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Raheem DeVaughn & DJ Jazzy Jeff Join Grxwn Fxlks On Their Debut Album ‘Volume 1: Independent’ @grxwnfxlks
The process of creating and releasing music in 2022 has a microwavable feel that is evidenced by new stars disappearing just as quickly as they rose. This is in large part to the role social media plays in society. On their debut album, Pittsburgh-based emcee/producer super-duo Grxwn Fxlks (Masai Turner & Akil Esoon), have made it their mission to make music that creates a lasting bond with Hip-Hop’s most disenfranchised demographic – adults. Setting up shop in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta to collaborate with the greats and utilize world-renowned facilities, the duo conceptualized a project that is far cry from the all too repetitive subject matter found in the culture’s mainstream. The result is their crowning achievement titled Volume I: Independent.
“Instead of following trends or best practices, [Grxwn Fxlks] believe in creating products that the mainstream will find “edgy,” but which niche audiences will relate to in a deep way.” –Forbes Magazine
Volume I: Independent is a confluence of positive vibes, social awareness, cultural pride, and street wisdom. The magnificent turntable wizardry of 2-time Grammy Award-Winner DJ Jazzy Jeff is featured on the eponymous track “Grxwn Fxlks”. The uber soulful, 3-time Grammy Award-nominee Raheem DeVaughn assists with one of the album’s standouts “Magic” — a love letter to the magical qualities every good woman should be appreciated for. Veteran Bronx emcee, activist, and author Mysonne trades rhymes about the ills of street life with Masai on “Let’s Talk About It” over a healthy dose of boom-bap provided by Akil Esoon. Rhymesayers Entertainment’s singer/songwriter Nikki Jean contributes her charming cameo stylings on the closing track “One”.
As if the well-placed peppering of features wasn’t enough, Grxwn Fxlks collaborated with an A-List of legendary engineers to evolve their sound. Grammy Award-Winners Neal Pogue (Tyler the Creator, Outkast), Derek “MixedbyAli” Ali (Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller), Mike Bozzi (J Cole, Nas), Elton “L10MixedIt” Cheung (Chance The Rapper, Kehlani) and several notable others are credited throughout this project’s liner notes. A debut, independent album with the heavy hitters above is a testament to the group’s relationship-based approach to everything they do.
Grxwn Fxlks’ first single “Celebrate” has reached over 1 million streams since its release. The majority of those streams came from the 33–54-year old demographic – another anomaly for a Hip-Hop outfit releasing their first song. Thousands of comments, shares, and purchases later, Grxwn Fxlks has their proof of concept. Released via The Orchard – subsidiary of Sony Music, Volume I: Independent is shaping up to be a disrupter in the world of Hip Hop that can resonate with an audience that has been yearning for a distinct sound and message. Success in Hip-Hop may typically be a young man’s game, but all recent signs point to it being a Grxwn Fxlks’ reality.
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(Audio) J Lyles – Here I am @iamjlyles
J Lyles makes his return to the world of HipHop, and in a big way, with his new single titled “Here I am”. It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything new from the talented artist but we can officially say those days are over with this new single as Lyles continues to prep a new album that is slated to release this year. Being lyrically relatable has never been a problem for the New Jersey native, and that continues to be true with “Here I am”. Life sometimes takes a toll on us as humans, we all go through ups and downs mentally and physically but those who stay true to themselves while staying afloat through the rough times are the ones that seem to come out the smoke when those bad days disappear. In his own words Lyles describes the song by saying “I discuss various points of my life and the effects of incarceration, family trauma and struggles to get through college and life after college. This song is a testament of wins and losses, pain, and perseverance that led to this version of myself. “Here I Am”.” J Lyles is that exact person that comes out of the smoke battle scarred and tired but wiser and battle tested. He’s always ready to give it his all when those tough times roll back around with rhymes like “Made it to 27 I must be here for a reason/applying pressure smothering all you turkeys that’s under seasoned/they telling me to keep going/my music the voice of reason.” Staying ten toes down with the current version of himself is what the artist is striving for now a days, staying away from those who may not prove to be worthy of being within his circle. “I’m a legend to the game/but I never wanted fame/cause everybody knows your name and unfamiliar with your pain” spits Lyles at the beginning of the second verse, further cementing his true to self rhymes being provided by the man behind the mic. With his debut album titled The Execution still being perfected behind closed doors, J Lyles opens up one door to give new and older listeners a sample of what is to come until the timing is right for The Execution.
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Jay?Duhhh – “Mind Tricks”
Richmond, Virginia native, Jay?Duhhh has announced the release of her latest single, “Mind Tricks” on Thursday, February 29, 2024 via Money By the Pound Records. “Mind Tricks,” produced by platinum music producer Mex Manny, can be described as carnivalesque whilst addressing the significant mental health issues humans may face navigating early adulthood. The sonic aesthetic of a crazy fun house, along with a maze and house of mirrors, is interlaced throughout the musical number creating a peculiar and unique vibe.
“I wrote my new single “Mind Tricks” to empower people to overcome daily obstacles such as their fears, doubts, the opinions of others/ the world, other people’s bad decisions, and the overall negativity that the world can sometimes bring. It’s easy to lose yourself in a world that is full of judgment and constantly moving. Sometimes you need to sit with yourself to realize what YOU need to be able to accomplish everything your heart desires. Life isn’t easy, and there will always be things that try to stop you from what you need to do, but if you stand strong, open your eyes and mind, and stay true to yourself…. You’ll always win in the end. Never be afraid to Shine your Light. Nothing outside of you has Power over you. What I want people to apprehend from this piece is that Life is anything but easy, but you are anything but weak. Don’t let it Change who you are.” – Jay?Duhhh
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ALYA is back and already making waves in the music world with her latest track, “Crazy.”
ALYA is back and already making waves in the music world with her latest track, “Crazy.”
An insanely catchy electropop love song that delves into the depths of love, describing
how it can engulf us in a way that makes us “Crazy” in the most beautiful sense. Listen
To It Now.
ALYA’s musical style seamlessly blends elements of inspiration, pop and dance,
resulting in a distinctive and mesmerizing sound. Her ability to express raw emotions
through her music and majestic voice has garnered her a loyal and devoted fan base
and made her climb the charts.
Throughout her career, ALYA has been recognized for her talent and artistic vision,
which will catch listeners’ attention once again, with the upcoming music video for ‘Crazy’,
where the main theme of overwhelming love will be twisted and analyzed from the
perspective of human’s insatiable love for A.I.
ALYA amasses extensive followers between Facebook and Instagram. Her previous
music videos have obtained well over 50 million in viewership and a single Instagram
video post has garnered her hundreds of thousands of views. Her last single
“Pleasure Is Mine” became viral on TikTok, bringing over a million views.
When it comes to National U.S. press pursuits, ALYA is a staple in celebrity magazines
such as Star, OK, Us Weekly, Life & Style, Hollywood Life, and In Touch Weekly, on
both their online and physical circulations consistently.
Born and raised in the Soviet Union, ALYA’s passion for music began at the young age
of 7. Her journey as an artist started with classical training as a vocalist, which laid a solid
foundation for her musical prowess.
Her debut concept album, “Ten Years of Solitude,” received critical acclaim,
showcasing her ability to create ethereal melodies and lyrics that strike a chord with
her listener’s hearts. Her singles “American Beauty” and “Pleasure Is Mine” have
graced the charts, earning her a reputation as a rising star in the music industry.
Beyond her musical endeavors, ALYA is also known for her philanthropic efforts. Her
belief in using her platform for positive change has made her an inspirational figure in
both the music community and across the globe.
Prepare yourself to be enchanted by the artistry of ALYA…
Tim Carmon – Music Producer
https://www.instagram.com/alya.michelson/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/itsalya
https://www.tiktok.com/@alya.the.artist?_t=8fFTGpR33Y6&_r=1