TopWAV – Black and Litty

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music

TopWAV challenges conventional thinking with aggressively entertaining album ‘Big Wavy Protest’ 

ATLANTA, GA – Soundscapes of Soul and Gospel come head-to-head with classic 808s and bouncy beats on the new album “Big Wavy Protest” from Atlanta-based artist TopWAV. It’s a project that brings energy and edge in its blend of different sounds and styles that not only showcase his raw talent but also challenge listeners to consider a new perspective on the state of affairs in the world today. 

“On the cover of the album you’ll see a hand with a glove on it, with the words ‘We need to build our own’ written on the side,” TopWAV said. “That’s something that’s extremely important to me because I’m very pro industry. I believe industrialization is kind of our way forward to build a strong economic block. In the age we’re in now, we’re in a Malcolm X kind of time period, but not in an aggressive sense. More of a nationalism sense This album is to encourage people to be independent and do more for ourselves economically. It’s my own form of protest that basically says in today’s atmosphere and political climate, when all has been said and done, we need to build our own.” 

The debut single from the project is a song called “Black and Litty. TopWAV said it’s a song that explores what it takes to be a standout individual – to have something that he calls a “rare essence.”  

“It’s about that expression of a rare essence,” he said. “Take Angela Davis, for instance. A lot of people think that her afro was a wig, but it’s not. It’s really her hair. In the past, people made us feel bad about our hair or our skin, and we were encouraged to seek more European standards of beauty. So this song connects back to being our own and being ourselves and having that self-esteem that leads to a rare essence that stands on its own.” 

TopWAV continues this exploration of rare qualities with another single, “Black Whitehouse” albeit from a more economic standpoint. Like most of the songs on the album, it showcases a blend of sounds that pull from his background in West Africa and Nigeria. Though inspired by his protest against the government, the sounds he brings to the table with this album also stand out from others within the industry. He blends Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, Trap, and Soul with Afro beats for a truly original sound and style.  

“My music should be known for independence and uniqueness,” he said. “I want people to have for themselves. We’re all interconnected and can’t neglect that, but that sense of freedom is a personal responsibility. To be able to do what you want to do and take gains or losses and keep playing the game, that’s what my music is about. I’m speaking mostly to people who are in oppressed conditions. That’s not the way we’re created to be and I want my music to be about breaking free from that. But I also believe in the principle of having balance and I know that music is supposed to be inspiring and not just a conduit for strong conscious thought. If it doesn’t flow or it doesn’t fit, we’re not going with it. It has to be the right cadence and flow and rhythm. I believe this project captures that essence.” 

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

https://twitter.com/TopWAV 

https://www.instagram.com/thetopwav/ 

“BIG WAVY PROTEST”  

https://open.spotify.com/album/7s1ec95TV0SfuLDhJpOfdu?si=lsTY3L_YRVObmv5guvGYZw

Thomas Bernard – You

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Soulful vocalist and singer/songwriter set to dropped emotional Pop Ballad ‘You’  

ST. LOUIS, MO – Thomas Bernard is a young singer/songwriter from St. Louis whose new single “You” is set to make him break out big waysin the music industry. Driven by strong piano chords that serve as the perfect platform for Bernard’s soaring and heartfelt vocals, “You” is a Pop ballad that’s reminiscent of some of the greatest names in music today.Listeners of the song will immediately feel the emotion in his voice as he sings. And it’s that emotion that makes it a song that’s immediately accessible for a wide audience.  

“I wrote it about the relationship I’m currently in,” Bernard said. “There was a time when my girlfriend felt like I didn’t consider her to be 100 percent the one for me. But I wanted to let her know that she was the only one in my eyes.” 

Bernard said fans who listen to his music will certainly feel the influences of Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, and The Weeknd. That said, he has his own unique sound and style that is definitely carving out a niche within the crowded music marketplace. His voice is tailormade for radio – to the point that he was a contestant on both American Idol and The Voice. He brings a little bit of an R&B soulful vibe to his music, and the lyrics he creates are genuine and filled with emotion. 

“I try to make them as real and relatable as possible,” he said. “I just want to create music that people can feel rather than just hear. I feel like today’s generation is leaning toward music that just has a good beat in the back, but not everyone is really saying much with their lyrics. Only a select few artists today put out good stories, and that’s what I want to do. I want people to listen to my music and relate to it and really feel it rather than just listening to something that sounds nice in the moment.” 

Bernard first came on the music scene at age 15 when he started going to his local recording studio in downtown St. Louis and creating new tracks. He spent many years honing his craft and writing songs that he knew would one day connect with people. Along the way, he has posted videos of himself singing on multiple social media platforms, building a strong fanbase that continues to grow every day.  

“You” is dropped across all streaming platforms. Bernard said he has two more singles set to release in the coming months. 

To listen to his music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links: 

https://thomasbernard.hearnow.com/ 

https://show.co/1itOoi4 

https://www.instagram.com/thomasbernardmusic/ 

https://www.facebook.com/thomasbernardmusic/ 

Twitter: @thomasbernard__ 

TikTok: @thomas_bernard111

Intl Don – Stop F’king With Me

ME Blog, Music, Promo

Gangsta Trap Rap takes center stage with new single from Intl Don 

LAS VEGAS, NV – Some real “Dirty South” Gangsta Trap Rap comes to the forefront with a new single from International Don. “Stop F’king With Me” is an aggressive, in-your-face slow jam that evokes memories of 90s Gangsta Rap and features Intl Don’s signature gravelly voice. Reminiscent of rappers like Jadakiss or Busta Rhymes, Intl Don brings a hardcore sound that’s equal parts bouncy and hype. The song will make you want to bop your head while getting pumped up for whatever comes next in your life.  

“I’m from the South and I’ve got my own style, which I call Gangsta Pimp,” Intl Don said. “I’m kinda keeping that Memphis flow but with that Gangsta Pimp Trap vibe. I call my music a survival kit because it shows people in the struggle how to make it out. My music shows you how to live especially in the jungle like that. Only the strong survive where I’m from. You’ve gotta be tough. You’ve gotta be strong. That’s what my music is about.” 

Intl Don’s signature style isn’t one-sided, however. In fact, his name is a precursor to his sound in that he has a very international flavor to the music he creates. As someone who has traveled all around the world, he’s taken influences from many different cultures. That’s why his music is already making waves in various parts of the world. In fact, one of the biggest markets to embrace his sound is the thriving Hip Hop audience from the United Kingdom. That’s quite a journey for someone who grew up on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee.  

“I remember when I first started music as a kid that we’d all get together and stand around each other on the streets and just start rapping,” Intl Don said. “I was always the best rapper and I could just go off the head with it. I had a way with my flow and I was always the one with the most aggressive, deeper voice. Around 2010 is when I started getting serious with my music. And though I got sidetracked for a long time, I’m ready to go all the way with it. I came from the struggle and you can still hear that in my music, but I’ve also evolved as an artist and I think that’s what makes me a hit in other countries.” 

Following the success of “Stop F’king With Me,” Intl Don said he plans to release another single called “Like I’m Cash” later this year. It’ll be another “Gangsta Pimp song,” he said, with a music video to follow before the end of the year. 

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

https://www.instagram.com/intldon__750/ 

https://twitter.com/IntlDon 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzOs-InwovxgGqaXseCIrcw 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xq9f4iOeTAaIZjG4I2ZZd?si=MVI5EefZSE6UbOq4kI88pQ

Shalisa – It’s Too Late

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Shalisa celebrates ‘Five Decades’ of music with beautiful new album 

ORLANDO, FL – Shalisa James has been a professional vocalist, pianist and music director for more than 30 years. And as she approaches her 50th birthday, she’s preparing to launch an album that not only celebrates a life of music but which also shows other female artists that it’s never too late to live out their dreams. 

After singing on five albums with her group Toxic Audio over the years, as well as singing on other artists’ albums and tackling thousands of studio projects, Shalisa decided she wanted her own album to celebrate turning 50. “Five Decades” is a 14-track project that showcases a variety of sounds and styles perfectly suited to display Shalisa’s beautiful vocals.  

“I wanted to share that even at this age, I’m in the best voice of my life,” Shalisa said. “I chose music from all five decades of my life for mostly covers but with a twist. Another interesting thing about this album is that it was a pandemic project, providing income and collaborative opportunities for more than 20 musicians during the lockdown months of April through July. We worked totally remotely with many band members for tracks, never even meeting in person.” 

Shalisa is no stranger to the recording process and entertainment industry. Her company, Entertainment Central, has produced music acts and shows at major attractions worldwide. She’s worked with Universal Studios and Warner Brothers to create the Frog Choir Show for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. She collaborated with the Tonight Show team and Universal to create the show for the Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon attraction. And her video for the song she wrote with her husband, “Couldn’t Get a Sitter,” has seen more than a million views on its way to winning a Telly Award for Best Comedic Music Video. She’s also done work on Broadway with her lead vocal on the Broadway Concert version of “Hair” being nominated for a Grammy Award with her group Toxic Audio. Shalisa has also been named Female Vocalist of the Year in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America. Her voice has been heard on more than 1,000 radio jingles across the U.S. 

Now with her new album, Shalisa is ready to show the world a new twist on the music her fans have come to know and love from her for the past 50 years. A lot of the songs on the album have layered vocals because she loves harmonies, and many of the covers will feel familiar to listeners while also presenting a unique vibe that’s more modern. The last track on the album features all members of her family – her husband sings, her son plays guitar and beat-boxes, as well as plays guitar. Her younger son – who is a screenwriter and singer – contributes to the song. And her daughter – who at 26 is studying to become a doctor and fronts a Rock band at her med school – also added some vocals to the song. 

With tracks that explore love and meaningful relationships in all its forms, Shalisa said “Five Decades” is a fun album for music lovers of all ages and demographics. But more than anything, she hopes the album will inspire other women out there to continue pursuing their dreams no matter what the challenges. 

“I hear a lot of women talking about how they were so much better when they were younger and that they’re losing their range or their chops or they don’t have stamina,” Shalisa said. “That’s a narrative that women have heard a lot and buy into. I wanted to let people know and show them proof that you can still sing as well as you’ve ever sung in your life when you’re hitting 50. At this age, we’re getting better and better and working at our craft. My life experience comes through in the music, which adds layers that I wouldn’t have been able to bring at age 20. So I hope this album inspires others to see that they can be at their best if they stick with it and don’t buy into a negative narrative. The world likes to tell people they’re not as good as they were, and I, with this album, I wanted to say, ‘No! I’m actually singing better than I’ve ever sung.’” 

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

https://www.shalisajames.com/ 

https://twitter.com/ShalisaJames1 

https://www.instagram.com/shalisasloanjames/ 

https://www.facebook.com/shalisa.s.james 

“Five Decades”
https://music.apple.com/us/album/five-decades/1540416887

Blog Producing in a Pandemic: 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qSAMQ7RgybY&t=2s
 

 

LD – Trying and No Limit

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Midwest Artist LD Has Released “Trying” & “No Limit”You Can Stream Both On Spotify & All DSP’s

19 November 2020 (Madison, WI) – After a successful couple of months following the release of Only Can Make It, today LD releases his highly anticipated two song project Expected.

“‘I put my everything into these two tracks, and seriously can’t be more proud of the results,’ says LD. ‘Somehow by following tragedy I found my way out. I encourage you to sit back and take in my story, as I so maliciously placed throughout this project.’”

LD writes about himself, which evidently enough is not like your typical rapper. Rather he creates something much more relatable for the average hip-hop fan, and in turn much more emotionally impactful. LD opens the project with the soul-driven and tragedy struck track, “Trying,” which features an attention-stealing beat, mixed perfectly by Minneapolis based producer Casey Golden (who did the whole project).

Finally, LD concludes the project with the mesmerizing track, “No Limit,” which features an enchanting vocal mix. You can stream “No Limit” below on SPotify, or find it on any digital streaming outlet.

How do you rate “Trying” and “No Limit”? Will you add either of these songs to your playlists? You can stream this on Spotify, or find it on any digital streaming outlet.

LD – Trying
Overall Score: ★★★☆☆
Lyrics: ★★★★☆ | Hook: ★★★☆☆ | Flow/Delivery ★★★★☆ | Production: ★★★☆☆
Overall Sound: ★★★☆☆ | Radio/club ready: ★★☆☆☆ | Marketability: ★★☆☆☆

LD – No Limit
Overall Score: ★★★★☆
Lyrics: ★★★★☆ | Hook: ★★★★☆ | Flow/Delivery ★★★☆☆ | Production: ★★★☆☆
Overall Sound: ★★★☆☆ | Radio/club ready: ★★☆☆☆ | Marketability: ★★★☆☆

Say in tune with LD on ALL social media outlets.

Web: https://solo.to/ldthekid
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldthekid_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LDtheKid
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldthekidmusic

Chakalatay Berry – Sweaty Affairs

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Chicago Artist Chakalatay Berry Is back With Another Slamming Single Titled “Sweaty Affairs” Now Available On All Digital Streaming Platforms

Chakalatay Berry is a singer, songwriter from Chicago. At a very young age, she was a
professional. She would get booked for all types of events, including; weddings, funerals, and birthday parties, just to name a few. Thus far in her music career, she has had the pleasure of collaborating with various artists and musicians across the greater Chicago area.

Ms. Berry is a devoted single mother of two boys; they are her world. All she is working toward is to provide a stable, loving environment for her beautiful children. Although we all have been struggling with this pandemic, it did not stop nor discourage Chakalatay from working towards her goals.
Recently, she has released a hot new single, Gametime. This is a motivational anthem, that
inspires many to get up, push forward, and work hard for what is wanted.

In the midst of all this chaos in the world, she released another powerful, uplifting song called, Rise, This hot song is an inspirational piece that calls for people to never give up and rise above all the things that might distract or deter them from their goals. In the past, Ms. Berry released a song called, Put on for My City, which has become an anthem for togetherness. In the midst of this pandemic and while creating classic music, she has started her own catering/food service business called Berry Good Foods.

This young lady is the epitome of greatness. Once the world gets a glimpse of Chakalatay Berry and her many talents everyone will cling to her like glue.

Social Media Info:
Instagram: @chakaberrymusic
Twitter: @ChakaBerryMusic
Facebook: @CHAKALATAYBERRY
Spotify: Chakalatay Berry

Steven Xia – Ruthless

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Midwest Artist Steven Xia Has A Brand New Single Titled “Ruthless” That’s’ Taking Off

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs as a second-generation Chinese-American, Steven’s range of musical influence is as vast as it is idiosyncratic. From The Eagles to NLE Choppa, he’s derived inspiration from a slew of seemingly disparate artists. This amalgam of sounds is ever-present in his genre-bending production and vocals.

Steven challenges the erroneous notion that an artist has to reside in a particular sonic sphere. Instead, he prioritizes authenticity in his craft as he seeks to push musical boundaries and embolden the next generation of Asian-Americans.

Keep up wit Steven Xia on social media!
Instagram: _stevenxia_
Twitter: @stevenxia_
Spotify artist profile: Steven Xia

Lyfe Happenz – God Still

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music

Lyfe Happenz offers timely single for a weary world 

HOUSTON, TX – An inspirational street Gospel song from Houston artist Lyfe Happenz is offering the world a timely message of hope and motivation. “God Still (Working on Me)” is a feel good fusion of sounds and vibes that underlies a lyrical message that Lyfe Happenz hopes will uplift millions of people worldwide during one of the more difficult times in Earth’s history. Featuring fellow artists Greg3G and Eddie, “God Still” has a beat with an almost cinematic feel, emphasizing influences from Gospel, Hip Hop, Blues, R&B and Soul. 

“The idea behind the song is that I’m not always perfect, but God is still working on me,” Lyfe Happenz said. “The sound has a lot of elements in there. There’s Gospel. There’s rapping. There’s a choir like in the old church days. It’s very original and different – like nothing else out there. And the end result is just true reality which is basically how it is when life happens. A friend told me that this song gives us an excuse and a hope whenever we make mistakes. Sometimes you just can’t get it right and you’re fighting demons constantly and facing that spiritual battle to reinvent yourself. Trying to change is hard, and trying to do good in the world when no one is perfect is a challenge. But God is always working.” 

The smooth Jazz vibe of the song offers a great bedrock for the high-pitched vocals from Greg3G, while Lyfe Happenz’s deep baritone offers the perfect counterpoint. The song has a certain kind of swag to it with a kind of syncopated rhythm that feels equal parts familiar and yet genre-less. And at the end of the day, it’s the perfect example of the kind of genre-bending sound and style that this veteran of the music industry has become known for over the years.  

At 35 years of age, Lyfe Happenz has seen his fair share of ups and downs in music. He’s been a writer, composer and beat maker since his teenage years and got his first big break when he was younger when he was part of a group that got pretty big in the Southwest part of the U.S. His journey through music mirrors his travels around the country – from Texas to Atlanta to the Bay Area of California, and more. Though his sound and style have evolved in the years since, he has always been known as a smooth artist with a street edge who isn’t afraid to mash together multiple genres that might not, at first glance, feel like they should be put together.  

“Back in Houston, I’m one of the artists that most people would recognize as soon as they heard the beat to one of my songs,” he said. “I’ve been in music for a while and just kept with it, getting better and better with process after process. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve reinvented myself. More often than not I’ve been behind the scenes because I’ve always had an ability to write and compose and make productions for other artists. But this song is more of me at the foreground. I wanted to let people see who the guy is behind all this music. Life is what we go through, and I’m creating music that’s reality. This is life and it’s not simple, and it’s all about what you get out of it. All of my songs are relatable in that way because we’re all going through similar things at the end of the day. And the best thing to say is that when life happens, let life happen – the good, the bad, and whatever else comes with it.” 

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

https://music.apple.com/us/album/god-still/1532845493?i=1532845495

Blackmagic Tuddadirt – Zero Tolerance

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

BlackMagic TuddaDirt isn’t letting anything get in his way with new single ‘Zero Tolerance’ 

ELKHART, IN – BlackMagic TuddaDirt is a man whose name literally means Unbelievable Power Until Death. His music depicts just that. With his most recent release “Zero Tolerance” out, BlackMagic is truly proving that he is an unstoppable force. 

BlackMagic began his musical career in the underground Midwest scene. “I started making music around 2008. I was kind of in the underground scene. I’ve always been a big fan of Midwest flow. I was just doing an underground thing for a while, and then I linked up with a promoter/DJ who is actually my manager right now. We’ve been linking and doing a lot of things in a lot of different areas. We’re really just trying to push the music. That’s where we are right now.” 

Much of BlackMagic’s music is influenced by the underground scene and Midwest Fast Rap artists such as Twista and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. He also draws influence from Rap icons such as Scarface, Tupac and Biggie. “I am a pretty versatile artist, but I would say that my main sound is Midwest Fast Rap. I like to make sure that my music has a story to it. Really, my main goal is to create music with a substance to it. There is so much music out there that just sounds good but has no message, and that just isn’t the kind of artist I want to be.” 

The sound of BlackMagic’s latest track, “Zero Tolerance,” is a mix of the Midwest and a down South aesthetic. He defines this song as being the music of the core of the Midwest and a form of the original Midwest Fast Rap. “This song is about going in one hundred percent and not accepting any excuses. It taps into the core of the Midwest which is what I represent. I feel like this track really focuses on the original form of Midwest Fast Rap. I think that recently, we’ve gotten away from that sound and “Zero Tolerance” really brings you back to it. It is like bringing the Midwest back to those original fans.” 

“Zero Tolerance” focuses on the idea that you have to keep working in order to get the things that you really want. “The song is about being real. There are a lot of people out there who make music about being real and don’t really focus on what it takes to get there. That teaches people that they can hop into that fame without putting in the effort and that just isn’t true.” 

BlackMagic hopes to create songs that will stand the test of time. “I don’t want to be a flash in the pan. I want to be somebody that’s going to be relevant 40 years from now, with songs that people are still actively enjoying. Really, I just want to make music that is timeless.” 

BlackMagic has more to come. Keep an eye out for his next single “Enough is Enough” which is a more politically leaning track about the issues that are going on in the United States today.  

For more information on BlackMagic TuddaDirt, check out the links that are listed below. 

https://www.facebook.com/blackmagicbleu23 

https://twitter.com/Bigblackmp1984 

https://www.instagram.com/blackmagic_tuddadirt/ 

SnapChat – @BlackMagic_TuddaDirt

Street Sinatra – Saved By The Yay

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Videos

Street Sinatra uses trauma of his life to inspire others on new album ‘Phenom’ 

LONDON, UK – Smooth flows meet gritty street vibes on the new album “Phenom” from London based Hip Hop artist Street Sinatra. Hailing from Woowich, Southeast London, Street Sinatra is well-versed in the journey of the underdog, and he shares those stories with a global audience on his new project which features the breakout single “Saved By The Yay.” Ushering in an all-new sound and vibe, Street Sinatra has worked tirelessly over the past year to release six albums, with “Phenom” marking his seventh completed project of the year. 

“With this project in particular I wanted to give people a chance to gain more insight into the inner workings of my life,” he said. “All the way from the bleak to the triumph. It’s all a range of emotions that’s meshed with daringly big beats, classic melodies and cadences accompanied with smooth and swift flow changes. In short, it’s me displaying in short form all the different types of realms I can go into musically while also showing a part of my personality.” 

Over the course of his young career, Street Sinatra has become known for having an adept ability to mesh classic cadences, phenomenal flows and emotionally provoking beats to convey his perspective of trials and tribulations for the young black man growing up in the inner city of London. With a hands-on approach, he produces, mixes and masters his own projects, displaying a multitalented range as an artist. And his unwavering determination not to cut corners makes him one of the hottest new artists on the scene.  

This is perhaps best displayed on the debut single from the new album. “Saved by the Yay” is a literal depiction of the life of a young person living on the streets entrenched in drugs and violence. It’s a song that explores all the reasons why someone would choose to live that lifestyle knowing the short odds on living a long and fulfilling life when participating in a lifestyle of drug trafficking. 

“It’s about a person who always looks at the glass as half full, which is what leads them into bad habits and a terrible lifestyles,” Street Sinatra said. “It’s presented from a kind of two-sided coin standpoint because I’m a young black man from the inner city London, and there are a heap of men in my position. But I prefer to examine the psychology of our actions instead of looking at the more shallow reasons why someone would enter that lifestyle. My whole idea behind this is to give listeners a peek into the mind of someone who would choose the street life so that there’s more understanding of that lifestyle and ultimately, so that more people can find their way up out of it.” 

At the end of the day, Street Sinatra said he wants his music to be known for the unadulterated truth of the streets paired with vibes that are fun. He’s using the trauma of his life to inspire others by way of a different perspective with enjoyable beats and melodies along the way. 

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

https://www.instagram.com/1streetsinatra 

https://www.twitter.com/1streetsinatra 

Phenom 

https://unitedmasters.com/m/1PHENOM