Industry Spotlight

Ryan Cash – Blessings on Blessings

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Jamaican native Ryan Cash sheds light on troubles of Caribbean Islands while celebrating the carefree lifestyle

LOS ANGELES, CA – People familiar with the Caribbean Islands today know that there are a lot of negative things happening there. Violence, murder, drugs, crime … the Caribbean has gained a bad reputation over the years. But Ryan Cash – who originally hails from Kingston, Jamaica – is on a mission to shed light on the more positive things of that region. With his new EP, he’s using music to help “Save The Caribbean.”

The first single from his upcoming project is “Blessings on Blessings” which went into wide release across all streaming platforms on March 19. Self-described as a “jolly vibe,” the song is one of the most upbeat from the forthcoming EP. Most of the songs on the project deal with topics that are more on the controversial side, but Cash wanted to introduce fans to something fun and carefree with his first introduction into the lifestyle of the Caribbean.

“This song is happy and calling blessings down on yourself,” he said. “It’s basically saying I’m blessed and I’m just happy right now. I’m awake and I’m blessed. I drink some tea and I’m blessed. I take a shower and I’m blessed. It’s about appreciating the simple things. Some people don’t have a cup of tea to drink or a nice bed to sleep in, and this song is meant to help people appreciate those things more.”

Cash moved to America in his teenage years to pursue more opportunities in the music industry. Growing up in Kingston, he played in the marching band and drum corps and lived with a family that was very musical. He also grew up in the same neighborhood that Beenie Man grew up in, and as such, he said the culture of music was ingrained within him at a young age.

Over the years, Cash has developed his own unique sound and style into something that he classifies as Universal Reggae. He has a crossover vibe that comes from living in different cultures, but he focuses mostly on Reggae and Island vibes that fuse in sounds and styles from other genres. With “Save The Caribbean,” Cash takes seven songs to share those signature sounds with the world in ways that will shed light on the troubles of the various Island nations while also celebrating the joyful lifestyle that comes from living in that area. With songs like “Put Down the Gun,” “Don’t Touch The Child” and “Good Good Police,” Cash explores tough topics that he hopes will enlighten listeners and inspire them to pursue positive change in the Caribbean.

“I want my music to be known for truth and love,” he said. “I don’t want to sell a fairytale story. I sing about real-life stuff, not make believe. I write about what I believe and what I feel, and that comes out raw and real and true. And laced through all of that is love.”

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

https://www.facebook.com/IamRyanCash
https://www.instagram.com/iamryancash/
https://twitter.com/iamryancash
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCV3qR-aa0_gyjJ3U6iy02A

Evan Oldenburg – Jackie’s Song

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Punk and Folk Rocker Evan Oldenburg explores death and life on new album ‘Typewriters & Tombstones’

SAGINAW, MI – Anyone who has ever heard an old-school typewriter knows that there’s a certain nostalgic rhythm that comes with the machine. It’s hypnotic, in a way, and evokes a specific kind of feeling. That unique vibe is what Michigan artist Evan Oldenburg has captured with his latest album, “Typewriters & Tombstones” which is currently available across all streaming platforms. After years of recording and performing with the band Rounding Third, he has ventured out on his own to pursue a career as an independent artist, and this is his debut solo release.

“I like typewriters because there’s a rhythm to them that inspires music to a certain degree,” he said. “The intro and outro of this album have typewriter sounds but overall, it’s an album that is a pretty good split between Punk Rock and Folk. It’s a project that examines death and finality and what we do with our lives.”

Oldenburg is from a small farm town in Mid-Michigan, where he was raised on a steady diet of Bruce Springsteen and Doo-Wap music. In 2007, he had the opportunity to see Springsteen live on his Magic Tour, and the music bug took hold. He picked up the guitar after reading Slash’s autobiography and hasn’t looked back since. He said music has become like therapy for him, and as he’s matured over the years, he’s found fewer and fewer songs that he connects with.

“So I decided to write my own songs,” he said. “I write what I know and what happens to me, and it’s usually catchy Punk Rock that deals with real things. It’s not made up. I take a bit of an old-school approach to songwriting – just basic chords and basic poetry. But I’m trying to write songs that will get stuck in people’s heads. I want people to relate to these songs. I had a hard time finding songs that I could relate to, and I think that people listening to these will be able to relate to them in ways that a lot of other music today isn’t able to do.”

The standout single from his album is a great example of that. “Jackie’s Song” is a Folk Rock Ballad with a catchy hook and heavy guitar work that he said is inspired by his girlfriend, Jackie Heath. The song starts from the point of view of a guy who went through a bad breakup and has given up on love. But “Jackie” comes out of nowhere and reignites the passion in his life.

“She inspired a lot of things,” Oldenburg said of his girlfriend Jackie. “I have grandparents who dated in high school and ended up staying together for 65 years until he died, and Jackie makes me believe I could be with someone like that for the rest of my life. She makes me dream about life in the future.”

Not only is Heath the inspiration for that single, but she also is featured as a vocalist on another song from the album, “Blue Eyed Beauty.” Oldenburg also worked with his cousin, Nathan Thompson, and a friend, Jared Murphy, who played guitar and bass respectively on a couple of songs on the album.

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

https://www.instagram.com/ejoldenburg/
https://twitter.com/EvanOldenburg
evanoldenburg.bandcamp.com
https://youtube.com/channel/UC4fttFJ1OWUWR1-iTFgjzsQ
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KvJE6WIwakVHXo5EzcQcK?si=oZrBEAduQ6iTFl2an5eJzw&utm_source=copy-link

Johnny Brooks – Quiet

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Johnny Brooks continues legacy of making hits with latest single ‘Quiet’

MIAMI, FL – Johnny Brooks takes melodic rapping to another level. The multitalented artist from Miami, Florida has been building music from the ground up for the past decade, creating unique sounds and styles for Hip Hop purists and those filling the record shops, concert halls and lyricist lounges around the world. With head-nodding hooks and a genuine ease on a track, his music captures the attention of the staunchest supporters of old-school Hip Hop mixed with contemporary sensibilities.

His latest single, “Quiet” was released on March 23, and is the perfect example of how this seasoned veteran of the industry makes some of the highest-quality music in the game today. Produced by Rico Santana, the smooth Hip Hop groove is the most organic creation of his career. Unlike most of the other songs he’s crafted in years ‘past, “Quiet” was born in the moment from a beat that Santana put on one day in the studio and Brooks just improvised on the spot.

“I just started going off the dome, basically,” he said. “It just came out naturally. I didn’t think much about it – when I heard the beat he made, I just started flowing. It was extremely organic, and I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s about a girl who disappeared on a guy out of the blue and the strong connection between them. The fire died out over time and the guy never understood why. He goes on a quest to find out where she went and to try to re-ignite the flame and remind her that they have a spark that can’t be found anywhere else.”

The St. Maarten-bred Brooks was born into a musical family and is no stranger to late nights in the studio. His parents opened the first professional recording studio in St. Maarten in 1984, and throughout his childhood, he was able to rub shoulders with some of the best up-and-coming artists of the Caribbean. He also got a front-row seat to the process of making hits, and his hands-on education paid off over the years as he gradually developed a signature style of his own. With strong roots in Reggae and the pedigree of his surname, it would have been easy for Brooks to continue the tradition in the stylings of the Caribbean. But experiencing the polar opposite lifestyles between the affluence of his white mother and the trenches of his black father, Brooks opted to venture in a different direction with his musical talents by way of Hip Hop – the language of his generation. Immersing himself in the popular sounds of Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie and Tupac, he began to create hits like “Thoughts Never Die” and “Test the Potency,” which resonated with an ever-widening global fanbase.

“My music is just feel-good vibes,” he said. “It’s therapeutic. That’s what I’m aiming for and hoping to bring to the table when I’m creating these songs – some kind of positive impact to the listener. As such, there probably won’t ever be a ‘perfect touch,’ but there will always be a vibe that you feel. That’s why I’m able to create and just flow. I’m demonstrating to the world that I can create a vibe for you that you can enjoy.”

Following “Quiet,” Brooks said he has plans to release another single called “Landscape” which should come out this summer.

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

www.iamjohnnybrooks.com
www.instagram.com/iamjohnnybrooks
www.twitter.com/iamjohnnybrooks 
https://m.facebook.com/iamjohnnybrooks
www.youtube.com/iamjohnnybrooks
www.soundcloud.com/iamjohnnybrooks

Ygk Drako – Show Off

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YGK Drako drops energetic Trap groove with new single ‘Show Off’

LITTLE ROCK, AR – For Justin Utsey, music has always been a way to escape, stay positive and connect with people who share his similar story. Troubled by a rough life growing up on the streets of the south side of Little Rock, Arkansas, this young artist who goes by the stage name YGK Drako turned to boxing, and fighting became a mainstay throughout much of his younger years. But in 2007, he discovered a love for music and found that he had a natural talent for creating unique sounds and styles that others seemed to love. Music became his escape from a life of crime, and he hasn’t looked back since.

His latest single, “Show Off,” is a chill, mellow vibe with a Trap groove that is one of the hottest tracks he’s ever created. Currently available across all digital streaming platforms, the song has a catchy energy that pairs perfectly with his bars as he raps about anything and everything that might cross his path on a daily basis.

“This is me showing what I can do while trying to reinvent myself,” he said. “I just wanted to change some things up and show people my new self. I’m rapping about money and jewelry and cars and being from the hood, and just all the everyday things I’ve seen. I’m just trying to be myself and stay original. I don’t try to keep up with whatever anyone else is doing. I’m just being true to who I am.”

YGK Drako said one of the things that helps him stand out from the midst of a crowded music industry is his unique voice. Inspired by legends like Lil Wayne, Drake, and Future, YGK Drako fuses his Rap with a wide variety of other styles from various other genres. He credits artists like Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Adele, and Justin Bieber as just a few of the musicians who have helped to expand his appreciation for good music.

“Like them, I just want to be known as a great artist,” he said. “Anything you hear from me is gonna be something hype. I’m looking to do this for the rest of my life because this is truly something I’m passionate about. I’ve never heard another artist with my voice, and I’m ready for the world to hear it.”

Following “Show Off,” YGK Drako said he has another single called “Curry” set to drop in March.

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

Twitter.com/ygkdrako
Instagram.com/ygkdrako
Facebook.com/ygkdrako
Soundcloud.com/ygkdrako
YGK DRAKO – YouTube

Edric Divo – Know My Name

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Multitalented artist offers introspective look at identity with piano-driven new track ‘Know My Name’

BROOKLYN, NY – Musician, songwriter and producer Edric DiVo is on a mission to be one of the best in the music industry. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York but originally from Haiti, this multitalented entertainer has spent the last eight years writing, producing and co-writing songs for other artists. Over time, he’s developed a unique sound and style that has become an in-demand product from many other musicians. But instead of pouring that energy into other artists’ success, he’s now taking those talents and offering the world his own music.

His latest single, “Know My Name,” is a slow jam, piano-heavy vibe that pairs low tones with his high, soaring vocals. There’s a weight to the song – both lyrically and tonally – that makes listeners dig deep into the message. DiVo said he hopes people will find different meanings in the song but ultimately, that it’s a track he created to bring people together.

“It’s about being different and being yourself,” he said. “It’s about being an individual. We’re not all the same, and this song is meant to encourage people to see you for who you are. Look beyond what you see on the outside.”
DiVo said the song is one of those rare lightning-strikes of inspiration that just seems to flow out in a stream of perfection. In his case, that flash of inspiration came at 4 in the morning. He sat down and started playing the piano and “the song pretty much wrote itself.” That’s not unusual for an artist of his caliber, who has been creating music on a daily basis for many years. He started playing the piano at age 13 and hasn’t looked back since – working as a DJ, jingle writer for commercials and TV shows, and collaborating with other artists. Along the way, he’s discovered a definitive style that is unlike anyone else in the game.

“My approach to music is what sets me apart,” he said. “I’m not just a musician, I’m an artist. I love music. It’s my passion. If a song is good, I don’t’ care what genre it is, I’ll love it. I don’t have a preference with a specific zone I stick with. I can change my songs to fit that diversity and I just take it where I want to take it. From Pop to Rap to R&B to Soul and everything else – I’m just putting out good music and good vibes. I want people to see I put my all into these songs. I’m not just putting out songs just to put out songs. I want people to enjoy what I’m trying to put out and to feel love for my songs.”

“Know My Name” is currently available across all streaming platforms on April 16, and DiVo said he has more singles planned for release in coming months.

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

https://edricdivo.com
https://twitter.com/EDRICDiVO
https://www.instagram.com/edricdivo
https://www.facebook.com/EDRICDiVO
https://soundcloud.com/edricdivo

Young So – Back on

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Young Soldier fights battle of good and evil with new single ‘Back On’

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – Young Soldier, AKA Young So the Tiger, started playing piano at age 13 and hasn’t looked back since. Today, he’s one of the fastest-rising young talents in the industry, and his new music is lighting up the West Coast in major ways. His latest single “Back On” has a cool West Coast sunny day kind of vibe that’s a perfect introduction to the upcoming warmer months. It’s West Coast Hip Hop that’s full of positivity and as such, it’s not your normal kind of Hip Hop.

“It’s a song about being on the West Coast and living the best life,” Young So said. “The one thing that sets me apart from anyone else out there is that I don’t talk about money or clothes or cars or sex or guns or hoes or jewelry. I talk about the truth of the life we have – the struggles between good and evil and the decisions we make that lead to bad things or good things. I’m more of a spiritual lyricist. You don’t find that often, especially in mainstream music today.”

Originally from New York, Young So and his family moved to California to pursue opportunities in the music industry. He was first introduced to music through his dad who was a DJ for a popular party company. Growing up, he was inspired by music of all styles and sounds until he and his brother – DJ Joey Blaq – started recording together. They created a group called Blaq Ent – a Christian Hip Hop group that helped him hone his craft and understand how to put truth and reality into his lyrics. He still works closely with his brother today and in fact, DJ Blaq was the producer on “Back On.” The single is the first off a forthcoming EP which he plans to drop in the next couple of months.

“For my whole life, I’ve had a military mindset,” he said. “When it comes to this music, I am a soldier. I’m fighting a battle between good and evil with this music. Evil is definitely in control of this industry, and I’m on the side of good fighting with my music. At the end of the day, I hope my music becomes extremely popular, hot and well-liked, but without having the same themes as everyone else. I want to be known as an artist who talks about positivity and good things. And ultimately, I want people to be surprised by my music.”

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

https://mobile.twitter.com/Youngsothe1
https://www.instagram.com/youngsothetiger/

Kennedy – Moment

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17-year-old Kennedy Beatty showcases mature vocals and relevant style with new singles ‘Bill$ Turn Blue’ and ‘Moment’

LEXINGTON, KY – A rising young star out of Lexington, Kentucky with a soulful and mature sound is causing a stir among music industry insiders. Kennedy Beatty is a 17-year-old singer and artist who has been gathering a wave of fans over the past year since she was first discovered by producer Frank Mabson and musician Doug Ford when she was a featured performer at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast in Lexington. Mabson and Ford knew immediately that her sound was unique and different than anyone else on the market today.

Beatty’s currently released single, “Bill$ Turn Blue,” was produced and written in Terry Baker’s (who has credits with Kirk Franklin and Bishop TD Jakes/Potters House) camp in Dallas, Texas. With a definitive R&B base mixed with Pop and Soul elements, “Bill$ Turn Blue” is a perfect showcase of this young star-in-the-making’s one-of-a-kind vocals and artistic ability. It’s a song that shows how versatile she can be with different genres, and how naturally it is for her to merge those genres into something truly original.

“When we were recording the song, the interpretation was open,” Beatty said. “My interpretation is that you’re in this relationship that is a very expensive relationship, but you want more than just an expensive relationship. You want a relationship that means something. That’s what was going on in my head at the time. I want my music to be relatable and have a message. That’s the kind of music I like to listen to. Right now, I think things that are relatable are relationships, because it’s something everyone goes through.”

Another single set to be released soon is “Moment,” which has more of a Pop record feel to it. It’s a song that Beatty said is all about taking a deep breath and allowing oneself to step aside from the hubbub of life for a moment to recenter and compose. She said it’s a great song for people today considering the up-and-down nature of the world and the stress it can cause on so many people.

At age 17, Beatty has a maturity beyond her years. Not only is she a full-time musician but she’s also a full-time student and a varsity starter on her school’s volleyball team. She juggles all of those activities with grace, however, and has a healthy perspective on what it takes to be successful in the things with which she hopes to succeed. Beatty acknowledges her faith in helping her stay centered, and like many talented vocalists she first started singing in her church.

“I have to stay extremely focused and know what’s going on in my life,” she said. “It’s kind of difficult, but it’s also fun. I’ve definitely proven to myself that I can do it and I can multi-task. I have a lot more music that I’m planning on putting out, and eventually I’m going to work toward a full project. More than anything, I hope people see that I’m becoming more eclectic in terms of some of the vibes I can offer. The biggest thing for me right now is to be relatable.”

“Bill$ Turn Blue” is currently available across all streaming platforms, while “Moment” is set to release world-wide on April 1.

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

www.kennedybeatty.com
https://www.instagram.com/kennedyfromky/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIOE2BeLF8LjbbvyvopUBZg

“Bill$ Turn Blue”
https://soundcloud.com/user-646455069/bill-turn-blue

Jredie – Distant Cousin

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 Jredie motivates the broke and inspires the rich with new hit singles from forthcoming mixtape

LOS ANGELES, CA – When Jamel Walker was younger, growing up on the streets of Los Angeles, California, he was always a kid who was ready for anything – so much so that his entire family started calling him by the nickname Jredie. Over time, the name grew to encompass his brand as an artist and today, this fast-rising young musician is ready for his name to become an international sensation as he releases more and more hits on the global market.

His most recent offering to the world is a new single called “Distant Cousin.” Already available on all digital streaming platforms, Jredie recently released a music video to go with the single which has been getting thousands of streams. It’s a fun, upbeat song that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

“I’m letting everybody know that I’m like the Bobby Brown of this,” he said. “I love women, and I want everybody to know I’m freaky. That’s me. I’m a nasty nigga – so much so that I’ll f*ck with my distant cousins. I’ll f*ck anything.”

Jredie said the song also explores betrayal and fake friends and how important it is to have loyalty in relationships. The video uses the concept of him signing to a major record label as a metaphor of his success, and he hopes that it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

When fans listen to his music, they can expect to hear a wide range of sounds and styles. He takes pride in the fact that he’s not exclusive but rather creates music that is accessible to anyone and everyone. He can talk about rich lifestyles or get dirty with the details of street life. He can be full on profession with a suit and tie, or bring out the grunge and keep things raw. But more than anything, he wants his music to inspire people who listen to it and encourage them to pursue their dreams.

“I want my music to be known for motivation,” he said. “I make music for all the niggas that don’t got nothing. When they hear my music, I want them to say, ‘This nigga right here is really hip.’ I’m trying to motivate the broke, but I’m also talking to the rich. I just want my music to motivate you to go get some money.”

In addition to his new hit single “Distant Cousin,” Jredie said he’s currently at work on a mixtape called “Bitch I’m Him Not Them,” which should drop very soon.

Nigel Lee, Better Known as BezKnowsTalent & Record label 87TheLabel our Helping Artists Turn Their Dreams into Reality

Industry Spotlight

Get to know Nigel Lee, Better Known as BezKnowsTalent, is helping artists turn their dreams into reality. BezKnowsTalent was born in Washington, DC growing up in a single african american parent home raised by his mother who worked hard and instilled the hustle within him to make it in this life. Music has always been BezKnowsTalent first love at early age growing up in the DMV area he met super group Dru Hill originally from the baltimore area that gave BezKnowsTalent a sneak peek into the music industry. Life was rough for BezKnowsTalent in his early years. He went to 5 high schools, 3 middle schools and 4 elementary schools… so, I guess you can say he moved around a lot. Giving the fact that Nigel started playing basketball at seven years old he went on the play for the legendary DMV area AAU program D.C. Assault which had tons of future NBA players as teammates. After highschool at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD. and junior college Nigel got a Division 1 college basketball scholarship, but when that didn’t work out, I went back to my first love – music and I haven’t looked back since. After interning at Def Jam in NYC Nigel decided in 2011 he took a chance with only a couple hundred dollars to his name he moved him and his family to Atlanta, Georgia it was a way for me to become my own boss. After rubbing elbows with the right people, being in different studios, going on tours and staying consistent with proving himself as an asset in the industry things started to take off for Nigel. He has worked with acts like Karlie Redd, Jhonni Blaze, Snooty Wilds, Rich Homie Quan, FreeBandz, Grand Hustle, a few platinum producers & writers. In the last four years, Nigel has gotten 11 people major label record deals and In the last five years, he has charted 6 people on the Billboard Top 100 and In the past two years, a group he worked with got nominated for an unbelievable award a Grammy. Nigel stated that his best experience has been starting an artist from ground zero, marketing them, going on tour with them and at the end of the year, getting plaques from iTunes, Spotify & Billboard. It shows him the grind and the process works, that being consistent, being devoted, and following through pays off. In 2021 Nigel started his own record label called start 87thelabel which consist of the famous blog, HipHopSince1987, and they combined to make record label 87thelabel to give dope independent artists a platform to shine and do things the right way without taking advantage of them. They plan on building a platform rooted in partnerships. The point is for us all to win. Record label 87thelabel executive team is HipHopSince1987, BezKnowsTalent, TCA Entertainment, TCDL, Keys (artist) and Casso (director). Record label 87thelabel goal is to put out good music, chart on Billboard, win Grammys, put out good music, and do joint ventures with major record labels. Nigel advice to young artists would be to have faith, stay consistent and trust the process. Don’t give up. Nigel would like to shout out the old Bez for all the nights he wanted to quit, but instead, looked in the mirror and told that guy to hold on, and keep going hard you’re inches away. Plus, I don’t see you holding down a 9-to-5. Be on the lookout for record label 87thelabel and Nigel Lee, better known as BezKnowsTalent.

Bezknowstalent & Antonio Moorman | Talk New Label Venture, The Music Industry, & More! https://youtu.be/XSgfD1uuTkc

Follow Nigel “Bez” Lee
http://bezknowstalent.com
https://eleven33group.com
https://www.instagram.com/bezknowstalent/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4lCjQZswj9SPF7_VZl4sUA
https://www.facebook.com/Bez-Knows-Talent-101057688313406

Vi City Gears Up For His Next Release “i LuV3 m3” featuring MoneyBagg Yo!

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 Watch “OnGod” on over 150 music sites, media outlets, and publications; “WorldStar, Thisis50, ItsBizkit, The Source, The Hype Magazine, Thats Enuff, HipHop Weekly, Hip Hop Dose, Traps N Trunks, HipHopSInce1987, HipHop Vibe, DIrty Glove,  just to name a few!!

Vi City’s new Single “OnGod” is on gaining speed!! “On God” is getting love on all platforms with well over a million views/listens!! Get ready because Vi City is about to turn it up with the next joint “i LuV3 m3” featuring MoneyBagg Yo!! Watch the BTS below and get in tune!! Help us run it up when it drops!!
Follow @IamViCity Look out for the new album “CityLif3” dropping soon!