CHICAGO, IL – When Royalend DuPris Rice was a little kid, his father was a musician. He remembers multiple occasions when he would go into his father’s studio and play with the studio equipment and get in trouble for it. But despite those moments of discipline, he looks back on those memories fondly as the starting point for a music career that today is building a steady fan base, both in his home town of Chicago and throughout the rest of the U.S. As a professional musician, Rice goes by the name Rollin’ B. He said the nickname started while he was in high school, around the time the movie “Juice” came out, staring Tupac – whose character was named Roland Bishop. Friends from school would playfully call him that, and eventually when he decided to make music a career he adjusted it a bit to become what it is today – Rollin’ B. He’s currently in production on his first album, “Dream But Don’t Sleep,” which he hopes to drop later this summer. The first single off that album is already out and available on all digital download sites – such as iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and more. It’s called “Boomerang,” and it’s a song he describes as a laid-back, heartfelt groove that many people will dig. “It’s a song about when you’re down and out but you keep coming back, like a boomerang,” he said. “I think what sets me apart from everybody else is the message I attach to my music. I do the normal club songs and the ballin type of songs, but a lot of my songs have a positive message. I don’t just rap about selling drugs and gang banging. If I mention those things it’s in the past tense and I don’t glorify that lifestyle. I came from that, but it’s not what I’m about now. Today I want my music to kind of show that I have a fun vibe about me and that I can use my platform to reach younger people. There’s more to this music than just the same old drugs, guns, girls and cars. There’s definitely more to my music than that.” When Rollin’ B. first started rapping as a freshman in high school, he began with battle rapping against other wordsmiths from rival schools. In 2009 he became the Chicago Idol winner, and later that year won the Indian Thugs Entertainment six-month free promotional package. It allowed him to perform in shows that featured headliners such as Kanye West, Alicia Keyes and Lil Durk. Those shows spurred a “hunger to succeed and an ability to speak for those without a voice.” Those who want to sample some of his music can search for the single “Boomerang” on any digital streaming service. Fans can also follow Rollin’ B. on social media @Rollinb708 on Instagram and Twitter.
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Washington, DC – Nigerian-born artist King Baba James’ passion for music was sparked from a very young age. As early as 7-years-old, the artist can recall listening to his mother (who was a voice teacher) giving lessons to singers. “I was very drawn to that,” says the artist, “I loved to hear my mom sing, and I thought, ‘You know what? Maybe I can be a professional singer. I could be out there performing.’” And that’s just what he did, inspired by the greats like pop icon Michael Jackson, Baba pursued music in college and decided to make what was once a hobby his lifelong career. The artist’s sound is a fusion between pop, soul and reggae, but despite those influences, he doesn’t like to box himself in, and draws inspiration from everywhere – even country music’s beloved blonde bombshell Dolly Parton. “I love country music,” he laughs, “I like something that has a great story to tell, and Dolly – her lyrical content – it was like her lyrics were a story, they could be a book or movie. There’s not many songwriters that can convey a story like that and keep you interested.” King James Baba hopes to bring this sense of storytelling to his newest single, “Dreams,” which is an anthem of inspiration and tenacity. “What I’m trying to do with it is influence people, based on what they want to do with their life or career.” The artist recalls his father, an engineer, who was persistent that he and his brothers likewise follow suit and become engineers. While his brothers complied (they work in engineering in the UK), King James Baba knew his real passion was with music and art. “That didn’t sit well with my dad,” he recalls. But even so, King James Baba knew that he had a real gift, and wasn’t ready to let up on his dreams. “The story I want to tell is: It doesn’t matter what you choose to do. You have to pursue your dreams. You know yourself better than anyone else, and nobody can chase your dreams except you.” The song, “Dreams,” is available now on all digital platforms. King James Baba is ready for the world to hear him – something different and original. “Hopefully people are open-minded and are drawn in by something different,” he muses. Fans who want to learn more about King Baba James can follow him on social media (@kindbabajames) or visit his website, www.kingbabajames.com. HOUMA, LA – Lotta Knotz is ready to put a voodoo “Spell On You” with his newest single – a Louisiana voodoo/hip-hop groove that he said is inspired by the religion of his ancestors. Growing up in Houma, Louisiana within a Christian family, Lotta Knotz found himself singing in the church choir from a young age. His grandmother inspired within him a love for music, but he said every time he sang in church the “spiritual vibe” just didn’t quite ring true to him. As he began to explore music more during his high school years, he stumbled upon voodoo and soon learned about its roots. “It speaks to me because it’s the religion of my ancestors,” he said. “It’s the Africans’ native religion before they were slaves. It’s something I should die by because it’s something they came into the world believing. Christianity was forced on them. I grew up in Christianity, but when I got older and started doing my own research, my beliefs changed. I started having dreams and feelings and the name Lotta Knotz came to me in a dream like a spirit. Ever since then I’m been using this flesh to relay a message. This whole song is like I didn’t even write it – like something beyond me wrote it.” Lotta Knotz said “Spell On You” intentionally plays into the stigma that most people have towards voodoo. He said he plays up the scary nature of the religion, and he wants to emphasize the powers of voodoo and how something stronger than himself is pushing him to create this kind of music. His rhythmic delivery and gravelly voice belie a subtle singer whose unique sound will certainly pique the ears of new listeners. He also said that he’s aware of the controversy that can potentially rise from his embracing of a religion such as voodoo within his music. He said he knows dark music is a niche sound that may not play to the masses, but he wants to embrace the controversy and shine a light on what voodoo really is instead of what people think it is. “I want to show people where it really came from,” he said. “Hollywood and the media make it seem like there’s so much hoodoo, but they’re mistaking hoodoo with voodoo. I know that this voodoo stuff is a whole new lane. It’s not your average hip-hop. It’s not mumble rap. There’s really no title for it, even though some people might call it Creole music. I just call it Louisiana voodoo music, and it’s not like anything anybody is doing right now.” Fans who want to get a taste of this unique sound can visit Lotta Knotz’s Soundcloud page, or check out the voodoo-inspired music video on his YouTube channel. Fans can also follow him on Instagram and Twitter for updates about new music releases and live shows. ATLANTA, GA – In 2007, Yung Brezzy was the victim of a brutal car accident that nearly cost him his life. It was while he was on leave from the Marines, visiting his home town of Montgomery, Alabama. The accident caused him to suffer massive bruises to his upper body, a broken neck, a ruptured spinal cord and complete loss of feeling in his legs. It took 14 hours of reconstructive surgery before he could even be put on bed rest, and then months of physical therapy before he was able to walk again. Eventually given an honorable discharge from the Marines, Yung Brezzy needed a new purpose in his life. He turned to music. It was something he had always been fascinated with. Having grown up with a grandmother who always took him to church, he developed an early fascination with the drums and by high school had discovered the ability to rap. It was a friend of his grandmother who gave him the nickname Yung. “She was well known in the neighborhood where she was from and there was one older gentleman just down the way from her who always called me Yung,” Brezzy said. “He would always say, ‘You’re young and smooth like a wind because you’re always calm and collected. Nothing gets under your skin. So I’m gonna call you Yung Brezzy.’ So I just took it and ran with it.” During his time in the Marines he “dibbled and dabbled” a little bit with his music hobby, but after the car accident that nearly took his life, he decided to “go harder with the music.” In 2010 he linked up with a local group, hoping to make moves toward greatness in the world of hip-hop. That group never branched out to bigger and better things, but they made enough of a splash to put Yung Brezzy on the map and by 2014 he had released singles such as “I Be Goin’ In” featuring Koree Rudolph. Today he’s working on a new EP called “Life’s Lessons” – a six-track project that he hopes to drop on July 4. He said it’s the prelude to an official album called “The Message” that he is planning on releasing at the beginning of 2018. In the meantime, the first single off the EP is called “What’s the Point of Having Friends,” and it’s already getting major traction and airplay on radio stations worldwide. “It’s a song that came about from me just being real with myself at the time and seeing that the people around me didn’t do me any good,” Brezzy said. “It’s based on real-life situations. And that’s how I write – from the heart and from real-life situations that people can relate to on a day-to-day basis. I make music for the people and for myself. At the end of the day I want to help people through their situations. I want my music to touch people – to feel it in their soul and mind and understand that everybody goes through things sometimes. You have to go through the rain to get to the sunshine.” Brezzy is also working on closing a deal with a brand called Atlwood in which he would be the face of the clothing line. The premise of the apparel is highlighting Atlanta as the new “Hollywood,” and all that’s entwined with that lifestyle. To find out more about Yung Brezzy, fans can follow him on Facebook at Cedric Yung Brezzy Rush, on Instagram and Twitter @IAMYUNGBREZZY, and on Snapchat @YUNG BREZZY. Fans can also check out his music on his Soundcloud page, or some of his videos on his YouTube channel HOUSTON, TX – At the age of only nineteen, Gunner (known to fans as G*Smoke) has had the weight of the world on his shoulders, moving to Illinois from Houston, TX as a young kid due to some family issues. The talented artist has never let the weight of his family situation stop him from the hustle, though. G*Smoke has become one of the areas up-and-coming stars all while still going to school and running his own business – truly, a triple threat. Inspired by artists like Drake, G*Smoke has been a fan of the Canadian rap superstar since before he was taken seriously as a rapper (everyone remembers his Degrassi days). The young artist would peruse videos on YouTube, letting the inspiration seep in, and now that the rapper is as influential as he is today, its proof that G*Smoke has an eye for the right kind of music and has always been ahead of the game. Now, G*Smoke has the confidence to set out on his own and make something of his gift of the gab. The artist recently released three songs, "Man Now", "Risk Zone", and "The Change Up," which fans can find on G*Smoke’s SoundCloud. The songs are a teaser for the artist’s upcoming project, Sky is Not the Limit, which will feature new songs in addition to the three already released. The project is scheduled to be released later this year. "Some you can chill back with your friends and listen to, some when you're feeling like everyone is against ya, and of course some turn up music,” explains G*Smoke of his pending release. With something to offer for everyone, fans can expect versatility out of G*Smoke, “You’re going to get different feelings off each song. Some you can chill back with friends and listen to, and the other ones are there to help you turn up.” He continues, “There’s a song for every moment.” G*Smoke’s every move all serves one greater purpose: to help his family. Part of a tightly knit, loving family that has suffered through many trials, G*Smoke knows his talent and versatile lyricism might just be their ticket to success. “My main motivation is to take care of my mom. She was run over while on a motorcycle on her way to work to provide for my family, and I want to be able to take care of her,” he explains. His grandfather’s recent passing lit another fire of motivation for G*Smoke, whose name is partly an homage to his grandfather who died of lung cancer. “I always feel like he’s looking over me,” says the young artist. Whether you’re inspired by G*Smoke’s tenacity or just want a new artist to turn up to, G*Smoke’s music is a must-listen. Fans who want to know more can visit his website, gsmoke100.com, or follow G*Smoke on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Find his music on SoundCloud. Watch the video to G*Smoke’s song, “Man Now.” AUSTIN, TX – Rosewood Renegade has a way with words. He has a natural flow and ease with putting thoughts together that is pleasing to the ear. And his witty wordplay has been garnering him an ever-increasing group of followers through Austin, Texas the South. His new single, “Money Mitch,” is set to launch his career onto the national stage and increase that fandom tenfold or more. “Money Mitch” – which drops March 10 – is a song that started from a sample from the movie “Paid In Full.” Renegade said he built off that sample and created a song that’s basically about taking nothing and turning it into something. It’s a song, he said, that illustrates his versatility as an artist while also announcing his ability to the world. “I do music,” he said. “That’s what I do. I don’t classify myself as a rapper. I’m an artist. You can put me on any song, on any type of track, and I’m gonna do my thing. I can be inspired by anything. I can go outside and see a butterfly and it might inspire something. And on top of that I’m a renegade. I’ve never been afraid to say what’s on my mind at any given time. There’s no box you can put me in at all. I do stuff that certain artists won’t do – like some are ‘too cool’ to get on certain songs, or ‘too hood’ to be cool … but not me. You can put me on any song and I’m gonna do my thing.” Renegade said he first started making music when he was a child. He said he was inspired by his younger brother, Deezel, whose ability with making music seemed to get him all the girls. “I wanted some of the girls, so I started making music,” Renegade said. “I saw I could actually do it, be good at it, and found a way to play with words … mastered that, became a thief, and then I got a(way) with words. I’ve always been into music, and I have a musically inclined family as a whole. Today I write about a little of everything and I rap about everything.” More often than not, Renegade said his songs start with a beat. The beat has to “talk to him” before he can be inspired to flow with any lyrics. “But once the beat says something to me and gets my attention, that’s when the lyrics come,” he said. “I don’t have to be in the studio to write. I can be in the car in the drive-thru and something will catch my attention and I’ll go with it. More than anything, I hope people get the wordplay. That’s the main thing I want them to get. And on a personal level I want my music to tell other people that it’s cool to be yourself. You don’t have to be with the trend, just be who you are.” “Money Mitch” is the first off an upcoming mixtape called “A Time To Kill,” which is slated to release later this spring. Fans who want to sample some of Renegade’s music can visit his website iamrenegade.com. And to find out more about upcoming music releases or live performances, fans can follow him on Facebook at Jay Jimbo Brown, on Twitter @renegadedotcom, or on Instagram. Southside, Chicago – Jay Soundz’s love affair with music began at a very early age. He can distinctly remember a home full of music, his mother and father both musically inclined, encouraged him to pursue his talents. When he was merely in seventh grade, the would-be artist decided to make it his life’s work and has since stopped at nothing to fulfill his dreams of becoming a prominent artist (he even carries a degree in music under his belt). “Music is the center of my life. Everything I’ve done for a long time has been pointing me in this direction,” confesses Soundz. The young star has been motivated by a variety of artists – from The Temptations to Ludacris and the iconic Kanye West. “Ludacris was one of my first favorites. His metaphors, the way he flowed, his versatility,” explains Soundz of his musical influences, “and Kanye West, of course, being from Chicago was very influential because he created his own sound and was making it from Chicago when not many people were.” Jay Soundz pulls inspiration from any and everywhere, uneager to box himself in to any genre or sound, he says “I try not to limit myself. I don’t like to give it (my music) too many titles. It’s just a reflection of my life and how I think.” The musically driven Jay Soundz is excited to make his debut to the music community with his newest single, “Number One.” Though the artist has released music before, this is the first project he’s thrown the full weight of his heart, soul, and business behind to get it out to the masses. The song began with a beat, created by Jay Soundz’s cousin (in Jay’s words, “a great engineer”) and when talking about it, the young artist is teeming with anticipation and motivation. “I feel like it’s me actually being serious about putting my music out there and getting it promoted,” he admits. “It’s me telling the world, ‘I’ve got more in store.’” To learn more about Jay Soundz, Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen on SoundCloud. PHILADELPHIA, PA – Eighteen ‘N Over isn’t your normal hip-hop artist. In fact, the young singer from Philadelphia is often described as unorthodox, anti-social and an outsider. It’s not merely an identity that others have labeled him with – it’s a reputation that he embraces and with which he hopes to be able to create an air of mystique around his music. He considers his music experimental and dark, but hopes that the lyrics and subject matter of his music will be inspiring to others. Fans who listen to his new five-track EP entitled “Bitches Hate Good Guys” – which is slated to drop March 10 – will likely understand what he means when he describes his music as “dark” when they hear lyrics that are very graphic, raunchy and almost always disturbing. “That’s why my name is what it is, because the music I make I don’t consider it should be for kids under 18,” he said. “I know there are teenagers in high school who feel the same way I do, but I want people to understand that my music is very out there and very graphic. It makes you feel almost the same way you’d feel when you’re watching a horror flick. I’m pushing the boundaries intentionally to make you think and feel something you don’t normally feel.” The new EP is a project that he says describes a “good guy” like himself who is on a journey of discovery with women. His journey begins with the realization that many of the women within his generation only want to be with “bad guys,” and so as he begins to explore relationships and unravel the attractive qualities of his own personality, the good guy reputation begins to erode in favor of a bad-guy persona. “The lifestyle that I’m living right now personally would be viewed as very different from what I used to be,” Eighteen ‘N Over said by way of explanation of the subject matter of the new EP. “This project examines that change. From track one to track five it’s a story from beginning to end.” Eighteen ‘N Over said the EP is slated to drop sometime later this Spring. He said he hopes fans will appreciate the fusion of alternative rock, hard core rap and even some elements of R&B. He said more than anything he hopes they appreciate that he’s trying to bring something new to the game and to break away from the “trendy” hip-hop that he said dominates the airwaves today. “So many artists today say that they’re different, but then you see them doing the same sound and following the wave,” he said. “Fans who love music love listening to something new. I don’t really near new sounds very much anymore. And that’s what I’m searching for. I’m an outsider and I’m very dark and you can tell by the music I make that I’m different. The message behind my lyrics is dark. The hooks might be catchy, but when you listen to the message you’ll realize the type of person I am – anti-social, a loner and hopefully a little mysterious. More than anything, my music is very personal and I’m at a place in my life where I’m not afraid to express my personal stuff. So this is the beginning of what I have to offer musically, and I hope people see that I’m moving in the direction that will become even more open with my life through my music.” Fans who want to find out more about his music or who are interested in dates for his music releases can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat @eighteennover. COACHELLA VALLEY, CA – While so much of today’s hip-hop and rap music illustrates the lifestyle of people who have come up through the struggle, Southern California artist Florian Martinez – AKA FLO – is reaping a lifestyle that’s almost the opposite of that. Having made music for nearly six years with modest success, FLO is ready to take his career to the next level with the release of his new four-song EP “Loose Cannon.” It’s an EP that he said not only showcases his diversity as an artist, but also illustrates the point of view of a rapper who comes from the opposite side of kids from the struggle. “Coachella Valley is a retirement community,” he said. “One of the things that sets me apart is that I’m from the suburbs and I can offer a perspective from that walk of life. I also like to show the duality of living in a rich neighborhood that is privileged, but 15 miles down the street is a completely different way of life. Through all of that I know people can connect with my music because I’m talking to people who struggle with making friends, or talking to certain girls, or even letting loose and having fun because of doubts or insecurities. But I was able to become more comfortable through music, and I want to be a voice for the voiceless in the same way.” FLO said he first fell in love with hip-hop when he was 13 years old. It was a style of music, he said, that clearly dictated the mood of the performer by the songs tempo, beats and even voice stylizations. He also loves the way rap can be so in your face sometimes about specific issues. “If there’s a horrible day, I can listen to a certain type of song that completely relates because the lyrics are so raw and unfiltered,” he said of rap music. “It’s a style of music that lets us deal with emotions that we feel we sometimes can’t express or share. But music helps us express it. It’s cathartic and relaxing.” FLO said in some ways “Loose Cannon” describes his own battles with insecurities and his journey of finding his place in this world. As an introvert, he said he often struggled with feeling like an outcast or being boxed in with labels. But as a performer he can lose some of the inhibitions of Florian Martinez and adopt the boldness of the persona of FLO. “That’s what I try to infuse into my music,” he said. “When people listen, if they’re day is bad then hopefully it doesn’t have to be 100 percent bad. If their struggle is tough, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Music has pushed me to be better, and I want to create music that will help others who struggle in certain ways, too.” “Loose Cannon” is available for download on most digital download sites, such as iTunes, Spotify and Pandora. Fans can also check out the EP on FLO’s Soundcloud page. And those who want to find out more about upcoming music releases or live performances can follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. LOS ANGELES, CA – In Greek Mythology, Pandora’s Box was a dangerous object that when opened first elicited good things but which eventually unleashed a mountain of problems. It’s a story that has become a metaphor in popular culture for unfiltered emotions, which is what Southern California singer Arius hopes to present to her fans with a new 10-song EP entitled “Pandora’s Box.” “It’s an EP that showcases a bunch of different things that I go through or that I see other people go through,” Arius said. “I do a little bit of rap on the album, but it’s mostly singing. And I think I have a unique sound. A lot of people when they hear it say they know it’s me immediately.” Though only 22 years old, Arius has already caught the eye of some bigger names within the recording industry. She’s currently working with Grammy-winning writer Kam Parker, and producers P.Kaldone, Count Justic, A|C, NickEBeats, Jake Broido, IsaacFlame, De-Capo and Alex Mesvudi. Her first feature – on the song “Everywhere I Go” by Bueno – has more than 14 million views on YouTube, Facebook and Soundcloud combined. The first two singles off her new EP are called “Caribbean Girl” and “Martin.” The first is a song that she said has a definitive dance vibe with lyrics that could serve as a warning to people who chase dreams that they shouldn’t be chasing. “It’s basically about a woman who is insecure in herself and thinks that money is what will make her happy,” Arius said. “She’s a dancer who meets a guy who genuinely loves her, but she’s all about getting the money and doesn’t know how to reciprocate that love. She ends up messing up the whole relationship and realizes at the end that he really did love her and she ends up lonely.” The second single, “Martin,” is a slightly more introspective song that describes the feelings of finding your soul mate. “I felt like before I had found the one, but it wasn’t until ‘Martin’ that I actually found the person who was for me,” she said. “Some of the lyrics say, ‘Back then I didn’t know myself. / I thought I was in love, but I wasn’t. / Now I’m finding out what love really is.’ That’s essentially what the song is about – thinking you know what love is but then realizing you really didn’t once you find that one person who helps you understand what real love is.” Arius said when people listen to her music she hopes they get the same emotions out of it that she feels when creating and writing them. Some of her music, she said, is fun and will encourage dancing. Other pieces of her music is love music, and still more offer a variety of laid-back chill that fans could listen to while driving around town or cleaning the house. “What I listen to other people’s music for, that’s what I want from my own music now,” she said. “Five years from now I want to be well on my way to a Grammy. I want to be on two tours, at least, with another EP and a full album out. I want people to recognize me and to be an established artist.” To find out more about her music, check out her Soundcloud page, or follow her on Instagram or Twitter @AriusOfficial_. |
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