#hypealot

[thefreshfinds]

TUNEZ:

By: Natalee Gilbert

Out of all the copy-cats in the music industry, Tunez steers clear with his originality. The notoriously esteemed singer, producer and lyricist known as Tunez is one who wavers into a immortalized yet genre-defying soundscape. In his words it’s “off the wall.”

Between all the futuristic synths, psychedelic waves, R&B/pop vibes and combative rhymes — Tunez discreetly tells others to live their lives to the fullest. Even when the going gets tough. Because after all, we only live once. Tunez’s song “Now or Never” illustrates this same notion. Here, he says in one phrase of the song “I got to see something more/Cause life’s is going to run its course/I ain’t going to be here forever/So I got to live like I’m dying tomorrow/And I got to live like it’s everything.”

In his chill-wave yet melodic tonality, Tunez also speaks about love and loss, family even personal experiences. His muse being, the silver lining. To add on, he says music is an outlet to reveal his inner-self. Without limitations, Tunez makes sure his music correlates with reality. Ultimately, he boldly proclaims what others have been feeling deep inside. And won’t stop at nothing because that’s just not in the plans. Legacy is rightfully his.

Four or five years ago, Tunez decided to delve more into music. Growing up, he dabbled into it here and there. But once an outlandish opportunity presented itself, Tunez decided it was his time to execute. Fast forward and Tunez leaned toward his mentor all while learning the business. Taking every moment with a grain of salt, he jots it all on the pen and pad. Then speaks to a familiar space that categorizes itself as his psychiatrist: the booth.

If music is your way of expressing your inner thoughts, listen to Tunez. His tape Tunez Up is available now on SoundCloud. Also make sure to stream his latest song, “#idontlikerapmusic.”

LINKS:

1. Instagram - @tunezzup

2. SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/lowlifeent/sets/tunez-up

[karevheritagehiphop]

New blog up by @natalee_federal on www.heritagehiphop.com Go read it. Leave a comment Reposted from @natalee_federal - OH SNAP 😱📸 I just dropped my article on @theofficialcutty 📢 . . . READ ALL ABOUT IT ON @heritagehiphop ‘s website 📝 . . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Facebook Page: Heritage Hip Hop Instagram: @heritagehiphop / @theofficialcutty 🗣🌎🎶📺 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - #entrepreneurship #heritagehiphop #weoncuttytv #cutty #njpromoters #motivationalquotes #positivevibes #undergroundhiphop #hypealot #positivethoughts #dope #songs #peptalk #talktome #speakyourself #vloggers #positivity #speech #newjerseysupport #motivationalposts #newjerseyhiphop #njlife #artistsofinstagram #writerscommunity #musicjournalism #motivationmonday #deepquotes #blogger #writeups📃 (at Latin Flavor Restaurant & Lounge) https://www.instagram.com/p/By6cOX7HIll/?igshid=1nocatjibh5gy

[djpaixn]

(Official HypeAlot DJ) LISTEN NEW REMIX! JOEY BADAZZ WITH THAT VICTORY!

[jetmuzikbeats]

#Repost @hypealot (@get_repost) ・・・ Tomorrow when you going from house to house on #thanksgiving 😂🍗🤦‍♂️ sometimes you need a nap 🤣 #latenightsearlymornings #jetstronauts #jetmuziktypebeat #superproducer #hiphopbeatsforsale #musicproducer #soundcloud #vibes #songwriter #jetmuzik #flgang #vibe #cookgang #djs #waves #rapper #studioflow #studiotime #rappers #sing #singers #jetmuzik #rapmusic #hiphopmusic #beats #buybeat #waves #talent #upcomingartist

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from @hypealot - 🧐https://www.beatstars.com/playboyfocus https://www.indiesound.com/track/27537 @Instagram ⬇ @playboyfocus @playboyfocus _ @playboyfocus_film #OTHERPAGES https://soundcloud.com/user161067660/playboy-focus-at-your-door-mp3?in=user161067660/sets/controlledsubstancehttp://www.beatstars.com/playboyfocus https://www.facebook.com/JonathanHernandez.whyplaysoboyseriousfocus https://twitter.com/Playboyfocus156 Listen to #swagsoserious🃏 by PLAYBOYFOCUS156 #np on @SoundCloud⬇ https://soundcloud.com/user161067660/sets/swagsoserious @twitter 👉@playboyfocus156 @facebook 👉 Whyplaysoboyseriousfocus #majormasterkeyalert🗝🏷🚨 #📡mrwifi🛰🌐 #💥💰THEBIGBAGTHEORY💰💥 #🔌👉theoutlet👈🔌 #GAMEGENE #🏦majorbankrollalert🏦 #💊controlled💉substance💊 #swagsoserious🃏 #thel👀phole2thesel👀pholes #mr🏦fort💱💲💱knox🏦 #imjustchillinginthevault #enjoytheshow🎬 - #key🗝🏷 #checkitout #briefingofmyideasmusicinnovation #socialresume #pictureisworthathousandwords #lifesessay - #

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[kay2wavey]

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[alexbby90]

Hypealot Honeys ♥

[thefreshfinds]

UNDERGROUND CONCERT SERIES:

To define the Underground Concerts Series as just an "event" would be an understatement. In fact for the last 4 years, it has seperated itself as a whole from the rest because of the commonality the artist & crowds share. Still, its biggest distinction is that everyone brings something different to the table. They fully believe that support goes a long way & the proof is in the pudding when you're on the outside, looking in. The atmosphere screams "underground." From it's subway inspired sign, to the lighting and close space -- it hypes one up & assures that the artist performing are the future. Every artist, even poet leaves you in awe. It's very similar to those you see on the side when hopping on the Metro, straight admirable. Because no matter what walk of life appears, they will always leave impressed and a bit more inspired. The UGCS shows that no matter what, the talent will always be surreal. But most importantly, everyone is always welcome to have a space. I was allowed to interview some awesome acts during June's second segment of UGCS. including the COO, Miss Defined and creator, King Cosmic. Which I must add made me feel apart of hip-hop's history.

1. KING COSMIC: King Cosmic self-identifies as a royal commander for the Underground Concert Series. Despite hearing "hip-hop is dead" as he was growing up, Cosmic knew that Brooklyn is the voice of hip-hop. And so he created the Underground Concert Series 5 years ago in hopes that he could shake the hip-hop world up/become apart of history. What gets Cosmic up is knowing that he has a movement behind him. He also rises because of the people who have his back. Equally important, Cosmic's biggest inspiration is his past experiences. He finds an artist's persistence the most admirable, "It takes alot to develop yourself as an artist." Cosmic adds "To see someone who can reach and dig in deep, then put that on the front stage is amazing." His word of advice to those looking to create their own event is to "..find something unique & passionate about. Don't give up." Cosmic is also a business management consultant. He loves seeing entrepreurs grow & says "What better way to help entrepreurs then to put artist in a position to win."

2. Miss Defined: An outspoken women who derives off self-worth, courage, truth & intellect -- Miss Defined self identifies as the COO of UGGS/Host/Behind the Scenes. Her journey began 4 years ago on the same stage she performed at prior to our interview at Starr Barr. VJ told her to get on stage. And even though she was reluctant, she went there anyway. Then Miss Defined went from being an audience member to joining the team, host then COO. With a vibrant, positive aura Miss Defined is also able to connect with people through poetry. She says it's been a long journey but wouldn't change a damn thing. For her, the poetry she writes always start with a song. Then in random moments, she'll have an ephiphany & say "I need to build a poem around this line." Likewise she finds their concept through her playlist. She'll mostly stumble on artist like SZA & The Weeknd. Other times, it'll base off old school melodies. Since she's a Brooklyn Girl, she finds its melting pot most admirable. "You'll find many diverse people." Miss Defined adds. Despite living under a rock, she's going to be starting a podcast which will highlight her journey, ratchetry and wild antics. Her advice to others is to work hard, "No matter how awkward, weird or stange you are, there's someone out there who loves you."

3. Rah Sauce: Rah Sauce is that rapper who gets everyone lit. Despite his party oriented persona and genre-defying music style, Rah Sauce's main goal is to bring everyone together. One who self-identifies as a MC who comes from Brooklyn & Harlem, Rah Sauce says he got trapped into music as he was growing up. Rah Sauce certainly can't listen to a song if its too mainstream or old so he's always searching for new music. Then out of the blue. he decided to make his own. Although he's been rapping for a year, Rah Sauce still has a lot of things in the works. "I want to build a community because we need a good way to reach people." Rah Sauce adds. Speaking og his community, he admires that his doesn't take B.S & will tell someone about theirselves right away. If he could change a certain aspect of music, he'd make it more lyrical and less sonic. His word of advice is to not care about anyone else's opinion. Rah Sauce is inspired by A$AP Rocky & Chief Keef. Make sure to bop to Rah Sauce's track "In The Pit."

4. Ni-Emah Bugg: A sprinkle of Erykah Badu & Jill Scott, but moreso lots of Harlem Funkadelics with Janelle Monae & Chaka Khan, Miss Ni-Emah Bugg brings the funk & soul. Her vocals are enough to pluck a heartstring, yet they also can get a crowd into the groove of things. At most, an eccentric & very passionate woman -- Ni-Emah Bugg started singing since she was out the womb. But it wasn't until she was 18 when she started to take it more seriously, "My heart has always been about singing." she goes on "There was a quote I read where the man asks the woman: why do you want to dance? and she says I dance because I need to live." and thats what singing means to me. You’re only here once so it’s best to live your dream." Likewise she gains inspiration from 70's music. She resonates with a line from an unreleased song which goes, "Never give up, never give in. Watch what happens if you keep going." "Sometimes we're afraid of the outcomes, but "what if" can be a positive thing too if we just go for it." she adds To stay positive, Ni-Emah Bugg drinks tea, says a Buddhist prayer and prays for her loved ones, even enemies. Her advice to upcoming artist is to have fun with music, sing what’s on your heart & to be fearless. "Be a little different. Embrace your uniqueness because there’s only one you. Never give up & love yourself as best as you can." Stay on the lookout for her upcoming tape called, The Green Tape.

By - Natalee Gilbert

To follow the movement go to:

1. Instagram - @undergroundconcertseries

2. Website - www.ugcs.us

[thefreshfinds]

Jae Killa:

Liable to outsmoke you, Jae Killa rolls in the scene (& not just with the spliffs!)

Though he's calm, cool & collected Jae Killa's rap style is at an all-time high.

In certain instances -- Jae Killa uses humor to attest his free spirit. Yet during others he gets personal because he'd like for his listeners to know that "this too shall pass."

To put it another way is merely impossible. That's just the main core of his rhymes & flows. Flexible.

Blowing in from the West Coast, Jae Killa plans to stay in the current!

Prelimary to this introduction, his number of fans has already increased.

A "white guy who just haves fun with music & stays to himself" Jae Killa uses music to break his silence. He comes from a town that seems "beaten down" called Watergate in Los Angeles but says that it's filled with a great amount of love & respect.

When Jae Killa met Belak his life seemed to do a 360. "Once I moved up to Georgetown, Belak & I just clicked. We started rapping together & I knew he was a Day 1 since." says Jae Killa "Music has always been in my family. Just never in ways that I liked music at that time & honestly when I saw him [Belak] making music it charted the fire that I needed." For Jae Killa, Belak was the one who helped him conclude that music was more than just an expression of words. According to the artist, he found that music sometimes speaks on how things can be & motivates in ways that others might not understand. "Thats exactly what I try to do in my music also." Jae Killa adds "I want others to get from my music that they should never give up. Yeah at times things will be rough, but it only makes you stronger. No matter what they [the haters] tell you.. everybody is talented in their own ways. (his ex-girlfriend is a prime example. PSA: "I told you so")

Aside from Belak, Jae Killa is also inspired by other artist like: Yvng Kevv, Smokey, Gnaw & Masur but lately graduating has been sitting heavily in his mind. " I need to graduate so I can try to focus on music & work more."

Still, Jae Killa has found time to balance all 3.

According to Jae Killa, Never Could was one of the best songs he's made because of the fun he experienced. "I was experimenting with my new mic & with the homies so that was a plus."

Pretty soon Jae Killa will be releasing songs with Masur & Belak. He won't drop the names but advises all to stay lifted. They will be up on his SoundCloud.

One toke over the line, Jae Killa's puffing past regardless.

By: Natalee Gilbert

Link(s):

1. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ganjacoffin

2. Instagram: @therealjaekilla

[thefreshfinds]

KANYA 18' - KickBackKev

KickBackKev lives up to his name.

He is cool, collected and driven to get to the top (and so far he’s on the right path)

From dusk till dawn, this nighthawk is souring with new ideas.

He's either working on a new track, editing a video or even booking new shows for the artist' he manages. Time waits for no one so why would he?

Kanya 18' is a constellation of alternative R&B, soul, blues, moderate rap and a tie of ballads.

His range of piano play and guitar strings are enticing. It leaves a shimmery trail to his ethereal, falsetto vocal arrangement and takes on a counter of roles in each track.

Coupled with lucidity and trance, the piano and drums burst in as the backdrop of Kev’s proclamation of love towards a mystic female.

It seems impossible to not relate it to ourselves. We’ve all been on Cloud 9 before so we know the euphoric feeling that it leaves off wholeheartedly.

The name Kanya 18’ was inspired by the mysterious ladies’ astrological sign and the current year which is 2018 (In Indian astrology, Kanya means “Virgo). Similarly enough Kanye West happens to be one of his influences but that factor is just coincidental. “The feelings and memories are really honest. Nothing is forced” says Kev about Kanya 18’ “The theme behind the project really captures the moments and emotion. It gets the feeling across.”

Kanya 18’ starts off with scales of subtle piano play in Dream Girl. In this track, Kev swoons his lady away with an acclamation. She is a blessing from above. She has changed his life for the better and made him whole. Because of this, Kev wants to keep her happy, always. He croons “Dream girl, dream girl it’s just me and you” and finishes it off with the piano fading into the next track.

Promises uses the existing piano formation, except he adds light tambourines to support his smooth sailed crooning. He’s fallen deep for this lady but she doesn’t seem to know why, “I feel you’re the one for me/If only you could see what I see”. Kev then fumbles in his pocket of rhymes and speaks about how he’s barricaded his heart before but since he’s met her he’s felt like doing the opposite. He just wants to treat her like the queen she is. One line that had me was when Kev states “You deserve the world and more for all that you’ve endured”. It’s a love ballad towards the woman he adores and the listeners just can’t get enough!

Hypnotic and alluring to the ear strings, 4our 2wo 7even intertwines the harp and piano into one. In this track Kev continues to serenade his love, confessing how he feels towards her “When I’m with you, I feel like the stars align/ You’re the moonlight that brings my tides up high/ And drown me with memories that will not die/You are the sunlight to my sky/ As long as you’re here darkness won’t come.” She is the blessing in his life and he will wait for as long as he needs to in order to make his hers. Kev confesses his undying sentiment of love and lays everything down on the table. “If you fall for me/ I hope you fall for me but I’ll catch you.” She is the one that fits to his puzzle and he wants to make that clear to her.

The title replicates a special moment they shared on that day.

Beautifully pitched guitar strings and all, Vinyl Records paints a portrait for Kev’s love. He wants to lose his soul into his love, learn about her and grow. It’s the little things she does that keeps his captivated and he can’t wait to give her the world. He croons “I promise to give it all I got/You can see it in the conversations, your happiness is my motivation.” which indicates that she comforts him, To me, I can compare their love to soul food. Both heart drenching and savoring to the soul.

Night Sky adds a twist to Kanya 18’. Kev adds a pedal of echos, drums and lightly pressed piano(and of course lustrous spitting) to get his point across to the ones listening closely. What he’s trying to express in this track is that life has unfolded a lot of questions and yet everyday he’s still trying to find answers. He’s put his trust and faith in others, but it never panned out “I try my luck through everyone to reach the freedom/Naming every star I could find cause I need them/Shooting through the sky and I hope you see them”. Kev then chants that he’s looking for a fairytale type love and finally, he’s found it in her! “Truly looking for Blockbuster movie, groovy/It’s the little things you be doing to me that make a huge difference, got me looking at life way different.” Although the girl who keeps his head spinning might be willing to be with another, he’s willing to wait (and forever more).

Adding a sweet end to Kanya 18’, My Only Exception thrashes subtle drums, trickling piano keys and faint guitar strings in the groove of Kev’s nostalgic crooning. In this song, Kev speaks about how he hopes for his love to see him as more than an acquaintance, as a close friend. He’s afraid to tell her how he truly feels but knows that it must be done if he plans on making her his wifey. As he reverbs, “I fell in love with a woman who may never know” the listener can relate it to their first time having a crush and not knowing how to say it to that person out loud. Afraid that he will be rejected, he expresses that also through this one line “I don’t know what’s worse/ The fear of rejection or the pain of regret/ I never act reckless no.” But she’s the only exception basically.

He’s willing to let her know how he feels before he loses her forever.

But even so, KickBackKev enjoyed making Vinyl Records because it surfaced around his first encounter with the mystic female who is mentioned from time to time in the project. The emotion was really easy to portray and with those two favors it made the song whole.

He list Forest Hills Drive 14’ as his all time favorite album (and coincidentally it even happens to be mine!). “J.Cole is someone I look up to because he came up in his generation.” Kev goes on to say “He’s both a lyrical genius and relatable.”

Inspired by the likes of Mac Miller and Diddy also, KickBackKev notes it’s because of [Diddys] business aspect and what they get at. They all have a message and that’s why he enjoys their sound the most.

Naturally chimed in with his rhyming skill, Kev decided to test the waters and express his emotion more freely through singing.

For upcoming artist who are planning to release a mixtape Kev’s message is to be consistent, have a good support system and believe in yourself. “You can’t just talk the talk” he says.

All in all, Kanya 18’ is like a pinned up love letter that you want to send to your crush across the room.

It takes you on an emotional journey has a solid climax and leaves you with a euphoric feeling.

By: Natalee Gilbert

KickBackKev has one more project on the way called 11:11 which will be a continuation of Kanya 18’

For those listening, Kev wants you to have a wonderful day and to never give up…because you never know how close you are to your dreams.

Link -

https://soundcloud.com/thekickbackexperience/sets/kanya-18

[thefreshfinds]

MULABOY SKEE:

Running through the city with clever motives & a bucket of cash — MULABOY SKEE puts his prominence on the map.

In a brief summary, the key to the emcee’s success is staying on his P’s & Q’s. Because he stacks up his bread, MULABOY SKEE is able to enjoy the finer things in life. Instead of boasting, MULABOY SKEE counts his blessings simply because he knows what it’s like to start from scratch (Hollow Man).

Sonically, MULABOY SKEE has an commanding rap delivery. You can really hear that he’s about his business from the way he carries his lyrics from the beginning to end. “Damn” is MULABOY SKEE’s most reflective track simply because it screams at everyone to wake up. He’s tired of everyone being artificial and just capping for distractions like the gram. In fact, he'd respect certain people more if they got it how they live. Beat wise, MULABOY SKEE lets the drums roll! Coupled up with the base, each song goes off in the best way! Still, MULABOY SKEE’s biggest strength in music is his gangsta lean towards thinking wisely & passing it along.

If anyone thinks that dreams are unattainable, look no further. MULABOY SKEE is living proof that it can happen with one rhyme at a time.

When you hear him mention "MULABOY" just know it refers to where he comes from. At most, he comes from Newark, NJ but shouts out Essex County. "If you can make it in Newark you can make it any where. Just rich in history & culture you know some of the greatest ever to do it come from here so it just inspires me to hopefully one day be mentioned in the same breathe."

In his high school years, he was apart of a rap group referred as "Money Mafia" then as time passed, the name transitioned to "MULA GANG". From there, others would call them the MULA Boys. "Skee" just so happened to fall right in line. Since MULABOY SKEE was young, he was in love with music. Aside from having a mother who was apart of a R&B group, he also had a father who loved to blast #1 hits from his car stereo. But the most important stressor of his commitment to the game stems from freestyling, " I remember I was in the 9th grade & I guess my mans told me to come to his crib.” MULABOY SKEE goes on to say "He showed me his little studio set up & I made my first track in his bedroom." Since then, he's been putting the pen to the pad 24/7.

At the crack of dawn, MULABOY SKEE keeps in mind that it’s still time on the clock to win the game. Hes got to do it for his family, most importantly his dead ones. "Every time I step out the door I’m setting myself up for an opportunity to get some money. When I get out the bed, I think of it as another day I can go to the studio & exercise my talents." MULABOY SKEE adds.

In his opinion, his biggest strength in music is constructing many flows & he rap about any kind of content. Likewise MULABOY SKEE's message is to motivate kids or others that are in a smiliar position as he long ago. "I want to speak to the kids who don’t know what they will become or where life would take them but they have that little itch in the back of their minds telling them to do this. That itch is that dream you know that one that haunts you. I make my music for them people I want them to follow their gut you know and chase that dream & not to ignore it because I know it can be torture. I also make music to try to paint the picture of what it was like for me growing up in The Bricks . If you turn my music on & you feel like you grew up with me on my block, I did my job in my eyes." To date MULABOY SKEE's illest verse comes from an unreleased song, (which has a title for keeps). The verse goes "I live my life/Up & down/This ave all alone/No place to call a home /Fuck it, imma build my own/All I had was a phone & a quarter zone/Me & my bros /Dreaming bout the days/When we get on them struggle nights was cold, heat the crib up/With the stove/No problem getting hoes/We always had the fresh clothes/You don’t grind, don’t eat that’s what the struggle taught me/And all money ain’t good money/What my mother taught me truthfully the grind/Never been no trouble for me/Kicking back enjoying, everything my hustle brought me/What we lost to get to this far that’s another story /But I can tell you in fact that my souls intact/I’m like that rose in the concrete that growed through the cracks/Get this shit off my chest /I got this shit on my back /I gotta kill you niggas they ain’t cutting no slack /Wonder when you look me in my eyes what you seeing /Can you tell it was a time when a nigga felt defeated /Victim to my own pride/Battling these demons/Militant  exterior but inside was screaming/Truthfully this shit deeper then you could ever know/A nigga dealing with real shit that could never show/If we dont break the cycle how could we ever grow?/Yea I know guess it’s whatever though." Equally important, MULABOY SKEE would change how rappers sound the same in the current rap era. Even though hes knowledgeable on how the industry works, he wishes for a breakthrough. In his words, he'd rather hear rappers actually speak about what's really on than flexing. If given the opportunity, he would collab with SZA. Still, everyone in New Jersey is extremely talented. "I do believe that Jersey  supports Jersey. But then again I also think that we need to step it up just a little you now. Sometimes we sit and watch our own go get hot in other states & places until we show that full support & that’s got to change ASAP. If everybody else do it we can too." says MULABOY SKEE. For any upcoming artist, MULABOY SKEE says to own your work, stay true to yourself & to ignore the doubters. "We are moving into a new day and time and that music & art is going to only become more & more valuable. The music industry was never built to favor the artist & people have been eating off the creatives for years." The album N.I.G (Now I Get It) is coming soon and it’s will be very personal. Although you're on the grind, take some time to listen to MULABOY SKEE. He just might take you consciouslessly overseas & make you discover something way different.

By: Natalee Gilbert

LINK(s):

1. Instagram: @mulaboyskee

2. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mulaboyskee

3. Spotify: Search "MulaBoy Skee"

[thefreshfinds]

Nicolle Murdaa:

It's a given that everyone sins. Like it or not, they're also forgiven as well.

But what happens when the wicked take a trip to Murdaaville?

An artist who torments the damn with a fiery pit of confidence -- Nicolle Murdaa is the type of female who backs up her talk (& I cannot make this up.)

She's not afraid to blow sh*t up like Hussein (Propane) or cut people off like she's Edward with the Scissorhands (Slayer).

Still -- she doesn't use her prowess as a lyricist to just codemn the non-believers.

Nicolle's verses also resurrect those who've been close to knocking on deaths door.

She doesn't stay in the dwelling place for long either. Instead she opens the floodgates & "speaks on a lot of emotional topics some people in the more urban cities are hesitant to speak on." (including her own)

At most, Nicolle Murdaa is the good & evil.

Her wrath of wordplay & similes could scorch one alive or warm up a cold soul. You decide.

Given the nickname "Murdaa" from a friend in high school, it was destined for Nicolle to back it up in her music.

Although she didn't start off slicing necks open with her razor-sharp rhymes, it just seemed to be her true calling. "Since I was younger I was always drawn into music. I loved the emotion an artist could convey by just singing or rapping. When I was younger, I actually wanted to be a singer but as life took it's course I became more drawn into hip hop & rap." says Nicolle " I felt I could relate more to the content versus R&B, Pop, etc. I was also always interested in writing growing up, whether a story, poem, or a song. But it wasn't until about a year ago when I actually started putting myself & my content out there."

Besides advocating for authencity in her sound, Nicolle Murdaa also wants others to know that it's okay to let people in. "I feel there's too much pressure to be a certain type of person in this world. I personally have a lot of anger & if I listen to an aggressive rap song, it calms me down. Also, I want to show females that they can be a boss. They don't have to depend on anyone or look a certain way just to be heard. With my songs that touch on emotional topics like depression, bipolar disorder, or whatever it is, I want people to know it's ok to not be ok. You just have to keep fighting. It's okay to tell someone when you're not doing good. It isn't considered weak. I've personally lost friends to suicide & never knew they were going through anything & I honestly believe it's because emotions are looked at as being weak. I'm trying to defy all of that. 

In the same fashion, music seems to be Nicolle's coping mechanism. She defines it as her home & even has a tattoo that says "when words fail, music speaks." Essentially -- music has helped her find herself. "In time, I'm just going to put myself out there as hard as I can which is usually a challenge. I'm always second guessing whether or not someone will be able to understand where I'm coming from in my music. Not all of my music is aggressive rap."

Not to mention Nicolle Murdaa's rap style branches out from icons like Big L, Tupac & Nas. But why? "I loved how raw Big L's lyrics were & honestly.. how blunt & disrespectful he could be on a track & still be lyrical using metaphors & similies. Tupac, definitely was a top inspiration too! His voice carried a certain pain behind it & I related to it. I loved that he would rap about real issues going on & still have a thing demeanor. Lastly, Nas because of how lyrical he could be. It wasn't random lyrics. He had a strategy to his rhymes. There was always a message in his songs.

Notwithstanding that the current rap era is how it use to be. "The current thing I would like to see change in the rap game would be this damn drug user music" Nicolle chortles "I feel like rap went from drug dealer music to drug addict music. No one's really lyrical anymore. It's all solely a vibe, which is fine but we definitely need some lyrical back." Speaking of lyricist.. did you know Nicolle set it OFF with Venatei in her recent song Power? Funny enough before this was written Nicolle listed her as someone she'd love to collab with in the future!

For all of you aspiring artist out there, jot this down. " Focus on your own grind & be your own number one fan." Nicolle says "I focused a lot of doing features with other people when I first started & I didn't focus on my own craft, which I felt was a setback. Be your own biggest fan because you can't always rely on the next person. Just be yourself."

You never know, you could create celestial music just like this angel in disguise.

 "Slayer" is available on all major platforms. Stay tuned for her mixtape. It'll be released on Datpiff.

By: Natalee Gilbert

Link(s):

1. Instagram: @nicollemurdaa

2. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nicollemurdaa

[thefreshfinds]

[A.B.]

Wise beyond his years, A.B. is an advocate for positive change. He puts listeners at ease with lyrics that hold both substance and truth about the world.

Whether it’s about life’s obstacles, having a voice or learning the ropes, A.B. schools both the old and new heads.

Subsequently, A.B. holds a complex rhyming chain. He knows how to keep up with his double time flows and utilizes his voice as an instrument (even when there’s a good amount of hard hitting drums, buzzing trumpets or even lively piano keys.)

At most Mr A.B. is a rhyming guru who knows how to impact the nation and he uses his self awareness to impact others. He’s an invigorating force who resurrects the perished rap scene with every bar he spits.

Introduced to music by his oldest brother, A.B. started to become fascinated with the art form at 11 years old. “My brother always listened to 2Pac, Nas & Mobb Deep while I was growing up,” says A.B. “The way people could twist words, invoke emotions and create stories intrigued me. From there I was hooked! I fell in love with Hip Hop and all it had to offer.”

As A.B. began his music journey, he sought out to be the best. “I looked up to artists like Nas, Eminem, Big Pun, pretty much anyone that I felt was a top tier lyricist and wanted to surpass them,” A.B. goes on to say. His main goal is to let the listeners know that they have the ability to make things happen but to explain even further he adds “Not that being a lyricist and making the audience feel what you feel is mutually exclusive, I've just realized the audience responds better when the message is clear.”

When it comes to making music, A.B. identifies it with having a voice. It’s his way of expressing himself that lays dormant. “In my everyday life I'm quite and reserved,” says A.B. “Creating music and performing affords me the opportunity to transform into my best self and live out loud. It honestly is everything to me.”

Although A.B. finds inspiration in some artist like Isaiah Rashad and Jay Rock, he really finds it in his life and the lives of others. Telling the tales of others in his perspective has impacted him in a major way and also the ones who don’t have the ability to do so. “The past few years I've been more focused on building a connection with the audience. Helping them realize they aren't alone in feeling lonely, depressed, heart broken and tired. I just want to let them know that they have the power to march forward.”

Being that A.B. is souring to the top already, he sees himself with a full, established career, touring, selling merch, creating music, putting his people on and enjoying life.

In a word, this intuitive rhymester raises the bar with his erudite words and inspirational messages.

After all, he does have a heart of a lion and blood of a king.

By: Natalee Gilbert

In the near future, A.B. plans on releasing a project (he’s just working to fit all of the pieces together)

Link(s)

1. Instagram: @iamadotbdot

2. YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=AntzOOuZw9g

3. Website: https://www.adotbdot.com/

[thefreshfinds]

INFRARED KEV:

Hailing from the Silk City (preferably known as Paterson), Infrared Kev has the ability to lace your earbuds with crossovers of trap and hip-hop that seem to tie you in with its table rocking instrumentals and boastful auto-tuned rhymes that speak about his homies, sticky green, chasing dreams, women and climbing to the top.

The name “Infrared Kev” was created through a game of soccer. “When I started to make music I never had a stage name.” Infrared Kev tells us, “One day I was playing (like I usually did) and out of nowhere I banged a shot from 40 yards into the top right corner of the goal and some little kids that were there came up to me and said, “Wow you have a nice shot! It’s almost like you have a Infrared beam to where you want it to go.” At that point on I knew I would call myself Infrared Kev.”

Staying true to himself, Infrared Kev also hopes that his fans do the same. “The message through my sound is to just be you.” Kev says “The world should recognize you for who you are and for the things you do.” while adding on “Never let anyone tell you you can’t do something because if you believe them you’re only hurting yourself. Just stay humble, appreciate, and always give thanks to the most high.”

Rap is always changing with the time of the season, but does that mean Infrared Kev is impressed with how things are running now in the game? “One thing I’d like to see change is the industry and not so much the rap industry” says Kev “I feel like all of the things we hear about now is a the beef between artists or even rumors and it’s sad because we can never find a solution to them. But i think artists that give back to communities are awesome. Not saying the ones who don’t aren't but it’s good to see them make a positive image for themselves.”

And while the new upcoming rappers have the power to inspire some, Infrared Kev finds inspiration through the legendary, illmatic Nas. But why? “I always liked the way he would send messages through his songs and the images he paints with his lyrics. From “One Mic” to “ Ny State of Mind” he’s been a big inspiration.”

But it doesn’t stop here for this quick paced spitting emcee — in the next 5 years expect Infrared Kev to be on billboards and open up for big named artist. “I love music and I plan to continue having fun to create it but my inspiration to even start rapping was my brother and his group of friends and our label is BlueBandsProductions. I just take it one step at a time and whatever happens happens.”

To conclude, Infrared Kev is always dwindling the brains of listeners with his lines of words, bangers and all around indomitable style.

He’s poppin and they ain’t poppin, that’s a problem.

By: Natalee Gilbert 🌞

••••••

Links?

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/infraredkev

Instagram: @infraredkev

Infrared Kev has an mixtape that’s in the works. Currently out is his single “5 AM”. He plans on releasing a remix to “5 AM” pretty soon.

[djpaixn]

I Fvxks with #Dallas 🔑🌃🤙🏼🎶🎧 #HypeAlotTX #hypealot #texazonaent (at Downtown Dallas, Inc.)