Richie Carter – Dark Hearts
Midwest artist Richie Carter recounts personal romance narrative to create music of substance
ROCKFORD, IL – Born Erich Kalstrom, the rapper, songwriter and producer known as Richie Carter is a rising artist who hails from a city less than 90 miles outside Chicago. A highly creative lyrical and descriptive force, Richie consistently delivers conscious music portraying great emotion.
Continuing to display his talent for passionate storytelling, his single “Dark Hearts” is destined to be a hit. Written for his fiancée when they first began dating, the song tells the story of how their relationship started. “It’s kind of like a dark but optimistic, little love song,” Richie said. While he was living in California, Richie reconnected with her while he was back in Rockford for his mother’s funeral.
The single is one of six songs on Richie’s “Sappy Hour” EP, which was released in the middle of last year at the same time as his R&B/Rap EP, “Too Much Whiskey.” A romantic love story collection, “Sappy Hour” is based on his real life relationship. The entire EP is about his fiancée, and shares the in depth story about the course of their relationship — who they are as people and their healthy differences.
Describing himself as “a regular, simple dude,” Richie is different from most of today’s rappers and R&B artists. He lists his greatest musical influences as Tupac Shakur, Lil Wayne, Drake and Jay-Z, but Richie is not as eccentric and eager to be radio friendly. Richie does have a knack for making music with meaning, conveying highly relatable themes. One of the EP’s standout tracks, “Little Things” talks about the little things he appreciates about his fiancée, while the song “Ghost” conveys the difficulties of trying to do the right things during a long distance relationship in order to end up together.
Growing up in Rockford, a city with a decent music scene where nearly everybody is into making their own music, profoundly influenced Richie’s sound. Growing up, he and his two best friends were obsessed with music. “I think we had every single Cash Money record, every single No Limit record, cassette or CD,” he said. “We had every Tupac, down to every Makaveli mixtape that you could only get in Chicago.” There is great passion for music in Rockford which has a bad reputation for violence and unemployment. “A lot of people here seem to lean towards music as a way to cope and get through things.”
Captivating music from Richie Carter is available on all digital platforms, and he has ambitious plans for the coming months. After buying a house for his growing family, he plans to build a home studio by July. His next project, an EP titled “The Kids Are Watching,” should follow shortly.
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To listen to Richie Carter’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0qu1pyJWVOgMpsCJ3a3Iho
https://twitter.com/ElRichieCarter
https://www.facebook.com/RichieCarterMusic
http://www.soundcloud.com/richiecartermusic
https://www.instagram.com/elrichiecarter/
“Sappy Hour”
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Star2, a fan of SPRITE, reached out to collaborate after releasing a single with Luh Kel called “I Wanna Get F’d Up” – coincidentally, SPRITE’s favorite artist since Luh Kel’s hit song “Wrong” – leading to an introduction and, as fate would have it, a collaboration in Thailand where the trio filmed “Where Would You Go?” (out on January 17, 2025), while Star2 and SPRITE also created “One of a Kind”.
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(Video) King fame ft king Toby luv – Not in the field
Prepare for a visual and lyrical experience as Buffalo’s very own King Fame and King Toby Luv join forces for their electrifying new music video, “Not In the Field.” This cinematic work brings together raw energy, authentic storytelling, and Buffalo pride, making it a standout release in the city’s thriving music scene.
Visionary Stacks Tha God, delivers a gritty yet artistic portrayal of life, loyalty, and the grind. Known for his ability to transform music into gripping visuals, Stacks Tha God elevates “Not In the Field” to a film-like experience, showcasing both artists in their element with powerful imagery and undeniable charisma.
King Fame and King Toby Luv’s synergy on this track is undeniable, each delivering sharp lyricism and distinct flows that resonate with audiences beyond Buffalo. With this release, they continue to put their city on the map, proving that Buffalo is home to some of the most talented voices in hip-hop today.
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Ivanna Melay Releases Highly Anticipated Single “Tell It” with Grammy-Winning Producer Really Doe
International pop sensation Ivanna Melay is set to release her latest single “Tell It” today, a bold new track that blends powerful vocals, infectious rhythms, and raw emotion. The song is produced by none other than Grammy-winning producer, rapper, and songwriter Really Doe, known for his extensive work with Kanye West and his unparalleled talent in shaping some of the most iconic sounds of the last two decades.
This highly anticipated collaboration between Ivanna Melay and Really Doe brings together two creative forces from different sides of the world—Ivanna, a celebrated Ukrainian-born artist, and Really Doe, a Chicago native whose influence spans global music culture. “Tell It” is a perfect fusion of their distinct energies and backgrounds, showcasing the universal power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and connect hearts around the world.
“I’m so excited to share ‘Tell It’ with my fans,” said Ivanna Melay. “This song is a reflection of my journey as an artist and as a person. Working with Really Doe has been an incredible experience. His vision and expertise have brought a whole new dimension to this track.”
Tell It arrives with a visually stunning music video that was filmed in October 2024 at Chicago’s renowned Cine City Studios. The video, directed by a talented international production team, highlights Ivanna’s dynamic stage presence and her unique fusion of Eastern European elegance with contemporary global sounds. The video’s cinematic feel enhances the emotional depth of the song and solidifies Ivanna’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist on the rise.
Known for her international acclaim and consistent chart-topping hits, Ivanna Melay has become a household name across three countries, dominating top TV and radio charts while earning multiple awards for her contributions to pop music. With “Tell It”, Ivanna continues to push her musical boundaries, exploring new sounds and collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry.
About Ivanna Melay:
Ivanna Melay is an award-winning pop artist whose music has captivated audiences around the world. Recognized for her innovative approach to pop music, Ivanna has earned her place as one of the top performers on TV and radio charts in multiple countries. With each new release, Ivanna continues to grow as an artist and influence the global pop landscape.
About Really Doe:
Really Doe is a Grammy-winning producer, rapper, and songwriter who has worked alongside industry giants like Kanye West for over two decades. Known for his exceptional ability to blend genres and create timeless tracks, Really Doe has become a cornerstone of the American hip-hop and pop music scenes. His collaborations have shaped the sound of modern music, making him one of the most sought-after producers in the world.
For more information about Ivanna Melay and her new single “Tell It” follow her on social media.