The Masked Only The Family Signee Haunts the Streets of the Chi in His Sinister New Single
The Song:
With a percussive flow and uncompromising attitude, JusBlow600 is one of Chicago’s hardest-hitting emcees. Announcing his presence with his latest battle cry, JusBlow shares “Bow,” his new video single. Built around a creeping, low-note piano loop, “Bow” finds the Only The Family staying cool and applying heat, intimidating the opps with his sinister rhymes: “Racks in my pocket, the other a glock/The faker you is, the harder you flop/We shoot at the opps, then back on the block/Your homie got popped, you ran to the cops.” A brisk banger clocking in at just more than two minutes, “Bow” demonstrates the vicious lyricism and ear-catching charisma that endeared JusBlow to OTF label boss Lil Durk.
In the video, JusBlow hops from the crib to the studio, laying down his vocal track and mean-mugging at the camera. Health experts don’t fret–he proudly rocks his all-white surgical mask and maintains a strict six-foot distance between himself and the videographer. JusBlow might be a menace, but he’s not monster.
“Bow” arrives shortly after the release of “Drop A Bag,” a flex-heavy duet with his crewmate Memo600. The South Sider made noise last year with his single “SnitchK,” and its @Finesse_Mitch-directed video. JusBlow shared the spotlight with Lil Durk and labelmate King Von on “Gang Forever,” the opening track from Family Over Everything, last year’s OTF compilation project.
Stay tuned for much more music from JusBlow and the rest of OTF as the year moves along.
Fredo Bang Shares Most Hated Mixtape, Drops Video for Highlight Track “Traffic”
Proudly Silencing His Doubters Across the Project’s 12 Tracks, the Baton Rouge-Born Artist’s Latest Project Features Appearances from Lil Baby, Moneybagg Yo, YNW Melly, and More
Critical Praise:
“With the 2015 arrest that threatened to derail his rising career now decidedly in the rearview, Fredo is back with a newfound sense of purpose: more viral, more hardworking, and more determined to advance than ever before.” – The FADER
“New Gen Winter 2019–His city’s favored up-and-comer and its most versatile rising act. Songs like ‘No Mo’ show his penchant for soul-searching narratives and music-as-medicine melodies; the success of ‘Oouuh’ proves he has a one-of-a-kind ability to reach all sides of the hip-hop and R&B spectrum.” – HYPEBEAST
“Known for his tales of life in the streets, the rapper behind records like “Story to Tell” and “Oouuh” shows just how it goes down in his hometown” – XXL
The Mixtape + Video:
Collecting a massive legion of fans with his soulful bounce and charming demeanor, Fredo Bang is on track to take over the streets. Refining his style and taking verbal aim at his enemies, Fredo shares Most Hated, his latest mixtape, executive-produced by Moneybagg Yo. Carried by Fredo’s bruising musicality and clipped Southern drawl, Most Hated is Fredo’s most succinct and focused effort to date.
Spanning 12 tracks, not a second of Most Hated goes to waste, packing in guest appearances from the biggest stars in street rap and balancing battle cries like “Vest Up” (5 million views) and “Waitin’ 4“ (2 million views) with smooth lady-killing jams like “Saucy” (500k views since its release last week) and heartfelt love songs like “Let Me Tell You (Kianna).” The tape boasts bouncy production from Fredo’s frequent collaborators DJ Chose and Hardbody B-Eazy, as well as contributions from Yung Tago and others. Featuring appearances from Lil Baby, YNW Melly, Moneybagg Yo, Tee Grizzley, and Ceefineass, Most Hated arrives via Bang Biz Ent./Def Jam Recordings.
To accompany the release of the mixtape, Fredo shares “Traffic,” a new music video. Defined by DJ Chose‘s rippling piano, “Traffic” is a soulful rider’s anthem. The track highlights Fredo’s skill with easy melody, as he asserts his allegiance to the streets even as his star continues to rise: “We keep that pistol close, but we ain’t never scared/Keep them snakes far, they talk to the feds/Play with one of mine, we’ll pump you full of lead/If I see you as an opp then you already dead.” The video finds the Baton Rouge native cruising through the streets of his city in his cherry-red Ferrari, driven by his frequent producer Hardbody B-Eazy.
Most Hated is Fredo’s fourth mixtape and his third in less than twelve months. Last year, he released the breakthrough Big Ape, hosting hits like “Oouuh,” “Gangsta Talk,” and “Story To Tell” (Remix), and his November 2019 effort Pain Made Me Numb, spanning 16 songs and containing the singles “Cap A Lot” and “Slidin.” Kicking his rapping career into high gear after finishing a juvenile sentence in 2018, the rapper has already amassed over 1 million Instagram followers, and collaborated with the likes of Kevin Gates, NLE Choppa, and countless others, and racked up over 52 million views on his YouTube videos. Prior to the Covid-19 hiatus, Fredo was looking forward to hitting the road as the highest-billed supporting act on Moneybagg Yo’s 26-city cross-country “Time Served Tour,” with dates running from March 19th through May 3rd. Details of the rescheduled tour will be announced in the months ahead.
With a deep drawl and a natural affinity for melody, Fredo Bang is the next rhymer to rise out the Bayou. The Baton Rouge native has the ear of everyone in the South, from YNW Melly to Moneybagg Yo to Kevin Gates. Last year, the 23-year-old rapper dropped two quality projects in 2019, Big Ape and Pain Made Me Numb, and hit big with regional hits like “Ooouh” (Remix) ft. Kevin Gates, “Story To Tell,” and “Gangsta Talk” (ft. NLE Choppa). Stay tuned for much more from the 23-year-old rapper, who recently entered into a partnership with Def Jam Recordings, as 2020 moves on.
Jackboy Announces JACKBOY, Featuring Kodak Black, YFN Lucci, and More, Out April 24th via EMPIRE
The Pompano Beach, FL Heavy-Hitter Shares the Video For “Pressure,” the Project’s Emotional Opening Track
Critical Praise:
“Jackboy couches stouthearted streetisms in his minihooks, stuff that doesn’t really apply to your life, but feels fun to sing aloud, and seems primed for Instagram captions.” – The Ringer
“One thing is for certain: Jackboy is on his way.” – XXL
The Announcement:
Mixing a deep musicality and a knack for experimentation with hard-hitting, streetwise lyrics, Jackboy is quickly emerging as one of the hottest rappers in the South Florida scene. Today, the rapper officially announces JACKBOY, his self-titled album, coming soon. Marked by production from Tay Keith, Kid Hazel, Go Grizzly, TNTxD, and many others, JACKBOY reflects the artist’s wide-ranging tastes (he listens to Adele and Ed Sheeran more than he listens to any rapper), with instrumentals that range from the minimalist percussion-driven “Zombie World” to the East Asian tinge of “Freedom Of Speech“ to the snaking guitar lines of recent single “Cleaning Crew.” The new project showcases the 23-year-old rapper’s versatile vocals, which oscillate between clipped cadences and pained operatics at a moments notice
Featuring appearances from his friend and Sniper Gang boss Kodak Black, and an all-star lineup of guest rappers including YFN Lucci, Casanova, Blac Youngsta, and Warhol.SS, JACKBOY arrives on April 24th via Sniper Gang/EMPIRE.
To accompany the announcement of the project, Jackboy shares “Pressure,” his new music video. Featuring twanging guitar and thumping 808s courtesy of TNTxD and James Maddocks, “Pressure” is Jackboy’s mission statement. Switching from machine gun bursts of syllables and emotional melodic caterwauls, “Pressure” finds the young rapper recounting his troubled youth and asserting his defiance in the face of legal pressure. The track begins with a call from Kodak Black, in which the incarcerated superstar asserts how proud he is of Jackboy and implores him to hold down for Sniper Gang while he remains in jail.
In the video, Jackboy receives a rude interruption from the Feds during a haircut–he hightails it out of the barbershop in his socks, leaving his Sniper Gang flip-flops behind. After he frustrated the Feds by escaping their clutches, a gleeful Jackboy dances in front of his white-on-white Beamer in celebration. Eventually, Jackboy retreats to his home neighborhood, where a crew of his compadres turn the tables on the law.
JACKBOY is the first project in a busy 2020 for the Pompano Beach, FL rapper. Last year, Jackboy released two projects, including the acclaimed Lost In My Headproject, which dropped in September and included popular singles “Not A Clone” (5.3 million views) and the JetsonMade-produced “Bipolar” (3.5 million views). After building momentum with the release of “Freedom Of Speech” (1.1 million views) and collaborations with YFN Lucci and Louisiana rapper TEC, Jackboy recently earned a nomination from XXL for their Freshman 10th Spot.
In three years of rapping, 22-year-old Jackboy has already achieved nearly 100 million YouTube views, 30 million at Soundcloud, and eight figure-streaming at Spotify. Born in Haiti and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, the rapper beams with captivating personality and charisma. He emphasizes the important words, both in conversation and melodic rapping. Although spirited and youthful, the artist heard on “G To The A,” “Grimace,” and “Not A Clone,” appears wise beyond his years. Best friends with Kodak Black for over a decade, the Sniper Gang/EMPIRE artist released two albums, JackNDaBox and LostInMyHead, in 2019. Jackboy has plenty to say.
EMPIRE Background
EMPIRE was founded in 2010 as an artist-friendly, progressive digital distribution company. After early success, and identifying future icons such as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and Rich Homie Quan, EMPIRE was quickly regarded as a tastemaker in the industry and throughout the past five years evolved into a full-fledged record label, distributor and publisher for independent musicians. With the company and roster growing at a breakneck pace, EMPIRE has effectively disrupted a stale business model by bringing its energy, expertise, and acumen to its artists and labels. Today, EMPIRE works with some of music’s hottest talent, ranging from superstars such as T.I. and Snoop Dogg, red-hot newcomers such as SOB X RBE and Mozzy, and established veterans like Jim Jones and Redman. While remaining 100% independent, EMPIRE has also partnered with Atlantic Records for a joint venture, home to breakout star D.R.A.M. and propelled singles by Fat Joe & Remy Ma (“All The Way Up,” 2x Platinum), Tyga (“Taste,” 3x Platinum), and Lil Duval (“Smile”) to the top of the Billboard Hip-Hop Charts. In April 2018, EMPIRE signed a global distribution deal with Universal Music Group for select artist projects.
The HITCO Artist Vibes to His Confrontational, Young Thug-Featuring New Single and Shows Us How He Spends His Socially-Distanced Days
Critical Praise:
“How Yella Beezy Scored a Number One Hit During the Summer of Drake” – Rolling Stone
“Yella makes rap that falls into the ever so-popular “melodic” description, but his flows and downright ability to spit set him apart from everyone else” – XXL
“Beezy brings the heat…In an era when hip hop artists are releasing albums where every song sounds pretty much the same, Yella Beezy has delivered a record that goes against the grain on his latest project, Baccend Beezy. The Southern rapper sticks to his roots as listeners can pick up influences from the region, but Beezy has a little bit of something for everyone on his latest mixtape. ” – HotNewHipHop
“He uses simple lyrics intelligently, with an infectious flow that would sound equally appropriate in a noisy nightclub or coming from a cell phone outside West End Station during rush hour.” – Dallas Observer
The Visual:
Yella Beezy has an energy that can’t be contained by the walls of his home. Kicking it in quarantine with some very lovely guests, Beezy shares the new visualizer for “Headlocc.” In the visualizer, Beezy shows us how he’s been living in quarantine. Holed up in his Dallas mansion, he’s been cooking and baking, playing Madden, and basking in the affection of his three quarantine partners.
Featuring a guest spot from Young Thug, “Headlocc” has inspired a wave of viral activity on TikTok and Triller. The “Headlocc Challenge” racked up over 326k views and 900 videos created on Triller alone, including vids by influencers like Kidathegreat, kangfrvr, and more. Catch Yella Beezy at Trillerfest, a virtual music festival, driving donations for those deeply affected by COVID-19.
Yella Beezy is planning to release multiple projects in the coming months. Look out for I Am My Brother’s Keeper, a collaborative effort with fellow Texan Trapboy Freddy, coming soon, and Broke Nights Rich Days 2, his next solo project, out later this year.
The Two Jet Lifers Teach You How to Turn a Sheet of Paper to a Million Dollars in the Animated Clip for the Smokin’ Potnas Title Track
Critical Praise:
“Curren$y is still capable of rapping something so simple it’ll make you wonder how no one has rapped it already” – Pitchfork
“Curren$y’s sharpened pen and deft wordplay will quiet the doubters. His influence was evident then, and it’s irrefutable now.” – Rolling Stone
The Video:
With a well-known penchant for weed, women, and muscle cars, few people can rap about life’s finer things like Curren$y can. Tapping in with his close confidante Fendi P, the Jet Life artists share “Smokin’ Potnas,“ a new animated video. Built around a creeping 808 bassline and noir-ish piano chords, TraumaTone‘s “Smokin’ Potnas” instrumental evokes a streetwise version of the famous theme from The Pink Panther. Spitta and Fendi slink atop the beat to deliver crisp and stylish boasts about “chains holdin’ lucky charms” (Curren$y) and “money counters on the kitchen counter” (Fendi). Directed and animated by Shanna Salmon, the new video converts Spitta and Fendi into their cartoon altar egos, as they smoke up with models on a music video set as their lyrics come to life.
“Smokin’ Potnas” is the closing and titular track from Smokin’ Potnas, the recent collaborative mixtape by Curren$y and Fendi P. Unloading life lessons atop lush production, Curren$y and Fendi offer pearl after pearl of street wisdom on the project. Spitta offers a veteran perspective on growing your bankroll, while Fendi assumes the role of the striver, never satisfied even as his day-to-day grows more luxurious. The two New Orleans natives are on top of their game, crafting slick flexes that weave within soul-samples and tuneful 808s. The project plays host to video singles like “Strategize” and “Swang.” Featuring production from Harry Fraud, Sledgren, TraumaTone, and more, Smokin’ Potnas is available to stream everywhere via Jet Life Recordings/EMPIRE.
Formerly known as Corner Boy P, Eastside New Orleans rapper Fendi P has been steadily rising since his 2016 debut, collaborating with the likes of Lil Wayne, Project Pat, and many others. Last year, Fendi dropped Fendi P 3, a 15-song project that spotlighted his skill with fresh flexes and sharp storytelling.
Uncountably prolific, but never lacking in quality, Curren$y has already had a busy 2020, collaborating with Dj.fresh on The Tonite Show With Curren$y in January, and treating his fans to the 3 Piece Set EP just a month later. Last week, he teamed up with Cardo Got Wingz for the 5-track The Green Tape, which boasts appearances from G Perico and Larry June.
Smokin’ Potnas tracklist:
1. Strategize (Prod. by TraumaTone)
2. The World I Know (Prod. by Sledgren)
3. Swang (Prod. by Smitty Beatz)
4. Stainless (Prod. by Smitty Beatz)
5. Checkered Flag (Prod. by Smitty Beatz)
6. Foreigns Outside (Prod. by Harry Fraud)
7. One Night (Prod. by Smitty Beatz & 808 Ray)
8. Eye of the Tiger (Prod. by Sledgren)
9. Smokin Potna (Prod. by TraumaTone)
The Dallas Native and the Offbeat ATLien Connect for a Heavy-Hitting New Banger
Critical Praise:
“How Yella Beezy Scored a Number One Hit During the Summer of Drake” – Rolling Stone
“Yella makes rap that falls into the ever so-popular “melodic” description, but his flows and downright ability to spit set him apart from everyone else” – XXL
“Beezy brings the heat…In an era when hip hop artists are releasing albums where every song sounds pretty much the same, Yella Beezy has delivered a record that goes against the grain on his latest project, Baccend Beezy. The Southern rapper sticks to his roots as listeners can pick up influences from the region, but Beezy has a little bit of something for everyone on his latest mixtape. ” – HotNewHipHop
“He uses simple lyrics intelligently, with an infectious flow that would sound equally appropriate in a noisy nightclub or coming from a cell phone outside West End Station during rush hour.” – Dallas Observer
The Announcement:
Wielding an ability to switch on a dime from rapidfire rhymes to bluesy croons, Yella Beezy is the voice of the Dallas streets. Continuing his radio-conquering run, Yella Beezy shares “Headlocc,” a confrontational new single. Built around a lumbering piano melody and syncopated snares, “Headlocc” is a manic missive aimed at fakes and lames, who would leap at the opportunity to turn a friend into the feds. Trading verses with Young Thug, who reins in his vocal acrobatics and lets Beezy shine, the Dallas native describes his desire to get revenge in explicit detail: “Headlocc/I buss a n**** head open/Killers outside his sto’/And I put the play in motion.”
Yella Beezy worked steadily to build his name in the music industry, eventually becoming a favorite among radio DJs and his fellow artists. He emerged in 2017 with the Gold-certified hit “That’s On Me,” which peaked at #1 on Urban radio, eclipsing Drake’s “In My Feelings” for the top spot, and eventually earned an opening slot on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’sOn The Run Tour. Last summer, he dropped Baccend Beezy, which peaked at #91 on the Billboard 200 and boasted hits like the Hot 100-charting, Gold-certified “Bacc At It Again,“ featuring Quavo and Gucci Mane, and the Chris Brown-featuring “Restroom Occupied,” which reached the urban radio airplay top ten. The rapper is planning to release multiple projects in the coming months, including a collaborative effort with fellow Texan Trapboy Freddy and a
The Baton Rouge-Born Ladies Man Shares the Latest Video from Most Hated, Coming April 17th
Critical Praise:
“With the 2015 arrest that threatened to derail his rising career now decidedly in the rearview, Fredo is back with a newfound sense of purpose: more viral, more hardworking, and more determined to advance than ever before.” – The FADER
“New Gen Winter 2019–His city’s favored up-and-comer and its most versatile rising act. Songs like ‘No Mo’ show his penchant for soul-searching narratives and music-as-medicine melodies; the success of ‘Oouuh’ proves he has a one-of-a-kind ability to reach all sides of the hip-hop and R&B spectrum.” – HYPEBEAST
“Known for his tales of life in the streets, the rapper behind records like “Story to Tell” and “Oouuh” shows just how it goes down in his hometown” – XXL
The Video:
Delivering hard-hitting Southern rap songs with a soulful bounce, few rappers can mix muscle and finesse like Fredo Bang. Delivering a video for one of his most melodic new tracks, Fredo shares “Saucy.” Produced by Fredo’s frequent collaborators DJ Chose and Hardbody B-Eazy, “Saucy” is a spritely and swinging for-the-ladies jam, complete with bouncing harpsichords and lush organs and explicitly tuneful Fredo Bang boasts. In the video, the rapper rocks a pink sweatsuit (and his ever-present Da Real Gee Moneychain) as he romances three models in his white-on-white Lamborghini. “Saucy” is the latest video single from Most Hated, Fredo’s upcoming project.
“Saucy” is the latest in a line of standout clips from Most Hated, including last week’s “Trust Issues” (752k YouTube views) and earlier releases “Yo Slime” (3.5 million views) the bouncy “Waitin 4” (1.9 million views), and the war cry “Vest Up” (4.7 million views). The upcoming tape is Fredo’s third in less than 12 months, including the breakthrough Big Ape, hosting hits like “Oouuh,” “Gangsta Talk,” and “Story To Tell” (Remix), and his November 2019 debut Pain Made Me Numb, spanning 16 songs and containing the singles “Cap A Lot” and “Slidin.” Featuring appearances from Moneybagg Yo, Lil Baby, YNW Melly, and Tee Grizzley, Most Hated releases on April 17th via Def Jam Recordings.
Since emerging from a prison sentence in late 2018, Fredo has amassed tens of million of worldwide streams, while his videos have netted over 52 million collected views on YouTube alone. Prior to the Covid-19 hiatus, Fredo was looking forward to hitting the road as the highest-billed supporting act on Moneybagg’s 26-city cross-country “Time Served Tour,” with dates running from March 19th through May 3rd. Details of the rescheduled tour will be announced in the months ahead.
With a deep drawl and a natural affinity for melody, Fredo Bang is the next rhymer to rise out the Bayou. The Baton Rouge native has the ear of everyone in the South, from YNW Melly to Moneybagg Yo to Kevin Gates. Last year, the 23-year-old rapper dropped two quality projects in 2019, Big Ape and Pain Made Me Numb, and hit big with regional hits like “Ooouh” (Remix) ft. Kevin Gates, “Story To Tell,” and “Gangsta Talk” (ft. NLE Choppa). Stay tuned for much more from the 23-year-old rapper, who recently entered into a partnership with Def Jam Recordings, as 2020 moves on.
Video: the Jacka – “Cherish Me” ft. Dubb 20 & Street Knowledge
Mixing Archival Footage of the Late Bay Area Legend with New Footage of the Friends Who Survive Him, “Cherish Me” is the Latest Video from the Murder Weapon Album
Critical Praise:
“Oakland rapper the Jacka’s new album suggests he should be recognized as one of the last decade’s strongest writers—both within and outside of hip-hop. He makes accessible music that could easily appeal to a wide audience, but What Happened to the World will most readily reach those who still value hip-hop as an art form of evocative lyricism.” – Pitchfork
“It was his talent for writing about the West Coast thug life with unflinching honesty, and a slightly wheezy, yet magnetic, voice, that made him a beloved artist.” – Rolling Stone
“Staunchly independent with commercial highlights in spite of that independence, The Jacka was regionally revered while remaining lightly indifferent to local trends. Throughout his voluminous discography, The Jacka regaled listeners with saccharine chorus hooks, while his wheezy yet stern flow dispatched nuanced, panoramic hustler scenes. Gangsta narratives were tempered by deep empathy — in this regard, The Jacka was an heir to 2Pac.” – East Bay Express
“One of the Bay Area’s most respected lyricists, The Jacka gave voice to the complexities and contradictions of following a spiritual path while doing what it took to survive.” – KQED
The Video:
With his raspy voice and streetwise lyricism, few rappers command love and respect like the late Cali legend, the Jacka. A celebration of his life and career featuring some of his friends and artists, the Jacka’s presence returns in “Cherish Me,” a new music video. A deeply soulful mob anthem, “Cherish Me” finds the Jacka dwelling on his own mortality and imploring his fans and friends to love him while he’s still around: “Guess I won’t be here forever/Better cherish me/In the same game where real n****s perish away.” The new video collects archival images of the Jacka, intercut with clips of his friends, including 2 of the 3 members of Jacka’s Artist Records label, guest rappers Dubb 20 and Street Knowledge, reminiscing about the man in a secluded bar and at the intersection of 94th and MacArthur, where a fan painted a mural in Jacka’s memory. “Cherish Me” is the second video from Murder Weapon, the Jacka’s recently released posthumous album, following the vibrant video for album highlight “Ask God.”
A celebration of the Jacka’s legacy, Murder Weapon was lovingly completed by many of his closest friends, including Husalah, Rydah J. Klyde,& FedX of his Mob Figaz crew, and frequent behind-the-boards collaborators like RobLo, Maki, DJ Child, Lev, and AK. The completed version of an album the artist was working on before he tragically passed in February 2015, Murder Weapon executes the Jacka’s original artistic vision, compiling dozens of unreleased verses and keeping the original instrumentals whenever possible.
Murder Weapon is home to “Can’t Go Home,” a soulful collaboration with Freddie Gibbs, which earned coverage in Pitchfork, HotNewHipHop, and more, and recent single “Take Over The World,” a heart-wrenching and hopeful song that dwells on Jack’s lifelong struggles. The album also boasts new highlights like the Curren$y and Berner collab “Live It Up,” the conspiratorial “Ancient Astronaut,” featuring Killah Priest, and the night-driving anthem “We Outside.” Featuring additional appearances from Styles P, Paul Wall, Cormega, and more, Murder Weapon arrives via The Artist Records / EMPIRE.
Check out a wide-ranging retrospective on The Jacka’s life and legacy at KQED
Murder Weapon tracklist:
1. Intro (feat. Husalah)
2. Walk Away (feat. Styles P)
3. Take Over the World (feat. Fed-X)
4. Not Dead (feat. Rydah J. Klyde & Husalah)
5. Live It Up (feat. Curren$y & Berner)
6. Can’t Go Home (feat. Freddie Gibbs)
7. Never Worked
8. Ancient Astronaut (feat. Killah Priest)
9. Cherish Me (feat. Dubb 20 & Street Knowledge)
10. We Outside
11. They Know What This Is (feat. Paul Wall & Boo Banga)
12. Too Real (feat. Cormega)
13. Ask God
Shaheed Akbar, a.k.a. The Jacka (1977-2015), was a foundational figure in the Bay Area rap scene. A member of the legendary crew The Mob Figaz, he built a cult following in the Bay Area with releases such as The Jack Artist (2005) and Tear Gas (2009), which peaked at #93 on the Billboard 200. Known for his street wisdom and deep spirituality, The Jacka remained prolific throughout the 2010s, collaborating with the likes of Freeway, Berner, Andre Nickatina, and Ampichino on full-length albums, and releasing several acclaimed albums on his own. In 2015, The Jacka was assassinated by an unknown gunman, but his memory lives on through the love of his neighborhood and through the many tributes paid by his fellow rappers. Now, five years after his passing, The Jacka’s team will release Murder Weapon, a brand new album with appearances from the likes of Freddie Gibbs, Curren$y, Berner, and his Mob Figaz associates, due February 28th.
EMPIRE Background:
Founded in 2010 by San Francisco native Ghazi Shami, EMPIRE has experienced immense growth through their innovative approach to independent label, distribution and publishing services. With their focus on early stage artist development, the San Francisco based company has been instrumental in launching the careers of multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, DRAM and Anderson. Paak. In 2019, the independent EMPIRE continues to make a major impact, with smash hits and new music from Snoop Dogg, Iggy Azalea, XXXTentacion, Young Dolph, The Free Nationals, and more.
Mixtape: 24hrs – 12 AM In Atlanta 2 (Hosted by DJ Drama)
The Pitch-Shifting Rhymer Recruits Young Nudy, Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa, MadeinTYO, and More, Shares “Selfies” Video and a Making-Of Documentary for the New Mixtape
Critical Praise:
“Without any context, 24hrs’ music is like listening to an alien who recently landed on Earth, heard some songs by Young Thug, Jeremih, and Rae Sremmurd, and started making his own. It draws from the current sounds in hip-hop and R&B, but there’s something slightly off about it, and this is what makes it so interesting.”- Pigeons & Planes
With an unmistakable delivery and a taste for life’s finer things, 24hrs makes music for luxurious late nights. Illustrating his rise from striver to thriver, 24hrs shares 12 AM In Atlanta 2, his new mixtape. The sequel to his popular 2017 mixtape, 12 AM In Atlanta 2 finds the helium-pitched singer reuniting with DJ Drama, who includes some of his signature drops and curates a set of sparkling and spectral beats (from the likes of Don Cannon, DJ Marc B, Slick La Flare, and more) on which 24hrs spins his candy-coated flows. The Private Club Records CEO spends much of the mixtape finding creative ways to flex on his favorite things–most notably, sex, jewels, and cars–but leaves plenty of space for the artist to reflect on his come-up (“Cheap Phone”) and to delve into his special relationship with his home city (“Phipps Plaza,” “Love Atlanta”).
The new mixtape plays host to previously released highlights like the groupie-loving “Superstar” ft. Ty Dolla $ign, and the rich-life anthem “Selfies.” Featuring appearances from Young Nudy, Wiz Khalifa, MadeinTYO, K CAMP, Lil Scrappy, Kap G, Nessly, Guap Tarantino, Seddy Hendrix, and CashOnly, 12 AM In Atlanta 2 is available everywhere via Private Club Records/Rostrum Records.
Along with the new mixtape, 24hrs shares “Selfies,” his opulent new video. Radiating a neon-lit atmosphere that jibes perfectly with DJ Marc B‘s pulsating beat, the new video paints a picture of 24hrs enviable lifestyle, as he and his latest girlfriend coast down ATL’s highways in a shiny new Maybach and spend some quality time together in the rapper’s indoor hot tub. Directed by Motion Picture Sh*t, “Selfies” is the first video from the new mixtape.
Last night, 24hrs shared a new documentaryabout the making of 12 AM In Atlanta 2 and the artist’s life and career. The 25-minute documentary is filled with fascinating stories about 24hrs’ come-up (rapper Lil Scrappy found the artist in Japan and brought him to Atlanta), his relationship with his adopted city, and his recording process. With talking heads and cameo appearances from Scrappy, DJ Drama, Don Cannon, Jermaine Dupri, Ty Dolla $ign, K CAMP, Kap G, and many more, the doc immerses you into 24hrs’ friendly, jocular, and professional in-studio vibe. The new doc also reveals how the rapper achieves the trademark pitch-shifted effect on his vocals. A revealing and charming look at one of the ATL scene’s most quietly pivotal figures, the 12 AM In Atlanta 2 documentary is available to view on the artist’s YouTube channel.
The co-founder and CEO of Private Club Records, which he started with his brother MadeinTYO, 24hrs recently entered a partnership with Rostrum Records.
Formerly a rapper performing as Royce Rizzy, 24hrs found a new sound when he accidentally sped up one of his more melodic tracks, revealing a high-pitched and hooky new voice. Adopting the new vocal approach and shrouding his identity in mystery, 24hrs started to pick up momentum in 2016, earning praise from the likes of Pigeons & Planesand The FADER, and building a huge fanbase on SoundCloud. Since then, 24hrs developed a reputation for bright sonics, flashy lyrics, and endless hooks, winning a massive fan in Ty Dolla $ign and collaborating with the likes of Wiz Khalifa,Rick Ross, Young Thug, Wale, and Machine Gun Kelly, and growing his musical rapport with his brother MadeInTYO. In 2020, the artist is currently preparing to release 12 AM In Atlanta 2, a sequel to a 2017 DJ Drama-hosted mixtape. Stay tuned for the new project, coming April 10th via Private Club Records / Rostrum.
Lil Gotit Announces Hood Baby 2, the Sequel to His 2018 Debut Tape, Releasing on April 24th via Alamo Records
The 20-Year-Old Atlanta Rapper Shows Off His Fresh New Jewels in the “Bricks In The Attic” Video
Critical Praise:
“Lil Gotit is the heir to Atlanta’s rap throne” – The FADER
“Fresh off the release of his latest project, Crazy But It’s True, in March, ‘Lil Ralph’ is another step toward Lil Gotit having the sort of 2019 come-up that Lil Baby and Gunna had last year.” – Complex
“Like a fairy tale set in Atlanta’s Lenox Mall” – Pitchfork
The Announcement:
Taking over his city with his elastic flows and fast-talking flexes, Lil Gotit is only just getting started. Gearing up for his second mixtape of 2020, Gotit announces Hood Baby 2. The sequel to his 2018 debut mixtape, which announced the then-19-year-old Gotit as a player to watch in his hometown scene, the upcoming Hood Baby 2 demonstrates the rapper’s artistic evolution–his flows are tighter, his ad-libs are wilder, and his money is longer. Featuring appearances from Future, Gunna, Lil Yachty, Lil Keed, Tee Grizzley, and more, Hood Baby 2 arrives on April 24th via Alamo Records.
Along with the official announcement of Hood Baby 2, Gotit shares “Bricks In The Attic,” the tape’s first single. Riding the contours of a wavy instrumental from PRODUCER, Gotit rocks a mutating flow, switching between high-pitched sing-song and forceful triplets as he runs through his favorite luxuries. In the video, shot with a lo-fi grain that evokes a VHS tape, Gotit shows off his sparkling new chains–elaborate pieces that celebrate the bond between Gotit and his blood brother Lil Keed. Directed by Wyatt Winfrey, the video was shot during Gotit’s recent trip to NYC.
It’s already been a crazy busy 2020 for Lil Gotit. In February, Gotit connected with London On Da Track for Superstar Creature, an 11-track new project. The mixtape finds Gotit stretching his vocal muscles on highlights like the motormouthed, Latin-inflected “Argentina,” the wavy, falsetto-laden “Freak B*tches,” the bouncy lead single “Bet Up” (2.7 million YouTube Views), recent video single “Free Melly” (632k views) more. Featuring appearances from Polo G, Young Nudy,and Slimelife Shawty, who appeared in the recent video for “Slime Hood,” Superstar Creature is available everywherevia Alamo Records/Interscope.
Shortly after dropping Superstar Creature, Lil Gotit connected with another ATL sound architect–Zaytoven–for the The A-Team mixtape. A collaborative effort featuring Gotit, Zaytoven, Lil Yachty, and Lil Keed, and featuring the “Drip Jacker” video single,The A-Team solidified Gotit’s spot among Atlanta’s trap elite.
The Lil Durk Protégé Shares a Mournful and Melodic Single from the Upcoming Home•Less EP, Out April 20th via Only The Family/EMPIRE
The Song:
With sharp melodic instincts and an empathetic songwriting approach that recalls his mentor Lil Durk, Chicago native Booka600 is quickly rising in his city and beyond. Coming through with a mournful, yet triumphant drill ballad, Booka shares “iRap,“ his latest single. Produced by Internet Money producer TouchOfTrent (Lil Durk, Trevor Daniel, DeRez De’Shon), “iRap” finds Booka wielding a soft auto-tuned croon, offering poignant observations, low-key flexes, and sorrowful ruminations atop dramatic pianos: “Understand a grind, it’s not a race for the figures,” he sings.
The follow-up to February’s “iRock,” a celebratory anthem for the flexers, “iRap” will appear on Home•Less, Booka’s upcoming EP. Featuring production from TouchOfTrent, JBThePhilosophy, and TM, the Home•Less EP arrives on April 20th via Only The Family/EMPIRE.
Says Booka, “I named this project Home•Less because Chicago is becoming less of a home,” says Booka. “Everything changed for the worse. Coming from there, you gotta learn to become self-reliant and trust in yourself. Since I dropped Word To LA last year, I’ve been making music that sounds more and more like me–I’m getting out of my shell and making the music I wanna make.”
Booka has quickly emerged as one of the most promising signees of LIl Durk’s Only The Family label. In December, the young rapper embraced a co-starring role on Family Over Everything, a December mixtape that featured the entire OTF crew. On that project, Booka provided the hook for mixtape standout “Riot,” which features Lil Durk and fellow Chicago heavy-hitter G Herbo, and he took a star turn of his own on “The Hood,” an organ-drenched trap ballad. Last year, Booka600 dropped Word To LA, a mournful, defiant, and melodic project that featured appearances from Lil Durk, King Von, Tee Grizzley, and more. With the help of Durk and the rest of his OTF brethren, Booka is looking to leave his mark on 2020 with Home•Less EP, and Hi, My Name Is Loyal, his next full-length project, coming in August.
About Only The Family (OTF):
With a young and hungry roster of Chicago-born emcees, Lil Durk’s OTF label signees have made their intentions clear–they’re coming to take over the game. Most notable among the OTF roster is King Von, whose breakout hit “Crazy Story” earned more than 35 million views on YouTube and 14 million combined plays on Apple and Spotify. King Von is currently preparing his debut mixtape. Returning to the scene with his Dirty-Glove Bastard-premiered single “War Scars,” melodic mastermind Booka600released his mixtape Word To LA in June. The OTF crew showcased their talents in two label mixtapes released last year, Lil Durk Presents: Only The Family Involved Vol. 1, released last summer, and its sequel, released just before the New Year.
Video: Yung Mal – “Goin’ Up” (Prod. by Pyrex Whippa)
The Fast-Rising Alamo Records Signee Shares the Latest Video from the 6 Rings Mixtape
Critical Praise:
“After his rise to prominence through the duo Mal & Quill through the late 2010s, East Atlanta rapper Yung Mal has ventured off for some strong solo offerings, first with last year’s Iceburg and now with his latest 6 RINGS, a quick-hitting 12-track project full of rapid fire flows and strong instrumentals from producer Pyrex.” – HYPEBEAST
“Drenched in authenticity, New Orleans-born, Atlanta-bred rapper Yung Mal is looking like the next to blow out of the south.” – XXL
“The young ATL rapper has been making strides in his city as the next-up.” — 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 Video:
A fast-talking rhymer with a supernatural sense of rhythm, Atlanta’s Yung Mal is quickly becoming one of his city’s best young emcees. Taking the time to comment on his meteoric rise, Mal shares “Goin’ Up,” his latest video. Annihilating a flute-laden instrumental from esteemed producer Pyrex Whippa, the Zone 6 native stacks flex after flex with a rock-steady cadence: “Not too many I can trust, I let those rubber bands bust/I got money Ion even touch, that sh*t collecting dust.” In the video, directed by ShotByWolf, Mal makes the most of his trip to NYC (the setting of his recent “Cocaine Freestyle” clip, directed by Qasquiat), causing a scene in front of the Washington Square arch with his drip and his dance. Recently included on Spotify’s Get Turnt playlist, “Goin’ Up” is the latest video from Mal’s acclaimed 6 Rings mixtape, which earned praise in HYPEBEAST and XXL.
Created in collaboration with Pyrex Whippa, 6 Rings is an excellent showcase for Mal’s effortlessly intricate rhymes, which weave within swinging hi-hats and entrancing flute loops. The 24-year-old rapper is an expert at finding unique rhythmic pockets within the beat, frequently messing with listener’s expectations of meter and the bar line. A favorite of the new generation of Southern rappers (DaBaby, Young Thug, Offset, Lil Gotit, Dreamville), the Baltimore-born Pyrex is a perfect fit for Mal’s style, offering a diverse variety woozy trap instrumentals on which the young rapper can perfect his flexes. The new project hosts video singles like “Shut Up,” featuring Lil Gotit and Lil Keed, the Doe Boy co-starring “Blake Griffin,” and the insular “100 Missed Calls.” Featuring an additional appearance from Mal’s frequent rhyme partner Lil Quill, 6 Rings is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
Mal is quickly building an audience on streaming services, with over 650k monthly listeners and inclusion on the service’s Get Turnt, Most Necessary, and Realest Down South playlists. He recently earned a nomination for the XXL Freshman 10th Spot. With 6 Rings, Mal looks to enjoy a breakout year and propel himself into ATL’s A-list.
Fresh Off a Social Media Back-And-Forth with NBA YoungBoy, the Sniper Gang Rapper Shares a Guitar-Driven New Single
Critical Praise:
“Jackboy couches stouthearted streetisms in his minihooks, stuff that doesn’t really apply to your life, but feels fun to sing aloud, and seems primed for Instagram captions.” – The Ringer
“One thing is for certain: Jackboy is on his way.” – XXL
The Song:
Armed with a quick wit and a quicker trigger finger, Jackboy is fiercely protective of his Sniper Gang brethren. Flashing the unique sense of rhythm that makes him one of the game’s most chaotic and polished young rappers, the Pompano Beach, FL native shares “Cleaning Crew,” his latest single. Fitting his rapidfire rhymes between the notes of a snaking guitar melody, Jackboy compares his associates to a cleaning crew–but they’re armed with mopsticks, not mops, and they’ll mobilize at Jackboy’s command. Dripping with the taunting, confrontational demeanor that he exhibited in his recent social media back-and-forth with NBA YoungBoy, “Cleaning Crew” is Jackboy’s first new song since “Murda,” the sinister Casanova collab, and it will appear on Jackboy, the rapper’s new project coming later this month.
Holding down the Sniper Gang mantle while his close friend Kodak Black does time, Jackboy has been busy recording, collaborating, and dropping loosies. He opened the year with the hard-hitting video single “Freedom Of Speech” (1.1 million views), and continued with high-profile collaborations with YFN Lucci (“F*ck It“) and Louisiana rapper TEC ( “For That“). In 2019, Jackboy released two projects, including the acclaimed Lost In My Headproject, which dropped in September and included popular singles “Not A Clone” (5.2 million views) and the JetsonMade-produced “Bipolar” (3.4 million views). An unabashed fan of pop stars like Ed Sheeran or Adele (the rapper freestyled over her hit “Hello” in late 2019), Jackboy recently earned a nomination from XXL for their Freshman 10th Spot.
In three years of rapping, 22-year-old Jackboy has already achieved nearly 100 million YouTube views, 30 million at Soundcloud, and eight figure-streaming at Spotify. Born in Haiti and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, the rapper beams with captivating personality and charisma. He emphasizes the important words, both in conversation and melodic rapping. Although spirited and youthful, the artist heard on “G To The A,” “Grimace,” and “Not A Clone,” appears wise beyond his years. Best friends with Kodak Black for over a decade, the Sniper Gang/EMPIRE artist released two albums, JackNDaBox and LostInMyHead, in 2019. Jackboy has plenty to say.
EMPIRE Background
EMPIRE was founded in 2010 as an artist-friendly, progressive digital distribution company. After early success, and identifying future icons such as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and Rich Homie Quan, EMPIRE was quickly regarded as a tastemaker in the industry and throughout the past five years evolved into a full-fledged record label, distributor and publisher for independent musicians. With the company and roster growing at a breakneck pace, EMPIRE has effectively disrupted a stale business model by bringing its energy, expertise, and acumen to its artists and labels. Today, EMPIRE works with some of music’s hottest talent, ranging from superstars such as T.I. and Snoop Dogg, red-hot newcomers such as SOB X RBE and Mozzy, and established veterans like Jim Jones and Redman. While remaining 100% independent, EMPIRE has also partnered with Atlantic Records for a joint venture, home to breakout star D.R.A.M. and propelled singles by Fat Joe & Remy Ma (“All The Way Up,” 2x Platinum), Tyga (“Taste,” 3x Platinum), and Lil Duval (“Smile”) to the top of the Billboard Hip-Hop Charts. In April 2018, EMPIRE signed a global distribution deal with Universal Music Group for select artist projects.
The Dallas Native Counts Cash In His Kitchen in His Latest Music Video
The Video:
A tireless worker who uses his music to work through his demons, Mo3 is the voice of the Dallas streets. Giving us a glimpse into his indoor lifestyle, Mo shares “Broken Love,” his new music video. A soulful single that relies on Mo3’s expressive singing voice, “Broken Love” finds the rapper commenting on his relationships and day-to-day problems, doling out pearls of street wisdom in his inimitable drawl: “The struggle made me hard, my momma gettin’ fed up/Lookin’ out the window, tryna keep my head up/My partner don’t take care of his kids, I told him ‘man up’/That made him mad, but I’d be wrong if I never said none.” In the video, Mo3 shows off his indoor drip, rocking multiple chains and stacking bands–he refuses to let the lockdown stop his shine. “Broken Love” is the latest in a line of video singles, including the topical struggle anthem “Black Corona” (1.5 million views) and the pugilisitic “Beat Em Up” (441k views).
The Dallas rhymer recently teamed up with Boosie BadAzz for BadAzz Mo3. Bursting with emotion and rich with detail, the tape boasts highlights suited for any situation, from the bouncy, club-ready “Move,” to the twinkling-yet-ferocious “I Remember,“ and “Supposed To Do,” a melodic ode to the struggle. In December, Mo3 dropped Osama, which racked up over 12 million streams across platforms, and spawned successful videos like “Apartment” (5.7 million views), “Why” (2.1 million views), and “Ride For Me” (2.4 million views). BadAzz Mo3 and Osama are both available to stream via H$M Music/EMPIRE.
Founded in 2010 by San Francisco native Ghazi, EMPIRE has experienced immense growth through their innovative approach to independent label, distribution and publishing services. With their focus on early stage artist development, the San Francisco based company has been instrumental in launching the careers of multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, DRAM and Anderson. Paak. In 2019, the independent EMPIRE continues to make a major impact, with smash hits and new music from Snoop Dogg, Iggy Azalea, XXXTentacion, Young Dolph, The Free Nationals, and more.
The Storytelling Specialist Shares the Latest Video From His LeVon James Project
Critical Praise:
“King Von’s original ‘Crazy Story’ is the kind of thing hip-hop heads should crave: an immediate and distinct piece of cinematic rap that makes time for flirting and gangbanging all in one ferocious verse. The Chicago rapper details an attack on an opp that keeps you engrossed all the way to the very end” – The 405
“King Von’s incredibly vivid story-telling rhymes have propelled him to the forefront of Chicago drill rap.” – The FADER
“King Von excels in using his storytelling as a device to portray the struggle of growing up in Chicago.” – Pitchfork
The Video:
With painstaking attention to detail and a gripping sense of narrative momentum, nobody in the rap game can tell a story like King Von. Coming through with another crazy story of life in Chicago’s O-Block, Von shares “3 A.M.,” a new music video. A quick-hitting drill banger with a snide sense of humor and a beat from Von’s favorite producer Chopsquad DJ, “3 A.M.” tells the story of a late-night robbery, ending with a twist worthy of The Twilight Zone. Directed by DrewFilmedIt, the new clip vividly dramatizes Von’s every word, and captures his snarling charisma as he enthusiastically performs his song. “3 A.M.” is a highlight track from LeVon James, the rapper’s Billboard 200-charting recent project, available everywhere via Only The Family/EMPIRE.
With a title that alludes to Von’s G.O.A.T. aspirations and a cover that pays homage to LeBron James’s pre-game chalk ritual, LeVon James is a fierce and invigorating listen, painting a vivid picture of Chicago chaos atop glistening instrumentals from Von’s frequent collaborator Chopsquad DJ, among others. Following up 2019’s successful Grandson Vol. 1 (over 350 million total streams), the new project reaffirms the Only The Family rapper’s rep as one of the game’s best storytellers–he packs detail and wit into his edge-of-seat rhymes without losing his expert sense of time and place–and expands his box of tools to include melodic rave-ups like “Hella Glocks,” and inspirational trap ballads like “See Me Make It.“ The new project hosts the wildly successful new single “Took Her To The O“ (8.7 million views), recently spawning a Genius Verified video, and the G Herbo-collaboration “On Yo A**“ (3.4 million views). Most recently, Von shared the video for “Trust Issues” (2.8 million views), a relationship-driven rap ballad with an appearance from Yungeen Ace.
Von recently wrapped up “PTSD Tour,” a nationwide tour headlined by G Herbo. Showcasing Von’s raucous live show, the tour criss-crossed the nation for multiple sold out dates, and featured performances of tracks from LeVon James and Grandson Vol. 1–including his Gold-certified breakout hit “Crazy Story.“
The Background:
King Von was born in the South Side of Chicago, growing up in O Block, the area that produced Chief Keef. After rightfully beating an erroneous murder charge that could have put him away for life, King Von took inspiration from heroes like Lil Wayne and turned to rapping, linking up with Lil Durk who signed him to his OTF label. Within six months, Von had a series of viral hits, including the sinister “Problems,” which has over 3.4 million views after its debut on Lil Durk’s YouTube channel, and the defiant “War Wit Us,” which has over 3.8 million YouTube views. With “Crazy Story” currently burning up urban radio (it recently reached #76 on the nationwide chart), Von seems to be on the fast track to translate his fervent local following into national fame
Gliding gloriously through CitoOnTheBeat’s bouncy, mariachi-style production, Suigeneris is the game’s sauciest 16-year-old. Perfectly encapsulating the EMPIRE signee’s playful energy, the “Brown Justin Bieber” video gives a detailed look into a wild backyard party extravaganza hosted by Suie himself. The throwdown features colorful confetti, dazzling sparklers, and most importantly, a kiddie pool filled entirely with Hot Cheetos, Suie’s favorite snack. The Bay Area native shows his unadulterated personality in the new video, the first from his new Demons N Angels project.
“Brown Justin Bieber” was the lead single from Demons N Angels, Suie’s new project. A double-EP divided by sound and concept, Demons N Angels is a testament to Suie’s versatility–the Demons half of the project showcases Suie’s rapping skills and impish charm, while the Angels half expands his sound into the worlds of pop and R&B. The new project features “Faithful,” a recent single with fellow teen heartthrob Luh Kel, and “Scrubs,” a TLC-flipping R&B jam with an appearance from Yung Pinch. With additional appearances from Landon Cube and Craig Xen, the 16-track Demons N Angels project is available to stream and purchase everywhere via EMPIRE.
Beginning his career with big co-signs from Lil Skies and Landon Cube, Suigeneris has always been destined for stardom. His 2019 project Suinami has racked up over 20 million streams across all platforms and featured appearances from NLE Choppa, TJ Porter, and Daddex. Suinami’s biggest single, “Lucifer,” has over 1.7 million views on YouTube and 1.3m Spotify streams. Recently, Suie made a notable appearance alongside Tory Lanez and TJ Porter on CitoOnTheBeat‘s popular single, “Familiar.”
Introduced to hip-hop by his brothers, Suigeneris experienced his first taste of success at the young age of 13, when his video “Pull Up” caught fire in the Bay Area to the tune of 1.6 million YouTube views. Since then, Suie’s career trended ever upward. “Pull Up” caught the ear of Landon Cube, who brought Suie on as an opening act for his tour. Through Cube, Suie met Lil Skies, who appreciated Suie’s melodic mastery enough to collaborate with him on “Now” (6.2 million Spotify streams, 3.6 million YT views). His 2019 mixtape Suinami earned more than 15 million streams on Spotify alone, and 20 million across all platforms. Now 16, and with over 340k monthly listeners on Spotify, Suie is preparing to release Demons N Angels, a double EP that comments on his dual nature–Romeo and Damien, singer and rapper.
The Bay Area Native Embraces His Mexican Roots in this Video From the Demons N Angels Double EP
Critical Praise:
“Suigeneris is a living testament of the old adage, ‘Age ain’t nothing but a number.'” – XXL
The Video:
Gliding gloriously through CitoOnTheBeat’s bouncy, mariachi-style production, Suigeneris is the game’s sauciest 16-year-old. Perfectly encapsulating the EMPIRE signee’s playful energy, the “Brown Justin Bieber” video gives a detailed look into a wild backyard party extravaganza hosted by Suie himself. The throwdown features colorful confetti, dazzling sparklers, and most importantly, a kiddie pool filled entirely with Hot Cheetos, Suie’s favorite snack. The Bay Area native shows his unadulterated personality in the new video, the first from his new Demons N Angels project.
“Brown Justin Bieber” was the lead single from Demons N Angels, Suie’s new project. A double-EP divided by sound and concept, Demons N Angels is a testament to Suie’s versatility–the Demons half of the project showcases Suie’s rapping skills and impish charm, while the Angels half expands his sound into the worlds of pop and R&B. The new project features “Faithful,” a recent single with fellow teen heartthrob Luh Kel, and “Scrubs,” a TLC-flipping R&B jam with an appearance from Yung Pinch. With additional appearances from Landon Cube and Craig Xen, the 16-track Demons N Angels project is available to stream and purchase everywhere via EMPIRE.
Beginning his career with big co-signs from Lil Skies and Landon Cube, Suigeneris has always been destined for stardom. His 2019 project Suinami has racked up over 20 million streams across all platforms and featured appearances from NLE Choppa, TJ Porter, and Daddex. Suinami’s biggest single, “Lucifer,” has over 1.7 million views on YouTube and 1.3m Spotify streams. Recently, Suie made a notable appearance alongside Tory Lanez and TJ Porter on CitoOnTheBeat‘s popular single, “Familiar.”
Introduced to hip-hop by his brothers, Suigeneris experienced his first taste of success at the young age of 13, when his video “Pull Up” caught fire in the Bay Area to the tune of 1.6 million YouTube views. Since then, Suie’s career trended ever upward. “Pull Up” caught the ear of Landon Cube, who brought Suie on as an opening act for his tour. Through Cube, Suie met Lil Skies, who appreciated Suie’s melodic mastery enough to collaborate with him on “Now” (6.2 million Spotify streams, 3.6 million YT views). His 2019 mixtape Suinami earned more than 15 million streams on Spotify alone, and 20 million across all platforms. Now 16, and with over 340k monthly listeners on Spotify, Suie is preparing to release Demons N Angels, a double EP that comments on his dual nature–Romeo and Damien, singer and rapper.
The Young Dolph Protégé Flexes Quick-Witted Punchlines and Athletic Double-Time Flows on His 8-Track Debut, Shares New Video For “Clusters”
The EP:
Stacking punchlines and boasts with an audible grin, Paper Route EMPIRE riser Big Moochie Grape has got the juice. Reporting live from his colorful corner of East Memphis, Moochie shares Eat Or Get Ate, his debut EP. A relentless assault of double-time rhymes and outsized flexes, Eat Or Get Ate is propelled by Moochie’s palpable hunger–he’s determined to strike it rich, and he’s gonna do it his way.
Featuring speaker-knocking production from PRE’s Bandplay, the new EP boasts previously released highlights like last week’s bass-heavy, fast-talking “Clusters,” his instantly memorable debut single “Big Juice,” and the outlandish “Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh,“ which has over 1 million video views in its first month of release and earned coverage in Stereogum, Uproxx, HipHopDX, and more. Spanning 8 hard-hitting tracks, Eat Or Get Ate EP is available to stream everywhere via Paper Route EMPIRE.
Along with the EP, Moochie shares the new video for “Clusters.” Produced by Bandplay, “Clusters” finds Moochie–or as he calls himself, “Moochie Hilfiger”–unleashing an endless array of flex-heavy punchlines in a fast-talking flow. In the video, Moochie gives us a glimpse of his boss life in East Memphis. He spends the video shirtless (with two PRE chains) in the company of two baddies, as he sips purple Kool-Aid in the kitchen, dances on the roof, and perfects his arcade skills.
A protégé of King of Memphis and PRE head honcho Young Dolph, Big Moochie Grape started bubbling in his home neighborhood of East Memphis in late 2019 with his standout verse on “Now & Next” (818k YouTube views), a highlight from fellow PRE signee Jay Fizzle‘s Young Dumb & Don’t Give a F*ckmixtape. In January, Moochie released “Big Juice,” a woozy banger that gained traction on the Memphis streets. “Big Juice” and “Uh Huh Uh HUh Uh Huh” helped Moochie grow his following on social media, especially Instagram where he counts over 65k followers. With the help of Young Dolph (who gifted Moochie a concord-colored Lamborghini) and Paper Route EMPIRE, Moochie is primed to make the leap from local hero to national name.
Eat Or Get Ate EP tracklist:
1. Eat or Get Ate Intro
2. Three Months
3. Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh
4. From The Bottom
5. Veterans
6. Big Juice
7. Clusters
8. Starter
Rising out of Memphis to become one of the South’s pre-eminent rap labels, Paper Route EMPIRE embodies the independent hustle. Home to superstar Young Dolph, heatseeker Key Glock, and Tennessee-born upstarts like Jay Fizzle, PRE partners with EMPIRE to provide a nationwide platform for local talent. Generating hundreds of millions of streams in 2018 alone with albums such as Young Dolph’s Major, which peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200, and Key Glock’s Glock Bondand Glockoma, Paper Route EMPIRE is making a major impact as an indie label, and will only grow stronger in the future.
The Baton Rouge Native Shares a New Visual For the Highlight From Most Hated, Releasing April 15th via Def Jam Recordings
Critical Praise:
“With the 2015 arrest that threatened to derail his rising career now decidedly in the rearview, Fredo is back with a newfound sense of purpose: more viral, more hardworking, and more determined to advance than ever before.” – The FADER
“New Gen Winter 2019–His city’s favored up-and-comer and its most versatile rising act. Songs like ‘No Mo’ show his penchant for soul-searching narratives and music-as-medicine melodies; the success of ‘Oouuh’ proves he has a one-of-a-kind ability to reach all sides of the hip-hop and R&B spectrum.” – HYPEBEAST
“Known for his tales of life in the streets, the rapper behind records like “Story to Tell” and “Oouuh” shows just how it goes down in his hometown” – XXL
The Video:
Fredo Bang‘s bruising lyricism and soulful flow have propelled him to the top of the Baton Rouge rap scene. Thoughtfully contrasting the perks and repercussions of his rising fame, Fredo shares “Trust Issues,” a new video. Shot by DemarcusTV, the new video finds Fredo performing the song in his studio, proudly rocking his chain in memory of his friend Da Real Gee Money and pouring his heart and soul into every lyric. Released over the weekend and already with over 450k views, “Trust Issues” is the latest release from Most Hated, Fredo’s upcoming project.
“Trust Issues” is the latest in a long line of successful videos, including the aggressive “Yo Slime” (3 million views), the bouncy “Waitin 4,” produced by Hardbody B-Eazy and DJ Chose (1.6 million views), and the battle cry “Vest Up” (4.6 million views). All four of these songs, will appear on Most Hated, which boasts features from Moneybagg Yo, Lil Baby, and YNW Melly and releases on April 15th via Def Jam Recordings.
Fredo’s 20-song mixtape Big Ape dropped in May 2019, hosting hits like “Oouuh,” “Gangsta Talk,” and “Story To Tell” (Remix). Shortly after entering a partnership with Def Jam in the fall, Fredo issued his November 2019 follow-up mixtape Pain Made Me Numb, spanning 16 songs and containing the singles “Cap A Lot” and “Slidin.” Fredo has amassed tens of million of worldwide streams, while his videos have netted over 52 million collected views on YouTube alone.
Prior to the Covid-19 hiatus, Fredo was looking forward to hitting the road as the highest-billed supporting act on Moneybagg’s 26-city cross-country “Time Served Tour,” with dates running from March 19th through May 3rd. Details of the rescheduled tour will be announced in the months ahead.
With a deep drawl and a natural affinity for melody, Fredo Bang is the next rhymer to rise out the Bayou. The Baton Rouge native has the ear of everyone in the South, from YNW Melly to Moneybagg Yo to Kevin Gates. Last year, the 23-year-old rapper dropped two quality projects in 2019, Big Ape and Pain Made Me Numb, and hit big with regional hits like “Ooouh” (Remix) ft. Kevin Gates, “Story To Tell,” and “Gangsta Talk” (ft. NLE Choppa). Stay tuned for much more from the 23-year-old rapper, who recently entered into a partnership with Def Jam Recordings, as 2020 moves on.
Rolling Loud Postpones Miami 2020 Festival, Reschedules for February 12-14th, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens
After Assessing the Public Health Risk Posed by COVID-19, the World’s Premier Rap Festival Reschedules Its Flagship Event and Will Honor All Prior Purchases
Critical Praise:
“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
The Announcement:
MIAMI, FL – After careful internal consideration and consultations with the state and local authorities about the public health risks posed by the COVID-19 virus, Rolling Loud, the world’s premier rap festival, announced that it will postpone Rolling Loud Miami, originally scheduled for May 8-10th, 2020, and reschedule to February 12-14, 2021 (Presidents’ Day Weekend). Rolling Loud values the health and safety of all attendees above all, and the festival urges ticket-holders and fans to follow the guidance and protocols put in place by their local public health authorities.
A statement from Rolling Loud:
Rolling Loud is nothing without our fans. Thank you all for being so patient with us.
Since our last update, we have been monitoring the spread of COVID-19, hopeful that it would slow and allow us to proceed with producing the festival in May. At the same time, we were working around the clock on a contingency plan in case we had to postpone. It was important for us to not make the decision too soon, without having all of the facts. We wanted nothing more than to turn up with you all at the 6th year of our sold out show. However, as the spread of COVID-19 has increased to tragic levels, it became clear that we could not proceed with the May 8-10 dates.
To make sure that fans get the same experience that they signed up for in May, we’ve worked extremely hard with all of the artists, vendors, city and county officials, and the venue to make that happen. Accordingly, Rolling Loud Miami 2020 will be postponed to President’s Day Weekend (3 days), February 12-14, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Same lineup. Same rage. Ain’t nothin’ changed but the dates.
All purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled dates. If you need a refund, don’t worry, we got you. Purchasers will be notified via email by April 8th on how to obtain a refund. We’ve also extended the Layaway Plan GRACE PERIOD to August 1st for those fans who missed a payment and still want to be able to attend in February. We love you all and want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get lit with us next year.
We’ll get through this together. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all soon! If we all do our part to help suppress the virus, we’ll be moshing together again in no time.
Growing from a single-day concert to a globe-spanning empire, Rolling Loud is proud to be the biggest festival brand in rap, and expresses deep gratitude for the artists who show love, and the fans who make each event special. Though it may be delayed, #RL6 promises to be a vibrant celebration of hip-hop, culture, and life itself.
Founded in 2015 by Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif as a one-day festival in Miami, Rolling Loud evolved into a global behemoth, with massive festivals on both American coasts and international events in Europe and Australia. In October, Rolling Loud hosted the first annual Rolling Loud New York, which boasted one of the brand’s most impressive lineups yet, and in December, it drew 65,000 fans per day to Banc of California Stadium for Rolling Loud Los Angeles.
Audible Treats Lands 26 Current and Past Clients On XXL’s List of 2020 Freshman Nominees
With Our Clients Making Up 25% of the Entire List, It’s Safe to Say You Can Trust Us When We Tell You Who’s Up Next
After 15 years in the game, we at Audible Treats have a sixth sense for finding new talent and taking them to the next level. But rarely does the fruit of our labor manifest so visibly as it did this week, when our friends at XXL revealed their list of 10th Spot contenders for the 2020 Freshman list–our clients are all over it. With 26 artists making the cut, our clients make up over 25% of the entire list of nominees.
Below are our current and past clients who are eligible for the XXL 10th Spot–go ahead and vote for your faves!
– Abby Jasmine
– AzChike
– Asian Doll
– Bandhunta Izzy
– Calboy
– Flipp Dinero
– Fredo Bang
– Guapdad 4000
– Jackboy
– Jasiah
– Key Glock
– King Von
– Lil Gotit
– Lil Tecca
– Luh Kel
– Mulatto
– Rod Wave
– Sheff G
– Shootergang Kony
– Skooly
– Slayter
– Suigeneris
– Yung Mal
– Yungeen Ace
– 1TakeJay
– 24kGoldn
Over the past several years, current Audible Treats clients Smokepurpp, wifisfuneral, and Comethazine, and past clients Dizzy Wright, and Jarren Benton have graced the cover of the annual Freshman issue. We can’t wait to see if another one of our clients makes the 2020 edition!
Audible Treats is a New York-based publicity agency. We do good things. People like us.
Founded and directed by Master’s Degree holders from New York University’s storied Music Business Master’s Program, the company has provided consistent results for our clients for over fifteen years. We provide full-service online, print, and tv publicity campaigns.
Video: Yung Mal – “Cocaine Freestyle” (Prod. by Pyrex Whippa)
The Zone 6 Native Heads to the Big Apple in the Qasquiat-Directed Video from 6 Rings
Critical Praise:
“After his rise to prominence through the duo Mal & Quill through the late 2010s, East Atlanta rapper Yung Mal has ventured off for some strong solo offerings, first with last year’s Iceburg and now with his latest 6 RINGS, a quick-hitting 12-track project full of rapid fire flows and strong instrumentals from producer Pyrex.” – HYPEBEAST
“The young ATL rapper has been making strides in his city as the next-up.” — 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 Video:
Brandishing a fast-talking flow, Yung Mal has a bottomless appetite for luxury. Heading from the 404 to the 212 in his latest video, Mal shares the vibrant and colorful “Cocaine Freestyle.” Produced by the rising trap maestro Pyrex Whippa, “Cocaine Freestyle” is a hard-hitting, yet low-key anthem for the flexers, as Mal unleashes boasts in a torrent of hookless bars: “Marry the money I bought a ring/Bans busting out the chain before it made them gassy busting moves like Billy Jean.” In the vibrantly coloful video, directed by Qasquiat (Lil Uzi Vert, Roddy Ricch), Mal drips too hard in the Big Apple, rocking a Mona Lisa jacket in Times Square and counts cash in the studio, rocking bright red Bathing Ape to blend with the studio walls. “Cocaine Freestyle” is the opening track from 6 Rings, Mal’s new project.
Created in collaboration with rising producer Pyrex Whippa, 6 Rings is an excellent showcase for Mal’s effortlessly intricate rhymes, which weave within swinging hi-hats and entrancing flute loops. The 24-year-old rapper is an expert at finding unique rhythmic pockets within the beat, frequently messing with listener’s expectations of meter and the bar line. A favorite of the new generation of Southern rappers (DaBaby, Young Thug, Offset, Lil Gotit, Dreamville), the Baltimore-born Pyrex is a perfect fit for Mal’s style, offering a diverse variety woozy trap instrumentals on which the young rapper can perfect his flexes. The new project hosts video singles like “Shut Up,” featuring Lil Gotit and Lil Keed, the Doe Boy co-starring “Blake Griffin,” and last week’s insular “100 Missed Calls.” Featuring an additional appearance from Mal’s frequent rhyme partner Lil Quill, 6 Rings is available everywhere via Alamo Records.
6 Rings is Yung Mal’s first full-length project since last summer’s release of Iceburg, his debut solo mixtape. The mixtape hosted a long line of successful singles, including the Gunna-featuring “War,“ the Gucci Mane-featuring, Complex-premiered “Fresh”, and the exotic slapper “Action,” featuring Lil GotIt, produced by Pi’erre Bourne, and premiered by HYPEBEAST. More recently, Mal dropped a line of fiery video singles, including “Dollar Signs,” “Juggernaut,“ the “Numbers (Remix)“ ft. Stunna 4 Vegas, and last week’s “Bachelor.“ The 24-year-old rapper is quickly building an audience on streaming services, with over 650k monthly listeners and inclusion on the service’s Get Turnt, Most Necessary, and Realest Down South playlists. With 6 Rings, Mal looks to enjoy a breakout year and propel himself into ATL’s A-list.
The Chicago Native and Lil Durk Protégé Tunefully Explains How His Life Change Since He Signed to Only The Family on His Latest Single
The Song:
With a knack for yearning melody and a palpable hunger for rap game success, Only The Family signee MK is the next to blow out of Chicago. Coming through with a melodic anthem that recalls the best of his mentor Lil Durk, MK shares “Outkast,” his new single. Emoting atop mournful pianos and crackling percussion, MK reflects on his attempts to break into the rap game from his humble beginnings: “I made sacrifices for this sh*t, can’t get my life back/I done worked too hard for this sh*t so I can’t go back.” The song is a worthy showcase of MK’s expressive voice and raw rhymes, as he digs deep into his psyche and lays bare his goals and desires. “Outkast” follows the Young Will-directed video for “Better,“ MK’s standout track from Family Over Everything, OTF’s December 2019 mixtape, which showcased the talents of the whole crew.
With a deep and talented crew of rising rappers, the OTF roster includes King Von, the voracious storyteller who hit it big with “Crazy Story,” and the melodic mastermind Booka600, who dropped his well-received Word To L.A. project last summer. The Family Over Everything project boasts new music from Durk and showcases the strengths of Von, Booka, Memo600, Doodie Lo, JusBlow600, OTF Ikey, and new OTF signee C3. Offering standout guest appearances from some of Durk’s kindred spirits, such as fellow Chicago natives G Herbo and Polo G, who appeared with Durk earlier this year in a video for project highlight “Career Day“ (3.4 million views), and Durk-indebted youngsters like NLE Choppa and Lil TJay, Family Over Everything is available to stream everywhere via Alamo Records/Only The Family.
With a young and hungry roster of Chicago-born emcees, Lil Durk’s OTF label signees have made their intentions clear–they’re coming to take over the game. Most notable among the OTF roster is King Von, whose breakout hit “Crazy Story” earned more than 35 million views on YouTube and 14 million combined plays on Apple and Spotify. King Von is currently preparing his debut mixtape. Returning to the scene with his Dirty-Glove Bastard-premiered single “War Scars,” melodic mastermind Booka600released his mixtape Word To LA in June. The OTF crew showcased their talents in two label mixtapes released last year, Lil Durk Presents: Only The Family Involved Vol. 1, released last summer, and its sequel, released just before the New Year.
The Chicago Icon Shares a Heartfelt New Ballad About His Tragedies and Triumphs
Critical Praise:
“Unshackled from any kind of outline, Durk’s pen game shines. His rise was dotted with blood-soaked tales that summarized much of drill’s appeal: ground-level glimpses at Chicago’s South Side that colored in the outline offered by grim murder statistics.” –Pitchfork
“Lil Durk continues to be one of the most consistent rappers out.” – TheFADER
“the rose that blossomed from the concrete of Chi-Town’s drill music scene” – Billboard
“His flexibility as a rapper creates enough space for his guest artist to shine, but his standalone cuts are evidence that he can carry the weight on his own.” – HYPEBEAST
The Video:
Known for his combination of sweet melodies and realistic lyrics, Lil Durk is the voice of the streets. Just days after sharing a demonic banger about the dark side of the streets, Durk spins a heartfelt rumination about the love of his neighborhood on “All Love,“ his new video single. Emoting atop dramatic keys and thumping 808 kicks from Internet Money beatmaker TouchOfTrent, Durk reflects on his come-up on the South Side of Chicago, tunefully telling stories about his less-fortunate friends: “I used to look up to this n****, but he gave his homie up/Cause his daughter 12-years-old, he had to go do 21.” The new video compiles clips from Durk’s home and studio life, following the rapper as he soaks up the love of his hood. “All Love” quickly follows “Chiraq Demons,” a fiery, “no auto” single with an appearance from G Herbo.
Earlier this year, Durk announced that he was finishing up his long-anticipated No Auto Durk project. Launched with a billboard in Chicago during All-Star Weekend, the new project provides a gift for fans who clamored for a project with less singing and more rhyming (his 2018 single “No Auto Durk” has more than 44 million views on YouTube). “No Auto Durk” also won a fan in Lil Uzi Vert, who recruited Durk for “No Auto,” a standout track from the deluxe version of Eternal Atake, which currently sits at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100. Executive produced by Metro Boomin, No Auto Durk arrives later in 2020 via Alamo Records.
After the success of his 2019 album Love Songs 4 The Streets 2, which debuted in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200, Durk enters 2020 on a mission, ready to set the world on fire and prove his range as an artist and emcee. A major influence on the next generation of star rappers, Durk recently collaborated with Polo G for his “Career Day” single (3.3 million views), and appeared on “Moonwalkin“, a highlight on Roddy Ricch‘s blockbuster album Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial. More recently, Durk hopped on “Havin’ My Way,” the recent single by Lil Skies.
Lil Durk recently starred in a nationally-televised commercial for Nike’s Air Jordan. Advertising the brand’s new collaboration with Chicago’s own Lyrical Lemonade and Cole Bennett, the Lyrical Lemonade x Jordan Aerospace 720, the commercial finds Durk showing off his basketball skills while decked head-to-toe in colorful LL-branded merch. Long known for having the sweetest jumpshot in the rap game, Durk is the ideal ambassador for this cultural crossover event.
Stay tuned for more information on No Auto Durk, coming soon.
About Only The Family (OTF):
With a young and hungry roster of Chicago-born emcees, Lil Durk’s OTF label signees have made their intentions clear–they’re coming to take over the game. Most notable among the OTF roster is King Von, whose breakout hit “Crazy Story” earned more than 35 million views on YouTube and 14 million combined plays on Apple and Spotify. King Von is currently preparing his debut mixtape. Returning to the scene with his Dirty-Glove Bastard-premiered single “War Scars,” melodic mastermind Booka600released his mixtape Word To LA in June. The OTF crew showcased their talents in two label mixtapes released last year, Lil Durk Presents: Only The Family Involved Vol. 1, released last summer, and its sequel, released just before the New Year.
The Two Cinematic Music Group Signees Are Grateful for the Love of the Streets in the Latest Video from Slayter’s Upcoming World Got Me F*cked Up Vol. 1 Mixtape
Critical Praise:
“Slayter just played a sold-out show at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn this past weekend, so the city is surely fucking with him, and you should too.” – Complex
“There is no doubt the Puerto Rico-born, Dyckman-raised Slayter is a talent to watch out of New York. His hard cadence meshed with his unique and thrilling delivery make Slayter stand out in a soundscape that, more often than not, sounds rather similar. It appears Slayter has very early on figured out how to stand out from the crowd.” – EARMILK
The Video:
With an uncanny gift for staying relatable even as he lives his life of luxury, New York rapper Slayter is making waves with his starkly honest rhymes. Celebrating his VIP status in his uptown Dyckman neighborhood, Slayter shares “Hood Famous,” his street-savvy new single. Rhyming atop reverberating minor key guitars and bumping 808s, Slayter rasps a lilting melody about his legendary stature in the hood: “I ain’t died yet, but I got murals painted.” The song features an appearance from fellow Cinematic Music Group signee Yungeen Ace, whose soaring vocals provide a brilliant counterpoint to Slayter’s low intonations. In the video, Slayter takes us in a tour around Dyckman, drawing a crowd to the main street (a crowd that includes Luh Kel, another CMG riser) and showing a side of Manhattan that most people don’t usually see. “Hood Famous” is the latest single from World Got Me F*cked Up Vol. 1, Slayter’s upcoming mixtape, due next month via Cinematic Music Group.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Manhattan’s Dyckman neighborhood, Slayter spent the past few years fine-tuning his unique take on traditional NYC rap. Discovered by Cinematic Music Group CEO Jonny Shipes, Slayter quickly rose through the ranks of his city’s underground, building a reputation for his detailed, surreal street stories. Last summer, the rapper earned attention from Complex and XXL for his Cold At NightEP, which featured appearances from G Herbo and Lil Gotit, and in the fall, Slayter supported Maxo Kream on a 23-date nationwide tour. Earlier this year, Slayter treated the streets to the Dirty Water EP, a 7-track effort that boasted production from Sango and Thelonius Martin, and guest spots from Smoke DZA, Xanman and Q Da Fool. Most recently, Slayter connected with Sada Baby for “Louis V Umbrella,” which earned coverage in Stereogum, HotNewHipHop, and more.
Stay tuned for more announcements about World Got Me Fucked Up Vol. 1 in the coming days.
Everybody’s tour guide to the underworld of New York City. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Dyckman, Slayter is a solo artist here to share a bit of dark and sinister surrealism via his lifestyle and soundscapes with us. His music is a reflection of classic New York rap, revamped through the lens of his modern day experiences and coupled with sheer honesty over lush, moody production. After gaining the attention of Jonny Shipes, founder and CEO of independent Hip- Hop label Cinematic Music Group in 2017, Slayter began working on his debut EP entitled Cold At Night.
The goal for the project, which dropped on July 19th, is to tell a poetic, self-aware narrative to listeners that invites them to join along in seeing where his Gotham City adventures take him. Earlier this year, Slayter released visual assisted loose singles “Baby Draco” and “Back Pain”. Both offer a taste of his indulgent search for clarity, and exposure to the obscure, fly, underbelly of his surroundings that are to come.
About Cinematic Music Group
Cinematic Music Group (CMG) is a multidisciplinary record label, management and creative studio founded in Brooklyn, NY in 2007 by CEO Jonnyshipes. Originally founded as a hip-hop-focused indie label, CMG quickly grew into a multidimensional media company, working with artists of all genres and creating world-class video content.
Armed with a passion for artist development, Jonnyshipes aspired to create an environment that would give his artists total creative control to express their artistic visions. CMG’s artist-first reputation proved instrumental in recruiting early signees like Sean Kingston, Nipsey Hussle, Big K.R.I.T., and Joey Bada$$. Since then, Shipes has discovered and launched the careers of artists such as Flipp Dinero, Luh Kel, Yungeen Ace, Xanman, JayDaYoungan, among others, and Cinematic became the home for veteran artists like T-Pain and Cam’ron.
As Cinematic heads towards its 13th anniversary, it continues to be one of the industry’s premier independent labels, praised for its unwavering dedication to its artists, the team’s work ethic, craftsmanship, and talent, and its singular devotion to creating superior sounds.
The Helium-Pitched Atlanta Singer Connects with a Close Collaborator for a Raunchy New Single from the Upcoming 12 AM In Atlanta 2 Mixtape, Hosted by DJ Drama
Critical Praise:
“Without any context, 24hrs’ music is like listening to an alien who recently landed on Earth, heard some songs by Young Thug, Jeremih, and Rae Sremmurd, and started making his own. It draws from the current sounds in hip-hop and R&B, but there’s something slightly off about it, and this is what makes it so interesting.”- Pigeons & Planes
Making his bones with a hyper-tuneful brand of melodic trap, 24hrs lives a rockstar lifestyle. Reveling in the perks of his chosen profession, 24hrs drops “Superstar,” a sex-positive new anthem. Crooning atop a candy-coated instrumental, Twenty opens up about the life of a superstar–a life filled with cars, jewels, pills, and plenty of sex: “I’m a superstar, I’m only wearing it once.” The new single finds Twenty trading bars with his frequent collaborator Ty Dolla $ign, who complements with his butter-smooth croon. “Superstar” is the latest single from 12 AM in Atlanta 2, 24hrs’ upcoming DJ Drama-hosted mixtape, following the DJ Marc B-produced “Selfies,“ which dropped earlier this month.
The long-awaited sequel to 24hrs’ popular 2017 mixtape 12 AM In Atlanta, also hosted by DJ Drama as part of his famed Gangsta Grillz series,12 AM In Atlanta 2 finds the artist updating the previous mixtape’s flex-heavy style to reflect the changes in his lifestyle–from striver to boss, from upstart to established figure on the Atlanta music scene. Featuring appearances from Wiz Khalifa, K CAMP, MadeinTYO, Kap G, Lil Scrappy, and others, 12 AM In Atlanta 2 arrives on April 10th via Private Club Records/Rostrum Records.
Late last year 24hrs shared the video for “911,” with Wiz Khalifa, which earned a behind-the-scenes look from Forbes. Last year, 24hrs and his Private Club Records entered a partnership with Rostrum Records and released World On Fire, an 11-track album with appearances from DMX, 24hrs’ brother MadeInTYO, and more.
Formerly a rapper performing as Royce Rizzy, 24hrs found a new sound when he accidentally sped up one of his more melodic tracks, revealing a high-pitched and hooky new voice. Adopting the new vocal approach and shrouding his identity in mystery, 24hrs started to pick up momentum in 2016, earning praise from the likes of Pigeons & Planesand The FADER, and building a huge fanbase on SoundCloud. Since then, 24hrs developed a reputation for bright sonics, flashy lyrics, and endless hooks, winning a massive fan in Ty Dolla $ign and collaborating with the likes of Wiz Khalifa,Rick Ross, Young Thug, Wale, and Machine Gun Kelly, and growing his musical rapport with his brother MadeInTYO. In 2020, the artist is currently preparing to release 12 AM In Atlanta 2, a sequel to a 2017 DJ Drama-hosted mixtape. Stay tuned for the new project, coming April 10th via Private Club Records / Rostrum.
The ATL Native Shares A Trippy Visual for the Aqueous First Single from the Upcoming Barnacles Project
Critical Praise:
“In the world of SahBabii’s Squidtastic, the Atlanta rapper’s vivid imagery sounds like it belongs in a Miyazaki film, his weapon of choice is a ninja star, and all animals are to be cherished. It’s ridiculous and there is no place I would rather find myself lost in.” – Pitchfork
“SahBabii’s ‘Pull Up Wit Ah Stick,’ one of the best hip-hop songs of the past year, is a study in contrasts, full of tough talk delivered in a sweet, lithe, almost naïve voice. –The New York Times
“SahBabii…clearly possesses a giddy gift for integrating that influence into his own bright-eyed, delicately constructed singles” –Rolling Stone
“With his debut mixtape SANDAS, (SahBabii) created a bright and fun-as-hell sexcapade soundscape of a universe you can float through.” –The FADER
The Video:
Specializing in a heady, insular, but still hard-hitting blend of trap music, SahBabii is one of the most unique figures on the ATL scene. Returning to the scene with his signature style, SahBabii shares “Double Dick,” a new party anthem for introverts. Swimming through an atmospheric instrumental with his gentle auto-tune, “Double Dick” finds SahBabii perfecting the art of low-key flexing. In his half-whispered triplet flow, SahBabii rattles off a series of boasts about his woman (“my b*tch is bad, Imma give her detention”), his twin glocks, and more. In the video, SahBabii channels Mr. Rogers in his cardigan and Fendi poncho, welcoming us into his trippy neighborhood, full of twerking strippers, stampeding rhinos, steam engines, and too-slow police officers. “Double Dick” is the first taste of Barnacles, SahBabii’s upcoming project.
Says SahBabii, “I have the most supportive fans ever and I’m excited to release new music to the world.”
The man behind “Pull Up Wit Ah Stick,” praised by Drake, T-Pain, and others as one of the signature Atlanta hits of the past decade, SahBabii has grown into one of his city’s most respected artists. In 2018, SahBabii shared his Squidtastic mixtape, which racked up over 37 million streams on Spotify alone and earned acclaim from Pitchfork and others. With candy-coated production courtesy of his brother T3, among others, Squidtastic is a collection of distinct sonic worlds, bouncing from the liquid metal churn of “Behind Da Scenes,” to Latin guitars on “Army,” to laid-back Neosoul on “Sunny Days.” Last year, SahBabii sated his fans with his 3P EP, which subtly pushed his sound forward, adding organic instrumentation on “Squidiculous” and cloudy atmosphere on “Green, Eggs, & Ham.“
The proper follow-up to Squidtastic,Barnacles arrives later this Spring via SahBabii’s own Casting Bait Music Group.
erseverance and a distinctive way with light melodies pushed SahBabii out of the Atlanta rap underground. Born Saaheem Valdery, SahBabii was raised in Chicago until the age of 13, when his family moved south. Inspired by the activity in his new environment, SahBabii made tentative steps with a couple mixtapes, Pimpin Ain’t Easy and Glocks & Thots, released during his early teen years. Tepid reception left SahBabiidispirited, but after an extended break from recording, the rapper returned at the tail-end of 2016 with S.A.N.D.A.S., his third mixtape, with production from his brother T3. The tape’s “Pull Up with Ah Stick,” featuring Loso Loaded, exemplified SahBabii‘s refined synthesis of gunplay threats and candy-coated hooks. The track was licensed to major-label Warner Bros. and released commercially the following April. In 2018, he issued the singles “Outstanding” with 21 Savage and “Watery.” His highly anticipated follow up mixtape, Squidtastic, released at the end of Summer 2018.
Song: Big Moochie Grape – “Clusters” (Prod. by Bandplay)
The East Memphis Rapper and Young Dolph Protégé Flexes His Fast-Rapping Ability on a New Single
The Song:
With mean rhymes and a cheery disposition, Big Moochie Grape is one of Memphis rap’s most colorful characters. Never content to buy just one diamond, Moochie’s new single “Clusters” reveals that he buys his jewelry in bulk. Rattling off hard-hitting triplets atop a bass-heavy beat from Bandplay, the newly-minted Paper Route EMPIRE signee boasts about how large he’s been living since he inked that deal: “Rolex on my wrist/Designer Richard Mille/But that b*tch did a Milly Rock.” The latest in a line of quality singles, “Clusters” follows the outlandish video for “Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh,“ which has over 1 million views in its first month of release and earned coverage in Stereogum, Uproxx, HipHopDX, and more.
Big Moochie Grape started bubbling in his home neighborhood of East Memphis in late 2019 with his standout verse on “Now & Next” (818k YouTube views), a highlight from fellow PRE signee Jay Fizzle‘s Young Dumb & Don’t Give a F*ckmixtape. In January, Moochie released “Big Juice,” a woozy banger that gained traction on the Memphis streets. “Big Juice” and “Uh Huh Uh HUh Uh Huh” helped Moochie grow his following on social media, especially Instagram where he counts over 62k followers. With the help of head honcho Young Dolph (who gifted Moochie a concord-colored Lamborghini) and Paper Route EMPIRE, Moochie is looking to make a major leap as 2020 moves along.
“Big Juice,” “Clusters,” and “Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh” are highlights from an upcoming mixtape from Big Moochie Grape, set to release later in 2020.
Rising out of Memphis to become one of the South’s pre-eminent rap labels, Paper Route EMPIRE embodies the independent hustle. Home to superstar Young Dolph, heatseeker Key Glock, and Tennessee-born upstarts like Jay Fizzle, PRE partners with EMPIRE to provide a nationwide platform for local talent. Generating hundreds of millions of streams in 2018 alone with albums such as Young Dolph’s Major, which peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200, and Key Glock’s Glock Bondand Glockoma, Paper Route EMPIRE is making a major impact as an indie label, and will only grow stronger in the future.
The Coronavirus is Just Another Struggle For the Dallas Rapper and His Impoverished Home Neighborhood
The Video:
Though he’s experienced success in recent years, Dallas rhymer Mo3 stays plugged into the daily struggles in his community. On his new video single, “Black Corona,” Mo3 takes a microscope to the global coronavirus pandemic, and examining how the disease affects his community in particular. Soulfully sing-rapping atop a guitar-laden instrumental, Mo3 reveals how his community is left behind, even in (or especially in) times of crisis: “People hurtin’ yea the system, so sorry/They say the virus got us hacked/But where I’m at we livin’ bad.” In the video, Mo3 flaunts social distancing recommendations in defiance of the virus (note: we do not recommend this), gathering in a Dallas park in his Fendi jacket and lamenting the everyday viruses for which we have no cure: “N****s hatin’ on other n****s, that’s a virus.”
Released over the weekend, “Black Corona” already has more than 500k views on YouTube, and earned coverage in Rolling Stone. “Black Corona” follows up Mo3’s pugilistic video for “Beat Em Up” (350k views), and the clip for “Stack It Up” (761k views on YouTube), a Jazze Pha collaboration from his Osamaalbum.
The Dallas rhymer recently teamed up with Boosie BadAzz for BadAzz Mo3. Bursting with emotion and rich with detail, the tape boasts highlights suited for any situation, from the bouncy, club-ready “Move,” to the twinkling-yet-ferocious “I Remember,“ and “Supposed To Do,” a melodic ode to the struggle. In December, Mo3 dropped Osama, which racked up over 12 million streams across platforms, and spawned successful videos like “Apartment” (5.1 million views), “Why” (2 million views), and “Ride For Me” (2.2 million views). BadAzz Mo3 and Osama are both available to stream via H$M Music/EMPIRE.
Founded in 2010 by San Francisco native Ghazi, EMPIRE has experienced immense growth through their innovative approach to independent label, distribution and publishing services. With their focus on early stage artist development, the San Francisco based company has been instrumental in launching the careers of multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, DRAM and Anderson. Paak. In 2019, the independent EMPIRE continues to make a major impact, with smash hits and new music from Snoop Dogg, Iggy Azalea, XXXTentacion, Young Dolph, The Free Nationals, and more.
The Two Chicago Icons Trade Bars As They Stalk The Streets in Their Breathless New Collaboration
Critical Praise:
“Unshackled from any kind of outline, Durk’s pen game shines. His rise was dotted with blood-soaked tales that summarized much of drill’s appeal: ground-level glimpses at Chicago’s South Side that colored in the outline offered by grim murder statistics.” –Pitchfork
“Lil Durk continues to be one of the most consistent rappers out.” –TheFADER
“the rose that blossomed from the concrete of Chi-Town’s drill music scene” –Billboard
“His flexibility as a rapper creates enough space for his guest artist to shine, but his standalone cuts are evidence that he can carry the weight on his own.” –HYPEBEAST
The Song:
One of the game’s most respected and influential young emcees, Lil Durk is on a mission to make 2020 the year of “No Auto.” Teaming up with fellow Chicago superstar G Herbo, Lil Durk shares “Chiraq Demons,” a brand new single. Produced by Deezy, who lends quietly arpeggiating keys and thumping 808s, “Chiraq Demons” finds both emcees wilding out, warning the opps of an upcoming rough summer: “Got my dawg out for one ninety and I dropped him off a K (Man what?)/Called Johnny, no veneers, I need like ninety in the face (Man what?)/The one that died, he had like ninety to his face (Man what?)/I can’t talk ’bout how he died ’cause they gon’ build another case (Build another case).” “Chiraq Demons” is Durk’s latest single in “No Auto Durk” mode, in which he drops melody in favor of snarling, high-intensity rhymes. Durk and Herbo recently connected for “Party In Heaven,” from Herbo’s PTSD album, and on “Riot,” a song from Durk’s recent Family Over Everything album, an effort by Durk and his Only The Family label signees.
Earlier this year, Durk announced that he was finishing up his long-anticipated No Auto Durk project. Launched with a billboard in Chicago during All-Star Weekend, the new project provides a gift for fans who clamored for a project with less singing and more rhyming (his 2018 single “No Auto Durk” has more than 44 million views on YouTube). Executive produced by Metro Boomin,No Auto Durk arrives later in 2020 via Alamo Records.
After the success of his 2019 album Love Songs 4 The Streets 2, which debuted in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200, Durk enters 2020 on a mission, ready to set the world on fire and prove his range as an artist and emcee. A major influence on the next generation of star rappers, Durk recently collaborated with Polo G for his “Career Day” single (3.3 million views), and appeared on “Moonwalkin” (14.7 million Spotify streams), a highlight on Roddy Ricch‘s blockbuster album Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial. More recently, Durk connected with Lil Uzi Vert for “No Auto” (4.8 million streams), a cut from the deluxe edition of Eternal Atake, and hopped on “Havin’ My Way,” the recent single by Lil Skies (7.9 million Spotify streams).
Lil Durk recently starred in a brand new, nationally-televised commercial for Nike’s Air Jordan. Advertising the brand’s new collaboration with Chicago’s own Lyrical Lemonade and Cole Bennett, the Lyrical Lemonade x Jordan Aerospace 720, the commercial finds Durk showing off his basketball skills while decked head-to-toe in colorful LL-branded merch. Long known for having the sweetest jumpshot in the rap game, Durk is the ideal ambassador for this cultural crossover event.
Stay tuned for much more information on No Auto Durk, coming soon.
About Only The Family (OTF):
With a young and hungry roster of Chicago-born emcees, Lil Durk’s OTF label signees have made their intentions clear–they’re coming to take over the game. Most notable among the OTF roster is King Von, whose breakout hit “Crazy Story” earned more than 35 million views on YouTube and 14 million combined plays on Apple and Spotify. King Von is currently preparing his debut mixtape. Returning to the scene with his Dirty-Glove Bastard-premiered single “War Scars,” melodic mastermind Booka600released his mixtape Word To LA in June. The OTF crew showcased their talents in two label mixtapes released last year, Lil Durk Presents: Only The Family Involved Vol. 1, released last summer, and its sequel, released just before the New Year.
The New EP Hosts Acclaimed Singles like “Baeboo,” and “Meeting With Myself”; the Dublin Duo Drops the Iceland-Set Video for “Minor Gangsters (Gully),” Recently Performed On COLORS
Superweird EP artwork
Critical Praise:
“Hare Squead are pioneers of a creative boom taking place in Dublin… They have Ed Sheeran’s business savvy, compositional expertise , plus chiselled jaws and puppyish enthusiasm.”– The Guardian
“Blending hip-hop, soul and pop in a way that feels both soothing and full of energy, the results carry some heavy Chance the Rapper and De La Soul vibes with a distinctly Irish twist.” – Noisey
“With a name as unique as Hare Squead, their sound is just as special.” – XXL
“There’s no denying the group’s ascension; in Dublin, Ireland—a city only now becoming known for its hip-hop—Hare Squead is becoming one of its most recognizable acts.” – Pitchfork
The EP + Video:
Wielding a unique vocal chemistry and a desire for experimentation, Hare Squead is Ireland’s favorite hip-hop duo. Today, Lilo Blues and Tony Konstone share Superweird EP, the culmination of over a year’s worth of creative momentum. Though they’re unbound by the traditional confines of hip-hop, with a sound that oscillates wildly depending on the mood and subject matter, each track on Superweird is purpose-built to deliver off-kilter, positive vibes. Channeling their wildest impulses into an inventive 7-tracker, Hare Squead’s new project provides a new home previous singles like the boom-bap kiss-off “Minor Gangsters (Gully),” recently performed on COLORS, the electronic-influenced lust letter “Baeboo,” and the introspective “Meeting With Myself.” The EP complements those acclaimed tracks with new highlights like the bubbly “Like I’m Barack” and the bass-heavy “Trenches.” Featuring appearances from Jay Prince and Peter Xan, Superweird is available to stream everywhere via Independently Popular.
“We like to let the music do the talking,” says Hare Squead. “We went to the studio and made tracks. We hope people like them.”
Along with the EP, Hare Squead ventures to Iceland’s alien landscape for “Minor Gangsters (Gully),” a new music video premiered by The FADER. A head-nodding track produced by PayDay (Octavian, Ugly God) named after a chance encounter with a racist UK politician, “Minor Gangsters” finds Tony Konstone and Lilo Blues perfecting their tough talk, firing shots at haters and bigots across the spectrum: “I don’t take advice from a n****, they tried to bleep me I say it how I like it, problem in the industry/Can’t commercialise a n**** really in da in da street/Have you ever been broke all you had was indomie,” rhymes Lilo. In the video, Hare Squead travels to Iceland, posting up on a long stretch of abandoned road to bask in the glorious, psychedelic colors of the surrounding atmosphere. The recent COLORS performance of “Minor Gangsters” racked up over 125k YouTube views since its release last Thursday.
Hare Squead recently wrapped up the “Minor Gangsters Tour,” which took the duo across Western Europe, with stops in Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, London, and the duo’s hometown of Dublin. On the tour, they played Superweird highlights, acclaimed 2019 singles like “100 Miles“ (1.2 million Spotify streams) and the Clash Magazine-premiered “Petty (ft. Shauna Shadae & Wusu),” and older highlights like “Herside Story,” a 2017 collaboration with Goldlink which has over 63 million streams on Spotify alone. With over 1.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Hare Squead is just getting started in their quest to bring their “superweird” sound to the masses.
Way beyond, across the pond, Hare Squead are quickly making a name for themselves. Hip-Hop and Ireland may seem like two points on opposite ends of the spectrum but the now-band of two, comprised of Tony Konstone and Lilo Blues, are imprinted within both worlds and look at themselves as more than just an anomaly. In 2016, the group found success outside of their local scene with “Long Way to Go” and took advantage of that by dropping their Supernormal EP. The standout single off the EP, “Herside Story,” quickly became a favorite, which led to Goldlink including a remix of the group’s song on his At What Cost album in 2017. Combined, “Herside Story” has amassed over 40 million streams on Spotify to-date. Also in 2017, the group released two acclaimed singles “Flowers” and “Pure,” which earned more than 5 million combined streams on Spotify alone. However, as success builds, unexpected turns can arise to derail everything. After an 18-month absence from the spotlight, in February 2019, Hare Squead made their return with “100 Miles,” a bubbly, guitar-driven single that was inspired by the emotional vulnerability of Aretha Franklin’s “I Say a Little Prayer.” The group plans to release two EPs in 2020 and re-introduce themselves to the world as a formidable talent.
