Artist To Watch
Lola Brooke To Join A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie On Tour In North America & The UK
Primed for global impact, Brooklyn M.V.P. and 2023’s artist to watch, Lola Brooke will support multi-platinum chart-topping rap superstar A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on his upcoming international headline tour. This marks her very first international tour, introducing audiences everywhere to her show-stopping stage presence and powerhouse performances. The North American leg kicks off on February 7 at Mission Ballroom in Denver, CO, canvases the country, and concludes with a massive homecoming gig on March 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. She jets across the pond for the UK leg, beginning on March 22 at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, UK. Tickets are available HERE. Lola also plans to perform at multiple high profile showcases at SXSW in Austin this March.
Lola continues her meteoric rise on her own terms. Her breakout single “Don’t Play With It” [feat. Billy B] has eclipsed over 50 million streams and cracked the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart at #29 while she just teamed up with Flo Milli and Maiya The Don for the official remix to “Conceited.” Rolling Stone pegged her as one of “11 Rappers Set to Make it Big in 2023” and raved, “she bellows her bars like they could knock down walls.” POPSUGAR confirmed, “Lola Brooke’s big moment has finally arrived.”
There’s no stopping or slowing Lola Brooke down though…
Recently signing to Arista Records, Lola has been deemed as a “musician set to take over in 2023” via Vogue, “artist you need to know before 2023” via Ebony Magazine, Hot 97‘s “Who’s Next: Class of 2022,” and one of the “Best Female Rappers of 2022” via HipHopDX, Lola Brooke has established herself as a breakout talent and the next New York artist to watch. With over 50 million streams to date, Lola’s most acclaimed hit, “Don’t Play With It,” stands as one of the most in-demand songs in today’s current music landscape. The Recording Academy via GRAMMY.com recently highlighted the smash single as a viral phenomenon that defined Rap music’s dominance on the social media platform. To date, the track has garnered over 500k + TikTok video creations, peaked at #9 on TikTok Viral chart, and has garnered 100 + million views on the platform. The track and official music video have charted Top 50 on both the US Shazam and YouTube Music Video Charts with 16 + million YouTube views. “Don’t Play With It” has recently earned placements on coveted playlists across major platforms, including Apple Music’s “Rap Life,” “High Maintenance,” “#OnRepeat” and Spotify’s “RapCaviar,” “Most Necessary” and “Feelin’ Myself” while Lola has been crowned as a 2023 Artist to Watch by Apple Music.
All signs point to a massive new year for Lola. Last week, Lil’ Kim invited Lola to perform at her “Harlem Festival Of Culture with The Jump Off With Lil Kim And Friends” show at the Apollo Theater. The momentous moment, which also served as Lola’s first time performing at the Apollo, was topped off as Lil’ Kim praised the rising star furthermore stating “I’m so proud of you.” Lola also recently pulled up at Future’s sold-out show at Barclays Center in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY, as well as a recent A Boogie wit da Hoodie show eliciting massive roars from the crowd as soon as she hit the stage.
Lola recently unleashed her latest lyrical salvo “Here I Come.” Showcasing her slick, savage, and sharp flow, the track and official music video have earned her widespread acclaim. Right out of the gate, Pitchfork highlighted it as “The must-hear rap song of the day” and warned, “Her aura is intimidating; like a black widow, she shows that she’ll seduce and devour to get to the top.”REVOLT christened it “a bold new declaration of her presence in the music scene,” and OkayPlayer touted it among the “Best Hip-Hop Videos to Drop Last Week” and noted, “Lola Brooke’s ‘Here I Come’ is a swift-paced video that centers on her gritty and fiery rhymes.”
However, it just paves the way for more to come. With Arista Records and Team Eighty Productions in her corner, Lola Brooke has her sights set on 2023 with plans for more music very soon.
The Next Face of New York has arrived.
Artist To Watch
Virginia’s Breeze Barker Kicks Off The Spring With His Triumphant Single “Ring The Alarm”
Breeze Barker (@breezebarker) is a seasoned rap veteran with the energy of a #1 pick in the draft. His new banger “Ring The Alarm” marks a new era for the Portsmouth-raised emcee who has earned his stripes as an emcee throughout his decorated rap career. The horn-laced instrumental pairs perfectly with his signature raspy tone and impeccable flow that has helped him become a staple within the 757 area of Virginia.
After building momentum with a slew of freestyles, including his regionally viral remake of G Herbo’s “Norfolk,” Barker is proving that his new project is on pace to be his best due to his increased hunger and undeniable charisma. He was one of the most exciting bar spitters from the region before catching Timbaland’s attention. Ultimately, he made a mixtape with him and fellow Virginia legend Young Crazy. Their collaborative mixtape Sharks x Pistols received major love on blogs, including top outlets like All Hip Hop and more.
“Ring The Alarm” is the beginning for the fiery yet fly emcee. While known for his knack for fashion, he’s letting it be known he hasn’t missed a step ahead of his most anticipated project in a while. Press play on the new single below from his forthcoming LP!
Stream here!
We’re excited to share some major news out of North Carolina’s rising Hip Hop scene. Rapper OTYOUNGTAE is gearing up to release his highly anticipated project titled 25, slated to drop in late May.
With momentum building and eyes on his next move, OTYOUNGTAE recently opened up about the inspiration behind the title. “Because I feel as if this is a transitional year for me for real, a peak level in my life. Everything after this is elevation,” he shared. That mindset sets the tone for what’s shaping up to be a standout release.
25 will feature a lineup of A-list collaborators, including label mate Playboy Poppy, promising a project that blends personal growth with high-level artistry. Whether you’re new to OTYOUNGTAE or already tuned in, this upcoming drop is one to watch.
Stay locked in—we’ll be bringing more updates as the release date approaches. In the meantime, follow @otyoungtae on Instagram for the latest news and exclusive content.
Virginia Beach rapper J.R. Clark and rising talent KAI$er join forces for “Stay Solid”, a no-frills anthem about loyalty, resilience, and standing firm in a world that too often rewards the opposite. Released via Vintage Sound Entertainment, the single pairs sleek production with razor-sharp verses that reflect each artist’s commitment to authenticity—both in life and lyricism.
“Stay Solid” is more than just a street sermon. It’s a statement: one that encourages listeners to stay grounded, trust their instincts, and never fold under pressure. As J.R. Clark spits vivid lines born from real-life experience, KAI$er provides the perfect counterbalance with a smooth yet commanding delivery that underscores the song’s message. The chemistry is undeniable. The result? A track that sits comfortably between classic hustle rap and modern motivational soundtracks.
Check out the video below:
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Virginia’s Breeze Barker Kicks Off The Spring With His Triumphant Single “Ring The Alarm”
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