4.19.2024

Chicago Rapper Verse Shares Just Verse EP, Stars in the Video for “Face The Music“

Signed To Lupe Fiasco’s 1st & 15th Label, the GRAMMY-Winning Artist/Songwriter Shares a Soulful 5-Pack EP, Featuring Production from Soundtrakk, and Dedicated to the Searchers, Dreamers, and Those Looking to Change Themselves For the Better

Critical Praise:

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

The EP:

Chicago rapper Verse’s deep soulfulness and sharp lyrics make him a perfect fit for 1st & 15th, the label founded by Lupe Fiasco, with his business partner, Charles “Chilly” Patton. Demonstrating his immense talent, the multi-faceted artist shares Just Verse, a new 5-track EP.

A statement of purpose by the philosophical multi-hyphenate, Just Verse is an introspective exploration of self, delivered via vivid verses over lush production. Rhyming with a gentle rasp, Verse is a compelling presence behind the mic, his probing pen brimming with tongue-twisting confidence: “You know I’m built different/ so let me put this in your ear/I came from the bottom then I rose up to stardom/and it’ll rub off if you come near,” he rhymes on “Addicted To The Game.” Legendary Chicago producer Soundtrakk produced three of the EP’s five songs: his frayed synths on “Hurt Don’t Hurt” complement Verse’s traumatic recollections, while his rippling keys and sumptuous bass line imbues Verse’s love song “For You” with deep feeling. Atom Grey takes the helm on the remaining tracks, perfectly suiting the vibe.

“With an EP of five songs, you only get a limited amount of space to introduce yourself to the masses,” says Verse on the new project. “So that’s why I wanted to put together a body of work to serve as a synopsis of everything that I’m about musically. At the core, Verse means to be versatile, whether that be musically or emotionally. I’m at a point in my life and career where I want to show off all the sides of my character. Each song represents a different side of me, and a different version of myself.”

Along with the EP, Verse shares the brand new video for “Face The Music.” Produced by Atom Grey, “Face The Music” is a pugilistic lyrical exercise, as Verse dares his haters not to dance to his beat and tells them exactly who they’re dealing with: “I’ve been in my bag like when you looking for your keys/so you know I’m gone be armed like you looking for your sleeves,” he spits. In the video, directed by Chris & Blaq of Impakt Studio, Verse examines the different paths his life might have taken, depicting himself as a series of clones bringing each possibility to fruition. One clone is a robber, sent to rob yet another version of Verse. Meanwhile, the original Verse counts money in a warehouse, spending quality time with his family and friends.

“‘Face The Music’ is a decision,” says Verse. “If you’ve come to see what’s on the surface then that’s what you’ll get. If you choose to look beyond the stereotypes beyond the similarities you’ll began to understand there’s more. Maybe the music can save you, but only if you want to be saved.”

Handpicked by Lupe Fiasco for his 1st & 15th label, Verse, also known as zVerse and Versatile, hails from the West Side of Chicago. He made his bones working behind the scenes with acclaimed artists, including J. Ivy. Verse’s work on J.Ivy’s song “Running,” also featuring John Legend and Slick Rick, earned Verse a GRAMMY award, when Ivy’s album won Best Spoken Word Poetry Album. Now with Lupe Fiasco behind him, Verse is opening a new chapter in his career.

Watch “Face The Music”: https://youtu.be/bT542J5Dg2E

Stream Just Verse EP: https://orcd.co/justverse

Just Verse EP tracklist:

1. Addicted to the Game (Prod. by Atom Grey)
2. Face The Music (Prod. by Atom Grey)
3. For You (Prod. by Soundtrakk)
4. Hurt Don’t Hurt (Prod. by Soundtrakk)
5. Maybe It’s Me (Prod. by Soundtrakk)

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

The Background:

Introducing VERSE , also known as ZVERSE, Gentle Verse, or simply Versatile. Zebadiah Anderson, a Grammy award-winning recording artist, writer, a record producer and designer. Verse is a multifaceted artist hailing from the vibrant streets of Chicago’s west side. From an early age, Verse showcased extraordinary musical prowess, captivating listeners with his soulful voice and profound lyrics.

Beyond his musical talents, Verse’s heart beats for civil rights advocacy and humanitarian causes. His upbringing in a community grappling with social and economic challenges ignited a passion within him to leverage music as a catalyst for positive change. Through powerful performances and heartfelt lyrics, he has kindled hope, love, and equality in the hearts of his audience.

Verse’s unwavering commitment to using music as a force for good has garnered him critical acclaim a prestigious Grammy award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the music industry, and countless other Awards and recognitions. With his music resonating across diverse backgrounds, Verse has become a beacon of positivity and inspiration in the musical landscape.

As Verse gears up to release new music and promises to encapsulate his trademark fusion of soulful vocals, impactful lyrics, and uplifting melodies, while renewing the focus on spreading positivity and hope through music.

Verse’s mission remains crystal clear—to harness his musical talent as a vehicle for creating positive ripples in the world, leaving an indelible mark with his powerful messages. With unmatched talent, boundless passion, and an unwavering dedication to making a difference, Verse continues to inspire and uplift audiences, leaving an enduring legacy in the music industry and beyond.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube

Just Verse EP: https://orcd.co/justverse

“Face The Music”: https://youtu.be/bT542J5Dg2E

7.26.2024

Single: BIGBABYGUCCI – “Captain Crashout”

Charlotte’s Underground Icon Releases A Hypnotic New Single As He Prepares For His 8/5 Album, Baby 5

Tickets for the 8-Date “Baby 5 Tour” Go On Sale at 12pm Local Time

Critical Praise: 

“On ‘Need Anotha Party,’ BIGBABYGUCCI and KillBunk adjust their flows to this chopped, smoothed and sanded bossanova production.” – NPR

“He sings smooth and velvety melodies” – Lyrical Lemonade

“BIGBABYGUCCI has been one of the most consistent underground artists in the past few years.” – OnesToWatch

“BIGBABYGUCCI sounds rejuvenated thanks in large part to excellent production from Dream Awake, jackpott and more.” – HipHopDX

The Single:

Please contact Michelle or Alexandra for more info.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | soundcloud

“Captain Crashout”: https://onerpm.link/captaincrashout

“Pink Sprite”: https://onerpm.link/pinksprite

“You A Joke”: https://onerpm.link/youajoke

“Balenciaga Store Closed”: https://onerpm.link/balenciagastoreclosed

7.25.2024

Video: Icewear Vezzo – “Shifter“

The Detroit Street Hero Rides Through The 6 in Style in His Latest Music Video and Single

Critical Praise:

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

“The King of contemporary Detroit rap” – HYPEBEAST

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

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

The Video:

A leader in Detroit’s rap scene and a pillar in the city’s community, Icewear Vezzo makes things happen. Touting his influence over soulful horns and liquid keys, the Iced Up Records CEO shares “Shifter,” his latest single and music video. Rhyming over gently propulsive snares and tasteful electric piano, Vezzo locks in with his appealing rasp, methodically explaining why nobody can match his luxurious lifestyle: “Thirty thousand in my pocket, cause I’m a shifter/All these diamonds around my neck, b*tch, I’m a shifter,” he intones on the hook. In the video, directed by Diego, Vezzo rides in two luxury whips–a matte black Cybertruck and a souped-up Rolls Royce Wraith–as he brings his riches back to his home neighborhood of 6 Mile in Detroit.

Following “Aiight,” a recent collaboration with his friend and fellow Eastsider Peezy, “Shifter” is the latest single to emerge in the wake of his acclaimed recent album Live From The 6.  Live From The 6 is a down-and-dirty collection of sinister street stories, alternating raw hustler’s anthems that elucidate the mindset required to escape rough circumstances with thoughtful reflections on the toll life on the streets take on those who make it out. The album features appearances from DaBaby (on the suave single “Perfect”) and YTB Fatt (on street hit “Come Outside“), and rolls out the red carpet for Vezzo’s fellow 6 Mile native: Detroit star Babyface Ray. The culmination of Vezzo’s evolution from street-level hustler to a global ambassador for Detroit rap, Live From The 6is available everywhere now.

With limitless ambition and the work ethic to achieve his every desire, it’s only a matter of time before Icewear Vezzo takes over the game. Stay tuned for much more from Icewear Vezzo, as he continues to heat up Summer ’24.

Watch “Shifter”: https://youtu.be/IM7teqDsTrw

Stream “Shifter”: https://foundation-media.ffm.to/shifter

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

The Background:

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

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

Links:

official site | instagram | twitter | youtube | spotify

“Shifter”: https://foundation-media.ffm.to/shifter / https://youtu.be/IM7teqDsTrw

“Aiight” ft. Peezy: https://foundation-media.ffm.to/aiight / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu5lj28MmlA

“Class of 2024”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iEaJdmQiEI

Live From The 6: https://icewearvezzo.lnk.to/livefromthe6

“Perfect” ft. DaBaby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsW2sR8pidk / https://icewearvezzo.lnk.to/perfect

“I Ain’t Mad At Ya”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhzQfHqUIBw

“Come Outside” ft. YTB Fatt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fY6xeWB8eM

“Love In The City”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiQGFiCVlTQ

“Raw ASL”: https://youtu.be/_JOKel8sKhE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7.23.2024

Fuerza Regida Shares Tracklist for Pero No Te Enamores, Featuring Maluma, Gordo, Major Lazer and Others

The Highly-Anticipated New Album Drops on July 25th via Rancho Humilde/Street Mob Records

Spanning 15 Tracks, the Follow-Up To the Superstar Mexican Music Group’s #1-Charting Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada is a Daring Expansion of Their Sound

Critical Praise:

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

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

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

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

The Announcement:

Climbing charts on both sides of the border, Fuerza Regida is one of North America’s most popular acts. Today, the San Bernardino, CA-native group prepare for their highly-anticipated new album Pero No Te Enamores by sharing the album’s tracklist.

Following up their Billboard Top Latin Albums chart-topping 2023 album Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, the new album is a radical expansion of their sound, all grounded by the sharp songwriting and velvety vocals of frontman Jesus Ortiz Paz. Spanish for “but don’t fall in love,” the tracklist for Pero No Te Enamores hints at JOP’s lyrical preoccupations throughout the album, with song titles like “BRITNEY,” “KYLIE,” “BELINDA,” and “SOFIA,” among others. Continuing their run of superstar collaborations, featuring new songs with Major Lazer, Maluma, Afrojack, Gordo, Alok, and Bellakath, Pero No Te Enamores arrives on July 25th via Rancho Humilde/Street Mob Records/Sony Music Latin.

Pero No Te Enamores tracklist

1. TUQLO
2. NEL
3. SOFIA x Major Lazer x Alok
4. KYLIE
5. BELLA
6. FVCK x Afrojack
7. VALERIA x Maluma x Gordo
8. SECRETO VICTORIA
9. BRITNEY
10. ALE
11. FRESITA x Bellakath
12. FREESTYLE
13. JESUS
14. BELINDA
15. PERO NO TE ENAMORES

Fuerza Regida is currently on the road, continuing their fast-selling arena tour, the “Pero No Te Enamores Tour.” The 5-man banda have already played sold out shows in Austin, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, and San Jose, and will hit markets like Atlanta, and New York City in the coming weeks. The tour is a brand new and elevated production that features a full center 360 degree stage setup with lasers that put the audience right in the middle of the action, transporting them to the heart of a Mexican palenque. Fuerza delivers a setlist full of their historic hits, bringing fans on a musical journey spanning their entire career. Fuerza’s creativity and the chemistry between band members and their fans is what drives their immersive and innovative concert experiences, solidifying Fuerza Regida’s status as one of the leading live acts in Mexican music today.

Fronted by Jesús Ortiz Paz, the San Bernardino-native group has taken the US and Mexico by storm. Fuerza Regida’s popularity has grown significantly since their 2023 Billboard Music Award wins and the success of their #1 album Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, home to mega-hits like “TQM,” “Harley Quinn” ft. Marshmello, and “CRAZYZ.” . Earlier this year, Fuerza shared the heartfelt EP, Dolido Pero No Arreptentido, home to their Billboard Hot 100-charting single “TU NAME.” With several Hot 100 hits and a torrid live show, the band continues to expand their reach and solidify their place as a power player in the music industry.

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

All Pero No Te Enamores press assets HERE

Tickets for Fuerza Regida shows are available HERE

Shop Fuerza Regida x New Era: https://fuerzaregida.com/

Fuerza Regida Facts & Stats:

• Formed in San Bernardino, CA in 2015, the five-man group is composed of lead singer/songwriter Jesús Ortiz Paz (aka JOP), Samuel Jaimez on requinto, Khrystian Ramos on armonía/guitarron, José Garcia on Tuba, and Moises Lopez on Tololoche
• In 2023, Fuerza Regida became the first Latin band to be No. 1 on the “Top Artists – Duo/Group” list of Billboard‘s year-end charts, and won 2023 Billboard Music Awards for Top Duo/Group and Top Latin Duo/Group
• Fuerza’s collaboration with Marshmello, “Harley Quinn,” became their first song to reach #1 on the Latin Airplay Chart, generated over 395 million streams on Spotify, and peaked at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023
• The group has placed 7 albums and EPs in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, including their October 2023 album, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, which reached at #1 on the Billboard Latin Albums chart, and debuted at #14 on the Billboard 200, behind 53 million on-demand streams during its opening week, the third-largest opening total for a regional Mexican album to date
• 30 Million Monthly listeners on Spotify, #143 in the world
• Most recently, the group shared their new EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, which debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Latin Albums chart and at #2 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart, and every song from the EP charted on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart
• Beyond their headlining tour, Fuerza Regida will headline Baja Beach Fest in Rosarito Beach, MX (August 13)

Stream Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

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

Pero No Te Enamores Tour Dates: 
Jul 26         Atlanta, GA                       State Farm Arena
Jul 27         Tampa, FL                        Amalie Arena
Jul 28         Sunrise, FL                      Amerant Bank Arena
Aug 02       Greensboro, NC              Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Aug 03       Washington, D.C.            Capital One Arena
Aug 04       Belmont Park, NY            UBS Arena
Aug 09       Boise, ID                          ExtraMile Arena
Aug 10       Feria Lagos De Moreno   Lagos De Moreno
Aug 11       Rosarito Beach, MX         Baja Beach Fest
Aug 16       Milwaukee, WI                  Fiserv Forum
Aug 17       Indianapolis, IN                Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Aug 30       New Orleans, LA              Smoothie King Center
Sep 01       Tinley Park, IL                   Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre – SOLD OUT
Sep 06       Salt Lake City, UT             Delta Center
Sep 08       Denver, CO                       Ball Arena
Sep 12       Reno, NV                          Reno Events Center
Sep 15       Las Vegas, NV                  T-Mobile Arena
Sep 19       Fort Worth, TX                  Dickes Arena
Sep 20       San Antonio, TX                Frost Bank Center
Sep 21       El Paso, TX                       UTEP Don Haskins Center
Sep 22       Rio Rancho, NM                Rio Rancho Events Center
Sep 28       Anaheim, CA                     Honda Center – SOLD OUT
Sep 29       Palm Desert, CA               Acrisure Arena – SOLD OUT
Oct 05        Sacramento, CA               Golden 1 Center
Oct 11        Leon, MX                          Mega Velaria
Oct 12        Mexico City, MX              Plaza De Toros
Oct 25        Tulsa, OK                         BOK Center
Oct 27        North Charlson, SC        North Charleston Coliseum
Oct 31        Monterrey, MX                Arena Monterrey
Nov 01       Monterrey, MX                Arena Monterrey
Nov 02       Torreon, MX                    Coliseo Centenario
Nov 07       Oaxaca, MX                    Auditorio GNP
Nov 08       Puebla, MX                     Auditorio GNP Seguros
Nov 09       San Luis Potosi, MX       El Domo
Nov 15       Inglewood, CA                Intuit Dome
Nov 16       Inglewood, CA                Intuit Dome – SOLD OUT
Nov 23       Bakersfield, CA               Mechanics Bank Arena
Nov 27       Glendale, AZ                   Desert Diamond Arena
Dec 05       Rosemont, IL                  Allstate Arena
Dec 08       Reading, PA                   The Santander Arena
Dec 15       Nashville, TN                  Bridgestone Arena

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

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

Background:

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

About Spotify
Spotify’s platform revolutionized music listening forever when we launched in 2008. Our move into podcasting brought innovation and a new generation of listeners to the medium, and in 2022 we entered the next audio market primed for growth with the addition of audiobooks.

Today, more listeners than ever can discover, manage, and enjoy over 100 million tracks, 5 million podcasts titles, and 350,000 audiobooks a la carte on Spotify. We are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with more than 615 million users, including 239 million subscribers in more than 180 markets.We use our Investors and For the Record websites as well as other social media listed in the “Resources – Social Media” tab of our Investors website to disclose material company information.

Links:

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

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

Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

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

Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada: spotify | apple

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

7.23.2024

Afro Nation Detroit Announces Daily Lineups, Single-Day Passes Now Available

Returning to the Motor City from August 17-18, the Festival Welcomes Headliners Lil Wayne, Asake, Rema, and PartyNextDoor

All Passes For Afro Nation Detroit Are Now Available HERE

A Vibrant Celebration of Global Black Music, Afro Nation Boasts a Diverse and Star-Studded Undercard, Featuring Afrobeats Heavy-Hitters Kizz Daniel and Omah Lay, Rising Stars Like Amaarae and Ruger, Detroit Local Hero Kash Doll, and Amapiano Legends DJ Maphorisa, Uncle Waffles, and More on the Piano People Stage

Critical Praise:

Featured on CNN

Featured in The New Yorker

“…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

“…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:

Uniting the biggest names in Global Black music in a city known for its history of musical innovation, Afro Nation Detroit 2024 will be one of the must-attend festivals of the summer. Today, Afro Nation announces the daily lineups for the second annual festival, featuring enough international stars to fill two action packed days in the Motor City.

Saturday features a show-stopping array of African stars, headlined by global hitmaker Rema, Nigerian stalwart Kizz Daniel, Afro-fusion innovator Omah Lay, and ascendant icon Ayra Starr. The fest’s first day also features a performance by Detroit local hero Kash Doll, Detroit singer Charity, newly added to the bill, and South African amapiano aces Uncle Waffles and Musa Keys on the Piano People stage. Sunday rolls out the red carpet for an international all-star team, led by rap legend Lil Wayne, Nigerian crowd-mover Asake, Canadian R&B loverman PartyNextDoor, dancehall queen Shenseea, the smooth-voiced Adekunle Gold, and acclaimed rising artists Amaarae and Ruger. Legendary producers Scorpion Kings headline the Piano People stage, with support from DBN Gogo and many more.

The only scheduled Afro Nation event in the United States in 2024, Afro Nation Detroit returns to Bedrock’s Douglass Site from August 17th-18th, 2024. Single-day and 2-day passes for Afro Nation Detroit 2024 are available now at detroit.afronation.com. 

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

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

Head to detroit.afronation.com for passes and more information

Access the Afro Nation Detroit 2024 press application HERE

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

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

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

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

Background:

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

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

Links:

official site | twitter | instagram

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

7.24.2024

Video: wolfacejoeyy – “finsta“

Continuing to Rise in the Wake of His Valentino Album, The 21-Year-Old Staten Island Native Brings Baddies to Bushwick in the Colorful Video For His Ultra-Cool Summer Anthem

Critical Praise:

“Known for his sexy drill singalongs, wolfacejoeyy is one of the most exciting rising rappers from NYC’s “forgotten borough,” Staten Island. The 21-year-old seamlessly weaves hooky, charismatic rhymes into signature Staten-style instrumentals.” – GRAMMY.com

“wolfacejoeyy has built a cult following on SoundCloud thanks to his production style and unique lyricism.” – Variety

“Staten Island’s wolfacejoeyy uses his weightless vocals (he’s got some OVO R&B in him) to review the roster of girls he wants to spoil—and steal from their boyfriends, if necessary.” – Pitchfork

“The Staten Island, N.Y. native is bringing a unique blend of sexy drill music and sing-songy rhymes.” – XXL

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

“wolfacejoeyy is an artist who defies all labels. A native of Staten Island, the eclectic rapper/singer/producer combines elements of sexy drill, trap, Jersey Club, and more for his unique sound for his ever-grown fanbase. His smooth rhymes and catchy melodic hooks have propelled him to carve out his own space on the music landscape.” – BET

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

The Video:

Combining underground influences into a breezy and melodic package, wolfacejoeyy is using his melodic charm to make major waves in the rap game. Recruiting some beautiful friends for a classic Brooklyn summer evening, the 21-year-old artist shares the video for “finsta,” his latest single. Released in June as part of a double single, alongside “bia,” “finsta” is a smooth depiction of modern love, as joeyy flirts his way onto his intended’s close friends Instagram list, and attempts to grow more involved in her digital life: “Put me in a picture, I wanna know the real you/Can I get your finsta,” he lilts. In the video, joeyy brings four of his most attractive friends to Bushwick, as he opens up the fire hydrant and dances through a colorful, brownstone-laden block. 

“finsta/bia” are Wolfacejoeyy’s latest singles following the release of his debut album Valentino. The album is home to the viral hit “cake,” along with acclaimed singles like the heartfelt “don’t be dishonest,” and “I Know,” produced by WhereIs22. “cake” has quickly become a fan-favorite, generating over 160K combined views across social platforms before its official release, earning co-signs from stars like Sexyy Red, Rubi Rose, Veeze, and Kaliii on social media. The song has inspired more than 55.1k video creations on TikTok. The flirty music video for “cake” recently surpassed 4.8 million views on YouTube, becoming joeyy’s most-viewed video to date. Featuring additional production from Synthetic and many others, Valentino is available now on all platforms.

With a new project under his belt, joeyy is aiming to improve upon his breakout 2023, in which he partnered with Whereis22, on the acclaimed EP 22Joeyy. The album featured the single “weekend” ft. Cash Cobain & Chow Lee, acclaimed by Pitchfork, and additional guest spots from SoFaygo and B-Lovee. Joeyy discussed the project in an interview with BET, and a profile in HYPEBEAST that came out earlier this year, and his fiery 2023 inspired Complex to place him on their list of Rappers to Watch in 2024. After the success of 22Joeyy, joeyy kept the train rolling, opening for Eem Triplin on tour, throwing a headlining show earlier this year at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, and delivering a standout performance at Rolling Loud California 2024. joeyy is currently on tour with 4Batz as the OVO artist’s direct support.

With over 1 million streams per week on his catalog, joeyy is turning heads, ready to solidify his spot as NYC’s next up. Stay tuned for more.

Watch “finsta”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kde6MSguLEg

Stream “finsta/bia” here: https://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/finsta-bia

Photographed by Luca Marie (@lucamarieg)
Styled by Uma Natalia & Luca Marie (@umaluvintage)

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

Links:

instagram | tiktok | twitter | spotify | youtube

“finsta” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kde6MSguLEg

“finsta / bia”: https://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/finsta-bia

Valentino: https://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/valentino

“double tap”: http://wolfacejoeyy.lnk.to/DoubleTap / https://youtu.be/zQ341otFdGY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7.19.2024

Lupe Fiasco Announces Nationwide “Samurai Tour,” Kicking Off This Fall

Tickets Available on Friday, July 26th at 10am Local Time

Across 19 Dates, the Masterful Chicago Rapper Will Perform Songs From His Acclaimed New Album Samurai, and Highlights From His Decades-Long Career

Critical Praise for Samurai:

“Samurai is expected to be one of Fiasco’s most intrinsic works, as he is known for his conceptualized approach in his albums.” – Forbes

“Lupe Fiasco reunites with producer Soundtrakk for a jazzy, subdued album that weighs the challenges and indignities of sustaining a career in the arts.” – Pitchfork

“Lupe paints a sincere masterpiece with Samurai, reminding those that his pen is unparalleled even in a conceptual mood.” – BET

“The Chicago legend’s ninth album is inspired by battle rap and Japanese culture…” – CLASH Magazine

“With meditative focus and sharp craftsmanship, Lupe Fiasco’s Samurai album lives up to its name.” – Okayplayer

The Announcement:

20 years into his esteemed career, Lupe Fiasco can still turn heads with his unparalleled pen game. After earning rapturous acclaim for Samurai, his ninth studio album, the Chicago emcee prepares to take the new music on the road, with the “Samurai Tour,” starting this Fall. Kicking off in NYC (Terminal 5) on October 3rd, the “Samurai Tour” crosses the nation for 19 dates, stopping in cities like Atlanta (Variety Playhouse) on November 14th, and his hometown of Chicago (Salt Shed) on November 10th, before concluding in Los Angeles (Novo) on November 24th.

Tickets for “Samurai Tour” are available on Friday, July 26th at 10am local time HERE.

“Samurai Tour” Dates:

10/3    New York, NY (Terminal 5)
10/4    Hartford, CT (The Webster)
10/5    Philadelphia, PA (Union Transfer)
10/6    Boston, MA (Royale)
10/10  Columbus, OH (Columbus Athenaeum)
10/11  Cleveland, OH (TempleLive Cleveland Masonic)
10/18  Fort Collins, CO (Washington’s FoCo)
10/19  Denver, CO (Summit)
10/24  Solana Beach, CA (Belly Up)
10/25  Ventura, CA (Ventura Music Hall)
10/26  Pomona, CA (Fox Theater Pomona)
11/9    St. Louis, MO (The Factory at The District)
11/10  Chicago, IL (Salt Shed)
11/14  Atlanta, GA (Variety Playhouse)
11/15  Norfolk, VA (The NorVa)
11/16  Washington, D.C. (The Howard Theatre)
11/21  San Francisco, CA (The Warfield)
11/22  Santa Cruz, CA (The Catalyst)
11/24  Los Angeles, CA (The Novo)

Smooth, yet cerebral, Samurai is produced in full by Lupe’s longtime collaborator Soundtrakk–the second and second-straight full-length collab between producer and artist after 2022’s DRILL MUSIC IN ZION–and the first album that Lupe and Soundtrakk worked on with their longtime manager, and 1st & 15th co-CEO Charles “Chill” Patton, since 2007’s The Cool. Executive-produced by Patton, the album is home to singles like the acclaimed “Samurai,” the lyrical showcase “Cake,” and the warm “No. 1 Headband.”

Though the album is loosely inspired by the artistry of Amy Winehouse, conceptualized by Lupe as a battle rapper plying her trade in competitions, Lupe has called the album one of his “more personal records to date”: “It’s not a full biography, but my personal experiences are tied up in all of my music. A lot of the records are me. Some are from the POV of a character. and some are me. The album weaves things from my life as an artist, touching on things other artists go through.”

Released in late June, the album earned praise from Pitchfork (7.4), Clash Magazine, BET, Okayplayer, HotNewHipHop, The Needle Drop (8/10), and many other outlets. Lupe and Soundtrakk also sat down with Rolling Stone to give a revealing track-by-track breakdown of the 8-song effort. Samurai is available on all platforms, and at your local record store, via Lupe’s label 1st & 15th.

Stay tuned for more from Lupe and 1st & 15th as the year moves along.

Stream Samurai: https://orcd.co/lupe-samurai

Samurai tracklist:

1. Samurai
2. Mumble Rap
3. Cake
4. Palaces
5. No. 1 Headband
6. Bigfoot
7. Outside
8. Til Eternity

Credit: Karl Ray

Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.

Background:

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is a Chicago-born, Grammy award-winning American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and community advocate. Rising to fame in 2006, following the success of his debut album, Food & Liquor, Lupe has released nine acclaimed studio albums; his latest being Samurai, released in the summer of 2024. His efforts to propagate conscious material helped solidify him as GQ’s Man of the Year in 2006, and garnered recognition as a Henry Crown Fellow. While musical genius and ingenuity are at the forefront of Lupe’s achievements, the artist extends his innovation to projects that aim to foster creative discourse and opportunities in underprivileged and impoverished communities. Last year, the iconic Chicago native settled into his position as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he teaches “Rap Theory and Practice.” Beyond music, Lupe continues to focus on the community organizations he founded, including We Are M.U.R.A.L, The Neighborhood Start-Up Fund, Society of Spoken Art, and his cross-cultural content venture, Studio SV.

Links:

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

Buy tickets for the “Samurai Tour”: https://www.lupefiasco.com/shows

Samurai: https://orcd.co/lupe-samurai

“No. 1 Headband”: https://youtu.be/-qpInC2hSSw

“Cake”: https://orcd.co/lupe-cake

“Samurai”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcoRc2ieFzE

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

7.19.2024

Song: Skylar Blatt – “Wake Up (Acoustic)“

Following the Success of Her Collaboration with Chris Brown, Cincinnati Native and ILWT/Saint Ka$h/Arista Signee Skylar Delivers an Uplifting Acoustic Version of “Wake Up”

Critical Praise:

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

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

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

The Video:

Emerging from a rough upbringing to become her city’s most promising talent, Cincinnati native Skylar Blatt is ready to take over the Midwest and beyond. Today, the ILWT/Saint Ka$h/Aristasignee dropped the acoustic version of her Chris Brown collab, “Wake Up.” Following the track’s meteoric success with over 5.9M YouTube views and 10.7M Spotify streams, Blatt wanted to offer up a stripped down rendition for fans to add to their summer soundtracks.

On top of a clean guitar performance, Blatt showcases her ability to deliver no matter the BPM. Tapping into her melodic instincts, she weaves her inspirational bars into an irresistible rhythm that only adds to the acoustic vibe. You can hear the smile in Skylar’s voice as she rhymes, expressing gratitude for her god-given talent and finding comfort in the journey she’s building.

In regards to the original track, the collaboration came about organically: Chris became familiar with Skylar after he saw her perform her song “F*ck Fame” on From The Block and posted the clip on his Instagram. After Skylar reached out to thank him, the two developed a friendship and connected when Chris came through Ohio, where they promised that they would work together on a song. That song became “Wake Up,” and the two joined forces in Breezy’s neighborhood in Los Angeles to film the video.

“Wake Up” is only the first step in Skylar’s rise from the Queen City to the top of the rap game. Raised by a single mother as one of six, Skylar turned to hip-hop to escape the troubles of her youth, developing a style derived from the best East Coast and Midwest rappers. She first gained attention with freestyles she posted on her Instagram, eventually gaining an early co-sign from Meek Mill, and a glowing profile from Lyrical Lemonade. In 2022, Skylar started collaborating with some of the finest rappers in the midwest, connecting with Babyface Ray and fellow Cincinnati rapper Midwest Milly for “Exactly,” racking up over 800k YT views, and teaming with Icewear Vezzo for the sinister “God Forbid.” A lifelong Bengals fan, she teamed with fellow Ohioan Doe Boy to craft “BENGALS (SUPER BOWL),” an anthem meant to cheer on Joe Burrow and company as they played in Super Bowl LVI. In October 2023, Skylar shared her mixtape Blatt SZN, home to “God Forbid” and ten other Cincy slappers. The tape won her a fan in Lola Brooke, who hopped on a remix to her song “F*ck Fame.” Before “Wake Up,” Skylar released her single “Laughin To Tha Bank,” a hard-hitting anthem that is already beginning to impact local radio in Cincinnati.

Now, as the inaugural signee to Saint Ka$h Records, the record label founded by Kendell “Sav” Freeman, Skylar is looking to become the next Midwest rapper to break things open. With more music on the way, the Queen City queen is ready to defy the odds and take over Summer 2024. Watch this space–the Sky is the limit.

Stream “Wake Up” (Acoustic): https://skylarblatt.lnk.to/WakeUpAcoustic

Watch “Wake Up” ft. Chris Brown: http://SkylarBlatt.lnk.to/WakeUpVideo

Stream “Wake Up” ft. Chris Brown: https://skylarblatt.lnk.to/WakeUp

Photo credit: Shawn Hanna

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

Background:

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

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | twitter | tiktok

“Wake Up” (Acoustic): https://skylarblatt.lnk.to/WakeUpAcoustic

“Wake Up” ft. Chris Brown: http://SkylarBlatt.lnk.to/WakeUp / http://SkylarBlatt.lnk.to/WakeUpVideo

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

7.19.2024

Album: Jay Fizzle – Who Is Grizzape

Paper Route Empire’s Longest Tenured Signee Chronicles His Rise From Tough Times on Grape Street to Hood Stardom On His 12-Track New Effort, With Appearances from Key Glock, Kashh Mir, and a Posthumous Verse from Big Scarr

Critical Praise:

“..the members of Paper Route Empire reach a level of sincerity and emotional reflection that’s still hard to come by.” – Pitchfork

“Choosing some of the more interesting production to rhyme over, Jay Fizzle’s frankness and the flows he has on tap keep him in the convo as the whole city takes off.” – XXL Mag

“10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now” – DJ Booth

“The tape serves as both a testament to Memphis’ current rap preeminence and Fizzle’s own dexterity. He saves perhaps the hardest for last on the tape, attacking a looped vocal sample and towering percussion with ferocity.” – DJ Booth

“Jay Fizzle is a master of the searing street rap that serves as the bass-booming heart of Memphis music.” – The Hype Magazine

The Video:

Blessed with a tough-talking, yet charming southern drawl, Jay Fizzle is the realest on the Memphis streets. Delving into his past and present, the Paper Route Empire rapper shares Who Is Grizzape, a hard-hitting new project. The new project is one of Fizzle’s most reflective and introspective to date, especially on confessional songs like recent single “Letter To My Demon,” but does not sacrifice the soulful for which he is known.

Who Is Grizzape is a feast of no-holds-barred Memphis music, bringing drawly DGAF flexes and tongue-twisting bars that establish Jay Fizzle as one of the finest spittas in his city. Bass-heavy banger “Blue Takis” explains how he’s “lit like a camera”; single “Hot N Ready” simmers with the southern soul that has animated Memphis since the days of 8Ball & MJG; “Front And Back Pocket” features a slowed sample of his mentor Young Dolph, from the 2015 song “Boyz In The Hood“; and Fizzle expertly plays the lothario in the Ayoza-produced “Mr. Freaky Man.” Fizzle welcomes collaborators like his PRE cohort Key Glock, who joins him on “No Mo,” which also includes a posthumous verse from Big Scarr, and Memphis diva Kashh Mir hops on “Opp B*tch.” Who Is Grizzape is available to stream everywhere via Paper Route Empire.

Fizzle’s Who Is Grizzape continues a strong run for the Memphis rap mainstay. Last year, he shared his album F*CK BEING FAMOUS, which featured guest spots from 03 Greedo and fellow PRE soldiers Key Glock and SNUPE BANDZ. He paid tribute to his favorite Ninja Turtle, who he honors with a chain around his neck, with 2022’s DonaFizzo, which featured street hits like “Standing On Top Of Sh*t” ft. Key Glock and the heartfelt tribute “Long Live Dolph” ft. Ricco Barrino.

With Who Is Grizzape on the way, Fizzle follows his mentor Young Dolph’s footsteps, promising to dig deep into his mastery of Memphis music and deliver a set for the Tennessee trap heads. Sit back and watch him rise to the top of his city’s busy scene.

Stream Who Is Grizzape: https://music.empi.re/whoisgrizzape

Watch “Letter To My Demon”: https://youtu.be/jUYs9Tw7k68

Watch “Hot N Ready”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_p3dQfEE6w

Who Is Grizzape? tracklist

1. Who Is Grizzape
2. Blue Takis
3. 6AM
4. Letter To My Demon
5. No Mo ft. Key Glock & Big Scarr
6. Mr. Freaky Man (Prod. by Ayoza)
7. Front And Back Pocket
8. My Time
9. Opp B*tch ft. Kashh Mir & Baby Mama #10
10. Hot N Ready
11. Bottom Boy Survivor
12. Stand On It

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

Links:

instagram | twitter | youtube

Who Is Grizzape: https://music.empi.re/whoisgrizzape

“Hot N Ready”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_p3dQfEE6w

“Still The Same” ft. 03 Greedo: https://youtu.be/-0lRpfdMdjQ

“YBR”: https://youtu.be/s_FcTuNO5wk?si=8x21T50Ab9P21txE

“Built For This”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQuNmNpR1E

“F*ck Being Famous”: https://youtu.be/elfxVnsJoz4

“Back Breaker”: https://youtu.be/HiSCdeIf7k0?si=T-Z1uYh6uOTDC8Rh

“Good Fellas” ft. SNUPE BANDZ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrZgXFlIQao

F*CK BEING FAMOUS: https://music.empi.re/fuckbeingfamous

“Dickie Set”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQPegPB1c3U

“Been Going Crazy”: https://youtu.be/eGHHMr709HU / https://music.empi.re/crazyjay

“Nike Check”: https://youtu.be/c88QI8n7lcE

“King Sh*t”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmhoR5Kh4Wo

“Granny Happy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp6b6FQtO0o

“Gucci Mane”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs5wdrUdqgk

DonaFizzo (Deluxe): https://music.empi.re/donafizzodeluxe

“Won’t Cost Sh*t”: https://youtu.be/8Ws-gD-TTJE

“Dust Town Livin” ft. Big Scarr & Big Moochie Grape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsMCkMH65Ys

DonaFizzo: https://music.empi.re/donafizzo

“Atmosphere”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4h0abrTxOE

“Standing On Top Of Sh*t” ft. Key Glock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40_4__6mKYM

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

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

7.19.2024

Video: That Mexican OT – “Cowboy In A Escalade” ft. Trapboy Freddy

The 2024 XXL Freshman Represents For His Home State on the Road In the Latest Video From Texas Technician

Critical Praise:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Video:

That Mexican OT conquered the rap game with a million-watt smile and an impossibly dexterous flow. The Bay City, TX native comes through once again with a high quality video from Texas Technician, giving the visual treatment to the simmering anthem, “Cowboy In A Escalade.” A collaboration with Dallas rapper Trapboy Freddy, “Cowboy In A Escalade” finds the 2024 XXL Freshman trading in his trusty steed for something with a bit more horsepower, as he rides in luxury from tour date to tour date. The video, directed by OT’s frequent collaborator DGreen Filmz, depicts scenes from his current tour, as he kicks it with friends like his tourmate Maxo Kreambackstage and poses with the titular Cadillac.

That Mexican OT is currently on the road on a nationwide 2024 tour, featuring support from fellow Houston rapper Maxo Kream and his close confidante and “Johnny Dang” collaborator DRODi. Kicking off in Louisville, Kentucky on June 12, the tour criss-crosses the country for 33 dates, with stops in New York on July 23, and festivals like Austin City Limits. Earlier this summer, OT headlined a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, and performed at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash, where he rendezvoused with Nardwuar for an interview. The tour also features ten different dates in OT’s home state of Texas, stopping at underserved markets in the state for one of their biggest concerts of the year. Tickets for That Mexican OT’s upcoming tour are available at ThatMexicanOT.net

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

Recently named a 2024 XXL Freshman and one of the 7 Artists Shaping the Sound of 2024 by The New York Times, on top of recent interviews with the Los Angeles Times, SPIN Magazine, and his hometown Houston Chronicle, That Mexican OT is outta here. Stay tuned for much more from the Bay City, TX rhymer as he launches into the stratosphere.

Watch “Cowboy In A Escalade” ft. Trapboy Freddy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OH4MwKb-_k

Buy That Mexican OT concert tickets at ThatMexicanOT.net

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

Texas Technician tracklist: 

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

Credit: Dorian Green

The Background:

That Mexican OT is one of the biggest breakout stars in the rap game. Check below to read some facts and figures about OT and his rise:

• The 25-year-old rapper was born in Bay City, Texas, a rough-and-tumble town 1 hour south of Houston, which residents appropriately call “Be Careful Texas”
• That Mexican OT’s new album, Texas Technician, features guest spots from Moneybagg Yo, DaBaby, Fredo Bang, Paul Wall, and a all-star lineup of Texan talent, has been racking up millions of streams per day since its release, en route to a #64 debut on the Billboard 200. The mixtape spent a total of 5 weeks on the Billboard 200.
• That Mexican OT recently performed a standout set at the Rolling Loud California music festival – watch his set HERE
• OT’s single, “02.02.99,” is one of his most successful yet, with over 40 million streams since its early January release; “02.02.99” peaked at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100
• That Mexican OT was named an Artist To Watch For 2024 by Spotify and a “Breakthrough Artist to Watch” by Amazon Music
• That Mexican OT earned “Best of 2023” mentions from outlets such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Complex, and Pitchfork, who included OT in its “Best Songs of 2023” and “Best Music By Latine and Spanish Artists in 2023” lists
• OT’s career launched into the stratosphere when he shared the viral hit “Johnny Dang” ft. Paul Wall & Drodi, which has generated hundreds of millions of streams and climbed the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #65 peak, reaching Top 20 peaks on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs (#14) and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (#19) charts, and becoming OT’s first song to earn a GOLD certification from the RIAA
• His 2023 album Lonestar Luchador was a breakout success, peaking at #59 on the Billboard 200; the album also peaked at #1 on Billboard Heatseekers and at #6 on Apple Music’s All-Genre Charts, and earned mention on UPROXX’s Best Albums of 2023 list
• Recently profiled by the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, XXL’s The Break, Billboard, SPIN Magazine, Passion Of The Weiss, HITS Daily Double, and his hometown Houston Chronicle

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

Links:

official site | instagram | spotify | youtube | tiktok

Buy That Mexican OT concert tickets at ThatMexicanOT.net

“Cowboy In A Escalade” ft. Trapboy Freddy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OH4MwKb-_k

“Mucho Gracias”: https://song.link/us/i/1732806353

“Wockhardt” ft. Le$: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xDzrOK40HA

Texas Technician (ChopNotSlop): https://thatmexicanot.lnk.to/TexasTechnicianChopNotSlop

“Coming Down” ft. OTB Fastlane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB2pysqlF40

“Crooked Officer” ft. Z-Ro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPOA3de-CxY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7.19.2024

Video: 1Up Tee – “Zoned Out”

The Detroit Rapper Lays His Cards On The Table On Newest Single And Accompanying Video For “Zoned Out”

Critical Praise:

“As the public only becomes more (rightfully) skeptical of media and celebrity, there’s constant demand for artists who keep it real. Enter 1Up Tee: A fresh-faced Detroit rapper currently blowing up off a string of concept singles that get at the contradictions and unrealistic expectations of a social media-enabled society.” – Pitchfork

“1Up Tee is really a sociologist at heart. Dissecting what’s going on around him, with a scientific level of curiosity and precision, gives his music a really vibrant honesty.” – Passion of the Weiss

The Video:

1Up Tee is the kind of rapper that walks his talk. In his newest single, “Zoned Out,” the westside Detroit native gives listeners a glimpse into his past and shows his haters how far he’s come in the rap game. From juggling big dreams to juggling racks and countless lovers, bars like “I can’t go back to being sad an exhausted,” and “I was that kid that never talked, look how I turned out,”demonstrate Tee’s determination to make it to the top. In the single’s accompanying video, Tee puts his swag on full display as he spits his licks surrounded by expensive merchandise and large bags of za. Sandwiched between the head bobbing beat (produced by ENRGY) and raunchy lyrics, Tee touches on lessons he’s learned along the way and his adaptability: “could have never played the game because my heart was in it, now when people do me wrong s**t, I hardly feel it,” “all this s**t that n****s said that they can’t do, I’ll do it.” Needless to say 1Up Tee isn’t giving up on himself or letting anything stop him from following in the footsteps of local legends before him.

A Smoker’s Club Records release, “Zoned Out” is the latest step in 1Up Tee’s impressive rise over the last few months and follows recent singles “Click,” a collaboration with rising artist Star Bandz, “Butt Naked”, “Young N***s,” featuring a video by No More Heroes, and “Accountability Pt. 2,” the sequel to his breakout hit, which inspired a memorable, ASL-interpreted From The Blockperformance.

Inspired by local rappers Babyface Ray and Payroll Giovanni, Tee started rapping when he was a teenager, writing about the things he observed in his hometown, and eventually teaming up with close friend D Hen 1UP to release the mixtape Y.N.A. in 2022. 1Up Tee capitalized on his hometown momentum with the single “Accountability,” released in 2022, framed as a conversation between two sides of himself–one side lamenting his lack of success so far, and the other side telling him to shape up and get to work. Late last year, Tee’s profile began to cross out of the Great Lakes region and make waves nationwide: the catalyst was “Good Karma (Freestyle),” an examination about why bad things happen to real ones, which became a viral On The Radar performance and generated over 4 million on-demand streams. He kept the karma going with January’s “Lose Lose,” which earned attention from Pitchfork, racking up over 1.8 million streams in its first six weeks. His recent inclusion on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Hip Hop playlist and a significant uptick in TikTok followers highlight his growing influence.

With influential tastemakers like Pitchfork, On The Radar, and Spotify’s Fresh Finds in his corner, along with strong co-signs from from Meek Mill, athletes like Damian Lillard and Marshawn Lynch, and fellow Detroiters including Babyface Ray, Dej Loaf, and BabyTron, 1Up Tee is ready to become the next rapper from the Motor City to become a breakout star. Stay tuned for much more.

Watch “Zoned Out”: https://youtu.be/JELmihpHNE0

Stream “Zoned Out”: https://1uptee.ffm.to/zonedout

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | tiktok

“Zoned Out”: https://youtu.be/JELmihpHNE0

“Accountability Pt. 2”: https://1uptee.ffm.to/accountabilitypt2 / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IQPSs5KqiM&feature=youtu.be

“Lose Lose”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF6Nv6wWJXI

“Good Karma” (On The Radar Freestyle): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raFDa31IO7k

“Good Karma”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqo4EfTA-sA

“Accountability”: https://youtu.be/XiU4RGapq6s?si=p5P-DwuVCxI5KLv7

7.19.2024

Video: Maxo Kream – “Eye Know” (Prod. by Evilgiane)

The Houston Native Connects Once Again with the Surf Gang Producer to Craft a Fast-Paced Rapping Clinic

Critical Praise:

Every line arrives like deftly paced camerawork, as Maxo constructs a scene worthy of a Scorcese film.” – Rolling Stone

“The secret to keeping every song so effortless and flowing, regardless of subject matter, is in the phrasing. He can boil something as complicated as friends betraying each other down to a simple and clever line.” – Pitchfork

“Maxo Kream is one of the smartest, funniest, rawest rappers out of Houston (or anywhere), a gifted storyteller with a drawl that draws you in and an eye for detail that holds your attention” – Stereogum

“His best songs are stuffed with so many specific names and places that the listener has no choice but to believe what they’re hearing as true. It’s rare for me to believe anything a rapper says these days, but with Maxo it’s different. His vulnerability and clear-sighted perspective when recounting traumatic events leads me to believe Maxo is a reliable narrator” – Passion of the Weiss

“Houston rapper Maxo Kream has been dropping singles lately, and his conversational, melodic style remains addictive each time.” – BrooklynVegan

“His discography deals in-depth with the family struggle. It’s also a reminder for all of us to listen to the whole story. Otherwise, you inevitably miss a crucial piece of the incredibly complex puzzle of his life: poverty, gang culture, his complicated relationship with his parents as an immigrant son.” – NPR

The Video:

Consistently toying with listeners’ expectations, Maxo Kream effortlessly molds underground sounds to fit his speaker-knocking Houston style. The acclaimed emcee connects with Surf Gangproducer Evilgiane for “Eye Know,” his new video single. The Surf Gang producer (known for his work with Kendrick Lamar and Earl Sweatshirt, among others) provides a beat that swings with relentless propulsion, as Maxo steps up his game, decrying haters and fakes with his double-time rhymes: “I know some n****s that’s gangsta on Insta/You catch ’em and see ’em they really some h*es/I know some n****s got millions on YouTube, but can’t do a concert, can’t sell out a show.” Directed by Michael Onipede, the video matches the song’s playful vibe, liberally using the fisheye lens as Maxo hits licks and counts the cars in his garage.

“Eye Know” is this year’s second collaboration between Maxo Kream and Evilgiane, following “Bang The Bus,” an ethereal and energetic offering that arrived in January and earned acclaim from Stereogum, Rap Radar, Hits DD, and more. “Bang The Bus” kicked off a productive 2024 for the beloved rapper. Maxo used his music to process a loss in his family, paying tribute to his hero, his father Emekwanem Ibemakanam Ogugua Biosah Sr., aka Brandon Banks, who passed away earlier this year, in the single and music video for “No Then You a H*e,“ covered in Billboard, HotNewHipHop, Brooklyn Vegan, and more. He teamed up with fellow Texan That Mexican OTfor “Talkin In Screw,” a syrupy tribute to DJ Screw and the South Texas rap scene.

A master storyteller who has succeeded for over a decade in the game on his own terms, Maxo Kream is a proud torchbearer for the Texas rap tradition. Today, the Houston heavy-hitter celebrates his birthday by sharing “Talkin In Screw,” a new single and music video featuring fellow Texan That Mexican OT. Produced by Nick Grand, the new song is Houston to its core, populated by screeching synths and thumping 808s, inviting Maxo and OT to apply their fastest flows as they flex in double-time and dare any smack-talkers to meet them face-to-face. In the final minute of the song, “Talkin In Screw” slows to a syrupy pace, putting a spotlight on Maxo’s lyrics and paying tribute to the late Houston innovator DJ Screw. Maxo is hard at work on an upcoming project, due later this year, featuring these singles and diving deep into Maxo’s personal history.

Maxo’s upcoming album is the highly-anticipated follow-up to the 2021 album Weight Of The World, which earned critical acclaim from Pitchfork, NPR, Complex, and many others. The album featured collaborations with heavy-hitters including Tyler, The Creator, A$AP Rocky, Don Toliver, and Freddie Gibbs, and was expanded with 2022’s Weight Of The World (Deluxe), adding features from Benny The Butcher, Anderson .Paak, Babyface Ray, and more. Maxo spent 2023 releasing more fiery collaborations, including “Bonecrusher” ft. Key Glock and “Whatchamacallit” ft. Luh Tyler, and working on his health: the rapper recently shared that he lost more than 75 pounds and is in better shape than ever before.

Maxo Kream is currently on tour with his good friend That Mexican OT. Buy tickets HERE

Stay tuned for much more from Maxo Kream, as he continues to perfect his personas and honor his late father in 2024.

Watch “Eye Know”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvZtNhh16e4

Stream “Eye Know”: https://stompdown.lnk.to/eyeknow

Links:

instagram | twitter | soundcloud | spotify

“Eye Know” (Prod. by Evilgiane): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvZtNhh16e4

“Talkin In Screw” ft. That Mexican OT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKnBQNyG-cM / https://stompdown.lnk.to/talkininscrew

“No Then You a H*e”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyXAz5Wh_oE

“Bang The Bus” (Prod. by Evilgiane): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rydJEwoZq0

7.19.24

Video: Samuel Shabazz – “DAXTON”

The Babyface Ray-Signee Shares The Latest Video From His Versatile New Album PLANEBOY

The Video:

A soulful wordsmith and veteran musician, Samuel Shabazz is making his way to the top of the Detroit rap game. Hot off the release of his PLANEBOY album last month, the Babyface Ray-signee shares the video for “DAXTON,” a highlight track from the project. Over thumping 808s and distorted horns, Sam shows off his tough-talking side, delivering relentless flexes about his deep pockets and hustling ways: “I really get this sh*t started, I ain’t been one to just be tryin’ / Ain’t no stoppin’ for your guy, get richer.” In the video, Sam heads to the luxury Michigan hotel the song is named after, posting up in a dimly-lit suite before heading to the club with some “planeboy” baddies. “DAXTON” continues Samuel Shabazz’s recent streak of videos from his June project PLANEBOY, including “SAY YES,” “1800 CALL SAM,” and “FOR YOU.” 

“DAXTON” is a highlight track from PLANEBOY, an 18-track effort featuring some of Motor City’s finest veterans and risers, including Babyface Ray, Talibando, Moxie Knox, and more. Inspired by both Sam’s love for aviation and the iconic Playboy “Big Bunny” private jet, the project finds Sam infusing the spirit of his hometown into his signature melodies. He shows off the lyrical talent that has earned him the title of “Detroit’s most sought-after collaborator,” experimenting with different sounds and styles on tracks like the emotional “MY BABY,” the energetic “IMA THROW THIS MONEY,” and the street banger “PLANEBOY PINK.”

PLANEBOY is Sam’s latest step in journey to the top of his city’s rap game. Growing up in Detroit’s Westside, he was introduced to music by his father, Uncle Sam, an R&B artist signed toBoyz II Men’s label during the 1990s. After spending years recording and honing his sound, Samuel met Babyface Ray through a mutual friend in 2014. The two artists bonded as brothers and began collaborating on music, like their 2019 collab album Product Of My Environment and hit track “Hall Of Fame” ft. Veeze (9M YT views). The track pushed Samuel onto new radars, leading to last year’s introspective I Changed My Mind and Samuel’s most streamed song to date “Dotted Line” ft. Veeze (1.5M YT views). 

Now with the release of PLANEBOY, the Detroit hero is ready to soar to new heights.

Watch “DAXTON”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW3TCSmfGlE

Stream PLANEBOY:  https://music.empi.re/planeboy

PLANEBOY Tracklist:

1. RIPCUDDYWOP
2. 1800 CALL SAM
3. SAY YES
4. DAXTON
5. GREEKTOWN
6. FOR YOU
7. PLANEBOY PINK
8. TURN YOU UP
9. MY BABY
10. EXCUSE
11. IMA THROW THIS MONEY Ft. Talibando
12. HAVIN PROBLEMS
13. ALL OF THIS LOVE ft. Moxie knox
14. DIARY OF A YOUNG BLACK SLAYER
15. SOUL TIES
16. PULL ME BACK ft. Dre Butterz
17. LIFE GETS HARD ft. Babyface Ray
18. NEVER FRIENDLY II

Please contact Michelle or Alexandra for more info.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube

“DAXTON”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW3TCSmfGlE

“SAY YES”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9y4w_xq7I

PLANE BOY: https://music.empi.re/planeboy

“1800 CALL SAM”: https://music.empi.re/1800callsam / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rah91qm-aWc

“LIFE GETS HARD” ft. Babyface Ray: https://music.empi.re/lifegetshard

“PULL ME BACK”: https://music.empi.re/pullmeback

“FOR YOU”: https://music.empi.re/foryousam / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2g6TnAq_0Y

7.17.2024

Festival d’été de Québec Recap: July 10th-14th

Continuing a 55-Year Tradition, the Québec Summer Festival Rages On With Performances From Major Artists of All Genres

The Festival’s Weekday Shows Shined a Spotlight on International Stars Including Post Malone, J Balvin, Zac Brown Band, Mötley Crüe, and More

THE RECAP:

With its array of A-list talent and close-knit community atmosphere, Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is unlike the usual music festival. Nestled on a hill beside the mighty St. Lawrence River, Québec City’s famed Plains of Abraham transforms from a historic battle site to a center of celebration, as tens of thousands of fans from across Canada and beyond come together to watch epic performances from some of the world’s biggest acts of all genres.

The second half FEQ 2024 was a diverse showcase of artists of all genres, from country to rock to Latin and more. Keeping the energy high after a successful first week, FEQ impressed with an EDM-focused night on Wednesday, which featured a headlining performance from DJ Alan Walkerand duo Loud Luxury. Thursday was an exciting day for country fans who enjoyed performances from Zac Brown Band, singer songwriter Charley Crockett, and the UK’s Ben Howard.

The weekend kicked off with a high energy performance from Post Malone on Friday night who’s set was as diverse as the festival’s lineup, playing everything from his rap hits to new country anthems. Kansas and Jessie Murph also played standout sets on Friday, getting the energy on point for Posty. On Saturday, FEQ transformed into a Latin paradise, with sets from headliner J Balvin and Ivan Cornejo. Sunday concluded with a massive performance from the iconic heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, who stirred the 90k-strong crowd with their chart-topping anthems.

Beyond the main acts, FEQ boasted an eclectic array of some of the best acts in Canada or anywhere else. Toronto’s Blue Rodeo electrified the Loto-Québec stage on Saturday, while early 2000’s favorites All Time Low lit up the stage on Wednesday. The SiriusXM stage also gave fans an opportunity to discover local talent like Montreal’s Martha Wainwright and folk group Les Sœurs Boulay.

Louis Bellavance, VP of Content and Artistic Direction at BLEUFEU, emphasizes the importance of the musical diversity offered: “We believe that, more than ever this year, each show found its audience. True to our tradition, we aimed to offer festival-goers a complete musical spectrum. In addition, we take pride in having prominently featured local artists, especially at the Crave Stage and the Hydro-Québec Stage, both of which were free. This underscores our commitment to the Quebec music scene and emerging talents across the board,” he notes.

Held annually since 1968, the Festival d’été de Quebec is an inviting and convivial city celebration of music, culture, and community. Check out FEQ’s Instagram for in-the-moment highlights from the festival.

FEQ will return to Quebec City July 3-13, 2025. Stay tuned for more information to experience the festival for yourself next year.

View photos of FEQ 2024 at this Dropbox (please credit photographers “FEQ/photographer name”):  https://festivaldetedequebec.pixieset.com/festivaltdetequebec-2024/04/

POST MALONE:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

J BALVIN:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

ZAC BROWN BAND:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

MÖTLEY CRÜE:

(Credit: FEQ / Marc Antoine Hall)

IVAN CORNEJO:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

ALAN WALKER:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

LOUD LUXURY:

(Credit: FEQ/Stephane Bourgeois)

CHARLEY CROCKETT:

(Credit: FEQ /Stephane Bourgeois)

KANSAS:

(Credit: FEQ/Sebastien Dion)

ALL TIME LOW:

(Credit: FEQ/Sebastien Dion)

JESSIE MURPH:

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

BEN HOWARD:

(Credit: FEQ / Charline Clavier)

SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL:

(Credit: FEQ / Marc Antoine Halle)

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)

(Credit: FEQ / Marc Antoine Hall)

(Credit: FEQ/Stephane Bourgeois)

Critical Praise:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Background:

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

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

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

Links:

official site | tiktok | facebook | youtube | instagram

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

7.16.2024

Festival d’été de Québec Recap: July 4th-9th

Québec City’s Summer Festival Brought an Eclectic Lineup to the Charming City & Debuted A New Stage Design

Standouts From the Fest’s First Weekend Include: Nickelback, 50 Cent, The Jonas Brothers, Killer Mike & More

(Credit: FEQ/Stephanie Bourgeois)

THE RECAP:

An 11-day celebration of music and culture, hosted in one of North America’s most beautiful cities, Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is truly one-of-a-kind. Held annually since 1968, FEQ draws hundreds of thousands of fans (1.4 million total admissions!) and dozens of international artists (over 180 per year!) to Quebec’s city center for more than a week’s worth of fantastic performances on five separate stages. The summer festival, which sold out in under 90 minutes this year, makes use of The Plains of Abraham, one of the most notable historical sites in Canada, where, in 1759, the British and French fought a decisive battle in the Seven Years’ War. Now, hundreds of years later with Canada’s fate in its own hands, the Plains of Abraham (on the banks of the St. Lawrence River) is the location of the FEQ’s main stage, the Bell Stage at National Battlefields Park, with a capacity of over 90,000. FEQ is renowned for its ability to recruit some of the world’s best and biggest artists to that historic stage.

FEQ 2024 kicked off on July 4th, and its opening weekend was one for the books. The festival debuted a new stage design this year featuring 90 ft x 50 ft hydraulic screen holders, which FEQ’s Programming Director Louis Bellavance called “very Coachella-esque” in a recent interview with PollStar.

Thursday brought a headlining performances from Nickelback, who were in top form in their home country as they performed songs from their nearly 30-year career. Friday continued to bring the heat with rappers 50 Cent & Killer Mike taking the stage. Saturday brought all the nostalgic vibes with the iconic Jonas Brothers and “Call Me Maybe” sensation Carly Rae Jepsen drawing a packed crowd of pop stans. Sunday was rock night at FEQ, featuring a headlining performance from The Offspring and support from Rise Against. As the weekend came to a close, FEQ showed no signs of slowing down continuing on Monday with performances from renowned Canadian classical pianist Alexandra Stréliski and indie rock band Mt. Joy. Tuesday also spotlighted one of Canada’s top rock bands, Karkwa, as well as Ontario rockers Tokyo Police Club.

Keep an eye on FEQ’s Instagram for in-the-moment highlights from Quebec City, plus updates, guides, announcements, and much more.

Stay tuned throughout the week for much more from the one-of-a-kind festival, continuing each day til July 14th. Artists to come include Post Malone, J Balvin, Zac Brown Band, Mötley Crüe, and more.

View photos of FEQ 2024 at this Dropbox (please credit photographers “FEQ/photographer name”): https://festivaldetedequebec.pixieset.com/festivaltdetequebec-2024/04/

50 CENT:

(Credit: FEQ/Etienne Dionne)

(Credit: FEQ/Etienne Dionne)

NICKELBACK:

(Credit: FEQ/Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)

THE JONAS BROTHERS:

(Credit: FEQ/Seb Dion)

(Credit: FEQ/Seb Dion)

CARLY RAE JEPSEN:

(Credit: FEQ/Seb Dion)

(Credit: FEQ/Seb Dion)

KILLER MIKE:

(Credit: FEQ/Etienne Dionne)

THE OFFSPRING:

(Credit: FEQ/Stephane Bourgeois)

ALEXANDRA STRELISKI;

(Credit: FEQ/Stephane Bourgeois)

MT. JOY:

(Credit: FEQ/Seb Dion)

KARKWA:

(Credit: FEQ/Seb Dion)

SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL:

(Credit: FEQ/Dylan Page)

(Credit: FEQ/Etienne Dionne)

(Credit: FEQ/Etienne Dionne)

(Credit: FEQ/Etienne Dionne)

(Credit: FEQ/Etienne Dionne)

(Credit: FEQ/Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ/Stephane Bourgeois)

(Credit: FEQ/Etienne Dionne)

Critical Praise:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Background:

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

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

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

Links:

official site | tiktok | facebook | youtube | instagram

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

7.16.24

Fuerza Regida Announces Their Next Album, Pero No Te Enamores, Revealing Murals of the Album Artwork in Cities Across the U.S.

The Superstar Mexican Group’s Highly-Anticipated New Album Drops on July 25th via Rancho Humilde/Street Mob Records

The Band Prepares the Follow-Up to Their Chart-Topping 2023 Effort Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, As They Begin Their Fast Selling “Pero No Te Enamores” Arena Tour 

Critical Praise:

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

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

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

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

The Announcement:

Chart-topping Mexican band Fuerza Regida is planning to release their new album, Pero No Te Enamores, on July 25th. Just nine days before the album’s release, the band unveils murals depicting the album’s artwork in cities across the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago, and their hometown of San Bernardino, CA. Fuerza teamed up with Spotify to reveal additional billboards in Los Angeles and Mexico City. The surprise announcement indicates a new era for the top-selling group, complete with ambitious new sounds.

The follow-up to their blockbuster album Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada (which topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart for multiple weeks this year, and currently sits at #4), Fuerza’s upcoming Pero No Te Enamores expands their sound, taking their hybrid of traditional Mexican music and modern genres to new heights. Stay tuned for much more music from and information about Pero No Te Enamores, which releases on July 25th via Rancho Humilde/Street Mob Records/Sony Music Latin.

Fuerza Regida makes their album announcement amidst their fast-selling arena tour, the “Pero No Te Enamores Tour.” The 5-man banda have already played sold out shows in Austin, San Diego, Phoenix, and San Jose, and will hit markets like Dallas (SOLD OUT), Atlanta, and New York City in the coming weeks. The tour is a brand new and elevated production that features a full center 360 degree stage setup with lasers that put the audience right in the middle of the action, transporting them to the heart of a Mexican palenque. Delivering a setlist featuring all their historic hits, Fuerza take the fans through their most famous collaborations and a musical journey spanning their entire career. Fuerza’s creativity and the chemistry between band members and their fans is what drives their immersive and innovative concert experiences, solidifying Fuerza Regida’s status as one of the leading live acts in Mexican music today.

Fronted by Jesús Ortiz Paz, the San Bernardino-native group has taken the US and Mexico by storm. Fuerza Regida’s popularity has grown significantly since their 2023 Billboard Music Awardwins and the success of their #1 album Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, home to mega-hits like “TQM,” “Harley Quinn” ft. Marshmello, and “CRAZYZ.” . Earlier this year, Fuerza shared the heartfelt EP, Dolido Pero No Arreptentido, home to their Billboard Hot 100-charting single “TU NAME.” Known for their high energy performances, the band continues to expand their reach and solidify their place as a power player in the music industry.

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

All Pero No Te Enamores press assets HERE

Tickets for Fuerza Regida shows are available HERE

Shop Fuerza Regida x New Era: https://fuerzaregida.com/

Fuerza Regida Facts & Stats:

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

Stream Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

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

Pero No Te Enamores Tour Dates: 
Jun 06        Austin, TX                    Moody Center – SOLD OUT
Jun 09        Edinburg, TX                Bert Ogden Arena – SOLD OUT
Jun 14        Oklahoma City, OK      Paycom Center
Jun 15        Ridgedale, MO             Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Jun 16        Kansas City, MO          T-Mobile Center
Jun 20        San Diego, CA              Viejas Arena – NEW DATE
Jun 21        San Diego, CA              Viejas Arena – SOLD OUT
Jun 22        Phoenix, AZ                  Footprint Center – SOLD OUT
Jun 23        Phoenix, AZ                  Footprint Center – NEW DATE
Jun 29        Portland, OR                 Moda Center
Jun 30        Seattle, WA                   Climate Pledge Arena
Jul 06         San Jose, CA                SAP Center – SOLD OUT
Jul 07         Fresno, CA                    Save Mart Center at Fresno State
Jul 13         Houston, TX                  Toyota Center
Jul 20         Dallas, TX                      Dos Equis Pavilion – SOLD OUT
Jul 21         Dallas, TX                      Dos Equis Pavilion – NEW DATE
Jul 26         Atlanta, GA                    State Farm Arena
Jul 27         Tampa, FL                     Amalie Arena
Jul 28         Sunrise, FL                    Amerant Bank Arena
Aug 02       Greensboro, NC            Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Aug 04       Belmont Park, NY         UBS Arena
Aug 16       Milwaukee, WI               Fiserv Forum
Aug 17       Indianapolis, IN             Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Sep 01       Tinley Park, IL                Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre – SOLD OUT
Sep 06       Salt Lake City, UT          Delta Center
Sep 08       Denver, CO                     Ball Arena
Sep 15       Las Vegas, NV               T-Mobile Arena
Sep 20       San Antonio, TX            Frost Bank Center
Sep 21       El Paso, TX                    UTEP Don Haskins Center
Sep 28       Anaheim, CA                 Honda Center – SOLD OUT
Sep 29       Palm Desert, CA           Acrisure Arena – SOLD OUT
Oct 05        Sacramento, CA           Golden 1 Center
Oct 11         Leon, MX                      Mega Velaria*
Oct 12         Mexico City, MX          Plaza De Toros*
Oct 31         Monterrey, MX             Arena Monterrey*
Nov 1          Monterrey, MX             Arena Monterrey*
Nov 2          Torreon, MX                 Coliseo Centenario*
Nov 7          Oaxaca, MX                 Auditorio GNP*
Nov 9          San Luis Potosi, MX   El Domo*
Nov 15        Inglewood, CA             Intuit Dome – NEW DATE
Nov 16        Inglewood, CA             Intuit Dome – SOLD OUT

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

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

The Background:

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

About Spotify
Spotify’s platform revolutionized music listening forever when we launched in 2008. Our move into podcasting brought innovation and a new generation of listeners to the medium, and in 2022 we entered the next audio market primed for growth with the addition of audiobooks.

Today, more listeners than ever can discover, manage, and enjoy over 100 million tracks, 5 million podcasts titles, and 350,000 audiobooks a la carte on Spotify. We are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with more than 615 million users, including 239 million subscribers in more than 180 markets.We use our Investors and For the Record websites as well as other social media listed in the “Resources – Social Media” tab of our Investors website to disclose material company information.

For more information, images, or to contact the press team, head over to https://newsroom.spotify.com/.

Links:

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

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

Dolido Pero No Arrepentido: spotify | apple

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

Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada: spotify | apple

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

7.16.2024

Jay Fizzle Prepares For 7/19 Who Is GrizzapeProject With Evocative “Letter To My Demon” Video Single

The Paper Route Empire Capo Addresses His Inner Turmoil In His New 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

“Choosing some of the more interesting production to rhyme over, Jay Fizzle’s frankness and the flows he has on tap keep him in the convo as the whole city takes off.” – XXL Mag

“10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now” – DJ Booth

“The tape serves as both a testament to Memphis’ current rap preeminence and Fizzle’s own dexterity. He saves perhaps the hardest for last on the tape, attacking a looped vocal sample and towering percussion with ferocity.” – DJ Booth

“Jay Fizzle is a master of the searing street rap that serves as the bass-booming heart of Memphis music.” – The Hype Magazine

The Video:

Jay Fizzle ignites the streets with his tumbling flow and uncommon swag. The Memphis rhymer prepares for his next project, Who Is Grizzape, by sharing a haunting video for “Letter To My Demon,” a project highlight. Working his fast-talking flow over a speaker-knocking bit of chipmunk soul, the longest-tenured Paper Route Empire signee’s voice rises in intensity as he chronicles the hardships of members of his community, stresses about feeding his kids, honors his grandma, and swears his revenge: “When they killed my n**** Flippa, they created a whole beast,” he snarls. In the video, Fizzle confesses his sins, as he contemplates his path to becoming a better man.

“Letter To My Demon” arrives ahead of Who Is Grizzape, coming this week. Named after his home block of Grape Street, Who Is Grizzape? is a devotional document, as Fizzle swears loyalty to his block and his bros, and has fun while doing it. Featuring the recently shared single “Hot N Ready,” the new project is a feast of no-holds-barred Memphis music, bringing the drawly DGAF flexes and tongue-twisting bars that Fizzle fans have come to expect. Featuring guest spots from his PRE cohort Key Glock, Memphis diva Kashh Mir, and a posthumous verse from Big Scarr, Who Is Grizzape? arrives on July 19th via Paper Route Empire.

Fizzle’s upcoming Who Is Grizzape? continues a strong run for the Memphis rap mainstay. Last year, he shared his album F*CK BEING FAMOUS, which featured guest spots from 03 Greedo and fellow PRE soldiers Key Glock and SNUPE BANDZ. He paid tribute to his favorite Ninja Turtle, who he honors with a chain around his neck, with 2022’s DonaFizzo, which featured street hits like “Standing On Top Of Sh*t” ft. Key Glock and the heartfelt tribute “Long Live Dolph” ft. Ricco Barrino.

With Who Is Grizzape on the way, Fizzle follows his mentor Young Dolph’s footsteps, promising to dig deep into his mastery of Memphis music and deliver a set for the Tennessee trap heads. Sit back and watch him rise to the top of his city’s busy scene.

Watch “Letter To My Demon”: https://youtu.be/jUYs9Tw7k68

Watch “Hot N Ready”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_p3dQfEE6w

Pre-save Who Is Grizzape: https://music.empi.re/whoisgrizzape

Who Is Grizzape? tracklist

1. Who Is Grizzape
2. Blue Takis
3. 6AM
4. Letter To My Demon
5. No Mo ft. Key Glock & Big Scarrr
6. Mr. Freaky Man (Prod. by Ayoza)
7. Front And Back Pocket
8. My Time
9. Opp B*tch ft. Kashh Mir & Baby Mama #10
10. Hot N Ready
11. Bottom Boy Survivor
12. Stand On It

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

Links:

instagram | twitter | youtube

“Hot N Ready”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_p3dQfEE6w

Pre-save Who Is Grizzape: https://music.empi.re/whoisgrizzape

“Still The Same” ft. 03 Greedo: https://youtu.be/-0lRpfdMdjQ

“YBR”: https://youtu.be/s_FcTuNO5wk?si=8x21T50Ab9P21txE

“Built For This”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQuNmNpR1E

“F*ck Being Famous”: https://youtu.be/elfxVnsJoz4

“Back Breaker”: https://youtu.be/HiSCdeIf7k0?si=T-Z1uYh6uOTDC8Rh

“Good Fellas” ft. SNUPE BANDZ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrZgXFlIQao

F*CK BEING FAMOUS: https://music.empi.re/fuckbeingfamous

“Dickie Set”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQPegPB1c3U

“Been Going Crazy”: https://youtu.be/eGHHMr709HU / https://music.empi.re/crazyjay

“Nike Check”: https://youtu.be/c88QI8n7lcE

“King Sh*t”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmhoR5Kh4Wo

“Granny Happy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp6b6FQtO0o

“Gucci Mane”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs5wdrUdqgk

DonaFizzo (Deluxe): https://music.empi.re/donafizzodeluxe

“Won’t Cost Sh*t”: https://youtu.be/8Ws-gD-TTJE

“Dust Town Livin” ft. Big Scarr & Big Moochie Grape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsMCkMH65Ys

DonaFizzo: https://music.empi.re/donafizzo

“Atmosphere”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4h0abrTxOE

“Standing On Top Of Sh*t” ft. Key Glock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40_4__6mKYM

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

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

Kenny Muney and BEO Lil Kenny Have a Blue Summer in “Bodies & Bucks” Video

The Paper Route Empire Heavy-Hitter Heats Up the Summer With a Fellow Memphis Rapper in the Latest Video from The Blue Seasons

Critical Praise:

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

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

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

The Video:

Impressing with his slick, muscular, and fast-talking Memphis rap, Kenny Muney is a man for all seasons. Heating up for the summer time with the latest video from his 2024 album The Blue Seasons, the Paper Route Empire rapper unites with fellow Memphian BEO Lil Kenny for “Bodies & Bucks.” A lush Southern slapper, which producers Cutthroatbreezy & Phantom4real adorn with saxophones, organs and vibraphones, “Bodies & Bucks” finds the two Kennys trading verses, proving that there’s nothing they won’t do to secure a bag: “I got some hitters so thirsty, I think they’ll jump on a plane to get you,” asserts Kenny Muney. In the video, the two rappers kick back in the pool hall, as they shoot dice, pour Don Julio, and count their endless stacks of cash.

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

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

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

Watch “Bodies & Bucks” ft. BEO Lil Kenny: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM2xEZfWVhk

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

The Background:

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

Links:

instagram | twitter | spotify | youtube

“Bodies & Bucks” ft. BEO Lil Kenny: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM2xEZfWVhk

“Take A Shot”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkyeR7KbP98

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Top”: https://youtu.be/d8K8OQUeP44

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUEÑOS MUSIC FESTIVAL AGREES TO FIVE-YEAR DEAL WITH CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT, ENSURING THE LATIN FESTIVAL’S PRESENCE IN GRANT PARK THROUGH 2029

El Festival Latino’s New Deal with the City Arrives Hot on the Heels of the Sold Out Sueños 2024, Featuring Show-Stopping Performances by Rauw Alejandro, Maluma, Ivan Cornejo, Young Miko, and Many More

Sueños 2024 (Photo credit: Sueños/@frankievergara)

The Announcement:

(Chicago, IL – July 11, 2024) – After three years of successful events that bring the best and brightest in Latin music to the heart of downtown Chicago, Sueños Music Festival announces that it has reached a deal with the Chicago Park District to return to Grant Park for five more years, with an option to extend for five more.

“We are grateful to the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District and its leaders for their confidence in us to produce a top-tier festival for the city’s Latin community,” say Aaron Ampudia and Chris Den Uijl of La Familia Presenta, and Charlie Walker and Charles Attal of C3 Presents, Co-Founders of Sueños. “Every year, the energy and excitement from fans at Sueños blow us away. We’re excited for what’s ahead, and to continue to highlight and celebrate Latin culture in this amazing city.”

Sueños Festival’s new deal with Chicago Park District affirms its status as a burgeoning cultural and economic institution in its home city. Sueños provides hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of economic impact to the city each year. The festival’s economic impact on Chicago doubled since its inaugural year in 2022, from $120.9 million during its first festival to $243.7 million in 2024.

Sueños is dedicated to supporting and stimulating the sizable Latin American community in Chicago. This May, Sueños partnered with the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for its Día Del Niño celebration, sponsoring family-centered enrichment, entertainment, and educational programs for the city’s youth. Each year, Sueños hosts 20 Days of Sueños, partnering with Latin restaurants and businesses in the city to give away free passes to the festival, highlighting local institutions and driving business their way.

Earlier this year, Sueños returned with the sold out Sueños Music Festival 2024, an unforgettable weekend filled with great performances and even better vibes. Fans witnessed performances from superstar headliners like Rauw Alejandro and Maluma, exciting young stars like Young Miko and Mora, Mexican music heartthrobs like Ivan Cornejo, Xavi, and Gabito Ballesteros, Reggaeton legends like Jowell Y Randy, and many more. Sold out in just five days, third edition of Sueños Festival is a testament to the passionate community of Latin music fans the festival built in a short time.

Presented by La Familia, Sueños is well on its way to becoming the premier destination for Latin music lovers in Chicago and beyond. Sign up for Sueños 2025 Waitlist to receive the latest updates about next year’s festival.

Sign up for the Waitlist and find more information at www.suenosmusicfestival.com

View photos from Sueños 2024 HERE (credit all photos to “Sueños / @photographer”)

Follow Sueños on Instagram for in-the-moment updates

The Background:

Located in the iconic Grant Park, offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, Sueños Festival (translation: dreams), was created to be an inclusive event with a mission to continue to celebrate and uplift Latin culture and the extraordinary music, people, food, and amazing energy that comes along with it. With past headliners including Ozuna, Feid, Wisin Y Yandel, Grupo Firme, Rauw Alejandro, and more, the festival is a burgeoning institution in the City of Chicago, and a world class destination for Latin music fans across the globe.

Contact:

Media Contacts:
suenos@audibletreats.com

Links:

official website | instagram | facebook | twitter

Watch the official Sueños 2023 Aftermovie: https://youtu.be/j8lJCfrLm2E

Single: BIGBABYGUCCI – “Pink Sprite”

The Multidimensional North Carolina Artist Flexes His Melodic Muscles in the Latest Single From His Upcoming Project Baby 5

Critical Praise: 

“On ‘Need Anotha Party,’ BIGBABYGUCCI and KillBunk adjust their flows to this chopped, smoothed and sanded bossanova production.” – NPR

“He sings smooth and velvety melodies” – Lyrical Lemonade

“BIGBABYGUCCI has been one of the most consistent underground artists in the past few years.” – OnesToWatch

“BIGBABYGUCCI sounds rejuvenated thanks in large part to excellent production from Dream Awake, jackpott and more.” – HipHopDX

The Single:

Please contact Michelle or Alexandra for more info.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | soundcloud

“Pink Sprite”: https://onerpm.link/pinksprite

“You A Joke”: https://onerpm.link/youajoke

“Balenciaga Store Closed”: https://onerpm.link/balenciagastoreclosed

Single: Erica Banks – “Extra”

The South Dallas Breakout Hitmaker Flaunts Her Drip, Her Game, And Her Flow On Her Latest Single Ahead Of Upcoming EP, Set To Drop Late-Summer

Critical Praise: 

“Banks makes music for women to feel good about themselves, and encourages them to seek out money, power and respect.”– Grammy.com

“Banks’ quick-witted, versatile flow and bravado promises more turn-up anthems for the girls to twerk to.”– Billboard

“As she continues to level up as one of the most popular women in rap, Erica Banks is looking set to have another strong year.”– HotNewHipHop

The Single:

Erica Banks knows she’s the full-package, from her head-to-toe drip to her sticky flow, she is here to let everyone know she’s that girl. Her latest track “Extra” pairs her bold, smoky voice and a cold booming bass beat with licks about selling out performances and making 40 racks in one night. She flexes about being the baddest woman in any room and flaunting her designer wardrobe, all embodying her big baller energy. Longtime friend and collaborator, Big Boogie, hops in to flex his own game alongside her. Banks and Big Boogie bring a distinctly southern attitude and flow to the bouncy single and both voices complement each other as they rap about stunting on the haters around them. Banks’ crisp and commanding delivery complements Big Boogie’s gravelly voice, injecting the song with the kind of grit Southern rap is known for. 

Even with her boastful bars, Erica remains humble and relatable while navigating and growing within an industry that often forgets artists are still human. Big Boogie recognized Erica’s unfiltered passion years ago and has been a supporter ever since. Naturally, the two linked up for this release from Erica’s upcoming EP, dropping later this summer. “I feel great about the song, it’s great for the club, and it’s going to be a new experience to see me collaborate with someone,” Erica shared.

Stream “Extra”: https://createmusic.fm/extra

Please contact Michelle or Annjelica for more info.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | X

“Extra” ft. Big Boogie: https://createmusic.fm/extra

“On His Face”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppNFrEkkXi8

Video: Tre Loaded – “Wanna Be P”

The Bluff City Riser Shows NYC What Tennessee Is All About In His New Video From the LOADED Mixtape, Coming This Summer

Critical Praise: 

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

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

The Video:

Creating music that reflects the essence and grittiness of his hometown, Tre Loaded is one of the hottest names in Memphis. Today, the 21-year-old rapper shares “Wanna Be P,” his hard-hitting new single. Tre keeps it real on the single, alternating between demeaning disses and furious flexes over bouncy 808s and menacing keys: “Wanna be p, throwin’ dirt on my name / Yeah I rap but I hang with some hitters / And I’m a real CEO, I can’t go with no hoe, you a rat, stay under a n***a / And I can send a few hits but I wanna go do it myself, I’m a real go-getter.” In the video, directed by SumpDidIt, Tre takes a trip to NYC. It’s all business though, riding the subway to important press appointments before heading back to his crib to finally relax.

The “Wanna Be P” video continues a line of street-savvy bangers, following Tre’s street hits “Push Start,”“Another Whip,” and “Don’t Panic” released earlier this year. With over 4 million streams across platforms, “Another Whip” is picking up momentum on social platforms like TikTok and bubbling on Shazam. These singles, part of his upcoming LOADED mixtape, are the next steps on the young rapper’s ladder to success. Tre grew up in East Memphis surrounded by music, taking trips to the studio to listen to rappers like his uncle Don Trip. Tre started rhyming at age fifteen, inspired by his Memphis forebears and lyrical street rappers like Rod Wave and Ralo to turn the booth into his diary and turn rapping into his career. In early 2023, Tre first shared “Vo Flow,” a minimalist banger populated mostly by snapping fingers, low-note guitars, and Tre’s percussive voice, which eventually gained traction on social platforms like TikTok. The song generated more than 3 million streams on Spotify and over 1.5 million combined views on YouTube. Tre Loaded recently spoke about his early life and burgeoning rap career on DGB’s Off The Porch.

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

Watch “Wanna Be P”: https://youtu.be/e65-l9RFeOQ

Stream “Wanna Be P”: https://treloaded.ffm.to/wannabep

Photo credit: Alex Tate

Please contact Michelle or T’Keyah for more info.

The Background:

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

Links:

instagram | tiktok |  spotify | youtube

“Wanna Be P”: audio / video

“Don’t Panic”: audio / video

“Push Start”: audio / video

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

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

$NOT Shares New Album Viceroy, Out Now Via 300 Ent

The Hooded South Florida Star Shares the Video for Highlight “WHEN LIFE GETS RUFF“

Florida’s Grittiest Emcee Emerges From His Chrysalis With His First New Album Since 2022’s Acclaimed Ethereal

Critical Praise: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Album:

Treating music as a vessel through which he can unleash his darkest thoughts, $NOT is never afraid to say what’s on his mind. Today, the South Florida star shares his new album Viceroy, out now via 300 Entertainment. 

$NOT explains the inspiration behind the album: “Naming my album Viceroy just made sense because that butterfly stands for transformation and resilience—which is what I’ve been through in this industry. People might not get it, but Florida’s in my blood, and the viceroy is a symbol of that struggle and growth.”

While sonically the project returns to the moody abrasiveness of $NOT’s earlier work, Viceroy expresses a newfound emotional maturity from the 26-year-old star who dives into topics like love, love lost, and the throes of fame. Over the course of the album’s 17 tracks, $NOT explores every stage of a relationship and the emotions that come with it. “WHAT YOU DONE” finds $NOT deep in his feelings, wondering how he allowed himself to fall so hard for someone who broke his heart: “What you done to me, I know I’m dreaming / 365 days b*tch I miss you / 365 days can’t live without you.” On album focus track “LONELY MF,” he begs to turn off his emotions, blaming himself for the breakup and vowing to never love again over distorted background vocals and a breezy guitar melody. “HELP REFUSER” is $NOT at his most vulnerable, getting deeply introspective atop stripped down production: “I’m used and abused, it’s not nothing new / I’m fighting my demons and I think I will lose / Nothing to prove, I know I’m a loser, a drug abuser, a help refuser.”

Other highlights on Viceroy include the cutthroat “HITMAN,” on which $NOT calls out his enemies: “F*ck everybody who stand in my way, I’m calling my hitman, you dying today.” “DESPERADO” and “THE FLYEST” feature cinematic production, creating a multi-layered sonic universe for $NOT to unleash his boastful bars and relentless disses. The album is also home to recently released tracks like “HILARIOUS” ft. Cochise and the plugg-inspired “BULLY.”

Along with the album, the South Florida artist shares the new video for “WHEN LIFE GETS RUFF,” a highlight from the album.  Sinking his teeth into a minimalist and eerie horrorcore instrumental, “WHEN LIFE GETS RUFF” finds $NOT looking out for number one, steeling himself against the fickle actions of his friends and enemies alike, while taking comfort in his vices: “Pull up in my Lamb truck/Pink like Magenta/White girl she off the f*ckin’ Hannah Montana,” he spits. The video finds $NOT elucidating his paranoid worldview, as he talks tough in the rain in his luxurious (and waterproof) hooded vest, and vibes with the giant skull from the Viceroy album cover.

Viceroy is $NOT’s first studio album since 2022’s acclaimed Ethereal, home to hits like the A$AP Rocky-featuring “Doja” and “BENZO.” Last year, $NOT released two standout new singles: the defiant “Cruel World,” featuring a video directed by  Chris Villa, who directed A$AP Rocky’s “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” and Ice Spice’s “In Ha Mood” videos, and  “Easter Pink,” a laid back slapper with a psychedelic video of its own. The 300 Ent. signee spent much of the year on the road, highlighted by his headlining 33-date “Get Busy Or Die Tour.” With support from Night Lovell, Eem Triplin, and DC The Don, the fast-selling “Get Busy Or Die Tour” connected $NOT with fans from coast to coast – selling over 45,000 tickets.

As he toured and released new singles, $NOT continued to rack up streams on his formidable catalog, powered by fan favorites from his albums – TRAGEDY + (2019), Beautiful Havoc (2020), and Ethereal (2022): several of his songs earned RIAA certifications last year, including “Mean” (GOLD), “Gosha” (PLATINUM), “Tell Em” (2x PLATINUM) and “Beretta” (GOLD). Overall, the hoodie-clad rapper has generated over 2 billion total streams across platforms.

With Viceroy out now, keep an eye on the young rapper as he continues to evolve into an icon on his own uncompromising terms.

Stream Viceroy: https://snot.lnk.to/Viceroy

Watch “WHEN LIFE GETS RUFF”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ASOd0T0u8A

Viceroy Tracklist
1. DESPERADO
2. BULLY
3. CRUEL WORLD
4. WHEN LIFE GETS RUFF
5. HILARIOUS FT. COCHISE
6. HITMAN
7. 2005 (interlude)
8. GREEN TEA
9. DECEIVED
10. HARMONY
11. WHT U DONE
12. DEADMAN
13. HELP REFUSER
14. LONELY MF
15. THE FLYEST
16.TOXIC 
17. MY SHORTY THUGGIN’

For inquiries, please contact
Kerry Harrison, Audible Treats

Links:

instagram | twitter | soundcloud | youtube | spotify | merch

Viceroy: https://snot.lnk.to/Viceroy

“WHEN LIFE GETS RUFF”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ASOd0T0u8A

“HILARIOUS” ft. Cochise: https://snot.lnk.to/Hilarious / https://youtu.be/n8azJJsbkmU

“BULLY”: https://snot.lnk.to/Bully / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw9v5Gp4bu4

“0%” ft. ZillaKami: https://snot.lnk.to/ZeroPercent / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2LSCzQScsw

“CRUEL WORLD”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQrccbjQbP4 / https://snot.lnk.to/cruelworld

“Easter Pink”: https://snot.lnk.to/EasterPink / https://youtu.be/D3psPKLXTuE

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

“BENZO”: https://youtu.be/51VT49Z1nX0

“5AM”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7Q8vhuzz5E

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

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

“GO!”: https://youtu.be/XYnMAnZTQu0

“RED”: https://youtu.be/wYTQ5ELGH-M

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

7.10.24

Devin Malik Joins ScHoolBoy Q on “Blue Lips Weekends Tour”

Hot Off The Release of His Debut EP, The SoCal Rapper Is Ready To Hit The Stage With His Mentor and TDE Labelmate

Tickets Are Still Available For Select Cities HERE

Critical Praise:

“The production hits with the urgency of a panic-inducing alarm, and Malik’s presence is commanding throughout the chaos. His vocal performance finds a sweet spot between deadpan nonchalance and charismatic intensity, sometimes pulling off both at the same time….Despite how powerful the production is on ‘LINK DUCKER,’ it’s obvious that Malik himself is the star of the show, which is even more impressive considering that he spent so many years behind the scenes.” – Pigeons & Planes (Best New Artist)

“On the self-produced hi-hat and clap heavy new track, the California rapper/producer sounds off for two and half minutes about not taking s–t from anybody and getting money.” – Billboard

“…the nearly two-and-a-half-minute offering [“Canadian Tux”] sees the young artist continuing to establish and solidify his unique sound.” – HYPEBEAST

The Announcement:

Recently releasing his debut EP and announcing his signing to TDE as a producer, SoCal rapper Devin Malik has been on a hot streak lately. Today, he announces that he will be joining ScHoolboy Q on the “BLUE LIPS Weekend Tour.” Presented by TDE, the 18-date summer tour kicks off in Toronto, Canada on July 18th and includes major cities across North America like Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City, before wrapping up in Los Angeles, CA on August 18th . “BLUE LIPS Weekend Tour” will be Devin Malik’s first-ever official tour and the first time he plays fan-favorite tracks from his new EP DEADSTOCK for a live audience.

The “BLUE LIPS Weekends Tour” continues Devin Malik’s red hot 2024. Last month, the young artist released his debut EP DEADSTOCK, receiving praise from HYPEBEAST, COMPLEX, The FADER, and more. Earlier this year, Devin produced and rapped on multiple tracks from ScHoolboy Q’s album BLUE LIPS, including album highlights “Back N Love” and “Love Birds,” featuring Lance Skiiiwalker. Behind the scenes, Devin contributed his production talents to the ScHoolboy Q album on tracks like “NuNu,” “oHio” and “Smile.” After years of steady rise, and a recent co-sign from the one-and-only Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q has taken Devin Malik under his wing, nurturing him to become the next talent to emerge from the TDE orbit. Most recently, he vibed out with Kendrick Lamar on stage at his historic ‘Pop Out’ LA show on Juneteenth during one of the performances of “Not Like Us.”

There are a limited number of tickets left for select cities available here: https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ917Cv3V/schoolboy-q-events

BLUE LIPS WEEKENDS TOUR DATES:
July 18  Toronto, CA @ HISTORY
July 20  Chicago, IL @ Ramova Theatre
July 25  Washington, DC @ Fillmore Silver Spring
July 26  Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
July 27  Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
July 28  Boston, MA @ Big Night Live
July 30  Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
Aug 1    Dallas, TX @ The Factory in Deep Ellum
Aug 3    Houston, TX @ House of Blues
Aug 4    Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
Aug 8    San Diego, CA @ SOMA
Aug 10  San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Festival
Aug 11  Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
Aug 12  Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
Aug 14  Los Angeles, CA @ El Cid
Aug 15  Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
Aug 17  Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey
Aug 18 Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda

Stream DEADSTOCK: https://symphony.to/devin-malik/deadstock

Photo Credit: Farah Idrees

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

Links:

instagram | spotify | youtube | tiktok

Get tickets to the “Blue Lips Weekends Tour”: https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ917Cv3V/schoolboy-q-events

DEADSTOCK: https://symphony.to/devin-malik/deadstock

“BACKSTAGE”: https://symphony.to/devin-malik/backstage / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpsmZWzkWPA

Pre-Save DEADSTOCK: https://symphony.to/devin-malik/deadstock

“PDA”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZnjxtQ9snM / https://symphony.to/devin-malik/pda

“CANADIAN TUX”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ePBE2VMdIs / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3NOqXE2fPo

“Love Birds” (w/ ScHoolboy Q & Lance Skiiwalker): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=livavXzS3NY

“Back N Love” (w/ ScHoolboy Q): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3vuOP5iY1A

“Wallflower”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8_wkgVOfhM

“LINK DUCKER”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjz6sCt3puc

7.10.24

$NOT Shares Tracklist for New Album, Viceroy, Out This Friday, July 12, via 300 Ent

Home to Singles Like “Hilarious” ft. Cochise, “BULLY,” and “Cruel World,” the Moody Viceroy Is $NOT’s First Album Since His Acclaimed 2022 Effort, Ethereal

Critical Praise:

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

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

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

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

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

“$NOT’s ‘Pressure’ Reveals a Changing Tide in Hip Hop…His nonchalant flow and reserved style does not diminish his dark, heavy lyrics and straight-to-it delivery.” – Teen VogueNow with PLANEBOY on the way, the Detroit hero is ready to soar to new heights.

The Announcement:

Never compromising or softening his style for the sake of mainstream consumption, $NOTapproaches stardom on his own terms. Today, the 26-year-old rapper shares the tracklist for Viceroy, his new album, coming July 12th, via 300 Ent. His fourth studio album, and first since 2022’s Ethereal, Viceroy is a revealing glimpse into $NOT’s sinister worldview, imbued with hard-nosed rhymes, lilting melodies, brutal confessions, and dark humor. The album is home to the recent single “Hilarious,” his second collaboration with Cochise, following 2022’s 2x-Platinum“Tell ‘Em,” as well as standout singles “CRUEL WORLD” and “BULLY.” Deepening his sound as he drills further into his subconscious, the new album continues to prove why $NOT is one of underground hip-hop’s singular stars.

Since releasing his last album, $NOT has kept busy. In 2023, he released two standout new singles: the defiant “Cruel World,” featuring a video directed by Chris Villa, who also directed A$AP Rocky’s “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” and Ice Spice’s “In Ha Mood” videos, and “Easter Pink,” a laid back slapper with a psychedelic video of its own. The 300 Ent. signee spent much of the year on the road, highlighted by his headlining 33-date “Get Busy Or Die Tour.” With support from Night Lovell, Eem Triplin, and DC The Don, the fast-selling “Get Busy Or Die Tour” connected $NOT with fans from coast to coast – selling over 45,000 tickets.

As he toured and released new singles, $NOT continued to rack up streams on his formidable catalog, powered by fan favorites from his albums – TRAGEDY + (2019), Beautiful Havoc (2020), and Ethereal (2022): several of his songs earned RIAA certifications last year, including “Mean” (GOLD), “Gosha” (PLATINUM), “Tell Em” (2x PLATINUM) and “Beretta” (GOLD). Overall, the hoodie-clad rapper has generated over 2 billion total streams across platforms.

With Viceroy out this week, keep an eye on the young rapper as he continues to evolve into an icon on his own uncompromising terms.

Pre-save Viceroy: https://snot.lnk.to/Viceroy

Watch “Hilarious” ft. Cochise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8azJJsbkmU

Viceroy TRACKLIST
1. DESPERADO
2. BULLY
3. CRUEL WORLD
4. WHEN LIFE GETS RUFF
5. HILARIOUS FT. COCHISE
6. HITMAN
7. 2005 (interlude)
8. GREEN TEA
9. DECEIVED
10. HARMONY
11. WHT U DONE
12. DEADMAN
13. HELP REFUSER
14. LONELY MF
15. THE FLYEST
16.TOXIC
17. MY SHORTY THUGGIN’

For inquiries, please contact Kerry Harrison, Audible Treats

Links:

instagram | twitter | soundcloud | youtube | spotify | merch

Pre-save Viceroy: https://snot.lnk.to/Viceroy

“Hilarious” ft. Cochise: https://snot.lnk.to/Hilarious / https://youtu.be/n8azJJsbkmU

Buy Tickets to “Get Busy or Die 2024″: https://snot.xyz/tour

“Bully”: https://snot.lnk.to/Bully / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw9v5Gp4bu4

“0%” ft. ZillaKami: https://snot.lnk.to/ZeroPercent / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2LSCzQScsw

“Cruel World”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQrccbjQbP4 / https://snot.lnk.to/cruelworld

“Easter Pink”: https://snot.lnk.to/EasterPink / https://youtu.be/D3psPKLXTuE

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

“BENZO”: https://youtu.be/51VT49Z1nX0

“5AM”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7Q8vhuzz5E

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

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

“GO!”: https://youtu.be/XYnMAnZTQu0

“RED”: https://youtu.be/wYTQ5ELGH-M

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

7.5.2024

Austin, TX Riser Quin NFN Announces Second To None, His Upcoming Project, Coming July 19th via EMPIRE

Along With The Announcement, He Shares “Just Getting By, Pt. 2,” A Single From The Project

The 23-Year-Old Rapper Shares The Sequel to His Hit 2023 Track, Recalling Recent Hardships and His Ability To Overcome Them

Critical Praise:

“He has the streaming numbers, a growing discography, and the ability to turn the club up off one track or soundtrack a laid-back listening session. – Complex

“The Lil Wayne-inspired artist looks to be the next 10K Projects signee to make the quantum leap to stardom.” – Billboard

“Quin NFN sounds sharp as ever, and his high-pitched voice makes every flex sound more profound than it actually is” – Pitchfork

“Quin NFN’s high energy raps are putting Austin, Texas on the map in hip-hop” – Pitchfork

The Video:

Paving his own way in the Austin music scene, Quin NFN is changing the narrative around Texas rap. Ready to show off his prodigious pen game, the 23-year-old rapper announces Second To None, his upcoming album. The upcoming project is a relentless effort, offering 16 no-frills bangers that put a spotlight on the rising star’s playful wordplay and slick delivery, as he establishes his head honcho status in the streets. The album is a triumphant moment arriving after a year of personal hardship for Quin, marked by health scares that affected him and his young family. Featuring guest spots from heavy-hitters like That Mexican OT, 03 Greedo, and Sauce Walka plus crisp production from Getta Beats, ForeveRollin, Cio Made The Track, and more, Second To None arrives on July 19th via EMPIRE.

Along with the album announcement, Quin NFN shares “Just Getting By, Pt. 2,” a single from the project. A sequel to his hit 2023 track “Just Getting By” (1.8M YouTube views), “Just Getting By, Pt. 2” builds on the themes of the original track, finding Quin recounting tales of life in the streets over eerie synths and emphatic drums: “These the same n****s that slept on my cap / I really built this sh*t up from the floor /  Tryna see where I go imma change up the rap / I thought my bro really far from a rat, but he still chasin’ cheese in the trap.” In the video, Quin shows off how far he’s come, rapping outside a scenic pool and driving around in a G-Wagon.

“Just Getting By, Pt. 2” and Second To None are the opening salvos in a big year for Quin NFN. After learning how to rhyme in his youth by studying the greats like Lil Wayne, the Austin native first drew attention in 2019 when he was just a teenager, making a name for himself in a city known more for other genres than hip-hop. Quin’s talent was undeniable, though, as demonstrated in the thumping, minimalist banger “Talkin My Sh*t” (33+ million Spotify streams), and he quickly became one of the fastest-rising stars in his state. He kept the momentum going with “Poles,” a ferocious collaboration with NLE Choppa (44+ million Spotify streams), and 2021’s “Laid Back” (31+ million Spotify streams), and earned a deal with 10K Projects. In 2023, Quin started a new chapter of his career as an independent artist, releasing the album Never On Time via EMPIRE and his own NFN Entertainment.

With Second To None on the way and a chip on his shoulder, Quin NFN is ready to reach the next level. Stay tuned for more.

Watch “Just Getting By, Pt. 2”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxPK0m7gyvs

Pre-save Second To None: https://music.empi.re/secondtonone

Second To None Tracklist:

1. 2AM In Austin
2. Your Honor
3. Bow Wow
4. JEFE ft. That Mexican OT
5. Loose Lips
6. Quinis The Menace
7. Just Getting By, Pt. 2
8. 25 Reasons
9. Be Honest
10. New Detroit Flow
11. Attitude
12. Zoom
13. Boss N*gga Blues ft. Sauce Walka
14. Hard Times
15. Clover Leaf
16. House Calls ft. 03 Greedo

Photo credit: Daniel Aziz

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

The Background:

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

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

Links:

instagram | twitter | soundcloud | spotify | youtube | tiktok

“Just Getting By, Pt. 2”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxPK0m7gyvs

Pre-save Second To None: https://music.empi.re/secondtonone

7.10.2024

Video: Jae Stephens – “Girls Don’t Cheat” (Official Dance Video)

The Acclaimed Pop-R&B Vocalist, Signed to Raedio in Partnership with Def Jam Recordings, Serves Up Choreo In the Dance Video For Her Recently Released Single

Critical Praise:

“You’re sure to see a lot more of the R&B singer Jae Stephens this year. Now signed to Issa Rae’s label Raedio, Stephens is back with this playful and cheeky bop that’s perfect for your next day party playlist.” – ELLE

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

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

“There’s a new era on the horizon for Dallas singer Jae Stephens, and her new single “WET” is proof. Stephens takes control of her world on the futuristic song, as it showcases her confidence and ability to shine on various production styles.” – UPROXX

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

The Video:

Carving out her own lane in the R&B landscape, Jae Stephens does it all. Today, the talented singer, songwriter, and producer shares “Girls Don’t Cheat” (Official Dance Video). Co-written with her friend, R&B singer Chxrry22 and produced by Sensei Bueno (Janelle Monae – Age of Pleasure), Jae describes the track as “fun, controversial, and braggadocious.” Over the 90s R&B-inspired groovy bassline and uptempo drums, Jae oozes confidence and defends her heartbreaker status, affirming that she knows she deserves the best: “I got needs and you wasn’t giving / Sorry, why should I be sorry / If there’s one thing I ain’t, it’s sorry.” In response to her man’s lackluster behavior, Jae unapologetically acts on her desires, seeking out attention from another lover. A bold, unbothered Jae justifies her actions, singing “girls don’t cheat, we just need attention” as she takes back the power and puts herself first on the flirty track.

In the “Girls Don’t Cheat” (Official Dance Video), Jae’s love triangle plays out in real life, smoothly moving from one dance partner to the next as she tries to find a man who will satisfy her. Swapping out her partner at her will, Jae teases the men with her sensual dance moves, feeling herself as she doubles down on her shameless romantic philosophy. The dance video, choreographed by Alex the Lion, is a testament to Jae’s all-around talent, bringing moves just as dominant as her vocals.

“Girls Don’t Cheat” and recent single “WET,” recognized by Elle as one of the Best Songs of April 2024, are the start of a new era for Jae Stephens, who has been bubbling on the scene and is ready to blow. The Dallas native first turned heads as a teenaged R&B prodigy, gaining notice with her soul-stirring vocals and preternatural songwriting ability. While she was a high school student, Stephens built a devoted audience on Tumblr, winning 200,000 followers with her sterling covers of pop and R&B songs and her entertaining life updates. She stepped out on her own as a 19-year-old, in 2017, releasing “24K,” a single that earned praise from The FADER and garnered Jae a performance on COLORS. In 2019, Jae released f**k it, i’ll do it myself, a fully self-written and self-produced EP, home to her fan favorite single “got it like that,” and joined her friend Khalid during his performance on Saturday Night Live. She has collaborated with kindred spirits like THEY, VanJess, Khamari, and Xavier Omar, and has racked up more than 50 million streams across her catalog. Her most recent EP, High My Name Is, came out in 2022, shifting her sound in a more alternative and personal direction. 

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

Watch “Girls Don’t Cheat” (Official Dance Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf8uwat8RcY

Stream “Girls Don’t Cheat”: https://jaestephens.lnk.to/GirlsDontCheat

Photo Credit: Randijah Simmons

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

The Background:

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

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

Links:

spotify | tiktok | instagram | youtube | soundcloud | facebook

“Girls Don’t Cheat”: https://jaestephens.lnk.to/GirlsDontCheat / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf8uwat8RcY

“WET”: https://jaestephens.lnk.to/WET / https://youtu.be/KxmD5QSbMNc

7.5.2024

Video: Chow Lee – “practice!”

The Sexy Drill Icon Continues His Slizzy Sexy Summer With a New Cash Cobain-Produced Single

Critical Praise:

“..the members of Paper Route Empire reach a level of sincerity and emotional reflection that’s still hard to come by.” – Pitchfork

“Choosing some of the more interesting production to rhyme over, Jay Fizzle’s frankness and the flows he has on tap keep him in the convo as the whole city takes off.” – XXL Mag

“10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now” – DJ Booth

“The tape serves as both a testament to Memphis’ current rap preeminence and Fizzle’s own dexterity. He saves perhaps the hardest for last on the tape, attacking a looped vocal sample and towering percussion with ferocity.” – DJ Booth

“Jay Fizzle is a master of the searing street rap that serves as the bass-booming heart of Memphis music.” – The Hype Magazine

The Video:

Pioneering NYC’s ascendant sexy drill movement, Chow Lee is never ashamed to share his most out-of-pocket thoughts in his music. Today, he shares “practice!,” his latest sexy summer anthem. Over mischievous high hats and sultry keys courtesy of Cash Cobain, Chow doubles down on his commitment to the life of a rich bachelor, rapping about spending his money on women, sex, and nightlife. He calls out the amateurs on the single, responding to sly inquiries from lovers about his side chicks and the content of his music by noting that they’re “talking practice” and one-upping that with “I’m not talking practice.” In the video, Chow holds a press conference, posing as a player on the ‘69ers, to put the “practice” allegations to rest and prove he doesn’t need any warm-ups to be the hottest in town.

“practice!” continues a red-hot 2024 for Chow Lee. The single follows recent singles “act bad twin!” “swag it” (Remix) ft. Flo Milli and “s.n.a.” Released alongside the single “porno story!,” the Cash Cobain-produced “Ms. Beautiful V” has become a staple in New York City, racking up over 6 million combined streams and views across platforms, on top of 18.9k creates on TikTok, and reaching the Top 25: New York City chart on Apple Music. Last summer, Chow released his super sexy album Hours After The Club, an addictive listen, radiating with the seductive charm that inspired Pitchfork to affectionately call Chow Lee the “horniest rapper out.” Hours After The Club is chock full of infectious melodies, as Chow’s natural bravado makes every X-rated flex feel natural. Chow followed-up Hours with singles like “team effort!” and  “ready 2 live.” Earlier this year, Chow performed on the main stage at Rolling Loud California, and he will continue his run of Rolling Louds this weekend at Rolling Loud Europe.

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

Watch “practice!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZykbfIsR98

Stream “practice!”: https://music.empi.re/practice

Photo credit: @atprodd

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

The Background:

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

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

Links:

instagram | twitter | soundcloud | spotify | youtube | tiktok

“practice!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZykbfIsR98 / https://music.empi.re/practice

“act bad twin!”: https://music.empi.re/actbadtwin / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO4jiB8xzMM

“swag it” (Remix) ft. Flo Milli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaUHpk_soaw

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Drais”: https://youtu.be/93Cb1n_z3Ro

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

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

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

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

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

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

7.3.2024

Jay Fizzle Announces Upcoming Project Who Is Grizzape, Arriving 7/19 via Paper Route Empire

Along With The Announcement, He Shares “Hot N Ready,” The First Single From The Project

Critical Praise:

“..the members of Paper Route Empire reach a level of sincerity and emotional reflection that’s still hard to come by.” – Pitchfork

“Choosing some of the more interesting production to rhyme over, Jay Fizzle’s frankness and the flows he has on tap keep him in the convo as the whole city takes off.” – XXL Mag

“10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now” – DJ Booth

“The tape serves as both a testament to Memphis’ current rap preeminence and Fizzle’s own dexterity. He saves perhaps the hardest for last on the tape, attacking a looped vocal sample and towering percussion with ferocity.” – DJ Booth

“Jay Fizzle is a master of the searing street rap that serves as the bass-booming heart of Memphis music.” – The Hype Magazine

The Video:

Rising in Memphis and beyond with his fast-talking flow and enthralling street anthems, Jay Fizzleis poised to rise to new heights this year. Today, he announces his upcoming project Who Is Grizzape, arriving July 19th via Paper Route Empire. Along with the announcement, Fizzle shares “Hot N Ready,” the first single from the project. Driven by a rhythmic bassline, the track finds the PRE rapper unleashing his signature braggadocious bars, declaring why he’s the hottest man in the Memphis streets: “Shawty hop up in my ride / Baby I ain’t no ‘nother n***a / She said she’s never met another n***a with a vibe like me.” In the “Hot N Ready” video, directed by 2Brothers Film, Fizzle stars in an episode of “Cheaterz Tonight Live,” getting caught with another woman by host Pratt City Savage after spending a night at the club surrounded by adoring women.

“Hot N Ready” is the first single from Jay Fizzle’s upcoming project Who Is Grizzape. The single and forthcoming project arrive following cuts like “F*ck Being Famous,” “Built For This,” and the SNUPE BANDZ-featuring “Good Fellas,” from last year’s F*CK BEING FAMOUS. The collection of unapologetically raw rhymes rolled out the carpet for a series of guests, both familiar and unfamiliar. Fizzle proves to have excellent chemistry with L.A. legend 03 Greedo on the ultra-funky “Still The Same,” as the two bond over their enduring love for the color purple, and he goes toe-to-toe with Chicago rapper Kash Mirr on the steely “Blackout.” Home to the popular video single “Dickie Set” (516k views), F*CK BEING FAMOUS continued the momentum from DonaFizzo, Fizzle’s 2022 tape, and kept his run going as Paper Route Empire’s longest-tenured signee. 2022’s DonaFizzo featured buzzing street hits like “Standing On Top Of Sh*t” ft. Key Glock and the heartfelt tribute “Long Live Dolph” ft. Ricco Barrino.

With Who Is Grizzape on the way, Fizzle follows his mentor Young Dolph’s footsteps, promising to dig deep into his mastery of Memphis music and deliver a set for the Tennessee trap heads. Sit back and watch him rise to the top of his city’s busy scene.

Watch “Hot N Ready”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_p3dQfEE6w

Pre-save Who Is Grizzape: https://music.empi.re/whoisgrizzape

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

Links:

instagram | twitter | youtube

“Hot N Ready”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_p3dQfEE6w

Pre-save Who Is Grizzape: https://music.empi.re/whoisgrizzape

“Still The Same” ft. 03 Greedo: https://youtu.be/-0lRpfdMdjQ

“YBR”: https://youtu.be/s_FcTuNO5wk?si=8x21T50Ab9P21txE

“Built For This”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQuNmNpR1E

“F*ck Being Famous”: https://youtu.be/elfxVnsJoz4

“Back Breaker”: https://youtu.be/HiSCdeIf7k0?si=T-Z1uYh6uOTDC8Rh

“Good Fellas” ft. SNUPE BANDZ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrZgXFlIQao

F*CK BEING FAMOUS: https://music.empi.re/fuckbeingfamous

“Dickie Set”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQPegPB1c3U

“Been Going Crazy”: https://youtu.be/eGHHMr709HU / https://music.empi.re/crazyjay

“Nike Check”: https://youtu.be/c88QI8n7lcE

“King Sh*t”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmhoR5Kh4Wo

“Granny Happy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp6b6FQtO0o

“Gucci Mane”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs5wdrUdqgk

DonaFizzo (Deluxe): https://music.empi.re/donafizzodeluxe

“Won’t Cost Sh*t”: https://youtu.be/8Ws-gD-TTJE

“Dust Town Livin” ft. Big Scarr & Big Moochie Grape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsMCkMH65Ys

DonaFizzo: https://music.empi.re/donafizzo

“Atmosphere”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4h0abrTxOE

“Standing On Top Of Sh*t” ft. Key Glock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40_4__6mKYM

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

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

7.2.2024

Video: Big Moochie Grape – “Fun” ft. Young Dolph

The Paper Route Empire Rapper Shares The Upbeat New Video For A Highlight Track From East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated, Featuring His Late Mentor Young Dolph

Critical Praise:

“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:

A “gigantic” force in the Memphis rap community, Big Moochie Grape weaves his street smarts and vibrant personality into his hard-hitting bars. Today, he shares the video for “Fun” ft. Young Dolph, a highlight track from East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated. Produced by PRE’s own Bandplay, the track finds Moochie and Dolph going bar for bar, rapping about how they plan to spend their money and what sets them apart from the rest of the rap game: “So much bread like I work at a bakery / Independent young n***a, don’t need your agent / Stack all the money ’til this shit start again.’” Dolph continues to flex on his verse: “I don’t care how it get done, just get that shit done (Okay) / I take a trip and come right back, flood the block just for fun (Fun).” In the video, Moochie shows off what he does for fun – riding jet skis, hitting the club, driving luxury vehicles, and more. The video also includes footage of Moochie’s late mentor Young Dolph who tears up the Memphis streets on a 4-wheeler.

“Fun” continues Moochie’s streak of high quality music videos, including his first day out anthem “Wake Em Up.” “Fun” originally appeared on Moochie’s November 2023 project, East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated, the follow-up to 2022’s East Haiti Baby. The high-octane mixtape welcomes guest verses exclusively from other incarcerated rappers, including YFN Lucci, who who turns in a sing-song counterpoint to Moochie’s machine gun patter on “I Made It,” Rio Da Yung OG on “Bars,” a Memphis-meets-Michigan-style banger, and his PRE cohort Big Unccc, who tears it up on “L.A. Lakers.” Notably, the project welcomes an interlude from C-Murder, a close friend of Moochie’s late mentor Young Dolph, the No Limit soldier who has been locked up for decades and has much wisdom to share. Honoring the project’s themes, Big Moochie Grape and Paper Route Empire partnered with the Bail Project , a non-profit that advocates for bail reform and provides free bail assistance to those in need, in December 2023, matching donations up to $20k. Featuring an additional guest appearance from Bankroll Freddie, East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated is available all on platforms via Paper Route Empire.

Now that he’s free, Big Moochie Grape is hellbent on stepping on necks throughout 2024 and beyond. Stay tuned for much more music from the East Memphis rapper this Summer.

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

Stream East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated: https://music.empi.re/moochieincarcerated

Donate to The Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/
East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated tracklist:
*denotes new East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated track

1. Livin Legend*
2. Workin*
3. C-Murder (Interlude)*
4. Going Crazy*
5. I Made It ft. YFN Lucci*
6. L.A. Lakers ft. Big Unccc*
7. Unique*
8. Let’s Have A Party ft. Bankroll Freddie*
9. Bars ft. Rio Da Yung OG*
10. Freestyle 2*
11. Litty*
12. East Haiti Baby
13. Never Had Sh*t
14. Fun ft. Young Dolph
15. Rick Flair
16. Christopher Wallace
17. Breakdance ft. Key Glock
18. Money Money Money
19. Joe Biden
20. Spin It Again
21. Right Now ft. Kenny Muney
22. I’m The One
23. Cotton Candy
24. Acting Up
25. Takeover
26. Uncut & Raw

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

The Background:

Paper Route Empire rapper Big Moochie Grape burst onto the scene in 2019, with boisterous Memphis rap tunes like “Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh,” which appeared on his debut EP, Eat Or Get Ate. Inspired by his late PRE mentor Young Dolph, Moochie went hard in 2022, releasing East Haiti Baby, home to street hits like the Bandplay-produced “Acting Up” (30 million Spotify streams) and “Christopher Wallace” (10 million Spotify streams). The mixtape earned praise from Pitchfork, who said, “the Young Dolph associate’s latest album is full of hard-working hustler music that never lets up.” After releasing the expanded East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated, Moochie is hard at work on his next project, due early in 2024.

Links:

youtube | instagram | spotify

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

“Workin”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJQZdSVmgqo

“Living Legend”: https://youtu.be/gxGSuUINa3U

“Wake ‘Em Up”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZccilmp_vo

“Wake ‘Em Up” (From The Block): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUXAMFW0Pw8

“Unique”: https://youtu.be/NEvhiW40HIs

East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated: https://music.empi.re/moochieincarcerated

“Get Money Catch Bodies”: https://youtu.be/ntkoOK6XRRQ

“Right Now” ft. Kenny Muney: https://youtu.be/5UUAC2yqPXI

“Breakdance” ft. Key Glock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvg0UxZE4iE

“Acting Up”: https://youtu.be/5JsM49Go7UQ

“East Haiti Baby”: https://youtu.be/q1zKetJatYU

East Haiti Baby: https://music.empi.re/easthaitibaby

“Christopher Wallace”: https://youtu.be/Rx86-gZU9ho

“Uncut & Raw”: https://music.empi.re/uncutrawmoochie / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsF4VukxP3I

“Never Had Sh*t”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R6QPQnGZXw

“I’m The One”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_hkwDs5y6M

“In Dolph We Trust”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcH4VAwmDCo