Esteemed indie artist Saint Soprano releases visuals for “What’s That Aroma” produced by DJ Cash (EPMD Manager). The record is taken from his upcoming album ‘Don’t Forget To Hustle.’ Soprano, CEO of Black Forbes Entertainment, is also nominated for multiple awards (vote below).
Immediately upon pressing play audiences will be hit with a dose of pure, uncut Hip Hop. Soprano not only serves as one MC with one mic but also as The Pot Whisperer while he causes mayhem on the stove. His raw storytelling and slick metaphors embody his chef skills. Watch “What’s That Aroma” and vote for Saint Soprano’s multiple nominations below.
San Diego rapper Fase 1 releases the official video for “P.T.D.H.M. (Pray They Don’t Hate Me).” Audiences will delve into his realm of self-reflection. Potent storytelling depicts memoirs filled with struggles and triumphs. Press play for an emotive performance and connect with Fase 1 below.
Yung Gypsy, representing Philly, presents the FranchiseBeats/Rotation Records produced single/video “B.M.S.” Gypsy wastes no time conveying who she is, what she wants, and how she moves by way of slick bars, boldly delivered. She exudes infectious doses of sass and confidence that weave in and out of her raw message. Audiences are sure to grip onto her unmatched edginess, as they hit repeat. Watch the video and tap in below for more on “B.M.S.,” an industry takeover, what’s next, and more.
MJ: Before we jump into your new single/video “B.M.S.” let everyone know who you are and where you’re from.
Yung Gypsy: I’m a Tri-State Gypsy from the Tri-State area. Born in South New Jersey, living in and out of Brooklyn NY. Raised in PA. I never stay anywhere long enough for the roots to stick. It’s a lifestyle. One of a Nomadic Traveling Artist.
MJ: At what point in your life did you decide it was time to kick start your career? Walk us through a brief timeline.
Yung Gypsy: Honestly it just kind of happened! I came to Reading PA to meet up with my boy Frank (shout out to FranchiseBeats) we were catching up and going through some of his music catalogs (this man is a genius). Now we ran through quite a few songs he produced but there was one he left in the tuck (untouched) he wanted me to hear. He took a sample from one of my favorite movies and as soon as I heard the track, I knew it was time.
MJ: Holding it down in a male-dominated industry, tell us what sets you apart from other artists, from looks to style, to craft, etc.
Yung Gypsy: So first off… I feel like the ladies are taking over! The men pull the strings behind the scenes, but the women run the show… I’m such a free spirit and a very spiritual being at that and I like to exude and integrate that power and belief into my craft and all of my passions. I throw in originality with a hint of the many inspirations that came before me in many different genres to give tribute and pay homage. Music is ever evolving, and I want to portray an image that doesn’t put me in a box.
MJ: Let’s dive into your new single/video “B.M.S.” A few impressions fall into play while watching the video…bold, sexy, and confident. What was the push behind the record? What are you hoping fans and new listeners/audiences will take from it?
Yung Gypsy: So, when I listen to a track I try not to approach it with a ready-made theme. Although, in times where I might need to get some things off my chest or I feel like I need to release a ball of creative energy, I’ll sit and write cappella but when it comes to an original beat, I feel like I have to bring to its original sound. I never know what’s about to come to my head. I like to just let my mind wander on the beat. So, when it came to “B.M.S” I did just that and like you said it’s giving Bold! It’s giving Audacity! It’s giving I’m here and there’s nothing you can do about it
MJ: What other projects or endeavors are you working on?
Yung Gypsy: I have a few things in the tuck right now that I’m really excited about. I always wanted to co-produce original beats and I had the privilege to accomplish that with these next few track releases. I like the melodic, so you’ll get a taste of that alongside some raw lyrics. You’ll hear classic sounds from the 80’s to the early 2000’s My favs.
MJ: Is there anything else you would like to share with the world about Yung Gypsy?
Yung Gypsy: For those who do not know me I’ve been writing & recording music since I was 15 years old, so this is nothing new to me but definitely something true to me. Shout Out to “Rotation Records” on this up-and-coming project and Look Out for My New Single “Tell Nobody” ft. Jess Cannzie (End of May 2024).
Pop meets Hip Hop sensation Star2 presents his new single/video “Get Low For Me” featuring Belle Aire. The duo exudes flirtatious vibes as their vocals collide over diffused sonics. Press play to watch an electronic dance floor connection.
Jay Elle Music displays bold boss vibes in “No Man” video. The Brooklyn indie sensation delivers a confident message to women, allowing them to embrace their desires and pleasures without the any ties or relationships. A flirtatious and daring performance is sure to leave a lasting impression, all while empowering. She don’t want no man, don’t want no man, we just need a dude that got that tool and keep it handy.” Ladies prepare to embrace your inner vixen.
Seductive yet classy, bold yet fitting…Press play and “don’t be surprised if I f*** your mind up.”
Indie rapper John Dee calls out fake, trend hopping rappers in his new single/video “Here We Go Again.” Dee brings to light rappers who mumble and chase bags and ladies instead of delivering authentic verses. The catchy hook, “Here we go go again ya’ll whack rappers ain’t gonna win, here we go go again going against me you ain’t gonna win” amplifies Dee’s message. Watch the video and connect below.
San Bernardino, Cali native/rapper Cam Gnarly announces the release of his video “I Don’t Play Bout U” produced by Du Noise. The record encourages couples to “embrace your history, be lowkey yet intriguing, and remain solid even when faced with challenges.”
Mitchy Slick and Sir Veterano team up again for new music. “Keep Gettin Money” follows the heels of their last hit “Dago Nights.” Futuristic funk looped with heavy basslines steers Mitchy’s uncut and raw lyrical deliverance. Watch the video and take heed of the message.
United Kingdom Hip Hop artist Rhyme Assassin tells all about his upcoming, major single release dropping everywhere on April 3rd, 2023. “Rhyme Apostles” features a handful of Hip Hop legacies including Crooked I, Craig G, Reks, Ruste Juxx, K Solo, Chino XL, Keith Murray, Chino XL, Canibus, AFRO, and Antlive Boombap with an intro by Jadakiss and Deep Voice on production. Just in time for Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, Rhyme Assassin offers Hip Hop heads a record set to push the elements, essence, and culture of Hip Hop back to the forefront; when emcee’s did their part of moving the crowd. Rhyme Assassin talks in-depth about the single, bringing legacies together for this global collaboration, his contributions to Hip Hop, and more.
MJ: Before we jump into your upcoming release of “Rhyme Apostles” let everyone know who you are and where you’re from.
Rhyme Assassin: My name is Tichaona Brian Monera. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe. I migrated to the United Kingdom to explore opportunities for further education and personal development. An important part of that was pursuing a career in music. This is something that I have already been doing in Zimbabwe where I gained popularity with hip-hop in the early 90s. Freestyling with my homies after school, I was able to hone my craft to become a recognizable voice on the Zimbabwe music scene. These were formative moments in my music career. These encounters earned me the name Rhyme Assassin which has become my official MCEE name. The name Rhyme Assassin resonates with the skillful poetic lyrical expression of the music and the excellence of execution of my craft.
MJ: As a Hip Hop artist from the UK, tell us about the Hip Hop scene over there.
Rhyme Assassin: Hip-hop has always had a firm grip on the UK music scene with a lot of drill dominating. Hip-hop artists like Stormzy have become household names, generating a huge following worldwide. My estimation is that the UK is on the brink of becoming a hip-hop powerhouse globally. There are many upcoming hip-hop artists….
MJ: What led you to begin a career in rap and lead a lifestyle true to Hip Hop culture?
Rhyme Assassin: The greatest influencers that kickstarted my rap career are the likes of all-time greats such as KRS ONE, Run DMC & Big Daddy Kane, BIG, and 2 PAC. I grew up listening to their music on cassettes and vinyl. Because of my experiences and encounters with these hip-hop moguls, I embrace the hip-hop culture and started living out and expressing this in my lyrical content. My inspiration to write was primarily from Canibus and Krs One. I can even recall the first day I listened to Gangstarr – Moment of truth, Dead Prez – Let’s get free and DMX – It’s dark and hell is hot. Those were the early days when hip-hop was not playing much on Zimbabwe radio. Our exposure to hip-hop was mainly from folks coming from overseas and bringing cassette tapes back home. I would use my pocket money to rent out hip-hop tapes for a couple of days or more so that I can just listen to the latest hip-hop beats.
MJ: Ok, let’s jump into your new single which will be available for download and purchase on April 3rd, 2023. How were you able to link with all the powerhouses and legends? Talk about the thought process of “Rhyme Apostles” to hand-picking features, to the production, and to the final canvas.
Rhyme Assassin: The initial idea was for Rhyme Apostles to have 4 artists. Later, drawing inspiration from the Bible, the thought of the 12 apostles of Jesus dawned on my mind and this became the womb that gave birth to Rhyme Assassin’s 12 apostles on the track. The new single is based on an idea that had been in for quite a while. My vision was to bring together some of the greatest lyricists and recognizable names in hip-hop. Being on the same record with the likes of Crooked I Canibus, Craig G, Keith Murray and a host of other renowned hip-hop legends is an incredible personal triumph.
Achieving this was monumental. The journey was not a straightforward one. It was long and challenging, but an enjoyable one. The one thing that made it worthwhile is the caliber of people that I was targeting. These were real hip-hop heads, with a genuine love for true hip-hop culture. I was truly humbled by these guys’ acceptance and willingness to embrace me and work with me to bring my vision to fruition.
Every single one of them exhibited high levels of professionalism with such amazing humility. Each demonstrated a love and a passion to collaborate with emcees with roots in Africa. The emcees that made it on the record I those that reached out to and they were magnanimous enough to accept the invitation.
Shout out to those emcees who believed in me and were keen to be part of the project but could not make the financial commitment in time and were unable to be featured. There will always be scope to do collaborative projects with them in the near future. Another noteworthy artist who made an enormous contribution to this project is Deep Voice, a UK producer who created the best used in the debut single. He created the beat some seven years ago along with other beats that I subsequently used. This particular beat was archived until now and it is just the right beat for the project. The bear will be mixed and mastered by yet another creative, P2doah, a Zimbabwean-based producer. We are also currently working on the video for the song.
MJ: What are you hoping audiences take away from the single?
Rhyme Assassin: The single greatest desired outcome for this project is a greater realization but both artists and music lovers of the incredible power of collaborative music ventures across the industry. The single, Rhyme Apostles, is a clear and powerful demonstration of the synergy resulting from such collaboration. My wish for this single is that it will be timeless in its appeal and not just for a season.
MJ: It’s evident with the single, you are on a mission to conserve the authenticity of Hip Hop and push it to the forefront of music. Can you elaborate on that?
Rhyme Assassin: I am a firm believer in the need for the conservation of the truest essence of Hip hop culture expressed through lyricism. The caliber of emcees on the track have mastered this art and is an inspiration to me as I climb to my place of significance in the game.
My conviction is that hip-hop culture has a powerful potential to bring about societal and cultural cohesion globally. In that sense, the single has an apostolic assignment – to bring about a fresh crop of hip-hop artists whose focus is beyond their individual musical domains to champion a movement that will produce a generation of like-minded people. The talents and skill sets of the participating emcees are as diverse as their fingerprints are. It is this diversity that I value and celebrates the most in this project. The creative lyricism and different execution styles of the art make this project unequaled by any in hip-hop circles and that is what thrills me.
Established, reputable indie Hip Hop artist Maine The Medicine gives an in-depth interview about his latest album ‘S.O.A. (Son Of Alice).’ The album is dedicated to his late mother. Maine shares high emotions creating the album, making his mother proud, the secret weapon for making timeless gems, and more.
MJ: I see you and Leadgeon are still going strong, talk a little bit about that chemistry.
Maine: Well with Leadgeon, that’s 30-year chemistry and brotherhood. I don’t have to tell him what kind of beats I need, he already knows. Now lyrically we always push each other with the pen. For us, that inner competition will always be there.
MJ: One thing I find when it comes to your albums it’s difficult to pinpoint one or even two favorite records. All your albums are theme-based and flow like a story from beginning to end, with no skipping. However, I do want to touch on “Pour Liquor” as that seems to hit hard and hit home with many fans and listeners.
Maine: Yes, “Pour Liquor” seems to be a popular one with the fans. I wrote that hook during the Covid, because of all the friends and family I lost that year. I hadn’t gotten a chance to write a verse to it until the night of my dad’s funeral. I was already halfway through the album, but I needed to pay homage to my father. As for the feature, that’s my cousin Khali Hustle from the Bay Area. He, like myself, lost a few people, and almost lost his own life to an attempted murderer. So, I’m grateful he’s still here to jump on this record with me.
MJ: I want to take a moment to pull on heartstrings and ask how difficult it was to create “Momma” and the array of emotions you must feel hearing that song being played.
Maine: Yes, that song was hard to make, and at times was hard to listen to. My mom was my everything, and that void will never be filled. She was a single mom, worked 2 jobs, and tried her best to provide for my sister and me. She was a big fan of my music, even though she said I curse too much. But she would love to watch my videos on YouTube. So, I just wanted to honor her with this album, and make her proud. Maybe one day I can compose myself enough to perform it.
MJ: Both as a fan and professional in the music industry, I must say how refreshing it is to experience your growth as a man and artist with each album you release. There’s a manner in which you invite the world into your personal life experiences that allows us to authentically embrace and grip your emotions. Your use of lyricism and wordplay flows effortlessly over boom-bap cadences. What is it about Maine The Medicine that stands out from other artists?
Maine: I just try to be the best version of myself. I move off of the emotion and the vibe of the beat. Sure I have topics that I want to address, but instead of forcing I wait for the right track to bring it out of me. I also know as an artist I can always get better. I can always make my sword sharper. I never convince myself that I made it because that can go to your head. I want to continue to keep that hunger for more.
MJ: Take us behind the scenes of the album ‘S.O.A.’ Let us in from the inspiration to creation to the final product. I know the album is buzzing with a social media frenzy and fans are listening on repeat with genuine compassion.
Maine: The creative part was fun and therapeutic for me. I mean, of course, it was some pressure because this album is dedicated to my mom. But at the same time, that’s what helped it flow. When I was listening to the tracks, I was thinking who could’ve made this dope? There are so many dope artists I know that I hadn’t worked with yet, so I wanted to link with them on this album. Plus I got the few staples that are always on my albums like Leadgeon, Suspect, and Tysoul. But I listened to this album about a hundred times to make sure it gave me the same feeling as the first time. I can honestly say it most certainly did.
MJ: What is your secret to being able to stay afloat and create timeless music? In an era where music seems to fall into an abyss of one-hit wonders and what’s trending, there must be some challenges.
Maine: I make music on how I feel and the vibe the beat gives me. I put my all into my music, and I’m not afraid of being vulnerable about my life. I think artists fail when they force a hit or try to sound like what’s hot. The best thing to do is to let the music come naturally. In the process sometimes you end up with a hit that you didn’t know was going to be a hit.
MJ: I’m not sure what can top ‘S.O.A.’ but can you give us some inside scoop on other projects or endeavors you’re working on?
Maine: It’s going to be really hard to top ‘S.O.A.’ but I’m not really sure that I want to. Because it’s such a special album, I wouldn’t mind if this is my “Illmatic.” No album I do after this will ever be as special as this one. As for future projects, I will stick to the same formula I have been using and let the mood and the beat take me on a journey. I have a few projects coming up, like the Mercy Gang EP and an EP titled ‘Iron Horse Talk.’ Leadgeon and I have an EP as well. But for now, I’m just pushing the ‘S.O.A.’ album, and the tee shirt line we’re working on with Electric Frog Designs.
MJ: As we wrap up, take this time to let the world and fans know anything else about the album or Maine The Medicine
Maine: I want people to know that I put a lot of time and emotion into this album. I’m super honored about the response I’m getting off ‘S.O.A.’ The love and support make me feel like I succeeded in making my mama proud. The thing I want people to know about Maine is I love being creative. I’m going to always try to give you something different.
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