The PressPlay Agency curates an ‘UP NEXT’ playlist which creates a dope opportunity for new artists to get heard by the people who matter most. Unlike other playlists, we’ve got the ear of the industry: our primary audience is made up of real artists, A&Rs, label execs, and music industry professionals that tune in to our playlists to find the next hot thing.

Jvaanz

IG- @jvaanz
Canadian Singer-Songwriter Jvanz knew he wanted to make music from an early age. With limited resources in his small town Jvanz used YouTube to give himself music lessons to develop his distinctive voice and sound. By high school he started MoJo, a music partnership with his close friend Mohammed. Right when they began to see some traction as a musical act – Jvanz’s friend Mohammed tragically took his own life. As a result, he released a heartfelt track titled “1-800-263-4944” – which became his breakout track. From there, he released a stream of well received singles leading up to his debut EP Parallel, including “Delusional” – which peaked at No. 2 on the Audiomack Trending Charts and was featured on the Spotify Billboard in Times Square. 

TruCarr

IG – @trucarr
TruCarr is a rising artist with a story to tell out of Watts, CA, home of TDE. Since dropping his first track at age 17, appropriately titled “Start Grindin” TruCarr has steadily been dropping new singles and visuals that shed light on his life growing up in LA. He saw gradual success until late 2019, when he dropped “Outside” – a distinctly west coast track that would quickly become TruCarr’s biggest song to date. Capitalizing on the song’s success, he followed it up with a new version featuring DaBoii of SOB x RBE – and later the “Outside Remix” featuring Blueface. In April of 2020, he dropped a track with G Perico titled “What I See” – a perfect pairing for a chilled out, LA vibe. Keep an eye out for the “What I See” video dropping soon, and a new project coming this summer.

Wazo Daveed

IG – @wazodaveed
Wazo Daveed is a 21-year-old artist, musician, and actor. Born in the Republic of Congo, Wazo created an art that’s reflective of his culture. His melodic and fun style can be seen throughout his latest project “Starchild.” Daveeds’ single “Notice Me” is an inspiration of his journey of finding success in the industry as an independent artist. The fun, energetic beat produced by Druskiwhatitdo is the perfect compliment to Wazo’s melodic flow. The deluxe version of “Starchild” is set to release before summer 2020. 

Demetri King

IG-  @demetriking1
Demetri King is a songwriter and producer out of Rochester, NY who produces meaningful sounding instrumentals suited to stand alone or for added vocals.
Kings’ latest project “Love Language” creates the soundtrack for two people falling in love as the world crumbles around them. An idea that almost hits too close to home during quarantine! Meanwhile, Demetri plans to continue to perfect his sound and create new music and partnerships.

Ovi Jozi

IG- @ww.ovi

Born and raised in New York, Ovi has been making music since 2011. Uniquely, Ovi found himself adapting to new styles and becoming addicted to the creative process. From then, he’s dropped a number of singles in his melodic, autotune style including “Drugs,” “Green Eyes,” and “All Black.” The rappers’ most notable single, “Aqua,” even received radio time on Rochester radio. Coming next for Ovi is the release of his new project, and Ep titled “Black & Purple Hearts.”

Cookie

IG- @cookenasty
Christina Denise Cooke, better known by her stage name, COOKIE, is an American female Pop singer, songwriter, producer and dancer. In 2019, she gained attention after dropping her first singles, “Bounce,” “Rainy,” and “No Title.” On February 7, COOKIE released her highly anticipated EP “Sweats & Fur’ – a project filled with velvety vocals and high-quality production. Her lead single “Rainy”, is a silky smooth R&B-infused pop single inspired by the feelings of being in love. Nonetheless, COOKIE plans to follow up her debut EP with visuals, collaborations, and of course, a new project.

Mali Ama

IG – @maliamamusic
Mali Ama is a R&B/pop singer out of Atlanta bringing us classic vibes with a modern feel. With range of spacey synths, strong vocals, and bumping 808s, she has created a distinct sound on her own. Dubbed a “chill ride bop,” her latest single “Say” is the perfect soundtrack for your next quarantine drive. Singer, Mali, is set to release another single at the end of June titled “Look At Me Now.” Whereas, the song is meant to highlight the progress she has made both personally, and as an artist. Hopefully it will inspire others to do the same.

OMB Savv

IG: – @omb_savv823
OMB Savv is a Brooklyn artist rising in the growing drill movement. Co-signed by, Fivio Foreign, OMB Savv is perfectly positioned to blow. OMB stands for ‘Only My Brothers’ – which makes sense when you see the huge support Savv has in his visuals. Savv recently debuted his six-track debut EP ‘NEW Lane’. The lead single ‘Back to Back’ is an infectious, high-energy tribute and collaboration with OMB Savv’s brother OMB Jaydee. Despite Jaydee being incarcerated, Savv uses the track to make sure his brother knows he has his back for life. With a strong sound and growing following – OMB Savv is ready to execute on his plans to takeover. In brief, stay tuned for a single dropping this month, followed by an EP this summer.

Mitchy Bagz

IG- @bt.mitch
Mitchy Bagz is a 24 year old Brooklyn artist, raised in Crown Heights. Being of Mexican and Jamaican decent, he began developing his talent in middle school during staircase rap battles. Bagz developed a unique sound that features high velocity bars with a distinctly laid back tone. This sound is showcased on his latest project, “I’m Not Here”. Hes’ dropped several singles in 2020 including “Progressive,” “Pressure,” and “Thc Smoothie Freestyle”. In addition, Mitchy Bagz’ new, quarantine-themed project “Vaccine” is set to release this week on May 22.

320

IG- @maze.320
320 is a group of artists hailing from Brooklyn, NY – including Maze, Spyda, Sneaky & Obucks. Also known as 320Ent, these artists are giving us their high-energy take on the Brooklyn drill sound. Equally, the rap group works together as a group or in pairs to put out singles like “Trap,” “Mini-van,” and “Ain’t On Shit.” Although, the “Ain’t on Shit Remix” started with the original song by Spyda & Maze. The beat’s heavy drill-inspired bass and infectious piano made the rest of the group want to jump on. To complete the remix, they added the rest of 320, and fellow Brooklyn rappers, Saad God and Diggo Finesse. The next move for 320 is continuing to push the group forward as well as highlight its individual members.

Heres the link to our ‘UP NEXT’ playlist:

Spotify

Apple

The post #UPNEXT Powered by PRESSPLAYLISTS appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Sounds like somebody likes playing with fire; but it all worked out, because this track is not only dope, but shows Jaylii’s versatility as an artist. Peep it.

The post JayliiGotJuice featuring Cookie – “One Of A Kind” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Empire star Tarji P. Henson recently stopped by the ‘Angie Martinez’ show on the NYC radio station Power 105.1. In her interview with the Voice of New York, Henson touched on improvising lines on Empire, how her life has changed with the success of the show, and that she was in the running to play Scandal character, Olivia Pope.

Check out Taraji P. Henson’s full interview with Angie Martinez below:

The post Taraji P. Henson Tells Angie Martinez She Auditioned for Role of Olivia Pope appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Fox’s smash hit, “Empire” soundtrack tops the Billboard 200 Albums chart. Whether you’ve been avidly watching, not watching, or just completely oblivious to social media, “Empire’s” success is hard to ignore. While the show’s been busy making people tune in, sparking debate, and growing an enormous fan base, it seems as if Lucious, Cookie, and Co. have reached yet another milestone. The “Empire” soundtrack debuted at No.1 (ahead of Madonna’s “Rebel Heart”) on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. What does this mean for the shows longevity? It seems as if the cameras will be rolling for seasons to come.

Download “Empire” (Season 1) Soundtrack on iTunes – HERE

The post “Empire” Soundtrack No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.