NYS Music 202​2

Category: Editor’s Playlist

  • A Boogie Releases Fourth Studio Album ‘Me vs Myself’

    A Boogie wit da Hoodie is back with his fourth studio album, Me vs. Myself. The Bronx native’s newest project comes almost two-years after his last studio album, the platinum selling Artist 2.0, and nearly a year to the day of his 2021 EP, B4 AVA.

    A Boogie

    Correspondingly, Me vs. Myself arrives after being pushed back from its original November 4 release date to avoid competing for sales with Drake and 21 Savages, Her Loss.

    In an instagram story post, A Boogie announced the album’s delay. Posting, “Sorry but Album dropping in December now, Drake was dropping same day and I’m not with that #HOODIESZN,” he wrote with a series of laughing emojis.

    The 21-track project features heavy hitters from the hip hop and r&b world. Having recruited the likes of Lil Durk, Tory Lanez, G-Herbo, Roddy Ricch and Don Q. Additionally, the previously released single “Playa” with H.E.R. is included as a bonus track. In the same fashion, his Kodak Black collab “Water (Drowning Pt.2)” was released as a single. A sequel to his 2017 smash hit “Drowning,” A Boogie will look to replicate the success of the record which spent nearly 30 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and went 7X platinum.

    Me vs. Myself is an important project for A Boogie’s current status in the game. While he remains one of the most streamed artists in the world, his reputation for delivering good albums has waned. With the emergence of the drill scene, A Boogie must remind fans that he remains a heavy hitter.

    In an interview with Hip Hop Dx, the “Still Think About You” rapper revealed his goals for his upcoming drops.

    “I’m definitely one of those top guys now,” A Boogie assured.

    I’m not where I want to be yet, but you already know what I’m going for. Number one, and we’re not settling for anything less. I used to settle for less because I never had that goal to look all the way up there, but now that we looking up there, it’s looking scary for a lot of people.

    – A Boogie wit da Hoodie

  • Josh X Rings In ‘Cuffing Season’ With ‘Forever Love’

    Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter and producer, Josh X, brings in winter season with his heartwarming new single “Forever Love.” The snappy, swooping single sees Josh X affirm his feelings of “forever love” in passionate croons. The catchy chorus and bridge confidently shows the singer-songwriter’s evolution as an R&B artist, able to capture the heart in quick wails. Moreover, “Forever Love” gives fans a glimpse of what they may expect on his anticipated forthcoming album, The X Project, expected in early 2023.

    I wanted to release “Forever Love” because when it’s cold outside it’s time to cuddle. With everything that’s going on in the world, love is hard to find, and I want people to fight for love when they find it.

    -Josh X

    The Rise of Josh X

    The the KSR Records signee and producer has seen his career ascend since his breakthrough in 2016 with the release of his multi-million streaming hit, “Heaven on My Mind,” featuring Cardi B. All in all, Josh X has been prepping for his time in the limelight since childhood. The Queens native began playing the classical piano at the age of six and attended The Juilliard School’s summer program after receiving a scholarship from the prestigious musical institution. Inspired by music legends Stevie Wonder and Brian McKnight, Josh X’s music is brimming with themes of love and forgiveness, something he shares with his idols.

    Prior to stepping in front of the mic, he served as a writer and producer, working with upper echelon artists such as Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz, Cardi B, Nipsy Hussle and Lil Wayne. After signing with Epic Record in 2018, Josh X released his single “All on Me” featuring Rick Ross. The ensuing music video has since been viewed over 5 million times.

    Moreover, the Haitian-American singer and producer released the street smash, “Eskize Mwen” in 2020, featuring Haitian superstar, BAKY. The record showcased his diversity and the music video saw Josh X once again eclipse the 1 million views benchmark. During the pandemic, he picked up the role of Derrick in the Amazon Prime series, Sister’s Keeper.  Although bitten by the acting bug, Josh X has not forgotten about his forever love.

  • MVW’s Connections Comes Full-Circle

    It wasn’t long ago that classical composer, Michael Vincent Waller, first forayed into the hip hop world. On his debut LP CLASSIC$, the Staten Island native merged elements of classical and trap music, bringing about an unheard of sub-genre. What made for a sometimes awkward fit was overshadowed by MVW’s nuanced production and his chemistry with Valee — who occupied the album’s starring role. CLASSIC$ was experimental in its nature, while his latest album, Connections, sees MVW harness his vision.

    mvw connections
    Connections tracklist

    With this intention, MVW’s progression came from putting his classical side on the back burner, allowing it to play a more subtle role. On his prior album, the two genres shared equal footing, while on Connections the classical sound plays a complimentary role to the hip hop rhythms. The result makes for an energetic, yet nuanced body of work, with enjoyable contemporary melodies.

    The attention to the melody and nuance of the texture stands out. It’s about taking you on the journey from minimal to maximal — going through the ebbs and flows of layers, lyricism, and transitions between those two aesthetics.

    – MVW on the making of Connections

    Connections Review

    Amidst hip hop’s growing stagnation, Connections feels like a breath of fresh air and a leap into the future. The album is laden with features from both veteran and new artists alike. Past collaborators (Valee, Lil Gotit, Lex Luger) and new voices (Matt Ox, Desiigner, TiaCorine, Zelooperz, Xavier Wulf, Warhol.SS) lent their voices and verses. Moreover, it’s a project which fully expands and elegantly distills the vision MVW forged on CLASSIC$, while showcasing his versatility.

    mvw connections
    The composer-turned-producer has released two one-of-a-kind projects.

    After all, it is a testament to MVW’s abilities that he can curate his minimal-expressionist approach for a song with Valee and his laid-back delivery, Matt OX‘s energetic howls, while channeling the enigma that is Desiigner. Yet, that was the goal of Connections. The album is about urging the listener to reckon with the ties between unexpected things; minimalism and maximalism. A juxtaposition that MVW has been keen to express in his music since crossing over from the formal, controlled landscape of classical music to the braggadocios and expressive hip hop world. The album’s sequencing reflects MVW’s experiences, as it ranges from delicate vocal placements (“Oscar,” “7 Bandz,” “Bali”) to high-octane controlled chaos (“Check In,” “Mobb Ties,” “Never That”).

    The music was unlike anything else I’d heard. No one is rapping over that kinda stuff so I wanted to try something different. It was a challenge and definitely had a spooky element to it. I like that.

    – Valee on working with MVW
    mvw connections
    Valee and MVW’s Connection is undeniable.

    Album Highlights

    Valee once again takes center stage on an MVW project. The duo’s chemistry is undeniable, as Valee’s own minimal, yet luxurious flows make for a perfect jump-off point creatively. For his part, MVW’s own vision for his music’s direction allows him to recruit effectively. “Mobb Ties” sees Desiigner at his best, using his overpowering voice to create a melodic banger, free of incoherent shouts. Concurrently, Valee and Matt OX serve as the contrasting hues on MVW’s musical canvas, as he uses their contrasting styles to fulfill his musical ethos.

    Notably, MVW’s use of classical instrumentation to capture Matt Ox’s spirited delivery pushes the limitations of both genres. Songs like “Check In” and “Epiphany,” are laced with adequately placed cello and violin riffs that compliment OX’s energy. Conversely, MVW and Valee fit like two peas-in-a-pod. Their comparable styles means that there is no need for a smoothing out period. Records like “Bali,” feel as though the two have been recording together for years.

    “Working with Valee is always special, but this is one of those tracks where I think Valee and I are working on a higher intuitive level,”

    – MVW on the making of “Oscar“

    Other standout tracks include “TikTok,” “Right Back” and “7 Bandz”, on a project which ultimately saw MVW’s vision come full-circle. In doing so, the Los Angeles based producer has managed to carve out a lane all to himself.

  • Jellz Is Back and Wants to Run it up til ‘Infinity’ With Newest Single

    After a hiatus in-between singles, Brooklyn bred rapper Jellz is back with his latest effort, “Infinity.” In his return from his musical sabbatical, he introduces a new version of himself. His prior releases like “Bullsh*t” and “Ghost” saw Jellz try his hand at his own wave of drill music. Bringing an extravagant feel to the violent-laden sub-genre. With a renewed focus and plan, Jellz returns to show fans that he has more in his bag.

    Shot while on vacation in Los Santos, Colombia, the music video for “Ghost (Freestyle)” saw Jellz bring much more flair than the drill scene is accustomed to.

    I still have drill music in the bag, but I’m more than just a drill artist. I have a lot of different flows, and feel like I’m just an artist honestly. So I wanted to give the fans a little something different this time around. In the future you’ll be hearing a lot of drill type beats mixed with my own melodies.

    His New Single

    The auto-tune laced “Infinity” brings the feel-good ambience of life’s never ending chase for success. In an enticing opening chorus, Jellz raps, “I done made some friends made some enemies, I can’t f**k with ni***s that move finicky, I just wanna ball with my day ones, know we got the sauce keep it A1.”

    Jellz spends much of his time away from the States

    The song’s theme of never-ending success keep in theme with what he wants to bring to the rap game. Since his initial release, he has amassed over 400 thousand streams and another 400 thousand in YouTube views, while remaining self-funded. Contrary to other rappers, rap isn’t the means to success, it’s one of the many avenues in running it up til infinity.

    It’s been a while since I wrote it, but I think it’s just a culmination of life and what I want from it. One of my biggest values are friends and family, and I plan on living a great life with them in the future, and we all plan on achieving the goals we set for ourselves. In the song I talk about what the song has already brought and taught me. I’m also manifesting a lot of my future self in it.

    In like manner, Jellz has operated his short rap-career as an extension of the life he has created for himself. The music video for “Ghost” was shot while on vacation in Los Santos, Colombia. In it, Jellz presents himself with a Jefe-like persona, surrounded by local women in bathing suits and ski masks. In the “Bachata” visuals, he channels his inner Escobar while in the South American republic, segueing between a game of soccer and a night out with a dame.

    What’s the next Step?

    Although brimming with career know-how beyond his years, Jellz’ obstacle remains his consistency. Despite success on visuals and streams from his singles, months usually go by in-between Jellz releases. Something he knows can be the difference in career trajectory.

    I want to be more consistent this time around, with the releases and with the content. So, I was just taking time off to build my arsenal so I can be more consistent this time around. Because I know consistency is the final piece to the puzzle to get me where I want to be.

    Expect a few more singles from Jellz until a project is released

    Although family oriented, Jellz spends much of his time away from the states, citing New York City’s cold weather as the reason for his long respite’s. “I can record from anywhere in the world, but I still have my engineer from back home mix it for me,” he divulges. As cold temperatures near, expect Jellz to be somewhere warm, where he can create better. As for the next drop? Expect a slew of singles until he feels the time is right. Much like on “Infinity,” Jellz’ success cannot be rushed.

    I don’t really do empty lyrics, a lot of the time my words do have a lot to of with my situation, or what I want my future to bring

  • Austin Jay Brings the Passion to R&B With ‘Loving on You’

    Manhattan-born pop/r&b singer, Austin Jay, brings the heat with his latest single, “Loving on You.” Released in anticipation of his debut EP, “Loving You” follows the release of “All I Wanna Do,” his debut single. In a short period of time the passionate wailer has amassed over 50 thousand streams on each of his singles.

    After graduating from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Austin Jay embarked on his musical career. Classically trained in piano and voice, he earned his promising newcomer status in 2019 with covers of Khalid’s “Location” and Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes” gaining a significant following on Instagram for his soulful and imaginative Gen- Z reinterpretations of popular songs.

    Stylistically, Austin Jay can fill a void within the r&b realm. While the too-cool-for-school crooners have their place, they don’t fully encapsulate the love and vulnerability that r&b is rooted in. A proper love ballad requires a certain kind of indifference to public perception. A generational trend that Austin Jay is aware of, yet embraces.

    Loving on You is about the infatuation of new love. It’s about finding someone that you really care about and telling them, and not being ashamed of love. A lot of people think dramatic declarations of love are corny/cheesy, but really it’s healthy and needed more in life.

    – Austin Jay

    On “Loving On You” Austin Jay reverts to the impassioned, romance-laden croons of r&b’s heyday. In fact, the music video itself is a nod to r&b hits of the past, as Jay shirtless-ly serenades his love interest on a secluded California beach.

    Despite his r&b talents, Austin sees himself growing into the likes of Dominic Fike, Khalid, and Bruno Mars, an aggressive, all-genre artist with strong vocals. He performed as the lead singer of the nationally touring band ‘Earth to Mars’, growing his fanbase and earning his performance chops. Now a more complete artist, Austin Jay looks to cement himself as a player in the r&b world.

  • Vevo and Pusha T Present Live Performance Videos for ‘Dreaming of the Past’ and ‘Brambleton’

    Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, has announced Pusha T as the next artist in their Ctrl. series with performances of “Dreamin of the Past” and “Brambleton” from his critically-acclaimed album It’s Almost Dry. Pusha T has previously worked with Vevo for a “Vevo Presents” performance in 2011. In 2018 he gave Vevo an exclusive interview focusing on the making of his Grammy-nominated album called, “How The Purple Tape Shaped Daytona.”

    Pusha T gave a live video performance of his record “Brambleton”

    Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians making an impact in today’s music scene – both emerging and established. These artists demand attention, and Vevo’s Ctrl shines a deserving spotlight. Pusha T’s performances follow sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Fabolous, A$AP Ferg and more.

    It’s Almost Dry arrives as the highly-anticipated follow up to 2018’s highly touted Daytona. In a recent interview with Charlamagne The God, Pusha explained, ”

    I had the best of both worlds in regards to production and in regards to two people that actually understand who I am and they like two different things from me that I feel are both really great…this body of work is untouchable because it doesn’t lean too heavy on either side…you get the whole spectrum. It’s my most well-rounded body of work.

    Sonically, this album was a change of pace for Pusha T. He experimented by combining his luxury rap style with contemporary melodies and flows, with features from Don Tolliver, Lil Uzi Vert and Kid Cudi. Nothwithstanding, It’s Almost Dry still provided some of what made Daytona such an excellent album. Records like “Dreaming of the Past” — where Pusha T blends his eccentric drug kingpin persona with real life anecdotes — are now a staple of his discography and the Kanye West assisted song is one of the highlights of the album. Whereas “Brambleton” sees Pusha T get a bit more personal, with stories of his days in Virginia and addressing figures from his past.

    We was out in Brambleton after Pooh got hit Club Entourage in that new drop six

    – Pusha T

    My brand is all about creating masterpieces,” Pusha recently told Complex.

    This is a legacy thing with me. This is all about being great. This is the realest real estate in hip-hop, and I’m the Martin Scorsese of it.

  • Beach-Hop Artist, Cully, Quenches Summer Thirst on ‘Aquafina’

    The best summers are commemorated with a great soundtrack. Often times the memory is triggered by what songs were playing during the late night strolls, road trips and summer parties. Traveling beach-hop artist, Cully, looks to capture this very essence with his latest single, “Aquafina.” A snazzy, laid-back record, “Aquafina” has all the feels of a staple summer hangout song, with its infectious chorus, Cully’s effortless flow and quick-witted rhymes.

    If Cully’s style seems more refined than others, it’s because he’s been working on it nearly all of his life. The musical seed was planted at just two-days-old when he attended his first music festival with his mother and father. An intoxicated onlooker proclaimed him “the smallest baby” they’d ever seen.

    Yo I was Frontin’ on a beach like I was lying in the sand. And I was trying to keep the peace and now she crying in her hands.

    Developing an early knack for free-styling, Cully would hone his skills at his catholic elementary school playground (which in reality was just a parking lot) about the strife of a 10-year-old. No one could really beat-box yet, so he did it mostly a-cappella. Why a pasty 10-year-old attending catholic school was remotely talented at free-styling is anyone’s guess.

    His high school years saw him for a rap trio with friends Patio and Sammy V. Their group, Tribe Style, earned thousands of views on Youtube. Cully’s musical journey saw him earn a a B.A. in Music Industry in 2017. While in university in upstate New York he met friend and frequent collaborator MC Righteous and joined Professor Joe Pignato’s avant-garde jazz troupe, Bright Dog Red, for two albums on Ropeadope Records. Cully has now come full- circle, as he quenches his musical thirst with “Aquafina,” as this beachy bop is a sleeper hit waiting to catch a wave.

    “Aquafina” is also getting the splattered color vinyl treatment. Four remixes of “Aquafina,” produced by a slew of Cully’s college buddies who are successful musicians in their own right, will also be featured on the vinyl as well as released digitally.

    Additionally, “Aquafina’s” upcoming video — set to drop on August 5 on Cully’s Youtube channel — is executively produced by Cully and co-directed by Salvatore Rubino (whose worked with the likes of Dom Kennedy, Smoke DZA, Cozz) and Dave Prokopec (Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller), channels a classic California aura with a ’62 Impala strolling down the Pacific Coast, chipped toothed model in tow.

  • Piper Page Refuses to Settle For ‘Breadcrumbs’

    Navigating relationships as a young adult is akin to walking a maze blindfolded, often never knowing where you truly stand. While the term “dating” remains a pseudonym for two people getting to know one another, Gen-Z has developed its own distorted relationship standing, where the two parties are neither “just friends,” nor committed, yet are dependent on one another. On the single “Breadcrumbs,” Piper Page brings transparency to a messy situation.

    The song came right from a personal experience with my ‘ex-who-wasn’t-really-my-ex.’ We had an on-again, off-again relationship for several months and it inspired me to write about the concept of ‘breadcrumbing’ which I had just come to learn about.

    Breadcrumbing is defined by Urban Dictionary as “the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal text messages in order to lure a sexual partner without expending much effort.” The song “Breadcrumbs,” is a soulful ballad that sees the 21-year-old Brooklyn native cleanse herself of her situation-ship. Remaining brutally honest about her standing within this cycle of ambiguity.

    Piper Page’s songwriting paints a vivid picture as she recounts a common tale within the current social media based dating scene. While infidelity has alway played a part in relationships, Piper Page captures the essence far less desirable role of “best-friend, with a little romance and flirting in the DMs.”

    The meanings are supposed to be completely obvious and relatable. Navigating dating is recognizing that at a certain point, you just have to say what you mean. Instead of always thinking someone is going to know what you mean.

    The record is one in a slew of singles from the songstress in anticipation of her upcoming album, Based on True Events. Singles like “Do You Want Me Or Not?” and “Risk” follow similar themes of “experiences with dating and exploring relationships as a young adult for the first time.” Yet, Piper Page’s polished vocals gives each record a mature feel.

    https://youtu.be/TLKaCFMZsM4

  • MVW and Valee Team Up to Present ‘Oscar’

    Classical musician turned hip hop producer, Michael Vincent Waller, returns with another entry into his budding catalogue. This latest effort, titled “Oscar,” sees the NYU grad team with frequent collaborator and Good Music artist, Valee. Since dropping his debut project, CLASSIC$, in November, 2021, MVW has not let up. “Oscar” is his one of several singles from the classical producer in anticipation for his second album. His rollout includes the Matt Ox assisted “Check In,” a collaboration with Desiigner, as well as a feature from Detroit rapper, Babyface Ray.

    On “Oscar,” MVW’s minimal expressionist style meshes with Valee’s laidback delivery, as he flows his way onto the track. While MVW’s production is laced with his aristocratic sound, Valee juxtaposes it with his own brand of luxury as he raps about the glamours of living the “Oscar” lifestyle.

    Yea, but that Mercedez Benz much better for my posture Bad B**** with me, Actress no Oscar.

    Valee’s unique set of flows and beat selection have helped him establish a niche fanbase in the luxury rap scene, yet his collaborations with MVW have seen the Chicago native find his perfect pocket. MVW’s relaxed production and Valee’s easygoing style of rap go hand-in-hand. On “Oscar” he rhymes about his cars, trips to luxurious fashion houses and his bank account, all with a devil- may-care attitude. His style isn’t forceful yet makes it mark.

    Yeah, definitely noticed that. It happened fast. It started happening, then it happened fast. More and more people. But I guess I’m happy that people noticed it. I didn’t have to call it out.

    – Valee on his flows being imitated

  • Onyx Returns With Second Album in as Many Months

    Hip hop legends Onyx have added two new albums to their lengthy discography. First came, 1993, released on March, 4. The 13-track project is produced entirely by Ukrainian producer, Stasevich and is an ode to a rough and grimy era of mid-1990’s hip hop, hence the tittle. It samples some of the most iconic records from the 90’s including Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” and Onyx’s own “Slam.”

    This past weekend saw the release of, Onyx Versus Everybody, which is more concise with only 10-tracks and 19-minutes of play-time. For this effort, Fredro Starr took control behind the keyboard, producing the entirety of the project. While 1993 is more of a concentrated effort to capture the aura of a certain time period, both albums contain the same rugged energy that have made Onyx such a distinguished hip hop act. Fredro’s production does vary slightly more than Stasevich’s, but without any major rollout for either project, it seems as though the duo is focused on making records for their core fans, as these two ominous/dark themed albums illustrate.

    The Southside, Jamaica natives made their break-though during the golden era of 1990’s hip hop. Known for singes like “Slam,” “Walk in New York,” “Throw Ya Gunz” and “Last Dayz,” Onyx has maintained their relevance for over two decades. Their raucous delivery along with the duo’s talent and business acumen have kept them in the game far longer than many of their contemporaries. Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz are also accomplished actors. Fredro is best-known for his role on the hit sitcom, Moesha, while Sticky has appeared in numerous film and television roles.