Artist To Watch
CEO Trayle Lights It Up With “Meant 4 You,” from ‘The Collection Vol. 2’
Approaching beats from odd angles with his methodical flow, CEO Trayle is impossibly smooth. Taking time to look inward over a soulful instrumental, Trayle shares “Meant 4 You,” the latest music video from The Collection Vol. 2. Produced by B.Stribb, “Meant 4 You” blesses Trayle with an inviting canvas on which to paint, layering haunting vocal samples with a dancing bassline, rippling piano chords, and insistent 808s. Adhering to the contours of the beats with whispering come ons and the occasional verbal sound effect, Trayle plays the role of a lothario, but can’t keep the traumatic thoughts from creeping in: “And when they called and said my brother died, I hit the flo’,” he rhymes before a pregnant pause. In the video, directed by Decat, Trayle rocks an Avirex letterman jacket as he surreptitiously sets a building aflame.
Over the course of 12 tracks, The Collection Vol. 2 further explores the haunting, yet luscious trap sound he explored on his acclaimed 2022 HH5 mixtape, featuring rich contributions from producers like Trauma Tone, Stribb, and Yung Icey. Throughout the tape, Trayle creates a world fit for a film noir, filled with femme fatales and danger around every corner. The follow-up to last year’s The Collection, an 8-song mixtape home to highlights like “Of Course,” The Collection Vol. 2 shows how far the Atlanta-based rapper has come in the past year. The Collection Vol. 2 is home to “Brody Trippin,” a collaboration with PDE signee and rising Atlanta star Baby Drill, “CrxckFlow II,” a sequel to a highlight from HH5, and the viral “Song Cry,” originally released as a From The Block freestyle that racked up over 3.1 million views. The Collection Vol. 2 is available everywhere via Do What You Love/10K Projects.
2022 was a breakout year for CEO Trayle, packed with critical acclaim and new commercial landmarks. The rapper known as “Mr. Back Door” ended the year on a high note, sharing HH5, which Pitchfork blessed with 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. HH5 features some of Trayle’s most expansive production to date, with contributions from Dun Deal, OG Parker, Go Grizzly, Trauma Tone, and Trayle’s frequent collaborator Stribb, among many others, and is home to the complicated relationship anthem “I Love You But…,“ featured on Drake’s OVO Sound Radio. HH5 capitalized on the momentum generated by Trayle’s viral 2021 hit “Ok Cool,” which generated over 60 million streams and earned a remix from Gunna.
With The Collection Vol. 2 in the books and much more music to come, CEO Trayle is primed to take over the rap game.
Watch “Meant 4 You” here!
The LOX’s Styles P joins Poiison in the Boss Life Music Group presented music video for “Big Boys.” Serving as the commercial follow up to 2023’s “I Can’t Fall In Love” with Sha Money XL, which has already organically earned 100K+ streams since it’s debut in October, the Hip-Hop vocalist/songwriter finds herself trading bars with the decorated D-Block diplomat and fellow New York native about navigating romantic relationships without proper male guidance.
Hailing from Queens, Poiison passionately channels her life experiences into music, infusing pop and soul melodies with profound lyrical skill. Inspired by diverse artists like Madonna, Sade, Rick James, Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott she maintains a unique sound that captivates listeners; making their hearts and bodies move. As a multi-talented creative, Poiison actively oversees the details of her visuals, taking on the role of director to authentically deliver her perspective to the world with a fun and magnanimous spirit.
Her star quality and charisma are undeniably evident in her content. Parallel to her imagination, the release of her La Madrina mixtape series echoed creativity while showcasing her interpretation of well known industry records. Poiison’s development has led to performances alongside renowned artists such as 50 Cent, Ciara, and Robin Thicke. Poiison strives to create timeless music that conveys powerful messages rooted in real-life stories.
Press play on the Nimi Hendrix-directed visual for “Big Boys” as well as stream the official audio below via Roc Nation’s indie distribution company Equity.
Josvani has released a new track called “Low Lights” which is accompanied by a seductive visual. The beat of the song is irresistible and will make you dance. The lyrics depict a day in Josvani’s life and his struggles with entanglements.
“Low Lights” filmed by Nimi Hendrix showcases New York City’s beauty and Josvani’s calm demeanor. He expresses his position with facts, not arrogance, making him an instant fan favorite.
As Josvani gains momentum, he is heading on tour with T-Rell, 4fargo, Pretty Brayah and friends.
“Low Lights” is out now on all major streaming platforms. Follow Josvani on Instagram for updates on his new releases and upcoming events.
The first thing we see in Neesin Williams’s vibrant video for “You Gone Learn Today” is Ryck Jane’s earrings. They’re hard to miss — and they also might’ve been a challenge to wear. The two matching accessories that dangle from the rapper’s lobes appear to be made of solid gold. But the most notable thing about them is what they signify. They’re L.A. logos: twin declarations of allegiance to the city and scene that made her.
Even without the earrings, fans would know exactly where Ryck Jane was from. It’s not just her California drawl, the left coast pattern of her cadences, or the hard Los Angeleno funk that forms the bedrock of her irresistible recordings. It’s also in her dedication to glamour and her scrupulous attention to every detail of presentation. Jane knows exactly how to showcase her fierce individuality. She may be a new artist, but she handles herself like a showbiz veteran. She believes that she was born to inhabit the spotlight — and single after single, she demonstrates that her confidence isn’t misplaced.
“You Gone Learn Today” is her boldest declaration of autonomy yet. On the track, Ryck Jane raps about the inevitability of her rise and underscores her theme with a performance that’s relentless, colorful, and loaded with personality. Call it a message to the nonbelievers — who are getting harder and harder to find. The production backs up her boasts: the track is muscular and hypnotic, decorated with a thick, serpentine bass synthesizer lead, skittering beats, a thumping kick drum, and chanted backing vocals. The deep musicality of the track arrangement is a reminder that long before Ryck Jane found fame as an independent rapper, she’d distinguished herself as a trumpeter.
That horn shows up on “No Problems.” The track is a centerpiece of Jane Got A Gun, the rapper’s scalding 2023 album. It’s slinkier and more subtle than the rambunctious “You Gone Learn Today,” but as the video makes clear, it’s another message to the world that Ryck James can’t be stopped. Just like the “You Gone Learn Today” video clip, “No Problems” is a showcase for the artist’s unique, and unerring sense of style. It’s all here, and it’s all wild, and worn with the self-possession of a queen.
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