Captured by: Jackson Megar
By: Shlomo Bowe
Our newest member of the photography team, Jackson Megar, has spent the summer scouting up-and-coming artists and capturing their performances at venues all over the city of Boston. When he first told me about Saleka, and I played a few of her records, it made perfect sense that she was on tour with the soulfully gifted R&B singer, Giveon. I had the pleasure of speaking with Saleka, ahead of back to back performances at the House of Blues in Boston.
As much of her music comes from soundtracks including, "Remain" from the motion picture Old (2021), and "The Sky Cries" from Servant: Songs from the Attic (2021), it was intriguing to hear her creative process when it comes to writing these records. For some songs she would only have the script and along with a conversation from the director, was tasked with sculpting a vibe to bring the entire scene to a climax. It seems to come naturally to Saleka, as she's spent her entire life being influenced by the work of her father, legendary director M. Night Shyamalan. The visuals that Saleka has released are nothing short of superb. One video in particular that caught my attention was "Mr. Incredible" which was shot in 2020, and directed by Saleka's younger sister Ishana. The two have collaborated on several other videos to date, and their chemistry & shared influences is easy to see.
For those of you that enjoy our Friday Night Feels mixes, don't be surprised to hear more of Saleka's music as we continue to watch her career and catalog flourish! Check out our full interview with Saleka below!
Captured by: Jackson Megar
0 Comments
By: Shamus Hill
To those who follow along with all of the happenings that take place here at Mass Music Radio, Johan Lenox will certainly be a familiar name. Not only was I able to conduct an interview with the Winchester, MA native as a part of our Artist Spotlight series, but many components of his catalog have received airtime on our radio stream over the last year. Today, he reappears across our platform with a brand new collaboration alongside RMR titled "No One Gets Me". Serving as the latest single from Johan's upcoming album, "No One Gets Me" centers itself around some of his catalog's most consistent themes – the most prominent being "the trappings of American adulthood" and whether or not Johan would like to partake in what usually comes paired with the idea of growing up. This song in particular revolves around Johan and his love interest deciding not to grow up, subsequently avoiding the pitfalls that are attached to the stereotypical view of maturity. Constantly battling the back and forth of what Johan should be seeking in life, "No One Gets Me" ultimately rests as reassurance that we are all figuring out what's best for ourselves in our own unique ways, and what's right for one isn't necessarily right for all. Helping to reinforce the overarching sentiments of this track is RMR, who's vocals are some of the most powerful and hard-hitting that I have heard in quite some time. Working with the likes of Future, Young Thug, and Lil Baby up through this point in his career, I would say that listeners will end up hearing a lot more from the singer, rapper, and songwriter as 2022 evolves. Watch the official music video for "No One Gets Me" below:  By: Shamus Hill
Rebel Mafia Global's roster of Boston based artists have had their fair share of spins on Mass Music Radio in 2021. Whether it be from Big Super, Brandon James, Rugby Lo Sport, Kye Bills, or Messy Money Sav, the artists that come together to formulate RMG each bring something significant to the table. Recently unleashing his first body of work since 2021's Slight Work 2 EP is Big Super, who makes his way across our airwaves today with a new EP titled Still Here. Sitting at a total length of 6 songs, this 13 minute long offering develops into a brief glimpse of Big Super's powerful rapping capabilities. His presence across each track may be characterized as being utterly dominant, filling up his bars with references to past run-ins with the police, working towards success, and uplifting those closest to him. Featuring fellow Massachusetts rappers Jiles and Kye Bills, Still Here ultimately becomes one of the most solid components of Big Super's discography thus far in his career. Some personal standouts from this body of work are "Fort Lauderdale (Interlude)", "Trapseed Freestyle", and "Flying High". If you're enjoying this EP, then be sure to keep an eye on Big Super's social media accounts as he's gearing up for the release of his collab project with Rugby Lo Sport next month. Stream Still Here below: 
By: Shamus Hill
Boston's Marquis Filthy makes his return to the airwaves of Mass Music Radio following the release of his newest single, "Mine". Linking with Mike Noone and company to deliver one of our favorite visuals out of Massachusetts as of late, Marquis' latest discographical addition is an impressive one. With roots in both Hip-Hop and R&B, "Mine" borrows buoyant production from California's Foolie $urfin to bring this single to completion. Reminding us of Marquis' single "Ms. Mack" from a few years back, "Mine" centers itself around the hopeful pursuit towards love. On this release, the Boston rapper speaks on managing ambiguity, specifically when it pertains to the different stages that two individuals may find themselves in life. As this track's instrumental bursts into the first verse, Marquis asks: "You ever met the right person at the wrong time? Put your heart on hold for me, hope you don't mind", something which speaks largely to the underlying sentiments that are prevalent on this song. Though he's well aware of the potential challenges that may arise from this type of situation, the rush of excitement that this other individual brings into his life is something that he's willing to move toward no matter what. Following it's just over two minutes in runtime, "Mine" ultimately develops into a declaration of love. Bringing the vision that Marquis possessed for this video into existence was a task taken on by local cinematographer, Mike Noone, who shot it at Arlington's Regent Theater. Recently, he made an appearance on our blog following his work on the official music video for Premo.Dee and Saint Lyor's collab, "ROBINHOOD". Gaining notoriety across Massachusetts and beyond for providing exceptional visual work, Mike Noone is someone that fans of local music should certainly be keeping an eye on. His portfolio of work is one that has been taking a formidable shape as 2021 presses forward. Watch the official music video for "Mine" below: 
By: Trevor Branch
Do you like crashing basslines, exhilarating melodies, and provocative lyrics? Yeah, us too. That’s why this past week we had the honor of hosting the one and only Joe Bermudez here at Mass Music Radio! Boston native and local superstar, Bermudez has earned an impressive following amidst the city’s nightlife. His willingness to cross genre boundaries and lively stage presence behind the decks has won him recognition from multiple press outlets, including The Improper Bostonian, The Boston Herald, and even nominations for America’s Best DJ by DJ Times. Finding his start at a local radio station, Bermudez quickly developed a talent for reading and playing to large audiences. His natural gift for keeping the crowd moving carried over to the dancefloor as clubs and music festivals began to catch wind of the young DJ’s electric performances. Now, Bermudez sports an impressive discography of original tracks and remixes spanning the likes of Britney Spears, Rihanna, Ke$ha, and other music industry giants. To learn more about why people can’t stop talking about Joe Bermudez, check out his syndicated radio show, the Mass Movement, and follow him on social media. Twitter: @JoeBermudez YouTube: joebermudezofficial Website: http://joebermudez.com/ Watch his full Mass Music Radio DJ set below: 
By: Shamus Hill
Doobie 83 is one of the hottest young rappers in Boston right now. After months of teasing snippets of the official music video for "Devil Child", he's finally unleashed the long-awaited single to his fanbase. Following up on his recent string of releases which included "Slumber", "Doobie vs Doobie", and "Several Attachments" to name a few, Doobie 83 has had no shortage of artistic achievements in 2021. He's welcomed listeners from all corners of the globe, who have ultimately become infatuated with Doobie's ability to characterize his life's experiences. Never shying away from touching upon the heartbreak, violence, and loss he's endured, Doobie 83's catalog of music reveals some of what has molded the Boston rapper into his current state of being. Doing so is in it of itself a challenge, but maintaining artistic prowess at the same time is something of an entirely different level of difficulty. On "Devil Child", the center of focus revolves around survival and hardship. Doobie 83's life has not come with many handouts or good fortune, but rather has been led largely by Doobie himself. Having to earn everything in life by his own doing, he's been forced to look out for himself in every possible way. "Devil Child" ultimately becomes a melodic apology and acknowledgement for any past wrongdoings that he committed out of a need to survive. Shaping itself as one of the most impactful components of his discography up through this point in time, Doobie 83's artistry is only getting better and better. Collaborating with Doobie on this visual was none other than Dark Sight, a Boston based visual company that routinely shapes the visual identity of some of the area's best rap music. Working alongside one another to deliver highgrade videos in the past, "Devil Child" certainly proves to be some of their best work yet. Watch the official music video for "Devil Child" below: 
By: DJ VO
Tommy Capretto takes a trip from Philadelphia to Quincy, Massachusetts once again to drop a fire DJ set across the airwaves of Mass Music Radio. Playing some of the hottest house records out right now, Tommy raises the energy to new heights and shows off the proper dance moves to match! With remixes and original music from labels such as Universal Music, Capitol Records, Armada Music, Juicy Music, HoTL Records, Carrillo Music Group, and of course – his own independent imprint – Summond Records, Capretto has an abundance of fiery tracks music at his disposal. Also included are official remixes with artists such as Beck, Niall Horan, Hailee Steinfeld, MNEK, Dragonette, and FLETCHER, and more. Full of good energy, contagious laughter, and smiles – Tommy continuously brings an uplifting, playful aurora to every room that he steps foot in. He loves to party, but is also quick to get down to work when the time calls for it. According to him, there's a lot more music on the way, so don't miss out! Watch his full Mass Music Radio DJ set below: Stream Tommy Capretto on Spotify below: 
By: Shamus Hill
Brockton's Premo.Dee and Saint Lyor were recently featured on our platform for their collab single titled "ROBINHOOD". Today, the pair make their way back onto the airwaves of Mass Music Radio with the official music video for said single. Shot and edited by High Noone Productions, and directed by both ForTheHoly and Benjy Ali, Brockton takes center stage on this visual release. Taking the plights that surround people of color everywhere they go, and presenting them in a manner that breaks down these issues in a sonic format, "ROBINHOOD" is a truly impactful release. Centering their musical talents around issues that impact their community on a routine basis, Premo.Dee and Saint Lyor reinforce the importance of their creative expression here. Resting as two of the most revered artists right now in Massachusetts, both Premo and Saint Lyor tap into their highest powers on this track. Rest assured that this is only beginning for the both of them. Watch the official music video for "ROBINHOOD" below: 
By: Shamus Hill
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts is none other than PIMPDADDYDANE, a prospering rapper who has garnered a solid listenership from both in and out of the Bay State. Following a spree of music video releases over the last couple of years, she's finally paved the way for her debut album, Trap Goddess, to be released. Featuring fellow MA natives such as Brandon James, Flako Dash, and Maye Star, Trap Goddess ultimately snowballs into a microcosm for the development of Boston's emerging Hip-Hop scene. The strong presence that PIMPDADDYDANE exudes on each of her forthcoming drops is an aspect of her artistry that continually takes center stage. Her ability to flow atop an ever-widening array of trap beats is notable to say the least, as she finds a new way to cast a light on her rapping talents with each trip to the studio. Some standouts off of this project for me are "Midas Touch", "Wit Da Gang", and "Murda She Wrote". All of these mentioned tracks provide a solid foundation with respect to understanding the artist that PIMPDADDYDANE is at her core. Despite this though, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this tape in its entirety a spin. Stream Trap Goddess and watch the video for "MURDA SHE WROTE" below:  By: Shamus Hill
Family Famous Records' Clark D and Guyclaude make their collaborative return to DSPs everywhere with a new track titled "Grateful". Rooted in a deepened appreciation for the constant progression attached to life, this dreamy release is a substantial addition to the respective discographies of these two Boston natives. Following up on the recent success of singles such as "HARD" and "Life Goes On", Clark D has had a battery in his back ever since relocating from Massachusetts down to Atlanta, Georgia. 2021 has proved to be an immense one for him, with Clark's base of listeners really stretching outward from the Bay State to all corners of the globe. Though the energy prevalent on "Grateful" may be considered a bit more relaxed than that of some of his other tracks, this switch up casts a light upon the versatility that is paired with Clark D's artistry. Assisting with the cultivation of the sound on "Grateful" is Guyclaude, who's worked alongside Clark D on a plethora of releases in years past. The creative chemistry that exists between these two is very palpable, and is something that has only seemed to grow in strength as they continue to collaborate. If this is your first time listening to either of these Massachusetts artists, then the staff here at Mass Music Radio certainly suggests paying a visit to their individual catalogs of music, as we can assure you that some of your new favorite songs are sitting there waiting for you. Stream "Grateful" below: |
RSS Feed