Be honest, Pusha Tmaking a diss track for an Arby’s commercial wasn’t on your bingo card for 2022. But here we are. The Virginia rapper and fast-food giant teamed up to release a new commercial for their new spicy fish sandwich. Instead of using their trademark narrator, Arby’s relies on Push to deliver an accompanying verse for it. For the restaurants for always having “the meats”, Arby’s and Pusha make it clear that they have plenty of beef for their competitor: McDonald’s.
The seventy-five second clip revolves around a fishing vessel at sea and a menacing background instrumental. Immediately, Pusha comes in and begins his rant against Mickey D’s as he takes shots directly at their Filet-O-Fish sandwich. Every line is a dig at taste, look, and shape of the McDonald’s sandwich with any (well, just one) of his usual references.
“I’m the reason the whole world love it, but now I gotta crush it,
Filet-O-Fish is *** and you should be disgusted
How dare you sell a square fish, asking us to trust it
A half slice of cheese, Mickey D’s on a budget?”
The collab isn’t surprising, given their long-time relationship dating back to Pusha making Arby’s original jingle. What’s startling are the aggressive digs that the rapper makes towards his former partner, McDonald’s. Before working with Arby’s, Push and his brother famously worked on the iconic “I’m lovin it” jingle. To this day, it’s the longest-running jingle in McDonald’s 82-year history. When asked about it, he became inspired to make the commercial after being ‘severly underpaid’ by McDonald’s.
“I am solely responsible for the ’I’m Lovin‘ It’ swag and the jingle of that company. That’s just real. I am the reason. Now I gotta crush it.” – Pusha T in a Rolling Stone interview
It also looks like it’ll turn out to be a nice payday for Pusha. The rapper has made it clear that unlike the McDonald’s jingle, the proceeds from this commercial goes directly in his pockets. The chance at getting even with the company you used to work with AND getting paid for it: priceless. If he keeps it up, we may get a We Have the Meats EP out of it.
Guin Records/The He[A]rd lyricist Solo Jaxon (@solojaxon) has finally released his exciting album GODBODY. After much anticipation, the “Winners And Bosses ” rapper is sharing his 6 song effort via SONY Orchard. Although Solo has been an underdog his whole life, he now sees the same love as the other industry heavyweights. The fast-rising MC has garnered heavy editorial playlist support from Apple Music with his Sylvan Lacue-assisted banger “JUNGLE.” The Idle Kid-produced single is on Apple Music’s New In Hip-Hop & BARS playlists. These two playlists place Jaxon’s track next to artists like Benny The Butcher, J. Cole, Pusha T, etc.
Clocking in at just under 14 minutes, Solo Jaxon wastes no time on his latest full-length offering. In an era where there are so many distractions, Solo is tactful and wants to make the most out of the time fans take to stream his music. This mindset aligns perfectly with the title of the album. Solo wants all his fans to tap into their highest self. Therefore, everything you digest is of the highest quality. His music is no different. Although records like “GOOD” & “JUNGLE” are stand-outs, the whole project is full of Grade-A raps.
Fans of TDE, Griselda, and other technical wordsmiths will find plenty to like about GODBODY. Solo Jaxon is setting the stage for a massive 2022. He has been through a lot in his short time on earth and shares it in his music. Today, vulnerability is essential for recording artists. Solo embodies every quality of your favorite artists.
Press play on GODBODY via Guin Records/The He[A]rd today, and be sure to look out for more from Solo Jaxon!
If you like Maxo Kream, ScHoolboy Q, Andre 3000, and spacey, hard-hitting trap beats Baldwin Hills, LA rapper Chad Watson is the artist for you. Songs like “Chad Chad Chad”, “She Don’t Eff With Rappers” and “WOAH” offer the intricate, off-kilter flows that serve up a fresh plate of nostalgia for rap fans of any age.
Born David Watson, Chad grew up practically living in the church. He and his family would go to church three times a week and were very religious. As much as he loathed this experience as a kid, he began to appreciate what the church offered him as he grew older.
“I definitely value it for the structure that it gives me morally, and even the way I heard and experienced music,” Watson said.
However, despite developing an appreciation for music at a young age, it wasn’t until two and a half years ago that he started taking music seriously after going through some creative roadblocks.
“I hadn’t any motivation to create or pursue anything musically. After dealing with this, which I believe many of us do, I found an inspiration to put myself in a more conducive energy. Once I was in a better space, I felt the drive to use my musical composition training and the lyrics and Melodies began to flow out,” Watson explained.
After getting over these issues, Watson began dropping music and hasn’t looked back since. His new project the unimpressible is meant to “push the envelope” and give his audience “an intimate and uninhibited glimpse into my otherwise mysterious persona”.
Outside of music, Watson enjoys running, playing basketball, and even makes his own clothing with materials he finds in downtown LA.
” I…buy leather patches for customizing pieces, and I also make bracelets that I get complimented on quite often honestly,” the rapper stated.
This Saturday, the young rapper is set to perform for Clubhouse in Las Vegas at the M Resort Hotel and looks to release the visual for his track “Chuck Bass” on March 21st.
Stay tuned for new music, follow him on Instagram, and check out his work on Spotify below!
“A dream is nothing but a dream unless you go and chase it,” – Sammy Shiblaq.
Sammy Shiblaq is an up and coming artist based in San Jose, California who’s bringing a new and versatile sound to the game. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan and knew that he wanted to pursue a rap career since he was just 13 years old. He began his rap career by freestyling and releasing his music on Soundcloud. Now, Sammy Shiblaq is bringing his dreams to fruition with the release of his latest single, “Champion,” which is an exhilarating effort that truly shows off his lyrical skills.
“Champion” is Shiblaq’s first release since signing with Empire record label, and it’s been appropriately receiving a lot of hype. With some of his main musical influences being J. Cole, Akon, Lupe Fiasco, A Boogie, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar — it’s no wonder that Shiblaq is able to deliver hard-hitting bars over any beat.
In a recent interview with Remixd Magazine, Sammy Shiblaq noted that hip-hop saved his life in plenty of situations. Instead of letting his circumstances defeat him, Shiblaq has been inspired by any tribulations and turned it into something he could talk about in his music. This storytelling technique is evident, especially in the recent track “Champion,” where Shiblaq says he wants to be remembered as a champion and someone who makes a difference.
“I have always been inspired by what I go through and how I can turn it into an art where others can hear my story,” he said.
As someone who grew up as a first generation American in his household, Shiblaq has a different type of hustle. He stated that he carries his roots in every record he makes, and that’s why you can hear the confidence within his sound — it’s been built up over time through his lifestyle and his upbringing.
“Today in my music, you hear a confidence that has been built overtime from all the hardship that came with this lifestyle; but I can honestly say without my experiences, the fan base I have today would not believe in me the way they do,” Shiblaq continued.
Keep reading to learn more about the independent artist and be sure to stream “Champion,” on all platforms!
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I grew up in Detroit, Michigan before moving to the Bay Area when I was fourteen. I nowreside in San Jose, California.
What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?
My artist name is Sammy Shiblaq, the same as my real name. The reason I kept it that way isbecause I want to be remembered as me; the artist and the person. My favorite artists like J.Cole and Kendrick Lamar kept their real names in their artistry and today they are viewed assome of the top rappers in hip-hop.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
I started freestyling shortly after I could talk and I dropped my first song on Soundcloud when I was only 13. I always knew I wanted to be a rapper, it was the only way for people who did not come from where I come from to hear me. Before growing up in Detroit and moving to California, my family came from Palestine and if you are not aware of the political situationand the poverty my people go through, you may never find out unless you hear it from me.My whole mission as an artist is to be the voice of my people and even though my musictoday is not political, I carry my roots through every record I make.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your soundtoday? If so, how?
I grew up as a first generation American so my experience is really different. In school, I wasthe only one of my kind so nobody really had my back when I got into trouble. I had two older brothers who passed on certain values and how to move as I grew up, but they were always 5-7 years older than me so when things hit the fan, it was really on me to figure it out. My oldest brother used to rap when he was younger so I always wanted to reach his level and be even better than he was. I think this mentality combined with growing up in Detroit and then moving to such a different culture in the Bay created the person I am today. I always had a lot of people around me who loved and knew what I was capable of doing, but it always felt like it was me vs. everybody when it came down to getting where I need to be.
Today in my music, you hear a confidence that has been built overtime from all the hardship that came with this lifestyle; but I can honestly say without my experiences, the fan base I have today would not believe in me the way they do.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I combine my old school influences with my new school influences so that no matter the ageor era of hip-hop you grew up in, you will feel me regardless. I have records where in theverses I am bringing back the lyrical and storytelling aspect of hip-hop, but the chorus ismelodic and catchy for the younger crowd. My goal in doing this is to make the youngergeneration appreciate the rappers who really have something to say and also convince theolder generation that a record can sound melodic and still keep its authenticity. I have nospecific style as I have full lyrical rap songs and full melodic rap songs, but I believe thesestyles I incorporate create a sound that has not been heard before. I want to be an innovator,not a follower, so each song I release can be different from the last – it just depends on thepoint in my life I’m at because my reality always makes its way into my music.
What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?
Seeing my older brother as a rapper was the first thing that made me pursue this dream. Thepoint in my life where I took it seriously is when J. Cole dropped Forest Hills Drive in 2014. Ihave never resonated with an album more than that project and when I heard 03adolescence, it made me feel at only fifteen years old that I was a grown man with a duty topave the way differently than my people who had become victims to their lifestyles. Thewords from that album always echoed in my head and it kept me out of trouble for thelongest time. Since 15, I went on a journey to become the best artist I could be whileremaining conscious of my influence. I believe once I have achieved what I need to achieve in hip-hop, I can open the door for more kids like me who want to play a different hand thanthe cards they were dealt.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
Hip-hop saved my life because there would be times when I hit rock bottom and the onlyprescription was putting it into music. I have always been inspired by what I go through andhow I can turn it into an art where others can hear my story. Today as my fan base grows, Igain more and more inspiration from my fans because I have a duty to guide them on theright path and never let them down.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I like to read and learn from people who know more than me because the secret to growth issimply listening to someone who has done it before you. I try to be involved in making change for my people and our communities, but it’s not an easy fight especially for an artist. Before I was 18, I was starting protests/rallies marching the streets and speaking at large events for Palestine to bring more awareness. While many of the events brought out a huge response, I saw my opportunities in music being minimized due to the controversy. I have focused on establishing myself as an artist in order to have a bigger voice for my people.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
J. Cole, Akon, Lupe Fiasco, A Boogie, 50 Cent, & Kendrick Lamar.
What are some of your music career goals for the future?
I want to be the biggest rapper of middle eastern descent, but even bigger than that Iwant to be one of the biggest rappers in hip-hop. I believe I carry a touch that manymy age don’t want to carry and even if it takes longer than most, I know I will get tothe top of the game one day.
Tell us about the project that you are promoting. What is it about? Is it a single or EP?Also, what is the name of the last project you released?
I am promoting my latest single “Champion” dropping March 1st. It is my first song of2021 and my first song with Empire so I am really excited to take this to the next level.Shoutout to Ghazi for bringing me on board and since my last release in 2020 titled”CUFF.” I think “Champion” is going to be one of my best records yet.
What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?
My last two mixtapes “Faith & Hustle” + ”Between The Lines” have really establishedmy presence locally in the past two years. F&H being my first mixtape really started topaint the legacy I wanted to solidify with my fans and BTL is like the improved andmore grown version of that project. Both mixtapes have constant themes and build astory as you listen through; and both projects together have been streamed over amillion times.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
A dream is nothing but a dream unless you go and chase it. I firmly stand on thatprinciple that if you believe in something, you have to put faith in yourself and put inthe work. I always try to make music that means something and to serve my greaterpurpose because as the great Malcolm X said, “A man who stands for nothing will fallfor anything.”
Singer/rapper Syo delivers his debut EP Senioritis, a vibrant collection of six songs that blends, neo-soul, R&B, rap, and blues for a much-needed break from Tik Tok trends and trap music.
Born in Alief, a neighborhood in Houston, TX, Syo grew up in a strict household where rap was outlawed. However, this allowed him to explore artists like Sade and Erykah Badu which helped him hone in on what would become a soulful, R&B infused sound.
“By the time I started to make music I couldn’t really sing, so I would always make the melody and have someone else sing while I perfected my craft of rapping. But now that I’ve taught myself to sing I guess you can say I’m returning to my roots,” he stated.
But despite his household’s decree on rap music, that didn’t stop Syo from falling in love with it.
“I remember the moment I decided I wanted to rap,” Syo explained. “7th grade, our English teacher put Me, Najeem, and Tre at the same table. Worst mistake. We were all class clowns. One thing we used to do was freestyle every day. Except I never did, it was mostly Tre and Najeem. One day they kept egging me on and I finally did the corniest freestyle about “crack” but everyone went crazy and that moment encouraged me to go home and start writing for real.”
However, even after playing around with music for years, the Texas native started taking it seriously in college.
“Sitting in class one day hearing my professor lecture on and on and I realized that there was no way I could do this anymore. Go to class I’m not interested in, to get a job I don’t love, for what? For money? No. Music is where I need to be,” the young talent explained.
Now that Syo has released his first EP, he remains to be focused on music over fame or money. He explained:
“I honestly just want to save as many lives as I can with my music. And go down as the greatest performer of my generation would be nice too!”
Stay tuned for more from Syo and check out the EP here!
Pacman da Gunman and Hit-Boy are right back with their final single before their collaborative project “Bulletproof Soul” releases March 31st. “Not Your Average” is the introductory track on the album, kicking it off with an immense amount of swagger and energy stating, “ask my youngins, I’m way worse than Suge n***a”. Pac continues to riff rambunctious raps like “attitude still f**k it, n***a hit ’em up, my ambitions as a rider, n***a zip ’em up”. The outstanding production provided by platinum producer Hit-Boy isn’t your typical track.
“Bulletproof Soul” the nine track collaborative project by Pacman Da Gunman and Hit-Boy is set release March 31st and features guest appearances by Dom Kennedy, Peezy, Yhung T.O., J. Stone and more.
Kalan.FrFr‘s music demands to be played in the whip, preferably a convertible with the top down and a gentle breeze blowing in from the ocean. Traveling from the Pacific to the Atlantic in his latest music video, the L.A. native shares “Look At Me.” The opening track on his new project TwoFr 2, “Look At Me” is Kalan’s mission statement, a breezy and confident riders anthem, in which the 25-year-old artist marvels at how far he’s come and mourns the grandmother who always believed in him: “Granny look at me/I know you smile at me when I see the clouds move/I know you proud of me.” In the video, directed by Kalan’s frequent collaborator Blayr, Kalan enjoys a vacation in Miami, as he rides his jetski through Biscayne Bay and poses with his shiny sports car (colored to match Miami’s pastel color palette). The video also includes a montage of career highlights from Kalan, including performances at Rolling Loud and more.
Spanning 13 tracks, TwoFr 2 is an excellent showcase of what helps the Compton native standout in a crowded hometown scene, namely his silky, rhythmic croon and his sharp sense of songcraft. The new project is home to “Scoring,“ which earned airtime during a Los Angeles Lakers NBA playoff game in the Fall and is currently charting at #29 on urban radio, “Get In,” a lumbering, piano-heavy banger with an appearance from Stunna 4 Vegas, and “No Love” ft. Mozzy, which has a music video that pays tribute to Paid In Full, one of Kalan’s favorite films. The sequel to Kalan’s breakout 2018 tape TwoFr, TwoFr 2 takes the newly-minted Roc Nation signee’s artistry to a new level, complementing his raunchy love songs with introspection and hard-earned wisdom. Featuring production from Cypress Moreno, BankrollGot It, and more, TwoFr 2 is available everywhere via First Class Entertainment/Roc Nation.
A major figure in Los Angeles’ stacked rap scene, recently crashing the Top 10 of Billboard’s Emerging L.A. Artists chart, Kalan.FrFr earned accolades and co-signs for his breezy melodies and hard-hitting bars. In recent months, the artist’s singular alchemy caught the attention of L.A. rap superstar YG, who hopped on the remix for Kalan’s hard-hitting “Right Wit It” in 2020. A vocalist with many dimensions, the artist earned praise from Pitchfork in 2019 for his pure rapping ability on his fan-favorite “Hot N Ready (Freestyle)“. With TwoFr 2, Kalan solidifies his unique position on the West Coast scene, and builds even more anticipation about great things to come.
Released on his debut project About Time, the newly emerging Philly artist Lil Muk shows the audience how good life is for him currently but also what it took for him to get here in his newest video. They are taken between scenes of him living it up and laughing with friends but also the nights he spent outside in his neighborhood hustling or in the studio constantly writing and recording in order to garner the success he has now.
The harmonious track is produced by Jabari On The Beat and the significant use of the piano only further contributes to the overall story and vibes of the visual. Lil Muk is candidly reminiscent on this song and the passion he has about changing the course of his life is evident and inspiring to hear.
Singer-songwriter pisceze releases her new single of the year called “Daddy,” that embraces a mix of high energy, confidence, and dazzling vocals. By mastering the art of channeling her inner-self, the Toronto R&B artist delivers an authentic project with the drive of healing and uplifting those who listen.
Pisceze’s start with songwriting back in 2018 unlocked an enchanting passion for creating music as a way to transfer positive energy to her audience.
“I’m a true Pisces, we’re known to be in tune with our emotions,” Pisceze explains in an interview with Remixd Magazine. “Being highly intuitive and sensitive are traits of myself that I feel led me to the original music meant to touch my fans.” Her latest single “Daddy” reveals a time when Pisceze was feeling sexy and confident. “I hope my fans get the same kind of provocative and powerful energy from the song.”
As she dives into this chapter as a new artist, Pisceze is excited to try different sounds and techniques that will ultimately enhance her craft.
“I believe being open-minded is very important as being an artist. It doesn’t mean you’re not true to yourself – it just means you are not afraid to do things outside of the box. I don’t believe in the phrase “I can’t” – I always ask ‘how can I?”
Pisceze also emphasized how her family, her team, and the act of love play as a catalyst to her growth as an artist. “Whether it’s a friend, platonic, relationship, or family, My creative process consists of taking what I go through and applying that to my music.”
By drawing into her Korean and Japanese background, Pisceze also showcases a performance for her latest project to bring awareness to Asian heritage month.
“I feel like it is important to acknowledge and celebrate Asian culture and history. Especially now, with all the anti-Asian hate crimes, it’s great to see that you are using your platform to encourage positivity.”
When asked what message she wants fans to take away from her music, Pisceze stated:
“One phrase I always say to everyone: No matter where you are, what you’re going through, Remember who TF you are.”
Make sure you stream “Daddy” below and stay up to date with pisceze on Instagram!
Long Beach native Chevron Blue had fans anticipating his newest EP, Forever Rolling, which is out now. The wait is over — as today the artist released the project and it’s already been receiving an amazing response. The 4-track project includes song that each have a distinctive sound, combining unique lyrics and captivating rhymes and schemes, rapper Chevron Blue is ready to make a statement with this project. As the new EP is influenced by his producer, named ForeverRolling, Chevron Blue uses this project to appreciate him as well. “This was inspired by the producer ForeverRolling because he produced the project in its entirety. He’s a hot new producer and I really f-ck with his sound,” Chevron Blue expressed in his recent interview with Remixd Magazine. “NRA means no rats allowed. Snitching is a common theme and affects people’s lives negatively everyday” When asked about the meaning behind his upcoming release, the rapper stated: “It’s about rats and how their actions affect the person they snitched on and their friends and family,” he said. Chevron Blue continued to expresses how he got his artist name and the meaning behind it: “I got the name Chevron because it’s symbolic of the stripes I’ve earned in this life. Also, the word chevron derives from the Latin word caprio, which is related to the word goat,” he said. “The V of a sergeant’s Chevrons represents the horns on a goat. Basically, it means I’m the greatest of all time.” When speaking about his initial start in music, rapper Chevron Blue used a traumatic event and turned it into a positive. “I got shot and had to transfer schools. Then the coronavirus hit and ended my school and football dreams. I picked up a microphone to cope,” he explained. Being a clever artist with hard-hitting lyrics to match, Chevron Blue uses his upbringing to influence his current sound. “My parents brought me up listening to plenty of good music,” Blue said. “Michael Jackson, Prince, New Edition, Blackstreet, Journey, Nirvana, Sublime, Busta Rhymes, Outkast, Lauryn Hill, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Teena Marie. The list goes on for days.” When asked what message he hopes fans take away from his music, Chevron Blue states “I hope my fans take away that morals and values supersede any worldly items.” After this EP, Chevron Blue is doing a deluxe version of his mixtape called The Elephant in the Room. Be sure to tap into his newest project Forever Rolling below!
