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Foreverongo shares emotive release “Danny Phantom” [Video]

Foreverongo has shared a fresh new video for his song “Danny Phantom”. The Indianapolis artist tells an original, uncut story with his music based on experiences, pain, love, and passion in every track he creates. He brings a raw, uncut flow when delivering raps, while also being quick to slow the beat down & soothe his audience when the time is right. Foreverongo brings much potential and consistency with his output, with lots to deliver and prove in his future. His latest offering, “Danny Phantom”, executively produced by fast-rising music company Rare Music Entertainment, continues his run of engaging, emotive tracks alongside a sharply-crafted visual directed and edited by Andrew Coleman.

“Danny Phantom” is an immersive, memorable track that includes strong production centred around booming 808s, watery keys, and crisp, trunk-knocking percussion. Atop the refreshing instrumentation, Foreverongo delivers a series of sleek, clean verses that neatly toe the line between a raw delivery and smooth melodies. “Danny Phantom” is accompanied by a mesmerizing, focused video directed by Andrew Coleman that captures the track’s engaging feel with concise, thoughtful shots and editing.

Watch the visual for “Danny Phantom” here and familiarize yourself with rising artist Foreverongo.

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An interview with Jordan Ali

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What inspired you to start making music?

Jordan Ali: I first started making music when I was 18 for fun with my friends after we had come up with the idea to create a mixtape for our friend group. Secretly, I had always wanted to try it as I was one of the best freestyle rappers in my class and I loved singing at home. I took it as my chance to try something, and I got bit with the music bug. Kept at it even when everyone else moved on.

Dami: Who are your biggest inspirations?

Jordan Ali: Tyler the Creator, Andre 3000, Michael Jackson, Prince, Jay Z, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, and my grandfather.

Dami: Would you say they have a really big influence on your sound?

Jordan Ali: Earlier when making music, they did but now I analyze and feel inspired more by their techniques in production, curation, and work habits. I just recently started making music straight from how my soul feels.

Dami: When making music, where do you grab inspiration from?

Jordan Ali: My own life, interesting paradigms and situations I see or hear about, the Black-American experience, and seeing people vibe with my music at the live shows. Admittedly though, sometimes the shit just enters my mind from absolutely nowhere.

Dami: How would you describe your sound?

Jordan Ali: I’d describe my sound as a dynamic and genre-bending approach to classic soundscapes throughout hip-hop and black art as a whole. For example, my song “Deez Days” sounds very similar to an early Joey Badass/J Cole song, instrumentally. There’s a Tribe Called Quest interpolation at the end, and the flow throughout is more of a 90s gangsta hip-hop approach. I like mixing shit up lmao. Or even “Food4Soul” which is a lo-fi reimagining of a 2010 conscious rap beat, but I use a Southern flow on it with a really chill cadence.

Dami: What’s your creative process like?

Jordan Ali: I either write the song first and beatbox a rough sonic foundation to send to a producer or I have them turn on a beat and freestyle for a long ass time then go back and Frankenstein fly shit that I said to make a fun and compelling track.

Dami: You recently dropped a single titled “Food4Soul”. Tell us more about it.

Jordan Ali: “Food4Soul” was originally a poem I wrote for fun, which later turned into an audition for my university’s spoken word team, then the intro to an EP that never came to fruition, and now sits as a lynchpin song within my debut project. It’s been through a lot of changes, which is kind of funny because the song talks a lot about dealing with change you didn’t know you needed while simultaneously hoping for the change you want. “Food4Soul” is me asking as many questions as possible in hopes I find the answer.

Dami: Why’d the EP never drop?

Jordan Ali: I used to be with a production duo and they went back and forth tackling EPs with me. When it was time for the EP, one of them dropped off the face of the Earth, so I decided to try something new. New vision, new rap name, new message, and all around became a new man.

Dami: What’s next for you after “Food4Soul”?

Jordan Ali: A prelude EP for my debut project, then my debut project. The EP is currently called “Pack Your Bags”.

Dami: What should we expect from it?

Jordan Ali: Expect that it’ll be me once again experimenting and jumping into a new soundscape, but being authentically Jordan Ali. I recently started throwing shows and parties with my homies in Baltimore, so that’s really inspired the new music. The long nights out in the streets, the energy we cultivate in the venues, the days we spend together just discussing life, and all the times we’ve leaned on each other.

Dami: What do you want listeners to take away after listening to your music?

Jordan Ali: That we’re all here together, dealing with the human experience, and no matter how good or bad it gets, it’s a beautiful one. I want people to find the strength to do more and do better within themselves, in the most sustainable and authentic way possible.

Dami: How do you deal with writer’s block?

Jordan Ali: I usually attribute writer’s block to stagnation or burnout in my own life, so I’ll go hang out with someone I haven’t seen in awhile or take a trip to somewhere I’ve never been. You can never go wrong with just being Nature as well.  

Dami: What do you have planned for this year and what do you hope to achieve this 2023 too?

Jordan Ali: More shows, more music, more music videos, more travelling, more life, and more community. You gotta keep up with me to catch it all. The main thing I want to achieve is financial independence off the strength of music, doing 5 shows overseas, and doing right by the Baltimore Art Scene that constantly fuels me.

Stream “Food4Soul” by Jordan Ali HERE.

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Valid and Stretch Money are “Sentimental” on infectious new single

Detroit mainstays Valid and Stretch Money have joined forces for the much-anticipated single “Sentimental”. Produced by Chuck Cross and featuring vocals from Kelly Kerr, “Sentimental “is a sharply written and vibrantly infectious single that neatly blends hip-hop with flourishes of pop for an offering that can appeal to a wide range of listeners. On “Sentimental”, punchy, colorful synths build into an addictive, club-influenced melody dynamically, before bouncy, energizing percussion and rich synth bass create a strong groove beneath. Vocally, the artists weave together cohesive performances that elevate the track to new heights, as Valid begins with a sturdy, charismatic flow before Kerr delivers a smooth hook, followed by potent, captivating lines from Stretch Money. All three artists demonstrate natural chemistry vocally, shining on the track with their unique contributions.

Valid and Stretch Money come through with a release that can truly be described as eclectic here, as an influence of 80s pop and electronic runs as an electrifying undercurrent, fused engagingly with hip-hop. A refreshing single that cannot be boxed in to one category or style, “Sentimental” demonstrates the Detroit duo’s creativity and has us looking forward to further work from them with much anticipation. Take a listen to “Sentimental” below and connect with Valid and Stretch Money.

Connect with Valid: Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook

Connect with Stretch Money: Instagram | Facebook

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Dzh returns from hyperbolic time chamber with introspective single “Peace of Mind”

By Damilola Grey

For fans of the more bar-heavy, lyrical side of hip-hop, Dzh is quickly becoming a household name. The New Jersey native has shown time and time again that his pen game is not to be slept on. However, Dzh is not a one trick pony as he’s shown his versatility on many occasions such as his 2022 album “Dante’s Inferno”. Dzh showcases his versatility once again with the release of his self-examining single “Peace of Mind”.

On this single, Dzh talks about taking a step back from everything and properly understanding how he can be wrong in some areas of his life. He sees himself as “a software that God is still installing”. He also highlights that he’s still growing in stages and in patience. “Peace of Mind” not only sees Dzh realize that he has a long way to go, but also sees him accept how he can lack accountability at times. This single is “an honest-to-God moment” as stated by Dzh. He addresses his emotions with a mellow tone and sober delivery which manages to keep listeners hooked from the first second.

Dzh keeps improving with each release becoming better than the last and with Dzh promising more music this year, we really can’t wait to see what other heat he has in store for us.

For some peace of mind, stream Peace of Mind HERE.

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Cleveland’s 3vd gets “Cutthroat” on new release [Video]

Cleveland artist 3vd has shared a fresh new visual for his hard-hitting song “Cutthroat”. The raucous new single presents a hard-hitting and infectious sound that is difficult to simply box in to one category. It’s a refreshing listen that swells with an undercurrent of electrifying energy, harnessed by intense, addictive synths buoyed throbbing percussion and heavy, driving 808s. Vocally, 3vd shines with imposing, aggressive bars that suit the raw instrumentation to the tee, enhancing its off-the-wall feel. The visual, directed by @jakeirvin, makes for a cohesive accompaniment with its fast-paced, exciting cuts and vibrant, buzzing coloration.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and its surrounding areas, 3vd grew up in a house with five other siblings. He began writing when he was only 8 years old, and he incorporates elements of pop and R&B into his music to create a unique and timeless sound. In addition to writing and performing music, 3vd produces and engineers, something that sets him apart from other rappers his age. 

Watch 3vd’s latest video for “Cutthroat” below and get familiar with this rising Cleveland artist.

Stream 3vd HERE.

Connect with 3vd: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Listen to “Cutthroat” on Spotify:

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Swtxo goes for blood with new self-titled single “SweetXO”

By Damilola Grey

Florida native and talented RnB artist, Swtxo (fka SweetXO) has finally dropped his first solo release since the drop of his “Love Lost” EP last year.

The self-titled single is Swtxo’s reminder to himself that he is him above everything else. He addresses how he hasn’t changed upon all the pushback and negativity he’s faced in life. He uses the 2-minute track to share who he is to listeners. Swtxo attacks the instrumental, which was produced by ayeyoungjordan, with a braggadocious flow and aggressive delivery. In his words “they thought I was playing, so I gave em something to play”. The track embodies who Swtxo is in different ways: the word choice, the flow, and even the tone. Swtxo uses this single as a reminder to himself to keep going on and to never give up.

This self-titled single from Swtxo is the perfect return since the release of his 2022 EP “Love Lost”. Swtxo shows that he’s still as hungry as ever with this single.

Stream “SweetXO” everywhere HERE.

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Sky’s the Limit taps in with Songbird and Lord Cinic for new single “Time Stands Still”

By Damilola Grey

Rising producer Sky’s the Limit is back with his new single “Time Stands Still”. He employs the help of Lord Cinic and Songbird for this track.

On the 3-minute track which also marks Sky’s second ever release, he displays his versatility with the single. Unlike his previous single “Changes” which featured Tony Givan that had a neo-soul RnB vibe, Sky brings vintage hip-hop back to life on this one. New York native, Lord Cinic aggressively attacks the soulful instrumental with heavy-hitting introspective bars while Songbird graces the single with angelic vocals- both artists didn’t fail to deliver. Sky fuses elements from both hip-hop and RnB for the production of the instrumental.

Sky’s the Limit is already solidifying himself as a producer that shouldn’t be slept on. He keeps surprising listeners with each release and at this point, there’s no telling what genre he will tap into next. We can’t wait to see what Sky has got in store for the year.

Stream Time Stands Still HERE.

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Nike’ The Artist closes out 2022 with new EP “Living Life”

By Damilola Grey

New Jersey native, Nike’ The Artist (fka Babyg the Artist) has finally blessed her fans with the release of her heavily anticipated “Living Life” EP. The 5 track EP solely features fellow New Jersey native, Global Jay.

On Living Life, Nike’ addresses various emotions like on “iTried” which she speaks about heartbreak and how she can’t get the person out of her head no matter how much she tried. On personal favorite “FANS”, Nike’ graces the track with a more aggressive and turnt flow and delivery. Global Jay also comes with a verse which won’t fail to give listeners a stank face. Nike’ also adds a bonus track to the EP “Wanna Rock” because according to her, that’s all she wants to do. The EP also boasts of top-tier production.

“Living Life” is a collection of Nike’s various sounds which not only showcases her versatility, but at the same time highlights her growth as an artist and we can’t wait to see what Nike’ has in store for us all 2023.

Stream Living Life: The EP below:

On Apple Music HERE.

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Connie Roses shares glitchy new single “Magnet”

Pittsburgh artist Connie Roses has shared a fresh new single called “Magnet”. Following up his recent single “Bells and Bugs”, “Magnet” balances engaging sounds from hip-hop, hip-house, and glitch, making for an eclectic new cut.

“Magnet” contains infectious production moored by glistening grooves and layered with psychedelic, coarsely-chopped sampling. Atop the swirling, lively instrumental, Roses delivers a series of potent verses in which he weaves together lines that remain unpredictable, never quite settling in to one pocket. It makes for an exciting listen, while keeping the pace of “Magnet” dynamic enough to beckon many replays. Meanwhile, the chorus is also strong and memorable, using a simple refrain and focused sampling effectively.

“Magnet” continues Roses’ run of versatile, colorful singles that often push the boundaries of underground hip-hop. Listen to “Magnet” now and familiarize yourself with Pittsburgh’s Connie Roses:

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Live 4eva drops electric new single “U!”

By Damilola Grey

Houston native, Live 4eva, has dropped his highly anticipated single “U!”. This also serves as the lead single to his album “Purgatory”.

Live 4eva uses a personal genre he calls rage and bass to express his creativity on this single. On “U!”, Live talks about a twisted and egotistic man who comes to terms with the fact that he is not as superior or almighty as he originally believes. The song starts of cockily- a glimpse into the man’s mindset- and ends on a more sober note. As the song progresses, we see how the man’s emotions change- from one of pride to one of humility.

The single was accompanied with a music video which was directed by abesogreat. In the music video, Live 4eva fights Bagman- a character he made to symbolize corporate greed, as well as capitalism. He uses the fight as a sort of metaphor depicting people’s struggle with money and what they do to get it. The music video was inspired from video games, as everyone who heard the single said it sounded like a video game.

With 2022 being an amazing year for music, Live 4eva has ended the year and, at the same time, ushered us perfectly into the new year with not only this amazing single, but also with the release of his new album “Purgatory”- a very fun but dark album. Make sure to check both of them out below.

Stream “U!” HERE.

Stream “PURGATORY” HERE.