I know music. I boldly proclaim this and scream it from the mountain tops because there is not a doubt in my mind that this young man will flourish into something great. Church-Hill is yet another pop sensation that you haven’t heard of and it really seems like he’s already hit his groove within the curation of his art. The sultry tone he possesses doesn’t sound like a child, which is nice in this bubblegum ecosystem were plagued with. And he makes the music these labels wish they could pump out, but can’t even scratch the surface.
Church had a situation a little while back where he was stifled creatively and not developed to the heights he should have been. To be clueless about what you have on your roster in this industry is the ultimate fumble near the goal line, and boy did they drop the ball on this one. With his most recent release “Tallahassee” you hear his vocal prowess shine from A to Z. With production from Josh Bruce Williams, you can’t help but exude positive emotion when you hear this one.
To shine a bit more light on our protagonist we decided to reach out for a brief Q&A. We touched on his influences, his upbringing, his relationship with music, his dreams, and a bit more. So do yourself a favor and get all the way tapped in with Church, he’s a genius.
DC: When did you start making music?
CH: Made my song ever at 12 years old under the name Mr.Viper.
DC: What instruments do you play?
CH: I dabble with the drums, I can also play the ukulele but my strong suit is the piano.
DC: Who and or what are you inspired by? Whether it’s music or nature or whatever?
CH: Definitely inspired by my mom, she’s infinitely more talented than I am, she sings, and plays the piano. When she was my age she had the chance to join the American traveling symphony as a violist but unfortunately had to decline with the news of being pregnant with me and also other stuff at home. My family used to lead the worship service in church growing up and so I watched her sing and play the piano every Sunday, to this day she still does it, and every time I hear her sing I can’t help but cry hahaha.
DC: How long did you live within that cult and how did it change your outlook on life?
CH: Fortunately for me my family left that church when I was about 3-4 years old and my grandpa Howard started his own in Grants Pass Oregon, so I never really got to experience that life as a kid nor do I have memories from it.
DC: Are you still in contact with any of the members of the cult?
CH: There’s not a lot of people I can recall still seeing around. I mean moms are still friends with her pals from the church but other than that we kinda cut all ties and a lot of folks passed away.
DC: Things you appreciate in your everyday life?
CH: My ability to have a relationship with God, the sauna, the tv show The Office, a nice juicy ribeye, my American spirit ciggies, and my decaf iced vanilla latte from the starbs.
DC: What is your favorite part of releasing new music?
CH: Man not to sound cliché but the records I decided to release all give me butterflies at one point. They turned me into a 15ft giant where anything and everything is possible, and with every release, I just hope people get that 2 minutes of being a badass in this world. I guess my favorite part is that weird ego boost I get for being a sense of dopamine for my peeps.
DC: What is the biggest challenge of being an independent artist?
CH: The levels, unsure if you’re growing or staying the same, knowing and trusting that taking the time to build a brand with your homies is something way more special than an instant success or paycheck.
DC: Things you look forward to in your future?
CH: I can’t wait to sign a kids forehead, try out all the different continental breakfasts at hotels across the world on tour, and know what it feels like to be the person you always wanted to be.
DC: Message to any supporter or listener?
CH: Honestly just thank you. It’s an honor to be here and to have you on my side y’all are the blood flowing through my veins. I wouldn’t be anything without you listening, lots more to be explored and discovered with who I am and what I sound like and I just hope y’all stick around for the journey with me.
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Hyperpopdaily has been a major pillar for underground rap for the past few years and continues to support the culture in a unique but pertinent way. HPD is a platform founded in late 2020 as a parody of the often exaggerated and clout-chasing model that these Instagram rap pages have used for years.
With an emphasis on lighthearted trolling and putting on more internet-centric artists, Hyperpop Daily has advanced the careers of acts such as Summrs, Yeat, Nigo Chanel, Smokingskul, and Dom Corleo. HPD has created a crazy cult fanbase to the point where he could post a picture of basically nothing and have it receive over 10,000 likes on the post. HPD has also put together some very influential events of the past few years such as the Ken Carson Pumpkin Contest, HPD Meet & Greet, and the Hyperpop Daily x Regalia Basketball Tournament in LA. Also, seen recently, the captain of the ship had an interview with Kids Take Over that will be released soon.
Coming up in the next 3 months we have the second annual basketball tourney. From the looks of it, this one is going to blow the 1st one out of the water as they continue to add to the event, including making it live-streamed this year (hosted by Encore). The craziest part is they haven’t even announced half of the players and already have confirmed artists such as MattOx, 24kGoldn, DCTheDon and YNW Bslime, and producers include TRGC, 1stClass, Bhristo, and Goyxrd. But now they’ve added creators like KTOArshan, Supremepatty, Elanbia, and boxboyyahir.
With help from another community pillar, Underground Sound, these two are paving a new lane in music media. Essentially it’s breaking the barriers of that underground mindset and garnering some mainstream attention. HPD basks in the concept of if you know you know, and it takes a complex mind to understand how valid this brand is in music.
A real community that allows the fans and artists alike to connect and just be themselves. Opinions are honest in the comments, but it brims with beautiful chaos that is only found there. The blog era dwindled for a little bit, but pages like this have made the game fun again. Music discovery is a dumpster fire already, so let’s just laugh while we do it. And if we take a look inward I think that we would find a little Hyperpop Daily in all of us. Be well.
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What I’ve learned in this game is that a lot of people love to take credit for things they had nothing to do with. You can tell who’s arrogant and who is lying pretty quickly, but there are a few good people in this industry who deserve some more shine for their work. And it’s tough dealing with the fragile egos of executives, producers, and artists alike, but this young woman has a great deal to be proud of thus far.
Alexis Warner has been working at APG for the past few years and she was the mind behind digital marketing campaigns for NBA Youngboy, NoCap, Anti Da Menace, Cico P, and Solider Kidd. Her work on Cico’s “Tampa” earned her a Gold single, but it’s bigger than the plague. Alexis is making the needle move for artists in a new age where digital is the bread and butter. Her passion to build a legacy for these artists is what drives her to be great every day and she does it with a genuine passion for music.
After graduating from Tennessee State University with a BA in mass communications and with a concentration in integrated marketing, Warner has cemented herself as a name known in the industry. Past all of the brimming accolades, Alexis has always been warm and not pushy, a rarity in this game. Kindness goes a long way over here at Chiefers, so we figured we’d return the favor. Shoot Alexis a follow and stay tuned for more greats we’re highlighting soon!
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Austin, Texas isn’t usually known for its R&B prowess, but in the case of Terrance Léon we have a strong exception. “Go Shawty Go” is an infectious trip from start to finish. The subtle strings that build around Léon‘s gentle tone accent the aerated wave. Though there is a great deal of balance between the instrumentation and Terrance‘s vocals.
This gives off an ode to the early 2000s as far as lack of pitch correction goes and it’s simply because Terrance doesn’t need any help. This young crooner stays within a calm and collected pocket allowing the listener to be taken for a ride. There isn’t a reason to overcomplicate things when the talent is top-tier, so do yourself a favor and peep this gas below.
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Like the Converse Run Star Motions, the cover art for SWIM’s latest single, “Big Steppa,” is a distorted spectacle you can’t help but admire. Shrunken in posture, the aura surrounding him wants to acknowledge but is weary of the reaction that’ll come his way. It’s a bit of a contradiction. Meant to garner a response, the audacious design of the sneakers is not an argument with his pose. They’re the brokers who forge the long for acceptance with the disruption caused by his presence. “I think I have in the past shrunk myself and minimized myself in certain rooms or certain settings,” SWIM said. “you know, out of fear of judgment, or how to fear just, you know, being content.”
This isn’t a tale of an individual who lacks awareness of his upbringing. His father, Derek Stewart, was a former professional basketball player for ten years for the Betclic Élite in France, where SWIM, whose legal name is Coy Stewart, spent the first years of his life there. During the summer of 2008 in South Carolina, the film “Accidental Love” production crew offered Derek an invite to bring his family to the set to play as extras. During the hot, muggy day, SWIM left a lasting impression on the production crew with his infectious personality. Shortly after that, he told his parents that he wanted to try his hand at acting. A year later, he starred in the stage rendition of “Raising In The Sun.” From there, he’s gone on to appear on multiple shows on the TBS ‘Are We There Yet?’, Nickelodeon’s ‘Bella and the Bulldogs,’ and Marvel’s ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’
From extra to childhood star to Hip Hop Artist, his self-awareness keeps SWIM from being diluted by his success. “I just always operated from like a place of gratitude,” he stated. “Especially being young and black, when you get an opportunity to see those things come into fruition.” Beneath the blaze of South Carolina’s summer wrath, he found a sense of joy in his surrounding. Locating shelter wasn’t an option when he was ten years old due to the setting being made for him, whether he knew it or not. It drew confidence out of him long before Hollywood pushed it back.
But his self-awareness is more than just his beginnings, but the situation company he keeps. Loved ones, and extended family, can’t begin to fathom the lifestyle he lives. No one does what he does, not due to a lack of talent, but due to the lack of access. Hard work and skill play a role in success, but luck is something that overlooks more often than not. It’s the Timmy Smith of traits. The omitted piece culminates in anyone’s success. Compared to his Hollywood peers and their warped sense of reality by the system that molded them.
Is that why he shrunk himself after so many roles? So many auditions? Despite all the accolades, he still sees himself as a talented actor who got lucky in nailing a couple of roles. Acknowledging that “a million other young, talented black people” could have played in ‘Are We There Yet’ or ‘Bella and The Bulldogs.’ It’s one thing to avoid feeding the ego; it keeps you humble and hungry. But to starve it, don’t you lose sight of the hard work and skill it took to get there?
He’s been a financial cog for both the entertainment industry and his loved ones since entering the industry. He was their source, the recipient, and the facilitator of everyone else dream and wealth—the holy trinity. It’s a business. Before he could understand anything about himself, he understood that money was the feudal lord everyone answered to.
Underneath his conversational and sarcastic delivery, there’s a dire struggle for power that hides behind his smile. It’s littered across his discography, signs of an insatiable quest to change the system, even if it means playing by the rules he hates. What he wants to do with his power is take those who couldn’t chase their passions and allow them to. Take those who come after him to achieve what they want and not what they must to survive. “I’m too busy taking your place/Just let me,” he says on the grouptherapy. track ‘blackout.’ The film and music industries’ power structures are similar but significantly different.
They both feast on capital, and no matter the challenges, capitalism will adapt to any changes to make its profit. In the film world, Disney controls a market with Superheros on every corner, which would make Vought International proud. If you want the most eyes and money, you have to partake in being a hero. As an actor, once the filming is over and the lights and the advertisements go away, you need to find another job. You constantly have to keep scanning for work, where ever you can provide for yourself. You get paid for your work, but it lights out if you can’t find your next role, especially with fierce competition.
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In the music industry, you have more control of creative direction, particularly if you’re independent. You decide the release date, the visuals, the rollout, where and who the money goes to, and more. There are artists with millions of streams, who still work day jobs to support themselves. Instead, their compensation comes from merch, booking fees, concert tickets, and brand deals. It’s volatile but a life-long passion project of self-expression and autobiography.
But some sounds and styles draw the most engagement and streams that cause you to second guess yourself. Unlike the film world, where a good narrative story sells, not the name, fans will come to watch whoever is in front of the camera. They might not stay, but they will come. It’s why acts like Julia Fox can become stars overnight. In the music world, if the fans don’t like you or your music, your passion project falls on bleeding ears. It’s why it’s easier to fall for that little voice in your head that tells you to give the rage a try. Influential in the art of persuasion, that voice is always there to deviate from your path, to receive the gratification you seek.
“Yeah, man, it’s hard. It’s hard as fuck.” SWIM exclaimed. “And it’s something that I think I’ve learned as I get older, honestly never goes away.”
Music is what shows you the real SWIM because, honestly, there isn’t any other way to succeed as an artist. And the best way to introduce yourself musically is to have a sound that identifies you. There’s no role to sink yourself into, no script written by someone else to immerse yourself in. Just having a sound isn’t the point for SWIM; the process of finding is exciting. Drake, JID, Earthgang, and Steve Lacy, are some artists he named who forged their signature sound(s). The pressure for him doesn’t exist; it’s the fear of losing himself when he does that drives him mad. “I think when you find that what’s even scarier is a departure from that [sound], or the idea that you may not be able to deliver that every single time.”
Which circles us back to ‘Big Steppa.’There’s no pressure to find himself because his transition from KOI to SWIM was his first big step. He has accepted himself so that he can showcase his true self to his audience, the world. He is fully delving himself into the idea of superhero SWIM because the aim is to achieve something never seen or heard before. The cover art may start as something to hide, but what if the meaning changed? Instead of being afraid of what a room of strangers will say about his art, what if it’s to protect something premature yet beautiful? What if the shades that cover his eyes are the same ones Cyclops puts on to save the world from the light that shines in them? Growth always starts as one step, but the ones after will eventually lead you to something you’ve never seen before.
Who are some rappers that inspired you?
SWIM: Being from South Carolina, my number one guy is Cole. Something about The Warm Up and Friday Night Lights from that era really changed my life, bro. It changed my life and made me believe I could be wherever I wanted.
But beyond that, The creativity of Outkast left a considerable impression on me. I remember watching the “Hey Ya” video 10 million fucking times and being blown away. I had never seen something like that before; you know what I mean? And it just like opened my mind to what we do in this rap shit. Drake is as well. It’s hard not to be influenced by Drake because no one’s done it like him. But even more recently, I found myself tapping into the early works of Biggie and Jay-Z. Jay is a huge inspiration for me. Like I think he is the ideal rapper, I don’t think anybody is better than him.
One of your strengths is your delivery and the subtle emotions you convey in a conversational tone. Do you see delivery as something every rapper should have?
SWIM: Dude, delivery is fucking everything. Let me tell you because that’s something I’ve learned over time. And it’s hard. I’m a big MF DOOM like I love the super deep, heavy lyrical, dense music. But the problem is that there is a cap to how far it can reach.
One of the best new artists I’ve ever seen is Baby Keem. I believe Keem is a fucking genius dude. Like a fucking. Genius. The way that he just says stuff sounds cool. I hear him, and I’m like, “dawg, I would never think to put this on wax.” But when you listen to it and feel it, it’s just something that connects. That’s something that we talk about constantly. How are we going to say it? How are we deliver that message?
Is it to teeter that line of being not hypocritical but being honest about the situation that you’re in?
SWIM: That’s literally like the life that we live. It’s interesting because, like, as an actor, there is this mist between the audience and the actors. After all, when you see someone on TV, I think you automatically assume they got bread, right? Yet actors are some of the hardest working people because they must stay acting. And unless you like the top 5% of the profession, You’re not getting crazy bread from that. Once that job is done, you have to find another job.
Also, I do have all those accolades. But when I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t see any of that. I don’t feel any of that. I know that I’m talented, and I’m grateful for that talent, but I believe there is a lot of chance and luck in life. I don’t think I am the only person who could have been on Are We There Yet? Or Bella and the Bulldogs, you know.There are a million other young, talented black people that could have also been in that role. So I’m just always hungry for more. Having been in the industry for so long, especially in LA, you meet so many people who are content with where they are. And that has never been me. I don’t even subscribe to that theory.
Despite knowing you have time artistically to create, does it concern you that the window you have to capture the masses is so much shorter?
SWIM: This is a journey that I will be on for the rest of my life. That’s sort of how I play it; even with me knowing that I haven’t found my sound yet, I think that’s why that pressure isn’t there because I understand that’s a part of the journey. I am obsessed with all of my legends and their journeys. I have seen Jay Z say it a few different times. It’s like he’s talked to young rappers, and they’re like, ‘you know, I haven’t found my crowd yet.” and he’s like, “how could you? You’ve only made two albums. You’ve just started,” and because of the nature of the industry right now, it is so fast-paced that it is the way it is. However, good music lasts forever, and good music can span anywhere.
I feel blessed in the sense that I exist in multiple spaces. I always say this to TJ and everybody, but I would hate a musician solely. It honestly sucks right now. Because you have to give more to it than I think is humanly capable, given where we are at in life right now. But because we do so much, I think there’s always a way for me to stay on people’s minds. You know, for it’s with grouptherapy, I’m directing the music videos. I’m writing a short film right now that I’m going to shoot at the end of the year, that’s going to include music, and also it’s written, directed starring me. I’m hoping to get it into some film festivals.
But doesn’t that still keep you in the mind of consumers, even if it’s in a different field?
SWIM: And I think that’s all it is, staying on people’s minds. And so for me, if you can listen to my music, then watch something that I directed, and then watch something that I’m starring in. I’m in your head, but it might not just be the music. That’s what I love about Tyler, The Creator. You know, Tyler is just like one of the best artists of our generation. And he has been able to let the music live. I spoke with somebody on Tyler’s team who said this. And it was one of the most genius things I’ve ever heard, and I’ve used it since then. The music that Tyler makes is just the backdrop to his world. It’s just music that exists in his world because there’s clothes, there’s visuals, there are cars, there’s jewelry, there’s makeup, there’s all this stuff that he puts his creative energy into. And that tethers you in this storm right now because we’re in a Renaissance. This time will pass, and we will be in another phase. But it’s stuff like that, that I think tethers you and keeps you still throughout the chaos of storm so that you can still apply that creativity, but not lose it.
Isn’t that just one of the crutches of this industry where it builds and one of the main culprits of forming this hustle culture we have now when you constantly feel like you have to do shit?
SWIM: Yes. 100%. 110%. And I think like, you know, the dangers of it. It’s like, it’s something that I deal with right now. It’s one of the main reasons I go to therapy right now because I’m trying to reframe my entire perspective on work, mainly because I’ve been working since I was a kid. Work is everything to me. And so this idea that, especially here in America, and with capitalism, it’s like, sacrifice your life to make your work as successful as possible. That is 100% the sort of nature that we live in.
And so I’m 100% it’s daunting, it’s scary. And it’s difficult as fuck, it is. But also, I feel blessed to have other outlets. So it’s like when I’m in the music, and I feel like I can’t give any more to this, I can turn to another outlet that’s still creative and will still stick in people’s minds, but maybe it isn’t that specific thing, you know?
Do you ever feel like in your quest to accumulate that power, aren’t you just giving in to the system itself to try to change that?
SWIM: Well, it’s terrifying. That workaholic work culture, it’s like you’re running on that treadmill, bro. And it’s like, where are we going? Do we ever plan to get off of this? You know what I’m saying? What’s the end goal? What’s the end game? I don’t even really know if I have a complete answer for that. For me, I know I want to do something more than changing my family’s lives. That is always something that’s a goal, right? You want to buy your mom a house. You want to get your family out of the hood, that is all good and well, but I want whatever I make to exist beyond me. And that’s even something I said on my first mixtape that I had this line where I was like, “I hope when I die you remember me/ because you only matter if you live until infinity.” And I think being able to make shit that you can give to people that’s theirs, that they can take some ownership into and feel into and put their heart and life into. That is the key for me, man. And it’s like, again, trying to avoid that mindset of making it. I want to do shit that I love and be proud of the shit that is created from that. And really, that’s all I can. That’s all I can hope to do right now.
Heath is one of those names who deserve to have the limelight shining on him and his talents. With “Ayudame” we saw how creative this young man can be from both an auditory and visual standpoint. This time around it’s nothing different as far as the formula goes, but “Hialeah” is another shade of what Heath can do with his art.
The melodies and harmonious elements are both a bit unconventional, as far as modern music standards go, but that’s really a good thing. With direction from Mike & Matt Moloney, we see Heath and his lady take a gentle ride through FL in the back of a pickup truck. The gentle tones mesh incredibly well with the soft colors portrayed in the shots. The composition of the entire scene is important to this team of creatives and the attention to detail is astounding.
Heath will continue to push the boundaries of his talent to the next level and it’s really only a matter of time until the world is really hip to the flavors. Do yourself a favor and get acquainted to all of the gas below.
Rache Bands is moving like he’s got something to prove — and honestly, he does. After making waves with the “Believe in Me” video alongside CMG’s Big Boogie, then following it up with an alternate version where he links up with the legend Johnny Dang for a new grill, it’s clear Rache is in go mode. No gimmicks, just consistent pressure.
Now he’s back with a new song “Count Me Out,” and if you’ve been sleeping — this is your wake-up call. Directed by Sleeplezz Filmz, the song captures that underdog mentality perfectly: dark, focused, and full of that chip-on-the-shoulder energy. It’s not just about proving the doubters wrong — it’s about showing why you should’ve been paying attention the whole time.
Over a cold, piano-laced beat from Louey Beats, Rache leans into that raw storytelling: pain, perseverance, and straight confidence.
“They ain’t believe in a n*****, they doubted / So I sat back and a n***** rerouted / No Master P but b**** I’m bout it”
That’s not just a bar; it’s a mission statement. He’s walking that fine line between venting and flexing, and that balance is what makes this one hit harder than your average motivational anthem.
“Count Me Out” feels like the calm before the storm — a warning shot ahead of his upcoming album One Foot In, One Foot Out. The title alone tells you where his head’s at — halfway in the streets, halfway in the industry, but fully committed to making something shake. With this kind of consistency, don’t be surprised if 2025 ends up being the year Rache makes the full leap.
Peep the song below, run it back a few times, and get familiar before the album drops. Rache Bands isn’t just heating up — he’s making sure you can’t count him out anymore.
There’s so many artists that I’ve discovered in my time of being alive but very few of them have stayed on my daily rotation consistently. Xavier Weeks is one of them. Getting to watch him grow as an artist over these last four years has been a real privilege for me. The Texas-born artist has been turning heads for years and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. We had a chance to chop it up and now we get to share a more personal side of Xavier Weeks.
EY: How’s life been for you lately?
XW: It’s been pretty good. Just transferred to a university and been working on this EP.
EY: That’s good to hear bro! First of all, I wanted to say thank you so much for wanting to do this interview with me. I’d love to hear the story on what got you into making music?
XW: At first, I was just a huge fan of hip-hop music and the culture and I was heavily inspired by Pierre Bourne when Carti dropped his self titled project. I wanted to be a producer at first but it was lowkey too hard so I found out how to record songs on Audacity. I began to fuck around and make meme songs like me legit mumbling on a track for three minutes and it did weirdly well so it kind of prompted me into actually giving recording a go and then two or three songs later I made “Team,” [and] that changed the trajectory of my life.
EY: That’s dope bro! Hell of an origin story. Who is Xavier Weeks for those who aren’t familiar with you or your music? What would you like someone’s first impression to be of you when they hear your name?
XW: Xavier Weeks is someone that tries to make hopeful or uplifting music. I try to make soundtracks to peoples lives or just try to capture the feeling certain songs give me that make me feel alive or feel something. What I would like someone’s first impression would be is what I’m doing is pushing art forward or is creative. I hope to make art that inspires others [and] to not be afraid to try new things.
EY: As someone who has been a fan of yours for years, I’ve seen you grow as an artist and it feels like I got to see you grow as a person, on the surface at least. How would you say these last four to five years have treated you and how have you overcame obstacles in life and creative blocks?
XW: I think I’ve definitely grown up a lot since I first started. I think how I have overcame creative blocks and obstacles is not to force anything. I feel like when we try to force something like songs or things in general, they don’t turn out how we want them to.
EY: I definitely agree. Tell me a bit about your origin story in regard to location. Where are you from and how has it impacted your life as well as the music side?
XW: I was born in Dallas but when I was seven, I moved to Finland and lived there for five and a half years before moving to Seattle. I feel like Finland gave me a whole world perspective and really understood [that] there’s a whole world perspective out there with different cultures and people. I think that definitely impacted my music as I take a lot of inspiration from international artists.
EY: That’s sick! I’m in Dallas and have been my entire life so I haven’t been able to travel as much. One of the first songs I heard from you which got me hooked was “Rambo.” What was the creative process/meaning behind that song?
XW: I was just in my room one day. I probably finished it in like an hour or two. It was juts one of those songs that I instantly got a hook right when I heard the beat but I think it was around the time when things really started to gain traction and I really felt like I was going somewhere with the music so when I said the line “Tell my mom I’m a star, I’ma make it,” That’s just what I was I was feeling. I felt like my aspirations in this were coming true.
EY: Besides Pierre Bourne, who else has been some of your influences/inspirations when it comes to making music?
XW: Lancey Foux I’d say would be my biggest inspiration now. I feel like he mixes the hard swaggy shit with adding a deeper message in his projects. ‘Friend or Foux,’ and “Life and Hell,” are projects that I really inspire to make, something that really impacts others.
EY: He’s definitely one of my favorite artists as of now as well as the UK rap scene in general. Who have been some artists that you work with and stay close to? How would you say these artists have helped you to where you are at now?
XW: I’d say my bro Randy and Charlieonnafriday. Those are just people that I have collaborated with [where] everything came naturally. Charlie taught me a lot about content creation as I feel like he’s mastered it. With Randy, I feel like we just have hella fun cooking up making up whatever.
EY: That’s good to have a great circle around you! I know that I discovered your music around the pandemic. Would you say the isolation during that time period helped you, hurt you, or how did that affect you?
XW: I’d say it helped me and hurt me in different ways. I feel as an artist, I relied my life experiences for my writing process and just overall vision for my music. The pandemic made me have to grab that inspiration from thin air. I think I got better with the process of making music during that time.
EY: Being an artist, do you get self-conscious about your music? If so, how do you overcome those thoughts that take over? If not, what helped you get to that point?
XW: For sure, 100%. I think what it comes down to is making music for yourself. You can never 100% please the audience. Half [of] the time they don’t even know what they want yet.
EY: I get that completely. You just recently released an EP titled Rather Feel Than Heal What’s the backstory behind this project? What did the creative look like leading up to this release?
XW: I just wanted to release some rap music. I feel like I was drifting all over the place genre wise and wanted to make strictly rap music for the EP. It was just songs that I’ve made over the last couple of months that I thought were hard. Honestly the least amount of thought behind this EP other than just trying to put fire songs on there but I got a house/dance EP coming next that I’m really excited to start working on.
EY: I’m enjoying the project and I’m definitely looking forward to the next project as well. Who are the top three artists you’d want to collaborate with and why?
XW: Lancey Foux because that just my favorite artist, Fredagain. I feel like we would make some really fire shit and Drake because that’s the goat.
EY: Definitely a solid list. What are some goals you have for yourself? Are you where you thought you’d be right now compared to this time last year?
XW: I haven’t ever really been a goal setter. I kind of like letting things happen naturally. To be honest, I’m not really sure where I thought I’d be right now. I kind of just went with the flow and let the universe do it’s thing.
EY: I know you’re in Seattle and you also mentioned that you transferred to a university. Are you staying local or where is that taking you to?
XW: I’m local. I’m going to the University Of Washington.
EY: That’s dope! When not in class or making music, what are some other hobbies of yours?
XW: I take boxing pretty seriously. I’ve been doing it behind the scenes for the past two and a half years. I’d say that’s my main hobby but other than that, I’m a huge soccer fan. I feel like I spend a lot of my time watching soccer or just tactics of the game. I don’t know why, it just scratches my brain.
EY: I know you mentioned a project in the near future but what else can we expect from Xavier Weeks this year?
XW: Hopefully a full scale project called Human Nature I think it will be my “classic.”
EY: If you could give any advice to up-and-coming artists, what would that be?
XW: Trust your gut. This music stuff is 50% hard work and 50% mental strength. If you can’t keep your mental strong or just [aren’t] in a good place, things can spiral really fast and the last thing is have fun with it. The best music comes from having fun.
EY: Lastly, what is some advice you’d give to people in general? Maybe those who aren’t in the best headspace or those who are struggling with finding themselves?
XW: I’d say let time take it’s course but just try to do things with love as much as you can. Try new things, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Either way, everything will be okay and work out.
You ever hear a remix so hard it makes you rewind before it even ends?
Yeah, ITSBIZKIT just did that with Sauce Walka on the new “Blood Money” remix, and it’s hard.
Premiered on WorldStarHipHop, this version takes the original track’s NYC buzz and cranks the dial up. Sauce Walka pulls up spittin’ heat. and Bizkit matches that energy bar for bar.
Shot by SocialMediaHouse Productions, this video is a statement. Gritty cuts, fly shots, it matches the music perfectly.
Long Island’s favorite blogger is more than just memes and media these days—he’s out here making actual hits. Every drop gets louder, every collab gets bigger, and this remix? It’s just another brick in the foundation he’s building.
“Blood Money” remix is out now on all platforms. Whether you’re in the whip, or the trap, make sure you tune in. We’ll wait.
As the year draws to a close, we’ve been blessed with an incredible array of music releases. Lil Uzi Vert, Kenny Mason, Cordae, and Playboi Carti have all dropped their latest projects, and there’s even a potential release from Carti in the fourth quarter. But that’s not all – NIKOWOODYEAR has gifted us a sneak peek of his upcoming project, “ENROUTE .!”, with a three-track EP titled “WHILE WE WAIT .!”. This EP truly showcases his artistic growth and embodies his unique sound.
In terms of production, NIKO’s collaboration with renowned producers enhances his sound, creating a harmonious blend like peanut butter and jelly. We’re introduced to three captivating tracks: “PLAYA .!” “2 LATE .!” and my personal favorite, “HERON PRESTON .!” Having previewed “HERON PRESTON .!” on Instagram, I was instantly captivated by the new sound NIKO has unveiled, showcasing his remarkable versatility. Joining NIKO on this project is a well-known collaborator, Skreet2x, who graces “2 LATE .!” For those unfamiliar, these two musical maestros are akin to Kobe and Shaq at their peak when they collaborate.
As we patiently wait for the announcement of “ENROUTE .!”, the anticipation continues to grow. NIKO has been teasing this project for several months, sharing snippets and expanding his fanbase in the process. Here’s what NIKO has to say about his upcoming project:
“ENROUTE .! is not for the traditional underground rap listener at all. after the success of Project Neon and a summer full of momentum, I gained a lot of new eyes on me. I slowed everything down to take my time on this body of work. I want everyone to see what i’m capable of doing and where i belong in this industry. for that reason, I did everything on this project but play it safe.”
As I mentioned previously, NIKOWOODYEAR will be a household name soon enough and I truly believe that “ENROUTE .!” will separate him from the rest. With garnering co-signs from Trippie Redd and working with notable artists. As mentioned in articles prior, NIKO will be on top here soon so wind down and immerse yourself in his art.
This weekend gifted us with several notable releases from Kendrick Lamar, Bossman Dlow, Jack Harlow, and many others. However, we shouldn’t overlook the talented artists who are equally or even more gifted. Among the releases I wanted to share with the world is “CandyMan,” by FNF Chop.
Hailing from Baltimore, FNF Chop has been making waves in the music scene, collaborating with renowned artists like Sheff G, Young Nudy, Fivio Foreign, and many others. His latest single, “CandyMan,” is a testament to his unique sound and artistic growth. The hard-hitting production and Chop’s aggressive flow create a seamless blend, akin to the perfect pairing of steak and wine. His wordplay is nothing short of exceptional, delivering creative punchlines that showcase his unwavering confidence both on and off the track.
What’s not to love about this track? The unique production, coupled with Chop’s legendary flow, makes it one of my favorite tracks of 2024, leading the competitive music scene. It’s undeniable that FNF Chop has significant plans for a future project, but when will they be released? As he keeps pushing boundaries, I’m confident that we’ll soon see FNF Chop become a household name.
Check out the song below and let us know what you think!
