Artist To Watch
June Freedom signs artist partnership with Empire and highlight new collab album

Cape Verdean American Afropop/Worldbeat artist June Freedom announces he has signed an artist partnership deal between his label Flight Club Music Group and EMPIRE. This career milestone marks June as the first Cape Verdean to sign a partnership with a major American music company and comes fresh off the artist’s two wins at the 2022 Cabo Verde Music Awards—taking home Best International Rhythm and Best Male Performance for Anchor Baby lead single, “Andréia”.
“Freedom to create my own lane in this industry has always been one of my missions, and I love that EMPIRE supports this vision with all their artists,” said June in an announcement of his signing. “The evolution of our partnership was very organic and I’m eager to share more music with the help of my growing EMPIRE team.”
June’s excitement is reciprocated by EMPIRE’s executive A&R team. On the signing, Senior Vice President of A&R, Tina Davis says: “June Freedom is an incredible talent and a unique addition to our EMPIRE Africa roster. I’m excited to see him bring his artistic and authentic creations to the world.” Vice President of A&R and GRAMMY-nominated producer, Shama “Sak Pase” Joseph adds: “EMPIRE is home to some of the most trailblazing artists today. I look forward to working alongside June Freedom who is positioned to be one of the diaspora’s most unique artists.”
Equally thrilled to amplify June Freedom is EMPIRE Africa’s lead Project Manager, Titilope Adesanya. “Listening to June’s music for the first time was like being transported to summer, on a beach, or autumn, dancing in a lounge. He is able to capture and express a variety of emotions through his sound that is rich and feels ‘bright’ almost,” said Titilope on first discovering the artist and distinguishing his potential. “June and his core team have a precision approach to things that I respect and am inspired by.”
June also celebrates the news by unveiling that he will be one of the artists featured on EMPIRE Africa’s debut compilation album, Where We Come From, Vol. 1. The album—set to be released November 30th—will showcase an expansive range of African soundscapes, bolstering representation and cultural appreciation beyond West African Afropop. Other artists set to feature on the album include Fireboy DML, Olamide, BNXN, L.A.X, Cheque, Kizz Daniel, and more.
Long committed to expanding the commercial and mainstream breadth of Cape Verdean music, June amassed a loyal following with the independent release of his debut album, Anchor Baby, back in Summer 2021. The album, and its anniversary deluxe edition, garnered international critical attention from the likes of Rolling Stone USA, EuroNews, TimeOut Portugal, COLORS Listen, South by Southwest, Atlantic Music Expo and more. Most recently, GQ Middle East included June Freedom on their “Best Afrobeats Artists Who Are Pushing the Genre Forward” list—alongside Rema, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay and Tiwa Savage— attributing June’s rise to his “sensual” and “genre-bending” style derived from “his African roots [fused] with elements of electronic and Latin music.”
Far from being the conclusion of a successful artist launch, this official partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for June Freedom worldwide.
Artist To Watch
Latrell De’Sean Releases “45” Music Video

Latrell De’Sean is unique, catchy, and undeniable as an emerging artist with his raw lyrics over a sing-a-long flow and honest exterior in the fiery new visual of his breakout single “45.” In survival mode, the visual displays imagery of gunshots and chaos that portray the chaotic times society is living in right now. As De’Sean sits with his back to the madness, he raps about the destructive force he possesses as he endures life’s harsh reality on his path to luxury.
He raps: “So I’m toting on this 4-5/Hoping it don’t go down/Hoping that the danger don’t come my way/Cause if it do, then I’m blow mine/Take a Ni**a soul/I’m sorry Father God if I put one away.”
“45” is the perfect origin point for newfound fans of the Dallas native as it showcases his signature southern sound that has already accumulated over 11,000 monthly listeners on Spotify based on his catalog’s biggest songs such as “Heartbreaker’s Diary,” “Love Is War,” and “M.I.A. in Miami.” The new single is a follow-up to De’Sean’s 2022 album, AntiHero.
The latest release promises more new music from Latrell De’Sean on the horizon as his popularity spreads contagiously from local to regional to nationwide. To date, “45” has generated over 153,634 streams on Spotify. Now is the perfect time to hop on the Latrell De’Sean bandwagon.
Watch “45” below, and afterward, hear more Latrell De’Sean music on Spotify.
Artist To Watch
Meet Madison Star, NYC’s rising rap and fashion creative to watch

Paying homage to an Eve classic, “For The Girls” is an empowerment anthem for all the it girls and girl bosses everywhere. Madison oozes confidence as she delivers braggadocious bars, affirming that her work ethic will pave the way for her continued success: “Better let them know you that girl for real/And in time it will show/Patient with your gift, in time it will grow/What Michelle say? We get high when they low.” The video finds Star roaming the streets of Japan as she visits fashion houses and performs in front of an intimate audience.
Hailing from Westchester, NY, Madison Star has always been surrounded by hip-hop, R&B, and fashion – all which permeates her music. In September 2021, she released her debut mixtape, FREE STYLE: THE MIXTAPE. The 8-track mixtape is featureless, proving that Star can hold her own on a track and leave a formidable first impression on listeners. With hard-hitting tracks like “SS OFF WHITE,” “P*SSY RAP” and “DRESS 2 KILL,” she makes it clear she’s that girl and has the bars to make you affirm it. Within the same year, she also launched her fashion house, Madison Star Couture, in which she creates custom statement pieces from intricate fabrics. Fun fact – you can catch her wearing her own designs throughout the video! 😉 Star has since earned praise from outlets like Essence, HYPEBAE, 21Ninety, and more.
With new music on the way, Madison Star is ready to dazzle in the spotlight in true it girl fashion – pun intended.
Artist To Watch
RONNY J Is “CHARGED UP” On His New Album

“Charged Up!” The highly anticipated sophomore album from producer and artist, RONNY J. Known as a trailblazer that significantly influenced the current sound of Hip-Hop as a producer, Ronny is here to prove the same feat as a solo artist.
This album follows his initial endeavor, “Jupiter” from 2020, and showcases his creative genius with tracks involving Wiz Khalifa and a special verse from the late XXXTENTACION.
Having previously collaborated with the likes of Eminem, Kanye West, Roddy Ricch, and Juice Wrld, just to name a few, Ronny is renowned for his songwriting and production skills. His signature tags, “Oh my God, Ronny!” and “Ronny J, please turn me up,” have achieved iconic status.
Now re-energized and ready to reclaim his position in the limelight, the Miami native has resurfaced with a powerful statement – his solo album. Ronny J continues his journey of challenging the norms of music, solidifying his reputation not just as a much-loved producer, but a recognized creative powerhouse.
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