Posts tagged with "culture magazine"

Doechii releases new music via 360 MAGAZINE

DOECHII – NICE

Tampa native Doechii drops ‘Bitch I’m Nice.’ Listen HERE.

Recently named a 2022 XXL FreshmanDoechii slayed two provocative television performances of her hits Persuasive and Crazy One on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and the other on the mainstage on the BET Awards, of which Vulture stated, “While everyone in L.A. Microsoft Theater rose to their feet, I felt invigorated, like I could kick someone’s ass Doechii’s fiery performance didn’t just snatch her own wig: It snatched everybody’s.”

The Swamp Princess also performed at the prestigious Essence Festival in New Orleans, was nabbed as the RADAR US Cover Artist at Spotify, the VEVO DSCVR Artist for June, the BET Artist of the Month for June, named a Billboard Queer Game-Changer for Pride, and now as MTV’s Push Artist for July.

Rolling Stone and The LA Times named Persuasive as one of the ‘Best Songs Of 2022.’ Further, Complex listed Crazy as one of the Best Songs of 2022 and NPR chose her as an artist to watch, stating “Crazy lets us know she’s coming in swinging.” Both tracks have amassed 20 million streams.

Persuasive and Crazy and are testament to the breadth of Doechii’s sound and talents. In 2020, she dominated the internet with her debut EP, Oh the Places You’ll Go. Subsequently, in 2021 on Spotify, BRA-LESS as well as Yucky Blucky Fruitcake have garnered over 35 million plays.

Lastly, Isaiah Rashad’s Wat U Sed f/ Doechii was positively mentioned in Complex, XXL, Rolling Stone, Pigeons & Planes and Hiphopdx.

Follow Doechii:

Instagram Twitter TikTok Website

Andre Colquhoun headshot

Spotlight: ANDRE COLQUHOUN

Andre Colquhoun is a Canadian actor, filmmaker, and musical artist. He can be seen in the Amazon Prime TV series The Expanse, Season 6 Episode 5 as the character Ceres Medic. The role is a minor principal role, but critical to the story, aiding character Josep, played by actor Samer Salem. In addition, Andre will be in the upcoming Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+ as well as other major TV series.

Aside from acting, Andre has a deep love for filmmaking and music, with both being essential to his work as an artist. He recently created, directed, and starred in the 10-minute short film/music video Short Term. It features gorgeous cinematography, great direction, and grounded performance. The project is soulful, yet multifaceted, with multiple interpretations for the audience to examine and evaluate.

Andre’s ability to perform both in front of and behind the camera is a tremendous, rare talent he looks forward to embracing in future projects.

Andre Colquhoun in 360 magazine article.

JOY OLADOKUN – SUNDAY

JOY OLADOKUN DEBUTS SPOTIFY SINGLES SESSION

FEATURES NEW VERSIONS OF “SUNDAY” AND BONNIE RAITT’S “I CAN’T MAKE YOU LOVE ME” FEAT. JASON ISBELL
FIRST NATIONWIDE HEADLINE TOUR CONFIRMED FOR SPRING 2022

PRESS ASSETS HERE

Breakthrough singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun’s debut Spotify Singles session is out today. Listen/share HERE. Recorded at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, the release includes a new rendition of Oladokun’s “sunday” as well as a version of Bonnie Raitt’s classic “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with special guest Jason Isbell on guitar.

Reflecting on the project, Oladokun shares, “I’ve been a rabid consumer of Spotify Singles since their inception. Being asked to do one was a dream come true and I wanted to bring in the best crew. I asked Jason Isbell to play guitar on the Bonnie Raitt cover and he absolutely smashed the energy and emotion of what I was trying to do. So excited to have these out in the world.”

The release adds to a landmark year for Oladokun, whose major label debut album, in defense of my own happiness, is out now via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. Moreover, Oladokun released a special deluxe edition, in defense of my own happiness (complete), this past July which includes all 14 tracks from her major-label debut, ten additional songs from her self-released 2020 record, in defense of my own happiness (the beginnings), and one new track, “judas.”

In celebration of the new music, Oladokun will embark on her first ever headline tour next spring with newly confirmed shows at Austin’s Antone’s, Dallas’ Club Dada, Los Angeles’ Troubadour, San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall, Seattle’s Neumos, Denver’s Marquis Theater, Minneapolis’ Fine Line, Chicago’s Lincoln Hall, New York’s Bowery Ballroom, Washington, DC’s Union Stage, Atlanta’s Terminal West and Nashville’s The Basement East among several others. See below for complete itinerary. Tickets for the tour are on-sale now, full details can be found at here.

Within defense of my own happiness, Oladokun is forging her own path, sharing the unique perspective she’s gained from living in today’s world as a black, queer woman and first-generation child of Nigerian immigrants. Born in Arizona and now living in Nashville, her musical exploration began at age ten when she was inspired to learn guitar after seeing a video of Tracy Chapman—the first time she’d ever seen a black woman play the instrument.

Recently named one of the “Best Albums of 2021 So Far” by Rolling Stone and Variety, and one of Billboard’s “Best Albums by LGBTQ Artists of 2021 So Far,” in defense of my own happiness features special collaborations with Maren Morris, Jensen McRae and Penny & Sparrow and continues to receive widespread critical praise:

“She has a remarkable ability to distill how forces at work in the world…she can make even social and political protest feel like an intimate, warmly human act”—NPR Music 

“Joy Oladokun, like all of us, is a work in progress. But when you talk to Joy, it’s almost like you can see that growth happening right in front of you. Every time she speaks, she’s discovering a new idea or a new thing about herself or uncovering a new way of looking at the world.”—NPR World Café 

“a serious talent with a kind of low-key, casual ease…she’s always seeking out the light to point the way, making for one of the year’s most uplifting listens.”—Rolling Stone 

“one of the hottest new singer-songwriters making music…surgical songwriting and soulful vocals that will send chills down your spine on each repeat listen.”—Billboard

“songwriting and production values that could take these bold tunes to a broad audience. These are affecting songs of loss, both romantic and mortal, that land far from any soapbox”—Variety 

“Joy Oladokun is a rare talent who manages to dissect Christianity, queerness, race and mental wellness with a delicate yet determined touch”—Vogue

“Oladokun’s message is not only timely, but essential.”—them.

“There aren’t many frills to Joy Oladokun’s folk music but that doesn’t mean her songs, which capture the quieter moments of life with a frank honesty, don’t still sear to the core.”—Nylon

“a stunning major label debut…any Nashville musician worth their salt should be pinching themselves to work with Oladokun, among the most exciting talents this city has seen in years.”—The Tennessean

“the rising singer-songwriter proves her worth as a master storyteller”—American Songwriter

“Oladokun’s ability to shine a light on the truth is remarkable, but perhaps even more so is her ability to do so with kindness.”—No Depression

“this compelling young artist, now a Nashville resident, has seized headlines for the honesty and depth with which she conveys her experience…but her songwriting is poignantly universal.”—Hits Daily Double 

“Oladokun is giving us her whole self, and hoping to inspire us to be our whole selves too”—Nashville Scene

“often striking, and always satisfying”—Nashville Lifestyles

“an artist able to turn an idiom on its head through powerful messaging and an open honesty about her own life and her own family and her own roots.”—Folk Alley

“it’s pop music approached from the mindset of a true singer/songwriter, not far removed from the art of Carole King…each composition is flawlessly conceived”—Holler

“Open about her queerness, mental health, and her mission to be intentional with the music she creates, Oladokun…is making a name for herself in Nashville and beyond.”—uDiscover Music

Oladokun has continued to receive widespread attention in the past year. She was recently featured as part of NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” series, performed on “CBS Saturday Morning,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “TODAY” and will make her debut on PBS’ “Austin City Limits” early next year as part of the legendary program’s 47th season. She has also been named a member of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021, a NPR Music/Slingshot’s 2021 Artists to Watch, a Billboard LGBTQ Artist of the Month, Spotify’s RADAR US: Artists to Watch 2021 and Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch 2021, was highlighted as part of HULU’s “Your Attention Please: The Concert” alongside 24kGoldn, Kiana Ledé, Lil Yachty and Swae Lee, and had her music featured on CBS’ “CSI: Vegas,” NBC’s “This Is Us,” ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC’s “Station 19” and NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Moreover, Oladokun recently collaborated with Brandi Carlile and Lucie Silvas on new song “We Don’t Know We’re Living” as well as with Noah Kahan on his track, “Someone Like You.”

IN DEFENSE OF MY OWN HAPPINESS (COMPLETE) TRACK LIST

  1. jordan
  2. smoke
  3. if you got a problem
  4. i see america
  5. heaven from here (feat. Penny & Sparrow)
  6. younger days
  7. sunday
  8. bad blood
  9. lost
  10. who do i turn to?
  11. sorry isn’t good enough
  12. taking the heat
  13. someone that i used to be
  14. brick by brick
  15. unwelcoming
  16. Bigger Man (feat. Maren Morris)
  17. mercy (feat. Tim Gent)
  18. let it be me
  19. judas
  20. mighty die young
  21. breathe again
  22. too high
  23. look up
  24. wish you the best (feat. Jensen McRae)

JOY OLADOKUN CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

October 23—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

October 24—Atlanta, GA—Shaky Knees Music Festival

October 28—Grand Rapids, MI—CFAC Auditorium at Calvin University

November 5—San Diego, CA—House of Blues

November 6—Los Angeles, CA—The Novo

November 7—San Francisco, CA—The Regency Ballroom

November 9—Portland, OR—Roseland Theater

November 10—Vancouver, Canada—Commodore Ballroom

November 11—Seattle, WA—The Showbox

April 7—Austin, TX—Antone’s Nightclub

April 8—Dallas, TX—Club Dada

April 10—Phoenix, AZ—The Crescent Ballroom

April 11—Los Angeles, CA—Troubadour

April 13—San Francisco, CA—Great American Music Hall

April 15—Portland, OR—Doug Fir Lounge

April 16—Seattle, WA—Neumos

April 19—Salt Lake City, UT—Soundwell

April 20—Denver, CO—Marquis Theater

April 22—Kansas City, MO—recordBar

April 23—Davenport, IA—The Raccoon Motel

April 24—Minneapolis, MN—Fine Line

April 26—Madison, WI—Majestic Theatre

April 27—Chicago, IL—Lincoln Hall

April 29—Toronto, ON—Horseshow Tavern

May 1—Cambridge, MA—The Sinclair

May 2—New York, NY—Bowery Ballroom

May 5—Holyoke, MA—Gateway City Arts

May 6—Ardmore, PA—Ardmore Music Hall

May 7—Pittsburgh, PA—Thunderbird Music Hall

May 9—Washington, DC—Union Stage

May 10—Durham, NC—Motorco Music Hall

May 11—Asheville, NC—The Grey Eagle

May 13—Atlanta, GA—Terminal West

May 14—Nashville, TN—The Basement East

www.joyoladokun.com

SPOTEMGOTTEM – KILLERS ON THEY SHIT

SPOTEMGOTTEM RELEASES BRAND NEW RECORD “KILLERS ON THEY SHIT

WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE

Rising Florida star SpotemGottem is back today with thrilling new single “Killers On They Shit”. On the track, Spotem lays out the ruthless logistics of a hit, rapping menacingly while the record pulsates around him with authentic street energy. “Killers On They Shit” has all the aggression and on-the-ground detail that fans have come to expect from the Jacksonville native. Watch the ShotbyGG-directed video for the track HERE, or listen to all digital retailers HERE.

“Killers On They Shit” marks the beginning of a new era of music for SpotemGottem, as he prepares to follow up his critical and commercially acclaimed project ‘Most Wanted’ which was released earlier this year. Most Wanted was the culmination of a rise that began when SpotemGottem released “Beat Box” last year. With a mellow, but ominous trap beat, ferocious bars, and delivery filled with sporadic shouts, the song picked up serious momentum since its release with established artists like DaBaby, Pooh Sheisty, Polo G, NLE Choppa, and more tapping in for remixes. With the momentum of “Beat Box” still at his back, nearly 6 million monthly Spotify listeners, and Most Wanted hitting streaming platforms everywhere, SpotemGottem remains poised to fully take over. Recently, the young talent also made his television debut during the 2021 BET Awards pre-show where he performed a high-energy minute-long performance of his viral hit “Beat Box” alongside JuneBug. Revisit the performance HERE.

for use by 360 Magazine

K-POP STARS SEVENTEEN – ATTACCA

K-POP SUPERSTARS SEVENTEEN UNVEIL ATTACCA TRACKLIST AND LEAD SINGLE TITLE “ROCK WITH YOU”

SEVENTEENs first-ever English track

“2 MINUS 1” included in EP

SEOUL & October 15, 2021, & Leading K-pop superstars SEVENTEEN unveiled the tracklist of their upcoming 9th EP Attacca and revealed the title of lead single “Rock with you” ahead of their highly-anticipated October 22 return.

Including the lead single, “Rock with you,” Attacca is comprised of a total of seven tracks: “To you”, “Crush”, “PANG!” (Performance unit), “Imperfect Love” (Vocal unit), “I can’t run away” (Hip-hop unit), and JOSHUA and VERNON’s English track “2 MINUS 1.”

Lead single “Rock with you” fluidly weaves together a powerful synth riff, addictive guitar backing, and a 2-step rhythm for a smooth yet riveting listen. WOOZI, VERNON and JOSHUA participated in penning the lyrics, while WOOZI also participated in the composition.

Attacca also contains SEVENTEEN’s first song entirely in English, “2 MINUS 1” (a digital-only track) from the creative minds of JOSHUA and VERNON. Both JOSHUA and VERNON participated in its composition and songwriting to show their appreciation for and to repay SEVENTEEN’s fans around the world for their continued love and support. WOOZI also participated in its composition.

Attacca surpassed 1.4 million pre-orders globally on Day 1 of pre-order open, heralding the beginning of another career-high for the group. Expectations continue to rise as the return of the K-pop movers and shakers is sure to be bolder and hotter than ever before.

SEVENTEEN will drop their highlight medley giving fans a short preview of the Attacca tracks at midnight on October 19.

HotWheels graphic for use by 360 Magazine

Hot Wheels in Houston

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour presented by Mobil 1 headed to “Space City” on September 18 and was set to feature the most awe-inspiring garage builds from across the Southwest. This live, in-person event took place at a Houston-area Walmart Supercenter in Spring, Texas, where one lucky fan car will moved on in the competition for a chance to become a Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast toy.

With only two finalist spots remaining for the U.S. and Canada, local Houston celebrities, including Trae tha Truth and DJ Mr. Rogers, joined Hot Wheels Designers Ted Wu and Bryan Benedict at the judge’s table to evaluate each entry based on authenticity, creativity and garage spirit.

“Houston is the perfect place to host the next live event stop in the tour, as its car culture is synonymous with customization,” said Ted Wu, Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel. “From candy paint to elbow rims, we look forward to seeing the biggest and baddest builds from across the Southwest.”

Fans also saw a limited-run of three (AND ONLY THREE!), fully custom, hand-painted Hot Wheels ’64 Lincoln Continental convertible “SLAB” die-casts modeled after Trae tha Truth’s personal vehicle, which were available for live auction at the event. All proceeds benefitted the Angel By Nature non-profit organization, founded by Trae tha Truth, which provides local aid to the most vulnerable individuals in Houston’s vibrant community, with an emphasis on families with underserved youth.

Hundreds of custom fan cars registered for the event, and onsite experiences and appearances by Hot Wheels Garage of Legends icons Twin Mill, Bone Shaker, Deora II and Midas Monkey guaranteed fun for the whole family.

As with other event champions, the Houston winner will advance to the Semi-Finals later this year and then possibly the Global Grand Finale for a chance to have his or her car inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and immortalized as the next 1:64 die-cast toy sold around the world. To date, North American winners include a 1968 Mercedes Benz 250S from Penticton, British Columbia, Canada; a custom aluminum racer named Lulu from Santa Fe, New Mexico; the 1969 Daytona Charger Superbird “Scraptona” from Macob, Michigan; “Loosie,” a Miami-winning 1929 Ford Model A; and the Detroit-winning 1975 Opel Manta, along with the exoskeleton 2003 Nissan 350Z from San Mateo, California.

Upcoming Tour Dates include:

  • October 9: In-Person Event & Social Coverage from El Segundo, California
  • October 28: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #1
  • November 4: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #2
  • November 13: Global Grand Finale In-Person Event & Livestream (Location TBD)

Fans may register their cars for one of the upcoming virtual and in-person events or learn more about the Hot Wheels™ Legends Tour by visiting their site here

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

About Mobil 1

Mobil 1™ motor oil is the world’s leading brand of synthetic motor oil. Our advanced technology allows Mobil 1 motor oils to meet or exceed some of the industry’s toughest standards and to provide exceptional protection under even extreme driving conditions. Mobil 1 motor oil is designed to help protect critical engine parts, maximize engine performance, and extend engine life. For more information, visit us online at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Civil Rights Icons by Mina Tocalini by 360 magzine

BLACK SPIRITS FESTIVAL REISSUED TODAY

Album Features Imamu Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones), The Original Last Poets, Stanley Crouch And Others

Today, Motown Records Black Forum label reissued Black Spirits Festival Of New Black Poets In America. Recorded at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY, the spoken word collection features performances by Imamu Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones), The Original Last Poets, Stanley Crouch plus a number of amateur youth poets. 

On Black Spirits Festival Of New Black Poets In America, Imamu Amiri Baraka provides introductory comments and closes the album with Éc;A History Poem.Éd; The famed author, who taught at several universities, co-founded the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s. The Original Last Poets were a group of poets and musicians that formed in East Harlem in 1968 on Malcolm X’s birthday, May 19. They had a significant impact on popular culture that lived on in the work of subsequent lineups, known as The Last Poets. In addition to his poetry and novels, Stanley Crouch was known for his jazz and cultural criticism. He served as an artistic consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center and appeared in several Ken Burns’ documentaries, including Jazz and Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson.

The album also features six poems ;Grosvenor plus performances;Johari Amini, Clarence Major, Norman Jordan, Jackie Earley, Askia Muhammad Tour, David Henderson, Larry Neal;Amus Moore. Woodie King Jr. produced Black Spirits Festival Of New Black Poets In America as well as Imamu Amiri Baraka’s 1972 album, It’s Nation Time African Visionary Music, also released by Black Forum.

Motown Records was founded to provide Black artists and executives space to pursue their personal dreams through music and sound. But as a label birthed in the community, Motown has always deeply understood that achieving Black dreams has always been about something more significant than a single individual. Thus, in 1970, Motown established Black Forum to be where the collective dreams of Black communities were pursued, protected and given permanence. Originally released in 1972, Black Spirits Festival Of New Black Poets In America exemplified Black Forum’s commitment to providing a platform for a new generation of writers.

Ellaè Lisquè

Ellaé Lisqué Star-Studded Fashion Show

PHOTO CREDIT: RUBEN DELACT 

On Thursday, September 2nd, 360 Magazine attended the Ellaè Lisquè’s fashion show in Los Angeles for the debut of their “Birthday Collection.” Designer Maxie J. chose a desert inspired theme for the models to walk through wearing her latest designs. The melanated event was filled with stars such as Christian Combs, Sevyn Streeter (who performed), Chris Brown, Slick Woods, Amber Riley, Clermont Twins (who opened the show), and many more to celebrate the Black designer and her latest collection.

While many fashion enthusiasts continue to have conversations about inclusion in the fashion industry, the Los Angeles native took matters into her own hands and built a table of her own. With uncompromising ambition & talent, Maxie J. first gave birth to her love child Ellaè Lisquè in 2014-a line intentionally created to make women feel sexy, bossy and sophisticated.

The fashion show took place at LA’s premier nightclub, Exchange LA, with decor by Wright Productions. 360 degree cameras were setup around the event for guests to shoot interactive videos in their outfits and share to their social media platforms. The “Birthday Collection” was elegant and chic for women of all sizes and ethnicities.

For more information on Maxie J. & Ellaè Lisquè visit: https://ellaelisque.com

Sevyn Streeter

Sevyn Streeter wearing Ellaè Lisquè

Fireworks by Mina Tocalini used by 360

THE LAUNCH OF MATTHEW COROZINE STUDIO

New York based Broadway, film, television and acting coach and renowned theatre director, Matthew Corozine is announcing the debut of Matthew Corozine Studio, Inc. Miami (MCS). The studio will debut in the Miami Design District’s Palm Court Event Space beginning September 13, 2021 offering acting classes based on the transformational work of the Meisner technique. Classes will take place on an ongoing basis with limited spaces available each Monday from 6pm-9pm.

Matthew conceptualized MCS with a vision to create a collaborative, expansive, and supportive community for all artists to build their craft with honor and integrity. More than an acting studio, MCS is an inclusive community that celebrates the diversity of all artists who hope to explore their creativity through transformational techniques. MCS is expanding their network. Originally established in New York City, MCS now boasts locations in Washington D.C. and Miami and provides online classes.

“Acting is living and behaving truthfully and fully under imaginary circumstances.”

For over 20 years, this definition of acting is what has guided MCS students through their journey, encouraging them to “Get Out of Their Heads.” Matthew Corozine and all MCS coaches are committed to getting students out of their old stories, encouraging them to be in the present moment, and creating a new artistic future they may not even envision. By removing the walls that each student builds during childhood to survive in the world, MCS conditions them to respond from their unique impulses and instincts. As Matthew teaches, “If you survived 7th grade, you can be an actor.”

From acting careers on national television, Broadway, producing and writing original work for theatre and film, to professional careers in arts related organizations, MCS students have taken the transformational MCS work to become leaders and activists across all creative platforms. Matthew was officially nominated for a 2015 and 2018 EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE EDUCATION TONY AWARD®. He has coached on MTV’s Emmy Award Winning “Made,” and he has been a guest artist teaching master classes in Meisner at SoHo House New York, and SAG-AFTRA as well as other U.S and International destinations.

Some of the highlights of Matthew’s directing credits include FringeNYC (THE BOYS UPSTAIRS and MISS KIM) the NYC and LA premieres Susan E. Isaac’s ANGRY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD, based on her spiritual memoir, and Terria Joseph’s original one-woman show GOING THROUGH LIFE WITH NO DIRECTION (produced by Alicia Keys at 54 Below).

Testimonial – Sheri Sanders

Founder and Author of ROCK THE AUDITION

“Matt’s insistence on my being truthful to my own nature is something I’ve prayed for in a teacher

my whole life. All I want to do when I’m not working is to be in his class and break through.”

Testimonial – Matthew LaBanca

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, YOUNG, FRANKENSTEIN, WHITE CHRISTMAS (Broadway)

“Taking class here is, hands down, the best investment I’ve made for my acting career. I always knew I had more depth as an actor, but that depth eluded me until I found MCS. This is where I finally learned to let go of doing things the “right” way, to honor my own unique impulses, and to consistently know what it means to live in the moment. The environment here is creative, safe, and often magical. My work is richer, fuller, and further true because of my studies at MCS.”

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

WIZtheMC – Everything Music Video

South African born, Germany raised, and Toronto based pop/rap artist WizTheMc releases a music video for his latest single “Everything.” Directed and edited by Clyde Monroe, and starring Noa Fisher (Uncut Gems, Betty), the video showcases the highs and lows of a whirlwind love affair. “The “Everything” video is a visual representation of Infatuation, the first of many stages of love that I will be exploring in my upcoming releases,” says WizTheMc.

The video for “Everything” serves as the first in a series of three visual chapters due from Wiz this year. Along with “Break” and “Do It Over”, the three visuals unite to tell a linear cinematic story about Wiz’s experience with love and relationships. The video for “Everything” debuted on Diffus Magazine earlier this morning.

The acoustic guitar driven single follows up the success of Wiz’s What About Now? EP, released at the end of last year on 10K Projects/ Homemade Projects. The EP includes Wiz’s breakout single “For A Minute,” which has surpassed 30M streams on Spotify to date.

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.”