Music Videos
BandGang Lonnie Bands Tries to Stay Afloat in “My Brother’s Keeper Pt. 2”
BandGang Lonnie Bands is the model of resilience, bouncing back from a near-death experience to drop some of the hardest music of his career. Baring his soul in his new music video, Lonnie shares “My Brother’s Keeper Pt. 2,” the latest release from the upcoming Hard 2 Kill: Reloaded. A sequel to a fan favorite track from 2016, “My Brother’s Keeper Pt. 2” finds a locked-in Lonnie ruminating on the hardships that made him who he is, and cursing the universe for making him shoulder so many burdens: “I got real PTSD/This sh*t deeper than anxiety/I got cursed from the family tree/Man, I think somebody got a voodoo doll of me.” In the video, Lonnie rocks an L.A. Angels cap as he dials in, going hard off the rip as he tries to relay the pain he feels.
“My Brother’s Keeper Pt. 2” is the latest drop from Hard 2 Kill: Reloaded, the deluxe version of his 2021 album Hard 2 Kill. Adding nine new tracks, including a BandGang posse cut, Hard 2 Kill: Reloaded reflects Lonnie’s state of mind since the previous project dropped in October. With H2K: Reloaded, Lonnie looks to add to the energetic imperativeness of its predecessor, released just months after he survived a near-fatal shooting incident, which saw the rapper rhyme with a new level of fearlessness, discuss his exploits in the streets, demonstrate his rap supremacy, and dare the opps to take another shot at him. Home to the recent single “Bam Bam,” H2K: Reloaded releases on February 18th via TF Entertainment.
With over 100 million YouTube views in the bank, BandGang Lonnie Bands is ready to prove that he’s one of the best bar-for-bar rappers in the game today. He made his name as one of six members of BandGang, a Detroit collective that helped bring the piano-heavy sound that now dominates Detroit to the forefront. The 26-year-old rapper showed his bonafides as a solo act with his KOD project, acclaimed by Pitchfork, and expanded his audience with guest appearances on tracks by Shoreline Mafia, Drego & Beno, and more. Though the last two years have been hard, punctuated by Lonnie’s near-death experience and the loss of several close friends including BandGang Paid Will, the rapper emerged from his trials stronger as a man and an artist, determined to support his family by doing what he loves most–making music.
Watch “My Brother’s Keeper Pt. 2”!
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.