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Kenzo Balla Calls an All-Out Rush with ‘Mr. Ready To Blitz (Deluxe)’
Flooding the pocket with tireless intensity and a natural gift for disruption, Kenzo Balla approaches his music with a motive for mayhem. Today, the Bronx bruiser shares Mr. Ready to Blitz (Deluxe), adding five new tracks to the expansive effort, featuring production from Frank Beats, iamTash, and more, as well as an appearance from 41 crew standout Kyle Richh on the deluxe’s video single, “PSA.”
On the deluxe version of Mr. Ready to Blitz, first released in November, Kenzo furthers the scope of his sound. Kicking off with his signature full-throated shout on the opening track, “Losing Control Pt. 2,” Kenzo rides the pitched up vocal melodies of Frank Beats’ production as he vents his fears and frustrations with a hardened perspective. On cuts like “PSA” and “Rock and Roll,” Kenzo barks his bars over distorted electric guitar loops that highlight the parallels between explosive subgenres like Kenzo’s brand of drill and hardcore punk or metal.
Home to singles like the high-octane “Krash Out,” and the Cito Blick and Pdot Savv-assisted “Don’t Panic,” Kenzo’s impactful performance on Mr. Ready to Blitz lived up to its title. On “Feel The Rage,” Kenzo bursts onto an endearingly melancholic drill instrumental with the headstrong momentum of a mammoth nose tackle like Vince Wilfork, while more fast-paced cuts like the Nas EBK-featured “SMMBF” highlight Kenzo’s elusive agility as he flashes through instrumental pockets like Troy Polamalu. Like all the most elite defensive rushers in the game, Kenzo’s strength lies in his opponent’s inability to contain him– in the split second it takes to register his arrival on the track, he puts himself 10 steps ahead.
A rising name in one of the nation’s busiest rap scenes, Kenzo Balla made his mark on the scene with his relentless rhymes and high-energy vocals. Known for collaborating with fellow Bronx heavyweights like his brother TG Crippy, Kenzo kicked off his career with a frenzy of fiery videos, including local hits like “5th To Sev” ft. TG Crippy & Pdot Sav (2 million video views), “OOTAZ,” and the “Love Nwantiti”-remixing “Let Me Know” (1.9 million views). This summer, the former AAU baller tore up the streets with “Dead Gzz,” a vicious, uptempo missive that racked up over 1.4 million video views since its release in June.
Now signed to 10K Projects, Kenzo Balla emerges from his perch in the Bronx to blitz the rap game. Sit back and watch his rise, because there’s no stopping it.
Buy/Stream Mr. Ready To Blitz(Deluxe) below!
Platinum-selling recording artist Twin Hector releases the intoxicating and alluringly disruptive new music video for his single “Special”. Striking a perfect balance between decadent R&B soundscapes and addictive pop melodies, Twin Hector will push you over the edge with his sensual sonic daydream. Written about a divine union, “Special” is an all-enthralling love song about a deeply passionate connection.
Directed by Ben Tyler / Left Hand Films and Tai’Yon Hector himself, the visual for “Special” was inspired by R&B legend D’Angelo and captures Twin Hector in an intimate, black and bronzed aesthetic.Twin Hector takes his time, drenching you in a seductive wonderland of pulsating beats and heavenly vocals as he muses over his soulmate. “There ain’t nobody I’d choose over you.”
Watch Twin Hector’s video for “Special” for a sweltering, sultry experience that will leave your racing.
So nice, you can’t help but spin it twice. Michal Michal kept his foot on the gas with his latest love-torn offering, “KNOW ME BETTER,” on Dec. 1. Featuring JayD and production from SK THE PLUG, the new single, which is Michal’s second release this month, is yet another head-turning effort that demands more than a first listen. Layered with woozy 808s, fleeting vocals and unbridled personality, ”KNOW ME BETTER” is packed with a barrage of Michal’s raspy flairs – a distinct hallmark of his sound. Continuing to embody his youthful aura, Michal ultimately has his sights set on searching for “the one” with “KNOW ME BETTER,” as JayD’s mesmerizing hook expertly plays into the sample-clad cut. “After all these years that we’ve been together, I thought you would know me better,” it hypnotically drones, Stringing together strong performances all year, following the success of his previous track “DON’T BLAME THE KIDS” and Summer’s End, which is now his top track on Spotify and Apple Music, it’s better to know of Michal Michal before he takes off.
Check it out here!
Isaiah Rashad joins Windy City wordsmith Kembe X for his Hippie Sabotage produced cut “Rolling Stoned.” A thought-provoking masterpiece that cleverly disguises its depth with wordplay and ethereal Alternative Hip-Hop instrumentation, “Rolling Stoned” invites listeners to embark on a journey of hidden meanings and insights. Serving as yet another teaser to the Top Dawg Entertainment affiliate’s forthcoming ‘Sleep Paralysis’ project, it may initially appear as brash rap but the record unfurls into a profound exploration of personal growth, dreams, and self-discovery.
“When we made this song in September 2021 it felt like a reunion and an opportunity to show Hippie Sabotage, I’m not the same person who moved from Chicago to LA and crashed on their couch. It was a chance to demonstrate my newfound confidence in my creative abilities and a willingness to adopt a fresh approach to music. It’s not a reinvention of my artistry, but a shedding of old skin and a dreamy exploration of a new version of myself, deeply connected to my psychedelic discoveries,” shares the Chicago native in a press statement when asked about his “Pole Vaulting” follow-up.
Known for his work with artists such as REASON, Guapdad4000, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, Kembe X stands as a beacon of innovation in a musical landscape often mired in conformity. His music, with over 10M+ UGC views on TikTok and 5M+ views on YouTube, has ignited a cultural wave, resonating across platforms. Accumulating a staggering 30M+ Spotify streams, Kembe X’s tracks encapsulate the essence of his artistry.
Beyond mere numbers, Kembe X’s compositions, from the introspective depths of “Voices” and “Cozy Forever” to the bluesy contemplation of “Body Language” and “Anyway,” paint a poignant picture of battling depression, touching hearts and minds. His magnetic stage presence has left an indelible mark, from headlining the Hippie Sabotage Tour in 2016 to sharing the stage in the ScHoolboy Q CrasHtalk Tour in 2019, not to mention legendary performances at Rolling Loud Miami from 2014 to 2017 and Rolling Loud Los Angeles 2017, solidifying his status as a festival favorite.
Stream Kembe X’s “Rolling Stoned” on your DSP of choice via BMR / The Orchard and watch his live performance recap of “Pole Vaulting” at Red Rocks.
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Dee-1 Releases New Visual “Lines Drawn”
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