Saints of the Byzantine Era drop timely wisdom through counter-cultural message on new single ‘ILL’
BALTIMORE, MD & PHILADELPHIA, PA – Byzantine is a new edgy Hip Hop group from Baltimore and Philadelphia whose music represents a light in a dark period. Adopting monikers of Saints of the Byzantine Era, these masterful artists use cautionary tales, songs of hope and good vibes paired with grit from the streets to offer a refreshing aura to the world of Hip Hop.
The six artists who make up the group are St. Basil, St Justinian, St Percinnius, St. Leo, St. Phocas and St. Zeno. Together they’re introducing their unique sound and style to the world with their single “ILL” which features another artist named St. Justinian. Originally introduced to the group as an idea from St Justinian, the song offers a platform upon which each of the artists is able to spit some hot lyrics and showcase their individual styles while also offering a timely message to the world.
“Each of us individually has a different sound,” St. Leo said. “I’m more laid back, while St. Zeno and St. Phocas are more animated than myself. When we come together, we blend well together. No one else out there has that type of bond when they rap. Most groups you see today will have one artist carrying the rest of the group, but we’re all carrying each other and we all bring that same level of talent to the table.”
The idea behind the Byzantine brand was first formulated by a mutual mentor of the artists. They’ve all rapped separately and worked on individual music careers while also rubbing shoulders through collaborations and through family affiliations. When their mentor suggested the idea of forming a group with the Byzantine mission behind it, they each began to gravitate toward one another.
“There was an immediate natural chemistry,” St. Basil said. “As we talked about this idea of the Byzantine Era and taking the names of these saints – who represented things that an intellectually and socially unenlightened world needed to hear – we realized that we’re in the same type of time now. When we rap, we’re rapping the opposite of what the world sees or thinks. We flip things right side up through our music.”
According to St. Phocas, the big picture for the group is creating music that is thought-provoking, aggressively challenging, and inspiring through its personal and sometimes convicting messages.
“We want people to understand we’re not talking about the same things everybody else is talking about,” St. Phocas said. “We’re not degrading our women or our brothers and sisters like a lot of other Hip Hop artists do today. We’re making songs that sound good and also have a deeper message.”
Their unique sound and style has definitely put them on the map within the music industry. Their music has been featured on regular rotation with Sway in the Morning, and it has also been featured on Air It Out Radio. With more music in the works following the success of “ILL,” Byzantine is sure to become one of Hip Hop’s most motivational and long-lasting groups.
To listen to their music or to follow them on social media, please visit:
One of the hottest rappers in Atlanta is proving his skills to the world with his latest hit single ‘Verified’
ATLANTA, GA – It’s official … Atlanta artist JoeLew is “Verified!”
This Hip Hop artist from the South has been making waves in the music industry for the past few years, and his latest single “Verified” is the latest hit to rock the airwaves. Featuring his vibey, catchy sound that’s perfect for bumping when you ride in the car, “Verified” highlights the one-of-a-kind style that comes from this fast-rising young talent. It’s a song that screams “I’m certified.”
“Anything I do is top notch,” JoeLew said, “I’m solidified. That’s what this song is about. It’s up-tempo but it still has like a vibe, though. It makes you just want to get in a good mood and dance.”
JoeLew was born in Guyana, a country on South America’s North Atlantic coast, and didn’t come to the U.S. until he was nearly in his teens. He first moved to New York before eventually coming to Atlanta, and keen listeners will be able to hear that international influence in his sound. He gets a little something from everywhere he’s ever lived. Most of all, he has always had a love for rapping. He displayed that passion in high school when he and a friend were given permission by the principal to record his first song in the principal’s office. Later that year, she gave him and his friends the opportunity to perform the song in front of half the school with Hip Hop legends Lil Bankhead and Skooly also in attendance. The reaction he got from everyone made him want to keep going even further.
“When Skooly came to the school and heard me rap, he told me I was hard and I gotta keep going,” JoeLew said. “I haven’t looked and since then, I’ve done shows with multiple artists like Lil Baby, Peewee Longway, and Skooly. My vibey sound is what people talk about. It gives you goosebumps. Plus, I have the ability to continuously create catchy tunes which has gained me some loyal fans all over the world.”
JoeLew said “Verified” is one of a handful of singles that he’s been working on this year and which he plans on releasing over the next few months. His next single, “Big or Small,” is slated to drop in mid-November and features more of a smooth R&B feel. Before that, however, a music video for “Verified” is slated to drop Nov. 7.
To listen to JoeLew’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
South Florida rapper drops mixtape filled with bangers and lyrical stories
MIAMI, FL – One of the hottest up-and-coming storytellers in Hip Hop has dropped a hot new mixtape called “Out The Shadows” and the debut single from the project is lighting up the country with its fresh energy and crazy beat.
The song is called “Circus” and it comes from South Florida rapper Trill. Though he’s been rapping since age 11, “Out The Shadows” is his first official mixtape, and the success of its debut single shows that he’s coming out of the shadows with a bang.
“There are so many good rappers out there that you’ve never heard of, and they’re like the Ninja Turtles coming out of the sewers right now, kicking ass,” Trill said. “That’s what I’m doing. It’s time for people to know who I am, and that’s what this project is all about.”
“Circus” is a club banger that is the perfect song for the summer. It’s starts off with a slow build-up, and when the drop comes, the Spanish-influenced rhythm makes it impossible for listeners not to move their feet. Trill describes it as “fiery” and “attractive” in ways that will get people moving while also showcasing his unique ability as a lyricist.
“I consider myself a legit rapper,” he said. “That said, this beat is one of those that just pops out there. It’s one of the best beats I’ve ever heard. It has a Spanish feel to it because there’s a little bit of Salsa in the background but it’s also Trap and it’s just unique. The idea is that everybody comes to the circus to have fun and see crazy things. So this song is about a circus full of people where they just get down and get crazy.”
Trill said he’s been into music from a young age when his mother used to work for IJ Records. He recalls one memory in particular when the record label brought in the group Humble Thugs who were on the verge of making it big in the industry. He joined his mother in the studio as the group recorded, and he was impressed by the group’s lyrical ability. It motivated him to write his own song which he and his younger sister performed. He started studying lyricists like Andre 300, Eminem and Meek Mills, as well as some of the best orators in history, such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. He took inspiration from their mastery of the spoken word and has used that to develop his own unique sound and style today.
“I consider myself a lyricist,” he said. “I can tell stories. I’m not a drill rapper or a mumble rapper. I’m a lyricist. I like to tell a story, but I like for everything I say to make sense. I don’t like repeating myself over and over which is what most rappers are doing today because it’s catchy. I like making bangers and feeding off whatever I come up with. If I come up with a hook, I feed off it. But first and foremost, I’m a lyricist and storyteller, and I want to be known for being a great rapper.”
QüeDavinciYO Delivers A 5 Track EP “CreationOfperfection” For The People
After creating another his well produced lead EP, “$ i Do thi$,” up and coming recording artist QüeDavinciYO is avoiding the coronavirus and getting ready for the arrival of another self produced standout EP, titled, “CreationOfperfection.” A five-song collection filled with vibrant beats, and lyrics with an unforgettable authentic sound.
Other goodies in the EP include breakout tracks “Bad Girls,” “Before the Rhyme (Living Legends)” and “Here I Come.” Effortlessly, QüeDavinciYO is a breath of fresh air in the world of mumble rap soundcloud rappers, this new talent is sure to a name among the mainstream popularity before we know it. The new project supports the artist’s new app called “4enoyreve.” CreationOfperfection is the perfect jump-on point for newfound fans. Available now everywhere, after the stream, continue to follow the striving artist on social media. Stream it here
Juan Donovan – Merlot & Marijuana Hosted By Hustle Hearted
Producer Juan Donovan drops his mixtape Merlot & Marijuana hosted by Hustle Hearted!! R&B music is making a big comeback these days! Juan Donovan really put it down on this project.
This is a project you can light a candle, pour some wine for wifey and catch the vibes. If your a smoker this project has some chill songs like “Indulge” thats perfect to blaze to so light one up, press play and get in tune!
Clarity and relevance of debut album “All In” elevate Aquarius Jones above the crowd
PHOENIX, AZ – Hip Hop and R&B artist, Aquarius Jones has a passion for delivering fun and entertaining music, coupled with an energy that attracts sophisticated music listeners. His first single “All In” is set to release 11/8, followed by his debut album also titled “All In” soon after.
Recorded at DigiLabs (Phoenix) and The Saltmine (Mesa), “All In” is 15 tracks of enjoyable dance music with themes related to the grind and hustle of everyday life. The collection is characterized by a clean, professional sound with strikingly clear vocals. The highly relevant track, “IG” brings to life the struggle of worrying about what to post and how much to post on social media. The aptly named “Party” track is a straightforward, uptempo dance song, and the album’s title track relates the story of the partnership between Aquarius and his manager, sharing the energy and effort it takes to launch a career and an album.
Aquarius and his team take great pains to make certain that his content resonates with fans by delivering clear and understandable lyrics consistently. Enthusiastic about making music, Aquarius is also gifted with an ability to write quality songs. He can deliver what people want – a nice beat with a catchy hook – at an incredibly fast pace.
Music videos have already been completed for two tracks, “IG” and “All In.” Shot in and around Tempe, Arizona, students from Arizona State University will recognize some of the locations. The highly anticipated videos incorporate skits reminiscent of an old school music video storytelling style. The story lines sound promising: While the video for “All In” shares the work behind the progress of this artist’s career, the “IG” video features comedy, acting out humorous social media situations and the clever inclusion of a pervasive Instagram item which you have to watch out for!
Aquarius Jones started singing, rapping, doing talent shows and writing his own music when he was 9 years old. Music was something he always wanted to do growing up while listening to his favorite artists like Michael Jackson, Drake, Usher, Chris Brown. He seriously began to pursue his music career at 16. A committed and electrifying performer, audiences have always gravitated towards him.
An authentic artist who is into having a good time, enjoying life and meeting people, Aquarius’ positivity comes out in his music. He has a higher level of excitement and passion than his peers which drew the attention of his manager. This resulted in a partnership with GMajesty Entertainment to create top quality music that is real and enjoyable to a wide audience, and to bring those results to the world. Aquarius Jones is delivering his message in a cool way that can be enjoyed by all.
To listen to Aquarius Jones’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
Toronto-based rap group set to drop ‘Animal Asylum’ mixtape at midnight on Halloween
A new mixtape from the Toronto-based rap group The Night Wolf comes just in time for Halloween. The mixtape is called “Animal Asylum” and is slated to drop at midnight on Halloween, followed with a release party at a downtown club in Toronto, information about which can be found on their website. According to group co-founder SJM, the 10-track project features a blend of Hip Hop and EDM in ways that are both entertaining and very diverse.
“You can really hear that throughout every song,” SJM said. “That’s true to who we are. My brother and I have been rapping and making music together for a long time, and our friends have just added another layer to that. We’re excited to put out this first tape and we promise that it’s just the beginning.”
The Night Wolf consists of seven people with diverse talents, showing a great deal of variety — SJM and his brother, FAM; producer Knockturnul; artists Da$a Façade, Mayze and Zam; and photographer/videographer Magic. SJM said the group’s goal is to travel the globe performing and building the most diverse fan-base in the world while delivering a consistent message that is both positive and inspirational. He points to the group as the foundation for that diversity as he and his brother are both from Pakistan, while others in the group come from a variety of cultural backgrounds and heritages.
“This is a movement,” SJM said. “It’s more than just music. It’s more than just our passion. This is a lifestyle we promote. We promote an open-minded positive movement. Through our music, we speak on our lives past, present and future to try our best to help the listeners get through life’s ups and downs and ultimately help change their perspective and make better decisions. We are intelligent, educated young individuals. We are both street smart and book smart, and we tend to use this as an advantage as we move forward with our independent movement.”
SJM said as the group grows in popularity and success across the globe, some of their long-term goals are to leave a lasting legacy of giving back to the world. They want to build foundations and organizations that help build schools, hospitals, safe water wells and more in places of need all around the globe. And all of those dreams and efforts fall under this umbrella of teamwork and close-knit family – something that SJM said is perfectly represented by the wolf logo.
“We move as a pack,” he said. “We’re a family. The flames symbolize the fire in us and the fact that we won’t quit. The wolf howling is a call to all my wolves in the world, hustling and trying to live their dream. Anybody can be a part of this, you just have to have the same drive and ambition and motivation. If you want to be part of something great, you don’t have to be related to us by blood. But you do have to be a hustler and be real. We’re trying to promote real.”
To listen to The Night Wolf’s music or to follow them on social media, please visit:
Ques The Hood Favorite combines Hip Hop with R&B For One-Of-A-Kind Neo-Soul Vibe
WILMINGTON, DE – Step into a barbershop in Wilmington, Delaware and there’s a good chance you’ll run into one of today’s most intriguing new artist. His name is Ques The Hood Favorite. While he’s served Wilmington as a barber for the better part of 30 years, he is also steadily developing a unique sound and style that combines Hip Hop and R&B into a new vibe that is giving Neo-Soul an entirely different definition.
His latest single, “Nothing To Lose,” exemplifies how his years of artist expression perfected something truly original. The buzz behind this single is tremendous along the East Coast and is set to explode across the U.S. in the forthcoming weeks and months. It’s a song that serves as a brief description of how he came up from a young adult to the kind of man he is today, within different periods of his life. The melodic on-beat bass gives listeners a soulful, laid back vibe that is soothing to the ear and demands to hit repeat.
While growing up in the inner city on the east side of Wilmington as a young man, Ques experienced some of life’s harsh realities. He grew up in a family of musicians, and was introduced to accomplished artists at a young age. He had the opportunity to study under The Late Great Walter “Bunny” Sigler. After high school, he collectively created the Hip Hop group 2 of a Kind. After three years of collaborating with others and touring as part of the group, Ques decided to go solo and adopt the full stage name Ques The Hood Favorite. His continuation to make music has afforded him opportunities over the years to open for various artists such as Ruff Ryders, Roc-a-fella, Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Tank, 112, and Big Daddy Kane to name a few. With his raspy voice and confidence growing, he continued experimenting with his unique sound and style creating something that would be signature.
Along with “Nothing To Lose,” Ques is also getting ready to drop his new album, “The Maturation.” It features collaborations with Producer/Engineer Waterboy, who he has worked with for many years. It’s a project that Ques said is based off of creating mature music for adults.
“My sound is more of a collaboration of R&B and Hip Hop with a Neo-Soul Vibe, all combined to create my own style. Over the years, I’ve rapped and also written for R&B Artists. Being raised on 70s and 80s music, I feel like the music has been moved to only one style on the radio and we’ve lost a lot of what used to be great. Today, Hip Hop is based around the younger generation, and it seems to lack substance. I want my label (Maturation Entertainment) to create a product full of material that everyday adults can appreciate because of the topics that it’s based upon. Now is the perfect time to put my sound out there.”
Ques also has completed a mixtape titled “PMS” (Positivity Maturity and Success) which is soon to be released.
To listen to Ques The Hood Favorite’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
New Jersey Artist Bobby Crillz Releases New Single “Full Circle” Featuring SARAI
Rapper Bobby Crillz was born and raised in Perth Amboy, N.J. Crillz says his music is a direct reflection of how he views the world and his motivation to change the lives of the people closest to him.
Born Roberto Rios, his stage name was inspired by his upbringing and environment. Co-Owner of the “March Fifth Music” Record Label along with his Partner Marcus “Lucci” Jones, Crillz uses his genuine personality and life experiences to create music that paints a picture with the likes of the all-time great Hip-Hop legends.
Crillz released his second single Full Circle, ft. label mate SARAI, on August 8, 2019 off his upcoming album “Full Circle” which is slated to be released in the first quarter of 2020. The single has opened many eyes to the talent he possesses.
Be sure to connect with Bobby Crillz on social media and press play on his new single “Full Circle”.
Social Media: Instagram: @BobbyCrillz | @Only_One_Sarai | @MarchFifthMusic
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