Papi AQ‘s latest release “Loquera” is a perfect example of his unique blend of genres and cultures. The song starts off with a hypnotic afrobeat rhythm that immediately transports the listener to a tropical paradise. As Papi AQ’s smooth vocals enter, the beat seamlessly transitions into a Latin-infused melody that makes it impossible not to start swaying to the music.
The lyrics of “Loquera” are a mixture of English and Spanish, showcasing Papi AQ’s ability to seamlessly switch between the two languages. The song tells the story of a passionate love affair that is driving both parties crazy, or as Papi AQ puts it, “una locura de amor” (a madness of love).
Afro beats producer Rexyboy provided the vibes needed to bring this record to where it needed to be. RexyBoy also produced Papi AQ previous “ReWine” proving that the duo makes a powerful combo.
As an artist, Papi AQ is a rising star in the Toronto Latin music scene. He is part of a new generation of artists who are breaking down barriers and representing the diverse cultures that make up Canada. “Loquera” is a perfect example of this, as it blends different genres and cultures to create a fresh and exciting listening experience.
Overall, “Loquera” is a fantastic addition to Papi AQ’s growing discography. It’s a song that will transport you to a tropical paradise, make you want to dance, and leave you wanting more. Papi AQ’s unique blend of genres and cultures is what sets him apart from other artists, and “Loquera” is a perfect representation of his style. If you haven’t already, be sure to add this song to your playlist and keep an eye out for Papi AQ’s upcoming project “2 AM.”
Originating from Hip-Hop Mecca and cultural hotbed, Harelm, NY – multi-hyphenate Ariie West has dropped off the single, “Dangerous”.
Speaking to Remixd Mag exclusively, the fast-rising visionary disclosed that his sound is pre-dominantly “Trap Rock” or “Drill Rock”.
“My sound right now is like Henny and Drill, I rap and I sing, I’m combining the drill drums, with Rock riffs, and synths. I’m just having fun with it creating a new sound, I’m definitely in my zone” Ariie West opened up.
The track boasting of the elements he mentions; peak guitar melodies, groovy Drill drum patterns, and electric guitar riffs, Ariie floats on the explosive instrumental with a potent conviction.
“Man in my city, told you I feel like Diddy, met her in Harlem shawty a thicky” he attacks the first verse barely giving the beat a minute to settle as he imposes his will.
Using New York lingo such as thicky, dropping references and nods to the Big Apple legend Diddy, employing vocal inflections of singing in different keys to effect different emotion, there is a lot to draw from the single.
Co-produced by YoSixty and Morris (on the guitar), the song is proving a massive fan favorite already garnering a positive 180,000 streams on Spotify alone. Ariie shared the track after the lyric video turned out to be a hit on social media.
Ariie West reacts to the Lyric Video accumulating 160,000 views.
Speaking to Remixd Mag, he shared the the track is only his first but has received an outpour love.
” “Dangerous” is a my first single out. I co-produced it with my boy YoSixty, and Morris who did the guitars on the record. I wasn’t sure what to expect since it’s my first real project, but the public loved it. I put out a lyric video on my IG and got 100k in the first 3 days. People was going crazy reposting it, calling me a drill artist. I’m just happy to be apart of the new wave of music coming out of NYC” he shared.
Outside of music, he is also a creative director for the boutique Autrumn Records and dabbles as a host for the webcast Chop Cheese that airs on IGTV.
“Besides the music I am also filming my show Chop Cheese & Arizona, working with the iconic @DrinkArizona brand. Big shout to them, they have been very supportive. That show is going to be crazy. If you are from NYC you know what a Chop Cheese is. This show is for the culture. I have Jim Jones, Maino, Dave East on there too so look out for that” Ariie confirming his wide array of skills and engagements. He goes on to promise that he has a music video and more music on the way
“Being from Harlem I already know I have to come out swinging. I’m shooting the music video slated for 3/10 so we are about to go crazy, I might drop another record soon. I’m coming” He mentioned.
Rising artist Rio Westside is fresh off the release off his latest project ‘The Life of 1s and 0s’ and each track offers something uniquely different to the table. Describing his sound as futuristic and “trance-like,” every song on the 11-track project reflects a different theme. There’s a gem for everyone listening, however.
It’s easy to see where Rio Westside gets his greatness from as he takes inspiration from the best of the best. Some of his musical influences include: The Weeknd, Kaytranada, Earl Sweatshirt, Dom Kennedy, and more.
“This project is about consistency and progression while exploring themes of heartbreak, love, triumph, simulation and handling a hectic and stressful lifestyle of an independent artist,” Rio Westside tells RemixdMag.
Rio Westside takes audiences on a journey throughout the musical masterpiece. His talent speaks for his self and his storytelling conveys a message that listeners can hear through his wordplay.
In an interview with Remixd Magazine, Rio Westside expands on some of these topics. Get to know him below and learn about where his passion for creating music comes from.
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I’m from Oakland California, lived throughout the East Bay and I’m based out of LA now.
What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?
My artist name is Rio Westside and my real name is Mario G.
Got my artist name while in college at SF State. There are a lot of Mario’s in SF and because I was black, they called me Rio. Westside was added on due to my family affiliation with the Bay to LA. So I always represented California.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
Futuristic, trance-like sounds with emphasis on melodies and lyricism with Bay Area pride.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
Music has built a safe, therapeutic and creative space for me. What inspires me is great melodies and great lyrics.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, Kaytranada , Earl Sweatshirt, Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy, Don Toliver, MF Doom and Madlib.
Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting? What inspired this project?
The Life of 1s and 0s is a project that I am promoting. It is inspired by the first project TL1&0’s the Pre Reqs(2019). It is the sequel to that project where I use my engineering/math background to describe the emotions of a young black man trying to make it in the industry and progress through life.
Date that this project dropped or is set to drop?
1/10/2023 so It’s been out for almost two months. The Life of 1s and 0s so I dropped it on 1/10.
What is this project about in your own words?
This project is about consistency and progression while exploring themes of heartbreak, love, triumph, simulation and handling a hectic and stressful lifestyle of an independent artist. I mix and master, as I am an audio/Aerospace engineer (NASA) so I fund most of my own shows, marketing and everything else. Gives a perspective from the Bay Area that we don’t just kill and harm people in our raps.
This project mixes intellectualism with ratchetness while sounding futuristic at the same time.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.
This year will promote the Vertigo 1 and 2 collaboration projects released. Myself along with artist/actor Cello Miles and Producer King Hazel will promote our projects and we have a show in SF April 28th, at the El Rio venue! My goal is expanding my shows to ATL, NY and other platforms.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?
I hope fans take away the point that being educated is just as enticing as being a gangster. In fact, people live longer when they attain knowledge and have an upward projection in their lives. 0 represents the stagnation of life, 1 represents the transformation of life, and we are constantly in both modes throughout our lives.
Where can we follow you on social media? Include links.
Follow me everywhere @rio_westside on instagram, twitter and tiktok!
