Keenan The First - "Paralegal"

“About a year ago, I was struggling to make headway.. anywhere in my life. I had a college degree but I was working 2 part-time jobs in the food industry. I was sharing a room with my younger brother, in my parent’s apartment, and spending all my disposable cash on music that was going nowhere. I felt stuck.

I knew I had to make changes if I was going to manifest success around me, so I started looking for new ways to make more money, to fund my music.

I spent time researching ways I could become a substitute teacher for the LA Unified School District, and even took the 4-hour CBEST exam to become certified. I passed with flying colors, but never booked a single job. I then took a step back with my English degree and found my way into 2 interviews for writing internships. Long story short, I landed one of them, but they were a start-up that quickly cut their content department - a.k.a me. So, at a loss for what to do, I stumbled on a paralegal program at Pasadena City College. The program looked promising and I went to 2 different information sessions that convinced me it would be a great move. It would be better pay, better hours, and I could support myself and my music with it.

Everything was gravy until I sat down with my mentor Dwayne Colbert, who asked me, “What is your end goal with this?” I couldn’t answer with confidence. I just knew it would help me fund my music easier. He proceeded to tell me it seemed like a roundabout plan to do what I actually wanted to do, which was to make music, and that if I truly wanted to make music, I would do it now. He told me that you can’t be halfway out the door when it comes to art, you have to be all the way in, ready to starve, ready to sacrifice it all, if you want it to pan out.. and that changed my whole perspective on everything.

I almost went right back to school to be a paralegal, and I thank God I didn’t.”

— Keenan The First

Casey Veggies, Manifest Wallace, Lil Darrion - "Not Nice"

Produced by Artem
Mix & Mastered by Manifest Wallace
Artwork by Adrian Gamboa

Berel - "Simple"

The latest from San Francisco artist Berel entitled, "Simple" drops on 3/30 on Text Me Records. It's an original song about trusting yourself and your process. For this bay area produced record Berel teamed up with Soulection-affiliates Mikos Da Gawd, Mars Today and Aabo and crafted a mixture of R&B, Hip-Hop and Soul, highlighted by a bass-heavy, Bay Area beat slap.  Jazz-influenced instrumentation gives the song a human feel as well.    Berel's excited to bring his unique voice to the forefront of Bay Area music.  

YellowStraps - "Blame" (feat. VYNK)

Belgian trio YellowStraps release “ Blame ” - the third single from their upcoming EP of the same name.

Inspired by artists such as Daniel Caesar, D'Angelo, Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei, Moonchild and Robert Glasper, YellowStraps inject just the right amounts of jazz, soul, hip-hop and electronic music into the indie-pop leaning 'Blame' - another refreshingly unique, relatable track.

This song is a story between two people that are deeply in love, but they can’t the compromise they need to make it work - with neither party willing to shoulder their own blame.

Royce 5'9 - "Boblo Boat" featuring J. Cole

On the album’s first single, “Boblo Boat,” Royce warmly looks back at his childhood growing up in the D, a proud, blue collar city that has not always received the most positive of accolades. Royce transports listeners back to a time in the ‘80s when families could take a boat ride to Boblo Island and forget, for just a few hours, the stinging realities of life for black folks in Ronald Reagan’s greed-is-good America

Epoch Failure - "They Ain't Talkin' Now"

NJ's Epoch Failure have debuted their latest single, the bold and fervent "They Ain't Talkin' Now." Recorded in Nashville with Tommee Profitt (producer/composer for Capitol’s #1 Billboard rapper, NF), the song is an anthem about overcoming adversity and rising up in the face of all the doubters and haters. As such, this track is more than just a song, it’s a personal sonic portrait. ESPN got behind the message and the beats early, as they featured the song all last month on their First Take sports talk series.

"This song is a battle cry," says singer Billy Joe Marrero. "It’s letting the world know that you’ve been down at the bottom and through the pits, with people waiting for you to fail. But instead of letting all that break you, it’s what fuels the fire and helps you become the most badass version of yourself that you can. And, in the end, you come out a winner."

This song isn't Epoch Failure's first introduction to the sports world, as their debut single " Champion " was used in the 2016 & 2017 Super Bowls and has also been licensed by The NFL Network, Fox Sports, NASCAR, WWE, NBC Sports, and many sports teams. Capitalizing on that success, their second single was a reinvention of Bon Jovi's " Livin' on a Prayer ” that reached the Top 10 on Spotify's Viral 50 USA chart. The reimagining even garnered the attention of Jon Bon Jovi himself who shared the track across all the band’s online platforms"

WSTRN - "Love Struck"

Platinum selling London based collective, WSTRN are back! Today they have unveiled their striking new single ‘Love Struck’ featuring a stellar line up of Tiwa Savage and Mr Eazi.

With vocal duties stemming from inimitable afro beat stars, Mr Eazi and Tiwa Savage, ‘Love Struck’ is released via Atlantic Records and sees the collective take it back a notch whilst retaining their matchless, experimental sound - something for which has seen the group become one of the most credible propositions within British music.

Currently in the studio working on their next project, the collective have had demand from some of the hottest producers over recent months including Dallas Austin (TLC), Felix Snow (Kiara), Bless Beats (Jess Glynne) and Tinie Tempah. Anchoring their supple vocals over bold pop tunes with magnetic hip-hop leanings, WSTRN are a distinctly British breath of fresh air; an exuberant talent destined for chart domination.

TUNE IN HERE: https://open.spotify.com/album/750EyVhja4PR6GTgpcXVm0

The Tainerz - "Monster"

Named for what they do best, “entertain,” New Orleans trio The Tainerz are on a mission to bring their blend of bounce, R&B and rap to the world stage.

Comprised of 14-year-old Dallas Burke, 16-year-old Travon “T-Daddie” Mitchell and 17-year-old David “Deelö” Rayford, the Tainerz all hail from the same New Orleans East neighborhood – an area the boys all credit for helping to shape their sound while also motivating them to aspire for more.

Twitter: @TheTainerz_

https://twitter.com/TheTainerz_

Instagram: @TheTainerz

https://www.instagram.com/thetainerz

Facebook: The Tainerz

https://www.facebook.com/thetainerz


Snapchat: @TheTainerz


Soundcloud: The Tainerz

https://soundcloud.com/user-852140077

Raul Gee - "Special"

TUNE IN HERE: https://open.spotify.com/track/5xMRB3RIU0I58GXBZrM5XC

Soundcloud.com/goldparadise

Facebook.com/goldparadisegroup

Instagram.com/goldparadisegroup (Label)

Instagram.com/raul.geee (Artist)

Website: goldparadisegroup.com

L8loomer - "SFWU"

L8LOOMER's recent single "Good for That" was a look into what this hip-hop artist has on the horizon. Back with a new single from his forthcoming mixtape, L8LOOMER's "SFWU " (Still Fuck With You) is a personal outcry of being stuck in a toxic love.

" SFWU " is an anthem for couples that have been through hell and back but above all else redefine the term "love/hate relationship" in something positive. L8LOOMER dives into his experience with battles of love almost as if he's flaunting his war wounds. A classic hip-hop track with some r&b elements, "SFWU" takes the pressure off of the struggles of hard love and makes it an upbeat and fun sing-along.

Yogii - "PokerFace"

Debut release from Atlanta native Yogii, the Kontrabandz produced smooth banger is the perfect backdrop for Yogii's Pokerface. Dope Lyricism, top notch production & a passion for making great music.

Rainn - "Beauty" feat. Laurie Love

A song dedicated to Women Appreciation. Tune in below!

Nissi - "Favourite List"

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nissination

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nissination

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nissination

J-Sharp - "Don't Want You" (feat. Sammy Houston)

https://soundcloud.com/officialjsharp/dontwantyou

Saint Cassius ft. OTC & Omari Hardwick - "Analog Dreams"

Born in Hip Hop's birthplace and raised in the capital of the Dirty South, Saint Cassius is an artist that lives in the paradox of northern rap's lyricism and the cadence and emotion of southern hip hop.

Saint Cassius was born in Bronx, New York and soon following the death of his mother at 8 months moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout his life, Cassius found himself between the two cities that hip hop calls home and would shape his unique musical point of view and style.

Influenced by the lyrics of Nas, the artistry of Andre 3000, and the business acumen of Jay-Z - Saint Cassius brings a fresh perspective to subject matters affecting urban life in America. He currently owns Leila’s Jukebox, a New York based studio two blocks from Madison Square Garden that has become the hotbed for the cities biggest artists & most influential tastemakers.

His debut project ANALOG is a contemporary ode to the classic hip hop era and showcases his ever evolving musicianship. He shows off his appreciation for women on smooth Ro James collaboration “Hey Beautiful Girl” and the jazz infused “Analog Dreams” touches subjects including the value of trap music, net neutrality and features actor/artist Omari Hardwick. The project is led by the production of legendary hitmaker DJ Toomp and also features tracks from JF Clay as well.

ANALOG is available on all music platforms March 2nd.

Panda Badazz & Rappa - "Street Related" [Mixtape]

Pushaz artist from Gardena, CA - Panda Badazz is a rapper at the for front of the LA underground scene. With his unique mix of melodies, strong lyrics and a tight auto tune sound allows him to not threat about the competition.

"My sound could be described alotta ways, turnt up, the truth, painful, message filled."

- Panda Badazz

After releasing numerous projects over the past few years from 'By All Means EP', 'Still Badazz' to 'Good Game' has forced recognition and respect from the industry and fans.

He is becoming a real influential icon in the streets and to other artists by displaying his flow, style and work ethics. Always going in on every track ,teaming up with some of the hottest west coast producers from Bigg Boo, Radio Aktive, Cypress Moreno and Watts Native Producer Rappa.

Rappa executively produced Panda Badazz 2018 mixtape 'Street Related' the title alone tells the story of the project and this 13 track mixtape is filled with some of the hardest hitting lyrics. 

"Its a whole lotta hurt when I skirt, retaliation back to back with this worth"

-lyrics from Worth

This project features some of the best up and coming west coast rappers from 03greedo, lil One Hunnet and Az Chike.

Panda Badazz and Rappa are making major moves in the west coast scene.

Instagram: @pandabadazz  @itsrappa  @laonlock  @greg_preece

Travy P - "Mistakes" featuring I.E.

Following the success of his POINT EP, which was released via WVS in mid-2017, Brisbane rapper Travy P has returned with a brand new single, MISTAKES, featuring Sydney songwriter and label-mate I.E..

The grand, introspective new banger has Travy P lending a slick, melodic flow over the gloomy production, reflecting on his past, present and future moods either side of the enigmatic I.E. hooks.

Travy P is undoubtedly one of the countries most exciting new urban talents, and MISTAKES only further broadens the eccentric emcee’s wide-ranging catalog of hits.

MISTAKES is a heavy, yet honest new anthem that marks a successful return to the spotlight for Travy P in 2018. 
 

Dryv - "Run Around"

Run Around is second release from Ruff Terrain artists KHAJE and KunD! under their collaboration project Dryv. Run Around is as energetic hip hop ballad craddled by KunD!'s soulful vocal and KHAJE's dance heavy production.

Spiffie Luciano Releases New Single from 'Heart of a Lion' Album

Spiffie Luciano releases another single from his long awaited 'Heart of a Lion' album. This one is entitled "Me Against The World". He's been applying pressure lately with new music videos, more shows, all while perfecting his next album.

He makes it clear for the negative thinkers in his soundcloud description:

“All love and respect to the late great Tupac Amaru Shakur, but I’ve been feeling like it’s me against the world.”

— Spiffie Luciano

Blastar (Feat. Lorelle Howard) - "So Cold"

https://open.spotify.com/album/106v33UizBmizqcubjMnpw

Born in Paris, originating from the West Indies Blastar began to work on music at a young age on a Bontempi synthesizer (90's model). At 6 years old, he could play already by ear. His father used to say he has a gift. His first songs were influenced by black and world music. As the years went on, he developed a certain versatility to his music. He's able to compose Rap, R&B, Pop, Dancehall ...etc. By the age of 19, the best french Caribbean music label proposed a collaboration to him to work on several projects for some of the biggest West Indian artists (Admiral T, Krys). The style of Blastar took shape as he mixed hip-hop and world music vibes in his compositions.

In 2006, he met one of the most influential hip-hop managers named Oumar Samake (a.k.a. Oumardinho) and together they created the french famous indie label Golden Eye Music which will reveal talented artists like Joke, Dosseh and Dinos. This entity would allow Blastar to develop his music, sign with Universal Music Publishing and work with french multi-platinum artists such as Diam's, Rohff, La Fouine, Mac Tyer, 113, Sofiane, Vitaa and many others. French urban artists have come to appreciate his style. His discography has more than 80 songs and he has even been able to crossover and collaborate Joke and Pusha T, Leck and Tyga, Fedia and Beenie Man.

In 2017, Blastar plans to release his first solo project which "A Gynois Story" will feature upcoming international artists like Kenny Vulcan (UK), Lorelle Howard (US), Gracy Hopkins (Europe) and many more. His latest venture is a remix of "MATH" by the talented soul singer Quiñ from L.A.