Punchlines
Critical Praise:
“DB.Boutabag is a Sacramento, California rapper who makes hip-hop that’ll cave in floors at West Coast house parties.” – Pitchfork
“DB.Boutabag takes hating to new levels” – The FADER
“South Sacramento rapper DB.Boutabag makes rap music meant to hit you in the chest” – Passion Of The Weiss
The Album + Video:
DB.Boutabag earned a reputation for his singular devotion to the hustle, but recent developments in the Sacramento rapper’s life have given him a renewed purpose for building his bankroll. Today, the 25-year-old rapper shares The Real Boutabag II, a focused and motivated effort that reflects his new perspective as a first-time father. Giving his fans a deep look into his life as a working rapper, DB peppers his punchline-filled bars with hints at how much fatherhood changed him. As he says on recent single “A Dad Talk“: “Get inside my feelings, watch me sh*t talk my ass off/On these beats, I be in that mode with my mask off.”
A sequel to his popular 2022 EP The Real Boutabag, which featured fan-favorite singles like “Out The Way,” the second volume doesn’t let the heavier subject matter stop DB from bringing the bass-boosted West Coast energy for which he is known. The rapper’s one-liners are in rare form, whether he is sneering at lazy hangers-on on the DaBoii collaboration “Drink Bleach” or getting a raucous party started on songs like the recent single “Both Ways.” Throughout, DB remains focused, ignoring neighborhood distractions and the trappings of fame to keep his eye on the biggest prize of all: financial security for his family. Also home to the recent single. “Slight Vent Pt. 3,” The Real Boutabag II is available on all platforms.
Along with The Real Boutabag II, the South Sacramento native connects with L.A. street rap hero Big Sad 1900 for the video for “Not At Home.” Layering a wistful, pitch-shifted pop sample over classic West Coast keys and knocking percussion, DB talks his smack, annihilating fakes and reveling in the hustle: “If you wanna jump in your bag, you gotta take a risk/All I gotta do is slick talk, I won’t pay for sh*t,” he spits, in his deadpan delivery. Big Sad 1900 adds his own perspective on his quietly confident verse, creating a case study in being unbothered: “I just count a hunnid, when you n****s making diss songs,” he announces. In the video, DB and Big Sad connect backstage, where they sip dirty soda and prepare to rock a West Coast crowd.
Since emerging from the South Sacramento street scene in 2020, DB.Boutabag has established himself as one of the most prolific slick talkers on either coast. With a style inspired by the greats from L.A. and The Bay, including the late Mac Dre, DB has generated tens of millions of streams across platforms, thanks to West Coast anthems like “1st Off,” “Don’t Choke,” “Cocky,” and “Fettucine.” The rapper has earned praise from the likes of Pitchfork, The FADER, and Passion of the Weiss, and has collaborated with everybody from 03 Greedo to Skilla Baby to Kamaiyah to the legendary Drakeo The Ruler on their street hit “Top Rapper.”
With The Real Boutabag II out now, DB is ready to prove he’s the man on the West Coast. Stay tuned for more.
A New Edition of Critically Acclaimed Samurai Arrives August 22nd via 1st & 15th / Thirty Tigers
The Chicago Legend Continues to Prove That Rap is Fine Art, Dazzling With a Lyrical Clinic That Strives to Put Substance Over Style
Critical Praise:
“Samurai is expected to be one of Fiasco’s most intrinsic works, as he is known for his conceptualized approach in his albums.” – Forbes
“The Chicago legend’s ninth album is inspired by battle rap and Japanese culture…” – CLASH Magazine
The Announcement:
Lupe Fiasco unveils “SOS,” his self-produced single from Samurai DX, the deluxe edition of his critically acclaimed 2024 album Samurai. Bringing his sound back to the essentials without sacrificing complexity, Lupe shares this new single as anticipation rises for the Samurai DX release on August 22nd. With acoustic bass and soulful saxes, “SOS” lays down a jazzy atmosphere packed with internal rhymes and slick turns of phrase that prove that the veteran Chicago rapper has not lost a step: “Recorded this out in Califo’, but feel like Dallas to a palindrome, a salad on my palette, bro/Still eat a cannibal sandwich, though, mix the poison with the antidote and terrorize the whole talent show.”
“SOS” is a song from Samurai DX, an expanded version of Lupe’s 2024 album Samurai, and was originally recorded during the album’s sessions. Produced in full by longtime collaborator Soundtrakk, the 8-song project earned widespread critical acclaim, with praise from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and more for its cerebral lyricism and warm sonic palette. Along with “SOS,” Samurai DX includes one additional new song, the Soundtrakk-produced “High Note.”
Originally intended for the Samurai tracklist, “SOS” and “High Note” were cut for sake of brevity, but Lupe and manager Chill Patton recognized their quality, keeping them in the vault until the time was right. In addition, Samurai DX includes remixes to original album highlights “Samurai,” “Palaces,” and “Bigfoot” (now featuring a hook sung by singer-songwriter Troy Tyler), along with instrumental versions of all five tracks.
Samurai DX continues Lupe’s exploration of the boundaries of hip-hop as an artform, as the legendary Chicago rapper knows a rap album can be as exquisitely crafted and delicately designed as fine art. Expanding the story of what Lupe Fiasco calls one of his “most personal projects to date,” Samurai DX arrives in digital and physical formats on August 22nd via 1st & 15th / Thirty Tigers.
Marking their first in-studio collaboration since The Cool in 2007, the smooth, yet cerebral, 8-track album Samurai reunites Lupe, producer Soundtrakk, and co-CEO/manager Charles “Chill” Patton. During Patton’s 17 years of incarceration, he continued his label-head and managerial duties, fueling the affectionate “Free Chilly” chant among Lupe’s fans. With his 2023 release, that lore found its resolution, and he stepped immediately in as the executive producer for Samurai.
Samurai is Lupe’s ninth studio album and is produced in full by Soundtrakk, making it their second full album collaboration following 2022’s DRILL MUSIC IN ZION. It’s home to singles such as the title track, “Samurai,” praised by Rolling Stone, Complex, Billboard, HYPEBEAST, Clash, The Needle Drop, and more, plus a masterclass in difficulty, “Cake,” with dense bars and shifting cadences that requires elite skill, and Lupe demolishes it with champion-grade performance. Other highlights include the orchestral, street freestyle-esque “No. 1 Headband” and the experimental “Mumble Rap.”
Recently, Lupe Fiasco has kept busy with performances, including last Fall’s “Samurai Tour,” and a special performance at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he is a visiting professor teaching “Rap Theory and Practice,” in May. His MIT concert formed part of “GHOTIING MIT: Public Art,” an innovative project by the List Visual Arts Center that turns campus installations into live sonic experiences. On-site at nine distinct artworks, Lupe recorded new songs, capturing ambient field sounds and composing lyrics that respond in real time to each piece. Earlier this year, he further cemented his academic credentials by joining the faculty of the prestigious Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
This August, Lupe Fiasco joins the legendary Cypress Hill and underground heroes Atmosphere on their “Dank Daze of Summer Tour.” Also featuring support from The Pharcyde, tickets for the “Dank Daze Of Summer Tour” are available HERE
With Samurai DX on the way, and much more to come, Lupe Fiasco never stops pushing the boundaries of his creativity. Stay tuned and watch his next move.
With a career spanning more than two decades, Lupe Fiasco has continually redefined hip-hop’s creative limits. His 2024 album Samurai earned year-end accolades from outlets like The Needle Drop, Okayplayer, and FLOOD for its ambitious concept and razor-sharp lyricism. Building on the critical success of 2022’s Drill Music in Zion, praised by NPR, Complex, and The FADER, and many others, including Clash’s Jazmin Kylene, who wrote “Keeping us well-fed and in constant questioning, there is no doubt Lupe Fiasco is fulfilling his purpose and artistic servitude every time he obliges to step back into the dojo.” In 2023, the iconic Chicago native also settled into his position as a visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he teaches “Rap Theory and Practice” and spearheaded the “GHOTIING MIT: Public Art” project. Off-stage, he leads several community initiatives, including We Are M.U.R.A.L., the Neighborhood Start-Up Fund, and Society of Spoken Art, while his single “Pound For Pound” now headlines the AAA game Undisputed. Catch him this summer on the “Dank Daze of Summer Tour” with Cypress Hill and Atmosphere, shutting down stages in multiple cities across the U.S.
“…moody melodies and immersive beats enhance the emotional depth of the lyrics.” – Hot 97
The Video:
Exploring the recesses of his mind with strong melodies, Kee Nola brings an edge to his hybrid sound. On his most recent single, “At The Top,” Kee reflects on how his life has changed since he has experienced success, voicing one of his greatest fears: that the bigger he gets, the lonelier he’ll become. Today, the 22-year-old artist shares the music video for the Mallroy-produced single which dramatizes the artist’s inner conflict. The video contrasts the glamorous image that fans have of a rap star’s life with the often grim reality, as he spends much of his time signing paperwork and avoiding the paparazzi. Released earlier this month on Kee’s birthday, “At The Top” follows recent singles like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Problematic,” two rock-tinged singles available now via EUROVZN / NEWWRLD.
Kee Nola is breaking out in a big way this year, on the heels of the viral “Party Girl.” Released early this year, “Party Girl” has become one of the year’s buzziest underground hits, generating over 21 million streams to date, including 3 million on its YouTube video. “Party Girl” can be found on PARTYLAND, Kee’s latest mixtape, released in April, along with other buzzing singles like “NEXT BESTFRIEND” and “Late To The Party.” Spanning 11 tracks, the mixtape is a collection of anthems for parties and the moments that come after, dripping with regret and heartbreak, yet radiating a defiant will to power through life’s hardships.
Earlier this summer, Kee Nola announced the “Welcome To Partyland Tour,” his first-ever headlining tour, with support from Kinfolk Jon. The “Welcome To Partyland” kicks off in Los Angeles on July 29th, passing through major markets like Atlanta and Brooklyn before concluding in Springfield, MO on August 30. The tour will find the rapper, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist performing songs from his recent mixtape PARTYLAND, home to his hit single “Party Girl.” Tickets for the “Welcome To Partyland Tour” are available now HERE
With PARTYLAND out now and more music on the way, Kee Nola is preparing to hit the mainstream. Stay tuned for much more from Kee Nola very soon.
“Welcome 2 Partyland Tour” dates:
7/19 –
7/29 – Los Angeles, CA | The Echo (Tickets)
8/9 – Atlanta, GA | Center Stage – Vinyl (Tickets)
8/11 – Dallas, TX | Three Links (Tickets)
8/17 – Brooklyn, NY | Baby’s All Right (Tickets)
Kee Nola, a rising artist from New Orleans, is making waves with his genre-blending sound influenced by Future, Kevin Gates, and Nirvana. His hit track, “Party Girl,” from his 2025 album It’s Not You, It’s Me, is going viral, with over 25k creates on TikTok and tens of millions of streams. With streaming numbers climbing and his name buzzing, Kee is proving he’s next up in the game. This is just the beginning.
Kee Nola Shares the Music Video for His Latest Single, “At The Top“
The New Orleans-Born Breakout Gives a Not-So-Glamorous Peek Behind The Scenes in His Latest Music Video
The 22-Year-Old Artist is Rising Behind His Viral Single “Party Girl,” and Is Preparing to Play in L.A. As Part of His First Headlining Tour
Critical Praise:
“Kee Nola is a hip-hop artist hailing from Louisiana who landed on the map with songs like ‘Party Girl’ and ‘Demon Girl,'” – Noisey
“…moody melodies and immersive beats enhance the emotional depth of the lyrics.” – Hot 97
The Video:
Exploring the recesses of his mind with strong melodies, Kee Nola brings an edge to his hybrid sound. On his most recent single, “At The Top,” Kee reflects on how his life has changed since he has experienced success, voicing one of his greatest fears: that the bigger he gets, the lonelier he’ll become. Today, the 22-year-old artist shares the music video for the Mallroy-produced single which dramatizes the artist’s inner conflict. The video contrasts the glamorous image that fans have of a rap star’s life with the often grim reality, as he spends much of his time signing paperwork and avoiding the paparazzi. Released earlier this month on Kee’s birthday, “At The Top” follows recent singles like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Problematic,” two rock-tinged singles available now via EUROVZN / NEWWRLD.
Kee Nola is breaking out in a big way this year, on the heels of the viral “Party Girl.” Released early this year, “Party Girl” has become one of the year’s buzziest underground hits, generating over 21 million streams to date, including 3 million on its YouTube video. “Party Girl” can be found on PARTYLAND, Kee’s latest mixtape, released in April, along with other buzzing singles like “NEXT BESTFRIEND” and “Late To The Party.” Spanning 11 tracks, the mixtape is a collection of anthems for parties and the moments that come after, dripping with regret and heartbreak, yet radiating a defiant will to power through life’s hardships.
Earlier this summer, Kee Nola announced the “Welcome To Partyland Tour,” his first-ever headlining tour, with support from Kinfolk Jon. The “Welcome To Partyland” kicks off in Los Angeles on July 29th, passing through major markets like Atlanta and Brooklyn before concluding in Springfield, MO on August 30. The tour will find the rapper, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist performing songs from his recent mixtape PARTYLAND, home to his hit single “Party Girl.” Tickets for the “Welcome To Partyland Tour” are available now HERE
With PARTYLAND out now and more music on the way, Kee Nola is preparing to hit the mainstream. Stay tuned for much more from Kee Nola very soon.
“Welcome 2 Partyland Tour” dates:
7/19 –
7/29 – Los Angeles, CA | The Echo (Tickets)
8/9 – Atlanta, GA | Center Stage – Vinyl (Tickets)
8/11 – Dallas, TX | Three Links (Tickets)
8/17 – Brooklyn, NY | Baby’s All Right (Tickets)
Kee Nola, a rising artist from New Orleans, is making waves with his genre-blending sound influenced by Future, Kevin Gates, and Nirvana. His hit track, “Party Girl,” from his 2025 album It’s Not You, It’s Me, is going viral, with over 25k creates on TikTok and tens of millions of streams. With streaming numbers climbing and his name buzzing, Kee is proving he’s next up in the game. This is just the beginning.
says 88. “I was in the Santa Cruz redwood forests, a few miles from the prison where I made “Songs from the Hole”. It’s a declaration of my arrival to the free world and my music dreams.”
The Songs from the HoleEP is a 13 track melodic testament to survival and transformation releasing alongside the Netflix Original Film of the same title on August 13, 2025.
Originally written and recorded by JJ’88 in prison while serving a life sentence that began at age 15, it was later reproduced by richie reseda, Dylan Wiggins and Tairiq Bright & Garfield Bright III of Twiin Towers, keeping the original prison vocals. The EP is executive produced by richie reseda, JJ’88 and Rahael Asfaw for Question Culture. Gritty and vulnerable, the EP is a real-life hood-healing story—one that can only be told by someone who lived it.
Directed by Contessa Gayles Songs Written and Performed by JJ’88
Coming to Netflix on August 13th
JJ’88 Shares “Here Now” From Songs From The Hole EP
WINNER — SXSW, Audience Award: Visions, 2024
WINNER — Cinema Eye Honors: Heterodox Award, 2025
WINNER — BlackStar Film Festival, Jury Prize: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — Newark Black Film Festival, Jury Prize: Spirit of Paul Robeson Award, 2024
WINNER — Indie Street Film Festival, Jury Prize: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — Fist Up Film Festival, Jury Prize: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — Sing Sing Film Festival, Jury Prize: Excellence in Criminal Justice Storytelling, 2024
WINNER — Buffalo International Film Festival, Audience Award: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — Urbanworld Film Festival, Audience Award: Best Feature, 2024
WINNER — St. Louis Film Festival, Audience Award: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
WINNER — New Orleans Film Festival, Audience Award: Best Feature Documentary, 2024
SONGS FROM THE HOLE
Netflix has debuted the trailer for the upcoming visual album documentary to be released on August 13, 2025
Synopsis:
At 15, he took a life. Three days later, his brother’s life was taken. A moving chronicle of forgiveness, family, and the transformative power of art, SONGS FROM THE HOLE weaves music and mixed-media storytelling into an innovative documentary visual album.
Through clear-eyed narration and lyrical journal entries, incarcerated musician James “JJ’88” Jacobs reveals his innermost struggles as a person who has both committed and experienced violent harm. While serving a double-life prison sentence, he searches for healing and peace as he comes of age in this documentary-musical odyssey composed behind bars.
In a unique creative process director Contessa Gayles (The Feminist on Cellblock Y, Founder Girls, The Debutantes) collaborated with protagonist/writer JJ’88 and producer/music producer richie reseda to interweave the collective storytelling of the film’s non-fiction participants, with imagined memories, dreams and spiritual dialogues set to JJ’88’s original music. The result is a powerful mix of truth-telling and dreaming that reveal the potential for healing and liberation within us all.
Director: Contessa Gayles Songs Written and Performed by: JJ’88 Writers: JJ’88, Contessa Gayles Producers: Contessa Gayles, richie reseda, David Felix Sutcliffe Co-Producer: JJ’88 Executive Producers: Jenny Raskin, Lauren Haber, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Regina K. Scully, Meadow Fund, dream hampton Production Companies: Cocomotion Pictures and Question Culture
Download Key Art HERE
Download Stills HERE
Read more at TUDUM
Visit the official Songs From The Hole website HERE
Follow Songs From The Hole on Instagram
Earlier in the week, JJ’88 shared the lead single from the film’s accompanying Songs from the Hole EP release, titled “Here Now.” A smooth, introspective cut, the new single finds 88 waxing poetic atop breezy boom-bap production, courtesy of Tariq andGarfield Bright of Twiin Towers. “I was reflecting on my journey when I wrote ‘Here Now,'” says 88. “I was in the Santa Cruz redwood forests, a few miles from the prison where I made “Songs from the Hole”. It’s a declaration of my arrival to the free world and my music dreams.”
The Songs from the HoleEP is a 13 track melodic testament to survival and transformation releasing alongside the Netflix Original Film of the same title on August 13, 2025.
Originally written and recorded by JJ’88 in prison while serving a life sentence that began at age 15, it was later reproduced by richie reseda, Dylan Wiggins and Tairiq Bright & Garfield Bright III of Twiin Towers, keeping the original prison vocals. The EP is executive produced by richie reseda, JJ’88 and Rahael Asfaw for Question Culture. Gritty and vulnerable, the EP is a real-life hood-healing story—one that can only be told by someone who lived it.
