Stoopid Swagg OG – Keep On Going

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

West Coast artist brings the swag with timely new single ‘Keep on Going’ 

LOS ANGELES, CA – Okye Glaze has a timely message for the world: Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.  

The West Coast artist known as Stoopid Swagg OG is using his platform as a musician to inspire others during these dark times. His latest single, “Keep on Going,” is the perfect kind of motivational track that many people around the world need to hear today. A west Coast vibe combined with a Dirty South feel born from his roots in Memphis, Tennessee… the single showcases Stoopid Swagg’s signature style while offering up new perspectives on life. 

“The whole point of the song is to keep on going,” he said. “Don’t stop. Never quit. I never stop. I’m super-charged and equipped. I want to reach infinity – everlasting, forever, no ending. Throughout the good and the bad, no matter what happens in your day-to-day life – even if something doesn’t go right – just don’t stop. Keep on going. No matter the situation, you keep pushing and keep moving forward.” 

The upbeat anthemic single is the latest from this artist who has been bringing hit singles for the past decade. With “Keep on Going,” Stoopid Swagg brings another statement piece with high quality sound and an adept ability to spit bars. He considers his artistic style to be in rare form and hard to explain because it doesn’t sound like anyone else in the game today.  

“I have my own unique sound and presentation,” he said. “When you hear my music, I tell stories in my songs – like I make movies happen with words. The message I bring and my wordplay is what ultimately sets me apart. The way I do music and tell a story is what makes people feel like they’re there. I just want it to be epic – from the lyrics to how I present myself, to the sound, to the message, and everything else. I want it to be known for every possible thing it can be known for, which ultimately is greatness.” 

Stoopid Swagg has been making music since 2008, when he first started writing songs with his cousin during their teenage years. His first song, “Outside, Rimmed Up,” made a bigger splash in his community than he thought it would, and the response gave him the energy and determination to keep going. By 2018, he was making hits and had moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music full-time. In 2015, he dropped the single “Real Niggas Fuck With Me,” featuring Bricksquad Monopoly, and the single went on to make a major splash across the 

U.S. Since then, he’s performed in Atlanta multiple times, got mixtape placements with mainstream DJs, and signed an indie deal in Atlanta and worked with a sports and entertainment firm in Hollywood. 

Along the way, he’s polished his brand Stoopid Swagg, which he said is meant to evoke an image of someone who is always stylish and clean-cut.  

“When you see me, you know I’m about to handle my business,” he said. “I’m crisp, fresh and fly. I want my swag done. I’m gonna present that swag. It’s always gonna be raw.” 

In addition to “Keep on Going,” Stoopid Swagg is planning to drop two new singles called “Baby, I Be Fresh” and “Hold Up,” both of which should be released before the end of the year. 

To listen to Stoopid Swagg’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/knfdokye/ 

https://twitter.com/StoopidswaggoOg 

https://unitedmasters.com/m/5fad52c36b55ac6bcf37411d 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/keep-on-going-single/1551477222 

https://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/37142/stoopid-swaggo-og-wealthy-nigga-habits.html 

Matt Thompson – Accelerate

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Matt Thompson offers upbeat anthem with new single ‘Accelerate’ 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – If there’s one thing Matt Thompson absolutely loves, it’s a good anthemic song. His latest single “Accelerate” which is now out now on all streaming platformsdefinitely fits the bill. With a sweeping energy that pairs catchy melody with witty wordplay, “Accelerate” is the absolute definition of an anthem.  

“It’s a song about being impulsive and impatient with relationships,” Thompson said. “I’m the kind of person who wants things to go from zero to ten very quickly with relationships, even though I know good things take time to develop. I want it to happen now, but when I do it that way, it tends to blow up in my face. You know you should take things slowly but you can’t help yourself. The tone and vibe is windy and a bit stormy – the producer put a wind element to it that you can hear in the intro – but there’s also some Rock and Electronic elements to it that fuse with the anthemic Pop.” 

Thompson said that it’s his tone as a singer that really sets him apart from anyone else in the game today, as well as the point of view he brings to the stories that he shares in his songs. He said his goal is always to write about his truth and to tell stories that connect with other people. That, at its core, is what a good song does, he said.  

“I never want to sing a song that I can’t relate to,” he said. “I don’t want to write a song with words that don’t really mean anything. It has to have truth to it. It has to have a story. That’s how people connect to it. I want my mark to be someone who just writes really good music that hits people and connects to people and tells stories that feel like their story.” 

Thompson said he grew up loving music while living in the D.C. area. He wrote his first song at age 11 and started writing for others at age 23. In 2019, he released his debut single, and his debut album “No Shame” quickly followed in February 2020. “Accelerate” is the follow-up to that album and precludes a couple of singles that he has lined up for the next six months. He also plans to release his second album before the year is over.  

With “Accelerate,” Thompson worked with renowned Toronto-based producer Ryan Binhammer and producer/engineer Jake Vicious. The other singles that are slated to follow this year are also produced by Binhammer and Vicious 

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To listen to Matt Thompson’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/mattthompsonmusic/ 

https://www.facebook.com/Matt-Thompson-1194620570667103 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0FSN0jCGuoH5XNxoiXrBPE?si=7bEBUF_5ShGzrPZ4XNZliQ 

Synbby – Comin In

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Young artist Synbby announces herself to the world in a major way with debut project ‘Year One’ 

MIAMI, FL – When Syntel Speights turned 17, she made a major life-changing decision to move from her hometown of New Jersey to Miami, Florida to pursue music as a career full-time. Her first year there wasn’t always butterflies and roses but as she looks back at her experiences, she knows that she learned a lot and has become a better musician and overall artist along the way. She chronicles those experiences with her signature sound and style on a new EP called “Year One,” which is currently available across all streaming platforms under her stage name Synbby 

Calling it her first “serious project,” “Year One” is her introduction to the music industry and to a global audience. Not only does it describe the various experiences she encountered in her first year in Miami, but they also showcase her catchy vocals and natural talent as a rapper. However, more than anything, it’s an EP that tells fans and supporters all over the world that she’s here and she’s ready. 

“I know how to hone-in on modern day sounds without overdoing the modern day trends,” Synbby said. “I want to make a positive impact with my music. I don’t curse much and try not to promote sex no matter how many people tried to push on me. And I have a wide range of versatility. I have singing songs and rap songs and conscious songs and party songs and mellow songs and songs just to vibe to. I have the ability to get the attention and satisfy many niches. I’m not stuck in one particular lane, and I believe the message I have behind my craft sets me apart.” 

There are six songs on “Year One” plus a bonus track. Appropriately, the project opens with a single called “Recap” which does just what the title promises as it looks back at the various experiences of her life over the past year. With an R&B vibe set against mainstream melodies, the song is subtle but impactful. Synbby said that “when you hear the song you’re vibing to it, and then the more you listen to it you realize I’m really saying something.” 

That’s followed by “Somebody” which is an R&B love song. Synbby said she wanted to make something to encourage people during these dark times, and this song emphasizes how important it is to have that special someone in life.  

Next comes “Higher” which not only has a higher energy to it but also emphasizes the new levels of maturity Synbby discovered as the year went along. That then makes way for “Price of Fame” which Synbby said is perhaps the most mainstream-sounding song on the album. It has a Trap vibe, and fans can get a taste of her talented Rap skills as she talks about what it takes to be successful in today’s industry. It’s a high-energy club song that Synbby said is sure to make waves all over the world. 

“Right Time” comes next on the album and is kind of the linchpin of the entire project as it serves as Synbby’s testament to this being the perfect timing for her to release a project of this caliber. It’s an inspirational track that is sure to stand as an anthem for other people in the world who are working hard to achieve their dreams.  

The project ends with ‘On Top of the World” which feels almost like a perfect progression from the previous two songs. It’s about how Synbby is putting in the effort and embracing the right energy to perfect her craft and then reap the benefits of her labor. She also recently opened her own recording studio called Montana Records, based in Hollywood, Florida. At only 19 years old, she knows she’s passing milestone after milestone as a professional artist, and that success makes her feel on top of the world. 

“I feel untouchable right now,” she said. “I’m doing shit I dreamed of as a child. I will have a positive impact on the world with my music. I will leave the generations to believe in themselves, to build wealth, and to do what it takes to take care of your mental and physical health. I will promote the importance of that and make sure people see me for me and that it’s more than just about making money – it’s about creating good music that inspires other people.” 

To listen to Synbby’s music or to follow her on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/itssynbby/ 

https://twitter.com/itssynbby 

https://youtube.com/channel/UC8KNODa1qw7Vp5E4Swy38Bg
https://music.apple.com/us/album/year-one/1547013908 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6O9gUrbBqAcdNhsdZNTqlN?si=5RoSZ4pjTBSP2uOFG7wvYQ 

Year One 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/year-one/1547013908 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgsXGMNqxWhcJbvjwv4PT-7q7xaBAB9xd 

Zeke Riley – 2 Checks

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Young artist Zeke Riley set to release first major EP ‘Quarantine Pack’ on Feb. 21 

BROOKLYN, NY – On Feb. 21, the new EP from East Coast artist Zeke Riley will make a major splash across all digital streaming platforms. Serving as the culmination of this young musician’s hard work of the past few years, “Quarantine Pack” is a powerhouse of songs that not only display an adept ability to flow with deep lyrics, but also showcase a sound and style that is a fresh take on the Hip Hop genre.  

The first single from the project, “Two Checks,” is perhaps the best example of Zeke’s signature style. Made during the quarantine of 2020, the song takes listeners on a journey through Zeke’s experiences – from the passing of his grandmother to the up-and-down relationship to family affairs and more. Calling it a “therapeutic endeavor” as he wrote it, Zeke says the song will connect with a lot of other people in the world who have had a rough go of it over the past year.  

“Everything was put on hold during 2020 and a lot of bad stuff happened,” he said. “This song started out with me venting, and then it took off and I didn’t expect it to turn into what it turned into. It’s a very in-touch-with-myself kind of song – one of those songs that forces you to look in the mirror. It’s really important to me, and I think other people will find that it’s an important song for them, too.” 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Zeke has always been a student of music. He grew up in the church but Hip Hop was always around him. Nelly was the first rapper he heard at 3 years old. As he grew older, he got into Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar. He said those artists showed him a blueprint, of sorts, as to how it could be possible for him to pursue a career in music. He started writing music and rapping at age 9, and by his junior year of high school, he’d made a name for himself in New York. He was invited to a program at Carnegie Hall where he collectively worked with other students and his friends to create new music. They started the music group FLU, which stands for Forever Living Unified. They turned the group into an official multimedia company in October 2020. His first single “Crash” featuring Lou Mack and Franko Dots was released in September 2020 

With “Quarantine Pack,” Zeke continues to expand as a young artist, exploring different sounds and evolving as an artist. His music is gaining an ever-widening international audience, and he said he’s excited to see what the next steps will be following the release of the forthcoming EP. 

“I just want to be known for being myself,” he said. “Variety is important and I want people to know that no matter where you’re from or what part of your life you’re in, people can relate to you. You’re never alone. I’m big on bringing people along from outside different walks of life. If you’re here to make music or have a good time or to do anything artistically, just come along with us.” 

To listen to Zeke Riley’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/zeke.riley/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeh3OeEUwZ-yss3M-koM2_g 

ERIEL INDIGO – Basics for Breakfast

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

ALTERNATIVE HIP-HOP ANTHEM ‘BASICS FOR BREAKFAST’ AND ACCOMPANYING MUSIC VIDEO ARE AVAILABLE TO STREAM NOW 

(LOS ANGELES, CA) A unique new voice in Hip Hop blasts onto the scene via the addictive, ear candy single “Basics for Breakfast” from LA-based audio-visual artist, ERIEL INDIGO. Respected for her genre-bending anthems and high-concept music videos, this up-and-coming triple threat rapper, singer, dancer is forging a new lane and name for herself in the industry with a genuine voice and cultural identity that refuses to be pigeonholed into a one-dimensional brand. 

“Basics for Breakfast,” the second single off of the artist’s forthcoming album ‘Angels & Aliens’ offers up a lively Boom bap beat, produced by KEVN BLVK, brought to life by INDIGO’s catchy, stream of consciousness lyricism. Merging sonic tones reminiscent of Nicki, Lana and early Eminem while rocking a Harley Quinn aesthetic and attitude, INDIGO riles up our revolutionary spirits and tugs at our vulnerable heartstrings. In an age of label born and bred performers, she breaks the mould as a multi-faceted artist. 

“Basics for Breakfast” showcases yet another weapon in ERIEL’s creative arsenal. Her rapid-fire flow and eccentric swagger paired with Technicolor, show-stopping visuals, present us with an artist who demands attention in both the Hip Hop and Pop arena. What we find in INDIGO is something that listeners and critics alike crave, perhaps now more than ever; a real one – the elusive, true artist with something genuine to say, delivered in a way that we want to hear it. 

A self-proclaimed button-pusher INDIGO says that she wants to “…create music that is cross-genre in a way that breaks boundaries, not only in sound but in content. There used to be a lot more melody in the flow and gait of the true poets of Hip Hop  the way the words were said. There was this massive spectrum of each artist’s innate rhythm that danced into their spoken word. That’s how rhymes comes out of me – spontaneously – and how I think they would be born from most artists if they weren’t trained to use the same rhythm and style repeatedly. I want to pay respect to whaHip Hop was and I hope still is – the spirit and soul of revolution, an opening to say anything and everything that wants or needs to be said, from a real, raw place. True 

Hip Hop, to me, deals with important personal and cultural themes that an artist would write about in private, but might be brave enough to let the whole world read.” 

The accompanying video, written and directed by INDIGO, transports us into her wild world of “weird, old school meets new school melodic Hip Hop.” Surrounded by a vibrant ensemble of dancers, she projects a spirit of confident, feminine empowerment. The artist reflects on the song, “I think the lyrics ‘I eat basics for breakfast and bad bitches for brunch’ could be said by any woman, because we are all powerful, unique, beautiful forces in our own right. ‘Basics’ and ‘bad bitches’ are just semantic constructs of a patriarchy, afraid of powerful women; words that we get to rejoice in reclaiming and use as we see fit. 

“Basics for Breakfast” is slated to drop across all streaming platforms on February 12th, followed by three more singles leading up to the release of her forthcoming LP ‘Angels & Aliens.’ 

Listen to ‘Basics for Breakfast’ here: https://li.sten.to/YRBZFCp 

Watch the official music video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO67Cin47UE&feature=youtu.be 

CONNECT WITH ERIEL 

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD | YOUTUBE 

https://linktr.ee/Erielindigo 

 

ABOUT ERIEL INDIGO 

Eriel Indigo is a Los Angeles-based music artist and creative activist. With elements of Hip Hop, EDM, Punk Rock, and Alt-pop all present in her musical genetics, Indigo utilizes her unique brand of audiovisual expression and immersive performance to deliver a counter-cultural voice to her audience weave the story of a personal and cultural journey from darkness into light. 

C.K. Marion – Get Up

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Bold and brash lyricist C.K. Marion inspires others to stand up for positive change with new single ‘Get Up’ 

DENVER, CO – If ever there was a time to be bold and stand up for something, now is it. That’s the sentiment behind the new single from Denver-based rapper and songwriter C.K. Marion. Featuring Austin-based artist Saint Mercury, “Get Up” is a song that piggybacks off many things that happened in 2020 and uses those topics to encourage audiences to speak up and stand up for their beliefs.  

“As an artist, I’ve always addressed political issues and social injustices,” C.K. said. “In 2020, there were so many things happening, and I cover a lot of that in this song. Protests going on. Kids at the border locked in cages. Feminism. Black Lives Matter. Disabilities. People who are oppressed or placed into groups … I take all of those things and encourage people to come together and stand up for each other. I wanted to create something that’s uplifting and spark some encouragement.” 

Originally from Orlando, C.K. is a rapper, multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter and actress. She made her debut acting and performing at an early age. Today, she’s one of the music industry’s most powerful rappers, showcasing a forceful flow and clever, piercingly focused lyrics. Her albums showcase her lyrical rhyming and production skills. And with a signature sound that is quintessentially her own, her voice rings with a gritty pride that’s as distinctive as it is affecting. She raps about topics ranging from social justice, feminism, LGBTQ rights, the BLM movement, and more.  

“I’m versatile,” she said. “I kind of go with how I’m feeling in the moment. I think a lot of times my creativity can come from a place of pain, or an emotional place. But at the same time, I can be in the best mood and want to create something. It’s mostly about when the inspiration sparks. I produce my own beats, and go with the vibe that I feel from the beat. I’ll write the lyrics after the music and go with the vibe that I get from that feeling.” 

C.K. has put in a lot of work toward honing her craft. She started as a political science major in college but had since changed to studying psychology and incorporates a lot of the knowledge she’s learning into her lyrics. But even if she’s talking about tough issues, she tries to make it accessible to a wide audience.  

“I’m always trying to put into my music ideas for how we can try to make a difference and a change,” she said. “I have struggled with some trauma in my life and I talk about that in my music – how I’ve dealt with things. Mostly, I try to use my voice however I can. I know what it’s like to be in a society where you don’t feel welcomed. I like to express that pain and speak about the experiences I’ve had and how I’ve dealt with those things – how I don’t allow anyone to silence me, even if my opinion doesn’t feel popular at the time. I’m strong in my views and I’m standing up for what I believe in, and for other people. That’s kind of what this song is about, too. It’s time to start using our voices to stand up for one another.” 

To listen to C.K. Marion’s music or to follow her on social media, please visit: 

www.ckmarion.com 

www.youtube.com/ckmarion 

www.instagram.com/c.k.marion 

www.facebook.com/ckmarionmusic 

www.facebook.com/colakmarion 

www.twitter.com/ckmarion 

Ty Breezzyy – True

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Young artist Ty Breezzyy set to join Bronx legends with his album ‘Evolve’ underway 

BRONX, NY – Since the birth of Hip Hop, The Bronx has been a mecca of icons such as Fat Joe, French Montana and A Boogie. These legends have paved a path of victory for emerging Bronx rappers and as such, the New York borough has become known as a surging hotbed for rising talent. Ty Breezzy is about to join that list of legends with the release of his debut album, “Evolve.”  

Across 20 songs, the album serves as a showcase for this versatile singer/rapper whose signature style is already turning heads all along the East Coast. At a young age, he’s making a splash in the music industry, and this album is primed to be one of those genre-defining projects that will be examined and studied for years.  

Ty kicks off the album with the debut single, “True,” which melds R&B and Pop tones with a Hip Hop vibe that’s indicative of Drake’s sound and style. But Ty’s melodic sound and masterful flow are uniquely his own. As he explores the consequences of a toxic relationship, Ty emphasizes the moments that have helped him to grow into a healthier human and helped him become a better person and artist.  

Ultimately, it’s a song about exiting a toxic relationship,” he said. “It’s a melodic track that shows my versatility, because I rap and sing in the song. It’s pretty laid back with a melodic sound that I’ve pretty much perfected.” 

Ty said he loves to sing and to meld many genres into one when he writes. He can jump lanes more than most artists in the game today, and anyone who has ever heard his music can attest that he bravely does a lot of things most other artists probably wouldn’t be able to do. He taps into the streets as well as the R&B and Pop charts, and considers himself a master of many musical disciplines.  

Hailing from the Soundview section of the Bronx, Ty discovered a passion for music at an early age. When his father was incarcerated, Ty turned to music to channel his frustrations. Growing up in the Bronx and his various life experiences is what fuels his music while also pulling inspiration from Drake and Chris Brown – two artists who he said he admires the most.  

Ty first gained notice in 2018 when he released his first single “Shake Da Ass.” Since then, he’s put together a string of singles, leading up to the release of his debut album “Evolve,” which he said is filled with lessons learned from life, love, friendship and hustling. 

At the end of the day, I want my music to be known for its versatility and for being real with my lyrics,” Ty said. “Too many artists today are rapping about the same things. A lot of people are portraying something that isn’t real, or following other people. I’m talking about things going on in my real life.” 

In addition to “Evolve,” Ty has a couple of music videos about to drop for his singles “For So Long” and “Shake Da Ass (Remix),” the latter of which will be a dance video to go along with his first breakthrough single. All of his music is released through his own independent label, StreamWorQ Digital. 

To listen to Ty Breezzyy’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:  

https://www.instagram.com/tybreezzy    

https://www.twitter.com/tybreezzyy_
www.Facebook.com/tybreezzyy
https://linktr.ee/Tybreezzyy 

Chewii – Dance Through The Pain ft Govales x LokoVelocet

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New single ‘Dance Through The Pain’ by Chewii x Govales x LokoVelocet

The Reggaeton infused dance anthem ‘Dance Through The Pain’ pushes boundaries both musically and lyrically as the main theme of the song celebrates liberation from the chains of racism and inequality.

Island rhythms and trap influences stream together with militant synth programming to create an entrancing listening experience. The bold and vibrant accompanying visuals are directed by Govales and blend social justice themes with art film futurism.

Here is a link to the single ‘Dance Through The Pain.”
ffm.to/dttp

Social Links:
Chewii: instagram.com/chewiimusique
Govales: instagram.com/govales
Loko Velocet: instagram.com/symjorge

Music Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmxtGaTsev0

Jr. Mack – Git Dat Money

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Prince of Pimp Hop Jr. Mack brings signature sound with new club hit ‘Git Dat Money’ 

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Southern rapper Jr. Mack has always been a fan of a good club song. So it should come as no surprise that while visiting the famous Club Allure in Atlanta, he was inspired by the overall vibe of the club and immediately went home to start creating his next big hit. The result is “Git Dat Money,” which is slated to drop across all streaming platforms on Feb. 5.  

Self-dubbed as the ultimate strip club song, “Git Dat Money” is an anthem for the ladies. It features an upbeat and energetic vibe that will encourage anyone who hears it to get up on their feet and move with the music. But more than that, it’s a song that Jr. Mack said he hopes will inspire women to keep working hard for the things they want.  

“When I was in Club Allure, I was impressed by the atmosphere and the way they tip in the club,” Jr. Mack said. “There was like $100K on the floor. I couldn’t get it out of my head, and that’s what really inspired me to write this song. It’s almost a multilateral thing in terms of the vibe, but it’s mainly for the ladies. A lot of women out there are hustling and trying to get ahead. They’re independent ladies, and this is an anthem for them.” 

Jr. Mack isn’t a newcomer to the music scene. For years, he’s been making music in New Orleans, and he’s relatively well known throughout the South. He’s performed in almost every club, bar and venue in that region, and he’s recorded songs that have made the rounds among fans far and wide. He’s worked with artists such as Too $hort and Jazze Pha, who took an interest in putting out a project with him after hearing his one-of-a-kind sound. He even caught the attention of executives with Death Row, though they didn’t ultimately end up working together. Along the way, Jr. Mack has developed a signature style that he calls Pimp Hop.  

“I’m the prince of Pimp Hop,” he said. “That’s what I call my genre. I have Pimp Raps. I spit something here or there and I’ve gotten to be known for that. Like playing football, it’s a position I’m pretty good at – I’ve flourished at it. I have my own lane. The music and the sound of the production are different than anything else out there. I also have a DJ named IceMike1200 who knows my sound and is just freaking awesome. Him and I together are like DJ Quick and Sugar Free. And at the end of the day, I hope people know me for Pimp Hop. It’s almost like Godzilla – that’s how I look at Jr. Mack. He’s a necessary evil. Ain’t nobody on this pimp shit like me. I’m like a dinosaur, the last of my kind – a tetra dactyl, cuz I’m fly!” 

Jr. Mack said he has enough material to fill two albums with his music, and plans to drop a single per month over the course of 2021 as he builds momentum toward a bigger project. His next few singles will be “Do You Think I’m Sexy,” “Smoke Good,” “Jr. Want It” and “The Prince of Pimp Hop.” 

To listen to Jr. Mack’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/thejrmack/ 

https://twitter.com/TheJrMack 

https://www.facebook.com/princeofpimphop 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0wNQpKfIKzPynscvSaHMpA 

Mustafa Shakir – Merica

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Hollywood actor parlays success into music career with new single ‘Merica 

NEW YORK, NY – Mustafa Shakir has made a name for himself in Hollywood as one of the best character actors in the business. Many fans would recognize him as the super villain and crime boss John McIver – AKA Bushmaster – from the second season of “Marvel’s Luke Cage.” Others might recognize him as Big Mike from HBO’s drama “The Deuce” or as Victor from the Emmy Nominated series “The Night Of.” He’s currently shooting scenes in New Zealand for the upcoming hit Netflix series “Cowboy Bebop,” which is slated to be released at the end of the summer.  

But long before he became one of Hollywood’s go-to actors, Shakir was pursuing his first love: music. For as long as he can remember, music has been a cathartic outlet for him, and over the years, he’s written and released singles that have entertained a small but loyal audience as well as a mixtape called “Masterpiece Theater,” which are streaming on all digital platforms. He hopes to expand that audience with his latest single “Merica” – the first off a new album called “Magia Negra,” which is due to go wide in distribution later this year. 

Merica” is a tongue-in-cheek satirical take on the culture that permeates most of the country today. Shakir calls it an “anthropomorphic take on America” in that the song is talking to America as if it was a person.  

“It’s basically like America is a Karen,” he said. “I’m talking to the myth of America – reading her her rights according to what’s going on currently. There’s specificity but also general themes I’m speaking about. It’s spoofy – kind of in the spirit of Eminem’s ‘Slim Shady.’”  

The mid-tempo song has a funky swag that serves as a perfect platform for Shakir’s soulful flow. It has a sound that would fit perfectly as a track for one of the shows or films he’d be featured on. And the lyrical content is equal parts challenging and entertaining. It feels like Lauryn Hill-meets-Jay-Z. It’s easy to see how a wide range of influences – from The Roots’ Black Thought, to Common, to a Tribe Called Quest – have made an impact on his style. But at the end of the day, the swag of his sound is 100 percent Shakir. 

“I feel like I’m a lyricist, first and foremost,” he said. “There’s simplicity but also a lot of complexity to it. If you study the lyrics, you can tell I’ve read quite a bit. There’s some intelligence behind it all. I want to be known for flexibility. I’m a chameleon – you can see that as an actor when I’m switching in and out of characters. But that’s also true of the different flows I bring. There’s variety with my music, but not so much that I don’t come hard with it. I want to be able to give people different flavors but without losing my individuality. So you’ll get a lot of different energies, but the core will be the same. There’s thoughtfulness, fun, and most of all creativity. That’s a big word for my music. I want to bring the art back into Hip Hop. I’m not doing it for the dollar – this is an expression of who I am.” 

Shakir said “Merica” is just the first of what he has planned for 2021. He plans to release a couple more singles between now and the summer, and then would like to drop the full album “Magia Negra” by July or August. He’s proud of the project and the people he was able to collaborate with. One song features India Arie – making him the first rapper she’s ever collaborated with – while another features Heather Victoria. He also worked with producers James Goldfingz Wheeler, Langston Masingale, and Voli Martung (who is the producing partner of Young Guru).  

To listen to Mustafa Shakir’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/_mustafashakir_/ 

https://twitter.com/_mustafashakir_ 

https://www.facebook.com/thaeffortless1 

TikTok  @_mustafashakir_