Los Angeles-bred rapper, producer, director, designer, activist, and all-around visionary DavidSabastian releases the incendiary anthem “America on Fire” today via Believe In Yourself Records/BPG Music/Warner Records. Listen HERE. To accompany the single, Sabastian directed a video as provocative as it is profound. Watch HERE.

“America on Fire” opens with an angelic choir, but quickly descends into a barrage of chants, militaristic drum rolls, and claps. Through this score, Sabastian articulates anxieties in the Black community and the fears of living through a pandemic, his booming voice cutting through every second. He balances political messages with spiritual and philosophical concerns, preaching the power of love, positivity, and togetherness while still indicting the wealthy. “It’s all a game and the rich is watching us die for entertainment,” he raps. “N***a, this shit is crazy, we living in The Matrix.” On the hook, he tempers all profundity by gleefully chanting, “Bounce that ass!”

The Sabastian-directed music video is as captivating, insightful, and irreverent as the song itself. As American and Confederate flags are set aflame, Sabastian raps in front of a backdrop of the White House while surrounded by twerking women. Later, he’s spitting from the top of a truck emblazoned the words, “We Are God,” as it winds through the streets of Skid Row. Visually critiquing iconic American images and events (like the Fourth of July), the visual also finds Sabastian calling for justice for murdered Black people like the late Breonna Taylor.

Coming on the heels of his February single “Revolutionary,” “America on Fire” is another exciting step in Sabastian’s new musical journey. He has already left an indelible imprint on the culture as a designer sought out by everyone from OVO to HBO; as an artist with murals coast-to-coast and at ComplexCon; and as an activist with headline-making events such as “The Gucci Bonfire DTLA” and “Last Train to Nowhere.” He also launched his own brand, Skid Row Fashion Week, with a philanthropic mission to house the homeless. His custom pieces have notably been sported by Billie Eilish, A$AP Rocky, Big Sean, Alicia Keys, and many more. Forbes, Flaunt, and more have extensively chronicled his work. Now, Sabastian continues to commit this dangerously dynamic vision to wax with “America On Fire” and the rest of the music on his forthcoming debut album.

Check it out now!

Venture Klan’s anime-influenced sound is an original style that still leaves listeners with a sense of familiarity. Their fusion of elements, characteristic of New York City Hip Hop, is undeniable as this Harlem duo pays homage to their appreciation of Japanese anime and their beloved City. 

Earning a spot on DJ Drewski’s (Hot 97) “Dear Jersey Empowerment Tour” back in 2017, Venture Klan has continued to expand their fan base and reach. Looking to go full steam in Q2 of 2021, members, Ave Campbell and BukDaWorld, are set to release a new album this Spring titled, “It Takes A Village.” 

Giving us a preview of what’s to come, “Manga & Subs” delivers boastful lyrics over a haunting melody amplified by a kick-heavy drumline. 

“I need a statue in front of the Garden. I’m on the list where they only let gods in.” 

Check it out here!

Rising singer/songwriter Elhae releases his highly anticipated Motown debut, Aura III. Renowned for his forward-thinking reimagining of R&B and rap, the Georgia-raised artist adds more layers to his singular sound on Aura III, delivering sensual songs that are emotionally, sonically, and narratively rich. With features from Masego, Rick Ross, and Xavier Omar, as well as a host of top-tier producers like D’Mile (The Carters, Ty Dolla $ign, Victoria Monet), Aura III feels like an album that will play in bedrooms, clubs, and cars for generations. Listen HERE.

On Aura III, Elhae uses his melodic, mesmerizing vocals and progressive production to create textured songs for every occasion. “You Know” is an island-tinged jam primed for slow winds in dimly lit clubs. “Separated” is a pained song about a necessary romantic split. “Fun Fact,” which features Grammy-nominated rapper Rick Ross, is both a tender request for physical intimacy and an avowal of self-confidence. The Masego-assisted single “My City” remains a standout. A lounge-leaning slice of downtempo soul with touches of jazz, the C Gutta-produced track finds Elhaedelivering smooth come-ons to the woman of his desire: “If you say that you want it, you got it, it’s all in the fine print / Gotta be flexible, that’s my only requirement.”

Aura III marks the next phase of Elhae’s already remarkable career. In addition to garnering glowing praise from The Fader, Billboard, Vibe, The Source, and more, Elhae was part of Sprite’s P.O.U.R. (Purveyors of Urban Reality)program. His 2016 album All Have Fallen produced hits like “Doesn’t Matter” (feat. Kehlani) and “Needs,” which has over 20 million Spotify streams. 2017’s Aura II EP boasted the Ty Dolla $ign-assisted “Bang Your Line,” which adds to its 24 million Spotify streams every day. Outside his solo work, Elhae has collaborated with stars like Lecrae and Eric Bellinger. Following his 2018 Coachella performance, he released his conceptual album Trouble in Paradise (2019). As he releases Aura III, Elhae seems clearly poised to garner more accolades and (when it’s time) reach even bigger stages. 

Take a listen here!