Jason Martin x Mike & Keys Collaborate on West Coast Album “A Hit Dog Gon Holla”

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Compton’s own Jason Martin is back sharper, seasoned, and talking his talk, with the release of his brand new 11-track album, “A Hit Dog Gon Holla.” The project is a full-circle moment for one of the West Coast’s most consistent and respected MCs, backed by the soulful, layered production of Mike & Keys, who help curate a sound that’s both nostalgic and elevated for today’s hip-hop landscape.

From the jump, Jason Martin makes it clear that his pen game hasn’t lost a step. Every bar hits with intention part flex, part reflection as he walks listeners through his growth, his grind, and his gratitude for still being ten toes down in the game. The album feels like a reminder that while trends come and go, authentic rap rooted in real experiences will always hit harder.

Tracks like “Let Me Roll My J” set a laid-back tone drenched in smoke-filled confidence, while “Flu Game Jordan” comparing his hunger and perseverance to MJ’s infamous “sick game” moment. “Laugh Now, Laugh Later” doubles as both a warning and a victory lap, showing that Martin’s patience and hustle always pay off in the end.

The visuals for these singles amplify the cinematic energy, and true to his Compton roots. Jason Martin continues to embody what it means to evolve while keeping it solid, crafting an album that blends street wisdom, lyrical sharpness, and sonic growth.

With “A Hit Dog Gon Holla,” he proves once again why he’s one of the most influential voices to ever come out of the city, not just talking that talk, but living it.

Mickey Factz Brings “The Art of the MC” to NYU’s Clive Davis Institute

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Acclaimed lyricist and Grammy-winning songwriter Mickey Factz is stepping into the classroom this fall, this time as an adjunct professor at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Kicking off on October 23rd, Factz will lead a new wave of students through “The Art of the MC,” a course that dives deep into the craft, culture, and creative process behind emceeing.

Previously taught by Black Thought of The Roots, the class gives students front-row access to one of hip-hop’s most respected wordsmiths. Factz, known for his razor-sharp pen and storytelling finesse, has spent over two decades building a legacy that stretches from the golden blog era to collaborations with heavyweights like Drake, Lupe Fiasco, and Kendrick Lamar.

In true hip-hop fashion, the course will keep things hands-on, breaking down lyricism, freestyle fundamentals, performance techniques, and the historical roots that shaped the MC. Students will get a chance to not just study rap, but live it, analyzing bars, workshopping verses, and exploring how authenticity and artistry go hand in hand. Outside the classroom, Mickey Factz keeps things moving with Pendulum Ink, the rap academy he co-founded to help artists sharpen their storytelling, rhythm, and delivery. His new role at NYU is just another step in his mission to show that Hip-Hop deserves its spot in both the culture and the classroom.

By the end of the seven-week run, attendees will leave with more than just notebooks full of rhymes, they’ll have a deeper appreciation for the evolution of the MC, and a sharper command of the culture that continues to move the world. Congrats to Mickey Factz on a huge milestone and continuing to elevate the culture.

Neo-Soul Legend D’Angelo Dies at 51 After Private Cancer Battle

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In a sorrowful day for the music world, Michael Eugene Archer, better known as D’Angelo has passed away at the age of 51 following a private battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo first gained recognition in 1994 as a songwriter for the R&B supergroup Black Men United before making his own indelible mark with his breakout solo debut Brown Sugar in 1995. That album spawned classic tracks like “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine,” establishing him early as one of neo-soul’s defining voices.

He cemented his legacy with 2000’s Voodoo, an album that elevated not just his artistry, but his status as a cultural and sensual icon. Over the years, critics and fans alike celebrated his ability to fuse soul, gospel, funk, and jazz into a deeply human expression of love, pain, and transcendence.

D’Angelo is survived by his three children, including a son with the late Angie Stone, who herself died in a tragic car accident in March 2025. In the midst of this double loss, the music community grieves the departure of a singular voice whose songs will continue to echo far beyond his years.

May his memory shine on through his timeless work.

Ruggo & MyGuyMars Keep the Vibes Lit with Their New Collab Project “Don’t Stop”

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The chemistry between Ruggo and MyGuyMars continues to heat up with the release of their third official collaboration, Don’t Stop, a project that delivers nothing but back-to-back heat. Powered by MyGuyMusic, SwiftRecords Publishing, and ONEWAYMEDIAGROUP LLC, this one reminds fans why their sound hits different every time they link up.

Don’t Stop blends Mars’ signature production which is soulful, melodic, and rich with West Coast bounce with Ruggo’s sharp delivery and undeniable charisma on the mic. The two feed off each other’s energy effortlessly, creating records that feel timeless yet fresh, giving a nod to real musicianship and authentic storytelling.

Each track is built to ride out, from motivational anthems to smooth player joints, the project carries that “grown hustle” energy. Mars, known for his Grammy-nominated work and contributions to some of R&B and hip-hop’s biggest names, continues to showcase his versatility while shining a light on Ruggo’s unique artistry and perspective. Be sure to check out this project available now on EVEN HERE

Python P Releases Powerful 13-Track Album “BORN” Featuring Ab-Soul, SiR, Bas, Mick Jenkins & More

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Python P and PAKK Musik just set the tone for the fourth quarter with the release of BORN, a 13-track body of work that celebrates pure hip-hop craftsmanship. The album finds the South Central-bred producer delivering a project that feels as personal as it is powerful.

From the jump, BORN hits like a statement piece. It’s a reflection of where Python P’s been, where he’s at, and where he’s headed. The album moves through layers of pain, purpose, and progression , all while keeping that raw LA essence that fans have come to expect.

The lineup alone speaks volumes: Ab-Soul, SiR, Bas, Mick Jenkins, Icecold Bishop, Trizz, Dreebo, Morray, Ichiban Don, TF, DayLyt, Sham1016 just to name a few, each adding their own textures, blending experimental lyricism with melodic chemistry. The collaborations don’t feel forced, they sound like community; a shared language between artists pushing authenticity forward.

Each record on BORN carries weight. From the introspective bars to the cinematic production, Python P is building something real. Download and stream BORN HERE now on all DSP’s

Adrian Javon Captures Fleeting Love on New Single “Stay For Long”

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Los Angeles native Adrian Javon continues to carve out his space in modern R&B with music that feels as timeless as it is personal. Known for crafting songs that blend emotional honesty with smooth, great production, Javon returns with his latest release, “Stay For Long,” a sultry reflection on love, distance, and the bittersweet reality of not being able to stay forever.

On “Stay For Long,” Javon lays his heart bare through the refrain, “You know I can’t stay for long, you know I gotta leave.” His delivery strikes a perfect balance between vulnerability and confidence, making the record feel both intimate and cinematic. The track continues Javon’s signature storytelling moments of passion intertwined with self-awareness, showcasing why his music consistently connects with listeners.

For those just getting familiar, Javon’s growing catalog already speaks volumes. Standout singles like “I Forgive You” and “Driving Me Crazy” highlight his ability to turn emotion into melody, while his 2024 project “Trial & Error” offers a deeper glimpse into his artistry and evolution as both a singer and songwriter.

With “Stay For Long,” Adrian Javon once again proves that love, even when fleeting, can leave a lasting impression. His music doesn’t just sound good it lingers, inviting you to feel every note long after the song fades out. Get more familiar with Adrian Javon HERE

Toronto’s Sol’ana Brings Soul and Strength to Her Debut “I’m Good”

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R&B newcomer Sol’ana is one of those voices that makes you stop and listen. The Toronto-based singer-songwriter steps into the scene with her debut single, “I’m Good,” a smooth, soulful cut that blends her opera-trained vocals with laid-back, lo-fi production courtesy of Grammy-winning producer Kevin Ekofo (Wizkid, John Legend, Tink).

The record feels like self-love wrapped in melody, equal parts vulnerable and empowering. Inspired by her own experiences, Sol’ana turns heartbreak into confidence with lines like, “Second to none, know that I’M first and more.” It’s what she calls a “middle finger moment” an anthem for walking away from relationships that don’t honor your worth.

Beyond the music, Sol’ana is also a mom of two, balancing parenthood and passion in a way that fuels her art. Her journey mirrors the message behind the song: growth, grace, and choosing yourself first.

With “I’m Good,” Sol’ana delivers more than a debut, she introduces a voice rooted in honesty and resilience. She’s not just singing R&B; she’s redefining what it means to stand tall in your own story.

Verzuz Returns to ComplexCon with a Southern Showdown: Cash Money vs. No Limit

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The culture is about to witness a historic moment Verzuz is officially back, and it’s taking over ComplexCon Las Vegas on October 25th with one of the most anticipated matchups in hip-hop history. This isn’t just a battle; it’s a celebration of two groups that defined an era.

Cash Money Records vs. No Limit Records, two heavyweight labels that shaped Southern rap, hustled their way into global influence, and gave rise to some of the most iconic artists and anthems of our generation. From Lil Wayne, Juvenile, and Birdman to Master P, Mystikal, and Silkk the Shocker, both camps helped put the South on the map and changed how the world moved to the beat.

Fans can expect an all-out energy-filled experience as these legendary camps go head-to-head live on stage, performing classics that shaped the late ‘90s and early 2000s sound from “Back That Azz Up” to “Make ‘Em Say Uhh.”

With ComplexCon being known as the ultimate collision of culture, music, and fashion, there’s no better stage for the return of Verzuz, a platform that’s always honored legacy while uniting generations under one musical moment.

This showdown isn’t just for nostalgia it’s for the culture, the South, and every fan who lived through the golden era of hip-hop.

Big Sean, Murda Beatz & Babyface Ray Unite for “Hood Politics”

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Detroit is fully in the building with this one. Big Sean, Murda Beatz, and Babyface Ray join forces for their brand new single and visual, “Hood Politics,” a record that embodies the grit, ambition, and duality.

Produced by the hit-making Murda Beatz, the track is a bass-heavy production layered with Detroit bounce and sharp drum patterns that instantly pull listeners in. Big Sean glides over the beat with the confidence of a seasoned vet, weaving motivational bars with introspective gems about staying grounded through fame and navigating the politics that come with success. Babyface Ray adds his signature street-savvy cool, matching Sean’s energy with slick punchlines and a calm but commanding flow that speaks to the city’s raw elegance.

The visual is cinematic and rooted in Detroit storytelling, block camaraderie, luxury flexes, and familiar faces that capture both the triumph and struggle of the come-up. It’s not just about money or fame; it’s about loyalty, longevity, and representing where you’re from without losing yourself in the process.

Buddy & Kalan.FrFr Bring the City to Life in New Visual “OTW” Reppin’ LA Culture

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Los Angeles’ own Buddy links up with Kalan.FrFr for their latest single and visual, “OTW”, a vibrant ode to the West Coast that perfectly captures the heartbeat of LA. From the opening shot to the last fade, the visual feels like a cinematic cruise through the city, palm trees, with a reference from the hit film Roll Bounce.

The track itself carries that signature Buddy bounce, a slick blend of feel-good production, heavy basslines, and effortless charisma. Kalan.FrFr adds his smooth, melodic touch, balancing Buddy’s lyrical finesse with a laid-back swagger that makes the record instantly replayable. Together, the duo deliver a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh, bringing back that classic LA energy while pushing it forward for a new generation.

The visual doesn’t just showcase the city, it embodies it. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and West Coast style. The fashion and colors all work in harmony with the beat, making “OTW” feel like more than just a song, it’s a vibe.

With this release, Buddy reminds fans why he’s one of LA’s most consistent and authentic voices, while Kalan.FrFr continues his streak of hits that define modern West Coast R&B-rap fusion. “OTW” is a ride through the city you’ll want to take again and again.