Indie Artist Spotlight

Nana Kottens – Mama Don’t Give Up

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music

Ghanaian-born musician sheds light on drug addiction with new single ‘Mama Don’t Give Up’

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Almost every community in the U.S. – and in fact throughout the world –battles opioid addiction. In the U.S. alone, drugs kill an average of 130 every day, and the fight against the problem affects the U.S. economy by an estimated $78 billion a year, according to usafacts.org.

Drug addiction is a major issue in the U.S., and U.S. Public Health Service Officer Nana Kottens is on the front lines of that battle. As a professional artist and founder of Sound Lion Records,

Kottens is in a unique position to bring attention to the issue by way of his music. And on March

27, he’ll be releasing the single “Mama Don’t Give Up” as a way to educate the masses on drug addiction.

“I’m a public health professional and I go out and educate people on opioids and other drugs,” Kottens said. This song is an attempt to raise awareness for that support system – to raise awareness of addiction and its effects on individuals and families. It’s also a way to shed a little bit of light on the stigmatization of addiction. A lot of people are striving for a better life away from addiction, but they aren’t likely to share that struggle because of society’s stigmatization of addiction.”

Kottens said the song has a slower vibe that will help elicit emotion from the listener, with the hope that it will lead to personal reflection and spur conversations with loved ones. It’s also the first version of the song. Kottens said the plan is to release different versions of the song over the course of the rest of the year, with different vibes – from reggae to dance to alternative and more.

“I’ve been a songwriter for a very long time – more than 25 years – and I felt that this was a good time to use some of the messages we’re trying to get out there in the form of music,” Kottens said. “I really believe it’s a song that will create connections and help families. It’s also going to showcase different demographics and help people understand that there’s a whole range of people who deal with addiction. And people’s struggle with addiction is not a joke or something to bounce to but rather, something to be serious about and sit down and talk about.”

Kottens served in the U. S Navy for 5 years. Following his time with the Navy, he completed a master’s degree at the New York Medical College & Liberty University. He’s been serving in the public health sector ever since while also pursuing his love of music by founding his own record label in May 2012. Since that time, the label has signed four talented musicians and has freely distributed music for more than 40 Ghanaian artists, ensuring their songs are distributed worldwide.

More recently, he also co-founded Grino Music – a new music streaming app in Ghana that enhances the way up-and-coming artists can monetize their creative works.

In conjunction with the launch of “Mama Don’t Give Up” on March 27, Kottens is also developing a Vevo channel that he hopes fans and followers will interact with over the next weeks and months.

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

https://www.facebook.com/Nanakottenss/

https://www.facebook.com/soundlionrecords/

https://www.instagram.com/nanakottens/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/soundlionrecords/

https://twitter.com/KottensNana

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-kofi-antwi-mph-ma-905b9161

https://twitter.com/soundlionrecord

https://www.soundlionrec.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-lion-records-llc/?viewAsMember=true

https://www.grinomusic.com/

“Mama Don’t Give Up”

https://soundcloud.com/user-100812764/nana-kottens-mama-dont-give-up-01-mama-dont-give-up

King Genesis – No Support

Music, Promo

King Genesis motivates the masses with his turn up music

FORT WORTH, TX – Turn up and get motivated. That’s what listeners of the new album from Fort Worth native King Genesis will be doing. 

“Dominate: The Success Story” is the kind of hard-hitting project that is undeniable in its ability to get people on their feet and revved up to take on anything in their lives. It’s an album that explores the battles people go through when trying to achieve their dreams and the struggle that comes from trying to maintain success. 

“Every success is a struggle,” King Genesis said. “Our goal is not just to make it but to be the best. This album is very personal to me and really shows people how I came up and what I’ve wanted to do, and how I would react if I made it.”

One of the standout singles from the album is a song called “No Support” which has been getting some major attention of late. It’s a song that King Genesis said was born from a personal experience with some friends, and it’s one that not only helps him vent but also introduces people to the emotions that come from navigating tough relationships sometimes.

“When I was working on “Dominate”, I had a couple of roommates and one day, something went missing. They thought I took it but I didn’t. But they got mad at me anyway and tried to cut me off. I was mad, and I came up with this song because it feels like you’ve done something and you don’t have the trust or the people behind you. When it came to the dream and all that I wanted to do, I had no support at all. I don’t know too many people who do motivational things like me. Most rappers I follow aren’t doing that. So my main thing is to do my music to motivate people to realize their dreams, no matter what they are.”

Oftentimes, that motivation comes in the form of “aggressive” lyrics. Not that King Genesis wants to be pigeonholed into a specific type or style. He can be chill at times as well, and is quick to point out that he’s a versatile musician. But if there’s one thing listeners of “Dominate” can look forward to, it’s an aggressive delivery that is meant to get people turnt up. 

“It’s one of those projects that even when you’re having the gloomiest moments or having a bad day, you can turn my music on and all of a sudden you’re turning up and you’re motivated to get up and fight whatever it is,” he said. “Your dreams are bigger than this. You can’t stay depressed forever. I used to be there and I know what it feels like. When my crew split up because of a lot of crap going on between us, it was irritating and I was depressed. But I learned that you can push through that and still keep chasing your dreams. And if I can feel like that, then I want everyone else to feel that way, too.”

Following up “Dominate,” King Genesis said he’s got another EP called “Excellence: The Cinematic EP” slated to drop sometime in the next couple of months. His goal with the project is to use it as a soundtrack of sorts, to go along with a film he’s also developing. The current plan is to have interchanging songs and skits. He’s also working on a second version of the EP which will feature the musical score only. He said that second version will drop later this year.

“I hope that at the end of the day, my music is known for the kind of music that saved peoples’ lives when they least expected it,” King Genesis said. “One day, people will look back and say I was out there trying to save the rest of the world and making sure we were alright. People can turn to my music in their time of need whenever things get hard. And when they listen to me, they can always be motivated and always strive for the next level. There’s a difference between a millionaire and a man who’s successful. A millionaire will make a million and be done, but a successful man will always try to find the next level.”

To listen to King Genesis’ music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/king_gen_/

https://www.facebook.com/kinggen97/?ref=bookmarks

“Dominate: The Success Story”

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ivD5M4v2Mu1rrHpBrajMW?si=iGejMFt9TI2vj-N5znoohQ

Zilo – Hip-Hop and R&B Miracles – Top 35 Worldwide

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music

Zilo Groove Releases A New Album “Hip-Hop and R&B Miracles – Top 35 Worldwide”

Zilo Groove is back with a brand new album titled “Hip-Hop and R&B Miracles – Top 35 Worldwide” for the people. Tap in with rising artist Zilo Groove as he drops new singles “Funky White Girl”, and “I Love My African” from his new album.

Zilo Groove has stormed the international stage from his humble beginnings, now he is making waves all across the globe with his music merging several different genres of music while staying true to his roots.

Stream Zilo Groove’s new album below on Spotify or get it on any digital streaming platform!

Follow @zilogroove on social media

Follow Zilo Groove
http://www.zilogroove.com
http://facebook.com/zilogroove
http://twitter.com/zilogroove
http://instagram.com/zilogroove
https://www.youtube.com/c/zilogroove

Nellz Rover – Toxic Healing

Music

Detroit artist, Nellz Rover blends Rap with R&B to deliver hot new single, “Toxic Healing”

DETROIT, MI – There are times when couples go through a break up or rocky patch in their relationship, they turn to smoking weed, drinking or heavy partying. But, there are other ways to heal a relationship. Nellz Rover explores options for relationship restoration in his newest release, “Toxic Healing.”

Combining Rap and Pop with a dash of R&B, the artist demonstrates his ability to make superb melodies fused with immaculate flows and sleek metaphors. “Toxic Healing” tells a story about what couples do, displaying toxic behaviors instead of talking to each other. “They’ll heal themselves in a toxic way,” said Nellz, “instead of just talking about it and getting everything on the table and talking about how they feel.”

Nellz released his latest single, which was recorded in Detroit, earlier this year on January 5th as a birthday present to himself. The track is in stark contrast to some of his previous work which includes several mixtapes and two albums – “Rover Bound” and “Rover Bound 2.” While these works are largely characterized by some wild wordplay and crazy metaphors, his newest single is right there for the listener. A bit more relevant to what is on the radio today… we can really feel what he is saying and feel the emotion behind the story.

Nellz fell in love with rap in Detroit and he learned early on that you have to be good at rap and know what you’re talking about. Detroit is also responsible for his R&B influences. The impact of Motown artists like The Temptations and Diana Ross means that Nellz always has dope melodies in his head. Although he was never a street hood, he is a guy from the streets of Detroit. His storytelling raps (whether they are about growing up in drug infested neighborhoods, faith, women, family, or relationships) paint a picture for the youth. He lets them know that they are not alone in their struggle to maneuver around the obstacles of coming up in the streets.

Showcasing his own distinct style and perspective, Nellz is overall a unique person. He is unafraid to share his uniqueness and it shines through in his music. “I will never be ashamed of my art,” said Nellz. “I never try to mimic anything. I always put my own twist onto everything that I do.”

The 26 year old Cornelius Wiggins, Jr. takes his stage name from replacing letters in his dad’s nickname, “Neil.” With a flow as smooth as the Range Rover and a cool, sleek style to match, it seemed natural for him to also use the name of the car that he loves. When the name change happened during his mid-teens, he originally recorded under the name “Nellz Youngin.” When he got older, he decided to switch it up to “Nellz Rover.” 

Born on the rural eastside of Detroit, MI, Nellz has loved music since he was 8 years old. At 14, when he was first exposed to Hip Hop, he began writing and recording his own music, followed by performing at school talent shows, showcases, and church events. Using music as escape from the street life and potential crime, Nellz went on to record three mixtapes from his friend’s basement.

Nellz recently finished recording music for a new album titled “Rover Bound 3.” He finds that everything in his life is flowing naturally, and he is excited about the appeal of this particular project which promises to grab the ears of the younger demographic. While the album is getting mixed and mastered, Nellz is choosing the final tracks and plans to drop the collection later this year.

Nellz is also focused on the visuals for the new album. Typically, he makes a music video for one or two tracks on an album. As he chooses tracks from “Rover Bound 3” for video shoots, Nellz is feeling inspired to give four or five videos this time around.

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

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7zWEr2HBTK1WWRx0Tfs188

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nellz-rover/1110410613

https://www.instagram.com/nellz_rover/

https://www.facebook.com/NellzRove 

https://mobile.twitter.com/NellzRover

New Music: Vi City – OnGOD Featuring Harv

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music

Vi City Releases A Hot New Single “OnGOD” Featuring Harv

One of Chicago’s very own, Vi City, originally from the south side in the “Wild Hundreds” known to us as “Wild Wild” or the “Wild Hunnits”, is back on the music scene. Crafting a sound that captures the pain and hope of a youth striving to make a better way, combined with the ambition and skills to actually have made it out, the celebratory tones reign supreme on this wave of sound for the veteran rapper, songwriter and producer.

Vi’s introduction to the game came via working with Mathaus Ent. & Chilly of the 1st & 15th label in conjunction with Lupe Fiasco. Shortly after, he connected with DJ Skee to release a mixtape under Skee’s Skeeter’s TV label. His next stint came working with St. Louis’ own, Nelly, co – penning the hit Country N**** Fly (CNF).

In the midst of acquiring a deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), Vi wrote and featured on “Some Ish” by Sir Michael Rocks ft. Twista off of his #1 debut solo album “Banco.” Along the way, he co-produced and wrote with the iconic producer duo Da Interz (Tuo Clark & Kosine) combining with them to work on projects for Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and Nas. Vi also has music placed on the hit show Empire.

Prior to deciding to drop new music of his own, Vi founded and branded Hundreds Entertainment, a music and film production firm of which he signed talented artist, Phoînix Keyz out of St. Louis, MO and has started crafting Phoînix’ debut project around each of the 6 instruments he plays.

Click to stream “OnGOD” from ALL Digital Streaming Platforms! 

Follow Vi City on Instagram @iamvicity

KTL Drank – Future

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo, Videos

Central African artist KTL Drank makes vibey trap music with deep soul

BOTSWANA – A new artist out of Central Africa is beginning to make a name on the international stage, thanks to some hot new music.

KTL Drank is a trap music artist based out of Botswana. Under his independent record label Swoosh Moola Records, he is releasing a steady stream of music that is not only gaining buzz among his fans in Africa, but is also starting to generate notoriety among fans of Hip Hop in other regions of the world. 

His newest single, “Future,” is set to propel him even further onto the world stage. A kind of anthem that announces to the world that he’s here to stay, the song talks about a specific lifestyle that he wants to embrace and which he encourages others to chase after.

“It’s about going forward and no stopping,” he said. “I’m here and I’m not gonna stop. The sound of the song really pushes those lyrics because the bass keeps on going and going and the sound is very modern and in tune with what’s happening in music right now.”

Like many other independent artists today, KTL is doing almost everything himself. From compositions to lyric writing to production, and even mixing and mastering. This young artist is a multi-talented musician. And as he’s worked on honing his craft, he has developed a unique sound that he calls “vibey trap music.” 

“It’s not going to be crazy like some of the other hard-hitting trap music out there,” he said. “But it is all unique. It’s more like the kind of music you listen to when you’re hanging on the weekend with your friends. It’s vibey.”

KTL said he was first inspired by music at a young age and remembers growing up in a household that always had music on. As he grew up and looked for local musicians to connect with, he realized there weren’t too many in Botswana, and the few musicians there weren’t creating the kind of music he was into. So he began to create his own music – setting up a studio in his house and piecing together all the instruments and software he needed to make it happen. He chose to call his production company Swoosh Moola as a way of nodding to how he likes to do business.

“When I’m doing business with somebody, I want to do something smooth like that,” he said. “I don’t want to have delays with anybody, so swoosh means it’s happening fast but smooth.”

Audiences and fans who listen to his music will definitely make that connection, and they’ll soon be able to hear more of his one-of-a-kind sound in the weeks and months to come. 

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

https://www.facebook.com/DrankerzWorldWide/ 

https://twitter.com/KTL_Drank

https://www.instagram.com/ktl_drank_1/  

“Future”

http://music.apple.com/us/album/future-single/1496343584?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

http://open.spotify.com/album/6po1UpGHhXAgXjKodc9xcN

Rashad Eas & Great Minds’ Alliance – Cool By Design

ME Blog, Music, Promo

Multigenerational crew, GREAT MINDS’ ALLIANCE infuses message of diversity, equality and inclusion on new album, “DEAN’S LIST”

NEW HAVEN, CT – As an MC, published author, academic with a doctorate, entrepreneur, activist, podcaster and former pastor Dr. Thomas RaShad Easley (also known by his stage name, RaShad Eas) is a rare kind of artist. Through his connections over the years, RaShad unintentionally formed a crew of thirteen MCs, poets, singers, dancers and producers who also are scientists, sociologists, folklorists, educators, pastors, mentors, former wrongfully incarcerated individuals and former gang members. As most of them came together in a University setting, RaShad named his crew “GREAT MINDS ALLIANCE.” “We’re talking to everybody,” RaShad said “but we’re also talking to people in this environment – in the academy – at the same time.”

The crew has kept building and growing, making music that is an intelligent blend of Hip Hop, Soul and Spoken Word, combined with spiritual elements. Passionate about their own people’s as well as others’ elevation, the “all black crew” will release their “Dean’s List” album on the final day of Black History Month and the Leap Day – February 29th. Their music addresses important issues such as race, politics, religion, and the environment because they want the music to stand for something.

“That’s why I describe my sound as ‘intelligent’ because I can’t sound completely ignorant. We call our sound “Save Your Life Music” because if you apply the wisdom you hear, it should change your life. I have too much education to sound ignorant,” RaShad affirmed. Unlike some mainstream urban artists, RaShad refuses to ignore the fact that he is educated. Rappers like Ludacris, Rapsody, J. Cole and Lil Wayne graduated from college but they aren’t talking about it. RaShad said “We talk about it. That’s why we named the album “Dean’s List.”

Recorded in eight different places, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Alabama, Ohio, Connecticut and three different studios in North Carolina, “The Dean’s List” includes a hefty 18 tracks, including “Cool By Design (CBD).” Four crew members appear on “CBD” starting with RaShad Eas on crew introductions. In short order, Sitch (a former student and choirmaster at RaShad’s former church) joins in “Erykah Badu” style, followed by the other MCs (B. and Mitch Darrell) tearing it up lyrically.

The project allows all the crew members to shine in their own way with what they bring to the table. RaShad said “Our music is the bomb but in some ways, our story is even better than the music.” The story began in 2011 when RaShad decided to release his debut album, “Transitions.” When a friend of his producer heard it, he contacted RaShad about making a music video “Use Your Head”.

Since then, music has helped RaShad connect with all types of individuals. “What I do in music is actually what I do at work when I’m a Dean at Yale University. What I do in music is what I used to do when I was a pastor in North Carolina. To me, music is the connector. That’s what I love about it and that’s why I can make music with a former gang member and a former incarcerated person. When we’re making music, it’s an equal playing ground because we can compete, support and mentor one another simultaneously.” Over the past eight years, members of his crew have been making music on each other’s projects. The idea to bring out one big album together was born, and a little over a year ago they started working on music for “Great Minds Alliance.”

Interestingly, the release of “The Dean’s List” marks the first time RaShad has appeared on an album with a Parental Advisory label. As a former pastor and someone who still cares for the spiritual development of others, RaShad never had the need to curse in order to deliver his message. For this project, some of the artists used some choice words to express themselves, and RaShad didn’t want to stifle anyone from being who they are.

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, the former campus pastor hails from a civil rights family. He is an assistant Dean at Yale University in the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a diversity professional whose lyrics are packed with knowledge, love and wisdom. RaShad’s solo music projects include his debut album along with “Southern Black Gentleman,” “A Conversation with Pauli Murray” and “The Chronicles of Professor Prizmatic.”

His myriad of entrepreneurial endeavors never stopped him from making new music, and his next project is an album which delves into the good and bad of leadership. “Life of a Leader” will explore what it takes to become a leader and is about making leadership look gangsta! RaShad says that people always tell him that they are leaders. But, he says “a real leader doesn’t have to declare it – other people call you that because they follow you.”

To listen to music by the Great Minds’ Alliance and RaShad Eas, or to follow RaShad and his crew on social media, please visit:

https://rashadeasley.com/home

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d7jyN89Vg58Kx8pr4gPxG

https://www.facebook.com/RaShadeasley/

https://www.instagram.com/rashadeas/

https://twitter.com/RashadEas

https://www.youtube.com/user/rashaadi

Chicago Artist Bandup SMG Drops New Single “Whip a Pot”| @BandupSMG

ME Blog, Music

Chicago artist Bandup SMG, is back with his unorthodox style and cocky delivery on new single “Whip a Pot”. He is one of the most talented new artists to drop in a very long time. His ability to create catchy hooks, and a superb collection of flows, with the ability to bring real life experiences into his music, makes him potentially the next to blow.

His style of cocky adlibs, diverse tracks, and real life experience makes him a tough act to follow. Although his life is no act, he prides himself for being known for expressing true stories through his lyrics that anyone can relate to. His creativity and flow that can attract anyone makes him a great choice to perform for diverse crowds.

Bandup is ready for the industry, but is the industry ready for what he has to offer them? Good music, strong lyrics, true stories, and 100% dedication to being the best artist possible.

To contact Bandup SMG for collabs or booking, email [email protected] for more information.

Listen to Bandup SMG
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5iZLktn56PkG3WSqfexlA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0r7jKpqlUoLF8gvyyb5xYE?si=6becRBCORyKzZyXglH5f_A
Tidal: https://tidal.com/track/91755511
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/factz-single/1409990248

Social Media
Instagram: http://instagram.com/officialbandupsmg @officialbandupsmg
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BandupSMG @BandupSMG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/OfficialBandupSMG