Author Archives: yunglivewire

Optimystical – Void Of [EP]

Reigning from Phoenix, Arizona, the unique 5-piece group Optimystical (Pianist Cara Nassar, Bassist J.J. Tusick, Frontman Keynan Willis, Drummer and Producer Lyle Begiebing) are a band to keep track on in 2020. All band members come from entirely different backgrounds, each providing a different flair – meshing well together. They have just released their sophomore EP titled “Void Of” on 2/29/2020 (all produced by Lyle Begiebing as @thepartyupstairs). They released their lead single “All types of Love” on Valentine’s Day.

“Smile and Wave,” their first project released in 2018, received a warm reception – it was the confirmation they needed that they’re on the right track. They decided to take a different approach to their sophomore EP “Void Of,” from the tone of the tracks to the recording process. “On the second EP “Void Of”, the band reached into the deep vault of unfinished tracks and chose 5 songs that were written first with piano/synth loops as opposed to guitar, opting for more experimental and emotional tones with “big, singing from the rooftop” feelings” Drummer/Producer Lyle Begiebing expressed about the creative process for “Void Of.”

Their music is truly enjoyable, they incorporate beautiful melodies and vocals along with their Emcee frontman’s rap skills. A style of music (Hip-Hop infused with indie music) we haven’t heard come together so well in a while. I am excited to see what’s to come for Optimystical in 2020 and beyond! I highly encourage you to kick back and take a listen to this sonically infused masterpiece.   

Follow Optimystical on Instagram & Twitter to follow their latest updates! Click the Spotify link above to become a fan now if you aren’t already!

(You can find Void Of on ALL streaming platforms by clicking here!)

Executive Coop – Drip Gawd (ft. Lil Baby)

Jersey artist Executive Coop is back with a new hit titled “Drip Gawd” featuring Lil Baby. It’s the perfect song to add to your turn-up playlist during a work-out for the weekend! The song was produced by CitoOnTheBeat (who has produced for the likeness of Tory Lanez, Ty Dolla Sign, YG & more). When asked about the inspiration behind the song, Coop expressed the following: ” I was messing around in the studio with Cito and we came up with the heavy bass-line – I completed my verse & the hook , then I knew Lil Baby would be a perfect fit for the song. “ It was right up his aisle.” Hit up the homie DJ B Easy from Atlanta’s radio station , V103 , the rest is history!.” Here is an eager artist ready to take over!

Executive Coop is gearing up for a fruitful 2020, stay tuned for his next music video dropping soon for his hit-single featuring Mulatto titled “Cash App.”

Follow Executive Coop on Instgram & Twitter – Show some love & support by clicking the Spotify link above and streaming “Drip Gawd”!

Granada – Dark Dynasty (EP)

Northern Virginia artist Granada has a new wave in store for us, his unique flow sounds like something from the West Coast in the ’90’s – he recently released his latest EP titled Dark Dynasty. The beats are melodic and enticing. The Intro, track one lays out an over all theme for the project; themes of Kings and Queens rising from the the truth, it was produced by *noEgo. The remaining 4 tracks were produced by Granada and Jesser. I am looking forward to seeing his growth as an artist in 2020!

Keep up with this promising up and comer by following Granada on Instagram & Twitter.

STREAM Dark Dynasty by click the Spotify link above!

Kidd Adamz – ChipsNDip (Official Music Video)

South Florida sensation Kidd Adamz has another hit for us titled “ChipsNDip” with a visual to accompany it! The song speaks about running up his “Chips” and just focusing on that! The theme in the video appropriately No time for distractions, although he knows they’re around, it’s all about focusing on those CHIPS! The music video was shot/directed by Finesse Da Vinci , creatively directed by Phanor Desir & the song was produced by Christ (@christ.wav).

Kidd Adamz is an artist who is consistently putting out well rounded music/work – he is someone worth watching for 2020 and beyond. Him and his team are very dedicated to striving towards the best outcome as a whole. Truly passionate about his craft, his live performances are no less than that: PASSIONATE. Stay tuned for more to come from this promising artist. Show love and support by running up the views on the “ChipsNDip” video and stream it on Spotify!

Follow Kidd Adamz on Instagram & Twitter for more updates!

Interview: with Up-Coming Rapper, [602] Prophet

I had the opportunity to speak with a promising up-coming lyricist from Arizona known as [602] Prophet. The Arizona native currently resides in New Orleans, attending Loyola University. Influenced by artists like J. Cole and Isaiah Rashad, we have much to look forward to from this artist on the rise. Check out the short and sweet Q & A below to become more familiar with the artist known as [602] Prophet.

  1. You grew up in South Phoenix, AZ – around influences that could have “broken” you, what made you divert from self-destructive tendencies? – Arizona is known for 2 things guns and drugs because how close we are to Mexico and are gun laws are very loose so it’s not that hard to get a semi-automatic or fully automatic weapon whether you get it clean or dirty. South Phoenix specifically is a very rough area and has been like that since the 80’s. I had Uncles in gangs who were heavily involved in street shit and would be in & out of the prison system. My mom used to be affiliated since she was in middle school basically because of my uncle and my dad was selling a lot of drugs out of our house from when I was age 5-13 not to mention he eventually became an addict himself. The point is I witnessed too many people go down the wrong path whether it be my friends or my own family in a way I figured out how to be better by learning from all the bad examples that were around me and just thought to myself “Ok so this is what I shouldn’t do”
  2. Knowing what you want in life can be tough for many, you knew as young as 13 that music was your chosen path – what do you feel led you there? – It’s not that I knew I wanted to be a rapper at age 13 I just started writing raps as an outlet to deal with all my pain and trauma my book of raps was basically a diary and I feel without it I probably would’ve lost my sanity and who knows where I’d be at today without it like no corny shit music literally saved my life.
  3. You are now based in the 504 – when did you relocate and why? – I relocated in August of 2019 I go to college full time out here at Loyola University Of New Orleans and Study Urban & Electronic Music Production. My mom had me when she was 20 during a gap year she took when she graduated high school and I remember her working full time and going to community college part time at night after she was done with community she was doing online classes for NAU and around middle school she earned her Bachelors degree. Even though with the college degree we didn’t start off making money she literally showed me it was possible to get an education against all odds. That’s what inspired me to work my ass off in high school so I could earn a big scholarship and go to college.
  4. Your influences are some of the greatest lyricists of our generation (Isaiah Rashad, J. Cole, Tupac, MF Doom) it’s safe to say you are aiming for great heights like them! Please elaborate on where you see yourself in the next 5 years.  – I definitely have that mind state of if you want to be the greatest you gotta study the greatest. In 5 years I see myself on top not even on like I’m #1 on billboard or get a Grammy or whatever but like I’m talking about going on huge headline tours, owning my own label, working with a few of my inspirations, creating powerful/beautiful music, etc.
  5. Who are some producers, engineers and other artists you’re excited to work with in the near future? – Producers I’m working with now are BobbyIDK, Chris Mingus, Change, G1 to the Rescue, and Lil $lumped. Only producers I want to work with outside of my circle is !llmind and Kato on the Track. Engineers I like working with are Felix (Bag of Tricks Cat) and A. Levy.
  6. What inspired your artist name, 602 Prophet? – So 602 is the area code for South Phoenix. Prophet in biblical terms is a messenger of God I feel like I was sent on this earth to deliver a message not from God but for my people back home. Prophet can also be a double entendre for Profit. A little backstory my Nana is super religious like very devout Catholic and she always wanted me involved with the church like she wanted me to be an alter boy but I never did it. I remember this one time we were in the backyard sitting together and she was like “Mijo when you die I want you to become a Saint and I want you to go to heaven” and I was just like “That’s a lot of pressure when I’m only 14” Hahaha 
  7. Please elaborate on anything you’re currently working on (projects, shows, merch, etc.) – So right now I’m a be releasing 2 songs and 2 videos a month all the way up to July that’s 14 songs and 14 videos over a span of 7 months. While I’ll be releasing all of that I’m a be simultaneously working on my album. I’m also part of this creative collective called Reloaded that recently started with Me, Change, and Alfilmedit and by the end of year we finna be on some crazy next level shit. Expect a lot more shows this year even possibly a little mini tour. If anyone is tryna cop some Merch check it out on my website 602prophetmusic.com and follow all my socials @602prophet.

Flex Winter – Flex N Friendz EP

Tampa, Florida has a powerhouse that goes by the name, Flex Winter – Flex was a childhood nickname given to him due to his government name (no surprise due to his natural charm and wit) – Winter is his late mother’s maiden name: ” I carry it as a sign of respect for her.” The EP “Flex N Friendz” is a collaborative effort put together by Flex to bring more of a sense of community to the music/creative scene in Tampa. He gathered some of Tampa’s most promising producers, engineers & fellow artists to put together this short yet sweet masterpiece.

Flex N Friendz” offers a variety of tracks to turn up to, the replay value on this EP is undeniable! Track number 1 “Zoned Out” was produced by @ndroidbeats  and ft. @Migs718. Track number 2 “Wristwatch” was produced by @__glitchii__ and ft. @richieguapo. Track number 3 “Fuck Trust” was produced by @lil_igor and ft. @yzm.iii. Track number 4 takes a melodic turn, highlighting Flex’s innate ability to be versatile. “Love Games” was produced by @sodanswishers  ft. @frankiesoutside. Track number 5 “Cameras” reverts back to the high energy tones that mostly takeover the EP. It was produced by @prodbyezn ft. @outsidesuo.

Flex is one of those artists that truly stand out to me; his work ethic is noticeable and so is his authenticity, two qualities that shine through his image and talent alone. A man of community and togetherness, anything outside of that is “above him now.” In a time when the ap music scene in particular is saturated with the inauthentic and masked as such, he is an artist I am happy to work with and truly enjoy his music. For artists like Flex, it’s always deeper than the music: “Music has always been special to my heart, growing up with my dad I never got to talk bout how I felt. Hearing artists like Cudi talk about stuff I felt but never knew how to say, absolutely  helped mold me into the person I am today. My goal is to do the same for someone else, to touch people’s hearts and minds.” 

Whether you’re at a party or a club, expect to turn up to one of the tracks featured on “Flex N Friendz” – to keep up with Flex Winter’s budding career, follow him on Instagram & Twitter.

Don’t forget to click the Spotify link above and STREAM “Flex N Friendz”!!

E CHAPO – HEARTBREAKER (Official Music Video)

Atlanta artist E Chapo released a visual for her latest single “HEARTBREAKER.” The message is clear – she’s a heartbreaker and a soul taker! Focused on the bag cause there’s nothing more to it! The message is directed more so to be an empowered, self-sufficient woman, waiting for nothing or no one! The track was produced by Randemword.

Follow E Chapo on Instagram – Click the YouTube link above to watch the music video for “HEARTBREAKER” NOW!