1. Deante’ Hitchcock – Once Upon A Time
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Grammy-nominated rapper Deante’ Hitchcock releases his highly anticipated sophomore album, Once Upon A Time, out now via ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records.
Once Upon A Time is a journey into the emotional rollercoaster that Deante’ experienced with his romantic partner and the birth of their son, Otto Saint Hitchcock. A conceptual project in the vein of Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, M.A.A.D. city or The Game’s The Documentary, Once Upon A Time crafts a narrative arc that’s transparent yet complex about the uncertainties and emotions men often face but don’t always express to the women in their lives.
Featuring the singles “Woah!,” “Drunk AF,” “Alone,” and “U Were Right I Was Wrong,” as well as collaborations with DRAM, Big K.R.I.T., Westside Boogie, Dende, and more, the 16-track project is a vulnerable and versatile offering that flexes Deante’s growth as an artist while serving as a cautionary tale for his son’s future relationships.
“At what was shaping up to be a turning point in my life, the world as we know it seemed to stop turning altogether. I watched our world change, and in the midst of it all, I had a son, became a father, and watched my world change as well,” says Deante’ in a statement. “The word ‘son’ feels hella ironic to read, like the sun up in the sky that I used to stare at until it became an almost blinding blue bouncing ball of light, my son came into the world and brought a brightness into my life that could rival that of its homophone. His mother and I are forever in awe, and forever thankful for our angel, our Saint. The story of how we got here is no fairytale, but I’ll try my best to tell you all about the best way I know how.”
2. Victoria Monét – Party Girls
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The multi-talented, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Victoria Monét releases her new steamy female summer anthem “Party Girls” featuring renowned dancehall legend Buju Banton via Lovett Music/RCA Records. Throughout the D’Mile, Yonatan “SDTRK” Ayal, & Dready-produced track, Monét glides over soaring instrumentation, wavy basslines, and sharp percussions that set ablaze her seductive vocal treatments reminiscent of Sade — fusing her R&B roots with classic dancehall sounds. Ignited by a fiery verse from Buju Banton, “Party Girls” is adrenaline-packed and effortlessly inviting— a certified summer classic. The Meji Alabi-directed music video brings the pulsating grit of a classic Jamaican dancehall party to life with Victoria’s striking looks styled by Kollin Carter and jaw-dropping dance breaks from world-renowned choreographer Sean Bankhead. Crystal-adorned and compulsively hypnotic, Monét is undeniably the life of the party— dancing from room to room boasting all the traits of the ultimate party girl.
“Party Girls is an ode to women around the world who keep celebrations alive!” says Monét. “If you recall any social gathering, nightlife extravaganza or day party you’ll likely recall a moment where a woman made it so much more exciting! I wanted to make a song giving credit where it’s due, while simultaneously curating a sensual Caribbean-infused R&B song to continue the fun to. I hope this song makes you feel sexy, empowered and appreciated!”
“Party Girls” comes on the heels of the recent single “Smoke” feat. Lucky Daye— an unabashed homage to herbal ecstasy that garnered attention from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Flaunt, Nylon, Hypebeast, and more. Both singles mark the beginning of a new era for Victoria Monét, ending the long-awaited pause since her heralded 2020 solo project JAGUAR. Since then, Monét has been steadily turning up the heat with a string of releases including remixes featuring Kehlani (“Touch Me”) and Bryson Tiller (“We Might Even Be Falling In Love (Duet)”). Additional tracks “F.U.C.K” and “Coastin” built on the JAGUAR sound and emphasized its staying power with impressive visuals all set in Monét’s signature brown tones and 70s influences. She’s also gone viral on socials with the #SomeCutChallenge and currently with her open verse challenge for buzzing song “We Might Even Be Falling In Love”. Garnering press praise from the likes of Paper, Pitchfork, Vulture, VICE, NY Post, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and more, Monét continues to evolve in her artistry while challenging social and gender norms through her multidimensional lyricism. Monét’s breakthrough artistry led to appearances on The Late Night Show with Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’s #PlayAtHome + festivals such as Made In America, Sol Blume, and Day N Vegas and a coveted slot as an artist partner with Cash App Studios.
Most recently, Monét sold out her first-ever headlining show in Los Angeles at the El Rey Theatre in partnership with Spotify and Goldenvoice. The show sold out in under one minute, with Billboard stating Monét “made sure the crowd never forgot who she is.” As a new member of RCA Records, much more music from the superstar is on the horizon as anticipation builds for the much-desired album JAGUAR II coming summer 2023.
3. Tigo B – Lover
Source:tigobmusic
Originally debuted by DJ X-Rated on Drake’s OVO branded Sirius XM station Sound 42, North Carolina mainstay Tigo B returns to his roots with new Afrobeat song “Lover.” Produced by Aymix Beats, the sexy single will live on the entertainer turned entrepreneur’s yet to be titled Summer EP and was preceded with previous releases “All The Time” and “Winner.”
In a recently released interview with All Hip Hop, the West African wordsmith details what inspired him to create the track:
“My music changes the room, that’s what it’s about. Same way you can be in a room full of gangsters, but you put on Michael Jackson, it’s hard for them not to move. Put on Prince, it’s hard for them not to move. There are certain artists, that when the music is played — Afrobeat is one of those spaces where as soon as that music comes on, it’s hard for you not to move. The atmosphere changes, so this is a song that changes the atmosphere. Makes you feel good.”
Following the launch of his restaurant Romeo’s Vegan Burgers, the Sierra Leonean native credits his time spent visiting monks at Buddhist Temples in China’s Anhui Province for the new found ability to properly obtain a new level of spirituality through ancient meditation techniques. These practices have aided him tremendously in not only further developing his artistry, but jump started his journey into veganism; spawning the birth of his vegan burger brand after COVID-19 put his music career on hold.
4. Chinx – Cocaine Riot 7
Source:chinxmusic
As we approach the 8th anniversary of the passing of slain rapper Chinx, his estate and management team have been hard at work to release a surprise new installment titled Cocaine Riot 7. The 12 track album follows the previous CR6 effort released in December 2021, on the anniversary of the rapper’s birthday. There has been no shortage of street heat from The #1 Coke Boy as these projects follow up the previous release of the rapers Debuit Album Welcome to JFK in 2015, and Legends Never Die in 2016. Each track has been crafted to stand the test of time and proves Chinx had a timeless flow, machine like work ethic, and is still an absolute force to be reckoned with.
While the family awaits a conviction on individuals involved in his murder, they have proven his efforts were not in vain, and there is no better way to honor his legacy than to continue to feed the streets with his prolific presence.
Manager Douglas “Biggs” Ellison said, “Each time we sit down to do a project, I can’t believe how much work was put in to achieve his ultimate goal of releasing the first album. After eight years we have not only released the first album but keep delivering current timeless gems to the people. CR7 is no different, it’s pure and unadulterated Chinx speaking to the fans! I’m so glad that he can continue to live through the music. Cutting through the noise. What an accomplishment!“
5. Jean Dawson – “XCAPE”, PT. 1 JEAN DAWSON AS “PHOENIX”
Source:jeandawsn
Undeniably one of today’s most enigmatic and essential artists, polymath Jean Dawson returns with the announcement of his audacious new trilogy, which will see two songs arrive in three parts throughout the upcoming year to reveal a thrilling story. The first installment, “XCAPE”, PT. 1 JEAN DAWSON AS “PHOENIX”, arrives today with two explosive new tracks “youth+” and “delusional world champion.”
Deeply conceptual while profoundly confessional, the trilogy will reveal the various congruent and juxtaposing facets that make up the multifaceted visionary and often mystifying Jean Dawson – both the artist and the human. Sonically, the new body of work will extend into new realms that will not be linear in sound, serving as a canvas for Jean’s exploration. First off: Phoenix – one of many alter egos, is a boy on the fringe full of tenacity and subversive in nature who reflects the world around him and is the pure manifestation of misunderstanding unawareness. It’s a beautiful depiction of the deep impact of Jean’s art, existing as boundless in sound to hold the listeners that wish to inhabit it.
Following the massive success of his debut headlining US tour last year which sold out in minutes, Jean has announced a slew of new headlining dates for Fall 2023. The track will run from September 24 in Santa Cruz, CAthrough October 22 in Las Vegas, NV. Jean will also be delivering electrifying performances at the beloved BottleRock Napa Valley…