Rashad Eas & Great Minds’ Alliance – Cool By Design

ME Blog, Music, Promo

Multigenerational crew, GREAT MINDS’ ALLIANCE infuses message of diversity, equality and inclusion on new album, “DEAN’S LIST”

NEW HAVEN, CT – As an MC, published author, academic with a doctorate, entrepreneur, activist, podcaster and former pastor Dr. Thomas RaShad Easley (also known by his stage name, RaShad Eas) is a rare kind of artist. Through his connections over the years, RaShad unintentionally formed a crew of thirteen MCs, poets, singers, dancers and producers who also are scientists, sociologists, folklorists, educators, pastors, mentors, former wrongfully incarcerated individuals and former gang members. As most of them came together in a University setting, RaShad named his crew “GREAT MINDS ALLIANCE.” “We’re talking to everybody,” RaShad said “but we’re also talking to people in this environment – in the academy – at the same time.”

The crew has kept building and growing, making music that is an intelligent blend of Hip Hop, Soul and Spoken Word, combined with spiritual elements. Passionate about their own people’s as well as others’ elevation, the “all black crew” will release their “Dean’s List” album on the final day of Black History Month and the Leap Day – February 29th. Their music addresses important issues such as race, politics, religion, and the environment because they want the music to stand for something.

“That’s why I describe my sound as ‘intelligent’ because I can’t sound completely ignorant. We call our sound “Save Your Life Music” because if you apply the wisdom you hear, it should change your life. I have too much education to sound ignorant,” RaShad affirmed. Unlike some mainstream urban artists, RaShad refuses to ignore the fact that he is educated. Rappers like Ludacris, Rapsody, J. Cole and Lil Wayne graduated from college but they aren’t talking about it. RaShad said “We talk about it. That’s why we named the album “Dean’s List.”

Recorded in eight different places, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Alabama, Ohio, Connecticut and three different studios in North Carolina, “The Dean’s List” includes a hefty 18 tracks, including “Cool By Design (CBD).” Four crew members appear on “CBD” starting with RaShad Eas on crew introductions. In short order, Sitch (a former student and choirmaster at RaShad’s former church) joins in “Erykah Badu” style, followed by the other MCs (B. and Mitch Darrell) tearing it up lyrically.

The project allows all the crew members to shine in their own way with what they bring to the table. RaShad said “Our music is the bomb but in some ways, our story is even better than the music.” The story began in 2011 when RaShad decided to release his debut album, “Transitions.” When a friend of his producer heard it, he contacted RaShad about making a music video “Use Your Head”.

Since then, music has helped RaShad connect with all types of individuals. “What I do in music is actually what I do at work when I’m a Dean at Yale University. What I do in music is what I used to do when I was a pastor in North Carolina. To me, music is the connector. That’s what I love about it and that’s why I can make music with a former gang member and a former incarcerated person. When we’re making music, it’s an equal playing ground because we can compete, support and mentor one another simultaneously.” Over the past eight years, members of his crew have been making music on each other’s projects. The idea to bring out one big album together was born, and a little over a year ago they started working on music for “Great Minds Alliance.”

Interestingly, the release of “The Dean’s List” marks the first time RaShad has appeared on an album with a Parental Advisory label. As a former pastor and someone who still cares for the spiritual development of others, RaShad never had the need to curse in order to deliver his message. For this project, some of the artists used some choice words to express themselves, and RaShad didn’t want to stifle anyone from being who they are.

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, the former campus pastor hails from a civil rights family. He is an assistant Dean at Yale University in the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a diversity professional whose lyrics are packed with knowledge, love and wisdom. RaShad’s solo music projects include his debut album along with “Southern Black Gentleman,” “A Conversation with Pauli Murray” and “The Chronicles of Professor Prizmatic.”

His myriad of entrepreneurial endeavors never stopped him from making new music, and his next project is an album which delves into the good and bad of leadership. “Life of a Leader” will explore what it takes to become a leader and is about making leadership look gangsta! RaShad says that people always tell him that they are leaders. But, he says “a real leader doesn’t have to declare it – other people call you that because they follow you.”

To listen to music by the Great Minds’ Alliance and RaShad Eas, or to follow RaShad and his crew on social media, please visit:

https://rashadeasley.com/home

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d7jyN89Vg58Kx8pr4gPxG

https://www.facebook.com/RaShadeasley/

https://www.instagram.com/rashadeas/

https://twitter.com/RashadEas

https://www.youtube.com/user/rashaadi

Nu JerZey Devil – Take Money | @nujerzeydevil

Music, Videos

Nu Jerzey Devil has released the visual for his newest single Take Money.

“Double C’s on the bag, Fifty-five on the tag, Take a ni**a for his last,
Leave the club with the cash, All she do is Take Money…All she do is
Take Money!”

Take Money is the perfect anthem for all those “Take Money”, always grinding type of women! The track produced by Bongo By The Way, Nu JerZey Devil rides this beat perfectly! In addition it’ll having you vibin’ to it while you light one up in the club, and pop some bottles with a few Get Money type of beautiful women!

The video is shot at JerZey’s second home…Miami! Take Money, directed by Shula The Don, who captured JerZey tearing through the city in a double R, partying at Miami’s hotspots and enjoying life with beautiful ladies by his side who are always about their business….Always focused on that paper! Nu JerZey Devil is
continuously on a money mission and Take Money, is art imitatingJerZey’s real life events!

In the words of Ani Galestanian/LimitLess Entity

“I came from the Bottom, I taught myself how to Dj, how to shoot my own videos. I put
together a team I trusted, and we never stopped grinding” States Nu JerZey Devil, when asked about his humble beginnings. Where there’s a will, there’s a way and JerZ definitely paved his own way. Having learned to Dj in addition to producing at a young age, provided Nu JerZey Devil with the opportunity to produce for notable artists such as Lil Wayne, Neyo, and of course West Coast Hip Hop Artist; the Game who JerZ has been Djing for many years.

FOLLOW NU JERZEY DEVIL ON FB IG AND TWITTER

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/NuJerzeyDevil1/
Instagram: @nujerzeydevil  
Twitter: @nujerzeydevil

 

Chant26 – Members Only (Prod by Lou Beats) | @dotherightting_

Music, Promo, Videos

Chantz uses life tragedies to point people toward
hope through his music

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – Though music has always been a mainstay for Chantz Cooper, it wasn’t
until tragedy struck a year ago that he turned to music as a viable career.

In fact, it wasn’t just one tragedy, but a series of tragedies that all ran together, one after the other. It started when he lost his job – something completely unexpected and untimely because he and his girlfriend were expecting a baby. But shortly after that, the couple lost the baby to a miscarriage. And as if those two things alone weren’t bad enough, Chantz was hit by a car a few weeks later – breaking his back and causing him to be bed-ridden for months.

It was during those months laid up and in pain that he contemplated his life and the moments
that had gotten him to that point in his life. He was faced with the most important decision of
his life: continue with life as usual, or make a drastic change that could be the thing that would save his life.

“There were countless dark days way before that, but this was the breaking point,” Chantz
recalls. “I suffer from depression and I’ve never been an outspoken person, and for the longest
time I left so many things bottled up inside. While I was lying up in bed, back hurting, I thought, ‘Why not write those things down? Why not become a voice for others?’ I decided I wanted my life to be about making people feel good. If my music can make you feel good when you were feeling bad, that’s good!If it also makes you feel my pain while realizing that there’s hope through it all, then I’ve done my job over the top.”

Chantz’s new album “Paid the Cost” is the penultimate project to summarize his life’s journey
and the road he’s traveled over the past year to get to this point. It’s an album that uses his
own personal tragedies to help other people understand that there are always hardships
behind anyone’s success.

“I’ve been through a lot and I really want to tell my story,” he said. “I’ve lived in basements and attics. I was raised by a single mother. And I’ve paid the cost to be successful. I went through that to lead up to where I’m at right now and where I’m headed in the future. My goal is to be a big influence with people – to inspire them to be something. Don’t always go after what someone else thinks is right for you. Follow what you think is right. If you do that, you’ll make it far, no matter what you want to do in life. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t even try.”

The album will feature 10 songs, including the lead-off single “Members Only.” Chantz said the
inspiration for the song came from all the haters in his life. “Everyone had an opinion and I
wanted to show people that they don’t matter,” he said. “Everyone said I won’t be anything. So
I’m gonna show them wrong.”

To listen to Chantz’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit:
https://mobile.twitter.com/dotherightting_
https://www.instagram.com/dotherightting_/
https://soundcloud.com/chantzzztwentysix/
“MEMBERS ONLY”:
https://soundcloud.com/chantzzztwentysix/members-only-vloneloubeats

Amira – Mathematics | @AmirasMuzic

Blog, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Hot new artist Amira brings sound, style reminiscent of the late Aaliyah

BALTIMORE, MD – All of her life, Amira has looked up to some of music’s most noteworthy
divas. To this day, she’s quick to point to artists such as Beyoncé, Whitney Houston and Monica,
as well as some rising divas such as Ariana Grande and Tori Kelly. In fact, it’s those fast-rising
female artists that she hopes to join one day as one of the world’s premier female musicians. As
an up-and- coming independent artist in search of her first big deal, she is well on her way.

Her most recent single, “Mathematics,” is the next step on her way to achieving that dream.
The pop-infused, mid-tempo song features lyrics that deal with a relationship breakup. It
follows Amira on a journey that starts with wanting her lover to understand how much she
loves him, to saying that it isn’t for her, to eventually backing out of the relationship.

“The music video follows the story from the song,” she said. “I start off venting to a friend
because I think my boyfriend is cheating on me. I’m hurt and I don’t know what to do about it.
As the video progresses, you see me kind of begging him to see me and that I want to be there
for him. I’m genuine in my feelings, but as the video progresses I can see that this is a
relationship that is not for me. At the end I walk away from camera with my hands in the air
because I’m done.”

Fans who watch the video will immediately be struck by the similarity Amira shares with the
late Aaliyah. Her sound and style are also reminiscent of the late pop icon, with a young, sweet
and innocent look that combines with powerhouse vocals and a supreme confidence that
makes it nearly impossible not to pay attention to what she has to say.

“I just want to be somebody who is relatable,” she said. “A lot of celebrities are well known, but
not relatable. Most everyday girls can’t relate to the lifestyle they’re going through. I want to
change that, if I can. I want to be the artist that some girl in high school could hear and
immediately get what I’m saying. I’m not just somebody on TV – I’m more than that. Even the
celebrities or singers that I look up to, I can’t say that I relate to what they’re doing or what
they’re going through. Their lives seem so different from mine. I want to be more relatable and
fill that space.”

“Mathematics” is the first single off an EP that Amira said she hopes to drop later this year. In
the meantime, fans can check out her music or follow her on social media by visiting:
https://twitter.com/AmirasMuzic
https://www.facebook.com/AmirasMuzic/
https://www.instagram.com/amirasmuzic/
https://soundcloud.com/amirasmuzic
www.Reverbnation.com/AmiraMuzic
SnapChat: @AlwayzAmira

P. Nickz releases his debut album “Money Changes Things” | @P.Nickz

Album, ME Blog, Music, Promo


Emerging Artist P. Nickz Releases Anticipated Album Money Changes Things

Independent Detroit hip-hop artist P. Nickz drops his highly anticipated album Money Changes Things as his insouciant, yet cultivating body of art, following up from his three top leading singles of 2017. Money Changes Things instantly puts you in a space to create a positive atmosphere with his back to back banger’s.

P. Nickz doesn’t surprise his fans with automatic head nods, to a considerable load of great lyrics and majestic beats, but may take new listeners by storm. Producers Ric and Thaddeus, Cash Jordan and BNJMN makes a feature, for fan favorites like Way Before, Came Thru and The Spiggidy. P. Nickz connects with his audience in a way that allows them to hear his point of view. “When you first get the album, I much rather you listen to the songs in order,” said P. Nickz. “The track list tells a story of how I got to the point of my life today.” P. Nickz and his features, creates the essence that allows you to experience the lyrics in your head and understand their point of view.

Money Changes Things is available on all digital platforms, stream below on Spotify.

2018 is already moving in the right direction with the release of Money Changes Things. Before the album dropped, P. Nickz was able to capture a great audience with his lead singles Way Before, Black Billionaires and The Spiggidy, after being featured on countless of popular blogs. He has moved quickly with creating his own platform, with his own record label Mansa Empire Entertainment. “It’s all about M.E.E.,” says P. Nickz.

Money Changes Things is available on all digital platforms for purchase and download. For more information, promo requests or to set up an interview with P. Nickz, please contact him by email at [email protected].

Keep up with P. Nickz on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @p.nickz.

P. Nickz got his name from the first initial in his government name combined with “nickel bags”, from being the youngest dope dealer around. He gained his popularity with song Two Cent in May 2015. P. Nickz has recently worked with Detroit artists Dre Butterz, Biance B.A.D.D., and Ltl Trey for hit singles Rich N*gga Avenue, Vegas Nights and Positive Vibes. With over 10,000 views, collectively, both on YouTube and SoundCloud, P. Nickz continues to drop bangers that gives automatic good vibes.

Najee Rosekush – Rose Emoji | @Najeerosekush

Music, Promo

New artist blossoms to the world with single ‘Rose Emoji’

JACKSON, MS – It started with a furlough in Hollywood and a walk down the boulevard with
some of his military buddies. On a whim, Brandon Laury-McArthur decided to buy roses and
hand them out to all the pretty girls he saw along the boulevard. Though he only got one girl to
kick it with him that evening, that maneuver caused his friends to start referring to him as
Hollywood Rose … and the name stuck with a sense of synchronistic irony.

He parlayed that name and that experience into a full-fledged identity, adopted the moniker
Najee Rosekush, and used the symbolism of roses as a drug in both his personal style and his
music. He said he put kush at the end because “an ex-lover said it was easy and dangerous to get emotionally attached to him. To them I was like an addictive drug that should be avoided.”
That’s the meaning behind his logo. After finishing his contract with the Marine Corps in 2015,
he said he initially transited into a toxic lifestyle of abuse: from drugs, violence, and petty
hustles. After coming out of the fog in 2016 and becoming disillusioned from spending all his
money, he made a promise that he will stop wasting his potential on chasing “illusions” and
dedicate his time to pursuing his dream of having a career in the Music industry. And today he is
ready to release his music to the world, starting with the first single, “Rose Emoji.”

“The rose is a symbol that has always been present in my life,” he said. “Almost all the women
in my family has Rose in their name – my mom’s name is Rose, and my sister’s name is Amelia
Rose. It stems from my great-grandmother and became a tradition. But of course, that experience from the military made me adopt it for myself, but to me, the rose means so much more. It represents that you’re blooming and blossoming to the world around you and that you don’t have to be perfect. I was super introverted at one point and now people know me for being introverted and confident. I believe the world is a rose – no matter what you’re going through, you can always put on a positive mental attitude, but much deeper than this, even though the world isn’t perfect, we can find beauty in the chaos. That’s what my life has been. No matter how far down I got, I always came out on top. I kept a positive attitude and played the cards I was given. And I want people to see the beauty in the world. Everyone has a dream, everyone has a unique gift. I speak to this side of them, the damaged but beautiful side, that’s unabridged and chaotic. The side that society is trying to flush out of us, or mold into the fake images we see around us. I cant to bring integration. Everything is teeming around us and life is beautiful. It might be dark at times, but you gotta find the beauty in the darkness. At the same time you can’t be too idealistic. You have to also be realistic. Every rose has its thorns, nothing will ever be perfect. But even in those dark moments there are ways to be happy and that’s what I want people to know with my music. Perfection is unattainable, and we don’t have to chase its shadow.”

“Rose Emoji” is a song that he said was somewhat born from those cumulative ideas he
developed and his pursuit of passing happiness along to anyone he meets, especially women. He said any time a girl texts him good morning, he almost always responds by sending them a rose emoji. And he does it, he said, because he likes to play games a little.

“This song is like that in the sense that it’s a colorful song about blooming to the world and
being on top of your game,” he said. “A lot of people stay within their shells and refuse to evolve
from it, they paint the shell but don’t nourish what’s inside. I want to inspire confidence while
people listen to the song. This song encourages them to bloom, to be themselves and go out into the world and experience it without getting attached to it because everything is changing. You gotta stay connected to your own thing, your own culture, and yourself. Cultivate yourself, don’t be afraid to be who you are. We live in a world that is constantly trying to mold us to be something or someone we are not but you gotta stay down and true to the game. Life is all about evolving, and you can’t evolve if you out here pretending or living behind a permanent mask. Although we change daily, a cub becomes a lion, not a hippo. Your mind creates your reality by the visions and images you conjure and concoct up there. That what Rose Emoji means for me, I can have it all and that’s what I’m going to go after because I want a piece of the action.”

Like most of his music, Rosekush describes “Rose Emoji” as “a synergetic dance between
complexity and simplicity, the type of songs you can listen and chill to while getting mentally
invigorated. I make music for introverts who occasionally get lit.” He said he makes songs that
are deeply introspective but intensely bittersweet in which he hopes will cause people to pause
and ponder. He loves language and wordplay, though he also appreciates a song that keeps it
simple, so people can just vibe while enjoying the music. So, while most of his music is lyrical
and perfect for “sitting down and thinking about the Game,” he also creates music that lets
people “get lit, loosen up, and lose themselves to the lyrics.”

“This song is like that in the sense that it’s a colorful song about blooming to the world and
being on top of your game,” he said. “A lot of people stay within their shells and refuse to evolve
from it, they paint the shell but don’t nourish what’s inside. I want to inspire confidence while
people listen to the song. This song encourages them to bloom, to be themselves and go out into the world and experience it without getting attached to it because everything is changing. You gotta stay connected to your own thing, your own culture, and yourself. Cultivate yourself, don’t be afraid to be who you are. We live in a world that is constantly trying to mold us to be something or someone we are not but you gotta stay down and true to the game. Life is all about evolving, and you can’t evolve if you out here pretending or living behind a permanent mask. Although we change daily, a cub becomes a lion, not a hippo. Your mind creates your reality by the visions and images you conjure and concoct up there. That what Rose Emoji means for me, I can have it all and that’s what I’m going to go after because I want a piece of the action.”

Like most of his music, Rosekush describes “Rose Emoji” as “a synergetic dance between
complexity and simplicity, the type of songs you can listen and chill to while getting mentally
invigorated. I make music for introverts who occasionally get lit.” He said he makes songs that
are deeply introspective but intensely bittersweet in which he hopes will cause people to pause
and ponder. He loves language and wordplay, though he also appreciates a song that keeps it
simple, so people can just vibe while enjoying the music. So, while most of his music is lyrical
and perfect for “sitting down and thinking about the Game,” he also creates music that lets
people “get lit, loosen up, and lose themselves to the lyrics.”

To listen to Najee Rosekush’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit:
http://najeerosekush.com/
https://m.soundcloud.com/najeerosekush
https://www.instagram.com/najeerosekush/
https://mobile.twitter.com/najeerosekush

Rich Tone – Demons | @RichToneNation

Artist Showcase, Music, Promo

Rich Tone overcomes pains from past be illuminating truth through music

BRONX, NY – Before every recording session in the studio, Anthony “Rich Tone” Salvatierra
recites a mantra he learned after the passing of his grandmother, Maria Gomera.
“I have the cut,” he said. “Now it’s time to open the wound, throw alcohol on it, and make it
burn.”

Growing up in the Bronx, New York with a Dominican mother, Rich Tone never had it easy. He
was raised by a single mother with the help of his grandmother and cousin, Marlene Gomera.
As a teenager, he wasn’t your typical High School student for he was always in and out of trouble. At the age of 15, he had his first felony for robbery. Police brutality along with the K9
bite mark on his right leg and a bruised face, left a big impact in his life.

He recalls sleeping in overcrowded apartments with heaters going out and using the stove to
heat up water just to take a warm shower. And it was during those years growing up that his
mother, his cousin and especially his grandmother left a major impression on his life. They
taught him to chase his dreams, to always try, and if he was going to fail, then he should at least
fail big.

So when his grandmother passed away a few years back, the cut of pain was deep. But he knew
from her life lessons to him over the years that he needed to tap into that pain and bring it out
and share it with the world. She became the reason he dove head-first into music. And today he
dedicates much of his music to her and the other women in his life who have left such a big
mark.

His new EP, “The Obstacle,” is a testament to that journey and the many challenges he’s
overcome. The six-song project features trap music mixed with soul, and nods not only to the
musical influences of his life – such as Jay Z – but also his own heritage and the unique sound
and style that he hopes to bring to the table.

“I don’t find myself too unique, I would just say that I have an ambition and hunger that you
don’t see in too many people,” he said. “I grind and chase goals and face anything head on. I
saw my mom and grandmother struggle – I saw the pain in their lives. And a lot of that has
been reflected into my life, and through it I’ve come out learning. It has helped me to develop a
sort of ‘Fuck It’ syndrome. And that’s what I hope my music becomes for others – that
motivation that you hear before going to work to help you get through your own everyday
struggles. My music is motivation to keep going.”

Though this new project is one that he knows will help him make a mark on the industry, he
isn’t a rookie to music. By age 24 he had started a team called Street Prodigy, while also
releasing his first single called “Shooters.” The single saw modest success and has helped him
push his career further. “The Obstacle” is his next musical offering, and it’s one that he said he
knows more fans will embrace.

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

https://www.instagram.com/richtonenation/
https://soundcloud.com/lifetimerecords
https://soundcloud.com/richtonenation
http://richtonenation.com/

Qwestion – Like OJ | @Qwestionde

Music, Promo

Hip-Hop Artist Qwestion?! Releases New Hit Single “Like OJ”

LOS ANGELES, CA – Ultra talented hip-hop artist Qwestion?! is here to deliver
the answer through his creative lyrics and songs. Growing up in Chicago, the
artist encountered some tough times throughout his younger years, and looked to
music as an outlet. After discovering the amount of comfort he received from hip-
hop music, Qwestion?! knew his pursuit of a musical career was only destiny.

What started out as the artist recording bars on his phone later blossomed into
something much more substantial and serious. As an adolescent, Qwestion?!
learned how to play a variety of instruments, such as the bass guitar, violin and
saxophone, which he now incorporates into his musical production. This wide
variety of sound and fusion is on definitely display in his latest single “Like OJ”.
The artist is excited to share his newest work with the world, as he delivers a
message through his captivating lyrics.

The single has an uplifting tone behind it fused with a grimy flair, as Qwestion?!
puts his own signature spin on it. “There’s a lot of people who don’t want to see
me win,” said the artist. “I’m out here telling them that I’m going to win regardless.

Nothing can stop me at this point. So, that’s kind of where I’m coming from in the
approach I took with ‘Like OJ’.” It’s safe to say that this rings true, as the artist
has no plans to stop the music any time soon. In fact, he’s been steadily gearing
up to drop his new mixtape, “The Falling Up Theory”. Fans can expect a release
in the coming months.

Qwestion?! is truly a one of a kind artist, and puts a great deal of emphasis on
what he is currently vibing with in his life. He is inspired and influenced by hip-
hop’s golden age, in which he showcases within his current, new-age musical
aesthetic. “There’s definitely multiple aspects to my music when it comes to style.
I think my favorite aspect is how I groove with the beat. Flow is very important,”
said Qwestion?!. At this rate, it won’t come by surprise if the artist is nominated
for a Grammy one day.

“Like OJ” is available on all digital platforms, so make sure to give it a listen and
watch the visual below:

https://m.soundcloud.com/qwestion_300
https://m.facebook.com/qwestionde/
https://www.instagram.com/qwestionde/
https://www.darkempiremedia.com/
https://www.onthemixstudios.com/

Tommy-G – Mr. Popular | @TommyGFFMG

Music, Promo

Irish hip-hop artist bares soul through witty wordplay with new album, ‘Worship No Idols’

IRELAND – Finding a genuine hip-hop artist in Ireland would be like stumbling upon one of the
rarest gems in the world. Tommy-G is that rare diamond. With a combination of groovy beats, old-school samples and witty wordplay, Tommy-G’s music is the kind of once-in- a-lifetime sound that hip-hop lovers are going to embrace all over the world.

This 20-year- old upcoming hip-hop artist from a small town between Dublin and Belfast has
been making music for five years and has just founded his own independent record label,
Finding Forever Music Group. After releasing a slew of songs on Soundcloud as part of his now
recognized “Winter Warm-Up Series,” he released his debut mixtape “Visions of Immortality” in
April 2016. The lead single from that project, “Wherever My Spirit Roams,” racked up more
than 15,000 views – quite a feat for a hip-hop artist from a country that has little to do with the
genre.

“There is no hip-hop scene in Ireland,” he said. “There’s a huge amount of talent, but no viable
support from higher ups in record labels. I feel like one of the things that set me apart is the
level of honesty I’m showing. No one is really telling stories like I’m telling. And that’s what I
love about hip-hop – you can tell your truth. I always felt like when I was listening to some of
my favorite artists, they were all talking to you about their truth. Hip-hop can encompass both
melody and lyrics in a way that communicates better than any other medium. It’s talking about
honesty and truth and baring your soul on a record for thousands of people to listen. I’ve
always admired other people’s ability to do that – to be naked with their thoughts. I realize
these thoughts that I have are like that, and I want to try to portray them in my music in the
same ways.”

His most recent attempt to do that is with the release of his first album, “Worship No Idols.” It
comes out on Feb. 16, and for three days after being made available for pre-order it was the
No. 1 album on iTunes … only to be knocked off by the release of Justin Timberlake’s new
album.

“Worship No Idols” features 12 tracks that embrace a sound that Tommy-G describes as
“soulful base that goes back to the core of hip-hop.” He worked closely with a producer known
as WHSPR, and turned to features from some other Irish artists for background vocals or
additions to songs. He also based all of the sampling on old soul records that he remembers
listening to as a child.

“Really, I wanted to bring it back to what made me fall in love with hip-hop in the first place,”
he said. “There are a few up-tempo songs, and a few that are more slowed-down with
storytelling. There outro features a spoken word piece from an amazing spoken word artist, and
the intro is really upbeat. And it’s a concise album – I’m telling you so much that I don’t want it to be over-encumbered. I want you to want to go back and listen to it again and again.”

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

https://www.facebook.com/TommyGFFMG/
https://twitter.com/TommyGFFMG
https://www.instagram.com/tommygmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWG73VT9S8i2AoYwLVDV2dA?view_as=subscriber
https://soundcloud.com/tommy_g_official
https://open.spotify.com/artist/06ZJXET4kT5TRIAhgFDfSh
https://itunes.apple.com/ie/artist/tommy-g/367091213
https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/worship-no- idols/1330039403
http://tidal.com/artist/9133700