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Here Are Our Favorite Songs From The Bay Area This Week Mar 25 – 31
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Ascendent Creator Marlon LuGa on the Similarities Between the Streaming Game and the Music Industry: “At the End of the Day, the Cream Rises to the Top”
Standing at 6’5” with a magnetic personality, Marlon LuGa has become one of Sweden’s most exciting new creators, captivating nearly two million followers across Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Raised in a small Swedish town, Marlon discovered his competitive edge through basketball, where he quickly became a standout player with dreams of going pro. Music fueled his focus and became a creative outlet—one that ultimately inspired him to explore streaming as his path shifted. In streaming, Marlon found the perfect arena to showcase his humor, relatability, and energy. Now, he’s striving to create an experience for his fans that rivals the loyalty he admires in the music industry, aiming to build a dedicated community that connects on a deeper level.
You’ve said you want to be the biggest streamer in the world. How did you set that goal for yourself?
Marlon: Honestly, I’ve always been someone who goes all-in, no matter what I’m doing. When I was younger, it was basketball. Now, it’s streaming. I don’t just want to make a little splash—I want to be the best. There’s something about setting a big goal that pushes you every day, you know? Streaming isn’t easy; it takes a lot of energy and creativity. But I’m up for it. At the end of the day, the cream rises to the top, and I’m working to make sure I get there.
Are there other streamers who inspire you?
Marlon: Definitely. I watch people like Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed all the time—they’re killing it right now. What I admire about them is their ability to connect with fans. They’re themselves, and people love them for it. Kai’s personality is huge, and Speed brings so much energy, but they both know how to create moments that make people feel part of something. That’s what I’m trying to do with my community, too. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about building something real that people want to come back to.
You’ve mentioned paying close attention to how artists in the music industry cultivate their fanbases. What have you learned from watching them?
Marlon: Music and streaming aren’t that different, honestly. I see artists like PARTYNEXTDOOR and YoungBoy building core, loyal fanbases who stick with them no matter what. That’s the kind of connection I want with my fans. If you stay authentic, keep putting out content you believe in, people will catch on, and the right audience will find you. In streaming, it’s easy to get caught up in trends, but I think the most successful people are the ones who stick to their style, who aren’t afraid to show who they really are.
You’ve built a big audience in Sweden and Europe, but do you have plans to expand your reach even more?
Marlon: 100%. I’ve been thinking about coming to the US to set up shop, build my setup out there, and collab with other creators. There’s so much opportunity in the States, and I think it would give me a new perspective. Plus, the US audience is huge, and they’re always looking for fresh content. It’s a little scary, but I know it would be worth it. I’m ready to take things to the next level and see how far I can really go.
Artist To Watch
J.R.Clark’s new album ‘All Business, No Luv’ is out now
Virginia’s J.R.Clark’s got a new album for the streets. Check out All Business, No Luv — a collection of hard-hitting tracks that capture the spirit of the state’s rap dominance.
Inspired by artists like Rick Ross and J. Cole, J.R.Clark’s style is smooth and easy to listen to. The album is something you’ll want to throw when you’re in the car headed to your daily commute — or the soundtrack to your drive to, and from, a weekend function. You’ll vibe to the lyrics and nod to the beat. It’s worth the listen.
J.R.Clark started off as a studio engineer in Virginia. He transitioned to become an in-demand artist and his growing fanbase reflects that he made the right decision. Tune in to his new album and become a fan.
Check out the videos that have been released from the project too on J.R.Clark’s official YouTube channel.
Artist To Watch
JVN Is Here To Impress With Latest EP ‘In Due Time’
Jvn, (@aapjvn) rising name in the hip-hop scene, is making waves with the release of his new EP In Due Time, available on all streaming platforms. He’s gotten comparisons to artists such as J. Cole in recent days. Released on September 17, the project is a bold declaration of his commitment to bringing back traditional hip-hop, a genre that Jvn feels deeply connected to. With this EP, he aims to both honor the greats and stake his claim as an artist to watch.
Jvn’s musical influences read like a who’s who of hip-hop icons, with artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, Meek Mill, T.I., and 50 Cent shaping his lyrical style and delivery. This reverence for hip-hop’s roots is evident in every track on the EP, which is characterized by its raw, authentic sound. Jvn highlights B2B as a must-listen track, calling it the perfect gateway for new fans looking to get a sense of his style.
In a recent interview, Jvn spoke about the personal nature of In Due Time. “I feel like the music I was making and the space I’m in right now shaped the theme of this release,” he explained, suggesting that the EP is a reflection of his current mindset and experiences. With his confident delivery and sharp lyricism, Jvn is positioning himself alongside the greats, both past and present.
Beyond the music, Jvn is hitting new career milestones. He recently performed at a sold-out show alongside Lil Uzi Vert and G Herbo, marking a significant achievement for the up-and-coming rapper. As he continues to work on new music, Jvn hopes to join a major tour, further expanding his reach in the music world.
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