AJ From The 9 Delivers His Latest Project ‘More Sounds From The 9’.
After dropping his last album ‘Sounds From The 9’ on New Years 2020, Southern California rap artist AJ From The 9 is back with his latest visual and follow up album in over a year.
Despite difficult circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, AJ has stayed busy working on new music for his album ‘More Sounds From The 9’, ready to once again, ‘Do it for The 9’, aspiring to be a breakthrough success from the region, referring to the 909/951 area of Southern California.
Over the 2nd half of 2020, AJ has teased new music, dropping singles such as ‘Dead Presidents’, ‘9PM in The City’ & the Black Lives Matter themed ‘Light It Up’. His latest visual comes as a double feature involving his most recent single ‘Live From The 9’ along with a fresh new track ‘YeaYea Freestyle’. The double video showcases the duality of the album, with ‘Live From The 9’ channeling a chill, mellow vibe and ‘YeaYea Freestyle’ encompassing a more upbeat, energetic type approach from the BlaQ Kennedy artist.
Astro Davis Gets Real About Who He Is In Deep, Mellow “Prpl Rain”
(Alexandria, VA)
“My motive for making music isn’t just to put out content. It’s also to be very sincere with my audience. I want to unite my audience and me, to make us feel like we are one. They’re on my journey with me,” says Philly-born, Virginia-raised rapper Astro Davis. Davis charts that journey on his single “Prpl Rain.”
“This song means a lot more to me than other songs because the subject I’m talking about is real,” says Davis. “It shows me explaining who I am, what I’m doing,” he adds. The song arose when his producer put on a beat, and Davis emoted the words. “I just started singing to it. It was perfect. After that, the magic happened.” The song layers melodic singing with aggressive rap over a slow, swaying beat. “The song is chill but it has message,” says the artist.
“Prpl Rain” takes its name from the time Davis was prescribed codeine. “Codeine is usually purple, depending on how you mix it. In the song I’m describing the numb feeling you have even when you’re going through heavy stuff,” he remembers.
The title, of course, pays homage to Prince. “Everybody loves Prince. He changed the course of music. You’ll never hear anything bad about Prince. I was very inspired by that,” says the rapper. Prince is only one of many influences on the rapper, who enjoyed a multicultural upbringing. “I did a lot of traveling as a kid. My mom is Egyptian and Italian, and my dad’s African-American. I grew up with a lot of Italian music like Frank Sinatra. My mom loved DMX. She didn’t listen to too much rap, but when she did, it was always DMX. Then there was the hype music, the West Coast music,” he remembers.
These international influences motivate Davis and lend a broader perspective to his work. He credits those influences and his producers with helping him find his own versatility as an artist. For the moment though, Astro Davis invites you to come get to know him in the “Prpl Rain.”
“Prpl Rain” is available on all major streaming platforms; a video will follow.
Laid back vibe with deeper message motivates fans on new single ‘Best of Me’
LOUIS, MO – Like many other artists who want to leave a legacy, St. Louis-based rapperSpaceGvngSaturn hopes that when people look back on his music many years from now, they recognize it as music that is timeless. He creates life-giving music that pulls from the pain of his past and uses it to inspire others to push through any adversity they might face. His latest single, “Best of Me,” is a great example of how SpaceGvng is using his platform to motivate others. With a laid-back flow and a vibe that’s undeniable, “Best of Me” is a great introduction not only to his forthcoming EP “So Far Gone 2,” but also to him as an artist.
“It’s a song that’s just me expressing myself and how much I’ve overcome and grown over the past few years,” he said. “I love that laid-back feeling, and this song is a vibe, for sure. But you can also hear my wordplay. I like to preach, I guess you could say. I like to draw people in. That’s why I’m chill and laid back, because it makes people lean in and listen to what I have to say.”
Coming from St. Louis, SpaceGvng said he’s very conscious of the “repetitive sound” coming out of the city. He dares to be different and tries to showcase a signature style that is unlike anything else coming out of St. Louis today. Raised in one of the more economically depressed neighborhoods of one of the most statistically violent cities in the world, SpaceGvng has seen his fair share of hardships and pain. He’s been in-and-out of jail, lost friends to the streets, and recently lost his mother. But he has also had some amazing accomplishments along the way. He’s started a family and is invested in the lives of his kids. He’s crafted a unique sound and style that is steadily gaining a fan following with each successive release. And the music videos he has developed have garnered such amazing buzz that each new release becomes an eagerly anticipated event.
“Raised in the slums, I felt like I had three options to get rich,” he said. “It was either sports, trapping or rapping. And life became easier once I figured out I could express my pain through my music. I’ve been rapping seriously for three years now, and I’m ready to take it to the next level.”
SpaceGvng said he’s planning to drop another EP this summer, and will continue to keep releasing videos and singles throughout the rest of the year.
To listen to his music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:
Madame Kapuscinska Brings Healing And Wholeness On Eternal
Knowing oneself is no easy feat. But Madame Kapuscinska knows herself. She’s been to the bottom of her flaws. She’s touched her own wounds to heal them. Now, Madame Kapuscinska brings empowerment and regeneration to her audience. “So many people tried to reject me,” said Madame Kapuscinska. “If someone’s not gonna open the door, I’m gonna make my own door.” Fiercely independent, Madame Kapuscinska handles every aspect of her music career. “ I do my own admin and my own graphics,” she said. “Music is a natural part of me. It helps me manage my mental health.”
Madame Kapuscinska’s latest EP Eternal features 4 honest tracks of pure humanity. She penned “Love Letter” as an homage to the transcendent nature of love, but also the anguish stemming from that love. “‘Love Letter’ is a frustrated mother and wife battling her own demons,” explained Madame Kapuscinska. “And trying to escape, but instead of trying to escape it’s released into music into art. Pain into passion. Creatively communicating expression.”
While “Love Letter” celebrates profound human connection, Madame Kapuscinska doesn’t eschew the uglier parts of life. Listeners ought to take heed of Madame Kapuscinska’s warning on “Online Romance.” Don’t dismiss it as “just another love song.” Instead, the song explores the dangerous side of human connection. “I was getting hit up online,” said Madame Kapuscinska. “I got messages from someone who said they were 15 minutes away from my home. Someone was romanticizing me based on what they think I’m like in my videos.”
But Madame Kapuscinska doesn’t dwell on discomfort or hardship. The single “Ascension” finds her cleansing the damage of the past. “After all the pain and all the trauma, I was about to give up,” said Madame Kapuscinska. “But just as I was about to let go and fall somebody caught me and brought me to the light.” In the song, Madame Kapuscinska also recalls a divine presence giving her aid. “An angel lifted me up and surrounded me with a warm embrace,” she said. “The song tells people to breathe. I’ve had my ascension. I’ve risen. You can have your ascension too. You too can rise.”
Madame Kapuscinska assured fans that they can expect a great deal of content from her. She has 2 music videos in the works for tracks from Eternal. Music-wise, she is working on a full-length reggae album. But Madame Kapuscinska is a lady of many talents. “I have 2 films coming up currently,” she said. “I have a line of gymwear. I’m expanding to jewelry and haircare. I’m working on my autobio. A documentary of my mental health is being sent to festivals.” Fans should tune into Madame Kapuscinska’s platforms for livestream performances and exclusive content.
Stream Madame Kapuscinska’s music, and follow her on all social media channels, via the links below.
Falmé D wields witty words as a weapon with new EP ‘MottoMan’
LOS ANGELES, CA – You’ve heard the saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” but for West Coast artist Falmé D, his pen is his sword. And he wields that weapon with expert precision on his new EP “MottoMan,” which is currently available across all digital platforms. The project features three standout singles that explore some of the experiences of his past and how those moments helped from him into the man he is today. They also serve as inspirational messages to the masses to help people embrace their natural gifts, talents and abilities to accomplish the dreams they want to chase in their lives.
The EP starts with “Sensei,” a bold song that gives fans a lot of quotable lyrics filled with real talk. Take the hook, for instance, which says, “Falmé D the king … never mind, call me young sensei.” It’s a catchy hook that speaks on his goals and his past and the things he’s been through, and uses that as a spur to be a better man in the future.
The second track is “Fly,” which is more of an up-tempo groove that talks about wanting to take off and fly and be in the sky and have no worries or doubts in life. This leads into the final track, “Mission,” which is also the inspiration for the EP’s cover art, which was drawn by Falmé D’s good friend Levi.
“It’s a song about how far we’ve come and how I always say I’m on a mission,” he said. “That’s what I’m all about. I’m faith-forward and on a mission. This song captures that and wraps up everything I’ve been saying for the past four or five years and shows that what I said I was going to do, I actually accomplished.”
Falmé D has been making music since his early teenage years. His mother was a singer who loved the Oldies, and his father was into hip-hop, which led to a diverse and eclectic range of musical interests for Falmé D. As such, his palette is a little different than one might expect from a hip-hop artist today. His voice and his flows aren’t like anyone else in the business. The beats he chooses and uses aren’t like anyone else. He prides himself on that, and has worked hard over the years to hone his craft and create something that is truly original.
“I hope my music is known for being unique and standing the test of time,” he said. “I go back and listen to the music I’ve dropped over the years, and a lot of it I know will stand the test of time. People are still listening to music I dropped three or four years ago, which makes me feel good. Even with sounds changing so much, my sound is still mine and will always be that way. I’m creating and standing strong among all the other music of the world. And people who need it will get it when they need it. That’s the mission.”
Falmé D said he has more music and videos coming in the next few months. To listen to his music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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 TNLegend” of rapPlaya 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 NativeDrumma Boy. To listen to Playa Fly’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:
