Posts tagged with "Alex John"

Isaac Dunbar – Fool’s Paradise

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Isaac Dunbar released his latest single, “Fool’s Paradise,” out now via RCA Records. Written and produced by Isaac, the emotive, piano-driven ballad examines the complexities of unrequited love. Propelled by Isaac’s melodic vocals, “Fool’s Paradise” is an operatic exploration of disillusionment and what happens when one no longer ignores the red flags waving in front of them.

“I wrote ‘Fool’s Paradise’ about my struggle between discerning what is real and what is fake with the relationships in my life,” says Isaac. “It’s about the process of waking up to mistreatment, manipulation and reading in between the lines. It’s about breaking those cycles. ‘Fool’s Paradise’ is a song for the delusional girls.”

Joining the previously released rebellious pop-anthem “Bleach” and the disco-infused “Tainted Love,” “Fool’s Paradise” serves as the latest release off Isaac’s highly anticipated forthcoming EP, Banish The Banshee. A series of sonic parables inspired by love, loss, shame, and joy, Banish The Banshee is a conceptual body of work that illustrates the stories of Isaac’s life so far through the lens of his alter-ego, the banshee.

Banish The Banshee is out May 27 via RCA Records, pre-order it HERE.

About Isaac Dunbar

19-year-old Isaac Dunbar has carved out a spectacular and unique lane as one of the most critically heralded emerging artists of his generation. After supporting girl in red on her North American and European run of shows in 2019, he released his highly anticipated debut EP, balloons don’t float here. It garnered the attention of notable tastemakers like Zane Lowe, The FADER, Hypebeast and Lyrical Lemonade, who called it “a display of pop mastery.” Hailing from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, his music melds complex sounds and atmospheric, beat-driven production to create melodic and introspective tracks with potent hooks. He makes lush, synth-driven music, which he writes, performs and produces himself.

In 2020, with his newly inked deal with RCA Records, he released his critically acclaimed EP, isaac’s insects, which garnered over 48 million streams worldwide. Billboard called it a “stunning major label debut” and led his track “makeup drawer” to be featured in NPR‘s “Best Music of 2020” list. His third EP, evil twin, was released at the top of 2021 and saw support from the likes of Earmilk, who declared it a “defiant pop record,” along with features in PAPER Magazine, SPIN, American Songwriter, E! News and more, while amassing over 38 million streams worldwide. Last fall, Dunbar hit the road on his first-ever North American headlining tour, which included a sold-out show in New York and a performance at the All Things Go Festival in Washington, DC. With new music to come in 2022, Dunbar’s future shines brighter than ever before.

Deante’ Hitchcock – Alone

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Grammy-nominated Atlanta rapper Deante’ Hitchcock released “Alone,” his new single out now via ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records. The slow cut, driven by the sensuous strum of guitar strings, finds Deante’ weighing the risks of letting his guard down for a potential love interest or whether they are both better off alone.

“We’re so busy trying to be understood we forget how to be understanding,” said Deante’. “Everybody’s trying to figure this thing out, but it’s so hard, man. On one end, it’s like I’m better off alone, so I don’t have to deal with anyone else’s shit, but it’s also like damn, I’m better off alone to not have to deal with my shit either. But I’m trying, ya know.”

The latest in a run of relationship-driven releases set to come from Deante’ this year, “Alone” follows his Valentine’s Day-themed EP Everyday The 14th in February, which received critical acclaim. Featured by XXL, Hypebeast, HipHopDX, Okayplayer, and more as one of the ‘Best New Releases of the Week,’ Lyrical Lemonade praised the project, noting that it “further solidifies Deante’ Hitchcock’s immense skill and versatility as an artist,” while The Source called the EP a “tight, solid listen for returning fans and newcomers alike.”

Last week, Deante’ also announced the launch of The Mother God Project in partnership with local Atlanta nonprofit Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs Inc. (ACE) Women’s Business Center. Powered by Deante’, The Mother God Project will provide assistance to 100 women within the community in order to successfully launch their own businesses. The selected participants will each have the opportunity to obtain their own LLCs within Atlanta, in addition to receiving one-on-one coaching and training.

About Deante’ Hitchcock

With several impressive EPs under his lyrical belt (Good, So Much for Good Luck, Just A Sample, Just A Sample 2), in 2019, Deante’ secured a highly coveted spot on the Grammy-nominated J. Cole and Dreamville compilation album, Revenge Of The Dreamers III, which is currently RIAA-certified Platinum. He released his debut album BETTER on ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records in 2020, featuring the single “How TF” feat. 6LACK and collaborations with JID, Young Nudy, Miguel, and St. Beauty. Following suit with the deluxe version of BETTER later that year, which featured appearances from Guapdad 4000, Kenny Mason, Ro James, and more, the project solidified Deante’ as a must-watch artist within the next wave of Southern rap, garnering critical acclaim and ‘Best of 2020’ placements across Complex, NPR, XXL, and UPROXX.

Goya Menor × Nektunez – Ameno Amapiano Remix

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Goya Menor and Nektunez unveil the music video for their viral hit single, “Ameno Amapiano Remix (You Wanna Bamba),” out now via B1 Recordings/Sony Music UK/RCA Records.

With a fusion of choral vocals and deep house, jazz, and lounge sounds, the song went viral in December and less than two months later reports over 5 million daily YouTube views, hit over 10 million streams on Spotify, and reached #2 on the global Shazam charts. The hype was triggered on TikTok, where the remix has inspired more than 3 million creations on the platform that collectively have been watched an astonishing 8 billion times.

Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal have all joined in on the Ameno Challenge, following the Kalin Brothers’ original post in December, which has been viewed over 55 million times to date. It’s long overdue that the official video for the viral hit track is released and finally gets its masterminds Goya Menor and Nektunez together in front of the camera. When the Kalin Brothers agreed to fly out to Lagos to be part of the production, the official video shoot turned into a full circle moment for everyone.

Shot in Lagos and directed by renowned filmmaker Moe Musa who has worked with the likes of Davido and Wizkid, the video introduces the artists who have become world-famous overnight in stunning mystical settings. Along the way, a misunderstanding is cleared up: lines like “You want to bamba—you wanna chill with the big boys” are not party talk, but Goya’s warning to the youth not to lose themselves in religious cults and other seductions.

About Goya Menor

Born in Nigeria, Goya Menor is an Afro-Fusion artist who has continued to gain traction before breaking through with “Ameno Amapiano Remix (You Wanna Bamba).” A promising artist, Goya comes armed with energy, diversity, and above all, hype and vibes.

About Nektunez

At the remix controls is Nektunez, a US-based Ghanaian producer, singer, songwriter, and composer who has spent years honing his signature sound while studying politics. Having recently signed a deal with B1 Recordings, he says: “It was always my dream to work with Sony—especially with someone like Wolfgang Boss, who helped Kygo, among others, to break through, one of my musical idols. I’m looking forward to an exciting journey and sharing my music with the world.”

Deante’ Hitchcock – Everyday the Fourteenth

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Grammy-nominated Atlanta rapper Deante’ Hitchcock released his latest EP, Everyday the 14th, out now via ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records.

An explorative journey of love and the dynamics of relationships, Everyday the 14th ebbs and flows across genres and influences, from the ’70s retro-funk-inspired opening interlude of “You Thought Wrong” to the seductive, late-night production of “Neck Up”and the melodic R&B stylings of “Eyes On Me” and “Don’t Say.” Championing the next round of rising artists by tapping up-and-comers such as singer-songwriter Bairi and rappers Chris Patrick and Dende for features, Everyday the 14th is centered by Deante’s signature Southern rap sound and quick-witted lyricism, culminating in a multi-faceted body of work that examines love in its many forms.

“This EP is about not taking relationships, situationships, or whatever you’re in at the moment too seriously,” says Deante’ of the project. “Those times are fun, man, let it be that. It’s not always love, but sometimes it is. Only way to find out is to find out, right? This year a lot of my music is gonna be about finding out.”

Everday the 14th Tracklist

1. “You Thought Wrong”

2. “Neck Up” (feat. Bairi & Dende)

3. “Eyes On Me” (feat. DaVionne & JaelSpeaks)

4. “Don’t Say” (feat. Chris Patrick & ELHAE)

About Deante’ Hitchcock

Introspective. Talented. Lyricist. These are just a few words to describe Grammy-nominated Atlanta artist Deante’ Hitchcock. After dropping out of Georgia Southern University, Deante’ decided that rap was his only option and began working harder than ever by releasing mixtapes and videos that created an undeniable buzz. His witty, charismatic social media freestyle videos generated attention, leading him to open for acts such as Lil Uzi Vert and Yo Gotti, and eventually led to a recording deal with Mark Pitts’ ByStorm Entertainment. With several impressive EPs under his lyrical belt (Good, So Much for Good Luck, Just A Sample, Just A Sample 2), in 2019, Deante’ secured a highly coveted spot on the Grammy-nominated J. Cole and Dreamville compilation album, Revenge Of The Dreamers III, which is currently RIAA-certified Platinum. He released his debut album BETTER on ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records in 2020, featuring the single “How TF” feat. 6LACK and collaborations with JID, Young Nudy, Miguel, and St. Beauty. Following suit with the deluxe version of BETTER later that year, which featured appearances from Guapdad 4000, Kenny Mason, Ro James, and more, the project solidified Deante’ as a must-watch artist within the next wave of Southern rap, garnering critical acclaim and ‘Best of 2020’ placements across Complex, NPR, XXL, and UPROXX.

Deante’ Hitchcock – Neck Up

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Grammy-nominated Atlanta rapper Deante’ Hitchcock celebrated Valentine’s Day with the release of “Neck Up,” the first single off his forthcoming EP, Everyday the 14th, out February 17 via ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records. Pre-save the EP HERE.

A blend of smooth, R&B-driven production juxtaposed against Deante’s slick, fast-paced lyrical flow and Southern drawl, “Neck Up” is a seductive recounting of late-night encounters and lustful longings. Featuring additional vocals from rising singer-songwriter Bairi and rapper Dende, “Neck Up” shifts perspectives throughout the track, exploring the wants and desires across both sides of the relationship.

Says Deante’ of the track, “there’s something about selfless acts that can put a smile on someone’s face, bring peace to a stressful day, and add color to a dreary world.”

About Deante’ Hitchcock

With several impressive EPs under his lyrical belt (Good, So Much for Good Luck, Just A Sample, Just A Sample 2), in 2019, Deante’ secured a highly coveted spot on the Grammy-nominated J. Cole and Dreamville compilation album, Revenge Of The Dreamers III, which is currently RIAA-certified Platinum. He released his debut album BETTER on ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records in 2020, featuring the single “How TF” feat. 6LACK and collaborations with JID, Young Nudy, Miguel, and St. Beauty. Following suit with the deluxe version of BETTER later that year, which featured appearances from Guapdad 4000, Kenny Mason, Ro James, and more, the project solidified Deante’ as a must-watch artist within the next wave of Southern rap, garnering critical acclaim and ‘Best of 2020’ placements across Complex, NPR, XXL, and UPROXX.

Will Claye – Wee Hours Music Video

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Fresh off participating in this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, hip-hop artist and Olympic medalist Will Claye releases the stunning visual for his single, “Wee Hours,” out now via Red Bull Records. Written by Claye, “Wee Hours” was produced by Grammy-winning songwriter and producer DJ Khalil, best known for his work with Jay-Z, Kanye West, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and more.

The strength of “Wee Hours” lies in Claye‘s introspective and poignant lyrics, which he delivers with a West Coast-influenced flair. The cinematic music video companion echoes this, drawing inspiration from his own experiences. “I wanted to speak for people whose voices have been suppressed,” says Claye. “I want to inspire my people and show them that even through all the horrific things we have gone through as a people, we can make it through and rise above it all.”

Adorned in his Olympic medals amidst a field of sunflowers, the visual cuts back and forth between Claye and a younger version of himself. Set in the orange-hued glow of his family’s home, the video shows young Will as he goes through the motions of his day. The video soon takes a darker tone, as Will steps outside and witnesses a police officer chase a Black man onto his yard. As the officer moves to pull out his gun, the man is saved by three guardian angels driving by, as the video closes with the powerful message of “our angels are always watching over us.”

The release of “Wee Hours” follows the debut of Elevate, the documentary from Red Bull. The short film follows Claye as he trains for the Olympics and records new music, working to make his mark on the world. As his moment in the spotlight parallels a cultural boiling point surrounding racial injustice, Claye seeks to use his voice to inspire his community’s youth, serving as a positive role model for the next generation. Watch HERE.

About Will Claye

Three-time Olympic medalist Will Claye started his path as a world-class athlete. By way of track and field, he was able to move into starting his brand ELEVATE, music and philanthropy. Will’s brand grew largely at the London Games in 2012, where he earned a bronze medal in the long jump and a silver medal in the triple jump to become the first man since 1936 and the first American since 1904 to obtain medals in both events. The Phoenix, AZ native of Sierra Leone-descent solidified himself as the #3 triple jumper of all time in 2019 and at the same time released an EP, WEST SIDE STORY, and single “TMS.”

The catalyst for Will’s music career came from artist YG inviting him to the studio and the pair creating IDGAF, what is now known as a classic West Coast record. From there, Will began to create his own lane and his own sound, taking inspiration from Bob Marley, Andre 3000, Snoop Dogg, DJ Quick, Pharrell, Jay Z, Nipsey Hussle, Kendrick Lamar, and Nate Dogg. With a wide array of influences, Will has created a sound that is eclectic and diverse, based on how he is feeling and what is going on in life. He is a rare combination of talent and genuine humility, recognizing that he can use his status as an artist and professional athlete to help others.

Kyle Banks – Bad Bih

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Red Bull Records is thrilled to announce the latest artist to join its roster, rising R&B singer Kyle Banks. The West Coast crooner has established himself as a formidable new voice, previously collaborating with fellow LA artists such as Bino Rideaux, Cozz, and Kalan..

To commemorate his signing, Banks kicks off this new chapter with the release of his first label single, “Bad Bih.” Produced by GRAMMY Award-nominated duo Meez and LouieJi–known for their work off Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers III–the single is laden with palpable charisma and slick swagger, opening with a smooth guitar riff and an infectious hook.

“Kyle Banks lives his craft and brings exceptional talent to Red Bull Records. Our A&R team continues to identify groundbreaking talent as our Vice President, Charles “CB” Burks, believed in Kyle’s work and potential,” says Senior Vice President/Head of A&R, Kenny ‘Tick’ Salcido, of the signing. “With Kyle’s incredible production team, a great voice, and skill for writing authentic lyrics, we have a recipe for a career artist.”

“‘Bad Bih’ is about coming up with that one person who experiences you going from your lowest to your highest,” says Kyle Banks about his inspiration behind the track. “It’s a ‘rags to riches’ story, and being loyal makes you a bad B.”

Banks has also released the cinematic music video for “Bad Bih,” which draws from his own experiences of being Black in America. Directed by Blu, the video switches back and forth between intimate, sun-drenched scenes of Kyle and his love interest, juxtaposed in stark contrast against video and camera footage of Kyle as he’s pulled over by a police officer and subjected to harassment and racial profiling.

About Kyle Banks

Rather than traffic in a pre-existing lane, Kyle Banks paves a path of his own, twisting up R&B with laidback West Coast bounce, unapologetic ambition, and show-stopping vocals. The Los Angeles native cinematically spins true underdog stories with no shortage of detail, allowing you to pull up alongside him. His independent debut single “Time Go” gained traction, and he opened for Phora’s Love Is Hell tour. In 2020, he lit up the game with his EP Green Light, and critical acclaim followed with RESPECT. Magazine dubbing him a “rising R&B star.” After independently amassing hundreds of thousands of streams and views, Banks signed to Red Bull Records in the wake of his success and is set to showcase his inimitable and irresistibly captivating style on a series of singles and a project debut later this year.

BLXST LAUNCHES CURATED GUIDE TO LOS ANGELES

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Now Available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

LINK: https://apple.co/BLXSTGUIDELA

Today, rising hip-hop artist and burgeoning West Coast icon Blxst launches his Guide to Los Angeles in Apple Maps.

An immersive map personally curated by Blxst of his hometown, the Guide invites fans to experience Los Angeles through the eyes of the rapper, singer, and producer. Captured in stunning black and white images by renowned hip-hop photographer Travis Shinn – known for his portrait work as well as the iconic XXL Freshman covers, of which Blxst is a 2021 class member – the one-of-a-kind experience will guide users on a journey through some of Blxst’s favorite spots across the city.

“Excited to give my fans a closer look at my favorite spots in LA with this new Guide in Apple Maps,” says Blxst. “These businesses, restaurants, and shops are a great way to see and enjoy the city from my perspective.”

From local hidden haunts that defined his upbringing to must-visit independent and Black-owned businesses, Blxst’s Guide to Los Angeles spans various neighborhoods while spotlighting restaurants, shops, and other essential stops, including:

Coolkicksla – an essential stop for streetwear enthusiasts in Fairfax District, sporting sneakers, clothing, and gear
Crossroads Kitchen – modern vegan dining in Beverly Grove crafted by acclaimed chef Tal Ronnen
Earle’s Restaurant – a must-try restaurant that has served hot dogs, burgers, and vegan alternatives to the Crenshaw community for over three decades
Enigma Tattoo – the first Black-owned tattoo shop in Beverly Hills, founded by Kat Tat of Black Ink Crew
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area – an expansive state park located in the Baldwin Hills Mountains
Simply Wholesome – a Black-owned, family-operated health food store and restaurant located in Windsor Hills
Slauson Super Mall – a South Central staple and swap meet hosting a variety of vendors selling apparel, jewelry, and more
Westfield Culver City – formerly known as Fox Hills Mall, an outdoor shopping center located in Culver City that is home to stores, restaurants, and events

Further enhancing the experience, Blxst’s Guide to Los Angeles will be accompanied by a striking outdoor and digital campaign, creating an audio and visual journey through the city as Blxst sees it.

To experience Blxst’s Guide to Los Angeles on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, click here. Serving as a companion piece to the Guide, fans can also visit an interactive multi-media experience online where they will be immersed in ambient sounds of the city and hear Blxst tell stories about each location in his own words.

About Blxst

Blxst began his solo music career in Los Angeles in 2015, rapping, singing, writing, and producing. From self-editing his videos and artwork to mixing and mastering his sound, he’s been on an unstoppable run, gaining notoriety for his productions and collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, YG, Eric Bellinger, Mustard, G Perico, Mozzy, and Russ.

Last year saw the release of his highly anticipated debut EP, No Love Lost, an expansive and emotive collection of music inspired by past relationships and his hometown of Los Angeles. Paired with a four-part cinematic series of videos to bring the project’s overarching narrative to life, its quintessential West Coast vibe received acclaim from fans, press, and tastemakers, cited by Pigeons & Planes as “one of the best projects of 2020.”

With more than 500 million streams across his catalogue, including the breakout single “Chosen” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Tyga which has racked up over 95 million streams globally, Blxst has solidified his position as the next must-watch musician out of LA. Receiving praise from Billboard, BET, Complex, Pitchfork, and more, in 2021, Blxst was announced as an XXL Freshman Class member and an Amazon Breakthrough artist. This fall sees Blxst embarking on his first-ever North American headlining tour, which sold out in less than an hour.

About Guides in Apple Maps

Guides are curated lists from trusted brands and partners that offer recommendations for the best places to eat, shop, and explore around the world. Apple Maps now feature thousands of Guides from brands like FatMap, The Infatuation, National Park Foundation, Thrillist, and more. New Guides are continuously published in Maps, and they automatically update when new places are added, ensuring users have the latest recommendations.

Additionally, Apple users can save places to My Guides, create their own personal Guides, and share them with friends and family while planning a trip.

To view Guides on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, just open the link on that device. Apple users can also discover Editor’s Picks or browse through all Guides publishers by tapping the search bar when they open the Maps app.

Follow Blxst

Blxst and Bino Rideaux × Pop Out

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Following the release of their acclaimed summer mixtape, Sixtape 2, rising LA hip-hop artists Blxst and Bino Rideaux drop the music video for their single “Pop Out.” Set in the streets of Los Angeles, the fast-paced visual shows the two South Central artists as they drive through the city, culminating in a late-night party.

“‘Pop Out’ was a good tone to start with because Sixtape 2 was highly anticipated,” says Blxst. “It was kind of a double meaning, speaking to a female but also speaking to our fans.”

“‘Pop Out’ is just a testament to the amount of time it took us to double back for Part 2 as well as coming out of a pandemic,” says Bino Rideaux. “They been waiting on this and we have too. So we had to pop out one time.”

Serving as the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 release of Sixtape, which helped establish both artists as two of the West Coast’s must-watch talents, the release of Sixtape 2 has been met with both critical and fan acclaim, with over 20 million streams to date. Debuting at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and #117 on the Billboard Top 200, the project hit #4 on the Apple iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap Top Albums Chart, as well as #8 on Spotify’s Top 10 Album Debuts Chart in the US. Blxst and Bino celebrated the release with an interactive fan experience hosted by Rotation, Amazon Music’s global Hip-Hop and R&B brand. Inspired by the music video for their hit single “Movie,” both artists were able to give back to their community, providing over 300 free car washes to attendees.

Sixtape 2 is out now via Red Bull Records. Full tracklist is below and is available to stream on all platforms here.

WATCH MUSIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/uBy7Ubjv_n4
STREAM / DOWNLOAD: https://ffm.to/sixtape2

Janset × Oh Yes!

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Janset returns with a brand new video for her optimistic bilingual rap track, “Oh Yes!”. Watch the video here.

Directed by Ben Brook, the video opens following Janset in an off-license as she explains the Turkish phrase which helped inspire the track, ‘Tabii Ki De Gelecek’ (which translates as “Of course it will come/happen/become real”). The visual then sees Janset performing the track across various locations, showcasing her undeniable swagger and impressive flow.

“Oh Yes!” marks the latest release in a series of singles from various global artists to be released on Red Bull Records. Dedicated to discovering and showcasing talent on an international scale, Janset is the latest ground-breaking artist to partner with the label.

Speaking on “Oh Yes!”, Janset said; “I wanted to write a song about attracting good things in difficult times, and semi-highlighting that perception changes everything, therefore if we want to change our reality, we’ve got to first change our thoughts. A feel-good mantra of a song, which I hope would uplift people’s spirits. I was curious as to what makes other people shout ‘OH YES!’ too. As for me, it was a moment when things started to make sense… like an ‘ah-a’ moment creatively. When you believe in yourself… things fall into place.”

MC, rapper, and musician, Janset continually proves her versatility as a writer and lyricist. With a string of solo releases in recent years, Janset has demonstrated her ability to transcend genre and fearlessness around trying new sounds – from grime and alternative hip-hop to trap and jazz – her thought-provoking words and powerful flow always stealing the show.

Raised in North London – by Turkish/Circassian parents who’d migrated to the UK in the ’80s, Janset has continued to develop her writing to incorporate both languages and has amassed supporters in both Turkey and the UK – taking on more creative control than ever before and shooting videos that depict parallels between the lifestyles of Istanbul and London.

“Oh Yes!” throws down a powerful marker of Janset’s exciting culture-blending sound and sees her ready to take center stage as an exciting artist to watch in 2021.