Monday, May 18, 2020

828 - Sack


Rhyme Report
Published on May 18th, 2020 | by Dj Smoke
0

828 – Sack

Howard University duo 828 set to drop bold new album ‘Check In’
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD – A hot new Hip Hop duo from the esteemed Howard University is making a splash with their music in ways that are reverberating in all corners of the globe. 
Known as 828, the fast-rising duo of GoldenPrince and DripE have found their tracks receiving high praises from people in the U.S. and abroad. Their first EP, “Drop Off,” was a bold introduction to a sound and style that has people sitting up and paying attention. And they’re set to follow up that success with their new album, “Check In.” 
“It’s a project where we’re trying to target different types of audiences,” GoldenPrince said. “There’s songs with females on it. There are songs speaking about life and what we’ve been through. There are songs that people will be able to relate to. It’s different from our first project which we got a lot of good feedback from. We’ve been working extremely hard on the album – up at 5 a.m. working on songs even though we had class at 9 a.m. We were determined to complete this album, but we wanted to take our time and make sure we had quality over quantity.”
The project will include 12 songs that put 828’s signature sound on full display. From the beginning, the best friends have had a special connection. They first met at age 10 when they were on the same basketball team. Now that they go to the same college, they’ve expanded that bond to include a mutual pursuit of music. And that unique bond shines through their music. Listeners can immediately tell that there’s chemistry there, leading to excellence in sound, style, flow and production.
“We have more of a mainstream type of sound,” GoldenPrince said. “And it’s an international sound. We have people in Mexico and other places around the world listening to our music, so it’s not just for people in the U.S. We have different audiences all over, and that’s great because we just want to showcase our skills. We’re great storytellers but we also bring energy. We want to make you dance. We create different types of music – some to make you think and some to make you dance. This album showcases that. Every song is going to give you a different feel. That’s how we want to separate ourselves, with that different sound and experience.”
DripE added that the main impetus for the songs they create are whether or not it’s something they’d want to listen to at the end of the day. “We’re young and we go to parties and we like music,” he said. “We want to make music we’d like to hear at those parties. But we’re doing it with a different kind of vibe. We’re making music you can vibe to but also music you can relate to.”
The debut single from the album has already been released and is available across all streaming platforms. The song is “Sack” and takes an upbeat tone to convey 828’s story of coming up and making it in the music industry. DripE said it has more of a California vibe than a lot of their other songs, and definitely falls into the lane of the kind of song that will make people want to get up and dance. 
“We have a lot of influences and have listened to a lot of different artists over the years, but we don’t want to be compared to anybody else,” GoldenPrince said. “We want to leave a legacy where 10 years from now you could look back and say that 828 is one of the best rap duos of all time. I believe we’re up next.”
To listen to 828’s music or to follow them on social media, please visit:

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Robert Nicklas - New Whip

 Robert Nicklas - New Whip

Seasoned songwriter, Robert Nicklas releases new “Vibe Feelin” EP

DENVER, CO - Singer, songwriter and professional musician, Robert Nicklas is proving that hard work and perseverance pay off. He puts a tremendous amount of work into each and every one of his compositions. But not everything he writes makes it to the end of the line. A prolific songwriter, he worked up between 100 and 200 beats to get the right feel for the five songs on his latest project.

The end result of Robert’s persistence can be enjoyed on his new EP, “Vibe Feelin.” Released on April 29th of this year, the R&B tracks have a distinct Hip Hop feel, but with singing instead of rapping. The lead single, “New Whip” was born from a melody which played over and over in Robert’s head. For this track, he worked with as many as ten different beats to get the perfect fit he was after. “New Whip” falls into the mold of a radio friendly vibe he was shooting for, and the “Vibe Feelin” has a bit more of a Pop flavor than some of his previous work.

Last summer, Robert worked with experienced Atlanta-based producer, Terrius Miller, on two singles titled “More & More” and “Club Love.” Miller has worked with the likes of Chris Brown, Outkast and Destiny’s Child, and Robert’s two singles received a tremendous amount of radio play in the Atlanta market.

During the 90s, Robert Nicklas started to get serious about making his own music professionally and he released music in 2003 on the Chicago-based label, Sonic Wave International. He also went to college for piano, so his musical influences range from Beethoven, Bach, Schubert, Schumann and Chopin to Herbie Hancock, Coltrane, Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Bell Biv Devoe and even Dr. Dre.

As a classically trained piano player, he found it challenging to play without written music at first. In his early 20s, he met a drummer whose father played saxophone with Count Basie. Robert had to forget a lot of his classical training and learned how to play music from this drummer across the room. “You have to throw everything away to be able to play from inside, rather than looking at music,” Robert said.

His taste in music is all over the place, but he mainly enjoys listening to all the new music that is trending. Listening to genres that are pushing music forward keeps Robert’s energy going. He finds that Hip Hop artists are pushing the edge of the envelope for the direction of music now, and he incorporates those elements into his songwriting.

Robert has possessed a gift for music since he was very young. By trying hard and pushing harder, Robert ends up excelling at his craft. That special feeling of joy when a new groove hits is what keeps him going, and he is constantly writing. Just a few days after dropping his new EP, Robert was straight back in the writing mode and coming up with new material to see what tasty tracks he can create next.

To listen to Robert’s music or follow him on social media, please visit:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Md7PXdIXE1AEDyWA0u99X
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/robert-nicklas/4956528
https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Nicklas/e/B001LHJ8SQ
https://www.youtube.com/user/rwnnicklas/
https://twitter.com/a21juice21
"New Whip"
https://open.spotify.com/track/4jpfiqZk4YxIBuLJlUVAkk

“Vibe Feelin”

https://open.spotify.com/album/4YXr8HOugg9uC9ObAU7rOf

Friday, May 8, 2020

Chè Sarai - You Can Do It


Chè Sarai - You Can Do It

Acclaimed Christian Hip Hop artist, Chè Sarai delivers edgy, inspirational music with purpose

BALTIMORE, MD - From a young age, Porche Dorsey (known by her professional name, Chè Sarai) had a natural ability for music. After getting her first keyboard at age 14, she started putting together some really decent songs. “I was impressed with the stuff that was coming out,” Chè said. “That’s when I knew it was something different - that it was more of a gift and less of me playing around.” Her life followed a traditional route, but music was always her first love. Now she is doing what she always wanted to do and music listeners are loving it.

Recently crowned DMV's Female Artist of the Year, Chè’s music is inspirational but edgy Hip Hop/Rap. Her style is rugged and real. While other Christian Hip Hop artists deliver a sugar-coated version of facts, Chè’s raw truth is a good mix of inspiration and reality.

Recorded in Baltimore, her smash debut single, “What If He’s Real?” came from a time when she felt challenged to question the reality of God’s existence. As she reached the conclusion that there is a higher power, she knew that others had asked themselves the question - “Is there a God?” Chè said “I wanted to convey that in a song, and put that question forth to other people who may be wondering or in that same place.”

Also created in Baltimore, the video for “What If He’s Real?” was shot at the neighborhood Love Fellowship Christian Center. Chè, who created the storyboard and directed the music video, is shown pouring into the next generation. She is teaching from Christian-based principles to reverse the commercial doctrine instilled in the education system. “I would just like people to be open-minded to the idea that God is real and that you are here for a purpose.”

The “What If He’s Real?” single came shortly after her debut mixtape, "Prinzess Diary :1," which won Mixtape of the Year for the DMV and Ohio. Hosted by German Mixtape Master, DJ Noize, the mixtape is very edgy and very street, characterized by street and underground beats. While the mixtape resonated more with the underground and street crowd, “What If He’s Real?” resonates strongly with mainstream Hip Hop fans.

The versatile Chè Sarai has recently completed work on her exciting new combo offering. The “My Jesus” project, a 6-track EP accompanied by a book of memoirs, highlights the personal relationship side of God where miracles happen that can’t be explained. Chè explained that she wanted to capture those moments “When someone is at their wit’s end, and they pray and all of a sudden a miracle happens.” The collection of memoirs, written by Chè Sarai and 15 others, features personal encounters by the authors. The “My Jesus” project is due to drop on May 1st.

With impeccable lyricism and relatable messaging, Chè Sarai’s music is destined to excite young adult urban music listeners from coast to coast.

To listen to Chè’s music, or to follow her on social media, please visit:
www.chesaraimusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/CheSarai/
https://www.instagram.com/che_sarai/
https://twitter.com/CheSaraiMusic
https://soundcloud.com/che_sarai/sets/prinzess-diary-1
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-486d04niPgT881rINbM2w
“What If He's Real?”
https://youtu.be/r61f5CKIHeo

Produkt - Supreme Wizards


Rhyme Report
Published on May 8th, 2020 | by Dj Smoke
0

Produkt – Supreme Wizards

Bronx-based Puerto Rican rapper drops hot new single ‘Supreme Wizards’
BRONX, NY – Produkt, the hard-hitting rapper from The Bronx whose one-fan-at-a-time grassroots philosophy has netted him hundreds of thousands of followers worldwide, has dropped yet another hit with his latest “Supreme Wizards.”
Detailing the downside of the fast life, Produkt uses this darker, ambient song to examine the negative aspects of a lifestyle that more often than not costs people their lives or their livelihood. 
“Everybody is quick to glorify and champion all the dark and dumb shit they have to do to make money on the streets,” Produkt said. “But that will cost you in the end. It’s not the road to success and it shouldn’t be your definition of success. A lot of my music is dark and very serious, but that’s because there are a lot of people in pain in our world especially now. The amount of loss we’re going through right now is unprecedented. I want to be that voice and inspiration for people – to inspire the unspoken. So even though this is a darker song, at the end of the day, I hope my music helps people pick themselves up and dust themselves off and be motivated to keep going for whatever it is they love. They don’t have to get caught on the hamster wheel and get swallowed by life and give up on their ambitions and dreams. Kick that shit in the ass and fight for what you want. Believe in yourself.”
“Supreme Wizards” is the debut single from Produkt’s latest album, “Hit and Run” which is set to be available across all streaming platforms by summer 2020. It’s a project that features half a dozen artists with Frank Benz and Rothstien in particular, highlighted the most. Those two are business partners with Produkt for their independent label X Records. Rothstien is also featured on the first verse of “Supreme Wizards.”
Produkt is making a splash along the East Coast with his new music and he isn’t new to the industry. He’s been making music for more than a decade and is the first rapper to ever be nominated for more than three single-year underground music awards at the UMAs. His name started to become well known across the U.S. in 2014 when he released two hit singles, “Hold It Down” and “Freak Affair.” His success has helped to garner him millions of views on YouTube for his music videos. His newfound success has given him a renewed outlook on the industry, and a recent shift toward inspiring others has helped his music be embraced by an ever-widening fanbase globally. 
“It’s not a stretch to say that positivity is contagious,” he said. “And I pair that with a strong, straight, nostalgic Hip Hop presence in a way that captures something melodic – something on the softer side with a more ambient, melodic vibe. There’s nothing that will stop me from being a force in this game.”
To listen to Produkt’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
https://xrecordsinc.com/produkt-epk/

“Supreme Wizards” 

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

JV - Didn't Even Wanna Talk My Shit




JV – Didn’t Even Wanna Talk My Shit
Detroit entertainer JV drops new single, music video ‘Didn’t Even Wanna Talk My Shit’
DETROIT, MI – If there’s anything audiences will learn from the new music video, “Didn’t Even Wanna Talk My Shit,” it’s that new Detroit rapper Jovon “JV” Garth is an artist who means serious business.
Flying under the radar of the thriving Hip Hop scene, this young entertainer has slowly built a name for himself throughout many cities. He’s well known among Hip Hop circles of the upper Midwest and after spending years honing his craft, he’s decided it’s time for a wider audience to get to know his particular brand and style of music.
He’s starting a year of music releases with his first single, “Didn’t Even Wanna Talk My Shit,” which will be the first of a three-part series.
“Didn’t Even Wanna Talk My Shit” is a three-piece series about the 3 angriest moments of my life. When somebody pissed me off or gave me some bullshit,” JV said.  “So I made three different versions. This one has more of a smooth vibe that kind of lets people know that my situation has changed. I’m looking to do more positive things. I don’t want to run the streets anymore. I’m going hard on music.”
JV became interested in music at the age 6 and he wrote his first song at age 9. Growing up on Detroit’s East Side, he experienced much of the struggle and has plenty of stories from which to pull from for his music. And more than anything, that’s what he considers himself to be as an artist – a storyteller.
“You know I mean everything I say,” he said. “I’m not a super-hype rapper. I’m a vibe rapper. And people like my music based off what they hear. With my lyrics, you’ll get messages and positivity. Even though I come from that life, I’m not making straight hard-core music. I’m coming to the table with whatever feels good at the time – Pop, Rap, Dance Hall, Reggae … whatever. When I put my mind to some shit, I get it done. And more than anything, I just like to tell stories. There’s more avenues in this industry than just the music – It’s entertainment. And I believe if you’re going to do something, do it big.”
It’s for that reason that JV considers his new music video to be somewhat of an audition tape for the wider world of entertainment. He’s looking of course, at showcasing his rapping skills but he’s also showing off his ability as an actor, writer, producer and all-around artist. He’s eager to see how other opportunities might come from his music and would love to one day be known around the world as one of the premier entertainers of his time.
To listen to JV’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

Monday, May 4, 2020

King Harlem - Street Korner Muzik


Rhyme Report
Published on May 4th, 2020 | by Dj Smoke
0

King Harlem – Street Korner Muzik

King Harlem takes near-death experience and parlays it into message for people living street life
BALTIMORE, MD – King Harlem has a lot of memories of his time on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland – not the least of which is the two-day period during which he lost his brother to a shooting, and then was shot himself nine times and nearly lost his own life. His road to recovery – which includes the amputation of one leg and having to re-learn how to walk – has been a long one. The lessons he’s learned along the way are profound and ones that he hopes to be able to share with other young people living the street life. Those words of wisdom are paired perfectly with a unique sound and style on his most recent single “Street Kroner Muzik.”
The song was born from a recent moment with a friend with whom he reunited after many years apart. They’d grown up on the streets together, and they decided to meet up to catch up on one of the street corners that held special significance for them. While standing on that corner, sharing memories and remembering friends and brothers they’d lost over the years, the truths of their past lives began to cut to the core. King Harlem said he realized how blessed he was to still be alive, and that flash of inspiration led to his latest single.
“I’ve been doing music for a while but I never really was serious with it until maybe five years ago after a lot of things happened in my life,” he said. I was really in the street life so I wasn’t focused on music. You can’t be focused on too many things when you’re living that kind of life. Then I got shot nine times and died twice. They told my mom I had died, but I made it through. The doctor told me I’d never walk again, and a lot of people gave up on me. But one of my friends – the same friend who used to rap with me back in the day and was creating beats – just kept coming to me faithfully. I told him I don’t really rap anymore but he just kept giving me beats. Between that and this desire to prove people wrong about not walking anymore, it put the energy back in me. It wasn’t easy but I’m able to walk now and I’ve been trying to tell people that they can change through my music. When I was living on the streets, I thought the only way I would die would be young on the streets like my brother, or from old age or disease. But when I was in the hospital, so many people were going through so many things – a lot of them worse than being shot. I got to understand how big life is. We have to cherish it. And hopefully when our time is up, God will forgive us for everything we did. I just want to be ready when it’s that time.”
Growing up in Baltimore where Hip Hop culture is a heavy influence on young people, King Harlem found a natural talent for Rap. At one point he was signed to an independent label. Today, he hopes to become one of the voices that help associate Baltimore with a signature sound, like many other cities across the U.S. He said his talent means a lot to him because of his ability to change the game for people who listen to what he has to share. 
“I believe I have a lot in my head, and I want to share that with the world,” he said. “Through Rap, I hope to inspire my audience so they know where I’m coming from. I’m a soul survivor and I like to be honest and tell about my life. I can only give my life and everything I’ve been through, and just keep it as real as possible. And at the end of the day, I just want my music to be known for being authentic and for having a sound that people will come to call that ‘Baltimore sound.’ I want to create something that can be groundbreaking and associated with Baltimore. But ultimately, I just want to be authentic.”
To listen to King Harlem’s music or to follow him on social media, visit:
“1.O.A.k”

Friday, April 3, 2020

Nana Kottens - Mama Don't Give Up


Nana Kottens – Mama Don’t Give Up


Ghanaian-born musician sheds light on drug addiction with new single ‘Mama Don’t Give Up’
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Almost every community in the U.S. – and in fact throughout the world –battles opioid addiction. In the U.S. alone, drugs kill an average of 130 every day, and the fight against the problem affects the U.S. economy by an estimated $78 billion a year, according to usafacts.org.
Drug addiction is a major issue in the U.S., and U.S. Public Health Service Officer Nana Kottens is on the front lines of that battle. As a professional artist and founder of Sound Lion Records,
Kottens is in a unique position to bring attention to the issue by way of his music. And on March
27, he’ll be releasing the single “Mama Don’t Give Up” as a way to educate the masses on drug addiction.
“I’m a public health professional and I go out and educate people on opioids and other drugs,” Kottens said. This song is an attempt to raise awareness for that support system – to raise awareness of addiction and its effects on individuals and families. It’s also a way to shed a little bit of light on the stigmatization of addiction. A lot of people are striving for a better life away from addiction, but they aren’t likely to share that struggle because of society’s stigmatization of addiction.”
Kottens said the song has a slower vibe that will help elicit emotion from the listener, with the hope that it will lead to personal reflection and spur conversations with loved ones. It’s also the first version of the song. Kottens said the plan is to release different versions of the song over the course of the rest of the year, with different vibes – from reggae to dance to alternative and more.
“I’ve been a songwriter for a very long time – more than 25 years – and I felt that this was a good time to use some of the messages we’re trying to get out there in the form of music,” Kottens said. “I really believe it’s a song that will create connections and help families. It’s also going to showcase different demographics and help people understand that there’s a whole range of people who deal with addiction. And people’s struggle with addiction is not a joke or something to bounce to but rather, something to be serious about and sit down and talk about.”
Kottens served in the U. S Navy for 5 years. Following his time with the Navy, he completed a master’s degree at the New York Medical College & Liberty University. He’s been serving in the public health sector ever since while also pursuing his love of music by founding his own record label in May 2012. Since that time, the label has signed four talented musicians and has freely distributed music for more than 40 Ghanaian artists, ensuring their songs are distributed worldwide.
More recently, he also co-founded Grino Music – a new music streaming app in Ghana that enhances the way up-and-coming artists can monetize their creative works.
In conjunction with the launch of “Mama Don’t Give Up” on March 27, Kottens is also developing a Vevo channel that he hopes fans and followers will interact with over the next weeks and months.
To listen to Kottens’ music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
“Mama Don’t Give Up”

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Lil Dane - I Go For Mine


Lil Dane – I Go For Mine

Ringing endorsement from Jadakiss propels young artist Lil Dane in front of millions of fans
BATON ROUGUE, LA – It’s one thing to have close friends and fans laud the success of your work. But when a big-name celebrity whose work has influenced millions gives you that mark of approval, it takes things to an entirely different level.
Such is the case for Louisiana-based artist Lil Dane whose latest EP “Greatness” got a stamp of approval from Jadakiss. After posting his praise for Lil Dane’s EP on his Twitter feed, Jadakiss helped propel “Greatness” in front of millions more fans. And as such, the rising young artist from Louisiana has been seeing a wave of success with his music ever since. 
“I’m so proud of this EP and so focused on getting it in front of more people right now because I really believe it’s going to take me further,” Lil Dane said. “Jadakiss having his name on it means I think it can go even further. That’s a big deal for someone like me who is putting in all this work and doing it all on my own – no manager and no team. But I feel good about it.”
“Greatness” dropped in 2019 and features four songs that explore what it takes to strive for greatness and excellence. Lil Dane said he tapped into inspiration from some of the Hip Hop legends of the 1990s in an attempt to “bring back the old Hip Hop style.” His songs are lyrical and gives listeners a lasting first impression that ultimately makes them want to come back for more. And, of course, being from the South, his Louisiana drawl plays strong across all his songs.
More than anything, it’s his lyrics that make him stand out. It’s those lyrics that have caused critics throughout the South refer to him as the “2Pac of his generation.” His music is poetic and tells the story of what’s going on today, as well as experiences from his past and reams of his future. He is the new wave of rappers in that he uses his business smarts to be successful in the industry. To date, he’s had listening sessions with labels such as Roc Nation and Republic Records and has worked with other artists such as Max Minelli, Turk from Cash Money, and Cassidy Jim Jones Lil Scrappy. 
In addition to “Greatness,” Lil Dane said he has more music on the way, including a new single called “Determined” which will feature Cassidy. That single is slated to drop later this summer. 
To listen to Lil Dane’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
“Greatness”
“I Go For Mine”

Luv Docta - Hood Romantic


Luv Docta – Hood Romantic

Luv Docta offers relationship advice with new single ‘Hood Romantic’
CHICAGO, IL – Ladies and gentlemen … the Luv Docta is in session.
Hailing from Chicago, this lyricist with a heart of gold has amassed decades of wisdom when it comes to love and relationships, and he’s ready to impart that wisdom to a wider audience with his new mixtape, “Luv Affairz,” which is slated to drop April 24. He’s already been helping people all over the U.S. through his videos and podcasts which bring his many experiences of love and loss into the light in ways that help other people through their own situations. And with this new mixtape, he hopes to give people a soundtrack, of sorts, to their lives and to offer a musical outlet for the ups and downs of their relationships.
“I’m bringing Soul and Hip Hop together in a way that can change the game forever,” the Luv Docta said of his new project. “Every track on this project represents a kind of vibe that’ll have you drunk in love, but through my music. It’s more than just making good music though. It’s a movement.”
Three of his singles off the tape have already been making the rounds and have created a wave of excitement in anticipation of the full release on April 24. Most recently, his single “Hood Romantic” has been gaining some major attention throughout the Midwest. Luv Docta said it’s a song for everybody, but he recognizes that more women will catch the message behind the music than men. 
“Women love guys who have a soft spot to him,” he said. “A guy who is romantic and sweet but who also has a little aggressiveness – not in a bad way but a good way. I consider myself as an artist who has a good side and a bad side. And because of that, I can give those females that different vibe experience. The song, overall, is mellow and drives people in with melodies as well as with vocals and my unique cadence. So the women are not only getting one thing but many things. And that echoes what the song is about – a man who fits all the criteria of what they’re looking for. I want people to get that sense of soft R&B Soul, but with a little bit of trap and melodies. I’m rapping and singing. I’m giving you a chill, summer vibe. And people are already loving that vibe.”
Luv Docta said he prides himself on being a versatile musician and for having a keen business sense when it comes to the industry. More than anything, he’s glad for the opportunity to use his past experiences to help others through difficult times. He points to his own seven year relationship that ended in heartbreak and how the lessons from that broken relationship have not only helped him make more positive choices in his own life, but have also lent themselves to good advice for others dealing with difficult relationships issues.
“The way I fought through the heartbreak and the deep depression that came afterward was to fight through those dark places and mentally pick myself up every day,” Luv Docta said. “I started working out and started praying and developing a routine that made my everyday life lighter and better. I took some time to find myself again, and the music helped me become at peace with myself. I started posting these transformational videos and started getting some buzz on social media. I’ve had a lot of eyes on me ever since and I’ve been blessed to encourage and inspire others. That’s why I’m excited for this new tape to drop because I really believe it will help a lot of people.”
To listen to Luv Docta’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: