Raleigh, NC Artist Madison Jay delivers his sensual "Stay Down" visual.
Directed by Proper Consult, featuring the smooth vocals of Durham, NC's own Swiffa, track produced by Sam '$P' Perez!
Listen/Stream "Wake County's Finest" https://songwhip.com/madison-jay
Follow Madison Jay on Social Media
@themadisonjay @swiffababy @properconsult
Written By Monte Hieke Jr.
NC artist F4rty Oz is back with a 4 track EP “Last Of A Dying Breed” the project only consists of one feature from The Lo$t Generation affiliate Jaheal. The project as a whole being just a little over 9 minutes, he follows up his single “Better Late Than Never” with a definitive sound. F4rty who is known for his versatility and rockstar-inspired style of dark themes has narrowed down one particular sound for this effort. It’s no secret the New York “Drill” scene has been spreading over the last two years, but F4rty has found a way to make the sound his own infusing his own original style. The artist may be leading the charge for a “Southern Drill” movement if he continues to utilize this sound because it works so well.
A Few Notable Lyrics:
Set Me Free:
F4rty:
“I feel I’m going insane
Working hard like it’s minimum wage”
“Repent like I’m trying to saved”
“Knock the p**sy out Roy Jones”
“Gotta keep real cause that’s all I know
If my face get hot gotta switch my phone
If my phone get tapped gotta change my tone”
“Don’t it feel good when your house is home"
Jaheal:
“I’m still on the same sh*t
Lot of n*ggas that I came with
Ain’t gang
and that be some lame sh*t”
“People come and people go
but I never know who’s here for real
So I keep my brothers beside me
Cause I know that they really riding”
“I been away but I’m coming back
Touchdown like a running back
But I know they ain’t wanting that
I can only wish the best for’em
still love’em ain’t turning back”
“Life ain’t got a playback”
Overall the four tracks delivered are a grand slam for the artist the way he was able to touch base on each track. The beat selection was a master class in setting a vibe, it's clear the artist went into this project with an agenda. In a world today still undergoing a pandemic, it's easy to feel like bad things are only happening to you especially if you're taking precautions and being as secluded as possible. This 4 pack is perfect for getting in touch with those feelings and releasing them, whether your issues are financial, emotional, or mental F4rty has you covered. He flows at a pace fitting for the concept he's attempting, which is we're all going through something or have been, thus sharing his experiences to get that point across. In the first track fn the project “Set Me Free” we hear F4rty Oz discuss his mental health as well as struggling relationships while living the life of a musician, a guest appearance from Jaheal knocks that concept out of the park as he mentions how over time the people he started with have turned frenemies.
These themes continue as the next track “Tell Me If It’s Okay” where the artist opens about questions of if his relationships would be as solid if he was an “average” guy with a regular job. The project picks up for a bit on the track “I Just Hope I Make It” where he encourages listeners to keep moving forward past any negative emotions because he himself has been there. He finishes the project with “Last Of A Dying Breed” which may be last but not least as he displays an array of emotions being vulnerable and transparent about who he is and what he goes through. “Last of A Dying Breed” showcases F4rty Oz’s ability to put together something cohesive, truly solidifying being a full package, this project has great replay value paired with hit-worthy hooks while touching on serious topics. Check out “Last Of A Dying Breed” below on all streaming platforms! It's Highly recommended!
Written By Monte Hieke Jr.
JUSTOMOBBIN’s latest release is his 12 track project entitled “THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP”. This release comes weeks after the Summer In Tha Carolinas music festival where the artist had a stand out performance, though having to follow after Carolina heavy hitters like Tia Corine, Belisgo, and Big Baby Gucci, he shows his ability to control the crowd as the audience huddled around the artist and followed his instructions. JUSTO has more than proved he belongs in the conversation of what the Carolinas have to offer. 2021 the young artist has given us tracks like “At A Party” and “TITHES”, both tracks showcasing his versatility. Though musically you can’t put JUSTO in a box, no matter what genre bending sound he’s utilizing, his sound is unique to only him, being one of the rare artist with originality in today’s music landscape.
Notable Tracks:
MADY ➕➕➕➕
Courtney ➕➕➕➕➕
CARSON ➕➕➕➕➕
MEGNUTT ➕➕➕➕➕
ESCAPE➕➕➕➕➕
The “PEOPLE’S CHAMP” isn’t JUSTO’s first Rodeo with Projects such as “IT’S GETTING HARDER TO SMILE.” or “THE Mind of a Beatnik”, he has matured artistically, which shows as his projects have only gotten more cohesive with each release. This time around the concept of this project is the spiral of his emotions while knowing his success is eminent (with 300k streams this month on Spotify alone), he is still a person who has to deal with fake friends, relationships, and his own inner dealings in life. The Project starts off with a track called “MADY”, which sets the tone for the project with a smooth vibes and JUSTO’s cool vocals, on this track he’s pleading for his love interest to come see him, a hopeless romantic in need of affection from the person that matters most, JUSTO gives his listeners a series of tracks with different first or last names, with the style we know the artist for, it may be safe to assume every name is meaningful. Never shying away from self deprecation, he speaks on his rocky love life, the price of his growing popularity, and how he deals with it all.
Overall JUSTOMOBBIN has settled in to his sound, we continue to hear him mature stylistically, the calm and somber feeling is a stable for this extremely cohesive effort. JUSTOMOBBIN has come along way giving himself his flowers on tracks such as “MAK”and the incredible “MEGNUTT”. He also takes time to address his toxic tendencies in relationships on “MAKENNA” as well as “EMILY”. There’s also a huge theme of mental health which is largely appreciated on tracks like “COURTNEY” or “SARAH”, but the dark horse of “THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP” is “ESCAPE”, though he starts off running with “MADY”, “ESCAPE” is what brings it home, this project is great! JUSTOMOBBIN is here and he is here to be heard, holding nothing back about his feeling, his vices, or success!! Unmatched in originality, this is what it means to be an artist! Checkout “THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP” down below!!
Written By Monte Hieke Jr.
The clothing line Arturo Rose is back with another release this season with the “Legacy collection”. The color way for spring include blue, purple, white, and red and amongst others if you include his signature abstract designs which represents the many phases of mental health as well as what it means to build a legacy. 23 year old designer for Arturo Rose, A.R. Mauriella who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder continues to work hard as a fashion designer and Campbell University student (graduating in May of this year). 2021 as explained by Mauriella has been his most difficult, a side from being a college student, there has been a few internal and external personal issues, while that has made him a bit of a commodity it has also made things more difficult to pursue his dreams, leaving him in what can be looked at as an emotional shut down creatively. While still in a year of heavy adversity the young designer expresses how “I’ve had to overcome so much, I’m in a spot where I feel like I’m back on my feet, my confidence is there”.
artist GomrPercfect featured in inventory shoot for Arturo Rose’s legacy collection
Though he is known for his advocacy of mental health awareness, his designs are truly more than meets the eye, when asked how Legacy ties into his brand overall he states “It correlates because my designs represent legacy and the many names that I’m using, my name and my designs, to tell the story of my family”. In essence each design is a story being told making the clothing that much more abstract. In the face of adversity he pushed his back from against the wall saying “They’ll tell you that being emotional is a weakness and you can’t have too many emotions/feelings , but you can’t see the beauty of life without emotion”. A.R. Maurella used the emotions of sadness, frustration, and disappointment as a motivator which landed him a featured spot in his school’s magazine. It was perseverance that got the designer to this point, admitting to the fact he had reached his lowest point, "that experience ironically turned me into the best version of myself and I’m starting to see the fruits of my labor", he felt the need to redeem himself for this. When asked what he learned from his resilience he says “self growth and self awareness is essential to becoming the person you want to become whether it’s a better man , better father , better designer , human being , etc.”.
“one of my favorite items from this new collection is the orange tote bag“
Pushing the envelope creatively from his new found growth took priority as part of his “redemption”, feeling he had to come back and prove to himself that nothing could stop him Mauriella gives us stunning new looks with this capsule. When asked what’s to come he says “I’ll continue to expand what Arturo Rose is, I plan on doing a lot more things as a designer", being inspired by the grind despite his hardships he states “I’ve grown into an entire different entity, I’m doing art and furniture now and branching Arturo Rose and my artistic expression out into different endeavors”. In light of those endeavors, it would appear he has been building a team, though he wouldn’t give it away at the time there may be a book in the works. After Hosting his first pop up shop on March 28th at the One of One Boutique on E. Cabarrus Street in downtown Raleigh meant to be a place where “people can network have a good time”, this pop up included the new collection, art, furniture, music, and food for all to enjoy the designer/entrepreneur sets his sights on the “future”. The anticipation was high for the pop up shop but it was only a glimpse of what’s to come, with cameramen always at the ready, there was times during the interview where Mauriella would go off to answer questions from a cameraman, a documentary in the works perhaps? As the interview continued he states the advice he would give to others is “use everything you can all of your potential to solidify, to strengthen your legacy, you’re always influencing others with everything you do and you can influence others as a person so make sure it’s something good”. In the case of A.R. Mauriella no one is above pit falls so no one is below redemption, check out this powerful new collection from the designer down below.
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF NVRNOTWRKN PRODUCTIONS
Written By Monte Hieke Jr.
Good Day Carolina!! F4rty Oz has come back around with something truly great! After the two had been spotted a few times in the studio via each other’s social media, the long anticipated collab is here between F4rty Oz and NOAHH with “Pain”. This release is a testament to the artist’s versatility NOAHH being able to effortlessly bring a pop star like aesthetic to hip hop and vice and versa, F4rty show’s he can truly bring forth a multitude of things to the table. This release is following up the EP “No Time” which dropped in February, housing tracks like “FOR YOU”, “2021 INTRO”, and “BLOUDMAS”, he takes the momentum from that project to deliver this highly requested collab. when asked how this track came to be F4rty says “me and Noah hadn’t seen each other in awhile , and take time apart from everyday lives to see how how each other is doing though out the weak. We decided to make pain to shock the world”.
F4rty Oz
Notable Lyrics:⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
“This is Ice Cream
Double C holding up my waist
I can tell my your past you feel the same
I can tell by your drive you switching lanes”
“Know I Be with some Bs like honor roll”
“You type see a opp don’t say nun
Bet you working that minimum wage
if you ain’t got the cash better shake sum
we still got money to make”
“Can you feel my pain?”
“I lied I said I’m okay”
The two artists both sharing a bond with the late Cloudy Nueve, the artist says the inspiration behind this track was personal stating “What inspired this track was the fact Cloudy Nueve brought us together and we should be taking advantage of it to its fullest ability”. Though these two were brought together through a mutual friend, they’ve developed a bond of their own when speaking of the recording process the artist says “The recording process was literally 2/11 and good vibes”. “Pain” sees the two artists go back to back in a little over two minutes displaying a glimpse of what these two are made of NOAHH who is known for his efforts as a member of The Lo$t Generation, is featured on this track and makes this appearance after the release of his project “Noahh’s Ark”. “Noahh’s ARK” is a monstrous project which gives us tracks like “Couple Racks”, “Ramen Noodles”, and “U Forgot”.
NOAHHH
Notable Lyrics:⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
“If I see you tripping I’m a pick you up
Sipping on this 2/11 got me fu**ed up”
“If I’m jeans I’m probably lacking up the chucks
Probably lacing up my shirt and then you see the **** tucked”
“Swear the karma real
That’s why they running out of luck
Middle fingers up because I never gave f**k"
The track itself acts a preview of things to come while being short and sweet the chemistry these two have is a testament to their camaraderie. The two sound like a match made in heaven feeding off of each other’s energy, this chemistry can also be seen in the visuals directed by Sheeraz Balushi, F4rty describing the shoot as “very natural, the video was literally a walk in a park, Sheeraz amazing”. Overall the “Pain” is a bop that mixes the two worlds of NOAHH & F4rty perfectly, though the energy they bring to a track can be as different as night and day, they’ve somehow created an eclipse. Though F4rty’s lyrics about trapping and conveyance of mental health is right up his alley, the way NOAHH matches energy one could ask, did F4rty bring NOAHH to the trap or did NOAHH bring F4rty? It’s just that good a combination, as for what’s next for these two, "Noahh’s Ark Deluxe Edition" is said to be released sometime this year as for F4rty Oz “I’m just working on features . Trying to reach out to more artists in surrounding cities and other states, you could look forward to me and Durty buntai collabing with TLG”. There’s much in store in the future for these two but for now check out this new banger of a track “Pain” as well as the visuals down below! Thank us later!
Written By Monte Hieke Jr.
Recently three artists were brought together by chance to deliver an out of this world project entitled “Evergreen”. The project is 6 tracks long with artists Christian James & John E Boi on vocals and Kodiak Soul on production. The artist Christian James (23) has been rapping for about 11 years, with a style sometimes melodic, comes off smooth, embodying prestige and elegance he follows up his smash track “Beach” with this collaborative effort. John E Boy (26) is an artist originally from Queens, NY who has been rapping since the 4th grade, his style is very in your face, not to brag but to show you what he’s been through, his charming personality and charisma makes him relatable, he’s just a likeable guy no matter how you cut it, effortlessly depicting his emotions through rhyme schemes, when he raps you’re going to want hear it. The last but far from least in this trio is producer Kodiak Soul (28) who's been been producing since the age of 20, with about 8 years under his belt his unique sound when creating a beat speaks for itself containing heavy instrumentation such as guitar and piano, his production is truly "soul"ful.
(Christian James): Recommended Tracks - "Beach", "Too Smooth", "Elegance", "Junie B. Jones"
Notable Tracks:
Amore Andato ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Orange 97’ ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Pink Lemonade ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
HIT THE TOWN⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
(John E Boy): Recommended Tracks- "Al Pacino", 'Demons", "Live It", "Day Drunk"
It may surprise many to know that this isn't the first time this trio has come together, the single "Shine" is what started it all "after shine had some success we wanted to make a full project and that's kinda how evergreen started to take shape" says Soul. It was after this "we all got an air bnb in Asheville In the Peak of COVID, we all got tested"(John E Boy), from there it was on, finishing the project in a little over two days, the process was just as unique as the tracks delivered. "We did something similar to how Kanye recorded my beautiful dark twisted where every morning the group would eat breakfast together and talk about the previous nights sessions"(Kodiak Soul). This intimate level of music creation gave birth to something truly special with everyone taking something from the experience "I realized everything you write and record has tangible impact and you can inspire yourself and others more than you anticipate in the moment and I realized music is also manifesting and create real change in your life"(Christian James). The project itself starts off with the track 'Gold Standard" which is a full on display of the opposing styles as the John E & Christian go bar for bar. The beat on this track is feels truly cinematic, feeling bigger than life, as the clash of these titans ensues this spectacle is only a calm before the storm.
(Kodiak Soul) - Recommended "Summer Breeze", "Cozy Tapes EP", "Mr.Happy"
The next track is "Pink Lemonade", While the "Gold Standard starts the project off, "Pink Lemonade" sets the tone of the project! "My favorite track is pink lemonade because it’s fun and exciting but also has very real topics that get covered and it’s the song that really represents well what the project is as a whole and that is fun but also a serious introspection of pain and life"(Christian James). There are no holes in this track being a burst of creativity and fun, but not without hardships, it fully embodies life and what it could be. "Pink Lemonade" acts as center piece, if the other tracks were chess pieces, this would be the King, with a smooth transition to a beat switch up mid track, you'll certainly enjoy this one. The next track "Amore Andato" John E Boy takes the lead and it's amazing, the artist gives a masterful performance, showing just where his strengths are on this track, if you're looking for a dose of reality John is the one to give it to you, the feelings were so pure on this track, as if there was any question, he can stand on his own if need be. It's in the next track "Orange 97'" where Christian James displays the same, sounding comfortable as ever as he picks the track apart in classic fashion, giving bars and melodies with high class style.
Coming in close to last is "Hit The Town" which features Chico & Daniela Patino, If "Pink Lemonade" is the king, "Hit The Town" is the queen, the most powerful on the board. This track simply feels good with too much culture to spoil, this is a highly recommended listen. The track is a smash with immediate replay value, every artist involved was in sync for this effort. From the production to the explosive chorus and verses, "Hit The Town" is a fire starter and you're bound to get moving! The last track but not least has that old Hip-Hop feel, with John E Boy, Christian James, and Kodiak Soul finishing off the project the right way with "Pond". It's not too often where you get a chance to enjoy the production as the artists show what their made of, rapping without any gimmicks, or basic lines about balling or being the trap all day, it's just a great beat partnered with amazing rapping.
The final verdict? overall "Evergreen" sounds like a classic, if you skip you'll miss something great, to receive such a wholesome project in the of a Ep is truly a gem. Though the artists steal the show there is one more person responsible and deserves their due "Coleman who's kinda like our glue guy was the guy who put us all together, me and him went to school together at uncc then he knew John e boy, and our other friend from uncc knew Christian".
"Coleman was the faciltior for most of that then after breakfast everyone had free time to get right before locking back from basically 4pm to 4am each night, he's kinda like the creative director I guess umm he doesn't actually do anything with the music but he kinda keeps everyone on the same page, he also helps with the stories and visual for the music videos". In addition to the project, the visual for the track “Gold Standard” has been released acting something of a short film, giving you something to look forward to for the next. If you love music, no matter what you're in to "Evergreen" is housing something people are taking for granted, genuinely good music... Check it out below!
Written By Monte Hieke Jr.
Jacarí is a artist who was born in Palm Bay, Florida but raised in Raleigh, North Carolina delivered the EP “Smoke & Mirrors”. This 7 track project serves as an introduction to the young 21 year old artist and his music. Jacarí has a sound as well as production style like no other, housing a sound that’s seemingly came from the future, listening to a track is like being on a constant trip through space. His tracks being a gateway to a vortex through space time, this young artist is something to see and even more to hear, with over 32,000 streams on soundcloud alone. The uniqueness in his music was something the artist developed with time, in the past releasing tracks like “Don’t Get Me Excited Ft. Cloudy Nueve”, “A Star...”, & “Hail Mary” all produced by the artist.
Notable Tracks:
UNDER ENEMY ARMS⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
FALSE HOPE⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
LAVISH ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
BILLIE JEAN!⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
IN ABUNDANCE⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
“Smoke & Mirrors” makes a point to show how much the artist has matured, all the potential that might’ve caught your ear on his Soundcloud is becoming realized on this project. The production is as explosive as ever having chill vibes to ride to but leaves room to turn up and let everything go! We soon find out where the versatility lies with the track “Under Enemy Arms”, where the beat is carrying you into a cruise like relaxation before Jacarí bashes you across the head with his tenacious energy and bars with lines such as “shawty don’t catch no feelings I’m a catch this flight!”. Another explosive moment from the artist is “Billie Jean” proclaiming “F*ck my last year being broke this my first being rich!”, really laying his cards on the table, he holds nothing back on this project, it’s truly refreshing. Though far from a one trick pony Jacarí, while packing a punch with melodic vocals he gives us a track about staying focused like “Reign”.
There’s also tracks like “False Hope” containing his resolve to keep going despite his trial & tribulations with lines like “Try to live it up when I step outside, I could die today”, as well as “In Abundance” where the artist gives us boss talk, embodying tunnel vision with his eyes set on the end goal. All of his music is engulfed in his style tailored made for the artist by the artist. Overall “Smoke & Mirrors” despite only being an EP could easily pass as an album in today’s musical landscape, with only one song barely being over the two minute mark, the rest of his tracks are 3 minutes or more, much like his style he doesn’t fall into the pit hole of the shortened track lengths of today but he’s moving to the beat of his own drum. The switch from bars to melodies is something that can only be done efficiently overtime and Jacarí has put the time in, “Smoke & Mirrors” is a starting point for something incredible for all to be a part of, this is a highly recommended listen from the artist, to only deliver 7 tracks... the best is yet to come is an understatement. If this isn’t the last time seeing the name Jacarí don’t be surprised, he has officially arrived and he’s coming for everything. Check out “Smoke & Mirrors” down below!!
Written By Monte Hieke Jr.
F4rty talk to ‘em!!!!! New F4rty Oz out now! The long anticipated project “Detroit Slap Tape Vol:1” is here and the artist has shown the mastery of his style. It would have appeared as if the artist releases of singles were an omen of what’s to come. He has matured tremendously, with his style now being considerably flexible, this go round the artist is heard rapping on a wide range of beats in a seemingly effortless fashion, be it of today or old school. Though F4rty is no stranger to switching it up with the release of tracks like “The One” & “Nauseous”, ”DST Volume: 1” shows off the artist’s rapping ability, his unique rhyme scheme that listeners have come to know him for is tuned to perfection. While the EP is only 6 tracks, it feels wholesome, with tracks being arranged in a way to feel complete after listening.
Highly Recommended Tracks:
****Shake It ft. Pablo Astronaut
This EP feels like an introduction to something on the rise, this being a perfect segue into the artist at his core, with only one feature coming from NC artist Pablo Astronaut, this project accomplishes this feat. This possibly becoming a series of tapes in the future, he’s done more than outdone himself, presenting us the fruits of his labor. There isn’t a Dull moment with hit worthy tracks from start to finish, the pace doesn’t began to slow down until the end, reminiscent of a action packed movie allowing things to settle at the end. The last project we received from him was “SS40” and his full length debut “Demons” which isn’t a project to take likely, with defining moments like “40 Gon’ Dump”, “N17”, “Never Lose Hope“ as well as “Fendi or Fact”, this sounds miles apart. The originality of F4rty is refreshing, it’s cemented that you won’t find it anywhere other than the originator, and he’s only getting started, with there being sightings of the artist in the studio with artist Noahh, amongst others, the anticipation for music is high for the artist. “Detroit Slap Tape Vol:1” contains exactly what the title implies, a tape full of “slap”s. Check out some of his best work to date down below! It’s one for the books!
Written By Monte Hieke Jr.
JUSTOMOBBIN is back!! After the previous release of tracks like “Bonkers” which features Lo$t Gen. affiliate Brody J, “List of My Problems”, and “Hoes at the Beach” which features Dylan 333. JUSTO, is back once more to give some perspective. The track “Evolve” is nothing short of a nod to what really matters. In a style that’s known of the artist, the beat sounds nostalgic of something you would have heard in the early or mid 2000s, but JUSTO always finds a way to make those beats relevant with a flare of charisma and swag. “Evolve” is one of his most retrospective tracks to date, in a world that’s cluttered with the idea of what they see others have, be it social media or a classic case of “keeping up with the joneses”. Stylistically in a league of his own, we are getting a glimpse into the mind of the artist, starting off with a skit of sorts, the track continues with a graceful hook with a hint of truth.
It’s made clear that lyrics are still a thing of today, JUSTOMOBBIN shines light on some of the materialistic things we hold dear and what inspires them. Short and sweet, he gets his message across in a manner of two verses, with a few bars, but mainly a overall message, in veteran like fashion none of his punchlines or one liners deviate from the topic at hand.
Notable Lyrics:
Hook:
“They like diamonds on his neck
N*gga, oh my God!
How the f*ck he get that? He ain’t got no job
N*gga focus on yourself or you won’t evolve
nope
No, you won’t evolve”
“F*ck who copped the latest Jordan
F*ck who bagged the baddest shorty
If you ain’t talking commas
Then to me, the topic boring
y’all not elevating
Y’all competing for the poorest”
“I’m not tryna put you down
just do better
what my point
point is
you got two options like a coin flip
Either actually try to make it
Or be equal to opponents”
“one man told me
listen money isn’t everything
with a hand full of dollars
and a shorty with some diamond rings”
“when it rain
we pour
bitch we live in drought
bitch we live in doubt”
“We can too far
so n*gga why stop now”
This track is like a mine, full of gems going as far as the eyes could see, as long as you’re listening. “Evolve” comes after the hard hitting projects “The Mind of a Beatnik” & “ITS GETTING HARDER TO SMILE”, reminiscent of “FROWN”, JUSTO has matured and he’s been doing some evolving of his own. This time around his track pegs the questions of if money is everything, and is our envy of what others have just feeding to our own delusions of grandeur, forgetting where we came from and becoming the very thing that flexed on us on the way to the top. JUSTOMOBBIN, has hit the nail on the head once more with a track that is aesthetically pleasing to listen to while dropping off life lessons on the way! Check out this outstanding new track down below! Available on all streaming platforms!!