thelensofyashunews - Tumblr blog

thelensofyashunews · 7 hours

Text

Devin Malik Samples Kendrick Lamar in His New Video Single

Devin Malik is a student of the game, taking notes from the greats as he puts his own irreverent spin on a soulful SoCal sound. Today, the talented rapper-producer shares "PDA," a flirtatious new video and single. Produced by Devin and co-producer WillGell, the song uses a sample from Kendrick Lamar's "PRIDE," supplementing it with rolling hi-hats and an ethereal piano melody to create a room-enveloping canvas for Devin to paint on. The young artist releases all of his inhibitions, talking dirty in a gently melodic cadence: "She a punk rock b*tch, but I love it/Baby, I'm not Pharrell, stop frontin'/She in the horoscope, say the Moon is doing somethin." In the video, directed by Carlos Acosta, Devin romances in the California moonlight, taking his girl from an outdoor mall to a lookout point on the hills as they party until the sun comes up.

"PDA" follows in the wake of "CANADIAN TUX," Devin's recent single, which dropped in March. Produced by F1LTHY of Working On Dying, the ultra-confident "CANADIAN TUX" earned acclaim from HYPEBEAST, HipHopDX, and more.

youtube

"PDA" and "CANADIAN TUX" continue Devin's banner 2024, following his contributions as a producer and rapper on his mentor ScHoolboy Q's new album BLUE LIPS. The young artist produced and rapped on "Love Birds," also featuring Lance Skiiiwalker, and tore up the first verse of album highlight "Back N Love." Behind the scenes, Malik contributed his production talents to highlights like "NuNu," "oHio," "First," and closing track "Smile." After years of steady rise, and a recent co-sign from the one-and-only Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q has taken Devin Malik under his wing, nurturing him to become the next talent to emerge from the TDE orbit.

Now, after years of building a reputation as a producer and blossoming as a rapper, earning Best New Artist honors from Pigeons & Planes, Malik is hard at work at his own project. Home to "PDA" and "CANADIAN TUX," look for the project to release in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for much more from the renaissance man, as he makes 2024 his own.

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 7 hours

Text

1Up Tee Is Holding Everyone Accountable in His Latest Video

Rising Detroit rapper 1Up Tee has wisdom beyond his years, aiming to teach life lessons with his music. Today, the 25-year-old artist unveils his latest single and music video, "Accountability Pt. 2." With his signature lyrical dexterity, Tee delivers hard hitting, introspective bars over an emotive piano and pulsating Detroit-style beat. “Accountability Pt.2” marks another chapter in Tee's ongoing dialogue about personal growth and self-awareness.The accompanying music video sets 1Up Tee against a backdrop of television screens, symbolizing the overwhelming influence of media consumption. Additionally, a reflective scene set in a Chicago high-rise uses a kaleidoscope view to echo Tee’s poignant lyrics about self-examination, urging viewers to "take a look in the mirror."

youtube

Stay tuned for his compelling 4 Shooters Only's "From The Block" performance of “Accountability Pt.2,” 1Up Tee features a deaf performer, underscoring his commitment to inclusivity and his efforts to bridge the gap within the diverse communities of his audience.

Inspired by local rappers by Babyface Ray and Payroll Giovanni, Tee started rapping when he was a teenager, writing about the things he observed in his hometown, and eventually teaming up with close friend D Hen 1UP to release the mixtape Y.N.A. in 2022. 1Up Tee capitalized on his hometown momentum with the single "Accountability," released in 2022, framed as a conversation between two sides of himself–one side lamenting his lack of success so far, and the other side telling him to shape up and get to work. Late last year, Tee's profile began to cross out of the Great Lakes region and make waves nationwide: the catalyst was "Good Karma (Freestyle)," an examination about why bad things happen to real ones, which became a viral On The Radar performance and generated over 4 million on-demand streams. He kept the karma going with January's "Lose Lose," which earned attention from Pitchfork, racking up over 1.8 million streams in its first six weeks. His recent inclusion on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Hip Hop playlist and a significant uptick in TikTok followers highlight his growing influence.

With influential tastemakers like Pitchfork, On The Radar, and Spotify's Fresh Finds in his corner, along with strong co-signs from from Meek Mill, athletes like Damian Lillard and Marshawn Lynch, and fellow Detroiters including Babyface Ray, Dej Loaf, and BabyTron, 1Up Tee is ready to become the next rapper from the Motor City to become a breakout star. Stay tuned for much more.

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 7 hours

Text

Cincy's Skylar Blatt Recruits Chris Brown for "Wake Up," a Feel Good Summer Anthem

Emerging from a rough upbringing to become her city's most promising talent, Cincinnati native Skylar Blatt is ready to take over the Midwest and beyond. Today, the ILWT/Saint Ka$h/Arista signee teams up with Chris Brown to share "Wake Up," a feel good single for the summer.

Lifted by clean guitars and thumping percussion, the song is a showcase for the artist's melodic instincts, as she fits her inspirational bars into an addictive melodic cadence. Rhyming through an audible smile, Skylar expresses gratitude for her god-given talent and takes comfort in what she is building. Halfway through, Breezy joins the party, mimicking Skylar's cadence in his own inimitable tenor.

youtube

The collaboration came about organically: Chris became familiar with Skylar after he saw her perform her song "F*ck Fame" on From The Block and posted the clip on his Instagram. After Skylar reached out to thank him, the two developed a friendship and connected when Chris came through Ohio, where they promised that they would work together on a song. That song became "Wake Up," and the two joined forces in Breezy's neighborhood in Los Angeles to film the video.

"Wake Up" is only the first step in Skylar's rise from the Queen City to the top of the rap game. Raised by a single mother as one of six, Skylar turned to hip-hop to escape the troubles of her youth, developing a style derived from the best East Coast and Midwest rappers. She first gained attention with freestyles she posted on her Instagram, eventually gaining an early co-sign from Meek Mill, and a glowing profile from Lyrical Lemonade. In 2022, Skylar started collaborating with some of the finest rappers in the midwest, connecting with Babyface Ray and fellow Cincinnati rapper Midwest Milly for "Exactly," racking up over 800k YT views, and teaming with Icewear Vezzo for the sinister "God Forbid." A lifelong Bengals fan, she teamed with fellow Ohioan Doe Boy to craft "BENGALS (SUPER BOWL)," an anthem meant to cheer on Joe Burrow and company as they played in Super Bowl LVI. In October 2023, Skylar shared her mixtape Blatt SZN, home to "God Forbid" and ten other Cincy slappers. The tape won her a fan in Lola Brooke, who hopped on a remix to her song "F*ck Fame." Before "Wake Up," Skylar released her single "Laughin To Tha Bank,” a hard-hitting anthem that is already beginning to impact local radio in Cincinnati.

Now, as the inaugural signee to Saint Ka$h Records, the record label founded by Kendell "Sav" Freeman, Skylar is looking to become the next Midwest rapper to break things open. With more music on the way, the Queen City queen is ready to defy the odds and take over Summer 2024. Watch this space–the Sky is the limit.

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 7 hours

Text

Normani Unveils New Single "1:59" Featuring Gunna. Debut Studio Album DOPAMINE To be Released on June 14th

Singer-songwriter Normani unveils her new single "1:59," featuring Gunna via RCA Records. The single comes on the heels of the announcement of her long-awaited and highly anticipated debut album DOPAMINE, slated to release on June 14 on all major streaming platforms. The album’s pre-save link can be found at wheresthedamnalbum.com.

"1:59" seductively unfolds over smooth guitar melodies as Normani addresses a potential paramour, provocatively pondering their intimate possibilities. With its suggestive lyrics and infectious rhythm, the track exudes an undeniable allure. The record encapsulates Normani’s journey of embracing her divine femininity, blending sensuality with dominance in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

The chorus teases, "When I get you alone, boy, what you gon' do with this? Don't talk too much, just do this sh*t. Boy, what you gon' do with this?" Gunna's verse adds another layer of intrigue as he confidently asserts, "I can tell your type 'cause you gon' like the things I do." “1:59” ventures into a different pocket for Gunna, delivering a more R&B-infused record that highlights his versatility while retaining his core essence.

Since stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist in 2018, Normani has mesmerized audiences with a series of chart-topping singles. Noteworthy among these are collaborations such as “Dancing With a Stranger” with Sam Smith and “Love Lies” with Khalid, both of which soared into the top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, charting at No. 7 and No. 9, respectively. Additionally, “Motivation” and “Wild Side” featuring Cardi B have charted the Hot 100, peaking at No. 33 and No. 14, respectively.

Normani’s upcoming album DOPAMINE represents a season of liberation and freedom, celebrating her journey to this pivotal moment.

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 7 hours

Text

PARTYNEXTDOOR RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4)

Contemporary R&B superstar PartyNextDoor releases his highly anticipated album PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4). The 14-track album showcases PartyNextDoor’s intoxicating vocals blended with hypnotic trap production. In addition to writing and singing on all of the tracks, Party serves as a producer on the majority of the album.

youtube

To accompany P4, PartyNextDoor also releases the music video for the dancehall-infused track “F o r C e r t a i n.” Directed by Edgar Daniel, the sultry visual picks up where the “R e a l W o m a n” music video left off.

Of the new album, PartyNextDoor adds, “I want my fans to experience this album in a way that allows them to take exactly what they need from it. Whatever they are going through... relationships, whatever it is - when they listen to this album, they can use my stories to learn from and relate to.”

PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4) features previously released tracks, including “H e r O l d F r i e n d s,” “R e s e n t m e n t,” “R e a l W o m a n,” and “L o s e M y M i n d.” This year, PartyNextDoor returned to the festival circuit and performed at SXSW, Rolling Loud California and Australia’s Souled Out festival. The Billboard cover star will also take the stage at Broccoli City Festival in July.

With 2024 marking the 10-year anniversary of PARTYNEXTDOOR 2, fans continue to celebrate PartyNextDoor’s discography; the sped-up version of “Her Way” became 2023’s #1 track on TikTok Canada and #3 track on TikTok USA.

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 7 hours

Text

Ice Spice remix stamps Cash Cobain's "Fisherrr" as the Song of the Summer

The newly-minted Billboard Rookie of the Month, and multi-hyphenate NYC star, Cash Cobain has just linked up with Ice Spice for the long-awaited video remix for "Fisherrr" (feat.��BaySwag) [18m+ Streams]. After bubbling the past few years with R-rated anthems over his own ethereal production – creating the playful "sexy drill" sound that he's pioneered and taken to mainstream heights, Cash Cobain is stamping himself as a serious song of the summer contender with this remix. Following up his two smash singles "Dunk Contest" (8m+) and "Fisherrr" (pronounced, 'for sure), Cash is primed for his moment in the spotlight –– hitting 1M Monthly Listeners on Spotify, Top 3 NYC Shazam Charts, having occupied the #1 + #3 slots of the NYC Apple Music Charts, hitting #45 on the Urban Radio Charts and counting, and now landing Ice Spice's third feature ever –– in the words of COMPLEX, "the summer of 2024 is looking very slizzy". On the highly-anticipated remix, Ice Spice is simply in top-tier shape. Adding her signature magnetic 'it-girl' flair, charming cadence, and instantly-coinable one-liners, she bolsters the lightning-hot single into astronomical territory with the opening lines –– "Got an attitude but I'm feelingless, so I ain't mad at you, And I'm tatted too on this fatty-tude, I'm the baddest boo". The long-overdue collab from the two Bronx natives is seamless, with her being a tailor-fit alongside the ethereal, dreamy production and silky smooth verses from Bay Swag and Cash. With the recent releases of "Dunk Contest" (watch Genius 'Open Mic') and now the Ice Spice-assisted remix for "Fisherrr" (feat. BaySwag), Cash Cobain is using his collaborative momentum from last year to continue elevating his signature sound, showcasing its influential and ever-growing widespread appeal in the process. In the words of Cash:

“It’s a beautiful record. It feels amazing, it feels like NYC is back stronger than ever with me and Spice -– two Bronx legends. Get ready for the song of the summer.”

youtube

Last month, Cash took over NYC with his birthday show, 'Slizzyfest' at Irving Plaza –– a night that was slated as a stacked lineup of NY's finest, with rumors of an A-list superstar surprise set. After chatter spread online and the hype reached a fever pitch, the crowd became too much to handle and the show was ultimately canceled –– but Cash wanted to give the fans their money's worth so he ventured into Union Square and threw a makeshift show with his crew, a Bluetooth speaker, and hundreds of adoring fans (read 'I Went to Cash Cobain’s Slizzyfest and All I Got Was That Classic NYC Feeling' via Rolling Stone + statement in Billboard). Also in Billboard, Cash recently teased potential collaborations with Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Don Toliver (seen filming a music video here), Lil Yachty and more –– a surefire sign of the worldwide stardom soon to come.

These recent releases arrive on the heels of a career-defining year in 2023 that closed with the production of PinkPantheress' "Nice To Meet You" (feat. Central Cee), which debuted at #20 on Billboard Hot 100 (he alsostarred alongside her in a nationally-syndicated Apple commercial for the new MacBook). This was preceded by producing Drake's"Calling For You" (feat. 21 Savage), which debuted at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, DJ'ing at Travis Scott's Cactus Jack x Audemars Piguet event, and releasing his critically-acclaimed debut solo album Pretty Girls Love Slizzy with Giant Music.

1 note · View note

thelensofyashunews · 8 hours

Text

Fuerza Regida Scores Their First #1 on Billboard's Top Latin Albums Chart With Pa Las Baby's Y Belikeada

Superstar Mexican group Fuerza Regida celebrates their first-ever #1 albumonBillboard's Top Latin Albums, as their 2023 album Pa Las Baby's Y Belikeada ascended to the top of the chart. The album was a mainstay in the top five of the chart for 25 weeks, before ascending to pole position during the week of April 27th, 2024, its 26th week on the chart. Pa Las Baby's Y Belikeada is now only the fifth-ever Mexican album to top the Top Latin Albums chart. The album rises behind 24k sales-equivalent units (a 17% increase from last week), generating over 36 million on-demand streams in the period, a total good enough to reach #1 on Billboard's Regional Mexican Albums chart and #25on theBillboard 200. The group's recent EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, also rose in the chart this week, placing at #5 on the Top Latin Albums chart with 17,000 sales-equivalent units (19.35 million on-demand streams). Fuerza Regida also currently places 8 singles on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs Chart, with recent single "TU NAMÉ" leading the way at #3 (and at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100).

Released in October 2023, Pa Las Baby's Y Belikeada made its debut on the Top Latin Albums chart and reached the Top 15 of the Billboard 200 in its opening week. The album has generated over 2 billion streams across platforms to date, led by hits like "TQM" (peaked at #34 at the Billboard Hot 100), "Sabor Fresa" (#26 on the Hot 100), and "HARLEY QUINN" (#40 on the Hot 100), their collaboration with Marshmello that became their first-ever #1 hit on the Latin Airplay chart. The success of Pa Las Baby's Y Belikeada propelled Fuerza Regida to two Billboard Music Awards in 2023, plus the #1 spot on Billboard's Top Duo/Group year-end artist chart. Most recently, Fuerza shared a new video for "CRAZYZ," a hit from the album with over 156 million Spotify streams. The video has over 5.7 million views on YouTube in 11 days, and currently sits at #12 on YouTube's Trending Chart for Music.

Fuerza's 2024 EP, Dolido Pero No Arrepentido, arrived just in time for Valentine's Day. The album debuted at #2 on Billboard's Latin Albums chart, and all six songs from the EP reached Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart, including charting single "TU NAMÉ" (19 million YouTube views, currently sitting at #36 on YouTube's Music Video Chart for the United States).

The group will debut songs from their new EP on the "Pero No Te Enamores Tour." Produced by Live Nation and kicking off on June 6th in Austin, TX, the "Pero No Te Enamores Tour" takes the group across North America for a series of dates, including shows in Atlanta, New York, Houston, and more, before closing with a show in Inglewood, CA. The 5-man group saluted their hometown fans with a special mural in their native San Bernardino, CA, displaying the tour artwork and dates in the center of the city. Tickets for the "Pero No Te Enamores Tour" are available now at livenation.com.

Stay tuned for much more information about Fuerza Regida in the near future.

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 21 hours

Text

#french montana #maxim grand #montreal #music

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 1 day

Text

#shaggy #barenaked ladies #the tea party

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 2 days

Text

Rising R&B Artist Jae Stephens Kickstarts A New Era With New Single "Wet"

Gifted singer, songwriter and producer, Jae Stephens is ready to elevate her game. Today, the acclaimed R&B artist shares new single "Wet," via Raedio/Def Jam Recordings.

Smoothly futuristic and brashly confident, "Wet" finds Stephens seizing control of all aspects of her life–her art, her finances and, most crucially, her desires. Over the song's uptempo, house-influenced production, Jae sings, "Sick of my sadness, end of an era, I got new habits, ” signaling her intention to start a new phase of her life and career, one with fewer inhibitions and more self-expression. Produced in part by Jae herself, "Wet" sonically traverses both Pop and R&B genres effortlessly.

"Wet" is the start of Jae Stephens' next era, which will culminate in a new EP due later this year.

The Dallas native first turned heads as a teenaged R&B prodigy, gaining notice with her soul-stirring vocals and preternatural songwriting ability. While she was a high school student, Stephens built a devoted audience on Tumblr, winning 200,000 followers with her sterling covers of pop and R&B songs and her entertaining life updates. She stepped out on her own as a 19-year-old, in 2017, releasing "24K," a single that earned praise from The FADER and garnered Jae a performance on COLORS. In 2019, Jae released f**k it, i'll do it myself, a fully self-written and self-produced EP, home to her fan favorite single "got it like that," and joined her friend Khalid during his performance on Saturday Night Live. She has collaborated with kindred spirits like THEY, VanJess, Khamari, and Xavier Omar, and has racked up more than 50 million streams across her catalog. Her most recent EP, High My Name Is, came out in 2022, shifting her sound in a more alternative and personal direction.

Now signed to Raedio, the "audio everywhere" company, in partnership with Def Jam Recordings, Jae Stephens is primed to deliver on her limitless potential. Stay tuned for much more from the young singer-songwriter in the near future.

#jae stephens #wet #rnb #rnbmusic #r&b artist #r&b music #r&b #spotify #youtube #music #artist #musician #soundcloud #art #culture #r&b singer #singer songwriter #raedio #issa rae #insecure #Spotify

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 5 days

Text

Cincinnati's Skylar Blatt is the Midwest's Next Hip-Hop Princess

Cincinnati is a blue collar town, known as the home of the Bengals, the Reds, Skyline Chili, and Procter & Gamble. But despite a bustling scene, the Queen City isn't really known for its hip-hop. Enter rising rapper Skylar Blatt, who has the talent and charisma to put her city on the rap map. Her crushing bars and knack for easy melody has earned her co-signs from some of the biggest artists in the game, and with ILWT/Saint Ka$h/Arista Records at her back, the sky is the limit.

Raised by a single mother as one of six kids, Skylar learned early lessons about the high stakes of life on the Cincinnati streets. When her mom lost her job, she moved in with her Grandma–who Skylar describes as a "gangsta"–who taught her how to survive on her own. She found a safe harbor in hip-hop, escaping her troubles by listening to rappers from all regions–she learned free associative rhyming from Lil Wayne, picked up feminine fury from Nicki Minaj, took notes on the creative use of melody by artists like Young Thug and Future, and implemented plenty of the tough-talking bravado she learned from NY rappers like 50 Cent, Juelz Santana and Jadakiss.

With 10,000 hours of hip-hop study in the bank and a style that she knew stood out from others in her city, she started to embark on her own hip-hop dreams. At first, she uploaded freestyles to her personal Facebook and Instagram pages, and when those gained traction, she started writing her own songs.

youtube

After gaining an early co-sign from Meek Mill, and a glowing profile from Lyrical Lemonade, the young rapper started collaborating with many of the Midwest's finest rappers, connecting with Babyface Ray and fellow Cincinnati rapper Midwest Milly for "Exactly," racking up over 800k YT views, and teaming with Icewear Vezzo for the sinister "God Forbid." A lifelong Bengals fan, she teamed with fellow Ohioan Doe Boy to craft "BENGALS (SUPER BOWL)," an anthem meant to cheer on Joe Burrow and company as they played in Super Bowl LVI. In October 2023, Skylar shared her mixtape Blatt SZN, home to "God Forbid" and ten other Cincy slappers. The tape won her a fan in Lola Brooke, who hopped on a remix to her song "F*ck Fame."

Skylar is currently riding a wave of momentum from her new single “Laughin To Tha Bank,” a hard-hitting anthem that is already beginning to impact local radio in Cincinnati. Produced by Too Dope and Akachi, “Laughin To Tha Bank” is a perfect exemplar of what makes Skylar a special talent: rhyming through a sly grin, Skylar crafts an addictive cadence, alternating rich life flexes with intimidating tough talk with effortless ease: "See I'm the type who took her on a date/Just so she can show me where she stay if you ever at her place," rhymes Skylar.

Now, as the inaugural signee to Saint Ka$h Records, the record label founded by Kendell "Sav" Freeman, Skylar is looking to become the next Midwest rapper to break things open. With more music and, "Wake Up," a major collaboration with Chris Brown coming this Friday, April 26th, the Queen City queen is ready to defy the odds. Watch this space.

Follow Skylar Blatt on socials: instagram | spotify | youtube | twitter | tiktok

Pre-save "Wake Up" ft Chris Brown: http://skylarblatt.lnk.to/WakeUpPreSave

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 5 days

Text

Red Hot Latin Trapper Pressure 9X19 Acknowledges His Roots in "Philly Boy"

Racking up numbers with his streetwise bangers, Pressure 9X19 is on his way to Latin trap stardom. Digging deep into his lore on his latest heater, Pressure shares "Philly Boy," an ode to the city where he spent much of his early life. Rhyming over an apocalyptic instrumental with a sniper's precision, the rhymer who calls himself El Rey de las rápidas recounts his hard-living youth in Northeast Philly and how it made him the man he is today. In the video, Pressure returns to the city of his birth, gathering a crew on Weymouth Street as he flaunts the riches he's earned with his music.

Released by 10K Projects, Pressure's new single is the follow-up to his smash hit "VVS Switch." Released in October, the Bobby Caldwell-sampling song experienced a steady and organic rise to the Latin charts, racking up over 113 million streams across platforms.

youtube

The song's popularity in the Latin trap community drew immense interest, with superstar Latin artists clamoring to get on the remix. The interest prompted Pressure to release a mega-sized, 9-minute remix of the song featuring seven of the biggest names in Latin music: AnuelAA, YovngChimi, Hades66, C Dobleta & Luar La L. "VVS Switch" (Remix) quickly took off, peaking at #15 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart earlier this year (the remix currently sits at #44 on that chart).

As "VVS Switch" goes up, and "Philly Boy" follows, the Glizzy Gang chieftain is raising his profile in a big way. With over 13 million streams per week on his catalog, Pressure is cooking up much more music, as he seeks to fulfill his superstar destiny.

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 5 days

Text

EVILGIANE & SLIMESITO SHARE NEW SINGLE "DESIGNER DRUGZ"

youtube

Fresh off a 2024 GRAMMY“Best Rap Performance” nomination for his work on Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem’s “The Hillbillies”, Surf Gang founding member evilgiane and the prolific rapper Slimesito have just shared their new single "DESIGNER DRUGZ" from the duo’s highly-anticipated EVILSLIME collab mixtape – out on 5/3. The announcement arrives on the heels of evilgiane’s January mixtape #HEAVENSGATE VOL. 1, which boasted features from the likes of Rx Papi, 454, Bear1Boss, Nettspend, and Slimesito himself – it was instantly met with critical acclaim from The FADER, Stereogum, Hypebeast and Pitchfork, who gave the project a score of 7.3, praising the producer for "inviting hyper-regional talent to slide over a collection of exquisitely fine-tuned beats that position him as a superproducer in the making". Slimesito is fresh off a European tour that spanned across 7 countries, and the forthcoming tape follows his recent single "Pray 4 Me" (feat. Trippie Redd). Defined by colorful production and playful lyricism, "DESIGNER DRUGZ” is a spirited outing that sets the stage for the duo’s first joint tape. An enigmatic mainstay in the world of underground Hip-Hop since the 2010s, Slimesito’s full-length link-up with evilgiane has been teased and highly-coveted – ”DESIGNER DRUGZ” finally sets the stage, serving as a high-energy track bolstered by a carefree hook (“I feel like Pablo, man, the way that I’m dabbing / I’m off designer drugs, they match with my fashion”), while Slimesito’s melodic flow is a strong complement to evilgiane’s dreamy sonic landscapes. Their first joint outing since #HEAVENSGATE VOL. 1 cuts “INFORMANTS” and “LIL WAYNE”, “DESIGNER DRUGZ” is a compelling introduction to the the pair’s EVILSLIME project, while also serving as a joint catch-up to the innovative production work that’s turned evilgiane into the game’s in-demand producer and Slimesito’s fabled stature.

The lead single for his second project of 2024, evilgiane’s latest release showcases why The FADER recently hailed the producer for his “woozy beats (part New York drill, part digital cloud rap) [that] have served as a springboard for inspired singles byKendrick Lamar (‘The Hillbillies’ with Baby Keem), Earl Sweatshirt (‘Making the Band (Danity Kane)’), and Playboi Carti (‘Sights’ with A$AP Rocky).” Still riding the momentum from a breakout year that saw him land two Top 20 records in Pitchfork’s ‘Best Songs of 2023’), evilgiane is continuing his ascent into the upper-echelon of producers. Blending elements of Drill, Electronic and Jersey Club music into his distinct utopic soundscapes, evilgiane has carved out his own lane with a production style that Stereogum recently hailed as “changing the sound of hip-hop”. Alongside working with some of rap’s biggest name’s, his other recent production credits include collab tapes with 454, Matt Ox, Serane and John Glacier, as well as “Luv The Tour” off the deluxe version of Veeze’s critically-acclaimed debut album Ganger. All of evilgiane's past collaborations have led to the highly-anticipated release of EVILSLIME, a compelling exhibition of his visionary production and keen ability for inspiring artists to step out of their creative comfort zone. With evilgiane continuing to morph various internet sub-genres and sounds into idyllic soundscapes with ever-expanding reach, the EVILSLIME rollout embodies the fruitful ascendence of both evilgiane's forward-thinking sonics and Slimesito's mythical raps.

EVILSLIME – Tracklist 01. DESIGNER DRUGZ 02. RIGHT OR WRONG 03. BANDOLEROS 04. MONA LISA 05. TOP FLOOR (feat. K$UPREME) 06. MAKE IT HOME 07. BRUISE WAYNE 08. 12 02 93 09. TOP KAPO 10. NO STRESS 11. DR. EVIL

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 7 days

Text

North Carolina's Mez Shares The Loading EP + "Hot Spot" Video ft. Isaiah Rashad

Making waves for over a decade for his immaculate pen game and keen visual eye, North Carolina rapper Mez has guided the creative of many of the game's biggest artists. Finally ready for his moment in the sun, the multi-talented artist comes through with The Loading EP, his first official project of the streaming era. The seven track EP covers miles of ground, following Mez's perspective as he explores the nature of love and friendship on "Around The World," with help from Leon Bridges, reflects on a cold and uncaring universe in the contemplative "Devil Is A Judge," and rattles off tongue-twisting tales about his pursuit of the bag in lead single "Call On" ft. Kurtis Wells. The diverse EP features production from talents as diverse as Los Angeles's Tae Beast, Chicago underground sound architects Monte Booker, Phoelix & Cam O'bi, hard-hitting Atlanta native DJ Mark B, and more. Featuring additional guest appearances from Isaiah Rashad, MAVI, SAINt JHN, and Childish Major, The Loading EP is available everywhere via Mass Appeal.

Says Mez about the new EP: "The Loading EP symbolizes the (Un) Loading of my thoughts. My ideas. My fears. The (Re) Loading of my love for music after so many things felt in the way. The (Down) Loading of new energy. New courage and strength. New ideas. The Loading EP is conceptualized around the way I think. Making connections between things that might not always fit together. Creating something from the void in-between. Just bossing up in general."

The EP arrives with a brand new video for "Hot Spot," the standout collaboration with Isaiah Rashad, directed by Mez himself. Produced by Monte Booker, Phoelix & Cam O'bi, the track finds the two talented musicians reflecting on relationships they’ve had over the years, never giving up on romance despite its challenges. Mez compares his unbreakable connection with his girl to a phone’s hotspot, taking the metaphor even further in the video with his love interest's face being covered by a screen. Isaiah Rashad delivers a verse for the yearners, starting off completely separated on the screen from his love interest but slowly working his way closer to her as his verse goes on, symbolizing that modern romance is indeed possible.

The Loading EP marks the latest phase in a long and varied career for Mez. Emerging out of Raleigh in the early 2010s, Mez was a leading light in a fertile NC rap scene that birthed underground and mainstream stars. Mez's sharp lyrics and assured artistic vision helped convince some of music's biggest stars to trust him with their creative visions. Then known as "King Mez," the rapper was one of the driving forces behind Compton, Dr. Dre's long-awaited third album, appearing on nine tracks and writing on several others–his efforts drew praise from the likes of Pitchfork, NPR, Vulture, and many others. Mez has been a regular affiliate of his friend and fellow North Carolinian J. Cole, and has contributed several verses to Dreamville compilations, including Revenge Of The Dreamers III and last year's Creed III: The Soundtrack. Mez is also a renowned video director, stepping behind the camera for clips like J. Cole's "Middle Child" and "a m a r i," Dreamville's "Sleep Deprived" (on which he also raps), plus videos for Ari Lennox, Isaiah Rashad, and more. Most recently, Mez earned a writing credit on J. Cole's chart-topping surprise album Might Delete Later, contributing to the Ari Lennox-sang hook on opening song "Pricey" ft. Ari Lennox, Young Dro & Gucci Mane.

With The Loading EP out now, Mez proves that he is an artistic force to be reckoned with in the rap game and beyond. Stay tuned for more.

#mez #the loading ep #Spotify

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 7 days

Text

YHAPOJJ SHARES NEW SINGLE "SSWERVE GEEKED" (FEAT. LIL TONY)

Fresh off a feature in Rolling Stone’s “2024 Future of Music” print issue that hailed him as a “young act at the vanguard of underground rap”, Yhapojj has just announced that his new project PS Fuck You will be out on 5/10, and shared his new single “Sswerve Geeked” featuring Lil Tony. The track arrives on the heels of a sold-out run of shows in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York – where Yhapojj brought out Trippie Redd, and performed alongside artists like Bear1Boss and Marlon DuBois. Serving as his third release of 2024, “Sswerve Geeked” follows February’s “hope ulike me” (1.7M+ Streams) – a track that Our Generation Music praised as “an embodiment of Yhapo’s quick ascent in the underground”, and March’s danceable “Make Sum Noise”. Since his viral single “1o” (7M+ Streams) last year, Yhapojj has quickly risen to the forefront of Hip-Hop’s new underground wave since breaking into the Top 100 of Apple Music’s ‘Top Albums’ chart with his 2023 EP, Evolution of Xur. Emerging as a torchbearer for the forward-thinking “jerk” sound he’s helped pioneer, 2023 proved to be a monstrous year for Yhapojj, capped off by a riotous NYC show getting shut down by the NYPD in December, and earning his place on Year-End lists like No Bells’ ‘Best Internet Rap of 2023’ and being named one of OGM’s ‘Artists to Watch in 2024’. Continuing to showcase why he’s been lauded as one of this year’s must-watch artists, Yhapojj’s new single “Sswerve Geeked” (feat. Lil Tony) is out now via Simple Stupid Records.

youtube

Defined by hypnotic trap production and Yhapojj’s signature upbeat flow, “Sswerve Geeked” featuring Lil Tony is a compelling, timestamped portrait from the imaginative Yhapojj. Gliding effortlessly across the track’s hazy synths and uptempo 808s, Yhapojj holds court on both the highs (“I’m fuckin’ with this bitch / Bitch gotta be perfect”) and lows (“I gotta keep my gun on me late night / N— out to hurt me”) of his breakthrough year – demonstrating why The FADER recently heralded Yhapojj as one of “the underground’s key figures”. After having “You Lookin Gud” become his most-streamed song (2M+ Streams) last year, it was quickly replaced only a month later with “1o”, and the entirety of his Evolution of Xur EP last year –– beginning his astronomical climb up the ranks of the underground. Now with his third release of the year, “Sswerve Geeked” (feat. Lil Tony), Yhapojj is continuing to push the boundaries of what underground Hip-Hop can sound like, while feeding the newfound demand for his idiosyncratic, melody-driven sound and refreshing emotional candor that has captured the imagination of the youth.

0 notes

thelensofyashunews · 7 days

Text

BBYMUTHA SHARES NEW LP SLEEP PARALYSIS

The defiant Chattanooga-born, Atlanta-based artist and underground heavyweight bbymutha has just shared her new album sleep paralysis—out now via True Panther Records. Fresh off a Washington Post feature that hailed her as a “prolific rapper [whose songs] mix Southern rap menace with the bump and bounce of underground clubs”, bbymutha's highly-anticipated sophomore LP arrives just as she kicks off a 25-date international tour (ticket link here). The album’s title “sleep paralysis” is a literal reference to the syndrome that bbymutha has been afflicted with since childhood – providing a way for her to dive back into memories she didn’t even know she had, an essential component in crafting the album. Defined by her colorful lyricism and genre-bending production, bbymutha has continously stood out among other SoundCloud-era artists since her 2017 hit “Rules” (6M+ Streams), and solidified her name a year later with "Lately" featuring Rico Nasty, as well as the poppy, R&B-infused banger "Sleeping With the Enemy" (9M+ Streams). A viral performance of “Heavy Metal” on COLORS in 2019 followed by the release of bbymutha’s critically-acclaimed debut album Muthaland in 2020 led to subsequent collaborations with Zelooperz, Baby Tate, Na-Kel, Pink Siifu, Kelela, and Fly Anakin on her most recent album, Muthaleficent 3. Earlier this year, bbymutha shared new tracks “gun kontrol” and “go!”, with Pitchfork praising the former for the “allure and force of [bbymutha’s] voice, a thick Tennessee drawl that she wields like a weapon”. bbymutha is fresh off the album's third single “lines”, which HotNewHipHop lauded as “a drug-drenched banger” – continuing to set the tone for sleep paralysis, which bbymutha is using to cement herself as an artist at the forefront of Southern underground scene, while ushering in a new era of self-discovery and reinvention.

sleep paralysis, bbymutha’s full-length debut with independent label True Panther Records, finds her continuing to challenge traditional genre boundaries by experimenting with new sonic landscapes inspired by a trip to the UK. A unique blend of Punk, Electronic, Club, and Rap, sleep paralysis compiles beats from nine different producers including Foisey, Bon Music Vision, and Kilder. A visionary artist who’s steadily built her cult following through a strong run of independent releases, sleep paralysis layers steely and hilarious musings over windswept synths and echoing industrial 808s, bringing both an urgency to bbymutha’s words, and a glint of experimentation to her ever-developing sound. The album’s inspiration was derived from a post-lockdown tour in the UK on which she was introduced to the sounds of 90's Garage and UK dance music, a revelatory moment following a gauntlet of bad luck and a creative rut during the peak of the pandemic. Showcasing why Clash Magazine recently hailed bbymutha as “a staple of the Southern underground scene”, sleep paralysis is an album fascinated with the dreamlike nature of trauma, personal history, and fantasy.

27 notes · View notes

thelensofyashunews · 7 days

Text

Lupe Fiasco Co-Signed Two Depressed Kids (TDK) Pay Tribute to Chicago in "Woke Up Today"

Chicago duo Two Depressed Kids (TDK) might have a pessimistic band name, but they are optimists at heart. Weathering life's hard times by focusing on its small pleasures, the duo shares "Woke Up Today," their new video single. The song features sumptuous production from legendary producer Soundtrakk, TDK's fellow signee to Lupe Fiasco's 1st & 15th label, who layers energetic synth melodies, string section stabs, and a bouncy bassline into a nostalgic confection. The two rappers of TDK float atop the instrumental, as they doggedly determine to take on life's problems head on. In the video, TDK head from the suburbs to the heart of Chicago, where they sing their song on the banks of the Chicago River.

youtube

"Our song 'Woke Up Today' was inspired by the simple things we often overlook in our busy lives that bring us happiness," explain Jake and Drew of TDK. "This song reminds us a lot of one of our biggest musical heroes, Mac Miller. In the production and lyrics, we tried to capture his aura. Tortured by our own thoughts and the world around us but still looking up, we acknowledge that there are a lot of harsh realities in the world, but at its core life is beautiful and the good days outweigh the bad. With the music video, we wanted to give a feeling of innocence. We wore bright colors and did things that as kids helped us feel like nothing else mattered, like hanging out in nature, messing around in public and riding our bikes and skateboards."

Signed to 1st & 15th by Lupe Fiasco, who has brought them as openers on multiple recent tours, Two Depressed Kids have made their name in Chicago with energetic performances and sharp songwriting. Earlier this year, TDK shared “Not In Love,” a bouncy, Soundtrakk-produced single that earned coverage in HipHopDX. Most recently, TDK shared "Can I Do It By Myself," another uplifting single, along with a music video. The talented duo is currently hard at work at an upcoming EP, the follow-up to their 2022 effort Miss.Judge. With 1st & 15th behind them, TDK plans to bring their hybrid sound to the mainstream. Stay tuned for much more from TDK and 1st & 15th as 2024 moves along.

0 notes