Black Prince – Freestyle Baby

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Deep-voiced Black Prince makes the ladies melt with new single ‘Free Style Baby’

DETROIT, MI – An artist from the Upper Midwest whose silky smooth deep bass makes the ladies melt is bringing an Old Skool Kool vibe to the industry with his latest string of single releases.

Black Prince is an industry veteran who has been entertaining the masses for two decades as an actor and model. Recently, he expanded his global audience by entering into the world of music with his hit single “Free Style Baby.” In so doing, he has helped issue in a new sound that he calls Old Skool Kool – a blend of R&B, Rap, Jazz, Blues and Spoken Word that serves as the perfect platform for his signature deep bass vocals.

Imagine the deeply smooth vocals of Barry White. As soon as his mouth opens, the sound of his voice demands attention. That’s the kind of voice Black Prince has. And he puts that vocal weapon to immediate use with the opening bars of his new single.

“Welcome back pretty lady. I’m glad you stopped by. We should do something tonight …”

“It’s a song about a guy fantasizing about a female friend,” Black Prince said. “He’s trying to hit on her, and he’s using the term free style as an innuendo. He’s substituting the word free style to say certain other things that he wants to say, and he’s hoping that she’ll pick up on it and realize what he wants. Essentially, he wants them to be more than friends but he doesn’t know how to say that other than being subtle.”

The deeply romantic song certainly fits in the lane of R&B, but Black Prince’s take on Old Skool Kool takes it beyond that genre into something that’s truly original. He intentionally takes listeners back in time to the days of putting vinyl on the record player – that nostalgic sound in which artists such as Barry White thrived. But he also pairs that with a newer vibe that will cater not only to an older audience but also a younger audience that appreciates good music. And of course, the ladies will love to listen to anything that comes out of his mouth.

“Ultimately, I want to really be known for showing that age is just a number, especially when it comes to women,” he said. “In our society, we tend to gravitate to youth. Everybody wants to be in their 20s and that age range is celebrated. Whatever age you are, you can look back nostalgically at your life, but you’re only looking at the good things. I want to celebrate women and give them things they can relate to. Same for guys. I want to be the guy who recognizes beauty in terms of maturity in life.”

Black Prince will further explore that idea and his Old Skool Kool sound with his next single, “Girl You Look So Good To Me,” which he said should drop in February 2021.

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

Blackprince Old Skool Kool.com

https://linktr.ee/theblackprince

https://www.facebook.com/The-Black-Prince-Channel-102081664953197

itsyaboigavrilbalane – Yeah No

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Canadian artist drops introspective and uplifting album

LLOYDMINSTER, CANADA – A big theme in the music from Canadian artist Itsyaboigavrilbalane is personal experience and stories. His latest album, “The Empty Space Between My Ears” is no exception. Pulling from various situations of his life to date, Itsyaboigavrilbalane lets listeners in on his heartbreaks and adventures with his own brand of introspective yet melodically catchy music.

“I’m trying to paint a picture for people that they can relate with,” he said. “It’s an album that tells a story from start to finish. It may seem jumbled at first, but it all tells a story over the course of 11 songs. It’s moody and atmospheric but it’s upbeat at certain points, as well. So it’s a mix of a lot of things. But one of the things that sets me apart is that I can flow through different genres and put a mix of many things into one song, while making sure it’s a perfectly balanced and mixed sound.”

Hailing from Lloydminster – a town right in between Saskatchewan and Alberta – Itsyaboigavrilbalane started writing music as a hobby when he was a child. By age 14, he was recording music and eventually started doing his own producing. With the exception of beats, he has been on a journey that includes learning new instruments and experimenting with new sounds. As such, he is an all-around musician who isn’t afraid to try new things and expand his color palette.

“I’m an artist who wants to unify music and give my audience a taste of everything through lyrical storytelling,” he said. “I use stories of pain, misfortune and heartbreak in hopes of uplifting people in their hard times and giving them someone they can relate to.”

After releasing his second EP, he entered his first music competition in 2019 – the International Songwriting Competition – and received a note that he was a semi-finalist, beating out more than 16,000 people in the running. He followed that up by releasing his first full album in February 2020, which has been well-received among fans and industry insiders alike. Maintaining that momentum, he never stopped creating and is excited to release his new album “The Empty Space Between My Ears.”

“I wanted to push my feelings into a place where people can relate to it,” he said of the album. “I’ve been doing music professionally for five years now and over that time I’ve been opening myself up more and more to different things. I’m constantly evolving and this album will show audiences how I got to this point. There have been a lot of heartbreaks and mishaps, and there will be sad songs that break your heart; but it’s also an album that is genuine and fun to listen to. I hope people appreciate the work that I put into the music and the experimentation that went into it. At the end of the day, I hope my music is the kind that spans the test of time in its uniqueness.”

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

https://www.facebook.com/itsyaboigavrilbalane/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHcRQd786c8vPPqu_9GvLFg

https://www.instagram.com/itsyaboigavrilbalane/

https://twitter.com/SadBoiBalane

Respect Jknight – Never Leave

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Respect Jknight brings decade-plus of craftsmanship to the table with hot new single ‘Never Leave’

ROCHESTER, NY – If you give respect, you get respect. That’s the mantra of East Coast artist Respect Jknight whose latest single “Never Leave” is currently lighting up the digital airwaves.

Born and raised in upstate Rochester, Jermiane J. Griffin – AKA Jknight – began to freestyle rap at the age of 10 with his other siblings and friends from around the neighborhood. His inspirations came from artists such as Nas, Jadakiss and Styles-P. He studied the music industry and eventually began to cross into making beats and recording his own vocals. In late 2009, he established his own production company Vice Versa Entertainment Productions, and over the past decade has continued to make music and provide opportunities for other up-and-coming artists in the area to chase their dreams.

With “Never Leave,” Jknight showcases a decade-plus worth of talent that has been honed and crafted into something that’s equal parts original and high quality. With a Hip Hop and R&B fusion that features fellow Rochester artist Ricky Kartel, “Never Leave” is the perfect song to capture the emotions that come with committing to that one true love.

“It’s about being through that someone that you’ve spent years and years with,” he said. “It’s about that person that you’ve committed to never leave. You’ve been through thick and thin together, with all the headaches and heartaches. She respects you as a real person which is why she never left. If you’re real with that person, then they’ll respect you and you have something deep.”

Jknight said the single also showcases his ability to bridge the gap between old school and new school. He brings a very versatile style to the table, displaying an ability to rap with the best of them by creating a vibe that’s nostalgic but also progressive.

“I want my music to be known for giving someone the vibe of a dude who loves music and loves his craft,” Jknight said. “If a beat comes up, I know I can put a hook to it. I dig deeper with the story. You can hear the intricate notes I’m bringing, and the way I play my beats or spit my verses is what really sets me apart. I’m trying to show people that I’m a Hip Hop head, but I’m still into the new way of rapping. You could call me an unorthodox producer and artist. Jknight represents that slick, smooth, straight-to-the-point kind of person.”

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

https://facebook.com/respectjknight/

http://instagram.com/respectjknight

https://twitter.com/RespectJknight

Keyn – Draft Night

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Midwest artist Keyn takes sound to the next level with new single ‘Draft Night’

TOLEDO, OH – Midwest artist Keyn is ready to take it to the next level. Known for his three-part album series “The Drop Off,” Keyn has developed a large following throughout Ohio and the central part of the U.S. But with his latest single, “Draft Night,” he’s ready to grab an ever-widening audience along the East and West Coasts and eventually, an international audience.

That eager sense of anticipation is the very essence of Keyn’s new single. Tapping into the vibes that every prospective professional athlete feels in the moments before being officially drafted by a team, Keyn uses an upbeat Trap vibe to show off his unique delivery while expressing how he’s ready to take it to the next level of the industry.

“It’s all about the anticipation of draft night and how you feel when you’re hoping to get drafted,” he said. “For a long time, I was known as the kid around the neighborhood who was always rapping. As I grew older, different situations happened where I could take it to another level – doing shows and open mics and little performances around the state. I started pushing some mixtapes in my teenage years, and then put out the first album in 2018 which created even more buzz. I’ve been staying consistent with it and now it’s time to take it to the next level.”

Keyn said “Draft Night” is the first of a new album that’s set to come out in early 2021. Working with a fellow Toledo producer named Cook on the Beat, Keyn’s “The Key to Cookin” will show fans his evolution as an artist and display to a global audience his ability as a talented musician worth being taken seriously.

“When it comes to my music, it’s all about substance,” Keyn said. “When I come into my songs, it’s the content I put out there – content that people will never expect. I’m not a standard artist. I can touch on anything I went through in one song and still make it diverse. I have a laid-back style but at the same time, my delivery is a little aggressive – the bars can be aggressive now and then. I guess you could call it laid-back Trap Rap or Smooth Trap.”

Keyn also emphasized how versatile he is as a musician, noting that he sings on some of his tracks and has worked with Cook on the Beat to layer in some harmonies on the forthcoming album. From a content point of view, he said he wants to offer fans a range of perspectives – from stories from the streets to uplifting, anthemic jams that will inspire others to make the best of their lives.

“Sometimes I approach things from an outside view,” he said, “like I’m a third person looking at what’s happening. So if you’re going through something and you need to talk to somebody but you don’t’ have anybody, I want to put the music out there that will be your outlet. If you want to express something and you can’t, my music is out there for you to use to relate to it. And at the same time I still make music for people to ride to and just enjoy.”

“Draft Night” is currently available across all streaming platforms.

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

https://ffm.to/keyn

https://www.instagram.com/keyn419/

https://twitter.com/Keyn419

“Draft Night”
https://youtu.be/4VXRO5AN8d8 (Clean)

President Kinte – Big Dog Status

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President Kinte shares rags-to-riches story
on new self-titled album

ATLANTA, GA – It only take a few bars from one of his impressive songs to know that President Kinte is an artist with a whole lot of drip, flavor and swag. Operating out of Atlanta, this fast-rising rapper has dropped a 15-song self-titled album that is starting to make some major headway among industry insiders. Telling the story of his transition from the streets to the successful life of a full-time professional musician, “President Kinte” is the kind of album that puts new artists on the map.

“It took me eight years to get this project done,” President Kinte said. “It covers the collective journey of everything I’ve been doing and how I got to this project. I’m from the streets – I’m really from the gutter – and this album captures all the small things that showed me there’s a world outside of where I’m from. That inspires me. I’m not driven by money and I don’t care about fame, I just want to show people there’s something bigger than where you are from. I came from nothing, and you can, too.”

The debut single from the album is a song called “Big Dog Status.” The upbeat, anthem-like track serves as the perfect motivational mood to build self-confidence.

“It’s about being a big dog,” President Kinte said. “It’s about believing in yourself and making sure you stand above the competition. It’s about making sure you understand within yourself that you’re powerful. If you’re in a nice car, you deserve the car. If you’re in the club, you’re the man everyone in the club is looking to. Ultimately,it’s about empowering other people, which is what I want for my music.”

President Kinte started his journey in music when he was a student in junior high. He has always loved poetry and rhyming words, and that passion led him to some accolades at a young age. The more he kept writing poetry, the more he liked the way his words sounded against certain beats, and eventually, he began rapping the lyrics he’d written. Over the years, he’s developed his sound and cadence to create something that’s truly original. That signature style starts with a one-of-a-kind voice and continues with a swagger that flows through a fusion of multiple genres.

“The industry is opening back up and looking for new talent, and I feel like it’s my time,” he said. “I’m what the industry has been waiting on. I’m the kind of artist who wants to give everybody an opportunity. If my music can open doors to change people’s lifestyles – to help them get out of poverty and give them the opportunity to do what they dream of – then it’s all beneficial to me. When you talk about President Kinte, you’ll say that he’s the guy who gave you a shot and put his neck out there for you. I’m gonna open that door for people.”

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

https://www.instagram.com/presidentkinte/
https://www.facebook.com/quantico.owens/
https://soundcloud.com/user-237678341
https://twitter.com/presidentkinte

Holiday The Golden Child – Features

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A new era of female Rap: Holiday The Golden Child releases a mixtape and single highlighting women empowerment

New York – An up-and-coming female Rap icon and ridiculously talented musician, Holiday The Golden Child is taking over the Rap scene with two new releases — a mixtape named “The Makeover” and her latest single “FEATURES.” Both discuss the hardships of making it big as a woman in a hyper masculine industry like Rap, and the rights of women to express themselves however they see fit, no matter who they are.

Holiday started her music career as a poet. She found herself using poetry as an outlet for her emotions, something that helped greatly after the passing of her father and after several different experiences and career changes. She found herself drawn to Hip Hop. “I went from just writing one song to learning how to hone in my craft and understanding how to compose a song, what a verse was and what a bar was and things like that.” From those beginnings, she has continued to work on her skills and grow as an artist.

Inspiration for Holiday and her music comes from her life and experiences. “I’ve got a hard head. I’ve learned the hard knock life, from being out in the streets, becoming a stripper, from living in the suburbs, having that good girl lifestyle and to go into the hood and learning what it’s like on the other side.” Being able to see both sides of the spectrum gives her a new perspective and allows for Holiday to reach a greater and more versatile range of people through her music.

Through those influences and a variety of other things, Holiday has crafted a sound that is uniquely her own. Holiday’s music has a contemporary Hip Hop feel to it. Her lyrics have a fun and easy feel to them, and are always relatable. Specifically in her new single “FEATURES,” she shines with artistic lyricism and an overall amazing song.

“FEATURES” is an exciting new track where Holiday discusses the importance of being attractive and well off in the Hip Hop industry. Not only is the song beautifully done with an intricate string piece that overlays an electric beat, it holds a strong message that is extremely important to today’s climate. In 1.36 minutes, she brings light to a variety of things that this industry finds almost if not more important than the music that artists make. This is especially true for women, something Holiday as well as many of the other powerhouse women in the Hip Hop industry have attested to.

Holiday’s new mixtape, “The Makeover,” is essentially a collection of tracks that discuss the power that women have in the music industry and how that differs from the power of men in the same position. It truly pays homage to the evolution of women in Rap as it remakes the hits that defined several instrumental movements. “The music is dedicated to the female pioneers in the game who have paved the way for me to do what I’m doing, so I felt it was only right for me to pay homage to them and give them, and the world, the music that we all love so much.” These tracks are essentially a salute to the female rapper and everything that she has had to go through to get to where she wants to be.

With experience in the sex work industry as well as the work that she’s done in the world of Hip Hop, Holiday is no stranger to the issues and disadvantages that women face in today’s world. She recounts several problematic realities of being a woman in Rap. “If you bat your eyes too hard or you say thank you too sweetly or you respond too quickly and a man doesn’t take it the right way, you may lose your position in that room.” One of Holiday’s main goals is to work her way up in the industry to get to a point where she has enough power to not have to worry about what she says, how she looks, and whose favor she has when she walks into a room. “There are very few women in positions, running labels that have a say in things. Unfortunately, one of the big things is that to gain power, you have to be attractive. Sex sells.”

Because of everything that Holiday has gone through and triumphed over, she stands in a particularly advantageous spot as one of the few powerful women capable of taking the throne as one of the next queens of Hip Hop, a coveted title that she is undoubtedly built for.

Be sure to check out the new single “FEATURES” and the gorgeous music video that has recently been released alongside it. You can find Holiday The Golden Child and her music on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, Soundcloud and BET Jams. Also check her out on the podcast 8atthetable which can be found on YouTube and IGTV.

https://linktr.ee/holidaythegoldenchild

https://soundcloud.com/olidayheoldenchild

Cristal Carrington – Running Out Of Time

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Hit-maker Cristal Carrington rides wave of success
with string of Pop single releases in 2020

BALTIMORE, MD – When you look at Cristal Carrington’s body of work, there’s one thing that’s strikingly clear: she makes hits!

As a singer/songwriter in the Pop and Techno realm, Carrington fell in love with EDM and its fusion of R&B, Rap, Rock & Roll, and Nu-Disco. She’s been surrounded by groundbreaking music for the better part of the past decade and always wanted to mesh different genres into intriguing new grooves. In 2020, she’s further explored that progressive style with a handful of singles that range from the dance-inspired track “Dance with You” to the inspiring and thought-provoking tune “Running Out of Time.”

Inspired by the anxiety-inducing experiences of 2020, “Running Out of Time” is a Pop track with an upbeat vibe that’s juxtaposed against lyrics that are at times melancholy and introspective.

“It’s about the anxiety that comes from the stuff we’re going through right now with the pandemic,” Carrington said. “Everything is in disarray. People are feeling stressed out and frustrated. And at the end of the day, we need to unify and come together. So this is a song that’s pleading for better days.”

If nothing else, “Running Out of Time” is a single that will show the world that Carrington is the next big thing. She’s about to blow up and she’s ready to take it to another level. Her music is so diverse that it’s impossible to put her in a box. She can spit bars, she can create EDM jams, she can bring a soulful style, and she can, of course, create music that is both relatable and commercially viable.

Carrington began her entertainment career as an intern for Universal Records, doing promotions for artists such as Lil Wayne, Maino, Chamillionaire, David Banner, and Remy Ma. Soon, her love of music landed her an intern producer spot for the popular radio station WPGC 95.5 FM in the Washington, D.C. market. As her career developed and she began to create her own music, she was highlighted in some major magazines such as Medium, Vents Magazine and Hollywood Digest. She soon became known as a highly talented artist who was bringing a new voice to Pop music by creating songs to please audiences of all ages.

“I make hits,” she said. “Every song I make has to be structured to be a hit. It has to be something made ready for the radio. I’ve got a growing audience right now and I want to keep that momentum going and reach for higher levels.”

Some other Pop songs that Carrington has created this year and which are currently streaming across all digital platforms include: “I Believe In Your Love,” “Another Way of Life,” “Player” and “See You Dance.”

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

https://www.instagram.com/cristalcarringtonmusic/

https://twitter.com/LongIslandPop

https://soundcloud.com/cristal-carrington

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2u1ImA7SUr4bTt3xYJKP4W

TikTok @CristalCarringtonMusic

Yogi 700 – Dangerous

Blog, Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo

Yogi 700 keeps his vibe
100 percent with new album ‘700 Milligramz’

LOS ANGELES, CA – Yogi 700 is one of those unique individuals who also sees the glass as half-full. Born with 7 fingers he’s very optimistic, and his music offers that same kind of hope to the world. As a young 23-year-old artist trying to show the world his unique sound and style, Yogi 700 demonstrates that never-give-up attitude in ways that are equal parts inspiring and motivational. With his latest album “700 Milligramz” which features the hit single “Dangerous,” Yogi 700 is set to launch himself onto the global stage in big ways.

“700 Milligramz” is an album that Yogi 700 said will get fans equal parts turnt up and turned down. It tells his life story – from the moment he arrived in LA a few years ago to the point that he’s at today. He said he wanted to give the world a project that only gives off the full spectrum of who he once was compared to who he is today, but also an album that showcases his wide range of styles and sounds.

“There’s singing and rapping,” he said. “There’s Hip Hop and Soul and a little bit of Pop. Singing, more than anything else, is the core of what led me to music. I try to make that the biggest core of most of my music, unless there’s something occurring inside that makes me want to let it out as a Rap song. But most of this project will be songs that people can feel on a deeper level and vibe to.”

“Dangerous” is perhaps the best example of that. It’s a song that explores the aches of heartbreak and the joys of reunion, or at least the hopes of a reunion. Yogi 700 said he was fascinated with that liminal space in which so many people find themselves when they’re hoping for a relationship to take the next step.

“Even though you know that’s what you want, you’re teeter-tottering if it’s gonna happen,” he said. “This song is about focusing on you and letting things happen as they are instead of trying to force it. It’s got the kind of vibe that makes you just want to sit on the couch and relax – something that’s gonna vibe you down.”

This isn’t the first project that Yogi 700 has released to the world. Prior to moving to LA, he released several mixtapes and singles in his hometown of Iowa City, Iowa. After a series of hardships that saw Yogi 700 living on the streets for a while, he got his big break in LA when label owner Mark Ellis and Billy Davenport signed him to his first recording contract with Static Music Group. From there, he started to build a base in LA, and that journey of ups and downs makes up the core of his new album.

To listen to Yogi 700’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/Y7fyogi700

https://twitter.com/Y7fyogi700

https://www.instagram.com/Y7fyogi700

“Topic”
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4TBRgQPLyJYXX8wmuLNaQ

C.LACY – Proved Ur Point

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

C.LACY relates to international audience through storytelling approach on new single ‘Proved Ur Point’

DALLAS, TX – C.LACY is a singer/songwriter who has always been gifted in expressing himself through music. His raspy yet soft-toned voice has been captivating audiences for years, and his latest single “Proved Ur Point” is yet another hit that fans all over the world are about to enjoy. With a laid-back vibe that fuses R&B and Trap, “Proved Ur Point” is a soulful track that tackles a subject matter which most people in the world will be able to connect with.

“It’s about a relationship that a guy messed up,” C.LACY said. “His attention was elsewhere and he was always chasing women. He realizes the error in his ways and decides to fly straight, but his girl won’t let the past go and always keeps his feet to the fire. So basically, he’s saying that she’s proved her point and it’s either time to move forward with the relationship or to end it.”

C.LACY has a distinct sound and style that’s more passionate than anything else. Listeners will hear that in his voice and through his storytelling. They’ll be entranced by his sound and want to hear more. With influences from legends such as Jagged Edge, Tank, Eric Bellinger and Usher, C.LACY has worked hard to hone his sound into something that’s equal parts original and familiar.

“I want my music to be real and relatable,” he said. “In fact, when people hear my music, they’ll hear real life scenarios – things that I’ve been through or people I know who have been through those experiences. I want my music to be something in which people can feel engaged and connected, and that’s why I create stories that are relatable.”

C.LACY said he first got into music around age 13 when he wrote his first song and started performing in talent shows. As the years progressed, he grew in skill and was able to collaborate with some notorious professionals in the industry from many different regions of the world. Now with his new single, he’s ready to show off all those influences and the hard work he’s put in over the years to develop his unique sound.

In 2021, C.LACY said he plans on releasing an EP and that he has a music video in development for “Proved Ur Point” which should drop in late January. 

C.LACY · Proved Ur Point

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

www.instagram.com/corylacymusic

http://www.twitter.com/corylacymusic 

http://www.facebook.com/corylacymusic

http://www.youtube.com/c/corylacymusic

https://artists.spotify.com/c/artist/55OzuHxRarLnJR84UCnjdV/profile/overview

Roving Jewel – On Everything (feat. Substantial)

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Notorious producer Roving Jewel collaborates withHip Hop legends on new album ‘The 38th Expansion’

SACRAMENTO, CA – Roving Jewel is a beatmaker, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Sacramento, California whose new album “The 38th Expansion” gives fans of Hip Hop a throwback flavor that’s reminiscent of the mid-90s and early 2000s. With production that’s drenched in gritty Boom-Bap, Soul, Jazz, World and Psychedelia, Roving Jewel has a unique sound and style that is lighting up the West Coast. He first caught attention with his instrumental project, “Auditory Hallucinations,” earlier this year and is now ready to follow that up with his full-length album “The 38th Expansion.”

The project is unique in that this well known industry-respected producer has partnered with 14 different artists to feature on each of the songs on the album. Artists include: Substantial, TEK (from Smif-N-Wessun), Killah Priest and Prodigal Sunn (from Sunz of Man), Casual (from Hieroglyphics), 9th Prince and Kinetic 9 (from Killarmy), Zion I, Planet Asia, C.O.N-Vers, The Shaaw Brothers, Andrew Lozano, Mother’s Milk, and El Conductor as the DJ on one of the tracks. Together, these notorious industry veterans help Roving Jewel create a sound that takes listeners back to the golden era of Hip Hop.

“These artists are a lot of heavy hitters from the mid-90s and early 2000s hip-hop,” Roving Jewel said. “I wanted some legendary emcees on there – people who had the kind of sound I grew up with. When I pitched the idea to them, they were down to work on the project. It’s something that we’ve crafted together over the past six to eight months. I’m 38 this year, which is a big part of the reason for the name. But that number is also an auspicious number in numerology. It represents a time of growth, creativity and expansion that’s usually marked by some sort of turmoil before growth. That’s a good metaphor of 2020 and what this year has brought for so many of us. So on this album, you’re going to hear a lot of things that reflect what we’re going through in present times – from civil rights to racial tension to police brutality and of course the pandemic. Ultimately, it’s an album that captures the mindset of how everyone is making it through it.”

The debut single from the project is a song called “On Everything” which features Substantial – known for his insightful lyrics and his work with acclaimed Japanese producer Nujabes known for his jazzy and soulful take on Hip Hop. Roving Jewel said the song definitely embraces that jazzy, soulful vibe as Substantial raps about what he’s facing as a black man in America right now and what he has to go through in his day-to-day life. It’s a song that he said not only demonstrates the individuality of each of the artists featured on the project, but also which sets the tone for the creativity and diversity of the entire album.

“In Hip Hop, a lot of the stuff you hear in the mainstream today is Trap-infused and to me doesn’t have the soulfulness and warmness – or even the grittiness – that the mid-90s had,” he said. “I kind of wanted to embody that as an echo back to that golden era. I also included some stuff to make it sound like it was brought up in the present times and some things that can take us into the future as well. In some cases, you might hear some weird synth sounds, some angelic voices in the background, or soundscapes with sparse percussion to create that futuristic sound that pairs well with the 90s era of Hip Hop.”