Artist To Watch
$NOT Officially Announces ‘Ethereal,’ A New Album Coming February 11th
A mysterious and mercurial figure who prefers to keep himself tightly wrapped inside one of his signature hoodies, rising rapper $NOT prefers to let his music do the talking. Preparing his most expansive and expressive album to date, $NOT officially announces Ethereal, his next album, coming very soon. Building on the artistic and commercial success of 2020’s Beautiful Havoc, the upcoming album finds the 24-year-old artist reconciling his life as a rising rap star with the inner demons he battles every day. Shedding some (though not toomuch)of the misanthropy that animated his early hits like “GOSHA,” $NOT opens up stylistically and emotionally on the album, a new attitude that is reflected on his awestruck expression on the album’s newly-revealed cover.
The album alternates soul-searching ballads like “BLUEMOON” with amped, pugilistic anthems like the recent single “GO!“. $NOT indulges in his adventurous spirit on the album, trying his hand at every style under the sun, spitting and singing over beats that range from traditionalist boom-bap workouts to synth-heavy ragers to lounge-accented Tennessee trap and back. On Ethereal, $NOT welcomes an all-star cast of collaborators, ranging from peers like Trippie Redd and Kevin Abstract to some key musical influences, like A$AP Rocky, Juicy J, and Joey Bada$$. Featuring additional appearances from Teddi Jones and more, Ethereal arrives on February 11th via 300 Ent.
Though $NOT did not release a project in 2021, he made major moves that helped him grow his audience to more than 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Last April, $NOT connected with regular collaborator Cole Bennett to release the video for “Whipski” ft. Lil Skies, a video that racked up over 10 million views. He made his Billboard Hot 100 debut with his appearance on the GOLD-certified “Tell Em” by Cochise, connected with Kevin Abstract and slowthai for Abstract’s acclaimed single “SLUGGER,” collabed with DJ Scheme for “Blue Bills” (24 million Spotify streams), leant his talents to “Calabasas” (16 million Spotify streams) by rising star SSGKobe, and earned placements on the cover of publications like Miami New Times, VIPER Mag, KAZI, and PREME. $NOT showed off his live performance chops over the summer at festivals like Rolling Loud Miami, Firefly, and Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash, and completed the U.S. leg of his headlining “WORLD TOUR,” which finished up in Rolling Loud California in San Bernardino in December. Always ahead of the curve, $NOT dropped an NFT, exclusively on Zora, to coincide with the release of “Whipski,” and he teamed up with Rose In Good Faith for an exclusive merch drop to accompany the release of his melodic single “RED.“
With Ethereal, $NOT releases his most mature and wide-ranging project to date. Keep an eye on the young rapper as he continues to evolve into a star on his own uncompromising terms.
Check it out here!
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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