Features
Three Reasons Why @zaaymusic_ ‘s ‘BLNCE Is The Album You Need To Hear
Zaay is one of our new favorite rappers. His new project BLNCE is, upon first listen, one of our favorite albums of the year. There’s so much to love about it – from the production to the lyrics, it’s got the full package. Here’s three reasons why it’s something for you to check out:
The Production Is Out Of This World
Many producers go for a trap sound that is in line with what’s popular right now. It often works, spawning a temporary fixation on the artist’s work, but it’s usually evaporates within a week. BLNCE is made up of soulful sounds that aren’t unlike anything you’ll hear right now. The closest that I could accurately compare it to would be Friday Night Lights-era J. Cole because of just how smooth it is. From beginning to end, thirteen tracks exactly, it consists of a certain kind of vibrant brilliance that stays with you long after the album ends.
Lyricism Is The Main Focus
Zaay takes his time here to establish his powerful lyrical talents. He switches flows here like he switches flows, rapping circles around much of his competition, in the industry and outside of it. My personal favorite is the tantalizing “L.I.D.” that features a powerhouse performance by him that really brings you into his world of psychologically vivid rhymes. Each of the features here is held to the same lyrical standard. Drew Famous’ contribution is perhaps the best thanks to his own idiosyncratic delivery.
It Challenges You To Look Beneath The Surface
If you take the time to peruse SoundCloud projects from rising artists, you’ll find that most of them lack having a overarching theme. The artists are trying to get on, so they create projects with a slew of what they hope to be hits with the ideal scenario being that one of them gets them signed. Zaay’s project is created with the sole idea revolving around the types of balance that exist in one’s life. This lets the project warp its creative energy around a central focus, making it ten times better than much of what you’ll find online.
Stream Zaay’s BLNCE below.
Features
Ascendent Creator Marlon LuGa on the Similarities Between the Streaming Game and the Music Industry: “At the End of the Day, the Cream Rises to the Top”
Standing at 6’5” with a magnetic personality, Marlon LuGa has become one of Sweden’s most exciting new creators, captivating nearly two million followers across Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Raised in a small Swedish town, Marlon discovered his competitive edge through basketball, where he quickly became a standout player with dreams of going pro. Music fueled his focus and became a creative outlet—one that ultimately inspired him to explore streaming as his path shifted. In streaming, Marlon found the perfect arena to showcase his humor, relatability, and energy. Now, he’s striving to create an experience for his fans that rivals the loyalty he admires in the music industry, aiming to build a dedicated community that connects on a deeper level.
You’ve said you want to be the biggest streamer in the world. How did you set that goal for yourself?
Marlon: Honestly, I’ve always been someone who goes all-in, no matter what I’m doing. When I was younger, it was basketball. Now, it’s streaming. I don’t just want to make a little splash—I want to be the best. There’s something about setting a big goal that pushes you every day, you know? Streaming isn’t easy; it takes a lot of energy and creativity. But I’m up for it. At the end of the day, the cream rises to the top, and I’m working to make sure I get there.
Are there other streamers who inspire you?
Marlon: Definitely. I watch people like Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed all the time—they’re killing it right now. What I admire about them is their ability to connect with fans. They’re themselves, and people love them for it. Kai’s personality is huge, and Speed brings so much energy, but they both know how to create moments that make people feel part of something. That’s what I’m trying to do with my community, too. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about building something real that people want to come back to.
You’ve mentioned paying close attention to how artists in the music industry cultivate their fanbases. What have you learned from watching them?
Marlon: Music and streaming aren’t that different, honestly. I see artists like PARTYNEXTDOOR and YoungBoy building core, loyal fanbases who stick with them no matter what. That’s the kind of connection I want with my fans. If you stay authentic, keep putting out content you believe in, people will catch on, and the right audience will find you. In streaming, it’s easy to get caught up in trends, but I think the most successful people are the ones who stick to their style, who aren’t afraid to show who they really are.
You’ve built a big audience in Sweden and Europe, but do you have plans to expand your reach even more?
Marlon: 100%. I’ve been thinking about coming to the US to set up shop, build my setup out there, and collab with other creators. There’s so much opportunity in the States, and I think it would give me a new perspective. Plus, the US audience is huge, and they’re always looking for fresh content. It’s a little scary, but I know it would be worth it. I’m ready to take things to the next level and see how far I can really go.
Artist To Watch
J.R.Clark’s new album ‘All Business, No Luv’ is out now
Virginia’s J.R.Clark’s got a new album for the streets. Check out All Business, No Luv — a collection of hard-hitting tracks that capture the spirit of the state’s rap dominance.
Inspired by artists like Rick Ross and J. Cole, J.R.Clark’s style is smooth and easy to listen to. The album is something you’ll want to throw when you’re in the car headed to your daily commute — or the soundtrack to your drive to, and from, a weekend function. You’ll vibe to the lyrics and nod to the beat. It’s worth the listen.
J.R.Clark started off as a studio engineer in Virginia. He transitioned to become an in-demand artist and his growing fanbase reflects that he made the right decision. Tune in to his new album and become a fan.
Check out the videos that have been released from the project too on J.R.Clark’s official YouTube channel.
Artist To Watch
JVN Is Here To Impress With Latest EP ‘In Due Time’
Jvn, (@aapjvn) rising name in the hip-hop scene, is making waves with the release of his new EP In Due Time, available on all streaming platforms. He’s gotten comparisons to artists such as J. Cole in recent days. Released on September 17, the project is a bold declaration of his commitment to bringing back traditional hip-hop, a genre that Jvn feels deeply connected to. With this EP, he aims to both honor the greats and stake his claim as an artist to watch.
Jvn’s musical influences read like a who’s who of hip-hop icons, with artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, Meek Mill, T.I., and 50 Cent shaping his lyrical style and delivery. This reverence for hip-hop’s roots is evident in every track on the EP, which is characterized by its raw, authentic sound. Jvn highlights B2B as a must-listen track, calling it the perfect gateway for new fans looking to get a sense of his style.
In a recent interview, Jvn spoke about the personal nature of In Due Time. “I feel like the music I was making and the space I’m in right now shaped the theme of this release,” he explained, suggesting that the EP is a reflection of his current mindset and experiences. With his confident delivery and sharp lyricism, Jvn is positioning himself alongside the greats, both past and present.
Beyond the music, Jvn is hitting new career milestones. He recently performed at a sold-out show alongside Lil Uzi Vert and G Herbo, marking a significant achievement for the up-and-coming rapper. As he continues to work on new music, Jvn hopes to join a major tour, further expanding his reach in the music world.
-
Artist To Watch7 days ago
TJ Carroll Releases New Songs “Road Trip” & “Just Say That”
-
Audio4 days ago
Iz LaMarr and Kenny Dreams Tag Team On new single “WE AINT NUMB”
-
Audio4 days ago
Loso Tha Artist Delivers His Latest Project ‘Vibes Only’ EP
-
Artist To Watch6 days ago
Miles Minnick & Jon Keith Share New Song “Him”