On September 16th, Ohio band Tropidelic performed at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. Tropidelic was started by Matthew Roads and Kyle "Chevontez" Cheuvront in 2005 and embraces a mix of high-energy reggae, hip hop, and funk. Just last month, the band released their newest studio album, entitled All The Colors, which features vocals by Nick Hexum of the band 311…
Read moreWords with P.R. (Edition 16) - Thank you Diddy & Hip Hop
July was a big travel month. And I must say that it feels so good to get the fuck out of New York City. As much as I love my hometown, traveling to other places is good for the soul. The summer is rolling on and the blessings are coming through. My love/hate relationship with change is being tested. I am constantly fighting against my impulsive free spirit side with the side that is a creature of habit…
Read moreFood Truck and Jazz Festival in Monte Irvin Orange Park, City of Orange NJ, July 9
You are all invited to the City of Orange NJ Food Truck and Jazz Festival for a delicious food and live music experience! Join us in the spacious nature-driven outdoors of Monte Irvin Orange Park. Monte Irvin Orange Park is a county park in the City of Orange, in Essex County, New Jersey. It serves the City of Orange with a playground, athletic fields, basketball court, soccer field, walking paths…
Read moreInterview with Inf Grizzy (Hip-Hop Artist)
Jersey Shore hip hop artist Inf Grizzy has been hard at work building up a loyal following, expanding his radio plays, and even appearing on billboards in Time Square and South Jersey. He’s currently working on a release date for his upcoming album and has already released two singles from it, “Love is Blind” and “Clap Clap.” I spoke with Inf earlier this month to ask him about the inspiration behind “Love is Blind”, what the filmmaking process was like for the “Love is Blind” music video, and to learn what else we can expect musically in 2022.
Read moreHip Hop Duo TT(TopTier) Releases New Single "Lemme"
PRESS RELEASE | Posted Monday, March 22, 2021
WHY THIS BLACK AND WHITE HIP HOP DUO
STRIKES A NERVE WITH NEW SINGLE
JERSEY CITY, NJ March 22, 2021 – Black and white hip hop outfit, TT(TopTier), released a new single today, ‘Lemme’. Having released three widely-received songs just last year, the music group is on the brink of 1 million Spotify streams and is frequently showcased on Soundcloud playlists everywhere. The catchy, bass-heavy track encourages partying and dance challenges, and has already struck a nerve with early listeners.
Celebrating the release at Platinum Sound Recording Studios, where ‘Lemme’ was mixed and mastered, the duo recollects on their recent success. “A lot of rave reviews are coming from all angles on ‘Lemme’, and I can’t help but pat myself on the shoulder,” rapper IgnoVa preaches while sipping his favorite pinot grigio. “I want everybody to take a deep breath, call their best friend and bump this bop,” IgnoVa adds. The singer in the group, MC, finishes a dance move and remarks, “this single already struck a nerve. Love it or hate it, your head is going to move and you’ll find yourself humming it in your morning shower.”
The hip hop outfit begins the new season with resonating and catchy March single, ‘Lemme’. Combining pop with hip hop and trap genres, the track’s hook is highlighted by IgnoVa and MC performing interchanging vocals. IgnoVa delivers a contemporary rapping lyrical display reminiscent of current top hip hop artists and a melodic touch from the past. MC provides elevated and melodic singing parts in the style of classic and recent chart toppers.
The duo closed the year out with an exciting December single, “SO HIGH”. Prior to “SO HIGH”, TT(TopTier) distributed revolutionary music pieces “ENOUGH” and “Come Thru”. Marking the group’s first two of three 2020 releases, both singles have received over 400,000 streams on Souncloud as of December. The hip hop duo garnered attention with their single, “Thousand Times”, in 2018. Filmed in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the music video for “Thousand Times” received international acclaim, garnering over 80,000 YouTube views. TT(TopTier) has performed in the TriState area at venues including Voltage Lounge in Philadelphia and New Jersey's Stanhope House. The hip hop group has opened for acts such as one-time chart toppers MetroStation and Canadian pop sensation Saywecanfly.
Black and white duo TT(TopTier)'s star continues to rise. Embracing skillful interplay between rapping and singing, TT(TopTier)'s witty lyricism and viral sound distinguish them from the herd. To find out more about TT(TopTier) , visit the duo’s webpage.
20-Year-Old Atlantic City Entrepreneur Presents Atlantic City Talent Showcase (February 20, 2021)
PRESS RELEASE | Posted Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Axel Castillo, a 20-year-old entrepreneur from Atlantic City, NJ, has launched a talent showcase, in conjunction with Dirty Politics Studio & Apparel. The event includes music artists of various genres from the tri-state area. Judges include Billboard recording artist Lovari, among others. The event takes place on February 20, 2021.
Under the umbrella of his Cherry Bomb Entertainment promotional team, the February 20th event, a mere few blocks from the Atlantic Ocean seashore, will include some of Atlantic City's established artists on the scene, along with artists from the tri-state area. The event will be held at Dirty Politics Studio & Apparel (4403 Atlantic Avenue), an independently owned recording studio and clothing boutique, helmed by Jersey Shore natives Benjamin "Benji" Howard and Deron "Strandz" Leggete. This event will be the first of several by Mr. Castillo that will be produced throughout the year.
DJs Neff, Stev, and Mav provide the sounds. Guest judges include Lovari, who recently hit Billboard's Top 25 Dance Charts and iTunes Top 10 Pop Electronica Album charts, along with Adam Letnom, Nat Cruz, and Dirty Politic's Strandz. Hosted by Rook.
Scheduled to perform: omgxreem, NDETE (Skreechy/E2High/Yoshi), Kingoak, Young Cholo, Johnny Seed, FBN Kappo, Julio Fuaego, 28 Young G, Adonis YBC, Sway Valentine, Lil Ess, Zay TheSmoker, Rome Rose, Tony Newbury, Mophead TBC, E Class, Hoodiequel, Zuback.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
For more information, please contact cherrybombconcerts@yahoo.com
Interview with Chill Smith
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Monday, December 9, 2019
In August of this year, South Jersey rapper, hip hop producer, and audio engineer Chill Smith released his latest album, Chillville, YO, followed by a music video for his single, "blas•phe•my.” He is an Asbury Music Award nominated artist who has been performing for at capacity crowds across New Jersey for the past decade. Check out our interview with Chill Smith, below, to learn more about the inspiration behind his music and his plans for the future.
What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?
I go by Chill Smith. I was born and raised in Paterson, NJ. I currently live near Seaside.
How would you describe your sound?
I'd describe my sound as contemporary East Coast hip hop, heavy 808s, trap beats with an East Coast flow.
Who are your musical influences?
I have a bunch of influences, but my most current influences have been Royce Da 5'9", J. Cole, Drake, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar.
congrats on the release of your album, Chillville, YO. What can you tell us about the inspiration behind some of the tracks on it? Tell us a bit about your creative process.
I suffer from anxiety. My anxiety either forces me to hide or just go. A friend of mine, Chris Rockwell, released a track everyday in January. I’ve seen the results he got, so I decided to try something similar. By the time I decided to do that I was working two jobs, so releasing a track everyday wouldn't have been feasible. I choose to do it every Friday. I just wanted to rap, I wanted to have fun, I didn't want to make the beats, just rap, record and mix. I wasn't expecting to make this album, I was just picking beats and recording. I didn't even write lyrics, I just turned on the microphone and went off emotions.
First Video off Chillville, YO. Shot By: Chris Rockwell. Edited By: Chill Smith
Is there anyone who you actively collaborate with or would like to collaborate with in the future?
I don't really like working with people when it comes to my own music. I have to be left alone in my own space, but I'm glad I collab’d with the ones on the album, especially Heather Hills. Heather Hills has a video on Twitter with about 160k views of her rapping her verse off “Pepto Bismol”, which organically is my most streamed song.
Second music video off Chillville, YO. Recorded and Edited by Chill Smith.
Also, congrats on the release of your new music video for "blas•phe•my." What was the music-video-making process like?
That video was spontaneous. I just said "fuck it." I shot it on my cell phone after seeing Joker for a second time. I had several ideas, but over-planning slows me down. It took me two days to record. Most of the shots are me in my car. For the shots on the roof, I used a $5 stand from 5 and Below. I danced on that roof without music, I couldn't even tell if I was in the shot. I used a stock app on my laptop to edit the video. I'm proud of it.
What has your personal journey been like so far? How’d you get to this point?
My personal journey as far my music career has been great! I've been across the country, I've gotten to meet and open up for some great artists I admire and respect like Pharoahe Monch and Joe Budden. I got here by constantly working and taking risks.
Do you have any words of advice for people who share a similar passion, or have maybe faced similar obstacles/challenges?
Use your resources, don't let money get in the way. Surround yourself with people who have the same goals, don't expect everyone to listen to your music, it's your job as an artist to make people want to listen.
Finally, what are some ways that fans can connect with you online?
My website is www.chillsmith.com and all my social media is @chillsmithchill.
Interview with Alexis Pellegrino (Lex Rex and the Dragons)
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Friday, April 13, 2018
NJ's Alexis Pellegrino, aka Lex Rex (Lex Rex and the Dragons), just release a new music video for her song, "Ain't Nothin," from her EP Tides (you can listen to Tides on Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Google Play, and Amazon). Check out our interview with Lex, below, to learn about her style, musical influences, and the inspiration behind her new EP.
What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?
I am Alexis Pellegrino aka Lex Rex. I'm originally from Northern NJ. I am now based in Ocean County.
Tell us about your music. How would you describe your style or sound? Where do you record? Who are your influences, musically?
Last year, I released a Hip-Hop single. I don’t think people were expecting Tides to sound the way it does. I went from spitting bars to singing. It definitely put me out of my comfort zone for sure, but I’ve been writing pop music since I was in elementary school. I finally decided to go with it. I love writing melodies over some smooth synth or a nice beat.
I recorded Tides at Eight Sixteen/Traxx East Studio in South River, NJ. I absolutely love them there, they are like family.
My musical influences are pretty wide ranged (I’d like to think). Frank Ocean, MJ, Earth Wind and Fire, The Internet, Led Zeppelin, The Stones, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, The Weekend, Kanye West, The Stooges, Nirvana. Growing up my dad would play Disco/Motown/Jazz/R&B…. so I would like to think I started off on the right foot as a kid ;).
Congrats on the new music video!
Thank you! Because Tides has a throwback kind of feel, I’ve been figuring out ways to tie in retro design/film with modern day design/film. I love it, mostly because you learn a lot about how far we have come in design, technology, etc. from studying the past.
What's the meaning or inspiration behind some of your newest songs? How do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
Honestly, the EP is about an Ex-lover. A friend told me that this is “The saddest happiest sounding EP they have ever heard.” The music is upbeat for the most part, but if you listen to the lyrics, they are rather deep/emotional/sad or coming from a place of hope for the future. I hope people connect with my music. I think there is a song for everyone on the EP, and I love how diverse it is. It was honestly very challenging but super rewarding to hear the finished product. I honestly wanted people to feel like there was hope for them even in a place of feeling worthless, low, and stuck in a bad place.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get started with music? What's been your personal journey? Are there any artists, bands, or producers who you'd love to collaborate with one day?
I started getting into doing live music through dance/theater. I fell in love at an early age. Started dancing at age 3, and then it just took off from there!
Current bands or artists I’d love to collaborate with would be Frank Ocean/SZA. Both of them together would be ideal. I am heavy on the R&B, always.
What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion, or is maybe facing obstacles similar to what you've faced?
Keep doing YOU! NEVER give up and NEVER second guess yourself. Also, push yourself out of your comfort zone at least once a day, you’ll find you grow from stepping out of your own zone!
What's next on the horizon for you? Any upcoming shows, singles, music videos, or plans for the next album?
I will continue to release new music videos to go with the songs on the EP as well as some future live performance dates, TBA ;).
Finally, how can people find you online?
I am on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube!
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexrexandthedragons/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LXRXNDTHDRGNS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexrexandthedragons/?hl=en
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsNZq756vBPGmbwSVAHwGiw?view_as=subscriber