Music Videos
Baby Stone Gorillas Announce ‘The Military’ Mixtape, Drop the Top in “WOP” Video
Ping-ponging off one another with complementary styles and electric chemistry, Baby Stone Gorillas are heating up the L.A. scene with their searing street raps. Plotting the next step in their conquest of the rap game, BSG announces The Military, their next mixtape. Spanning 23 tracks, the next 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–Top5ivee, P4K, 5Much, and EKillaOffDaBlocck–who shoulder the full trackload without outside features. With contributions from West Coast sound architect like RonRonTheProducer, Juneonnabeat, and more, The Military releases on February 10th via Park Money Records / EMPIRE.
Along with the announcement of the mixtape, the four-man squad shares “WOP,” an effortlessly funky new single from the project. A slinky slapper produced by PRODUCER, “WOP” finds the four-man wrecking crew flaunting their signature styles over booming 808s and spritely synth melodies. 5Much delivers the infectious chorus with slurred syllables, EKillaOffDaBlocck takes the first verse with his high-energy flow, and P4K and Top5ivee tag team the final verse with brutally blasé bars. In the video, the Gorillas post up under palm trees in their L.A. neighborhood Baldwin Village, better known as “The Jungle,” before they head to a neon-lit soundstage and flash their hard-earned bands.
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 “WOP” here!
Artist To Watch
Kyle Banks Celebrates City Life in New Single ‘Fantasies’ Featuring Eric Bellinger
Today marks a significant moment for R&B enthusiasts as emerging West Coast artist Kyle Banks releases his highly anticipated single, “Fantasies,” featuring the legendary Eric Bellinger. Set against the backdrop of California’s vibrant music scene, this collaboration is sure to resonate with fans who crave the smooth, infectious sounds that define West Coast R&B.
“Fantasies” immerses listeners in the exhilarating energy of city life, where fun and romance take center stage. Kyle Banks explains the inspiration behind the track: “Overall, the message of the song is having fun in the city. We’ve all caught feelings for a dancer before.” This sentiment encapsulates the playful yet relatable essence of the song, making it an anthem for those who embrace the nightlife and all its possibilities.
The partnership between Banks and Bellinger is particularly noteworthy. For Kyle, collaborating with Eric Bellinger represents a significant milestone in his career. “This song stands out to me because it’s with someone I used to listen to all the time coming up. It’s dope to finally release a song with one of my favorite artists,” he shares. Bellinger’s influence on Banks is evident, and this synergy shines through in their performance, creating a track that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the R&B tradition.
Eric Bellinger is not just a collaborator; he’s a pivotal figure in the West Coast R&B scene. With a career spanning over a decade, Bellinger has consistently pushed the boundaries of R&B, blending contemporary sounds with traditional influences. His work as a songwriter for numerous artists and as a solo performer has established him as a key architect of the modern R&B landscape. Songs like “Focused on You” and “Treat Yourself” have solidified his reputation as a go-to hitmaker, and his ability to craft relatable narratives makes him a beloved figure in the genre.
The production of “Fantasies” is handled by the dynamic duo Meez & Louie Ji, who infuse the track with a polished yet lively sound. Their production style complements the artists’ vocals beautifully, creating an infectious groove that invites listeners to dance and unwind. The track’s vibrant instrumentation and catchy hooks encapsulate the spirit of celebration that Kyle and Eric aim to convey.
To visually complement this release, the official music video—directed by Koby—captures the carefree essence of urban nightlife. The visuals reflect the excitement and allure of city life, enhancing the song’s narrative and providing a stunning backdrop to the lyrics. Expect vivid imagery that showcases the dynamic energy of nightlife, making the video a feast for the senses.
As “Fantasies” makes its debut today, it signals a bright future for Kyle Banks and underscores the importance of Eric Bellinger in shaping the West Coast R&B sound. With this collaboration, Banks not only honors a musical hero but also establishes himself as a rising star in the genre.
Don’t miss out on this exhilarating new track—stream “Fantasies” now and immerse yourself in the magic of city life and love!
Artist To Watch
HussleBoyFetti & Ralfy The Plug Release New Single “Unfollow”
Quickly becoming one of the hottest new acts in West Coast hip-hop, Los Angeles’ HussleBoyFetti follows up his breakout singles “Liar” and “Energy” with a new collaboration with Stinc Gang frontman Ralfy The Plug called “Unfollow.”
The new hit is about distancing yourself from the clout chasers and leechers. Overall, the duo preach self-made qualities to succeed. Fetti delivers more of his charismatic laid-back flow blended with street lingo that creates magentic attraction for listeners both new and old.
He raps: “Sticking to the plan like I’m pose too / cup half full but that money is my coaster / It always gives me closure / I don’t really need to much exposure / Tell me what you want, what you really want, baby all I want is the money and the throat…”
Ralfy Da Plug displays a swavy demeanor as he coaches listeners on how to play the game without cheat codes that won’t make you an imitation of others. “Told them paid in full and I beat a couple RICOs / I can show you how to play the game with no cheat codes / Only thing I can’t stand is a bitch that freeloads,” raps Ralfy.
The new collaboration appears on HussleBoyFetti’s latest album, For The City, a six-song EP featuring Joe Moses, K. Ross, Xavii, and Chef Boy. Fetti’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride that has modified him to the exciting new star we witness today.
“Unfollow” has received tremendous praise across social media. A YouTube user commented, “Certified banger [fire emoji],” while another wrote, “King in the making [fire emoji] [crown emoji].”
Watch the new video below, and afterward, follow HussleBoyFetti on social media for daily updates and more.
Artist To Watch
Tiwa Savage Unites With New Visual “One Heart”
Nigerian singer/actress Tiwa Savage releases the official visual to her Diane Warren written single “One Heart (Can Change The World),” taken from the animated feature film “OZi: Voice of the Forest.” The Sesan Ogunro-directed clip for the Leonardo DiCaprio (Appian Way) & Mike Medavoy produced motion picture finds Savage passionately singing the song’s lyrics in the forest accompanied by OZi and friends.
Produced and recorded at Realsongs Studios in Los Angeles by multiple Grammy-winner Damon Elliott, the climate change awareness collaboration came into fruition after Diane DM’d Tiwa on social media and personally requested her signature vocals. In a press statement detailing what it was like working with Warren, the Berklee College of Music alumna reveals:
“This song touched me with its beautiful words and meaning. What could be simpler than to have kindness, and Diane Warren wrote a song for a beautiful film that reminds us to be compassionate to others and to our earth and toward those who share it. No one can put feelings and meaning to music like Diane Warren and being the voice to ‘One Heart’ means so much.”
The eco-focused film features the voices of Laura Dern, Amandla Stenberg, Donald Sutherland, Djimon Hounsou, RuPaul Charles, Dean Charles Chapman and Urzila Carlson. “OZi: Voice of The Forest” follows OZi, an orangutan who is separated from her parents. OZi grows up in an animal sanctuary and uses her influencer skills to save her parents and forest home for deforestation. The colorful characters have an action-packed adventure and deliver a timely message. This entertaining family film aims to raise awareness around the issues faced by our planet’s rainforests due to the growing levels of deforestation, and how this affects ecosystems and climate change. The movie carries the Climate Change Stripes created by Professor Ed Hawkins and Reading University, designed to visualize climate change and spark conversation.
United Kingdom and European residents can watch the movie in theaters now, while a wide theatrical North American release of “OZi: Voice of The Forest” will follow soon from Ketchup Entertainment. Watch the official music video for “One Heart (Can Change The World)” below and stream the audio on your DSP of choice below via Kind Music Group / Vydia.