Mustafa Shakir – Merica

Published

3 years ago

February 13, 2021

Hollywood actor parlays success into music career with new single ‘Merica’

NEW YORK, NY – Mustafa Shakir has made a name for himself in Hollywood as one of the best character actors in the business. Many fans would recognize him as the super villain and crime boss John McIver – AKA Bushmaster – from the second season of “Marvel’s Luke Cage.” Others might recognize him as Big Mike from HBO’s drama “The Deuce” or as Victor from the Emmy Nominated series “The Night Of.” He’s currently shooting scenes in New Zealand for the upcoming hit Netflix series “Cowboy Bebop,” which is slated to be released at the end of the summer.

But long before he became one of Hollywood’s go-to actors, Shakir was pursuing his first love: music. For as long as he can remember, music has been a cathartic outlet for him, and over the years, he’s written and released singles that have entertained a small but loyal audience as well as a mixtape called “Masterpiece Theater,” which are streaming on all digital platforms. He hopes to expand that audience with his latest single “Merica” – the first off a new album called “Magia Negra,” which is due to go wide in distribution later this year.

“Merica” is a tongue-in-cheek satirical take on the culture that permeates most of the country today. Shakir calls it an “anthropomorphic take on America” in that the song is talking to America as if it was a person.

“It’s basically like America is a Karen,” he said. “I’m talking to the myth of America – reading her her rights according to what’s going on currently. There’s specificity but also general themes I’m speaking about. It’s spoofy – kind of in the spirit of Eminem’s ‘Slim Shady.’”

The mid-tempo song has a funky swag that serves as a perfect platform for Shakir’s soulful flow. It has a sound that would fit perfectly as a track for one of the shows or films he’d be featured on. And the lyrical content is equal parts challenging and entertaining. It feels like Lauryn Hill-meets-Jay-Z. It’s easy to see how a wide range of influences – from The Roots’ Black Thought, to Common, to a Tribe Called Quest – have made an impact on his style. But at the end of the day, the swag of his sound is 100 percent Shakir.

“I feel like I’m a lyricist, first and foremost,” he said. “There’s simplicity but also a lot of complexity to it. If you study the lyrics, you can tell I’ve read quite a bit. There’s some intelligence behind it all. I want to be known for flexibility. I’m a chameleon – you can see that as an actor when I’m switching in and out of characters. But that’s also true of the different flows I bring. There’s variety with my music, but not so much that I don’t come hard with it. I want to be able to give people different flavors but without losing my individuality. So you’ll get a lot of different energies, but the core will be the same. There’s thoughtfulness, fun, and most of all creativity. That’s a big word for my music. I want to bring the art back into Hip Hop. I’m not doing it for the dollar – this is an expression of who I am.”

Shakir said “Merica” is just the first of what he has planned for 2021. He plans to release a couple more singles between now and the summer, and then would like to drop the full album “Magia Negra” by July or August. He’s proud of the project and the people he was able to collaborate with. One song features India Arie – making him the first rapper she’s ever collaborated with – while another features Heather Victoria. He also worked with producers James Goldfingz Wheeler, Langston Masingale, and Voli Martung (who is the producing partner of Young Guru).

To listen to Mustafa Shakir’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/_mustafashakir_/

https://twitter.com/_mustafashakir_

https://www.facebook.com/thaeffortless1

TikTok @_mustafashakir_

Videos

BLKTEMBER Drops Debut Single “Keep In Touch” Bringing Atlanta’s Soul to the Airwaves

Published

49 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tampa Mystic

Atlanta-based artist BLKTEMBER emerged onto the music scene with his debut single “Keep In Touch,” released on June 25, 2022. Produced by soundsbysammy and engineered by BLKTEMBER himself, the track is a seamless blend of R&B and pop, showcasing the artist’s versatility and unique sound.

For BLKTEMBER, the motivation behind “Keep In Touch” was sparked by the infectious beat. “Honestly, the beat motivated me. From the very first time I listened to it, I had my idea for the song and I knew I had to finish it,” he shares. This enthusiasm translated into a captivating track that marks his official introduction to the music world.

As BLKTEMBER’s inaugural release, “Keep In Touch” holds a special place in his heart. “This is my first released song, the very first song I invited the world to listen to,” he reflects. With lyrics like “I hate we’re in different places, never been good with patience,” the song captures the essence of longing and connection, resonating with audiences on a deeply personal level. As BLKTEMBER continues to hone his craft, fans can anticipate more soulful melodies and captivating storytelling in his upcoming projects, promising a fusion of R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences.

Stay Connected https://www.instagram.com/blktember/

Music

ISH Money Drops Infectious Anthem “I Need A Bad Bitch”

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2024

Tampa Mystic

Emerging from Elizabeth City, NC, ISH Money electrifies the music scene with his latest track, “I Need A Bad Bitch,” released on April 6th, 2024. Produced by the dynamic Stxnk and engineered by the renowned Kelly Bangaz, this song is a testament to ISH Money’s commitment to crafting infectious beats and unforgettable hooks. With his Instagram @ishmoney252 buzzing with anticipation, the artist aims to captivate listeners with this club-ready anthem.

When asked about the motivation behind the song, ISH Money shared, “My motivation behind this song was to make people dance and have fun in the club or at a party.” Indeed, “I Need A Bad Bitch” exudes an irresistible energy that ignites any dance floor, blending catchy lyrics with pulsating rhythms. For ISH Money, this track holds special significance as it embodies good vibes and an invitation to let loose and enjoy the moment.

Among the standout lines in the song, ISH Money highlights, “R.I.P Pop smoke girl shake the room.” Paying homage to the late Pop Smoke, ISH Money adds a heartfelt touch to the track, honoring the legacy of the talented artist whose impact resonates deeply in the hip-hop community. As fans eagerly await ISH Money’s upcoming project, teased to be 65% completed for a summer release, “I Need A Bad Bitch” serves as a tantalizing preview of the artist’s evolving style and infectious energy.

“The Coldest” In The Room Is Skilla Baby

Published

11 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Big C

Flaunting a scorching signature style without comparison, rising Detroit rapper Skilla Baby unleashes his anxiously awaited new project The Coldest. Across 16 tracks, Skilla Baby levels up from every angle. Production credits on the project include the likes of Southside, MIA JayC, Ben Billions, TooDope, and more. Skilla teased the standout leading single Free Meech, then followed up with an official video. Paving away for the new body of work, Skilla spoke on the project:

I took my time to put this project together… Sometimes, I feel like people try to place me in a box. The pressure of being a new artist, being successful, staying disciplined, and still clocking into the studio is very strenuous, but fun at the same time. As an artist, I’m known as the ‘Girl’s guy.’ But I’ll never forget I come from the streets. As a real person, I feel so many emotions (mad, sad, happy, anxious, etc.). I say that to say, sorry for the wait but I wanted to put everything I feel into one project. Grab your coats…

Next up, the Vultures Eat The Most Tour takes him across the country on his most extensive jaunt yet. Headlining the tour with Rob49, you can see him featured on the single Mike Jack with G Herbo. Look for tickets near you here because you don’t want to miss the energy of a street demon taking no prisoners. Stream your copy of the project here and let us know your thoughts on the visuals below. As more media outlets take notice, stay connected with Skilla Baby by following him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.