Lil’ Troy
Lil’ Troy, a prominent figure in Houston’s rap scene during the late ’90s, catapulted to fame with his hit track ‘Wanna Be a Baller.’ This song not only resonated locally but also gained immense popularity nationwide, distinguishing itself among the plethora of Houston-based tracks of that era. The success of ‘Wanna Be a Baller’ attracted the attention of Universal Records, leading to Lil’ Troy’s signing and the subsequent release of his album ‘Sittin’ Fat Down South’ in 1998. Following his initial success, Lil’ Troy made a return to the music industry with ‘Back to Ballin’ in 2001 under Short Stop Records, reinforcing his position as a notable artist in the realm of rap music.
Read MoreChloé Caillet
Chloé’s Caillet is a writer, producer and performing artist. Her debut EP, “Intro,” released on CircoLoco Records, marked a milestone in her evolving production work. Her live performances, from festivals to iconic venues worldwide, reflect a captivating sound embraced by both music and fashion enthusiasts. She has received strong support from i-D, FLAUNT, CRACK, Notion, Wonderland, Metal Magazine and WWD as well as from notable BBC Radio mainstays like Pete Tong and Sarah Story.
In 2023, Chloé debuted the first iterations of her free-spirited event concept series and forthcoming label SMIILE in Barcelona and London. The culmination of Chloé’s extensive experience in nightlife coupled with her identity as a queer artist and advocate for fellow creatives, SMIILE embodies her vision of a truly communal space that harnesses the unifying power of music. As a queer artist, distilling the raw, interrupted energy of rave culture into a single night that celebrates diversity and the purest love for dance music, SMIILE is a community that champions not only music and artists that Chloé personally advocates for, but also fosters an environment where the dance floor dissolves all barriers. With an expanding repertoire and a commitment to authentic self-expression, Chloé Caillet’s star continues to ascend.
Mariah the Scientist
Mariah Buckles, professionally known as Mariah the Scientist, was born on October 27, 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia. She is an accomplished American singer-songwriter who gained recognition for her unique musical style and soulful voice. Mariah made her mark in the music industry with the release of her debut album ‘Master,’ under RCA Records, on August 23, 2019. The ten-track project showcased her talent and creativity, earning her critical acclaim and a growing fan base.
Read MoreYo Gotti
Yo Gotti, originally known as Lil Yo and born Mario Mims, is a prominent rapper who rose to fame after years of underground work. Hailing from North Memphis, he made his mark in the music industry with hits like Back 2 da Basics in 2006, followed by successful albums including I Am, The Art of Hustle, I Still Am, and Untrapped. Despite his roots in street music, Yo Gotti has achieved gold and platinum status with chart-topping singles like “Down in the DM” and “Rake It Up.” His success continued with CM10: Free Game in 2022, leading to a collaboration album with DJ Drama called I Showed U So.
During the ’90s, Yo Gotti gained recognition while performing in Memphis and releasing his early works like Youngsta’s on a Come Up and his first album, From da Dope Game 2 da Rap Game. His partnership with Inevitable Entertainment and later TVT enabled him to reach new heights in the music scene. Major-label deals with RCA and Epic further propelled his career with successful albums like I Am, The Art of Hustle, and I Still Am, featuring hits such as “Act Right,” “I Know,” and “Rake It Up.” Collaborations with artists like Kanye West and Lil Baby have also contributed to Yo Gotti’s ongoing success in the industry.
Kardinal Offishall
Kardinal Offishall, a Jamaican-Canadian artist, has made a significant impact on the global music scene. His collaborations with renowned artists like Rihanna, Drake, Lady Gaga, and Akon have solidified his position as an icon in the industry. A defining moment in his career was the success of his hit song, “Dangerous,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts, marking him as the first Canadian rapper to achieve this milestone. The timeless appeal of “Dangerous” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, contributing to Kardinal’s enduring popularity in today’s music landscape. Kardinal Offishall’s influence extends beyond his own music, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of prominent producers like Alex Da Kid, Boi-1DA, and artists such as Vybz Kartel, Estelle, and Sean Paul.
In addition to his roles as a rapper and producer, Kardinal has expanded his repertoire to include executive duties and label ownership, garnering international recognition in the process. His accolades include being honored with The Canada Walk Of Fame Allan Slaight Music Impact award, receiving The Canadian Music Week Social Justice Impact Award, and currently showcasing his talent on Canada’s Got Talent. Continuously releasing new music, Kardinal Offishall remains dedicated to inspiring both present and future generations of artists and fans worldwide. His contributions embody excellence and resilience, symbolizing a journey that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural barriers. Kardinal Offishall, also known as “Kardi,” is a true embodiment of talent and perseverance, originating from humble beginnings to achieve extraordinary success in the music industry.
Terror Squad
Far from prolific, Terror Squad nonetheless became notable amid the late-’90s/early-2000s East Coast rap scene, mainly for boasting both Big Punisher and Fat Joe among the group’s membership. The two sizable Latino rappers from the Bronx were already superstars when they came together as Terror Squad in 1998, around the time such posse efforts became fashionable in the wake of the Wu-Tang Clan’s breakthrough. In particular, Big Pun had recently scored a huge hit with “Still Not a Player,” while Fat Joe had been recording major-label gangsta rap albums since 1993. These two big rappers were the name-brand attraction to Terror Squad, which also included fellow Bronx rappers Cuban Link, Armageddon, Prospect, and Triple Seis, along with singer Tony Sunshine. Fat Joe debuted the group on his Don Cartagena album (1998), featuring certain members separately and bringing together everyone for “The Hidden Hand.” A year later came the debut, self-titled Terror Squad album. Atlantic released it in September, but it didn’t spawn any substantial hits.
Terror Squad then experienced a huge setback with the sudden passing of Big Pun in February 2000. This essentially brought the group to an end, and while everyone else fell into obscurity, Fat Joe focused on his increasingly successful solo career. He scored quite a few commercial hits during the early 2000s as he toned down his gangsta image and began collaborating with the radio-friendly likes of Ashanti (“What’s Luv?”), R. Kelly (“We Thuggin'”), and Ginuwine (“Crush Tonight”). During that same period, he did feature his Terror Squad colleagues on his albums, if not on his hits. The group’s membership had been shuffled by this point, with the core now comprised of Armageddon, Tony Sunshine, Prospect, and newcomer Remy, a feisty female MC who seemed to get special emphasis. Finally, the group recorded another album, True Story, released by Universal in July 2004, a long five years since Terror Squad’s debut release. The album’s lead single, “Lean Back,” became a quick hit, breaking the Top Five of Billboard’s Hot 100 before True Story even hit the street. Featuring a trademark production by sure-fire hitmaker Scott Storch, the club track spread through urban America like wildfire, its anti-dance dance step capitalizing well on the clubby trends of the time: its hook (“My niggas don’t dance, we just pull up our pants/Do the Rockaway/Now lean back, lean back, lean back, lean back”) was well-illustrated in the song’s fun, heavily rotated video. The song put Fat Joe back in the spotlight (his previous album, 2002’s Loyalty, had been a disappointment by all measures), and it primed Remy for a solo jaunt of her own. The group featured their frequent producer on 2006’s Terror Squad Presents DJ Khaled: Listennn, after which they hung it up.
ScHoolboy Q
Quincy Matthew Hanley, known professionally as Schoolboy Q, is a prominent American rapper. Schoolboy Q signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2009 and later with Interscope Records in 2011. He is also a member of the hip-hop supergroup Black Hippy, joining Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and Kendrick Lamar. Starting with his mixtape ‘ScHoolboy Turned Hustla’ in 2008, Schoolboy Q continued to release successful projects like ‘Gangsta & Soul’ in 2009 and ‘Setbacks’ in 2011. These independent releases set the stage for his major-label debut with ‘Oxymoron’ in 2014. The album topped the US Billboard 200 chart and spawned hits like ‘Collard Greens,’ ‘Man of the Year,’ and ‘Studio.’ Schoolboy Q’s artistic journey showcases his evolution and versatility in the rap scene, solidifying his position as a chart-topping artist.
Read MoreYung Joc
Jasiel “Yung Joc” Robinson, the talented artist behind MasterMind Music INC., was born on September 20, 1980, in Atlanta, GA. Recognized as a Multi-platinum Grammy Award-nominated Artist, he is also known for his contributions as an American television personality and Producer. His albums, such as 2006’s platinum-selling ‘New Joc City’ and the 2007 follow-up ‘Hustlenomics,’ made impressive debuts at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 and #1 on the R&B Chart, producing multiple Platinum and Gold singles like “It’s Goin’ Down,” “I Know You See It,” and “1st Time,” which are certified by the RIAA. Yung Joc’s influence extends to hit songs for various artists, including Danity Kane’s “Show Stopper,” T-Pain’s “Buy You A Drank,” and Lil Boosie’s “Zoom.” In 2009, he founded Swagg Team Entertainment under Sony, introducing artists like Hot Stylz and the GS Boyz with Platinum hits. Additionally, Yung Joc established a publishing company named Grannyman Publications. Transitioning to television, he became a part of VH-1’s popular reality show “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” in its 3rd season. Recently, in early 2017, he assumed the role of a radio host on Streetz 94.5, hosting The Streetz Morning Take Over. Currently, Yung Joc is dedicated to crafting new music releases, including the upcoming single “Perfect Timing ft. Gunna & B. Smyth” produced by Grammy winner Blac Elvis, and nurturing emerging talent for the industry.
Read MoreiNi Kamoze
Ini Kamoze, a prominent figure in the music industry, has traversed a challenging path to success, experiencing significant musical and physical transformations since his notable entry into the music scene in 1983 with his self-titled debut album for Island Records. Recognized as ‘The Hotstepper,’ Kamoze advocates for meaningful change through what he terms ‘intelligent and proactive militancy,’ promoting a message of constructive action over senseless violence. Beginning his musical journey in the early ’80s, Kamoze marked his recording debut with the acclaimed 12″ single ‘Trouble You a Trouble Me’ on the Taxi label, quickly establishing his presence. He embarked on the Taxi Connection International Tour alongside Yellowman and Half Pint, showcasing his commanding stage presence despite his initially slender stature of 6 feet, projecting an image of strength and charisma. Following the success of his debut album, Kamoze released ‘Pirate,’ an album met with mixed reviews and moderate success, prompting him to release a series of hit singles under his Slekta label. Among these tracks, ‘Shocking Out’ stood out, gaining popularity and eventually catching the attention of the RAS label in 1988. In 1985, Kamoze achieved further acclaim with ‘Settle with Me,’ delivering chart-topping hits like ‘Call the Police’ and ‘Taxi with Me.’ Despite his initial successes, Kamoze’s career trajectory experienced fluctuations and unpredictability, leading to his sudden disappearance from the music scene.
Returning in 1994 with a reinvigorated persona and signing with Sony, Kamoze staged a remarkable comeback with the chart-topping hit ‘Here Comes the Hotstepper,’ produced by Salaam Remi. The song’s inclusion in the reggae compilation album ‘Stir It Up’ and its feature in Robert Altman’s film ‘Pret-A-Porter’ propelled Kamoze back into the limelight. The track soared to the top of Billboard’s Hot Singles Chart in 1995, maintaining a dominant position across various music charts for nearly four months. Accompanied by a visually striking music video, Kamoze’s new image of strength and confidence, highlighted by his muscular physique and lengthy dreadlocks, marked a stark departure from his earlier portrayal as a slender vegetarian in his debut album liner notes. Embracing his newfound success and image, Kamoze embraced a portrayal reminiscent of a gangster persona and embarked on promotional tours in Los Angeles. Unwilling to confine his musical style to a specific genre, Kamoze remained versatile in his repertoire, showcasing his willingness to explore diverse sources of music. Despite a decade-long hiatus from the music scene, Kamoze resurfaced with ‘Debut,’ a 2006 album featuring reimagined versions of his earlier hit songs, solidifying his enduring legacy in the music industry.
Lizzen
Hailing from Akron, OH, Lizzen began her musical journey singing in at the age of 5. In middle school, she was inspired by the show, “Making The Band”, to start writing her own music and choreographing dances to her songs. By age 12, she was fully hooked and wrote music whenever she had the chance. Lizzen reveals that she gains inspiration from her real-life experiences and experiences of those around her. This includes relationships, daily obstacles in life, and more. Lizzen considers music a form of therapy, where she can express feelings regarding specific situations someone may face. While many people struggle with the experiences of life, Lizzen feels that music can be used to cope and as a form of relief. She plans to continue to release music to soothe her fans and help them navigate life.
Her hit single, “Why”, has amassed millions streams across DSP’s, reached Top 30 at US Urban Radio, and even appeared on the Billboard Hip-hop/R&B Airplay Charts. Her “Why Remix” with Robin Thicke went viral across socials and has done several million streams in just a few weeks! Lizzen finds herself in the “thick” of R&B despite only officially becoming a full-time artist less than 4 months ago! Currently on tour with Kountry Wayne, keep a close eye on her as she continues to climb to stardom.
Cassie
ArtistName is a remarkable talent in the music industry, known for their unique style and captivating performances. With a career spanning over two decades, ArtistName has solidified their position as one of the most influential artists of our time. Their music transcends genres, blending elements of pop, rock, and electronic to create a sound that is truly their own. ArtistName’s lyrics are deeply meaningful, resonating with listeners on a personal level and touching hearts worldwide. Their discography is a testament to their evolution as an artist, with each album showcasing their growth and versatility. Fans eagerly anticipate every new release, eager to experience the magic that only ArtistName can deliver.
Beyond their musical prowess, ArtistName is also known for their philanthropic efforts and dedication to important causes. They use their platform to raise awareness on social issues, advocating for positive change and inspiring others to make a difference. ArtistName’s impact extends far beyond the stage, leaving a lasting impression on both the music industry and society as a whole. Their charitable work has touched the lives of many, proving that they are not only a talented artist but also a compassionate individual with a heart of gold. ArtistName’s commitment to using their influence for good sets them apart as a role model for aspiring artists and fans alike, showing that music can be a powerful tool for positive change.
Big Tymers
Big Tymers is a legendary hip-hop duo formed in 1997, hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana. The group consists of Bryan ‘Birdman’ Williams and Byron ‘Mannie Fresh’ Thomas, iconic figures in the Southern rap scene well-known for their influence on the Cash Money Records empire. Their unique style combines Mannie Fresh’s innovative production with Birdman’s larger-than-life persona, resulting in a sound that is incredibly catchy and unapologetically extravagant.
Big Tymers’ debut album, ‘How You Luv That’ (1998), marked the beginning of their journey to fame, with subsequent releases like ‘I Got That Work’ (2000) and ‘Hood Rich’ (2002) solidifying their position in hip-hop history. The duo reached new heights with chart-topping tracks such as ‘Still Fly’ and ‘#1 Stunna,’ becoming synonymous with luxury, opulence, and the street-smart ethos of the Dirty South. Their music celebrated wealth, hustle, and the flashy lifestyle of success, deeply resonating with fans and influencing numerous artists.
Mannie Fresh’s unique production style introduced a fresh, bouncy sound to hip-hop, complementing Birdman’s bold and charismatic delivery that set Big Tymers apart. Despite parting ways in 2005, their impact on the genre endures. Big Tymers are not just pioneers but legendary figures who have significantly shaped the sound and culture of Southern hip-hop.