Artist

KSR Group Recruits Renowned African Producer To Bring A New Level Of Authenticity To The Fusion Of Afrobeats & R&B & Celebrates His Birthday

Published

1 year ago

April 8, 2023

Nancy B

The KSR Group is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Wang as the first African producer to join its roster.

The independent label, which has enjoyed continued success since the release of Cardi B’s breakout hit single “Bodak Yellow” has tapped Dr. Wang to foster in a new era of Afropop that is organically fused with traditional and progressive Hip-Hop and R&B. The first release from this new collaboration finds Dr. Wang joining forces with multi-talented KSR artist Josh X on the new single, “Love Takes Me Higher,” which hits all streaming platforms on Friday, April 21, 2023.

Born Moise Alzouma, Dr. Wang has been a student of the music industry for most of his life and his birthday happens to be tomorrow. The son of one of the pioneers of the entertainment industry in the Ivory Coast, Dr. Wang grew up watching some of the biggest stars of popular African music, from whom he developed an appreciation for a variety of sounds. By the time he was a teenager, he had also immersed himself in Jazz, Gospel and Classical music and begun playing music himself.

His father, who had developed several successful artists, quickly realized that his son had a natural talent for music. And while his family insisted he continue his education, Dr. Wang was also given the opportunity to hone his artistic skills. In 2017, he made the transition from studio and backup musician to producer, with the release of the song “VI” by local artist Josey.

In the years since, Dr. Wang has gone on to craft hit singles for a multitude of artists in Africa and France. His most recent successes include a new single by French tennis legend Yannick Noah and contributions to French-Malian sensation Aya Nakamura’s diamond-certified sophomore album Nakamura. The latter makes Dr. Wang the only Ivorian producer to score a diamond record. In addition to his work as a producer, Dr. Wang has also spent the last three years recruiting, developing, and providing label services to artists and producers through his Abidjan-based imprint Dr. Wang Label.

“I’ve been studying the music business in the U.S. – which I think is the best system in the world – for years, using it as a model for the way my company operates,” Dr. Wang says. “With the way American audiences have turned to Afrobeats sounds in recent years, I don’t think my partnership with the KSR Group could have come at a better time.”

While Dr. Wang’s first release with the KSR Group leans heavily in the Afropop lane, expect their collaborations to span a wide range of genres, as the African beatsmith professes, he allows the music itself to guide him. There is much to celebrate for this young talent. Be on the watch as he continues to take the industry by storm.

Artist

JS aka The Best Delivers New Hit, “Single”

Published

1 week ago

May 9, 2024

Nancy B

In partnership with Roc Nation’s indie distribution company Equity, DMV multi-hyphenate JS aka The Best liberates his first audio contribution of the new year titled “Single.” Composed of storytelling lyrics centered around doing the self work needed to heal from your past before jumping into a new relationship, the slower tempo Afrobeats track is fused with soulful R&B, Hip-Hop, and elements of Go-Go.

Most known for providing instrumentation to artists like B.o.B., Twista, and Raheem DeVaughn as well as securing notable sync placements with the Washington Wizards, Netflix, and Cartoon Network, JS is just as seasoned in front of the camera as he is in the studio; boasting an acting resume that contains appearances on Hulu’s Wu-Tang An American Saga in addition to commercial spots for Macy’s and Starbucks. Recently tapped as a media personality for both popular gambling sportsbook DraftKings and trending celebrity news outlet The Shade Room, the fresh release finds him living up to his name with vivid colors.

Stream “Single” on your DSP of choice below via Weapon X Evolution and expect matching visuals to be released soon.

Albums

Rawrrzone Picks – FaxoHxzrd Faded

Published

1 week ago

May 8, 2024

IvyProductionsNYC

photo courtesy of @faxohxzard on Instagram

It’s amazing to see how much progress has been made, not only in the world of music but also in terms of tolerance and acceptance of different genres worldwide. Reflecting on their childhood, many can relate to not being allowed to listen to certain types of music, let alone pursue a career in it.

Growing up in a Greek household, there were limitations, and pursuing a career in music seemed like a distant dream. In many families, the expectation was to follow a more conventional path, such as becoming a teacher or a doctor. Back then, familial support for artistic endeavors was rare. However, as we step into 2024, things have significantly changed.

Parents are now not only supportive but encouraging of their children pursuing their creative dreams. There’s a newfound appreciation for the creative arts, and families play a crucial role in nurturing and supporting their children’s aspirations. This shift marks a significant change in societal attitudes towards creativity and the arts.

The 12-track project, heavily influenced by New York drill with elements from the Vermont music scene, offers a smooth listening experience. The album not only showcases Faxohzrd’s confidence but also his passion for music.

As someone once told us, there’s a difference between artists who create to connect with their audience and those who create solely for profit. Faxohzrd aims to move his crowd and make them experience his music fully.

For example, in “Kobe Bryant,” he displays his pen game and wordplay, cleverly referencing the late Kobe Bryant’s jersey number, 24. Faxohxzrd takes his shot and never misses.

“Lobotomy” is a straight pen track where he exhibits some of his best bars, blending boom-bap and drill beats, giving off takeover vibes as he talks about eliminating his competition as if performing a lobotomy.

“On Me” is a track dedicated to the ladies. Faxohxzrd acknowledges the women in his life, recognizing how they have always supported him and declaring his affection for his dream woman. The song gave me a taste of Mac Miller while listening to it.

Although these were our favorites from the project, without giving too much away, you need to check out the entire project for yourself.

Make sure you follow him on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/faxohxzrd/

Artist

Lil $o$o Enjoys The View In New Visual “Passion”

Published

1 week ago

May 7, 2024

Nancy B

Enlisting Sexyy Red director Suave Films for the Remdolla produced small screen interpretation, Lil $o$o signals a compelling exploration beyond her usual Rap style and leans into the realm of R&B with the release of “Passion.” Following “Enhancements,” the timely track unveils a vulnerable dimension that showcases her versatility as an artist. With emotive lyrics and a smooth melody, “Passion” shines light on a deeper layer of $o$o’s artistry, inviting listeners into a journey of introspection and raw emotion.

In a press statement to Medium Creative Agency about single, the Issa Rae-approved “Florida Girl” reveals: “I love this record because it really shows another side of me. Sometimes, I feel like people are so materialistic or surface level, and I really am starting to see that ‘real’ is rare. I hope to find something deeper than that and that’s what made me put that into my music.”

There’s something in the water. From the City Girls to Kodak Black, with a long list of others, the Sunshine State has been the stomping ground for hip-hop’s culture shifters. Entertainer Lil $o$o is looking to keep that tradition alive. Despite being native to Chicago, since moving to Miami in her early childhood, she’s proudly claimed it as her musical home.

The 22-year-old Colombiana, whose real name is Sofia Donado, has persevered through trauma and pain and continues to show up for herself and her 3-year-old son, who she’s raising as a single mom. Lil $o$o’s boyfriend was gunned down in 2019, while sitting in his car, leaving her without a partner and their son without a father. He was in the music business, and after his passing, Lil $o$o found healing in discovering her musical voice. The result was upbeat rhythms intended to make people dance, smile, and feel free. It was the only way she knew how to make things better.

After laying the groundwork with promo singles “Better Life,” “Go Ooh,” “Bad Attitude,” and “Woo Tang,” the rising rapstress made her official debut Summer of 2022 with ‘$o$o World.’ Executive produced by mentor and label head LunchMoney Lewis, the 14-track collection of records includes additional instrumentation from JulianBeatz, SFL Xavi, TheonlyDiet, Toju, BrianXWhite, Diem, and SoundsbyBreezy. Guest features come by way of Roc Nation recording artist Bobby Fishscale, XXXTentacion affiliate C Glizzy, Warner Records vocalist Savannah Cristina, and Nelle.

Press play on the HD-clip for “Passion” as well as stream the official audio on your DSP of choice below via Black 17 Media / The Orchard.