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Author page: Natalee Gilbert

chris vella January 15, 2021
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London based artist Milo Bank$ has come a long way

Formerly known as CHEF, Milo Bank$ is a London-based alternative hip-hop artist who dabbles in various sounds but leads his rhymes with total transparency. As he states in “918 Spyder (feat. JC.B),” “I’ve been silent in the back, that’s what illusion is.” 

In correlation, Bank$ makes light of bad situations when expressing how it affected him. Possessing resilience and compassion; he informs listeners that it’s essential to be in tune with your feelings. Not to mention, he showcases a carefree spirit similar to today’s generation. 

The london based artist started his music career in 2017, releasing projects titled Liquid Thoughts, Purple Moon, and UNKWN up until early 2020.

When thinking back on this monumental moment, he admits that it all started as a joke. One day Bank$ and his pals went to an outdoor secret Santa event, and during their time there, he took part in a rap battle. In turn, he developed a taste for it, and eventually, he was encouraged to create songs. 

“When I got that done, I got in touch with Chris [Chris Vella], who’s been the backbone of my music since the very first song I recorded, and we got to work,” he adds. 

Before hopping in the booth, the London based artist likes to have food around. His biggest influence is Mac Miller.

“When he released ‘Donald Trump,’ it was like a whole new world to me,” he continues.

Bank$ also finds inspiration in Schoolboy Q, OFWGKTA, Frank Ocean, A$AP Rocky, to name a few. 

Recently, the emerging artist teamed up with UK-based producer Chris Vella for their five-track album, Sonder. In a word, Vella’s beats are the perfect compliment to Bank$’s quirky yet introspective bars.

From a lyrical standpoint, the Good Guy founder delves into his thought process, endless grind, and former life experiences. Additionally, Bank$ carries a delivery style akin to Tyler The Creator. Vella, on the other hand, curates a sound that crossovers between lo-fi, boom-bap, and jazz. 

By the same token, the duo provides hope for those who are going through tough times. About Sonder, Bank$ told Elevator Mag, “To me, Sonder is a collection of emotions and events that came out of the most productive and experimental period of my music career.”

Overall, Sonder is an album that’s soothing for both the soul and the mind. The honesty and rawness found in Bank$’s lyrics only inspire listeners to tell their truth. Furthermore, Sonder shows that we all go through similar experiences in various ways. 

He says about the project, 

“People sometimes don’t realize that they’re not alone in dealing with problems in their life, and Sonder is built on a collection of stories and events that happened in the lives of each individual on the project, which is set to contradict exactly that. We wanted to make this for people to know that it’s okay to feel shit sometimes, but that doesn’t have to mean you’re alone in doing so.”

Though the whole album decides a spin, I highly recommend listening to “Sonder” and “918 Spyder.” 

The first song, “Sonder,” which carries the name of this project, finds Bank$ communicating his inner thoughts to the world. He admits to trying to make sense of it all. “I’m a closed door when you try to meet me/Someone give me all the keys,” he raps. Additionally, Bank$ says, “I been tryna correlate the thoughts in my,” 

Elsewhere, the London based artist delivers bars about seeking guidance and hurdling over obstacles. He also reveals that music is his safe haven, rapping, 

“I like the emptiness inside the track/Help me listen to my vocals when I try to rap.” 

Ultimately, Bank$ concludes that he wouldn’t change anything that’s happened in his life because it’s only made him wiser. Sonically, Vella dabbles with lo-fi, jazz, and ambient elements. 

“918 Spyder” is a spine-chilling boom-bap offering that sees Milo Bank$ reflecting on his days in school. He spits, 

“Just an adolescent in the classroom/Tryna learn a lesson/Pre-pubescent/Always got my ass in trouble/Constant causing of a wreck.” 

Bank$ also speaks about what’s been weighing heavy on his mind, along with a PSA for the haters. Moreover, the emcee talks about his precision with the pen and pad. 

“I was born in a pit of fire/Tongue is laced in flame/I came I saw I conquered/Crux is what I is/I’ll change the game,” he spits.

His feature, JC.B, speaks on the milestones he’s reached thus far. The rapper also takes time to address smack-talkers but implies that he remains unfazed. Before closing off, JC.B iterates that the future is his to own. 

Discussing “918 Spyder”, Milo said:

“Calling the track 918 Spyder was simply a joke between myself and Jac (JC.B). We were playing Need For Speed at the time, and I was using the 918 Spyder while playing, and Chris was bashing out the beat in the background.”

The song is assisted by a visual which sees the two in various scenarios. One scene even shows Bank$ portraying a teacher and guiding a class. 

Listen to the Sonder album by London based artist Milo Bank$ and Chris Vella below: 

10K80 October 28, 2020
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Meet ColdHC: The artist becoming a hot commodity in the music industry

I knew Coldhc was a musical rarity ever since his performance in 2018 at DJ Drewski‘s venue, The MVMT Space.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Chugging 1942 in Mexico > 2020. Visit here ASAP @hotelplaya38

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I remember his voice bouncing off the walls as he rapped “I been eating all night, I got the munchies (I’m hungry),” and how well he employed the stage. There was no denying the effect Coldhc had on the crowd.

As they hung onto every word, he left them on go mode, and in turn, he left with more fans on his roster. To this day, I can recall going to my best friends house and repeating that same line subconsciously.

Later on, (with a little research, of course), I put a name on where this passage derived from. It was from his smash-hit, “Munchies.”

Fast forward, and I was lucky enough to witness Coldhc’s artistic growth. Since his memorable time on stage, he’s released projects like 2 Months In, Crabs in a Barrel, Vol. 1, Made To Scale, and his most recent, Hood Noon. Not to mention his consistency has gained him notoriety across the coast.

From a musical standpoint, Coldhc takes a relatable, unorthodox, and playful approach to his rhymes. It also helps that he uses auto-croon as his staple sound. Yet he flips the script every time by integrating it with witty punchlines and attention-grabbing cadences.

His moniker stems from being a hot commodity. During his first session in the studio with his friend, BigOso, and one of his engineers, DJ Salute, he shortened it to HC.

Coldhc adds that it came out way smoother and was more memorable on first impressions. After that session, he rolled with it. It turned into Coldhc, to further the brand.

 
 
 
 
 
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This song’s for the ladies. TANGLED (Donde Estas). Stream it. Mexico & @willsmith inspired it.

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He started making music the summer after his father passed away in the fall of 2018. He adds,

“My music isn’t meant to be hyper lyrical. It is meant to transport you to a different world and vibe out. Life is full of stress, heartaches, and trials. My content can be brief intermissions before your next battle to excite you.” 

 
 
 
 
 
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Why she got a gun? Watch TTG link in bio, click it. Follow @relicrhymes ft. @tfemi79 @coldhc @partofthebeatt @socalledx

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Before hopping in the booth, Coldhc needs to have a positive state of mind. If he doesn’t like the beat packs, he won’t record. Coldhc also loves to collaborate with other artists because they can bounce ideas off each other.

Rappers like TFemi, RelicRhymes, Partofthebeat, and Missing–Nin have influenced his sound. Additionally, they’ve assisted with his creative process.

Ultimately, Coldhc wants listeners to tap into their best selves. He also wants them to preserve their peace of mind and pushes entrepreneurship.

“I research Tupac’s moves not to get etched out early, research Drake to see how careers can have longevity, see upcoming stars to learn why the audience is gravitating to their brand. Be a life-long learner.”

 
 
 
 
 
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Donde Estas mamiiii 😕. “Tangled (Donde Estas)” music vid soo soo soon. Go stream it. Slide 4 is w.e. 📸: @partofthebeatofficial

A post shared by Coldhc (@coldhc) on

His latest single, “Tangled (Donde Estas),” pairs English bars with Spanish ones like “Yo tengo plata, comprar todos,” which means ” the cash on me stack to the roof.” 

Additionally, the bass-heavy track carries pop arrangements and classic guitar loops. Cadence-wise, Coldhc uses his signature auto-croon and even raps in a swift manner. He also oscillates between piercing runs and a baritone register.

Lyrically, the “Hero” musician speaks about his past, getting to the bag, his resilience, foreign whips, the “entanglement” situation with Jada Pinkett Smith, and August Alsina, his exclusive drip/ice, and trips. Not to mention, Coldhc forewarns haters not to test his gangsta.

One notable line goes:

“Walk up in the venue, no tip tip, tip tip, toe (Guap)/Walk through TSA, like them diamonds take em off (Guap) Got my first diamonds for my birthday/They remind me of my cause I tried to make Trump money I used to trap Adderall (What?)” 

In particular, these excerpts highlight his inner hustle, how he use to make a buck, his impact, and how jewels are a reminder as to why he goes so hard in music.

“Anytime I hear a beat, I know as soon as it drops if I will use it or not within 15 seconds,” Coldhc says about the song’s creative process. 

“The echoing melody in the back is addictive, the drums, and hi-hats had bounce, so I threw a repeating word in the background to add a trance effect to it. During that time, the ‘entanglement’ thing was going on with the media with Will Smith. The shortened word ‘Tangled’ fit the song, being repeated and echoed.”

Before the song was created, Coldhc spent a week in Mexico in late June and traveled throughout the country.

His favorite places were Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun, so he wanted to transport the listeners to his Mexico experience. The forthcoming music video was filmed in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

He wanted to capture the “Latin vibes,” so he took a weekend trip with his engineering and directing savant Partofthebeat. He says that they have some Puerto Rican landmarks in the music video.

The only difficulties during the shoot were social distancing. Because of the pandemic, Coldhc couldn’t include a ton of people in the video.

He hopes that each listener learns that life is too short when bumping “Tangled (Donde Estas).” He wants them to enjoy all that life has to offer.

“The majority of the population is petrified to the core, not budging from their homes. Life is not on pause or guaranteed.”

Listen to “Tangled (Donde Estas” and more by Coldhc below

10K80 October 28, 2020
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iSHi is in high demand as he looks to make a proper musical introduction

Swedish born, Indian, Kenyan, and Tanzanian producer and songwriter iSHi is always in high demand due to his knack for curating soundscapes that serve audiences with high-energy.

Amidst every beat release, iSHi makes it feel like you’re in a concert, without really being there. At the same time, iSHi bridges different genres with triumph-ridden sound loops. In turn, artists who’ve worked beside him create timeless records that positively influence the human race.

Through his music, iSHi aims to push others towards their dreams. Likewise, he wants listeners to follow their own path. 

So far, iSHi has collaborated with other musical icons like Rihanna, French Montana, Wale, Pusha T, and Raekwon, to name a few.

The resume

He’s also the creative genius behind smash hits such as Tinie Tempah’s “Written In The Stars,” the Professor Green and Emeli Sandé’s tune, “Read All About It,” alongside TMS, and “Game Over” with Giggs, Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Devlin, Chip, Pro Green, and Example. 

His first singles “Push it” with Pusha-T and “We Run” with French Montana, Wale, and Raekwon have surpassed 30,000,000 streams since its release. These two songs have also put iSHi’s alluring sound on full display, all while showing off his darker, hard-hitting approach to the production board. 

iSHi – Push it ft. Pusha T

iSHi discovered his musical expertise on a whim. While attending school, he attended something called Music Studio. When he was there, iSHi started playing the drums.

Then, he started playing the piano. Later on, iSHi transitioned to music production, which he adds, came naturally. His sound is inspired by personal experiences, Marvel, science fiction movies, and stories.

The moody tonality gains inspo from the night time. He wants his musical style to feel anthemic. A song that iSHi enjoyed creating is his forthcoming one with Jay Critch and French The Kid. 

“[Because of the pandemic], we had to Zoom and FaceTime to make the session and video shoot work,” he adds. 

iSHi is a nickname that was created by his mother. 

“[iSHi] It’s short for my full name Eshraque,” he adds. “All of my friends and family know me as Ishi, so it was natural for me to use it as my producer/artist moniker.

A proper introduction

His forthcoming album, The Introduction, is a reinstatement of who he is. Subsequently, The Introduction will also center on iSHi’s darker, moody, and commanding musical styling.

The project features past collaborators French Montana, Raekwon, Pusha-T, and Tinie Tempah, as well as Jay Critch and French The Kid, to name a few. 

“I’ve had universal success as a producer for over a decade with two massive number ones from the UK, and I’ve worked with many established artists. Still, I felt that when I started my producer artist career, I didn’t fully present myself to the world,” he says about The Introduction’s concept.

“People that know the tune I did for Tinchy Stryder, Giggs, etc. in ‘Game Over’ and they will hear that the dark sound from my new releases is from that era.”

iSHi- Game Over

 Surprisingly, “Game Over” was meant to be his first single as a producer, approximately ten years ago. 

“I asked every rapper I worked with to lay down an 8 bar verse. The first artist on the record was Kano, Example, Tinie, Tinchy, etc.,” he continues.  

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Your Season 🏆 Out Friday Pre – Save link in bio

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When creating The Introduction, iSHi made sure to include dynamic hip-hop elements. He adds that he had to remove several tracks and music. But, he intends to use them for future projects. 

“Your Season,” featuring vocals from rapper Kadeem King, is a song that channels the musical styling of golden hip-hop. But at the same token, it carries a plethora of cinematic arrangements.

Not to mention, iSHi keeps listeners hanging on to every switch-up. The deftness behind this stems from the out-of-body experience that iSHi induces when compiling multi-genre instruments with an aggressive bassline.

iSHi – Your Season Visual Film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHMjF6UbA1U

Clocking in at four minutes and sixteen seconds, “Your Season” also pairs a sound bite with a passionate drum loop, a dark bass, war cries, sporadic hi-hats, and emotionally-driven chants. This track also happens to be iSHi’s choice for a theme song off of The Introduction. 

“‘Your Season‘ has a very powerful message not only to me but to everyone,” iSHi explains. “It’s about power, and that now is your season, your season to fight, to win to be best at whatever you do as long as you never give up! It’s our time.” 

Moving forward, expect iSHi to release more music as he’s working alongside different artists. 

“One of them is the super talented Shenie Fogo,” he says. “It helps me stay creative by producing her R&B sound and testing other musical styles when doing my project.” 

Your Introduction is set to release in 2021. For now, listen to “Your Season” and more by iSHi on all platforms. 

kiana lede October 22, 2020
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Rice N’ Peas produce music to help you get through those sad days

Rice N’ Peas, a Grammy-nominated producer duo comprised of Mike Woods and Kevin White, frequently curate mesmerizing soundscapes that pair warm piano chords with subtle hi-hats and other lively instruments.

At the same time, these two know how to up the tempo. Just listen to “Make My Love Go (feat. Sean Paul)” by Jay Sean or “Star” by Bazzi. 

To box them into one genre is entirely impossible. As you listen closely, you’ll hear their production take on many musical stylings, including soulful/alternative R&B and pop.

All of Rice N’ Peas’ beats have one common denominator: melody

To them, this component is what drives production to great heights. 

Grammy-nominated producer duo Rice N' Peas
Photo Courtesy: NOISE

Rice N’ Peas are also behind the production board for Bazzi’s 2018 and 2019 mega hits “Mine” and “Beautiful.”

They co-produced Bazzi’s entire album as well, which has surpassed two billion streams, a platinum album, two multi-platinum singles, and two top 10 American Radio hits.

Not to mention, they’ve produced G-Eazy‘s 2016 platinum single, “Some Kind of Drug,” and Kiana Ledé‘s latest album, KIKI. Case in point, Rice N’ Peas are go-to producers for artists who are looking for a blend of smooth transitions and acoustic arrangements. 

Kiana Ledé snapped on KIKI

Kiana Ledé is Rice N’ Peas’ long-term friend. The three met when Rice N’ Peas made their way to Los Angeles, and they’ve been inseparable since. In summary, they are each other’s backbone and are apart of every musical process of hers. 

Rice N’ Peas knock on opportunity’s door

Rice N’ Peas’ name stems from their time working for a production company in 2011. This company also brought the two together. Although both of them were in college, their musical journey began differently.

Mike scored a great opportunity with this production company after speaking to his roommate about pursuing music. Ironically, Mike’s roommate had a close friend who was the daughter of the man who owned the company.

Thus, his roommate told him that he should go to New Jersey to work.

Grammy-nominated producer duo Rice N' Peas
Photo Courtesy: NOISE

On the other hand, Kevin learned about this opportunity from his mentor, who just so happened to work as a creative director at Def Jam. As time progressed, his mentor put him in contact with individuals who worked for this production company.

Kevin recalls his mentor telling him, “It’s not going to be like the typical internship, but you’ll learn a lot and be more involved.”

So far, their musical experience has been great! But like any career path, it has ups and downs. Regardless of whatever life throws at them, they wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

“You just gotta be prepared to let things happen,” they add.

Before they go into the studio, Mike and Kevin like to do adventurous things like hiking or playing basketball. 

Off of Bazzi’s album Cosmic, Kevin enjoyed making “Myself,” whereas Mike liked creating “Sober.” As a collective, however, they agree that “Mine” and “Beautiful” were fun to put together. 

Grammy-nominated producer duo Rice N' Peas
Photo Courtesy: NOISE

“I hope that people enjoy it [our music]. The goal is to have the music help them on a sad day or any other situation they’re facing. We want fans to get enjoyment out of listening to our sound.”

Moving forward, expect more singles from producer duo Rice N’ Peas! Their advice to aspiring producers is to encompass yourself around like-minded people and not to follow the money. 

“Be a part of something you’re passionate about.” 

Listen to Grammy-nominated producer duo Rice N’ Peas’ discography below:

la rodriguez October 12, 2020
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Who is LA Rodriguez? The artist who’s not taking himself too seriously

As the common saying goes, music and laughter are the best medicine. But what happens when you mesh the two?

Well, if you’re searching far and wide for the answer, get an earful of LA Rodriguez‘s music, and you’re guaranteed to find out. 

Little Alex, a.k.a LA Rodriguez, is an artist who serves playful banter in his lyrics. In the same fashion, he uses his life experiences to provide fans with insight on what to do in particular scenarios.

He does all of this while taking on the roles of different characters, just like The Weeknd. Not to mention, his sound takes on various forms. Without delay, the beat blends multi-genres with lively elements. 

LA Rodriguez’s moniker stems from his government name and his height. At the same time, LA Rodriguez wanted his name to be akin to Lil Wayne or Lil Uzi. Initially, LA Rodriguez was behind the scenes, music-wise.

But eventually, he decided to implement his life experiences into his artistry. Along his musical journey, LA Rodriguez has been learning how to play different instruments like the piano and bass. 

To add, he’s inspired by music itself. “I’d be empty without it,” LA Rodriguez adds. Before the musician hops in the booth, he panics because he hates the sound of his voice, all while chugging down a few Red Bulls.

His overall message is to show that it’s no gimmick. “I like getting to the point and leaving listeners on edge,” he continues. To summarize, he wants to relieve fan’s stress and keep his musical compilations lighthearted and fun. 

LA Rodriguez’s latest song, “Mexico,” is a dreamy pop offering with trap arrangements. Likewise, its led by a warm guitar loop and knocking 808’s. The lyrics at hand see LA Rodriguez speaking about a love affair that goes awry. 

Oscillating between a bouncy and singsong cadence, the musician unveils why the relationship didn’t work out. “She trynna spend up all my dough,” he sings in autotune along with “I’ve seen this time and time before/She need lines and lines of coke.” 

As the song goes on, LA Rodriguez also admits to having some wild nights. But that’s all behind him now. If he’s being honest, the “It’s Just My Love” artist is happy about the split.

From then on, LA Rodriguez aimed to leave immediately if a situation becomes sour. The song is inspired by the guy he used to buy paraphernalia from. “Mexico sold something that an acquaintance of mine was invested in,” he adds. “They were spending all my money.” 

To add, LA Rodriguez released a single called “Necklace” as well, which sees him using braggadocious rhymes about his exclusive drip, ways with women, and jewelry.

Additionally, the singer/rapper details how his negatives turned to positives. “25 scheming all day and I’m tryna get paid/Had a rough but I’m laughing on the way to the bank/I’m down, and I’m down, and I’m down/But I’m not gon’ stay,” he sings in a soft autocroon. The song features Elle Gray and carries an R&B beat with trap elements. 

Moving forward, LA Rodriguez will drop a project called Don’t Drive Drunk. He advises upcoming artists to go all in. “Make as much as you can,” LA Rodriguez adds. 

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someone dress me please

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Listen to “Mexico” by LA Rodriguez below:

JuS BeatZ October 9, 2020
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How rapper JuS BeatZ is channeling Mamba energy through his music

When the NBA Lakers icon, Kobe Bryant, departed from this Earth earlier this year, it was like the whole world stood still. There were tears, rage, heartache, and disbelief that permeated across the nation.

Despite all of this, fans have found comfort in knowing that he changed basketball entirely for the better. Kobe’s love for the sport took him to new heights. Not only did he show a fighting spirit, but also a side of him that only wanted to pay kindness forward.

Additionally, Kobe embodied a dedicated basketball player’s characteristics, proving that teamwork and personal development go hand in hand. His jersey number was 24, which symbolically stands for openness and new adventures.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMl700n288/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“The Kobe I knew those early years was warm, charming, intellectually curious, eager to make a personal connection,” penned B-R Mag contributor, Howard Beck.

Celebrating Kobe’s legacy, Los Angeles-based rapper, JuS BeatZ released a visual for his latest jam, “24.” The soundscape, produced by Joe Joe Beats, is a bassy trap symphony offering led by a guitar arpeggio.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CERsN6SHhXB/

JuS BeatZ is a rapper who masters dexterity to the tee. He comes straight out of Connecticut, with an infectious laugh and a nonchalant wild attitude.

Likewise, he is the youngest of eight children. Both his parents are immigrants from Jamaica, making him the first generation.

He has been influenced by Hip Hop since the age of 4. His influences include Nas, The Lox, G-Unit, Mobb Deep, Lil Wayne, Max B, and Chinx Drugz. Born in 1996, this 24-year-old rapper has been releasing music since the age of 10 on MySpace.

JuS started rapping when he was four-years-old. His brothers took it a step further by introducing him to hip-hop and making records.

Twenty years later, he continued to run with it and hasn’t looked back since. During high school, JuS released his first-ever single titled “A Lot of You” in 2015.

In 2017, he released a summer anthem, “Mardi Gras.” Subsequently, JuS graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2018, graduating with a degree in economics and communication. While at UConn, JuS was able to take over the college music scene in Connecticut.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CErwDYDH29O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

He’s been featured on Hot 97 and has performed with artists like Khalid and PNB Rock.

On the social video platform, Triller, JuS BeatZ has amassed two viral challenges. The #WTBWCHALLENGE garnered over 1.2 million views, and the most recent trending #Shortylivechallenge already has over 240 user uploads.

Using this platform, JuS released an exclusive visualizer on the app for his song “Shorty Live,” which has surpassed over 125K views. Before hopping in the booth, the rapper takes JuS JuicE remedies.

This refers to tea, water, and candy. Not to mention, JuS likes to freestyle his ideas and then write them as well. From his music, he hopes that people get the just of his experiences, emotions, and the tone of his voice. To add, he wants others to know HIS story and the grit.

“I hope they see someone that never stopped, not even someone who comes from a state that is not very known for music. I want to let people know not to let stereotypes stop them from pursuing their dreams and goals.”

In reference to “24,” JuS BeatZ uses a bouncy, auto-croon cadence. He pays homage to Kobe Bryant when rapping lines, “24. I feel like Mamba in this bitch/Take a shot. Never miss,” and “In my zone like Mamba/All I’m seeing is the net.” 

The lyrics at hand speak on police brutality, the Black Lives Matter movement, the C.O.D.E. Music Group signee’s ways with women, his unwavering focus, and his exclusive ice/drip.

“Ten toes in the sole, walk a mile in these kicks/Rise, burn it down, I feel inspired by the shit.” he delivers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDkDQjXn2M1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Deeper into the song, JuS BeatZ goes in-depth about his charm and frustration towards those who aren’t taking racial profiling seriously. Jus BeatZ even takes pride in turning another year old and how he’s readying for it.

“24, it’s a new year, strapped with the new gear,” he spits along with, “10,000 hours, man I done shed a few tears. Black Lives Matter, you ain’t with us. Fuck it, who cares?” 

JuS BeatZ came up with the concept of “24,” while freestyling, “I was focused on releasing a song for my 24th birthday and decided to honor Kobe as well,” says Jus BeatZ.

“I feel like it’s a happy song. That’s uplifting especially during a time when we’re all dealing with so much heaviness due to the state of our country right now.”

The music video for “24” is a Final Focus Film production and was shot by Mitch Forte and Jamie Tobias. Jus BeatZ joined forces with Lil Wayne’s weed company, G.K.U.A., to create a visual that embodies the beauty behind taking a breather and living in the moment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDCSRWXnC9y/

Throughout the scenes, you’ll see JuS BeatZ taking a hit of the #WeezyWeed while drop-top Cadillacs drive around him. Additionally, JuS BeatZ takes some moments to get behind the wheel of his drop-top BMW.

Elsewhere, the music video shows JuS BeatZ having a kickback with friends to celebrate what seems to be his birthday. Not to mention, he dons some eye candy on his arm while performing the song.

His album, JuS JuicE is set to premiere soon.

Peep the visual for “24” below:

Music September 26, 2020
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Who is Sprado? The ‘Magic’ rapper ready to take 2021 by storm

Sprado is seemingly establishing himself as an artist to watch out for.

Having already collaborated with Jeremih on his song, “American Dream,” the Chicago-based musician goes to prove that hard work pays off in the long run.

Subsequently, the talent speaks for itself and has gotten a thumbs up by multi-platinum producer Hitmaka and rapper O.T. Genesis, to name a few. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDeXezmgmE3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

At a lyrical standpoint, Sprado makes good use of his bragging rights, shedding light on his accomplishments and the work he put in to get to where he is today.

Additionally, Sprado opens up to fans about what he’s seen and heard, all while thanking the man upstairs for everything. Not to mention, he encourages others to be their most authentic selves and to follow their dreams. 

Sprado said during an interview with Hype Off Life, 

“I want the end of 2020 to be like, ‘We see Sprado. He’s blowing up. He’s doing his thing. The city loves him, and everybody is picking up on him.’ By the time 2021 comes, I want to be a household name, established, and people know who Sprado is.”

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Sonically, Sprado keeps an array of cadences up his sleeve. Regardless of the soundscape, he’ll go for a melodic approach or throw out some swaggy rhymes. 

“I try to let my mind go wherever the beat takes me. Let my mind freely flow on top of the beat I choose.”

Sprado continues with Hype Off Life contributor, Keish Monique.

His musical journey begins as early as 2017. Sprado left a notebook full of lyrics at home, which his father came across.

After further analyzing his bars, Sprado’s father told him that he has the power to be the greatest of all time. It also helped that music became Sprado’s safe haven, following some trying situations in his life.

Rather than being boxed in, the “They Know” rapper aims to use his artistry for positive change. In the span of his career, he’s caught the eyes of XXL, Lyrical Lemonade, Revolt TV, and more.

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More recently, Sprado teamed up with 2020 XXL Freshman, NLE Choppa, for his song, “Magic.” Between lyrics, the two rappers wonder if their significant others are ride-or-dies. Elsewhere, both Sprado and NLE Choppa do a humble flex, speaking about their exclusive drip, foreign whips, and ice. 

During Sprado’s verse, he uses a soft auto-croon to boast about his excellence while reminiscing about the “days I had nothin’ to lose.” As the song continues, he speaks about those who once doubted him and are suddenly supporters.

“Double back when they see me improve/But I never cared ’bout approval/Yeah, yeah (Yeah, yeah) /Ain’t no talkin’, but we ’bout that action/Talkin’ friendship, but we talkin’ faction,” he spits.

Before the infectious chorus makes its way back, Sprado details his resilience to become successful. 

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Matching Sprado’s energy, NLE Choppa goes in about a soulmate that has him “reminiscing ’bout the shit that we had did.” Although he and his lover had a few rough patches in their relationship, NLE Choppa finds himself still captivated by her.

“Ayy, are you for me?/ I’m mad when I’m with you, I’m coolin’ without you, so I’m ignoring/Catch you with that nigga, I’ll post at your house and knock the door in,” he raps in a singsong flow.

As the chorus makes way once more, NLE Choppa takes a moment to forewarn shit talkers, saying his chopper is as big as Kevin Hart. Surprisingly, NLE Choppa opts for a softer tone instead of an aggressive one. Usually, NLE Choppa carries a cadence that’s in-your-face rather than cool and collected. 

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The ethereal hip-hop offering is led by a flute arpeggio and a booming bassline. 

“It was a feel-good vibe when I made “Magic.” I had just dropped my EP, Bases Loaded and was excited, so I just got in the booth and made the song,” says Sprado. “Once my team heard it, we all just got more excited, and they were saying, ‘Oh man, you just dropped a project and you’re following up with this?’ It was just good energy and good vibes in the creative process. With the collaboration, my team and Choppa’s team linked up, we talked about the record, talked about Choppa hopping on the record and it came together.”

The visual for “Magic” is directed by WaterWippinEvan. Using a kaleidoscopic lens and other cool camera effects, “Magic” sees Sprado riding through the city in a drop-top.

Additionally, the music video gets shots of a beautiful woman modeling in a red-tinted room, Sprado showcasing his bars while standing in front of a graffiti wall, and NLE Choppa rapping as he dons a black turtleneck and some bling. 

Watch the visual for Sprado & NLE Choppa’s song “Magic” below: 

anxiety September 21, 2020
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Singer Emclay talks battling anxiety in newest single, ‘Sorry, I’m Venting’

Emclay is an artist whose words and poignant themes resonate with her fans in a visual and visceral manner.

At one point in time, we’ve all been in the feels. Regardless of our backstory, there’s a moment where we experience doubt or uncertainty, which, in turn, causes us to be our hardest critic.

Subsequently, as a human race, we’re forced to go through multiple changes that can either make or break us. Emclay, a genre-bending, singer-songwriter, understands our inner struggles because she’s also experienced them.

“Sorry, I’m Venting”

Her newest track, “Sorry, I’m Venting,” scratches beneath the surface of feeling down in the dumps. At the same time, however, Emclay provides listeners with words of encouragement, saying, “Might have lost myself lately, but I know I’ll save me.”

Additionally, Emclay showcases introspective lyrics that unveil her troubles with letting go along with the demons she’s been fighting. When further detailing her emotions, she belts out the lyrics with passion, “Got this noise in my head/Doubting my mind/Sometimes I can’t breathe.”

“During this challenging time we live in, music like this helps to get us through it all. We are all facing some sort of genuine existential struggle at the moment. While we can feel isolated, overwhelmed, anxious, outraged, and unsure at times, ‘Sorry, I’m Just Venting’ roots us in knowing that this is all part of the human experience. Most importantly, it reminds us we are not alone,” Emclay told us.

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Poignant themes

The ambient pop offering, led by a beating drum, touches on challenging topics like mental health, body image, dependency, confusion, self-doubt, and anxiety.

Not to mention, Emclay expresses to audiences worldwide that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed with these emotions in today’s society, all while giving them a shoulder to lean on.

Because of her full transparency, one person feels less alone. “Sorry, I’m Just Venting” is said to be her most personal song to date.

“This song just came to me. I wrote it in a session or two, and that was that. I was in a super anxiety-ridden loop in my head at the time, and I tried to get it all out of me and onto the page. Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. It felt like a stream of conscious word vomit. It was super therapeutic. In life, venting to someone can make you feel better. As I kept writing, I realized that that was what was happening, and it felt so good to get it all out,” she says.

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A visual interpretation

The song is assisted by a plethora of visual interpretations that were curated by different artists. The first picture, crafted by Sarah Russo, displays three drawings of cartoon-like statues.

While one of them holds a flower and has their right eye crossed out, the other two are seen exchanging thoughts through a black line. If you look closer, you’ll also see what seems to be a crowd of similar figurines looking at the trio. The words on the picture read, “Don’t look now.”

Sarah says,

“Emclay’s ‘Sorry, I’m Just Venting’ is an ode to the times. During a time when I am stripping down everything I knew and believed in, to face some extremely real and challenging truths, the song creates a safe space for me to feel the confusion and hurt while embracing the process of it all.

From the first time I listened, I knew this painting was going to be different. For a long time, I had clung begrudgingly to traditional painting and drawing, never feeling like it represented how I saw the world. This year, in particular, I stripped away those fine art “rules” like our world’s false truths to reveal what lies beneath.

I want to note the influences of some of my favorite artists, Pablo Picasso and Jean-Michel Basquiat, two artists who were revolutionary to me in the visual arts realm and evoked powerful political, social, and personal trials and tribulations that transcend time. The future is uncertain but never have I felt so connected and free to face it.”

A different interpretation

The second and third image, created by Molly Coyne, sees a girl with blonde hair and hands over her ears. The words “IMPOSTER” are embroidered in red.

Molly’s second painting shows a girl covering her eye as a huge green insect-looking monster hovers over her with the words, “Who do you think you are?”

Molly says,

“The chorus immediately resonated with me, especially Emclay’s lyrics, ‘got this noise in my head, this doubt in my mind.’

At my lowest of lows throughout the pandemic, I have felt like my head is Nothing but a loop of these lyrics, gradually getting louder and louder until I can’t hear anything else. The biggest doubt in my mind? Being an imposter. Who AM I without my art? And what’s the point of it all at a time like this!?

The second image I came up with is what I picture my anxiety monster looks like. You know the one. We’ve all got one. And my monster put me in a dark place towards the end of March. I’m so grateful Emclay shared, “Sorry, I’m Just Venting” with me.

Putting pen to paper and translating the mess of images in my head to these two pieces was incredibly therapeutic and just a reminder that in times when the darkest of the dark takes over, ART IS ESSENTIAL at helping us express our feelings and process grief.”

Additional interpretations

The last images, made by Kat Kempe, show a collage of different pictures and a collage of red and blue backgrounds.

Kat says,

“Creating these pieces was an outlet I was unaware I needed and was incredibly cathartic.collegethe collage has fairly obvious meaning, the song led me to ponder how often I vent about the state of the country and my anxiety that stems from it. The four tiled pieces is a representation of that; of our flag, the red white and blue, our ‘American values’ and how they are bleeding, in all the wrong directions.”

Emclay, whose real name is Emily Claman, got her moniker from friends. Her musical journey was unintentional.

Previously, she was pursuing a career in dance, and after a bad injury, Emclay turned to writing and singing as a form of expressing herself. “Nothing in my life ever felt so correct. I’ve been making music ever since,” she adds.

You can see the rest of the images below:

album September 17, 2020
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June3rd takes it to another level as he makes his way to “JEMENI”

Florida-based, Los Angeles-native, June3rd, proves that there is power in speaking his truth.

Over genre-blending soundscapes, the musician uses full transparency to talk about his life, experiences with love, and accomplishments. Likewise, the singer-songwriter breaks the stigma about showing emotions, only proving that it’s okay to be vulnerable. In turn, June3rd hopes to resonate with those who are listening.

He describes himself as an introvert, a creative, loyal, and determined man who is persistent for the things he wants out of life.”When you listen to me, I want you to feel like you’ve been in the same situation before,” he explains.

“My sound is based on blatant honesty. I say a lot of things other artists don’t say. Everyone has feelings and a unique way of expressing them, so I look to be the voice for people who aren’t as sentimental but still want to get their points across without putting on a facade.”

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Vocally, he carries a mesmerizing falsetto range, which meshes well with a plethora of groove-worthy beats. Some might compare his crooning to the likes of The Weeknd and Trey Songz. His musical styling dabbles in trap, hip-hop, and alternative R&B.

Contrary to assumptions, June3rd’s pseudonym doesn’t signify a particular date. In actuality, the name pays respect towards his late grandfather. June’s end-goal was to keep his name alive.

“I got the name from my grandfather. His nickname was June. When he passed away, I wanted to keep the name alive, so I put a twist on it to be the June of the third generation,” he says.

After being introduced to icons like DMX and Boyz II Men, The Fugees, K-Ci & JoJo, and more by his father, June3rd began to admire different music styles.

 

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who killed captain Alex ?!

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And though he admits to being so bad with recording, it didn’t stop him from honing his craft. Over time, June3rd fell in love with getting better, and he hasn’t stopped creating bangers since. He’s inspired by himself.

“I doubt I would have been so passionate about music, as I am now if it were so easy at first,” he continues. “The challenges in finding out who I was as an artist made me fall in love with the process.”

Lights and good vibes keep June3rd motivated in the studio. Hearing the melodies also amps him up about the forthcoming records.

In 2016, he moved from Florida to Los Angeles and continued writing out of Eric Bellinger’s studio. He made his debut with the single “Thirsty,” which garnered 3.1 million Soundcloud plays as he further developed his sound’s staple.

Additionally, June3rd has collaborated with NBDY on his single, “Fraction,” and Gianni & Kyle on their track “hit my line.”

The road to JEMENI

 

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this life is something I would die for… 💸

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Currently, June3rd is readying for the debut of his album JEMENI. The project is said to explore the mindset of someone struggling with commitment and relationships. It’s a tug of war between what they’re hoping for and what’s happening. They can either choose to give 100 percent to their love life or be single and face the consequences.

Even though June3rd is still adding some touches to JEMENI, he’s getting his fans excited for it by dropping visuals and teasing the songs’ snippets.

One track he enjoyed making was “Ocean Drive” because the creative process was a vibe. Likewise, he recommends listening to “Friends” in the car. As for theme songs, June3rd lists them all as the soundtrack to his life. The only difficulties he overcame while making JEMINI is finding out what’s missing.

Standout tracks include “Wait 4 It” and “1942,” which have already gained much traction, following their release.

“Wait 4 It” is a warm, upbeat R&B offering that carries 808 slides, wind percussions, soft harmonies, and a booming bassline.

Lyrically, “Wait 4 It” centers on a couple’s built-up excitement after not seeing each other for a long time. As the song continues, June3rd uses a velvety register to detail what the two will do through the late night and their lovemaking techniques.

“She gone use two hands, she ain’t saying grace,”  he delivers.

Elsewhere, he expresses his admiration for her, saying, “Got my full attention/She my new obsession.” He also would like to know how to keep her smiling. June3rd wrote the song alongside RIAA certified platinum writers/producers Dream Addix. “Wait 4 It” is accompanied by a visual that’s directed by Sony Boiz.

Each shot sees the musician having intimate moments with a beautiful woman he’s interested in. Once he arrives at her home, they caress each other in the bedroom, living room, and kitchen.

Generating over 100,000 streams in a few weeks on Spotify, “1942” sees June3rd boasting about his exclusive drip, jewelry, and latest successes. To add, the artist tells all about his charm, ways with women, and getting to the bag.

Deeper into “1942,” June3rd also warns smack-talkers, saying, “My nigga got the glizzy on his hip/just in case a nigga want to trip.” Sonically, the song carries an atmospheric R&B soundscape. The elements are a booming bass, hi-hats, wind percussion, kick-snares, and piano loops.

Sony Boiz also directs the visual for “1942.”

Between scenes, you’ll see the aftermath of a crazy party. Once one of June3rd’s friends show him a video of what happened, it seems like June3rd has no recollection of what happened. Following this, the music video gives a backstory of what went down that night.

As June3rd preps for the release of JEMENI check out some more of his music below

 

chance the rapper September 8, 2020
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Meet deezill, the rapper who is changing the norm in hip-hop

deezill is a rapper who’s effortlessly changing the norm in the music industry for the better.

His self-description reads that he’s a chill, funny guy who likes to be nice to everyone. Down the timeline, he’s done theatre, hence his theatrical nature, and YouTube videos.

Instead of sacrificing originality for fame, he paves the way for other distinct artists by working nonstop towards his dream.

Additionally, deezill pairs introspective lyrics with multi-genre offerings, often using upbeat elements to perk up an individual’s ears.

The themes explore deezill’s inner thoughts, all while giving listeners something to resonate with.

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“I like to think of my music as chill,” he told me during our interview.

“Although the messages are melancholic, I always make sure the songs carry an upbeat production. Not to mention, my hooks make my music stand out. It’s never repetitive, but catchy.”

Flipping through his discography, you’ll also come to know that deezill takes a melodic approach when going bar for bar.

Before getting in the booth, he’ll rehearse his work at home, do demo recordings, and listen to them. After making sure that he’s got it down pat, deezill delves into focus mode and tries to relax.

The moniker deezill derives from a nickname he received in high school, which was Deez. From then to now, deezill has been a Kanye West fan.

During that time frame, deezill’s friends called him Deez and Deezy. Fast forward, and Deezill created the pseudonym that he uses today.

The name change occurred because of his love for classic Mercedes, which uses a turbo-diesel engine and the marijuana strain: sour diesel. Plus, deezill wanted to be unique.

If you doubt his love for Mercedes, look at the cover art for his mixtape, Old Sport.

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His seven-track effort, Old Sport reels in at twenty-two minutes and fifty-seven seconds. The lyrics see deezill using his signature melodic side to speak about love, self-discovery, working toward his goals, and other things that are weighing in on the mental.

The song “Right Now” would be his theme song because it details what he faces today. You’ll need to listen to get the gist. In turn, deezill hopes that fans get an early 2000’s feel from the music compilation entirely.

Growing up, deezill was always surrounded by music, thanks to his older siblings. This factor ultimately ignited his passion. In the younger years, he lived off his older brother’s iTunes. He’d listen to rap icons like Eminem, 50 Cent, Fat Joe, and Notorious B.I.G. 

Then, once he reached middle school, deezill started writing raps, often keeping notes on his phone. By his senior year, deezill wrote full songs because he and his friends would always chill and freestyle.

No one took it seriously, but he did. And with time on his side, he became better at it. Eventually, deezill started hanging with others who felt the same. They’d record the freestyles on his voice memo. Sometimes he’d even save them and go back to the songs so he could add more lyrics.

Subsequently, he took audio engineering his first semester in college, which pushed him to take it more seriously. Now, he’s been working on music for over a year.

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During our Q&A, deezill unveiled that the journey has been challenging but fun and satisfying.

“It’s not always about the views, but the perception. When someone randomly texts you something they resonate with, it makes my day. It’s cool to be apart of someone’s life but not know them.” he continued.

His inspiration is a family friend named Will. Last year, he went to a family friend’s house, and his other family friend, Will, was visiting home from college.

After the first family friend mentioned their love for rap, Will and deezill started freestyling. Pretty soon, the two made music together every week, even going to the studio to work on some heat.

His latest release, “Slow Motion,” explores the trials and tribulations that come with self-discovery and reaching goals. It’s easy to feel discouraged when trying to nail your dream job, but you’ll be closer to it with a little resilience.

With all the pressure surrounding us, it can be frustrating not to know exactly what you’re destined to do as well. But, “Slow Motion” is an empowering track that symbolically gives the thumbs-up in terms of taking time to reach your end-goal.

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“‘Slow Motion’ is about trying to figure out what you’re doing with life,” he says.

The line, “I’ve been moving slow, so what?’ defends the notion that you need to have everything planned out by a certain age. It’s about trying to figure out your path.”

The musical styling was inspired by Chance The Rapper. However, the underlying message was inspired by his friends and the way his life has been after college.

“Slow Motion” is a bubblegum offering full of lush synths, piano loops, kick-snares, and hi-hats. At first, deezill lets a few bars trail off before going in about what’s been on his mind and what he’s observed as he’s working toward his dream.

Then, as the song continues, deezill forewarns doubters, saying, “What ya gonna say/When the ice comes out to meet you?” He also speaks about those who’ve already accomplished what they wanted to.

The line he resonates with goes, “Father times been holding back affection.” because he’s asking what it’ll take to get to the next level.

The music video, directed by Spencer Muhlstock and Hayes Walsh, sees deezill on his skateboard while painting a yellow line. The line is a metaphor for the road that life takes you on and everything that you’re doing to get to where you want to be.

Afterward, expect shots of deezill lying on the ground and running in place over an upward line, playing with yellow paint, having fun with a fish-eye lens, and skating.

When he’s sitting in the sun, the painting symbolizes that you can’t always follow a specific path. There will be bumps along the way.

Check out the visuals for “Slow Motion” by deezill below:

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