Artist To Watch
Ray iLLa has been putting up work!
One of the 3rd largest music markets in the world, Chicago, is filled with some of the most accomplished and clever musicians. A prime example is Ray iLLa, an East Sider who was a former unknown five years ago. As a new and upcoming artist, Ray had a good ear for music, and a teacher saw something in him. By peaking his interest with an opportunity to play drums, Ray got the jump start and support he needed and which kicked everything off. His family members also familiar with the music began discovering different instruments. Ray expanded into rapping and found the beauty in music, which led to songwriting. Eventually, the music therapy worked for Ray, and he started to record his own music.
The crime rate in Chicago was always high, but Ray was satisfied with making music, and he never stopped progressing. Indeed, Ray was on the verge of accomplishing his dreams. He started to improve his music and craft by making good music that resonated with his listeners.
He was recently asked to perform at the A3C music festival, one of the largest music festivals in the US. His lyrics were provoking and powerful, cheering the crowd and highlighting the fantastic and satisfying music. His career is based on his never-ending love for music, and that’s the key to his success.
The passion and energy required to play music has rapidly increased for many new musicians. This new energy inspired Ray and now is all set for what he has been planning nights and working the club scene in order to explore the wide variety of audiences. In the meantime, Ray is diligently planning to make his hometown Chicago the key to brand awareness and sending his brand to the top of the charts within the next few years.
Emmy-nominated educator turned entertainer, Dee-1 (@Dee1music) addresses critics and fans alike in the official music video for the Danny Beats-produced single “Lines Drawn,” following his viral interview on Sway In The Morning centered around industry hypycrosy. Filmed by Tufts University‘s own Jalen Hill, a student enrolled in the New Orleans native’s “The Intersection of Hip Hop and Social Change” course, the timely track and its accompanying visual postdate Dee’s previously released album UNO. Serving as the first official leak from his forthcoming LP From The Hood To Harvard, the song is a beacon of light as unfavorable headlines engulf online media.
“I did this song as a response to the industry being so shaken by me drawing a line in the sand and saying that we need some accountability for the messages we’re glorifying inside Hip-Hop. This is part one, there’s more on the way. A shift is happening from a genre and cultural perspective,” says the National Social Emotional Learning Consultant in a press statement to Medium Creative Agency about the release.
Award-winning rapper. educator, host, activist, business owner, and keynote speaker are synonymous with Louisiana‘s Dee-1. The Nasir “Nas” Jones Hip Hop Fellow at Harvard University is a Billboard Top 10 charting, game-changing MC with a persona to match his penmanship. He’s transitioned from being a middle school math teacher in The Boot to a Hip-Hop heavyweight with much more to accomplish. He has released 10 albums and 21 projects thus far in his career.
Dee-1’s music is part of a bigger lifestyle movement called Mission Vision, which centers around three core principles: Be Real. Be Righteous. Be Relevant. In 2020, Dee received the prestigious NAACP “Power of Influence Award,” highlighting his community activism and commitment to inspiring the youth. In 2021, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on “The Manhattan Project,” but he lost to Michelle Obama. Later that year, Dee was appointed to the “Louisiana Council for the Success of Black Men and Boys” by Governor John Bel Edwards, making him the first rapper in Louisiana history to become a governor’s appointee.
Watch the HD clip for “Lines Drawn” on YouTube and stream the single via Audiomack below. For a limited time you can purchase an advanced copy of From The Hood To Harvard exclusively on EVEN, here.
The Midwest isn’t letting up when it comes to individuality and variety in music. As the rap genre continues to evolve, more music artist are finding their way with their own sounds. One Chicagoland artist Deuce Savage, is turning up the rap world with a rockstar appeal. Recently releasing his trending single “Mudd Thompson”, his authentic and experimental sound is a unique addition to the music world.
Taking on the sound of this new wave of trap rock, Deuce Savage is an artist who isn’t afraid to step outside the box. As a self-taught producer, Deuce is able to bring his creativity to life with every song. Resonating with music lovers of all genres, his unique delivery is originally raw. The single “Mudd Thompson”, is thrilling freestyle flow over a hard hitting beat. Produced by Deuce himself, his talent of layering unique sounds shines effortlessly with this single.
Aside from his unique music, Deuce Savage connects with fans through his intriguing lifestyle. Uploading weekly day-to day videos on YouTube, he shows fans his creative process and his unpredictable personality. Further experimenting with other genres, “Mudd Thompson,” is just a preview of what’s to come from Deuce Savage. Stream his latest single below now!
Travy Nostra has risen to a new level with his latest introspective record, “Martyr,” which pairs with a cinematic visual. The mini-movie highlights the duality many young black children in underprivileged neighborhoods usually have. Some people play ball, and some people make music, but those seem like the only two routes to get out of the good. Coming off the heels of his dynamic visual for “SEE U TMRW,” Nostra found a way to step it up once more.
Travy Nostra is looking to inspire children to come up and understand that there is more to life than the streets, sports, or rap. He has previously worked with DMV legends like Rico Nasty and Joony. His fiery flow and polished storytelling helped him become a new star. He has been featured in REVOLT TV, Lyrical Lemonade, and many others.
Watch the new visual for “Martyr” below!
Dee-1 Releases New Visual “Lines Drawn”
Deuce Savage creates a new Rap Lane with the single “Mudd Thompson”
Dredloc Esco Shares “On The Low”
Travy Nostra Paints A Vivid Picture On “MARTYR”
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