Zack Bia’s takeover of 2023 begins today, as the multi-talented DJ, label executive and tastemaker releases his debut single, “Hardcore,” with multi-platinum rapper Don Toliver, out now via Field Trip Recordings/Geffen Records. Pulling from the same diverse set of influences that characterize his DJ sets, Zack’s production on the track is club-ready and provides the perfect palette for Don Toliver’s ethereal melodic delivery – a trademark of his which sets him apart as one of the foremost innovators in hip-hop. Cutting-edge collaborations like this are key to Zack Bia’s artistry: In addition to “Hardcore,” the talented DJ is readying many more tracks that will crisscross genres and push boundaries later this year. The vision extends to the single’s cover art too, designed by Japanese streetwear designer Verdy, the creative behind Girls Don’t Cry and Wasted Youth. Listen to “Hardcore (feat. Don Toliver)” HERE
The single’s release caps a wave of excitement surrounding Zack Bia, whose unique ear for identifying tomorrow’s hits today and curation skill has made him an automatic go-to for the world’s premiere events. Just a few years removed from USC and building through the local party scene, he is now one of the most in-demand DJs for the world’s top brands and played recent bookings for Spotify, Amazon, Louis Vuitton, Adidas and OffWhite, as well as GQ’s 2023 Paris Fashion Week Party. Yet, while the attention swelled, he has remained a trusted confidante as he DJ’d for many superstar acts’ intimate release parties, including events for The Weeknd, Jack Harlow, Baby Keem and Brent Faiyaz, and served as direct support for Post Malone’s ‘Twelve Carat Toothache’ arena tour in 2022.
Plus, while Bia manages his own budding career, he also cultivates and shares his musical insights and creative tastes with rising talent as a co-founder of the Field Trip Recordings label group. The LA-based label’s roster includes rap breakout star Yeat, whose first album with the label, 2Alive, reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and has soared past 1.2 billion streams worldwide.
Announced as halftime performer at the 2023 NFL pro bowl
Clearly intent on making waves in 2023, iconic rap duo Rae Sremmurd releases “Sucka or Something.” Listen HERE via Eardrummer Records/Interscope Records. As usual, the Mississippi brothers employ their dizzying lyricism over innovative production to craft an unforgettable earworm. The track follows their New Year’s release “Torpedo” and is accompanied by a vibrant D.I.Y.-themed music video. Watch it HERE.
“How you gonna try to play me like a sucka or something?”Swae Lee ponders over a bombastic beat. “How you gonna try to play me when I know what’s up? Feel like I’m 6’ 5” ‘cause the money is up.” Laid-back yet typically larger-than-life, “Sucka or Something” is a reminder that even though the duo has done it all—they still haven’t lost any of their creativity or fire that made them superstars.
The casual ambition of the song is reflected in the dynamic video. The grainy footage showcases the brothers’ performance skills, but it’s an eclectic, collaged concoction that ebbs and flows with the mellow track. The deftly edited imagery conveys Rae Sremmurd’sunique bond and nods at their humble beginnings. Watch the visual HERE.
Rae Sremmurd has established themselves as the preeminent melodicists in hip-hop, racking up hit singles from the moment they landed with 2014’s “No Flex Zone.”
The duo’s first two albums, 2015’s SremmLifeand the following year’s SremmLife 2, were each certified Platinum, and the latter spawned the group’s first No. 1 hit, the Gucci Mane-assisted “Black Beatles.”SR3MM, from 2018, was groundbreaking in its own way, a triple-disc effort that saw each brother get his own LP’s worth of space to work solo, before tying them back together.
Most recently, Rae Sremmurd was announced as the headliner for this year’s NFL Pro Bowl taking place on February 5th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The entire 7 minute performance will be televised across ESPN, ABC, and Disney XD. Fans can also catch the duo hitting the Coachella stage this April for the first time in 7 years.
ArmstrongWW, the rising Alternative HipHop/Soul artist from Cameroon, Africa, has dropped a fresh and urban debut EP titled “Recovery.” The EP features sharp songwriting and showcases Armstrong’s powerful lyrical abilities over a series of soulful instrumentals crafted by Domain Brown, Bowen Thi, and Armstrong himself. The DIY vibe of the EP is evident, as it was engineered entirely in Armstrong’s one-bedroom apartment using the popular DAW FL Studio, resulting in a unique sound that compliments his introspective lyrics. From the immersive “Hello Earth” to the infectious “Momma Say,” the EP is packed with emotion and showcases Armstrong’s versatility as a songwriter. With over 100,000 listeners in 150+ countries and recognition from BBC Radio One, Recovery is a must-listen for fans of alternative hip-hop and soul.
Canadian musician LEXI has just released a new version of Drake’s classic hit “Trust Issues” from the album “Care Package”. This reimagined version is produced by Veira, also known as Weronika Gabryelczyk.
The new version of “Trust Issues” is already making waves, with LEXI’s previous two releases exceeding 200,000 streams each. It has also been featured on popular radio stations such as Virgin Radio and iHeart Radio.
Fans of LEXI are in for a treat as the musician is currently working on a new single release in the near future. This new release is sure to be a hit and will be the perfect teaser for what’s to come as LEXI is also starting to work on a new project.
Drake’s “Trust Issues” was already a fan favorite, but LEXI and Veira’s new version adds a fresh and unique spin to the classic. LEXI’s emotive vocal delivery and Veira’s modern production give the track a new energy and dimension. The song is a must-listen for any Drake fan and LEXI fans alike.
In conclusion, LEXI’s new version of “Trust Issues” is a fresh take on a classic, produced by the talented Veira. It’s already making waves on streaming platforms and on the radio, and fans can look forward to more new music from LEXI in the near future, and with her previous two releases exceeding 200,000 streams, we can expect this one to do the same.
Long Beach’s latest marvel KOS (pronounced chaos) has unveiled her debut body of work, Dysania EP.
The LA based songstress has been making waves with her lead single “Set it Off” after its January 8 release, and now her bow has arrived today, cementing her as one of the acts to look out for throughout the year.
“Set it Off” has been received well with the emotionally-charged cut being a prevalent feature since its release being picked up on 9 playlists and earning KOS over 400 monthly listeners on Spotify alone.
“Music to me has always been medicinal. Oftentimes music is what helps me do something I may not want to do. My main inspiration are the people and musicians before me. I’ve always been an analyzer and when researching how someone made a sound… it pushes me to create my rendition of it in my own little Kotic way.”
On Dysania, KOS channels her vulnerability as she tackles getting over a treacherous relationship:
“This project is just about a girl who is learning to navigate through a tough breakup and through the ups & downs of life all simultaneously” she told Remixd Magazine.
“ I was given an ultimatum by the universe to either let heartbreak take over or use that heartbreak to my own benefit and I chose option two”
Describing her sound as “cleaning the kitchen after a heartbreak” type of vibe, KOS has honed the art of curating a neo-soul forward sound that invoked atmospheric, poignant, and melodramatic forms of R&B.
“My sound is a “cleaning the kitchen after a heartbreak” type of vibe. I feel like I have a sound that you listen to while calmly being productive in some way shape or form” she opens up.
“My music has a calming , soothing vibe that speaks mainly to people going through toxic situations , but more generally to anyone that may not have been able to free themselves from a certain position or situation in the past, but can now break free and move forward.”
Primed to be one of the most exciting acts from the R&B sphere, KOS told Remixd Mag that each track will have a short visual to accompany the records as well as an intimate performance of all the EP’s tracks to promote the record.
Multifaceted creative and Sony Immersive Music Studios Content Manager Vandalena Mahoney (known as Vandii) guested on the latest episode of SSL Podcast with Tallie Spencer.
The Inglewood, CA hailed huncho and Tallie discussed dating and relationships balance in between career and life.
The tech savvy guru who is a known techie shared that “she doesn’t necessarily see it as balance” and looks at it more so as “managing time” and “prioritizing people in her life.”
The difficult conversations around the possibility of growing in your career and having limited space for certain people was an area they touched on, despite it “being a hard truth to grapple with.”
Social life’s place in one’s life, glorifying and promoting “hard work” were some of the tenets of the podcast in an educational yet personal podcast.
Stereotypes and linear traditional lifestyles of “placing one above the other” more so alluding to work over friends and family were debunked.
“I don’t know if I have to sacrifice because the culture is just all about prioritizing work. I’m learning how to not work when I shouldn’t be working,” Tallie stated.
During the episode, Tallie admitted to struggling with seeing events as moments of leisure rather than work, but since committing to a job that intentionally turns events into work, she is having to learn and unlearn how to fall in love with hobbies such as going to events again.
“I’ve had to learn how to not make everything a work event, going to a concert to listen and not prepare an article or what can I put on social media about this,” Tallie revealed of not enjoying vibes, because she felt her work life was outweighing her hobbies.
Vandii on the other hand sounded off on mentorship and the older generation having a rigid mentality on work and social life balance.
“Why do we have to pick one over the other? A lot of the times we look to the elders in industry for guidance and wisdom. Many of them promote the idea of it’s work first then the rest later. We are getting to a point in this generation where we are questioning this and trying to understand what works for ‘me’?” Vandii revealed.
The two unpacked how to navigate the beliefs, assumptions, and their personal perspectives on what an ideal work-life balance can be imagined as, especially when dating is involved and how this affects our partners.
Houston hip-hop artist Huncho Bookie has shared his new video and single for “Line Em Up” (feat. Rob49). The track marks an invigorating change of pace for Bookie, who trades in his usual delicate guitar and piano loops for frenzied, percussion-packed production. The video shows Bookie trading verses with New Orleans breakout star Rob49 in a lively, packed out kitchen. On “Line Em Up” (feat. Rob49), Huncho Bookie flaunts the full breadth of his abilities: not only can he sing, but he can rap alongside hip-hop’s brightest stars if he wants to.
Born and raised in the south side of Houston, Texas, Huncho Bookie has been moved by melody for as long as he can remember. Hip hop always resonated with Bookie the most, especially after hearing rappers such as Rod Wave and Polo G. He often emulated them by putting on headphones and rapping along, pretending their songs were his own. Once Bookie was compelled to tell his own stories, his distinctive, high-pitched vocal and earnest storytelling first captured the hearts of local audiences in his hometown. After landing a deal with Sony Music in 2021, Bookie grew his fanbase with standout, soulful tracks like “6AM” and “Wild Child” (feat. Yungeen Ace). Later that year, Huncho Bookie made his formal introduction as an artist with his first full-length project, Hard Headed Kid. He has since shined on poignant offerings like“Middle Of The Trenches” (feat. Fredo Bang), “Forget Me”and “All Luv”, and in 2023, Huncho Bookie is more determined than ever to take his message worldwide.
Having a say over what gets played on the aux can come with some pressure. But luckily, Remixd Mag is here to take the load off. This list is jam-packed with bangers about taking chances, loving yourself, and keeping an eye open. So not only will you get nods of approval, but you’ll also most likely become the go-to for discovering bangers with true substance. Don’t think so? Give these records a spin for yourself.
“Pray It Away” by Chloe
“Pray It Away” serves as a single off her highly anticipated album, In Pieces. Coming in full force with powerhouse vocals, the Grammy-nominated singer admits to feeling somewhat foolish for taking a chance on a half-time lover. A fan of hers even made a humorous remark online that seemed to co-sign the song’s excellence. They wrote, “BRB gotta ask my man to break up with me for the length of this song so that I can sing this with my chest.” Backed by organ chords and atmospheric R&B elements, she voices how this breakup has affected her”Just start healin’/And when I hear his name get more triggered.” Chloe told music enthusiasts on Tuesday that In Pieces will arrive sometime in March. Her P.S.A. came in the form of a striking visual on Instagram.
“Two Tens” byCordae and Anderson .Paak
After making magic on “RNP” in 2019, the two have decided to collab for a second time. “Two Tens” finds Cordae and Anderson .Paak in a disagreement about leaving a function solo or shacking up with two besties. Through their dialogue-centered bars, we can see how they maneuver in friendships and relationships. Cordae prefers not to dip his toes in the murky waters of treachery. Anderson, on the other hand, wants to take a full dive. With little to no success, Cordae tries to give his boy a reality check about confusing love with lust. He asserts, “I just want you to see this shit from a different perspective/See every hoe is a dog, and every dog has its day/You can be lovin’ on every mutt that be fallin’ astray.”
“Diamonds” by Bas
The Dreamville signee shows a more melodic side on “Diamonds.” Backed by a woozy lo-fi production with warm guitar loops & intermittent hi-hats, Bas speaks about being unmoved by any passerby meant to steer him away from his dreams. Instead, the France-based rapper continues to take leaps, resulting in a life full of luxury and prominence. Reflecting on the come-up, he delivers, “Every damn day, dawg, my diamonds HD/That’s for every day that I had to think cheap/Now we on the road and the commas go for eons.”
“Mad Max” by Lil Durk and Future
Hot off his OTF compilation LP, Lil Durk Presents: Loyal Bros 2, the Chicago hitmaker and signified “toxic king” link up for this trap-heavy cut. Although the song isn’t relatively new, the DrewFilmedIt-directed visual seconds why this song should be in heavy rotation as it upholds a mob-styled theme. At the core of “Mad Max,” Lil Durk and Future flaunt their ever-growing accomplishments. They also drop some not-so-nice words aimed at the haters. Durk even spits at one point, “I’mThe Voice, I got choice to let you live or get you slimed.”
“I’m Not Human” by XXXTentacion and Lil Uzi Vert
XXXTentacion and Lil Uzi Vert volunteer their shoulders to be cried on in “I’m Not Human.” Dropping a series of vulnerable rhymes, the two admit to feeling almost extraterrestrial. The John Cunningham-produced record contains a substantial amount of atmospheric elements, harmonies from the unorthodox duo, and an acoustic loop. “I’m Not Human” dropped on the late rapper’s birthday. Sometime before, Lil Uzi spoke about being uncertain about being on a posthumous song with XXXTentacion. While chatting with Twitch personality Adin Ross on his live stream in 2021, he said, “I would love to do a song with him, but I’m really weird on stuff like that. Don’t get me wrong. It took me really long to do that before with another artist.”
“Cinnamon” by Fatboi Sharif and Roper Williams
Set to drop today, Fatboi Sharif’s record “Cinnamon” contains a wobbly loop, distorted arrangements, and ambient soundscape, all created by Roper Williams. Lyrics like “I shouted for God’s help/Then shot the sheriff,” prepare listeners for the idiosyncratic yet chilling story that’ll soon unfold. The New Jersey rapper once told Cabbages, “Every project I drop, it’s a whole ‘nother world that I like to create. I never like to do the same thing twice.”
“Mind” by Geno Five
Geno Five is undeniably one of New Jersey’s lyrical goats! His latest single confirms this statement, as it’s packed with well-versed bars that awaken your subconscious. “Mind” finds Geno Five getting real about modern society. His clairvoyant delivery opens the eyes of all listeners. Listening to “Mind” will encourage others to be their best self. He’s backed by a jazz/boom-bap production. One user on Twitter gave a co-sign. “Nah, this song is so soulful but hard but deep, but dope, but nice but actually goated.” they wrote.
“Me First” by Kari Faux
Kari Faux highlights the extent of self-worth and where it can lead you in “Me First.” Over the sly trap cut, Kari delivers her brutally honest bars in a summer style. Lyrics like “I may be 5’6, but my face on model/Bossy bitch I tell you when it’s quitting time” show she doesn’t play about being respected. She told HotNewHipHop about the record, “‘Me First’ is a reminder not to neglect your own needs in hopes of being liked or accepted. It’s really a self-love bop for the twerkers. Get into it!” The song also dropped with a UNIIQU3 Jersey Club remix.
