About VAUGHN LOWERY

Vaughn Lowery is a native of Detroit and the youngest of five siblings, a graduate of Cornell University's ILR School. Core duties: global diversification strategy, production management, and ecological implementation. The grandson of the late civil rights defender and recipient of the presidential medal of freedom, Joseph Lowery. Lastly, a distinguished member of the Alpha Phi Alphi Fraternity, Incorporated (Alpha Chapter).

Piso 21 + Gabito Ballesteros

Piso 21, joins forces with multi-platinum breakout artist and música mexicana phenomenon, Gabito Ballesteros, to bring us their new single “Me Liberé” as a way to leave the spite and heartbreak behind and enjoy regional Mexican rhythms and reggaeton. The song and its official video are now available on all digital platforms.

“Me Liberé” meticulously blends unique elements of traditional norteño music with a heavy-hitting classic reggaeton, all while maintaining both Piso 21 and Ballesteros’ essence alive throughout. On the track, the artists come together to weave a story about the problems that come with being in a toxic relationship – and shine a light on the peace of mind that comes with putting an end to those vicious cycles. “Me Liberé” is undoubtedly a display of Latin talent and its ability to take us to different places with its unique rhythms.

Piso 21 has established itself as one of Latin Music’s most prolific groups with an impressive repertoire of chart-topping hit songs that have generated over 11 billion worldwide streams. Last month, the supergroup joined forces with Latin urban superstar Nicky Jam for the anticipated release of “Déjalo En Visto.” Currently, the supergroup is gearing up for their upcoming Los Muchachos US Tour which will take them throughout major cities in the United States – kicking off on September 8th in New York City and ending in Dallas on October 1st. The tour arrives through Loud And Live and Tesa Entertainment in partnership with the group’s global management team, Three Six Zero. For ticket sales and more information visit: https://piso21.com.co/

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Big Boss Vette – Get It

St. Louis rapper and singer Big Boss Vette unveils a stunning music video for her new single “Get It.” Watch “Get It”—HERE. The track stands out as a fan favorite from her debut EP, RESILIENCE, available now via Beatstaz/Amigo Records/Republic Records. Listen to RESILIENCE—HERE.

In the video directed by SPUDDSMCKENZIE, she turns up at a roller rink surrounded by friends, dripping in seventies-style fits with shimmering jewelry. It channels a nostalgic vibe with its throwback aesthetic and impressive roller skating choreography. It perfectly matches the song’s distinct party-ready bounce. BET, who has embraced Big Boss Vette as a BET Amplified Artist, with a recent performance on the 2023 BET Awards Red Carpet preshow special, first premiered her new video “Get It” yesterday across BET Jams, BET Hip-Hop and the massive Paramount Times Square Billboard.

It also might just be her most cinematic visual affair yet…

Right out of the gate, RESILIENCE gained traction at DSPs in addition to reeling in critical acclaim. Beyond plugs from XXL and more, Essence named it among “Best New Music This Week,” and PopDust raved, “These seven brand new songs have star-quality melodies and hooks that will be stuck in your head forever. It’s the perfect debut album for Big Boss Vette.” UPROXX attested, “The ‘Pretty Girls Walk’ rapper continues to find her footing with seven new tracks highlighting her determination to embed herself into hip-hop’s collective consciousness.”

In celebration of the project’s arrival, she uncovered a personal short film that digs deeper into Big Boss Vette’s story of RESILIENCE. It opens with a powerful line from the hit-maker as she states, “the good shit yall see came from a million failures.” Then it proceeds to chronicle her success from the very start up until now. It’s a transparent and inspiring story of how self belief will unlock the doors to achieving your dreams.

With no shortage of quotable wordplay or massive melodies, RESILIENCE boasts seven brand new songs. The stand out track “Get It” is a multigenerational anthem fit for any backyard bbq. While other songs including the punchy “Another One” and club-ready banger “Lick The Cat” double-down on Big Boss Vette’s strong aptitude for creating memorable hooks. Check out the full tracklisting below.

The new EP comes on the heels of her incendiary “Ion Need.” In addition to looks from Uproxx, LA WEEKLY, Rap-Up, and more, Billboard asserted that she is a, “…hard-hitting rapper [donning] a charming-yet-deceiving smile on her face.” She recently delivered a standout performance at the official 2023 BET Awards pre-show in Los Angeles. Her presence could be felt throughout the day as she also stunned on the red carpet. BET also recently named her the July “Amplified Artist.”

Big Boss Vette has maintained her momentum with one anthem after another, including “No Fakin,”“Outside,”“Snatched,” and her breakout “Pretty Girls Walk.” Beyond generating hundreds of millions of streams and igniting festival stages, including a recent performance at Rolling Loud Miami and upcoming performance at Lollapalooza, she has delivered a series of high-profile collaborations. She teamed up with Omah Lay for “I Can’t Stop” from the Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (Deluxe Edition) Soundtrack. Plus, she appeared on iCandy’s “Keep Dat ***** (Pt 2)” [feat. GloRilla, Kali, & Big Boss Vette] and linked up with Spiffy The Goat for the Remix of “Throw It.” Not to mention, she has earned widespread acclaim and soundtracked viral social media clips by the likes of Reba McEntire, Madonna, Kate Beckinsale, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Nicole Scherzinger, and many more.

Now, she shows her Resilience.

TRACKLISTING

Another One
Fly Shhh ft Gloss Up
Get It
Ghetto Love
Can’t FWM
Dollas
Lick The Cat

Follow Big Boss Vette on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and Spotify.

Jey Blessing – Decimal

LISTEN HERE
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Jey Blessing unleashes his latest single titled “Decimal.” The song disrupts the urban scene with its groundbreaking approach, pushing the genre’s boundaries to new limits. This release marks a momentous evolution in the artist’s career, showcasing his remarkable talent for reinventing his sound and elevating it to unexplored heights.

According to Jey Blessing, “‘Decimal’ is a title that embodies the transformation and shifting dynamics in my life. It signifies the concept of change and adapting to new circumstances. Similar to a decimal’s precision in representing a fraction, the song mirrors my emotions and experiences during a phase where I find it essential to draw a clear boundary with my colleagues, redefining my artistic identity and presenting a distinct musical vision.”

Accompanied by a black and white visual concept, Jey Blessing establishes a fresh musical and lyrical identity, breaking away from the conventional norms. “Decimal” serves as an anthem for change and the quest for authenticity, encouraging the audience to wholeheartedly embrace transformation and remain true to themselves.

The artist further added, “In essence, ‘Decimal’ embodies a profound journey of self-discovery, transformation, and resilience – a process of redefining oneself amidst the expectations of others. It stands as an empowering anthem, encouraging you to embrace change and live authentically, boldly showcasing your unique individuality.”

The song was written by Jey Blessing, Kaylo, Fernando Nieves, and by Jacksel “Drippyy” Morales, who also served as the producer and recording engineer.

“Decimal” is already available on all digital platforms.

Jonas Brothers – The Tour

The Jonas Brothers take THE TOUR global, adding a massive 27 shows across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The new leg marks their first time performing in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Hamburg, Lyon, Munich, and Norway. The band also revealed a colossal extension in North America to their most ambitious outing with 26 new shows, bringing their biggest tour ever to 90 shows across 20 countries. Lawrence will join as support across the North American dates.

Produced by Live Nation, THE TOUR kicks off with two sold-out nights at Yankee Stadium on August 12 and 13. The band will perform five albums every night full of hits from their entire catalog in 86 cities throughout the globe, such as Paris, Milan, London, Dublin, Sydney, Auckland, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and many more.

NORTH AMERICA TICKETS:

Tickets for this run of shows will be in high demand, therefore the Verified Fan presale will be fans’ best shot at tickets. The tour is using this platform in order to ensure tickets get into the hands of fans directly. Fans can register now through Monday, July 31 at 10pm ET for the Verified Fan presale HERE. Fans who are selected to receive an access code will be able to participate in the Verified Fan presale starting Thursday, August 3. More information on Verified Fan can be found HERE. A limited number of tickets will be available during the general onsale beginning on Friday, August 4 at 10am local at jonasbrothers.com.

EUROPE TICKETS:

Tickets will be available starting with local presales beginning on Wednesday, August 2. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, August 4 at 10am local time at jonasbrothers.com.

AUSTRALIA + NEW ZEALAND TICKETS:

Tickets will be available starting with local presales beginning on Friday, August 4. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Tuesday, August 8 at 1pm local time at jonasbrothers.com.

JONAS BROTHERS ‘THE TOUR’ 2023 DATES:

Sat Aug 12 – Bronx, NY – Yankee Stadium
Sun Aug 13 – Bronx, NY – Yankee Stadium
Tue Aug 15 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Wed Aug 16 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Thu Aug 17 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
Sat Aug 19 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
Tue Aug 22 — Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Thu Aug 24 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Fri Aug 25 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field*
Sun Aug 27 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
Wed Aug 30 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field
Fri Sep 01 – Saint Paul, MN – Minnesota State Fair
Sun Sep 03 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Wed Sep 06 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
Fri Sep 08 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
Sat Sep 09 – Los Angeles, CA – Dodger Stadium
Mon Sep 11 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Thu Sep 14 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Sat Sep 16 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
Mon Sep 18 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Thu Sep 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Fri Sep 22 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Sat Sep 23 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Mon Sep 25 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Tue Sep 26 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
Thu Sep 28 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
Sat Sep 30 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Sun Oct 01 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Tue Oct 03 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
Thu Oct 05 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
Sat Oct 07 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Mon Oct 09 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Tue Oct 10 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena
Thu Oct 12 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
Fri Oct 13 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
Sat Oct 14 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
Mon Oct 16 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
Wed Oct 18 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena – NEW SHOW
Fri Oct 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena – NEW SHOW
Sun Oct 22 – Austin, TX – Moody Center – NEW SHOW
Mon Oct 23 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center – NEW SHOW
Fri Oct 27 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena – NEW SHOW
Sat Oct 28 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena – NEW SHOW
Sun Oct 29 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center – NEW SHOW
Thu Nov 02 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center – NEW SHOW
Sat Nov 04 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center – NEW SHOW
Sun Nov 05 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Arena – NEW SHOW
Tue Nov 07 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena – NEW SHOW
Thu Nov 09 – Portland, OR – Moda Center – NEW SHOW
Fri Nov 10 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena – NEW SHOW
Sat Nov 11 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena – NEW SHOW^
Tue Nov 14 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place – NEW SHOW^
Thu Nov 16 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre – NEW SHOW^
Fri Nov 17 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center – NEW SHOW
Sun Nov 19 – St Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center – NEW SHOW
Mon Nov 20 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum – NEW SHOW
Tue Nov 21 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena – NEW SHOW
Mon Nov 27 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center – NEW SHOW
Wed Nov 29 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre – NEW SHOW^
Fri Dec 01 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre – NEW SHOW^
Sat Dec 02 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena – NEW SHOW
Sun Dec 03 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena – NEW SHOW
Wed Dec 06 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center – NEW SHOW
Sat Dec 09 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center – NEW SHOW
Tue Feb 27 – Auckland, New Zealand – Spark Arena – NEW SHOW
Fri Mar 01 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena – NEW SHOW
Sat Mar 02 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena – NEW SHOW
Tue Mar 05 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre – NEW SHOW
Fri Mar 08 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena – NEW SHOW
Sat Mar 09 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena – NEW SHOW
Sat May 18 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum – NEW SHOW
Mon May 20 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena – NEW SHOW
Tue May 21 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena – NEW SHOW
Wed May 22 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena – NEW SHOW
Sat May 25 – Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi – NEW SHOW
Mon May 27 – Lyon, France – LDLC Arena – NEW SHOW
Tue May 28 – Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum – NEW SHOW
Thu May 30 – Krakow, Poland – TAURON Arena – NEW SHOW
Sat Jun 01 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle – NEW SHOW
Sun Jun 02 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 arena – NEW SHOW
Mon Jun 03 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle – NEW SHOW
Tue Jun 04 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion – NEW SHOW
Fri Jun 07 – Paris, France – Accor Arena – NEW SHOW
Sat Jun 08 – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis – NEW SHOW
Mon Jun 10 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome – NEW SHOW
Wed Jun 12 – London, United Kingdom – The O2 – NEW SHOW
Sat Jun 15 – Birmingham, United Kingdom – Utilita Arena – NEW SHOW
Sun Jun 16 – Glasgow, United Kingdom – OVO Hydro – NEW SHOW
Mon Jun 17 – Manchester, United Kingdom – Co-op Live Arena – NEW SHOW
Wed Jun 19 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena – NEW SHOW
Thu Jun 20 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – SSE Arena – NEW SHOW

VIP: The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium reserved tickets, invitation to the pre-show VIP Lounge, specially designed Jonas Brothers VIP gift items & more. For additional information, visit vipnation.com for North America and vipnation.eu for Europe.

NLE CHOPPA – HOT IN HERRE

This summer is about to get HOT! Memphis-bred rap phenom NLE Choppa reimagines the Nelly classic “Hot In Herre” on his brand new single and music video “It’s Getting Hot” out now via NLE Entertainment/Warner Records. Listen HERE and watch HERE.

Powered by the instantly recognizable hook and production of Nelly’s original, NLE Choppa delivers racy and raw bars in an up-tempo flow punctuated by quotable ad-libs. He leans into the timeless turn-of-the-century vibe, while infusing it with his own undeniable attitude. In the accompanying visual, he dons a headband, Nikes, and a band-aid to turn up at a pool party.

It lands in the wake of the high-energy dance video for “STOMP EM OUT” with Duke Deuce.” Previous videos include “Cold Game” [feat. Rick Ross] and “Champions,” which boasted cameos from sports legends Mike Tyson, Angel Reese, Odell Beckham Jr., Floyd Mayweather, Jewell Lloyd, Michael Andrew, and LeBron James, among many more. They adorn his acclaimed new album Cottonwood 2 (Deluxe)—available now. Listen HERE.

Hit single “Ain’t Gonna Answer” ft. Lil Wayne is #1 at Urban Radio, with 40.1M streams and 4.8M views for the video. At the same time, Choppa has fueled one of the hottest smashes of the summer. Shining on a standout from the Fast X Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, he linked up with Kodak Black, Jimin of BTS, JVKE, & Muni Long for the banger “Angel Pt 1.” It has already reeled in a staggering 109 million streams in addition to 33 million YouTube views on the music video.

Taking over 2023, Choppa also graced the covers of both TMRW and Pause Mag. Summing up his trajectory, TMRW asserted, “a moment is something he’s undoubtedly achieved,” and Pause Mag observed, “NLE Choppa is an inspirational, hyper-aware 20-year-old that has grown to understand his true purpose and one who’s “so grateful” for all that he has accomplished.”

FOLLOW NLE CHOPPA:

Sofia Reyes × Danna Paola

Listen To “tqum (te quiero un montón) remix ft. Kim Petras” HERE

Two of Mexico’s biggest pop sensations, Sofia Reyes and Danna Paola, are set to conquer global stages with an exciting new collaboration, enlisting hyperpop royalty Kim Petras to join them on an unforgettable bilingual remix of their chart-topping hit, “tqum (te quiero un montón).”

Taking the first verse, Petras injects her catchy, lovelorn vocals to the captivating single with flair and ease, giving the track a new dimension while retaining what has made the track such a gigantic hit. The popstar adds a unique and dynamic element to the track, further solidifying its potential as a cross-genre hit. Petras is hot on the heels of the enormous success of her Sam Smith collaboration “Unholy”—with over 1.2 billion streams on Spotify alone—as well as her album Feed The Beast, making her one of the biggest stars worldwide right now. Her presence will project “tqum” to an even wider audience.

Sofía and Danna revealed on the red carpet of Premios Juventud—where they performed the track for the first time live to close the night, becoming the biggest highlight of the ceremony—how the remix came together: Kim became a fan of the song, using it on her social media. When Sofía reached out to her to do a new version. Kim jumped at the chance, excited to guest on her recent favorite song. She then went to the studio with Sofía and producer Thom Bridges—who also produced the original version—where they FaceTimed Danna so everyone could be present for the moment.

“tqum (te quiero un montón)” has already amassed millions of streams and captivated audiences across the Spanish-speaking world with its heartfelt lyrics and catchy chorus. This summer’s dominant hit song, “tqum,” has swiftly captivated audiences around the world. Now, this new remix, with its energetic beats and seamless bilingual blend, is ready to conquer new territories and bring the joy of Latin pop to a global stage.

“tqum” will be included in Sofia’s forthcoming album due later in 2023. The full length will also include “Luna”, which sees the singer embrace nature and the power of feminine divinity in a heartfelt and celestial love song. “tqum” was written by Sofia, Danna, K. Sotomayor, and Thom Bridges; it was produced by Bridges. Rolling Stone hailed the as-yet-untitled album as “the beginning of a new era […] after an excellent, cumbia-filled album, Mal De Amores.”

SAWEETIE – TWO NEW TRACKS

Grammy®-nominated artist Saweetie releases two new singles that are sure to make waves in music and pop culture. She joins forces with fellow rap luminaries YG and Tyga for the club-ready new single “Birthday” and turns all the way up on “Shot O’ Clock.” Listen HERE via ICY/Warner Records. True to form, the Cali MC’s latest smashes sizzles with bravado and suggestive innuendo — making it the perfect soundtrack to any celebration. That joyous tone comes through in the accompanying “Birthday” video, which finds the trio ready to party. Watch it HERE.

“Comin’ live on my birthday, spendin’ hundred racks on a new chain,” Saweetie raps over a pulsing bassline. Her collaborators then tackle a verse a piece, each putting their own spin on the swaggering anthem. The final result is the kind of unstoppable club monster that demands people to move.

In the track’s suitably slick video, Saweetie serves eye-candy and attitude on her birthday and it’s clear she’s in control. Always the life of the party and a Goddess in true form, the video gives us a glimpse into lavish lifestyle and birthday shenanigans.

The follow-up track, “Shot O’Clock,” is a flip of Suzanne Vega’s seminal “Tom’s Diner.” It’s an upbeat nightclub anthem capturing the energy of partying all night long with friends. Since day one, Saweetie has shown an innate ability to captivate with her bold delivery and addictive, tell-it-like-it-is lyricism. Both songs demonstrate her versatile talent, seamlessly switching between punchy rap bars and catchy hooks. These two releases are just a taste of what we can expect from her highly anticipated debut album. With “Birthday” and “Shot O’ Clock,” the hip-hop heavyweight ups the ante by delivering bangers that’ll be in high rotation at parties for years to come.

Saweetie, YG, and TYGA will perform “Birthday” when they hit the road this fall for the “STR8 to the Klub Tour.” Spanning 13 West Coast cities in North America, the California rappers will also enlist Kamiyah, Wallie The Sensai, and DJ Vision as supporting acts. For more information and tickets visit www.saweetie.com

FOLLOW SAWEETIE:

ZEDD + JOHN SUMMIT

GRAMMY® award-winning global superstar Zedd, has released his official remix of John Summit’s hit single “Where You Are” featuring UK artist Hayla. The wait is finally over as this uplifting remix takes listeners on a nostalgic journey back to the timeless roots of Zedd’s signature sound, unleashing a surge of intense emotions. Listen now via Off The Grid/Darkroom Records HERE.

In recent months, “Where You Are” has undeniably emerged as the anthem of the year, captivating both fans and dance music enthusiasts alike. The track’s exceptional reception, including its electrifying moments during Zedd’s intros at major music festivals like Ultra Music Festival Miami and EDC Las Vegas, has solidified its position as a crowd-favorite and a must-play sensation. Reaffirming Zedd’s musical superiority, this remix seamlessly blends elements of progressive house and electro-pop, striking the perfect balance between infectious energy and poignant moments that will resonate with listeners worldwide.

Peaking at #1 Dance Song in the US at Dance Radio and #9 on the Billboard Hot Dance/ Electronic charts, with over 66M global streams. “Where You Are” has gained respect from numerous DJ’s all over the world, who have recently incorporated the track into their sets at all major festivals. The remix is now available on all major streaming platforms, and fans can expect to hear it throughout all of festival season. So far this summer, John Summit sold out 3 nights at New York’s Brooklyn Mirage and has kicked off his Las Vegas residency with Tao Group (Hakkasan, Tao Beach, Marquee Day/Nightclub). Next weekend, he will continue his festival fun by headlining Hard Summer alongside Kaskade and playing Life Is Beautiful Festival, Elements Music & Arts Festival, and more as well as gearing up for his European summer tour run. Fans can buy tickets HERE for the newly added dates along with many more global tour dates that have recently been announced.

To Buy or Stream Zedd “Where You Are” Remix:

Johnsummit.lnk.to/WYAZeddRemix

Follow John Summit:

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK

Follow Zedd:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | TIKTOK

CHIKA – THE ALBUM

CHIKA RELEASES AMBITIOUS AND DEEPLY PERSONAL DEBUT SAMSON: THE ALBUM.

LISTEN HERE

FEATURING STEVIE WONDER, SNOOP DOGG, LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, AND FREDDIE GIBBS

Grammy®-nominated artist CHIKA releases her visionary debut SAMSON: The Album. A bold yet disarmingly vulnerable exploration of the rapper’s hopes and fears, the record showcases her unmatched intensity and flawless flow. “SAMSON is an album for people who know their worth and value despite the standards that they’re used to,” CHIKA says of her hotly anticipated debut. Listen HERE via Warner Records.

That concept of a person stepping into their power resonates across the album. From the opening track, “Overture,” a collaboration with theater giant Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s clear that CHIKA is determined to right past wrongs and speak her truth at every possible opportunity. To do so, she uses Samson, the biblical warrior, as her avatar — while still keeping a distinctly autobiographical tone. Take the recent single “MAD,” which references her experiences in the music industry.

“Perpetual chip on my shoulder, I’m tired of faking this shit like a poser,” CHIKA raps over soaring brass, synths, and menacing beats. “Attention is lost in a second, these battles are endless — I’m built like a soldier.” She then riffs even harder on fame and the creative process on “DEMIGOD” (“I am what I am and that shit worked perfect man”), before looking deeper inward on the startlingly raw “Requiem For a Dream,” her first new single this year.

“Often I just wanna cry,” CHIKA raps over the beat, which pairs the gothic, technical architecture of drill production to a lilting lullaby-like melody, before she ominously laments: “My family can’t take another goodbye.” While the album never shies away from pain and raw emotion, there’s also room for bold, buoyant experimentation on tracks like the Freddie Gibbs-assisted “TRUTH OR DARE” and the raunchy and wholly unfiltered “TAP.”

CHIKA also revels in comradery with her hip-hop cohorts, tapping Snoop Dogg for “UNC’S INTERLUDE” and Wale for the touching “BROTHER’S BETRAYAL.” Perhaps the most striking collaboration is the joyous album closer “GET HERE,” which boasts R&B legend Stevie Wonder on harmonica. “Who else can say, ‘My debut album has Stevie Wonder on it?,'” the Alabama-raised hitmaker quips of a track that succinctly underlines her esteem and standing in the game.

Though CHIKA hadn’t released a project since 2021, the impact of her previous work still ripples through the music world. Her 2020 debut EP Industry Games not only landed her on XXL’s coveted Freshman cover but earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. In 2021, she followed that record with Once Upon a Time, an EP that showcased her powerful storytelling and raw skills.

SAMSON: THE ALBUM TRACKLIST:

OVERTURE (feat. Lin-Manuel Miranda)
INTRO
REQUIEM FOR A DREAM
TRUTH OR DARE w/ Freddie Gibbs
OUTRO
DEMIGOD
NIGHT 4
AWARDS
MAD
PRODIGY
Intermission
SHOW ME
PLAIN JANE
TAP
HURT
UNC’S INTERLUDE (feat. Snoop Dogg)
BLIND
BROTHER’S BETRAYAL
DELILAH
GET HERE (feat. Stevie Wonder)

FOLLOW CHIKA:

STARTER + MLB

On Tuesday, July 25th, Starter × Major League Baseball brought back an icon, and it felt like the entire city was celebrating. The Return of the Bronx Bubble Jacket, a literal 90’s street style icon, is back with a limited edition drop – just in time for the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and the Subway Series.

The MLB Flagship Store was transformed into the Starter Pop Up for #TheReturnOfTheBronxBubble, with a special performance by Jadakiss and Funk Flex. The stars we’re in the building! The who’s who of hip hop, fashion, culture, music, sports and the NYC “it” crowd packed the house to catch the unveiling, score the presale, check out the nostalgic installations and of course- watch Jada perform!

The Limited Edition Bronx Bubble Jacket is available now at MLB Flagship Store at Rockefeller Center for just one week ONLY. Available in three teams (Yankees, Mets, Brooklyn) and three colors (Gold, Silver, Blue) for each and retailing for $300. This November the jacket will officially drop at the MLB Flagship, Starter.com and specialty retail stores across the country.

A Yankee hat. Timberlands. And the Starter Bronx Bubble jacket. It doesn’t get more New York than that. Steeped in nostalgia, these iconic pieces are the epitome of 90’s and 2000’s fashion. Starter, one of most recognizable and authentic sports apparel companies in the world, is tapping into that nostalgia– the energy was palpable!

Starter and Major League Baseball Join Forces Again to Re-Release Iconic Bronx Bubble Jacket

Celebrating Famed Limited Edition Drop with Star-Studded Bash Featuring Jadakiss and DJ Funk Flex at the MLB NYC Flagship Store

Starter, one the most iconic, innovative, and authentic sports apparel companies in the world, is collaborating with Major League Baseball to re-release a limited edition drop of the legendary Bronx Bubble jacket. Launched in 1971, Starter changed the face of the sports apparel industry forever and is intrinsically linked to MLB through countless licensing deals.

“The Bronx Bubble is widely recognized as an iconic and timeless piece of cultural legacy,” said Carl Banks, President of G-III sports apparel group. “Collaborating with MLB for this limited edition drop is a full circle moment. We are simultaneously bringing back this style staple while paying homage to the culture.”

Fans will have the chance to own the famed jacket, which is re-releasing just in time for the Subway Series, Fall 2023 season and the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

Steeped in nostalgia, the beloved Bronx Bubble Jacket quickly transcended the sports world to become the epitome of 90’s streetwear and an iconic touchstone, perfectly capturing the intersection of sports, music and culture. The original old jackets are difficult to find and brand recognition still runs strong. With the resurgence of the 90’s influencing current fashion, style seekers constantly scour resale sites and vintage stores not only for original Starter, but for other heritage and vintage brands as well.

To celebrate this iconic release, Starter and the MLB NYC Flagship Store are throwing an epic bash on Tuesday, July 25th from 2-6 p.m. featuring a performance by Jadakiss at 5 p.m., DJ Funk Flex spinning nostalgic hits throughout, an exclusive preview of the Bronx Bubble, first access to the presale and nostalgic installations. Following the event, Starter will execute a full takeover of the MLB NYC Flagship Store at Rockefeller Center running through July 30th.

Throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, the Bronx Bubble Jacket soared to cultural icon status, embraced by hip-hop artists and trendsetters across the nation. Fans such as Justin Bieber, LL Cool J, Eddie Murphy in Coming to America, Brooke Shields, Puffy, Will Smith, Run DMC, Jay-Z, Eminem, Missy Elliott, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Pink, Spike Lee, Cal Ripken Jr., Darryl Strawberry, Don Mattingly and countless others

elevated the jacket’s cultural significance. Its triumphant return means anyone can now own a piece of history.

The Bronx Bubble Jacket makes its presale debut timed to the Subway Series with featured classic NYC teams Yankees, Mets and Brooklyn Dodgers each offered in Gold, Silver and Blue. Retailing for $300 and available for purchase at Starter.com, MLB NYC Flagship Store, and specialty retailers across the country in November with limited numbers available via presale at the launch event and Starter MLB Flagship Store takeover from July 25-30.

Photo: Blue Pictoral