DMV Hip Hop Trailblazer Dumi Right presents His New Maxi-Single "Tell Em" & "Inside Outside"

 

DMV Hip Hip trailblazer Dumi Right announces the release of his new maxi -single "Tell Em" in anticipation of his upcoming album. The single features the Zimbabwe duo Outspoken and Sykotek and serves as an inspiring, uplifting record. P-Tunes Beats is on production for the original mix and Threepeeoh and Krohme provide production on the remixes.  Dumi delivers his signature, home-grown lyricism for an ear-pleasing dose of earmilk. He also provides a B-Side "Inside, Outside" featuring The Poem-Cees (Natural Law and Black Picasso). On this record, the trio shows off their lyrical prowess as they surpass any prevailing trends. The record is produced by C-Doc and S3oulc1ty. 

 

Stream the maxi-single and stay tuned for Dumi’s upcoming album release.

Connect with Dumi Right

Instagram @dumiright 

Facebook @dumirightmusic

AJ Chaka Unleashes Powerful Conviction In "Painful Motiv8n II" Single

 

Texas indie Hip Hop artist AJ Chaka unleashes powerful conviction in his new single "Painful Motiv8n II" single, produced by Nam Nitty. Chaka shares a timeline of scars, pain, and steps taken to rise. Honest bars are a testament to his come-up story and his progression as an artist and man. Nam Nitty offers pulsating tones driven by keys that spotlight Chaka's emotive performance. Stream "Painful Motiv8n II" and connect below.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajchaka01/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ajchaka?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

X aka (Twitter): http://twitter.com/ajchaka

Seattle-based artist/producer Phathom motivates anthem style in his new single "Prevail."

 

Seattle-based artist/producer Phathom motivates anthem style in his new single "Prevail." The record, taken from his upcoming project 'What If" features Truth InRhyme, Journalist, and T Coda. Polished keys set the mood while lyrics like "standing ten toes down on that frontline" resonates throughout the record. An emotive lyrical proclamation reminds folks to keep pushing and moving forward no matter the hell we face or go through. Stream "Prevail" and connect with Phathom below. 

Connect with Phathom

instagram: @iamphathom

twitter: @iamphathom

facebook: facebook.com/iamphathom

youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamphathom

Stream “Prevail” on preferred platforms - https://rmglinks.com/prevail

B.Dvine Drops "We Spin" Video Off New 'Louvre Magnate' Album

Hip Hop artist/producer B.Dvine drops the official video for "We Spin" taken from his new 'Louvre Magnate' album, out now on all platforms. The Strong Island music vet takes audiences back to 2004 at a local record shop where he swept floors and rung up vinyl junkies. His storytelling flows over a hypnotic blend of jazz, soul, and boom bap melodies. Throughout the record, B.Dvine pays homage to Hip Hop legends who paved the way for him and paints a lyrical timeline of when it all started for him. Watch "We Spin" and connect below. 

B.Dvine's  'Louvre Magnate' album on Bandcamp

Connect with B.Dvine

Instagram and Twitter @bdvine631

http://www.bdvinemusic.com

Pop Da Brown Hornet x S Finest Eyes "Shootin My Shot" (Single)

Pop Da Brown Hornet, Staten Island legend, announces his latest release "Shootin My Shot" produced by S Eyes Finest. Over smooth, soulful arrangements Pop delivers slick metaphors and emotive storytelling about a baddie he needs to shoot his shot with. Although he's aware she will "make a blind man look" and leave him weak in his knees, this Staten Fly powerhouse makes his move. Press play to find out how the situation pans out. stream "Shootin My Shot" and connect with Pop Da Brown Hornet below. 

 

Connect with Pop Da Brown Hornet

Linktr.ee/statenfly

Orcd.co/shootin

 

International & National Vetted Hip Hop Artist Capital X Releases "Truth Be Told" Video With Accompanying Interview

Capital X, a 30+ years Hip Hop artist & producer, presents the official video for "Truth Be Told." The track serves as the first release from his upcoming 'Just Beats & Rhymes' album. In the in-depth interview below, X discusses his use of lyricism and storytelling to expose harsh truths, Hip Hop in the States versus overseas, his role as an activist, his upcoming album, and more. 

MJ: When people hear the name Capital X there’s a lot that comes to mind and resonates, from Hip Hop culture to activism.  Your career began in the late 70s and the early 80s first as a breaker and then as MC. Talk about your entrance into Hip Hop and your transition from breaker to MC.

X: Though I was from New York, I was actually first introduced to what would become the culture of Hip Hop in Patillas, Puerto Rico in 1977. I was visiting family and my cousin Flex was a member of the Dynamite Kids, an Outlaw Rockin crew. I instantly fell in love with everything about it. I get an adrenaline rush all over again just thinking about it.  Upon returning home to NY, I sought anyone that was into Up-Rockin. I ended up getting down with the SepaRock City Crew. SepaRock was a collective of MCs, DJs, and B-Boys in the South Bronx. They were all originally from the West Indies. So I not only found a crew to throw down with, but I also got to be around MCs and DJs doing their thing. I was also instantly drawn towards the mic, but I loved Rockin so much, I stuck with it. We started working on routines that we would perform locally and we also battled whoever wanted it. I kept dancing till 1982/83. The last few years I was break dancing. I started writing rhymes on the DL. I just pretty much naturally evolved. The mic had a gravitational pull on me. I made my first professional demo as an MC in 1983/84 while I was in California. I was out there breaking and the opportunity presented itself. From that moment forward I considered myself retired from break dancing. I divorced the floor and married the mic.

MJ: You are originally from Brooklyn, NY but moved to Norway back in 2010. How is the Hip Hop scene overseas? How does it differ from here in the States? Also, talk about that major crossover and the decision that led up to it.

X: I was very fortunate to have started touring in Europe around 2005. I was shocked at the Hip Hop scene out here. I felt that the states being so oversaturated took the culture for granted compared to Europe. In Europe, they appreciated every aspect of the culture where everyone and their brother was out to be a rapper in the US and everything else kind of got ignored. In Europe, they pay homage to the pioneers and just have so much respect for the foundation that Hip Hop was built. France and Italy had the best scenes in my opinion with Germany following close. Touring through Italy and France felt like I was living Hip Hop in New York in the 80s all over again. I eventually made my way to Scandinavia. I first rocked in Denmark which also has a dope scene, then I got booked in Norway. There was and still is something about Norway that just does it for me. Though the Hip Hop scene in Norway falls short compared to other European countries in my opinion, I fell in love with the peaceful atmosphere and chill people. Coming from the hectic background I was used to, Norway felt like I found paradise on earth. I remember telling the promoter that booked me as I looked over a fjord for the first time in my life, that if I lived in a place like this, I would become Gandhi-like in no time. The opportunity presented itself for me to move to Norway and it was a no-brainer. I was tired of the killing in the US on the streets and by the states themselves. I was tired of being preyed upon by law enforcement agencies. The stress was killing me for sure. Norway remedied all that, and it healed many of the battle wounds I had sustained throughout my lifetime. 

MJ: You wear many hats as an MC, recording artist, producer, graphic designer, and videographer, as well as CEO of your indie label. What are some challenges, if any, that come with being a one-man army? What are the wins?

X: Great question. I love my freedom. Freedom definitely comes at a high price though. The biggest challenge of being a one-man army as you put it is time management. There just never seems to be enough time in a day. I of course get/seek out help from time to time to lighten the load but for the most part, I enjoy being independent. You have to be good at rolling solo. Years spent in solitary confinement prepared me well for that. The wins are first of all the freedom. Answering to no one but yourself. Taking on all these different aspects truly hones one’s craft of being a creator which is also a win. Not owing anyone anything is another huge win. I remember signing my first deal back in the day. My crew all believed we had made it when we got that check. I felt that yoke being locked around my neck. For me, having less is actually having a lot more. I am not a commodity anymore to anyone. Being this independent allows me to be a true creator. That is the overall win for me. 

MJ: Outside of music you are an activist, which stemmed from your time in prison. During that time you lost out on some major music deals. Upon your release, you went full throttle into creating a lengthy music catalog including 2 albums, an EP, 20 singles, and 17 videos. Talk about the moment of empowerment you thrived on fresh out of the gates, versus giving up on your career.

X: Though there was a time when I hoped to “make it” I never really looked at what I do as a career. For me, this is a way of life. Of course, getting paid to do what one loves is the ultimate goal for many artists. But getting paid or not I love what I do. Not living Hip Hop was never an option for me. During my last prison bid, I worked hard on myself. I transformed myself into who I am today. I was inspired and motivated by Malcolm X and how he transformed himself. I was so obsessed with the life of Malcolm X for many years. Cats started calling me X while I was on Rikers Island and I ran with it. I did look to get signed again when I first got out from my last bid but as a solo artist. That was in 2002. I was quickly reminded of how shady the industry is. I was spitting conscious lyrics and they offered me a deal if I would rather write gangsta raps. I wasn’t about to compromise myself so I walked. Meeting rappers such as Slug of Atmosphere, Ill Bill, and Immortal Technique motivated me to be an independent artist. I started out well, but relocating to Norway leveled me off for some years. Now that I have my feet firmly planted, things are once again starting to pick up. But I never stopped being/living Hip Hop no matter what. 

MJ: This leads us to your new single/video “Truth Be Told” which is taken from your forthcoming album ‘Just Beats & Rhymes.’ You hold no punches when it comes to exposing harsh truths on how Social Media brainwashes and turns humans into robots, attacking capital punishment, calling out rappers who use their music to glorify violence, drugs, and street life, and you even, so boldly, exploit the music industry…Take us through the journey of “Truth Be Told” from the thought to creation, to production, to the final canvas, and to what audiences can expect to take away from the video.  

X: When I get on a mic I feel I need to be saying something. One of my biggest influences when it comes to being an MC is Melle Mel. Melle Mel’s verses back in the day hit me so hard, that I can still feel the impact. I can’t rhyme just to be rhyming. There are plenty of lyrical acrobats out there that are way better at doing that than I ever will be. But there aren’t many slanging truths. I always loved the MCs that challenged my mind with what they were saying. Kool Moe Dee, KRS ONE, Rakim, Wise Intelligent, Chuck D, Guru they made me want to seek knowledge and I did, and still do. What better way to share knowledge and wisdom than in a rhyme? I once lived blindly and I see multitudes of people living that way today and it’s painful to watch. The microphone is where I speak the truth, you can take it or leave it. During the pandemic, I got back into production. I had toyed around with production back in the day. I actually sold my E-mu SP-1200 to help me move to Norway. After producing a few tracks for the legendary Lifers Group which is now out and doing their thing, I decided to self-produce an entire album for myself. Truth be Told was one of the first tracks that came to me. I love that you said I “boldly, exploit the music industry”. That’s how it should be, and not the other way around. With so much information out there I find it hard to believe how many artists are still willing to sign deals. To be owned. The demise of so many rappers in the last few years was definitely a motivating factor behind the track. I have also kind of grown tired of hearing the coke and gun bars as well. I lived that life for real and paid dearly for it. Our communities are nearly looking like when the crack epidemic hit back when and I feel as though as artists we can be doing better. Aside from what I have spent on equipment which isn’t much honestly, the recording, release, and video for Truth be Told didn’t cost me a dime. I want artists to know that. I shot the video using my old Samsung Galaxy S9+. I edited it in an outdated version of Adobe Premiere Pro that I jacked from a friend like 15 years ago. Making something from nothing is what Hip Hop is all about. That’s what it was in the beginning and should still be, not no million-dollar budgets. I hope that one person is moved by what I am saying enough to take action at least in their own lives. If I move one person, I am good. 

MJ: Some might consider the video to be controversial, some might consider the video difficult to digest, some might want to sweep it under the rug, and for some, it might open eyes. What do you think about the adverse reactions you might receive?

X: I am used to adverse reactions to all the music I put out. For well over a decade I only spoke about the death penalty, the prison industrial complex, and the crooked criminal justice system. I got more hate mail than fan mail and more death threats than I could count on my fingers and toes. Either way, it goes, I provoke thought and spark up dialogue. I’m good with that. I think it was Plato that said “No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth”. I believe our history reflects that. The bottom line is I would rather be hated and despised for speaking the truth than be loved for spreading lies. 

MJ: Does “Truth Be Told” set the tone or theme for the upcoming self-produced album ‘Just Beats & Rhymes?’

X: Actually it doesn’t. Though there are other tracks that sit well next to Truth be Told, “Just Beats & Rhymes” goes in a few different directions. A few tracks are older rhymes I dug up and felt they still deserved to be heard as they are still very much so relevant. So I created beats for them. The newer rhymes are definitely more about current social issues and topics. I also have a couple that touches upon my personal growth coming into Knowledge of Self. There are even a couple of tracks where I am just having fun with it. But you will still find a gem within those tracks. Overall the album is just what it says it is, Just Beats & Rhymes. No collaborations, no fancy production. I even went as far as using no vocal effects on nearly all the tracks. It’s just straight-up dry vocals not even a hint of reverb. Just Beats & Rhymes will drop later this year.

MJ: As a vetted artist living his life true to the culture, elements, and essence of Hip Hop for over decades, what are two essential gems you can share with the newer generation of Hip Hop?

X: Two gems I would drop here is one: learn the history of Hip Hop. Embrace the roots of this culture we all love so much. Without roots, there will be no real growth. Knowing the true history of Hip Hop is empowering to say the least. Secondly: be yourself. If you have yet to learn who you truly are, work on that, and find out. Dig deep till you reach the real you. Those in our culture that are now in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s are still active, is because they are true to themselves. They are the ones to look up to. It’s not about who has the biggest bank account trust me. 

MJ: Is there anything else you would like to share with the world? 

X: In closing, I would like to say I love this culture of ours. It has given me everything I lacked coming up. It gave me a history, an identity, a purpose, and a reason to live. I don’t have a mansion or fancy cars. I am far from being rich, but because of Hip Hop, I am as wealthy as they come. I don’t have multitudes of fans, but I have some real die-hard supporters and I love every one of them. By society’s standards, I ain’t shit, never was and never will be. But “Truth be Told” I have lived Hip Hop for over four decades. To me, in “My World”, I am a huge success. Never allow others to define who you are, are what your success is, or should be. Peace be unto you all. 

Connect with Capital X
https://www.capitalx.no

https://www.facebook.com/Capital.X/

https://www.instagram.com/capitalx305375/

https://twitter.com/CapitalX305375

https://www.tiktok.com/@capitalx305375

https://www.youtube.com/c/CapitalXTV

https://www.reverbnation.com/capitalxaka305375

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Lfct6c2F9j7Ur6IAarZvN?si=qO7-bSbvQMWi7HOwDp8Zjg

 

 

Massachusetts Hip Hop Artist J. Vybe Releases New Video "Thoughts Are Things"

North Shore Massachusetts native and conscious lyricist J. Vybe announces the release of his new video "Thoughts Are Things." The video shows J. Vybe in his element rhyming and dropping thought-provoking gems while he's strolling on the beach and on the boulevard. Natural arrangements blended with moody keys and striking drums sway during his emotive performance. Minutes of inspiration and empowerment mesmerize as J.Vybe reminds us to speak our truths into existence, no matter what obstacles we may endure or no matter how the chips may fall. For him, one thing is certain, “No weapon against me shall prosper.” Watch "Thoughts Are Things" and connect with the rising artist below. 

 

 

Connect with J. Vybe

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/j.vybe/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/J.Vybe1221

Twitter - https://twitter.com/j_vybe1221

Youtube Channel - J. Vybe Vysuals - https://www.youtube.com/@j.vybevysuals986

HaveTo Testifies He's The Mack Of The Year In "Gospel Game" (Video)

HaveTo flows over a catchy fusion of funk, soul, and boom bap in his new video "Gospel Game" produced by McG. In the video we see HaveTo showing off his pimpin, mack of the year status. He's surrounded by eye-appealing women, bottles, and of course stacks of money. After pressing play it's fair to say that HaveTo is blessed with game. Watch "Gospel Game" and connect below. 

 

Connect on Instagram @yesgang_have

Honored Moocher (Africa Artist) Releases 'Red Mercury (The Ohmidas Journal)' Album

Honroed Moocher, a triple threat of an actor, poet, and rapper hailing from Africa announces the release of his new album titled 'Red Mercury (The Ohmidas Journal).' 

Moocher is no slouch when it comes to Hip Hop and the culture. He's opened up for Talib Kweli along with Canibus and starred in a TV series that introduced a new generation of South Africans to Antarctica through Hip Hop.

The 17-track debut album features Sihn Castro, Zubz, Chronburgundy, Jimmy Wiz, and indie G.O.A.T. Reef The Lost Cauze. Moocher shows off his ability to weave together classic and new-age Hip Hop through witty lyricism and wordplay. Stream ‘Red Mercury (Ohmidas Story)’ and connect with Honored Moocher below.

‘Red Mercury (The Ohmidas Journal)’ on Bandcamp

https://open.spotify.com/album/2IM8Vi2hINC94Urrg6Plv9?si=NIbE4TY6Q86ojMHHVE14Ww

https://www.instagram.com/honored_moocher/

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialOhmidas

 

Lo-Key Music Group Presents Power Black "Classic" Ft. Ras Kass (Single)

 

Lo-Key Music Group announces the release of "Classic" by Power Black featuring Ras Kass. The duo waste no time dropping bar for bar, aggressively defining their nothing less than legendary stance. They embody a signature version of what it means to hustle. A sonic backdrop intensifies the metaphors and sharp performance. Stream "Classic" and connect with Power Black below. 

Connect with Power Black

Instagram: @bigbruhblack 

Facebook: Power Black 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/classic-feat-ras-kass/1659525850?i=1659525852

CopyRyte & KXNG Crooked "Been That" (Single)

KXNG Crooked links with Georgia's own CopyRyte for "Been That" single. Over a boom-bap, head-nodding backdrop, the duo spits bars about relevancy in Hip Hop.

CopyRyte's been fresh and fly, he's been selling out shows, he's been unstoppable with his pen & mic game, and he's been taking trash rappers out. KXNG Crooked comes in with his verse to piggyback on the record's theme. The fierce hook trembles throughout the single. Stream "Been That" and connect with CopyRyte below. 

Connect

Instagram: @iamcopyryte

Twitter: @tharealcopyryte

Facebook: CopyRyte

 

 

Esteemed Detroit Hip Hop Artist Dee Havior Declares To Be "Free" (Official Video)

 

Dee Havior delivers a personal and revolutionary lyrical performance in the official video for "Free." His genius blend of rhymes and intricate wordplay flow over a backdrop driven by soulful melodies and drums. 

The record comes at a pivotal time not only in Hip Hop but the world as a whole. While he's overlooking his city, Dee Havior paints a vivid canvas of what freedom looks like through his eyes and mind. He doesn't want to be called a thug or stereotyped as a drug dealer. Rather, he wants the opportunity for elevation as well as the opportunity to unite communities. The commanding hook echoes and highlights Dee Havior's strong deliverance. Watch "Free" and connect with the Detroit, Michigan artist below. 

Connect

Instagram: @deehavior

Twitter: @deehavior & @zonedgod 

TikTok: @deehavior1

Fb musician page: https://www.facebook.com/deehavior/

Hip Hop Artist Ill Advanced Pays Homage In "Maple Terrace" Video

 

Pittsburgh, PA-based Hip Hop artist Ill Advanced releases visuals for the first single from his new project 'C' Est La Vie.' In the video "Maple Terrace" audiences will grip images of the artist with his children along with black and white stills of old family videos. He pays homage to the house that became a crucial part of his growth and pays respect to his family who fought battles for him to be here. His feet are planted in the concrete for distinct reasons. 

A backdrop of basslines and drums laced with narrative piano keys underline Ill Advanced's potent wordplay and stroytelling. Watch "Maple Terrace" and connect below. 

Instagram: @ill_advanced

Twitter: @theilladvanced

City The Great, NY Stapleton & Protege of Special Ed, Pushes The Culture Forward

 

City The Great is a NY Stapleton, Hip Hop artist, CEO, and protege of Special Ed. This comes after diligent hard work 24/7 to perfect a craft that was introduced at the age of nine when he wrote his first rap "F*ck School." As they say, the rest was history. He knew once that ink touched paper his destiny was sealed. As City matured so did his music and his catalog began to grow with a series of mixtapes, studio albums, and even collaborations with Hip Hop legends and pioneers. In fact, once his music hit Special Ed's ears he immediately signed him as the first artist under his label semedia. " I was taken back, City The Great is refreshing to the ears, his realness is authentic and he strives to keep the culture and elements of Hip Hop alive." -Special Ed

It doesn't just stop at rap/music for City The Great. His mission goes beyond that. As the CEO of Certified Nation Entertainment he scouts and signs like-minded talent who also shares his vision to bridge the generation gap in Hip Hop. To further, he's also linked with Kool Rock Ski of The Fat Boys to co-orchestrate the Annual Classic Hip Hop and R&B Cookout in NY, which brings together old and new schools of Hip Hop for music, food, and good vibes. "He has great talent and is making incredible moves in the industry, he keeps me young and motivated, this is just the beginning." - Kool Rock Ski

Both Special Ed, Kool Rock Ski, among other founding fathers of Hip Hop are impressed with Great’s ability to reach the masses, globally via his perfect blend of traditional and new-age lyricism and wordplay, with respect to the culture and elements. Be sure to connect with City The Great below and grab a copy of his latest projects ‘The Wordsmith’ album and ‘Respectfully Yours’ the mixtape.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/citythegreat

Twitter: www.twitter.com/citythegreat

Facebook: www.facebook.com/therealcitythegreat

www.certifiednationentertainment.com

Street Da' Villan - Fast Life Ft. C.J Watson (Single)

 

Street Da’ Villan shares the “Fast Life” featuring C.J Watson from ‘Gran Raw Presents True Story 2’ available now on major platforms.

By the title, some might assume the track is about the fast life filled with cash, video vixens, and club hopping, however from the stance of Street Da’ Villain, the fast life refers to his grind to shine…He went from snatching wallets to counting bands in palaces. Fast cars and bright lights in big cities resonate differently when the rhymes pay.

The smooth 70’s, soulful tones along with classic Hip Hop bass and drums heightens Villan’s witty wordplay and come-up story. Stream “Fast Life” and connect with Street Da’ Villan @davillan315 on Instagram.