Music Videos
Rot Ken Puts It On Ice in “Heartless” Video
With a freewheeling sense of melody to complement his organic appeal, Rot Ken has an arsenal of vocal and creative weapons at his disposal. Combatting the adversity he faces, both in the streets and in his mind, Ken shares his latest video single, “Heartless,” produced by Kay, Kid Krono, and Clemsy. Though Ken bursts onto the track, initially scolding listeners who failed to heed the warnings of his cold-blooded demeanor, the strength of “Heartless” lies in Ken’s incremental self-reflectiveness as the track progresses. As Ken contemplates his mission to escape the drugs, guns, women, and reckless individuals that seek to destroy him, it’s clear that his heartlessness comes from the toll the world took on him: “I’m worried ‘bout me/I’m staying focused, gotta stay on my path/I go through things, I’m a human being.”
Though Ken has been away for much of 2022, his presence was still heavily felt. In May, the Internet Money/BoyMeetSpace artist shared Free Me, a 17-track project that showed his range, and demonstrated his singular ability to cut through immersive production with effervescent flows. The Augusta native’s project featured underground hits like “Baby Choppa” (1.6 million Spotify streams), “Heartbreak Kid” (1.7 million Spotify streams), and “Beautiful,” a collaboration with SoFaygo that racked up over 3.6 million Spotify streams. With additional appearances from Kalan.FrFr, Hunxho, and 21 Lil Harold, the 17-track Free Me project is available everywhere now.
Watch “Heartless”
Music Videos
Brandon Marquiste Releases New Music Video “Depression”
In a time where the conversation around mental health is more urgent than ever, Brandon Marquiste’s new single “Depression” emerges as a timely and powerful piece of art. Dropping on November 6, 2024, the track blends Marquiste’s signature introspective lyricism with an evocative sonic landscape, exploring the depths of emotional struggle and offering a glimpse into the complexities of mental health.
Marquiste has long been known for his ability to turn personal pain into musical gold, and “Depression” is no exception. The track opens with a haunting instrumental that mirrors the dark, often isolating nature of depression. The minimalist production, featuring slow piano chords and a laid-back drum pattern, allows Marquiste’s vocals to take center stage. His voice is raw, unfiltered, and dripping with emotion as he lays bare his experiences with mental health.
The song’s lyrics are striking in their honesty. Marquiste’s storytelling ability shines as he navigates the weight of his emotions, weaving vulnerability with resilience. Lines like “I hide behind the smile, but it’s breaking down inside” capture the silent struggle so many face when battling depression. What sets this track apart is how it humanizes mental health issues without romanticizing or oversimplifying them. Marquiste doesn’t just talk about his pain—he gives listeners a glimpse of the emotional burden carried in silence, urging the listener to confront their own mental health challenges and open up about their experiences.
One of the most powerful aspects of “Depression” is its commitment to normalizing the conversation around mental health within the hip-hop community, a genre traditionally known for its emphasis on toughness and bravado. Marquiste’s decision to approach such a sensitive topic with authenticity sets a precedent for future artists looking to blend introspective themes with hard-hitting soundscapes. The vulnerability in his lyrics isn’t just a personal revelation; it’s an invitation for others to reflect on their own struggles and, perhaps, to seek help.
The music video accompanying the track further strengthens its message. Directed with cinematic precision, the video’s visuals match the somber tone of the song while presenting poignant scenes of everyday life, representing the internal battles that many face. There’s a sense of both despair and determination in the footage, underscoring the resilience needed to confront personal demons. The visuals are understated but impactful, allowing the story to unfold without overshadowing the song’s emotional core.
“Depression” marks a significant moment in Marquiste’s career. It’s not just a song, but a statement—one that invites conversation, encourages self-reflection, and highlights the importance of mental health awareness. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this track is a must-listen. As Marquiste continues to break down barriers in hip-hop, “Depression” will undoubtedly be remembered as one of his most poignant and impactful releases to date.
In a genre often dominated by bravado and flashy personas, Brandon Marquiste’s “Depression” stands as a powerful reminder that sometimes the most important stories are the ones told from within.
Music Videos
J.R.Clark shows you the “Winners Circle” in new video
J.R.Clark is talking that shit you want to hear on “Winners Circle.” The hard-hitting track from his recently released project All Business, No Luv features him ripping up a booming beat to drop punchline after punchline. Featuring verses from Jett9 and J.Ave that match the fire he brings to the booth, “Winners Circle” is an anthem for these times that pushes you to get the bag. We’ll need it now that Trump’s gonna be back in office — but that’s another story for another time.
Check out “Winners Circle” over on YouTube.
Music Videos
Dr. Karren Dunkley awarded Jamaica’s National Honour, The Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer
Dunkley previously served as Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member for the United States Northeast region. Reacting to the news of her national honour, Dunkley said in a statement, “It is with profound humility and immense gratitude that I accept the Order of Distinction for service to the Jamaican diaspora. This honour is not just a personal achievement but a testament to our community’s collective efforts and unwavering dedication to advancing Jamaica’s national development.” She said she would dedicate the honour to her beloved mother, Barbara Carmeta-Dunkley, “whose support and love have been my guiding light. I also share this recognition with the many deserving sons and daughters of our soil”. Dunkley said Jamaica’s greatest asset is its people and she was honoured to continue this collaborative work of upliftment and unity for our community and country. Dr. Karren Dunkley is a Jamaican born social justice activist, an internationally recognized educator, speaker and leadership coach.
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