In the heart of Hip-Hop, New York City, a rising talent named Keem Shaka is generating significant buzz for himself. His new single “5 Star” is one of the main factors and  is certainly one of the Summer’s anthems. Since its release, it has amassed over 300k plays on Spotify, along with the visual doing nearly the same with 250k views on YouTube.

Aside from his Tri-State roots, Keem’s musical path is also influenced by a diverse range of experiences from both the South and the West Coast. This mix of backgrounds results in a unique sound and visual style that mesmerizes his listeners. His music is characterized by gritty lyrics, a raspy vocal delivery, and a confident swagger reflective of his City.

Check out our exclusive interview with the “5 Star” talent below.

Q: The official video is doing well too — over a quarter million views on YouTube. Tell us about the visual and how it was at the shoot.

Keem: “The visual captures the record perfectly. And you know I had to have “5 Star” females in it. It was a fun shoot, I love how it all turned out!”

Q: You’ve released a slew of successful singles but fans are now eager for your debut album? Can we expect it anytime soon?

Keem: “When the time is right for sure.. but as of right now, I’m focused on “5 Star.” It has a lot of life left, especially for the rest of the Summer. What I can say though is that, my album is DONE. It’s crazy and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. But everything is timing. It’ll be worth the wait.”

Q: “5 Star” is your biggest record to date — how do you plan to follow-up and close out the rest of the year?

Keem: “Definitely going to keep pushing “5 Star” .. but I recently did drop two quick freestyles for my fans. “Not Like Us” and “Worth It.” I do have a few more surprises in the tuck so stay tapped in. Trust me.. we’re just getting started!”

Be sure to follow Keem Shaka on Instagram for all news and updates.

Ahead of his fourth studio album ATMOSTFEAR, which will be released tomorrow, GAWVI reveals the project’s official artwork. In-conjunction with the out of this world theme seen in the creative direction on previous releases “Into The Atmostfear” and “Doors Down,” the cover captures the Florida mainstay rising above faith-testing transgressions and leaping ahead to his fruitful future. To give loyal fans one last preview of what to expect before they can experience the musical masterpiece in its entirety the international superstar liberates the Azrel & Jay Gracia-directed music video for third single “Bitter Pill.”

Embracing peace over bitterness, “Bitter Pill” is a testament to the healing that comes from letting go. It’s about discovering that true strength lies in forgiveness, not in holding onto past hurts. In an exclusive press statement to Medium Creative Agency about the song’s central theme, the 2x RIAA Certified Gold producer explains: “Letting go of bitterness has taught me the peace of forgiveness; this record documents my journey to healing and understanding. Definitely one of my favorite songs on the album.”

Born in the Bronx borough of New York City to a Salvadorian father and Dominican mother, GAWVI is a first-generation Latino immigrant on a mission to use Rap as a unity building medium. Raised in Broward County along with his older sister, who was the first person to embrace his passion for music, he split most of his time as a kid between school and church. At the age of 9 it was clear to him that music was not just something he had a high appreciation for but a purpose to live out. He began to hone in on his musical gifts, first by playing piano at church and then graduating to music production in High School.

Sighting Kanye West’s The College Dropout as the catalyst for him to jump from behind the bandstand and into the booth, the pivotal moment in time gave him the motivation to foster a genre of Hip-Hop with morals and integrity. With just over 20 years of skin in the game, he credits a local artist named Danny for giving him his first big break in the industry after purchasing a beat from him. Fast forward, after mastering his craft and paying his dues, he connected with Lecrae and has been a force to be reckoned with since.

Watch the visual for “Bitter Pill” via Alienz Alive on your DSP of choice below and pre-save ATMOSTFEAR | HERE.

In preparation for his forthcoming album Better Late Than Never, New York’s own Juelz Santana enlists Jadakiss for the R2DaEz & Duke Dollas-produced anthem “Party N Bullshit.” Accompanied by a new music video directed by Andre “DreVinci” Jones as well, the latest drop from the Harlem MC serves as first official single on his new body of work and finds him trading bars with his Verzuz adversary while paying homage to Notorious B.I.G.’s 1993 classic cut “Party and Bullshit.”

When asked about what it was like creating the song with the LOX frontman in a press statement, Santana reveals:

“Collaborating with Jadakiss was natural. We both bring different vibes to the table, and this record reflects that synergy. The vibe in the studio was crazy that day. We were both vibing off each other’s energy, bouncing ideas back and forth. Kiss brought that classic, raw lyricism, and I added my own flavor with the flow. It was all about capturing that essence of having a good time while still keeping it authentic.”

As one of the founding members of the legendary Hip-Hop group Diplomats, Juelz Santana has been in the spotlight since 2002. He was featured on major hit records by Cam’ron such as “Oh Boy” and “Hey Ma” and he was on Chris Brown’s hit “Run It.” His meteor was rising so fast that he was signed to Def Jam and had a much rumored joint project with Lil Wayne in the works. Label politics and jail time derailed him for a time making him one of the industry’s greatest what ifs. Now, back with new material and a mindset to match it clear he dosen;t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Watch the visual for “Party N Bullshit” and stream the official audio on your DSP of choice below via ONErpm.