“For some newcomers, it’s hard to ever break out. For Darnell Williams, a rapper and director from Los Angeles, breaking out will not be hard, but inevitable.” – Hillydilly
“Combining his ability to direct and edit with powerful lyrics and a commanding delivery, Williams gives us an honest look at what he’s been going through the past few years.” – Pigeons & Planes
“Darnell Williams is ready for the spotlight.” – XXL
The Singles:
In the latest release from HBO’s upcoming “Silicon Valley” soundtrack, Darnell Williams showcases his intensity with the official retail release of “Blown.” Over demonic horns and pounding drums, Williams unloads on Uber, fake rappers, and his critics, all with Kanye-level swag: “Wipe my ass opinions/ Despicable as a Minion/ Pulling MILFs at Pavillions/ As old as Kimora Simmons/ And as thick as the plot is gettin’.” With equal parts aggression and charisma, the Detroit-born LA-based rapper and director spits over high-octane production to create a monster of a track. The music video for “Blown” is equally intense. Directed and edited by Williams, the video is an edge-of-your-seat thriller showing just a single day in LA life. Pre-order the full “Silicon Valley” soundtrack here, and be on the lookout for the June 23 release via Mass Appeal Records.
In addition, Warp Records/G.O.O.D. Music’s Hudson Mohawke provides a mesmerizing, bass-rattling instrumental for rapper Remy Banks on their new collaboration called “Passports.” The Glasgow-native’s production meticulously infuses electronic elements with heavy 808s, and in classic HudMo fashion, hits you square in the chest with robotic bell stabs and a megaton of bass. Deftly maneuvering over the wheat-thresher beat, Remy Banks cops a flight and gets drunk & high at the same. Tru.
Listen to “Blown”: https://soundcloud.com/massappealrecs/darnell-williams-blown
Watch “Blown”: https://youtu.be/B4Mn_elFLzQ
Listen to “Passports”: https://soundcloud.com/massappealrecs/hudson-mohawke?in=massappealrecs/sets/silicon-valley-the-soundtrack
Check out the Mass Appeal premiere: https://massappeal.com/silicon-valley-hudson-mohawke-darnell-williams-premiere/
Please contact Michelle or Dharmic for more info.
The Background:
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Darnell Williams left home at 18 to attend Columbia College in Chicago, majoring in film. While in college, Darnell met Mike Waxx and Mike Carson, who would eventually form the acclaimed artist collective illroots. With illroots, Darnell helped direct several popular clips, beginning with “Too Fake” by Big Sean and Chiddy Bang, developing a sterling reputation as a music video auteur. In 2013, Darnell left illroots to pursue his dream as an artist, leaving himself homeless, sleeping on couches in South Central L.A. Darnell’s first success as a rapper came with “Boss Up Den Flex,” a short video that won critical acclaim and caught the eye of Travi$ Scott, who retweeted the video to his legion of followers. Since then, Darnell has been on a steady rise, earning praise from the likes of XXL and Pigeons and Planes, as well as a feature on HOWSLA, and a placement on HBO’s Silicon Valley. Look for an EP from Darnell to hit stores later this summer.
Links:
website | twitter | instagram | facebook | spotify
“Blown”: https://soundcloud.com/massappealrecs/darnell-williams-blown
“Round Here”: https://youtu.be/ZWO6x6hg8WI
“South Central”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNyHGoDk3ek
“Boss Up Den Flex”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bgDdMcv538