The Paper Route EMPIRE Builds a Team–Including PRE’s Own Snupe Bandz–and Plots a Heist at a Local Bank
The Video:
One of the hottest rising rappers in the South, Memphis native Key Glock has always had a passion for flashin’. Serving up a cinematic new visual, Glock shares “Ambition For Cash,” the official video to his popular new single. Produced by Memphis’s own Tay Keith, “Ambition For Cash” is a flute-laden banger with a beat that sounds like the soundtrack to a spaghetti western set in Bluff City and an ice cold verse from Glock: “Ten toes never in no hurry, n****, I call shots, you heard/Money talkin’ what’s the word.” In the video, Glock gathers a crew of neighborhood associates, including fellow Paper Route EMPIRE signee Snupe Bandz, and plots an elaborate heist at a local bank branch. Posing as customers, Glock and Snupe case the joint before the rest of the crew arrives in a candy-painted Donk to clean the place out. “Ambition For Cash” is the first single from Yellow Tape 2, Glock’s next project, coming soon.
The follow-up to 2020’s Yellow Tape, which peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200 and featured fan favorite songs like “Dough,” ‘Word on the Streets,” and “Look At They Face,“Yellow Tape 2 finds the 24-year-old artist refining his style, unleashing tighter flows, delivering cleverer punchlines, and giving even fewer f*cks. Blessed with production from an A-List of sound architects including Tennessee legends Tay Keith (Memphis), Juicy J (Memphis), and Bandplay (Nashville), plus heavy-hitters from across the rap spectrum like Sosa 808, Budda Bless, and more, the upcoming project finds Glock once again demonstrating why he’s one of the most respected lyricists in his city. ExpectYellow Tape 2 to arrive later this fall via Paper Route EMPIRE.
The upcoming Yellow Tape 2 continues a busy year for Glock, as he’s spent time collaborating with his Paper Route EMPIRE associates. Earlier this year, he connected with his label boss and frequent sparring partner Young Dolph for Dum And Dummer 2, their second full-length collaborative album. Debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200, Dum & Dummer 2 generated nearly 36k sales equivalent units across platforms and scored the fifth-biggest streaming debut on Spotify during its first week of release. Earlier this month, the album received a glowing review from Pitchfork, who awarded the album a 7.5 score and cemented Young Dolph & Key Glock as a “once-in-a-generation” rap duo, akin to 8Ball & MJG or Method Man & Redman, and “one of the most in-sync alliances in the genre today.” Dum & Dummer 2 is the duo’s second Top 10 album, following the original Dum and Dummer, which also debuted at #8 in 2019. Glock also made multiple appearances on PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi, the first-ever label compilation tape by Paper Route EMPIRE. Along with collaborating with fellow PRE signees like Snupe Bandz on “Blu Boyz” and “Bandaid” and Paper Route Woo on “Big Ol Racks,” Glock connected with Gucci Mane for project highlight “I Do This.“
Stay tuned for more music and announcements from Key Glock in the coming weeks.
This Week, the TikTok Community Dances to Dembow, Obsesses Over Squid Game, and Reveals a Healthy Fear of “Teenagers”
The News:
Each week, the TikTok Treats newsletter gives a snapshot of the state of music on TikTok, touching on trending hits, emerging artists, superstar moves, ascendant memes, and much more. Take a look at the dembow anthems, K-Pop gems, and rising rap hits that have made an impact on the platform in recent weeks:
Coi Leray consistently shows love to the TikTok community, and the TikTok community consistently shows her love right back. Already seeing major success on the app this year with her catchy hit “No More Parties” (465.4K+ creations) and NSFW “Ocean Prime” (467.4K+ creations), a collaboration with Bfb Da Packman, the trendy rapper is making waves again with her new song “TWINNEM” (979.1K+ creations). The sound has sparked a comedic trend of duos acting out the words of the song’s organ-led hook with their “twin.” From real twins to the closest coworkers, TikTok creators are adamant in affirming that they love their best friends and have no desire for any new friends. Coi Leray has even been interacting with the sound on her own page, as she vibes to the song with her friends to show off the song’s lowkey, danceable feel.
The community of K-Pop lovers on TikTok is large and growing, and it looks like they’ve found themselves a new star to stan. A member of world famous pop group BLACKPINK, known on TikTok for hits like “How You Like That” (11 million video creations) and “Ice Cream” w/ Selena Gomez (1.5 million creations), 리사 (LISA) is making major waves on TikTok wihth “Money,” her second-ever solo single. With over 1 million video creations since its release last month, the knowingly materialistic banger is an ideal mood booster–a new trend finds creators exaggerating the song’s ability to raise serotonin levels with a new dance and animated facial expressions. The song received another jump in popularity after its use in the Netflix show Squid Game, inspiring poses, games, and make-up tutorials based on the mega-popular Korean show.
With its high-energy vocals and insistent percussion, Dominican dembow is one of the ascendant sub-genres of Latin music on TikTok. Following the earlier success of El Alfa’s “La Mamá de la Mamá” (over 1 million creations), the latest dembow hit to drive the community mad is “Linda” (over 200k video creations), a collaboration between Dominican Republic native Tokischa and Spanish superstar Rosalía. Driven by the song’s loping bassline and persistent handclaps, “Linda” has TikTok users attempting their best runway struts in multiple distinct trends. Some “Linda” lovers plant “besitos” on their close friends, while others finds pantomime Rosalía’s claps during a stunning transformation, while others still just wanna dance. Spurred in part by it’s TikTok success, “Linda” is gaining steam, reaching the Top 10 of Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart and racking up over 20 million streams on the service.
Blurring the lines between indie pop and alternative music with his song “Life Goes On,” Oliver Tree and his eccentric energy have had a hold on the TikTok community in recent weeks. While one of the “Life Goes On” sounds has already amassed over 3.5M creations on the app, another two sounds for the same song have garnered over 2.1M creations and 942.K creations respectively. The song’s energy has brought out a sense of off-the-wall creativity in the TikTok community and is soundtracking all types of art, from intricate paintings and skateboard designs to the cutest cats carving fruit into hearts. The song’s success on the app helped catapult it to a top 10 position on Spotify’s Viral 50 chart. On his own TikTok, Oliver Tree has been using the song to highlight his confessions of NBA dreams and his intense Cheetos obsession.
There’s a niche for everyone on TikTok, and it’s no surprise that the platform’s aspiring fashionistas have found each other. The fashion-forward side of TikTok discovered “Mr. Put It On” (26K video creations), a new song by Houston rapper Guapo, inspiring a stylish trend that has swept through the app. Over a heavy bassline and dark piano chords, Guapo raps about how he looks fly in any wardrobe–that’s why they call him “Mr. Put It On.” The flex-heavy track boasts over 29k video creations on the platform, resonating with TikTok users who also feel their sense of style is worthy of earning them the same name. Creators show off unwavering confidence in their wardrobe by sharing compilations of their best outfits (examples include this one and this one). In other creations, users offer store recommendations and evaluate outfits using the duet feature.
Today, TikTok announced that it partnered with UnbeliEVAble Entertainment (founded by Eva Longoria) to announce the TikTok Latinx Creatives program, inviting over 150 creators to the inaugural TikTok Latinx Creatives creator incubator. The program kicks off on October 12 with a full day of educational programming, including a keynote presentation from globally-recognized, most-followed Latin artist on TikTok, and Colombian-born superstar, J Balvin. Throughout the 10-week program, participants will join the TikTok team — along with some of the most successful Latinx leaders across entertainment, music, business, and more — at motivational town halls, community-building forums and educational workshops. TikTok is excited to kick off TikTok Latinx Creatives and to help them on their missions to become a part of the future of Latinx entertainment.
Global Superstar FARRUKO Makes American Late Night TV Debut, Performing “PEPAS” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
“PEPAS” Is Currently Sitting at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 with Over 300 Million Streams to Date
Home to Global Hits “PEPAS” and “La Tóxica,” The Artist’s New Album LA 167 Is Available Now on All Platforms
The Announcement:
Multi-platinum Puerto Rico-born singer-songwriter Farruko made his American late night TV debut last night, performing his global hit “PEPAS” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Flanked by two singers and a triumphant trumpeter in a colorful backdrop that reflects the song’s club-ready theme, Farruko enthusiastically performed his verses and egged on the crowd during the song’s anthemic chorus.
The performance highlights the latest milestone in the song’s road to world-conquering success. “PEPAS” landed Farruko the #1 spot on Billboard’s “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs,” “Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales,” “Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs,” and “Latin Digital Song Sales” charts. The track currently ranks at #6 on Spotify’s Global Top 50 chart, with nearly 303 million total streams, surpassing 2.9 million daily streams, and at #1 on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Songs” chart for 6 consecutive weeks. Last month, Farruko recruited internationally renowned superstar DJ, David Guetta for the official remix version of the global hit.
“PEPAS” is featured on LA 167, the two-time Latin GRAMMY award winner’s brand new album. Named after the main highway that runs through his hometown of Bayamón, PR, the project finds the global chart-topping reggaetonero further defying industry standards — creating an eclectic ambiance fit for various subcultures and genres. Intentionally crafted to honor the intersections of the culture of Bayamon and the legacy of his late grandfather, the album displays a Farruko that is nostalgic, festive, vulnerable, and proud. The 25-track album’s expansive sound incorporates nostalgic perreo beats, weaves in the “pilita” or EDM trends popularized in the neighboring country of the Dominican Republic, and his traditional love for Jamaica’s reggae—all while remaining loyal to his grittier influences like his trap, drill, and reggaeton essence.
Along with “PEPAS,” LA 167 is home to “La Tóxica,” which debuted in the top 10 of Billboard’s “Latin Digital Song Sales” list and in the top 15 of “Hot Latin Songs, it peaked at no. 1 in 9 countries, #1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs and Latin Streaming Songs, and scored him a 2021 Latin GRAMMY® nomination in the “Best Reggaeton Performance.” Last week, Farruko shared the festive video for EDM-inflected banger “El Incomprendido,” which interpolates the 1999 eurodance classic “Better Off Alone” by Alice Deejay and generated nearly 6 million YouTube views in just 5 days. The album features a new collaboration with Pedro Capó, who connected with Farru in 2019 for the 25x Platinum hit “Calma,” Farru’s fellow Bayamón native Ñengo Flow, and additional appearances from Myke Towers, Jay Wheeler, Brray, Secreto, Noriel, Luar, White Star, India Martinez, Lenier, and Jamaican dancehall singer Mavado.
Characterized as a definitive artist of his generation of Latin musicians, Farruko illustrates his natural approach to both commercial and rooted styles with LA 167. This November he will kick off his first US Tour making stops in 15 cities. He recently made history selling out Puerto Rico’s renowned Coliseo arena during a presale for 2 nights for his upcoming homecoming shows of “LA 167 Tour.”
LA 167 is available to stream everywhere via Sony Music Latin/Carbon Fiber Music.
https://youtu.be/7V2aGXbaiJo
LA 167 Tracklist
1. Ki (ft. Oniell & Daniel Habif)
2. La Toxica
3. PEPAS
4. GPS (ft. Jay Wheeler)
5. F* LOVE (ft. Dímelo Flow & DJ Adonis)
6. Cucaracha (ft. Ñengo Flow)
7. Lambo
8. My Lova
9. Baja Cali
10. La Perla
11. Cuervos
12. El incomprendido (ft. Victor Cardenas & DJ Adonis)
13. Embalao (ft. White Star)
14. Jíbaro (ft. Pedro Capó)
15. $
16. 167
17. Baya (ft. Yomo)
18. Doble L (ft. Brray & Noriel)
19. Guerrero (ft. Luar La L)
20. Amigos Nuevo (ft. Fresy Franklin)
21. Bendición (ft. Lenier)
22. WFM (ft. Mavado)
23. Apunta y Dispara (ft. India Martinez & Lito MC)
24. Siempre Sere (ft. Myke Towers, Tempo, Secreto, & Pacho El Antifeka)
25. Helicoptero
Social Media Following: Instagram (18.5 million), Twitter (4.7 million), Facebook (15 million likes), YouTube (13.7 million)
2x Nominee at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards (vote here until 3pm ET on March 23rd)
Winner – Premios Juventud 2021 (La Mezcla Perfecta)
2x Latin GRAMMY Award Winner (2016, 2019)
ASCAP Latin Songwriter of the Year (2018)
Latin Billboard Award Winner (2015)
Nine Latin Airplay #1 Hits (including 2020’s “La Toxica”)
“After his 2017 single ‘Krippy Kush’ became the first Latin trap song to reach the Hot 100 singles chart, Farruko did the unexpected by shifting his next album away from the burgeoning format and returning to urbano’s reggae roots. Eschewing tough rap braggadocio in favor of tuff gong vibrations, Gangalee makes Carribbean connections via cuts like the breezy ‘Quédate’ and the throwback ‘Pórtate Mal.’” – Rolling Stone’s Best Latin Albums of 2019 (Gangalee)
“Whether or not you realize it, this Puerto Rican rapper is one of the most popular artists in America right now.” – Vice
“Luckily, a few artists have taken on the task of ensuring [reggaeton’s] origins aren’t suppressed or forgotten. Farruko is one of the few at the forefront, doing so in the most overt fashion…Farruko, who has over a decade of experience in the music industry, has been a part of that time of reinvention for reggaeton, trap en español, and now reggae…Taking on the advice of the wise, Farruko more often than not says the least but does the most, pouring out his thoughts, emotions and vision for the future of Latin music into extended albums and tracks.” – Remezcla
Background:
About Farruko
Farruko is recognized as one of the most important musical phenomena in the Latin music industry. Thanks to his fantastic artistic versatility and his excellence on stage, the multi-platinum artist and two-time Latin GRAMMY winner has managed to conquer massive audiences around the world, becoming one of the most innovative exponents of the reggaeton genre. With eight successful studio albums and multiple collaborations with international artists of different genres, his success has impacted the Hispanic American community, in such a way that his career has been recognized by HBO with a documentary, “Farruko: En Letra de Otro.”
His latest album Gangalee debuted #2 on Billboard’s “Top Latin Songs” chart, entered the “Billboard 200” global chart, and was certified 7x multi-platinum. This album presents essential singles like “Nadie,” “Inolvidable,” “La Cartera” with Bad Bunny, and “Delincuente” with Anuel AA. Likewise, his single “Calma – Remix” with Pedro Capó became an iconic hit of popular reggaeton, which not only received a Latin GRAMMY award but has also been certified as platinum by the RIAA. Additionally, the song received an ASCAP 2020 award and has almost two billion views in its music video. Farruko is characterized by his highly-adaptable skills across musical genres, and his ability to break international barriers with his unique talent. Constantly demonstrating his musical evolution, Farruko reaffirms his position as an artistic powerhouse in the Latin music industry.
About Carbon Fiber Music
Carbon Fiber Music, Inc. (CFM) is a record label specializing in the international Latin market, established in 2014 and founded by international superstar, Farruko, and his manager/entrepreneur Franklin Martinez. Today, Carbon Fiber Music is one of the most respected independent record labels in the music industry and is responsible for the internationalization of multiple artists such as: Farruko, Ankhal, Lary Over, Milly, Akim, Lil Tati, Josephlee, and producers and songwriters: Sharo Towers, K4G K LO K, Ghetto, White Star.
The label is characterized by its mastery of a wide variety of musical styles, which reflect the constant evolution of the Hispanic American youth thanks to its wide and successful catalog that has taken it to win multiple Latin GRAMMYS and tour the world with its artist roster.
Carbon Fiber Music has always distinguished itself for its consistency and the quality of its releases, leading it today to become one of the most recognized and significant brands in Latin Urban music, with more than 3.97 million followers through its social networks and more than one billion views on its official YouTube channel.
Key Glock Announces Yellow Tape 2, Coming Later This Fall via Paper Route EMPIRE
The Memphis-Born Hero Connects with Tay Keith for the Flute-Heavy New Single “Ambition For Cash“
The Sequel to His Most Successful Solo Project To Date–2020’s Top 20-Charting Yellow Tape–the Upcoming Mixtape Finds Glock Perfecting His Flexing Over an Exquisite Selection of Beats
The Song:
A blunt-force spitter with an immaculate ear for production, Key Glock has mastered the art of flexing. Returning to the stark aesthetic of one of his most successful projects, Key Glock announces Yellow Tape 2, coming soon. The upcoming project is the follow-up to 2020’s Yellow Tape, which peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200 and featured fan favorite songs like “Dough,” ‘Word on the Streets,” and “Look At They Face.“ With production from an A-List of sound architects including Tennessee legends Tay Keith (Memphis), Juicy J (Memphis), and Bandplay (Nashville), plus heavy-hitters from across the rap spectrum like Sosa 808, Budda Bless, and more, the upcoming tape finds the 24-year-old artist refining his style, unleashing tighter flows, delivering cleverer punchlines, and giving even fewer f*cks. Like always, the upcoming project finds Key Glock shouldering the full track load without any features. Expect Yellow Tape 2 to arrive later this fall via Paper Route EMPIRE.
Along with the announcement of the project, Key Glock shares “Ambition For Cash,” his new single. Produced by Tay Keith, who delivers a off-the-wall, flute-laden instrumental fit for a spaghetti western set on Beale Street, “Ambition For Cash” is the first glimpse of the upcoming Yellow Tape 2. Locking into the track’s thudding 808s, Glock speaks on a knack for hustling that has motivated him since he was “13-years-old with a shoebox stash,” spinning effortless flexes that help explain why he’s one of the hottest rappers in the game today: “I’m sippin color purple syrup, ballin hard just like The Beard/Yeah, and Larry Bird, I’m shootin sh*t I know you heard.”
The upcoming Yellow Tape 2 continues a busy year for Glock, as he’s spent time collaborating with his Paper Route EMPIRE associates. Earlier this year, he connected with his label boss and frequent sparring partner Young Dolph for Dum And Dummer 2, their second full-length collaborative album. Debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200, Dum & Dummer 2 generated nearly 36k sales equivalent units across platforms and scored the fifth-biggest streaming debut on Spotify during its first week of release. Earlier this month, the album received a glowing review from Pitchfork, who awarded the album a 7.5 score and cemented Young Dolph & Key Glock as a “once-in-a-generation” rap duo, akin to 8Ball & MJG or Method Man & Redman, and “one of the most in-sync alliances in the genre today.” Dum & Dummer 2 is the duo’s second Top 10 album, following the original Dum and Dummer, which also debuted at #8 in 2019. Glock also made multiple appearances on PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi, the first-ever label compilation tape by Paper Route EMPIRE. Along with collaborating with fellow PRE signees like Snupe Bandz on “Blu Boyz” and “Bandaid” and Paper Route Woo on “Big Ol Racks,” Glock connected with Gucci Mane for project highlight “I Do This.“
Stay tuned for more music and announcements from Key Glock in the coming weeks.
Multi-Platinum Singer-Songwriter FARRUKO
DropsLA 167, An Ode To His Carribean Roots and Family Legacy
The Puerto Rico-Born Superstar Premieres the Video for “El Incomprendido,” A Highlight From the 25-Track New Album
Credit: Mike Ho
The Announcement:
October 1, 2021 (Miami, FL) – Multi-platinum singer-songwriter and two-time Latin GRAMMY award winner, Farruko, releases his highly anticipated album LA 167. The project finds the global chart-topping reggaetonero further defying industry standards — creating an eclectic ambiance fit for various subcultures and genres. Intentionally crafted to honor the intersections of his hometown of Bayamon and the legacy of his late grandfather, the album displays a Farruko that is nostalgic, festive, vulnerable, and proud.
“[LA 167] is the record, this is the moment, this is the story. It’s an act that will mark my career, my family and it will ultimately mark who I am as a person.” – Farruko
Named after the principal highway that passes through his hometown of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the album is a special, sentimental ode to the highway and a particular gasoline station that once belonged to his late grandfather. With LA 167, Farruko reclaims his grandfather’s legacy, while simultaneously proving his ability to reach the masses with homegrown messages and diverse, diasporic instrumental selections. To achieve this, he revisited the most nostalgic perreo beats, incorporated the “pilita” or EDM trends popularized in the neighboring country of the Dominican Republic, and his traditional love for Jamaica’s reggae—all while remaining loyal to his grittier influences like his trap, drill, and reggaeton essence.
Acknowledged as one of the leading musical phenomena within the Latin music industry, Farruko’s statement is clear with LA 167. Opening the project are outstanding, chart-topping tracks like “La Tóxica,” which debuted in the top 10 of Billboard’s “Latin Digital Song Sales” list and in the top 15 of “Hot Latin Songs, it peaked at no. 1 in 9 countries, #1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs and Latin Streaming Songs, and scored him a 2021 Latin GRAMMY® nomination in the “Best Reggaeton Performance” category, as well as “Pepas”— his latest global anthem which landed him the #1 spot on Billboard’s “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs,” “Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales,” “Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs,” and “Latin Digital Song Sales” charts. The track currently ranks at #7 on Spotify’s Global Top 50 chart, with over 272 million total streams, surpassing 2.7 million daily streams, and at #1 on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Songs” chart for 6 consecutive weeks. Last week, Farruko recruited internationally renowned superstar DJ , David Guetta for the official remix version of the global hit.
Joining forces with culture giants such as Bayamon-native Ñengo Flow for “Cucaracha,” an alternative track sampling Paquita La Del Barrio’s “Rata De Dos Patas,” and Yomo for “Baya,” reinforces his intentions of giving those before him their flowers through collaboration. His sensible and more vulnerable sides are found in ballads like “$” and “My Lova” — a ballad-turned-reggae track that speaks on heartbreak and karma.
In honoring his island and culture, he delivers tracks like “Jibaro,” which finds Farruko reconnected with his “Calma (Remix)” collaborator Pedro Capo. The song opens up with the sweet sounds of “el coqui,” a frog endemic to Puerto Rico, and lyrically turns to a poetic ode to his rural, country roots. He brings on DJ Adoni for guaracha-EDM records “F*LOVE” and “El Incomprendido.” Other collaborators found in LA 167 include Jay Wheeler, Brray, Secreto, Noriel, Luar, White Star, India Martinez, Lenier, and Jamaican dancehall singer Mavado.
Along with the album, Farruko releases a high-energy new video for LA 167 highlight “El Incomprendido” ft. Victor Cardenas & DJ Adoni. The ideal follow-up to “PEPAS,” “El Incomprendido” keeps the party going, incorporating elements of electronic music – particularly an interpolation of the 1999 eurodance classic “Better Off Alone” by Alice DJ – while sirenic synths and celebratory trombones dueling atop a reggaeton-influenced backbeat. Alternating sweet singing and hard-nosed raps, Farruko crafts an anthem that will blast out of hookah bars for the foreseeable future. Directed by Mike Ho, the video picks up where “PEPAS” left off, as Farruko and company drive their ATVs from the desert into a beachside town to throw the biggest party the town has ever seen. ATVs do donuts in a nearby parking lot as Farruko parties at night by the seaside with cage dancers, the famed DJ Adoni, and a number of beautiful women.
Farruko is no stranger to the repeat button, and with 8 successful studio albums, multiple international collaborations throughout his artistry that include artists like Shaggy, Sean Paul, Alicia Keys, as well as Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, and Travis Scott for standout track “Krippy Kush”, his versatility and ability to conquer the masses despite language proves he has become one of the most innovative exponents of the reggaeton genre. His eighth studio album “Gangalee” debuted #2 on Billboard’s “Top Latin Albums” chart, entered the global “Billboard 200” chart, and was certified 7X Multi-platinum. The album features singles such as “Nadie”, Inolvidable”, “La Cartera” alongside Bad Bunny, and “Delincuente” with Anuel AA. Likewise, his single “Calma (Remix)” with Pedro Capó became a generationally iconic hit within Latin music and received a Latin GRAMMY® award as well as a Platinum certification by the RIAA. In 2020, Farruko received two ASCAP awards for songs “Calma” and “Si Se Da.”
Sitting on 41.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify, over 8.4 Billion streams across digital platforms, and ranking the 30th most listened to artist in the world; his music transcends borders and languages. This has impacted the Latino community in such a way that his career has been recognized by HBO in a documentary focused on his career entitled, “Farruko: En Letra de Otro.
Characterized as the definitive artist of this generation, Farruko illustrates his natural approach to both commercial and rooted styles with LA 167. This November he will kick off his first US Tour making stops in 15 cities. He recently made history selling out Puerto Rico’s renowned Coliseo arena during a presale for 2 nights for his upcoming homecoming shows of “LA 167 Tour.”
LA 167 Tracklist
1. “Ki” Feat. Oneill & Daniel Habif
2. “La Tóxica”
3. “Pepas”
4. “GPS” Feat. Jay Wheeler
5. “F*LOVE” Feat. Dímelo Flow & DJ Adoni
6. “Cucaracha” Feat. Ñengo Flow
7. “Lambo”
8. “My Lova”
9. “Baja Cali”
10. “La Perla”
11. “Cuervos”
12. “El Incomprendido” Feat. Victor Cardenas & DJ Adoni
13. “Embalao” Feat. White Star & J. Cross
14. “Jíbaro” Feat. Pedro Capó
15. “$”
16. “167”
17. “Baya” Feat. Yomo
18. “Doble L” Feat. Brray & Noriel
19. “Guerrero” Feat. Luar La L
20. “Amigos Nuevo” Feat. Fresy Franklin
21. “Bendición” Feat. Lenier
22. “WFM” Feat. Mavado
23. “Apunta y Dispara” Feat. India Martinez & Lito MC
24. “Siempre Sere” Feat. Myke Towers, Tempo,
Secreto, Pacho El Antifeka
25. “Helicóptero”
Social Media Following: Instagram (18.5 million), Twitter (4.7 million), Facebook (15 million likes), YouTube (13.7 million)
2x Nominee at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards (vote here until 3pm ET on March 23rd)
Winner – Premios Juventud 2021 (La Mezcla Perfecta)
2x Latin GRAMMY Award Winner (2016, 2019)
ASCAP Latin Songwriter of the Year (2018)
Latin Billboard Award Winner (2015)
Nine Latin Airplay #1 Hits (including 2020’s “La Toxica”)
“After his 2017 single ‘Krippy Kush’ became the first Latin trap song to reach the Hot 100 singles chart, Farruko did the unexpected by shifting his next album away from the burgeoning format and returning to urbano’s reggae roots. Eschewing tough rap braggadocio in favor of tuff gong vibrations, Gangalee makes Carribbean connections via cuts like the breezy ‘Quédate’ and the throwback ‘Pórtate Mal.’” – Rolling Stone’s Best Latin Albums of 2019 (Gangalee)
“Whether or not you realize it, this Puerto Rican rapper is one of the most popular artists in America right now.” – Vice
“Luckily, a few artists have taken on the task of ensuring [reggaeton’s] origins aren’t suppressed or forgotten. Farruko is one of the few at the forefront, doing so in the most overt fashion…Farruko, who has over a decade of experience in the music industry, has been a part of that time of reinvention for reggaeton, trap en español, and now reggae…Taking on the advice of the wise, Farruko more often than not says the least but does the most, pouring out his thoughts, emotions and vision for the future of Latin music into extended albums and tracks.” – Remezcla
Background:
About Farruko
Farruko is recognized as one of the most important musical phenomena in the Latin music industry. Thanks to his fantastic artistic versatility and his excellence on stage, the multi-platinum artist and two-time Latin GRAMMY winner has managed to conquer massive audiences around the world, becoming one of the most innovative exponents of the reggaeton genre. With eight successful studio albums and multiple collaborations with international artists of different genres, his success has impacted the Hispanic American community, in such a way that his career has been recognized by HBO with a documentary, “Farruko: En Letra de Otro.”
His latest album Gangalee debuted #2 on Billboard’s “Top Latin Songs” chart, entered the “Billboard 200” global chart, and was certified 7x multi-platinum. This album presents essential singles like “Nadie,” “Inolvidable,” “La Cartera” with Bad Bunny, and “Delincuente” with Anuel AA. Likewise, his single “Calma – Remix” with Pedro Capó became an iconic hit of popular reggaeton, which not only received a Latin GRAMMY award but has also been certified as platinum by the RIAA. Additionally, the song received an ASCAP 2020 award and has almost two billion views in its music video. Farruko is characterized by his highly-adaptable skills across musical genres, and his ability to break international barriers with his unique talent. Constantly demonstrating his musical evolution, Farruko reaffirms his position as an artistic powerhouse in the Latin music industry.
About Carbon Fiber Music
Carbon Fiber Music, Inc. (CFM) is a record label specializing in the international Latin market, established in 2014 and founded by international superstar, Farruko, and his manager/entrepreneur Franklin Martinez. Today, Carbon Fiber Music is one of the most respected independent record labels in the music industry and is responsible for the internationalization of multiple artists such as: Farruko, Ankhal, Lary Over, Milly, Akim, Lil Tati, Josephlee, and producers and songwriters: Sharo Towers, K4G K LO K, Ghetto, White Star.
The label is characterized by its mastery of a wide variety of musical styles, which reflect the constant evolution of the Hispanic American youth thanks to its wide and successful catalog that has taken it to win multiple Latin GRAMMYS and tour the world with its artist roster.
Carbon Fiber Music has always distinguished itself for its consistency and the quality of its releases, leading it today to become one of the most recognized and significant brands in Latin Urban music, with more than 3.97 million followers through its social networks and more than one billion views on its official YouTube channel.
As He Prepares For His Upcoming Problem Child 3 Tape, the Buzzing North Florida Street Rapper Behind Hits like “Bad Ass Jit” Will Join the Tour Starting Tonight in Pittsburgh
Critical Praise:
“What sets Watkins apart from his peers, though, is a natural bounce that sits at the core of his best songs…Dee Watkins makes songs that you can party to in one setting, and learn life lessons from in another. He can really do it all.” – Complex
“Listening to Dee Watkins on ‘Hell Raiser’ is a bit like watching Matthew Broderick in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: You get the sense the delinquents are having more fun.” – Pitchfork
“Dee Watkins has been rapping for more than a decade, first picking up the trade when he was just 9 years old. By 10, he was recording in his next-door neighbor’s studio under the name Lil D. He’s come a long way since.” – XXL
The Announcement:
A sharp storyteller with a versatile delivery, Dee Watkins is quickly building a devoted fanbase in Florida and beyond. Ready to show off his live performance bonafides, Dee Watkins announces that he will be joining the bill of “Rod Wave SoulFly Tour, Presented by Rolling Loud,” a fast-selling tour that criss-crosses the United States. Bringing even more Florida energy to the tour, that already boasts Rod Wave, OMN Twee, and DJ Five Venoms, Dee will perform hits like “Bad Ass Jit” (nearly 40 million YT views) and “Hell Raiser,” and he might even join fellow “SoulFly Tour” rapper NoCap in a performance of their song “Fake Sh*t.”
Dee will join the rest of the performances on the tour, starting with a sold out date tonight in Pittsburgh, PA. With sold out dates to come in Chicago, Boston, Phoenix, and L.A., and low-ticket warnings in several other cities, Dee’s new slot on the “SoulFly Tour” allows him to build anticipation for Problem Child 3, his upcoming mixtape.
The third installment in Dee’s breakout Problem Child series, which included regional hits like the Pitchfork-praised “Hell Raiser” and “Fake Sh*t” ft. NoCap. The mixtape is home to recent singles like “Problem Child 3 (Intro)” and “Beside Me,” the latter a tribute to Dee’s close friend Ham, who passed away recently. On the upcoming Problem Child 3, a return to Dee’s signature mixtape series after the release of Not One Of Them, earlier this year, Dee reckons with his irresponsible past, seeking ways to better himself without forgetting the hard lessons he learned on the streets. Last week, Dee revisited 2020’s Problem Child 2 when he released the video for the soulful cut “See It In Me.”
Problem Child 3 arrives this fall via Alamo Records.
The Lil Durk-Endorsed Rapper and Only The Family Signee Shares the Latest Video From His Big Doodie Lo Project
The Video:
Specializing in hard-nosed rhymes delivered with a pleasant rasp, Doodie Lo is a good bet to be the next tough-talking midwest rapper to hit it big. Proving that he’s not one to be messed with, the Only The Family rapper shares “Nowhere,” his new video. Running roughshod over a beat from ATL Jacob, Doodie Lo takes aim at all steppers, warning Instagram haters that they better not take their crazy talk outside: “N***** only gangsters when they get on live/When we get your lo’-lo’, boy, you gon’ die.” In the video, Doodie Lo collects his OTF brethren, mobbing in numbers and gleefully ignoring the “no loitering” signs in front of the neighborhood stores. “Nowhere” is a highlight track from Big Doodie Lo, the artist’s debut full-length, and follows the video for his hometown anthem “Mr. Kankakee.”
A veteran in the streets since his early teens, the up-and-coming rapper is blends expert tough talk on songs like “Bodies” with vulnerable melody on tracks like “Don’t Worry.” The new mixtape benefits from the influence of the late King Von, Doodie’s close friend and confidante, who Doodie credits for helping him develop the confidence to strike out on his own. The mixtape is home to “Me & Doodie Lo,” an energetic collab between Von and Doodie that originally appeared on OTF’s Loyal Broscompilation (and racked up over 8 million YouTube views), in which the legendary O-Block native gives Mr. Kankakee an enthusiastic co-sign. Doodie Lo returns the favor with mixtape highlight “Von Flow,” in which he emulates the propulsive rhyming pattern that Von used in many of his hits and tells a crazy story of his own. Featuring appearances from his OTF head honcho Lil Durk, along with spots from Moneybagg Yo, Pooh Shiesty (on the pugilistic recent single “Bodies,” which has 2+ million YouTube views), BIG30, and Yung Mal, Big Doodie Lo is available to stream everywhere via Only The Family / EMPIRE.
A close associate of Lil Durk with a growing fanbase in the midwest, Doodie Lo hails from Kankakee, a small city 30 minutes outside of Chicago. He has contributed several standout tracks to OTF compilation tapes, including “Hang Out” ft. Memo600, from 2019’s Family Over Everything. The artist had his coming out party earlier this year with his contributions to Loyal Bros, including “Took Down,” his collaboration with Memphis rapper BIG30 that racked up over 1.7 million video views, “Street Raised Me,” which connected him with Booka600, and most significantly, the aforementioned “Me And Doodie Lo.”
With the full support of Lil Durk and a strong debut mixtape under his belt, Doodie Lo looks to establish himself as the next midwest street rapper to blow. Given all that he’s already overcome, it would not be wise to bet against him.
Founded by Lil Durk, Only The Family is one of rap’s most respected labels and most impressive collections of talent. Originally based in Chicago, the label earned a reputation for cultivating some of the city’s most vital talents, with members like Booka600, Memo600, and the late great King Von. With a roster that reflects label boss Durk’s signature combination of raw lyricism and emotional songwriting, OTF has released three label compilation mixtapes, including the two volumes of Only The Family Involved in 2018 and Family Over Everything in 2019. Ready to make a statement after a 2020 marked by success and tragedy in equal measure, Only The Family is currently preparing Loyal Bros, their next compilation tape, coming in February 2021.
This Week TikTok Gets Fancy Like Applebee’s, Indulges in Rockwell’s Paranoia, and Loudly Says “We Love You Tecca”
The News:
Each week, the TikTok Treats newsletter gives a snapshot of the state of music on TikTok, touching on trending hits, emerging artists, superstar moves, ascendant memes, and much more. In recent weeks, hit songs from multiple decades have trended on the app, even as the community continues to discover new stars. Below, check out some of the more notable songs and trends to pop on the platform in late September:
Country music has been having a major moment this past summer on TikTok with the success of Walker Hayes’ “Fancy Like”. Inspired by his family’s countless trips to Applebee’s in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama during his childhood, “Fancy Like” has sparked a dance trend on the app to the tune of over 724K creations. Since Walker posted a TikTok of him hitting some trendy dance moves to the song with his daughter Lela in June, the dance has been recreated by couples working on farms, creators who lost hilarious bets, and creators getting photobombed by Shaq at Applebee’s. The track’s continued success on the app has translated to over 66M listens on Spotify, 11 weeks at #1 on the Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and a TikTok montage of the sound’s creations in an Applebee’s commercial. Walker Hayes even connected with pop star Kesha for a remix to the catchy, feel-good track and, of course, you know they had to grace the app with a duet creation of them grooving to their collaboration.
Few classic hits are as ripe for TikTok appreciation as Rockwell’s 1984 classic “Somebody’s Watching Me“–it has a distinct vibe, describes a relatable paranoid mindset, and communicates a complex idea in a matter of seconds. With over 184k video creations since user @terrencel0vesu danced to it on a boardwalk on September 13th, the song is taking over TikTok’s virtual airwaves. Some users have ran with a simple close-up based trend, or choreographed their own dance, but others have gotten more creative, leaning into the song’s Halloween-y subtext and posting clips of themselves in creepy costumes or tours of potentially-haunted houses.
By digging up classic hits and giving them new context, TikTok users open up a two-way portal between music’s past and present. This week, creators have rediscovered Baby Boy Da Prince’s 2007 song “The Way I Live,” using the song’s emphatic chorus to make defiant statements about their own lives. The soft-spoken classic boasts 13.6K+ creations to date, with users comedically responding to criticisms about their everyday habits. Whether they decide to buy new clothes for every season, throw extravagant birthday parties, or opt for a new hair color, creators turn to Baby Boy Da Prince’s one-liner as the explanation for their choices: “This is the way I live.”
Filipino Indie rock singer Eyedress’ hazy and heartfelt “Something About You” (64K+ creations) is making the rounds on TikTok. Creators have been taking to the song’s “She looks just like a dream, the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen” lyrics to demonstrate ways they love themselves, the ways they love others, and the ways others love them. The smooth, ethereal indie rock track has inspired creations from those who take pride in their early morning makeup routines, love having painting dates with their significant other, and have mothers who never cease to adore their child’s beauty. After he noticed the song trending, Eyedress revealed that his girlfriend was his muse for the track, much to the delight of those on the app who enjoy the song.
Part of the beauty of music on TikTok is its collaborative nature–using the duet function, creators can elaborate on one artist’s idea and weave a vast tapestry of complementary sounds. In July, singer @sarahcothran recorded an acapella interpretation of MIKA’s 2009 hit “Grace Kelly,” including melodic ideas for vocal parts in each range. The original sound has over 26k video creations, as TikTok users add their own voices and ideas on top of Sarah’s, ranging from simple harmonies, to original rap verses. Sarah’s original instrumental has taken on a life of its own, as users channel the deep emotion of her vocal performance to tell personal stories, such as how their parents met in the military, how they serendipitously met their future spouses, and how they parlayed looking like Adam Sandler into a chance to meet the man himself.
The Atlanta Riser Shows Off A Gritty Sense of Melody in a Reflective New Single
Critical Praise:
“Anchored by his nimble lyrical ability, 1.5 Way Or No Way demonstrates how Yung Mal can rap with some of the biggest in the game right now and still hold his own.” – Complex
“Drenched in authenticity, New Orleans-born, Atlanta-bred rapper Yung Mal is looking like the next to blow out of the south.” – XXL
“Unpacking his latest triumphs and showing love to his neighborhood, Yung Mal bosses up in a major way on his new project.” – HotNewHipHop
“Yung Mal is on a fast ascension through the industry.” – ELEVATOR
“One of the most promising rising artists…Mal consistently brings interesting and unique flows onto stellar production.” – Lyrical Lemonade
The Song:
Emerging from Atlanta’s Zone 6, Yung Mal stands out in his city’s bustling trap scene with his tumbling flow and his sharp pen. Taking stock of his precarious position and reflecting on how he got there, Mal shares “One Night,” his new song. Produced with apocalyptic grandeur by PlutoBrazy, the new song finds Mal exercising his melodic muscles, lightly applying auto-tune but allowing his natural rasp to shine through. The 1.5 Da Label chieftain reflects on the chances he took and the price he paid in order to provide for his son, his mom, and his friends: “Catching each play like Jerry Rice/Life is a gamble, I rolled the dice.” “One Night” follows the flex-heavy “Get Right” in the wake of 1.5 Way Or No Way, Mal’s recent mixtape.
Named after the neighborhood in which he grew up, and for a phrase that was a favorite of his late homie Plug, 1.5 Way Or No Way is a mature and versatile effort. Mal’s rhymes are more polished and precise, reflecting the perspective of a father of a young son and daughter and a neighborhood leader who bears the hopes and dreams of his friends on his back. Home to singles like “Woah Woah” ft. Lil Gotit and the Pitchfork-praised “Wassup Wit Me” ft. G Herbo, the new mixtape earned praise from Complex (“Yung Mal can rap with some of the biggest in the game right now and still hold his own”) and HotNewHipHop (“Yung Mal bosses up in a major way on his new project”), as well as coverage from XXL, RESPECT, and more. Featuring additional appearances from BIG30 and Real Taker, 1.5 Way Or No Way is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
Rhyming with raw nerve emotionalism and infectious melodies, Slimelife Shawty is deeply attuned to the beating heart of the streets. Today, Slimelife Shawty shares “Where’s The Love,“ a plaintive and melodic new single. Opening with a mix of pianos and mournful violins, “Where’s The Love” immediately deposits the listener in Slimelife’s headspace, one haunted by paranoia and loss, but not devoid of hope. The song finds Slimelife reflecting on all he’s done for the streets and wondering why he’s not getting the recognition he deserves.
“Where’s The Love” will appear on Better Livin, the Atlanta native’s upcoming project. The 22-year-old artist has been teasing out Better Livin over the past few months by releasing a string of high-quality video singles, including last month’s “Still At It,” the powerful “Slatt Bizness” (over 1.3 million views since its early August release), and the poignant “Baby Boy,” which has over 2.1 million YouTube views since its release in May.
Earlier this year, Slimelife shared the 42 Dugg-featuring remix to “Don’t Worry (Clappers),” his biggest hit to date with over 15 million streams across platforms. Last year, the Alamo Records signee released No Slime Left Behind, a full-length project, and made noise with his street hit “All Summer” (2.6 million YouTube views). Slimelife signee showed off his performance chops this summer, performing an electrifying set at Rolling LoudMiami in July.
With a knack for emotional honesty that earned him co-signs from heavy-hitters like Young Thug, Lil Baby, and Lil Durk, who gifted him an OTF chain that he wears in the “Still At It” video, Slimelife Shawty is looking to level up with the upcoming Better Livin. Stay tuned.
Slimelife Shawty is one of the most promising young voices out of Atlanta, Georgia. Inspired by hometown hero, Young Thug, the 21-year-old has found success with his Southern-twanged, pain-stained lyrics paired with melodic undertones. In 2018, Shawty assisted Lil Keed’s “Blicky Blicky,” which erupted in the Atlanta streets and drew attention to the rising lyricist. Boasting cosigns from the likes of Thug, Keed and YNW JGreen, Shawty stepped confidently into more solo success. In 2019, with his 12-track EP, 100 Reasons, and songs like “Bankroll” and “40 Bars, he amplified his smooth wordplay and shares his story with the world. Fueled by his street hit “Clappers,” Slimelife continues to gain recognition for his undeniable talent and rise to unprecedented heights. His latest project, No Slime Left Behind, came out in May 2020.
The Atlanta Native Shares the Latest Preview of His Upcoming Better Livin Project, Due Next Month via Alamo Records
Critical Praise:
“Atlanta rapper Slimelife Shawty has been building his catalog over the last couple of years, earning attention from Young Thug, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, and more. Associating himself with several of the city’s strongest forces, it’s not hard to see why he’s been rising so quickly. The budding star is seemingly one project away from being recognized as one of Atlanta’s top talents.” – HotNewHipHop
“Slimelife Shawty became a staple of Atlanta’s bubbling underground after appearing on early Lil Keed standouts like ‘Blicky Blicky’ in 2018. Since then, he’s been moving with remarkable consistency, gaining traction with anthemic songs like ‘Don’t Worry.'” – DJ Booth
The Announcement:
Rhyming with raw nerve emotionalism and infectious melodies, Slimelife Shawty is deeply attuned to the beating heart of the streets. Today, Slimelife Shawty shares “Where’s The Love,“ a plaintive and melodic new single. Opening with a mix of pianos and mournful violins, “Where’s The Love” immediately deposits the listener in Slimelife’s headspace, one haunted by paranoia and loss, but not devoid of hope. The song finds Slimelife reflecting on all he’s done for the streets and wondering why he’s not getting the recognition he deserves.
“Where’s The Love” will appear on Better Livin, the Atlanta native’s upcoming project. The 22-year-old artist has been teasing out Better Livin over the past few months by releasing a string of high-quality video singles, including last month’s “Still At It,” the powerful “Slatt Bizness” (over 1.3 million views since its early August release), and the poignant “Baby Boy,” which has over 2.1 million YouTube views since its release in May.
Earlier this year, Slimelife shared the 42 Dugg-featuring remix to “Don’t Worry (Clappers),” his biggest hit to date with over 15 million streams across platforms. Last year, the Alamo Records signee released No Slime Left Behind, a full-length project, and made noise with his street hit “All Summer” (2.6 million YouTube views). Slimelife signee showed off his performance chops this summer, performing an electrifying set at Rolling LoudMiami in July.
With a knack for emotional honesty that earned him co-signs from heavy-hitters like Young Thug, Lil Baby, and Lil Durk, who gifted him an OTF chain that he wears in the “Still At It” video, Slimelife Shawty is looking to level up with the upcoming Better Livin. Stay tuned.
Slimelife Shawty is one of the most promising young voices out of Atlanta, Georgia. Inspired by hometown hero, Young Thug, the 21-year-old has found success with his Southern-twanged, pain-stained lyrics paired with melodic undertones. In 2018, Shawty assisted Lil Keed’s “Blicky Blicky,” which erupted in the Atlanta streets and drew attention to the rising lyricist. Boasting cosigns from the likes of Thug, Keed and YNW JGreen, Shawty stepped confidently into more solo success. In 2019, with his 12-track EP, 100 Reasons, and songs like “Bankroll” and “40 Bars, he amplified his smooth wordplay and shares his story with the world. Fueled by his street hit “Clappers,” Slimelife continues to gain recognition for his undeniable talent and rise to unprecedented heights. His latest project, No Slime Left Behind, came out in May 2020.
Fresh Off Recent Collaborations with Lil Baby & Lil Durk, the 6 Mile Native and Detroit Rap Ambassador Shares an New Set of Street Stories
The New Mixtape Features Appearances from Future, Moneybagg Yo, Babyface Ray, Rio Da Yung OG, RMR & More
Critical Praise:
“The King of contemporary Detroit rap” – HYPEBEAST
“‘Champions’ is arguably the best single out of Detroit this year” – Pitchfork
“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
The Mixtape:
Icewear Vezzo captivates listeners with his easygoing rasp, his hard-as-nails demeanor, and his effortless slick talk. Further establishing himself in a rarified echelon of street rappers in Detroit and beyond, Vezzo shares Rich Off Pints 2, a new mixtape. The tape reverberates with the sounds of the Detroit scene that Vezzo helped develop, with ominous piano loops, bouncing 808s, and rattling hi-hats setting the scene for Vezzo’s tales of his illicit past. The sequel to the Pitchfork-praised Rich Off Pints, ROP 2 continues the exploration of Vezzo’s evolution from hustler to entrepreneur, elucidating the artist’s competitive mentality one track at a time.
On the highlight track “Chamber Brothers,” Vezzo compares himself to gangsters of Detroit’s past, drawing parallels between his role in the rap game with their domination of the streets in the ’80s, and on “Hustle Hard,” he reveals his motivations to feed his family by any means necessary. The mixtape also paints a picture of Vezzo’s flex-heavy present in songs like the recent single “Tear The Club Up” ft. Future(over 3 million YouTube views) and the Three 6 Mafia-sampling “Sippin” ft. Babyface Ray. Featuring additional appearances from Moneybagg Yo, Rio Da Yung OG, RMR, and more, Rich Off Pints 2 is available everywhere via Iced Up Records.
ROP 2 arrives in the wake of “Know The Difference,” Vezzo’s new collaboration with Lil Baby. A dramatic anthem for the flexers, “Know The Difference” gets its power from the contrasting styles of the two emcees–Baby hops out of the speakers with his melodic triplets, while Vezzo dabbles with auto-tune and delivers words of wisdom without elevating his heart rate. With over 2 million views on its YouTube video and with praise from The New York Times, “Know The Difference” is the latest in a line of high profile collaborations for Vezzo, following “Tear The Club Up,” “Up The Scoe” ft. Lil Durk (over 13.6 million YouTube views), and “Plastic,” Vezzo’s appearance on Lil Yachty‘s Michigan Boy Boat project.
The new mixtape is the second in a series, quickly following Rich Off Pints, which came out this summer. Rich Off Pints is home to introspective highlights like “Still With Me” (“Used to have sh*t to live for, now I have plenty reasons,” spits Vezzo on the track), and hard-hitting bangers like “Choppy Talk” and “Kobe Bryant” ft. EST Gee. The 16-track effort charted on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, and helped propel the artist to #9 on Rolling Stone’sBreakthrough 25. With additional appearances from respected names like Trippie Redd, Lil Yachty, Dreezy, BIG 30, and more, Rich Off Pints tells Vezzo’s story while paying tribute to a Detroit scene he helped foster.
Stay tuned for much more from the prolific rapper and entrepreneur as 2021 moves along.
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 Clarityin 2013, Vezzo built a large and loyal fanbase in The Mitten and beyond, feeding the streets and his 131k YouTube subscribers with high-quality releases and representing for Detroit on tracks by Big Sean, G Herbo, Drakeo The Ruler, DJ Mustard, Zaytoven, and many others. The 31-year-old artist frequently collaborates with other major figures in the Detroit scene, including Peezy and Babyface Ray, who he featured on his street hit –in just the past two years, Vezzo made waves with songs like “Meg Thee Stallion” ft. Babyface Ray, GT & Veeze (7.8 million YouTube views. named one of the Best Songs of 2020 by Passion Of The Weiss), “The Sit-Down” ft. Babyface Ray (6.2 million views), and “Dog Action” ft. Rio Da Yung OG (10 million YouTube views).
In addition to his heavy stature in the rap game, Vezzo makes moves as an entrepreneur in multiple industries. He’s the owner of his own label Iced Up Records, recently launched the Iced Up Films, a production company whose first film Price Of Love (starring Vezzo himself) is available for rent on Amazon, and is the CEO of his own clothing company Drank God Clothing. Though he’s a self-made man, Vezzo never forgets to give back–his company Iced Up Realty focuses on providing affordable housing in the Detroit community in which he was raised, and he teamed up with his mom to start The Detroit Rappers Organization, which is heavily involved in seasonal giveaways and field trips for Detroit’s youth.
The Respected South Florida Rapper Prepares a Wide-Ranging, Deeply Musical Effort That Mixes Aggression With Introspection
Critical Praise:
“He’s one of the most creative minds in music right now. His songs are always versatile and complex considering he fills them with a plethora of true stories and experiences, and his music videos never disappoint even slightly.” – Lyrical Lemonade
“One of the most prominent voices from Florida’s underground rap scene” – HotNewHipHop
The Announcement:
Astaple of Florida’s rap scene for nearly a decade, Pouya captivates fans with his lockstep flows and endless experimentation. Looking inward for his next release, the Miami native prepares for Blood Was Never Thick As Water, a new album, now available for pre-save/pre-order. Sourced from the lyrics of recent single “The First Step Of Becoming God Is A Bottle To The Face,” The album’s title subverts a popular aphorism, as the half-Cuban/half-Iranian rapper celebrates a chosen family of artists and friends who accepted his idiosyncrasies and outré creativity in a way that his birth family never could.
Expanding his sonic palette to add elements of jazz, dream pop, and even Bay Area-style mob music on tape highlight “One Deep In Fleetwood,” the new album finds Pouya searching for new canvases on which to paint with his rapidfire flows. Equally suited for longtime fans and newcomers alike, Blood Was Never Thick As Water complements the cerebral moments with bangers like “Out The Mud,” primed to set any festival moshpit aflame. Featuring an appearance from Denzel Curry, along with previously released songs like the recently released “Leave Me Alone” and the Lu Baby collaboration “Walk In,” Blood Was Never Thick As Water arrives on October 22nd, independently released, as always, by Pouya himself.
Along with the official announcement of the album, Pouya shares the thought-provoking video for “The First Step Of Becoming God Is A Bottle To The Face.” The song is dark night of the soul epic marked by somber pianos, propulsive snare rim clicks, and mournful horns courtesy of producer Rocci. “First Step” finds the rapper baring his soul, divulging the hidden traumas–including family betrayals, friends succumbing to addiction and death, and more–he once felt he had to hide to “emphasize his toughness.” The evocative video finds Pouya pursuing a literal interpretation of the song’s title, as a cragged-looking rapper reenacts the last days of Jesus Christ. Transporting the action from Jerusalem to rural Florida, “First Step” portrays Pouya as he eats a “last supper” (the director Julian Yuri Rodriguez‘scamera recalling Da Vinci’s famous painting) with his disciples before being crucified by an angry mob.
An iconoclastic figure who’s collaborated with everyone from $uicideboy$ to Juicy J, Pouya grew a massive fanbase with SoundCloud singles, independent albums, and visceral live performances. The prolific artist released three studio albums–Underground Underdog, FIVE FIVE and The South’s Got Something to Say–along with multiple mixtapes with fellow Buffet Boys rappers like Fat Nick and Boobie Lootaveli. Earlier this year, Pouya made a triumphant return to Rolling Loud, a festival at which he’s been a fixture since the very first event in 2015, firing up crowds with his vast catalog of anthems. Stay tuned for much more from Pouya, including more music, videos, and high profile collaborations, as the year comes to a close.
First Step of Becoming God Is a Bottle to the Face
Please contact Michelle or Kevin if interested in talking with Pouya.
The Background:
To be fully independent as an artist in this day and age is to know your musical & creative worth; trusting the process and fully believing in your project. For Miami native Kevin Pouya, better known as Pouya, there’s been no hesitation as he’s climbed through the ranks from his humble Soundcloud beginnings to upwards of 3.5 million monthly Spotify listeners, a number that’s consistently growing.
With a devout fanbase and the constant itch to not only make great music, but the love of helping his community and giving back, Pouya is becoming a household name. Ever-expanding through genre defying beats, he’s leaving no stone left unturned as he creates music to be angry to, to get hyped to, to be sad to and every emotion in between – vocally exuding his story & becoming more and more relatable – building and unbreakable bond between him & his fans.
With the success of his previous albums, Underground Underdog, FIVE FIVE and The South’s Got Something to Say, alongside multiple mixtapes with underground veterans Fat Nick & Boobie Lootaveli, multiple international tours under his belt, and working with stars such as Juicy J, The Ying Yang Twins, J.I.D & more – this is truly just the beginning for the young rapper. Be on the lookout for yet another massive album with some big features from the Buffet Boys rapper – Pouya is a name you’ll be remembering.
The Paper Route EMPIRE CEO Chops It Up With One of His Talented Lieutenants in the Latest Video From PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi
The Video:
Young Dolph built an EMPIRE in his backyard of Memphis, and now he’s help the city’s young talent have a moment in the sun. Teaming up with Kenny Muney for a new video, Dolph and Paper Route EMPIRE share “Ashtray.” Produced by Sosa 808, who creates a thumper with ethereal vocal samples and pounding 808s, “Ashtray” gets its power from the contrast between Dolph’s methodical flexes and Kenny Muney’s locked-in triplet flow: “Unlocked a new Stingray, but I had to park it for a second, hopped back in my Demon,” brags Dolph, while Kenny Muney says, ” I’m having more bags than a trash day.” In the video, Dolph and Kenny Muney do business in a garage, counting up cash by the thousand and playing host to a bevy of beautiful women. “Ashtray” is a highlight track from PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi, Paper Route EMPIRE’s first-ever compilation mixtape, and follows recent videos from PRE signees like Snupe Bandz, Big Moochie Grape, and Joddy Badass, as well as Dolph’s recent clip for “Talking To My Scale.”
The mixtape represents the culmination of a long and fruitful rise for Young Dolph–the mogul is ready to flex his A&R and CEO muscles, bringing a new crop of talent to the forefront. Along with Key Glock and Snupe Bandz, the tape features standout contributions from street favorites like Big Moochie Grape and Kenny Muney, and new signees like PaperRoute Woo, Big Unccc, and PRE first lady Joddy Badass. The 23-track tape offers the label to showcase its roster in plenty of combinations, and leaves room for big shots like Dolph, Glock, and Moochie to show off on solo songs of their own. Featuring an appearance from Gucci Mane and production from Bandplay, Memphis beatmakers like Tay Keith, DJ Squeeky, and Sosa808, ands trap titans like Drumma Boy and Budda Bless, PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi is available to stream everywhere via Paper Route EMPIRE.
PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi continues a banner year for the label, following up the release of Dum And Dummer 2, a collaborative album by Young Dolph and Key Glock. Debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200, Dum and Dummer 2 generated nearly 36k sales equivalent units across platforms and scored the fifth-biggest streaming debut on Spotify during its first week of release. Earlier this month, the album received a glowing review from Pitchfork, who awarded the album a 7.5 score and cemented Young Dolph & Key Glock as a “once-in-a-generation” rap duo, akin to 8Ball & MJG or Method Man & Redman, and “one of the most in-sync alliances in the genre today.” Dum & Dummer 2 is the duo’s second Top 10 album, following the original Dum and Dummer, which debuted at #8 in 2019.
PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi tracklist:
1. Talking To My Scale by Paper Route EMPIRE & Young Dolph
2. Blu Boyz by Young Dolph, Key Glock & Paper Route EMPIRE (feat. Snupe Bandz)
3. Beat It by Paper Route EMPIRE, Bigg Unccc & Young Dolph
4. I Do This by Paper Route EMPIRE, Key Glock & Gucci Mane
5. Back to Back by Paper Route EMPIRE & Bigg Unccc
6. Remember by Paper Route EMPIRE & Snupe Bandz
7. Mister Glock 2 by Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock
8. Bandaid by Paper Route EMPIRE, Key Glock & Snupe Bandz
9. Non Stop by Paper Route EMPIRE & Big Moochie Grape
10. Dance by Young Dolph, Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock (feat. Snupe Bandz, Kenny Muney, Joddy Badass, Jay Fizzle & Big Moochie Grape)
11. 333 by Paper Route EMPIRE & Joddy Badass
12. Ashtray by Paper Route EMPIRE, Kenny Muney & Young Dolph
13. Standing Ovation by Paper Route EMPIRE & Big Moochie Grape
14. Big Ol Racks by Paper Route EMPIRE, PaperRoute Woo & Key Glock
15. Dead Body by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & Bigg Unccc (feat. PaperRoute Woo)
16. Broccoli & Cheese by Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock
17. Trust Nobody by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & PaperRoute Woo (feat. Snupe Bandz)
18. Here We Go by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & Jay Fizzle (feat. Snupe Bandz)
19. Show Out by Paper Route EMPIRE, Snupe Bandz & Young Dolph
20. Freeze Tag by Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock
21. Nothing To Me by Young Dolph, Snupe Bandz & PaperRoute Woo
22. South Memphis Rugrats (Remix) by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & Snupe Bandz (feat. PaperRoute Woo)
23. iLLUMINATi BUSINESS by Paper Route EMPIRE & Big Moochie Grape
BfB Da Packman His First-Ever Headlining Tour, Kicking Off This Fall
The Former Postman and Current Rising Rap Star Will Perform Highlights From His New Album, Including “Honey Pack,” “Free Joe Exotic,” and “Ocean Prime” on the 9-Date “Fat N****s Need Love Too: The Tour”
Critical Praise:
“Packman’s music remains incredibly fun. It’s hard not to smile while watching the video for his new single, ‘Made Me Mad,”’where he humps a car (again) and eats fries off of the ground outside of a McDonald’s.” – Pitchfork
“His discursive verses are united by his unrelenting enthusiasm, polished rapping, and the unvarnished truth of every clever and hilarious quotable.” – SPIN
“Packman’s a no-sh*t great rapper. He’s a clear product of the Michigan underground, with a hard-splattering delivery and a wild, unstable energy.” – Stereogum
The Announcement:
From recording in his closet while moonlighting as a mailman to performing at Rolling Loud Miami in just two short years, BfB Da Packman had a lightning quick rise. Taking his show on the road for the first time as a headliner, Packman announces “Fat N****s Need Love Too: The Tour.” Kicking off in Plymouth, MA on 10/30, on a joint headlining bill with local favorite Cousin Stizz, the upcoming tour finds Packman performing shows at iconic venues across the East, Midwest, and West Coast, passing through cities like New York, L.A., Chicago, and Pontiac, MI (in his home state of Michigan). The upcoming tour promises energetic performances of songs from Fat N****s Need Love Too, Packman’s acclaimed recent album, including viral songs like “Free Joe Exotic,” “Honey Pack,” and “Ocean Prime.” Tickets for the tour are available now at thelunchcrewcompany.com.
Arriving in the wake of his viral success on songs like “Free Joe Exotic,” Fat N****s Need Love Too continues Packman’s incredible rise from Houston-area mailman to one of the internet’s most beloved rappers, showcasing the 25-year-old artist’s peerless punchline ability and introducing heretofore unseen skills. The album earned rapturous reception in the press, garnering praise from Vice, The FADER, Stereogum, Pitchfork, DJ Booth, and many more. Highlight track “Ocean Prime” ft. Coi Leray made major waves on TikTok, generating over 480k video creations en route to over 5 million streams on Spotify. Most recently, Packman shared the outrageous visual for “Bob & Weave,” a collaboration with comedian/rapper Zack Fox. With additional guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, Lil Yachty, DDG, Benny The Butcher, Sada Baby, Payroll Giovanni, and more, Fat N****s Need Love Too is available everywhere via Lunch Crew Company.
With Fat N****s Need Love Too, Packman properly introduces himself. He’s not merely an eccentric or colorful figure, but one of the best bar-for-bar emcees in the game today.
Tour Dates:
10/30/21 • Plymouth, MA – Plymouth Memorial Hall
11/24/21 • Pontiac, MI – The Pike Room
12/10/21 • Cleveland – OH, Grog Shop
12/11/21 • Columbus – OH, Double Happiness
12/12/21 • Chicago, IL – Subterranean
12/15/21 • Brooklyn, NY – Baby’s All Right
01/12/22 • San Francisco, CA – Brick And Mortar Music Hall
01/14/22 • Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
01/15/22 • Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room
Born and raised on the North Side of Flint, MI, Packman’s rough upbringing honed his determination to escape his circumstances and fuels his desire to succeed in the rap game. After moving from Flint to Houston in his 20s, Packman kept himself afloat with a day job as a mailman, delivering packages by day and recording in a makeshift studio in his closet by night. He earned a devoted cult following with his twin mixtapes God Bless All The Fat N****s and Std in 2019, boasting outrageous singles like “Snack Time” and “Aubrey I Need You On This Song.” In 2020, however, Packman won a broader audience with “Free Joe Exotic,” racking up over 50 million streams across platforms and earning a spot on Pitchfork’s 100 Best Songs of 2020. “Free Joe Exotic” and the successful follow-up “Honey Pack” earned the rapper press attention from the likes of Pitchforkand SPIN, and drew the attention of big name collaborators. Packman keeps active on social media, posting vlogs about his day-to-day as the world’s only postman-turned-rapper and shooting his shot with celebs like Lizzo.
L.A.’s Rucci & AzChike Prepare for Joint Kourtesy Of Us, Out October 8th via Mackk&Cult/EMPIRE
The L.A. Heavy-Hitters Stand Up For Their Section in the Fun-Loving “My N****s” Video
Featuring Appearances From Kamaiyah, Boosie BadAzz, Kalan.FrFr, Haiti Babii, and More, Kourtesy Of Us Is the First Collaborative Album By the Duo Known For L.A. Hits like “Function In The Hood” and “Light It Up”
Critical Praise:
“On the spectrum of the new Los Angeles, Rucci sits closest to classicism, capturing the spirit of greats like Suga Free and Mack 10. But don’t mistake that homage for predictability: Rucci consumes these beats. His presence throughout this album is glowing, outsized, and even within the frames of L.A. bump — minor keys, minimal bass — he makes daring production choices. (“Lowrider” interpolates, you know, that song). But beneath the booming production and drug inventories that run rampant on Tako’s Son are stories of deep loss and chosen family” – NPR
“Rucci is one of the few young and buzzing West Coast rappers capable of pleasing both emcee traditionalists and those seeking true starpower and hit-making potential… Inglewood’s chosen son is on his way to stardom.” – HYPEBEAST
“He’s become equally adept at writing fun party slappers and ferocious pain rap dirges, gangsta rap indebted to history but hounded by the demons of the present.” – The LAnd
“He has the dexterity to spit about street life in L.A. in a way that doesn’t romanticize its harsh realities, while still remaining loose enough to pivot from those heavy topics to raps about his Instagram DMs blowing up (“How you text me off that app but you blocked?”).” – Pitchfork
“Time is of the essence for AzChike. Since 2013, the 24-year old has tried to make every moment count. Prior to being known for his storytelling abilities and bops like “Burn Rubber Again” and “Licked Up,” the rapper, who has drawn comparisons to mid-2000s Lil Wayne and 2019 XXL Freshman Blueface, began his career as a what he describes as a conscious rapper. Once he shifted gears (and quit his day job), however, he really started to get the party jumping.” – XXL
“Central L.A. rapper AzChike specializes in making songs that rattle your trunk.” – The FADER
The Announcement:
Cracking wise with disrespectful bars, Rucci and AzChike specialize in crafting bangers for hood functions. Today, the Los Angeles duo reveals the tracklist and release date for their first-ever collab album Kourtesy Of Us, coming for your neck on October 8th. Like any hall of fame-worthy duo, the interplay between Rucci and AzChike is a study in contrasts–Rucci attacks the beat with a breakneck, snapping flow, while Chike’s oblique delivery finds hidden pockets in instrumentals, helping his disrespectful punchlines stand out. Both emcees are united by their willingness to say absolutely anything on the mic, whether they’re stacking outrageous flexes or elucidating details of their chaotic pasts. Featuring production from L.A. maestros like Cypress Moreno, AceTheFace, Hitman, Bruce24k, and more, and guest spots from Kamaiyah, Boosie Badazz, Haiti Babii, Capolow, and many more, Kourtesy Of Us is available for pre-save/pre-order via Mackk&Cult/EMPIRE.
Along with the announcement, Rucci & AzChike share “My N****s,” a piano-led banger from the upcoming album. Buoyed by AzChike’s addictive hook and a plinking piano melody from producer Fortwoe, “My N****s” is a slinky slapper, its off-kilter bounce offering an ideal cadence for each rapper to “rock out like KISS.” The song arrives with a fun-loving video, packed with homies from South L.A. and Inglewood. Rucci takes the time to school fools on the basketball court, while Chike gets his Mozart on, playing the piano while beautiful women dance on top. “My N****s” follows the recent video for “Hoodrat” ft. Boosie Badazz, AzSwaye & Pjay.
“Hoodrat” is the latest in a line of fiery collaborations between AzChike and Rucci to hit the streets this year. The two rappers connected with Capolow for “No Kizzy,” a Bay-meets-L.A. banger, took aim at steppers on “Who Dat,” and earlier, they honed their chemistry with the rip-roaring “Pop Pills.” They’re renowned in the streets of L.A. for creating multiple local hits, most notably 2020’s “Function In The Hood” and 2018’s “Light It Up.” Both artists are continuing the momentum from big 2020s–Rucci continued to explore his fascinating backstory with the Midget album, featuring the hit single “Understand” ft. Blxst, and AzChike kept busy with hard-hitting EPs and collaborations with the likes of Sada Baby and Frostydasnowmann.
Finally joining forces for the joint album that L.A. needs, Rucci and AzChike prepare to gift their fans and their city with a new set of slaps. Stay tuned for more music, coming very soon.
EMPIRE was founded in 2010 as an artist-friendly, progressive digital distribution company. After early success, and identifying future icons such as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and Rich Homie Quan, EMPIRE was quickly regarded as a tastemaker in the industry and throughout the past five years evolved into a full-fledged record label, distributor and publisher for independent musicians. With the company and roster growing at a breakneck pace, EMPIRE has effectively disrupted a stale business model by bringing its energy, expertise, and acumen to its artists and labels. Today, EMPIRE works with some of music’s hottest talent, ranging from superstars such as T.I. and Snoop Dogg, red-hot newcomers such as SOB X RBE and Mozzy, and established veterans like Jim Jones and Redman. While remaining 100% independent, EMPIRE has also partnered with Atlantic Records for a joint venture, home to breakout star D.R.A.M. and propelled singles by Fat Joe & Remy Ma (“All The Way Up,” 2x Platinum), Tyga (“Taste,” 3x Platinum), and Lil Duval (“Smile”) to the top of the Billboard Hip-Hop Charts. In April 2018, EMPIRE signed a global distribution deal with Universal Music Group for select artist projects.
Offset Jim Announces Rich Off The Pack, A New Album, Coming October via EMPIRE
The Oakland Rapper Connects with Detroit’s Babyface Ray for “Make No Sense” Video
The Respected Play Runners Association Rapper Looks to Reach the Next Level With His Second Solo Full-Length, Featuring EST Gee, Aitch, Kenny Beats, and Jim’s PRA Associate ALLBLACK
Critical Praise:
“Offset Jim’s music feels current in the sense that it’s vital, loose, and alive, but it also feels totally unswayed by the creative winds of the moment. From production to slang to wobbling beats with stuttering drums, it’s aggressively, audaciously Oakland.” – Vulture
“Offset Jim keeps his voice low-key and contained, and somehow that makes his sh*t slap all the harder.” – Stereogum
“Jim prefers his deadpan snarl, firing off boasts and threats like poisonous darts… You’re probably not going to miss anything, but you’ll still want to run it back.” – Passion of the Weiss
The Announcement:
A master of deadpan flexes who’s seen it all, Offset Jim is looking to become the Bay’s next self-made star. Today, the Oakland native announces Rich Off The Pack, his next project, a 9-track hustler’s manifesto. A detail-oriented and methodical rapper, Offset Jim’s songs are a master class in money-getting, his low tone and blasé demeanor giving the impression that he’s divulging secrets that provide the key to solving the struggles of street life. The Play Runners Association artist’s approaches beats from the same crystal clear headspace that allowed him to thrive as a hustler, painting the contours of instrumentals with his wry observations, heartfelt reflections, and snide statements of superiority.
The sound of Rich Off The Pack is deeply informed by Jim’s hometown of Oakland, but the new project finds him expanding his horizons, welcoming new sounds and unlikely collaborators into his vivid world. Rich Off The Pack boasts multiple instrumentals from Jim’s frequent collaborator DTB, who injects the project with his signature mob funk, but also features an East Coast-style heater from Kenny Beats on recent single “Face Card,” and an emotional, trumpet-laden instrumental on the confessional “Thugs Cry.” The album’s list of features indicates the broad support for Jim across multiple regions of the rap game–Jim’s close friend ALLBLACK makes an appearance, but the artist also rolls out the red carpet for Louisville’s EST Gee, Detroit’s Babyface Ray, and Aitch, a major figure from the UK rap scene. Currently available for pre-save/pre-order Rich Off The Pack arrives on October 15th via Play Runners Association/EMPIRE.
Along with the announcement of the album, Jim shares “Make No Sense,” a new video featuring Babyface Ray. Blessed with a beat from DTB, marked by staccato electric piano that duels with the propulsive mob percussion, “Make No Sense” finds the ever-analytical Jim expressing his distaste for nonsense of any kind and vowing to spin back at anyone why tries to pull anything. On his verse, Babyface Ray complements Jim’s toe-tagging flow with an against-the-beat cadence, the Detroit artist matching the Oakland rapper’s deadpan delivery. Directed by Creating Paradise, the video is a stylish, night-set clip, finding Jim and Ray commanding a squad of homies and counting stacks of cash. The clip follows recent movies for singles like “Members Only” and “Regular.“
A member of Play RunnersAssociation, along with close friend ALLBLACK, Offset Jim has stood out in a crowded Bay Area rap scene. A native of a neighborhood in Oakland known as the Murder Dubs, Jim made a splash in 2019 with two projects–his solo effort No Pressure, which featured the local hit title track (over 3 million combined plays on Spotify and YouTube), and 22nd Ways, his collab mixtape with ALLBLACK, home to Bay Area favorites “Trip On It” (over 7 million Spotify streams) and “Fees” ft. Capolow. Offset Jim is a favorite collaborator of many on the West Coast scene, with tracks on the books with G-Eazy, Nef The Pharaoh, Shootergang Kony, Bravo The Bagchaser, and more.
With Rich Off The Pack coming this fall, Offset Jim is looking to raise his profile from local hero to national concern. Stay tuned.
The BET Hip-Hop Awards Nominee for Best New Artist Paints a Detailed and Melodic Portrait of His Past Life in His Latest Single, Arriving Before He Goes On Tour with J. Cole
Critical Praise:
“‘Trenches,’ from an album due next week titled Street Sermons, rides the minor chords and trap beats that often accompany antisocial boasts. But while ‘Trenches’ doesn’t ignore gangs, drugs or poverty, Morray also recognizes a community that holds families, neighbors and friends” – The New York Times
“Few crooning rappers have his polish, resonance, and soul.” – SPIN
“With only four songs on streaming platforms—all released in 2020—Fayetteville, North Carolina rapper Morray has already proven he’s a hitmaker. His debut single “Quicksand” is undeniable, anchored by the type of hook you get from a Roddy Ricch or Rod Wave song and infused with storytelling and charisma to paint a picture even if you’re unfamiliar with the newcomer.” – Pigeons & Planes
The Song:
With his church-trained singing and sharp lyrical eye, Morray specializes in unpacking the emotional toll of life in the trenches and the life-saving power of hope. Reflecting on how his life changed after his lightning quick come up, Morray shares “Bad Situations,” his latest single. Emoting atop wailing guitars and dramatic pianos, a grateful Morray thanks God for his success before listing the fruits of his successes in great detail and promising his mom that she’ll never want for anything in life. Though his money is blowing up “like a grenade,” he vows to stay vigilant–he knows what it’s like to have nothing, and he’s determined to stay at the top for as long as he can: “Big dreams and visions, I gotta stay ahead,” sings Morray in his signature melodic flow. “Bad Situations” is Morray’s second new song since the release of his debut album Street Sermons, following “Mime,” which appears on the official soundtrack for Madden 22.
Debuting at #41 on the Billboard 200 and propelling Morray to #1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, Street Sermons taps into the spiritual uplift and church-trained singing that makes Morray’s brand of hip-hop so unique, taking unflinching looks at the Fayetteville native’s youthful struggles and indiscretions and examining his motivations to succeed. Home to his breakout single “Quicksand,” which recently earned a GOLD certification from the RIAA and surpassed the 100 million view milestone on YouTube, the project contains universal truths about the tragedies and triumphs of growing up in the hood, filtered through Morray’s experience as a neighborhood kid made good. Complex ranked Street Sermons at #10 on their list of Best Albums of 2021 So Far. In July, Morray revisited one of the tape’s highlights “Trenches,” recruiting Polo G to add a verse for “Trenches” (Remix).
One of the biggest breakout stars in hip-hop over the past calendar year, Morray recently earned a nomination at the BET Hip Hop Awards for Best New Artist. The honor is the latest in a long line of accolades, including a position on the coveted XXLFreshman list for 2021 and “one to watch” designations from Complex, Billboard, SPIN, Pigeons & Planes, and many more. He’s established himself as a go-to guest artist, appearing on “m y l i f e,” the #2 Billboard Hot 100 hit by fellow Fayetteville, NC native J. Cole, and more recently, lending his talents to “In My Blood,” a new video by the late Mo3, one of Morray’s favorite artists. Morray is an engaging live performer, and is scheduled to embark on the “The Off-Season Tour” with J. Cole this week. This summer, Morray performed “Quicksand” on JImmy Kimmel Live, and was highlighted by Rolling Stoneas the “Best Debut” performer at Rolling Loud Festival in Miami.
With Street Sermons and his newfound position as a XXL Freshman, Morray culminates his meteoric rise and proves that he’s ready to build an artistic legacy and a nest egg for his wife and kids. For an artist with Morray’s talent, the sky is the limit.
Morae Ruffin known professionally as Morray, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter. Best known for his combinations of rapping and singing, Morray’s days as lead singer of his church choir heavily influenced his melodic and unique style. Growing up in Fayetteville, NC and getting in and out of trouble, Morray turned to music as his escape. He uses his real life struggle as inspiration for his music.
Farruko Reveals Tracklist For La 167, His New Album, Releasing October 1st via Sony Music Latin and Carbon Fiber Music
The Global Superstar Links with David Guetta for “PEPAS” (Remix), A New Version of His Chart-Topping Hit
Named After A Major Thoroughfare In His Native Puerto Rico, the Genre-Bending La 167 Album Features Guest Spots from Pedro Capó, Myke Towers, Ñengo Flow, and Many More
The Announcement:
A decorated and versatile singer-songwriter with tens of millions of loyal fans, Puerto Rico’s Farruko has global superstardom in his sights. Today, Farruko officially announces the release date and tracklist La 167, his new album, coming October 1st via Carbon Fiber Music.
The upcoming album is home to the international smash “PEPAS,” a club-oriented banger, which currently resides in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Global 200 chart, sits at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100, and at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs and Hot Dance/Electronic Songs charts, as well as “La Tóxica,” which reached the Billboard Hot 100 in late 2020. Among many other guests, the 25-track opus features appearances from the likes of Myke Towers, Ñengo Flow, Jay Wheeler, and Pedro Capó, who reconnects with Farru for the sequel to their 25x Platinum 2019 hit “Calma.”
Along with the official announcement of the album, Farruko shares the anticipated “PEPAS (Remix),” recruiting superstar DJ David Guetta to help kick the already-epic track to another level of club domination. On his remix, Guetta dials up the bass, supplementing Farru’s anthemic chorus with electrifying synth arpeggios and a series of escalating beat drops. The cross-continental collaboration is purpose-built to rock discotecas and estadios alike.
View the full tracklist for La 167:
1. Ki (ft. Oniell & Daniel Habif)
2. La Toxica
3. PEPAS
4. GPS (ft. Jay Wheeler)
5. F* LOVE (ft. Dímelo Flow & DJ Adonis)
6. Cucaracha (ft. Ñengo Flow)
7. Lambo
8. My Lova
9. Baja Cali
10. La Perla
11. Cuervos
12. El incomprendido (ft. Victor Cardenas & DJ Adonis)
13. Embalao (ft. White Star)
14. Jíbaro (ft. Pedro Capó)
15. $
16. 167
17. Baya (ft. Yomo)
18. Doble L (ft. Brray & Noriel)
19. Guerrero (ft. Luar La L)
20. Amigos Nuevo (ft. Fresy Franklin)
21. Bendición (ft. Lenier)
22. WFM (ft. Mavado)
23. Apunta y Dispara (ft. India Martinez & Lito MC)
24. Siempre Sere (ft. Myke Towers, Tempo, Secreto, & Pacho El Antifeka)
25. Helicoptero
“PEPAS” has become a global phenomenon topping streaming charts with over 300 million streams combined, and has hit #1 in 9 countries and trended in over 22 countries. Farruko’s festive single has also become a viral hit on platforms like REELS and TikTok, generating over 2 million video creations on the latter platform. The music video has accrued over 92 million views since its release in late July. “PEPAS” is also the top song in Spanish language and performed by a Latino artist, on Spotify’s Top 50 Global Chart, currently placing at #7 with over 29 million streams in the past week alone.
“The fans were ready for a song that allows them to enjoy the music without any worry. ‘PEPAS’ is a celebration of life and the possibility of being together dancing wherever we are. That was our intention when we wrote the song and I think that is why the audience has embraced it,” Farruko notes.
After making his “PEPAS” performance debut at Premios Juventud in July, Farruko performed the song during his powerful and energy-packed sets at BAJA BEACH FEST in Rosarito, MX in August, with fans chanting his hit song word for word.
Farruko is gearing up for his first ever upcoming U.S. arena tour, “LA 167 Tour” which will make stops in 12 cities, including California, Texas, Florida, and more. “LA 167” will kick-off November 2021 and will take him to his native Puerto Rico in February 2022, where he made history when he sold out his February 5, 2022 show in the iconic José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum (Coliseo de Puerto Rico) during pre-sale (prompting the artist to add February 4, 2022 tour date to his lineup). “LA 167 Tour” will wrap up in Chicago, IL on February 20, 2022 at the Rosemont Theatre.
LA 167 Tour Dates:
11/19/2021 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
11/20/2021 – Ontario, CA – Toyota Arena
11/21/2021 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center
11/24/2021 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
11/25/2021 – Midland-Odessa, TX – La Hacienda
11/26/2021 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land
12/03/2021- Atlanta, GA – Gas South Arena (Formerly Infinite Energy Center)
12/04/2021 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
02/04/2022 – San Juan, PR – Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico
02/05/2022 – San Juan, PR – Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico (SOLD OUT)
02/11/2022 – Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena – FTX Arena
02/12/2022 – Ft. Myers, FL – Hertz Center
02/18/2022 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
02/19/2022 – Cleveland, OH – Temple Live Center
02/20/2022 – Chicago, IL – Rosemont Theatre
(Photo Courtesy of: Imagine It Media / Luieville and Company)
Social Media Following: Instagram (18.5 million), Twitter (4.7 million), Facebook (15 million likes), YouTube (13.7 million)
2x Nominee at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards (vote here until 3pm ET on March 23rd)
Winner – Premios Juventud 2021 (La Mezcla Perfecta)
2x Latin GRAMMY Award Winner (2016, 2019)
ASCAP Latin Songwriter of the Year (2018)
Latin Billboard Award Winner (2015)
Nine Latin Airplay #1 Hits (including 2020’s “La Toxica”)
“After his 2017 single ‘Krippy Kush’ became the first Latin trap song to reach the Hot 100 singles chart, Farruko did the unexpected by shifting his next album away from the burgeoning format and returning to urbano’s reggae roots. Eschewing tough rap braggadocio in favor of tuff gong vibrations, Gangalee makes Carribbean connections via cuts like the breezy ‘Quédate’ and the throwback ‘Pórtate Mal.’” – Rolling Stone’s Best Latin Albums of 2019 (Gangalee)
“Whether or not you realize it, this Puerto Rican rapper is one of the most popular artists in America right now.” – Vice
“Luckily, a few artists have taken on the task of ensuring [reggaeton’s] origins aren’t suppressed or forgotten. Farruko is one of the few at the forefront, doing so in the most overt fashion…Farruko, who has over a decade of experience in the music industry, has been a part of that time of reinvention for reggaeton, trap en español, and now reggae…Taking on the advice of the wise, Farruko more often than not says the least but does the most, pouring out his thoughts, emotions and vision for the future of Latin music into extended albums and tracks.” – Remezcla
Background:
About Farruko
Farruko is recognized as one of the most important musical phenomena in the Latin music industry. Thanks to his fantastic artistic versatility and his excellence on stage, the multi-platinum artist and two-time Latin GRAMMY winner has managed to conquer massive audiences around the world, becoming one of the most innovative exponents of the reggaeton genre. With eight successful studio albums and multiple collaborations with international artists of different genres, his success has impacted the Hispanic American community, in such a way that his career has been recognized by HBO with a documentary, “Farruko: En Letra de Otro.”
His latest album Gangalee debuted #2 on Billboard’s “Top Latin Songs” chart, entered the “Billboard 200” global chart, and was certified 7x multi-platinum. This album presents essential singles like “Nadie,” “Inolvidable,” “La Cartera” with Bad Bunny, and “Delincuente” with Anuel AA. Likewise, his single “Calma – Remix” with Pedro Capó became an iconic hit of popular reggaeton, which not only received a Latin GRAMMY award but has also been certified as platinum by the RIAA. Additionally, the song received an ASCAP 2020 award and has almost two billion views in its music video. Farruko is characterized by his highly-adaptable skills across musical genres, and his ability to break international barriers with his unique talent. Constantly demonstrating his musical evolution, Farruko reaffirms his position as an artistic powerhouse in the Latin music industry.
About Carbon Fiber Music
Carbon Fiber Music, Inc. (CFM) is a record label specializing in the international Latin market, established in 2014 and founded by international superstar, Farruko, and his manager/entrepreneur Franklin Martinez. Today, Carbon Fiber Music is one of the most respected independent record labels in the music industry and is responsible for the internationalization of multiple artists such as: Farruko, Ankhal, Lary Over, Milly, Akim, Lil Tati, Josephlee, and producers and songwriters: Sharo Towers, K4G K LO K, Ghetto, White Star.
The label is characterized by its mastery of a wide variety of musical styles, which reflect the constant evolution of the Hispanic American youth thanks to its wide and successful catalog that has taken it to win multiple Latin GRAMMYS and tour the world with its artist roster.
Carbon Fiber Music has always distinguished itself for its consistency and the quality of its releases, leading it today to become one of the most recognized and significant brands in Latin Urban music, with more than 3.97 million followers through its social networks and more than one billion views on its official YouTube channel.
Created and Exec. Produced by
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges
Premieres on Netflix on October 15th
The New Animated Series Debuts on Netflix on October 15th
Watch the official trailer HERE
Download key art HERE
Watch “Welcome to Karma’s World” music video HERE
Download new images HERE
KARMA’S WORLD INFO:
Series Launch Date: October 15, 2021
Format: CG Animation
Episodes: 15 episodes
Creator / Executive Producer: Chris “Ludacris” Bridges
Executive Producers: Vince Commisso, Cathal Gaffney, Darragh O’Connell, Angela C. Santomero, Wendy Harris, Jennie Stacey
Series Director: Bronagh O’Hanlon
Series Producers: Danielle Gillis, Lisa O’Connor
Head Writer: Halcyon Person
Cast: Asiahn Bryant, Camden Coley, Danielle Brooks, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Tiffany Haddish, Jordan Fisher, Dascha Polanco, Dawnn Lewis, Isaia Kohn, Aria Capria, Kaila Mullady, Ramone
About Karma’s World:
Karma’s World follows Karma Grant, an aspiring musical artist and rapper with big talent and an even bigger heart. Smart, resilient, and deeply empathetic, Karma pours her soul into songwriting, channeling her feelings into whip-smart rhymes with passion, courage and her signature brand of humor. In this series, Karma is only beginning to grasp the incredible emotional power that words and music can have. She doesn’t just want to share her music with the world…she wants to change the world with it!
The series is produced by 9 Story Media Group and its Oscar-nominated, Dublin-based studio Brown Bag Films as well as Karma’s World Entertainment, Chris Bridges’ production company. The 15 x 11 minute episode series was originally inspired by Chris’s oldest daughter Karma and based on the interactive educational website of the same name created by Karma’s World Entertainment in 2009. The animated series will feature original songs focusing on issues such as self-esteem, body positivity, discrimination, creativity, expressing emotions, friendship, family, leadership, celebrating differences and more. Sound design and original music are created and supervised by Chris Bridges and James Bennett Jr., and produced by Gerald Keys.
Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with 204 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
This Week on TikTok, Lil Nas X Births a Brand New Album. Tay Money Understands The Assignment, and Halloween Comes Early for M.I.A. Lovers
The News:
Each week, the TikTok Treats newsletter gives a snapshot of the state of music on TikTok, touching on trending hits, emerging artists, superstar moves, ascendant memes, and much more. This week on TikTok, the community was abuzz with excitement about the release of Lil Nas X’s new MONTERO album, but the platform also helped boost the fortunes of rising rappers, decade-old bangers, and more. Take a look at the most intriguing TikTok trends of the week:
Two years after “Old Town Road” became a historic smash, Lil Nas X is one of music’s most iconic stars, and he hasn’t forgotten the role TikTok and its community played in his ascent. The 21-year-old artist has been using TikTok to help drum up anticipation for his debut album MONTERO, released last week, among his 23.9 million followers and beyond. He posts so often on his page that it’s hard to keep track, whether he’s dancing to his new single “That’s What I Want” (which he first revealed in a snippet in early September), posting updates about his unlikely “pregnancy,” asking fans to rank the songs on the album (over 2000 fans already have), taking fully-clothed baths, or reposting his favorite user-generated memes. TikTok has supported Lil Nas every step of the way, programming his singles into playlists on the app’s music hub, supporting LNX with promotion on the Discover page, and creating a multi-story billboard in Los Angeles prominently featuring the rising megastar and promoting the new album.
Anyone spending time on TikTok is likely to have heard the community’s new favorite phrase: “I understood the assignment.” The phrase has been popularized on the app by Dallas rapper Tay Money, and the chorus of her new viral track “The Assignment” (474.1K+ creations). Her second big hit on the platform after trending last year with her song “BUSSIN” (1.3M+ creations), the song sparked a new, comedic trend on the app where creators declare themselves the perfect example of a concept or situation. Creators on the app have been using the song to confess to being the “bad example” in the family, admit to being the resident single friend, and demonstrate the best way to make it through a flooded parking lot in a storm. Tay Money herself has been adding fuel to the fire on her own page, posting a host of videos actively interacting with fans’ interpretations of the song.
It’s not October yet, but spooky season is almost upon us. In recent days, Halloween-crazed TikTok creators have been using MIA’s 2012 hit “Bad Girls” to show off their impressive knack for creative costumes and frighteningly intricate makeup looks. Garnering over 531K creations between the official and user-generated sounds, “Bad Girls” is the perfect entrance music for the nightmarish costumes of TikTok, from permanently haunting ghosts, to anime ninjas, to characters from the famous children’s novel James and the Giant Peach. The “hands up, hands high” lyric transition is also seeing more lighthearted, glamorous creations, including makeup looks from creators like the beloved actress and former Sister, Sister star Tia Mowry.
Las Vegas-born, DMV-raised rapper KA$HDAMI has the makings of a rising rap star, and he’s quickly gaining traction on TikTok with his taffy-like melodies and quotable lyrics. The 16-year-old artist first caught attention on the app with his song “Reparations” (250k creations), a low-key electric piano-driven vibe that lends an air of dreaminess to any video it soundtracks. A quick student of the game (not to mention an actual student who attends high school when not headlining concerts), KA$HDAMI activated his sizable TikTok fanbase (over 120 million views on the #kashdami tag) to promote “PUBLIC,” his latest single. Originally posted as a snippet in early August, and used by the young rapper in many videos on his own page, the unreleased audio and its unexpected bouts of distortion racked up over 12.8k video creations. Officially released last week, the song is already trending on TikTok, with over 37k video creations in just six days by users to soundtrack sneaker customization, Madden NFL experiments, and fully-clothed swims.
Video: Dee Watkins – “See It In Me” (Prod. by Yung Tago)
The North Florida Rapper Directly Addresses His Non-Believers On A Soulful New Cut from the Upcoming Problem Child 3
Critical Praise:
“What sets Watkins apart from his peers, though, is a natural bounce that sits at the core of his best songs…Dee Watkins makes songs that you can party to in one setting, and learn life lessons from in another. He can really do it all.” – Complex
“Listening to Dee Watkins on ‘Hell Raiser’ is a bit like watching Matthew Broderick in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: You get the sense the delinquents are having more fun.” – Pitchfork
“Dee Watkins has been rapping for more than a decade, first picking up the trade when he was just 9 years old. By 10, he was recording in his next-door neighbor’s studio under the name Lil D. He’s come a long way since.” – XXL
The Video:
Doggedly determined to become Florida’s next breakout rap star, Dee Watkins doesn’t have time for those who can’t recognize his sky-high potential. Coming through with a message meant to convince those non-believers, Dee shares “See It In Me,” a new video. Playing into the sentimental qualities of Yung Tago‘s warm, piano-led instrumental, Dee Watkins bares his soul, reflecting on his days as a troublesome school kid, praises the woman who’s been holding him down, and calling his grandma just to make sure she’s ok. Representing a personal evolution from the character depicted in his ferocious past hits, “See It In Me” emphasizes the Macclenny, FL native’s desire to better himself to benefit the ones he loves: “If I tell you that I love you, I’m gonna f*ck with you regardless/And what’s the point of trying if you can’t finish what you started.”
In the video, directed by Herve Mompoint of Daydream Visuals, Dee dons two jerseys–a vintage Julius Irving New York Nets jersey and a brand new Atlanta Falcons jersey emblazoned with the name of former Florida Gator Kyle Pitts–as he rhymes the song into his hotel room mirror. The song touches on serious topics, but the video is anything but somber, as Dee snarls at the camera and brushes his grill. A cut from last year’s Problem Child 2, “See It In Me” is the latest video in the run-up to Problem Child 3, his upcoming mixtape, following clips for “Problem Child 3 (Intro)” and “Beside Me,” the latter a tribute to Dee’s close friend Ham, who passed away recently.
A rapper since age 10 and an artist since age 15, Dee Watkins caught fire in Florida and beyond with his crisply rhythmic flow and sharp Southern drawl. The 23-year-old artist first caught mainstream attention when he shared a remix to “Act Up” by City Girls, garnering millions of streams across platforms. He proved that he was here to stay with his origin story, “Bad Ass Jit,” a slinky rider’s anthem that racked up more than 39 million YouTube videos and inspired Young Dolph to hop on the remix. Dee built momentum in the streets with his Problem Childseries of mixtapes, which included regional hits like the Pitchfork-praised “Hell Raiser” and “Fake Sh*t” ft. NoCap. On the upcoming Problem Child 3, a return to Dee’s signature mixtape series after the release of Not One Of Them, earlier this year, Dee reckons with his irresponsible past, seeking ways to better himself without forgetting the hard lessons he learned on the streets.
Building off the momentum of two quality singles and an electrifying performance at Rolling Loud Miami, Problem Child 3 arrives this fall via Alamo Records.
The Artist Known as the “Coochie Man” Gets Reflective In A Change-Of-Pace Visual That Showcases His Versatility
Critical Praise:
“”There is Bruce Wayne and Batman. Clark Kent and Superman. And now, YN Jay and the Coochie Man” – Pitchfork
“Flint, Michigan wouldn’t be one of the hottest scenes in rap without ‘Coochie,’ ‘Coochie World,’ ‘Coochie Scout,’ a mixtape titled Coochie Land, and Coochie Man, the floor-humping alter ego of YN Jay.” – Pitchfork
“‘Coochie’ is one of the funniest hip-hop videos of the last five years” – XXL
“The Flint native is one of the more eccentric rappers in Michigan, rapping about coochie, using very distinct ‘hold onnnnnnnnnnnnn’ ad-ibs, and starting off songs by asking the producer: ‘Why you always do that mannnnnnnn?’ I’m honestly not sure what these producers are doing while YN Jay is recording in the booth, but whatever it is, it’s working. The music is always wildly entertaining.” – Complex
“He raps in different voices, draws out words like they’re self-contained riddles. You never know if he’s entirely serious, but that’s the point.” – SPIN
The Video:
Regularly feeding his fans with high-energy Flint-style fire, YN Jay is one of the hardest-working rappers in the game today. Coming through with yet another high-quality song and video, Jay shares “AHH YEAH.” A departure from the hard-charging, bass-thumping music for which he’s known, “AHH YEAH” finds the Beecher, MI-born rapper showing off his melodic side, cutting through an ethereal instrumental with a heartfelt auto-tune, expertly translating his stop-start bars and sex-crazed rhymes into an appealingly melodic jam. In the video, directed by YKTV Productions, Jay kicks back in the studio, rocking a nautical themed button down and frayed designer jeans as he vibes to his own sounds.
“AHH YEAH” is the latest video to emerge in the wake of Coochie Chronicles, YN Jay’s acclaimed recent project. Home to recent singles like “Slow Motion” and the earlier “Triple S Remix” ft. Coi Leray, Coochie Chronicles ushers listeners into Jay’s sex-crazed mind, the Beecher, MI native wielding a slip-sliding, start-stopping flow as he unleashes a torrent of punchlines and outrageous boasts. Covered by Pitchfork, The FADER, and more, the project is also home to “Oxyyyyy,” a paean to Jay’s favorite narcotic, the ebullient opening track “Summer Time,” and his signature song “Coochie,” a collaboration with Jay’s close friend Louie Ray that has more than 30 million YouTube views. More recently, YN Jay shared the video for “Rock The Boat,” which is a vivid throwback to the days of disco, complete with dancers in dazzling sequins and roller skates. Featuring an additional appearance from Flint heavy-hitter Rio Da Yung OG, Coochie Chronicles is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
The recent release of Coochie Chronicles continues Jay’s steady rise to rap game notoriety. Jay is a nearly mythic figure on TikTok, generating millions of video creations on viral hits like “Kakashi,” “Coochie Land,” and “Coochie Scout,” and inspiring TikTok comedian @Nuhchez to splice YN Jay’s voice into Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” and create one of the platform’s most successful running jokes. YN Jay’s inimitable style earned him co-signs from Drake and Lil Uzi Vert, and last month, he made his festival debut when he performed at Rolling Loud Miami.
With Coochie Chronicles out, and much more music on the way, YN Jay is looking to take his distinct strain of Michigan rap to national prominence. Hold onnnnnn…YN Jay is coming for the throne.
“It’s scary how easy it is for me to make music,” admits 21-year-old rapper YN Jay. This is true of his 2020 hit “Coochie” and the follow-up album Coochie Land. “It was made in three minutes, easily, and the video did 30 million views. I’ve been writing songs to go a certain way my whole life, but it never worked. Now, I’m not overthinking it, and it’s making me a star.” After over a decade at the mic, the Beecher, Michigan native has given rap fans an alternative to music about violence and drugs.
Amid his rise, Jay got cosigns from Drake and Lil Uzi Vert. While Drizzy and Jay are exploring music, he recorded extensively with Uzi. The same night the two discussed collaborating, Jay stopped everything to drive to Philly. “I pulled up; we did damn near eight songs.” One track, the “coochie”-inspired “HOLD ONNNNN,” promises to release during an exciting 2021. Fresh off of Ninja Warrior—an album featuring Lil Yachty and Sada Baby that he conceptualized and recorded in a single day, YN Jay recently signed a deal with Alamo Records and is focused on showcasing his versatility and staying power. “I’m working on a few albums and letting the world know how big this is. Anybody can be a rapper; I’m trying to catch the culture and update the game.”
Lock your doors. Joe and Love are moving to the suburbs.
Season 3 Debuts on Netflix on October 15th
Launch: October 15, 2021 Executive Producers: Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble, Gina Girolamo, Leslie Morgenstein, Sarah Schechter, Michael Foley Cast: Penn Badgley (Joe Goldberg), Victoria Pedretti (Love Quinn-Goldberg), Saffron Burrows (Dottie Quinn), Tati Gabrielle (Marianne), Dylan Arnold (Theo), Shalita Grant (Sherry), Travis Van Winkle (Cary), Scott Speedman (Matthew), Michaela McManus (Natalie), Shannon Chan-Kent (Kiki), Ben Menhl (Dante), Chris O’Shea (Andrew), Christopher Sean (Brandon) ABOUT YOU S3: In Season 3, Joe and Love, now married and raising their baby, have moved to the balmy Northern California enclave of Madre Linda, where they’re surrounded by privileged tech entrepreneurs, judgmental mommy bloggers and Insta-famous biohackers. Joe is committed to his new role as a husband and dad, but fears Love’s lethal impulsiveness. And then there’s his heart. Could the woman he’s been searching for all this time live right next door? Breaking out of a cage in a basement is one thing. But the prison of a picture-perfect marriage to a woman who’s wise to your tricks? Well, that’ll prove a much more complicated escape.
About Netflix:
Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with 204 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
Directed by WHIPALO, the video gets its power from Juice’s unique presence, the camera focusing on his animated facial expressions as he spits his verse and softly sings the hook. “VMAs” paints a pleasing picture of Juice’s life–the video starts with Juice and Smoke in a dark red room, as Zombie 🤎Juice roasts a blunt while braiding his hair. As the video progresses, both emcees take a limo to the Juice’s home neighborhood and are greeted by a colorful crew of well-wishers. Featuring the first ever video appearance by Talking Terps mascot Terp Crawford, “VMAs” is Juice’s latest new song in a recent hot streak, following “Alto”ft. Devin The Dude & Rae Khalil, praised by Stereogum, Consequence, and more, and “Jackin’ For Beats,” a freestyle over multiple classic instrumentals (rejuvenated by Juice’s fellow Zombie Erick The Architect).
One-third of the Billboard Top Ten-charting collective Flatbush Zombies, Zombie 🤎Juice is one of the most respected emcees in his home city, celebrated for his twisty flows and incisive lyrics. Since the trio formed in 2010, they’ve made waves with albums like 2016’s 3001: A Laced Odyssey and 2019’sVacation In Hell. Though the group is currently on hiatus while the members pursue their solo projects, they performed a Tiny Desk (At Home) concert for NPR in last August. On his upcoming solo project, Zombie 🤎Juice will delve deep within himself, reckoning with personal demons and defining himself as a full-fledged solo artist.
In addition to music, Zombie 🤎Juice is the CEO of Talking Terps, a brand that specializes in streetwear and herbs. Talking Terps also sells figurines of Terp Crawford, which always sell out quickly and are worth up to $1000 on the resale market. Terp Crawford recently graced the cover of High Times magazine.
Stay tuned for much more music and announcements from the emcee in the near future. Juice and his fellow Flatbush Zombies will headline a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado on October 30th.
The Flatbush Zombies Rapper Shows a Diamond-Studded Smile in a Weeded-Out Video for a Contemplative New Track
Critical Praise:
“Zombie Juice stands out for his rapid-fire rap style as well as his ever-changing hair color.” – The New York Times
“Brooklyn rap trio Flatbush Zombies have developed a reputation as a wild, energetic live act, but they’ve got a chilled-out stoner side, too, and that’s the side that group member Zombie Juice shows on his new solo single.” – Stereogum
“After nearly a decade in Flatbush Zombies, ‘Alto’ sees Zombie Juice stepping out on his own over hazy production by fellow group member Erick The Architect. Wisely recruiting the legendary Devin the Dude for this stoner anthem, Zombie Juice drops jewels about holding his secrets to success close while hinting at greater ambitions.” – Consequence
The Video:
Zombie 🤎Juice is famous for his role in high-profile Brooklyn crews Flatbush Zombies and Beast Coast, but the rapper is equally capable of standing strong on his own. Indulging in one of his favorite pastimes as he continues his spiritual journey, Zombie 🤎Juice shares “VMAs,” his new video single. “VMAs” brings an ethereal mix of airy choirs and arpeggiating flutes, the track’s producers Erick The Architect, Linden Jay, and Josh Taffel creating an inviting bed on which Juice lays his gems of stoner wisdom: “The government takes our weed and you think that’s lit?/Like GMOs in the food, they’re trying to make us sick.” The track is blessed with an appearance from Juice’s fellow cannabis enthusiast Smoke DZA, who turns in a jam-packed verse of his own.
“Talking Terps and The Smokers Club presidents link up and get ZOMBIE high for the new record ‘VMA’s,'” says Zombie 🤎Juice. “MTV has nothing to do with it. There’s no awards being giving out, but we deserve our flowers for our years of contributions in the cannabis and music industries.”
Directed by WHIPALO, the video gets its power from Juice’s unique presence, the camera focusing on his animated facial expressions as he spits his verse and softly sings the hook. “VMAs” paints a pleasing picture of Juice’s life–the video starts with Juice and Smoke in a dark red room, as Zombie 🤎Juice roasts a blunt while braiding his hair. As the video progresses, both emcees take a limo to the Juice’s home neighborhood and are greeted by a colorful crew of well-wishers. Featuring the first ever video appearance by Talking Terps mascot Terp Crawford, “VMAs” is Juice’s latest new song in a recent hot streak, following “Alto”ft. Devin The Dude & Rae Khalil, praised by Stereogum, Consequence, and more, and “Jackin’ For Beats,” a freestyle over multiple classic instrumentals (rejuvenated by Juice’s fellow Zombie Erick The Architect).
One-third of the Billboard Top Ten-charting collective Flatbush Zombies, Zombie 🤎Juice is one of the most respected emcees in his home city, celebrated for his twisty flows and incisive lyrics. Since the trio formed in 2010, they’ve made waves with albums like 2016’s 3001: A Laced Odyssey and 2019’sVacation In Hell. Though the group is currently on hiatus while the members pursue their solo projects, they performed a Tiny Desk (At Home) concert for NPR in last August. On his upcoming solo project, Zombie 🤎Juice will delve deep within himself, reckoning with personal demons and defining himself as a full-fledged solo artist.
In addition to music, Zombie 🤎Juice is the CEO of Talking Terps, a brand that specializes in streetwear and herbs. Talking Terps also sells figurines of Terp Crawford, which always sell out quickly and are worth up to $1000 on the resale market. Terp Crawford recently graced the cover of High Times magazine.
Stay tuned for much more music and announcements from the emcee in the near future. Juice and his fellow Flatbush Zombies will headline a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado on October 30th.
Music lovers on TikTok love to spot samples, and now a song sampled in a previously-trending track is gaining some traction of its own. The song is “Silver Soul,” (39K+ creations) a 2010 ballad by indie darlings Beach House, also known as the sampled track in Kendrick Lamar’s 2012 hit “Money Trees,” which trended late last year. The epitome of dream pop, the Beach House track’s allure comes from its wistful vibes and psychedelic feel, sparking a host of videos in which creators use the text-on-screen feature to relay stories of the origins of their parents’ relationships. While some creators’ parents met and became high school sweethearts, others met through hilarious failures of caretaking. Other stories show that even with a one in a million chance, one should always expect the unexpected.
An artist who exists at the intersection of electronic music and hip-hop, Cookiee Kawaii is no stranger to having her music take off on TikTok. She went viral on the app with her song “Vibe” (1.3M+ creations) inspiring a dance in the early months of 2020. The New Jersey native is continuing to shine a light on her local “Jersey club” scene with her new track “Violin,” which mixes “Jersey club” signature breakbeats and fast tempo with classical violin. Garnering over 87K creations on the platform form so far, TikTok creators are using the song to showing off their dogs’ athletic tricks, expressing happiness due to their newfound freedom, or staying true to the song’s vibe and demonstrating the various ways people make it through a night of clubbing in heels.
Drake Extends His Reign, Kendrick Inspires a Universe of Memes, and Karol G, Cookiee Kawaii, and Beach House Return to Trending Status
The News:
Each week, the TikTok Treats newsletter gives a snapshot of the state of music on TikTok, touching on trending hits, emerging artists, superstar moves, ascendant memes, and much more. The past week on TikTok brought plenty of high-wattage star power, with cross-continental collaborations, A-list rappers, and TikTok-native breakouts making noise. Check out what made TikTok tick this week:
11 songs from Drake’s album Certified Lover Boycharted in the top 12 of the Billboard Hot 100, so it should be no surprise that his new music dominated TikTok as well. After the album’s opening track “Champagne Poetry” (135k creations) inspired a romantic trend last week, TikTok creators quickly ran up the numbers on album highlights like “Way 2 Sexy“ (270k+ creations), as Future’s verse inspired users like Rico Nasty to create sincere, ironic, and dance-heavy interpretations of the song’s theme. Another trending CLB hit was “Knife Talk” (35k+ creations), as creators (including cats and pilots) vibed with 21 Savage’s deadpan menace. Lastly, the new hit “Girls Want Girls” (18.6k creations) has fans dwelling on Drake’s toxicity, or using the song to speak for their uncertainty about staying in or going out.
Though Drake is in his imperial phase, another superstar is quietly making his presence felt on TikTok. After many months of silence, Kendrick Lamar has resurfaced with two new collaborations with Baby Keem, and each has inspired a budding universe of memes. The single “family ties” (10k+ video creations) has rap fans on TikTok using face filters and other transformative techniques to comment on his athletic, voice-changing verse (and his repeated use of the word brother) and his wild, arm-swinging dance moves (along with Baby Keem’s “punch walk“). Since the release of Keem’s new album The Melodic Blue, fans (including Anthony Fantano aka @theneedletok) have latched onto Kendrick’s bizarrely compelling “Top of the mornin'” refrain on “range brothers” (over 10k video creations on multiple sounds), another Keem/Kendrick tag-team, as they dance with their baseball caps, create wild choreography, send repetitive texts, and comment on Kendrick’s footnote-like ad-libs.
Music lovers on TikTok love to spot samples, and now a song sampled in a previously-trending track is gaining some traction of its own. The song is “Silver Soul,” (39K+ creations) a 2010 ballad by indie darlings Beach House, also known as the sampled track in Kendrick Lamar’s 2012 hit “Money Trees,” which trended late last year. The epitome of dream pop, the Beach House track’s allure comes from its wistful vibes and psychedelic feel, sparking a host of videos in which creators use the text-on-screen feature to relay stories of the origins of their parents’ relationships. While some creators’ parents met and became high school sweethearts, others met through hilarious failures of caretaking. Other stories show that even with a one in a million chance, one should always expect the unexpected.
An artist who exists at the intersection of electronic music and hip-hop, Cookiee Kawaii is no stranger to having her music take off on TikTok. She went viral on the app with her song “Vibe” (1.3M+ creations) inspiring a dance in the early months of 2020. The New Jersey native is continuing to shine a light on her local “Jersey club” scene with her new track “Violin,” which mixes “Jersey club” signature breakbeats and fast tempo with classical violin. Garnering over 87K creations on the platform form so far, TikTok creators are using the song to showing off their dogs’ athletic tricks, expressing happiness due to their newfound freedom, or staying true to the song’s vibe and demonstrating the various ways people make it through a night of clubbing in heels.
The Paper Route EMPIRE CEO Perfects His Flexes With the Help of Two Label Signees in the Latest Video from PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi
The Video:
Young Dolph might live a life of luxury, but he’ll never forget where he comes from. Delivering a diary of a trap lord turned CEO, Dolph shares the video for “Talking To My Scale.” Produced by Memphis mainstay DJ Squeeky, who captivates with a low-note piano riff, whirring synths, and insistent 808s, “Talking To My Scale” is a quintessential Tennessee trap anthem, packed with the witty turns of phrase and bits of hustler wisdom for which Dolph is known: “If I sacrificed myself, will I go to hell?/In my trap house countin’ guala, talkin’ to my scale/My jewelry box havin’ more water than Wisconsin Dells/Trap n****, I count money better than I spell.”
Directed by Maxx Renn, the video for “Talking To My Scale” finds Dolph exulting in his status as the head honcho of the Paper Route iLLUMINATi. The Paper Route EMPIRE CEO talks his smack from an active volcano and underwater with sharks swimming past. Later on, Dolph chops it up with the only person he could ever consider a peer: himself. “Talking To My Scale” is the opening track on PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi, Paper Route EMPIRE’s fir st-ever compilation mixtape.
“Talking To My Scale” follows up recent videos from PRE signees like Snupe Bandz, Big Moochie Grape, and Joddy Badass. The mixtape represents the culmination of a long and fruitful rise for Young Dolph–the mogul is ready to flex his A&R and CEO muscles, bringing a new crop of talent to the forefront. Along with Key Glock and Snupe Bandz, the tape features standout contributions from street favorites like Big Moochie Grape and Kenny Muney, and new signees like PaperRoute Woo, Big Unccc, and PRE first lady Joddy Badass. The 23-track tape offers the label to showcase its roster in plenty of combinations, and leaves room for big shots like Dolph, Glock, and Moochie to show off on solo songs of their own. Featuring an appearance from Gucci Mane and production from Bandplay, Memphis beatmakers like Tay Keith, DJ Squeeky, and Sosa808, ands trap titans like Drumma Boy and Budda Bless, PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi is available to stream everywhere via Paper Route EMPIRE.
PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi continues a banner year for the label, following up the release of Dum And Dummer 2, a collaborative album by Young Dolph and Key Glock. Debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200, Dum and Dummer 2 generated nearly 36k sales equivalent units across platforms and scored the fifth-biggest streaming debut on Spotify during its first week of release. Earlier this month, the album received a glowing review from Pitchfork, who awarded the album a 7.5 score and cemented Young Dolph & Key Glock as a “once-in-a-generation” rap duo, akin to 8Ball & MJG or Method Man & Redman, and “one of the most in-sync alliances in the genre today.” Dum & Dummer 2 is the duo’s second Top 10 album, following the original Dum and Dummer, which debuted at #8 in 2019.
PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi tracklist:
1. Talking To My Scale by Paper Route EMPIRE & Young Dolph
2. Blu Boyz by Young Dolph, Key Glock & Paper Route EMPIRE (feat. Snupe Bandz)
3. Beat It by Paper Route EMPIRE, Bigg Unccc & Young Dolph
4. I Do This by Paper Route EMPIRE, Key Glock & Gucci Mane
5. Back to Back by Paper Route EMPIRE & Bigg Unccc
6. Remember by Paper Route EMPIRE & Snupe Bandz
7. Mister Glock 2 by Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock
8. Bandaid by Paper Route EMPIRE, Key Glock & Snupe Bandz
9. Non Stop by Paper Route EMPIRE & Big Moochie Grape
10. Dance by Young Dolph, Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock (feat. Snupe Bandz, Kenny Muney, Joddy Badass, Jay Fizzle & Big Moochie Grape)
11. 333 by Paper Route EMPIRE & Joddy Badass
12. Ashtray by Paper Route EMPIRE, Kenny Muney & Young Dolph
13. Standing Ovation by Paper Route EMPIRE & Big Moochie Grape
14. Big Ol Racks by Paper Route EMPIRE, PaperRoute Woo & Key Glock
15. Dead Body by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & Bigg Unccc (feat. PaperRoute Woo)
16. Broccoli & Cheese by Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock
17. Trust Nobody by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & PaperRoute Woo (feat. Snupe Bandz)
18. Here We Go by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & Jay Fizzle (feat. Snupe Bandz)
19. Show Out by Paper Route EMPIRE, Snupe Bandz & Young Dolph
20. Freeze Tag by Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock
21. Nothing To Me by Young Dolph, Snupe Bandz & PaperRoute Woo
22. South Memphis Rugrats (Remix) by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & Snupe Bandz (feat. PaperRoute Woo)
23. iLLUMINATi BUSINESS by Paper Route EMPIRE & Big Moochie Grape
Watch a Day in the Life of the Paper Route EMPIRE Rapper In the Latest Video from PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi
The Video:
Big Moochie Grape’s malleable flow and big personality have him rapidly rising in the Memphis rap scene. Today, the Paper Route EMPIRE signee shares “Non Stop,” a slice-of-life new music video. Tip-toeing atop Bandplay‘s ominous piano-led beat, BIg Moochie perfects his flexes, name-dropping only the most luxurious of brands during his dexterous verses: “Big baguettes up in my Rollie, yeah, expensive time/Count big racks up in the Maybach, yeah, while I recline.” In the video, Moochie shows us how he lives, traveling from a graveyard, to the corner store, to the jewelry shop. “Non Stop” follows Moochie’s video for “iLLUMINATi Business,” released last month.
“Non Stop” is the latest video from PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi, the first-ever label compilation tape from Young Dolph‘s independent label Paper Route EMPIRE. The mixtape represents the culmination of a long and fruitful rise for Young Dolph–the mogul is ready to flex his A&R and CEO muscles, bringing a new crop of talent to the forefront. Along with Key Glock and Snupe Bandz, the tape features standout contributions from street favorites like Big Moochie Grape and Kenny Muney, and new signees like PaperRoute Woo, Big Unccc, and PRE first lady Joddy Badass. The 23-track tape offers the label to showcase its roster in plenty of combinations, and leaves room for big shots like Dolph, Glock, and Moochie to show off on solo songs of their own. Featuring an appearance from Gucci Mane and production from Bandplay, Memphis beatmakers like Tay Keith, DJ Squeeky, and Sosa808, ands trap titans like Drumma Boy and Budda Bless, PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi is available to stream everywhere via Paper Route EMPIRE.
PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi tracklist:
1. Talking To My Scale by Paper Route EMPIRE & Young Dolph
2. Blu Boyz by Young Dolph, Key Glock & Paper Route EMPIRE (feat. Snupe Bandz)
3. Beat It by Paper Route EMPIRE, Bigg Unccc & Young Dolph
4. I Do This by Paper Route EMPIRE, Key Glock & Gucci Mane
5. Back to Back by Paper Route EMPIRE & Bigg Unccc
6. Remember by Paper Route EMPIRE & Snupe Bandz
7. Mister Glock 2 by Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock
8. Bandaid by Paper Route EMPIRE, Key Glock & Snupe Bandz
9. Non Stop by Paper Route EMPIRE & Big Moochie Grape
10. Dance by Young Dolph, Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock (feat. Snupe Bandz, Kenny Muney, Joddy Badass, Jay Fizzle & Big Moochie Grape)
11. 333 by Paper Route EMPIRE & Joddy Badass
12. Ashtray by Paper Route EMPIRE, Kenny Muney & Young Dolph
13. Standing Ovation by Paper Route EMPIRE & Big Moochie Grape
14. Big Ol Racks by Paper Route EMPIRE, PaperRoute Woo & Key Glock
15. Dead Body by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & Bigg Unccc (feat. PaperRoute Woo)
16. Broccoli & Cheese by Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock
17. Trust Nobody by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & PaperRoute Woo (feat. Snupe Bandz)
18. Here We Go by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & Jay Fizzle (feat. Snupe Bandz)
19. Show Out by Paper Route EMPIRE, Snupe Bandz & Young Dolph
20. Freeze Tag by Paper Route EMPIRE & Key Glock
21. Nothing To Me by Young Dolph, Snupe Bandz & PaperRoute Woo
22. South Memphis Rugrats (Remix) by Paper Route EMPIRE, Young Dolph & Snupe Bandz (feat. PaperRoute Woo)
23. iLLUMINATi BUSINESS by Paper Route EMPIRE & Big Moochie Grape
The Milwaukee Native Shows Off His Bars and His Pipes as He Road Trips to Vegas in His Latest Video
Critical Praise:
“Not only can he sing with so much emotion behind his words, but he also knows how to masterfully rap as well as switch up his cadences constantly, always keeping you guessing about what he’s going to do next.” – Lyrical Lemonade
“Los Angeles by way of Milwaukee’s DC The Don is part rapper, part rockstar, excelling in the melodic and riotous lane popularized by cult heroes like Lil Uzi Vert and Trippie Redd.” – Audiomack
The Video:
He has a devoted fanbase and a successful debut album under his belt, but DC The Don is on a mission to achieve another level of success. Declaring his rock star dreams with his signature mixture of melodies and flows, DC The Don shares “WHAT NOW?“, a new video single. Produced by trap maestro Supah Mario, a frequent collaborator of DC’s, “WHAT NOW?” gets its power from a triumphant horn fanfare and the Milwaukee native’s engaging personality, as he flexes his prized possessions and stands up for his city. Over three hard-hitting verses, the 22-year-old artist compares himself to G.G. Allin and Mad Max as he pushes his vocals to the limit.
In the video, DC takes his lowrider from L.A. to Vegas, where he parties his ass off and struts his stuff before winning big at a game of poker. The 6’7″ tall artist cuts an imposing figure as he explores the city’s famous Fremont district, filming himself with a bottle of tequila in hand. Directed by Cobian, with Creative Direction by OUTLAW, the “WHAT NOW?” video lives up to the artist’s high standard of visual content. It’s a more-than-worthy follow-up to the boy-band-homaging “Notice Me,” the devilish “Megalodon” and The Sandlot-homaging “Ghost Rider.” “WHAT NOW?” is a cornerstone track of My Own Worst 3nemy, DC’s second album, set to release later this year via Rostrum Records.
The Milwaukee-born rapper is coming off a successful 2020, marked by his debut album Come As You Are and its deluxe edition. With more than 75 million streams across platforms, Come As You Are emphasizes the importance of being authentic to your creative self. The album was home to DC’s buzzing single “WORST DAY : (“ (12 million total streams), as well as standout ragers like “Wait Your Turn,” “NASCAR RACER,” and “Campfire Story.” Featuring production from Supah Mario, Trademark, SephGotTheWaves, and more, Come As You Are (Deluxe) is available everywhere via Rostrum Records.
With the ambitious concept album My Own Worst 3nemy on the way, DC looks to make good on his potential and grow his fanbase even more. Stay tuned for much more music from the one-of-a-kind artist in the weeks to come.
DC The Don is a rapper from Milwaukee, WI. In 2016, at the age of 16 and standing 6’7”, DC moved to Los Angeles to pursue a basketball career under Lavar Ball and alongside teammate LaMelo Ball. During this time, he fell in love with music and used his spare time to make experimental records which suddenly gained traction – As the public became increasingly aware of DC The Don’s talent for rapping, NBA player Lonzo Ball featured his song “Everything 1k” on the first Big Baller Brand shoe commercial, introducing DC The Don’s music to an even wider audience. DC signed to Rostrum Records in 2020, releasing his debut album Come As You Are on August 7th, generating over 75 million streams across platforms.
The King of the Bronx and the Brooklyn Bruiser Stage an Outer Borough Invasion in Times Square, as the Jokes Up Highlight Single Continues to Rack Up Streams
Critical Praise:
“Whether he’s getting tons of retweets because he danced with Hip Hop Harry on Instagram, or churning out yet another song that shows off his personality, the rapper finds a way to keep all eyes in his direction.” – XXL
“Posting skits that exude his loud personality and hilarious sense-of-humor, his #WeaveChallenge became an instant sensation — cementing his name in the entertainment industry.” – FLAUNT
The Remix + Video:
Blessed with serious emcee skills and a boisterous personality, Ron Suno is on a mission to make NY drill fun. Blending his booming Bronx energy with DUSTY LOCANE‘s fierce Brooklyn attitude, Suno shares “Grabba” (Remix), a new version of his buzzing single. A seismic event in the world of NY rap music, the new remix is a collaboration between two of the biggest breakout stars in the outer boroughs–the comedic Suno and the street-savvy LOCANE have electric chemistry, the Canarsie rapper flexing his wordplay and getting on Suno’s wavelength: “You ain’t solid, break him like a Kit Kat.”
In the video, Suno, LOCANE, and their respective crews take their Outer Borough braggadocio to the heart of Manhattan. The Janoff FIlms-directed video finds the two rappers and their posses making a scene in Times Square, as they block the entrance to a Broadway theater, jump on stopped cars, and mess with tourists. The video for the “Grabba” (Remix) is the latest upward step on the meteoric trajectory of “Grabba,” a highlight from Ron Suno’s Jokes Up project, which has over 1.4 million video views and is picking up steam on TikTok.
A master of many disciplines, Suno approached the creation of Jokes Up with laser focus, determined to prove his worth as a rapper. Combining a locked-in flow with snappy lyricism and quips that humorously undercut his bravado, the SBL rapper takes his emceeing to a new level on Jokes Up, nimbly tiptoeing atop skittering hi-hats and going toe-to-toe with some of the finest rappers in the Five Boroughs. The project is home to recent singles like “Winners,” a fiery new collab with Brooklyn figurehead Sheff G that has over 1.8 million views on YouTube, “Bandit,” a fiercely slick banger with over 1 million YouTube views, and “Drill Zoo,” featuring the one-and-only Fetty Wap. Featuring additional appearances from DDG and Jay Critch, Jokes Up is available everywhere via SBL, LLC / EMPIRE.
Ever since dropping Swag Like Mike, featuring hit singles like “SPIDER-MAN” ft. Fivio Foreign, in 2020, Ron Suno has been on an unstoppable upward rise, collaborating with rappers like DDG and Smoove’L, speaking with XXLand FLAUNT, and co-starring in BK Juice, a new film by his NYC cohort Rah Swish. The sky’s the limit for the young riser, who obliterates the boundaries between mediums with his force of personality.
Jokes Up tracklist:
1. SEMI
2. WIT IT
3. Bandit
4. WAVE
5. GRABBA
6. Drill Zoo ft. Fetty Wap
7. STATISTICS
8. OH LA LA ft. Jay Critch
9. HOT
10. YA MANS
11. WRAITH ft. DDG
12. WINNERS ft. Sheff G
Winning fans with his unique blend of skills, Ron Suno built up a massive following on Instagram (over 1 million followers), YouTube, SoundCloud, and TikTok with his amusing skits and admirable artistry. Ever since high school, Suno has been a restless creative. He uses every expressive outlet available to him to get his message across, from music to short-form video to dance challenges to acting in BK Juice, a new film starring his NYC cohort Rah Swish. Suno’s music career started to take off in 2019 when he dropped “Pinocchio,” which racked up over 9 million Spotify streams and caught the attention of Blueface, who hopped on the remix. Last June, buoyed by the momentum of “Pinocchio,” Ron released Swag Like Mike, the project that put Suno on the map with hit singles like “SPIDER-MAN” ft. Fivio Foreign.
L.A. Heavy-Hitters Rucci and AzChike Announce Kourtesy Of Us, A New Collab Album Arriving This Fall via Mackk&Cult/EMPIRE
The Two Rappers Connect with Boosie Badazz, AzSwaye, and Pjay for “Hoodrat” Video
The Two Frequent Collaborators, Behind Local Hits like “Light It Up” and “Function In The Hood,” Prepare to Release Their First-Ever Collab Album
Critical Praise:
“On the spectrum of the new Los Angeles, Rucci sits closest to classicism, capturing the spirit of greats like Suga Free and Mack 10. But don’t mistake that homage for predictability: Rucci consumes these beats. His presence throughout this album is glowing, outsized, and even within the frames of L.A. bump — minor keys, minimal bass — he makes daring production choices. (“Lowrider” interpolates, you know, that song). But beneath the booming production and drug inventories that run rampant on Tako’s Son are stories of deep loss and chosen family” – NPR
“Rucci is one of the few young and buzzing West Coast rappers capable of pleasing both emcee traditionalists and those seeking true starpower and hit-making potential… Inglewood’s chosen son is on his way to stardom.” – HYPEBEAST
“He’s become equally adept at writing fun party slappers and ferocious pain rap dirges, gangsta rap indebted to history but hounded by the demons of the present.” – The LAnd
“He has the dexterity to spit about street life in L.A. in a way that doesn’t romanticize its harsh realities, while still remaining loose enough to pivot from those heavy topics to raps about his Instagram DMs blowing up (“How you text me off that app but you blocked?”).” – Pitchfork
“Time is of the essence for AzChike. Since 2013, the 24-year old has tried to make every moment count. Prior to being known for his storytelling abilities and bops like “Burn Rubber Again” and “Licked Up,” the rapper, who has drawn comparisons to mid-2000s Lil Wayne and 2019 XXL Freshman Blueface, began his career as a what he describes as a conscious rapper. Once he shifted gears (and quit his day job), however, he really started to get the party jumping.” – XXL
“Central L.A. rapper AzChike specializes in making songs that rattle your trunk.” – The FADER
The Video:
United by their love of smack talk and fierce loyalty to their home neighborhoods, L.A. rappers Rucci and AzChike are a dynamic duo. Today, Rucci and Chike announce Kourtesy Of Us, their upcoming collaborative project. Though Rucci and Chike have torn up the L.A. streets with local hits like “Light It Up” and “Function In The Hood,“Kourtesy Of Us marks the first time that the two slick talkers connected for a full-length effort. Packed with beats from L.A. sound architects like AceTheFace and Hitman, plus a coterie of California heavy-hitters as guests, Kourtesy Of Us arrives later this fall via Mackk&Cult/EMPIRE.
Today, the wise-cracking duo shares “Hoodrat,” a boisterous new video from the upcoming project. Produced by miajayc, “Hoodrat” is a hyperactive West Coast anthem, a quick-hitting banger with verses from L.A. associates AzSwaye and PJay, and a neck-snapping appearance from Boosie Badazz. Directed by Mr. RealMovie, the video finds the five emcees living large at the neighborhood car wash, drinking tequila and Henny as they throw cash in the air. Fans might have caught a glimpse of the video earlier this month when a clip of Boosie wilding out during the video’s filming went viral on social media.
“Hoodrat” is the latest in a line of fiery collaborations between AzChike and Rucci to hit the streets this year. The two rappers connected with Capolow for “No Kizzy,” a Bay-meets-L.A. banger, took aim at steppers on “Who Dat,” and earlier, they honed their chemistry with the rip-roaring “Pop Pills.” Both artists are continuing the momentum from big 2020s–Ruccicontinued to explore his fascinating backstory with the Midget album, featuring the hit single “Understand” ft. Blxst, and AzChike kept busy with hard-hitting EPs and collaborations with the likes of Sada Baby and Frostydasnowmann.
Finally joining forces for the joint album that L.A. needs, Rucci and AzChike prepare to gift their fans and their city with a new set of slaps. Stay tuned for more music and announcements.
EMPIRE was founded in 2010 as an artist-friendly, progressive digital distribution company. After early success, and identifying future icons such as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and Rich Homie Quan, EMPIRE was quickly regarded as a tastemaker in the industry and throughout the past five years evolved into a full-fledged record label, distributor and publisher for independent musicians. With the company and roster growing at a breakneck pace, EMPIRE has effectively disrupted a stale business model by bringing its energy, expertise, and acumen to its artists and labels. Today, EMPIRE works with some of music’s hottest talent, ranging from superstars such as T.I. and Snoop Dogg, red-hot newcomers such as SOB X RBE and Mozzy, and established veterans like Jim Jones and Redman. While remaining 100% independent, EMPIRE has also partnered with Atlantic Records for a joint venture, home to breakout star D.R.A.M. and propelled singles by Fat Joe & Remy Ma (“All The Way Up,” 2x Platinum), Tyga (“Taste,” 3x Platinum), and Lil Duval (“Smile”) to the top of the Billboard Hip-Hop Charts. In April 2018, EMPIRE signed a global distribution deal with Universal Music Group for select artist projects.
