AJ From The 9 Comes Thru With Vibes On “Live From The 9/YeaYea Freestyle”
After dropping his last album “Sounds From The 9” on New Years 2020, Southern California rap artist AJ From The 9 is back with his latest visual and follow up album in over a year. Despite difficult circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, AJ has stayed busy working on new music for his album “More Sounds From The 9”, ready to once again, “Do it for The 9”, aspiring to be a breakthrough success from the region, referring to the 909/951 area of Southern California.
Over the 2nd half of 2020, AJ has teased new music, dropping singles such as “Dead Presidents”, “9PM in The City” & the Black Lives Matter themed “Light It Up”. His latest visual comes as a double feature involving his most recent single “Live From The 9” along with a fresh new track “YeaYea Freestyle”. The double video showcases the duality of the album, with “Live From The 9” channeling a chill, mellow vibe and “YeaYea Freestyle” encompassing a more upbeat, energetic type approach from the BlaQ Kennedy artist.
Check out the visual directed by videographer Jarrod Anthonee below:
Sarafino Exerts Power over Potential on Latest Album Departure
Sarafino doesn’t just follow his dreams. He stalks them. He tracks them through the perilous wilderness of personal tragedy. He hunts their trails and pursues them with vengeance. For those whose “I can’t” mantra holds them in place, Sarafino offers guidance. “There’s probably someone that thought the same thing before they came up with a great invention or a great thing,” said Sarafino. “I would tell them that there are a lot of people that said they can’t. That’s just what you’re thinking in the moment. You might fail. But you’re going to learn from that failure. The people that achieve success have failed the most times.”
Already an adept lyricist, Sarafino views his latest album Departure as a major transition in his career. “I’m always telling a story. I’m keeping it genuine. People see the way that I live. I’m going away from what I used to be.” Departure represents Sarafino leaving behind old, outdated patterns and habits. “It’s a symbolic departure,” Sarafino explained. “When you go to an airport, departure is taking off. I feel like I’m taking off. Not just in life but in music too.”
Sarafino’s narratives on Departure draw from authentic loss and grief. “Stay True” finds him eulogizing friends and family members lost to addiction. “I’ve had a lot of people in my life struggle with addictions to alcohol,” Sarafino remembered. “All types of drugs. That’s the environment that I grew up in. That’s all I saw around me. For the longest time, I thought things like that were ok. As I grew and matured, I learned otherwise.” An active duty soldier in the US Army, Sarafino also commemorated friends and fellow soldiers who died by suicide. “My best friend from when I first came to the States committed suicide,” he said. “My college teammate committed suicide. The military has people so trapped; it’s hard for people to search for help.”
Refusing to let tragedy deter him from victory, Sarafino runs GoDreamchase. In addition to nutritional supplements, the organization also provides life coaching. But that’s not all. “I have an ultimate vision for GoDreamchase being the ultimate corporation,” Sarafino said. “I do a lot of personal training. We have supplements. We’ll launch an apparel line soon. Going down the line, I plan on purchasing a facility.”
Sarafino’sGoDreamchase features 3 core elements: mind, body, and spirit. “A lot of people try to chase success and happiness,” said Sarafino. “Those are things that won’t be obtained. If you chase a million dollars and you get it, there’s still more money to earn.” Happiness, Sarafino believed, comes when people find meaning and purpose in what they do. “Happiness is a byproduct,” he went on. “For you to be happy, you have to be aligned in the aspects of mind, body, and spirit. Happiness is an emotion. It has to be content in that moment, but it’s not guaranteed in the next moment.”
Stream Sarafino’s music, find out more about GoDreamchase, and follow his social media channels at the links below.
HipHop purist and emcee A.C. Thompson drops inspirational debut single ‘My Journey’
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Diquon “A.C.” Thompson Sr. is a new-school artist with an old-school soul. His stage name “A.C.” (Artistic Creation) is the perfect description of the kind of original sound and style he brings to the table. On top of that, he writes lyrics that relate to the people. He knows what people have gone through and he uses his past experiences to inspire others to overcome any trial or tribulation that might come their way.
“You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem,” A.C. said. “I already made my choice, and I’m sharing what I had to do to get to where I’m at and what’s my goal next with my debut single, ‘My Journey.’ It’s the story of the beginning, middle and present of my life, and I think people will be able to relate to me through the whole song. I’m from Maryland and my whole life so far has been drugs and the struggle of getting out. I moved to Florida for a new life and because I needed to get my kids out of that. We’re here to start fresh and new, and this music is going to set us on a new path.”
As far as debut singles go, A.C.’s offering to the world is head-and-shoulders above amateur. When listeners get a taste of “The Journey,” they’ll immediately feel like it’s a song made by a seasoned professional. But that should come as no surprise from an artist whose family hung with Rap stars back in the day such as Jay Zand who’s like a family member Emory Jones. He’s seen first-hand what it takes to make high-quality music that caters to the masses, and he’s putting those lessons to work on this new single. That’s why it’s sure to be a hit.
“Music has a way of touching people, and Jay-Z’s and Big L’s music touched me,” A.C. said. “It’s amazing how he put rhythm and rhyme together to keep people focused. That’s what I want to do. I want to start touching people and help people with their stories. I think that happens through music. And when it comes to sharing my story through music, I do that through an old soul sound. I’m more of a pure Hip Hop, old-school emcee kind of artist. I like to think I’m revolutionary. I’m a problem solver for people. I rap about every problem that I had so hopefully, somebody else who has that same problem and doesn’t know the solution can learn from what I do. I’m a knowledgeable rapper and I’m inspirational. When you hear my music, you know you’re gonna learn something and you’re gonna have fun.’
Following his debut with “My Journey,” A.C. plans to drop another single this summer called “Mind Over Maniac.” He’s also hard at work building his new label, Dream of This Entertainment, which he said will eventually begin signing new artists. A video for “My Journey” is also scheduled to drop in late April or early May.
To listen to A.C.’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit:
Daz Payne blends underground rap vibes with R&B approach on upbeat new hit ‘Rich Boy Trap’
LOS ANGELES, CA – Daz Payne is a veteran artist who is introducing a new spin of sound and style that music lovers around the world have been familiar with for years. His mix of Trap, traditional rap and a more underground hip-hop vibe contrasts in intriguing ways against a smooth R&B approach, and the end result is a truly original take on music. If you’re a fan of artists such as The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, or Anderson Paak, you’ll love what Daz Payne is bringing to the table.
His latest single “Rich Boy Trap” is a perfect example of this signature style.Described as a vibe that feels a bit like the popular Netflix series “Black Mirror” mentality, the song explores what it takes to stay centered when there are a lot of distractions going on in life.
“It’s a response to my life now,” Payne said. “I have a new daughter who is 11 months old and doesn’t always sleep through the night. I wrote this song late at night when I was frustrated and had sleep deprivation. I channeled that energy into this song. It’s pretty upbeat with a good dance tempo, and the lyrics blend pretty well. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to go to the club and just put your head in a drink and have some fun.”
The title of the song comes from an idea that Payne has been exploring for the past couple of years. Compared to where he used to be in his life, he’s now doing well financially with a strong family life and stability. He’s an artist who has transitioned out of the streets and now has a more legitimate situation. He’s making money as an entrepreneur which is where the Rich Boy name comes in. But with more money comes more problems … it’s a trap, so to speak. The name of the song, therefore, serves as a warning to himself and others not to let ego run away out of control.
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Payne initially set his sights on playing in the NFL. He played cornerback for Army at West Point until a devastating knee injury and the sudden death of his father saw him transfer to the University of Houston and ultimately ended his football career. The experience unlocked his new life mission: to become the world’s biggest superstar.
“I always felt I had a special talent for making music,” he said. “God gave me a gift that I wasn’t using at all. My father’s passing was like a wake-up call. I couldn’t waste another moment.”
To listen to Daz Payne’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
Disco Sundays has fans dreaming of better days with new single ‘Cloud9’
BALTIMORE, MD – Soul, Funk, R&B, Jazz and Disco come together in profound new ways on the debut album “Sending Love” from the new group Disco Sundays. With a sound that’s often described as nostalgic yet progressive, Disco Sundays pays homage to the catchy sounds of the past by combining elements of previous eras with sounds and styles of today. The undeniable swing of the drums and a signature soulful touch in the melodies pairs perfectly with a healthy dose of funky bass lines, making Disco Sundays one of the hottest new acts in the music industry today.
The standout single “Cloud9” from the new project is perhaps the best example of Disco Sunday’s original sound. With a mesmerizing and hypnotic melodic flow that plays against bouncy 808s, the song hooks listeners from the beginning and invites them into an unending flow that takes them on a ride and refuses to let them off the tracks until it reaches the end of the line. It almost has a Bone Thugs N Harmony kind of feel to it, though with more of a throw-back vibe that evokes ethereal emotions along the way. As one of the only songs on the album with vocals – from featured artist Irie Buchanan – it certainly stands out from the others and serves as a great introduction to the one-of-a-kind sound and style coming from Disco Sundays.
“It’s a favorite among most who hear it,” said Melvin Thomas – the music producer, musician, audio engineer, DJ, sound designer, and digital artist behind the creation of Disco Sundays. “Basically it’s about when the world tries to knock you out of your zone and you have the willpower to fight and stand up for what you believe in. It’s a song that shows off what we’re trying to do. Disco Sundays has a production style that has a lot of kicks and crazy basslines. The name describes a lot.”
The name is so powerful, in fact, that Thomas said Disco Sundays plays to reinforce that vibe by releasing a new single on Soundcloud every Sunday for the rest of the year. They’ll start with “Pick Me Up” on March 29, followed by “Nightcrawl” on April 4. Thomas said it’s a strategy that Disco Sundays wants to employ so as to keep listeners engaged consistently every week and continue to build momentum over time as they share their music with the world. Eventually the group will sell vintage-like merchandise and offer their music on vinyl instead of CDs. It’s an approach similar to artists such as The Gorillaz, Flying Lotus or Thundercat, just to name a few.
To listen to Disco Sunday’s music or to follow them on social media, please visit:
Living Legend Sir Don Wayne offers positive outlook on ways to unify different cultures with new single ‘Green Fever’
DALLAS, TX – Imagine, if you will, the image of two hands lighting a blunt. One hand is olive-skinned and obviously of Hispanic origins. The other is black. It’s a symbol of peace and unity – something desperately needed in today’s world of turmoil and hatred. That’s the image that resides on the cover of Sir Don Wayne’s latest single, “Green Fever,” and it’s the symbol he’s using to inspire a generation to embrace peace and push against hatred.
Currently available across all streaming platforms, “Green Fever” is the latest hit from this Dallas-based multitalented artist. It’s an upbeat, introspective look at today’s American culture and the various divides that continue to cause unrest among so many different people groups.
“There’s so much hatred in the world, I thought I could create a song to unite us,” Sir Don Wayne said. “All the different colors of the world can come together – Black, White, Indian, Mexican … It’s time to start shedding a little positive light on the world and giving some insight to people who have darkness to them. If we work together, we can get through whatever it is they’re going through.”
As is the case with most of his music, “Green Fever” features Sir Don Wayne’s signature Southern slang and Deep South style. It’s a sound that he said symbolizes Texas, albeit in his own definition of what Texas Hip Hop should sound like. As a student of music – having studied artists and influences from all over the world and from every genre imaginable – Sir Don Wayne has become a connoisseur of sound. He’s perfected the art of blending different genres and styles into something that’s original and unique. And through it all, he presents lyrics that have substance and evoke deeper thought while inspiring action.
“All the real artists talk about something in their music,” he said. “That’s what I have always looked up to. They ain’t just spitting bullshit in their music – they’re telling stories and have something to say. I want my music to be known for just being one of those guys – being up there with those legends. I want to be a living legend and do what I gotta do. I want my music to keep hope alive and try to correct positive energy and not negative. My music has a positive outlook on life and when you hear it, you’re just going to have good vibes.”
Sir Don Wayne said his artistry could be summarized as “making music for the people.” As he grows on this journey of music vibes, he’s eager for an ever-widening global fanbase to join him on the ride. Following “Green Fever”, he has plans to release another single called “Blue Champagne” before the end of May, with another couple singles planned for later this year.
To listen to Sir Don Wayne’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
Catchy swag pairs with aggressive lyrics on new single from Mitch Gambino
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Bouncy swag meets in-your-face lyrics on the latest hit single from Midwest artist Mitch Gambino. “Can’t Stand Me” is a catchy Hip Hop groove with a splash of R&B flare that will definitely make listeners bop their heads. But it’s the lyrics that really drive home the power of this fast-rising young artist. Gambino pulls no punches as he goes all-in with what he’s going through at this point – railing against the haters in his life and throwing out challenge after challenge to anyone who says he can’t make it big in today’s music industry.
“The world can’t stand me,” he said. “The hate is real. That’s what this song is about. It’s pretty aggressive, but it has a chill vibe, too. When I heard the beat, I just came out spitting all bars. I bring the streets with a different type of swag. I tell my own story and I just feel like I have a unique type of vibe. I can bring different types of vibes across all my music because I can do any type of beat. You throw me on a beat and I’m gonna go off on it.”
It’s not just his amazing flow that leaves listeners in awe, either. Gambino boasts some great vocals which he puts on full display on “Can’t Stand Me.” Cleverly incorporating some auto-tune effects, Gambino flows effortlessly between rapping and singing which is where the subtlest hint of R&B seeps into his sound. He said that style will continue to be showcased on more singles that he has planned for this year, including “Wit Gang,” “My Wave” and “Time Change,” all of which will be released wide in the next couple of months. Eventually, he said he’ll drop a full album but he’s currently focusing on perfecting these singles and shooting full-production videos for them.
“I want people to know I’m a real person with no funny or fake vibes,” he said. “Everything I create is true and genuine. I’m not in it just to make a buck. Everything I’m saying is coming from me. I’m rapping about what I’ve been through and my experiences and through that, I’m relating to other people who have been through similar things.”
Gambino said a bit part of his success to date comes from the great team with which he’s surrounded himself – especially Benny Blanco who is a fellow artist on the Money Ave Label. The two have done some songs together, and Blanco has even been featured on a song with notorious rapper Don Tripp.
To listen to Gambino’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
ValenciaP remembers where she’s been. The past remains close to her heart. But more than that, she understands the power of the future. Letting go of what used to be and seeking what will be. A changing season… Metamorphosis… ValenciaP is an artist in transition. She’s become something entirely new. Fans can recognize this palpable sense of transition in ValenciaP’s butterfly logo. “I was shy,” she revealed. “I promised myself I would never be homeless again. When I started writing and producing music, I saw a caterpillar at my front door. I took that as a sign that I was becoming something different. I’d been changed into ValenciaP, the artist.”
Her album Transformation (out April 5 and pre-orders April 1) finds a ValenciaP charting unmapped territory. Though she grew up singing in the youth choir, it wasn’t until she began writing her material that she felt called beyond comfort. “As a kid, I would make up beats with my hands,” she said. “When I got older, I started doing music on my own. Around 2007, I started doing beats on my own (on the computer) and writing. 2020 was the first time I produced music. I wanted to express my feelings about stuff that’s out there in the world.”
ValenciaP unveiled the Transformation track “Try Me” as her introduction to the world. The serendipitous track carries magic that awaits discovery. “One day I was just mixing,” said ValenciaP. “Practicing with using some beats and loops and stuff. I heard that beat and I loved it! I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I love that! That’s fire!’ So, I went with it. Then I thought about the Ying Yang Twins. I said, ‘I should whisper in this song.’ And that made it even better.”
Though the Transformation album itself represents ValenciaP following her dreams, other references to dreams abound. Tracks like “Adam & Eve” and “Cinderella Never-Ending Love Story” detail astral encounters with a soul-mate-to-be. “I’ve had recurring dreams about a man I’ve never met,” explained ValenciaP. That’s what ‘Adam & Eve’ is about. Being in love with someone you’ve never met.”
As a self-taught musician and author, ValenciaP is entirely a one-woman show. Aside from music, her artistic journey also includes film production. “I’m hoping to make my movies one day and do music videos and stuff like that,” said ValenciaP. “But music is my passion. I love being creative. The trouble would get someone to work with my creativity. But I think it would help my music. And it would help me be more extroverted.”
Besides the Transformation album release, ValenciaP will also perform via a live stream. Fans can catch her at the ITNS Radio Showcase Showdown April 16 – April 19. Tickets start at $5.
Stream ValenciaP’s music and follow her social media channels at the links below!
Johnny Brooks continues legacy of making hits with latest single ‘Quiet’
MIAMI, FL – Johnny Brooks takes melodic rapping to another level. The multitalented artist from Miami, Florida has been building music from the ground up for the past decade, creating unique sounds and styles for Hip Hop purists and those filling the record shops, concert halls and lyricist lounges around the world. With head-nodding hooks and a genuine ease on a track, his music captures the attention of the staunchest supporters of old-school Hip Hop mixed with contemporary sensibilities.
His latest single, “Quiet” was released on March 23, and is the perfect example of how this seasoned veteran of the industry makes some of the highest-quality music in the game today. Produced by Rico Santana, the smooth Hip Hop groove is the most organic creation of his career. Unlike most of the other songs he’s crafted in years ‘past, “Quiet” was born in the moment from a beat that Santana put on one day in the studio and Brooks just improvised on the spot.
“I just started going off the dome, basically,” he said. “It just came out naturally. I didn’t think much about it – when I heard the beat he made, I just started flowing. It was extremely organic, and I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s about a girl who disappeared on a guy out of the blue and the strong connection between them. The fire died out over time and the guy never understood why. He goes on a quest to find out where she went and to try to re-ignite the flame and remind her that they have a spark that can’t be found anywhere else.”
The St. Maarten-bred Brooks was born into a musical family and is no stranger to late nights in the studio. His parents opened the first professional recording studio in St. Maarten in 1984, and throughout his childhood, he was able to rub shoulders with some of the best up-and-coming artists of the Caribbean. He also got a front-row seat to the process of making hits, and his hands-on education paid off over the years as he gradually developed a signature style of his own. With strong roots in Reggae and the pedigree of his surname, it would have been easy for Brooks to continue the tradition in the stylings of the Caribbean. But experiencing the polar opposite lifestyles between the affluence of his white mother and the trenches of his black father, Brooks opted to venture in a different direction with his musical talents by way of Hip Hop – the language of his generation. Immersing himself in the popular sounds of Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie and Tupac, he began to create hits like “Thoughts Never Die” and “Test the Potency,” which resonated with an ever-widening global fanbase.
“My music is just feel-good vibes,” he said. “It’s therapeutic. That’s what I’m aiming for and hoping to bring to the table when I’m creating these songs – some kind of positive impact to the listener. As such, there probably won’t ever be a ‘perfect touch,’ but there will always be a vibe that you feel. That’s why I’m able to create and just flow. I’m demonstrating to the world that I can create a vibe for you that you can enjoy.”
Following “Quiet,” Brooks said he has plans to release another single called “Landscape” which should come out this summer.
To listen to his music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
