Artist, producer and rapper Tonee Marino, is out to prove he has what it takes. Tonee Marino’s celebrity grew with singles like “Waiting on You,” “Daylight,” and “Back and Forth”. Now he’s back with more. Marino has announced his collaboration with Hot97’s DJ Drewski to release his new project “Where Was The Love.”
The Rise of Tonee Marino
Tonee is no novice to creating timeless music and takes pride his new sounds. “Where Was The Love” project has a self titled single that touches on getting the respect and support of people around you. This project expresses that not everyone loves you in moments that you really need them. The support you need isn’t around until they’ve already benefited from you. The hook lays it out perfectly, saying “Where was the love when I needed u most/but now u wanna show love.”
Tonee Marino in NYC, 2019/Getty Images
Tonee grew up in Suffolk, NY and started taking music seriously at 12 years old. As time passed, his traction grew from delivering consistent cover videos on YoutTube and his Instagram to gain attraction. He’s a self taught, multi-faceted artist who has earnestly written and produced his own beats since 2018-2019.
Tonee’s no stranger to combining different genres. A cultural mix of R&B, reggaetón, rap, and dancehall, growing up in New York has definitely been a major influence on his sound.
During the process of creating his EP “Where Was The Love”,DJ Drewski gave Tonee a few words of artistic encouragement: “You believe in this, you know what you’re doing, I believe in you too. You do your thing, and I’m with it’” Tonee stated, “He was a support system and he trusted what we were doing.”
To read about some drama with Hot97 crew, click here.
Once Upon a Time Los Angeles ㅡ a band of West Coast legends come together for a one-day festival. Snoop Dogg, Live Nation and Bobby Dee are to hold the Once Upon A Time In LA festival on Dec. 18, 2021. The festival was announced back in June with a lineup including Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Cypress Hill, and more goes down at L.A.’s Exposition Park. The rest of the bill seems to be divided into three subgroups. You’ve got your classic funk and soul stars. On top of that, along with 50 Cent, you have Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three Six Mafia, rap legends from other regions to make an appearance. The festival lineup also includes names such as Al Green, Blueface, and The Isley Brothers for fans of every generation. Special guests Foos Gone Wild, musicians who double as cholo culture parodists on their Instagram meme page will also appear.
Once upon a time, in a city so divine
A lot of impressive festival lineups have revealed themselves in recent weeks. Last year, a similar event called Lovers & Friends that was also helmed by Snoop and Goldenvoice was set to take place prior to the pandemic. Hopefully there won’t be any issues with this like there were last year. In the meantime, tickets for the Once Upon a Time In LA Festival are available for presale June 25 at 10:00 am PST via ticketmaster. All tickets start at $19.99 down. Per health regulations details on the festival entry process became available back in early July. All patrons are subject to a full and complete search prior to entry. By purchasing a ticket, patrons agree to submit to a full body pat-down and magnetometer screening before entry. Patrons that refuse to comply with the search policy are subject to refusal of entry into the event.
BREEZshows money-grubbers what happens when one’s hard work pays off in his Jim Jones-assisted single, “Money Mitch.” The instrumental takes on a dark, spine-chilling drill form that’s guaranteed to get anyone on their feet. In hindsight, “Money Mitch” emphasizes the importance of building generational wealth.
In the music video, Jim Jones even says to a young cat, “Get your hustle up, get your focus right.” The song itself is inspired by the movie Paid In Full. Moreso, one of the main characters named Mitch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZStmG8CEXk
Lyrically, BREEZ slings out a load of braggadocious bars, but in means of telling others to keep grinding. Then, he takes in all the glory from his dedication, listing the luxurious assets in his reach.
After, he talks about the opps who attempt to keep a target on his back. Luckily, he’s protected on all sides. Instead, naysayers will hurt themselves in the end. Following this, he further iterates the power of consistency. There is always a reward from working around the clock.
He raps, “Walk in the store bet the jeweler gon’ freeze us/Move bricks like I transport speakers/Yo house, yo couch, my feet up.”
Before Jim Jones hops on the track, BREEZ restates that haters should focus on what they got going on. If they dare challenge him, they’ll regret testing his patience.
About the song’s meaning, BREEZ says, “EVERYONE HAS A HUSTLERS AMBITION IN THEM THEY CAN TAP INTO NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO IN LIFE.”
BREEZ dissected Paid In Full to create the song and garnered admiration from how much money the characters were making.
His favorite line goes, “Sun I booker off the D no Phoenix/Patria mafia no three six/Gang land I know ya seen this.”
Jim Jones taps into his signature gritty delivery to paint visuals about his lavish lifestyle and work ethic. The hip-hop legend also vocalizes what happens to those who try overstepping their boundaries. In closing, he assures opps that he’s far from afraid of their mediocracy.
“He’s a very talented and interesting individual who helped and showed me a lot,” BREEZ says about working alongside the hip-hop luminary.
In the near future, expect BREEZ to drop several singles. Additionally, he’s debuting several music videos. Some will feature JR Reid, lil ZOÉ, cocash, and numerous upcoming artists.
Listen to “Money Mitch” by BREEZ and Jim Jones below:
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 30: TV personality Chanel West Coast attends the 2016 MAXIM Hot 100 Party at the Hollywood Palladium on July 30, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Karma International )
Chanel West Coast blocks out all the hate and opens the door for more blessings in “Actin Different.” The beat takes on a dark form, blending trap and zen elements.
Lyrically, the rapstress explains how the fruits of her labor stem from hard work. So, while others look for a quick fix, Chanel West Coast grinds for longevity. And, might I add, does it with grace. The accolades she carries speak volumes alone.
She spits lines like “I been getting money/I Been so rigorous/Every step I take I swear that it’s deliberate.”
Then, “You’ll be chasin’ ones/I’m plottin on a hunnid million.”
Deeper into the song, Chanel West Coast pushes others to “take the good with the bad it could always be worse.” Listeners also get an in-depth illustration of Chanel West Coast’s progression as a musician and television personality. Given these points, she’s in a way different lane. It’s up to others to put the pedal to the medal.
She raps, “Some say I’m brainless/Just lucky gettin’ famous/But they just think it too basic/Same sh*t with no basis/Been rappin’ since I had braces/Never been complacent.”
Before the song closes, she urges others to be original. There is no need for sneers or side looks. What she puts into the universe reflects itself in her ascending career.
The music video, directed by Nik Johnson, finds the “No Plans” musician doing graffiti work. Viewers can also see Chanel West Coast living her best life while residing in a pink mansion and wearing top-tier bikini sets.
She previously debuted her debut album America’s Sweetheart, including appearances from Too $hort, Dreezy, Porcelain Black, Salma Slims, and Anaya Lovenote. The release of America’s Sweetheart is the culmination of years of hard work and hustle for Chanel.
Watch the music video for “Actin Different” below:
VUITTON JUAN, formerly known as Jjuan, has dropped a project that speaks to the masses. His 12-track LP, titled Live and Learn, is a testament to scenarios we come across on a daily basis. In closing, it’s essential to prepare for the rain and hope for sunshine. Remember that each day is a new beginning.
The themes in Live and Learn focus on the highs and lows of being in love, taking the good with the bad, and knowing your worth. Also, Live and Learn encourages listeners to follow their dreams. Not to mention, he’s transparent when talking about his come-up, advising others to watch out for snakes. Yet, through it all, VUITTON JUAN came out victorious. In short, he’s all about his paper and keeping a smile on his darling’s face.
He continues,
“I wouldn’t want to sound cliché. However, The message behind Live and Learn is literal.
It’s about my trials and tribulations of life: through the struggles and triumphs, the relationship bonds and separations, the wins and losses, the ups and downs, the love and the hate.
I looked and everything I’ve been through as a moment for me to reflect and ask myself, ‘what is this teaching me?’ So I took note, and I learned from it, every situation.”
The instrumentals perfectly encompass the aesthetic of pop, moody R&B, trap, and afrobeat. Likewise, VUITTON JUAN delves into confident, heartfelt, and honest bars. His delivery is versatile to the max as he crosses between melodic, bouncy, and concrete flows.
“The sound of my album is the overall diversity of my emotions in the moments,” he adds.
“I recorded each record in real-time. So first, you get some braggadocios rap on records like ‘Enough About me.’ Then, some feel-good Afro-pop elements on ‘You.’ After, Live and Learn transitions to more heartfelt sentimental records like ‘Still Think About You,’ ‘Forever And A Month,’ and so forth.”
Surprisingly, VUITTON JUAN says that Live and Learn wasn’t planned. One day, he went back to listen to many of his records and discovered that they’re a collection of moments that he’s learned lessons from throughout his life. “Use Me” was one song that the Designer Music artist enjoyed creating.
“I had a lot of fun experimenting with my falsetto tone. However, it came out naturally because that initial tone, melody, and idea was a freestyle,” he says. “I enjoyed bringing it together and getting I RICH to feature on it.”
In turn, VUITTON JUAN hopes fans take something from his project. Because the tracks were created from unique experiences, he’d be happy if anyone relates and finds comfort in them.
The album features L O M A X, I RICH, justrob., baby feez, and C5. Songs like “Trials and Tribulations” and “Right Hand” give a concise view of the LP’s overall message.
“Trials and Tribulations” finds VUITTON JUAN thinking back on the obstacles he hurdled over to get to where he is today. The pop/R&B beat is led by an acoustic guitar, hi-hats, and a heavy bassline.
He spits, “Remember them times I was down bad/but a nigga done figured it out.“
As the song progresses, he speaks on the challenges he faced, how he fought back demons, and his main focus: less stress, more checks. Yet, regardless of what lows are ahead, he keeps his head high.
Toward the end, he says
“Product of my environment/I was raised different/Can’t help where I come from.”
“Right Hand” is a warm pop/R&B offering that sees VUITTON JUAN speaking about a woman who matches his fly. Throughout the song, he promises to do his lady right. Moreover, he expresses what attracted him from the start.
He sings, “Girl you’re such a lady/Remind me of the 80’s baby.”
After he questions why they can’t take their relationship to the next level. In actuality, they are a showstopper whenever they link up.
“They all notice us/Bitches know what’s up when you pulling up/You with a boss boy, a boss man.”
He guarantees if they remain loyal to one another and keep the good vibes. Before the musician spits, he does a rendition to Ja Rule’s “Put It On Me.”
When he gets to rapping, VUITTON JUAN explains that it only fits to have a partner who mirrors the same values as you. Together, they can take over the world.
“Run them bands up, let’s stack up, they gon feel us/This real trust, it’s the real us.”
In the future, expect VUITTON JUAN to release visuals for “Use Me” and “You” along with 1 to 2 singles to wrap up 2021. He also hopes to perform.
Kendrick Lamar and his rumored cousin Baby Keem have released a new single together, called “Family Ties”. While being a sophisticated banger, this is also the first song published by Kendrick in years.
Baby Keem’s part of the music video is a four-minute compilation of short videos with various scenes. Appearing on the screen at the same time, they create a multi-leveled story. In the end, everything comes to a single shot, where Baby Keem is dancing with a sculpture and a bunch of ballerinas.
Kendrick Lamar’s part of the video is more stuck to one location. However, it’s broken into two parts. One of the parts is also appearing as a short movie. By the end of the video, both artists come together, and so do the monotonous Kenrick’s visual and Baby Keem’s “cut” one.
Kendrick Lamar’s new album
One of the music video’s landmarks is the pgLang flag, held by Kendrick. pgLang is a creative agency established by Kendrick Lamar and his frequent collaborator Dave Free. Once appearing a year ago, the agency seemed like a sign of a new Kendrick’s era.
Later, Kendrick went on social media to share a link to oklama.com. The website contains one folder named ‘nu thoughts.’ Inside the folder, one can find Kendrick’s updates on life and his mental state. The full text is available by the link.
Kendrick Lamar talked about going without a phone for months and spending most of his time writing. He also mentioned “love, loss, and grief” getting in his “comfort zone.” The most crucial part of the message was an announcement of producing the “final TDE album” after 70 years of working with the record label.
Kendrick also reminded that “There’s beauty in completion. And always faith in the unknown.”
Qui the Last Word fosters both personal and artistic growth in his music. At the core of his lyricism, he speaks about his unwavering work ethic, all while pushing others to elevate. Moreover, Qui the Last Word speaks on his progression and upbringing. Like one of his songs suggests, he’s on the go. Qui the Last Word is not stopping for anything or anyone. His primary focus is on getting a bag.
His EP, Foundation Collection 2, depicts the rapper’s ambition. Within the three tracks, he reflects on his come-up and abundance of cash. To add, the “Fighting Chance” spitter vocalizes what’s important to him and how having a fighting spirit will get one far. Sometimes, you have to take the bad with the good. The instrumentals are rooted in trap. However, “Fighting Chance” gives off a 2000’s Lil Wayne-esque musical style. Not to mention, each song comes with a catchy hook. One standout record is “Investment.”
“Investment” is a dark trap offering that sees Qui the Last Word thinking back to when he had to grind to gain financial freedom. Throughout the song, he speaks about the process he went through to become wealthy. At most, Qui the Last Word says the money mindstate has been embedded in him since birth. One notable line goes,
“I wanted bigger, I wanted more/Now I got more product than a corner store.”
E. Dan released Play How You Feel on August 13th. The album encompasses the aesthetic from genres like jazz, funk, hip-hop, and R&B.
Supported by various lively instrumentals, the 12-track project takes you on a mesmerizing genre-blending trip.
Immediately, listeners with a powerful declaration about music and its influence. Shortly after, lofi hip hop arrangements flow through the speakers, leaving music enthusiasts in awe.
Play How You Feel shows that unity within percussions is everything. Together, each track deciphers a piece of the story.
E. Dan adds, “It was fun to make something that I have full control of and where I can do whatever I want.”
Moreover, E. Dan says “It felt good not to be beholden to anyone else. It was fun to do this for the first time, this far into the game. This album sheds light on producers and their craft.”
One standout track is “Telemed,” which brings together funk and pop elements. From the start, the beat takes on a warm electric guitar loop, piano, saxophone, and beating drum. Percussions begin painting vivid pictures of what seems to be an enjoyable moment.
The instrumentals’ pattern creates unforgettable moments.
In a truer fashion of hip-hop, a DJ-esque sound and booming bassline intervene. Toward the end, others go into a safe haven. The birds are chirping, and each instrument lays out a calming foundation.
E. Dan has worked alongside artists like Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller.
He began working with Wiz at a young age and is a big influence behind the famous rapper’s music career.
E. Dan had a close relationship with the late Mac Miller and is recognized for a large part of Mac’s discography.
King Louiespeaks facts only in his new song “Smokin’ Cali.” The beat, produced by Malcolm Flex, is influenced by trap and led by a piano. From a lyrical stance, the drill rap godfather calls out adult tattle tellers. He also speaks on his love for luxurious women and essentials. Not to mention, King Louie warns the opps not to test him. He wants others to understand that bragging is only harmful in the long run.
Elsewhere, he details what happens during grind season and moments when he’s relaxing. The song is assisted with a catchy hook. Likewise, King Louie delves into two different cadences. The first flow is bouncy, whereas the other one is swift.
One notable line from the song goes,
“I don’t really write to rap/I don’t really like the clout/You a young tough snitch/Call you a mighty mouse/Lemon kush too strong/Point him out, knock him out.”
King Louie signed his first deal with Epic Record. Around that time frame, he released 2014’s Tony, which featured his smash hits ––”B.O.N,” “Live & Die In Chicago,” and “Til I Meet Selena.” Following this, he went on a 20-city Tony Tour.
This year, he’s revamped his sound and is torching the mic. Since signing a new recording deal with Machine Entertainment Group, King Louie has created several new records.
Currently, he’s prepping to release an EP that’s “a gumbo pot-full of flavor, and, of course, accompanied by that thousand-watt smile.”