In an invigorating shift from the conventional, British-born artist 80Purppp brings to the music scene his latest single, “The Kraken.” This alternative gem, recorded in the vibrant city of Edmonton, Canada, is a bold step into the realm of musical storytelling that entwines the artist’s rich cultural heritage and unique perspective.
Produced by the talented duo Mixmp & Grant Lapointe, “The Kraken” emerges from the depths of introspection and creative epiphany. Moreover, drawing inspiration from a transformative journey to Greece, specifically the enchanting island of Paros, 80Purppp ventures into uncharted territories of the mind and soul. The song’s genesis lies in the mythical landscape of Paros, where the legend of a monstrous squid sparked a profound exploration of human nature and personal identity.
Stream new music by 80Purppp below
Influenced by the likes of Mac Miller, XXXtentacion, Sampha, and Drake, 80Purppp weaves a narrative that is both personal and universal. The song delves into the treacherous waters of truth and the human tendency to recoil from its uncomfortable depths. Through the metaphor of the Kraken. A legendary creature known for its destructive force—80Purppp confronts the paradox of desire for truth and the subsequent rejection faced when it is unveiled.
Furthermore, as 80Purppp puts it, “The song is about what people tend to do when given knowledge that they don’t wanna hear, specifically when they claim they want it.” It is a reflection on the isolating experience of being honest in a world that often prefers the comfort of illusions. In addition, through “The Kraken,” 80Purppp invites listeners to embark on a personal odyssey, to confront the giant squids in their own lives, and to emerge empowered by truth and self-acceptance.
As he finishes up the last few dates with Bas for the 24-city We Only Talk About Real Shit When Were Fucked Up Tour, Reuben Vincent, is back with his new EP General Admission. The EP is now available via Jamla Records/Roc Nation.
The 23-year old rapper and producer is a generational talent straight out of Charlotte, NC, by way of West Africa, Liberia. Reuben Vincent carries the window of a soul who has lived many lives before, and that transcends through the music he creates. Yet, with General Admission, not only is Reuben delving deeper into his THIRD WORLD Liberian heritage, he is inviting everyone else to do so with him as well; it’s General Admission ya’ll—everyone is welcome.
Get to know Reuben Vincent
General Admission finds Reuben at his most introspective, balancing the wordplay, awareness and bravado you have come to expect from him. With General Admission, Vincent explores generational trauma and triumph, self-identity, success, struggle, and growth, all over a gumbo palette of soulful, southern, and tribal sounds.
“The reason behind the title General Admission is, since building up my brand identity, when I go out a lot of people call me “Third World General,’ when they see me, which lead me to play off General Admission; with admission meaning ticket, but also a statement of acknowledging the truth of something” Reuben offers. “With the EP, my goal was to capture my mental state. With this career of mine, I have the premonition that I am going to break generational curses—and bring generational wealth. Though that’s the underlying tone of these songs, on the surface, it’s aggressive; ambitious, and assertive; and 75% high-energy records. I speak on my city, my upbringing, family ties, my cousins, beating depression, and generational wealth.”
With General Admission, Reuben Vincent transcends generations, as he mixes in the sounds of the new, the now, and the influence of the golden era. General Admission is the next step in Reuben Vincent’s undeniable ascension, and his plans to become a household name, authentic talent and build a THIRD WORLD empire.
To celebrate the release of his new EP, Reuben also released a new visual for “Big Bank,” which can be viewed below.
Reuben Vincent’s General Admission EP is now available via Jamla Records/Roc Nation.
Continuing their meteoric ascent to the forefront of stardom, New York’s own hip-hop powerhouse, 41, comprised of Jenn Carter, Kyle Richh, and Tata, has dropped yet another hit with their latest single and accompanying music video, “Birthday.”
The trio, fresh off the success of their gold-certified hit “Bent,” doesn’t hold back on “Birthday.” The track blends gritty 808s, horns, and icy synths to create a catchy beat. Each member of 41 showcases their talent. They each deliver rapid-fire verses that are as infectious and impressive. Kyle Richh takes the helm on the hook, exclaiming, “It’s your birthday. You gotta get loud,” while Jenn Carter and Tata command attention with their verses.
Stream “Birthday” by 41
The accompanying music video is a visual feast, capturing the raw energy and charisma of 41 in full force. With their larger-than-life presence, the collective dominates the screen, leaving no doubt as to why they’re at the forefront of the hip-hop scene.
But 41 isn’t just about making music. They’re also hitting the road on the “41 World Tour: Part 2.” Kicking off in Boston on April 27 and winding through major cities across North America, the tour promises to be an electrifying experience for fans. And to cap it all off, 41 will make their Hot 97 Summer Jam debut on June 2, marking a monumental homecoming for the group.
As they continue to garner co-signs from industry players, one thing is clear. They show no signs of slowing down. So, stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come from this unstoppable collective.
Beyond the pen and pad — Brownsville, Brooklyn rapstress Steph G (@stephg) influences women listeners alike to live in their truth. As she illustrates how she’s in a different lane than her rap peers, Steph G simultaneously composes fun-spirited bangers with resonating bars, catchy hooks, and an infectious energy that gets fans moving and grooving. The themes in Steph G’s music are rooted in confidence, authenticity, determination, and boldness.
Throughout her discography, the rapper has a strong presence — symbolically declaring that nothing can bring her down. Sonically, Steph G merges her influences from the New York culture with hard-hitting genres like drill, trap, and more. From a lyrical perspective, Steph G holds nothing back while addressing haters, putting people in their place, exhibiting her it-girl status, and sharing personal anecdotes.
Where It All Began
Growing up, Steph G always felt like she was destined to be a star. Her infatuation with music was propelled by her exposure to the hip-hop culture while residing in Brownsville, Brooklyn. However, entering the studio was the real driving force for Steph G’s rapping career.
“I didn’t know what it would be, but it just started off with me playing around, going to the studio, and taking it as a hobby,” she states. “I was always captivated by music, but I didn’t see myself in the studio being the person recording, etc. So, I think it’s just that I wanted more for myself.”
Steph G is inspired by music greats like Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Michael Jackson, and Aaliyah.
The “WYA” hitmaker prefers a peaceful space, dimmed lights, fun activities, and Casamigos to get into her creative zone fully. When she’s in the booth, the femcee strives to create records that put listeners in a great mood and encourage them to be themselves.
“I want people who listen to my music to have a good time. If you’re having a bad day, listen to Steph G,” she continues.
Steph G’s “Feelin’ Myself” serves as an empowerment anthem that seemingly reminds others that she’s THAT GIRL. Exuding a strong sense of self-love and assertiveness, the femcee’s energetic, fun, bass-heavy drill offering gives ladies worldwide leeway to flaunt what they have. Once the beat sounds off, Steph G wastes no time addressing the phonies and jealous/envious women, rhyming, “Killin’ you h*es but got nothing to prove/I’m the one/Why you look so confused/You know my body/You heard bout the moves.”
As the song continues, Steph G delivers a catchy, flex-worthy chorus, which implies that she loves the skin she’s in. Elsewhere, Steph G details the consequences of bad-mouthing her. Then, she describes why certain women try to give her a bad rep. “All of my b***hes got motion and rizz/I know you mad ’cause you know I’m the s**t,” Steph G delivers.
The “Feelin’ Myself” music video was shot in an Airbnb and a studio in Brooklyn. Steph G’s favorite scene was when she was trying on multiple outfits because it organically happened.
If Steph G had to pick one lyric as an Instagram caption, she’d choose: “As soon as I walked in the room, the pressure was felt.”
“I feel like the pressure is felt when I walk in the room,” she explains. “And I want all the ladies to feel like that. Like you’re that girl.”
Similarly, “That’s Crazy” highlights Steph G being unapologetically herself. As she calls out people who switched up on her, the rapper continues to hustle hard and raise the bar. Over the menacing, 808-ridden trap offering, she expresses her disbelief.
“I be movin tact I’m like the Navy/They throwin’ shade behind my back, and that’s crazy.”
Following this, Steph G explains why people have hidden animosity toward her. She raps “They hate me ’cause I leveled up, and that’s crazy.” In Steph G’s opinion, this line speaks volumes because people don’t know how to accept someone’s “level up” stage.
In some parts of “That’s Crazy,” Steph G also refers to herself as Miss Independent, questioning the need for a romantic partner.
Lyrics like “Gotta a lot of dollars I know what to do with everyone/I’m like f**k I need you for/If I got more/How can you do more?” brings the narrative home.
In the “That’s Crazy” music video, Steph G enjoyed the Lambo scene.
“It was 20-30 of us on there, but we were just so turnt. We were just getting lit,” she details.
What’s Next?
Moving forward, Steph G intends to drop more projects that coincide with her dominating presence in the hip-hop realm. But, for now, she leaves aspiring rappers with a sweet piece of advice.
“Don’t get discouraged because you see someone else moving at a different pace. Just keep working because you never know when your time will come.”
