Music Videos
Baby Stone Gorillas Circle Corners in “Block Benders”
With their complementary styles and colorful SoCal charisma, the Baby Stone Gorillas approach street raps with an effortlessly endearing sense of fun. Returning to command the streets for their new video single, Top5ivee, P4K, 5Much, and EKillaOffDaBlocck share “Block Benders.” Over seductive piano and a crisp West Coast synth melody, the street rap quartet recount war stories and flex with an unbothered, romantic tact, as Top5ivee raps, “I used to tote it in the Jansport, and I’m gon get him what he asked for/And I’m gon get it out the mud, I ain’t never had to ask for it.”
Directed by YourJustNTime, “Block Benders” opens on the Gorillas blowing blunts over park benches, when 5Much receives a text from a curly-headed baddie asking him to pull up. With little hesitation, 5Much daps up the gang before pulling off in the SRT and heading her way. As his hook’s melodic serenade transitions into each member’s hard-nosed verse, 5Much drops off his passenger and circles back to the park to pick up the rest of the crew. Whether their opps are on the block or the baddies are calling, like the instrumental’s synth melody, the Gorillas are down to slide.
The video for “Block Benders” arrives following the announcement of The Military, the next Baby Stone Gorillas mixtape. Spanning 23 tracks, the mixtape refines the group’s hard-hitting West Coast sound, its glossy textures, funk-forward rhythms, and boosted bass adding emphasis to quartet’s raw lyricism. The only voices you’ll hear on the album belong to the Gorillas themselves, who shoulder the full trackload without outside features. With contributions from West Coast sound architects like RonRonTheProducer, Juneonnabeat, and more, The Military releases on February 10th via Park Money Records / EMPIRE.
The four members of Baby Stone Gorillas have known each other since they were 10-years-old, and were friends far before they dreamed of music stardom. The rappers have distinct styles and roles: 5Much brings a hustler’s mentality and vents about his life, while EK packs the energy. P4K is the proud instigator known for slick-talking raps, while Top5ivee often comes up with B.S.G.’s catchy hooks. Last summer, the group’s self-titled video racked up views in the millions, precipitating a winning streak of viral singles that included the Pitchfork–approved “Military,” which earned airplay on Drake’sOVOSound Radio, and “Untouchable” ft. RJMrLA, catching the attention of Shaquille O’Neal. The group made a major impact with their debut mixtape BABYST5XNE GORILLAS, released in March 2022, which earned praise from Pitchfork, SPIN, Audiomack, and many others, and featured “Keep Goin,” which The Los Angeles Times named one of the 100 Best Songs of 2022.
With The Military on the way and much further to rise, the Baby Stone Gorillas are on a mission to prove they’re the realest in L.A. Stay tuned for much more.
Watch “Block Benders” here!
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.
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.
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!
Multifaceted Artist and Professional Athlete Lu’, Shares New Afrobeat Vibes “Over”
Highlighting Earn Your Masters Open Call Winner + Performer
ChinaTownRunner x $tupid Young x Star2 Shares “FWM”
Big Lotion Drops “Green A Go”
Rising Rap Star KP Skywalka Set To Release Highly Anticipated Sequel to ‘Granny’s House’ On May 10th
Rising Rap Star KP Skywalka Set To Release Highly Anticipated Sequel to ‘Granny’s House’ On May 10th
ChinaTownRunner x $tupid Young x Star2 Shares “FWM”
Highlighting Earn Your Masters Open Call Winner + Performer
Black Skywalker Drops Anticipated ‘I Need Therapy’ EP
Big Lotion Drops “Green A Go”
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Editorials5 days agoRising Rap Star KP Skywalka Set To Release Highly Anticipated Sequel to ‘Granny’s House’ On May 10th
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Music Videos4 days agoChinaTownRunner x $tupid Young x Star2 Shares “FWM”
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Uncategorized4 days agoHighlighting Earn Your Masters Open Call Winner + Performer
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Artist To Watch7 days agoBlack Skywalker Drops Anticipated ‘I Need Therapy’ EP
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Audio4 days agoBig Lotion Drops “Green A Go”
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Music Videos16 hours agoMultifaceted Artist and Professional Athlete Lu’, Shares New Afrobeat Vibes “Over”