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Grammy and Juno Award-winning producer/engineer David Strickland releases his debut solo instrumental album Foundation

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Grammy and Juno Award-winning producer/engineer David Strickland has released his debut solo album Foundation viaMNRK Music, a 20 track instrumental project that seamlessly blends his hip hop-fuelled musical inspirations over the years. Boasting production credits with a who’s who of rap superstars including DrakeEPMDThe ClipseDef SquadMethod ManKardinal OffishallSaukratesMaestro Fresh Wes and many more, Foundation arrives as a follow up to his last critically-acclaimed 2022 release Spirit of Hip Hop: Elements album, and its prior accompanying series, that celebrated, showcased and highlighted a wide range of North American rap icons alongside emerging Indigenous rappers. “This album represents the first time I did something musically that was just strictly by myself. No MCs or singers. Just me alone. Producer and engineer,” explains the Scarborough-born producer/engineer who has quietly worked behind the scenes for decades, producing, mixing and/or engineering records from the likes of Canadian urban music legends including Glenn LewisGhetto ConceptJelleestoneChoclair and k-os. “I was in NYC going through beats in the studio and I was looking at the last two albums I released and the instrumental versions, and it made me think about how guys like DJ Muggs and The Alchemist have been doing instrumental albums for years. I spoke to my A&R and VP about the idea, and then locked myself in the studio and banged out and revamped a couple beats and it just all came together.” 

Strickland pays homage to his neighborhood roots on “Scarboro Forever”, and references his career sustenance on “The Journey”, but what lies at the core of the highly rhythmic, breezy and boom bap-inspired production on Foundation, is that at its core, it reminds listeners of what it takes to make a hit record – the production, which is the foundation. But the album title carries deeper layers of meaning. “Music is the foundation of any song, and I am a part of the foundation of the ‘Toronto Sound’. Any good project needs a solid foundation. And say what you want about me, but I’m a finisher. I always deliver.” Foundation delivers on all fronts, and appeals to music lovers of many stripes, as its contemporary sonic edges are rounded out nicely by its timeless classic old school musical sensibilities. 

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Gawvi Shares Upcoming LP Cover With “Bitter Pill” Visual

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Ahead of his fourth studio album ATMOSTFEAR, which will be released tomorrow, GAWVI reveals the project’s official artwork. In-conjunction with the out of this world theme seen in the creative direction on previous releases “Into The Atmostfear” and “Doors Down,” the cover captures the Florida mainstay rising above faith-testing transgressions and leaping ahead to his fruitful future. To give loyal fans one last preview of what to expect before they can experience the musical masterpiece in its entirety the international superstar liberates the Azrel & Jay Gracia-directed music video for third single “Bitter Pill.”

Embracing peace over bitterness, “Bitter Pill” is a testament to the healing that comes from letting go. It’s about discovering that true strength lies in forgiveness, not in holding onto past hurts. In an exclusive press statement to Medium Creative Agency about the song’s central theme, the 2x RIAA Certified Gold producer explains: “Letting go of bitterness has taught me the peace of forgiveness; this record documents my journey to healing and understanding. Definitely one of my favorite songs on the album.”

Born in the Bronx borough of New York City to a Salvadorian father and Dominican mother, GAWVI is a first-generation Latino immigrant on a mission to use Rap as a unity building medium. Raised in Broward County along with his older sister, who was the first person to embrace his passion for music, he split most of his time as a kid between school and church. At the age of 9 it was clear to him that music was not just something he had a high appreciation for but a purpose to live out. He began to hone in on his musical gifts, first by playing piano at church and then graduating to music production in High School.

Sighting Kanye West’s The College Dropout as the catalyst for him to jump from behind the bandstand and into the booth, the pivotal moment in time gave him the motivation to foster a genre of Hip-Hop with morals and integrity. With just over 20 years of skin in the game, he credits a local artist named Danny for giving him his first big break in the industry after purchasing a beat from him. Fast forward, after mastering his craft and paying his dues, he connected with Lecrae and has been a force to be reckoned with since.

Watch the visual for “Bitter Pill” via Alienz Alive on your DSP of choice below and pre-save ATMOSTFEAR | HERE.

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Jadakiss & Juelz Santana On That “Party N Bullsh*t”

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In preparation for his forthcoming album Better Late Than Never, New York’s own Juelz Santana enlists Jadakiss for the R2DaEz & Duke Dollas-produced anthem “Party N Bullshit.” Accompanied by a new music video directed by Andre “DreVinci” Jones as well, the latest drop from the Harlem MC serves as first official single on his new body of work and finds him trading bars with his Verzuz adversary while paying homage to Notorious B.I.G.’s 1993 classic cut “Party and Bullshit.”

When asked about what it was like creating the song with the LOX frontman in a press statement, Santana reveals:

“Collaborating with Jadakiss was natural. We both bring different vibes to the table, and this record reflects that synergy. The vibe in the studio was crazy that day. We were both vibing off each other’s energy, bouncing ideas back and forth. Kiss brought that classic, raw lyricism, and I added my own flavor with the flow. It was all about capturing that essence of having a good time while still keeping it authentic.”

As one of the founding members of the legendary Hip-Hop group Diplomats, Juelz Santana has been in the spotlight since 2002. He was featured on major hit records by Cam’ron such as “Oh Boy” and “Hey Ma” and he was on Chris Brown’s hit “Run It.” His meteor was rising so fast that he was signed to Def Jam and had a much rumored joint project with Lil Wayne in the works. Label politics and jail time derailed him for a time making him one of the industry’s greatest what ifs. Now, back with new material and a mindset to match it clear he dosen;t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Watch the visual for “Party N Bullshit” and stream the official audio on your DSP of choice below via ONErpm.

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K Carbon & YTB Fatt Link Up For “My Money” From ‘Diary of a Hustler’

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Emerging Memphis-based artist K Carbon is poised to mesmerize audiences once more with her much-awaited project, Diary of a Hustler.

With a style that is a unique blend of Southern hip-hop elements and insightful storytelling, K Carbon is set to take her audience on a captivating journey through her new release, leaving them intrigued and curious.

Diary of a Hustler goes beyond being just an album; it’s a powerful journey into the heart and soul of urban life, offering an unfiltered look into a true hustler’s struggles, triumphs, and reflections. With tracks that echo raw honesty and authenticity, K Carbon fearlessly invites her audience to dive deep into the stories and experiences that have defined her journey as an artist and individual.

This album, featuring collaborations with YTB Fatt, Big 30, and Mello Buckzz and a special reunion with her girls Glorilla, Gloss Up, and Slimeroni on “Jealous A$$ Bitc#,” is an unapologetic portrayal of resilience and artistry.

When talking about Diary of a Hustler, K Carbon explained, “This project is all about my personal growth and the hustle mentality that drives my life and music. It’s about embracing the grind, being true to yourself, and never losing sight of the big picture.”

K Carbon’s album offers a wide range of tracks, demonstrating the artist’s versatility. From powerful anthems to soulful reflections, each is carefully created to deeply connect with listeners.

Blending classic Southern hip-hop aesthetics with modern production techniques, Diary of a Hustler will undoubtedly stand out as a significant addition to K Carbon’s discography.

Watch “My Money” above, than stream Diary of a Hustler below.

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