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Questly Snipes 2. Catchin’ Wreck (Feat Qm, Professa Gabel, Cyph4) 3. 10 Toes Down 4. You Know (feat King Tahoe) 5. World of Trouble (Feat. Dave Canal, Big Vic, Telli Prego
Cover Art: Tiffany Burriss
Instagram: @petesantosofficial | @m1ara.sa | @beratcimili | @rp_films_media
Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | petesantosofficial.com
MC/singer/songwriter Pete Santos presents the RP Films Media-directed music video for "Last Night People", his new B.Cimili-produced single featuring Miara. A New York City native currently residing in Finland, Pete grew up all over the world, a life journey which heavily influenced his blend of hip-hop, pop, R&B, afro-rhythms, and soul music. The clip for "Last Night People" follows on the heels of visuals for his last single "We Emotional" (Youtube). Pete says his new single is about "the next day of a newly-married couple who wed the night before in Las Vegas. The newlywed couple tells their story about their love for each other and the beauty of that love."
How have you been navigating the weirdness that is 2020, personally and professionally?
I’ve been trying to stay healthy physically and mentally, keeping in mind that 2020 will pass. I wanted to make the most of this year despite all that has been happening with the pandemic, job losses, and the overall feeling that many folk have that this 2020 was a bad year. On the professional front, 2020 has had many highlights. I’ve developed as an artist and overall creative by leaps in bounds. I know that sounds like it makes sense that every year an artist should improve on their craft but this year has been exceptional for me. Like an athlete who practices their game in the offseason and comes back the next season a different player, I’ve been working on my music game. This year I have grown not only from the standpoint of creating music, writing and recording but my overall understanding of the business of music. The best plus of this year has been the music I’m making. The music is the best so far in my career.
Do you come from a musical background? What inspired you to make music your life?
I come from a partly musical family. My brother sings and actually studied music in school. He sings professionally but currently he’s not a music artist. I do have folk in my family who have either worked or been affiliated to the music industry, some as DJ’s and some on the business side. My ma and many of my cousins have worked in fashion so I can say I come from a family of creatives. I’ll give the short answer — A DJ in Amsterdam approached me one night when I was out partying and asked me if I was a rapper. This happened while I was going to school in the Netherlands. I looked at him dead in his face and said, “I am. What did you have in mind?” Something triggered me that a DJ would think I made music. The answer I gave him wasn’t from left field. I had dabbled in the studio from time to time but never took it seriously. Music was always a love of mine and when the opportunity presented itself, I just took advantage of it and never looked back.
Describe a day in the life of Pete Santos.
The times during the year when I’m pressed to be creative, a day looks like this. The morning starts relatively early, 7am. I eat a breakfast of champions because I have to champion the day! Yes, I do eat breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day. Then after I check my emails, texts, and SoMe for a while. In the late morning I get ready to go to the studio to either have a creativity session that involves hearing beats and writing or I’m in a recording session, recording my vocals to a song. I have many artist friends who work in the night or through the night but I prefer to work in the studio during the morning/day. After several hours in the studio, I come home, eat, check emails, texts, and SoMe again. Then it’s time to kick back and relax from the day. Days can be predictive some months but I don’t mind. I’m doing what I love to do, which is making music that I want to impact the world.
How did the collaboration with Miara come about? What is the recording process like in the pandemic era?
I’ve known Miara for a few years now. Her voice and persona behind her voice is amazing. Originally, “Last Night People” did not have a feature. As the song morphed in the creative process that took a few years it became evident I needed a feature with me. My producer for “Last Night People”, Berat “B.Cimili” Cimili and I prayed one day like we do many days when we’re in the studio and had the idea to have a woman on the song with me. Miara and I were communicating maybe a week before and B.Cimili and I knew she had to be on it. Her voice is strong and sexy, and the song is about a couple getting married expressing their love for each other. She was the best fit and I’m thankful we were inspired to pursue her for the song. She performed well and added so much to the song. The recording process hasn’t really differed much from the pre-pandemic era. The only difference is the producers and artists I work with use more precaution when we get sick or someone close to us: family, close friends get sick. I just have to be more understanding with everyone involved in the music production process. Sessions are canceled real quick more often when folks feel like they’re feeling sick. In a practical way, I’m always wiping down the mic screens, headphones, seats, and handles on doors in the studio when I have a session. Last year this would have been weird using disinfectant wipes on everything so often but this year it’s about safety and the norm for me.
What can we expect from you next?
I’m currently working on my 4th studio album, which I don’t have a solid release date for yet. I’m also in the process of working on several features with different artists in different parts of the world. I want to have an international presence and I’m moving in that direction. Expect a more improved and refined Pete Santos, enjoying God’s gift of life, making his best music.
youtube.com/watch?v=sC2_shWzsAg
Phantom Feeling album on Bandcamp
Twitter [@yaminallday] | [@dublohskytzo] | Instagram | Facebook
East Point, GA rapper/producer Yamin Semali presents the Uriah Brandon-directed video for "One Deep", a song from Phantom Feeling, Yamin's new album produced by Virginia beatsmith Dublohskytzo. Featuring guest appearances from Lazurus and Bright Son, Phantom Feeling is Yamin's second collaboration with Dublohskytzo, the first being 2017's HotEP (Bandcamp). Besides his collaborations with Blu, Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound and J-Live, Yamin’s work as one half of Atlanta rap duo Clan Destined garnered them a 5 out of 5 rating from Creative Loafing for their album Self Titled. Yamin made AllHipHop's Top Indie Artists of 2015 list (read) as well as its 2014 top 50 artists list, and Yamin's self-titled solo debut album landed on Dart Adam's Top 50 Albums of 2013 list.
"Walking With God" music video | on Spotify
Twitter @AOK_All_Day | @myka9
A-OK All Day on Youtube | Soundcloud | Facebook | Instagram | aokallday.com
Myka 9 on Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook
Profound on Spotify | Soundcloud | Youtube | Facebook
A-OK All Day Records presents the Elev8ted Lifestyle-directed music video for "Walking With God", the new single from Los Angeles emcee Myka 9. "Walking With God" is the new single from Nine Clouds, Myka's forthcoming collaboration album with UK producer Profound, who tragically passed away just after the album's completion. "Walking With God" comes on the heels of the release of the album's first single "Joy & Pain" lyric video. Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, Eligh & The Grouch of Living Legends, Blueprint, Lily Fangz, Joaquin Daniels and DJ Essential also appear on the album. Myka redefined the boundaries of rhyme and meter as a founding member of Los Angeles collective Freestyle Fellowship ("Innercity Boundaries" on Youtube) and has also released several solo albums. Blu made his mark via his Below The Heavens album alongside producer Exile. Founded by DJ A-OK, A-OK All Day is an independent hip-hop record label based on the Hawaiian island of Kauai which is "dedicated to a pure Hip Hop sound created with integrity and devotion."
"YKTV" lyric video on Youtube | on Spotify
Twitter @troymanofficial | @jackoemery | Instagram | Facebook
shoptroyman.com
Bay Area rapper, songwriter, record producer and actor Troyman presents "YKTV", his new single produced by Jacko. His performances as a top finalist on Netflix' first ever hip hop series competition Rhythm + Flow sent his Tay Keith-produced song "Streetlights" (watch his performance on Youtube) viral. He followed "Streetlights" up with "Blessings" featuring fellow Rhythm + Flow contestant Londynn B, which he followed up in turn with his 2020 EP Insomniac. Relocating to Atlanta as a teen, Troyman began rapping at age 16, releasing his debut album A.P.R.I.L. (A Period of Infinite Life) after the devastating loss of his mother. Troyman also won first place on BET's 106 & Park "Wild Out Wednesday", Best Independent Hip Hop Artist in 2009’s MTV’s Atlanta’s Best Independent Artist/Rock Your Fashion Campaign, being recognized by Lee Bailey of EUR as a 1st place winner at Uplifting Minds Talent Competition (LA) and the 2013 Best Male Hip Hop Artist recipient at The Atlanta Underground Music Awards. "I was inspired to make YKTV after being on a trip in Miami and wanting to manifest the lifestyle that I was experiencing for a brief moment," Troyman says. "I wanted to express the energy I felt while hitting the nightlife, yachting and dialoguing with some wealthy associates. It let me know that I can have whatever I want in life with hard work and dedication."
