Hotblock Jmoe, is an artist that is definitely on the rise, and one to be on the lookout for. The Hip-hop recording artist teams up with Grammy-nominated producer, Supah Mario, to release his new single titled, “658”, today. The song’s title is inspired by the time Hotblock was done making the song. He shares that he started making the song around 6:30am, and by the time he was finished, it was 6:58am. Hotblock Jmoe’s latest track, “658”, is a hard-hitting freestyle commemorating his friends and family back home in Chicago. The artist went as far as recording the video back home in the Southside of Chicago.
The new single is in preparation for his forthcoming EP. Hotblock Jmoe is embracing his new lifestyle, but not forgetting about the people who made him who he is today. The collab with Supah Mario (produced tracks for Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, and Young Thug) came about as he sent over a pack to Hotblock Jmoe, and he gravitated to the first track. He didn’t even feel the need to listen to the others as he knew the first was the one for him.
The Chicago-native recently released his single, “9x Outta 10”, featuring R&B recording artist, Tory Lanez, which has received over 2 million views on YouTube, and over 500K streams on Spotify. The track is a come-up story depicting the art of the hustle, what it takes to chase your dreams, and finally kick the door in. Though Hotblock Jmoe is embracing his new lifestyle, he is still hungry for more. This song is an affirmation that working long nights and staying consistent goes a long way. Hotblock Jmoe is signed to independent label, VELCRO RECORDS (CEO VELCRO RILEY), and is managed by Tes Siyoum.
A marvel at work, 21 year-old Jersey native Taylor Marie is a burgeoning star to look out for. A recording and performing artist effectively, Taylor finds her solace more so in writing. Her penchant for articulating complex and innate feelings is what drives this Los Angeles, CA based starlet’s artistry. So far, her rose-like personality has been a magnet paired with her fairy-esque vocals presenting her opportunities such as being a strategist, brands and PR liaison in colossal music conglomerate, Universal Music Group 1824’s camp. Hitherto, she’s been an alumni in multiple music programs for music centric companies such as Digilogue, BMG, The Recording Academy to name a few and this grants her different perspective on music when she is curating. With a well-rounded idea of what the music business is, we caught up with her to talk about her first love; music, the creative process and more:
“I just want people who listen to my music to feel like they have somebody to can relate to and connect with” she elaborates of her style of music “My words mean so much to me. I mean, my favorite feeling is listening to a song and being like “I felt this!” and this happens all the time to me when I listen to Summer, Jhene, Dreezy, etc. Such a good feeling and I just hope people feel that from my music, because all I want is for people to feel good.”
Listening to her music, she interweaves between an array of genres. She is the bonafide modern artist. A Jack of all trades as she straddles in between R&B, Lo-fi, Alt R&B, Pop and her muses can attest to this.
“I am so inspired by a variety of artists- I admire every artist just because I think that the creation of art is such a complex and beautiful process. As for some of my main inspirations, here they are: Summer Walker, Jhené Aiko, Kehlani, Dreezy, Cleo Sol, Keyshia Cole, WhitneyHouston, Mariah Carey, Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande, Kiana Ledé, Mahalia, Jazmine Sullivan, Kaash Paige, PnB Rock, Jai’Len Josey, Ari Lennox, Frank Ocean” she lists a thread of models she borrows a page from for inspiration.
Taylor has always been a flea of music. Describing her appreciation for the art as “inspiration” and she’s “grateful”, she possesses the brand of desire for the art that envelopes numerous great artists. Take for example, Drake – his admission to not being in a serious relationship was pegged on the fact that unless his partner could share the same level of love he has for music, he could not see it being a healthy relationship.
“Music has been the most consistent thing in my life, and I feel beyond grateful for it. Before I made music, I was just an avid music enthusiast and listener, and I was obsessed with the way it made me feel” she mentions. “I can’t believe that now, I have the opportunity to use music to make others feel the way music has made me feel for the past 20 years”
Her appetite for all things music, whether the business, the production, or the culture associated, she is a ball of energy willing to grasp all the knowledge on the face of the earth to pour into her individual make-up.
Moving on, we discuss her latest single “Guard Up”: It’s a soulful minimalist track with an ambient edge. Featuring moody keys in the background, there’s a lo-fi element infused with Taylor’s tear-jerking vocals as she binges about accepting love again.
“The track marks a healing journey for me – a healing journey with no expiration date, because I know that healing can’t be linear. I think that in my past relationships, I’ve struggled with trust and with letting love in – in relationships ranging from romantic ones to friendships” she blurbs. Continuously, she diagnoses how trust issues have been a barrier to finding a landing page in love, and this song encapsulates that emotion vividly.
Prior to its release, Taylor released the hazy “Tough Love” single. The cut showcases the kind of love that the South Jersey native imagines for herself. As an up and coming act, her songs already profile a dexterous writer that can intimate emotions in a crafty way. Her sensibilities and taste is a quality she will be leaning on to transcend her to the glaring doors of music stardom. So far, she is juggling between being a student and a musician professionally, but the verve she speaks with and demonstrates is noteworthy, and we are excited to see what she will manifest with her gift especially in the coming year. Watch this space and listen to “Guard Up” below:
