@Xian_Bell – ‘You Were In My Dream’ (Deluxe Version)

Published

5 years ago

September 9, 2019

Nancy B

On Friday West Coast rapper/singer Xian Bell released a special Deluxe Version of his critically acclaimed project, You Were In My Dream. Earning high praise across the music industry and from media outlets such as Joe Budden’s Podcast, Sway’s Universe, iHeart Radio’s Real 92.3 and Homegrown Radio, this is the Los Angeles native’s third full length project to date.

Also receiving acclaim from fellow artists like Big Baby Dram and celebrities like the late Nipsey Hussle’s wife, Lauren London, Xian Bell is earning widespread recognition for his talent of combining singing and rapping with smooth melodic undertones. Drawing in both females and males that can relate to Xian Bell’s poignant takes on relationships, life in Los Angeles and Hip-Hop culture, many are crowning Xian Bell as up next on the West Coast.

“We got a video for a lot of records on the album, so we are focused on making sure the fans get those the right way. The video for Dollar And A Promise led off the campaign for the project and that record was everywhere from Joe Budden’s Podcast to Sway, and it’s been playing on the radio out here in LA on Real 92.3. We are also releasing a video for Drive Slow and Often in the coming weeks, so fans should be on the lookout for those too,” Xian Bell explained.

Included with the release of the Deluxe Version of You Were In My Dream are five unreleased songs that didn’t make the initial cut, but that Xian Bell wanted to deliver to his fans after receiving an overwhelming amount of support on the initial release of effort.

@Rated_TG, who has done work with Ty Dolla $ign, Glasses Malone and TDE among others, handled a majority of the mixing and engineering for the project. Combined with additional instrumentation from Worldwide Dre, Xian Bell had the perfect canvas to tell real-life stories over a dreamy soundscape that fit the themes of the album.

“The recording process just came about from Rated_TG actually, the producer engineer of the project. We had been locked in for a minute and he just reached out and said that he had a dream or premonition that we were going to lock in and make a project that he 100% produced,” Xian Bell explained. “From there we started locking in every single day and that’s how we ended up with the song, 2AM. That’s where the title comes from and it was the first record that we kind of made. It got us turning in the right direction, so we followed that sound for the rest of the album.”

Touching on an on-again, off-again relationship that kept appearing in Xian’s dreams, the You Were In My Dream project is based on real moments in life that personally affected Xian, encapsulating a specific time in Xian’s life. So much so that according to Elevator-Mag, XianBell’s You Were In My Dream is, “as emotional-sounding as you can get. Don’t confuse it with soft, but rather self-aware, vulnerable, and honest.”

“Everything that I talk about, I have to have been through it. I’m not one of the artists that can just pull sh*t off the wall. I have to either be going through it or immediately affected by it the point where someone close to me is personally affected by it,” Xian Bell said.

As the Summer comes to a close, Xian Bell is looking to build off of his LA Rolling Loud performance as well as planned performances at L.A. pop ups and showcases. In addition he is planning his own concerts and events this Fall. For all updates be sure to tune into his social media sites below:

“The Coldest” In The Room Is Skilla Baby

Published

4 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.

Videos

Big Steppa’s ‘Neva Fold’: A Motivational Anthem of Resilience

Published

15 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Tampa Mystic

Atlanta/Louisiana-based artist Big Steppa delivers a powerful message of perseverance and determination in his latest release, “Neva Fold,” which hit the airwaves on March 1st, 2024. Produced by the talented Au1rontheBeat, this track serves as a testament to Big Steppa’s personal journey, drawing inspiration from his own trials and triumphs.

“Neva Fold” stands out as a significant milestone for Big Steppa, marking his debut into the mainstream music scene. Reflecting on his motivation behind the song, he shares that it is a product of his life experiences, channeling the resilience he’s cultivated in the face of adversity. With its infectious beats and empowering lyrics, the track resonates with listeners on a profound level, reminding them to stand tall in the face of challenges.

As Big Steppa gears up for an exciting lineup of projects, including music videos and upcoming live performances, fans can expect to witness his evolution as an artist firsthand. With the support of his dedicated followers and the creative process of his producer team, #Au1ronthebeat, Big Steppa is poised to make waves in the music industry. Follow him on Instagram @iambigsteppa6 to stay updated on his journey and be part of the movement towards greater heights of success.

Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

Published

18 hours ago

April 25, 2024

TGR Media

The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.