VERSATILE AFROBEATS ARTIST, ABBLAZE SET TO DROP NEW MUSIC WEEKLY FOR “BLAZING FRIDAYS”

Musician, singer and songwriter, Abideen “Abblaze” Omisola adds an extraordinary international flavor to the music coming out of the East Coast. His unique Afrobeats music, an uptempo, playful blend with percussion-heavy rhythm and American lifestyle influences, appeals to music listeners around the world. Abblaze is poised to light up everyone’s weekend with the launch of his new weekly program, “Blazing Fridays.”

To build excitement and serve his fanbase, Abblaze will be dropping a new song on Friday of every week as the perfect way to jumpstart the weekend. He kicked off the new project last Friday with a video along with new music. His fans, known as The Blazers, were treated to a new music video for “High Life” (a single from his latest EP, “Rhythms & Heartbreaks”) along with a brand new track, “At Last.”

The artist has committed to releasing new music weekly and will use SoundCloud for the first two installments. After another single follows “At Last” on SoundCloud, the remaining singles will be dropped on all the major digital platforms.

“At Last” was written as motivation to move from where you are. No matter what the situation is now, things can always change. “The money and the situation right now…? Things change. Back then, I was nobody,” Abblaze said. “Because I put in the work, I started realizing and discovering myself. With time and hard work, things started to change. Things started to look great again!” The song was written specifically to inspire new young artists.

“Blazing Fridays” follows the release of Abblaze’s 9-track heartbreak and love songs EP, “Rhythms & Heartbreaks” from earlier this year. While working on the EP, Abblaze focused on one main idea for all the tracks. “On the EP, no matter what song I wanted to make, I had to make sure it came around the circle of the topic I was trying to get across to people,” he said. “Blazing Fridays” showcases a new dimension of his work. Releasing a series of singles gives the artist greater freedom to explore his songwriting and each new track promises to be different and dope in its own way.

Abblaze has been creating Afrobeat rhythms with a unique American flavor and worldwide appeal. He has been dropping EPs and he knows that he can complete a major project. Right now, he is switching to weekly single releases to create an intense buzz for the coming months.

Follow Abblaze on SoundCloud and your favorite music platform to catch his weekly “Blazing Fridays” single releases.

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

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2LuOCWCeIDzGnAKme6VA5G

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/abblaze/1475035546

https://soundcloud.com/abblaze1

https://www.instagram.com/abblazesound/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwxeIjApJSwK-6vSVmWOJnA

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

https://music.apple.com/us/album/work-hard-play-hard-single/1511436852

https://open.spotify.com/album/5icpmUHZpt28VM0MP9ICJE?si=3W8BMopTQYuE87QD1Y96ZA

MA LO

https://music.apple.com/us/album/ma-lo-single/1511521008

https://open.spotify.com/album/3TxfQ1yR9XVLFm8XtffXkP?si=VobUKqyxQLOWjQTxs3TGpQ

BEST OF ME

https://music.apple.com/us/album/best-of-me-single/1512636937

https://open.spotify.com/album/2n1EPissMKgAhFZa3O9WH2?si=oRWQuZDgQFyUY9PQYZmbuw

PRESS PLAY

https://music.apple.com/us/album/press-play-single/1513693986

https://open.spotify.com/album/46ZRyrVH65pTFNNiQIxISm?si=dSRZUicbSxGs8WJwhozDqA

LUST FOR YOU

https://music.apple.com/us/album/lust-for-you-single/1514949719

https://open.spotify.com/album/6Tucdr5orbk2Ne5L9HaPMB?si=9_k34G9KRKOtD0tQlif4QA

Megaciph – No Fear Now

Blog, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Master Hip Hop artist, Megaciph captures current climate of injustice awareness in his latest music projects

MOBILE, AL – An acronym for Mental Energies Gather and Circulate in Positive Harmony, Megaciph (rhymes with “life”) is making music that appeals to young and old, optimistic and angry. He’s tackling topics that affect the whole world while dropping words of truth, peace and love. This rap music is human rights music that has captured the attention of a diverse group of listeners who crave for more complex concepts than standard rap music industry music has to offer.

“No Fear Now” is the most recent single from Megaciph’s current project, “The Dirty South Chronicles: As Clean As We Wanna Be.” It is a song about the worldwide movement for Black lives in the context of a global pandemic. After he was asked by his son to write a song about staying safe from corona virus, George Floyd was killed and the planet erupted in protest. “The sentiment of “No Fear Now” reflects my feelings about how I want to be treated and perceived as a Black man in America. But these are not just my feelings; there is a universal paradigm shift taking place,” Megaciph said. “The video for this song is my attempt at capturing the essence of these protests, which is power in peace. The George Floyd murder in Minneapolis coming on the heels of months of Covid-19 quarantining highlighted the broad systemic injustices in our global system.” By deliberately including his children’s voices in the chorus, the artist highlights that the struggle continues. “The courage and tenacity of the protests is embodied in the title, “No Fear Now,” he asserted.

Produced by Steve Wallace, “The Dirty South Chronicles: As Clean As We Wanna Be” also includes a feel-good, summer time jam which calls on average citizens and governments alike to get it together. With a similar spirit and call for change as “No Fear Now,” the track, “Everybody Arise” is more upfront about what action is needed.

Later this year, Megaciph will also put out a group of singles called the “MEGADATA” project in collaboration with James Data. If all goes according to plan, many of the new songs will be accompanied by music videos. To date, they have finished three big sounding club bangers with big concepts. The lead single, “Oasis” was released on May 5.

Recorded at Dauphin Street Sound, “Oasis” is a song for a world in transition. It challenges what we think is normal and shows that a new way is possible. “It’s the mood of the people. It’s our fears, our hopes and our dreams wrapped up in one,” Megaciph said. “Oasis” is a song about where we want to go next. The music video, with its low key paranoia and conspiracy theorist vibe, is being edited in Sweden by the same team that worked on Megaciph’s “All Dreams Anyway” video (which can be seen on Megaciph’s website).

Reminiscent of Public Enemy, another “MEGADATA” track, “Critical Condition” talks about underground radio taking back attention and delivering true independent content. The third finished single, titled “Clout” calls out the cell phone culture and the obsession to do just about anything to garner attention.

Megaciph is an artist who has stayed the course during all his years of music making. He has worked with well over a dozen producers and collaborated with several different artists. “I’ve aged so well with my music and with my sense of who I am. It’s never been about getting money. That really comes through in the music,” he said. Passionate and articulate, Megaciph is making movement music for humanity.

These past five years have seen Megaciph’s best shows, biggest concerts, and largest audiences to date. Among other triumphs, he was a featured artist at The Peace and Planet festival in New York City, where he played for over 10,000 activists in Union Square.

Megaciph is from the same generation as Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Nas, and Master P. While they were breaking into the rap world, Megaciph was being broken down in the US Marine Corps. At 30 years old, Megaciph released his first album in 2006, “The Graduate Program,” as a lyrical manifesto of the proletariat struggle and altruistic emceeing. In 2014, he released “CIVILiAM,” a world class production from seven producers and two guest emcees who are also military veterans. His 2017 EP, “CODESWITCHING,” produced by James Data, landed him a spot on AWAL’s coveted roster of independent artists. Seasoned and consistently excellent, Megaciph will shock and surprise you when you take the time to get to know him.

The artist continues writing and is eager to return to Dauphin Street Sound to finish recording for “MEGADATA” and have the work mixed by an engineer. When the time is right, Megaciph will be set up and ready to get back in the studio and knock out a ton of work.

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

https://www.megaciph.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/018cgWGaXvCWfIGm256nKx

https://soundcloud.com/megaciph

https://twitter.com/Megaciph

https://www.facebook.com/Megaciph/

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

“Oasis”

https://open.spotify.com/album/4HPhNleWgFbGRIw4FL03yP

“No Fear Now”

https://open.spotify.com/album/4ZNcUfLghmDl0579iiWgcn

Anoopina – Cole

Industry Spotlight, Music, Videos

Sisters combine singing and rapping talents
to create truly original sound

LOS ANGELES, CA – A Hip Hop girl group made up of LA-based sisters Anoo and Pina are turning heads left and right with their new music that pairs the ethereal vocals of Anoo with the stunning wordplay of Pina’s rapping. Their new single, “Cole” is the perfect example of the kind of originality they’re bringing to the music industry, displaying a low-key vibe with a sound unlike anything else out there today.

“It’s a song about toxic relationships,” Pina said. “It’s hard to escape a fake world that was created for you because you can’t always see straight when you’re in the middle of it. You’re in such toxic energy. You’re in a love fantasy that isn’t real, it’s just what you’re dreaming.”

Pina said their unique ability to tap into multiple genres is one of the main things that has helped them to stand out so far – especially internationally. The sisters, performing under the name Anoopina, have seen some major success overseas, most especially in Japan where they spent much of the previous year on tour. Originally fans of K-Pop, the sisters began to learn dances to some of their favorite Japanese artists and would post those videos online. That soon developed into performing covers, and those caught the attention of enough people in the industry that they were invited to perform in Japan. They immediately became known for bringing high energy on the stage while deftly demonstrating melodic harmonies and dope rap lyrics.

“There’s not anyone like us right now,” Pina said. “We’re a combination of R&B and Trap in a lot of ways but really, we do a lot of genres. Anoo’s voice is very soulful and when I rap, it falls into Trap and new era. That’s how we bring a different aspect. Plus, we’re girls and we’re sisters, which is original.”

The sisters grew up in a musical family with a father who was a rapper and an older brother who also became well-known along the West Coast for his rapping skills. Anoo showcased ability as a strong vocalist at a young age.  She was more self- taught until she joined the choir in middle school and high school.  Pina started rapping because of her dad and brother. Over time, the two began experimenting with singing and rapping, incorporating harmonies and feeding off each other’s energy and talents. Today, they use their music to bring positivity to the world.

“We want to inspire people to do anything they want to do,” Anoo said. “We started from the bottom and we’ve worked our way up. It takes time, but people need to believe in themselves. Anything is possible. Just keep working really hard and keep going no matter what people say.”

In addition to their single “Cole” which is currently available across all streaming platforms, Anoopina is preparing to drop two new singles later this summer which will feature American artist DaKiddFlow. One of the songs is called “Back Seat”.

To listen to Anoopina’s music or to follow them on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/anoopina/

PWJazy – Heroes

Industry Spotlight, Music

PWJazy makes music meant to unite the world
with new EP ‘HeroesAZY’

CASTAIC, CA – Experimental Alternative Rock makes a powerful push into the mainstream this summer with the new release of the EP “HeroesAZY” from West Coast artist PWJazy.

The Alternative/Pop musician/producer has gradually been making a name for himself over the past few years by blending genres and incorporating sounds that most wouldn’t normally consider – such as opera and orchestra with Hard Rock and Pop. Those mash–ups of sounds and styles take center stage on the new EP in ways that PWJazy said will make listeners intrigued for more.

“My musical world is endless,” he said. “My songs are very different and unique and all mixed up with my own style of music. My name says it all. PW stands for Peace World, the J stands for my name Jon, and it’s mixed up with all the crazy of the world, which in some ways describes my sound. But I create music to help, encourage and give hope to everyone in the world. I play for you, the world. You are why I am here – peace, God bless and unity.”

Currently available across all streaming platforms, “HeroesAZY” is a project that PWJazy said touches on a lot of what humanity endures throughout the world – from social justice issues to natural disasters to enduring relationships and more. Some of the songs examine spirituality, while others use stories from PWJazy’s life in ways that can relate to a wide audience.

“I’m trying to let people know I’m singing to the world, to people just like you and me,” he said. “We’re heroes and people are starting to rise up against a lot of what we go through in this world. So with my single ‘Heroes,’ I’m encouraging that kind of flexing against the world we live in. That comes full circle with the last song on the project, ‘Magician,’ which kind of uses magic as a metaphor to examine the soul and how we each influence the world around us.”

PWJazy said he tries to be intentional about writing lyrics that will help people. That’s his main goal – that when people hear his music, they would know there’s someone out there who cares while also making good music. And though some of his subject matter deals with some of the negative things of the world, his lyrics are ultimately overwhelmingly positive.

“I just feel, and whatever comes out comes out,” he said. “For instance, I have one song called ‘Trash Singing,’ and I’m basically taking the persona of a piece of trash singing for you. A lot of people today feel abused, and I just felt like that’s what needed to come out with that sound. Everything about my music is free-thinking and comes out organically like that.”

To listen to PWJazy’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: http://www.twitter.com/pwjazy
http://www.facebook.com/1pwjazy
http://www.instagram.com/pwjazy
http://www.pwjazy.com/
http://www.bignoisenow.com/pwjazy.html
http://www.soundcloud.com/pwjazy

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyx63qGAhTlyLXZA0G_v8A

http://pwjazy.hearnow.com/

Pakkafella – 23RD

Music, Promo

Pakkafella takes West Coast sound into the future with new Mix Tape ‘23rd’ which is a metaphor for “West Coast”

LOS ANGELES, CA – On June 23, West Coast artist Pakkafella will drop his latest mixtape appropriately titled “23rd” which is the twenty third letter, “W”, in the alphabet. It is a metaphor that means West Coast. It’s a project that will properly introduce Pacoima Ca into the West Coast Hip Hop music scene, sure to make noise and move crowds across California, Oregon, Seattle, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and the rest of the country.

It’s West Coast, laid-back vibe pairs perfectly with the message of hope and inspiration to chase one’s dreams. “I call myself the new face of the West because West Coast Hip Hop has been boxed in since the 90s basically, and I see myself as a breath of fresh air,” Pakkafella said. “West Coast music is defined by the icons like Dre, Snoop, Cube, Quik, Short and 40. If you aren’t endorsed by one of those icons, you aren’t really considered West Coast. Of course I pay respect to them all – they set the standard and inspire me to pursue my own path musically. But I didn’t come up out of Dre’s camp, or Snoop’s, or Quik’s. I’m independent and I make my own music. This album shows that – it’s laidback and smooth. You can be inspired by it. If you set a goal and then accomplish that goal, it’s satisfying, and that’s what this mixtape is about. It’s a celebration.”

Pakkafella’s sound already has the right people taking notice. His infectious blend of Funk and Soul is delivered with a healthy dose of cocky swagger that will have the ladies moving and the guys grooving. That signature sound has helped Pakkafella create a name for himself as the go-to opener at venues such as Hollywood’s famous Sunset Strip landmarks — the House of Blues and The Key Club. He had opened for artists such as E-40, Too Short, DJ Quik, Scarface, Juvenile, Queen Bee, Lil Kim, and even Hip Hop pioneer Slick Rick.

“I’m blazin new trails for us out here,” Pakkafella said. “My pedigree is full-bred. I build off that Funk and Soul that real players been vibin’ to since the 70s. That same history that gave us GFunk is the basis for my sound. It’s a sound we call Kaviar Music. It represents the finer things. We have that richness in our music especially when I get on stage with my band, the Kavvyboyz. You never know what you might hear from us. Whatever it is though, it’s definitely gonna be funky. That’s the beauty of it.”

“23rd” is Pakkafella’s most recent mixtape. He has a previous project called “Kaviar Music” that has seen some good success along the West Coast over the past year. He’s also already working on another mixtape called “Poetic Justice” which he hopes to drop either later this year or in early 2021. The concept for that project will take experiences from his life as a mailman and use them in a way similar to Tupac’s character in the 1990s film “Poetic Justice” which starred Janet Jackson. In that film, Tupac played a mailman by day and a rapper by night, which is literally what Pakkafella is.

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

https://www.instagram.com/pakkafella/

“23rd”

https://soundcloud.com/pakkafella/sets/23rd/s-a1UypBjVbRu

C-Diffy – R.I.P Everyone

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo, Videos

Texas artist C-Diffy turns conventional thinking
on its head with new album ‘The Check-In’

DALLAS, TX – A new artist out of Dallas, Texas is bringing music that is undeniable in the way it takes a new perspective on the world. And true to that sentimentality, the artist known as C-Diffy (i.e.: “see differently”) is dropping a new album on June 12 that will challenge the way people think about and see the world around them.

The album is called “The Check-In” and features a bevy of lyrical raps over the top of trap beats with a splash of melodic flare, as well as showcases his mastery of all the instrumentals across all songs. Not only is it an introduction to the unique sound and style that C-Diffy brings to the industry, but it’s also a check-in on the overall health and wellbeing of the American society and the positive and negative influences of culture in today’s mixed-up world.

“I believe a lot of artists nowadays are just going along with the trend of being a typical rapper – talking about money and success and bragging,” C-Diffy said. “My angle is the exact opposite. I’m talking about not feeling great about myself and not being complete but trying to figure out how to feel good and get past mental issues in my life. I’m bringing a more relatable aspect through my music than was it out there in a lot of other places. I’m bringing a message that can resonate.”

The debut single from the album is a song called “Monster Within” which is slated to drop June 5 across all streaming platforms. It’s a song that explores the monster within all of us, the bad elements and negative thoughts that often invade when we’re least expecting it. Those negative vibes work against us, C-Diffy said, and he hopes this song will help create a dialogue around those situations and begin to give people struggling with those inner demons a way to find relief.

“If you ever start doubting yourself – thinking how bad you are and how inadequate you are and how you’re not good enough to do anything in your life – then this song is for you,” he said. “It’s about that demon inside of you that is always trying to bring you down. It took a while for me to recognize that in my own life, and I’m still trying to work through it in a lot of ways. So this song is an anthem for people like me who are working through that struggle.”

C-Diffy said he hopes he becomes known more and more for being an artist who creates unique flows with honest conversations about mental health over 808-laced instrumentals. He’s been working to perfect that sound and style for many years, and he’s now ready to bring that creative energy to the world in powerful ways.

“If you want to hear some music that can entertain you but also make you think – not the typical type of Rap but something different – then I’m the artist for you,” he said.

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

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd32R6TTxSmDuLhGEf2Bsig

https://www.instagram.com/officialcdiffy/

https://twitter.com/officialcdiffy/

“The Check-In”

https://soundcloud.com/thediffy/sets/the-check-in/s-ulfZ8e0jmOx

“R.I.P Everyone”

https://biglink.to/ripeveryone

EyeZz – You Know

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Videos

Yung EyeZz offers introspective look on life with new singles ‘Puttin In Work’ and ‘You Know’

BROOKLYN, NY – It’s been said about New York Hip Hop artist Anthony A Lewis that if you look into his eyes, you can read his soul. And while he has adopted the moniker Yung EyeZz as a nod to that compliment, he’s more interested in letting people get a look at his soul through his music.

Born in Queens Long Island Jewish Hospital and raised in Brooklyn, this young up-and-coming musician is a name that you’ll want to note … and not just for the future. His latest singles “Puttin In Work” and “You Know” have already been causing heads to turn along the East Coast, and he’s gradually beginning to make a name for himself throughout the rest of the U.S. and globally!

Yung EyeZz said his path to the music industry started at age 14 when he first started writing poetry. In high school, he made friends with Junior Gomez who had adopted the stage name R3d3y3s and had created a studio in the basement of his home. The two would stay in the basement for hours every night, rapping and recording and learning how to make music. By the time he had graduated from high school and moved upstate to Massena, he was ready to take his self-taught skills and put them to work in creating his signature sound and style. That’s when he met producer Raymond Godoy, also known as Ray Gee.

“One thing led to another and we ended up building a studio in his basement,” Yung EyeZz said. “We would stay up days and nights recording songs, dropping tracks back-to-back even if it sounded bad and just grinding. I was constantly motivating myself to get better. I appreciate all genres of music, but I like to think I’m bringing an old school sound to the new school Hip Hop flow. I’ve always been a person who has liked to write stories or talk about what’s going on in my daily life and put that on paper. When I started recording, I realized I’ve got a flow, and it just took off from there.”

Today, he creates music that he said anyone can “just vibe out to and chill.” He has worked with people like Kipp “Gravity Law” and various other producers, perfecting his craft and learning the music game. He created the team L.B.M. which stands for Loyalty Before Money, and has joined forced with King Tony Rome of 1st Step Music Management.

Through his stories, he is connecting with a wide range of audiences. “Puttin In Work” is a perfect example of this. Derived from the struggles on the streets, the song examines the work it takes to get to a better place in life. It’s a mainstream sound, he said, but with a different style that will definitely cause people to pay attention. “You Know” is more of a chill, laid-back song that explores a day in the life of an average person.

Yung EyeZz said these two singles are just the beginning of what he has in store for releases and plans to drop a full album before the end of the summer.

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

https://www.facebook.com/YungEyeZzBDR/  

https://www.instagram.com/yung_eyezz/

Billy Bad – Still Alive

Blog, Industry Spotlight, Music, Videos

Russian-born Hip Hop artist uses passion for music
to inspire others with new single ‘Still Alive’

ATLANTA, GA – During these troubled times around the world while people are desperate for something positive to look forward to, one young artist from the Deep South is sending out a message of hope.

Billy Bad is a fast-rising talent from Atlanta, Georgia whose professionalism and high–quality shines bright through each and every song he creates. This is perhaps best displayed with his new single “Still Alive” which he said is a perfect anthem for a world struggling with depression and desperation.

“It’s a good song to release during this time because we’re in very troubled times,” Billy said. “I’m trying to motivate people. I just want to tell the world that I’m still alive and you can be alive, too.”

Though known for his rap game and impressive lyricism, Billy Bad also has a smooth voice that is put on full display with this new single. He’s quick to point out that while he’s not trying to reinvent anything, he’s also not an artist who sounds like anyone else in the industry today. Everything he creates is original, with lyrics that tell stories pulled from his life and day-to-day experiences. And through those experiences, he knows he can relate with others going through similar situations.

Billy’s journey to success in the industry has been a long one … literally. He grew up in Russia for much of his childhood before moving with his family to Tampa, Florida after his father was chosen as one of only a few to be given a green card. Coming to America as a teenager was difficult, Billy said, and he felt alienated at times.

“Music kind of became my outlet during that time,” he said. “I didn’t have a lot of friends, but music was always there for me.”

Eventually, the hobby that helped him through difficult times became something he was passionate about and 18 months ago, he moved to Atlanta with the goal of working his way into the industry. He began to network with anyone he could find to help him get his foot in the door, and that hard work began paying off.

“I learned the hard way that Southern Hospitality wasn’t always hospitable,” he said. “I burned through thousands, learning through trial and error. You could say I was baptized by fire. But as long as I can still breathe, I’ll be doing music. Once I begin something, I see it through to the end. And Atlanta is perfect for me – I can be around some of the most beautiful women in the world and make high-quality music with access to high-quality strains. I feel like doing music is the greatest way to give influence in this world. It’s a medium that gets people’s attention and when you have their attention, you can inspire them to almost anything.”

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

https://www.instagram.com/iambillybad/

“Still Alive”

https://limelightvisions.com/releases/still-alive

Montaz – Change

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Rapper Montaz examines darkness of the world with new album ‘D.A.M.N.’

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A lot of people are looking around the world today and seeing it filled with darkness. From diseases to wars, from natural disasters to social injustice – the world is filled with a lot of negative things. An exploration of that darkness and introspective lyrics that question how we got this state of despair are front and center on a new project from Southern Georgia artist Montaz.

The project is called “D.A.M.N.” which stands for Darkness Among Many Nations, and it is currently available across all streaming platforms. It’s an album that Montaz said relates with people from all walks of life through the shared experience of troubling times.

“It started as me telling my story through some of the songs I’ve made, with an entertaining vibe to it,” Montaz said. “I’m a fan of horror movies and some of the songs have a horror-based influence. But my whole vibe isn’t dark and I’m not saying that the whole world is entirely dark. I’m just saying that what we’re seeing today definitely gives the world a darker aspect, and this album explores that darker perspective while also sharing some of the stories – what I saw and heard – from growing up in Philadelphia.”

Montaz’s unique sound and style can easily be identified by its nod to old-school Hip Hop. He grew up as a fan of the underground Rap scene, and has developed his own spin on the raw and real lyricism of that true Hip Hop sound. He also brings a fusion of sounds from his wide-ranging heritage which includes everything from African American to Irish, Puerto Rican, Creole, Italian, Native American, Dominican and Welsh. His biggest inspirations include artists such as Big L, Eminem, WuTang, Common, Flatlinerz, Mobb Deep, Smooth Da Hustler, Onyx, Redman, Big Pun, Nas and Biggie.

“I grew up listening to a lot of that old-school Hip Hop music,” he said. “I would listen to Big L off and on religiously, and coming up I wanted to be rapping like that but with my own twist to it. I want to emulate them while trying to have my own voice and style to it.”

It wasn’t until age 14 that he realized creating music was his passion and should be something he pursues as a career. It happened in a flash while he was riding with his uncle in the car. His uncle had a bunch of old CDs, and when Montaz popped in WuTang’s second album, “WuTang Forever,” he stumbled across the track “Triumph” which brought back memories from the first time he’d heard it at age 3. It created such a powerful memory that he knew he wanted to do that for other people. He hasn’t looked back since.

“At the end of the day, I want to be known as being lyrical with a touch of horror,” he said. “I want to be known for telling a story and relating to folks who go through the same things I’ve gone through. I know that people like pure Hip Hop music with good lyrics and an entertaining sound, and that means they’ll like my music.”

Montaz is currently working on a third mixtape that should be released later this year. He said he has plans to release another album called “Addiction” in the summer of 2021.

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

https://www.instagram.com/_montaz_/

https://mobile.twitter.com/_montaz_

“D.A.M.N.“
https://soundcloud.com/montaz94/sets/d-a-m-n

195 China – That’s Extra

ME Blog, Music, Videos

195 China fuses straightforward lyrics with Flip sound on hot new single ‘That’s Extra’

CLEVELAND, OH – Two hot new singles from Midwest artist 195 China are the perfect pairing to showcase this musician’s mastery of Flip music and Love-Making music.

With a sound not dissimilar to Southern Trap, 195 China’s signature Flip style is the kind of music meant for hustling. His new song “That’s Extra” is the perfect example. While its foundation comes from the Trap sound that most are familiar with, China deviates in ways that offer audiences a new flavor.

“It doesn’t sound like everything else out there right now,” China said. “It’s authentic and different. When you hear me on the track, you know it’s about to be the shit. As soon as you hear my voice, you know what to expect. With ‘That’s Extra’, I’m talking about getting money and hustling – the usual. That’s what Flip music is for, the hustling. And I make love music for love.”

His second single is meant exactly for that. Named “So Fine,” it’s a Trap and Blues vibe that is the perfect song for romance. As it weaves the tale of a guy in love with his girlfriend, telling her how good she looks, listeners will find themselves drawn in and wanting to be with their significant other.

“I’m making real love music,” China said. “The love music out there right now isn’t great and I think I’m filling a hole in the industry. My music doesn’t sound like anybody else.”

China has been rapping for the past three years, producing remarkable content and developing lyrics that are straightforward and to the point, just like his own personality. He takes inspiration from his own life – with stories from his experiences and memories of the past – as well as from his 8-year-old daughter who he said loves his music. Over the past year, he’s gathered a rising group of new fans who also spur him on and encourage him to continue putting out high-quality and original music.

“They give me energy to push,” he said of his fans. “Whenever I’m starting to think about slowing down, I always get a message from someone wanting to know when the next thing is dropping. It makes me want to keep doing this.”

In addition to his two new singles, China has released four previous larger projects and a couple other singles. He enjoys songwriting in particular, and said he looks forward to writing songs for other artists moving forward as he also focuses on finishing up two additional projects. True to his signature style, the first project will be a Flip-forward sound called “Trap and Blues Vol. 2,” and the second will be a love-making album called “Red Wine Music.” He might also have another street mixtape coming out soon.