Artist To Watch
GOON DES GARÇONS* DROPS all the things i’ve seen, NEW 8-SONG PROJECT AVAILABLE TODAY VIA DEF JAM RECORDINGS
Goon Des Garçons*, the L.A.-based Little Rock, Arkansas upstart who has charted an idiosyncratic path with his woozy brand of progressive rap, now moves into uncharted territory with the release of all the things i’ve seen, available today via Def Jam Recordings. all the things i’ve seen is an experiential project that sets the table for Goon’s highly anticipated upcoming second full-length album, details to be announced in the weeks ahead.
all the things i’ve seen contains the eight consecutive new weekly single + video releases dropped by Goon during September-October: “purist*,” “labyrinth,” “vibrance_freestyl v. 1 .wav,” “elite (crossover),” “answer,” “the things (it in itself),” “makeshift magic” featuring solo jaxon, and “aquarium” featuring lil cobaine & idle kid.
The project, Goon says of this latest wave of his homegrown DIY Arkansas sound, “captures the angst and loneliness of one’s stifled creativity during lockdown.” Through key partnerships in both web3 and traditional marketing, Goon has energized his base and built a swell leading into the upcoming album. Over the past eight weeks of single + video releases, he has taken the opportunity to engage consistently and directly with fans through the music, visuals, merch, and live performances.
Always stretching the envelope, Goon dropped a series of 3-song ‘bundles’ over the course of the first year and a half of Covid that climaxed with the 5AM bundle in June 2021. The triple-play comprised the title track “5AM” featuring Def Jam MC Fredo Bang; “JFC” featuring Reese LaFlare; and “Ride” featuring Landstrip Chip. With the bundles, Goon’s small-town ambition came across, along with the inherent soul-searching quality that’s gotten him this far.
Three weeks after 5AM, Goon’s debut album Sheesh arrived, a liquor-stained memoir that caught Goon’s Los Angeles landing in cinematic snapshots, including the official “Miami-Hollywood” video. The spaced-out, quaking songs felt like a journey across the cosmos ending up at a cracking club. Auto-Tuned tales of sleepless nights began with bottle service on Sunset Strip, segued into a detour to the strip club, ending in the studio at sunrise.
In addition to including all three 5AM tracks, Sheesh found Goon crooning his direct, emotive rhymes alongside Na-Kel (check out the “Bully” video) and Cuco (“a24”). Goon worked with producers Swiff D (Schoolboy Q, Logic) and Idle Kid (longtime collaborator and fellow Arkansan) to create what he called “peaceful chaos.”
Cheers To The End Of The World, released October 2020, unfolded as an ode to the apocalypse, a generational statement about celebrating despite the lousy cards you’re dealt. In songs like “Breathe While You Can” and “Back 2 Square 1,” Goon’s small-town ambition came across, along with the inherent soul-searching quality that’s gotten him this far.
“If you look at everything going on right now, what’s the difference between how we imagined the apocalypse? It’s really no stopping it, we’re just on the other side of it, and want to let people know that yeah, it’s fucked but we can still pull it back if we all try. We can do anything if we all try.”
Artist To Watch
Lil MC Lets Loose As A Lyrical Powerhouse Of Bilingual Flow On New Album ‘Flex Máquina’
Lil MC, the Latina powerhouse popping out of the Bay Area is back with Flex Máquina, a 15-track album that redefines genre boundaries. Known for her fierce lyrical dexterity and smooth bilingual flow, Lil MC’s latest project solidifies her place as a cultural force in the industry. Seamlessly transitioning between English and Spanish, she brings a vibrant energy to her art that few can match.
With standout singles like “CumBack” featuring Hd of Beardface, “They Don’t Need Me,” and “Tormenta” with ZZay and Zenaloa, Flex Máquina is a musical journey through beats, stories, and emotions that resonate with hip-hop heads and new listeners alike. Opening up October strong, Lil MC’s highly anticipated album arrives as a statement, an expression of resilience, and a testament to her indelible impact on hip-hop.
Emerging from Oakland’s dynamic rap battle circuit, Lil MC quickly carved out her space as one of the underground scene’s most prominent voices. Her commanding stage presence and quick-witted verses have set her apart, earning her spots alongside icons like Jacquees, Too Short, and E-40. Fans who have witnessed her ceiling-shattering career, have experienced an artist who is both authentic and unapologetic.
Lil MC is not only a top-tier lyricist but also a trailblazer in production, standing among the 3% of female music producers globally. Since 2018, her beats have enhanced her artistic reach, adding a self-produced edge that amplifies her impact. Her commitment to hip-hop goes beyond the studio; she’s a passionate advocate for education and empowerment. Through her Women’s Empowerment Hip Hop curriculum at the Oakland-based nonprofit Hip Hop For Change, Lil MC is inspiring the next generation, teaching kids to create beats with block coding, sparking creativity and confidence in young artists.
As an internationally recognized Cultural Ambassador of Hip Hop for the U.S. Embassy, Lil MC promotes Bay Area artists while advocating for women’s empowerment in music. In 2020, she founded Queens of the Underground, a platform uplifting women’s voices in the industry, and her role as a voting member of the Bay Area Recording Academy chapter highlights her deep commitment to the art.
From video game features to Billboard placements, Lil MC’s influence reaches far and wide. Now’s the time to dive into her latest lyrical offering, Flex Máquina. In doing so, immerse yourself into her world. With every beat and bar, Lil MC inspires, uplifts, and pushes the culture forward. Press play, and let Lil MC take you on a bicultural sonic journey that’s as powerful as it is personal.
CONNECT WITH LIL MC ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | Facebook | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Website
Artist To Watch
Will Power 912 And Slim Jxmmi Join Forces For A Heartfelt Tribute To Hardworking Women With “Love That For You”
Will Power 912 and Slim Jxmmi (one half of the hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd) are making waves with their latest single, “Love That For You”. This powerful record, produced by Icin On Da Kake, is a celebration of women’s resilience, strength, and relentless drive, especially honoring Black women who work tirelessly for the recognition they deserve. Coming on the heels of their recent release “Fine Sh*t Ratchet,” the duo wanted to create a track that acknowledges the countless women who hustle every day to achieve their dreams and provide for their loved ones, often without support or acknowledgment.
The inspiration behind “Love That For You” is simple yet profound: it’s a love letter to women everywhere, a reminder that their hard work isn’t going unnoticed. Will Power 912 shares, “Like I said at the end of the verse, ‘I love that for you, just hadda remind her.’ A lot of women are doing all the work—holding down the household, taking care of kids by themselves, becoming first-time homeowners, funding their lifestyle, closing deals—and they don’t get acknowledged. We just wanted to take the time to acknowledge them with this song and let them know we love that for them, we love what you’re doing, and we love watching youget results!”
Will Power 912, hailing from Statesboro, Georgia, carries a unique perspective into his music. Motivated by his former coach, Sherman White, he found a sense of purpose in channeling his personal willpower into his craft, which led to his artist name, Will Power 912. As both a songwriter and emerging artist, Will Power 912 is dedicated to giving a voice to those who feel overlooked, offering inspiration to those who may not have role models who look like them or represent their struggles.
Beyond this tribute, Will Power 912 and Slim Jxmmi have ambitious plans in store! In fact, they’re working on a collaborative album set to feature some of today’s most celebrated artists and producers, promising a fusion of talent and fresh sounds that will resonate with fans around the globe. Nonetheless, “Love That For You” is now available for streaming on your preferred streaming platform—don’t miss this genuine tributeto the incredible women shaping our world.
CONNECT WITH WILL POWER 912 ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
INSTAGRAM | X | TIKTOK | APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
Artist To Watch
Kapri Releases New Music Video “Light Skin Shohei”
“Light Skin Shohei” by Kapri is an undeniable West Coast anthem that resonates with anyone who’s ever had to prove themselves in the face of doubt. Representing his hometown of Santa Ana, California, Kapri channels the essence of the West Coast sound with a bouncy, dark beat crafted by the talented producer FORTWOE. The track is an energetic declaration of self-confidence, with Kapri effortlessly laying down his message of resilience over the heavy, thumping bass and smooth yet sinister instrumentals.
From the moment the beat drops, you know you’re in for something special. FORTWOE’s production is a perfect blend of dark and bouncy, giving the track that signature West Coast feel while providing the perfect backdrop for Kapri’s assertive and charismatic delivery. The beat feels like it could knock in any late-night ride down the Pacific Coast Highway—smooth, confident, and ready to turn heads.
Lyrically, “Light Skin Shohei” is about overcoming obstacles and silencing critics. The song speaks to anyone who has been doubted or overlooked, providing an anthem of empowerment. Kapri’s confident, laid-back flow ensures the message hits home: rise above the negativity and show the world what you’re capable of. The reference to “Light Skin Shohei” even adds an extra layer of personality to the song, referencing the celebrated baseball player Shohei Ohtani and drawing a clever comparison to Kapri’s own rise, much like the athlete’s dominance in his field.
The way Kapri delivers his bars—cool, collected, yet forceful—brings out the track’s anthem-like quality. His cadence locks into FORTWOE’s beat, creating a synergy that feels both personal and universal, making it easy for listeners from all walks of life to vibe with the sentiment of success and determination.
In all, “Light Skin Shohei” is more than just a bouncy West Coast banger; it’s a powerful statement about pushing through adversity and asserting one’s place. Whether you’re cruising through the streets or listening to it at full volume to hype yourself up, this track does more than just entertain—it empowers. With Kapri at the forefront, and FORTWOE behind the boards, “Light Skin Shohei” is a track that’ll resonate for a long time to come.
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