Arin Ray by @Baoweezi

Earlier this year, Ohio native Arin Ray dropped one of the most well put together projects of the year in, Platinum Fire. After establishing himself as a sure-fire talent on the show, X-Factor, Ray parlayed that attention into songwriting for some of music biggest names before linking with Interscope to release the aforementioned project, which features Ty Dolla $ign, SiR & more, with the YG assisted, “We Ain’t Homies” serving as the projects lead single. Last week, we caught a performance of this album from Arin, as well as some crazy performances from Chicago native, Najee Muhammad, & rising singer/songwriter DaniLeigh.

Taking place at swanky LA photography spot, Hubble Studios, the night was billed as G-Shock’s 35th anniversary and they did not hold back. With a beautiful backdrop playing second fiddle on stage, the stage crew were able to provide a one of a kind visual experience to compliment the performances.

Najee Muhammad by @baoweezi

First up was Najee who siphoned through a slate of unreleased music from his upcoming demo, Bleed Me Dry that sounded ready to be dropped now. Toting a soulfully distinct sound without sounding too saturated, Najee is one of the purest artists coming up right now. With just him and accompanying trumpet player, Sean Christian on stage, the duo created a vibe that was completely different from your typical show opener.

“I moved back to LA at the end of last summer. When I moved back I ended up landing a job with blends as a in store model, just to get off my feet.” Najee tells RESPECT., “One of the store owners over heard my music and what I was working on. At the time blends and g-shock were already in the works with throwing an event for G-Shock’s 35th anniversary. My music was pitched, The coordinators loved it, and the rest was history.“

Najee & Sean Christian by @Baoweezi

One thing that was unique about this show was how much the curators cared about the listeners overall experience. In addition to the trippy visuals and amazing music, the crowd was also provided with a fully stocked open bar as well as a delicious selection of tacos, beans, rice & tortilla chips. There was nothing more to ask for.

Arin Ray by @baoweezi

Next up was Arin Ray, & the crowd was ready. Already becoming a staple in the Los Angeles music scene due to his laid back west-coast inspired style — as well as sharing the same manager as California King, YG (shoutout Push) — Ray commanded a solid audience and they were not disappointed. Ray skated through a set of cuts from his album, including, “We Ain’t Homies,” but it was the new music that he performed that had everybody most excited. Set to the tone of some exquisite, 80s love song sounding production, the song is his upcoming single and one that will only bring a new fan base in.

”The track is called, ‘Reckless,’ & we’ll be dropping it on the deluxe edition of Platinum Fire,” Ray explains to RESPECT. Mag. He also spoke on the upcoming second leg of his tour, “Yeah! We’re hitting a lot of the east coast and southern states. We’re also hitting Canada and just a lot of places. I’m excited to go to Atlanta and of course my home city, Cincinnati. We’re just excited to go to the cities that people really want us in.”

DaniLeigh by @baoweezi

Capping the night off was a special performance from Def Jam artist, DaniLeigh. Having never heard of her music before that night, the Miami native definitely left an impression on me and I’m sure the crowd as a whole, as she effortlessly gave an amazing vocal performance backed by some tranquil dance moves. In all, she was the perfect artist to finish off a special night for G-Shock.

Sean Christian, Arin Ray & Najee Muhammad by @Baoweezi

Thank you to everybody at G-Shock as well as Arin Ray, Najee Muhammad & DaniLeigh. Be sure to keep an eye out for those three names as they progress through the shark infested waters of the music industry.

*All photos taken by @Baoweezi*

The post RESPECT. Recap: Arin Ray, Najee Muhammad & DaniLeigh Connect With G-Shock For an Intimate Performance in Los Angeles appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.