If sharing the same bill as Rapsody,joining Ebro forApple Music‘s DISCOVERED, catching the attention of HOT 97 as well as iHeartRadio, and being added to TIDAL‘s Hip-Hop: RISING playlist all while consistently releasing quality content wasn’t enough to convince critiques that Cleveland‘s Chelsea Pastel (@chelsea_pastel) is poised to be crowned Rap royalty, her newest release is sure to solidify just that. On “2 Much,” the follow up to “Greener” & “Price Going Up,” the Ohio outlier partners with MajorStage (@MajorStageMusic) to deliver a unique live performance experience that personifies song lyrics “too much talk with no action where I’m from we call it cap.” 

Starting with a powerful intro, “2 Much” explodes into an earthshaking drop, featuring a hook so addictive you’ll be shouting it all day long. Channeling the gritty sound pioneered by acts like Three 6 Mafia, A$AP Mob, Father, and Key!, the song successfully brings nostalgia while putting a fresh twist on the current female rap scene. Recorded in a home studio session amongst friends, the infectious energy of “2 Much” shines through every bar. 

Born and bred in Forest City, Chelsea found her passion for music early on, which led her to enroll in the Cleveland School of Arts. After graduating, Chelsea began to make a name for herself throughout the Midwest and beyond. Her unique sonic style, catchy hooks, and lyrical prowess have earned her the title of Cleveland’s Next Up talent.

Apart from accolades, which include being featured regionally on WKYC and Dirty Glove Bastard as well as national recognition on top-tier entertainment networks like BET, Chelsea is a self-taught instrumentalist who often handles her production, writing, and engineering. Her unique brand of ballads can be best classified as a fusion of Rap and Pop with a touch of Rock accented by old-school flavor.

Stream the Cassius G-produced accompanying audio on your DSP of choice below via MajorStage andstay tuned for the Miguel Ramos-directed live performance visual.

Super producer, rapper, and songwriter Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins joins the Black Music Month announcement conversation with the reveal of a new record label called Alienz Alive. As outlined in the mission statement found on their official website: AA is a collective of purpose driven creators alive in Christ that build community, develop artists, foster dialogue, and encourage storytelling that is honest, pursues truth, and glorifies God. Standing ten toes down on Romans 12:2, we are chosen to serve, challenged to grow, and destined for greatness. The premiere roster includes Jon Keith, GAWVI, IMRSQD Alex Jean, and TJ Carroll.

Speaking to Medium Creative Agency in an exclusive press statement, Jerkins reveals:

“When I first thought about launching a new company, I knew I had to do something that reflected my faith. What’s crazy, and people might not know this; I was rapping in church as a kid. I was also featured on Kirk Franklin’s Revolution so this is a full circle moment for me because now I’m doing something revolutionary by launching this label. Alienz Alive is a collaborative community of creatives that are Christ-centered where artist development is key. We encourage our artists to use their gifts to uplift and inspire. Sonically speaking the influences are Hip Hop, R&B, and Indie Rock. As long as it glorifies God and it’s dope, all are welcome.”

Alienz Alive is a label established in 2022 by Grammy-winning producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. Inspired by the transformative power of faith, Alienz Alive empowers artists who are “ten toes down” in their commitment to living a life renewed in Christ. Alienz Alive fosters the creation of music that connects, inspires and uplifts, all while elevating the honest stories of their artists. This isn’t just music, it’s a movement.

Stream/watch the most recent releases from Alienz Alive below and expect more signings to be announced in the near future.

Jon Keith -“Bags”

GAWVI – “Into The Atmostfear”

IMRSQD – “Don’t Do Molly”

Alex Jean – “I Need Faith”

TJ Carroll – “I Rather”

Vietnamese R&B/Pop vocalist Mai Lee enlists guitarist Connor Low as well as background singers Shanelle Scott, Dabriel Moore, and Brittny Holloway for a live performance of “Von (Love Me Like The First Time)” taken off her ‘FRIENDZ’ LP. Filmed at STL’s iconic Mai Lee Restaurant in Brentwood, during her Lunar New Year (Unplugged) concert, the intimate in-person experience compliments the Bradd Young & Vega Heartbreak produced track perfectly.

A medley of the people and places she represents, Mai Lee transcends the boundaries of music and fashion. Growing up in Missouri, the seasoned singer has always had music on her mind and in her heart. Attending performing arts schools during her youth, she uses those experiences to create a unique genre blending sound. Known for her intoxicating and soulful vocals, Mai Lee has shared the stage with artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, 2 Chainz, Fetty Wap, Estelle, and Busta Rhymes, performing in front of an audience of 20K+ people.

While you may hear some familiar influences in her sound, Mai Lee notes her parents as her biggest inspirations for her music career. Fleeing from Vietnam in 1978 during the Vietnam War, Lee’s parents migrated through multiple refugee camps over the years before calling St. Louis their home. They opened up the first Vietnamese and Chinese Restaurant, Mai Lee Restaurant, a local staple in the city. The restaurant was built from absolutely nothing and ended up becoming the blueprint. Watching them work hard towards their dreams gave her the hustle and grit to pursue her dreams.

Press play on the live performance visual for “Von,” stream the official audio on your DSP of choice, and expect the re-release of Mai’s ‘FRIENDZ‘ to arrive later this year via Venice Music!