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.
Creators Celebrate Drake’s New Album and A Boogie, YN Jay, and Lukas Graham Inspire New Trends
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. From hip-hop to pop to alternative folk, TikTok creators have an undeniable knack for turning songs of any genre into viral trends. Check out some of the most popular tracks and trends that are blazing their way through the platform:
Following the highly-anticipated release of Certified Lover Boy, Drake finds himself at the center of another bubbling TikTok trend with his intro track, “Champagne Poetry.” Sampling Masego’s reworked version of “Michelle” by The Beatles, the jazzy bass track boasts over 75.3K creations on the platform in its first week of release. The intro of the song soundtracks everything from photo and video compilations, to text-on-screen relationship testaments, to demonstrations of love for their significant others.
Initially taking off on TikTok in 2020 with its catchy hook, Lukas Graham’s “Mama Said” is back, sparking one of the most popular trends on the app this week. Garnering over 733.5K total creations, the lighthearted song by the Danish pop act has the TikTok community highlighting individuals who they believe are responsible for the lifestyle choices they are often questioned about. From celebrities, to television show characters, to real moms, TikTok creators are confident in their life choices because “Mama said that it was okay, Mama said that it was quite alright.” Lukas Graham even joined in on the fun himself, pointing to a host of celebrities who confidently rock their long hair just like him.
TikTok continues to be a hub for discovering music, as well as meeting creators around the world. In recent days, creators are using a remixed version of Dj Yo’s “Love Nwantiti” as the background track to introduce themselves to the community. With over 1.5M user-generated creations, the trend features creators listing their name, age, nationality, and where they live, coupled with a compilation of photos and videos. In other creations, TikTok users show off the color of their eyes, create new dances, and test out video filter effects.
Every once in a while, the TikTok community taps into its more emotional side for a deep, heartfelt trend that resonates through the platform. The chorus of Sleeping At Last’s 2014 alternative folk track “You Are Enough” (240.7K+ creations), and its repetition of the titular lyric, is lending itself to positive self-affirmations and sentimental expressions for loved ones by many creators. While some creators are using the sound to express the love they have for their mothers who raised them as a single parent, others are asserting their dedication to motherhood despite initially being nervous to have a child.
Bronx rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie can’t stop scoring TikTok hits with his catalog songs. On the heels of the success of his 2016 hit “My Sh*t” on the platform (over 175k combined video creations), the melodic artist is trending once again with his 2017 song “Say A’” (91k video creations). The song finds A Boogie grappling with uncertainty, and this uncertainty is resonating with the TikTok community, resulting in another humorous trend. TikTok creators are using the sound to demonstrate how unexpected moments arise and catch us off guard, leaving us searching for the appropriate words to say. A Boogie’s emphatic “What the f*** I’m supposed to say?” line resonates with TikTok users who struggle to accept compliments from their crushes, get asked outlandish questions by their significant other, and those who are left speechless when their petty group messages with their friends are exposed.
Another week on TikTok brought another superstar on-boarding: just days after ABBA danced on to the platform, Michael Bublé arrives with his trademark class. Arriving as he celebrates his 46th birthday, the Canadian crooner excitedly posted his first-ever video today, though he seems unsure what to do next. With trending sounds on the books for his versions of “L O V E,” “Feeling Good,” and more, Bublé is an exciting addition to TikTok’s bustling artist community. But to some TikTok creators, his arrival only means one thing: “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.”
The Underground Phenom Pays Homage to One of Detroit’s Most Complicated Characters in the Latest from His Recent InLovingMemory Project
Critical Praise:
“The Michigan-born rapper was one of the earliest and most influential artists to rise through the SoundCloud ranks in the early 2010s thanks to a truly unique aesthetic, an aura of mystery and a sound that would go on to be mimicked by his genre for years to come.” – HYPEBEAST
‘Already one of the most influential artists in rap and the SoundCloud underground, Bones shows no signs of slowing down.” – HYPEBEAST
“O’Connor’s short tracks, creepy videos, and one-word tweets rack up millions of social media interactions from a cult following that helped him sell out shows in 25 cities on a recent tour. The hip-hop elite is taking notice.” – The FADER
“Elmo Kennedy O’Connor was in pre-school when he became obsessed with the Southern artists of No Limit and Cash Money. Later in life, he would adopt the rap moniker Bones and amass a significant cult following. His gothic lyrical style, allergy to songs longer than two and a half minutes, and lo-fi visual aesthetic have convinced a quarter million people to subscribe to the SoundCloud page of his rap collective, TeamSESH.” – HotNewHipHop
The Video:
With over 20 albums full of clever and cryptic references, BONES always finds a way to be creative. Today he’s breathing new life into the story of Detroit’s infamous informant turned bad boy, White Boy Rick. Often hiding his face with effects and distortion, BONES changes it up and steps directly into the light in the video for “WhiteBoyRick,” the latest video to be released off his album InLovingMemory. After robbing a liquor store of all of its Backwoods, BONES and his crew post up outside to smoke blunts, talk smack, and vibe out to the eerie Question Mark produced beat. BONES then cruises through a fiery parking lot in a tricked out lowrider, sending warning shots to those asking – “BONES, why you kill em all the time with the rhymes? / Too clean with it, mean with it, wanna let em lie / Look into the sky, I’m the one you ask ‘why?’ / I’m the one that let em live, I’m the one that let em die.”
Released in June, InLovingMemory captivated listeners as BONES offered an unfiltered glimpse into his elusive psyche. On tracks like “AnyLastWords,” BONES spits paranoid rhymes over a dark trap beat derived from ’90s Memphis rap, while on songs like “BrandNewExpectations,” the Michigan native bares his soul over spindly guitar hooks inspired by Midwest Emo. Ever the experimenter, BONES saves his biggest swing for last, setting his sights on the dancefloor with the moody “TwasTheDarkestNight,” which mixes a driving 4/4 beat with expansive synths and even a horn section. Featuring production from TeamSESH beatmaker Lyson and many others, InLovingMemory is available everywhere via EMPIRE
InLovingMemory is the prolific rapper’s third album of 2021. It immediately follows March’s PushingUpDaisies, a full-length collaborative album produced by TeamSESH producer Deergod. Featuring the single “PopRocks,” which earned praise from Stereogum, the album thrives on the impeccable chemistry between producer and rapper. Earlier this year, BONES shared hisBURDEN album and released earlier albums recorded under the moniker surrenderdorothy onto DSPs for the first time ever.
With InLovingMemory, BONES seeks to remind the world of his singular talent and convince sleepers to give him his flowers before it’s too late. Stay tuned for much more music from BONES in the near future.
BONES has proven to be one of the most enduring, influential, and creative hip-hop artists to emerge in the early 2010s. The TeamSESH founder has recorded dozens of albums, racking up hundreds of millions of streams and feeding a fanbase that eagerly awaits his every move. Despite remaining fiercely independent and true to his underground roots, his music has permeated the mainstream–in 2015, A$AP Rocky sampled BONES’ song “Dirt” for “Canal St.” (124 million streams), and in recent years, BONES has performed in prime slots at festivals such as Rolling Loud as a member of Seshollowaterboyz (along with Xavier Wülf, Chris Travis, and Eddy Baker).
Video: Offset Jim – “Members Only” (Prod. by DTB & Ekzakt)
The Play Runners Association Rapper is a Master of Deadpan Flexes on This Piano-Led Bay Area Banger
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 Video:
Oakland rapper Offset Jim doesn’t need to raise his voice to get his point across–his verses are methodical, scientifically engineered to prove how much better he is than the average rapper. Connecting with his frequent collaborator DTB and producer Ekzakt, Jim shares “Members Only,” his new video single. Expertly weaving within the copious space left within DTB’s beat, Jim takes time to introduce himself and say what he’s about, calmly explaining that he doesn’t need anyone in order to succeed. The song is a showcase of Jim’s sharp punchlines, as he delivers understated flexes with a sneer: “Ask me what I’m smoking, b*tch you’re too broke to buy it.”
In the video, Jim rocks an Amiri hoodie and gathers a crew of dirtbikers to an Oakland street corner. The rapper presides over the ceremonies before retreating to a safehouse to count his cash. The “Members Only” clip is the latest in a line of high-quality visuals from the rapper, following the NYC-set video for “Regular,” and “Face Card” ft. Kenny Beats, in which Jim and the famous producer plan an undercover heist. Both tracks will appear on Rich Off The Pack, Jim’s next project, arriving this fall.
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.
Decked Out in Sequined Threads That Evoke the Disco Era, YN Jay Shows Off His Crooning Ability in the Latest Video from Coochie Chronicles
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:
YN Jay might usually rhyme atop futuristic beats, but he isn’t afraid to kick it old school. Turning the clock back to the 1970s, YN Jay shares “Rock The Boat,” his new music video. Produced by Jay’s favorite producer ENRGY, “Rock The Boat” finds Jay getting his Nate Dogg on, smoothly crooning an X-rated hook over spritely acoustic guitar. Directed by Jolo, the video is a vivid throwback to the days of disco, complete with dancers dazzling sequins and roller skates. Channeling The Hues Corporation in his bedazzled jacket, Jay is a natural for the era, as he flashes his diamond-studded smile and dances on a bar. “Rock The Boat” is the latest video from Coochie Chronicles, YN Jay’s recent project, following recent clips for “Immaculate,” “Mix The Yeahhhhh,” and “Better Days.”
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. Featuring an additional appearance from Flint heavy-hitter Rio Da Yung OG, Coochie Chronicles is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
Driven to take rap seriously after his older brother died, YN Jay quickly started to build a reputation as one of the most colorful characters in a hometown Flint scene populated almost exclusively by colorful characters. He started to get mainstream notice with his single “Coochie,” which introduced the world to Jay’s one-track mind and eventually racked up over 26 million YouTube views. 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.”
Video: Rich The Kid – “Prada” (Remix) feat. Polo G
The Rostrum-Signed Hit-Maker Teams Up With Chicago’s Finest for a Drill-Influenced Banger
Critical Praise:
“Rich the Kid Is Your Favorite Rapper’s Favorite Rapper for a Good Reason” – Pitchfork
“The young superstar prefers to remain focused on doing what he does best: straight-ahead, no-bullshit, genre-defying Hip Hop that’s also pleasantly aware of its history while not falling into the trap of clout-chasing.” – HipHopDX
The Video:
A world-class collaborator and even better flexer, Rich The Kid is an influential figure in the trap scene. Revealing that his street-savvy instincts haven’t faded as his bankroll has grown, Rich The Kid shares the video “Prada” (Remix). Released last week, the song features a drill-influenced, piano-heavy beat and a nasty verse from Polo G. In the video, directed by Gemini Vision, Rich and Polo post up at a mansion, as Rich shows off his ivory tinkling skills and Polo digs an unmarked grave.
The remix to a song with over 1.5 million views on its music video in just over a month, “Prada” (Remix) continues a busy 2021 for Rich The Kid. In June, the New York-born rapper shared “BossB*tch,” a collaboration with guest verse goddess Coi Leray, which in turn followed the flex-heavy single “Richard Mille Patek,” which dropped in April with a video directed by Shomi Patwary (A$AP Rocky, Offset, Mark Ronson). Earlier this year, Rich dropped the Lucky 7 EP, which featured appearances from rap leading ladies Flo Milli, Mulatto, and Rubi Rose.
Born in New York, Rich The Kid moved to Atlanta in the early 10s and quickly became a major player in the scene, recording full-length mixtapes with Migos and making his name on the streets with his own tapes like Keep Flexin. The rapper broke out in a big way with 2018’s The World Is Yours, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and included his hit tracks, 3x RIAA Platinum “Plug Walk” and 2x RIAA Platinum “New Freezer” ft. Kendrick Lamar. Last year, Rich The Kid stayed busy, releasing his solo project Boss Man and collaborating with YoungBoy Never Broke Again for the full-length Nobody Safe.
Rich The Kid is currently hard at work preparing for an upcoming collaborative album with Lil Wayne, and prepping his upcoming solo album, due before the end of 2021 Stay tuned for more updates.
Please contact Michelle or Kevin if interested in talking with Rich The Kid.
The Background:
Rich The Kid Background
New York born rapper, Rich The Kid is a chart topping, multi-platinum selling artist at the top of the pack. He has an impressive catalogue of releases including his platinum selling debut album The World Is Yours, which he released in 2018. He later followed up with albums The World Is Yours 2, Bossman and most recently released a joint project Nobody Safe with YoungBoy Never Broke Again last year. To kick off 2021 he shared a 7-track project Lucky 7 which includes features from some of the most prominent rising rappers, Flo Milli, Mulatto, and Rubi Rose.
Combined, Rich The Kid has amassed billions of streams worldwide and adding to his accolades was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2018 BET Hip-Hop Awards, sold out major headlining tours across the globe and performed on various festival stages including Lollapalooza, Rolling Loud and more.
In addition to his own artist career, Rich The Kid founded his own label, Rich Forever in 2016 where he signed Famous Dex, Jay Critch, YBN Almighty Jay and more. Over the years the label released several collective albums including 2019’s Rich Forever 4.
Rostrum Records Background
Rostrum Records Founder and President Benjy Grinberg has led a highly successful renaissance for his independent label 18 years since its formation. In 2020 alone, Rostrum acts generated 2.35 billion streams—unprecedented for an indie. The dynamic and diverse roster continues to make an impact with acclaimed and fan favorite releases from Problem, DC The Don, RUSSELL!, DWN2EARTH, Liife, Taleban Dooda, and My Favorite Color. DC The Don’s Come As You Are (Deluxe) album has over 60M streams since release in November 2020.
Among many historic successes, Mac Miller’s Blue Slide Park stands tall as the first independently released debut album to bow at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 since 1995, while acts have picked up 11 GRAMMY nominations. Along the way, Grinberg discovered and developed Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, and Mod Sun and returned to the charts recently with DC The Don, 24hrs, and Rockie Fresh. Rostrum set a template of independence that has been oft-replicated since 2003. Grinberg has once again reasserted his label’s place at the front of the pack.
Watch J Balvin Perform His New Album JOSE LIVE on TikTok on 9/12
The Announcement:
Uniting the listening public with his sweeping vision of Reggaeton as global pop, J Balvin is one of the most crucial figures in today’s music. Today, we’re thrilled to announce that the Colombian-born superstar will perform JOSE X TikTok, a special concert LIVE on TikTok, airing at 3 PM PT/ 6 PM ET on September 12th.
Marked by the visual inventiveness and high production value characteristic of his performances, the upcoming hour-long set will include classics and tracks from the highly anticipated album JOSE. The follow-up to his 4x Platinum Colores (over 4.5 billion streams), JOSE finds the chameleonic artist experimenting with genre, collaborating with fellow stars like Skrillex and Khalid. The album is home to recent singles like “UN DÍA,” which has over 400 million streams to date, “Qué Más Pues?,” a collaboration with Argentinian singer Maria Becerra that trended on TikTok to the tune of 1.1 million video creations, and the new single “Que Locura.”
Counting over 17 million followers, J Balvin is the most-followed Latin artist on TikTok. He’s fully embraced the platform, using it to promote his music and to show off his charming personality. Recently, he’s been dueting fans who’ve used his new song “IN DA GETTO” in their videos, helping drive the single to over 620k video creations on the app. The Skrillex-produced “IN DA GETTO” is the latest in a long line of TikTok successes for Balvin, following “Qué Más Pues?” and last year’s “Blanco” (1.2 million creations).
Balvin will also be the premier speaker at “TikTok Latinx Creatives,” a new incubator program that will invest in and support emerging Latinx creators and music artists on TikTok. Kicking off next month, the 10-week program will focus on nurturing and developing 150 talented Latinx creators and music artists, aiming to further grow and develop an already thriving Latinx creative community on TikTok.
Tune in on September 12th to join one of music’s most colorful characters as he delivers a one-of-a-kind performance of his most ambitious music to date. JOSE x TikTok airs on Balvin’s TikTok account @jbalvin at 3 PM PT/ 6 PM ET on September 12th, and don’t forget to stream JOSE, releasing on September 10th via Universal Music Latino.
The Rising Lyricist Plays Multiple Characters in the Video for His Soulful and Incisive New Single
Critical Praise:
“The Pittsburgh MC once again flashes signs of brilliance on his new song ‘Old News.’ His zany personality and frenetic flow are the main drivers of his fun-filled anthem.”
– Billboard
“He truly brings you on a sonic journey that contains so many different styles, sounds, and narratives, you have no choice but to pay attention.”
– Lyrical Lemonade
“His music is powerful. Each bar drips with the confusion and existential dread of a man who feels out of place in his world.” – Noisey
The Video:
Toeing the line between tradition and experimentation, rising artist My Favorite Color marches to the beat of his own drum. Flexing his pen game and his offbeat delivery, My Favorite Color makes a statement with “Old News,” his first new single and music video of 2021. Fitting his rapidfire rhymes between offbeat blasts of flute, the L.A.-via-Pittsburgh artist takes time to emphasize the ways he’s different from your favorite rapper, while weaving together head-turning bits of wordplay: “Sneezing from the pollen, all the flowers growing, give ‘em to me while I’m living,” he spits.
The new music video for “Old News” showcases the rapper’s engaging personality and boundless creativity. Channeling comedians like Eddie Murphy, MFC plays multiple characters, each reflecting an aspect of his personality. The main character in the video is an impish paperboy, who tromps around his block on his bicycle and gets under the nerves of his neighbors. The 24-year-old artist also shows his range, playing a crotchety, white-bearded OG, and a cheerful, nightgown-wearing neighbor lady. Directed by Taylor Bonin, the video’s playful aesthetic jibes with the song’s spritely sonics.
Signed to Rostrum Records, the label that broke Pittsburgh legends like Mac Miller and Wiz Khalifa, My Favorite Color looks to follow in their footsteps as the next artist from the Steel City to make it big. “Old News” heralds a return for the L.A.-via-Pittsburgh artist, who is working on his follow-up to Velma, his ambitious debut album. A tour through the Rostrum Records signee’s inventive mind and finely-tuned aesthetic, Velma is a revealing and relatable album–listening feels like catching up with an old friend about his life. On songs like the lead single “Funeral,” My Favorite Color contemplates complex questions about faith, mortality, music, and love. Acclaimed by DJ Booth, KAZI, and more,Velma is available everywherevia Rostrum Records.
Stay tuned for much more music and eye-popping videos from My Favorite Color in the coming weeks and months.
The Alamo Records Rapper Shares His First New Song Since Releasing His 1.5 Way Or No Way Mixtape
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 Video:
Organizing his flexes into tumbling triplet flows, Yung Mal worked hard to reach his elevated status in the ATL rap scene. Coming through with a head of steam, the artist shares “Get Right,” his flex-heavy new single. Produced by Gudda Tay, a producer affiliated with Mal’s 1.5 Da Label, “Get Right” layers dramatic electric guitars over trap drums. Mal takes advantage of the backing track and struts like a rock star, telling his haters that they need to get their money right before speaking to him. “Get Right” is Mal’s first song since the release 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.
Rod Wave’s SoulFly (Deluxe) Charts at #3 on the Billboard 200
After Debuting at #1 in March 2021, SoulFly Returns to the Top 5, Powered by 9 Soulful Tracks Including Collabs with Lil Durk & Kodak Black
Critical Praise:
“”Wave is perhaps the pre-eminent hip-hop emoter of the last couple of years.” – The New York Times
“Nobody sings about their pain like him.” – Pitchfork
“Rod Wave Sings Like an Angel and Raps Like a Demon” – Rolling Stone
“In a year defined by a wave of gloomy, melodic rappers speaking to generational trauma, none have stood out quite like Florida rapper Rod Wave.” – NPR
“His music is raw and wracked and messy. He sounds like he’s got something at stake. And that, combined with his actual musical ability, gives him a presence that most of his peers don’t have.” – Stereogum
The Announcement:
Blessed with a loyal and devoted fanbase, Rod Wave’s chart success is powered by the streets. This week, Rod experiences yet another milestone, as his latest release SoulFly (Deluxe) reaches #3 on the Billboard 200. Bolstered by nine new tracks, including collaborations with Kodak Black and Lil Durk, SoulFly (Deluxe) generated over 62,000 streaming-equivalent units, a 350% increase on streams for the original version in the previous week.
SoulFly (Deluxe) arrives amidst the first dates of the “Rod Wave SoulFly Tour, Presented by Rolling Loud,” a 35-date tour that criss-crosses the United States over the next few weeks. Last week, Rod performed to sold out crowds in Houston, Dallas, and Austin, and tomorrow, he prepares to perform to a sold out crowd in Atlanta. With more sold out dates to come in L.A., Chicago, Phoenix, Boston, and Pittsburgh, and low-ticket warnings in several other cities, Rod is solidifying himself as one of the most electrifying and emotional performers in the hip-hop space.
Home to the recent single “Time Heals,” which charted in Apple Music’s Top 15 and generated over 1.3 million YouTube views in its first 24 hours of release, the new songs on SoulFly (Deluxe) cover some of Rod’s favorite topics, including growing pains of fame and reflections on his traumatic past. SoulFly (Deluxe) is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
SoulFly made a splash on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release in March, generating over 130k sales-equivalent units in its first week and debuting at #1. 14 of the album’s 19 tracks have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, with two songs, “Tombstone” and the Platinum-certified “Street Runner,” peaking in the top 20. His highest-charting single to date, which peaked at #11 on the Hot 100, “Tombstone” recently reached #1 on urban radio, marking Rod’s third airplay #1 following 2019’s “Heart On Ice” and 2020’s “Rags2Riches.” Recently certified Gold, SoulFly helped Rod become the RIAA’s most-certified artist of Q1 2021.
Blessed with a special singing voice, and the knowledge of how best to use it, Florida’s Rod Wave is taking his own path to the top of the game. Coming through with a soulful set of Southern sing-raps, the St. Petersburg native has built a groundswell of regional support and blossomed into a national streaming phenomenon. After releasing 3 projects in a 12 month span – Hunger Games 3, PTSD, and the platinum-certified Ghetto Gospel – Rod first erupted onto the scene with “Heart On Ice.” The single, propelled by a captivating Genius Open Mic performance, a viral TikTok trend, and co-signs from NFL star Saquon Barkley to 21 Savage and everyone in between, was certified 3x-platinum, peaked at #25 on the Bllboard Hot 100 charts and reached #1 at urban radio. Rod’s debut album, Pray 4 Love, debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 charts and was certified platinum less than a year after its release. The album’s breakthrough single, “Rags2Riches,” exploded over the summer with a viral TikTok trend and a remix from Lil Baby, peaking at #12 on the Hot 100. Rod’s sophomore album, SoulFly, surpassed Pray 4 Love by becoming Rod’s first-ever #1 album on the Billboard charts. Lead single “Tombstone” is Rod’s highest charting single to-date, peaking at #11 on the Hot 100.
The New Video from Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe) Contains Never-Before-Seen Footage of the Late Dallas Rapper in the Studio
The Video:
Mo3 combined a special singing voice with breakneck, rapidfire rhymes and a deep connection to the experiences of those struggling in the streets. Shortly after the release of Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe), an expansion to Mo’s 2021 posthumous album, H$M Music and EMPIRE share “Slide On ‘Em,” a brand new music video. Using an interpolation of Luniz’s classic “I Got 5 On It,” “Slide On ‘Em” finds the late Dallas rapper working on the rougher edges of his voices, as he aggressively steps out against the opposition. The video reveals new footage of Mo3 recording the song in the studio, capturing his immense vocal talent and infectious personality.
Featuring collabs from rising star Morray and Atlanta melodic rapper Derez De’Shon, the deluxe edition offers eight new tracks that exhibit Mo’s formidable artistry, and gives a taste of the extraordinary talent taken from us too soon. On the deluxe, listeners can find Mo3 singing of his love woes on “Broken Hearted,” talking tough on the braggadocious street banger “Slide On ‘Em,” and finding optimism within the struggle with the soulful “Second Chance.” The deluxe’s lead single, “In My Blood” ft. Morray, is already making a splash on YouTube with nearly 5 million YouTube views since its release. Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe) is available everywhere via H$M Music and EMPIRE.
Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe) is the fourth installment in Mo3’s breakout Shottaz project series, home to signature singles like “Everybody,” which has over 100 million streams across platforms, and the Sam Cooke-sampling “Long Time Coming.” The album marks Mo’s second Billboard 200 chart entry, peaking at #36. His original album single, “Outside” ft. OG Bobby Billions, has continues to make great impact on the charts, placing at #1 on Audiomack’s Top Songs chart, #94 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #5 on YouTube’s U.S. Top Music Videos chart.
Though Mo3 is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire a new wave of melodic rap. The late artist’s family and team will continue to release music that he was able to record before his untimely passing. In the meantime, we celebrate his life and contributions to the music industry by streaming Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe).
Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe) tracklist:
1. They Can’t
2. Outside (Better Days)[Feat. OG Bobby Billions]
3. Out The Gym
4. By The River (Feat. Boosie Badazz)
5. Thought I Knew
6. Money Mya (Feat. Boosie Badazz)
7. Lit (Feat. YFN Lucci)
8. Mob (Feat. Foogiano)
9. Broken Love (w/ Kevin Gates)
10. Oh Yeah (Feat. Tre Dae)
11. I Wanna Kno
12. Keep Faith
13. Slide On Em
14. In My Blood (Feat. Morray)
15. Get Back
16. Broken Hearted
17. Last Time
18. Dance Lil Tre
19. Soul Ties (Feat. Derez De’Shon)
20. Second Chance
Founded in 2010 by San Francisco native Ghazi, EMPIRE has experienced immense growth through their innovative approach to independent label, distribution and publishing services. With their focus on early stage artist development, the San Francisco based company has been instrumental in launching the careers of multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, DRAM and Anderson. Paak. In 2019, the independent EMPIRE continues to make a major impact, with smash hits and new music from Snoop Dogg, Iggy Azalea, XXXTentacion, Young Dolph, The Free Nationals, and more.
“Icewear Vezzo has had a lot to celebrate in recent months. Since signing to Motown Records last year, the Detroit MC has secured a collaboration with Zaytoven, released the sixth installment of his Clarity series, and landed a sneaker deal with Puma.” – Complex
“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
“Icewear Vezzo has been at the forefront of the city’s takeover for nearly a decade, steadily releasing anthems for the Michigan streets. Rich Off Pints, the latest project from the “Up The Sco” rapper, is a celebration of Vezzo’s success, from trapping to becoming one of Detroit’s brightest stars.” – HipHopDX
“Each of [Icewear Vezzo’s] music releases is audible proof that he’s one of the best in Detroit” – REVOLT
The Video:
Telling street stories with a conversational drawl, Icewear Vezzo‘s reputation as a grade-A hustler stretches from coast to coast. Today, the Detroit native continues a run of high profile collaborations, teaming up with Lil Baby for his new single “Know The Difference.” 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.
In the video, releasing today at 4:00pm ET, Vezzo and Baby vibe out in Detroit’s West End, bringing out the block as they show off their McLarens and Aventadors. “Know The Difference” is the latest in a line of Vezzo’s songs with the biggest names in rap, following “Tear The Club Up” ft. Future and “Up The Scoe” ft. Lil Durk, the latter of which racked up over 11 million views on YouTube.
“Know The Difference” arrives ahead of Rich Off Pints 2, Vezzo’s upcoming project arriving next month. The sequel to the Pitchfork-praised Rich Off Pints, ROP 2 explores Vezzo’s status as a pillar of the flourishing Michigan rap scene, and how he hustled out the mud to become a thriving artist and entrepreneur. The upcoming tape is home to “Tear The Club Up” and “Chamber Brothers,” Vezzo’s slinky recent single. Featuring appearances from Babyface Ray, Rio Da Yung OG, RMR, SpotemGottem, G.T., and more Rich Off Pints 2 arrives on September 10th via Iced Up Records / Active Mindz Ent.
Released earlier 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.
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.
Featuring Collabs from Morray and Derez De’Shon, Mo3’s Team Adds Eight New Tracks From The Late Rapper’s Vault To Celebrate His Continuing Legacy
The Deluxe Edition:
Combining harmonious vocals with his effortless rap flows, the late Mo3 secured his place as a hero in the Dallas rap scene and beyond. Today, H$M Music and EMPIRE share Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe), an expansion to Mo’s 2021 posthumous album. Featuring collabs from rising star Morray and Derez De’Shon, the deluxe edition offers eight new tracks that exhibit Mo’s formidable artistry, and gives a taste of the extraordinary talent taken from us too soon. On the deluxe, listeners can find Mo3 singing of his love woes on “Broken Hearted,” talking tough on the braggadocious street banger “Slide On ‘Em,” and finding optimism within the struggle with the soulful “Second Chance.” The deluxe’s lead single, “In My Blood” ft. Morray, is already making a splash on YouTube with NUMBER million YouTube views since its release. Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe) is available everywhere via H$M Music and EMPIRE.
Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe) is the fourth installment in Mo3’s breakout Shottaz project series, home to signature singles like “Everybody,” which has over 100 million streams across platforms, and the Sam Cooke-sampling “Long Time Coming.” The album marks Mo’s second Billboard 200 chart entry, peaking at #36. His original album single, “Outside” ft. OG Bobby Billions, has continues to make great impact on the charts, placing at #1 on Audiomack’s Top Songs chart, #94 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #8 on YouTube’s U.S. Top Music Videos chart.
Though Mo3 is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire a new wave of melodic rap. The late artist’s family and team will continue to release music that he was able to record before his untimely passing. In the meantime, we celebrate his life and contributions to the music industry by streaming Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe).
Shottaz 4Eva (Deluxe) tracklist:
1. They Can’t
2. Outside (Better Days)[Feat. OG Bobby Billions]
3. Out The Gym
4. By The River (Feat. Boosie Badazz)
5. Thought I Knew
6. Money Mya (Feat. Boosie Badazz)
7. Lit (Feat. YFN Lucci)
8. Mob (Feat. Foogiano)
9. Broken Love (w/ Kevin Gates)
10. Oh Yeah (Feat. Tre Dae)
11. I Wanna Kno
12. Keep Faith
13. Slide On Em
14. In My Blood (Feat. Morray)
15. Get Back
16. Broken Hearted
17. Last Time
18. Dance Lil Tre
19. Soul Ties (Feat. Derez De’Shon)
20. Second Chance
Founded in 2010 by San Francisco native Ghazi, EMPIRE has experienced immense growth through their innovative approach to independent label, distribution and publishing services. With their focus on early stage artist development, the San Francisco based company has been instrumental in launching the careers of multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, DRAM and Anderson. Paak. In 2019, the independent EMPIRE continues to make a major impact, with smash hits and new music from Snoop Dogg, Iggy Azalea, XXXTentacion, Young Dolph, The Free Nationals, and more.
The 19-year-old Internet Money-Championed Crooner Shares a Video for the Opening Cut of His F*CK YOUR FEELINGS Project
Critical Praise:
“South Carolina rock-infused rapper Dro Kenji has been on a tear since last August when he received a call from the Internet Money team. Releasing project after project, Kenji has been showcasing his impressive vocals and emotion-filled lyrics. With his newest project, “F*CK YOUR FEELINGS”, we see Kenji’s most confident and cohesive work.” – Earmilk
“Once he selects a beat, the melodies and lyrics flood over him like an epiphany. The result is raw and heart-sinking music, meant to be a guiding light to fans.” – Audiomack
The Video:
After pressing play on Dro Kenji‘s music, it becomes clear why Taz Taylor, Nick Mira, and the rest of Internet Money took such a liking to his sound. Kenji has the ability to seamlessly blend emo and alternative-pop sounds, while still capturing the dark, brooding tones that evokes the likes of early Internet Money collaborators like Juice WRLD. Today, the MiraTouch-signed artist comes back with a new video for his single, “I’M RICH NOW B**CH,” which serves as the opening track on his recently released project, F*CK YOUR FEELINGS. The song highlights Kenji’s singing prowess, letting his vocals soar while pouring his heart out about not needing love after his newfound success. The track features crisp, ethereal production from some of Internet Money’s finest – Cxdy, Census, Taz Taylor and Humblebeee.
In the video, directed by Wavylord, Dro Kenji posts up at a kickback, complete with a water gun fights, bubble blowing, and plenty of beautiful women. The video comes hot on the heels of last week’s release of an animated video “KILL CUPID” featuring Florida-born rising star, $NOT.
“I’M RICH NOW B**CH”is the latest video to be released off of F*CK YOUR FEELINGS, Kenji’s fourth project, released earlier this summer. Spanning 16 tracks, the project finds Kenji carrying the load on his own, with no features. Whether he’s flexing or working through his emotions, Kenji dives into the expansive Internet Money production, emoting with melodic phrases and organizing his thoughts into succinctly infectious songs. With over 13.4 million streams across platforms since its June release, F*CK YOUR FEELINGS is available everywhere via Internet Money Records/MiraTouch/10K Projects
Stay tuned for much more from Dro Kenji in the coming months, including new music released through Nick Mira’s MiraTouch imprint, and his first headlining tour
Dro Kenji’s rise is a testament to the power of the internet. Last year, the 19-year-old artist was a senior in high school in South Carolina, releasing a string of captivating singles and mixtapes on his SoundCloud. Now, he’s preparing to release his debut album on Mira Touch/ Internet Money Records/ 10K Projects, collaborating closely with the label’s team of platinum-certified producers, and hoping to earn some plaques of his own. A true child of the digital age, raised on video games and the lo-fi sounds of rap’s online underground, he has a remarkable ability to capture both the apathy and aspiration of his generation in his songs and a spellbinding voice with which to tell these stories.
The Prolific Rapper Salutes His Hometown Michigan Scene and Celebrates His Accomplishments In His Latest Video
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:
YN Jay steadily feeds his fans with a stream of high-quality visuals, treating them to weekly doses his magnetic facial expressions and athletic dance moves. Today, YN Jay quickly returns with “Better Days,” a celebratory new music video. Produced by Jay’s regular collaborator Marc Boomin, “Better Days” kicks off with a plea to free Flint’s Rio Da Yung OG, before launching into a heartfelt plea to his fans and his lord to keep the good times rolling: “I just pulled up in a Transformer, it disintegrate/I remember I was feelin’ good, now I’m feelin’ great.” In the video, directed by Superofficial Films, Jay gathers a crew to toast to his accomplishments, fanning out his wad of hundreds as his community backs him up. “Better Days” is the latest in a long line of videos from Coochie Chronicles, YN Jay’s recent project, following last week’s clip for “Mix The Yeahhhhh” and the prior week’s “Immaculate.”
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.”
Slimelife Shawty stands out from the pack with his raw, emotional lyrics and facility with plainspoken melody. Determined to never let anything get in the way of his rap star dreams, Slimelife shares “Still At It,” a new video. Rocking a tumbling flow atop a plaintive, piano-led instrumental, Slimelife lets loose with some tuneful real talk, telling his origin story as he decries those who lacked his will to succeed: “Who woulda ever thought that the n**** in the back of the class/Riddled with swag, always smilin, he was never mad/Who woulda ever thought that a n**** with that gun in his bag/Drivin’ his stolen car to school, but he ain’t goin’ to class/Would win, yeah n**** I did.”
In the video, directed by ATL mainstay ShotByWolf, Slime rocks his OTF chain and a hat honoring the late King Von as he relaxes in a pool hall with a cadre of compadres, including notable figures like Young Thug and Lil Keed. “Still At It” is the latest in a line of videos from the young Atlanta native, following the powerful “Slatt Bizness” (over 870k views since its early August release) and the poignant “Baby Boy,” which has over 1.5 million YouTube views since its release in May.
Slimelife Shawty is currently preparing his next project Better Livin, due to release later this year. The 22-year-old rapper recently shared the video for his loyalty anthem “Homicide” (1.1 million views on YouTube), and teamed up 42 Dugg for the 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). The Atlanta native recently showed off his performance chops, performing his most notable songs 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 the OTF chain that he wears in the “Still At It” video, Slimelife Shawty is looking to level up with the upcoming Better Livin, coming soon via Alamo Records.
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 Alamo Records Signee Marvels at How Far He’s Come in His New Video, Featuring Cameos From Young Thug and Lil Keed
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 Video:
Slimelife Shawty stands out from the pack with his raw, emotional lyrics and facility with plainspoken melody. Determined to never let anything get in the way of his rap star dreams, Slimelife shares “Still At It,” a new video. Rocking a tumbling flow atop a plaintive, piano-led instrumental, Slimelife lets loose with some tuneful real talk, telling his origin story as he decries those who lacked his will to succeed: “Who woulda ever thought that the n**** in the back of the class/Riddled with swag, always smilin, he was never mad/Who woulda ever thought that a n**** with that gun in his bag/Drivin’ his stolen car to school, but he ain’t goin’ to class/Would win, yeah n**** I did.”
In the video, directed by ATL mainstay ShotByWolf, Slime rocks his OTF chain and a hat honoring the late King Von as he relaxes in a pool hall with a cadre of compadres, including notable figures like Young Thug and Lil Keed. “Still At It” is the latest in a line of videos from the young Atlanta native, following the powerful “Slatt Bizness” (over 870k views since its early August release) and the poignant “Baby Boy,” which has over 1.5 million YouTube views since its release in May.
Slimelife Shawty is currently preparing his next project Better Livin, due to release later this year. The 22-year-old rapper recently shared the video for his loyalty anthem “Homicide” (1.1 million views on YouTube), and teamed up 42 Dugg for the 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). The Atlanta native recently showed off his performance chops, performing his most notable songs 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 the OTF chain that he wears in the “Still At It” video, Slimelife Shawty is looking to level up with the upcoming Better Livin, coming soon via Alamo Records.
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.
SPF is Required to View the Latest Video from the Charlotte Native, a Cinematic Clip Packed with References to Movies Like The Usual Suspects and More
Critical Praise:
“Be prepared to see a whole lot more of Jaah in the coming months as he continues his ascension.” – ELEVATOR
“I think there’s no question that he’s going to be the next big thing out of North Carolina sooner rather than later.” – Lyrical Lemonade
The Video:
Jaah SLT delivers his rhymes with a head full of steam, unleashing flex after flex in quick succession. Today, the fired-up North Carolina native shares “Feelin Hot,” a new video single ideal for the dog days of summer. Blessed with a hyperactive beat that goes from 0-100 in less than a second, the new song finds Jaah leaning into the song’s swirling synths, finding a deep pocket as he talks his smack: “What you gettin’ mad for, don’t you got a n*****/He be in my DMs tryna get a f*ckin feature.” Directed by LKS Visuals, the video for “Feelin Hot” is filmed in crisp black-and-white, packed with references to films like Memento, The SeventhSeal, and The Usual Suspects. In the clip, Jaah tears through the streets of Charlotte with a couple associates and plays chess against his only worthy opponent–himself. “Feelin’ Hot” is Jaah’s third video of this scorching-hot summer, following previous clips for “Rent Free” and “Toxic.“
The 20-year-old Alamo Records signee is currently preparing a new project, set to release in the coming months.Jaah’s new project will follow in the wake of “In My Bag (Remix),” featuring Dallas diva Erica Banks. The original “In My Bag” gained particular traction in Texas, the home of chopped-and-screwed music, thanks to a TikTok dance trend set to a slowed version of the song which inspired over 157k video creations. Before releasing the Erica Banks-featuring remix, Jaah shared a Houston-style remix of the song produced by club god BeatKing. With over 1.5 million streams on Spotify, “In My Bag” was the second TikTok hit for the North Carolina native, following 2019’s “Tuff“ which hit 27 million streams after generating over 250k video creations on the video platform.
“Feelin Hot,” “Rent Free,” “Toxic,” and “In My Bag (Remix)” are clear signs that Jaah SLT will be the latest young star out of North Carolina. Stay tuned for more music from the budding star in the near future.
With uniquely animated vocalizations over trap-punk beats, rapper Jaah SLT—a nickname spawned from a mashup of Charlotte’s airport code, CLT, and a childhood fight club named SALT—first caught viral attention with his 2019 single, “Tuff.” With the song soundtracking playful Tik Tok videos and charting high on Spotify Viral Charts, Shazam Top 200 and Rolling Stone Charts, the North Carolina native is quietly emerging from the internet underground to solid hip-hop spotlight.
Sam Smith, A Boogie, and Ciara Trend with Old Hits, Sub Urban and Bella Poarch Catch Fire, and PinkPantheress Charts Her Own DIY Path
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 brings a good mix of old and new, as brand new songs from TikTok-native artists mingled with hits by established superstars. Take a look at what made TikTok tick this week:
On their 2014 track “Like I Can,” one of music’s beloved British singer-songwriters, Sam Smith, expressed how their love for their partner could not be broken. TikTok users have recently taken to this lighthearted tune (over 504k video creations) with a new trend to express the love they have for important people in their lives, as well as to express self-love. With the app’s freeze frame filter leading the way, TikTok creators are capturing beautiful moments whether they’re playing with their adorable babies, goofing around with their sisters, or embracing their insecurities. Some TIkTok users aren’t taking the trend quite so seriously, like one user who may not be as TikTok-savvy as she thought.
Ciara made listeners question gender roles in romantic relationships with her 2006 hit, “Like A Boy.” Notorious for reviving throwback hits, the TikTok community is bringing “Like A Boy” back to the forefront with over 85.7K+ total creations on the platform, many created in recent weeks. Inspired by the hook of the song, TikTok creators imagine how different their relationships would be if they “acted like a boy,” while one creator posted a hilarious text message exchange between herself and her significant other, with an unexpected ending. Other TikTok users take the opportunity to play with their own identities, dressing like they would if they were the opposite gender.
TikTok always aims to be a platform where creators can celebrate and take pride in their authentic selves. This week, LGBTQ+ creators are putting a comedic twist on Bronx rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie’s 2016 hit “My Sh*t” (103.5K+ creations), unexpectedly tying connections between the flex-heavy rap song and their own experiences. As A Boogie raps “See the flick of my wrist,” creators make a limp wrist motion to slyly express their sexual or gender identities. The sound is proving to be suitable for those who are coming out as bisexual to their moms, have come out as trans, and who often have to clarify their sexual identity to strangers who wrongly assume they’re straight.
With artists like Lil Nas X and Olivia Rodrigo getting their biggest break on the platform, it’s no secret that TikTok can help create massive pop stars. But the success of British singer-songwriter PinkPantheress on the platform indicates that TikTok can help boost the careers of future alt icons as well. Influenced by jungle, UK garage, and classic R&B, PinkPantheress creates songs that are perfect for the platform–they’re packed with hooks and rarely exceed two minutes in length. She scored a major TikTok hit with her song “Break It Off,” and its now-familiar refrain “One day I just wanna hear to say, ‘I like you’ / What’s stopping you?”, which has appeared in over 500k TikToks after it inspired a trend that makes use of a stop-motion creative filter, and trended with other songs like the Satie-referencing “Pain” (over 70k combined video creations on the original and slowedversions), and the breakbeat-heavy “Passion” (22k creations). Buoyed by her viral momentum, PinkPantheress teased her song “Just For Me” on TikTok in July (in a video that racked up over 7 million views). The song became an immediate hit on the platform, generating over 1 million video creations, including ones from Madison Beer and UK rapper Central Cee, and scored over 10 million Spotify streams in less than two weeks. With even more trending songs in the pipeline, including Spotify viral hit “Just A Waste” (100k video creations), and a record deal with Parlophone in place, there’s no ceiling on what the 20-year-old PinkPantheress can accomplish.
Earlier this week, TikTok users celebrated when the iconic Taylor Swift joined the platform. A favorite of the app’s community (including Olivia Rodrigo), who’ve viewed posts tagged “#swifttok” over 1 billion times, Taylor hopped on with a fun video, soundtracked to Dave’s “Screwface Capital,” where she cycled through her folklore, evermore, and Fearless (Taylor’s Version) eras, followed by an exclusive announcement of the vinyl release of Red (Taylor’s Version), coming November 19th. Keep an eye on @TaylorSwift for more videos, and check out TikTok’s newsroom for more details: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/swifttok-rejoice-taylors-on-tiktok-and-shes-bearing-gifts
The Verbally Dexterous, Young Dolph-Co-Signed Memphis Rapper Brings the Paper Route iLLUMINATi Mixtape Closing Track to Life
The Video:
Busting out of Memphis with a dexterous flow and a diamond-studded smile, Big Moochie Grape is one of his hometown’s most gifted emcees. Celebrating his rise from the trenches to the A-List, the Paper Route EMPIRE-signed rapper shares “iLLUMINATi Business,” his new music video. Produced by Atlanta beatmaker Twysted Genius, who stacks rattling snares and ominous piano notes, Moochie flashes a variety of in-the-pocket flows, rhythmically explaining how the Paper Route iLLUMINATI move differently from the average crew: “Pull up in the Hellcat, playin’ with a kitty cat/Big money sh*t, b*tch I’m not with the chit-chat.” The video contrasts images of Moochie’s high-rolling Memphis lifestyle with a collage of images that indicate just how deeply the Paper Route iLLUMINATI has buried itself within nature and society. “iLLUMINATi Business” is the closing track and latest video from PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi, following Young Dolph‘s clip for “Here We Go,” and Joddy Baddass‘s sultry video for “333.“
PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi is the first-ever compilation mixtape from Paper Route EMPIRE, the powerhouse independent label founded by Young Dolph. 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 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
