Category: Blog

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What inspired you to start music?

Sey: I was always creative and wanted to be involved in an industry that highlighted that and rap caught my eye in 7 th grade when a few friends and I decided to rap and wrote a guidebook on how to do it. The rules were basically to stay true to yourself and I’ve been doing that ever since.

Dami: When did you release your first song and how was it like?

Sey: I put my first song out in HS with a group called T2D. I think we put it on MySpace but that was the first time I put something on wax.

Dami: Is T2D still active?

Sey: Not at all. We fizzled out pretty quick and then I joined antoher group called Suburban Eloquence. We lasted a little longer, but I ultimately went solo when I started going to college.

Dami: How would you describe your sound?

Sey: It’s electric for sure, but I value lyricism. I’m somewhere in between Nas and Kanye when it comes to sound.

Dami: What’s your creative process like?

Sey: I usually start with a beat or an event in my life and go from there. Either could spark a verse or a whole song and from there, if it’s strong enough, a project might follow.

Dami: Apart from life experiences, is there anything else you grab inspiration from when making music?

Sey: I reference current events from time to time and also get inspired by other artists in and outside of the genre.

Dami: Who are your biggest inspirations?

Sey: Nas, The Pharcyde, Souls of Mischief, Kanye, and Lil Wayne. All of those guys are a part of the DNA.

Dami: Speaking of projects, you got an album on the way. Tell us more about it.

Sey: Yup. “ISO”; short for isolation. I wrote it after catching COVID at the top of the year, taking advantage of the 10 days they said I had to quarantine in my room. I was used to staying in the house, but staying in the room for 10 days straight was different. I was fortunate to have my mic and other resources handy so I decided to focus on the beats AX sent me and got to work. I wanted to capture my mind state and range of emotions during that time. I start the project off with panic and anger before my mind drifts to life outside and where I’m at with it at the time of me being inside. Towards the end of the project, my outlook improves as I shift my focus to what matters most and being grateful for still being around; in life and in music.

Dami: What should we expect from ISO?

Sey: Expect a real album. ISO sounds like the big budget albums of the early 00s. You know, round the same time Dre dropped 2001. It took almost 2 years to complete. There’s a real narrative you can follow if you’re listening.

Dami: What are 3 words you’ll use to describe ISO?

Sey: In Search Of…

Dami: In search of what?

Sey: Health, wealth, and prosperity.

Dami: What do you want people to take away after listening to ISO?

Sey: I want them to know I’m there for them. I’ve been isolated, introverted, separated, outcast, all that. I know how it is to feel like that when you’re outside. Sometimes it can feel like you’re the only one going through something, but there’s people out there who understand and I hope it brings people together. We are more similar than we are different and the world would be better if we understood that.

Dami: What’s your personal favorite on the album and why?

Sey: Tough. Imma go with “How The Strong Survive” because there was so much raw energy captured that night. My vocal performance seemed to come outta nowhere and the shift in tone was all emotion. I was really hurting, but it showed how I really feel about this game and process. Shit hurts, but I’m still here. I was built for it.

Dami: Any visuals for the album?

Sey: Yeah, so far we’ve got 2 videos and 1 promo video. The first one dropped earlier this year with Medhane, titled “Ogden”. We shot that in NY. The other single, “Another One”, dropped at the end of the summer and we really went all out with it. The promo- which you saw- dropped a few days ago and features a snippet of “Acura”, a song about a dark time in the year.

Dami: What’s next for you after ISO?

Sey: Focusing on Phoenix Walters’ project. He featured on “First Night” on ISO and is the next artist representing the rare awareness brand.

Dami: What’s this rare awareness brand?

Sey: Rare awareness is a marketing agency. I had a brand I released music under earlier that dissolved and rare awareness is the new iteration of that. This time around, we are not structuring ourselves as a label. We work with many different artists and mediums and we want to be involved accordingly. Whether it be music, product, design, or event planning- we have team members who are involved and helping artists get out their vision in various ways.

Dami: What’s been the most challenging part of being an artist, as well as pushing the rare awareness brand?

Sey: Letting everyone know they’re valued. I’ve been doing this for a long time as far as being my own artist and pushing a brand. IT comes second nature. Before, most of my collaborators were online and the ones who were besdie me, in real life, viewed themselves as lateral. Now, as an agency, there’s more expected so I have to become the coach instead of the player. In a sense, I’m LeBron. Not to sound cocky, but I’m a veteran still looking for a ring who is allowed to make calls in the front office and coach the team from time to time. I’m converting my process into a teachable model, so artists who join the brand can follow that and mold it to themselves so each artist gets the attention and time they deserve.

Pre-save ‘Iso’ now HERE.

By Damilola Grey

Texas native, Terrence Leon has finally dropped his highly anticipated EP Stasis on Audiomack. This marks Terrence Leon’s first project of the year, as well as the follow-up from his 2021 project Loading. The EP consists of 3 tracks and the slowed and reverbed version of each of them.

Stasis sees Terrence talk about the mind of a person stuck in the failure of past relationships. Each track sees Terrence face something different in himself- a different demon or challenge. On personal favorite “Love Runs Out”, Terrence Leon discusses the result of a dead relationship, absent of love or affection. Terrence tries his best to salvage the relationship but to no avail. This negative outcome leaves him with a very important question: when love runs out, where does it go? Terrence takes listeners on a journey of different emotions, mainly about love and the sadness that comes with a heartbreak, with otherworldly vocals reminiscent of SiR and Brent Faiyaz. The project was mixed and mastered by Tim Curry.

According to Terrence, this is just the first part of an EP trilogy. With a project as perfect and heavenly as this, one can only imagine what next we should expect from the Texas native.

Stream STASIS HERE.

Charlotte-based artist Tim Buds has shared a new single called “DENIM HEART”. The release continues his recent prolific streak of genre-bending, infectious offering, following up his well-received track “BATS”, which included elements of punk, alt-rock, and more. His latest, “DENIM HEART”, is a bittersweet track with undertones of hope and romance, with a warm, expansive style that builds upon Buds’ ability to create dreamlike yet raw soundscapes.

“DENIM HEART” opens with wistful guitars before a fast-paced, punchy groove drops in beneath. Bolstered by bouncy percussion and engaging bass, Buds delivers poignant, memorable vocal melodies as they song dynamically builds into a heartfelt, cathartic chorus. Displaying his versatility as a vocalist, “DENIM HEART” makes for another sharply written cut from the rising Charlotte-based artist, and has us excited to hear whatever may be coming next from him as he continues to rapidly build his strong discography.

Listen to “DENIM HEART” now:

Connect with Tim Buds: Instagram | Twitter

By Damilola Grey

New Jersey-based artist RUYi has dropped a new single titled “wEEKDAYS”. This release marks another addition to the amazing array of singles RUYi has dropped this year.

“wEEKDAYS” sees RUYi struggle with time as he’s been juggling school, music, work and other duties while trying to make time for his ex. RUYi feels like he’s drowning in his quest for time management. When I talked to the Nigerian artist about the significance of the single to him, he told me “it’s also an eye opener for me that kinda showed me I may not have a stable relationship until I get to a certain level in music”. RUYi is able to showcase his emotions with ethereal vocals reminiscent of Vory or Don Toliver, while giving words of affirmation to his ex on the single.

RUYi’s hot streak of singles isn’t stopping anytime soon, and we can’t wait to see what more has in store for us.

Stream “wEEKDAYS” HERE.

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What was your first introduction to music?

Malosi: My high school friend was making music on his sister’s laptop when we were both 16. I started rapping for fun but didn’t really take it serious until 2018.

Dami: How was your first drop like?

Malosi: My first drop was pretty cool. I was featured on a song titled “6”, that was on a compilation album titled “DIEGO”. It was my first time being a part of something official. Was an experience to see how music worked not just in the studio, but behind the scenes as well, when it came to photo shoots, music videos, rollouts, etc.

Dami: How would you describe your sound?

Malosi: I would say my sound is inspired by 90s R&B, Future, and west coast music fasho.

Dami: Where do you grab inspiration from when making music?

Malosi: Pretty much my personal life. I feel like I’m going through something every day- big or small. It makes it easier to write when you got something to talk about.

Dami: What’s your creative process like?

Malosi: I pull up on the homies, we smoke, watch random stuff on YouTube, and jam out, honestly. As soon as there is a melody and some drums placed, I start writing about whatever comes to me at that moment. I try to just go with whatever I feel, because if I force anything, I either just end up writing bullshit or nothing at all.

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

Malosi: That timeless music is back. I want people to listen to my music and have it strike a cord soon as the beat drops.

Dami: You’ve dropped about 3 singles this month. Can you tell us about them?

Malosi: Yeah. So I dropped “New Crack”, “Outrageous”, “Sticky and Slimey”, and by the time this releases, I should have another single “Demon Dayz” out. Shoutout Afrodisiac and GodbodyMondi because they are the geniuses behind most of my production. I would say all three songs are inspired by my life as an early-mid twenty year old

Dami: What should we expect from Demon Dayz?

Malosi: Just another trap banger from me and Afrodisiac. Maybe a possible video for “New Crack”.

Listen to “Sticky and Slimey” by Malosi now:

Los Angeles artist P1 has shared a fresh new single called “Touching You”, produced by Shaan Mehta, which contains sleek, catchy sonics and potent songwriting that captures the listener’s attention immediately. It is a soaring yet grooving joint with heavy, grounded percussion and deep bass mooring a powerful rhythm section. As warm, vivid samples drift above, P1 matches the beat’s energizing feel with lively, catchy vocals that entice with their hypnotic melodies. Capped off by a powerful hook, “Touching You” is an infectious song that blends influences from hip-hop and R&B neatly. A brand new visual, directed by Blu, has also been released, and it makes for an engaging, warm accompaniment for the song, enhancing its infectious feel.

The latest from P1, “Touching You” makes for an engaging listen. P1 is an artist from South Central Los Angeles, who began his music journey at age 5. He started recording and creating music in his father’s studio, and since then has been striving to gain prominence in the industry and perfect his unique sound. His latest song continues his run of poignant releases, and has us excited for whatever may be coming next from him.

Watch the new video for “Touching You” here”:

Stream “Touching You”:

Connect with P1 on social media:

IG: @_officalP1

Twitter: @grandcampP1 

Cleveland, Ohio artist Tweak on the Beat has dropped off his latest project, titled One & Only. Tweak, who received his name through a medical diagnosis at an early age before turning it into his new identity for his artistic project, has been consistently releasing engaging, idiosyncratic releases that showcase his signature production style- containing unique, character-rich and crunchy drums that imprint themselves upon one’s memory immediately upon listening. His latest EP One & Only continues to expand on his infectious signature sound, and features poignant guest features from rising names like YFL Kelvin, Ezri, E the Profit, and more.

One & Only makes a strong impression immediately, with the heartfelt, lyrically-focused offering “Like A Dawg”, featuring fellow Cleveland standouts and legends Kipp Stone and DJ Kristyles. Representing their Ohio locale superbly, the three connect on this release for an inspiring, emotive opener. Here, immersive keys blend with rich, elegant strings and sturdy percussion for a truly potent instrumental, which sets a solid foundation for Stone’s focused, raw lyricism.

The synergy that Tweak shows with his collaborators continues on “ICE”, an infectious banger featuring rising Kentucky artist E the Profit. Here, the producer and rapper find a natural chemistry as Tweak’s heavy, spacey instrumentation creates an enticing, stylish groove for E’s effortlessly slick flows. Then, “Want it Bad” featuring Paris Bryant introduces a different sound, as Tweak’s versatility as a producer shines with a more R&B and pop-influenced beat that feels highly dynamic. Bryant delivers a captivating performance as well, lacing the track with energizing and catchy melodies that enhance the song’s colorful feel.

Elsewhere, “Famous” featuring Ezri and moss. provides a catchy club anthem that hits the listener with waves of layered production and focused vocals. “Circumstances” featuring YFL Kelvin makes for an heartfelt and powerful track with bittersweet pianos and rising guitars underscoring Kelvin’s elegant, emotive performance. Closer “MUD” featuring Yayo da Cartune finishes the EP on a high note as well with its rock-solid production built around poignant keys and driving, intense 808s. As crisp, crunchy percussion locks in a raw, hypnotic rhythm, Yayo kills it with diverse, cathartic vocals that display his range as a performer.

The latest from Ohio’s Tweak on the Beat, One & Only does well to both exhibit his unique sound and his versatility as a beatmaker, with engaging tracks that range from hip-hop to alternative R&B, and more. A strong offering featuring rising guests like E the Profit, YFL Kelvin and more, One & Only has us excited for whatever may be coming next from the Cleveland up-and-comer.

Listen to One & Only here:

Connect with Tweak on the Beat HERE.

Currently located in Cullowhee, NC artist Mickey Daze gives  his audience the transcending record titled  “shook ones ’22”. The soulful, textural single continues Daze’s run of engaging releases. Showcasing his sharp pen game with its detail-rich and thoughtful lyrics as well as his attention to detail in terms of beat selection, “shook ones ’22” is a poignant track from the emcee that elevates with its powerful lyricism and Daze’s attention-grabbing mic presence.

Starting off  DAZE gives the audience  a set of impactful lyrics that let the listener understand his current perception of the modern music industry. With lyrics such as  “ “Let see how deep this fucking rap shit can get”  and “N**gas got audactiy practicing lip service, “Dont air out my business in the streets or on purpose”; “Some shit yall n**gas doin in life making me nervous”.

The latest from NC’s Mickey Daze, “shook ones ’22” is a solid offering that blends elements of lyrical and lofi hip-hop.

Stream “shook ones ’22” here:

Connect with Mickey Daze: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

By Todd Anderson

Kyngjai has not been slowing down with his music career since his last release “Bangaz” went viral on Soundcloud. His new release “Rolling Dice” is a storytelling masterpiece with a few references to his past life experiences. Kyngjai is using social media platforms to promote himself and build his fanbase with hopes of eventually working with some titans who took the same path as him such as Popcaan, Shenseea, Kyyngg, YBN Nahmir, Skillibeng, and more.

The self-produced song is already at 10 thousand plays on Soundcloud since its release. Kyngjai plans on releasing an EP on February 14th, 2023 entitled “Underrated” with a few music videos. He is also working on a clothing company and teases some major features that are yet to be announced.

Listen to “Rolling Dice” here: