Posts made in July 2021

Missing JP Ramirez

Very esteemed make-up artist, JP Ramirez (42 year old Chicago native), who has worked with many people in the entertainment industry, including 360 Magazine, was found dead a few days ago.

Ramirez was last seen in Hell’s Kitchen this past week.

Recently, family and friends held an evening vigil in his loving memory. If anyone has information relating to his disappearance or death, please contact the authorities.

360 Latinx Editor, Javier Pedroza says, “To know JP is to love JP! Juan Pablo was one of the most sweetest and creative souls that I had the honor of knowing and create magic with. Growing up in New York City as young adults, we were discussing our future and how we would help humanity. JP had a sense of community and was always there for anyone who needed him. I will miss dancing ferocious salsa, styling together and laughter with our friend, but we will never forget his heart and soul. Rest in power amigo and thanks. Love you.”

“He was a beacon of hope, with a positive spirit that penetrated the room. We met JP on a special music presentation for our agency as a makeup artist, featuring LaJune. He will be missed but not forgotten,” says Vaughn Lowery (President of 360).

Newly appointed 360 Creative Director, Armon Hayes says, “Having had the pleasure of working with you [Ramirez] … his openness and willingness to collaborate on short notice was unparalleled. I knew I was seeing somebody special. Talent beyond what the eye can see, we’re really going to miss you and you made an impact on me.”

According to the 360 brand ambassador LaJune says,” JP was a brilliant light, his energy was exhilarating and soothing at sight! He was really talented yet very humble. I am so fortunate to have had to opportunity to meet and work with him! Losing JP is a reminder to enjoy every beautiful soul you encounter. Pray to turn the page and send light and positive vibes to your loved ones.”

Find out more about JP Ramirez and his talents from a recent interview.

A celebration of JP Ramirez’ life will be held at 7pm on Friday, August 6, 2021. The ceremony will start at 7:30pm and take place at Tito Murphy’s (346 W 46th St, New York, New York 10036.) Guests are invited to come dressed as you are, as JP loved for you. The celebration of JP’s life will include both a bar and DJ.

Juan Pablo celebration poster image via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine
frosty album art for use by 360 magazine

ZILLAKAMI – FROSTY

ZillaKami of City Morgue reveals a haunting and melodic new single and music video “FROSTY” via Hikari Ultra/Republic Records

On the track, ZillaKami’s chilling harmonies puncture an airy clean guitar riff as he declares, “Hello depression, I hear your message.” The accompanying video translates this anxiety and darkness on-screen. Rolling through a slasher flick-style suburb, sadness manifests as a dark figure pushing ZillaKami in a shopping cart as he watches his girl from outside of her bedroom window. Hand covered in blood; he ultimately emerges from this nightmare stronger.

His most recent solo single “BADASS” [feat. Lil Uzi Vert] has already generated north of 6 million streams and 1.9 million YouTube views on the static audio. Right out of the gate, it garnered widespread tastemaker praise as well. Complex attested the track “channels the best of Zillakami’s distinctively hard-hitting approach to rap,” and The FADER praised it as “the perfect blend of ZillaKami’s dark sound and Uzi Vert’s playful delivery.” HotNewHipHop highlighted the “earworm of a hook” and “two electrifying verses” courtesy of ZillaKami.

Prior, “CHAINS” posted up 2.6 million Spotify streams and 2.9 million views on the explosive music video. HotNewHipHop fittingly described it as “a hard-hitting, head-banging anthem.”

ZillaKami might be rap and rock’s worst nightmare come true in the best way. He defiantly devours guitar-backed beats without one fuck given. As one-half of City Morgue with partner-in-grime SosMula, he has toppled charts, sold out shows, and scared the shit out of anybody with a conscience. In 2019, the group’s second full-length offering, CITY MORGUE VOL. 2: AS GOOD AS DEAD, held multiple charts hostage, seizing the #1 spot on the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart and #1 on the Apple Music Rock Albums Chart. The legendary Mike Dean jumped aboard as Executive Producer of the Deluxe Edition. Meanwhile, the 2020 follow-up TOXIC BOOGALOO EP scored #96 on the Billboard Top 200, #9 on the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart, #6 on the Billboard Alternative Albums Chart, #13 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart, and #4 on the Nielsen Music Digital Albums Chart. Not to mention, they’ve pulled in 100 million-plus streams and 100 million-plus views to date. ZillaKami is a rare talent who is seamlessly rising to the ranks of major artists such as Trippie Redd and Ski Mask The Slump God, with whom he recently collaborated. He’s a shape-shifting sonic force with an unbreakable grip on rap and rock that’s ready to bleed like never before on his 2021 solo debut.

like a doll art for use by 360 magazine

KASH DOLL – LIKE A PRO FT. JUICY J

KASH DOLL RELEASES NEW TRACK & LYRIC VIDEO “LIKE A PRO” FEAT. JUICY J

Stars in 50 Cent’s New Starz Series ‘Black Mafia Family Out September 26

“Kash Doll is sharp, headstrong and savvy” – Billboard
“One of the most promising acts of female rap’s current class” – Nylon
“Kash Doll has established herself as a pioneering force in the industry.”– MTV
“Kash Doll has established herself as one of hip-hop’s leading female voices.” – XXL

Gold-selling Detroit rapper, entrepreneur, and actress Kash Doll drops her new track and lyric video “Like A Pro” feat. Juicy J via Republic Records.

As always, she comes through with the kind of raw lyrical fire that’s too hot to touch. Over a high-energy throwback beat, she delivers one raunchy and braggadocious bar after another with Juicy J joining her on the catchy hook.

Her most recent single Thumbin has already racked up millions of streams to date. Additionally, HotNewHipHop praised the track’s “addictive chorus and copious amounts of quotable lyrics, while hailing it as “the next big hit on short-form video sharing platforms like TikTok and Triller.

The track arrived on the heels of her knockout collaboration with DJ Famous—“Bad Azz” feat. Mulatto & Benny The Butcher, which has amassed 9 million streams and counting. Beyond features from REVOLT, Pitchfork, Brooklyn Vegan and more, UPROXX claimed, “Kash Doll, DJ Infamous, Mulatto, and Benny The Butcher show why the competition is mad with ‘Bad Azz.’”

Kash Doll, who has garnered over 1 billion streams worldwide since signing with Republic Records, continues to pull up everywhere this year. She features on Saweetie’s “Hoops” alongside the legendary Salt-N-Pepa from the mega-anticipated Space Jam: A New Legacy Soundtrack. She’ll take the stage at Detroit Summer Fest on August 13, Migos “Culture III” Las Vegas Weekender on October 15 and Rolling Loud LA on December 10. She will appear in a starring recurring role on STARZ’ Black Mafia Family, which will premiere on September 26.

Kash Doll continues to make waves. Receiving critical acclaim from Vulture and Marie Claire, Essence praised, “If there’s one rapper who can teach us a thing or two about remaining confident, it’s Kash Doll.” Meanwhile, she guested on “Friday Night Cypher” from Big Sean’s chart-dominating Detroit 2 and joined forces with HoodCelebrityy for “So Pretty.”

Detroit native Kash Doll has impacted the music industry with a commanding force, dropping street-earned truths with her throwback wordplay and powerful bars. The one-two combination of spirit and sass announced her as fiery female force in 2019 after quietly amassing 30 million-plus on-demand streams, garnering the BMI Social Star Award and “Issa Wave Award” at the BET Social Awards, securing a new management deal with Title 9 Productions and inking a recording contract with Republic Records. An unbelievable story brought her to this point. Losing her dad on just her first birthday, she always held down multiple jobs to support her mom and siblings. And at 18, she started investing in herself eventually opening two beauty bars and funding her own music career. She made waves on the 2014 independent debut mixtape, Keisha Vs. Kash Doll. Following 2016’s Trapped In The Dollhouse, she developed a presence as a touring force and earned coveted co-signs from Drake, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Remy Ma, and many more. The 2018 The Vault mixtape captured #1 on multiple mixtape sites as her debut single for Republic Records “Ice Me Out” and its 2 Chainz-assisted official remix clocked 85 million-plus total streams.

Last year, Kash Doll also released a project solely for her fans titled Brat Mail to thank them for all their continued support. The project garnered over 30 million global streams and features the break out single “Check.” Shortly before Brat Mail, Kash released one of her biggest singles to date, “For Everybody,” which racked up over 101 million YouTube/VEVO views independently. Outside of music, this boss runs Kash Doll Enterprises and does charity work around her hometown. Her city bestowed the “Spirit of Detroit” Award upon her. Additionally, in 2019, Kash Doll released her debut album Stacked, received a 2019 BET Award nomination for “Best Female Hip-Hop Artist,” garnered critical acclaim for her album from BillboardMTV, UPROXX, BETForbes, Nylon and more and toured with Meek Mill. This year will be full of brand new music, acting and more from the Detroit star.

sublime 25 for use by 360 magazine

SUBLIME – BEHIND THE COVER

SUBLIME CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY OF ICONIC SELF-TITLED ALBUM WITH BEHIND THE ALBUM COVER EPISODE

TRAVIS BARKER-PRODUCED SONGS, “PAWN SHOP” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO, GRAPHIC NOVEL, LIMITED EDITION SUBLIME MEXICAN LAGER, NEW MERCH DROP AND MORE PLANNED TO COMMEMORATE 25th ANNIVERSARY

25 years ago today, Sublime’s self-titled album was released after the untimely passing of lead singer Bradley Nowell, spawning timeless hits like “What I Got,” “Santeria,” and “Wrong Way.” The iconic album continues to connect with fans and live on a quarter-century after its initial release, as the music endures, and new generations discover Sublime. To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the band’s management Surfdog/DKM in conjunction with UMe have arranged several special releases and events, plus new merch with Live Nation and other partners to commemorate the milestone.

Sublime 25th Anniversary Highlights:

‘Behind The Album Cover’ Episode: An in-depth conversation with Sublime art legend Opie Ortiz as he explains the history of the legendary ‘Sublime’ album cover and how it came to be. Fans can check out the episode here.

Virtual Plaque Presentation: Plaques have been presented to Sublime members drummer Bud Gaugh, bassist Eric Wilson and vocalist Bradley Nowell, accepted on his behalf by widow Troy DenDekker and son Jakob Nowell, to commemorate over 18 million in album consumption in the U.S. according to MRC. Bud and Eric recently spoke to The World Famous KROQ about this milestone, fans can check out the interview here.

Sublime Graphic Novel ‘$5 At The Door’:  Sublime partnered with Z2 Comics to create SUBLIME: $5 AT THE DOOR, a graphic novel that will be released in standard soft and hardcover editions in comic shops and bookstores alike in June 2021. Featuring brand-new cover artwork by SUBLIME family membersOPIE ORTIZ and DJ PRODUCT ©1969,a special deluxe edition and highly limited super deluxe edition are available for preorder now exclusively through the Z2 website. Deluxe and super deluxe editions include a special first-time vinyl edition of the “Doin’ Time” EP, unavailable elsewhere, as well as exclusive prints, Lou-Dog toy and more! SUBLIME: $5 AT THE DOOR will be available on August 3.

$5 At The Door Comic Book Signing: Saturday August 14 fans are invited to attend an exclusive book signing featuring Sublime art legends Opie Ortiz and DJ PRODUCT ©1969 at Atomic Basement Comics in Long Beach, CA.

AleSmith Sublime Mexican Lager Limited Edition 19.2oz Beer Cans: AleSmith Brewing Company has released a batch of limited-edition cans of Sublime Mexican Lager featuring the new artwork from the band’s OG sun artist, Opie Ortiz that’s also featured on the cover of the graphic novel. Fans can get their hands on these limited-release 19.2oz. cans at the AleSmith Tasting Room and select retailers in California. In addition to the slim cans, a new limited run of 40 oz. bottles featuring Opie’s artwork will be available to pre-order in mid-August. Fans can use AleSmith’s beerfinder to check local availability.

“Garden Grove” and “Pawn Shop” Official Music Videos: The official music video for fan favorite “Pawn Shop” will be released in the coming weeks and is animated in the style of psychedelic-surfer-punk-graffiti, inspired by late-night edgy animations with Sublime’s iconography morphing throughout. The “Garden Grove” video was shot as a “love letter” to the Long Beach lifestyle and was released earlier this year.

Travis Barker ProjectTravis Barker is currently in the studio producing covers, remixes and collaborating with artists of all genres to reimagine various Sublime songs from the iconic self-titled album.

“We’re not trying to write punk rock. We’re not trying to write reggae. We’re not trying to write ska,” Sublime‘s Bradley Nowell told KROQ in 1995. “We’re just trying to write a good song.” They did exactly that—time and time again. “What I Got,” “Santeria,” “Wrong Way,” and “Doin’ Time” remain innovative staples from the ’90s alternative boom. But they accomplished even more: In less than a decade within the national limelightthe laid-back Long Beach trio spawned an entire genre—fusing reggae grooves, punk grittiness, ska energy, back porch folk introspection, and hip-hop swagger. Decades after the tragic death of singer-songwriter Bradley Nowell, Sublime remain an institution: With over 18 million in album consumption in the U.S. according to MRC; and their merchandise, emblazoned with the iconic sun logo, dominates sales at retailers including Target, Urban Outfitters and Spencer Gifts. Most importantly, the music remains timeless—a rite of passage for misfit listeners who refuse to color within the lines of conventional genre.

About Sublime

Sublime, the Long Beach, CA, reggae-punk/alternative rock trio, was founded in 1988 by Eric Wilson, Bud Gaugh and Bradley Nowell. Their first self-produced album, 40oz. to Freedom, was released in 1992 via the band’s label Skunk Records. The success of that album and heavy radio exposure by Southern California’s KROQ (two years after its initial release) secured Sublime signing to MCA Records in time for the band’s 1994 sophomore album, Robbin’ the Hood, which revealed an experimental ethic more in keeping with cut-and-paste dub than the well-tuned rage of the Cali punk revival. The album performed well at college radio and set the stage for the breakout success of their self-titled third album. On May 25, 1996, however, lead vocalist and guitarist Nowell tragically passed away and the band collapsed, but the eponymous SUBLIME was still slated for a July 1996 release. On the strength of the chart-topping alternative radio hit “What I Got,” the album was certified gold by the end of 1996. “Santeria” and “Wrong Way” followed and enjoyed heavy airplay, and their self-titled album eventually sold more than seven million copies, making it one of the most popular reggae-punk albums in history. Such success spread to the band’s earlier albums too, leading 40oz. to Freedom to double-platinum sales and Robbin’ the Hood to gold certification. Sublime have gone on to sell millions of albums in the US, and their genre-defining music and their cultural influence is stronger today than ever before.

Willow Kayne from Derek Sherron, Epic Records for use by 360 Magazine

Willow Kayne shares high-energy single – I Don’t Wanna Know

Please meet UK pop provocateur Willow Kayne, who has shared her new single “I Don’t Wanna Know” today. Listen here at all DSPs.

After releasing a slew of independent singles, Willow signed with Sony this year and released her major label debut single “2 Seater” just a few months back to buzz and acclaim, even receiving early love from BBC Radio 1. Now, the 19 year old is throwing her hat in the ring as one of the most vivid, genre-blurring pop provocateurs in music today. A keen visual artist with influences as far-reaching as fashion design giant Nigo and production mastermind Pharrell, she pools together the most lucid touchpoints of all her inspirations to build a sound as diverse as her creative palette. Willow can trace this eclecticism directly back to her childhood, being raised by a hip-hop and house-obsessed father and a mother who produced videos for the likes of Erasure and the Prodigy. James Brown, Nas, and MF DOOM were all significant early influences, and soon she was making her own musical discoveries, falling hard for artists as diverse as Tyler The Creator, the Sex Pistols, Gorillaz, and Portishead.

Teaming up with UK hitmaker Oscar Scheller, “I Don’t Wanna Know” takes all of the attitude Willow has started to become synonymous with and ramps it up to 11 – taking cues from the old school rave culture that she is obsessed with by sticking a middle finger up to trolls over a drum & bass indebted production. It’s a high energy example of just how unpredictable a talent Willow is, and how easy she makes it look; the track is packed with hilarious one-liners that cut those who have bullied her online to size. An empowering anthem that deals with real life issues with a sense of confidence that feels refreshing in the landscape of pop today. The official video, along with a debut project and a HUGE announcement are all coming soon…

Watch previous music video “2 Seater” here.

“…a future star…” – i-D Magazine

“…playful lyricism, smooth refrains, and ‘90s-indebted grooves.” – NME

“…the artists that stick out from the pack are always those who are willing to switch things up, and quite clearly, Kayne isn’t afraid to do so…” – Lyrical Lemonade

“The Gen Z talent links together huge opposing forces, creating her own potent brand of rebel-pop.” – Clash Magazine

“A sizzling rallying-call from the Bristol-based artist all about living your own life and doing your own thing, ‘Two Seater’ blends rap verses with 90s-tinged pop influences, resulting in an instantly catchy debut.” – DIY Magazine

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Music Notes by Mina Tocalini for use by 360 Magazine

Role Model Releases New Single and Video – forever&more

Role Model (a.k.a. Tucker Pillsbury) is back with a brand-new single entitled “forever&more” along with the music video. The track is a mid-summer bop that glides along on a sun-soaked guitar loop and glitchy beat as he details the bliss of new love. With its nostalgic hook and vivid lyrics, “forever&more” marks a new chapter for Tucker as he enters the next phase of his music career. Role Model’s “forever&more” is available now at all digital retail providers via Interscope Records.

Click here to listen.

Role Model says about the track, “It’s obviously a love song. I really wanted to set up scenes of how my relationship started and the little moments that got us to where we are. This is the first time I’m letting people into the relationship and giving them visuals of those early stages and how I see it going in my head forever and more.”

The music video for “forever&more” was directed by Dylan Knight and finds Tucker happy and in love. The camera pans between shots of Role Model amongst his friends and alone time with his love interest while he chronicles the indescribable, euphoric feeling of being in love, and knowing it’s going to last forever. While the song and video parallel his real-life experience, it’s clear that this relationship has made Tucker the best version of himself.

Click here to watch the music video.

About Role Model

Tucker Pillsbury assembles, disassembles, and reassembles different vibes, sounds, and emotions into Role Model. One moment, he’s crooning about his crush’s earrings over crunchy chords. The next, he’s spitting bars about staying home. Either way, the intimacy of his songwriting beckons connection. You’ll experience doubt, anxiety, infatuation, and even love right next to him. His story kicked into high gear back in 2017. Following the Soundcloud success of “Cocaine Babe” and “Girl In New York,” he earned the respect of late idol Mac Miller and Benny Blanco. Trading Maine for California, he made waves with the oh, how perfect EP in 2019, generating tens of millions of streams on “hello,” “notice me” [feat. BENEE], and “that’s just how it goes.” A year later, his momentum only increased with the follow-up our little angel EP. The single “blind” eclipsed 40 million Spotify streams, while coup de main hailed it as “must-listen.” The Line of Best Fit praised his “songs with tenderness and Gen Z apathy.” After gathering nearly 200 million streams and receiving acclaim from HYPEBEAST, DIY, Earmilk, and many more, he illuminates every side of himself on newest single “forever&more” with more music to come.

To Buy or Stream “forever&more”:

Retail

Amazon

Apple Music

Deezer

iTunes

Pandora

Soundcloud

Spotify

Tidal

YouTube Music

Follow Role Model:

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midwxst by David Dickenson from Kasturi Shan, Interscope / Geffen for use by 360 Magazine

Rising Hyperpop Artist midwxst New Song – Made It Back

Midwxst, born Edgar Sarratt III, shares the new song and video “Made It Back” via Geffen Records. Directed by Elan Bia / No Soap, the visual is a cinematic sci-fi thriller that merges animations with surrealism for the perfect counterpart to midwxst’s glitched out, genre-crossing sound. The song follows the previously-released single “Ruthless” and his Summer03 EP released earlier this year.

Midwxst is the next generation’s ideal superstar. He’s a cutting-edge artist from the oft-overlooked state of Indiana, a genre-defier combining hyperpop and digicore with hip-hop alongside candid lyrics that reveal he isn’t afraid to let his true feelings show. Midwxst shares, “A lot of people expected me to be a trapper, rapping about guns and all the generic mainstream stuff. When I talk about how your own mental health and emotions can be the most dangerous thing you possess, especially as a teenager or young adult, people get such a different vibe from me and that’s what I strive for.” Midwxst will be performing at Overcast N Friends on October 9th and Day N Vegas Festival November 12th — 14th.

Listen to and watch “Made It Back” above and stay tuned for more from midwxst coming soon.

Tour Dates:

10/9 — Philadelphia, PA @ Overcast N Friends

11/12-14 — Las Vegas, NV @ Day N Vegas

Heavenly Reyna photograph by Jeanne Dee from James Steers, Press Here Publicity for use by 360 Magazine

Heavenly Reyna Releases Acoustic Version of Upcoming Single “EXIT”

Pop prodigy Heavenly Reyna has released the stripped-down, piano-driven version of her anticipated upcoming single “EXIT.” Press here to listen to the acoustic track, a quirky, pop-infused ballad which compares the pain of heartbreak to the agony of LA traffic. The accompanying video finds Heavenly with nothing but a piano as she reflects on the anguish left behind in the wake of a breakup. Press here to watch the “EXIT” acoustic video.

“As a trilingual artist, I love global stories that we can all relate to,” says Heavenly. “I’ve grown really fast on Twitch and ‘EXIT’ has always been one of my most popular songs there because everyone can relate to heartbreak and agonizing traffic. I like the juxtaposition of comparing a breakup to traffic as it adds a twist to the song.”

Heavenly celebrated the release of the acoustic version of “EXIT” with a special Twitch livestreamed release party which Twitch promoted on their front page. In addition to performances during the livestream, Heavenly partnered with Røde Microphone to host a giveaway for viewers that tuned in. Press here to view their Twitch channel.

Readying to step into her own, and previously releasing music under the moniker Mozart, “EXIT” marks Heavenly’s first release under her birth name. A prolific singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Heavenly has brought together her love of music and her diverse experiences into her songs including her previous single “Push You Harder,” an inspiring, female empowerment anthem about succeeding in the face of adversity which received acclaim from LA Weekly, Celeb Secrets, and Pasadena WeeklyPress here to watch the music video for the track which was written shortly after Heavenly’s 17th birthday and draws inspiration from strong women throughout history.

Raised in 48 countries as her family travelled the globe and documented their adventures as travel bloggers, Heavenly shared her experiences of how these ventures played an influential role in her life in a 2016 TED Talk. Using her music as a cultural bridge to bring people together through relatable storytelling that transcends individual cultures, Heavenly is fluent and crafts songs in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. She has gone viral on TikTok for performing covers of popular songs in a multitude of different languages, recently catapulted to over two million channel views on Twitch after becoming a partner, and headlined shows on her European solo tour.

Since kicking off her musical career as a teenager, Heavenly featured next to Ariana Grande in her “God is a Woman” music video, appeared on MTV songwriting with Bebe Rexha, was a featured singer in both Halsey’s and Lindsey Stirling’s documentaries, starred in in the Brat series The Talent Show, and was crowned the winner of the International Songwriting and Unsigned Artist competitions. Taking her talents into the world of acting, Heavenly also won a Best Actress Award for her dramatic lead in the film Rose, and recently starred in two new thrillers, Fame at a Deadly Cost and Glass Darkly.

Follow Heavenly Reyna

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Cover via Hannah Haines of Ten Thousand for use by 360 Magazine

WIZTHEMC × EVERYTHING

WIZTHEMC RELEASES NEW SINGLE “EVERYTHING”

Today, pop/rap artist WizTheMc releases his latest single “Everything,” out now via 10K Projects/ Homemade Projects. The acoustic guitar driven single arrives ahead of his debut album, due this year, and follows up the success of his EP What About Now? The EP, released at the end of last year, features the breakout single “For A Minute,” which has amassed nearly 30M streams on Spotify to date.

LISTEN TO “EVERYTHING” HERE

Fitting for an artist who spent formative years on three different continents, WizTheMc describes his sound as “borderless music.” It’s an apt description for the 22-year-old singer, rapper, and producer, who combines an ear for sticky pop hooks with nimble rapping abilities, all bolstered by high-octane production and summery guitar loops.

Currently based in Toronto, the Cape Town-born artist is bringing his magnetic records to the masses. As a teenager, he began rapping with friends in the town of Lüneberg, Germany, and like many Gen Z creatives, applied a DIY ethos to music-making.

“For me, it was always the internet. I learned how to freestyle off the internet, how to write songs, how to make beats,” he says. “That’s so beautiful, because no matter where I was, if I had my laptop, my interface, and my mic, I could make music.”

Wiz’s career hit warp speed in the summer of 2020, when his peppy love song “For a Minute” became a major online hit, following his signing with Elliot Grainge’s 10K Projects.  It’s since accrued over 27 million streams on Spotify alone. A charming music video shot in the midst of quarantine highlights Wiz’s natural charisma, easy screen presence, and goofy sense of humor. But now that he’s got more resources behind him, he’s committed to making a world that expands on his music.

Recent videos for “All My Friends Are Stoned” and “World is Fucked” showcase Wiz’s playful and visually creative side, with rich color palettes and surreal humor. “Sometimes, I would just write the chorus and then write the music video concept just off the chorus,” he says. “With everything I’m making, there is just a visual element that’s working in the background.”

In addition to gearing up for live shows including major festival dates like Austin City Limits, Wiz is currently putting the finishing touches on a new batch of songs. He says introspective rappers like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole have inspired him to pour more of himself than ever before into the music he’s writing; “it’s been my goal to be able to put down my emotions as accurately as possible onto paper. To the point that I feel moved by my own words because they feel so true to me,” Wiz says. “I feel like these songs are the closest to my real experience. These are the most vulnerable songs I’ve written to date.”

Forthcoming singles “Everything” and “Break” have a darker sensibility and an urgency to them, drawing attention to Wiz’s emotive rasp. He uses songwriting for emotional excavation, but maintains that what matters more to him is not what he gets out of a song, but what you do.

“My favorite thing is when I make something I don’t understand or love immediately and then it grows on me,” he explains. “I feel like it’s an empowering idea for artists that we are not really the ones in control to make something meaningful. We don’t have to understand anything to make anything great, we just have to be there and show up and let the music come through us.”

BriaR Breathe Fire Cover Art from Nick Ponisi for use by 360 Magazine

BriaR Releases Single and Video – Breathe Fire

Rising singer, lyricist, and performer BriaR has released her debut autobiographical single “Breathe Fire” along with its intergalactic, trance-inducing music video. The first single off of her debut EP Finding BriaR out this fall. Stream “Breathe Fire” here. Press here to watch the music video. The track details BriaR reminiscing about leaving a message on her lovers answering machine, revealing her deepest secrets and expressing her fear of being misunderstood. Finding BriaR is the debut EP from the multi-talented newcomer who grew up in a family of artists, musicians and entertainers, an ambitious musical hybrid that coins a brand-new genre – psychedelic soul – combining R&B, hip-hop and dance with art-rock, punk and hooky pop. BriaR’s breathy vocals are at once sensuous and intimate, creating a vibe that seduces our ears, while stimulating the body’s instincts to get up and move.

“The song came about during the pandemic. I was going through a tough time and I felt as though I wasn’t being heard. I created ‘Breathe Fire,’ an autobiographical record, explaining who I am and what I can bring to the table,” shares BriaR. “Although the record contains personal lyrics, I still wanted this to be a groovy track that makes you want to dance, hence the bass heavy record in the background.”

The daughter of legendary rapper Mack 10 (also known as part of Westside Connection alongside Ice Cube and WC) who also has a stepmom in T-Boz of TLC, BriaR can dream big because she comes from a family that has turned their own ambitions into reality. Growing up in the environment she did helped mold BriaR’s eclectic musical tastes, which incorporate not only the vintage old-school gangsta rap – but also New Wave (“Alanis Morrissette was a big influence in middle school”), grunge (Nirvana), punk (Green Day), pop (Gwen Stefani and No Doubt), rock (Fleetwood Mac), R&B (Michael and Janet Jackson, Aaliyah was “a big influence,” Beyonce, Shakira, TLC).

BriaR wrote the lyrics for the songs on the EP, recording them at home with her younger brother, rapper District 21, very much in the style of personal favorites like Billie Eilish and Finneas or, as she notes, fellow Calabasas residents Willow and Jaden Smith. “I have been obsessed with music since I was two years old,” she says of her upbringing around Topanga and Calabasas. “I remember Ice Cube coming to the house and me wanting to sing for him on the little karaoke machine my dad bought. For my brother and I, there was no other option. This is who we are.”

With Finding BriaR rolling out its five individual tracks this fall, BriaR is ready for the next step of her rise to stardom. “Recording this was like my therapy and it still is my therapy,” says BriaR. “The EP is about discovering the different sides of this individual. These songs helped me realize everything I want.”

Follow BriaR:

Instagram / Tiktok / YouTube / Spotify / Apple Music