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 highquality 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, FlatlinerzMobb 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. 

To listen to 195 China’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/BIGCHINAFRMTHE6/about/ 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA50WhBBGpz/?igshid= 

https://twitter.com/195china 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCglxCvG6vMvs-pSB_xEiT3A 

https://soundcloud.com/user-164368013

Weazy – Hot MC

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Videos

Southern Rapper fuses old-school sound with carefree flow and cartoon-esque imagery on new EP ‘What’s My Name’ 

HOUSTON, TX – Fusing hard-hitting bars with intelligent lyricism, Weazy is an emerging rapper set to make his mark on the global rap game. 

His debut EP, “What’s My Name,” has just been released and is available across all streaming platforms. It’s a project that showcases Weazy’s signature light-hearted, West Coast bop style – a combination of rough, lyrical and throwback all in one vibe. It makes for a sound almost impossible to ignore.  

“My style is different than pretty much anything out there right now,” Weazy said. “I made every beat with the intent to have an old-school style. They’re all kind of an 80s digital underground kind of vibe. If you listen to other underground artists, it seems like they always say ‘You know my name,’ but nobody ever knows their name. So the title is kind of a joke that I’m poking at myself. The cover art was made of myself in a kind of comic style.” 

The entire package displays Weazy’s multi-talented artistry and shows why he’s an entertainer the world needs to pay attention to. The EP consists of five songs. The first is about the days when Weazy used to drink a lot, with stories of bars and references of stories and memories from that time. The second song is a nod to the fact that he’s been holding concerts for the past few years but hasn’t recorded anything to this point. The last three are songs in which he expresses himself on harder, slightly more aggressive beats. 

Selling beats to other artists is something Weazy has been doing for the past five years, and is eventually what led him to pursue an independent career of his own. He’s created beats and produced on a couple of full LPs of his own, but has never done anything with those songs until now.  

“That’s more because I was exploring my sound and trying to discover my unique signature,” he said. “I took what was good and used it to evolve, and now I’m making better beats and writing. When people hear my music, I want them to know I’m a good producer and my bars match. I want people to listen to it and look at it a bit like Dr. Dre – he’s an artist who has some funny stuff out there, but you don’t look at him as a funny rapper.” 

That humor is perhaps one of Weazy’s most endearing qualities. His comedy is subliminal through his songs – almost tongue-in-cheek. The random bar or line that’s thrown into his songs are less about trying to create laughs and more about how the humor fits into the stories he’s telling.  

“I’m not a comedy rapper,” he said. “I’m a serious rapper with my own voice and I’m expanding my boundaries. I’m trying to get further into that old-school sound, and I’m working on more music that kind of twists disco beats into rap. What I want to do is take that and make something that sounds really underground. I’m gonna call it ‘Armed and Dangerous,’ and it’s a bit inspired by the events going on in the world right now.” 

Weazy said he might release that next project later this year, depending on how well his current EP does and how the cultural state of affairs evolves over the next few months.  

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

https://www.instagram.com/weazyott/ 

https://twitter.com/WeazyOTT 

“What’s My Name” (EP)
https://soundcloud.com/user-783486160/sets/whats-my-name

Nevi – #LongWayFromHome

Blog, ME Blog, Music, Promo, Videos


Montreal Native Nevi  Released His Latest Project “#LongWayFromHome” Listen On All DSP’s

Nevi is a Hip-Hop artist based out of West Coast Canada, born and raised in Montreal, QC. Since his recent album release, he has quickly gained thousands of listeners’ attention with his deep, thoughtful, lyrical music. Nevi will also be releasing a groundbreaking album in August titled “XX”, focused on bars, but packed with real life experience. Nevi is sure to become one of the greatest artists of his genre coming from Canada.

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/5pc8seKdvD6Fh2UwKiZR5a?highlight=spotify:track:2wnvRYYH8w8xwQO6axOm9X
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kxYEfW9bpEy-9N1FsQVT0PhMcqGGczLIA

Keep up with Nevi on social media!!

Facebook: Facebook.com/nevirhymes
Ig: @nevirhymes

Teki No Teki – Miasma

Music, Promo, Videos

Altruistic artist uses music to inspire others through dark days 

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Freddie Wilson has always been someone who wants to give back to his community. When he was in high school, he volunteered as a mentor for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. He would spend time with middle school boys, and as students that age are known to do, they would crack jokes all the time. Often he became the brunt of those jokes, usually because of his shorter stature. The middle school boys would call him “Fo-Fo,” short for Four-Foot-Four. Freddie, of course, took exception to the name because it was inaccurate, but secretly, he loved that the younger boys had come up with a nickname for him. 

So when it came time to launch his career as a professional musician and entertainer, Freddie decided to see what he could do creatively with the nickname that had been bestowed to him. He’d always been a fan of Japanese culture and when he put “four foot four” into an English-to-Japanese translator, he came up with the name “Teki no Teki.” 

That’s the name music fans all over the world are going to start becoming familiar with over the next year, and this budding new artist out of Birmingham, Alabama drops music that demands to be heard. His new album “Family Affair” is now out on all streaming platforms. And like everything else about his life, Teki said it’s a project that will help a lot of people. 

“I watch a lot of YouTube and see so many people who try to do something new,” he said. “Whether it’s people who play Minecraft or make food or whatever, there are always people leaving comments about how much it means to them and how those videos help them get through their days. That’s what I want my music to do – I want it to help people. If someone can hear my music or a certain song and it gets them through a tough day, that’s amazing. I know not everyone is going to like every song I make, but there will be someone out there who loves my songs and that could literally get them through the hardest part of their life. That’s the kind of music I want to make.” 

Teki said when it comes to originality and creating a sound that differs from others out there, he tries to be unique in everything he does. From one song to the next, he said there’s a different sound and style in many cases. That diversity comes from a process that started in high school when he would carry around a notebook and write down poems and raps whenever inspiration struck. The variety of topics that came out of those years made him realize that when paired with music, his messages can bring hope and light to a dark world. 

“I know not everybody gets a chance to make music or try to get out there, and if I have that opportunity, I need to give it my all,” he said. “The interesting thing about Teki No Teki is that it’s also an acronym for TNT … explosions! That’s what’s about to happen with me, and this is just the beginning.” 

To listen to Teki No Teki’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/teki_no_teki/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJWK8lgmLgWyx_LYUI1Bjew 

“Family Affair”
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kUyJEDkuhBgaABjNJXixT9V5fEbUAHjYU

Anomaly – Kel (Hol Up)

Music, Promo, Videos

Navy Vet turned rapper offers words of encouragement to hurting world with new single ‘Kel 

VENTURA, CA – Not a lot of Rodderick “Anomaly” Smith’s Navy buddies took him serious when he would spend his free time in the barracks writing songs, dreaming of a day when he’d make it big as a recording artist. It got to the point where he just assumed someone was going to criticize him any time he took out a pen and paper to write down some lyrics. But those criticisms never made him stop. In fact, they fueled his fire. And after a while, he began to give them a comeback line that was both empowering and prophetic: “See You When I’m Famous.” 

It’s only appropriate that this would be the title of his forthcoming album, set to drop in the first week of August. The 10-song project is one that Anomaly said will not only prove the haters wrong, but also announce to the rest of the world that he’s an artist worth paying attention to. 

“I want to be known for being 100 percent authentic at all times,” Anomaly said. “I write off whatever I’m feeling at the moment. I’m also a devout pothead and I partake in the devil’s lettuce a lot. I’m real big on my feelings and I’m usually in my head a lot and tend to overthink shit. Whatever I feel at that exact moment, I put flare to it. That’s what this album will be – me using music to make everybody feel that. I’m a super positive person and I try to talk about stuff that’s more uplifting. And with this album, you’ll see that I try to talk to you on the ground level and talk you out of your negative feelings by the end of the song.” 

A good example of that is the debut single “Kel (Hol Up).” It’s a song inspired by Anomaly’s cousin, Kory, who was gunned down by police in 2008. Though it starts off with hurt and downtrodden emotions, by the end of the song, listeners are brought to a more hopeful view of the future. Featuring Anomaly’s signature Trap and R&B fusion, the single is one that is already turning heads along the West Coast. 

“I blend rapping and singing but I’m not a crooner,” Anomaly said. “My voice is deeper. This song shows my voice off. I remember the feeling I had when I first heard about Kory dying, and those feelings match a lot of the way I’m feeling now with all the shit going on in our world. So this is a song about me being down and out and depressed about a lot of shit and being in my own head and basically relating to a lot of other people feeling the same things. It’s one of the first times I’ve been able to be that transparent on a song, but everybody who has heard it so far has said they’ve felt it and can relate to it.” 

Anomaly said “Kel (Hol Up)” is just one of a diverse offering of songs that he will display with the new album. He has multiple styles, with a voice that is distinct and undeniable. When that robust voice combines with a unique ability to find the pocket on every beat he’s on, it makes for something out of the norm … an anomaly.  

There’s definitely something different worth checking out with this fast-rising West Coast artist. To listen to his music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/iamnoms_/ 

https://twitter.com/iAmNoms_

Ty Lashay – Sometimes It Rains

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Soulful singer Ty Lashay inspires global audience 
with timely debut single ‘Sometimes it Rains’ 

ATLANTA, GA – Struggle is a common denominator for most people in the U.S. today… and indeed, most people in the world. In fact, most days it feels as if there’s nothing but struggle, but up-and-coming soul artist Ty Lashay has a message of hope for the world that is both timely and timeless.  

The young woman from Atlanta, Georgia has released a new single called “Sometimes It Rains” that is already starting to turn heads in the music industry. The feel-good vibe plays with heavy piano chords intermingled with layered lighter piano melodies against an upbeat, jazzy rhythm – all of which plays perfect counter point to Lashay’s soulful vocals. Listeners will be reminded of the powerful presence of Lauryn Hill or Mary J Blige when they hear Lashay’s voice, and they’d be right to make those comparisons as the words in her songs carry equal depth to those living legends. 

“I’m a freestyle songwriter, meaning I’m writing lyrics off the top of my head and I’m writing what I feel,” Lashay said. “So when I’m going through stuff, I write about it. This song is about the struggle – everybody’s struggle – and saying that it’s OK. If people mock you in your struggle or while you’re going through things, that’s OK. Sometimes it rains, but the sun is gonna shine again. If people hate you or mock you or laugh at your struggle, it’s OK. I have struggles. You have struggles. Everybody has struggles. Sometimes we struggle and feel pain, and it’s OK.” 

Though Lashay has been a professional songwriter for a few years, this is her debut solo track. She said she’s excited for a wider audience to hear her voice and discover her soulful, emotional and inspiring music. She’s come a long way since writing her first song at the age of 10. Having honed her craft in the thriving musically influential city of Atlanta, Lashay has had the opportunity to travel and perform at some of the top music venues in the U.S. One of the main places she performed at in Atlanta was at the ”Original Apache Cafe “, a legendary venue in that city and abroad. She’s also had the opportunity to record sessions at Atlanta’s historic Patchwerk Studios, which is where “Sometimes it Rains” was recorded. And throughout those experiences, she has developed a unique sound and style that is equal parts original and nostalgic. 

“I sound real different from anyone else out there today, but my music is also soulful and will sound familiar in some ways when people listen to it,” she said. “I’m diverse and my music has a real feel – an emotional feel – to it. I’m real truthful with my lyrics and the sound is organic. I write inspiring music but also music to have fun with. Most of the time, I’m trying to send out a message and I feel like what I’m putting out there is speaking to everybody. I recognize the responsibility I have with that and I try to be conscious of the fact that my music is the kind of music that makes you think and feel. At the end of the day, I want my music to be inspirational worldwide. I want to be motivational and reach people and change people’s minds. I want to touch souls and lives and make people think. I feel like I can reach people pretty much everywhere and lift a lot of people’s spirits up so they can forget their problems and troubles and bring a big smile to their faces.” 

“Sometimes it Rains” is currently available across all streaming platforms, and Lashay said she plans to follow that up with another single called “I Pray” later this summer.  

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

https://twitter.com/TYLASHAY5 

https://www.instagram.com/therealtylashay/
https://soundcloud.com/user-400642009

“Sometimes It Rains” 

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/tylashay/sometimes-it-rains 

DJ Smoke, @Spade_The_Boy Present: Shut Up and Listen (Hosted By @YoungBuck, @WhoIsLilWill)

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Mixtapes, Music, Promo

DJ Smoke & Spade The Boy Present: Shut Up & Listen (Hosted By Young Buck & Lil Will)

Dj Smoke & Spade The Boy are back with another dope project for the people! Last time they brought you “Young & Paid” Hosted by Kevin Gates, now they are back with a new project “Shut Up & Listen” hosted by Young Buck & Lil Will of Drum Squad!

This project features brand new music from YG, The LOX, Lil Will, Drake, Gucci Mane, Lil Baby, Coca Vango, Bali Baby, Blocboy JB, Migos, Future, Young Thug, Young Buck, King Von, Chief Keef, Drumma Boy, Conway The Machine, Papoose, Teejayx6, Audio Push, Young M.A. just to name a few!

Submit your music to [email protected]

 

Livemixtapes: https://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/52331/shut-up-listen.html

MyMixtapez: https://mymixtapez.com/album/232283

Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/djsmokemixtapes/album/shut-up-listen-hosted-by-young-buck-lil-will

Watch Young Buck — Trappish ft Spade The Boy #YoungBuck #Outbreak #Trappish #ShutUpListen

ShaRu – Summer Tape Intro (Seasons)

Blog, Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo, Videos

 

Stories from the streets take center stage 
with new album from East Coast artist ShaRu 

ASBURY PARK, NJ – From the rural streets of Asbury Park, New Jersey comes a one-of-a-kind sound that is sweeping the nation with brilliance.  

ShaRu is no stranger to violence and poverty, and like many of the Hip Hop legends before her, her music and artistry paint pictures with words that are equal parts provocative and elegant. Her music poetically tells compelling tales of the struggle. Her variety of sounds and styles weave listeners through a menagerie of genres that pair perfectly with her witty lines and catchy hooks.  

This is perhaps best displayed with her newest album “Summer Tape,” due to release across all streaming platforms on July 4. It’s a gritty, Hip Hop-infused album that mixes up-tempo dance vibes with mellow cruising vibes for the kind of product that will linger in the listeners ears for years to come.  

“It’s a crazy time we’re going through, and this is a project that will help people walk through that,” ShaRu said. “It’s a project that tells stories from my life, painting pictures of different events I’ve been around or seen or read about. At the end of the day, I just want my music to be known for storytelling, collaboration with instruments and music, and for its passion. I hope to be able to spark some passion for the next generation.” 

The debut single from the album, “Summer Tape Intro (Seasons),” has already been released and is starting to elicit high praises from insiders in the industry. Serving as an introduction to the album yet to come, it’s a song that showcases ShaRu’s unique rapping ability and her range of talents as a producer, instrumental musician and all-around artist. It’s also a sound and style that fans can come to expect from her team, which includes other artists such as BGF, King Dy Darap Bear, and MusicTend. 

“What sets me apart is I’m not afraid to go outside the box when it comes to Hip Hop,” she said. “I explore Jazz, and my favorite music is Classical. I like playing with a lot of different sounds. My favorite instrument is the saxophone, and I used that and the flute and some other instruments on this album. I also can play the drums and I’ve been into music since I was about 4 years old. With choirs and school and church and band … music has always been a part of my life. I just have a passion for music. It’s my first love. And when I was around 7 or 8 and learned how to put rhyming words to beats, I didn’t look back from there.” 

ShaRu said one of the biggest personal drives for her to succeed is the fulfillment of a promise she made to her mother, Marlene Morris, who passed away three years ago. She said the album was supposed to be released back then but she had put it on the back burner and walked away from it for a time. She’s now ready to finish what she started and hopes to honor her mother with the accomplishment of such a meaningful project. 

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

https://www.facebook.com/SharuMediaPage/ 

https://www.instagram.com/therealsharu/ 

https://twitter.com/ShaRuMorris1?s=09
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLDKHqqoOLA1KVl6iCcEaA

“The Dog Tape” 

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sharu/the-dogtape
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLDKHqqoOLA1KVl6iCcEaA 

“Set It Off” 

https://youtu.be/Ks-5Rmh6sbs