Music Videos
MBNel Shares an Uplifting Message from Overseas in “Don’t Say” Video
Winning fans with his raw honesty and melodic mastery, MBNel plans to rise from the streets of Stockton to the mainstream. Continuing to defy expectations in his upward trajectory from the trenches, MBNel shares “Don’t Say,” his new single and music video. A piano-led anthem with rumbling bass and ethereal vocal samples, “Don’t Say” provides Nel with the opportunity to reflect on how far he’s come, sharing stories from the struggle and contrasting them with his recent success: “Designer clothes for all the times I used to borrow clothes/They tried to set the play, I hit that audible.” In the video, Nel shares dispatches from his global travels–he navigated Amsterdam in a Rolls Royce, and jetted off to the Cayman Island to catch some rays (and some chickens).
His first new song of the New Year, “Don’t Say” arrives on the road to Started In The South, the Stockton, CA native’s next EP. Arriving during a period of sustained growth from Nel, the new EP finds him reflecting on his success and paying homage to the streets that raised him. The “south” in the EP’s title refers to its position at the bottom of the map–Nel started at the bottom, but he’s quickly emerging from his circumstances off the strength of his authentic anthems. Featuring an appearance from OTF standout Doodie Lo, Started In The South is coming soon via Muddy Boyz/EMPIRE.
MBNel ended 2022 on a hot streak, releasing songs like the devastating ballad “Fadeaway,” dedicated to the memory of a fan who recently passed away, and “Toxic,” a relationship drama and duet with the rising singer Haben. Born and raised in Stockton, a city in Central Cali with a busy rap scene, MBNel built a reputation on the West Coast for his combination of hummable melodies and relatable trench tales. The 25-year-old artist has a loyal following who respond to his naked authenticity, a quality on display on his 2021 project No Hard Feelings. In the wake of last year’s success, Nel is challenging himself artistically, pushing the boundaries of his sound as he continues to express his truth.
Stay tuned for more from MBNel.
Watch “Don’t Say” here!
Music Videos
MUMU FRESH Releases “MY WHY”
Grammy-nominated Washington, D.C.-based singer/songwriter/emcee Mumu Fresh presents her new single “My Why”. Produced by Carvin Haggins and Johhny Smith, “My Why” will appear on The Healing, Mumu’s forthcoming album which will also feature contributions from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nile Hargrove, 14KT, Daniel Crawford, Vidal Davis, DJ Dummy and more. Mumu has collaborated with Lil Wayne & Tech N9ne (stream “Too Good”), Busta Rhymes, Salaam Remi & Black Thought of The Roots (watch the music video for “No Peace”) and Common (watch Mumu Fresh and Common perform “I Used To Love H.E.R.” live) and Tobi Nwigwe (watch the music video for “Tundah Fiyah”). Mumu has performed on two separate NPR Tiny Desk concerts (watch Mumu Fresh featuring Black Thought of The Roots & DJ Dummy on NPR’s Tiny Desk) and has performed worldwide at events like the Essence Music Festival, Montreux Switzerland’s Jazz Festival and Dubai’s Sole Fest DBX. “State of Emergency” marks another chapter in a career of self-described “art activism” for the Baltimore native who has performed and given lectures within the US prison system, The Congressional Black Caucus, I.M.A.N. Central in Chicago & Atlanta, The W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Ford Foundation and The Indigenous People’s Movement. Mumu is co-creator of the Recording Academy’s “Best Song For Social Change” trustee award which went live in 2023 at the 66th GRAMMY awards show and was presented by The First Lady, Jill Biden. The winner of Indigenous Music, Washington Area Music (WAMMIE) and Urban World Music Video awards, Mumu has served as Musical and Cultural Ambassador for the US State Department, Ambassador of The Black Music Collective and is a former elected governor of the DC chapter of The Recording Academy. Mumu describes “My Why” as “a tribute to that person(s), place, or thing in your life that is your “WHY”. Your reason not to give up. Your reason to keep trying and to push a little harder than you thought you could. You why reminds you of what you’re made of and brings out the best in you.” The Healing drops April 19.
Check it out below!
Music Videos
JimEMacLive & Ralo the Pimp Release “Choose ℗”
In the realm of Hip Hop music emerging stars we have JimEMacLive and Ralo tha Pimp. JimEMacLive links up with Ralo tha Pimp to release the smash single “Choose”. ℗Hip-hop has long been rooted in authenticity, and it’s hard to find someone who puts his sweat & tears into the genre like JimEMacLIVE. Growing up on the streets of Indianapolis, crime & violence were prevalent right outside his door, however, a younger version of himself found solace inside with his mother. Helping her clean the house to the sounds of Al Hudson, and discovering music from the likes of E40 & 2 Pac helped shape his musical taste from an early age. When he decided to start crafting his own sound during his teenage years, while the skillset was unpolished, his unwavering determination & versatility were as present as ever. When darkness surrounds his city, JimEMacLIVE wants to be that ray of light piercing through the veil. “This is my therapy. Love, gratitude, determination; you can overcome any & all obstacles that come before you as long as you believe.” Make sure you listen to JimEMacLive feat. Ralo tha Pimp “Choose” ℗ on all digital platforms.
Artist To Watch
Goldenboy Countup Is Out For “That Chicken”
Continuing his Love Golden 3 campaign, Florida’s Goldenboy Countup follows up promo visuals “For Life” and “In The Mix” featuring Laniyah Westt with the music video for “That Chicken.” The small screen interpretation for the fan-favorite standout finds the chicken man true to form rapping braggadocious bars into the camera while flexing iced-out jewelry and designer drip.
Goldenboy Countup hails from Deland, a small town between Sunshine State cities Daytona Beach and Orlando. He’s most known for his raspy whisper flow and unrivaled work ethic which has garnered attention from fellow Hip-Hop artists Rod Wave, Money Man, and No Cap. Throughout his nearly five-year-long music career, Countup has sold out venues in most of the Southeastern region including Georgia, The Carolinas, and Virginia.
Watch the DJ Swift-shot HD clip for “That Chicken” and stream Love Golden 3 as a whole on your DSP of choice below via Fly Chicken Family/ONErpm.
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