The Multi-Talented Milwaukee Native Indulges His Inner Emo Kid and Channels The Sandlot in His Self-Directed New 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:
Melding sounds from rock and rap into a high-energy hybrid, DC The Don is in a lane of his own. Showing off his vocal talent, DC shares “Ghost Rider” and its accompanying music video. Combining churning pop-punk guitars with crisp handclaps and echoing 808s, “Ghost Rider” is an instant mood-booster, soaring as DC’s vocals effortlessly switch between snappy flows and full-throated belts. Directed by Coblan and DC himself, using the moniker RAG3 KIDD, the new video tells a years-spanning love story between DC and his middle school sweetheart, mixing in summer-friendly clips of DC and friends playing baseball in the park before celebrating at a BBQ.
“Ghost Rider” marks the Milwaukee native’s first new release since his 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.
DC The Don is currently hard at work finishing up his follow-up to Come As You Are, set to release later this year. Stay tuned for much more music from the 21-year-old multi-talent 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 L.A. Rising Star Lives It Up in the Latest Video From His TwoFr 2 Project
Critical Praise:
“On the West Coast, Kalan has emerged as the premier vocalist in L.A.’s thriving street rap scene, closer in comparison to Ty Dolla $ign than OhGeesy…but Kalan proves he can go bar for bar with L.A.’s best.” – Pitchfork
“Don’t be fooled by Kalan.frfr. Just because he often uses his warm R&B melody over lush piano keys doesn’t mean he’s making bright-eyed love songs…When you’re talking about L.A.’s new wave of sh*t-talking, designer-obsessed rappers, Kalan.frfr should be included. He just happens to sing.” – Pitchfork
“Upon meeting YG, Kalan.frfr was honored that the hip-hop superstar was a fan of his music.” – HYPEBEAST
“Kalan.Frfr has been a part of an exciting new wave of LA rap that includes artists like himself, Shoreline Mafia, 1TakeJay, and the currently incarcerated cult favourites Drakeo the Ruler & 03 Greedo. Unlike most of the artists on that list, Kalan’s music retains a consistently celebratory vibe with an emphasis on party bangers. It’s certainly something he does well.” –HotNewHipHop
Favorite Hip-Hop/R&B Songs of 2020 (“Scoring”) – EARMILK
The Video:
Kalan.FrFr is a unique figure in the L.A. rap scene, carving his own lane with his smoothly melodic flow. Giving the visual treatment to a highlight track from his recent TwoFr 2 project, Kalan shares “Pray.” The song finds Kalan spitting tuneful confessions about how the residual pain from his traumatic past fuels his ambition and keeps him grounded as he ascends the rap game: “I don’t even bang, n****s keep me in they politics/Trappin’ out my dorm, I used to re-up with my scholarship,” says Kalan. Like the video for TwoFr 2 opening track “Look At Me,” the “Pray” video finds Kalan living his “boat life” on an extended vacation to Miami, as he parties with models and shoots hoops with his homies.
Released in March, TwoFr 2 is an excellent showcase of what makes the Compton native special, namely his silky, rhythmic croon and his sharp sense of songcraft. The project earned critical praise from outlets like Okayplayer, who called it “breezy, bouncy music perfect for a trip to the West Coast,” and Lyrical Lemonade, who called the album “some of the best music coming out of the West Coast,” as well as positive notices in HotNewHipHop, RESPECT, and more. The project is home to “Scoring,“ which peaked in the Top 30 of Urban Radio airplay charts, “Get In,” a lumbering, piano-heavy banger with an appearance from Stunna 4 Vegas, and “No Love” ft. Mozzy, which has a music video that pays tribute to Paid In Full, one of Kalan’s favorite films..
The Compton native will perform songs from TwoFr 2 live on the “TwoFr Tour,” which embarks this fall. Kicking off in Houston on November 3rd, the tour weaves through the Western U.S., culminating in two hometown shows at The Novo on November 23rd-24th. His first tour since Fall 2019, the “TwoFr Tour” will feature performances of songs from TwoFr 2, as well as past hits like “Naked” and “Fine Ass.” TwoFr 2 is streaming everywhere via First Class Entertainment/Roc Nation.
A major figure in Los Angeles’ stacked rap scene, recently crashing the Top 10 of Billboard’s Emerging L.A. Artists chart, Kalan.FrFr earned accolades and co-signs for his breezy melodies and hard-hitting bars. With TwoFr 2, Kalan solidifies his unique position on the West Coast scene, and builds even more anticipation about great things to come.
“TwoFr Tour” dates:
11/3 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
11/4 Dallas, TX – Trees
11/7 Denver, CO – Cervantes Otherside
11/9 Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand at Complex
11/12 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
11/13 Seattle, WA – Neumos
11/16 Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s
11/17 Oakland, CA – New Parish
11/20 Phoenix, AZ – Aura
11/21 San Diego, CA – House Of Blues
11/23 Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
11/24 Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
Kalan.FrFr’s emphasis on keeping things real has propelled his career from the beginning. He has risen to prominence in the saturated Los Angeles music scene blurring the lines between rapper and singer, thoughtfulness, and turn-up.
Mixtape: Chino Cappin – F*CC It BaCC To The BasiCs
The Alamo Records Signee Puts His Stamp On Songs By Moneybagg Yo, Usher, Fabolous, Hot Boys, and More on This Soulful SoundCloud-Only Mixtape
Critical Praise:
“He explores his relationships with his loved ones on the deeply personal track” – UPROXX
“Dirty South influences and driving top lines set Chino Cappin apart” – Dummy Mag
The Mixtape:
Chino Cappin is a student of the game, immersing himself in the music of his idols to inform his own burgeoning artistry. Showcasing his smooth melodic raps over classic beats from hip-hop and R&B hits, Chino shares F*CC It BaCC To The BasiCs, a new mixtape. The new mixtape features instrumentals from all eras, but focuses on the turn-of-the-millennium, a moment when hip-hop and R&B closely intertwined and took cues from one another. Chino’s style fits perfectly into that hybrid era–he has a rapper’s sense of rhythm and pipes as smooth as an R&B idol’s.
F*CC It BaCC To The BasiCs features instrumentals from songs that the Fort Valley, GA native loved as a kid: Chino floats above Mannie Fresh’s handclap-heavy bounce from Cash Money Millionaire’s “I Need A Hot Girl” on “Hot Girl,” dances between Jam & Lewis’s sonorous bass from Usher’s “U Remind Me” on his “Venting,” and croons over acoustic guitars in “Missing You,” his update of Tamia’s “Officially Missing You.” The tape gives a home to “ZaKeisha,” a recently released freestyle over the beat from Moneybagg Yo’s “Wockesha,” itself employing the same DeBarge sample famously used in songs by Ashanti and The Notorious B.I.G., as well as successful singles like the Fabolous-interpolating “On My Last” and “Shine“ (430k views on YouTube), which doesn’t use a sample.
Born and raised in Fort Valley, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, Chino focused on music as a teenager as a way to escape his rough circumstances. The rapper built a cult following in the Southeast with mixtapes like Cold Hearted and Too Many Losses, which combined strong melodic instincts with braggadocious bars and clear-eyed observations about life on the streets. The 19-year-old artist built buzz with a successful college tour, turning up the heat with singles like “Lap Dance,” “NaNaNa,” “Fake Love,” and “Different,” a collaboration with YSL-affiliated rapper Yak Gotti. He’s earned praise from UPROXX and Dummy Mag, and told his story in an interview with Dirty-Glove Bastard.
Now signed to Alamo Records, Chino Cappin is ready to bring his tuneful and confident street music to the general public. F*CC It BaCC To The BasiCs is now available to stream on SoundCloud.
1. ZaKeisha (samples “Wockesha” by Moneybagg Yo)
2. On My Last (samples “Can’t Let You Go” by Fabolous)
3. Nash B Speaks (Skit)
4. Hot Girl (Samples “I Need A Hot Girl” by Hot Boys)*
5. Venting (Samples “U Remind Me” by Usher)
6. Shine (String Quartet Version)
7. Missing You (Samples “Officially Missing You” by Tamia)
*not available on SoundCloud
The Background:
Chino Cappin is a lyricist and singer of many hats. First and foremost, he’s the voice of the streets, with a background in the slums that has given him the creative drive to progress in the packed hip-hop industry. But in addition to his rough and gruff image, he’s a fun-loving goofball, intense creative, and mastermind of charisma. With co-signs from No Jumper and the UK’s Dummy Mag, it’s clear many people from around the world have begun to tune in to hear what Chino’s been saying and continues to say. To date, Chino has amassed over 1.1 million streams, 900,000+ views, and an Instagram following of 28k+. These are authentic, consistent numbers that reveal a fanbase genuinely attracted to Chino in all capacities. His impact can be attributed to his authentic approach to rap and, surprisingly, his process of making music which is a unique take on two well-tested methods. He typically looks to select beats that evoke emotion and then lay down melodies and write to them. However, he also enjoys going off the top with whatever he’s feeling in the moment as well.
Video: Yung Mal – “Watch Ya Step” ft. Slimelife Shawty
Two ATL Heavy-Hitters Take Care of Business in the Flex-Heavy New Video from Mal’s 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:
Respected for his unique flow and unapologetic realness, Yung Mal has established himself as a major player in the ATL rap scene. Sharing a sneak peek into the luxurious life of a young boss, Mal shares “Watch Ya Step,” his new music video. A relentless trap track with screeching synths, dramatic strings, and pounding 808s, “Watch Ya Step” finds Yung Mal trading verses with Slimelife Shawty, a fellow Atlanta native and Alamo Records signee, each emcee alternating aggressive taunts with boastful bars: “I done worked my way to the top, no help/Get high like a bird, then I talk to myself,” spits Mal.
In the video, Mal dials up Slimelife and invites him to help take care of business. Looking the part of a young CEO, Mal rocks a sport jacket and pontificates from his power desk, counting cash and vibing with models. “Watch Ya Step” is the latest video from 1.5 Way Or No Way, Mal’s new mixtape, following the L.A.-set video for “Wassup Wit Me” ft. G Herbo, recently named the “Must-Hear Rap Song Of The Day” by Pitchfork, and the video for opening track “Got It Together.“
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. The new project features contributions from some of the South’s most prominent names, but also makes space for Mal’s close friends, including producer Gutta Tay, 1.5 Da Label signee RealTaker, and Mal’s longtime rap partner Lil Quill.
1.5 Way Or No Way is home to recent singles like “Walkin,” an ominous banger with a standout verse from Pooh Shiesty, and the title track “1.5 Way Or No Way,” a new anthem that serves as the mission statement for the project. 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 Lil Gotit and BIG30, 1.5 Way Or No Way is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
The City Girls Fire Up the “Twerkulator,” Young M.A. & Lil Durk Make Their Presence Felt, and the Backyardigans Are Back…Again
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 was a hip hop-heavy week on the platform, with rap songs from both sides of the pond catching fire. But part of the beauty of music on TikTok is the fact that a catalog hit or novelty song can capture the community’s imagination just as easily as the latest charting hit. Check out what made TikTok tick this week:
Miami rap duo City Girls are masters of body-moving music, so it’s no wonder that they’re a favorite of the TikTok community. They’ve been trending on the app with their new single “Twerkulator,” which they teased on TikTok with the #TwerkulatorChallenge, racking up tens of millions of video views before the single was even released. Last week, City Girl J.T. announced the beginning of #CityGirlSummer with a video that showcased a new TikTok filter inspired by the song, and “Twerkulator” seems to be heating up along with the weather.
The surreal, boundary-pushing sense of humor of Adult Swim resonates with the TikTok community, and TikTok users have used a new trend to show their love for the network. The soundtrack for this trend? Rapper/producer Vano 3000‘s remix of “Time Moves Slowly,” a 2016 song by jazz trio BadBadNotGood with Future Islands frontman Samuel Herring. Vano’s remix pitches up the original, soups up the drums, and sets the kind of cloudy, but propulsive vibe of songs used in Adult Swim’s classic bumper ads. Since Vano posted a video of himself chowing down on fast food while vibing to the song, the sound has racked up over 195k video creations, most of which saw creators using text on screen to voice their favorite bits of wisdom, to cry over spilled popcorn, and to lament the state of their wardrobe. Even Adult Swim itself hopped on the trend via their own TikTok account. Vano has loudly voiced his appreciation for the fans who helped #vano3000 (212 million views) and #adultswim (1.1 billion views) into viral trends and promised more music to come in Summer 2021.
It’s not surprising that TikTok goes crazy over BTS or Olivia Rodrigo, but it’s much harder to explain the community’s affection for The Backyardigans, a music-heavy Nickelodeon children’s series. Just weeks after “Castaways” unexpectedly became TIkTok’s top trending song (over 950k video creations and a #1 spot on Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart), the Nick Jr. crew is back with “Into The Thick Of It,” an innocent anthem about charging headfirst into the unknown. With over 45k creations to date, the song is the perfect soundtrack for taking the plunge, whether into a suspicious-looking swimming pool, into a bowl of food before it cools down, or a coop full of defensive chickens.
Young M.A. is having a major moment on TikTok with her 808-heavy, braggadocious “Hello Baby,” a collaboration with fellow Brooklyn rapper Fivio Foreign. Racking up over 135K+ creations, the sound has inspired TikTok users to share their tattooing process, their trips to islands, and their unbreakable bond with black clothes regardless of weather. Young M.A. has taken to her own page to display an animated version of herself as she uses the sound. The sound has even made its way to TikTok favorite Coi Leray’s page, as she showed the track some love.
Only The Family and Lil Durk’s “One Mo Chance” (44K+ creations) isn’t an inherently funny song, but it’s providing the inspiration for the newest comedic trend on the app, with the repetition of Lil Durk’s high-pitched, expressive “Give me a chance, give me one more chance” line leading the way. Flipping the heartfelt line into a lighthearted trend, TikTok creators are using the line to personify their belongings that need more attention or to comically plead for another chance at something to the people in their lives. “One More Chance” is proving to be the perfect sound for shoes going unworn in favor of Crocs, failed tests of loyalty, and unpredictable first job mistakes.
This Friday at 4pm PT/7pm ET, breakout star Coi Leray will host the next edition of Headstream, a TikTok LIVE series that takes fans on a creative journey inside the minds of their favorite artists. Coi’s Headstream is merely a small part of TikTok’s Black Music Month activities, which includes forthcoming lives from Rico Nasty and T-Pain. Check out TikTok’s newsroom for more details: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/join-us-in-celebrating-black-music-on-tiktok-with-alicia-keys-her-coi-leray-tpain-and-more
Rolling Loud Announces Rolling Loud New York 2021, Returning to Citi Field October 28th-30th
Travis Scott, J. Cole, and 50 Cent to Headline
Hip-Hop’s Premier Festival Brand Returns to the Genre’s Birthplace, Expanding From Two to Three Days For Its Second-Ever Five Borough Fest
The Announcement:
Known for its wide-ranging lineups and show-stopping moments, Rolling Loud Festival is ready to return to the stage. Gearing up for its second-ever festival in the birthplace of hip-hop, Rolling Loud announces Rolling Loud New York 2021, occurring October 28th-30th at Citi Field in Queens. Headlined by Travis Scott, J. Cole, and 50 Cent, tickets for Rolling Loud New York 2021 go on sale on Friday, June 11th at 12pm ET.
The upcoming festival features a lineup that blends the biggest names in hip-hop with local heroes and respected veterans. Beyond the headliners, the festival promises performances from superstars like Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, Playboi Carti, Polo G, and Lil Durk, rising talent like Pooh Shiesty, Ski Mask The Slump God, NLE Choppa, and Coi Leray, respected veterans including Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, Wale, and Fetty Wap, and a laundry list of NYC stars past and present, including Bobby Shmurda, Joey Bada$$, Ferg, The Diplomats, Action Bronson, Young M.A., J.I., Sheck Wes, Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow, Bizzy Banks, and many more.
The worldwide festival brand Rolling Loud first came to New York in October 2019, with a lineup that featured modern superstars like Travis Scott and A$AP Rocky and New York legends like Wu-Tang Clan and the late DMX. The Citi Field event was one of the most successful Rolling Loud festivals to date, selling out both days and attracting A-List celebrity attendees like Rihanna, Kevin Durant, and many more.
The announcement of Rolling Loud NY arrives after the announcement of the Rolling Loud Miami 2021 festival and this winter’s Rolling Loud California. With headliners Travis Scott, Post Malone and A$AP Rocky, Rolling Loud Miami 2021 is a triumphant return for live rap music, and a coming out party for risers and new superstars eager to play in front of a festival crowd. Rolling Loud Miami 2021 will occur on July 23rd-25th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. Occurring on December 10th-12th, 2021 at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA, Rolling Loud California promises headlining performances by J. Cole, Kid Cudi, and Future, as well as a special duo performance by Young Thug and Chris Brown. Both Rolling Loud Miami 2021 and Rolling Loud California 2021 are sold out.
During the pandemic, with no live show possibilities in sight, Rolling Loud pivoted to become a heavy-hitter in the world of Livestreaming, drawing millions of unique viewers and landing multiple events in Pollstar’s Year-End Livestream Chart. Rolling Loud has hosted three multi-day “Loud Stream” festivals on Twitch, with headliners like Trippie Redd, Swae Lee, Gunna, Ski Mask The Slump God, Fetty Wap, and Lil Skies. Rolling Loud uses their official Twitch channel to drive and comment on rap culture, welcoming special guests to weekly programming like The Rotation, The Leak, Got Bars?, and more.
The well-being of Rolling Loud attendees, employees, and artists is of the utmost importance. Rolling Loud New York 2021 will proceed to the extent permitted by local authorities and will follow all local COVID safety protocols.
Options to move Rolling Loud to an alternate site will continue to be in effect while the New York Mets remain in postseason contention.
Buy tickets for Rolling Loud New York 2021 (on sale June 11th @ 12pm ET): rollingloud.com/nytix
In four and a half years — beginning small in Miami, and now promoting Coachella-sized events around the country — Rolling Loud has established itself as a playground for the young…This time last year, many of the rappers now drawing crowds of several thousand were barely known.” – The New York Times
“Rolling Loud is the be-all of hip-hop festivals.” – Billboard
“The Rolling Loud New York experiment was a success—one which will likely earn it a return trip to the city in future years. Far from a traditional NYC rap experience, it was a two-day event that catered to the genre’s youngest fans, with an eye squarely focused on the future.” – Complex
“In only its fifth year with four major destinations and more in the pipeline overseas, athletes, celebrities and others are forking over as much as $20,000 for VIP packages. Of course, imitators are cropping up.” – Pollstar
“…within five years Rolling Loud has grown into one of the biggest hip-hop brands in the world. Locally, it has surpassed rival events Ultra and III Points in stature and rivals prestige festivals like Coachella.” – Miami New Times
Founded as a one-day festival in 2015 by Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif, Rolling Loud has evolved into a global behemoth, with annual festivals in Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and the Bay Area. Postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rolling Loud Miami is scheduled for February 2021, and Rolling Loud Portugal, the brand’s first European festival and first-ever 5-day event, recently announced the lineup for next Summer. The company’s new Twitch partnership, which includes three virtual festivals in Fall 2020, allows Rolling Loud to maintain its vital cultural role during an impossibly difficult time for festivals and live music.
“Second Hand Smoke” is a Full Showcase of Pressa’s Unique Ability to Craft Hit Tracks Encircling Street-Oriented Lyrics
Critical Praise:
“Not a lot of musicians can claim to have the attention of the biggest music names in their country, or have toured with one of the most successful acts of all time and have released an album all before the age of 23. But Canadian artist Pressa is one of the few that would fit the description.” – Complex
“Pressa’s come a long way from his native of Driftwood and is approaching the business and art of music making like a seasoned veteran.” – Vice
The Video:
Hailing from Toronto’s Driftwood neighborhood, melodic rapper Pressa has solidified his presence internationally. Gearing up for release of seven new tracks including visuals part of a full-length Deluxe version of the highly successful Gardner Express EP, Pressa delivers fans a taste of what is on the horizon with the all new track “Second Hand Smoke.” The track and video display a full showcase of Pressa’s unique ability to craft hit tracks encircling street-oriented lyrics, a notable specialty of Pressa. Building on insatiable requests for more, there is no question Pressa’s global influence has resulted in a never-ending appetite for what is to come. “Second Hand Smoke” follows the incredible success of the Canadian Gold Certified “Attachments” Ft. Taliban Glizzy which has garnered over 14M streams Worldwide. The newly-released Coi Leray version of “Attachments” so far has earned over 2.5M streams and over 1M YouTube views within one week of release. Fundamentally, “Second Hand Smoke” is sure to impact audiences worldwide sonically whilst delivering an authentic message.
With a title that references Pressa’s last name (Gardner) and the Gardiner Expressway, a major highway running through the downtown core of his hometown, Gardner Express is home to multiple high profile collaborations, including“ Head Tap” featuring Brooklyn drill rappers, Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow (7.5+ million combined streams) and “Blackberry Zap” ft. Jackboy (7.8+ million combined streams). The EP features additional appearances from Flipp Dinero, D Block Europe and Taliban Glizzy. With over 46 million combined global streams across platforms and coverage in outlets like Complex, HotNewHipHop, and Apple Music 1 w/ Ebro Darden, Gardner Express is a deeply personal, speaker-knocking project from one of the hottest emcees north of the border.
In February, Pressa shared a creative concert film that showcased the music of Gardner Express. Stay tuned for much more from the buzzing young emcee in the coming weeks and months, including more high profile collaborations and music videos.
Pressa captured rap fans’ attention in Canada and the U.K. by garnering millions of YouTube views for 2016’s “Wass Gang,” landed on a tour with Drake, and emerged as a local cultural sensation. Pressa made his mark with the inimitable mix of his street-oriented lyrics, melodic hooks and high-pitched voice, making him a fixture in the Toronto hip-hop scene.
Recognized for an impressive list of collaborations (Murda Beatz, UK hip-hop don, Giggs, Lil Uzi Vert) over the years, the Canadian rapper continued his hot streak in 2020 with features from Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, Jackboy, Flipp Dinero and more. Aligned with the new crop of artists dubbed “ones to watch,” Pressa is on track in his journey to becoming a household name.
No stranger to releasing full bodies of work with mixtapes such as, Press Machine, Press A Brick, and Prestige, 2020 was a prime display of Pressa’s growth and versatility as an artist, culminating with the release of his EP, Gardner Express. The EP features “OTM,” “96 Freestyle,” and “Head Tap” ft. Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, which resulted in coverage from media juggernauts like Complex, a global Apple Music Beats 1 premiere with Ebro Darden.
Pressa is applying a renewed vigor to his music and collaborating with likeminded writers, producers and artists on the rise. Inspired by the diverse streets of Toronto and a multicultural Jamaican/Filipino upbringing, Pressa is eager to share his passion and unique music style with the world.
Young Dolph’s Latest Paper Route EMPIRE Signee Shares a Reflective Anthem About The Struggle
The Video:
A hard-worker with a conversational flow and a sly wisdom, Chitana brings a new flavor to Young Dolph’sPaper Route EMPIRE. Showing the world what he’s capable of in his first PRE release, Chitana shares “Hard Times.”
A soulful and reflective new track, “Hard Times” finds Chitana thinking about his upbringing, and how the principles of perseverance and a strong work ethic were instilled in him from a young age: “Man we used to shovel snow, even rake some leaves/My n****s did done some sh*t that you wouldn’t even believe.” The video is a tribute to his hometown of Chicago’s strong spirit during the pandemic, as Chitana gives a tour of some notable Chitown landmarks and the camera takes time to focus on the city’s citizens and their struggle.
Home to artists like the rising superstar Key Glock and boisterous personalities like Big Moochie Grape, Young Dolph’s Paper Route EMPIRE is one of rap’s most successful independent labels. Chitana brings a different perspective to the label, his introspective bars providing a new perspective on street living, while keeping the same ten toes down authenticity for which the label is known.
Stay tuned for much more from Chitana and the rest of Paper Route EMPIRE this summer and beyond.
BTS is Smooth Like “Butter,” Hd4President Touches Down, and Creators Get Out Their Aggression With Some Playboi Carti
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 was an eventful one, with hit songs from superstars, emerging acts, and legacy artists inspiring creative trends that showcase the inventive sense of humor of the community. Take a look below at some of the most interesting developments from recent days:
BTS just scored their third US #1 hit with “Butter,” and the TikTok division of the BTS ARMY is a big contributor to that success. The world famous pop group’s new single has taken the app by storm since they started the #SmoothLikeButter challenge, which asks the community to show off their smoothest moves, from impeccably choreographed group dances to flawless streamer twirls. The song has racked up over 600k video creations, over 323 million video views on the hashtag, and a new dance craze, and it doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon.
Part of the joy of listening to Playboi Carti’s music is mimicking his unique vocals, and a new TikTok trend uses one of his wildest songs to send a clear message. TikTok users have turned to “Punk Monk” (402k video creations) to list some behaviors and attributes they just can’t abide. Don’t like sushi? Thinking of planning a trip without your daughter? Do you say “car-muhl” instead of “car-a-mel”? Carti fans on TikTok say, “don’t! talk! to! me!“
Rapper and internet personality Kayla Nicole‘s song “Bundles” ft. Taylor Girlz is TikTok’s latest bad girl anthem. With booming bass and body positive lyrics, the song is the ideal soundtrack for anyone who’s feeling themself, including a teenager coming out to her mom, an energetic father-son duo, and a seriously stylish spaniel. The song has over 1.3 million video creations on TikTok, and is catching fire off the platform too–it’s currently listed at #8 on Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart.
The Mamas & The Papas‘ “Dedicated To The One I Love” is a sparkling example of the legendary group’s combination of classic pop harmonies and ’60s psychedelia. Now, 54 years after the song’s release, “Dedicated To The One I Love” is back, thanks to a TikTok trend that explores the inner dynamics of friendships. The trend focuses on the song’s bombastic build-up from verse to chorus–as the drums hit, the creator’s face fades out and is replaced by two stick figures representing unlikely or perfectly-matched friendships. The best examples of the trend reveal friendship patterns that inherently make sense, even if people don’t often think of them, or slyly comment on nursery rhyme conventions.
Latin singer Don Omar’s “Bandoleros” is intimately associated with the Fast & Furious films, ever since its use in 2009’s Fast & Furious. As excitement builds for the forthcoming F9 (Vin Diesel…in space!), TIkTok users are taking “Bandoleros” into their own hands, bragging about moments in which they lived life a quarter mile at a time. Creators use “Bandoleros” and the green screen filter to insert themselves into a Fast & Furious cast photo to celebrate when they beat Google Maps’ estimated time, did some very basic work on their car, or got lucky at a red light. “Bandoleros” has over 51k video creations on TikTok, many in the past week.
During June, TikTok celebrates Black Music Month, bringing themed playlists and LIVE entertainment that celebrates TikTok’s favorite Black music. Today, Alicia Keys will celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album Songs In A-Minor with a LIVE stream on her TikTok channel. Tune in today at 2pm PT/5pm ET to watch the stream, and stay tuned for more LIVE appearances from the likes of Coi Leray, H.E.R., and more. Read about TikTok’s plans for Black Music Month in full at TikTok’s newsroom: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/join-us-in-celebrating-black-music-on-tiktok-with-alicia-keys-her-coi-leray-tpain-and-more
The Flint Rapper Mixes His Signature Witty Wordplay with Auto-Tuned Melody
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 is a restless creative, pushing himself forward with every release. Switching up his style while maintaining his signature way with words, YN Jay shares “Ashtray,” his latest video single. Forsaking his usual sing-song flow for taffy-like auto-tuned melodies, Jay takes it slow on “Ashtray,” peppering burbling ad-libs in between his aspirational bars: “How the hell I get in first, I was in last place/It feel like we’re movin’ very slow but in a fast pace/Coulda been rich but I didn’t listen to what my dad say.” In the DPVisuals-directed video, YN Jay posts up in front of a convenient store, showing off his “Coochie Man” chain as he interacts with the locals. “Ashtray” is continues a flurry of high-quality videos from the rapper, including last week’s “The Fawk Up,” a collaboration with Louie Ray, and “Coochie Language,” released earlier this month and praised by HotNewHipHop.
YN Jay proved that his viral 2020 success was no fluke with a prolific 2021, featuring multiple TikTok trends and an acclaimed full-length project. YN Jay trended on TikTok earlier this year with his “Triple S,” another collaboration Louie Ray. The latest in a long line of viral TikTok hits by the “Coochie Man,” “Triple S” has inspired over 450k video views on multiple sounds–one that taps into Jay’s unique mic presence and expressive ad-libs, and another that highlights his witty lyricism–has earned over 12 million Spotify streams, and made its way onto Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart. Jay’s single “Big Hoes” is his latest to trend on TikTok, recently being used in a video by Lizzo that generated over 7.4 million video views, and his single “Kakashi,” a track from his February album Ninja Warrior, inspired over 96k video creations on the platform. Earning coverage from Pitchfork, Entertainment Weekly, and Mic, and featuring collaborations with Lil Yachty, Sada Baby, and more, Ninja Warrior is available to stream on all platforms.
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,” from his project Coochie Land, 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 “Triple S,” “Coochie,” “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 the 22-year-old rapper is set to perform at Rolling Loud Miami 2021 in July.
Stay tuned for much more from YN Jay in the coming days and weeks.
“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.”
Celebrating Black Music on TikTok With Alicia Keys, Coi Leray, T-Pain and More
The Announcement:
TikTok is a platform where Black culture thrives, powered by a vibrant and varied cadre of creators and artists. To celebrate the enormous contribution of Black musicians on TikTok and beyond, TikTok is taking the month of June to honor Black music of all genres, educating the community about its rich history, and hopefully inspiring people to make some music of their own. Throughout the month, TikTok will partner with some of your favorite artists and creators, along with a few non-profit organizations, to give Black Music Month the fanfare it deserves.
Celebrate Black Music LIVE
On June 2nd, TikTok teams up with Alicia Keys to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her GRAMMY-winning debut album Songs In A-Minor. During her live, Alicia will tell stories about the creation of the album, duet with TikTok creators that caught her attention, and interact with the community in the LIVE comments. Ms. Keys is a popular figure on TikTok, with over 4.8 million followers. She uses the app to cover BTS on the piano, goof around with Jason Derulo, and show how she takes her tea (with a side of Prince). Her 2004 #1 hit “My Boo” (a duet with Usher) became the basis of the #MyBooChallenge, which has over 392 million video views. Tune in at 2pm PT/5pm ET for a nostalgic and invigorating celebration of a classic album and an iconic career.
Alicia Keys is far from the only artist who will grace the TikTok airwaves during Black Music Month. Rising star Coi Leray will host a session of Headstream, the new TikTok LIVE series that takes you inside the minds of your favorite artists, on June 11th.
“Black Music Month is so important,” says Coi Leray. “I think it’s amazing for everyone to give Black Music the recognition it deserves while embracing our versatility.”
“Pitchfork called me the ‘sing-rap queen of TikTok’ and it’s true! I’m happy that TikTok enables me to show the world that it’s more to life than what the celebrities show,” continues Coi. “Not everyone can relate to designer and luxury lifestyle. TikTok is good for me to show more than that, express myself, and authentically engage with my fans.
Stay tuned this month for more LIVE action, including streams from iconic singer T-Pain, R&B curation channel Escape Tracks, and many others.
#TellBlackStories: Soundtracks to Black Joy
Telling Black stories is a defining element of Color Of Change, the nation’s largest racial justice organization. For Black Music Month this year Color Of Change, MACRO, TikTok, and the Recording Academy invite artists and creators to join in to commemorate the power of Black culture, art and expression, while also amplifying Color Of Change’s #ChangeMusic and #ChangeHollywood initiatives via TikTok through the celebration of music from Black movie soundtracks.
Creators are invited to use TikTok’s Stitch, Duet, and Green Screen functions to highlight their favorite songs and soundtrack moments from films. Use the hashtag #TellBlackStories, which will be featured on TikTok music hub during the week of June 14th, and say why you love Black soundtracks without saying you love Black soundtracks.
Playlist Programming
TikTok’s music team will curate a series of playlists for Black Music Month, highlighting great music from the past and present with a focus on songs by Black artists that have succeeded on the app. The playlists will be accessible from TikTok’s music hub.
TikTok is committed to uplifting Black creators and artists and will continually look for ways to support the community through programs like TikTok for Black Creatives and more. Beginning June 4th, follow along with the hashtag #BlackMusic as you find your own way to celebrate, inspire, and educate during Black Music Month.
“[wifisfuneral] displays an impressive array of verbal acrobatics, showing off masterful breath control and a rapid fire flow.” – Pitchfork
“He’s synthesized the regionless, borderless world of the internet age from which he takes his name, while lacing it with a narcotically addictive flow and a distinct ear for melody that’s allowed him to develop while others stagnate.” – NOISEY
“The young rapper has a wide range of skills, from agile raps and bass-heavy tracks to dark and moody slow-burners, and his unpredictability is part of his appeal” – Pigeons & Planes
The EP + Video:
Expanding his introspective style to include auto-tuned melody, wifisfuneral is never content to remain artistically stagnant. Moving his sound forward with a new EP that combines his new and early styles, wifi shares Smoking Mirrors. Spanning seven tracks, the new EP combines wifi’s inward-facing lyrics with souped-up production, with speaker-knocking percussion and energizing synths, giving his music a vital rush that behooves his hyperactive state-of-mind.
The EP juxtaposes wifi’s dark night of the soul ruminations with in-depth examinations of wifi’s romantic entanglements, delivered in twisty, melodic flows. Smoking Mirrors features production from wifi’s frequent collaborator Nvbeel, but also reaches outward, bringing JetsonMade‘s subsonic 808s for recent single “CC Demon” and Harry Fraud‘s organ-drenched boom-bap for “ScratchUrBack.” Home to “Where I’m Going,” a forward-looking single that expands upon the melodic sound he introduced in his 2020 album PAIN?, Smoking Mirrors is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
Along with the new EP, wifi shares the paranoid clip for the JetsonMade-produced “CC Demon.” His flow bouncing on Jetson’s trampoline 808s, wifi falls into a toxic relationship in the song, giving into attraction and plunging headfirst without dwelling on the potential consequences. In the new video, directed by Bobby Astro, wifi is stalked by a mysterious vixen, who attempts to lure wifi out of his house and commit untold mischief. “CC Demon” is the second video from Smoking Mirrors, following the surreal clip for “Where I’m Going.“
In 2020, wifisfuneral’s new album PAIN? introduced the world to a new side of the rapper, integrating auto-tuned singing into his cerebral blend of hip-hop. PAIN? is home to several well-received singles, including the Smoove’L-featuring “Ocean” and the Stereogum-praised lo-fi pop gem “Lost In Time” ft. Coi Leray. In late 2020, wifi showcased certain album highlights with live performance videos, including clips for ride-or-die lead single “End Of Story” and playalistic cautionary tale “Guy Like Me.” The album was praised by Stereogum, XXL, HotNewHipHop, Lyrical Lemonade, and more. With Smoking Mirrors, wifi takes the next step in his artistic progression, proving the versatility of his newfound style.
24-year-old South Florida rapper wifisfuneral has taken his dark sonics, mature-beyond-his-years lyrics, and trunk rattling bass from the streets of Palm Beach to the world, amassing over 1.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 700,000 followers on various social media platforms. wifisfuneral’s growth has been organic and cult-like, with his fans spreading his music like wildfire with each and every release. With virtually zero promotion other than his social media presence, wifisfuneral’s independent projects Black Heart Revenge (May 27th, 2016) and When Hell Falls (January 27, 2017) reached #69 and #17 on the iTunes hip-hop charts respectively, resulting in a label deal with Alamo and Interscope Records. His major label debut mixtape, Boy Who Cried Wolf, received critical acclaim, with two of the tracks earning placement in the Spotify’s coveted Most Necessary playlist. His latest mixtape, Ethernet, was released in June 2018 via Alamo Records. In 2018, wifisfuneral was officially named to the XXL Freshman List and reached #1 on YouTube’s trending chart. In 2019, wifi headlined two nationwide tours, released two follow-up EPs to Ethernet, and collaborated with Robb Bank$ on the Conn3ct3d project.
Rolling Loud Announces Rolling Loud California 2021, Headlined by J. Cole, Kid Cudi, and Future
The Biggest Live Brand in Rap Returns to the West Coast on December 10-12th at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino
Expanding From Two to Three Days, the Cali Festival Recruits a Star-Studded Lineup That Mixes Rap’s Biggest Names with West Coast Heroes
The Announcement:
Rolling Loud grew from a one-day Miami show into a global festival phenomenon, putting on shows on both coasts and in multiple countries. Coming hot on the heels of announcing Rolling Loud Miami 2021, Rolling Loud announces Rolling Loud California 2021, occurring on December 10th-12th, 2021.
The festival boasts a truly A-List collection of headliners, recruiting J. Cole, Kid Cudi, and Future to top the bill, plus a special duo performance by Young Thug and Chris Brown, who will perform songs from their Slime & B album. Beyond the headliners is a deep roster of rap’s hottest names, including A-listers, like Wiz Khalifa, Playboi Carti, Moneybagg Yo and Lil Durk, young superstars like Polo G,Rod Wave, Lil Tjay, Jack Harlow, and Ski Mask The Slump God, up-and-comers, like Pooh Shiesty, Coi Leray, 42 Dugg, Morray, $NOT, and Latto, and Cali heroes like Ty Dolla $ign, Tyga, Drakeo The Ruler, Blxst, Kalan.FrFr,and Bino Rideaux, giving the festival a truly West Coast feel.
Located at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, the festival promises a mix of national names and local heroes that paint a picture of rap’s current moment while also nodding at the rich history of the bustling West Coast rap scene. Expanding from two to three days, Rolling Loud California 2021 is Rolling Loud’s first SoCal event since Rolling Loud Los Angeles 2019, the most recent in-person Rolling Loud event. Presale tickets for Rolling Loud California 2021 are available June 1st at 12pm PT.
The announcement of Rolling Loud California arrives as the premier festival brand in hip-hop prepares for Rolling Loud Miami 2021. Headlined by Travis Scott, Post Malone and A$AP Rocky, Rolling Loud Miami 2021 is a triumphant return for live rap music, and a coming out party for risers and new superstars eager to play in front of a festival crowd. The sixth Rolling Loud festival in Miami, where it started as a humble 1-day event in Bayfront Park, Rolling Loud Miami 2021 will occur on July 23rd-25th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. Tickets for Miami 2021 are sold out.
During the pandemic, with no live show possibilities in sight, Rolling Loud pivoted to become a heavy-hitter in the world of Livestreaming, drawing millions of unique viewers and landing multiple events in Pollstar’s Year-End Livestream Chart. Rolling Loud has hosted three multi-day “Loud Stream” festivals on Twitch, with headliners like Trippie Redd, Swae Lee, Gunna, Ski Mask The Slump God, Fetty Wap, and Lil Skies. Rolling Loud uses their official Twitch channel to drive and comment on rap culture, welcoming special guests to weekly programming like The Rotation, The Leak, Got Bars?, and more.
The well-being of Rolling Loud attendees, employees, and artists is of the utmost importance. Rolling Loud California 2021 will proceed to the extent permitted by local authorities and will follow all local COVID safety protocols.
In four and a half years — beginning small in Miami, and now promoting Coachella-sized events around the country — Rolling Loud has established itself as a playground for the young…This time last year, many of the rappers now drawing crowds of several thousand were barely known.” – The New York Times
“Rolling Loud is the be-all of hip-hop festivals.” – Billboard
“The Rolling Loud New York experiment was a success—one which will likely earn it a return trip to the city in future years. Far from a traditional NYC rap experience, it was a two-day event that catered to the genre’s youngest fans, with an eye squarely focused on the future.” – Complex
“In only its fifth year with four major destinations and more in the pipeline overseas, athletes, celebrities and others are forking over as much as $20,000 for VIP packages. Of course, imitators are cropping up.” – Pollstar
“…within five years Rolling Loud has grown into one of the biggest hip-hop brands in the world. Locally, it has surpassed rival events Ultra and III Points in stature and rivals prestige festivals like Coachella.” – Miami New Times
Founded as a one-day festival in 2015 by Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif, Rolling Loud has evolved into a global behemoth, with annual festivals in Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and the Bay Area. Postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rolling Loud Miami is scheduled for February 2021, and Rolling Loud Portugal, the brand’s first European festival and first-ever 5-day event, recently announced the lineup for next Summer. The company’s new Twitch partnership, which includes three virtual festivals in Fall 2020, allows Rolling Loud to maintain its vital cultural role during an impossibly difficult time for festivals and live music.
Slimelife Shawty is becoming a master at baring his soul through his music. Proving his ability to create heartfelt trap tracks once again, Slimelife shares “Baby Boy,” his new video single. With gripping lyrics and raw emotion in his voice, the Atlanta native confronts his demons while still acknowledging everything he has accomplished against all odds: “I know I’m in hell / Everywhere they say the slime couldn’t go, you know I went there.” The young rapper injects every ounce of his pain into his lyrics as he melodically flows on the ATL Jacob-produced beat. Directed by ShotByWolf, the video depicts Slimelife counting his riches and standing alone in a parking lot and a barren apartment stairwell as he anxiously reflects on the life struggles that continue to fuel his hustle and undeniable talent. “Baby Boy” is the follow-up to recent videos for “No Brakes” (1.7M YouTube views) and “Homicide” (958K YouTube views).
Slimelife Shawty has kept busy in the run up to Better Livin, his next project. The 22-year-old rapper recently shared the video for his loyalty anthem “Homicide” (565k views on YouTube), and teamed up 42 Dugg for the remix to “Don’t Worry (Clappers),” his biggest hit to date with over 13 million streams across platforms. Slimelife is a fixture on the ATL trap scene, frequently collaborating with fellow rising stars like Lil Keed and Lil Gotit. 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 million YouTube views).
Slimelife Shawty looks to continue showcasing his ever-melodic flow and unapologetic lyrics. Stay tuned for Better Livin, coming this summer 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 Atlanta Rapper Reflects On His Come Up and Battles His Demons In His Latest Video Single
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 is becoming a master at baring his soul through his music. Proving his ability to create heartfelt trap tracks once again, Slimelife shares “Baby Boy,” his new video single. With gripping lyrics and raw emotion in his voice, the Atlanta native confronts his demons while still acknowledging everything he has accomplished against all odds: “I know I’m in hell / Everywhere they say the slime couldn’t go, you know I went there.” The young rapper injects every ounce of his pain into his lyrics as he melodically flows on the ATL Jacob-produced beat. Directed by ShotByWolf, the video depicts Slimelife counting his riches and standing alone in a parking lot and a barren apartment stairwell as he anxiously reflects on the life struggles that continue to fuel his hustle and undeniable talent. “Baby Boy” is the follow-up to recent videos for “No Brakes” (1.7M YouTube views) and “Homicide” (958K YouTube views).
Slimelife Shawty has kept busy in the run up to Better Livin, his next project. The 22-year-old rapper recently shared the video for his loyalty anthem “Homicide” (565k views on YouTube), and teamed up 42 Dugg for the remix to “Don’t Worry (Clappers),” his biggest hit to date with over 13 million streams across platforms. Slimelife is a fixture on the ATL trap scene, frequently collaborating with fellow rising stars like Lil Keed and Lil Gotit. 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 million YouTube views).
Slimelife Shawty looks to continue showcasing his ever-melodic flow and unapologetic lyrics. Stay tuned for Better Livin, coming this summer 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.
“Got It Together” is the Opening Track from Mal’s New Project 1.5 Way Or No Way, Which Explores the Zone 6 Native’s Latest Triumphs and Newfound Responsibilities
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:
With an inimitable flow and an appetite for flexing, Yung Mal is determined to put his city on his back. Returning to his home neighborhood with a fleet of bikers, Mal shares “Got It Together,” his new music video. Armed with a confrontational instrumental from King Philip & Greg Gate$, Yung Mal succinctly summarizes his boss bonafides as he weaves between sirenic synths: “I turn sh*t to sugar, 20K for the booking/10K for the bodies, killer fly way from Brooklyn.” In the video, dedicated to the late rapper B4L Trip, Mal posts up in his 1.5 neighborhood, rocking a designer bucket hat as he directs a crew of dirtbikers to do his bidding. “Got It Together” is the invigorating opening track to 1.5 Way Or No Way, Mal’s brand new mixtape, and follows the L.A.-set video for “Wassup Wit Me” ft. G Herbo, recently named the “Must-Hear Rap Song Of The Day” by Pitchfork.
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. The new project features contributions from some of the South’s most prominent names, but also makes space for Mal’s close friends, including producer Gutta Tay, 1.5 Da Label signee RealTaker, and Mal’s longtime rap partner Lil Quill.
1.5 Way Or No Way is home to recent singles like “Walkin,” an ominous banger with a standout verse from Pooh Shiesty, and the title track “1.5 Way Or No Way,” a new anthem that serves as the mission statement for the project. 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 Lil Gotit, BIG30, and Slimelife Shawty, 1.5 Way Or No Way is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
The Two Flint Rappers and Frequent Collaborators Share Their Latest X-Rated Banger
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:
Rhyming with a knowing smirk, YN Jay captivates audiences with his surreal sense of humor. Connecting once again with his friend and fellow Flint, MI native Louie Ray, the rapper also known as the “Coochie Man” shares “The Fawk Up,” his new music video. Armed with a hyperactive beat from Flint sound architect YungWayne616, which layers foreboding church bells over antsy piano arpeggios and stutter-stepping low-end, Jay and Ray unleash a torrent of off-color quotables about their favorite topics: “Little ass watch on your arm got your wrist mad,” spits Jay. In the video, directed by 2M Digital, the two rappers chill in their all-white Audi as Jay mugs for the camera with a series of wide-eyed grins. “The Fawk Up” follows Jay and Louie Ray’s video for “The Mafia,” from their 2020 mixtape The Scoutsi, and the more recent video for the ENRGY-produced “Coochie Language,” released earlier this month and praised by HotNewHipHop.
YN Jay trended on TikTok earlier this year with his “Triple S,” another collaboration Louie Ray. The latest in a long line of viral TikTok hits by the “Coochie Man,” “Triple S” has inspired over 450k video views on multiple sounds–one that taps into Jay’s unique mic presence and expressive ad-libs, and another that highlights his witty lyricism–has earned over 12 million Spotify streams, and made its way onto Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart. Jay’s single “Big Hoes” is his latest to trend on the platform, recently being used in a video by Lizzo that generated over 7.4 million video views.
Jay recently dropped a video for “Kakashi,” a track from his February album Ninja Warrior that also trended on TikTok (96k video creations). Earning coverage from Pitchfork, Entertainment Weekly, Mic, and many others, Ninja Warrior showcases the viral sensation’s superior beat-riding ability and boundary-pushing bars. Featuring collaborations with Lil Yachty, Sada Baby, Louie Ray, and Rmc Mike, Ninja Warrior is out now.
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,” from his project Coochie Land, 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 “Triple S,” “Coochie,” “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 the 22-year-old rapper is set to perform at Rolling Loud Miami 2021 in July.
Stay tuned for much more from the prolific YN Jay in the coming days and weeks.
“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.”
Olivia Rodrigo Hits #1 (Again!), Tesher Continues His Viral Success, and the Community Wants to Rock with Twisted Sister
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 songs featured this week range from brand new smash hits to ’70s classics, each one spurring its own universe of skits, dances, and memes. Check out this week’s trends, which reflect the app’s unique tapestry of sounds and the vibrancy of the creator community:
Olivia Rodrigo was TikTok’s first big breakout artist of 2021, and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that she’s here to stay. Her new single “good 4 u” just debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, her second #1 debut of the year following the success of “driver’s license” (1.8 million video creations). Like with “driver’s license,” the massive opening week of “good 4 u” was propelled by TikTok, whose community can’t get enough Olivia, creating over 750k videos to the song on multiple sounds. Creators use the song to soundtrack impulsive actions, like a new haircut or a feline dance party, while others respond to Olivia’s “like a damn sociopath” lyric, describing anti-social tendencies like lathering fries in ketchup instead of dipping or brushing teeth with hot water instead of cold. Many users, however, just love the song and will take any excuse to jam out.
Canadian rapper-producer Tesher has been making viral hits on TikTok since 2019, building a following with his seamless blend of hip-hop and Desi cultures. He first gained attention in 2019, with his mash up of “Old Town Road” and Bollywood hit “Ramta Jogi” (489k video creations) and struck again in 2020 with his single “Young Shahrukh” (292k video creations), which became the basis of a fashion-forward transition trend. Outdoing himself yet again, Tesher has had his greatest success yet with his danceable single “Jalebi Baby,” racking up over 1.4 million video creations, powered in part by a “this or that” trend that encourages creators (including Jason Derulo) to make impossible choices. Now signed to Capitol Records, Tesher recently took to TikTok to express his gratitude to is fans and prove the app’s life-changing potential.
Few R&B ballads are as purely sweet as Miguel’s 2010 hit “Sure Thing,” a song about staying loyal to the ones you love. A new trending sound on TikTok emphasizes the song’s sweetness, presenting an amateurish, a capella version of “Sure Thing” that makes up for the technical shortcomings with deep emotion. With over 133k video creations since April, “Sure Thing” has become an anthem for dog owners who can’t bear to leave their pets alone, an ideal way to reenact moments of nervous anticipation, or a soundtrack to your embarrassing childhood recollections. Most notably, Lil Nas X used the audio when he showed up 3 hours early for his Jimmy Fallon interview.
Native-American funk rock band Redbone made history in 1974 when they scored a #5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their feel-good track “Come and Get Your Love,” becoming the first Native-American band to secure a top 5 single on the Hot 100 chart. The song has had many lives since its initial release, including placement in the Guardians Of The Galaxy soundtrack and now, it’s following in the footsteps of fellow GOTG song ELO’s “Mr. Blue Sky” as a TikTok hit. Amassing over 736K creations, “Come and Get Your Love” soundtracks lighthearted moments on TikTok, proving to be the perfect audio for hilariously unpredictable wedding moments, golden retrievers living up to their name, and vibing with the friendliest pigs on the farm.
“Come And Get Your Love” isn’t the only retro radio staple to gain traction on TikTok in the past week–Twisted Sister’s 1984 stadium classic “I Wanna Rock” is picking up steam. It can be a source of dad jokes or a way for a young rock fan to express her love for the genre, but in recent days “I Wanna Rock” is the soundtrack to a bizarre trend involving squeezable cheese and a Ritz cracker, popularized by creator @mattzworld in a video that racked up over 285k views. Though there might be songs that seem more likely to inspire people to “get crazy with the cheez whiz,” “I Wanna Rock” is the gloriously cheesy anthem of choice for a growing contingent of TIkTok pranksters.
Rising producer PlayaPhonk is providing the underground club vibes on TikTok this week with a dark, techno anthem “Phonkytown.” Still seemingly a hidden treasure across most of the Internet, the track is taking off on TikTok, garnering a combined 284.9K+ creations so far. The booming bass and distorted effects in the track are a big hit on the platform, as the beat has inspired creations from the spookily creative side of TikTok. The sound is the perfect mood-setter for your Halloween-themed engagement photoshoots or the latest character cosplay. The intense mood of the track even seems to make some creators think about moments when they want to fight their best friends–all in the name of BFF love of course. The TikTok success of “Phonkytown” has helped the song rise up the Spotify U.S. Viral 50 chart, where it currently sits at #3.
Since debuting in March with a one-of-a-kind interview with Demi Lovato, TikTok has continued its Headstream series, which takes fans inside the minds of their favorite artists. Tune in this Friday at 4pm PT/7pm ET to check out iconic pop star P!nk host a one-of-a-kind stream from her @pinkofficial account. Read more at TikTok’s newsroom.
“[wifisfuneral] displays an impressive array of verbal acrobatics, showing off masterful breath control and a rapid fire flow.” – Pitchfork
“He’s synthesized the regionless, borderless world of the internet age from which he takes his name, while lacing it with a narcotically addictive flow and a distinct ear for melody that’s allowed him to develop while others stagnate.” – NOISEY
“The young rapper has a wide range of skills, from agile raps and bass-heavy tracks to dark and moody slow-burners, and his unpredictability is part of his appeal” – Pigeons & Planes
The Song:
He’s a willing experimenter and a connoisseur of bass-heavy instrumentals, but wifisfuneral is a natural emcee at heart. Flexing his lyrical muscles over a beat from JetsonMade, wifi shares “CC Demon,” his new single. Working his auto-tuned flow atop Jetson’s trademark trampoline 808s, wifi falls into a toxic relationship, giving into attraction and plunging headfirst into his latest affair without dwelling on the potential consequences: “I was lost in the past, finding you was a mission,” says wifi. “CC Demon” is the latest single from Smoking Mirrors, wifi’s upcoming EP, following “Where I’m Going” and its haunting music video.
The follow-up to his acclaimed 2020 project PAIN?, the Smoking Mirrors EP is a wavy and tuneful trip into wifi’s mind, confronting his demons head on. The EP juxtaposes wifi’s dark night of the soul ruminations with in-depth examinations of wifi’s romantic entanglements, delivered in twisty, melodic flows. A speaker-knocking blend of his old and new styles, the 7-track Smoking Mirrors releases this Friday, May 28th, via Alamo Records.
In 2020, wifisfuneral’s new album PAIN? introduced the world to a new side of the rapper, integrating auto-tuned singing into his cerebral blend of hip-hop. PAIN? is home to several well-received singles, including the Smoove’L-featuring “Ocean” and the Stereogum-praised lo-fi pop gem “Lost In Time” ft. Coi Leray. In late 2020, wifi showcased certain album highlights with live performance videos, including clips for ride-or-die lead single “End Of Story” and playalistic cautionary tale “Guy Like Me.” The album was praised by Stereogum, XXL, HotNewHipHop, Lyrical Lemonade, and more. With Smoking Mirrors, wifi takes the next step in his artistic progression, proving the versatility of his newfound style. Stay tuned for more.
24-year-old South Florida rapper wifisfuneral has taken his dark sonics, mature-beyond-his-years lyrics, and trunk rattling bass from the streets of Palm Beach to the world, amassing over 1.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 700,000 followers on various social media platforms. wifisfuneral’s growth has been organic and cult-like, with his fans spreading his music like wildfire with each and every release. With virtually zero promotion other than his social media presence, wifisfuneral’s independent projects Black Heart Revenge (May 27th, 2016) and When Hell Falls (January 27, 2017) reached #69 and #17 on the iTunes hip-hop charts respectively, resulting in a label deal with Alamo and Interscope Records. His major label debut mixtape, Boy Who Cried Wolf, received critical acclaim, with two of the tracks earning placement in the Spotify’s coveted Most Necessary playlist. His latest mixtape, Ethernet, was released in June 2018 via Alamo Records. In 2018, wifisfuneral was officially named to the XXL Freshman List and reached #1 on YouTube’s trending chart. In 2019, wifi headlined two nationwide tours, released two follow-up EPs to Ethernet, and collaborated with Robb Bank$ on the Conn3ct3d project.
Video: Taleban Dooda – “More Than Average” ft. Yung Bleu
The Tampa Teenager Connects With the Drake-Collaborating Hitmaker for a Video From Fallen Angel, Dooda’s Debut Album
Fallen Angel album artwork
Critical Praise:
“It’s not hard to understand why critics are saying that Dooda is poised to be the chosen one, the artist who pushes Tampa rap into the mainstream: Whatever it is, Dooda has it.” – Vice
“Though it sounds like a victory lap, this song proves Taleban Dooda and T9ine are just getting started.” – Pitchfork
“Over the last few years, East Tampa rapper Taleban Dooda has positioned himself as his city’s leading candidate to break out of its regional bubble. Excelling at both pained street ballads and bouncy, upbeat melodies, Taleban’s high vocals and songwriting talents lend him a more pop-ready sound than some of his melodic crooner peers” – Audiomack
“19-year-old Taleban Dooda has been establishing himself as a newfound force in the South.” – HotNewHipHop
“At only 19 years old.. his talents are already overly abundant and his potential is probably higher than most up and coming artists you could name off the top of your head.” – Lyrical Lemonade
The Video:
Taleban Dooda‘s nimble flow and honey-pure tenor have won him a large and growing fanbase in his native Tampa and beyond. Connecting with Yung Bleu for a romantic highlight from his debut album Fallen Angel, Dooda shares “More Than Average,” his new music video. The song gets its power from the interplay between Dooda’s verses and Bleu’s smooth hook, both emcees touting their street bonafides as they discuss how they spoil their significant others. In the video, Dooda and Bleu kick back in a Gothic southern mansion with two beautiful women and boxframe muscle cars.
Released earlier this month, Fallen Angel finds the 19-year-old rapper examining his come-up and confronting his demons ,probing all aspects of his psyche. Bursting with invention and earworm hooks, Fallen Angel gives a home to recently released highlights like “Chosen” ft. T9ine, a gospel-influenced anthem that earned praise from Pitchforkand HipHopDX (who named the song one of the Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2021 So Far) and counts 3 million total streams, and “Trappin Ain’t Dead,” the Helluva-produced Detroit-style anthem with a standout guest spot from 42 Dugg. Featuring additional appearances from Tory Lanez, OMB Peezy, and Dee Watkins, Fallen Angel is available to stream everywhere via Green Light Music Group/Rostrum Records.
Taleban Dooda has been steadily building a loyal fanbase over the past year, displaying a natural melodic ability that helps him stand out among street rappers in Florida and beyond. He scored street hits in the first half of the year with “Tru Colors” (included as a bonus cut on Fallen Angel, the song has over 3 million total streams) and “2 In Da Morning” (1 million views), and turned heads in the fall with standout singles like “Dis Dooda,” which Vice named as one of the 24 Best Songs of September. Dooda recently told his story in a Noisey Next feature with Vice, touching on what it was like growing up in Tampa and his musical inspirations.
With Fallen Angel, Dooda takes his latest step towards establishing himself as a major player in the Southern scene. At just 19, and with tens of millions of streams in the bank, this is just the beginning.
Fallen Angel tracklist:
1. Demon Time
2. Finish Him
3. Broken Soul
4. Chosen feat. T9ine
5. My Bruddas feat. OMB Peezy
6. Backwards
7. Heart Turned To Ice
8. Sinning
9. No Libs
10. More Than Average feat. Yung Bleu
11. Stay Dangerous feat. Dee Watkins
12. Trappin Ain’t Dead feat. 42 Dugg
13. Dis Dooda
14. Ready For War
15. Chopstix II ft. Tory Lanez
16. Come Back Again
17. Tru Colors (Bonus)
Taleban Dooda always had a voice–a combination of distinctly Floridian style and irresistibly catchy melody, has made the 19-year-old rapper one of the most exciting new rap voices coming out of the South. Hailing from East Tampa, Dooda had few options to avoid the violence that lurked outside his door. When he injured his knee in his 9th grade year, ending his football dreams, Dooda turned his attention to music. He began by recording himself covering other people’s songs — inspired by his love for artists like Bruno Mars, John Legend, and Sam Smith — before moving on to his own original compositions. Influenced by artists like NBA Youngboy, Polo G, and NoCap, Taleban Dooda decided to become a rapper.
For Dooda, 2020 was all about consistency, as he continued to drop a steady stream of strong singles throughout the year. In September, he released “Dis Dooda” — which VICE named one of the best songs of the month and Lyrical Lemonade highlighted on their site — and followed that up in November with the TM88 and ATL Jacob-produced “Finish Him.” Now, Dooda has his eyes set on the upcoming release of his debut album. With all this momentum, and all of Florida behind him, he doesn’t plan to slow down any time soon. “I’m just trying to keep dropping music,” he says. “I ain’t trying to take no breaks.”
Riding High Off The Success of “Quicksand,” His Appearance on the New J. Cole Album, and His Recent Performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Fayetteville Native Shares a Video from His Debut Mixtape Street Sermons
Critical Praise:
“‘Trenches,’ from an album due next week titled Street Sermons, rides the minor chords and trap beats that often accompany antisocial boasts. But while ‘Trenches’ doesn’t ignore gangs, drugs or poverty, Morray also recognizes a community that holds families, neighbors and friends” – The New York Times
“Few crooning rappers have his polish, resonance, and soul.” –SPIN
“With only four songs on streaming platforms—all released in 2020—Fayetteville, North Carolina rapper Morray has already proven he’s a hitmaker. His debut single “Quicksand” is undeniable, anchored by the type of hook you get from a Roddy Ricch or Rod Wave song and infused with storytelling and charisma to paint a picture even if you’re unfamiliar with the newcomer.” – Pigeons & Planes
The Video:
With sharp songwriting and a passionate singing voice, Morray is one of the biggest breakout stars of 2021. Coming through with another video from his debut project Street Sermons, Morray shares “Nothing Now.” Emoting over twanging guitar and thumping low-end, Morray bares his soul to an unfaithful partner, making it clear that he’s better for leaving her and she’s much worse: “You not mine, so don’t waste your time/Act like you don’t know me/That nice guy that you used to like/I no longer know ’em/Held him down and ripped out his heart/I feel bad for homey.” In the video, directed by Christian Breslauer, Morray packs his things and leaves his woman, before finding the last payphone in North Carolina to call her and speak his mind. “Nothing Now” follows the video for “Can’t Use Me,” which dropped in April.
Welcoming listeners inside his head for a 13-track effort, Street Sermons taps into the spiritual uplift and church-trained singing that makes Morray’s brand of hip-hop so unique, taking unflinching looks at the Fayetteville native’s youthful struggles and indiscretions and examining his motivations to succeed. The project contains universal truths about the tragedies and triumphs of growing up in the hood, filtered through Morray’s experience as a neighborhood kid made good. Street Sermons debuted at #41 on the Billboard 200 and helped propel Morray to #1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart.
The project is home to “Quicksand,” which is currently charting at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has over 175 million total streams. It is holding steady at #5 on YouTube’s US Music Video and at #6 on urban radio. Thanks to “Quicksand” and its follow-up releases, Morray earned powerful co-signs from all over the rap game, including from fellow Fayetteville native J. Cole, who tapped Morray to sing the hook on “m y . l i f e,” a song from his new album The Off-Season that also features 21 Savage and was the top-selling song in the U.S. in overall consumption during its debut week, and made a #2 debut on the Hot 100. Earlier this month, Morray performed “Quicksand” and “Can’t Use Me” on Jimmy Kimmel Live, marking his debut television performance.
Since last October, Morray has established himself as one of the rap game’s most exciting new artists, earning “one to watch” designations from Complex, Billboard, SPIN, Pigeons & Planes, and many more. With Street Sermons, Morray culminates his meteoric rise and proves that he’s ready to build an artistic legacy and a nest egg for his wife and kids. For an artist with Morray’s talent, the sky is the limit.
Street Sermons tracklist:
1. Mistakes
2. Trenches
3. Quicksand
4. That’s On God
5. Nothing Now
6. Reflections
7. Big Decisions
8. Can’t Use Me
9. Kingdom
10. Switched Up
11. Facade
12. Real Ones
13. Bigger Things
Morae Ruffin known professionally as Morray, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter. Best known for his combinations of rapping and singing, Morray’s days as lead singer of his church choir heavily influenced his melodic and unique style. Growing up in Fayetteville, NC and getting in and out of trouble, Morray turned to music as his escape. He uses his real life struggle as inspiration for his music.
Rolling Loud Crowns Dupree G.O.D. as the Winner of “Got Bars?,” Their Twitch-Streamed Rap Competition
The Brooklyn Native Wins a Record Deal from EMPIRE, a Slot at a Future Rolling Loud Festival, Support From Monster Energy, Plus More
(L to R) Mark Buol, EMPIRE A&R, Nima Etminan, EMPIRE COO, Tariq Cherif, Rolling Loud Co-Founder, Dupree G.O.D., Mack Sullivan, Rolling Loud, and Bobby Fisher, EMPIRE A&R Photo credit: Smith Durogene
The Announcement:
A respected tastemaker, Rolling Loud prides finding talented artists early in their careers and exposing them to a wider audience. This week, Rolling Loud concluded “Got Bars?,” a regular rap competition reality series that aired on their Twitch channel, whittling a field of dozens over a period of eight months down to a single winner–Dupree G.O.D.
A Brooklyn native and a natural emcee, Dupree G.O.D. idolizes Nas and takes inspiration from Pro Era, listing Illmatic as his favorite album and Powers Pleasant as his favorite producer. As the “Got Bars?” champion, Dupree G.O.D. wins an enviable collection of prizes, chief among them a record deal with EMPIRE (EMPIRE’s COO Nima Etminan and A&Rs Bobby Fisher and Mark Buol judged the finale along with Rolling Loud Co-Founder Tariq Cherif). The “Got Bars?” prize package also includes a paid slot at a future Rolling Loud Festival, along with radio support from Miami radio station 99 Jamz, and brand support from Monster Energy.
“Rolling Loud has always been committed to supporting up-and-coming artists, it’s part of our DNA. They’re vital to keeping the culture alive and well, which is why we started ‘Got Bars?.’ We searched far and wide for rappers that have what it takes to make it in today’s musical landscape, and we believe our judges found a gem in Dupree G.O.D. He’s a wildly entertaining MC with star potential who stands a real chance to make it in this game. We’re really excited to see where he goes from here!” – Tariq Cherif, co-founder of Rolling Loud
“I came into this competition with something to prove, not only to myself but to everyone around. This win is a precious moment and opportunity that I will not take for granted. Thank you Rolling Loud, Monster, and EMPIRE records.” – Dupree G.O.D.
“The Rolling Loud talent showcase proves that Rolling Loud not only has its pulse on Live Shows but equally has its roots planted deep, discovering the next potential star. The engagement it has with a live streaming audience gives you direct insight into what the fans want to see & hear. We look forward to working with Dupree G.O.D. in amplifying his art and look forward to seeing him perform on that Rolling Loud stage,” Bobby Fisher, A&R at EMPIRE
The rap competition “Got Bars?” is part of Rolling Loud’s weekly programming on Twitch, which also features shows like “The Rotation,” “RL Gaming,” “The Leak,” plus more. Rolling Loud has staged three “Loud Stream” virtual festivals, drawing millions of unique viewers with performances by Trippie Redd, Swae Lee, Gunna, and More.
Rolling Loud also partnered with Twitch as part of their pandemic pivot to the becoming a heavy-hitter in the world of Livestreaming, drawing millions of unique viewers and landing multiple events in Pollstar’s Year-End Livestream Chart. Rolling Loud has hosted three multi-day “Loud Stream” festivals on Twitch, with headliners like Trippie Redd, Swae Lee, Gunna, Ski Mask The Slump God, Fetty Wap, and Lil Skies.
Catch Rolling Loud back outside this summer at the sold-out Rolling Loud Miami 2021 festival, headlined by Travis Scott, Post Malone & A$AP Rocky, occurring July 23rd-25th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.
In four and a half years — beginning small in Miami, and now promoting Coachella-sized events around the country — Rolling Loud has established itself as a playground for the young…This time last year, many of the rappers now drawing crowds of several thousand were barely known.” – The New York Times
“Rolling Loud is the be-all of hip-hop festivals.” – Billboard
“The Rolling Loud New York experiment was a success—one which will likely earn it a return trip to the city in future years. Far from a traditional NYC rap experience, it was a two-day event that catered to the genre’s youngest fans, with an eye squarely focused on the future.” – Complex
“In only its fifth year with four major destinations and more in the pipeline overseas, athletes, celebrities and others are forking over as much as $20,000 for VIP packages. Of course, imitators are cropping up.” – Pollstar
“…within five years Rolling Loud has grown into one of the biggest hip-hop brands in the world. Locally, it has surpassed rival events Ultra and III Points in stature and rivals prestige festivals like Coachella.” – Miami New Times
Founded as a one-day festival in 2015 by Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif, Rolling Loud has evolved into a global behemoth, with annual festivals in Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and the Bay Area. Postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rolling Loud Miami is scheduled for February 2021, and Rolling Loud Portugal, the brand’s first European festival and first-ever 5-day event, recently announced the lineup for next Summer. The company’s new Twitch partnership, which includes three virtual festivals in Fall 2020, allows Rolling Loud to maintain its vital cultural role during an impossibly difficult time for festivals and live music.
TikTok and SiriusXM to Create Exclusive Audio Experiences including SiriusXM Music Channel and Pandora Playlists
New SiriusXM channel — TikTok Radio, a groundbreaking full-time SiriusXM music channel — will be part of TikTok collaboration across SiriusXM and Pandora
Beginning today, Pandora is launching a series of playlists hosted by top TikTok creators including Bella Poarch, Christian Shelton and Nick Tangorra
The Announcement:
TikTok, SiriusXM and Pandora today announced they are joining forces on the rollout of new and innovative content across each of their platforms. Creating listener experiences curated specifically for each platform’s loyal fans will allow TikTok, SiriusXM, and Pandora to deliver access to groundbreaking programming, exclusive performances, special events, and some of music’s top and emerging talent.
This summer, SiriusXM will launch TikTok Radio, a full-time music channel featuring the trending sounds that are redefining pop culture from TikTok. TikTok Radio will be presented by TikTok creators, tastemakers, and DJs. TikTok Radio will be available in vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices.
Sonically synched to the TikTok experience, the channel will feel like a radio version of the platform’s “For You” page. The TikTok Radio channel will feature a diverse group of TikTok creators showcasing trending music and stories behind the songs throughout each day, as well as a weekly music countdown dedicated to TikTok’s top trending tracks. Listeners can expect to hear directly from music’s next generation of rising stars and whatever else the TikTok community is vibing to.
Also, beginning today, Pandora is launching a series of exclusive hosted playlists featuring popular TikTok creators who will take listeners through their favorite songs with special commentary about their selections. The creators will be curating, hosting, and promoting the playlists to their fans on TikTok. The TikTok Tastemakers series will kick off with Bella Poarch, and other creators including Christian Shelton and Nick Tangorra following in the coming months. Pandora listeners can also tune into the TikTok Hits Playlist featuring all of the latest and greatest songs featured and trending on TikTok.
TikTok fans will also have access to select re-airings of Pandora’s original events series, Pandora LIVE. Recently, Pandora LIVE Powered by Women featuring Gwen Stefani and Jazmine Sullivan re-aired on TikTok. Additional upcoming events will be announced throughout the year.
“We are excited to collaborate with TikTok to create new content that brings the vibrancy of the leading social networking service to life on live radio and our streaming platforms,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “The effect TikTok has on music, and pop culture in general, is undeniable. Our platforms will provide a unique opportunity for TikTok creators to engage with our listeners with content experiences that have never been done before in audio. The exclusive SiriusXM channel will bring a new take on radio by tapping into the latest music trends on TikTok, while Pandora listeners will get access to playlists curated personally by TikTok’s top creators.”
“TikTok is redefining the way that fans discover music and artists, while enabling a new form of musical engagement and creative expression,” said Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music, TikTok. “We are excited to work with SiriusXM on TikTok Radio and to bring TikTok creators to Pandora to make the trends, music, and creative influences that are playing such a defining role in modern culture even more accessible.”
Obermann added, “We’re really excited to see this come to life and thank the SiriusXM team for being such an innovative and visionary collaborator.”
“When I started posting on TikTok in the beginning of the pandemic, I had no idea that, less than a year after starting my TikTok, I’d sing in a Super Bowl commercial. Making videos for TikTok is always the highlight of my day, and I’m lucky to have found such a supportive musical community,” said TikTok creator Christian Shelton, whose playlist will be one of the first in Pandora’s TikTok Tastemakers series. “The playlist I created reflects my love for all genres and features new and old music, a lot of which is inspired by my fans on TikTok! I want people who listen to my Pandora playlist to get to know me a bit more through the music I love.”
Directed By | Zack Snyder
Story By | Zack Snyder
Written By | Zack Snyder, Shay Hatten, Joby Harold
Produced By | Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, Zack Snyder
Cast | Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana De La Reguera, Theo Rossi,
Matthias Schweighöfer, Nora Arnezeder, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Garret Dillahunt, Tig Notaro, Raúl Castillo, Huma S. Qureshi, Samantha Win, Richard Cetrone, Michael Cassidy
From filmmaker Zack Snyder (300, Zack Snyder’s Justice League), ARMY OF THE DEAD takes place following a zombie outbreak that has left Las Vegas in ruins and walled off from the rest of the world. When Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), a displaced Vegas local, former zombie war hero who’s now flipping burgers on the outskirts of the town he now calls home, is approached by casino boss Bly Tanaka (Hiroyuki Sanada), it’s with the ultimate proposition: Break into the zombie-infested quarantine zone to retrieve $200 million sitting in a vault beneath the strip before the city is nuked by the government in 32 hours.
Driven by the hope that the payoff could help pave the way to a reconciliation with his estranged daughter Kate (Ella Purnell), Ward takes on the challenge, assembling a ragtag team of experts for the heist. They include Maria Cruz (Ana de la Reguera), an ace mechanic and Ward’s old friend; Vanderohe (Omari Hardwick), a zombie killing machine; Marianne Peters (Tig Notaro), a cynical helicopter pilot; Mikey Guzman (Raúl Castillo), a go-for-broke influencer and Chambers (Samantha Win), his ride-or-die; Martin (Garret Dillahunt), the casino’s head of security; a badass warrior known as the Coyote (Nora Arnezeder) who recruits Burt Cummings (Theo Rossi), a slimy security guard; and a brilliant German safe cracker named Dieter (Matthias Schweighöfer). Scott finds an unexpected emotional hurdle when Kate joins the expedition to search for Geeta (Huma S. Qureshi), a mother who’s gone missing inside the city.
With a ticking clock, a notoriously impenetrable vault, and a smarter, faster horde of Alpha zombies closing in, only one thing’s for certain in the greatest heist ever attempted: survivors take all.
ARMY OF THE DEAD is directed by Zack Snyder (who also served as director of photography) with a screenplay by Snyder & Shay Hatten and Joby Harold from a story by Snyder. The film is produced by Deborah Snyder, p.g.a.; Wesley Coller, p.g.a.; Zack Snyder, p.g.a. The film also stars Richard Cetrone and Michael Cassidy.
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 Zack Snyder and Starring Dave Bautista, Omari Hardwick & More, Army Of The Dead Is Now Streaming on Netflix
The Announcement:
Directed by Zack Snyder, Netflix’s Army Of The Dead is a glorious combination of genres and styles, combining zombie horror, heist, and salvage stories into an action-packed whole. Inspired by the Las Vegas-set film, and the references to lowrider culture sprinkled in throughout, Netflix has partnered with legendary designer Mister Cartoon and famed car customizer West Coast Customs to create a custom designed lowrider (a 1983 Monte Carlo, to be precise), specialty-wrapped with artwork that captures the film’s essence.
In his design, Mister Cartoon leaned into the classic Laugh Now, Cry Later motif by creating a yin-yang concept for the lowrider: one half of the car depicts the glitz, glamor, and high-rolling nature of Las Vegas, and the other depicts the zombie threat and grisly fate that awaits the film’s ensemble cast (led by Dave Bautista) if their gambit fails.
Check out a gallery of photos of Mister Cartoon, Ryan Friedlinghaus of WCC, and the custom-wrapped car HERE
Logline: Following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, a group of mercenaries take the ultimate gamble, venturing into the quarantine zone to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted. Army Of The Dead is now streaming on Netflix.
Watch Army Of The DeadHERE
Watch the trailer HERE
Download key art HERE
Download stills and BTS photo HERE
Check out the film at Netflix’s Media Center
Check out more info on the car along with exclusive photos at DUB Magazine
About Army Of The Dead:
Directed By | Zack Snyder
Story By | Zack Snyder
Written By | Zack Snyder, Shay Hatten, Joby Harold
Produced By | Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, Zack Snyder
Cast | Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana De La Reguera, Theo Rossi,
Matthias Schweighöfer, Nora Arnezeder, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Garret Dillahunt, Tig Notaro, Raúl Castillo, Huma S. Qureshi, Samantha Win, Richard Cetrone, Michael Cassidy
From filmmaker Zack Snyder (300, Zack Snyder’s Justice League), ARMY OF THE DEAD takes place following a zombie outbreak that has left Las Vegas in ruins and walled off from the rest of the world. When Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), a displaced Vegas local, former zombie war hero who’s now flipping burgers on the outskirts of the town he now calls home, is approached by casino boss Bly Tanaka (Hiroyuki Sanada), it’s with the ultimate proposition: Break into the zombie-infested quarantine zone to retrieve $200 million sitting in a vault beneath the strip before the city is nuked by the government in 32 hours.
Driven by the hope that the payoff could help pave the way to a reconciliation with his estranged daughter Kate (Ella Purnell), Ward takes on the challenge, assembling a ragtag team of experts for the heist. They include Maria Cruz (Ana de la Reguera), an ace mechanic and Ward’s old friend; Vanderohe (Omari Hardwick), a zombie killing machine; Marianne Peters (Tig Notaro), a cynical helicopter pilot; Mikey Guzman (Raúl Castillo), a go-for-broke influencer and Chambers (Samantha Win), his ride-or-die; Martin (Garret Dillahunt), the casino’s head of security; a badass warrior known as the Coyote (Nora Arnezeder) who recruits Burt Cummings (Theo Rossi), a slimy security guard; and a brilliant German safe cracker named Dieter (Matthias Schweighöfer). Scott finds an unexpected emotional hurdle when Kate joins the expedition to search for Geeta (Huma S. Qureshi), a mother who’s gone missing inside the city.
With a ticking clock, a notoriously impenetrable vault, and a smarter, faster horde of Alpha zombies closing in, only one thing’s for certain in the greatest heist ever attempted: survivors take all.
ARMY OF THE DEAD is directed by Zack Snyder (who also served as director of photography) with a screenplay by Snyder & Shay Hatten and Joby Harold from a story by Snyder. The film is produced by Deborah Snyder, p.g.a.; Wesley Coller, p.g.a.; Zack Snyder, p.g.a. The film also stars Richard Cetrone and Michael Cassidy.
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.
P!nk Will Be The Guest on TikTok’s Headstream on May 28th
The Announcement:
On Fridays, TikTok invites fans to enter the minds of their favorite artists with Headstream, an interactive LIVE series. For 30 minutes, on Fridays at 4PM PT/7PM ET, Headstream invites artists to introduce their new music, interact with fans in the live chat, and get into some real talk with their toughest interviewer yet—themselves. Next week, on May 28th, TikTok welcomes the iconic P!nk to Headstream, where she will open up about her music, her accomplished career, and more.
P!nk is a favorite of the TikTok community, with more than 2.5 million followers and more than 71,000 video creations on her song “Cover Me In Sunshine,” featuring her daughter Willow, which inspired the community to create videos of kids, pets, and other precious things.
P!nk’s Headstream arrives alongside the release of All I Know So Far, an Amazon Prime documentary, and the live album All I Know So Far: Setlist, which features live recordings from P!NK’s critically acclaimed and record breaking 2019 Beautiful Trauma World Tour, her highly buzzed about MTV Video Vanguard Award Speech , “Cover Me In Sunshine,” and her current single “All I Know So Far.”
The three-time GRAMMY-winning star doesn’t need us to give you a reason to tune in–get the party started next Friday at 4PM PT/7PM ET on @pinkofficial, and in the meantime, pre-save All I Know So Far: Setlist HERE.
With Over 1.5 Million Streams in Less Than Three Weeks, the New Single Heralds a Big Summer For the Toronto Rapper
Critical Praise:
“Not a lot of musicians can claim to have the attention of the biggest music names in their country, or have toured with one of the most successful acts of all time and have released an album all before the age of 23. But Canadian artist Pressa is one of the few that would fit the description.” – Complex
“Pressa’s come a long way from his native of Driftwood and is approaching the business and art of music making like a seasoned veteran.” – Vice
The Video:
Hailing from Toronto’s Driftwood neighborhood, 25-year-old rapper Pressa is a rising star on both sides of the border. Retreating to a remote estate, Pressa shares the official video for his sizzling hot new single “Attachments” ft. Coi Leray. Certified Gold in Canada after its release on the December 2020 Gardner ExpressEP, “Attachments” is an intriguing and melodic mix of harrowing and uplifting, as Pressa describes his experiences growing up in the trenches and Coi triumphantly sings about the success that awaits those who can make it out. Directed by Coco, a frequent collaborator of Pressa’s who recently worked with Pressa on Gardner Express: The Official Film, the new video finds Pressa and Coi Leray in a game of cat and mouse, as Coi manipulates elements of nature to ensnare Pressa before the two rappers join forces at the video’s end.
With a title that references Pressa’s last name (Gardner) and the Gardiner Expressway, a major highway running through the downtown core of his hometown, Gardner Express is home to multiple high profile collaborations, including“Head Tap” featuring Brooklyn drill rappers, Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow (7.5+ million combined streams) and “Blackberry Zap” ft. Jackboy (7.8+ million combined streams). The EP features additional appearances from Flipp Dinero, D Block Europe and Taliban Glizzy. With over 46 million combined global streams across platforms and coverage in outlets like Complex,HotNewHipHop, and Apple Music 1 w/ Ebro Darden, Gardner Express is a deeply personal, speaker-knocking project from one of the hottest emcees north of the border.
In February, Pressa shared a creative concert film that showcased the music of Gardner Express. Stay tuned for much more from the buzzing young emcee in the coming weeks and months, including more high profile collaborations and music videos.
Pressa captured rap fans’ attention in Canada and the U.K. by garnering millions of YouTube views for 2016’s “Wass Gang,” landed on a tour with Drake, and emerged as a local cultural sensation. Pressa made his mark with the inimitable mix of his street-oriented lyrics, melodic hooks and high-pitched voice, making him a fixture in the Toronto hip-hop scene.
Recognized for an impressive list of collaborations (Murda Beatz, UK hip-hop don, Giggs, Lil Uzi Vert) over the years, the Canadian rapper continued his hot streak in 2020 with features from Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, Jackboy, Flipp Dinero and more. Aligned with the new crop of artists dubbed “ones to watch,” Pressa is on track in his journey to becoming a household name.
No stranger to releasing full bodies of work with mixtapes such as, Press Machine, Press A Brick, and Prestige, 2020 was a prime display of Pressa’s growth and versatility as an artist, culminating with the release of his EP, Gardner Express. The EP features “OTM,” “96 Freestyle,” and “Head Tap” ft. Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, which resulted in coverage from media juggernauts like Complex, a global Apple Music Beats 1 premiere with Ebro Darden.
Pressa is applying a renewed vigor to his music and collaborating with likeminded writers, producers and artists on the rise. Inspired by the diverse streets of Toronto and a multicultural Jamaican/Filipino upbringing, Pressa is eager to share his passion and unique music style with the world.
L.A. Heatseeker Kalan.FrFr Announces “TwoFr Tour,” His First-Ever Headlining Tour, Kicking Off in November 2021
Tickets On Sale at 12pm Local Time on May 21st, Available HERE
The Upcoming Tour Will Feature Performances from TwoFr 2 Highlights Like “Scoring,” “Look At Me,” and Fan Favorite “No Love”
Critical Praise:
“On the West Coast, Kalan has emerged as the premier vocalist in L.A.’s thriving street rap scene, closer in comparison to Ty Dolla $ign than OhGeesy…but Kalan proves he can go bar for bar with L.A.’s best.” – Pitchfork
“Don’t be fooled by Kalan.frfr. Just because he often uses his warm R&B melody over lush piano keys doesn’t mean he’s making bright-eyed love songs…When you’re talking about L.A.’s new wave of sh*t-talking, designer-obsessed rappers, Kalan.frfr should be included. He just happens to sing.” – Pitchfork
“Upon meeting YG, Kalan.frfr was honored that the hip-hop superstar was a fan of his music.” – HYPEBEAST
“Kalan.Frfr has been a part of an exciting new wave of LA rap that includes artists like himself, Shoreline Mafia, 1TakeJay, and the currently incarcerated cult favourites Drakeo the Ruler & 03 Greedo. Unlike most of the artists on that list, Kalan’s music retains a consistently celebratory vibe with an emphasis on party bangers. It’s certainly something he does well.” –HotNewHipHop
Favorite Hip-Hop/R&B Songs of 2020 (“Scoring”) – EARMILK
The Tour:
Making a name for himself in L.A. and beyond with his melodic rhymes, Kalan.FrFr is ready to take his show on the road. Gearing up for his first live dates since early 2020, Kalan announces the “TwoFr Tour,” which embarks this fall. Kicking off in Houston on November 3rd, the tour weaves through the Western U.S., culminating in two hometown shows at The Novo on November 23rd-24th. His first tour since Fall 2019, the “TwoFr Tour” will feature performances of songs from TwoFr 2, the Compton-born artist’s latest project. Tickets for the “TwoFr Tour” are available for sale on Friday May 21st at 12pm local time.
TwoFr 2 is an excellent showcase of what helps the Compton native standout in a crowded hometown scene, namely his silky, rhythmic croon and his sharp sense of songcraft. The project earned critical praise from outlets like Okayplayer, who called it “breezy, bouncy music perfect for a trip to the West Coast,” and Lyrical Lemonade, who called the album “some of the best music coming out of the West Coast,” as well as positive notices in HotNewHipHop, RESPECT, and more. The new project is home to “Scoring,“ which peaked in the Top 30 of Urban Radio airplay charts, “Get In,” a lumbering, piano-heavy banger with an appearance from Stunna 4 Vegas, and “No Love” ft. Mozzy, which has a music video that pays tribute to Paid In Full, one of Kalan’s favorite films. Most recently, Kalan shared the Miami-set video for the project’s poignant opening track “Look At Me.”
The sequel to Kalan’s breakout 2018 tape TwoFr, TwoFr 2 takes the newly-minted Roc Nation signee’s artistry to a new level, complementing his raunchy love songs with introspection and hard-earned wisdom. Featuring production from Cypress Moreno, Bankroll Got It, and more, TwoFr 2 is available everywhere via First Class Entertainment/Roc Nation.
A major figure in Los Angeles’ stacked rap scene, recently crashing the Top 10 of Billboard’s Emerging L.A. Artists chart, Kalan.FrFr earned accolades and co-signs for his breezy melodies and hard-hitting bars. In recent months, the artist’s singular alchemy caught the attention of L.A. rap superstar YG, who hopped on the remix for Kalan’s hard-hitting “Right Wit It” in 2020. A vocalist with many dimensions, the artist earned praise from Pitchfork in 2019 for his pure rapping ability on his fan-favorite “Hot N Ready (Freestyle)“. With TwoFr 2, Kalan solidifies his unique position on the West Coast scene, and builds even more anticipation about great things to come.
Buy tickets for the “TwoFr Tour” at www.kalanfrfr.com (on-sale 12pm local time on May 21st)
11/4 Dallas, TX – Trees
11/5 Houston, TX – Studio Warehouse Live
11/7 Denver, CO – Otherside
11/9 Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand at Complex
11/12 Vancouver, BC – Fortune Sound Club
11/13 Seattle, WA – Neumous
11/14 Portland, OR – Hawthorne
11/16 Sacramento, CA – Harlows
11/17 Oakland, CA – The Parish
11/18 Fresno, CA – Strummers
11/20 Phoenix, AZ – Aura
11/23 Los Angeles, CA – The Nova
11/24 Los Angeles, CA – The Nova
Kalan.FrFr’s emphasis on keeping things real has propelled his career from the beginning. He has risen to prominence in the saturated Los Angeles music scene blurring the lines between rapper and singer, thoughtfulness, and turn-up.
Yung Mal Shares 1.5 Way Or No Way, His Hard-Hitting New Mixtape, With Appearances from Pooh Shiesty, Lil Gotit, and More
The ATL Native and 1.5 Da Label CEO Shares the Video for Sparkling Project Highlight “Wassup Wit Me” ft. G Herbo
Exploring His Latest Triumphs and His Newfound Responsibilities, the Zone 6 Native Salutes His Fallen Friends and Stands Up For His Neighborhood On His New 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
“Yung Mal has been the talk of the town in Atlanta” – Karen Civil
The Mixtape + Video:
Respected in the Atlanta rap scene for his flow and his work ethic, Yung Mal is ready to take the next step. Charting his evolution from young-and-hungry striver to CEO of his own 1.5 Da Label, Yung Mal shares 1.5 Way Or No Way, his new 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, showing off a newfound facility with melody to complement the tricky rhythms and bar-line manipulations that characterize his flows, and his lyrics offer a new perspective–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. The new project features contributions from some of the South’s most prominent names, but also makes space for Mal’s close friends, including producer Gutta Tay, 1.5 Da Label signee RealTaker, and Mal’s longtime rap partner Lil Quill.
1.5 Way Or No Way is home to recent singles like “Walkin,” an ominous banger with a standout verse from Pooh Shiesty, and the title track “1.5 Way Or No Way,” a new anthem that serves as the mission statement for the project. Featuring additional appearances from G Herbo, Lil Gotit, BIG30, and Slimelife Shawty, 1.5 Way Or No Way is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
Along with the new project, Mal shares the music video for “Wassup Wit Me,” a spritely new single featuring G Herbo. Produced by KiidMaestro, “Wassup Wit Me” is a confident, yet wistful trap track that gets its power from sparkling piano melodies and hyperactive 808s. Mal and Herbo buoyantly bounce on the beat, offering clever flexes (“I got more money than all my teachers,” spits Mal) with some introspection mixed in (“PTSD, but I’m G, so I heal from it,” says Herbo). In the video, directed by Benmarc, Mal dreams of living large in Los Angeles, riding around in his Tesla (“that b*tch got wings, just like Jeepers Creepers) and partying with Herbo on a Downtown L.A. rooftop.
Yung Mal has kept busy in the early part of 2021 with a line of high-quality visuals, including “Belaire,” “Look At Me Now” and “Stay Down.” The upcoming 1.5 Way Or No Way is Mal’s first mixtape since his successful two 2020 releases: 6 Rings, a full-length collab with rising producer Pyrex Whippa that received praise from publications like HYPEBEAST and XXL, and Iceberg Sosa, produced in full by Memphis producer Sosa808 (Key Glock, G Herbo), which featured highlight video singles like “Hitstick” and “Own Drip.”
Bella Poarch Makes a Big Debut, UK Drill Hits #1, and More TikTok Stories
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. Recently, the music landscape on TikTok has been eclectic and exotic, with trends using songs by an app celebrity-turned-pop star, a superstar DJ, a collective of foul-mouthed drill rappers, and even a fake band from a Nickelodeon show. Take a look at some of the ways music inspired the creativity of the TIkTok community in recent days:
TikTok has the ability to make a viral hit out of obscurities, and the latest unlikely song to take the platform by storm is “Castaways,” sung by the cast of Nickelodeon kids cartoon The Backyardigans. An undeniable bop, the song has an irresistible Bossa Nova groove and an innocent vibe that begs to be subverted by TikTok’s more sardonic users. With over 155k video creations to date, “Castaways” has inspired indie rock re-interpretations, videos ranking the song’s minimal lyrics, flute covers, and dead-on impressions of schoolteachers during elementary school plays. The TikTok popularity of “Castaways” propelled the song to the top of Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart, prompting at least one TIkTok user to apologize to artists who are charting behind the silly song.
Bella Poarch created the most-viewed video on TikTok in 2020 when she filmed herself lipsyncing to Millie B’s grime hit “M To The B” in 2020 (over 604 million video views). In 2021, she’s raised her game, releasing a song of her own, the gleefully rude and defiant “Build A B*tch,” which has over 880k video creations. Bella relentlessly promoted the song (and its attendant music video) on the app before release, offering a snippet of the song as a TikTok sound and posting videos for her 68 million fans. Bella’s massive army of fans on TikTok helped the song crash into Spotify’s U.S. Top 50 charts and rack up over 50 million YouTube views.
Drill music frequently finds success on TikTok, with tracks like Pop Smoke’s “Dior” (426K+ creations), Sleepy Hallow’s “Deep End Freestyle” (411k video creations) and Dusty Locane’s “ROLLIN N CONTROLLIN FREESTYLE” (193.3K+ creations) taking off on the platform. This week, UK drill is having its own moment with Tion Wayne & Russ Millions‘ “(Body) Remix” (1.2M+ combined creations) dominating TikTok as creators use UK rapper ArrDee’s high-energy verse on the track for a plethora of trends. While some creators are using the sound to reveal how their best friends describe them, others are using it to flaunt their drip with their grandmas. The sound has even inspired a cool rice art video from @ronny.dulk, one of TikTok’s favorite creators and a self-proclaimed “Riceboy.” Taking its success from TikTok to the charts, “Body” recently became the first drill song to ever reach #1 on the UK Official Singles Chart.
Calvin Harris & Disciples‘ 2015 atmospheric house hit “How Deep Is Your Love” arrived during the heyday of festival EDM, an era when DJs commanded crowds eager to let loose. Now, “How Deep Is Your Love” is the soundtrack for a TikTok trend that pays tribute to the carefree dance stylings of white women. When the beat drops, creators try their hand at their favorite moves that they associate with white women at parties, including frequent hair touching, hand raising, dancing to the words instead of the beat, or all of the above. The trend is the perfect outlet for self-deprecation, and with over 180k video creations across multiple sounds, “How Deep Is Your Love” has expanded to include “white boy dancing” and pranks where kids ask their parents to dance to the song and see if they mirror any of the stereotypical moves.
“Never Forget You” by The Noisettes is an under-heralded gem from the UK’s soul revival scene in the late 00s (a scene that birthed Adele, Amy Winehouse, and others). Thanks to TIkTok, however, the 2009 song is getting second life, generating over 418k video creations. In the trend, creators salute people who’ve done them acts of kindness, including actor Matty Cardarapole who showed his appreciation for the kindness of Stranger Things fans. The second trend is a sweetly romantic one, with creators using the song to reveal how they met their partner (at music festivals or and then smash-cutting to a present filled with weddings and babies.
Rising Atlanta rapper Loui has teamed up with TikTok favorite Saweetie for a new lit “Talkin’ Bout” (406.9K+ creations) collaboration that is making waves on the platform. The infectious track samples two viral dance challenge classics, Cali Swag District’s “Teach Me How to Dougie” and Kstylis’ “Booty Me Down,” and has inspired its own viral dance trend on TikTok. The risqué, yet playful dance was choreographed by TikTok creator @4abeyy and has been recreated by fun moms, new friends, and even creators who want to participate in the dance trend while showing us the perfect poses for a hot girl summer at the beach.
Video: Wacotron – “Coastin” (Prod. by Southside & Sacaii)
The 808 Mafia-Affiliated Texas Rapper Shares a New Video From His Debut Project Smokin Texas
Critical Praise:
“His flows are impressive and seem to naturally roll off of his tongue which shows off his masterful outlook and impressive aptitudes despite his relatively new entrance into the music scene.” – Lyrical Lemonade
“Southside protege Wacotron is a new-ish name, but he sounds like he’s been doing this for years, balancing simplicity, interiority, and the confidence of an established vet.” – UPROXX
The Video:
Rising to prominence with his fierce rhymes and sharp Southern drawl, Wacotron is one of Texas’s most exciting rappers. Giving a glimpse into his hometown, Wacotron shares “Coastin,” his new music video. Produced by Wacotron’s frequent collaborator Southside, “Coastin” is a hard-hitting and witty account of Waco’s emergence from the gutter, a rise kickstarted by his decision to take rap seriously: “I was coastin’/Remember when I used to be the brokest, I was hopeless/And going through it, they’d never notice/Now I’m focused/Won’t stop until my pockets on the swolest, had to show it.” In the video, directed by The Shooters, Wacotron returns to the Trendwood Apartments in Waco, Texas, where he grew up and built his reputation, bringing out the whole building to enjoy the fruit of his labors. “Coastin” is the latest high-quality visual from Smokin Texas, following the gritty video for “Hold Up” and the turnt-up video for the Marshmello-produced “Hole In A Cup.”
Though Wacotron is a newcomer in the rap game, he’s a veteran in the streets, and the 12 songs on Smokin’ Texas reflect the hard-earned wisdom of a self-made man. Packed with harrowing stories and sly turns-of-phrase, Smokin Texas benefits from the steady hand of 808 Mafia chieftain Southside, who delivers booming production with the assistance of associates like CuBeatz, Topp, Pyrex, Steezefield, and more. The mixtape also features multiple productions from superstar DJ Marshmello. The new mixtape is home to recent single “Umbrella,” produced by Marshmello and featuring a snarling guest verse from G Herbo (nearly 5 million streams since its April 9th release), as well as standout video singles like “Gram And A Hoodie,” “Take Off,“ “Toothpaste,” and Wacotron’s debut release “Cut Me Up,” which has over 3.75 million streams across platforms. Featuring additional production from Johan Lenox and others, Smokin Texas is available everywhere via Pick Six Records/808 Mafia.
A native of Waco, TX–hence his name–Wacotron showed a passion for music from a young age, absorbing the 808-driven trap music he listened to in the car with his dad. After spending years mired in the struggle, Wacotron turned to rap in his 20’s, searching for a better way to provide for his family and escape his circumstances. The rapper started to build a reputation in his home state, eventually catching the attention of Pick Six Records, who signed him to a deal and connected him with Southside and 808 Mafia.
With his debut project Smokin Texas, Wacotron proves that he’s an artist to watch in the bustling Texas rap scene, putting Waco on the map with his sharp lyricism. Stay tuned for much more from the young rapper in the near future.
Smokin Texastracklist:
1. Air It Out (Prod. by Marshmello, MUNK & TK)
2. Hold Up (Prod. by Steezefield)
3. Cut Me Up (Prod. by Southside & Henney Major)
4. Umbrella ft. G Herbo (Prod. by Marshmello & Johan Lenox)
5. Coastin’ (Prod. by Southside & Sacaii)
6. Speakin On Me (Prod. by Topp)
7. Take Off (Prod. by Southside & Topp)
8. Perfect Example (Prod. by Southside)
9. Gram And A Hoodie (Prod. by Southside & Pyrex 808 Mafia)
10. Hole In A Cup (Prod. by Marshmello, MUNK & Ghostrage)
11. Toothpaste (Prod. by Southside & CuBeatz)
12. Strapped (Prod. by Southside)
A native of Waco, TX–hence his name–Wacotron showed a passion for music from a young age, absorbing the 808-driven trap music he listened to in the car with his dad. After spending years mired in the struggle, Wacotron turned to rap in his 20’s, searching for a better way to provide for his family and escape his circumstances. The rapper started to build a reputation in his home state, eventually catching the attention of Pick Six Records, who signed him to a deal and connected him with Southside and 808 Mafia.
With the weight of the influential 808 Mafia behind him, Wacotron is in prime position to make his mark on the rap game in 2021. Stay tuned for his upcoming debut project Smokin’ Texas.
Internet Money Shares Cole Bennett-Directed Video for “His & Hers” ft. Don Toliver, Gunna & Lil Uzi Vert
The Latest Single From the Rap Game’s Dominant Artist/Producer Collective Racked Up Over 1 million Spotify Streams in Less Than 24 Hours
Critical Praise:
“[Internet Money] grew into a music industry powerhouse that helped break stars like Juice WRLD and Lil Tecca, racking up dozens of Billboard hits and platinum plaques in the process.” – Complex
“The group of beatmakers is dominating music-streaming services” – Billboard
“It seems only inevitable that these guys are just going to continue to take the world by storm, one hit at a time.” – MTV
“Even if you aren’t familiar with L.A. production collective Internet Money, you’ve heard their beats. The group’s sounds have powered some of hip-hop’s biggest records in the past couple years, from Rich the Kid’s “Plug Walk” and Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams” to Drake’s “Blue Tint.” The group is helmed by Taz Taylor, a Florida native who — true to his collective’s name — has accumulated a fortune primarily through the internet.” – The FADER
“Taz Taylor doesn’t consider himself an overnight success, but he’s definitely having a moment.” – Variety
The Song:
Taz Taylor, Nick Mira and the rest of Internet Money made a splash yesterday when they dropped “His & Hers” ft. Don Toliver, Gunna & Lil Uzi Vert. Today, the multi-multi-Platinum artist/producer collective connects with Cole Bennett for the eye-popping “His & Hers”video. The video deposits the three rappers into a digital world, inspired by classic computer backgrounds and screen savers. Don Toliver relaxes in a field of sunflowers and on the grass made famous by Windows XP, Gunna dons hunting gear and retreats to a remote forest, and Lil Uzi Vert fulfills his Baby Pluto destiny, finally reaching astronaut status during his verse. The “His & Hers” video arrives with a custom Instagram filter that allows users to frolic in the same sunflower fields as Don Toliver.
Debuted by Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, “His & Hers” is Internet Money’s second single of 2021, following the Nick Mira-produced “JETSKI,”which has racked up over 40 million worldwide streams to date. Produced by Taz Taylor, Nick Mira, Alec Wigdahl, Cxdy & Pharaoh Vice, “His & Hers” reunites Internet Money with two artists and the video director from their smash hit “Lemonade,” recently certified triple-Platinum by the RIAA. With over 1 million streams on Spotify alone in less than 24 hours of release, “His & Hers” is available on all platforms via Internet Money Records/10K Projects.
Founded by Taz Taylor in 2015, Internet Money racked up billions of streams and dozens of plaques as producers before stepping out and repeating their success as lead artists in 2020. The artist-producer collective spent several weeks in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Lemonade” ft. Gunna, Don Toliver & NAV. Earning triple-platinum certification from the RIAA, “Lemonade” peaked at #6 on the Hot 100, #1 on Spotify’s US Top 50, and #1 on the UK Official Charts and landed them a coveted spot as the musical guest for The Tonight Show, Starring Jimmy Fallon. Meanwhile, Internet Money’s debut album B4 The Storm was one of the year’s most star-studded releases, debuting at #10 on the Billboard 200 and featuring appearances from superstars like like Future and Swae Lee as well as artists they’ve built from the beginning like Juice WRLD and Trippie Redd.
Despite all their success with “Lemonade” and B4 The Storm, Internet Money has no plans of slowing down in 2021. The group is working on their second album with even bigger features in store. “We want to be everywhere. Everyone will have no choice but to get to know Internet Money,” says Taylor.
This summer, Internet Money will perform DJ sets at Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash in Chicago (August 21st), and Milwaukee’s Summerfest (September 14th). Check out the festival websites for tickets and more information.
Starting as a type-beat factory and growing into a global powerhouse, Taz Taylor and Internet Money have earned 3 Grammy nominations, 58 platinum plaques, 33 gold, and 14 Billboard #1 hits since 2018. The collective is behind some of the biggest rap and R&B hits of the past few years, including Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams” (1.3 billion Spotify streams), Trevor Daniel’s “Falling” (#1 Billboard Mainstream Pop, 37 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 with #17 peak), Lil Tecca’s “Ransom” (700 million Spotify streams, #4 Hot 100), and XXXTentacion’s “Fuck Love” ft. Trippie Redd (the most-played song in SoundCloud history). With 2020’s B4 The Storm album, and its double-platinum single “Lemonade” ft. Gunna, Don Toliver & NAV, Taz Taylor and Internet Money confirmed their status as the music industry’s most powerful hitmaking collective.
Internet Money was born out of necessity, a hybrid company that has filled in the gaps between the rap industry, the producer community, and the online marketplace. Disillusioned with the industry, and the way he saw rap producers being taken advantage of, Taz Taylor formed the collective in 2016 as a way to share the knowledge he’d gained from years spent selling his “type beats” online and navigating the internet’s ever-growing impact on the production landscape.
Four years in, Internet Money has expanded as a collective, including Grammy-nominated producers like Nick Mira and JR Hitmaker, and produced for Drake, Trippie Redd, Juice WRLD, and many more. “When you’re in Internet Money, you get the same opportunities that I do, you’re gonna be working with the same artists that I’m working with, and getting credits with them,” Taylor says. “Instead of working with a bunch of people we don’t know, we just have our own network that’s one big family.” Following their success breaking major artists like Trevor Daniel, and co-producing his multi-platinum hit “Falling,” Taylor and Internet Money partnered with Elliot Grange’s 10K Projects in 2019 to launch their own label.
Taz Taylor Background:
Taz Taylor has never cared about fame or clout. To hear the multi-platinum producer and Internet Money founder tell it, everything he’s done — from turning his online production hustle selling “type beats” into a $500,000 per year business to forming his own label — has been born out of necessity and guided by intuition. “I’ve been so tunnel vision during the last five years to make sure I got to this point,” he says. “It was just like, Let’s keep building.”
Though the 27-year-old has only been in the industry for a few years, his accomplishments in that time have come at a staggering pace, notching, by his estimation, over 500 placements and around 200 gold and platinum plaques between himself and the other producers on his Internet Money team. As their leader, Taylor has quickly become a new sort of rap mogul, one who’s built his steadily growing empire from a deep knowledge of the ways music moves online, and he’s done it all from the humblest of beginnings.
