New Mello Music Group Label Compilation ‘Bushido’ Now Available!

Posted on by Atif Parker

‘Bushido’ Features Appearances From Oddisee, Open Mike Eagle, Joell Ortiz, Quelle Chris, Alchemist, !llmind, Skyzoo, Apollo Brown, Homeboy Sandman, Kool Keith, B-Real, Murs & Georgia Anne Muldrow

In feudal Japan, the Bushido Code defined the way of the samurai. It was a blueprint to conduct warfare with honor: a system built upon the qualities of rectitude and courage, honor and loyalty. In the modern world, these historical tenets may seem antiquated, or sometimes even obsolete. But the power of tradition is resolute and unyielding. The art of the rugged drum and the razor-tongued rap are timeless.

After a decade in the music business, Mello Music Group has witnessed the dealings and promises of the record industry. Running counter-clockwise to the mainstream ethic, Mello has settled on its own code of conduct and value system. Their catalogue is a Hagakare of hip-hop — a practical and spiritual guide to the essence. While the sounds are varied, an MMG release ensures that the art comes first, the artists are religiously devoted to the upholding of standards and values. The musicians swing fast blades and fly the Mello banner with speed and strength.

This is Bushido, the latest Mello Music compilation gathering the current roster and the label’s closest brethren. As always, the core shoguns are present: Apollo Brown, Oddisee, Quelle Chris, L’Orange, Joell Ortiz, Skyzoo, and Homeboy Sandman. The rated rookies brandish sharpened swords: Solemn Brigham, Namir Blade, and The Lasso. The legacy teammates with championship trophies are all present: Open Mike Eagle, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Elaquent, Kool Keith, and Mr. Lif. So are label affiliates, Murs, The Alchemist, RJ Payne, and B-Real. The veteran general rounds out the roster, Stalley, the newest member of the Mello family. This isn’t merely an anthology, it’s a fully-formed vision of what hip-hop can be. A meticulously assembled arsenal of past, present, and future.

Label Daimyo Michael Tolle, has historically used these compilations as an opportunity to create and build, pair new collaborations, and curate the sound for the coming year. At first, these albums heralded the arrival of a new hip-hop force; now, they serve as a reminder that Mello has expanded upon the proud lineage of seminal indie labels like Loud, Stones Throw, Rhymesayers, and Def Jux. It is a sanctuary of the raw. At its core, the artists achieve a platonic ideal of hip-hop. You can hear the spirit of Mobb Deep and Wu-Tang in a song like “Iron Steel Samurai” — where The Alchemist conjures a brimstone inferno of crunching guitars and anvil drums, and Quelle Chris drops haikus in blood, dousing sauce on everything like siracha.

The label’s ingenuity partially stems from its gift at bridging the generations. Between Kool Keith, Mr. Life, Murs, Alchemist and B-Real, you have artists who fathered entire schools of hip-hop (Keith might well be the Abraham for every left-field MC ). Similarly, the first generation of Mello artists has defined the otherground of this era. Here, Oddisee, Apollo Brown and L’ Orange, embody the distinguished tradition of Pete Rock and Preemo, Dilla and Madlib. On “Gold Gloves” and “Symbol of Hope,” Open Mike Eagle whimsically balances between comic despair and existential mind wandering, like the last great member of the Native Tongues. While Skyzoo and Joell decapitate microphones with masterful swings. So on the beautiful carnage goes.

Bushido harkens back to the spark of creation that underpins the label: the rigorous code and idiosyncratic originality. A place that reveres the past, while securing the present for future generations. Something that goes on past the music, a deeper aspiration towards something that Tsunetomo Yamamoto wrote in The Book of the Samurai: “It is said that what is called “the spirit of an age” is something to which one cannot return. Although one would like to change today’s world back to the spirit of one hundred years or more ago, it cannot be done. Thus, it is important to make the best out of every generation.”

You can now purchase, add and favorite Bushido at your preferred DSP: https://smarturl.it/MelloBushido

Watch Quelle Chris & The Alchemist “Iron Steel Samurai” Video: https://youtu.be/N2hwzH8Xob0

Stream Bushido at Bandcamp: https://mellomusicgroup360.bandcamp.com/album/bushido

Bushido TRACKLISTING

Iron Steel Samurai feat Quelle Chris (prod by Alchemist)

Gold Gloves feat Open Mike Eagle (prod by The Lasso)

One Of The Last feat Marlowe (prod by L’Orange)

Yours Truly feat Homeboy Sandman (prod by Kensaye Russell)

No Trouble feat Oddisee (prod by Oddisee)

Gwan B OK feat Zackey Force Funk (prod by The Lasso)

Ya-Neishi The Vocals feat Skyzoo (prod by L’Orange)

Symbol Of Hope feat Open Mike Eagle & Namir Blade (prod by Elaquent)

Never Lived feat Oddisee (prod by Oddisee)

None feat Homeboy Sandman (prod by Iman Omari)

Bane Bran feat Quelle Chris & James Shanan (prod by Quelle Chris)

Black Rock feat Joell Ortiz, Stalley, Namir Blade & Solemn Brigham (prod by Namir Blade)

Outlast feat Dueling Experts & Joell Ortiz (Prod by Apollo Brown)

Black Man feat RJ Payne (prod by Apollo Brown)

Turnt Garveyite feat Murs (prod by Georgia Anne Muldrow)

Nightmare feat Cambatta (prod by Apollo Brown)

Rap feat Homeboy Sandman (prod by Eric Lau)

You To Me feat Oddisee (prod by Oddisee)

Zero Fux feat Kool Keith, B-Real & Joell Ortiz (prod by Nottz)

Banners feat The Perceptionists (prod by !llmind)

For More Information:

Follow Mello Music Group:

https://www.instagram.com/mellomusicgroup

Laajuvie Releases Dak Filmed Visual For “No Cuffin”

Posted on by Atif Parker

Laajuvie, a fast-rising new Miami-representing recording artist drawing popularity following her freestyles going viral, preps fans for her 2021 takeover with the new video “No Cuffin.” And with raw, crafty and outstanding lyricism, she hits the streets and delivers a furious PSA to today’s Hip Hop of her arrival. Stream “No Cuffin” via Spotify.

For her forthcoming project, the Dak-directed video displays The pole toting tauntress effortlessly raps into the camera without breaking a sweat, all while showing off a fresh manicure and a beat face. “No Cuffin” is the perfect jump-on point for any newfound fan joining the Laajuvie bandwagon.

Laajuvie’s latest single follow her first freestyle to Instagram titled “Fake Love,” which has garnered over 25K+ views organically since its release, Juvie wasted no time following up effort with another freestyle called ‘Shit Talk” that accumulated over 500 comments. Connected with EMPIRE, Laajuvie’s full-length effort is expected to draw some a-list collaborations. “No Cuffin” is produced by Ricky Hoodrich and available on 510 Music Group. After the view, for more on Laajuvie, follow her on Instagram.

Check out Laajuvie’s new visual for “No Cuffin” below.

Jon Hope – “House of Cards” Ft. Ceez (Video)

Posted on by Irfan Akhtar

 In his powerful new video for “House of Cards,” Providence, R.I.’s own Jon Hope delivers passionate rhymes about the fragility of every aspect of our lives, from our careers and livelihoods to our dreams and relationships. The video is directed by CBN ONE, who also provided the cinematic visuals for the previously released “Where We Come From”/”THS.” What’s most impressive about “House of Cards,” both as a single and video, is how much Hope packs into a track that barely runs longer than two and a half minutes. Check out the visuals and head over to your preferred digital retailer or streaming platform to support, Hope All is Well, available now via Zayn Butler/Perfect Time Music Group.

FAT WALLACE – “DREAMS”

Posted on by Clodagh Leon

Virginia is surging with Hip Hop’s next-generation superstars. Among the new class is the slick, catchy and popular recording artist, Fat Wallace. Today, he makes his run for the 2021 artist-to-watch label with new single “Dreams.” “This year will be the year all of my fans look back on as the year the rest of the world discovered Fat Wallace,” says the rising star.

For the new single, Wallace remains loyal to his roots as he amasses widespread notoriety with lyrics about evolving into a superstar through persistence, resilience and, most of all, originality. Fat Wallace has created an authentic sound since his original arrival in 2016. “From my perspective and releasing music for the past 5 years, I definitely feel like this is my best song to date because it shows exactly what my mission is,” he says.

He continues: “If a kid from a town that only has a population of a few thousand can put his time and effort into making it somewhere with his music, it really just shows that hard work really can get you anywhere regardless of where you’re starting from.”

“Dreams” is the lead-up to something big coming from Fat Wallace in 2021. And now a great origin point for newfound fans, feel free to stay updated on everything Fat Wallace via social media. Before the forthcoming album, stream “Dreams,” available now via Major League Records.

Listen To Shwensdz’ Latest Releases

Posted on by Erika Becker

Shwensdz gets the audience hyped with his latest release “Barky Back,” and “Plug It In” and announces the release of a brand new track “Money Play”. 

As the press release notes: The versatile Shwensdz has been musically gifted from an early age. Set out to become a performer and professional pop, R&B, Hip-Hop Singer, he believes natural ability will only take a talented artist so far, but a strong will and determination has helped push his artistry forward and continues to drive their development and success. Shwensdz has won over the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life; performing at a variety of venues, making loads of public appearances, all the while recording new music.

Check out Shwensdz on Spotify, and stay tuned for more! 

Houston’s Cam Wallace Drop Motown First ‘6Rings’ EP

Posted on by Alana Walls

Last week was a huge milestone for Houston recording artist, Cam Wallace. It was announced last Wednesday, Wallace signed a deal with Motown Records, the legendary recording home of Ne-Yo, The Temptations and Migos. Today, Cam digs into his bag and re-releases his EP, 6Rings, for a newfound audience.

Including the Motown debut, “Retail,” Cam Wallace resurfaces his previous release to generate attention for his forthcoming album coming 2021 on the major label. And with the re-release, Cam Wallace adds a cherry on top with the release of his latest visual for the album-cut “All The Way.” The new video crafted a simple self-encouragement exercise for the passionate perfectionist. Shown as a commercial, Wallace brings the song’s motivational mantra to life and showcases his healthy lifestyle.

Cam on the making of “All The Way”:

“All the way is literally a self-directed pep talk. It’s as simple as me telling myself (and now the listeners) that no matter what you’re doing mentally or physically, go all the way in. Crush your goals. The moment when it feels like you’re about to quit, that’s when you crank it up even more!”

Cam and Motown were very excited to announce his signing and received praise for the label’s top executives. “Cam is a once-in-a-lifetime talent that raps, sings, produces, engineers, mixes at a high quality,” said Vice President of A&R – Motown – Shawn Barron in a statement.

Cam Wallace is currently in album mode for his anticipated 2021 debut. For more on the process and Cam, follow him on Instagram.

Watch “All The Way” above. The six-song project can be heard in its entirety below via Create Music.

DEVANTE – “7 DAYS”

Posted on by Alana Walls

Devante is a Charlotte recording artist with a versatile style and smooth music. Today, he continues to add to his long-running collaboration with producer Aw$ten, with the new single “7 Days.” For the lyrics, Devante raps about not taking a single moment for granted. To the rising star, the grind doesn’t stop. 

“Everyday’s a privilege talking 7 days a week,” says Devante on the song’s concept.

Devante and Aw$ten have been cranking out dope music since the two met in college.  Devante on working with the producer, “Know that it’s a hit when me and Awsten On the Beat.”

“7 Days” round out Devante’s breakout 2020 which spawned hit songs “Lemonade,” “Don’t Panic” and “Benz Jeep.”  All the music is leading up to an expected album, slated for 2021 on his own imprint. For daily updates on the process, follow Devante on social media.

Press play on “7 Days” now.