Peep this new single "In the Streets" by east coast rapper/producer duo, Tone Chop and Frost Gamble, the third to be release from their album "Respect Is Earned Not Given" out on now, through 22 Entertainment.
The most viewed English language rap battler, DNA, gets in on the action here also as the Queens and Binghamton veterans trade verses which recall and compare throwdowns past and present. Only now the arenas have moved from street corners to live streams.
Prolific producer, Frost Gamble, follows the new album with another new release on October 20th, this time his collaborative EP with Tragedy Khadafi entitled "Rare Fabric". Another earmarked solo project "I Missed My Bus" including guest artists Skyzoo, KXNG Crooked, Ras Kass, Rah Digga, Guilty Simpson and Ruste Juxx and many more, is due out in early 2018.
Check out the new street banger, "In the Streets" and let us know what you think.
Life as he once knew it, was forever changed in November of last year, for Virginia rapper Kari Wam. That was when he was ambushed under a hail of gunfire, bullets piercing his skin, causing the street soldier to forever lose his sight. Never one to let any obstacle stand in his way, he poured all of his pains, frustrations and anger into his soul-searching new single and music video “In the Past.”
“When I wrote the song, I was just venting. I didn’t intend on it being a single,” the 24-year-old rapper explains. “I had just came home from the hospital, and I was trying to get back into the flow of doing the music. But when I released it locally and it got such a good response, I was kind of stunned, because I thought they counted me out. But the streets are still behind me.”
In almost no time, that local following evolved into fans across the DMV area and has been spreading like wildfire, throughout the Southeast.
Born and raised in Petersburg, Va., Kari has been a fan of music for as long as he can remember. He realized his musical talents only three years ago, after dropping his debut mixtape, Plugged In. He burned 900 copies himself and sold every copy hand to hand at $3 each. For there, he knew he was on to something.
Further developing his fan base, he released his follow-up project Merchandise, on YouTube only, where he wrecked on several industry beats. But tragedy struck after he was caught in the path of stray bullets.
“My situation was senseless. It didn’t have to happen. I just was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he reveals. “I have been in other situations where I could have gotten shot, but it didn’t happen. So for something like this to happen with something that didn’t concern me, it kind of traumatized me a little more.”
Even with the loss of his sight, however, Kari still picked himself up, dusted himself off and hit the studio, harder than ever. The result is his latest hit single and video “In the Past” and upcoming mixtape Plugged In Reloaded.
“When I first got shot, I suffered from depression, but the song was a message that I was sending to my fans and my family, that I ain’t gotta go around moping because I can’t see,” he discloses. “I got all my body parts, so I can still chase a check. I’m not regular, and I accept that. Somebody else would’ve folded in this situation but not me. My mind is working, so I can’t stop. I got to keep going.”
Check out the riveting video below and let us know what you think.
Continuing with his well-received solo project, Detroit emcee, and producer, Young RJ, prepares fans for his new single, “Motion.” Young RJ enlists some A-level features to assist in bringing this mid-tempo, yet melodic banger to life. RJ grabbed NYC's Joyner Lucas and DJ Statik Selektah and together they created a track under the production skills of RJ and the late Jay Dee aka J Dilla. The additional vocals heard on the hook is completed by Big Sean's right hand Earlly Mac and newcomer Drey Skonie. You can hear all the undertones of what each artist brings to the table, once you press play.
Having an incredible year dropping gems with Pete Rock and BJ the Chicago Kid, this serves as the main single from his solo debut album, Blaq Royalt, which drops next month.
Popular Miami artist Khaotic links with the emerging group Rylty Statements for a popular uptempo track that's catching on locally in South Florida. The track was produced by the duo. If you've been to South Beach lately, you've heard this track in retail shops and airwaves. It's now time, the single reaches a broader spectrum and has - with the support of media everywhere.
Simple Man is an anthem for everyone with dreams of getting to a better place in life. The street hustlers, and the corporate hustlers alike. For all of us who can’t understand, what it is to be a simple man.”
– RYLTY STATEMENTS
Kings of their craft indeed, both DUMI and DRU (RYLTY STATEMENTS) have impressive resumes. DUMI’s history with operating Radio Tele Ginen in Haiti, in part prepared him to go DJ in Shanghai China where he maintained residencies in multiple nightclubs.
DRU has played instruments from a young age and worked in Latin and Urban radio. He interned at Aphilliates in Atlanta and was a road assistant for DJ Dram on the promo run for the second Gangsta Grillz album.
The Caribbean and Urban culture influences can be heard in their music. Their new release “SIMPLE MAN,” is a collaboration with Khaotic. It touches on themes motivation and hope in the streets and is set to a glossy musical soundscape that reflects the glitz and the grime of South Florida.
Buffalo, NY's Short Moscato is back with his sophomore project "My First Pair of Slippers." The 11-track effort features Billie Essco, HOP HOP, Little Cake & Illusive with production from Wza, S'likedat, Scheme, Vice Versa, Program & More. Short's mother took a photograph of him at age 4 in his first pair of slippers - Donald Duck slippers - which is one of his earliest memories of childhood: the comfort of those slippers.
"My First Pair of Slippers" is a coming-of-age album that showcases Short as an artist who is comfortable in his own skin; comfortable being true to himself and his art. The album is dedicated to his mother and godmother, who is currently battling ALS.
New single by Da Flyy Hooligan, "Distress Signals" produced by Agor features Long Island's Hus Kingpin and is the second to be taken from the album "S.C.U.M." releasing October 27th through 22 Entertainment whose back catalog includes Royce da 5'9", Fashawn, KXNG Crooked and Joe Budden.
Long established at the forefront of the UK's burgeoning rap scene, DFH also spent time in NYC as part of J-Ronin's "All Elements" clic and worked with US artists Sav Killz, Prince Po, Dead Prez, Hasan Salaam, D.V Alias Khryst and the late Sean P. The first single from the album "Savile Row" featured current Stateside luminary Westside Gunn, and speaking about the new release the north-west London rapper commented :
"Hus Kingpin has always been a supporter of what I do. When he reached out and said 'Let's get one in for the history books' Agor and I knew Distress Signals was the perfect art piece for this wonderful collaboration."
Pleasure P returns with a relationship ballad sure to get couples to cuddle up close. The single, For A Long Time, is a glimpse of his new music, that's set to be released leading into the new year.
The song was an original Static Major song, produced by the legendary Brian Michael Cox. This is Pleasure P paying homage.
"Good music doesn't have an expiration date, save the art.." - Pleasure P
Mississippi riser, Dev Maccc, comes with his new single “Hidden Message.” The track is a strong effort, allowing Dev to vent lyrically on a bevy of topics including racism, self-doubt, family and much more. In regards to the song Dev had the following to say:
"This track has been tucked away for almost a year now. I was excited to release this because I felt like people would finally understand so much. If I could at least get people to LISTEN to the music. Sit back and focus on what I'm saying. Then, maybe we can start a true movement. A movement for change."
Eugene artist Skinny Pete drops off the official video for his new anthem "Do Dirt Crew," produced by UnderRated (formerly of Potluck). After returning from a Westcoast tour with E-40 and also gearing up to open for Lil Wayne in Eugene 9/28 and in Salt Lake City 9/29, Skinny Pete gives his listeners an exclusive behind the scenes look at his grind in his new visuals.
With an expanding fan base throughout the region and a dedicated hometown following Skinny Pete has already been making a splash in 2017 and is looking to follow up strong with another upcoming tour with Clyde Carson. Make sure to tap in with Skinny Pete and the #DoDirtCrew and be on the lookout for his new EP Doin' Dirt coming soon.
7-tracks deep Oakland via Portland producer and rapper TOPE offers up his new soulful and introspective EP just in the time for the end of summer. SOME THINGS GOTTA CHANGE blends a mixture of light-hearted party jams with personal and emotional revelations, that every TOPE project has been known for. Produced by Portland's Stewart Villain with additions from Farnell Newton, Zach Striar, and TOPE himself STGC also features the vocal stylings of Oakland's own Cash Campain and Atlanta-based songstress Erikka J. With lead off summer singles like "Glo'd Up," "The Man," and How I Know" TOPE give listeners an update on how life in California has been treating him. While exploring the ups and downs of his relationships and moves on "Trying To Forget," "Better Place," and "Thank You" TOPE even takes time out to address the recent increase in police brutality on "Let Us Pray."
Catch up with TOPE on his new EP SOME THINGS GOTTA CHANGE and be sure to Purchase STGC from TOPE via Bandcamp & iTunes or stream via Spotify!
Also see TOPE live on the west coast next month:
9/11 Eugene, OR - Wow Hall with Blu & Exile
9/12 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studio with Blu & Exile
9/13 San Francisco, CA - Brick N Mortar with Knowmads
9/15 San Jose, CA - Back Bar Sofa with Kung Foo Grip
Toronto’s young free thinker has had a strong 2017, which saw him perform at SXSW, support Pouya and Fat Nick throughout Canada and earn his first MuchFACT grant. NO MANS LANDS’ first singles — “DOUBTS” and “XANNY MAN” — are two of his most-streamed tracks ever, landing him the cover of Spotify’s Northern Bars playlist and a feature on Complex Magazine’s top tracks of spring 2017.
NO MANS LAND follows Ponders’s debut album, ACID REIGN, which has been streamed over 1 million times in a few months. It showcases an angry, reflective, yet hopeful Ponders, and showcases his unique vocal range, wordplay, and diverse flows.
NO MANS LAND features menacing production from multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Daniel Worthy, best known for his work on Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, as well as Chef Byer, BatmanOnTheBeatz and buzzing producer Jacobi of GlitchRealm.
Have a listen to the entire project below. You digging the Toronto lyricist?
Born and raised in Arizona, and living as a Black man in America, I had plenty of motivation for developing this film,” Daniels said. “It comes from pain and frustration. But also it comes from a place of love. While I’m not expecting the film to change minds, I hope it will open hearts. In a word, The System is about empathy.”
Delivering a timely conversation in an era of social protests, travel advisories and lost lives at the hands of law enforcement, Marmera Pictures releases the trailer to its latest thriller, The System, written and directed by Irin Daniels. The independent film by the Phoenix, Arizona-based production company exposes layers of corruption and racial tension within the political, judicial and prison systems.
Two lives become intertwined when Sam Lynch (Owen Conway), a police officer suffering from recurring post-traumatic stress disorder shoots a deaf African-American child. The father, Nate Wesley (Reginald Kennedy), contemplates taking matters into his own hands after the system fails to bring justice to son. His decision leads to a crescendo of exasperation that forever will change the lives of everyone involved.
“The United States’ Pledge of Allegiance says ‘one nation’, but history has shown that there have been two Americas,” Daniels said. “It is obvious to this day, and it moved me to want to create a film to examine humanity and what ‘liberty and justice for all’ could mean.”
Daniels lives in a state which not only voted for Donald Trump but has had its fair share of controversy, including being last to pass a Martin Luther King Jr., holiday; enacting strict anti-illegal immigration legislation; banning ethnic studies in public schools, and finding a sheriff guilty of criminal contempt.
Complementing the father-son dynamic of the film is a soon-to-be-released hip-hop album produced by Daniels. Titled Don’t Listen, the project features Daniels and his son, Marquel Deljuan.
For more information and updates about the movie and soundtrack, visit thesystemthemovie.com and Facebook and IG @thesystemthemovie.
Short synopsis
Vastly different lives and perspectives become intertwined when a police officer suffering from recurring post-traumatic stress disorder shoots a deaf African-American child, exposing layers of corruption and racial tension within the political, judicial and prison systems. After the system fails to bring justice, the father of the slain youth contemplates taking matters into his own hands. His decision leads to a crescendo of exasperation that forever will change the lives of everyone involved.
Written and directed by Irin Daniels, The System provides a thought-provoking commentary on corruption, racism, and prejudice, as well as the multi-layered intricacies and complexities from both sides of the issue
Bianca Clarke stakes claim at the throne on her sophomore release, "Queen of tha South." How can you argue with a passionate co-sign, from the legendary Trina, solidifying Bianca's self-proclaimed royal residency in Hip-Hop. Bianca opens the project setting the bar extremely high for her competition. The confident tone of her voice and straight forward approach is undeniably capturing.
Not only does Bianca spit relatable lyrics on cuts like "Around" but she also sings tranquilizing melodies on records like "Face It" & " Proud Of". QOTS is packaged with standout production and sprinkled with stellar guest appearances from gulf coast favorites Dollah Dae, Spank Lee & Lil Boone. This body of work definitely the has potential to be mentioned in album of the year conversations
Portland artist Rich Hunter returns with the dope new video for "I'm A Man" from his recently released album Third Eye Inspiration. With his last video. Smile Again ft Joyya Marie still buzzing throughout the streets of Portland, Rich connects fellow veteran MCs Libretto and Madgestiq for the another uplighting and summertime visual. With all the madness going on in the U.S. from natural disasters to politics, and race relations Rich Hunter delivers a breath of fresh air with his new album and positive energy. Uplighting and uniting his community through his music, Rich has also been involved in the opening of a new and much-needed jazz club, Jack London Revue located in the heart of downtown Portland. No strangers to the struggle, Libretto and Madgestiq deliver the perfect guest verses to complement Hunter's smooth vocals on his latest single. Watch "I'm A Man" and be sure to press play on Rich Hunter's amazing new album Third Eye Inspiration.
