Los Angeles based 16-piece collective The Urban Renewal Project releases the new album Love Glory Duty Death. The band is known for their genre-bending adventurous sound, combining elements of Jazz, hip-hop, and vintage soul for an explosive and unique listen. The Urban Renewal Project combines fresh grooves with fiery big-band horn lines and smooth hip-hop rhymes, creating something simultaneously nostalgic and boundary-pushing.
Their 12- track album features exciting collaborations including acclaimed rapper Oh No (Madlib's brother & creative partner) and extraordinary artist Tia P. (contestant on Rhythm & Flow on Netflix) among others. The album features the bleacher-stomping "Shake Those Hips", a party anthem and ode to hip hop's golden age as well as Money- featuring Oh No", an anthemic hip hop masterpiece all about the endless chase for money. Other highlights include “Red Eye”, inspired by the band’s tour to Indonesia and the blazing "Rush".
The Urban Renewal Project have received acclaim from the likes of HiphopDX, Earmilk, Fusicology and have captivated audiences around the world from SXSW to the Java Jazz Festival.
LA-based rapper Hoodtrophy Bino releases the new song “Keep It Real”. Bino delivers one of his most raw and soulful performances yet. The track’s emotional instrumentation sets the stage for Bino’s unfiltered storytelling. It’s a portrait of survival, strength and transformation. Bino reflects on the harsh realities his community faces, but beneath the heaviness, there’s hope. He has a desire to rise above and be the change for generations to come. Lines like “My granny still struggling / My grandad’s still on crack / My mama’s still praying / But them bills back to back”hit hard because they’re real, not embellished. This track symbolizes a moment of transition for Bino. He states, “Keep It Real” is a departure from my lover boy songs. It is my testimony. I’ve been through it but I will make it! As God is my witness – watch!”
“Keep it Real” is from Bino’s forthcoming full-length The Invasion. Bino is currently about to perform on the RJMrLAtour, and most recently opened shows for Trippie Redd, Chris Brown and many more. His upcoming album, The Invasion, is set to drop this November and boasts features from some of the biggest names in the game. Standout single “I Want Her” featuring Kalan.FrFr has earned airplay on SiriusXM The Heat, Power 106, 96.1 The Beat, and Power 105, and his music has been featured at major events including SneakerCon, Big 3, LA Clippers games, Rams games and more.
Embracing the Hustle: Cashtank’s Rise from the Streets
In a world where success is often measured by material wealth and outward appearances, Cashtank’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, authenticity, and unwavering faith. As the opening lines of his track “Cashtank – Reglo” reveal, this artist has faced his fair share of challenges, navigating the harsh realities of life on the streets and the temptation to take the “easy” path.
Yet, Cashtank’s story is not one of defeat, but of triumph. He could have “gone legit,” as he so eloquently puts it, but he chose to stay true to himself and his roots, grinding tirelessly to make his dreams a reality. This decision, while not without its struggles, has forged a resilience and self-assurance that shines through in his music and his message.
Overcoming Adversity: Cashtank’s Honest Reflections
Throughout the lyrics of “Cashtank – Reglo,” Cashtank lays bare the raw realities of his journey, painting a vivid picture of the challenges he has faced and the lessons he has learned along the way. From the financial strain of “get[ting] a third shift check but got to wait till next week” to the emotional toll of “trying to live like the Jones,” Cashtank’s words resonate with a authenticity that is both humbling and inspiring.
One of the most poignant moments in the track comes when Cashtank reflects on the weight of his own pride, acknowledging that it had prevented him from “writ[ing] [his] wrongs” and accepting help from others. This moment of self-reflection speaks to the depth of Cashtank’s character, as he grapples with the complexities of his past and the lessons he has had to learn the hard way.
The Power of Faith and Perseverance
Despite the obstacles he has faced, Cashtank’s unwavering faith and determination shine through in his music. As he raps, “I got the faith all in my chest. Not just rapping all these songs,” it becomes clear that his journey is about more than just chasing success or fame. It is a testament to the transformative power of belief, both in oneself and in a higher purpose.
Cashtank’s refrain of “I ain’t legit yet” further underscores this idea, as he acknowledges that his journey is ongoing, a constant battle against the demons that have threatened to derail him. Yet, in the face of this adversity, he remains steadfast, driven by an unshakable determination to prove his worth and make his mark on the world.
The Importance of Authenticity and Staying True to Oneself
One of the most striking aspects of Cashtank’s story is his unwavering commitment to authenticity. As he declares, “Me tried to make another me, but I ain’t a clone,” it becomes clear that he has no interest in conforming to the expectations or standards of others. Instead, he has chosen to forge his own path, embracing the unique qualities and experiences that have shaped him into the artist and individual he is today.
This dedication to authenticity is not only admirable, but it also serves as a powerful inspiration to others who may be struggling to find their own voice and identity. In a world that often values conformity and the pursuit of external validation, Cashtank’s refusal to compromise his true self is a refreshing and empowering reminder that the most meaningful success often comes from within.
The Enduring Bonds of Community and Loyalty
Woven throughout Cashtank’s lyrics is a deep appreciation for the relationships and connections that have sustained him through the ups and downs of his journey. As he reflects on those who have “really had” him, it becomes clear that the support and loyalty of his community have been instrumental in his ability to persevere.
This sense of community and belonging is further reinforced, which highlights Cashtank’s collaborations with other creatives, such as the director PhillyFlyBoy. By surrounding himself with like-minded individuals who share his passion and vision, Cashtank has tapped into the power of collective effort and mutual support, a testament to the transformative impact of strong, meaningful relationships.
The Enduring Legacy of Cashtank’s Artistry
As Cashtank’s story unfolds through the lyrics of “Cashtank – Reglo,” it becomes clear that his artistry is not merely a means to an end, but a reflection of his very essence. His words, imbued with raw emotion and unwavering authenticity, serve as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-belief.
In a world that often values flash over substance, Cashtank’s music stands as a refreshing and inspiring counterpoint, reminding us that true greatness is not measured by material wealth or outward success, but by the depth of one’s character and the steadfastness of one’s convictions. As he continues to forge his path, Cashtank’s story will undoubtedly inspire and uplift countless others who are navigating their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.
Thai / Ka-ren refugee rappers Star2 and Eh La release the new single and video for “Hate Me”. The track is about love lost and the sting of watching someone you once loved find happiness without you. Over a moody and melodic beat, Star2’s emotional delivery and Eh La’s smooth flow bring the story to life with sincerity and depth. The accompanying video mirrors that emotional duality. The transitions between past and present show Star2’s inability to move on, reliving moments that now exist only in his mind.
Star2 and Eh La are both from Thailand’s Mae La refugee camp.Both artists are passionate about giving back. “We want to visit the camps and give hope to the kids who were once us,” says Star2. Hip Hop meets pop artist Star2overcame extraordinary odds to pursue his dream. As a child, he fled his refugee camp after the Burmese Army attacked and destroyed his village in the middle of the night. Despite unimaginable loss, Star2 found solace and purpose in music. His resilience and talent have led to collaborations with artists including Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Mozzy, MBNel, Luh Kel, Lil Poppa, HoodTrophy Bino, YSN Flow, and MarMar Oso. On TikTok alone, his videos have earned over 15 million views.
Coppe Cantrell is a Los Angeles raised singer, songwriter, producer, businesswoman, and philanthropist, currently living in Phoenix, AZ. She’s making significant waves in both the mainstream and Gospel music charts with her powerful sound, which skillfully crosses multiple genres: Gospel, Pop, Soul and Hip-Hop into something truly unique. The sixth of eleven siblings, Coppe brings an authentic music industry pedigree, working behind the scenes with her late husband, the legendary West Coast pioneer, and multi-platinum producer, Johnny “J.” Coppe was there from the beginning of his 2Pac / Death Row Records era and she documented it all.
Gospel music is evolving, and Coppe Cantrell is at the forefront of this transformation with her groundbreaking sound, bringing authentic Hip-Hop production to Gospel music. Using Johnny "J"'s signature grooves in her music has blessed Coppe with a rare crossover appeal - earning positions on both Mediabase mainstream charts and Christian music platforms. The single "My Daddy" showcases Coppe’s style – a bold fusion of gospel funk “for my daddy in the sky, wave ‘em high,” backed with a bassline driven Johnny “J” beat. It’s contemporary, uplifting, and catchy. She’s showing us how to floss by the grace of God.
Coppe was married to Johnny “J” (Johnny Lee Jackson) for 17-years and was integral to their KLOCK WORK Entertainment Corp, managing business operations while contributing vocally to tracks. Following the tragic loss of her husband in 2008, Coppe experienced a spiritual transformation that led to her receiving what she describes as “the gift of singing" during a profound spiritual experience in 2009. She's developing a documentary about Johnny’s life and musical legacy.
Coppe Cantrell’s journey from music industry insider to recording artist with mainstream appeal offers a compelling story of personal transformation and musical evolution.
Musician and Author Cliff Beach has been performing live for more than 20 years. His single “Confident” was featured on Spotify All Funked Up and Funk Drive playlists with over 1M+ streams. He is the host of the Deeper Grooves Podcast and Deeper Grooves on 885FM. Beach is the author of Side Hustle & Flow, which chronicles his musical journey while still working a day job. He has written previously for Beautytap, Pepperdine, and Rock Star Life.
He is the winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize, 3 World Songwriting Awards, 5 Global Music Awards, a California Music Video & Film Award, an Elite Music Award and nominated for 4 LA Music Awards, 1 Hollywood Music & Media Award, and 1 Independent Music Award and more. His music has recently been featured on the CW, HBO MAX and in a BMW spot. He was nominated for a World Entertainment Award for his audiobook Side Hustle & Flow and has just released the follow up audiobook Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up. He also has out the award-winning Lil Beach EP and the upcoming Four Strings Ep and 2 new holiday singles!
MAKING OF “I PUT A SPELL ON YOU”
The video for “I Put a Spell on You” is a modern dance retelling of the Black Orpheus & Eurydice myth, reimagined as an eternal cycle of music and longing. I play Orpheus, with Darling Nikki as Eurydice, reprising our creative partnership from my 2018 single Delilah. Directed by ImageStricken, with concept by ImageStricken and myself, the story unfolds as a haunting tragedy: as long as I play, she appears—fighting to reach me—but the moment I stop, she vanishes. Bound to this cycle, we are destined to repeat the song and dance for eternity, cherishing only fleeting moments together before love dissolves into shadow once again.
BEHIND “I PUT A SPELL ON YOU”
My interpretation of “I Put a Spell on You” draws inspiration from the theatrical power of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, the soulful fire of Nina Simone, and the ethereal edge of Annie Lennox, while carving out my own modern sound. Produced by Edward Shin, co-produced by myself, and mixed/mastered by Mister Rocks, the track blends vintage soul textures with cinematic production, released through California Soul Music.
The song became the perfect vessel for the Orpheus & Eurydice story, where love itself is a spell—powerful yet fragile, conjuring connection only for a moment before slipping away. For me, this rendition captures that eternal push and pull, where music keeps memory and spirit alive, even if only for the length of a song.
David Paul Brooks (DPB), is the Billboard-Charting, Josey Award winning, positive rap artist, songwriter, author, actor, clothing designer, ordained minister, motivational speaker, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of BreBro International Group LLC and of DPB Muzik Inc.
DPB has shared the stage with many greats including the legendary Bootsy Collins, Salt ‘n Pepa, Kool Moe Dee, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, King and Country, Unspoken, Toby Mac, Deion Sanders, Canton Jones to name a few. To add to his impressive resume, he has appeared and/or performed on multiple television shows that include the BET (Teen Summit) Gospel Special. DPB was also a member of the D.O.C. (Disciples of Christ), a Grammy and Dove nominated music group.
As a solo artist, DPB has charted on the Billboard Charts in Christian Rock Radio National Airplay with his song "Brighter Day" at #15, and also “Feels So Good Today” as ‘the most added song’ twice on Billboard Charts.
In 2023, DPB reached the top the Urban Influencer Christian Hip Hop chart with “Let It Go”. In 2024 DPB climbed to #1 on the National Radio Hits Charts, AC, and top 40 for 5 straight weeks with the song “Undefeated 3.0 Radio Edit”. The song also went #1 on the Independent Music Network Mainstream Chart, and was named the ‘#1 Single of 2023’ in the Louder Than Music Magazine. Next, DPB won a Josey award from the largest Independant Music Awards in the world for “Social Impact Music Video Of the Year” Undefeated 3.0 (The Movie). It doesn't stop there…”I Feel So Good Today (Happy Remix) went #1 on all National Radio Hits charts; TOP 40, AC Top 40, and Christian charts.
The momentum continues in 2025 with peer pressure hitting #1. As of today, “American Strong” has reached #1 on the Country NRH charts and also on the Adult Contemporary NRH chart.
DPB’s ministry has taken him to new heights through the creation of music with mass appeal, a ministry experience like none other, assisted by other performance technology such as video dance skits and through music to win souls for Christ, Ministering, and motivating those to fall in love with God, impacting people‘s lives all around the world.
David has developed relationships with pastors for over 25 years in US cities that continue annually bringing his ministry to the youth in each of those destinations. In addition, Dave has created a program for schools dealing with character education issues such as peer pressure, bullying, making the right choices, respect, and more, as stressed by the US Department of Education.
David continues to reach the country’s communities with his involvement via the “Party in the Park” program that brings his ministry into neglected areas of cities across the US and incorporates free food, prize giveaways, music, and special sporting events which encourage the whole community to come together for good times and fellowship in the Lord. David also teamed up with the Fargo ND police department and created “Fargo United” which continues to bring the whole city of Fargo together.
David has come together with his business partner and best friend Brent Beck and created BreBro International Group LLC; an umbrella corporation with 13 subsidiaries spanning everything from music, video, merchandise, apparel, ministry, jewelry, shoes, and outreach, among others. DPB Muzik Inc. is their record label, created to assist and promote Christian and Gospel artists to reenergize the Christian and Gospel music industry and also the secular marketplace under Gods’ divine rule.
Are you ready to experience the world of DPB…
Seasoned wordsmith Shabaam Sahdeeq teams up with producer ES-K to deliver a hard-hitting banger. "Cold Truth" also features razor-sharp cuts from Tone Spliff. Shabaam lays down nothing but raw facts, spitting sharp and witty bars over ES- K’s gritty production.This marks the first single off the upcoming 'Outside the Lines; project. They say the truth hurts—and on "Cold Truth," Shabaam delivers it with impact.
Isaiah Irahkiev Drops New Visuals for his single “Joyner Lucas” over "Ramen & OJ" Beat
Roxbury, MA rap artist Isaiah Irahkiev returns with gritty visuals for his bold new single “Joyner Lucas”, blending razor-sharp wordplay with a flip of Joyner's track "Ramen & OJ." Isaiah channels the drive, hunger and authenticity that have made Joyner Lucas a household name—while carving his own lane in the process. The single is a motivational anthem for anyone fighting to rise above their circumstances. It embodies Isaiah’s raw storytelling ability and relentless energy, continuing his streak of honest, hard-hitting releases.
“Joyner Lucas” is available now on all major streaming platforms, accompanied by an official music video shot by The Watchers off Isaiah's latest project "Sleepless in Boston" out now on all platforms!
The song is a visually arresting music video that deepens the emotional impact. Set against the backdrop of a cold cityscape, the video follows ViennaCC through a series of memory-laced montages. The lonely protagonist is juxtaposed with footage of a former partner - her laughter, her departure, her absence - creating a visual diary of loss. The final fade-out, where only ViennaCC remains visible in a lonely street, serves as a stark metaphor for isolation and emotional emptiness.
"Watching You Leave" is more than a breakup song - it’s a multimedia elegy. With its lyrical vulnerability, instrumental storytelling, and cinematic visuals, ViennaCC delivers a release that resonates deeply with anyone who has loved and lost.
ViennaCC, a creative bohemian, has adorned his musical journey with accolades. His presence in the Top Ten of World Indie Music Charts and European Indie Music Charts with a few songs has been a testament to his talent. Awards from film festivals and nominations at music events are the laurels of his artistry.
ViennaCC produces pop and rock music for dancing. Important for him are melodies to sing along with. The song’s english lyrics are influenced by his positive mindset. And be surprised by every song’s sound. For producing in his own studio he is free to realize any arrangement, from acoustic to rock to synthesizer. ViennaCC plays guitar, piano, tambourine and – not to forget – voice. Only drums are recorded purely pc based.
ViennaCC: “For me important is melody. A good song – stripped down to voice and chord progression only – must be playable with an acoustic guitar on the fireside as well as by an orchestra. And I like it rocky because I am quite tall and so I have a low blood pressure. I need hard drums to turn me on. Well, I like the combination of melody and hard drums.”
For ViennaCC the Bohemian lifestyle he lives means enjoying life and arts. He got successes, nominations and awards as songwriter, music producer and music video producer as well as photograher. He has thousands of subscribers on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. ViennaCC knows how to bring the vibes to your ears.
ViennaCC runs his own sound recording and video studio in Vienna / Austria. ViennaCC likes classical music like Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, The Kinks, The Doors and possibly L.v.Beethoven and J.Strauss. Before he worked as a programmer, content manager for intra/internet, change manager, cost calculator, journalist, asset accountant, it project manager, CEO of internet company.
ViennaCC studied Communication Engineering, but never worked in this field.
ViennaCC: “I learnt how to calculate an amplifier. But if an amp does not blast I put it to trash and get a new one. That’s my approach to communication engineering.”
The artist name came from the domain vienna.cc he already owned.
ViennaCC: “I was thinking of a good artist name. But great sounding names like Johann Strauss were already taken. And it should be something unique for internet. Enervated I simply took the domain I already owned.”
ViennaCC had piano education and was autodidact in guitar. ViennaCC plays guitar (leadguitar, sologuitar, rhythmguitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar), keyboard (piano, organ, synthesizer) and sings (lead vocals, chorus / background vocals). And plays triangle.
ViennaCC: “My dream is some day to upgrade from triangle to a trapezoid.”
ViennaCC has band experience as he played from punk, hard rock, rock’n’roll to dance hall music.
ViennaCC: “Dance hall band, OMG, we had 300 songs in stock and played the night until 4am. Nice money, but a donkey work.”
