FH (Fortified Hustlas) – Swerve Talk

Industry Spotlight, Music, Videos

Hip Hop duo out of Michigan brings genre
back to its roots with new single ‘Swerve Talk’

LANSING, MI – Hip Hop is music that comes from the streets. It’s a genre that was born as a
voice for the people – a reflection of the gritty reality that times are not always easy, good
people don’t always get ahead, and opportunity and justice are just pretty words spouted by
the privileged few who have never known life without them.

Two relatives out of Lansing, Michigan want to bring Hip Hop back to those foundations and
their unique style of music is gaining attention throughout the Upper Midwest. Mo Betta and D
Eagle don’t play the fake game. From the moment they started rapping together as children,
they’ve made a pact to serve their listeners a more authentic brand of Hip Hop. Holding their
art to a higher standard, these two talented wordsmiths are bringing a refreshing realism to the
game – a genuineness born from their collective hardship.

“We’ve been fucked with and we’ve served time,” D Eagle said. “We’ve seen the world for what
it is, put that into words and strapped a fat beat on it. All we ask now is that you listen.”
Operating under the name Fortified Hustlas (FH), this rap duo has dropped a new single that is
turning heads both for its originality and its nod to old-school Hip Hop. “Swerve Talk” is a song
that uses the rich life as a metaphor for the struggles of the streets – with powerful imagery

serving as a testament for the hard things people have to do to survive. Paired with an upbeat
tempo, the hard-hitting lyrics are exactly the kind of Hip Hop rap that the genre was created
for. And though it’s not exactly a club-driving tune, it does have a beat and vibe that would fit
right in with those who love having a good time at the club.

The song features well-known Michigan artist El’Zappo, who brings his unique flow and witty
lyricism to the single in ways that the duo says perfectly rounds out the message they were
trying to get across.

“We touch almost all areas with our music,” Mo Betta said. “We’re lyrical but at the same time
we mix in our music with new sounds of today. Plus, there aren’t too many duos out there
today. In the last 10 to15 years, there haven’t been a lot of duos that you’re actually familiar
with. We’re blood cousins who have been rapping together for about 10 years, and we’ve
developed something that is very professional and sounds like nothing else out there today.”
D Eagle said he and his cousin have been inspired by some of the legends of Hip Hop over the
years – from Wutang to Jadakiss, Jay-Z and Fabulous. Some current artists also serve as
inspirations including J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby and Quando Rondo. Like those big name
artists, they want FH to become a known household name not just for bringing good vibes but
for having a unique voice in the world of Hip Hop.

“Our music is about realism,” he said. “We’re teaching people something. We’re not just
rapping but are trying to teach and send out a message through the stuff we say.”

In addition to “Swerve Talk,” FH just finished a new song in the studio and is working toward its
release before the end of 2019. The duo is also working on developing music videos for their
new singles and plans to drop an EP sometime in 2020.

To listen to FH’s music or to follow them on social media, please visit:
https://www.instagram.com/fortifiedent/
https://www.facebook.com/fhentllc/
https://twitter.com/fhentllc 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIkgxLpz_ttwK-ny4PZAewA
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qHXIsQTJc1WdSY4RrOncA?si=X3JHThcLS0el4OFsmlpq8g

REME – Move

Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo

Houston rapper REME turning up the heat with new single, “Boom”

HOUSTON, TX – No matter what you do in life, there will always be folks who don’t take you seriously. REME is dishing up a soundtrack for everyone who’s not getting the respect they deserve with his new single, “Boom.” Tired of people not believing in what he is doing, and how he’s doing it, REME sought to take the heat to another level with this heavy hitting track. With its very aggressive and speedy style, “Boom” is meant to make a statement about how serious REME is about his craft.

While his previous single “Move” was more of a dark remnant, the new single has an uptown, space-the-chase vibe. REME’s lyricism is characterized by a rapid delivery of metaphors and a lot of phrasing. REME brought his aggression into the studio to make his point and to put out a hype song to get the fans going. The new single is slated to drop during the third week of November, and will be his first track published on all major digital platforms.

A serious and committed artist, REME writes from personal experience and what he has seen others go through. He also views what’s happening in society in a different light and puts that perspective into his art. His music speaks to those who have suffered from an unhealthy state of mind. “My music is for anybody who has been in that dark place,” REME stated. 

While other rappers are content to rhyme about topics that aren’t positive, REME is conscious about directing his energy towards more fun and uplifting themes. He believes that “money, drugs and jewelry don’t make the artist” and works to have a beneficial impact. “If you’re gonna do all this, you have to give back or show a way where others can make their way. That’s what I plan to do.”

Born and raised in Houston, REME grew up listening to a diverse range of artists, including Outkast, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Biggie Smalls, Gucci Mane, Missy Elliott and Kanye West. He has always been around people involved in music and others trying to get the experience. Being exposed to music for so much of his life lead REME to pursue his own music career.

An immensely popular local performer, REME is currently putting together a new set of local shows in and around the city of Houston. He is always open to explore new places to play. Venues and fans should hit him up at [email protected].

The new single follows on the success of REME’s “DREMELAND” album, which has over 30 thousand streams on SoundCloud. “Boom” launches a new project which is in the works, and another single is set to follow. Before that, look out for a snippet from the new music video for “Boom,” dropping everywhere on social media before the single’s release.

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

https://soundcloud.com/remethedreme

https://www.instagram.com/reme_muzic/

https://twitter.com/REME_MUZIC

https://www.facebook.com/cornell.young.5680

 

BlakBoi Ya$i – Y3$

Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo

New music from South African artist BlakBoi Ya$i speaks of life challenges and triumphs

PIETERMARITZBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Growing up in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, Siyabonga Nkosi (known by his professional name, BlakBoi Ya$i) didn’t have the opportunity to focus on his love of music. It wasn’t until 2012 when he burst onto the scene as a rapper and producer, that the artist began creating a steady stream of music. Making up for lost time, BlakBoi dropped his “Ya$i-Ver$3” album earlier this year, and he’s already putting the finishing touches on a new album.

Bringing out back-to-back albums is no problem for this prolific artist. “I really feel like I have music for a long time,” BlakBoi said, “and I can’t see myself stopping any time soon!” His sound is a crazy infusion of Hip-Hop with melodic 808 sounds, blended with alternative dance, pop music and a bit of R&B.

Delivered with a smooth flow, BlakBoi’s lyrics tell of teen and young adult struggles, along with celebrations. On the “Ya$i-Ver$3” album, his soulful vocals shine through, particularly in standout tracks like “Vv$,” with its catchy and rhythmic beat and balanced combo of clean vocals with vocals layered with multiple effects. Rapping and singing, along with complex instrumentation, captivates the listener on another notable song called “Ru$h.”

The new music on the upcoming album, “Hippie” represents an evolution from who he was and he has taken his craft to a whole new level. “It’s definitely more intimate me. Giving my story out but in a fun way that people can relate to, instead of it being super depressing,” he shared. For a slightly more Rock and Roll vibe, BlakBoi used strings on the song “It’s a Trip” which tells the story of how everything in his life has been like a trip. A skilled narrator, he also tells the story of a criminal villain type girl who uses people to get what she needs in the alt-pop track, “Harley Quinn.”

Growing up, BlakBoi listened to a mix of worldwide chart topping music that brought people together. His father got him into Jazz and he grooved to the local sounds of Kwaito (Hip Hop in the native vernacular), Rock and Roll, R&B and Hip Hop. With his eclectic music tastes and sound engineering skills, BlakBoi is creating a sound with international appeal. Listeners at home tend to wait until local music is hyped up before they recognize it. BlackBoi said “I’m doing an alternative version of Hip Hop mixed with Pop and Rock and Roll which is different. A lot of people really don’t understand that here.” With avid listeners in Japan, Europe and the States, Blakboi’s appeal is indisputable.

Besides making music, BlakBoi has been forming liaisons and getting people to work together for the past two years. He has the drive and power to influence others and get the work done in his deeply divided city, which he believes is starting to come together. He also formed the Swag Note Music Group (SNMG) along with a friend. This collective of fifteen photographers, graphic designers, rappers, poets, singers, producers come together to work on their individual brands and support one another.

During his career, the artist has gone through a few name changes including “Clue” and “Even Steven.” Since 2017, he has worked on multiple projects to perfect the sound for the BlakBoi Ya$i persona. BlakBoi plans to release the new album, “Hippie” by the end of this year or in early January, and he has a vision for music videos planned for the project. This dedicated artist is truly poised for music stardom on the world stage.

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

https://open.spotify.com/artist/03B5QMKvWL59aJTUlYanMX

https://soundcloud.com/blakboi

https://www.instagram.com/blvkboiyasisworld/

https://twitter.com/BlakBoiYasi

https://www.facebook.com/PicoDeGayo/

EL-JAY – My Bae Remix

Industry Spotlight, Music

Urban pop sensation El-Jay releases new single “My Bae Remix”

LOS ANGELES, CA – West coast artist, El-Jay has undeniable appeal. His song, “My Bae Remix” has been burning up on Soundcloud. Since earlier this year, the song has been streamed over 16 million times. The feel good, uptempo “My Bae Remix” featuring Shorty Mack is uplifting, urban pop with a catchy beat and memorable lyrics.

Produced by Trequik, the single was recorded in Los Angeles and tested at a number of venues in LA County, where audiences went crazy for it. Originally testing with a lower quality recording, El-Jay and his team recorded the track in a new studio, and had the song remixed and mastered hence, the title of the song – “My Bae Remix” – which will be available on all digital platforms within the week.

Shortly after the song’s rebirth, El-Jay had the opportunity to perform at a number of festivals, including a Long Beach engagement in front of over five thousand people, and “My Bae” started to take off from there. Part of El-Jay’s success comes from his ability to connect with individuals by showing them love and compassion, whether he is performing at a big festival or an intimate venue. “When they feel that love, they know it’s genuine, and that’s the best feeling in the world,” El-Jay said.

The recently released music video for “My Bae Remix” was filmed like a movie in Los Angeles.. Director Christopher Jackson teamed up with Cinematographer Konrad Sedochenkoff to visually deliver the song’s message in a trendy, exhilarating style. “It was to show that appeal and that love for that other person,” El-Jay said. “If I have that connection with you – you’re my bae! No matter what anybody else says or does. That’s not going to affect our vibe or where we’re at.”

Growing up in the music industry, El-Jay has been grooving in music studios since he was six years old. As the son of double platinum singer, Rome (“I Belong to You”), El-Jay saw his father finishing albums on very tight schedules. His father’s work ethic impacted El-Jay, and he was also heavily influenced by Michael Jackson. From the age of 3, El-Jay watched and imitated Jackson’s signature moves.

El-Jay stepped away from the music scene for awhile, wanting to get involved when he was ready. After pursuing his interest in sports, El-Jay turned to acting and modeling. He appeared in a runway modeling show with The Model Experience, and was booked as a main character in the viral music video, “Swang” by Rae Sremmurd. El-Jay has also appeared in major TV shows, commercials, movies and other music videos.

El-Jay is also CEO of his own record label, Starz Music Group which will be releasing all of his music and videos. “My Bae Remix” is the first single from El-Jay’s upcoming “Intentions” album. Before the album’s release in mid 2020, El-Jay will be dropping a few more singles including “Waste No Time” and “Special.” The latter song appears on the soundtrack of the Josh Webber production, “Never Heard,” a movie which also features El-Jay in an acting role.

Getting ready to launch a college tour within the next two months, this winner of the 2018 Hollywood Music Media Award for Best Rap/Hip Hop is really excited about the future. El-Jay has truly found his voice and signature sound. He was waiting for the right time to return to his roots in the music industry … and clearly, that time is now.

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

https://soundcloud.com/therealeljayy/my-bae-remix-ft-shorty-mack

https://twitter.com/therealeljay

https://www.instagram.com/therealeljay/

https://www.facebook.com/therealeljaymusic/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBmt-RRSQdyibkxmKNOsJWA

 

“My Bae Remix ft. Shorty Mack“

https://fanlink.to/ELJAY-MYBAEREMIX

https://open.spotify.com/album/6tHWybR3GH50jHXTImwEq3

https://music.apple.com/us/album/my-bae-remix-feat-shorty-mack-remix-single/1488055541?app=apple%20music&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

 

Juan Donovan – Merlot & Marijuana Hosted by Hustle Hearted

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music

Producer Juan Donovan drops his mixtape Merlot & Marijuana hosted by Hustle Hearted!! R&B music is making a big comeback these days! Juan Donovan really put it down on this project.

This is a project you can light a candle, pour some wine for wifey and catch the vibes. If your a smoker this project has some chill songs like “Indulge” thats perfect to blaze to so light one up, press play and get in tune!

Some of the stand-out tracks are ‘Work (feat. Devon Hill)”, “Fireworks (feat. Aliché)”, “Indulge”, just to name a few! Catch the vibe and stream the full mixtape on Spinrilla

by clicking here!

FOLLOW ON TWITTER – INSTAGRAM – SOUNDCLOUD

Almighty Swavve – The Man

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

WaveGod Almighty Swavve delivers a unique blend of East Coast and Deep South sounds

LONG ISLAND, NY – Duane McKenzie – AKA Almighty Swavve – is creating a wave of music that demands attention. His sound is raw and straight edge. He’s not embellishing anything. His edgy style pairs perfectly with versatile content in a way that is making people all along the East Coast sit up and pay attention. 

The 21-year-old from Long Island, New York has a unique blend of East Coast influence mixed with Deep South sounds that he began to fuse together during his time living in Fort Worth, Texas. That one-of-a-kind sound is something that has already started to put him on the map, and it will be the thing that makes him a household name across the U.S. in the months and years to come.

“You could say I’m a message sender or a prophet,” he said of his music. “I’m a street prophet. I’m someone who says things that a lot of people don’t want to talk about or hide. I’m the Robin Hood of the streets, but through music. I write about everything that goes around. Sometimes, my music contradicts itself but ultimately, my music is all about life. And it comes to you through an almighty wave. I am the WaveGod.”

Swavve said WAVE GOD stands for “Watch Allies Value Enemies Good Overrides Destruction.” He said it’s an idea born from the trials and tribulations he’s faced not only in his life but specifically in his journey to realize his dream of becoming a professional musician. 

“I’ve had a lot of people who smiled in my face and said they wanted something from me but they weren’t looking for my best interests,” he said. “And I’ve had people who I didn’t really get along with, but who pushed me to a place where I had to be better. I always had to be elite with them. I put that idea into my music and my way of life. You can see it in how I walk and talk, and the people I surround myself with. That’s what it means to be a WaveGod. Anyone can be a WaveGod. Your friends can hurt you worse than your enemies can, but good can always override destruction. That’s what my music is all about.”

That music is put on full display with his two EPs that are currently available on all streaming platforms. Both EPs are appropriately titled “WaveGod” though the second one bears the additional tagline “Splash Season.” Swavve said he also has music videos on his YouTube channel and is currently working on more music that plans to release in early 2020. Specifically, he has a mixtape he’s working on called “Haunt the Industry” which he said should drop in January. 

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

https://www.instagram.com/almighty_swavve/

https://www.facebook.com/duane.mckenzie.90

Snapchat: dwizzyswavve

BandzmanJavii – Murda Rate

Industry Spotlight, Music

BandzmanJavii builds on online stream success with Street Rap EP, “BANDZMAN 1.5”

BROWARD COUNTY, FL – From hot and sultry south Florida comes a rapper with a different sound and hard hitting beats. Hip Hop / Rap artist and freestyling master BandzmanJavii delivers a fresh sound for every beat he hops on. Javii released the EP titled “BANDZMAN 1.5” earlier this year, following the triumphs of his online catalog. The 4 song EP is a teaser for the full 14 track album, “BANDZMAN,” which is slated to drop in early 2020.

BandzmanJavii’s appeal is undeniable. The songs in his online collection have been enjoyed by thousands of listeners. Only a few months ago, Javii released a track called “Opposition” on SoundCloud through United Masters. Out of nowhere, the song completely blew up. To date, this track alone has been streamed over 100,000 times.

Javii likes to go with the vibe of a beat once inside the recording booth, and he first freestyled “Murda Rate” (one of his favorite tracks from the EP) to a different beat. He was encouraged by friends to rap on a new beat and ended up liking the second version better. Unlike the fictional rhymes of some emerging rappers, Javii’s rap is cutting and real. “Sometimes they rap about things they’re not really doing. In my songs, I’m just telling stories about my life,” Javii said. “I’m rapping for people who can relate to my songs – the people in the streets.”

As leader/founder of the crew BMG (Bandzman Group), Javii is collaborating with other artists in his city for his latest projects. Working with skilled rappers, BandzmanJay, BandzmanFlamo, & J.Glizzy, Javii brought out the EP and continues work on the new album. The Bandzman Group also has plans to release a music video for “Murda Rate” later this year.

BandzmanJavii (whose real name is Jamal Hewitt) was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Florida in 2016. He grew up listening to Chief Keef, Waka Flocka Flame, Young Boy NBA, Young Thug, Lil Durk, Boosie Badazz and Kendrick Lamar, and started making his own music in 2017. After getting his first computer, Javii experimented by freestyling on top of different beats he found online. One of his songs was uploaded the day it was finished and was played over a thousand times right off the bat. Positive feedback continued to pour in for his creations and he kept working with his sound and improving his craft until he perfected his own distinct style. BandzmanJavii decided to seriously launch his music career earlier this year, and has never looked back.

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

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ja5g0RSQWLTxzcYJvwrAI

https://soundcloud.com/hoesndope-tracks

https://www.reverbnation.com/bandzmanjavii

https://www.instagram.com/5limekreep/

https://twitter.com/bandzmanjavii

T.Jones – Drippin Flava

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Louisiana rapper TJones makes ears tingle with new EP and single

NEW ORLEANS, LA – In TJones’ city, dreams don’t come true until you get hated on or until somebody kills you. That’s been his experience in New Orleans over the years as he’s tried to make a name for himself as a musician and businessman. And those experiences are front-and-center in his EP “Life Thru Penmanship.”

The four-song EP offers listeners a different flavor and appeal, with every song catering to a different atmosphere and vibe. TJones describes it as a project that shows off his life through his writing skills, with many of the stories told through songs coming from his perspective.

“I consider myself a fly on the wall,” he said. “I have survived a lot of crazy situations unscathed. Sometimes I’ve just been in the wrong places at the wrong time. Overall, this project has a cool vibe. There’s nothing way out of the box and extreme with the stories. More than anything, it gives you a new vibe and a new flavor in a way that makes your ears tingle because it’s something special.”

TJones has always been a native of New Orleans, having been born there in the 80s and raised on the streets. Over the years, he’s done many things to make ends meet – from landscaping to being a barber to working as an auto mechanic. But his first love has always been Hip Hop and he’s worked hard as a rapper to make a name for himself and carve out a niche in an over-crowded music scene. His signature sound and style are definitely distinct, with an inviting Louisiana drawl that’s reminiscent of Ludacriss.  But his songs and lyrics are unique to him, and he’s proud of the development he’s gone through over the years as an artist.

“I have my own voice and I’m not a one-trick pony,” he said. “I’ve been through a lot of development, and I know artist development is important. That sets you apart from those who just rely on their raw talent. Plus, my music is derived from my soul, my hustle and my environment. I wasn’t born an angel and I write about what’s true to me and my life. I write about what I’ve done or not done, what I’ve seen and what I love. I want to get a message out through my music – to encourage people. I’ve done my fair share of shit you ain’t supposed to be doing. But at the end of the day, I’m just like you trying to put a message out there to the world. So here I am … a fresh new face who is going to something that exhibits something different.”

In addition to his EP, TJones has also dropped a new single called “Drippin Flava” which is currently available across all streaming platforms. It’s a song about “you and your personality” he said, and embracing all the things you do best. 

“You have to let it drip,” he said. “Flood the streets with it. People are gonna walk all in it and get covered up in it. Whatever it is that defines you, just let it drip with flava.”

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

www.twitter.com/tjones504

www.facebook.com/t.jones504
www.youtube.com/penmanshipjones

“Drippin Flava”

https://youtu.be/_1ao4RD4Zu4
https://music.apple.com/us/album/drippin-flava-single/1468353189
https://open.spotify.com/album/74eehKSJCY98o9sdLzaXTk

“Life Thru Penmanship” – EP

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/life-thru-penmanship-ep/1421715160
https://open.spotify.com/album/1EZLTJOJdCU4TsVaR5LDcW?

Buck City – Beat The Odds Hosted by @DjSmokeMixtapes

Album, Blog, EP, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Mixtapes, Promo, Videos

Buck City Releases His 4th Project “Beat The Odds” Hosted by DJ Smoke

The Midwest artist Buck City is back with sum new slappers for the people on his new project Buck City – Beat The Odds hosted by Dj Smoke!

Tune in, turn it up to the max n vibe out to this! Stream the new single “Execution” on Spinrilla!

Stay connected with Buck City on social media IG: @_buckcity_ | FB: @shatani.buck | SC: @Buckcity74

Follow Buck City on Spotify