Interview: Waldorf, MD Based Rap Artist and Producer DonnieABSTRAXT

donnieABSTRAXT is a talented rap artist and producer from Waldorf, MD and earlier this week we featured his track "Panic Attaxk". We connected with him for this Q&A to learn more about the "Panic Attaxk" song, find out his motivation behind writing and producing it, what he wants people to take away from the experience of listening to one of his creations for the first time and much more.

Tell us about your name donnieABSTRAXT. How did you come up with it and what does it mean to you?

Donnie is a nickname I’ve had for a couple years. I remember my bro Mitoga coming to my job and telling me I look like Donnie from The Wild Thornberries. I was like on week 4 without a haircut and I looked freaking crazy. ABSTRAXT is how I would describe myself. A thought that can’t find existence.

You mention that Kid Cudi has been a big influence on your music. What about him as an artist do you admire, but at the same time, how are you different?

I really admire the way he was able to connect with so many individuals through his music. It’s powerful stuff. But his worries and my worries are different. We express our thoughts and feelings in different ways. He’s great at what he does. I’ll be great too.

Salute to you for your new track "Panic Attaxk". What motivated you to create it and who handled the production? Can we expect a video for the track?

I actually produced "Panic Attaxk". It’s crazy like one night after I finally calmed myself down after having a panic attack I came up with the idea. It's like a reminder to myself and a message to others with the same issues that you can’t let your anxiety define you. I do really want to do a video for it. A visual for "Panic Attaxk" would be dope so I definitely have that on my list.

Describe your “SoulBroken” EP for us. How many songs do you think will end up on it and will "Panic Attaxk" be featured?

Dark. Edgy. This project is me sharing my experience with depression. What I did to cope; how I started to climb my way out, all in a 7 track EP and yes "Panic Attaxk" will be one of the featured tracks.

When someone listens to a donnieABSTRAXT song for the first time, what do you want them to take away from the experience?

I want people to know that I understand. I want my music to be something they can relate to; an outlet for whoever needs it.

Connect with donnieABSTRAXT: Twitter

Joey Bada$$ Announces THE AMERIKKKANA TOUR

Brooklyn's Joey Bada$$ is back to announce a headlining North American tour. The AMERIKKKANA tour will kick off April 14th in Boston and see Joey play 31 dates across the US and Canada before the tour's conclusion on April 26th in Montreal. Joey will be supported by Boogie and Buddy throughout the tour. 

For the past few weeks, Joey has been dropping loose tracks from both himself and other Pro Era artists, including "80 Blocks" with Chuck Strangers, "King to a God" with Dessy Hinds, and "Thugz Cry." See below for full tour routing and stay tuned for more from Joey Bada$$ soon.

Mozzy Announces New EP "Spiritual Conversations" and Partnership With EMPIRE

Sacramento's Mozzy is announcing a new partnership with EMPIRE. Fresh off a breakout 2017 which featured his solo release, 1 Up Top Ahk, Mozzy is positioned to be one of 2018's brightest stars. Not only did Kendrick Lamar shout-out the rugged lyricist during his acceptance speech for Rap Album Of The Year at the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards, but he's also featured on "Seasons" off the highly anticipated Black Panther Soundtrack.  

Mozzy and EMPIRE are extending their relationship by aligning with Mozzy Records for upcoming releases, including the Spiritual Conversations EP in March and Mozzy's upcoming album Gangland Landlord.

"EMPIRE gave me a platform to not only make money but control my label and have creative freedom. I could have signed to whomever but Ghazi and Nima gave me an opportunity early on. I personally know my worth and I know EMPIRE does also," Mozzy explains.

Mozzy and EMPIRE's relationship began in 2015 with the release of his street anthem "Bladadah" and continued to fortify over the years. EMPIRE helped him establish Mozzy Records which includes releases from E Mozzy, Celly Ru, Hus Mozzy and more.

EMPIRE's founder and CEO Ghazi Shami added, "It's truly exciting to work with an artist whose music resonates with me both professionally and personally. When I hear a Mozzy record, it reminds me why I fell in love with rap music."

Connect with Mozzy: Twitter

SOB x RBE Announces Debut Album "Gangin" Due February 23, Shares "Carpoolin" and Announces Tour Dates

Vallejo hip hop group SOB x RBE (Yhoung T.O., Slimmy B, DaBoii, and Lul G) is announcing their debut album due out February 23rd. "Gangin" is available for pre-order now, and to coincide with the announcement the group is sharing a new track "Carpoolin". News of their album follows the recent announcement that SOB x RBE is featured on Marvel's Black Panther soundtrack which is co-produced by Kendrick Lamar.

PRE-ORDER: Gangin - https://Empire.lnk.to/GANGIN

In March, SOB x RBE will set out on a headlining West Coast tour in support of Gangin, playing a string of 9 shows. Hear "Carpoolin" above, find full tour routing below and stay tuned for more from the group soon.

SOB x RBE Tour Dates:

3/17 - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
3/23 - Reno, NV @ Cargo Concert Hall at Whitney Peak Hotel
3/24 - Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre
3/25 - Arcata, CA @ Arcata Community Center
4/06 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
4/10 - Fresno, CA @ Azteca Theater
4/11 - Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre
4/13 - Santa Cruz, @ CA The Catalyst
4/14 - Sacramento, @ CA Ace of Spades

Connect with SOB X RBE: Twitter | Website

Interview: Jiggly J Discusses the Chicago Rap Scene and the Grimy Gang Collective

Coming straight out of Chicagoland is Jiggly J, a talented young rapper whose two latest tracks "Questions (Lie to Me)" and "Groovy Groupie" have both been featured on DCWS. We connected with Jiggly J for this exclusive interview to get some insight to why Chicago is such a hotbed for dope rap artists like himself, who the Grimy Gang is, how we can cop some Grimy Gang merch and much more.

Chicago has a hotbed for legendary Hip-Hop artists like Chance The Rapper, Common, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Vince Mensa, for over 25 years. What is it about your area that breeds such great talent?

Chicago is awesome. We have so much diversity here and a huge population, but also high standards. Like, the highest standards. Those guys you just named paved the way for the new artists and we’re just trying to build legacies just as legendary, and that’s what keeps Chicago strong in my opinion.

First it was "Questions" and then "Groovy Groupie", which we both featured on DCWS. What comes next? Can we expect a video, mixtape, or EP soon? 

I’m working on an EP plus I got a couple songs I’m dropping before that. You can definitely expect a video; me and my boys are working on that. No days off over here.

Tell us about the Grimy Gang. Who is this collective?

We’re just some teenagers who thinks the normal life is lame so we’re striving for that luxurious shit. We all have the same goals and mindset so why not. It started off with me and my boy Colin, aka Harley, then Tone Taso, then I met with Sanch and Moi and boom that’s the gang. Colin’s my Asian stoner friend and we started this together. We’re so competitive, and we both know we could lyrically murder everyone out here. Then ya got Tone, my little brother basically. He’s a football player turned rapper but he got so good within the past year it’s crazy. Listen to “Shot your gramma with a fifty cal” then listen to his song “Unknown4theNight” and you’ll see the difference.

My guy Sanch isn’t even a rapper, but he’s awesome. He always looks out for us, makes business moves, and he’s working on being in the fashion industry. My boy Moi is like the midget version of Logic. He’s the one who packs a punch when it comes to metaphors, lyrics, and pure sentimental subject matter. His songs might make you cry if you’re pussy enough. We were always like the most different niggas, but everyone rocks with us. We’re like the weird kids that are actually cool, on some Odd Future type shit. Everyone loves us but sometimes they’re like “Yo, what drugs are you on?!” We’re not gangbangers but we are on gang shit, ya feel me? Like we’re just the crazy niggas who don’t know how to chill. Hang out with us once I guess. It’s hard to explain.

Who are some Chicago rappers who have influenced you as an artist?

My boy Chance! That guy is awesome. I like Juice Wrld, too. He’s pretty new, like legit out the womb type shit, but he’s working with Herbo and Bibby consistently now. Uh, Kanye is cool. I like Chief Keef, too, and I want my dreads to look like his one day. Can’t forget Supa Bwe, Logan, Lucki, Taylor Bennet, Montana of 300, Herbo, Bibby, they’re all really sick. Chance hands down though, he’s part of the reason I’m doing this.

The main design on your Grimy Gang merch is hot. Who works with you on the graphics and how can our readers purchase Grimy Gang gear?

Thanks a lot, because I did it! I’m like an artist ya feel me? Not a graphic artist, but I like to draw. I drew that shit on a white piece of paper, slapped it in the scanner, sent it to my boy Yung Glo and he colored it in. Then I put it in Photoshop and finished it up. It was such a rough draft but it’s so awesome and it just clicked. Probably never going to change it neither. But glad you guys like it. If anyone wants it, here’s the link. Love everyone!

https://teespring.com/stores/grimy-gang-merch-2

Connect with Jiggly J: Twitter | Instagram

Interview: LA Based Producer Lue Jones

Our exclusive interview with LA based producer Lue Jones is the first we have done with a producer on Dopecausewesaid since we started the platform. After listening to his beats, we decided that it was time to see what's up with this talented producer on the rise this year. If you're an artist looking for instrumentals, check out his beats below and you can holla at him through his email. 

If it's not a secret, tell us about the equipment/software that you use to create your beats. Why did you select the equipment/software that you use?

I use FL Studio. I use FL because it's more of my comfort zone. Using different plugins to create a different atmosphere.

What advice would you have for someone who is just starting out and aspires to be a producer?

My advice is God first and stay focused. Develop your sound, network, try new programs and have consistency. Have a great team around you that's inspired you to push boundaries. And love what you do. Oh, and copyright everything.

How did you get your start producing and who are some of the producers who inspired you early on?

I started producing like, full time 2012. The producers that inspire me are Pharrell, DJ Toomp, Cardo, Johnny Juliano, Ryan Leslie, Shawty Red, 808 Mafia.

Who is your favorite producer? Why?

My favorite producers are Cardo and Johnny Juliano. From bouncy 808 and hi hats to crazy sounds that people think are samples and just the vibe they bring every time it's different. They show you that it's comfortable to be yourself and stay in your lane.

What can you tell us about your upcoming projects? Who will be featured on them and when do you expect to drop them?

I have an instrumental EP entitled "ENIGMA 2" (vocals from xuitcasecity, M.I.A., Migos, Sade etc). My official album "PARVDOX (paradox)" with various artist in October courtesy or AFTRHVRS MUSIC. Also, an collab EP with Hawthorne artist Burtono entitled "OSAGE AVE" releasing in April. Also a single project with new wave artist Kwaze.

Connect with Lue Jones: Instagram | Email: luealwaysblessed@gmail.com

Bishop Nehru Announces New Album "Elevators", Produced by MF Doom and Kaytranada, Due on March 16th

Bishop Nehru is announcing his forthcoming album - Elevators, which will arrive as an independent release on March 16th. Bishop has enlisted the multi-genre super producer - Kaytranda & the underground masked villain hip-hop legend - MF DOOM, as producers of the project. 

The claymation style trailer created by Raphael Truffi Bortholuzzi of Grandmondo Miniatures, serves as the official introduction to Elevators where Bishop narrates the inspiration behind the album's two part concept (Act I - Ascension & Act II - Free Falling). The upcoming 10 song album marks the second time Bishop and DOOM have joined forces, following their 2014 album - NehruvianDOOM. 

Bishop is kicking off the campaign with a private, multi-city pizza party listening session tour, where select fans will not only experience the album in its entirety before the media but will also reveal album clues throughout the campaign trail. These private listening sessions will accompany pop-up performances in secret locations. Pigeons & Planes will be documenting and releasing the fan experience content leading up to the release. For more details on the tour go to bishopnehru.com 

"This project is a collection of my feelings straight from my heart, all of my ideas were created specifically off of instinct and intuitive occurrences," explains Bishop Nehru on Elevators. "This album is my answer to the question, 'What would you say your music sound like?' My answer to that would be 'Grammy Rap.' There's 'Mumble Rap' and then there's 'Grammy Rap.' With this project I was largely influenced by music theory and Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys. This is my attempt at a 'rap' Pet Sounds."

Connect with Bishop Nehru: Website | Twitter

Interview: Rochester, NY Rap Artist SeQuence

SeQuence is a Rochester, NY based rap artist whose new video "Get Away" is one of favorites in rotation right now. We connected with the talented emcee for an exclusive interview to find out more about the rap scene in his hometown of Rochester, his inspiration behind the "Get Away" single/video, and much more.

After reading our Q&A with SeQuence, be sure to follow him on his social media streams to stay up to date on all things "SeQuence" and stream/download his latest project "Tales of A Leader".

Tell us about the scene for rap music in Rochester. How is the music created there influenced by that coming out of NYC?  

The music scene in Rochester is very interesting. There are lots of talented and creative people here. As far as NYC music and how it influences or relates to us I would say that it really doesn't at the moment and it hasn't for a while. Most NYC artist have a southern or Chicago sound, so saying that they influence our sound would like basically saying other regions influence our sound, which they do for most artist here. Unless you're referring to the golden era sound of NYC, which always had an influence on me growing up as a kid personally and still does. Right now everyone's on that trap/808 wave heavy but not just here though, every where haha.

Congrats on the new single/video for "Get Away". What motivated you to write the song and what was your thought process behind the video treatment?  

Thank you very much, I appreciate it. The thought process for that just started with hearing that dope ass beat and listening to it a lot. Then thinking how can I approach this in a chill, relatable and uplifting way. so then I just zoned out, starting vibing to it and letting the lines flow. Just jot down what I like, change what doesn't work bada boom badabing. My thought process is wild random in general, it's comparative to freestyling in my head. I don't really stress going into a song with a specific subject matter in mind, maybe ever once in a blue moon but I just catch what I get from the beat and reflect that into the lyrics for the most part.

Your last release "Tales of A Leader" dropped last year and was very dope. How would you say that the music you are working on now has been elevated since then?  

Thanks a lot man. Since dropping Tales of a Leader, the music I have been working on has been sounding good, I know way more about music and how to get the best sound possible then I did since releasing that. The music I have been making lately has been more of my own personal preference instead of going for that commercial sound or what modern rap is expected to sound like. Not many people make the type of music I like to hear so I need to help contribute to that because anyone that knows me knows that the art is where my heart is at. That's my niché. Always has been, always will be. I appreciate lyricism and witty/clever word play so much. It seems like that's a forgotten thing these days. Right now I'm just trying to fill that void. I've been in my boom-bap, lo-fi bag lately that's where the classics are.

Who have been some of the biggest  influences in your life up to now, both musically and in general?  

Well my biggest influences musicially would have to be (in no order) MF DOOM, Big L (R.I.P), Capital Steez (R.I.P) , Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Wu-Tang, Biggie (R.I.P), Nas, Redman, Mobb Deep, Lauryn Hill, DMX, Tupac (R.I.P), Bone Thugs, Common, AZ, Eminem, Big Pun (R.I.P), Mos Def, Styles P, Jadakiss, Charizma (R.I.P) and Sean Price (R.I.P). That's all I can think of right now but there might be more haha. My biggest life influences would be (in no order again) my parents, my older sister, my Uncle (Mom's side). Influences that I could could consider both musical and life would be my uncle (Dad's side) and my grandpa (R.I.P). My Uncle is a rap artist and hearing his music back in the day before I even thought of rhyming is probably one of the reasons I still do it till this day. My grandpa was a jazz musician way back, he played the saxophone and the keyboard piano. I remember being little and playing on his piano, I've always had an interest in music even as a kid.

If you could collaborate on a song with one non-rap artist, who would you pick?  

That's a really good question, if I was popular enough maybe Jhenè Aiko she's great; she has a different sound or Keisha Plum. Her spoken words are slept on.

Stream/Download "Tales of A Leader" on iTunes

Connect with SeQuence: Twitter | Instagram | ReverbNation

Review: "International Ice" Mixtape by Dry Ice

After clicking "Play" and listening to the first few bars from this artist, you would see that Dry Ice is definitely a fitting moniker. With his complex rhyme schemes and thought provoking lyricism, this Tallahassee, Florida native is as cold as ice. Dry Ice is able to showcase his extraordinary gift on his "International Ice" mixtape. The production on this mixtape is dynamic to say the least with songs like “Passport Music” and “Isaiah 54-7” giving off an old school 90s rap vibe while songs like “Movers and Shakers”, “Black Live Madder”, and “Go Hard or Go Home” have a more modern trap sound but still with complex lyrics and vivid storytelling. Our favorite song from the "International Ice" project was the tropical sounding, “Beach Sand”. This track gives off nothing but good vibes and with its catchy hook, has the potential to become a spring/summer smash anthem.

With the release of this mixtape, Dry Ice has opened a lot of eyes, especially for us here at DCWS. It is apparent that this artist is serious about his craft and has mastered a sound that reflects this fact. Dry Ice has also developed a sound that is authentic which comes with time in the game and also enables him to stand apart from the ever diluted rap genre. We are excited to see what the future holds for this rising star and ask that you go check out his project "International Ice" posted below. 

Stream/Download "International Ice" on Datpiff

Connect with Dry Ice: Facebook | YouTube | Soundcloud | Twitter

Stream/Download Des Brennan's New EP "You Look Like My Next Mistake"

Rockland, NY emcee Des Brennan just dropped his new five song EP entitled "You Look Like My Next Mistake". The EP features production from Shy Cope, Silo, Hanz, Lawless, and deeB and is a very introspective collection of tracks that reflect what Des is dealing with in his everyday life. In speaking about the EP, Des says,

"You Look Like My Next Mistake" is a very personal project. I think it really captures how I've been feeling for the past 4 - 5 months, which are feelings of anxiety, uneasiness, and a fear of the unknown. I've made some pretty big changes in my life recently, including: getting a new job, moving to a new area, etc. There's times where I feel I may have made the wrong decision. Other times I feel that I made the right decision. It's hard to juggle them back and forth. I have a constant feeling of apprehension over the fact that that I might never be a full-time rap artist. That truly kills me inside and is hard to think about. It feels like time is moving so fast nowadays. I wish it could just slow down for a couple of years. This EP really revolves around the questions of  "When will my time come?" - for my music to finally pop, and "What comes next"? - regarding literally every integral part of my life's journey. I'm still looking to find the answers to those questions." 

Be sure to check out the EP below and follow Des on his social media streams to stay up to date on what's next from the talented emcee. 

Stream/Download "You Look Like Next Mistake" on Bandcamp

Connect with Des Brennan: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Dry Ice Talks About His New Mixtape "International Ice" and His Worldly Travels

Tallahassee based rap artist and globetrotter Dry Ice is our next exclusive interviewee. Dry Ice just dropped a new mixtape entitled "International Ice" so it's only right that we connect with him to find out more about project, his international travels, and much more.

After reading our Q&A with Dry Ice, be sure to stream/download the "International Ice" mixtape, share it with some friends and then follow him on his social media streams and tell him what you did to support his music and movement. 

Tell us about how you got to this point as an artist where you have released your latest project "International Ice". How did you start writing rhymes and what motivated you to take it to the next level and make your music available for public consumption?

Hip hop music has always felt second nature to me. I probably wrote my first rhyme when I was 8. Of course it was horrible, but I was living the culture, so I was satisfied.  By the time I got to college, I was surrounded by some top notch MC's. I was in a rap group that took the opportunity to perform in any and every talent show we could find.  Everybody in the group was more polished than me as far as recording and being a marketable recording artist. We were all miscreants though, lol.  Everybody was focused on running the streets. I was the only one in the group from North Florida so I had access to trouble on a different level than everybody else and I gladly obliged.  It took me a while to get focused again and record a cohesive project. I decided to release a complete body of work to galvanize the entire Give Us The Strength travel show brand. I noticed I was still walking around Tallahassee and bumping into people on occasion that wanted to know if I had any new music out.  I just got tired of disappointing people, I guess!  It felt like the universe was telling me to get in the studio.  

Describe your creative process for the mixtape and what does the title of the mixtape "International Ice" mean?

The meaning of International Ice is pretty much cut and dry.  I am Ice and over the years, I've become well known for traveling.  At the end of every episode of Give Us The Strength we shoot, I close things out with a freestyle.  People have been asking me for years to record an entire project and it felt like traveling was the only thing giving me fresh ideas and a unique perspective. The mixtape is travel inspired but I'm not just standing in front of a mic talking about all the places I've visited.  Instead, I opted to address some of the ways my travel life affects my home life.  Songs like "Rooster Crow" address how being on the road so much will destroy a relationship if you are with somebody too insecure.  Another song titled "Everythang" addresses the sense of hopelessness I get from sharing some of my life changing experiences with people that see absolutely no value in my passion for seeing the world, lol.  I'm fortunate enough that my creative process can be pretty slow.  I just walk around with a seed of an idea and let it grow until I can't take it anymore.  It's the closest I'll come to being pregnant.  I get song pregnant and go to the studio to deliver.  My recording sessions are pretty lame though.  I'm not one of those MC's that throws a party at the studio to record.  I'm in and out.  I can record 2 songs with an hour of studio time easily.  

Stream/Download "International Ice"

When most people think about the urban music scene in Tallahassee, T-Pain comes to mind. Describe the scene for Rap and RnB/Soul in your hometown from your vantage point.

Tallahassee is unique because it's a college town.  Talent comes and goes in droves, so the fanbase can be kind of fickle.  There is a big chasm between the fans of that quintessential party oriented booty shake music and the fans of more traditional boom bap lyric driven hip hop.  The artists that do the best are the ones that find a way to blend lyricism with that Florida energy.  It's funny you ask that question because I was just asking some of my boys if they think there is a such thing as "The Tallahassee Sound". I think if you get within 100 miles of the city, you'll definitely be able to feel it.  

List all the places you have traveled internationally and where is your favorite destination thus far. Where's next?

Oh too many to name.  I've lived in Tallahassee forever but I am actually an army brat.  I grew up all over the place including 3 years in Germany.  My favorite destination thus far is Valencia, Spain. I went for Tomatina about 3 years ago.  The food was amazing, the women were beautiful and the people were friendly.  The city was unique because they have found a way to weave contemporary architecture around some structures that have been around since medieval times. I already have a trip to Japan and Argentina planned this year.  We're looking to add at least one more, preferably two.  

What advice would you give someone, especially an African American, who has never traveled internationally before but has the desire to? 

Travel with an open mind.  The mental weight that we carry in the states doesn't apply internationally.  Find a place to hang some of those worries up so you can be fully immersed in a new culture.  I would also say I am motivated to travel because I desire the wisdom that comes with a shift in perspective. I travel because the easiest way for me to have a shift in perspective is to literally shift my body.  That doesn't have to be the case for everybody though.  We all have places in and around our hometowns that we just haven't bothered to visit yet.  I would start with some domestic day trips. If you turn right all the time, spend a Saturday turning left and see what else is out there.  You'd be surprised who you meet and what is truly available to you. 

Connect with Dry Ice: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Soundcloud

Interview: Criss Jrumz Discusses His New Video "REIGN" and What We Can Expect From Him in 2018

Back to DCWS is rap artist and Soul Ground Productions representative Criss Jrumz with an exclusive interview to discuss his newly released video "REIGN", how moving from NY to Florida influenced his lyrical content, and much more. 

After reading our Q&A with Criss Jrumz, be sure to follow him on his social media streams and check out his music on Soundcloud. 

How would you say moving from NY to Florida influenced your lyrical content?

Peace. Well, I spent most of my childhood back and forth from NY to Florida which allowed me to see so much and have many different perspectives on music and life. That process helped me a lot with understanding the culture and how diverse the art form could be. It taught me how to interpret and how to be accepting of many different styles of music, which in turn, helped me to perfect my own craft as well. 

Hailing from the Bronx where Hip-Hop was birthed, as an emcee, tell us about the pressures of creating music and content.

Being from the Bronx, I definitely understand how one could get caught up in those hometown pressures. Me, personally, I don't get that deep into it. I love my city. I'm honored and proud of where I'm from, but at the end of the day, it's the music that matters the most and the connection you are able to have with the people. That's my focus. My job is to give you my perspective and be as transparent as possible with the vibes and music I'm putting out. I have the same pressures as anyone else. I've got bills and people to feed just like you. And that's what my content is all about. Just being honest. 

You sent us a very dope visual. Tell us what your ultimate goal was behind the shooting of the  video, “REIGN”.

Appreciate that. REIGN is a single off my upcoming project coming later this year. I felt like I had a lot to get off my chest at the time. I felt like I had to introduce myself and the team, Soul Ground Productions, and lay down the foundation for what's to come. I've been working really hard the past year to create some great content and this track allowed me to just let loose. Some was written and some was not. I was more concerned with the feeling than the actual words. This was how I wanted to start off the year and get everyone ready for what's next. "This ain't the kind of Ground to spill liquor on..."

Who are some of the people you consider an inspiration that helped paved a way for you?  

Many influences. Too many to name. The most important ones are my parents. My family. The people who kept it real with me all the way up to this point. The ones who believed in me. As far as hip hop goes, I admire and cherish all the greats. Your Biggies, PACs, HOVs, Nas, etc. Those are our teachers. There's a huge divide in rap right now due to age, style, popularity, etc. I just think people need to study more and be more accepting. Go back and do some research. It doesn't hurt to know your history and keep the culture pushing forward at the same time. You'll be surprised at how many similarities you'll find. 

What is next for you and your brand and what can we expect from you in 2018?

Right now connecting with the people is the main goal. Be on the lookout for lots of new material coming from the Soul Ground camp. New music, features, shows. Everyone can follow me @crissjrumz and @soul_ground_productions for all the latest updates. And y'all can expect the full length project to drop this year as well. Stay tuned.

Connect with Criss Jrumz: Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud

Stream "M.A.G EP" by Queens Based Rap Artist M.A.G

Marcus Gonzalez, better known as “M.A.G”, is a Queens based rap artist whose new release "M.A.G EP" is in heavy rotation right now in the DCWS office. The EP comprises of eight tracks and features Fred the Godson, Tae Sav, Steelo P, Mikey Barz, Buttahville Jay, Scottie, and Deo C. The "M.A.G EP" is a certified banger and warrants your full attention; be sure to stream it below and follow M.A.G on his social media streams to stay up on what's next from him.

Connect with M.A.G: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Sango Shares New Video "Sweet Holy Honey" Feat. Xavier Omär and Details Forthcoming Album

Seattle-based producer Sango is back to announce the release date and tracklisting for his forthcoming album. "In The Comfort Of" will arrive on March 16th via Last Gang, and includes features from Jesse Boykins III, JMSN, Smino and more. In addition to the announcement, Sango is sharing a new video. "Sweet Holy Honey" features Xavier Omär, and is accompanied by a visual courtesy of director Jon Salmon.

"The inspiration for the video actually comes from the underlying meaning of the song," explains Sango. "I want the viewer/ listener to piece it together on their own so, I won't give too much away. 'Sweet Holy Honey' stems from cherishing the existence of women and the gift they bring to the world. When I approached Xavier Omär with this idea, I wanted him to write about how it may feel when you hold back the urge to have sex with a woman that you're in love with. It's not a typical love song."

In December, Sango released a short film titled "South End set to "One More Thing," the fifth track from "In The Comfort Of". Watch "Sweet Holy Honey" (feat. Xavier Omär), and find the previously released South End as well as album art and tracklisting for "In The Comfort Of" below.

Sango
In The Comfort Of
March 16, 2018
Last Gang

1. His Name
2. Life Without God Is Nothing
3. Mateo 2.19 (feat. Romaro Franceswa & Dave B)
4. Speak
5. One More Thing
6. Dance for Blessings
7. Twogether (feat. Jesse Boykins III)
8. Chemistry (feat. JMSN)
9. Khlorine (feat. Smino)
10. Rude (feat. Jean Deaux)
11. Sweet Holy Honey (feat. Xavier Omär)
12. On Me (feat. Jon Bap)
13. When I'm Around You (feat. Naji)
14. Light-Skinned (feat. midnight)
15. Implications
16. Changing Channels (feat. James Vincent McMorrow)
17. Comfortable (feat. Ryan Ashley)

Connect with Sango: Website | Twitter | Instagram

A Cozy Soundcloud Playlist to Combat the Freezing Cold

It’s unreal outside. Blizzard season is in full swing, we have three humidifiers out, and have drained every bottle of lotion in the house trying to combat our all dehydrate everything. While you’re hibernating and avoiding below freezing temps, get all snugged up with these cozy tracks to get you through this long winter.

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Stream/Download Ale-Jhay's Brand New EP "Everlasting"

Ale-Jhay's brand new release "Everlasting" is the follow up EP to his "102 Vision" album. On the "Everlasting" EP, Ale-Jhay touches on personal subject matters and his experiences residing in Oakland, California. The EP features include both BlackCloudMC and Visualeyez The Poet and the production is split between Ale-Jhay, Airjob and punk Zappa. This EP is a prelude to Ale-Jhay's upcoming album "Grace", which will be released sometime in 2018. 

Stream/Download "Everlasting" EP on iTunes

Connect with Ale-Jhay: Twitter | Soundcloud | Facebook