Showing posts with label rap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rap. Show all posts

Another spotlight to start the week, and more on the way!

Today we have upcoming hip hop artist, King Tay! Hailing from Philadelphia, the artist stated that he always had a passion for music and writing. “I've been writing poetry and doing amateur writing since elementary school,” Tay said. “Not to say that I was good at it, but I started playing around with writing and rhyming around then.” Though he at first preferred to stick to ghost writing, he was pushed by different producers and music figures to pursue rapping. “I decided that I was going to take my career seriously [and] started going to the studio, recording tracks, Tay said. “In 2014 I performed for the first time, [and] haven't looked [back] since.”

Being from Philly, he admitted that his city plays a huge role in his story and music. “We are labeled as the City of Brotherly Love yet there isn't much love shown here,” King Tay admitted. “The things talked about in my lyrics have been inspired by the things I have seen, heard, currently going through, and feel.” Also inspired by artists like Tupac, DMX, 50 Cent, Eminem, Nas, Beanie Sigel, James Brown, and Michael Jackson, he listens to a variety of genres which sparks great inspiration in his own music.

One of King Tay’s most recent tracks, “Coolin,’” is an example. The track, which was recorded, mixed and mastered at Marsten House Recording Studios, was also written and produced by Tay himself. “[It’s] a representation of myself and my laid back attitude,” he stated. Check out the video for the track below!



Currently, the artist is putting the finishing touches on his EP, More Than Dreams, which is set to be released this summer. “I'm aiming for June but it could be a little later,” Tay said. “I do not want to rush this project.”

In terms of what sets him apart from other artists out now, King Tay believes it’s his creativity and versatility that separates him from the pack. “My train of thought, my way of thinking ,is just different,” he said. In the future, the artist has hopes of being well off financially, but also in a position where he is able to assist other artists and entrepreneurs on the come up. He plans to develop a few business ideas, create his own record label, and give back to his community!

You can check out more from King Tay on YouTube and SoundCloud, as well as follow him on Twitter and Instagram!


Future and The Weeknd give back to the fans this Christmas with their new collaboration, "Low Life" over a Metro Boomin' and Ben Billions produced track!

Check out the song below!


After multiple teases of the track on Snapchat, and in the midst of working on multiple projects including Self Made 5 and his next solo album, Wale releases the Pro Reese produced track, "Spoiled," with vocals from JaeFromVine!

Check out the track below and let us know how you like this new jam because I'm loving it!








Another interview! As always, if you are or know of any upcoming artists, designers, producers, etc., that would like to be featured on The Spotlight, please email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com!

Today, we have hip hop artist Kenn Retro! Hailing from Chicago, Kenn stated that he grew up in a family with a passion for music. “Me and my cousins, when we were young, used to tour the West Side of Chicago performing Jodeci, Shai, Boyz II Men songs,” the rapper said. As he got older, Kenn continue creating music, switching over to a more “Alternative/Urban” sound. He fell in love with hip hop after first hearing A Tribe Called Quest through his uncle. “In 1999, I was inspired to develop my craft of rhyming with the guidance of my uncle, and he has been pushing me ever since,” Kenn said.


The artist also credits his hometown of Chicago for inspiring him and his music. “Chicago has diverse talent, and I believe [also] a very innovation selection of artists,” Kenn stated. Using his own life experiences in the area in his music, the rapper believes that his lyrics are relatable to everyone and can have a strong influence.

Also inspired by artists like Common, Mos Def, Pearl Jam, and more, Kenn released his debut album, The ID, EGO and SUPEREGO, independently in October 2013. He collaborated with artists Etta Mae and Gabriela Francesca on a few tracks, overall creating a great project that has garnered rave reviews! He hopes that listeners are motivated “to live life and go for yours, but do so consciously.”


Currently, Kenn is working on an EP, as well as a few singles, with a full album to follow, so he’s busy grinding! He believes that his persona is what makes him stand out from other artists, and the way he entertains. “People can connect with me musically because they enjoy and can connect with my personality,” the rapper said. In the future, he wants to be a great entertainer in music, but also venture out into possibly acting as well. “My overall goal is to reinvent myself creatively and capitalize on the Kenn Retro brand and entertainment aspect [globally],” he concluded.

You can connect with Kenn on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as hear more of his music on Reverb Nation and YouTube! Also check out his label’s website, ZobeRecords.com, for more information on him and his other label mates!


Got another spotlight for you all on this wonderful Friday! Expect several within the next few weeks! As always, if you are an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and you are interested in featuring your work on The Spotlight, email me (please allow some time for response)!

Today on the blog, we have G5 Elz! Exposed to music all of his life, the rapper learned and loved the art of rhyming. From Dr. Seuss books to watching rappers like The Notorious BIG, Jay Z and Nas, he quickly caught on to rapping. “By the time I was 8 years old, I began writing my own rhymes in school, preferably math class,” G5 joked. “Then it was always rapping in front of the TV like I was whatever rapper in the video with the remote in my hand.”

Hailing from Queens and living in NYC, G5 Elz recognizes that his environment has had a great deal of influence over his music. “My environment inspires everything because I’m seeing and hearing noises everyday then I incorporate that into my rhymes,” the rapper acknowledged. Though he always knew that creating music was his life’s purpose, he began to take his music seriously after his grandmother passed away in 2011. “I stepped my game up to another level and started molding solid projects, performing, and profiting.”

Currently the rapper has two mixtapes out, The NY Times and Bread and Butter, as well as his most recent EP 2nd Coming which is available on iTunes! Inspired by friendships, rough times, blessings, and his dreams, G5 worked with Keem Bel’air, Shawn Giftz, Halftime, and more on the project. You can also check out his current single “X-Drive” featuring Sv Don , just released on October 2, 2014, below!


G5 Elz is currently working on a new EP called Before Cameras, so definitely be on the lookout for that. In terms of his sound and how he differs from other artists, the rapper said, “I’d say I keep it organic [and] soulful, not trying hop on the trends of what is so-called ‘relevant.’” In the future, he plans to continue to create music, of course, but wants to branch out into various avenues including possibly books, television, movies, sneakers, and clothes, as well as helping kids break into the entertainment industry! I respect the ambition. It’s your life, your rules. You don’t have to stick to just one lane!

You can connect with G5 Elz on Twitter, and hear more of his music on YouTube and Soundcloud!
Hip hop artists EffYoo and Godilla are dropping their next single for their upcoming collaborative effort! The track, "Armed To The Teeth, features fellow artists Adlib, Spit Gemz, Shabaam SahdeeqUG.

Check out the track below!

 
The duo's collaborative album, They Came On Horseback, drops June 3rd so be on the lookout!