Aquakultre f/ Gary Beals & Haliey Smith - "Scotia Born" (Video)

Multi-award-winning Halifax singer, rapper, composer and storyteller Aquakultre aka Lance Sampson releases the new single "Scotia Born" , his first music release since 2023’s Polaris Music Prize longlisted album Don’t Trip. The anthemic new single is destined to become a new soulful source of Canadian east coast pride, while simultaneously nudging the rest of Canada and global audiences to pay strict attention to this historically significant region. Produced by fellow acclaimed songwriter and two-time Music Nova Scotia Producer of the Year Erin Costelo, "Scotia Born" also boasts contributions from a few of the finest pure vocal talents who represent two of the oldest Black communities in Nova Scotia; Juno-nominated Canadian Idol finalist Gary Beals from Cherry Brook, and North Preston’s Haliey Smith, one of the most recorded background session singers in Atlantic Canada, whose credits include Canadian music icons David Myles and Joel Plaskett. 

“This is a song recognizing the cultural richness that we have here as Black Nova Scotia, the resilience, the togetherness, and how all communities of Black Nova Scotia are connected,” says the former CBC Music Searchlight competition winner and Prism Prize recipient. “It’s about being proud of that cultural richness and being aware of it. I didn’t have that when I was a teenager, I really wish I did. In the generation before me there were people who understood what that was, but somehow down the line that awareness of identity as Black Nova Scotian didn’t come through. Scotia Born is just being proud of our ancestors for paving the way for us and being proud for coming home, and being proud of our birthplace when we’re abroad. It’s just about being proud of being Black Nova Scotians.” 

Equal parts catchy and celebratory, “Scotia Born” offers a rich glimpse into the storied musical and cultural histories that emanate from a distinct ethno-cultural Canadian community, incorporating vocals and lyrics that invoke what it truly means to be from this region. The music video co-directed by John Butler and Juno-winning artist Shad provides a bird’s eye view of a multi-generational community-centred cookout and dance-friendly retrospective that acts as a tribute to some important Black Nova Scotian music luminaries. With heart-on-sleeve intensity, “Scotia Born” is a life-affirming anthem that provides just the right backdrop for Lance’s big, warm vocals and potent rhymes to shine through, while paying tribute to a unique region of the Black diaspora. 

King Moore - "History Made" (Album)

King Moore is an actor, model, and the youngest FYC Grammy nominated artist carving his path in the entertainment industry with a larger-than-life personality and a passion for inspiring others. As a versatile entertainer, he was born to perform, and on a mission to bring joy and positivity to everyone he encounters. While acting and modeling fuel his creativity, music is in his bones. You can feel the energy when you're in the studio with him writing, producing, and recording. It's unmatched for a nine year old kid. Put him on stage, and you’ll experience the magic firsthand. King Moore is an up-and-coming child actor, model, and artist who is quickly making a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Make sure you check out his new album "HISTORY MADE" stream, download, and tell a friend.

King Moore | 9 year old Artist 

2M+ on YouTube/TikTok/IG

https://linktr.ee/kingmoore1
https://kingmooreworld.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@kingmoore___
https://www.instagram.com/kingmoore___
https://www.facebook.com/themoores1
https://www.youtube.com/c/KingMoore
https://www.youtube.com/@themoorefamilyinc
https://music.apple.com/us/album/history-made/1834458424
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PHowJ6nWX4pwbS3eYiQsv?si=B7AubgfXSuCSEsIdrtm8lw

DJ D-Wrek New Single "9x's Outta 10"

DJ D-Wrek, is a DJ, Music/TV Producer and Television Personality whose name has become synonymous the blend of Hip Hop and comedy. Best known as the quick-witted Co-Host and DJ on MTV/VH1’s long running hit show, NICK CANNON PRESENTS: Wild’n Out! has been a fixture on national television for years, bringing music and laughter to millions! Now, after establishing a legacy on one of TV’s longest running Hip Hop Comedy shows, DJ D-Wrek is expanding his impact as a recording artist with new music that showcases his signature energy and Bay Area roots!
Hailing from Northern California’s Bay Area, DJ D-Wrek comes from the same stomping grounds as Hip Hop legends like Too $hort, E-40, Mac Dre, Richie Rich, B-Legit, and the iconic MC Hammer just to name a few! Growing up immersed in this vibrant hip-hop scene, he absorbed the region’s pioneering sound and hustle. DJ D-Wrek has proudly carved out his own corner of Bay Area history, channeling the innovative spirit of his hometown into every beat he cuts and every stage he commands. His Bay Area identity runs deep but his resume resonates with audiences well beyond California.
As the Co-Host, DJ & Producer of Nick Cannon Presents: Wild’n Out!, DJ D-Wrek has spent over a decade infusing the show with his musical talent and comedic timing. Since the show’s 2005 debut, his turntable skills and on-screen charisma have been an integral part of the Wild’n Out! experience. Whether cueing up beats for improv rap battles or serving as Nick Cannon’s right-hand man on stage, DJ D-Wrek’s high-energy presence ensures that the series remains a cultural phenomenon. Wild’n Out! has grown into a milestone franchise for MTV & VH1, and DJ D-Wrek’s role in its success has cemented him as a familiar face in hip-hop entertainment across the country and around the globe!
This year, DJ D-Wrek steps into the spotlight, launching new music that will solidify his place in Bay Area Hip Hop royalty! His hit single “9x’s Outta 10” (ft. MULTii) is slated for release in August 2025 via DJ D- Wrek’s own label 88Fresh Ent. The track, produced by Multi-Platinum Bay Area Super-Producer Rick Rock, encapsulates the infectious, hard-hitting sound that both honors DJ D-Wrek’s Bay Area heritage and invites a broad national audience to the party. With “9x’s Outta 10” DJ D-Wrek is poised to solidify himself not just as a TV personality, but as a musical force to be reckoned with! It’s a move that underscores his evolution from spinning other artists’ hits to creating his own. Throughout his journey from Bay Area B-boy, to television mainstay, and now recording artist, DJ D-Wrek has remained true to the vibrant spirit that defines him. Professional yet full of personality, he continues to bring yet another Bay Area flavor to the national stage, connecting people through music, television and an undeniable energy that shows no signs of slowing down.

Click Here to Stream/Add to Spotify Playlist

Connect w. DJ D-Wrek:

https://www.instagram.com/djdwrek

https://www.facebook.com/djdwrek

https://www.tiktok.com/@djdwrekmtvwno

https://x.com/djdwrek

Kevin Ross (@kevinrossmusic) - “LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX” (Album)

Multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer Kevin Ross delivers a bold new chapter in his sonic evolution with the release of his highly anticipated new album LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX, available today across all digital streaming platforms via Art Society Music Group/Empire. The album features production and writing contributions from an all-star creative lineup, including Louis York (Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony), Grammy-nominated songwriter Justin Love, and acclaimed musician Romeo Taylor, alongside Ross’ own pen and production. Their combined artistry gives the project a rich, multidimensional sound that easily bridges eras and genres. A dynamic, mid- and uptempo-driven body of work, LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX is a joyous celebration of rhythm and romance. This is Ross like you’ve never heard him before: no ballads, just pure energy, fun, and feel-good vibes from start to finish. Blending R&B, soul, AfroBeats, and pop, the 12-track album showcases Ross at his most uninhibited—playful, flirty, and rhythmically fearless. Packed with infectious hooks, lush harmonies, and vibrant melodies, LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX feels like a summer rooftop party, a family gathering, and a night out you never want to end. Tracks like “Luxury Lust,” “Spin,” and “Back 4 More” highlight Ross’ ability to push R&B into new spaces while keeping soul at the center. “This project means so much to me because it’s about celebrating love in all its forms through the joy of R&B music and its effects on the mind, body, and spirit. It's my love letter to the genre that shaped me,”states Kevin. “As an independent artist, I’m grateful to be able to create music on my own terms and share it with people who truly connect with it. LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX is me pushing the boundaries of what R&B can sound like while keeping that soul at the center. I hope when people hear it, they feel good and inspired.” His hit single “Love In The Middle” anchored the album and undeniably impacted the charts. It spent three consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart before returning to the top spot again, totaling four weeks at #1. The song’s success is a testament to Ross’ ability to craft timeless music with universal appeal. Kevin Ross also has more dates for fans to catch him live. He is set to continue expanding his high-energy “Love Uptempo Tour,” which has already sold out nationwide venues. In addition, it was just announced that Kevin will open for Ledisi’s “The Crown Tour” this fall, appearing on select dates. UPCOMING KEVIN ROSS DATE August 31-Kansas City, MO - 103 Jamz White Linen Party (KC Live!) September 5 - Bethesda, MD - Love Uptempo Tour (Bethesda Theater) October 25 - Inglewood, CA - Love Uptempo Tour (Miracle Theater) November 9 - Dallas, TX - The Crown Tour (Majestic Theatre) November 11 - Denver, CO - The Crown Tour (Paramount Theatre) November 14 - Prior Lake, MN - The Crown Tour (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel)

DANCEHALL ICON DON YUTE TEAMS UP WITH REGGAE LEGEND HALF PINT ON NEW SINGLE "BEAUTIFUL GIRLS"

Golden Child Music Group proudly announces the release of “Beautiful Girls”, the latest single from international dancehall star Don Yute, featuring the unmistakable vocals of reggae legend Half Pint. This historic collaboration blends the timeless charm of classic reggae with the modern edge of contemporary dancehall to deliver a summer anthem that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
Don Yute, known for his genre-fusing style and early collaborations with artists like Beenie Man, Wayne Wonder, and Sean Paul, continues to innovate with “Beautiful Girls.” The single showcases his signature melodic flow, seamlessly complemented by Half Pint’s soulful, roots-infused delivery — a voice that helped define the sound of 1980s reggae with hits like “Greetings” and “Winsome.”

“Working with Half Pint is a true honor,” says Don Yute. “He’s a foundation artist whose music shaped the culture. ‘Beautiful Girls’ is about celebrating women, positivity, and the unity of old-school and new-school reggae.”
Produced by Golden Child Music Group, “Beautiful Girls” is a feel-good track layered with lush instrumentation, infectious hooks, and uplifting energy that speaks to fans across generations. With themes of admiration, love, and cultural pride, the track is a perfect soundtrack for summer playlists, beach sessions, and reggae sound systems worldwide.

Half Pint adds:
“When Don Yute reached out, the vibe was right from the start. ‘Beautiful Girls’ brings a message the world can use — joy, respect, and good energy. That’s reggae music at its core.”
STREAM “BEAUTIFUL GIRLS” NOW
Available on all major digital platforms: Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube
Press Contact: Golden Child Music Group press@goldenchildmusic.com +1 (876) 555‑1234 www.donyuteofficial.com
ABOUT DON YUTE
Born Jason Andrew Williams, Don Yute is a Jamaican artist celebrated for pioneering “World Hop” — a fusion of dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop. With a career spanning decades, he has worked alongside Pitbull, Sean Paul, and more, gaining acclaim for both his lyrical dexterity and cross-genre appeal.
ABOUT HALF PINT
Half Pint (Lindon Roberts) is a reggae/dancehall veteran whose iconic voice helped shape the genre’s digital era. His songs have been sampled by artists such as Sublime and covered by international bands, cementing his place as one of Jamaica’s most influential singers.
Follow Don Yute: Instagram: @officialdonyute YouTube: Don Yute Official TikTok: @donyutemusic

“Beautiful Girls” is more than a collaboration — it’s a celebration of reggae’s legacy and future.

Star2 (@Star2Official) - "Lonely Summer Nightz" EP

Pioneering Thai refugee artist Star2 releases his new EP Lonely Summer Nightz. This project spotlights the resilience and creativity of the Ka-ren refugee community, and features a powerful lineup of collaborators, blending voices and stories from across the globe. Star2 himself was born in Mae La refugee camp in Thailand and is on a mission to use his music to amplify voices from his community. In 2025, he traveled with fellow Ka-ren artist Ler Mu Dex to Thailand, where they brought food and treats to children living in Mae La and Mae Ra Moe refugee camps. For Ler Mu Dex, it marked the first time he had returned to the Mae Ra Moe camp in over 15 years – his brother still resides there. Ler Mu Dex is now one of the lead artists alongside Star2 who is on a trailblazing mission to promote talented Ka-ren artists from the US, Thailand, and Myanmar. The EP also features contributions from Eh La, a Ka-ren rapper from Thailand born in the Mae La refugee camp, and Young Henny, a standout voice who hails from Thailand’s NuPoe refugee camp. Adding further vibrancy to the project is Luh Kel, a celebrated US R&B artist who is a longtime collaborator of Star2 and an instrumental part of the mission, bringing not only his talent but ensuring that the project’s ambitions resonate across cultures. Together, the artists weave narratives of love, struggle, triumph, and community into an EP that serves as both a reflection and a celebration of resilience.

Abstract Mindstate Taps David Banner, Slum Village, And More For New Album 'The Art Project'

Now available on all major digital streaming platforms. 

Olskool Ice-Gre and E.P. Da Hellcat, also known as the Chicago Hip-Hop duo Abstract Mindstate, have released their long-awaited new album The Art Project today (7/18/2025). Available on all major digital streaming platforms via Honest Music/Barak With Love/Vydia, and produced entirely by Young RJ of Slum Village, The Art Project serves as the full-length follow-up to the duo's 2021 Kanye West-produced album Dreams Still Inspire. Guest features include David Banner, Blu, J.Ivy, and more.

"The album cover art itself is a metaphor-- abstract art on display in a gallery, which is an indication that the art is rare and important. The same as the idea of a male/female duo in Hip Hop… Our music is abstract art, filled with color and dimension to make people think. Just like abstract art, some will understand immediately, some later, and some never at all." - Olskool Ice Gre

"I thought about school and how much time and effort we as students would put into our individual art projects, and how we looked forward to that portion of the class that allowed us to showcase what we learned. What we do is art, and this is a project. Hence, ‘The Art Project’. I hope listeners take away our example of staying true to something that is innate and comes from the soul, and how that can be maintained even as life is life-ing!" - EP Da Hellcat 

Stream/purchase The Art Project: https://bit.ly/4euiN1j

 

Album standout  "Who Would've Thunk" (featuring Sly Pyper) was leaked exclusively via Bandcamp earlier this month. The song's official music video is set to debut via Abstract Mindstate's YouTube channel today at 10am EST. Subscribe here.  

 

The Art Project is a result of the undeniable chemistry established between Slum Village and Abstract Mindstate while the two groups toured the Pacific Northwest and Europe together in 2022 and 2024, respectively. Still Paying...An Abstract European Experience, is a short film documenting parts of these experiences, and is due out later this summer. Watch the trailer: https://bit.ly/4lAFjbB 

Abstract Mindstate has been nominated for two Hollywood Independent Music Awards, and are set to perform live at the ceremony in LA on July 30th. 

Previous:

• "The Get Down" ft. Slum Village (lyric video)
• "Bar Louie" ft. David Banner (music video)

MORE ABOUT ABSTRACT MINDSTATE:

Olskool Ice-Gre and E.P. Da Hellcat  (a.k.a. Ebony Poetress) are the male/female Hip-Hop duo known as Abstract Mindstate, hailing from the Southside and Westside of Chicago respectively. The pair made a name for themselves in the early 2000s with their golden era sensibilities, their brutally honest and introspective lyrics over soulful beats, and their energetic and connected live performances. They proudly label themselves Adult Contemporary Hip Hop or ACH, a term Gre coined and has been using to describe the group’s music for several years.

Their 2001 debut album We Paid, Let Us In! was to be the first of three albums they had planned, including Still Paying and You Owe Us Change. The former was set to feature Kanye West, Common, and John Legend. But when a “a sizable investment” fell through, and their label situation didn't pan out, the album was ultimately shelved. The duo pivoted to their Chicago’s Hardest Working mixtape series to try to stay afloat and keep the momentum in their favor, but the group soon faced personal hardship and decided to hang up the mics in 2008.      

Over a decade later, Gre and EP would re-emerge with a full-length album produced entirely by Kanye West, an artist their group had inspired early on. The album, Dreams Still Inspire, would be the only official release via Kanye's YZY SND imprint. Although no longer affiliated with the label, the group continues to evolve as part of the Slum Village extended family, a sibling group whose DNA permeates the likes of Midwestern Hip-Hop greats.

More From Abstract Mindstate: Website | X | Instagram