Lil Djo – Murder To Be

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Lil Djo showcases rise from the struggle with new single ‘Murder to Be’ 

AUSTIN, TX – While growing up at Rundberg Lane, one of the rougher neighborhoods of Austin, Texas, Lil Djo claims that the one thing that kept him sane was his certainty that one day he was going to blow up on the music scene. Fast forward a decade to today and this young up-and-coming artist is ready to fulfill that promise with a bevy of new music. Set to launch a handful of singles over the next few months, Lil Djo is kicking things off with a bold introduction to his signature style with the song “Murder to Be,” currently available across all streaming platforms.  

“I’m just getting started and this is a little introduction of what’s about to come,” he said. “I’m fixing to start dropping a whole lot after this. So this is just me speaking into existence what I’ve known all along,  that I’m gonna blow up off this music. I’m just letting it be known with a little aggressive wordplay that this is what my music is. It’ll make you feel some type of way and you’ll get that emotion. You’ll feel the same emotion I’ve got.” 

Being surrounded by the dangers of an area known for poverty, crime, and well known drug abuse. It’s not out of the ordinary that Djo started getting into trouble at an early age. He claims,“There’s a mindset here that everybody is accustomed to which I feel is what brings out the hate in people, you just gotta move right and hope for the best”. Rap has always been a constant for him however, and his one ray of hope for getting out of that lifestyle. Much of his lyrics are inspired by that struggle and born from the dreams he has for some day seeing financial success. And he hopes along the way his music will inspire people to have that everyday mindset that it takes to rise up in the world.  

“I knew I was gonna get into music since I was young, and I feel like this is the right time,” he said. “I feel like my voice is right now and I’m in the right situation to be heard. Everything is coming together and I got a whole plan. I’m just gonna take off, and once I get elevated, I have a whole lot more.” 

When it comes to Lil Djo’s signature sound, he said there’s no one else out there like him in the music industry. Inspired by legends such as Lil Wayne whose lyricism is unprecedented, Lil Djo said his lyrics are equally filled with emotions and stories that put listeners right into the middle of the scenarios he’s painting. Often utilizing Trap and Drill, Lil Djo takes those familiar sounds and beats and adds some Pop to them for something a little more upbeat and original. And he said that sound will be further explored on some of the new singles he has planned for October and November.  

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

https://www.instagram.com/darfurdjo/

Kinney – SHM

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Kinney displays intriguing Darkroom R&B sound 
on new EP ‘Where I Was’ 

RICHMOND, VA – John Kinney is the kind of R&B artist you don’t see coming. His sound is unlike anything currently heard in the R&B world – a deeper, darker more ambient sound that pairs the sultry smooth vocals of a true R&B artist with the dark tones of Hip HopHe calls the sound Darkroom R&B and he puts it on full display on his new EP “Where I Was.” 

Currently available across all streaming platforms, “Where I Was” features six songs that tell a story of a breakup but in a unique way – backwards to forwards. The first song of the EP is Kinney telling his girlfriend that he cheated on a girl, while the last song on the project is the story of his fist encounter with the girl that he cheated with.  

“Everything connects,” Kinney said of the EP. “It’s kind of a cool way to tell a story of a breakup and the typical stuff that comes with that. This is a bad breakup because a guy gets caught cheating and everything plays out after that. It’s real ambient with that Darkroom R&B. I make music that’s out of the box. I’m very versatile between singing and rapping and I switch through genres but at the end, it’s all original. I typically genre-bend every song and try to find different sounding beats than what’s in the mainstream. But my beats are darker and more ambient, kind of like The WKND uses.” 

The debut single from the EP is the second song on the project called “SHM”. Kinney said those are the initials of his ex-girlfriend. He also said the song is probably the darkest-toned one on the EP and goes into some dark places lyrically as he tries to explain himself and why he is the way he is. 

“I try to do a story on every album,” he said. “I write a lot of albums even though I don’t put everything out. I just like to do something different and see if people pick up on it. Sonically, this project goes upwards from dark to light, and ‘SHM’ is probably the darkest. Story-wise, the EP also goes from dark to light.” 

Kinney said he first got into music when he was young, listening to legends like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross. As he grew older, he began to be influenced by Hip Hop artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar. He’s used those influences to hone his signature sound, combining his natural ability as a vocalist with his skills of flow. 

“I actually started off rapping and found out I could really sing,” he said. “I’ve always written deeper songs that on the surface might sound like bubblegum but when you really pay attention you realize how deep they are. At the end of the day, I want my music to touch people and make them feel stuff. I want to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest.” 

Kinney said in addition to “Where I Was,” he’s also got another EP and some music videos set to drop later this year, as well as a mixtape that could drop in early 2021. 

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

https://twitter.com/johnkinney16 

https://www.instagram.com/kinney_wonder/

Jameel Mason – Quarantine Mami

Blog, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Realign, reroute and refocus: Jameel Mason Thrives despite an uncertain year 

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – With multiple singles out and a new album on the way, Jameel Mason has made the most of his 2020 experience. Fueled by a traditional East Coast and New School sound and the drive to make the most of any occasion, he has spent the last year creating interesting and relatable tracks for anyone to enjoy. 

Mason began making music in high school in his cousin’s make-shift basement studio. “After school, I would go over to his house and he would just be making beats, and one day he said ‘Yo, man, you should just try to freestyle.’ So I started recording in his basement and fell in love with it ever since.” 

Having grown up in New Jersey, the culture and sound of Hip Hop that cultivates there has always been a large part of his artistic persona. “My style is more East Coast focused because that’s just where I’m from, but coming up the New York Sound was very prevalent in the 90s and early 2000s, so my sound definitely stems from that. With the production of the 808 Trap beats and new melodies that we have now though, I would say that my sound is really just a fusion of an East Coast sound with a New School spin on it.”  

Mason accredits much of his musical inspiration to his experiences and life in general. He draws on everything from relationships to childhood experiences and things that he’s going through right now. “It’s my life and I bottled it up and put it into my music. It’s really something that we all experience, but we have our own view and our own perspective on it. That’s mainly the place that I come from and where I draw inspiration from.” 

Mason’s music is a window into himself. Some of the more recent tracks that he’s released have included “Quarantine Mami,” on which his sister is featured, and “Jersday,” his latest release. “Quarantine Mami came about because everybody in the whole world knows the experience of being in the house and being on lockdown, so when I came across a beat that automatically spoke to me, I called up my sister and said, ‘Hey, I need a verse from you.’ A week later, we went to the studio and recorded it.” Similarly, “Jersday” is about the hometown pride that is so prevalent in New Jersey and the areas that he lives in.  

Along with all that Mason has already done this year, he is preparing to put out an album in the next coming months, something that should be well anticipated by anyone who has taken interest in his music. Viewers can also look out for several music videos that are set to be released soon, all of which have the signature Jameel Mason flair to them. 

“I know we’re in a tough time. I know we all had plans for the future that kind of got derailed by the virus, but you have to prevail; realign, reroute and refocus. I had a lot of lofty goals which didn’t happen because of the virus but I had to realign, reset and refocus. I think that’s that – that’s what determines true resiliency.” 

Check out Jameel Mason on social media and listen to his music with the links found below. 

https://mobile.twitter.com/jameelmason 

https://www.instagram.com/JameelMason 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS1_UZQXWWqFkHlE0dvKuA 

www.jameelmason.com 

“Quarantine Mami 

https://open.spotify.com/track/3rarYwfepvQH356dGPucL5?si=QIikyJizQ2SmLAnN_caDA 

Thorin Loeks – In This Place

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Nature, introspection, and explorations of the human spirit inspire hope-filled new album from Indie/Pop artist Thorin Loeks 

NORTH VANCOUVER, CANADA – Thorin Loeks has seen more of the world than most people will see in their lifetimes. At only age 30, he has bicycled and canoed over 15,000 kilometers across North America with a guitar on his back. He has prospected for gold in the Northern Yukon Territory, backpacked through South America, Thailand, India, and Nepal, cycled more than 6,000 kilometers from the West Coast to the East Coast of North America, canoed 3,800 kilometers down the Mississippi River from Northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, paddled the Wind River to the Arctic Circle, and then bicycled yet another 6,000 kilometers from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, through his hometown of Whitehorse, Yukon, down the west coast to San Francisco.  

It was this most recent journey from northern Canada down the West Coast of America that inspired his new album “In This Place”, 10 songs which feature his signature Indie/Rock/Pop sound. Described as a “West Coast feel that’s very introspective,” the project features Folk-Pop singles like “Open Sky” which has already been released to international success, along with more soothing, lush, ambient songs like “Ice Age” and “With You”, which blend soaring nature inspired acoustics/vocals with a more introspective, intimate, and emotional tone.   

“I’ve been songwriting since I was a teenager and there has always been a common theme through my music, which is a sense of hope. Through the journey of being inherently imperfect, something we all share, constantly making mistakes, and navigating the understanding, processing, acceptance of these things within ourselves and with others, I’m a person who is always wanting to grow and evolve as a human. I enjoy seeing people succeed by going through the lifelong exploration, struggle, learning and elation of growing into better versions of ourselves.” Overall, Thorin says his new album, “In This Place”, explores the interplay between nature, human connection, and the inner heart. While unafraid to explore deeper and sometimes darker melancholic emotional spaces, it ultimately is filled with feelings of hope, inspiration, redemption, rejuvenation, and a renewed faith in both the inner and outer worlds of the human spirit – qualities he hopes will resonate with people during these uncertain times. “It’s a combination of connecting with the landscape, communities, and people, but also with oneself,” Thorin said of the music on the album. “The world and our time here can be challenging, painful, and confusing in so many ways, but I am starting to gain a greater understanding of my own journey through life. The meaning, emotional depth, and gratitude I have imbued in this album while drawing upon different genres of music hopefully reflects that.” 

In his musical journey, Thorin’s sound has also evolved significantly from his first album, which was fundamentally Indie Folk. While his second album “Shine Through The Dark” introduced a mix of Blues, Rock, and Pop songs to his Indie Folk sound, it is in the seamless, smoother, and more advanced blending of these different genres and elements with his acoustic roots that makes his new album, “In This Place”, really stand out sonically. 

Thorin has always had a special connection to nature. He grew up in the Yukon Territory when his family moved there to start a wilderness adventure guiding company. He remembers fondly many experiences with his family and friends – hiking in the wild, canoeing down rivers, and seeing some of the most beautiful landscapes this planet has to offer. As he grew older, he began to bring a guitar with him on his travels, and the music that sprung up from his experiences became the seeds and inspiration for his journeys as a traveling musician.  

His signature Indie/Pop sound is the perfect platform for this storyteller who weaves in highly detailed descriptions of the places he’s been while sharing sometimes unbelievable stories of experiences he’s had meeting people from all walks of life and cultures. Working closely with good friend, audio engineer, and co-producer David TallaricoThorin has developed an album that truly welcomes listeners into an ambient yet grounded atmosphere of soothing sounds, and emotional/introspective lyrics.  

“My music is coming from the heart and soul and a very real place,” Thorin said. “It’s written from personal experiences and inspired by people and places I’ve spent time connecting and communing with. It’s easy for us to get disconnected in this world, and I hope these songs can be a source of authenticity and warmth where people can draw upon them and know they aren’t alone. Over the last three years, I’ve put everything into this album. I’ve really tried to pour as much as I could into every song individually as well as create a cohesive whole. Hopefully, other people will be able to resonate meaningfully with it.” 

Thorin recently embarked on another 600 kilometer canoe trip with a friend down the KluaneDonjek, White, and Yukon Rivers in the Yukon Territory to Dawson City – a trip he says helped him reconnect with his roots. This journey will serve as the background for video footage to go with some of his new songs, so fans can likely expect to see those visuals in the near future. 

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

www.thorinloeks.com 

www.instagram.com/thorloeks 

www.facebook.com/thorinloeks 

“In This Place” 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5K3UjXOqfjUmAGNXJGlHMN 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-this-place/1525443561 

https://soundcloud.com/thorin-loeks/sets/in-this-place-album-2020 

“Open Sky” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivkq8os-7pE&ab_channel=ThorinLoeks

MTM – Freaky

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music

Hip Hop group MTM is changing the game with new sounds and styles on new mixtape ‘Set in Stone’ 

NEW LONDON, CT – MTM is a force to be reckoned with. This fast-rising Hip Hop group from the Upper East Coast of the U.S. is exactly what their name implies: More Than Music. Their collaboration of sound and style is like nothing that has come before in the entertainment industry, and their style is giving the Rap scene something powerful. 

The group’s most recent release is a mixtape called “Set in Stone,” which features nine songs that fully showcase this group’s original style. The debut single from the project, “Freaky,” is a perfect display for the bouncy and upbeat types of songs they create. The song is one ready made for clubs or after parties or even just rolling down the street.  

“Our music is about putting out a flow and a nice beat that’s gonna make you bounce,” said founding group member Hazey Gabana. “But at the end of the day, it’s more than music. We’re not just talking to talk – this is us. This is who we are. We’re encourage people to always be different because you’re always being you. Don’t be who the next person is – be you.” 

Officially formed in 2015, each of the members of the group are powerful and dynamic emcees in their own rights. Their individual talents contribute to create gritty, raw and real cuts that contain the audible bond that only comes with true family. Each of the members of the group are related and that undeniable unity can be heard in every bar and beat.  

The group was originally formed by brothers Hazey Gabana and Ruug Heff. Haze has razor-sharp skills on the mic and is 100 percent dialed-in to a signature style that’s synonymous with wild entertainment. Whether it’s rapping hot bars or singing big hooks, he’s proven time and again that he brings his A-game to every moment. Rugg has an energy and raw delivery that leaves audiences wanting more, and his flow is unmatched while still delivering bars.  

Those brothers are joined by the youngest members of the group, Dooley and Shaddy Lu. Dooley has been in the music industry since 2015, taking influence from legends such as Rick Ross, French Montana and Young Jeezy to create a fresh and authentic flow. Shaddy Lu adds even more dimension to the group by bringing an intense amount of commitment, dedication and focus that’s unmatched by any emcee out there today. With the ability to transition flawlessly from massive hooks to blazing rapsShaddy Lu has a charismatic flow that provides the perfect cap stone for this stellar group. 

“Our music represents who we are on a regular basis,” Shaddy said. “We have a lot of energy and we have a lot of fun. When you hear our music, you’re gonna have a good time. We also make real music. We just want you to know we’re not gonna say anything that we don’t feel is authentic. We have genuine music and we’re genuinely always having a good time.” 

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

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwYeG6CZWbNs6T6dDH1ppLg
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMTM5 

Instagram: @Official_mtm5 @Ruugheff_mtm @shaddylu  

Facebook: @Darryl Henry @Ruug Heff 

Twitter: @Luregular @Ruug5 

Snapchat: @RokkstarHaze @shaddycinco @ruugie5 

Rnb Daysavv – Louie V

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

 17-year-old RnB Daysavv is Hip Hop’s newest prodigy 

BRONX, NY – For as long as Daysavv can remember, he’s wanted to be an entertainer. From almost as soon as he could walk and talk, he was performing for his family and it wasn’t long before it became obvious to everyone that he had some raw, natural talent. Now at age 17, this young up-and-coming artist is showing the world just how skilled he is with a handful of new singles.  

First up is his most recent single “Louie V,” which is currently available across all streaming platforms. Inspired by one of his favorite artists, Pop Smoke – who always used to say “Louie V” in his music – the song was created in the days following Pop Smoke’s passing.  

“It’s upbeat and makes you want to jump around,” Daysavv said. “It’s basically about being a druggy and that lifestyle and the young kids who end up druggies. I’m getting ready to release a music video in the next two weeks, which will be my first music video. I’m gonna let that do some numbers and then I’ll have another one right after that.” 

The next single he plans to drop is one of three choices – “Alone,” “Me and You” or “I Ain’t Playin No Games.” Both “Alone” and “Me and You” are more love songs that he said are intended for the ladies, while “I Ain’t Playin No Games” is another upbeat vibe that encourages people to chase their dreams no matter what. 

“I’m leaning towards ‘Alone’ because it’s my favorite one,” Daysavv said. “It’s something both boys and girls will relate to. It’s about girls in general and getting multiple girls in the room and telling each one that you can’t leave them alone because they’re stuck in your mind. You can’t leave one girl alone even though you have others.” 

Daysavv said he’s excited about what the future holds for him as a musician and all-around entertainer. He has signed with the RNB TheLabel and is ready to showcase his raw talent with this bevvy of new songs. More than anything, he hopes people will see his versatility and ability to bring good vibes with any beat or genre. 

“I can do a little bit of Rap and a little bit of singing,” he said. “I can be melodic – which is what people are looking for right now. Some people would rather have a melodic singer who can also rap over a rapper who just does rap. If I want, I can rap but if I don’t want, I can also sing and do some things for the ladies. Since I like to sing, I make love songs for the girls. At the end of the day, I hope I’m known for being an artist. A lot of people might try to paint me as just a rapper or just a singer, but I want to show people that I’m more than that.” 

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

https://twitter.com/rnbdaysavv 

https://soundcloud.com/rnb-savvthelabel 

www.youtube.com/channel/UCV2ouk7fIWFbrs4cceGXFSQ 

“Louie V” 

https://soundcloud.com/rnb-savvthelabel/rnb-daysavv-ft-o-beasly-louie-v

Hytez – Stradivarius

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Witty wordplay mixes with feel-good vibes on Hytez’s new mixtape ‘Welcome to Mars’ 

FORT WORTH, TX – There’s more than just mastery of wordplay to the music coming from Southern rapper Hytez. The depth that drips from every lyric is the kind of thought-provoking artistry that only comes around once in a generation. And that adept ability to turn a phrase that makes people ponder is put on full display with his new mixtape “Welcome to Mars.”  

Slated to drop across all streaming platforms on his 20th birthday, Sept. 18, “Welcome to Mars” is true to its name in creating an otherworldly experience that takes listeners to an enlightened plane of existence. Inspired by the music of Travis Scott, “Welcome to Mars” features 14 songs that embrace a similar persona that Hytez calls “weird in the best way.” Scott’s musical style has been described as fusion of traditional Hip Hop, lo-fi and ambient – and that’s exactly the kind of sound Hytez creates with this new project. 

“I really like that he’s super weird and he doesn’t care,” Hytez said of Travis Scott. “He knows he’s weird and he uses that as part of his persona, and that’s what I’m trying to do with my music. As we were creating this tape, me and the homies took a break and we were just sitting around smoking and I was geeked. I was thinking about the music we were making and how I was feeling at the time, and I said, ‘I’m up on Mars right now. Welcome to Mars.’ It hit me weird and I knew immediately that was the perfect name for the project.” 

The debut single from the project is a song called “Stradivarius.” It’s the first track on the tape, and it’s the perfect display of Hytez’s ability to write lines that have multiple meanings and encourage listeners to think more deeply about what they’re hearing. The hook uses the line “the hoes are pulling at my strings like Stradivarius,” which is a great example of how a seemingly simple line from Hytez actually has a deeper meaning.  

“My lyricism is what sets me apart from anyone else out there today,” he said. “If you listen to what I say, in almost every line I’m saying, something is deeper than what you might think on the surface. When I’m serious, I write a lot about depression or bigger issues in the world. When I’m not serious and it’s more lit and upbeat, I like to do a lot of punchlines and make people laugh. But I’m always writing things to make people think more deeply of what I’m talking about. This mixtape is more about the vibes and stuff while a lot of my other music will connect with people in different ways. At the end of the day, I want to let people know that when they feel hopeless, they can turn to my music.” 

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

https://www.instagram.com/hytez_/ 

https://twitter.com/hytez_ 

https://soundcloud.com/nrh_hytez 

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

 

 

 

 

Josey Wellz – You Me Her

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Josey Wellz offers upbeat ‘have-fun’ track to end the summer with new single ‘You Me Her’ 

ATLANTA, GA – In today’s ever-changing industry of entertainment, true talent like Josey Wellz cannot be contained. He exploded onto the scene with a refreshing yet powerful sound that captivates both heart and mind, and with an R&B and Hip Hop fusion that taps into Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Pop vibes, he truly has a sound that is undeniable. 

Josey’s latest single “You Me Her” is a perfect example of his signature sound and style. Currently available across all streaming platforms, this upbeat party track is the perfect kind of song for the clubs or for a fun night out with friends. Like most of his music, the single came about organically as he sat in the studio and started thinking about the things he most enjoys on a night out. 

“What came out is just a pure, fun track,” Josey said. ‘It’s just good vibes and shooting the shit and having fun. I just sat down one day and started singing and that’s what came out, but that’s how I like to make my music. Over the past few years I’ve been finding more about myself and my creativity. There’s no limit and I’ve realized that I’ve been able to be more creative in my songwriting and in picking my beats. I’m opening myself up to being more lyrical and more versatile. At the end of the day, I have a different sound. I don’t sound like anybody. I’m not scared to be myself or try new things. And my style says a lot about being an individual and accepting that. I’m exclusive.” 

Josey Wellz is a nickname given to him by a childhood friend. Born Hananiah Joel Nicholas, this young artist moved to Atlanta a few years ago with a heart full of hope and talent. He fed his passion for music with every genre he could find. In 2017, he released his first EP, “I Can’t Help Myself,” which immediately started opening new doors of opportunities. In 2018, he was able to travel and perform all over the world.  

In the two years since, he’s been working on more music which he’s now excited to show to the world. He’ll be releasing a single every month through the end of the year.  

“My next body of work is exciting,” he said. “With new flows and a new sound, I’m entering life from a different perspective. I have more confidence and assurity, and I think that bravado comes across in my songs. But it’s more about individuality and embracing that than anything else. That’s what I really want to be known for. I want to be singled out as a true artist who is a unique individual, not just someone who is a good rapper.” 

Following the release of “You Me Her,” Josey said he’ll drop a second single in October called “Self Love.”  

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

https://www.instagram.com/josey_wellz/ 

https://www.facebook.com/josey.wellz.737 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXdITnTKGoBUMhsmY4tEHQ 

“You Me Her” 

https://open.spotify.com/track/2P6nR3FaPwDQssd3pZv8XP (Explicit) 

https://open.spotify.com/track/1wZ6Bd30TqaItuEITcR68J  (Clean) 

https://soundcloud.com/josey_wellz/you-me-her-explicit 

https://soundcloud.com/josey_wellz/you-me-her-clean

Travis Mdollaz – Ride 4 Me

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Travis Mdollaz fully embraces lavish lifestyle by pursuing music career; drops debut single ‘Ride 4 Me’

PORTSMOUTH, VA – Travis Johnson always had dreams of being famous. As one of Portsmouth, Virginia’s most successful entrepreneurs – with more than six successful businesses under his belt – this philanthropic community-minded go-getter is now ready to continue chasing that dream by way of a career in music. Having mastered a number of other disciplines, this highly artistic and creative individual has turned to music and his most recent single, “Ride 4 Me” is the kind of debut that will put him on the global map.

Released on Sept. 8, the song is a Hip Hop ride with R&B undertones that features Travis’ ability to rap and sing. Operating under the stage name Mdollaz, Travis uses this new single to offer the world a fun new vibe with a unique sound and style that he said is needed in today’s music industry. Touching on relationship issues while navigating through societal pressures, the song explores the ups-and-downs of an on-again/off-again relationship.

“It was inspired from a messy breakup that I went through,” Mdollaz said. “Basically, it’s about breaking up and getting back together and all the things that lead someone to think about cheating on their partner. When it comes to my music, I’m different than anything else out there. I don’t follow the trends, I set the trends. I do my own thing. I make my own rules. And I don’t look for validation from the general public.”

Though he doesn’t look for validation from the public, he is an influencer on his community, and he’s looking to expand that influence on a global scale. As an activist, Mdollaz got his nickname by earning the reputation of being someone who is extremely generous. No matter where he goes – whether it’s a public event or a volunteer service somewhere – he’s become known for giving away money. Young people in his community know him as the guy who gives out $1 bills, while organizations and nonprofits know him as the guy who not only invests financially, but also gives of his time and passion without reservation.

He also isn’t reserved about the kind of lifestyle he enjoys. He’s quick to point out that he loves the finer things in life. It’s that lifestyle that first prompted his friends and family to encourage him to pursue a career as a rapper.

“They told me, ‘You actually sound good for starters, so you should just do it,’” Mdollaz said. “So I did a song and music video and people have gone crazy for it. So I’m sticking with it. I hope my music is known for impacting and changing lives. I don’t want to be rapping just to be rapping. I want to rap with a purpose and help people. If my music can give you a kind of blueprint for how to do better, then I’ve done my job.”

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

https://www.instagram.com/travis_mdollaz/

“Ride 4 Me”

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/travismdollaz/ride-for-me

40 Abioye – Fortune Cookies

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Depth of wisdom drips from new album  ‘Fortune Cookies’ from Atlanta artist 40 Abioye 

ATLANTA, GA – 40 Abioye is the true definition of an Indie success story. Fiercely independent and articulate, this Atlanta-based artist has found a way to please both the hardcore Hip Hop fans and a much wider audience through soulful hooks, picture-painted verses and savvy collaborations with some big names in the industry. That pedigree is put on full display with his new album “Fortune Cookies,” which will be available across all streaming platforms later this year. 

Everybody loves getting the little bits of wisdom found in the center of a fortune cookie, and that’s the sentiment 40 Abioye is bringing with his new albumWith every single song on the project, 40 offers messages to the world that are a variety of good vibes, inspiration and challenges to look at the world with a different perspective.  

“When you get a fortune cookie, you never know what kind of message you’re gonna get,” 40 said. “That’s the same idea with this album – you never know what you’re gonna get until you push the button and see what the next song is about. I’m giving you a variety of different feels and I’m showing my growth as an artist. I start off the album by giving an introduction to myself and my perseverance over the years of doing this as an independent artist – the trials and tribulations of that journey. Then I have songs that talk about being the CEO of my own record label – Stoners Avenue Entertainment. I do some songs for the stoner community and talk about the cannabis movement that’s happening right now. Then I go to the females and talk about relationships. There are some songs about politics and the current state of what’s going on in the world. So really every song is a message.” 

The debut single from the project carries the same name as the album, “Fortune Cookies” and is now available across all streaming platforms. Fortune Cookies features well known Atlanta artist Derez De’shon. 40 Abioye is originally from Flint, Michigan and teamed up with well known Atlanta Artist Derez De’shon to gain new audience in 40 Abioye’s new home of Atlanta GA. It’s a subtle nod to the overall message of the song, he said, which is about the perseverance he had to go through to get to where he is today as a fast-rising artist in Atlanta.  

“I just want my legacy to be timeless songs,” he said of his music. “I want to be known as an artist who fought hard from the bottom and built his way up independently. My music is good enough to get me where I want to go without taking any shortcuts. I want people to see that you don’t have to have all the connections and a big following if you’re talented enough and believe in yourself. You can achieve success if you work hard and believe in yourself. You can’t go wrong when you give people your true self.” 

In addition to “Fortune Cookies,” 40 said he’s planning on releasing a second album called “Growth, Pain and Struggle” later this year or in early 2021.  

To listen to 40 Abioye’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/40abioye/ 

https://twitter.com/40Abioye 

https://www.facebook.com/Abioye40 

 ”Fortune Cookies” ft Derez De’shon 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3rswY7ZZdyVgWfLP8t5PZf?si=Ai8JY2ebQhmpr1hfBMzV3g 

https://music.apple.com/ca/album/fortune-cookies-feat-derez-single/1526931845