MinaCci – Invincible

MinaCci pushes through adversity like a rose through concrete and shares journey on new EP ‘Cr3’

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA – Sometimes love blossoms in the most unexpected of ways. Take, for instance, two best friends. They love to be together and do everything together, and over time their relationship slowly starts to change. They start dressing their best and acting their best whenever they hang out with one another. They are the first person the other thinks of when facing difficult times. And finally, as if with a spark of inspiration, they realize they have fallen in love with one another. And that love, built with the deepest of bonds, is “Invincible.”

That’s the message behind the new single from Canadian artist MinaCci. “Invincible” is a song that ladies will love and guys will dive into as the ultimate romantic hip-hop ballad. With a strong blend of hip-hop beats and R&B melodies, the song not only showcases MinaCci’s more soulful side, but also his diverse ability as an artist to fuse multiple sounds into something truly original.

“I’m very into my feelings and emotions, no matter what the relationship is,” he said. “I learned how to soak all that up and put it into a song. It’s like a journal entry. I’m writing something out from my heart into my music. You hear pain and soul and struggle in my music. It’s raw and uncut. Every song you know it will mean something. I’m not just putting something together to make something fun to listen to. I have gone through things and I’m connecting with others who go through similar things.”

“Invincible” is the first single off the forthcoming EP “Cr3,” which stands for Concrete Rose. MinaCci has already released two previous installments of the “Cr” series, and each one further explores the journey of a man who started from nothing and made something profound out of his art – just like a rose growing through the cracks of concrete.

MinaCci said he first started a journey into music when he was a young teen who fell in love with poetry. During a difficult time in his family’s life he moved in with his cousin, who introduced him to beat-making and freestyling. When his aunt purchased him a Dollar Store microphone, he started rapping and recording some of the poems he’d written, and the rest is history.

“I had so many burdens in my life, and music literally became my escape and kept me mentally sane,” he said. “I fell in love with the art of music – writing and putting those emotions out into the world. Today, I want to make music to touch people. When they go through something they can hear me and relate and know they aren’t the only ones going through that. If you can relate to an artist, it feels like you’re not going through something alone. So whether you’re in need of a spark or some guidance, you can turn to my music when you’re in need of something. Ultimately, I just want to change lives. If it’s possible to change even just one life, that’s what I really want to do.”

To listen to MinaCci’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:

Instagram @Loyaltiesfirst

Spotify/Apple Music Etc – “MinaCci”  
Twitter https://twitter.com/minaccithereal

Spirit – Ocean

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Spirit uses new single ‘Ocean’ to pass along message of healing and tranquility

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Island vibes meet R&B and Soul on the light and inviting new single from singer and songwriter Spirit. “Ocean” is a slow-jam island vibe with a steel drum foundation that works perfectly as a counterpart to Spirit’s deeply moving and soulful vocals. Written as an homage to her grandparents, who passed away within a couple of weeks of each other in 2011, the song explores the feelings of sadness and nostalgia that come when mourning a loved one. With a hook that says Just don’t go to the ocean without me, Spirit weaves words that evoke a deep sense of longing while also offering an element of hope.

“This is a song that is a tribute to my late grandparents,” Spirit said. “I do intuitive readings and my grandmother had the gift of clairvoyance that she never got to fully explore. On our last visit with them we were having a very emotional goodbye and we both had this intuitive feeling that it was the last goodbye. I even told my dad that something was different about that goodbye. My grandma went into a coma and passed away not long after that, and my grandpa died of a broken heart about two weeks later. As I was thinking through my feelings about it I was messing around on the piano and I came up with the hook and everything took off from there.”

At a very young age Spirit began her journey performing and writing deeply soulful music, often amusing crowds with the stark contrast between her powerful tenor vocals and petite physique and speaking voice. With a wealth of handwritten songs that she said are channeled by a higher power, she began recording in professional studios at around age 14. She said she has known from birth that it is her lifelong and eternal mission to transform a lifetime of immense pain into tranquility through music. She said she wants to manifest healing musical vibrations to share with the world and to use her platform to create positive change for all.

“I feel like I am on a mission,” she said. “I have to write down these message I get from God and pass them on in healing ways to others. I just know I have to do this before I die. I only write what I feel I’m being told to say in the world. And I’m only doing it for a good cause. I want it to be healing, uplifting, and to change some hearts that may have been hardened. I want to use my platform to create a lot of change. That’s all I want to do.”

In addition to “Ocean,” Spirit has another single called “Back In The Day” that has been getting a lot of attention from fans all over the U.S. She’s also working on an EP that she said will be released later this year.

To listen to Spirit’s music, or to follow her on social media, please visit the following links:

SoundCloud: Ocean 
YouTube: Spirit – Ocean (Official Video) 
Instagram: SPIRIT �✨ (@spiritthesinger) • Instagram photos and videos 

Coco Kimmie – Shine

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Coco Kimmie continues to ‘Shine’ with latest hit single

VIRGINIA – In a time in the world’s history when there’s so much darkness, pain and suffering, it’s so much more important to shine a beacon of hope. That’s the message behind the latest hit single from fast-rising vocalist Coco Kimmie. “Shine” is an exploration of joy as it weaves wonderful ways of caring for each other by embracing natural gifts, talents and abilities and using those things to make the world a better place. With a vibe that’s indicate of greats like Beyonce and Lauryn Hill, Coco Kimmie’s style showcases a mastery of R&B, Hip-Hop and Gospel – and this new single is yet another shining example of how this multi-talented artist continues to deliver the hits.

“There’s so much uncertainty right now with what’s going on in the world and what we’re all experiencing that I believe the lesson of this song is applicable to all of us,” she said. “We need to keep shining and sharing our gifts with the world and being a beacon of light in a time when we need to have hope and to give other people hope. We’re going to have trials in life – that’s part of the experience and the journey. But don’t give up. Keep trying. We all have an internal strength that we can draw upon to continue to move forward in life and encourage one another.”

Born and raised in New Jersey, Coco Kimmie started singing as a young child in the church. She learned to play the piano by ear and was trained to play classical music as an adolescent. Her mom loved Gospel and James Brown, and her dad loved Blues and Country music, so she was exposed to several genres from an early age. When she attended college at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, she sang in the USAFA Cadet Gospel choir and recorded her first CD. She served for 21-plus years in the U.S. Air Force, and upon her retirement in 2015 was inspired to sing again by her daughter. She began singing with the Chocolate Factory Band in 2019, performing in places such as the Sunset Room National Harbor in Marlyand and some upscale private parties through Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. After working with some other artists in the industry, Coco Kimmie eventually started working on her own music and launched her solo career at the beginning of 2021 with her first single “Keep Ya Head Up.” She’s now following that up with “Shine,” and she said there’s plenty more music planned for this year.

“I’ve taken a different journey through life, and that journey didn’t initially focus on my creativity,” Kimmie said. “I’ve been active duty military for 21 years, but I’ve often thought about the fact that when I was younger my family would tell me I had a gift given to me by the Creator, and not to hide it but share it with the world. That came to the forefront during this whole global pandemic experience, and I drew on that as my source of strength. Singing was my saving grace during this difficult time, and now I’m jumping in with both feet and sharing it with the world. If I can inspire even one person, that’s a huge benefit to the world. There are so many people wondering when this is all gonna be over and when we can get back to some kind of normalcy. Things are going to change and there will be a new normal, but instead of focusing on that we should focus on what our purpose is and what our gifts are and sharing that with other people. Let’s help one another get through difficult times.”

In addition to “Shine,” Coco Kimmie said she’s looking to launch another single called “Be Strong” sometime early this summer. She also has an EP called “Namaste Free All Day” that will be released later this year.

To listen to Coco Kimmie’s music, or to follow her on social media, please visit the following links:

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

(Artist website)

https://cocokimmie.com/

(IG)

https://instagram.com/cocokimmie

(Twitter)

https://twitter.com/cocokimmie1

(Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/kimmoncrieffe

(Youtube)

https://youtube.com/channel/UCI_f3PzpQblNJBpvaOr0lEA

Thug Misses – 99 U Ain’t 1

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Thug Misses pops off like a little gun while rapping on hot new single ’99 U Ain’t 1’

VALLEJO, CA – As a half-Black, half-Latina female artist trying to make her way in the music industry, Camille “Thug Misses” Carlos has faced her fair share of challenges. Like a lot of other women in the industry – especially those within the hip-hop genre – she feels like she hasn’t always gotten the credit she deserves. That’s not to say she’s proud or even bitter about some of the things she’s missed out on throughout her career – in fact, she’s quite humbled by the opportunities she’s been given. But to say that it’s been effortless and without challenge is inaccurate. She’s overcome a lot of adversity as a woman in the industry, which she chronicles on her latest hit single “99 U Ain’t 1.”

Inspired by the hit Jay-Z single “99 Problems,” the Thug Misses single features fellow artists Hitta Slim and Mistah F.A.B. It’s a contemporary rock meets hip-hop kind of East Coast old-school vibe. Thug Misses takes it back to the basics of the genre by spitting some solid bars on top of a drum-heavy beat enhanced by live instrumentation. She raps about how it feels to be a woman in the industry, how there seems to be a problem around every corner, and how she doesn’t have time for any new issues new people might bring to the table.

“One of the key things that makes me different as a female artist in hip-hop is that I’m not talking about sex, sex, sex,” she said. “The majority of the Top 10 female recording artists on major labels are heavily promoting sex. That’s just not my style. I’m actually writing about something – like back in the day when Tupac and Biggie used to write. But I’m not sounding outdated. I’m still touching on key subjects that are relevant and refreshing for today’s culture. I put a dope beat to it and I’m really saying something important.”

Some of her other recent songs have tackled issues of African American and Asian American injustices in this country. Others uplift women and praise men for what they’re doing to promote feminism. She even gets transparent and attempts to motivate others out of personal struggles by inspiring them to overcome challenges in life.

Known as a woman who “really gasses” on the mic, Thug Misses has been in the industry for a minute. She started when she was younger after being discovered right out of high school by Shawn “C-Bo” Thomas of the West Coast Mafia Gang. She was with that label for about 10 years – writing and recording and earning her reputation as a aggressive and hard-hitting rapper. It was C-Bo who christened her with her stage name after telling her one day that “when you rap you pop off like a little gun.” She also loves to embrace the duality of her hair-braided-and-tatted-up exterior that sometimes she likes to dress up with makeup and high fashion. At the end of the day she said she hopes to mostly be known for her quality as a writer and rapper.

“I can really write,” she said. “I can be prolific. When you think of Tupac, people are still playing his music today. What he had to say never goes out of style. That’s what I want my music to be – never outdated. You can hear it today or 20 years from now and enjoy it.”

Thug Misses said she has more music that she’s creating with her business partners Jason Gilbert and Julius “LJ” Jackson of Eargazm Music Group, and encourages fans to keep an eye out for more singles this summer.

To listen to Thug Misses’ music, or to follow her on social media, please visit the following links:

Instagram – @dathugmisses 

www.Facebook.com/thugmisses707

www.TheRealThugMisses.com

www.YouTube.com/c/thugmisses  

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1YKAeco0oHmIz4JTHCFio3?si=zJln2SMgQiOipS1NWAMd6g

Brian McKnight Jr. – Sprung

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Brian McKnight Jr. bring Prince Charming back to music with new R&B-centered Pop song ‘Sprung’

LOS ANGELES, CA – Brian McKnigt Jr. is a well-known name in the music industry. Best recognized as legendary R&B and Soul artist Brian McKnight’s son, Brian Jr. has left his own indelible mark in music with hit singles and roles in films over the past decade-and-a-half. He’s had a lot of ups-and-downs in his life, but through it all he has maintained an inner drive to spread love and joy to the world through his artistic expression.

His latest single “Sprung” is another R&B-centered Pop track that continues that mission of inspiring others to love. It’s an R&B song with some bounce to it, inviting listeners to bop their heads while enjoying the sultry sounds of this amazing vocalist. Inspired by his girlfriend Adina, the song is about falling in love and recognizing how lucky you are when you find the perfect person for you.

“My brother (and producer) Duke was sending me beats and rhythms for this new project, and I was getting them right as I met the girl I’m with now,” Brian Jr. said. “All of the songs on this new album will be around the theme of falling in love, and this particular song is inspired by her. Once I met her, that was it. And because of her the whole theme of the album is going to be warm and happy and giving people something to dance to again and fall in love to. I want to bring Prince Charming back into the business. I would love for everyone to be butt naked by the third song.”

Though the album isn’t slated to be released until late summer, this first single is available across all streaming platforms. It not only sets up audiences for what’s to come, but also showcases the unique vulnerability Brian Jr. brings to the table. As a veteran of the game who also brings an education of the industry most other artists could only dream of, Brian Jr. has mastered the art of mixing genres and creating unique sounds and styles that help him to stand head and shoulders above other R&B and Pop artists out there. Add to that the voice, which has been undeniable from the beginning, and Brian Jr. is destined to leave as big of a mark – if not greater – than his father.

“Not too many artists get an in-depth look at the industry like I have,” he said. “This is literally what I was born into, and this project will showcase every single thing I can do. It’s packaged in a Pop way so that everyone in the household can listen to it. I think after this year everyone will finally realize I was born for this. It’s what I believe in my heart and soul that I was put here to do. I want people to feel something and take whatever they want from it. If the music can be as healing for the people who listen to it as it is for me to make it, then I’ve accomplished my goal.”

A music video for “Sprung” is also available for fans to enjoy, and Brian Jr. said he may release another single during the early part of the summer before launching the full album in late August or early September.

To listen to Brian McKnight Jr.’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:

https://www.instagram.com/brianmcknightjr/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/BrianMcKnightJr/

https://promo.theorchard.com/cxQWsb1E3ScVH1osgONw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxdky2dGMoU

East Mane – Right Mind

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Videos

Windy City Collaboration Between Three Rising Artists Produces sure-to-be Hit ‘Right Mind’

CHICAGO, IL – Daniel Vilardo and Jeremy Vasquez, known professionally as East Mane, are a lo-fi hip-hop duo from Chicago, Illinois, that is eliciting a lot of buzz throughout the international music market. Their latest single, “Right Mind,” features their signature ambient/electronic style paired with the more grimy Drill brought forward by featured artist Naike. The song also features vocalist KiraJanel, who’s smooth, melodic vocals bring a softer and more distinctive tone to the track. Set to drop on May 7 across all streaming platforms, it’s a song that is sure to be one of the summer’s hottest hits.

“Our original intention was to create something with Naike that would blend both of our unique styles,” said Vilardo, producer of East Mane. “He wanted to use this collaboration as an opportunity to push himself outside his comfort zone and do something more experimental.”

“The process for us is all about storytelling,” added Vasquez, who is the rapper and lyricist of East Mane. “Everything I write has to do with experiences from our past. Daniel and I met in our early teenage years at a time when we were struggling to fit in, and bonded over music as a way to escape. Meeting Naike, we were immediately drawn to his style and message as an artist, as we felt it resonated with East Mane’s.”

Altogether, the sound that these three artists have created on this single is truly original and destined to stand out in the midst of a crowded music market. This song is yet another hit from East Mane, whose production mixes elements from modern electronic production acts such as Kaytranada and FKJ, while also featuring lyrics drawn from influences such as rappers like Kota The Friend and Mac Miller.

“We always strive to be original,” Vilardo said. “In the end, it’s about connecting with our listeners. Jeremy and I have known each other pretty much all our lives and each one of our songs is a window into our life experiences.”

To listen to East Mane’s music, or to follow them on social media, please visit the following links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E08wrxhy1I8 

www.instagram.com/east_mane_music/

www.facebook.com/eastmanemusic/

www.tiktok.com/@eastmanemusic

Spotify

Apple Music

Playa Fly – Don’t Know Me

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Living legend Playa Fly comes out of the shadows to showcase his standout style with new single ‘Don’t Know Me’

MEMPHIS, TN – As the South continues to enjoy unparalleled success in hip-hop, it would be a major crime not to acknowledge and recognize the shear genius of the “Memphis TN Legend” of rap Playa Fly. He is the underground king personified and deserves his place on the Memphis Mt. Rushmore of iconic emcees. Yet many fans of hip-hop haven’t had the privilege of knowing his name. He’s flown under the radar, so to speak, despite being one of the most well-known artists among industry insiders.

His latest single “Don’t Know Me” is about to change everything. Produced in conjunction with notorious Zaytoven – who has produced with Gucci Mane, among others – the song is not only an amazing example of high-class entertainment and Playa Fly’s amazing flow, but it’s also a statement piece that will let the world know just what they’ve been missing all these years.

“A lot of people consider me to have a legendary career, but I’ve never had the major publicity that a lot of others in my peer group have had,” Playa Fly said. “Even though I have a great career, you probably don’t know me. You’re unfamiliar with who I am. So this song is kind of a shoutout to the world that I have connections in the industry and I make great music and I’ve been doing this at a high level for many years.”

Born and raised in Memphis’ notorious South Parkway Street neighborhood, Playa Fly grew up in an environment where drug dealing, gang banging, prostitution, carjacking and murder was a daily norm. This had a lasting effect on young Playa Fly, who fell victim to the lure of fast money. As a bona-fide hustler, Playa Fly became a certified hood celebrity before he was 21, mostly due to a reputation that stretched from one end of the city to the other for being a straight-up G when it comes to getting big money or handling those who opposed him.

But though his street savvy is what he became known for when he was young, it’s his natural talent as a rapper and musician that has stayed with him throughout his entire life. At a time when many rappers are known for not living up to or being the extra gangster that emcees claim to be on wax, Playa Fly is a rapper who only raps about real-life experiences. He’s inspired by legends like Tupac, Marvin Gaye, Rakim, and his father, the late great Bill Chill who is featured on his most popular songs such as “Gettin It On,” “Crownin Me,” and “Nobody Needs Nobody.” He has taken those inspirations to create his own signature style that he hopes will connect with fans far and wide all around the world.

“I come from an era where music mattered,” he said. “I come from a time where basslines and production mattered. I come from a time where you have to do mixing and mastering and really put the work into making something sound great. I want people to remember that’s what music really is. Production and quality matters. Saying the truth in everything you do matters. I still try to tell the truth in every single line, because I create real music. And it’s timeless. It doesn’t fade away. Now that I’m introducing new fans to that music, it’s just gonna grow and grow.”

In addition to “Don’t Know Me,” Playa Fly is set to release another single called “I Met A Girl” later this summer, which he created in collaboration with Atlanta producer and Memphis Native Drumma Boy. To listen to Playa Fly’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:

https://youtu.be/6X4vxYrZwqo

https://m.soundcloud.com/user-127918775/dont-know-me/s-yOLxS2REWCQ

https://instagram.com/playaflym3?igshid=s0af7hrftx3k

https://twitter.com/playaflym3?s=21

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1m-faw-w-vhsEieUb–0rdHfeO_zea0zK

Ryan Willis – Old Friend

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo, Videos

Ryan Willis embraces happiness and heartbreak with emotion-filled music

LAKESIDE, CA – Ryan Willis is an emerging multi-genre artist, singer, producer and songwriter from San Diego whose new single “Old Friend” is the kind of relevant and soul-stirring song that is sure to connect with audiences all over the world. This talented musician is poised to make waves with his storytelling style and infectious sound. Through his emotion-filled vocal performances, Willis radiates raw emotion through ear-gracing instrumentation. Inspired by his life experiences, Willis paints a blank canvas with lyricism rooted in happiness and heartbreak. This California-bred artists strives to push the envelope with his sound to make a well-rounded, dynamic style that fuses an alternative style with a modern pop vibe.

“Old Friend” is a song that he said many people in the world will be able to relate to, as it explores a situation that is unfortunately all too familiar for a lot of people. It’s about a friendship that has soured after the realization that there was a long history of betrayal and toxic interactions.

“It’s about being stabbed in the back by the one person you trusted the most,” Willis said. “I was lied to, manipulated and talked badly about behind my back. I blocked them completely out of my life, and I knew deep inside they weren’t a real or best friend at all. I remember the day I had that realization so clearly – I was so hurt and angry and disappointed. I wanted to vent about it, but there was nobody around to vent to. I didn’t have a car and my phone was dead, so I grabbed a pencil and notebook and the end result was this song. I know that a lot of people can relate to it because we’ve all had that person in our lives. But hopefully this song will provide some measure of comfort for people.”

Willis seeks to connect intimately through his music with listeners to help them heal through whatever life obstacles they’re facing. He’s the kind of artist who has listeners engulfed in the musical world he creates with his real-ness and lyrical rawness. He’s definitely an artist to watch, as he is set to cement himself in the music industry for years to come.

“If I can heal one person, I’m happy,” he said. “Making other people happy makes me happy. In fact, it’s the No. 1 source of my happiness. Sometimes I struggle with depression, and the one thing that’s guaranteed to make me happy if I’m depressed is making someone else’s day. That’s the best feeling in the world. And that’s what I bring with my music.”

In addition to “Old Friend,” Willis is set to drop a four-song EP in coming weeks called “Broken and Alone.” To listen to his music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w735j_vFGwg&ab_channel=RyanWillis

https://open.spotify.com/track/1L8ThcMuwBYJ5EcMiLrBF7?si=c515541d86744503

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwillisofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanwillisofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryan____willis
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9rQPydyFb_fKoVfsKxnJVA

JPG – It’s a Wrap (Certified)

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New single from East Coast rapper JPG gets audiences turnt up

YEMASSEE, SC – A new turn-up song just in time for the summer is making its way along the East Coast from South Carolina rapper JPG. The single is “It’s A Wrap,” and not only does it showcase this young artists unique flow and stand-out style, but it also features a bouncy beat that is ready-made to get people up on their feet and dancing. Telling the story of JPG’s rise from rags-to-riches, and his dreams of making it into super-stardom someday as an internationally known artist, this single is one that is already connecting with a wide fanbase.

“I try to stand out how I rap lyrically,” JPG said. “I know a lot of people don’t rap the way I rap. I’m rapping for people who grew up the way I grew up. I’m talking about where I cam from and how I grew up. I came from the trenches and made it out, and I’m trying to relate to people like that.”

Born in San Diego, but raised in Yemassee, South Carolina, this up-and-coming young musician has been rapping since middle school. It was something he just did on a whim one day for the fun of it, but when people heard him they immediately recognized his natural skill. The encouragement he received pushed him to stick with it, and for the past few years he’s continued to hone his craft. About six months ago he recorded his first song “Made It Out,” and the response has been exceptional.

As a father of two young children, JPG said his goal in this endeavor to pursue a full-time career in music is to take care of his family. Not only did he struggle growing up, but he and the family have struggled in recent years through hard times.

“I became who I became without my mother, who left me when I was young,” JPG said. “I express that in my music. What I create is about where I come from, where I want to go, and how far I’ve come. Sometimes I also rap about past relationships, because I’ve had a hard time with those, as well.”

JPG said his all-time favorite rapper is Lil Wayne because of his metaphors and amazing bars. He also loves more modern-day artists like Gucci Mane and No Cap. He said he hopes to one day create a body of work that put his name in the same conversation as those legends. He’ll continue to build that legacy with another single called “Lifetime,” which should drop later this summer.

To listen to JPG’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/sNBkQdlNHhI

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/its-a-wrap-certified/1546801938?i=1546801940

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0bLHoxmDotpIfYmAr1WDML?si=aP-1e66LQRSLP2mtGKy7lg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_Jpg/

Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/jpg_superman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPG-100731188600897/

Seletute – Lean

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“Lean” Into The Light With Seletute Katalina

Seletute (“Tootie”) Katalina has seen her world come apart. And not just her own world. The world. Our world. Tootie saw relationships hewn in half. Witnessed loved ones perish. Dreams dashed on rocks. What’s more, Tootie knows that you have seen those things too. With her new single, “Lean,” Tootie brings a votive of hope into the swirling storm around us.

“I connected with [‘Lean’] because I found that the ultimate message of it was a healing that people need to hear,” said Tootie. “There are plenty of songs that talk about division or what experience you’ve been through.” Tootie continued, “I wanted to put out a word of healing and unity. It’s a hopeful song. We are going through a difficult time, but there is hope at the end.”

Tootie’s manager, Lilo, fell in love with the song’s ability to provide meaning to the anguish of anyone who heard it. “[‘Lean’} speaks directly to the sufferer,” said Lilo. “It’s a message for the person who is suffering. It says, ‘I see you. I hear you. I feel what you’re feeling.’” Suffering remains a common lot for all of humanity. “Lean” tells us that suffering unites us. With that knowledge, we can bolster one another. “We wanted someone to apply ‘Lean’ as though it was written just for them,” Lilo said. “But it isn’t just to the one sufferer. It’s a song that speaks to the masses.”

“Lean” both mourns and celebrates the lives of departed loved ones. In the regal music video for “Lean,” viewers notice the hashtags #moose, #davi, #vai, and #ray. “Moose was my uncle,” said Tootie. “But he was much more like a brother. I basically raised his kids. He passed away last year at the prime of his health. It was an unexpected heart attack.” “Lean” grieves not only individual losses, but communal losses as well. Explaining the other 3 hashtags, Tootie said, “Here in the Utah Polynesian community, many young mothers became widows. Ray, Vai and Davi were all young fathers who lost their lives. They left behind widows with children all under 10.”

Production for the “Lean” music video demanded ardor and faith. Lilo recounted the tenacity of those who helped make the video a reality. “Our resilient ballerina is the only African-American ballerina dancing at Ballet West in Salt Lake City, Utah,” Lilo said. “She was dancing outside in zero degree weather. Bingham High school took 1st place in their home state. We had 4 of their best dancers in the video. It was hours and hours of reshoots, rerecordings. Making sure the location was right. It was a lot of sacrifice from everybody.”

“Lean” proclaims that it’s time for kings and queens to rise up. To carry one another’s burdens. Just like Simon of Cyrene helped carry the burden of a Nazarene carpenter. Seletute Katalina will release more singles during the summer months. Look for tour dates to be released around the same time.

“For fans old and new,” said Seletute Katalina, “be more cautious and courteous to one another. Allow others to lean on you. And, have the courage to lean when you are in need. There could be no better time to be a part of the human race. Everybody truly does have the power to make a difference to just one soul. Even if that soul is your own. Honey, lean.”

Watch the music video for Seletute Katalina’s “Lean,” and follow her on all social media channels, via the links below.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MOpkfk9eq7Q

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=bookmarks

https://www.instagram.com/tootzkinikini/

https://youtube.com/channel/UCrOYFj8GGqBXUuwkRBwABRA