In a region known for it’s independent hustle August served to be a fruitful month for The Bay Area Hip Hop/Rap scene. The independent realm had numerous releases and celebrations for ground-breaking work. Flynt Nixon allows us a glimpse into the diverse soundscape from Vallejo, Sacramento, Richmond and San Francisco with brief reviews of: Champagne Gummies by LaRussel + Tope, Playing With Fire by Shootergang Kony, Free P The EP by Bez19, Kourtney Kardashian by The Dakota Wytefoxx and Spaceships on the Blade by Larry June. Champagne Gummies by LaRussell x TOPE Like 2 Hydrogen and 1 Oxygen atom, sometimes the formula is perfect! That’s exactly what LaRussell & Tope have with their musical chemistry, the perfect formula. Champagne Gummies, their latest collective release just reinforces that sentiment. Tope creates the music, then no look passes to LaRussell for the finish. Reminds you of a prime John Stockton and Karl Malone (no pun.) At 9 tracks and just under 25 minutes of playtime, Champagne Gummies is a lot like a gummy, short, sweet, and to the point. LaRussell's addictive sing-a-long flow shines through on this project and makes the jewels he drops stick in your mind with ease. No wonder his shows are a lesson in crowd participation and retention (If you haven’t seen him live I highly suggest one of his backyard concerts in Vallejo, CA). Tope does his usual thing and provides the perfect canvas for LaRussell to paint on. A style that keeps your head nodding while simultaneously allowing you to catch every gem. Champagne Gummies is yet another mile in a legendary run that LaRussell and Tope are on. With no signs of stopping, from Portland, Oregon to Vallejo, California the whole coast is in good hands. https://linktr.ee/Gcompenny Playing With Fire by Shootergang Kony Over the last couple of years Shootergang Kony has been establishing himself as a household name in the Northern California music scene. From his breakout single "Location On The Flyer" he’s shown that he has the skill and the consistency to keep the ball rolling. But the one thing that all artists need is that premier album which serves as the highlight in the overall discography... that brings us to his latest offering, Playing With Fire. The growth and maturity Kony shows on this project is something to marvel at. The last year or two has been controversial and eventful for Kony, a lot of rumors, internal misunderstandings, friends lost to death or jail, etc. Instead of the all too common social media rant, he took things back to the heart of artistry and addressed everything in his music. In a real 'waiting to exhale' moment Kony gave the world his most personal and introspective album to date. Songs like "Miss My Dawgz," "Preaching," and "Write My Wrongs" capture internal feelings and expresses them in a way that only art can. Staying true to his sound the album still boasts songs with real hit potential, my favorite being "Bounce Out." No wasted verses, wasted features, or throwaway beats were involved in the making of Playing With Fire. If someone has never heard of Shootergang Kony and wanted to get familiar, this is easily the album I’d suggest. It’s the perfect culmination of his sound, his story, and his lyrical ability. His growth shows that he isn’t taking his craft for granted. Instead, he’s working hard to solidify himself as a legend, and he’s on the right path to get there. https://music.empi.re/playingwithfire Free P The EP by Bez19 Richmond, CA's Bez19 dropped his highly anticipated debut project Free P The EP and exceeded all expectations. As the flagship artist on Lil Pete’s 4ES label he had a lot of pressure on his shoulders being the 1st one out of the gate. One of the few artists to be on multiple tours without ever releasing an album, it was time to step out on his own. And he stood tall! Free P The EP is dedicated to his little brother who is currently incarcerated if the title wasn’t self explanatory enough. The album is full of real life tales of pain, struggle, sorrow, success, triumph, and everything else that comes with life and the streets. Full spectrum! “My cousin killed my cousin, I pray hard cause I love him that’s how it go down Cutting, these streets don’t love nothing” he raps on "No Pop Shots." Giving you detailed accounts of a world a lot of us might not be familiar with. The standout track and single is the Rexx Life Raj assisted "Crazy," that combines a soulful beat with hard lyrics and a melodic hook (a proven recipe for a successful song.) Other standouts like "Dusty Feet" and "Rich Rollin" capture that Bay Area street sound that leaves no question where Bez19 was forged. With features from Lil Pete, Rexx Life Raj, WantmoreN8, and Gleeko, Free P The EP is one hell of an initial offering. If he can stay consistent, Bez19 can establish himself as a force to be reckoned with. Catch him live on a couple upcoming West Coast dates alongside San Francisco star Lil Pete. https://linktr.ee/bezone9 Kourtney Kardashian by The Dakota Wytefoxx When I first heard the artist name and album title I didn’t know what to expect, The Dakota Wytefoxx - Kourtney Kardashian? When I took the time out to listen, the album cover only added to the confusion. The Dakota Wytefoxx with a blowout, laying on the lawn, posing like Teddy Pendergrass. Next step was to look over the tracklist, seeing song titles like "I Woulda Shot Goldi Locks," "I’m Not Scared To Lose My Life N***a," and "We’re Gonna Tattoo Your Orange Lamb Truck" made me clear out all assumptions and jump in blind. Little did I know the Rexx Life artist had delivered one of the hardest Bay Area rap albums in the last 20 years. As a product of the Hyphy Movement, not the digestible one served to the masses, but the raw and uncut one happening on Bay Area streets. I’m a sucker for hard beats and energy. Now add outlandish bars and olympic level wordplay and what else can you ask for? That’s exactly what The Dakota Wytefoxx gave us with Kourtney Kardashian. “You n****s really p***y need a iced out nuva ring” and “Shout out Jesus but I got other n****s that died for us” are just 2 of the infinite lines all over the album. What stands out most is the originality, a real breath of fresh air in a time where the majority of music is follow the leader. From the beats, lyrics, samples, movie clips, etc. Kourtney Kardashian delivers at every level. I wouldn’t be surprised if this album ushers in a new take on a classic sound and inspires a wave of music that reshapes the region. https://open.spotify.com/album/5c2zVx1IONfbuy500tNybZ?si=iPm0oPWRTeisIo68ekzWaQ&nd=1 Spaceships on the Blade by Larry June Uncle Larry is back! It’s hard to find a California artist on a longer, more consistent, or more productive run than San Francisco’s own Larry June. He only widens the gap with his latest album Spaceships On The Blade. With production from legends like Cardo and The Alchemist his signature sound can only be classified as luxurious hood. Imagine champagne flutes, sheepskin rugs, and original art pieces on the walls of a trap house, that’s Spaceships On The Blade. At a playtime of 53 minutes and a track number of 20 Larry didn’t hold back at all. A lot of times longer projects have some filler but this album was carefully curated. Every song fits in place and nothing sounds like a throwaway. In Larry June tradition the album opens up with a legendary spoken word piece provided by Uncle Herm. That transitions right into one of the standout tracks Private Valet, a perfect example of the “Larry June” sound. Smooth flows delivered over an orchestra of instrumentation full of 70’s-esque horns and modern day bass lines. With features from Curren$y, SYD, 2 Chainz, Babyface Ray and others he was able to pull the featured artists into his world and still make it work. Larry June personifies another side of Bay Area hip-hop, the smooth player side that rarely gets shown to the national audience but has been there from the start. That changes now as Larry’s star grows brighter and brighter, merging audiences from trap stars and P’s, to stock brokers and avocado toast eaters. It’s only up from here, keep going Larry, NUMBERS! https://open.spotify.com/album/2aydhloXt99nJk9Nsu5AV4?si=pLUoAEn5ST6n1KhBloBJtw&_branch_match_id=787011461312008964&utm_medium=marketing&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXLy7IL8lMq9TLyczL1g%2F2D3ECADqKNSEZAAAA&nd=1

ARTISTS FEATURED: PROMISE, SWISS ARMY RADIO, SWISS ARMY RECORDS, KODAK K, CHUCK INDIGO, KEVIN ALLEN, PHILTHY RICH, CRIMEAPPLE, SEAFOOD SAM, 3SUNZ, FEMDOT, NICK GRANT, LUTE, MIKEM NAHMIR, IRON FEATHER, NIKO G4, SOUTHSIDE HOODLUM, MARCO PLUS, LARUSSELL, TOPE, JAMEEL NAIM X, BEANZ, UFO FEV, STALLEY, APOLLO BROWN, CURREN$Y, POUYA, 100GRANDROYCE, FLIGHTEOUS, JAY PLUSS, TENTEN, RADAMIZ

ARTISTS FEATURED: KLASSIC KELL, CONNIE DIIAMOND, GRIP, PINK SIIFU, G PERICO, JA'KING THE DIVINE, BUTCH DAWSON, HBK SKIPPER, BENJAMIN EARL TURNER, BIG K.R.I.T., NAVY BLUE, PROBLEM, MALC, MAT RANDOL, GOD BODY BINGO, SMOKE DZA, MILC, INTRO, K CARBON, ANKHLEJOHN, KILLAH PRIEST, FLEE LORD, CJ FLY, RICK HYDE, AKTHESAVIOR KLASSIC KELL: https://linktr.ee/Klassickell

ARTISTS FEATURED: CHELSEA PASTEL, YELOHILL, DEZZIE GEE, ROME STREETZ, BINO RIDEAUX, BLXST, BOSSMAN, MIC CAPES, KURATII, COACH TEV, BLAKE CRIS, JO8, BANCO, RANSOM, UFO FEV, G PERICO, DONTE THOMAS, BOCHA, COREY G, PAT JUNIOR, HUGH AUGUSTINE, OMB BLOODBATH, DEVY STONEZ, DAVE EAST, HARRY FRAUD, KING JAHSH, REMBLE, STEVIE CROOKS, FLY ANAKIN, SINDIAN, STALLEY, RYAN MILLA, VINCE STAPLES, BIG KAHUNA OG, UNLUCKY BASTARDS, K.A.A.N, ISAIAH RASHAD

ARTISTS FEATURED: KURATII, PACMAN DA GUNMAN, NIPSEY HUSSLE, MOZZY, ICEWEAR VEZZO, RAZ FRESCO, YL, BIG YAVO, CHRIS CRACK, LACEY JACKSON, T. CARRIER, DONMONIQUE, SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD, GOLDIE REBEL, POLYESTER THE SAINT, G.T. SLEEPY HALLOW, SY ARI DA KID, HOODRICH PABLO JUAN, THE MUSALINI, SHA HEF, ROB49, MIKEM NAHMIR, UFO FEV, LARRY JUNE, JETLIFE FAMILY, BOBBY SESSIONS, ROB VICIOUS, LIL DEUCE, BFB DA PACKMAN

Panama Jane, Otaku It-girl? No. Goth Tsundere Trap rapper? No. Gangsta Boo and La Chat’s sinister love child with Alucard from Hellsing? No. Let's dig deeper. Straight from the frostbit mouth off the source. Jane has her quirks, she unapologetically wears her bright and sarcastic personality even silently when she is completely obscured by a motorcycle helmet and spiked high heel boots and barely anything else. A woman of culture if you will. She and her team at Out da Trunk Studios have crafted an album some might call (it's me, I’m some) the best mashup of classic Southern Rap and raunchy modern pop culture fueled raps one can make. “When you let a young Georgia raised Panamanian girl get her hands on a Three Six Mafia album, Akira VHS, and a bottle of Jack Daniels who knows what may fly out of her mouth! You brought this on yourself America! cover your children's ears! -sincerely senorita petty! Deep in the depths of Wicked City they scheme, scam, sex and soliloquy to roaring 808’s and top-notch sample choices, this imaginary world created in the fabric of Jane’s entire body of work. But today we are here to talk about her latest release, the third and final? Hibachi; Hibachi III. 26 minutes of trunk rattling, new age 8-ball & MJG, Gangsta Boo, and UGK influenced pimping, hustling and shit-talk. Yes, the tall leather and spike-clad woman on the cover is giving it up like that, and it SOUNDS even crazier than it…sounds, to you, reading this. Jane opens the album with a distorted voice recalling his time in school, he mentions a singular girl, weaving a tale of how she wanted to be a spice girl, and was into “anime and shit like that”. She dressed in all black and it was weird, but the moral of that story is an important one, one of the most important in American culture across the ages: “She had some big ass titties.” From there we take a ride with Jane into Wicked City, where the main event is an effortless free associative flow over 808s and flawless chops of Father’s Children’s, "Dirt and Grime." Up next is what some (its me again) may call the HARDEST song released this summer, "Pimps Don't Cry" is an unbeatable pitched up Cee-lo sample over her long-time collaborator Bad Klad, (formerly Skantily Klad…seeing a pattern here?) Holding absolutely nothing back on the drums, bass and percussion. Jane’s delivery and sense of humor carry her through a myriad of brag lines and shit-talk that would fit right in with the early 2000’s dirty south emergence into the mainstream. If you see a P.I.M.P. then you probably seeing Jane If a nigga L.O.V.E. then i disappear, David Blaine I was born overseas so my mama she drove the boat and my daddy was a navy nigga i was born to float Coast to coast, like Toonami, take your space and then go ghost - Panama Jane, Pimps Don't Cry 90s kids, do you feel seen yet? No more sample snitching, "How Long" is the same formula but much more focused, telling a story of Jane breaking hearts and collecting checks in the game of love/lust/lies. How long has this been going on, is in fact a good question to ask by the time we arrive at the end of the second verse’s rather unfortunate reveal for the male suitor who is one of the subjects of the record . "4giveme" is more flexing over another iconic sample and continued amazing production with all manner of vocal stabs and distorted adlibs, dark and chaotic are words that come to mind. Jane is proudly owning both her sexuality and outward sex appeal on this track while paying subtle homage to the forebearers of her sound. "Innie Minnie" brings in the first feature, Jacob Waddy over a bouncing synth as they take their pick of their options to recruit into their cartoonishly humorous but dark brand of Wicked City pimping. Waddy brings charisma and a welcomed energy shift to the track getting off lines that only work in his distinctive lispy southern drawl. 2,4,6,8 make yo bitch appreciate, I invest in ASSests in case that ass depreciate Ghostface comes to mind for being the best example of a rapper who uses their voice and charisma to bring lines to life that anyone more serious or monotonous sounding just simply CAN’T. "SZA" goes back to the sample formula to Jane to relish in more hedonistic desires and bars about getting hers by any means. The hook complete with what sounds like some (hi again) would say is a comedic impression of auto-tuned talk-sing impression of singer SZA. but some could be completely wrong. Moving on, "Telephone (remastered)" is a record filled with dirty talk and moaned adlibs befitting a fantastically absurd alternate world’s sex talk hotline, we are in Wicked City after all, this is world building. "Bitches Aint Us" a 2 minute banger just begging for a million Tik Toks and dance floors. She continues the Harlequin-esque whirlwind romance with sex, schemes and money making. The repetitive hook is simple, and straight-forward laid out perfectly for groups of young women in the club to yell with their drinks up. "Sha'Carri" is more of the same energy but full of metaphors about running track, an intentionally ironic metaphor for, you guessed it, pimping. Hibachi III closes out with what might be the most impressive flows on the album as she brings this insane trip to a close with more of the “hard on hoes and their perpetually inept tricks” attitude she has carried from track 2, "Welcome 2 Wicked City." This album works off the strength of some of the last words on the album: “Jane is a one of one”. Though there may be limited subject matter on this album, the production choices, the charisma on display, the humor, the references and off the wall energy carry it from top to bottom. Artists like Jane, Doechii, and Rico Nasty through a combination of distinctive aesthetic choices, personality, and atypical production and flows make their projects stand out and offer originality in the growing realm of sex-positive rap projects from women. Released July 15, 2022 https://fanlink.to/hibachi3 words by Xlo

ARTISTS FEATURED: LOS, BRYCE SAVOY, AJ SNOW, MALZ MONDAY, BUCKWILD, JAMEEL NAIM X, JOHNNY UNITEUS, JODY JOE, $HRAMES, KAMEO, T.Y., AROOMFULLOFMIRRORS, RAHIEM SUPREME, OHBLIV, KAI CASH, REGGIE RARE, REY MORADO, JAVION BISHOP, CHE NOIR, BANCO, NUKE FRANKLIN, MACC, RU$H, JAY NICE, NICK GRANT, RALFY THE PLUG, KAREEM LEDELL, OSBE CHILL, PHILTHY RICH,

https://www.whoiscyph.com/ New Orleans artist Jameel Na'im X (JNX) drops off his first project of 2021, 2 Birds 1 Stone. The entire project is self-produced without any guest features. JNX gives soulful and intuitive bars about himself, the world he perceives and his plight to higher degrees throughout 2 Birds 1 Stone. JNX's humbleness is apparent but so is his ambition to claim/achieve/attain/obtain what is his and the higher being he is becoming. Without question, JNX is one of the most consistent and competent in Hip Hop. What makes him special (in my opinion,) is he does it all on his own time. It's not a matter of releasing when the majority are or when the industry says you should. I appreciate that he always allows his music and work ethic to speak for itself. A line that caught me on "Nancy Kerrigan" was, "I'm like AI crossin' MJ in '97/ what would I do if I was in his shoes, no question" In one line JNX gives commentary on the a historical NBA moment among 2 of the best players while also stating he would do the same as AI in reference to his literal shoe through Reebok. This is just one of the many dope lines that could be broken down into more. So many metaphors, similes and really intentional lyrics I could highlight, but I listened to 2 Birds 1 Stone 10+ times in entirety and found new wit, flow and multiple meanings of different lyrics. The bars are never-ending. Alongside diverse lyrics, flow and content JNX also gives a variety of sound through his production. 2 Birds 1 Stone is an album you don't want to miss but to even get further context of the artist be sure to check out his earlier releases too. Precise, practiced, determined.

Dallas artists Pat Ron and Coach Tev team up for their collaborative EP, Shut Up & Rap. Straight RAPS, like real raps with flow, diction, content, confidence, competitive demeanor and progressive intent. Storytellers, but they're athletes with it, almost like they're playing 2v2 basketball. Both their crafts individually are amazing, but together the game is incredible from assists, individual plays and putting on for their home city. Athletic raps, if you will. Whole tape feels like behind the back passes & alley-oops - like watching an AND1 game but you're listening to two artists express it as rap, rapletes. All the tracks on the EP are hybrids of sorts too, they hold/create a space where the chill and smooth delivery of their raps does not alter the the height of the energy expressed in each song. In all honesty, this EP is FULL of bars, wit and memorable lyrics. I'll highlight a few below from the beginning of Shut Up & Rap but the best ones you'll find when you listen to it in entirety. One of my favorite lines by Pat Ron in the initial song, "When In Rome," "The juice, the sauce, the drip... whatever you call it/ these niggas do not be on shit they just wanna be seen, these niggas ain't artists" And if we're still thinking in terms of basketball "When In Rome" serves as the 3-pointer off dribble after tip-off - an obvious moment that boosts team morale. Then Coach Tev makes a huge contribution on the song, "Shut Up & Rap," "I ain't buddying up with niggas, that shit overplayed/ I've been skipping out on group projects since like the 7th grade/ rap God veteran, coaching and I know the game/ I can tell your future shit ain't fuckin' with my throwaways" Shut Up & Rap has no fillers every song is intentional and concise, although my favorite is "B Roll." Pat Ron's delivery in "B Roll" is reminiscent of the puncturing tone of rappers in South Central in the '90s - precise, intentional with a commanding tone and a story to tell. And when it comes to the the way Coach Tev delivers his raps - I always envision him in the Wild Wild West and just every time he draws his gun he's just slinging words, phrases, wit that are deadlier and more precise than a bullet. Shut Up & Rap is an amazing project that I'm sure I'll be spinning for the rest of the year and beyond. If you get a chance to listen give it a spin too! https://www.coachtev.com/

Long Beach artist Seafood Sam is back with his latest release, Rocco's World. The album is an embodiment of what Seafood claims in the intro, "some old player shit," and with any real player shit you can expect truth, motivation, wit and luxury delivered in the flyest of forms. Out the gate, Seafood Sam sets the tone in the intro track, "Cuban Linx" purely off his line, "I"m so North I should get a tattoo of Sansa/ you gotta learn how to play it smooth & conquer." The smoothness is also apparent in the use of the sample of "Fuck My Car" by UGK on the song, "Lil Boy, Old Soul." While the infamous line loops in the background Seafood Sam touches on everything from family, women and the integrity of his soul and craft. Seafood Sam also has lines that further aligns/affiliates him geographically like in the song "Apple Eve" where he shouts out other Long Beach artist Joey Fatts & his business/label "Cutthroat." "Better than most, the black sheep turned to goat/ word to Joey I'mma cut me a throat & that's on Northside, double up if you short 5." This is a project without any skips and at any point of any song there is a poignant line that I could highlight but it's best y'all just give it a listen for yourself. Rocco's World includes production from MelloMatt, NiceGuyXVinny, Cam The Chef & Damablanca and features artists Huey Briss and Rae Khalil. Rocco's World is for sunny days or times you need motivation and beautiful production. Every track is a scene from the day2day of Seafood Sam chasin' and conquering his dreams. If you play this around your uncles, aunts, moms, dads, cousins, grandparents - the whole family gonna be groovin' to it. If you play this around your friends or your significant others - they gonna be groovin' to it. If you play it to yourself - you'll be groovin' to it. The beauty and positive energy of Rocco's World is undeniable.

https://www.nappyhigh.com/ Y'all already know the first spin of April went to Yellow by NappyHIGH. Coming off his January release, Villains, Yellow ain't nothing shy of phenomenal either. NappyHIGH has an ability to put listeners in a space/time that feels like sunlight and makes you wonder if you're listening to red light music, blue light music, Hip Hop or soul - it's a fusion of them ALL+. There are songs like "ILY" & "Just For The Moment" that may have you slow dancin' in the kitchen with your sweet thang. Or a song like, "The Get Down" that's feels like you're at a kickback with the homies with blunts and brews. Additionally, purely instrumental tracks like, "Call Me" & "Let Go \ OneForMe" puts you in the mind state of crusin' beachside in the evening in L.A. or Miami. If you're lookin' for quality soulful music that goes beyond and fuses many musical genres this is the album. The album features RnB/Soul & Hip Hop artists such as: Devin Morrison, Iman Omari, ihateyouALX, Blu, Memnoc & Maggie Kiing. A contemporary symphony of a synchronized RnB/Soul/Hip Hop fusion with a sultry essence.

DJBriMafia SoundCloud ARTISTS FEATURED: DJBRIMAFIA, SHAM1016, ELCAMINO, COMPTONASSTG, NAPPY NINA, JAYY GRAMS, G.T., MILC, UNO HYPE, J. ARRR, SHA HEF, JAY WORTHY, RALFY THE PLUG, 2ELEVEN, BRIONNE, TERMANOLOGY, BLUEBLUCKSCLAN, EL PREZ, BOSSMAN, CALEBORATE, UFO FEV, GARY JUNIOR, KALAN.FRFR, YOUNG BARI, CHAMP SANTIAGO, SOULFULL, JAHMED, BERNER, TUNDE, ARMAND HAMMER, ALLY COCAINE, D2X &100GRANDROYCE

https://djbrimafia.com/ https://djbrimafia.com/

Hailing from Chicago, Pete (formerly known as Acr0bat) is a producer that I was unfamiliar with until I heard Jimmy Golden's recent album, "At Heaven's Gate." After receiving the album about a month before it was released I became more familiar with Pete's transitions and the ways he bends and morphs genre. Many times throughout listening to, "At Heaven's Gate," Pete changes pace and creates a sound that is at times "galactic chill." He's one of the producers I've grown to appreciate especially with his versatility within and outside of various genres. When did you start producing? What inspired you? What continues to inspire your sound? Pete: I've been producing for 13 years now. I started when I was 13. I'm inspired by a few things but primarily just creating new sounds and pushing boundaries. I've always been motivated by this. Of course I want to make songs and beats that people like but honestly what inspires me most is creating something new. But most of all, and this will sound cliche, I have a serious urge to create, and music is a perfect platform. I I get to express my feelings through song, you know? If I'm feeling hype, I'm going to make somee hype shit. If I'm feeling mellow, I can show that. On top of that, I had some inspirations to start producing, mostly Hudson Mohawke. But I've had other inspirations throughout the years like Knxwledge, Monte Booker, FlyLo and Iman Omari. What is your working style? Pete: Oh man. I think my working style is aggressive. Just get after in. Once I'm in it...I'm in it. I rarely work on beats for a couple minutes or an hour at a time. I get really locked in and work for hours. When I'm working on beats for the gang I usually finish all those beats within the same session. Sometimes it's 3 hours, sometimes it's 7, but time flies by when I'm working. I really enjoy getting locked in. When I'm working on like actual songs, that's when I get a little more strategic since it's a bit more a process sometimes. I still work on large chunks at a time but on different sections. I know artists can be sensitive about their art - how do you go about changes and rearrangements to artist's songs or projects? Pete: When I'm producing for someone, my number one priority is to make sure they like it and feel comfortable with it. How can you make something good if the artist isn't comfortable with something? As a producer, I think it's important to be flexible. Of course, I'm going to bring new ideas to the table, but if an artist doesn't like something, then I'll hear them out. It's a joint effort. That's one of the reasons Jimmy Golden and I mesh well. We accept each other's ideas. Oh, you think I wasn't going to give Jimmy a shout? Shout out Jimmy. What are some of your favorite projects you were a part of this year? Pete: See above. At Heaven's Gates was insane to work on. I'd just send Jimmy new beats everyday and he'd be like, "I'm hearing the words 'x' over the beat." Then he would go to the studio and deliver that exact idea over the beat. That dude heard the song when I sent him a beat. It was done before he started. I also had a few other projects drop this year. The first was before covid hit called, The Way Home. It's a bit more experimental but I worked with two other Chicago guys on that, MFnMelo and Kobe Jxrdan. Both of those dudes have way too much game. Kobe is like a brother to me. I've known him for years now and we've made some really cool stuff together. Lastly, I had a track drop, called Beef Dipped, a few weeks ago with another Chicago rapper, Judy. Bro... Judy is a certifire crazy person. I send him beats daily. DAILY. And he goes and records within a day. The funny part about that though is he always records early in the morning. Like 3AM. I'll wake up with a text from Judy at 4:30 telling me the song was done. Should we expect any new projects in the near future? Pete: I would expect yes. Multiple things actually. I'm working on a project with J tha III. He has some insane lyricism. Just next level. I have a few songs with an artist named Yoko Chanel. His hooks are just ridiculous. Go listen to Chanel Blue right. Thirdly, Judy and I have a tape. Lastly, and what I'm most excited about, is the project I'm working on. I'm producing each track and there will be a different artist on each track. A producer tape of sorts. I can tell you that everyone I listed above is involved along with a few other producer features. We also have some other guests including William Prize and Bari and a few others. Keep an eye out. At Heaven's Gate

December 11th, you got something major going on? ADV: So yea, December 11th Bando Beatz, a company I’m a part owner of, is hosting Atlanta’s first official beat auction, hosted by Skygod Spence. The auction will be live streamed on IG, Twitch and Clubhouse. Originally it was supposed to be an in person event, but due to COVID we decided to make it virtual to protect our team and all the producers involved. Taking precaution is beneficial. I think this is a really dope idea. Who are all the producers that will be auctioning off beats? ADV: The producers are Losif Stalin, SK808, Wavy Wallace, MTRSPRT, and Popstar Benny are the producers for the first one. In the future we plan on having more than 5 producers and the list will have a few more big names along with ones who are on the come up. What is/was your inspiration for the beat auction? How did the idea begin? ADV: I came up with this idea in 2016 after winning a few beat battles/showcases and not feeling fulfilled all the way. I felt like the interaction between the artists and producers during the events could have been more streamlined to make real connections. What are your goals for the beat auction? ADV: I think my goal for the auction is to break the barriers between bigger name artists/producers and underground artist/producers. For ex: A up and coming artist would have a chance to get a Sonny Digital beat or and up and coming producer could sell a beat to an artist like 6lack. But I think overall I just wanted to create an environment void of politics. How has it been challenging? ADV: The biggest challenge at first was finding a venue. But we ended up getting a commercial space this year so that made it much easier. Also with COVID it made it easier to make the auction virtual since Versus has been successful and with the invention of Clubhouse it’s also easier to connect people without certain barriers. I watched your interview w/ Skygod Spence (who is hosting the show) and he mentioned you were primarily a producer and now you're moving into a different version of your art. Can you tell me a little about that? And your new album, "I'll Be Ready"? ADV: So, what we were talking about in that part of the interview was the fact that people are just now seeing my artistry but I’ve been singing, rapping ect since I started producing. I was in a group in high school and had hella different names, I’ve released 6 projects minus my recent one. My first solo album was meditation album in 2014 lol I had so many different version of my sound and I didn’t really have it in a form that made it digestible for listeners. I just found the balance of all of what I do on this last album, thus where the name came from. It’s really the part two of the series “When I Feel Like It, I'll Be Ready”. I dropped the first part of that in 2019 and it’s the start to me figuring “it” out. This is all sounding like you're at a beautiful place in developing and expressing your artistry. After the beat auction is there more we should expect? ADV: And I appreciate it! For the last quarter of this year and first quarter next year, I’ll be releasing a few videos from “I’ll Be Ready” and executive producing a few albums coming out of Bando Beatz. My next album isn’t coming until 2022. Anything else you'd like to say to those reading? ADV: The only thing else I want to tell people is to focus on their own peace and happiness in these times. Shit crazy! photography: eastside.bizz I'll Be Ready