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CEO Trayle Meets His Match in “Alter Ego 2” Video

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CEO Trayle’s twisty and conversational flow helps him stand apart in the street rap game. Turning his focus inward as he spars with his split personality, Trayle shares the video for Alter Ego 2,” a tête a tête with C4, named as one of the 43 Best Rap Songs of 2022 by Pitchfork. With a sinuous beat produced by OG Parker, Beezo, DreGotJuice & Carson Hackney, “Alter Ego 2” interrogates Trayle’s conflicted mindset. Trayle attempts to better his life through his music, focusing on the positives as he raises his profile, while C4 attempts to drag him back into the streets, unable to shake the paranoia that accompanies the hustler lifestyle. “I know you shellshocked, b*tch, but everybody ain’t no enemy,” Trayle says, but an unconvinced C4 replies: “Whenever we do, n**** start to envy me/I done gave n*****s all the sympathy.”

Directed by AZae Production, the video uses camera trickery to dramatize the conversation between the song’s two characters. Dressed in all black, C4 smirks and counts his cash, while the orange-clad Trayle attempts to resist his charms and keep his life on the straight-and-narrow. “Alter Ego 2” is one of the key tracks from HH5Trayle’s most recent mixtape.

Acclaimed by Pitchfork, who gave the mixtape its coveted Best New Music designation, HH5 establishes Trayle as one of the slickest talkers in a stacked ATL scene, twirling his soft-spoken and erudite delivery like a cartoon villain twirls his mustache. Creeping over instrumentals like Freddy Kreuger slips through subconsciouses, Trayle juxtaposes his sly wit with moments of pathos, toeing the line expertly on tape highlights like “We So Young” and “Took Some Time.” HH5 features some of Trayle’s most expansive production to date, with contributions from Dun DealOG ParkerGo GrizzlyTrauma Tone, and Trayle’s frequent collaborator Stribb, among many others. Home to standout singles like “Chokehold” and the complicated relationship anthem “I Love You But…, featured on Drake’s OVO Sound RadioHH5 is available everywhere via Do What You Love/10K Projects.

HH5 was the crowning achievement in a breakout year for CEO Trayle. Capitalizing on the momentum of Trayle’s viral 2021 hit “Ok Cool,” which generated over 60 million streams and earned a remix from Gunna, 2022 saw the release of Vier, a four-track EP released in July alongside a Q&A with The FADER, and the 8-song mixtape The Collection, home to highlights like “Of Course,” the tape’s closing track. Trayle made a splash in Fall 2022 with his From The Block freestyle, where he performed his song “Song Cry,” which racked up over nearly 2 million views on YouTube.

With HH5 in the books and much more music to come, CEO Trayle is primed to take over the rap game.

Watch “Alter Ego 2” ft. C4!

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Artist To Watch

Big YBA Show & Prove With ‘Definition Of Living’ Deluxe Album

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Upping the ante, NC representative Big YBA unloads the Deluxe edition of his most recent album the Definition of Living. Featuring five new tracks including “New York,” “For Your Love,” “Rap Assassin,” “Rebellious,” and “Cut ‘Em Off,” which was premiered by way of popular live performance platform Off The Curb, the enhanced body of work accents the original flawlessly.

Three months removed from his “Swag Surfin'” sampling collaboration “Hypnotic” featuring Rich The Kid signee SetitOff83 and the strategic seeding of LP standouts “30, “Rookie, “Lord Forgive Me,” “Venting Session,” “Mercy,” and “DOA,” the now 20 track collection of songs includes a lone guest appearance from GetRichZay while production duties are handled by Jozzex, KH Beatz, Maineestreamm, Prod No Heart, and Trippy XVI.

Raised in Durham, Big YBA is rapidly emerging as one of the most electrifying young artists from the Carolinas. With a brand built on authenticity, his versatility and melodic sound have allowed him to break through the industry release after release. Determined to experience success outside of his hometown, he views his personal and professional growth as motivation for listeners with similar ambitions.

Stream the Definition of Living (Deluxe) via Nu Nation / Vydia as well as watch his Off The Curb performance visual for “Cut ‘Em Off” after the jump.

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Lil $o$o Releases New Visual “Passion”

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Enlisting Sexyy Red director Suave Films for the Remdolla produced small screen interpretation, Lil $o$o signals a compelling exploration beyond her usual Rap style and leans into the realm of R&B with the release of “Passion.” Following “Enhancements,” the timely track unveils a vulnerable dimension that showcases her versatility as an artist. With emotive lyrics and a smooth melody, “Passion” shines light on a deeper layer of $o$o’s artistry, inviting listeners into a journey of introspection and raw emotion.

In a press statement to Medium Creative Agency about single, the Issa Rae-approved “Florida Girl” reveals: “I love this record because it really shows another side of me. Sometimes, I feel like people are so materialistic or surface level, and I really am starting to see that ‘real’ is rare. I hope to find something deeper than that and that’s what made me put that into my music.”

There’s something in the water. From the City Girls to Kodak Black, with a long list of others, the Sunshine State has been the stomping ground for hip-hop’s culture shifters. Entertainer Lil $o$o is looking to keep that tradition alive. Despite being native to Chicago, since moving to Miami in her early childhood, she’s proudly claimed it as her musical home.

The 22-year-old Colombiana, whose real name is Sofia Donado, has persevered through trauma and pain and continues to show up for herself and her 3-year-old son, who she’s raising as a single mom. Lil $o$o’s boyfriend was gunned down in 2019, while sitting in his car, leaving her without a partner and their son without a father. He was in the music business, and after his passing, Lil $o$o found healing in discovering her musical voice. The result was upbeat rhythms intended to make people dance, smile, and feel free. It was the only way she knew how to make things better.

After laying the groundwork with promo singles “Better Life,” “Go Ooh,” “Bad Attitude,” and “Woo Tang,” the rising rapstress made her official debut Summer of 2022 with ‘$o$o World.’ Executive produced by mentor and label head LunchMoney Lewis, the 14-track collection of records includes additional instrumentation from JulianBeatz, SFL Xavi, TheonlyDiet, Toju, BrianXWhite, Diem, and SoundsbyBreezy. Guest features come by way of Roc Nation recording artist Bobby Fishscale, XXXTentacion affiliate C Glizzy, Warner Records vocalist Savannah Cristina, and Nelle.

Press play on the HD-clip for “Passion” as well as stream the official audio on your DSP of choice below via Black 17 Media / The Orchard.

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Music Videos

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

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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.

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