Artist To Watch
Meet Producer DOC, Credits Include Lil Durk, NAV, J.I. The Prince of N.Y.
Cross-genre on-the-rise producer, DOConDaBeat aka DOC, understood the task in front of him would not be easy. His 2012 effort, “When I’m Famous” marked his introduction to hip-hop, circulating his knack for bridging original themes to nostalgic melodies. The (then) upstate New York teenager’s verses landed in regional venues and supported his subsequent 2015 mixtape “Matter of Time”. Each garnered positions on prominent rap blogs. Still, in a period where the power of the internet helps or hinders those with audio manifestations–the beatmaker knew he needed to trek to Manhattan if he was going to be more than a big fish in a local pond. “People think I have been making music for 10 years, but it has been much longer than that. As a kid, I watched my father produce records for his friends. I remember the first time I made a beat, and somebody rapped on it. I was in the 5th grade. I knew then what I know now,” DOC explained.
Eager to hone his craft, the platinum-selling session leader soon taught himself how to play instruments and write music. His first instrument of choice was the piano, a tool that helped him to arrange cadences before any RIAA-certified placements. DOC found a musical safe space beside his mother at church, where the tyke learned to play the drums for his congregation’s choir. Both tuneful attributes posture his musicianship blocks ahead of newcomers who create exclusively through software programs. “I kept at it. Later, when my projects developed a buzz, my friend P was helpful with connecting me to industry executives, as he creates music, too. I would clock out of my day job at 5:00 PM, and we would drive to NYC to meet artists. Our studio sessions would sometimes continue until 4:00 AM. I would take a nap in the car on our way back to Albany and be at work by 9:00 AM,” he detailed.The grind of DOC’s developmental process, while strenuous, was necessary. In time, the virtuoso crossed paths with Gaby Acevedo, and their meeting marked the beginning of his mainstream trajectory beside GStarr Entertainment. The bilingual CEO took the music producer’s dexterities to new levels in 2019, marrying DOC’s hard-hitting trap loops to more commercialized rap sounds. Beside his roster mate, J.I., radio placements resulted in audiovisual success, including their collaboration “Need Me” and its 122 million YouTube views. Shortly thereafter, the producer’s synth-heavy packs played nicely from verse to chorus on the lyricist’s EPs, “Hood Life Krisis Vol. 1”, and “Hood Life Krisis Vol. 2.”, These triumphs were merely the beginning for the duo. A few millennial heavyweights’ co-signs inspired the GStarr hitmakers to keep moving. “I used to follow NAV on Twitter when he was solely producing for the XO crew. Now, he is rapping on one of my beats with Lil Durk,” DOC said regarding J.I’s collab, “Painless 2.” This enthusiasm laced the roster mates’ 2020 sets on the road and roused the keyboard wizard’s contributions to DAISY SIMO and Apollo Rai’s emerging catalogs. Taking notes from his production idols, DJ Khaled and Kanye West, has strengthened his musical reach by learning to mix and master for upcoming GStarr albums. The multi hyphenate struck gold yet again on J.I.’s “Hood Life Krisis 3” with “Letter 2 U”. DOC’s influences include The Dream, JAY-Z, Nas, Swizz Beatz, T-Pain, and Southside of 808Mafia. Gaby believed in me immediately. I can see how much we have accomplished in a few years. I aspire to become a super producer and assemble other young producers under me. Years from now, I hope people will sample my LPs. Also, I learned how to handle artists’ stage soundchecks. Who knows–maybe one day I will even do a film score–we have major dreams,” DOC asserted.
The current RIAA Class member’s feelings of limitlessness are partially credited to his stint on 2021’s sold-out Young and Restless Tour. He DJed and supported GStarr’s studio recordings between show stops. DOC made inspiring discoveries by dedicating time to spinning conscious hits from his parent’s hip-hop era and listening to Caribbean riddims from chart-topping predecessors. Revisiting retro vinyl brought forth past-meets-present-boosted reggaeton tracks with El Ritmo Que Te Provoca, including “Comas y Ceros” by FARINA and Arcangel. The brawny soundscapes of DOC’s money compositions fit in Spanish-speaking markets, bringing him cross-continental fanfare. The love of devotees is appreciated, but admiration from a figure DOC respects elevated his understanding of how to guide an artist’s vocals harmoniously. The chart-topping producer Rick Steele is credited for his precision in obtaining the exact notes requested by his collaborators. The mogul’s ability to invoke emotions from his performers assisted DOC–ahead of publicizing his first-ever number 1 placement beside J.I on the Heatseekers Album chart–concluding last year. The event was a manifestation of a long preparation meeting opportunity for the GStarr team.
“I believe these mainstream developments are fate. Music runs deep in my lineage. My grandfather was in a 70s Bronx-based band. He played Earth, Wind & Fire tracks and asked that I explain what I heard. My mother is a writer. She made me understand the importance of storytelling. Comprehension of a song’s beginning, middle, and end became a requirement in our household,” the beatmaker affirmed. Traditionally, producers work closely with writers at a label. DOC set his intention to always be cohesive with whatever he releases into the world. This component alone reiterated the need for the industry rookie to have a solid workforce in place. Beyond the business, DOC’s grandest motivating factor is the love of his son. Upon the birth of his child, the key player took a leap of faith and pursued his passion full-time.2022 has exciting announcements en route with support from veterans like Poo Bear and DJ Luian Mambo Kingz’s producer Hydro. “I put everything I have into these dreams. I want people to feel that sentiment no matter what genre they listen to”, DOC substantiated. As continued chart entries occur, GStarr’s signee understands he does not get points today for yesterday’s wins. In the meantime, DOC is patiently putting the work in.
Step into the cinematic world of “One Of A Kind”, a gripping secret agent story brought to life by pop-rap innovator Star2 and Thai superstar SPRITE.The music video follows SPRITE and Star2 as they take on the roles of stealthy operatives hired by a rich businessman to free his kidnapped daughter from shadowy captors. Dressed in tactical ninja attire that fuses street style with spycraft, they engage in a high stakes mission to track down their targets and bring the daughter to safety. Their daring escape unfolds on a longboat gliding through Bangkok’s iconic Chao Phraya River. SPRITE displays his rap talent and rapid-fire lyrics. Star2 complements him with his emotional delivery and trademark melodic style. Beyond the action packed visuals, their collaboration weaves a poignant narrative that reflects on shared struggles with poverty, early age responsibilities, and the challenges of rising to fame.
Star2, a fan of SPRITE, reached out to collaborate after releasing a single with Luh Kel called “I Wanna Get F’d Up” – coincidentally, SPRITE’s favorite artist since Luh Kel’s hit song “Wrong” – leading to an introduction and, as fate would have it, a collaboration in Thailand where the trio filmed “Where Would You Go?” (out on January 17, 2025), while Star2 and SPRITE also created “One of a Kind”.
Artist To Watch
Lil MC Lets Loose As A Lyrical Powerhouse Of Bilingual Flow On New Album ‘Flex Máquina’
Lil MC, the Latina powerhouse popping out of the Bay Area is back with Flex Máquina, a 15-track album that redefines genre boundaries. Known for her fierce lyrical dexterity and smooth bilingual flow, Lil MC’s latest project solidifies her place as a cultural force in the industry. Seamlessly transitioning between English and Spanish, she brings a vibrant energy to her art that few can match.
With standout singles like “CumBack” featuring Hd of Beardface, “They Don’t Need Me,” and “Tormenta” with ZZay and Zenaloa, Flex Máquina is a musical journey through beats, stories, and emotions that resonate with hip-hop heads and new listeners alike. Opening up October strong, Lil MC’s highly anticipated album arrives as a statement, an expression of resilience, and a testament to her indelible impact on hip-hop.
Emerging from Oakland’s dynamic rap battle circuit, Lil MC quickly carved out her space as one of the underground scene’s most prominent voices. Her commanding stage presence and quick-witted verses have set her apart, earning her spots alongside icons like Jacquees, Too Short, and E-40. Fans who have witnessed her ceiling-shattering career, have experienced an artist who is both authentic and unapologetic.
Lil MC is not only a top-tier lyricist but also a trailblazer in production, standing among the 3% of female music producers globally. Since 2018, her beats have enhanced her artistic reach, adding a self-produced edge that amplifies her impact. Her commitment to hip-hop goes beyond the studio; she’s a passionate advocate for education and empowerment. Through her Women’s Empowerment Hip Hop curriculum at the Oakland-based nonprofit Hip Hop For Change, Lil MC is inspiring the next generation, teaching kids to create beats with block coding, sparking creativity and confidence in young artists.
As an internationally recognized Cultural Ambassador of Hip Hop for the U.S. Embassy, Lil MC promotes Bay Area artists while advocating for women’s empowerment in music. In 2020, she founded Queens of the Underground, a platform uplifting women’s voices in the industry, and her role as a voting member of the Bay Area Recording Academy chapter highlights her deep commitment to the art.
From video game features to Billboard placements, Lil MC’s influence reaches far and wide. Now’s the time to dive into her latest lyrical offering, Flex Máquina. In doing so, immerse yourself into her world. With every beat and bar, Lil MC inspires, uplifts, and pushes the culture forward. Press play, and let Lil MC take you on a bicultural sonic journey that’s as powerful as it is personal.
CONNECT WITH LIL MC ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | Facebook | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Website
Artist To Watch
Will Power 912 And Slim Jxmmi Join Forces For A Heartfelt Tribute To Hardworking Women With “Love That For You”
Will Power 912 and Slim Jxmmi (one half of the hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd) are making waves with their latest single, “Love That For You”. This powerful record, produced by Icin On Da Kake, is a celebration of women’s resilience, strength, and relentless drive, especially honoring Black women who work tirelessly for the recognition they deserve. Coming on the heels of their recent release “Fine Sh*t Ratchet,” the duo wanted to create a track that acknowledges the countless women who hustle every day to achieve their dreams and provide for their loved ones, often without support or acknowledgment.
The inspiration behind “Love That For You” is simple yet profound: it’s a love letter to women everywhere, a reminder that their hard work isn’t going unnoticed. Will Power 912 shares, “Like I said at the end of the verse, ‘I love that for you, just hadda remind her.’ A lot of women are doing all the work—holding down the household, taking care of kids by themselves, becoming first-time homeowners, funding their lifestyle, closing deals—and they don’t get acknowledged. We just wanted to take the time to acknowledge them with this song and let them know we love that for them, we love what you’re doing, and we love watching youget results!”
Will Power 912, hailing from Statesboro, Georgia, carries a unique perspective into his music. Motivated by his former coach, Sherman White, he found a sense of purpose in channeling his personal willpower into his craft, which led to his artist name, Will Power 912. As both a songwriter and emerging artist, Will Power 912 is dedicated to giving a voice to those who feel overlooked, offering inspiration to those who may not have role models who look like them or represent their struggles.
Beyond this tribute, Will Power 912 and Slim Jxmmi have ambitious plans in store! In fact, they’re working on a collaborative album set to feature some of today’s most celebrated artists and producers, promising a fusion of talent and fresh sounds that will resonate with fans around the globe. Nonetheless, “Love That For You” is now available for streaming on your preferred streaming platform—don’t miss this genuine tributeto the incredible women shaping our world.
CONNECT WITH WILL POWER 912 ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
INSTAGRAM | X | TIKTOK | APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
Star2 x Sprite Drops “One Of A Kind”
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Will Power 912 And Slim Jxmmi Join Forces For A Heartfelt Tribute To Hardworking Women With “Love That For You”
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Will Power 912 And Slim Jxmmi Join Forces For A Heartfelt Tribute To Hardworking Women With “Love That For You”
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Uncategorized3 days agoDonelle Valentine Reveals new single “C’MON’
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Artist To Watch3 days agoWill Power 912 And Slim Jxmmi Join Forces For A Heartfelt Tribute To Hardworking Women With “Love That For You”
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Artist To Watch3 days agoLil MC Lets Loose As A Lyrical Powerhouse Of Bilingual Flow On New Album ‘Flex Máquina’
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Artist To Watch2 days ago
Star2 x Sprite Drops “One Of A Kind”