Music Videos

Don Q Plots a Years-Long Reign in His “True King” Video

Published

3 years ago

October 13, 2021

Weasel

Known for his bruising tough-talk and his sharp lyrical mind, Bronx rapper Don Q is highly-respected in the Five Boroughs and beyond. Laying all his cards on the table with his new statement of purpose, Don Q announces Double Or Nothing, his next project. Charting his progression from upstart to young OG, Don’s upcoming project is packed with hard-earned wisdom he picked up on the streets and in the music game. Influenced by mob movies and the cinematic rap epics of NYC’s past, the new project finds the Highbridge The Label artist locks into each instrumental, organizing his Bronx tales and assonant internal rhymes into lockstep cadences. Musically, Double Or Nothing mixes a grimy old school NY sound–with ominous pianos, scuzzy snares, and whirring woodwinds–with the occasional dip into the sliding 808s and triplet flows that define the city’s ascendant drill scene. His first new full-length since the release of 2018’s Don Season 2, Double Or Nothing arrives on October 22nd via Highbridge The Label/EMPIRE.

Along with the announcement of Double Or Nothing, Don shares the video for “True King,” the project’s opening track. The song opens with dramatic sweeps of strings, and without drums, as Don provides the percussion with his triplet cadences and expert sense of rhythm. In his lyrics, Don Q reveals a ruler’s mindset, lapping up his life of luxury even as he processes residual trauma from his past and constantly keeps his head on a swivel in search of the next threat to his reign: “I take my emotions and bottle them in/I never focus on following trends/When I was broke I thought soon as I made me some dollars I swear that my problems would end.” Directed by Starr Mazi, the video finds Don holding court in the outskirts of the Bronx, surrounded by tricked-out ATVs, dirtbikes popping wheelies, and a pack of bulldogs, a breed whose dogged determination provides an ideal analogy for Don Q’s refusal to back down from any challenge.

Born and raised in The Bronx, Don Q grew up idolizing brash NYC rappers like Jadakiss, Cassidy, Fabolous, and Jay-Z. After making waves in the streets with mixtapes that highlighted his lyrical acumen, Don Q signed to Highbridge in 2016. From there, Don and fellow Highbridge rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie experienced a rapid rise through the NYC rap scene, sharing the popular Highbridge: The Takeover mixtape and gaining national recognition with a legendary Funk Flex freestyle. Don made his name as a vital solo artist in the NYC scene with mixtapes like Corner Stories, praised by Stereogum, and raised his profile even further with tapes like 2018’s Don Talk, featuring a guest spot from Pusha T, and the full-length Don Season 2, with features from Lil Durk, 50 Cent, Moneybagg Yo, and more.

Over the past couple of years, Don has been keeping busy with even more high-profile collaborations, recruiting Lil Uzi Vert and A Boogie for “Flood My Wrist” (over 42 million Spotify streams) and joining forces with Benny The Butcher for the Complex-praised single “Legends.” In 2021, Don has continued to feed his loyal fans, sampling a classic NY banger on his single “Law & Order” and reminding fans of his off-the-dome brilliance with his version of Drake’s “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” and recent appearance on Charlie Sloth’s Fire In The Booth session. Stay tuned for much more from Don Q in the build-up to Double Or Nothing.

Watch here!

Music Videos

Multifaceted Artist and Professional Athlete Lu’, Shares New Afrobeat Vibes “Over”

Published

19 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Weasel

Lu’ (@ottawasveryown) is back with another one! He has been shaking things up in the music scene since his ground-breaking debut “FEVA,” released earlier in February this year. Now, he returns with another highly-anticipated single, “Over,” out now. This offering is accompanied with a music video & solidifies Lu’s mark in the music game with his captivating storytelling and infectious sound.

“Over” is another compelling feel good single that highlights Lu’s artistic identity and capability. “Over evokes pure enjoyment and immaculate summer vibes,” he says. He invites listeners into an irresistible musical experience through the Afrobeats sound. Drawing inspiration from English and French-speaking artists, as well as Congolese artists, he sets himself apart from the industry as a multilingual artist. The accompanying music video was shot in Lagos, Nigeria and offers a setting of African greatness, luxury, and an overall great time.

Originally hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and now making waves in Phoenix, Arizona, Lu’ is a renowned Arizona Cardinals linebacker who made his musical debut earlier this year with his debut single, “FEVA.” Fighting the notion of “shut up and dribble,” Lu’ has shown that he’s far more multifaceted than just an average athlete. He shares, “The narrative of ‘shut up and dribble’ is one I’ve fought internally for a very long time. I want my audience to grasp how passionate I am about chasing my wildest dreams. You can’t let another person tell you, your dreams are too far unattainable.” Lu’ has been able to perfectly parallel his passion and dedication of being a talented athlete as well as a talented artist.

It’s worth noting that Lu’ is a definite powerhouse to keep an eye on as he continues to break barriers in both sports and music. His transition from sports to music is a prominent testament to him embracing his versatility, following his dreams, and reaching new heights. The unfolding musical journey of this rising Canadian artist is a must see.

Watch the video for “Over” HERE.

Stream “Over” HERE.

Music Videos

ChinaTownRunner x $tupid Young x Star2 Shares “FWM”

Published

5 days ago

May 1, 2024

Weasel

Asian-American rappers Star2, ChinaTownRunner, and $tupid Young release the new single / video entitled “FWM”. The single precedes Star2 and ChinaTownRunner’s upcoming EP and sets the bar high with haunting cavernous beats and dark melodic flow.

Each of them affirm that they are “about money” in their separate verses and all ask listeners to “come and F*** With Me.” The music video for “FWM” captures Star2, ChinaTownRunner, and $tupid Young in a graffiti-stroked garage full of sports cars and women. Leaning into the sheer magnitude of the track itself, the visuals for “FWM” zero in on each rapper for an intense performance.

Star2 and ChinaTownRunner are preparing to embark on a summer tour with $tupid Young set to appear at multiple dates. Additionally, Star2 and ChinaTownRunner will perform on July 6th in support of the annual Ka-ren Soccer Tournament and Concert in South Dakota.

Star2 is a refugee artist from the Mae La refugee camp in Thailand. Star2’s documentary, RETURN TO KAWTHOOLEI: A Refugee Rapper’s Journey to His Homeland in Burma will be screened at the New Media Film Festival in LA on June 6th. So far, the documentary has been awarded with “Best Short Documentary” at the Malaysian Film Festival, “Best Documentary” at the Busan New Wave Short Film Festival in S. Korea, “Best Web and Media” at the IndieX Film Fest in LA, and “Exceptional Merit in Docu-drama Short & Human Spirit” at the Documentaries Without Borders Film Festival. Star2 returns to Thailand in May for his second trip.

Music Videos

Ann-Derie Releases “Maximum Capacity”

Published

2 weeks ago

April 23, 2024

Weasel

Hollywood, Florida native Ann-Derie presents the official video for “Maximum Capacity”, the new single from I Am Only Human, her forthcoming album which also spawned “Just Us”, produced by Alvin Speights (R.I.P.), the engineer behind tracks for India Arie, TLC, Keith Sweat and many more. Shot in New York City, the “Maximum Capacity” clip comes on the heels of Ann-Derie’s tour of the East Coast (watch her interview with 99JAMZ). “Maximum Capacity” is out now on Dxnna Music Group.

Check it out!