Category Archives: Underground Hip Hop

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Brandon Bally Interview, Being A Pittsburgh Native & Using That As A Power In Music

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We recently talked to Brandon Bally on life as a Hip-Hop artist in Pittsburgh and his latest release, Pew Pew.

Hey Brandon, thanks for talking to us today. Your latest track “Pew Pew” is
described as the ultimate hip-hop club anthem. What was the inspiration behind this
song?

I wanted to create an experience. Dancing is good for the soul. At times, we go in spaces where no one is dancing. Everyone is separated, guarded, and distant in a setting where they should be moving.

How does Pittsburgh’s music scene influence your style and creativity?

I am spearheading a new wave of my city’s music scene. What I want to do is outline something unique and innovative because that is what I believe is the essence of my city and the people who inhibit it. I aspire to stay true to my roots. We aren’t like everyone else and I want to represent that.

Who were your musical influences growing up, and how have they shaped your sound today?

 My influences span across many genres such as the following: – Soul/ R&B, House Music, Rock & Alternative, and Jazz. 

Artists and bands that have inspired me are the following

 Soul: Earth, Wind and Fire, Parliament, Gil Scott Heron, Stevie Wonder – R&B: Maxwell, Kem, Music Soulchild, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige – Hip Hop/ Rap: Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Outkast, Ludacris, Big KRIT, Wale, J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Lupe Fiasco 

Rock: Slipknot, Linkin Park, Fall Out Boys, Korn 

Jazz: Rodney McCoy, Roy Ayers 

These artists have inspired how I approach the creation of my music and how I want to make it feel. These artists also inspire how I want to perform, brand, and deliver my art. 

How did you incorporate elements of Jersey Club Music into “Pew Pew,” and what was the production process like? 

The instrumental already had the Jersey Club Music feel. The production process was good. My engineer Mike Moore created the initial recording at LDB10 Studios. My fellow artist, B. Aquarius, completed additional mixing & mastering for this track.

What are your plans for future releases? Can fans expect more music in the same vein as “Pew Pew”? 

Future releases will continue to reflect my musical versatility. Expect more music that will create an experience. Expect more music that can be played and interacted with in different settings. 

Are there any upcoming collaborations or projects you’re particularly excited about? T

he Cats Out The Bag EP is on the way. This is my first EP and I am excited to release it. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not making music? 

Going to the gym. Reading & writing. Spending time in nature at parks or at beaches. Traveling. Hooping. 

What advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to make their mark in the music world? 

 Believe in yourself. Be patient. Trust the process. Be clear on what you want and go after it relentlessly.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Natasha Bianca Interview

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We had a chance to chat with Natasha Bianca about her latest single Flex

Hey Natasha, congratulations on the release of your new single Flex! “Flex” is a bold track calling out the superficial online lifestyles and the obsession with validation. What inspired you to write this song?

Thank you so much! The inspiration came from personal observations of how social media can often promote superficiality and a constant need for validation, which can be damaging to mental health. I felt like calling everyone out in this song from the boys club, to internet trolls, online appearances, to anyone running my name trying to tear me down. It’s my anthem to state IM HERE! Im THAT bitch, nothing or NO ONE is going to stop me. It’s very sassy but empowering. 

In “Flex,” you address internet trolls and the boys club. How important is it for you to use your music as a platform to challenge these societal issues?

For me, it is incredibly important to utilize my platform to speak on these topics, as I’ve experienced them firsthand. While I’ve learned to identify and manage situations involving internet trolls and the boys club mentality, not everyone has the tools or resilience to do so. For many in the industry or anyone online facing similar challenges, it can be difficult to navigate these situations, which can significantly impact self-esteem and mental health. Through my music, I’m hoping to provide a voice for those who may feel silenced or marginalized. I want to empower listeners, helping them to recognize their own strength and resilience, and encourage others to stand up against negativity and discrimination.

Your latest releases carry strong messages of empowerment and resilience. How do your personal experiences shape the music you create?

I believe I was entering a new era of Natasha Bianca where I didn’t want to sing anymore heartbreak sad songs. Don’t get me wrong I still love a good Rnb sad song and I might one day release a whole sad girl album, but at my current point in my life I wanted to focus on up-tempo hype music that makes you want to dance, move and feel good. When I’m feeling down I love to listen to music that hypes me up and reminds me I AM that bitch!! For example Megan the Stallion, Doja Cat and BIA are all icons I listen to on repeat who give that energy. I wanted FLEX to give my audience that same empowering energy, reminding them of their worth and resilience.

What advice would you give to young, aspiring female artists who look up to you and want to make their mark in the music industry?


To keep going!! It’s a marathon and not a sprint. There can be so many disheartening moments in this industry that make you want to give up, but you just need to keep striving for the end goal – no matter what that may be. Listen to yourself and your intuition, speak up and be confident with your voice. It needs to be heard!

Being included in the Listen Out 23 lineup alongside big names like Ice Spice and Lil Uzi Vert is a huge accomplishment. What was the experience like?


It was the most incredible experience of my life to date. I still watch back at videos and think “that’s me?”. It was the biggest crowd I’ve performed in front of and they gave me so much energy. The biggest highlight was teaching the crowd the lyrics to one of my unreleased singles so when I started performing they all were all screaming my lyrics and its forever embedded into my memory. 

Looking ahead, what are some of your goals and aspirations for the next phase of your career? Are there any new collaborations or projects on the horizon?

I have my debut EP centered around female empowerment that is set to be released later this year that I’m extremely excited about. I’ve been performing all the songs on the project in my live shows and the crowd response so far has been amazing so I’m very excited to introduce it to the rest of the world. Hoping we’ll be able to include a tour in soon also. 

Reflecting on your career so far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey as an artist?

No matter how much I love the stage and performing connecting with people, the most rewarding aspect as an artist is when I receive a dm from a fan expressing their love of my music, or how much they connected with one of my songs. It’s truly the most heartwarming feeling to know someone can feel their own experiences and emotions through my music. Another super rewarding aspect in my career is looking back from when I started and knowing I’ve achieved everything in my career thus far on my own independently. The music industry is a scary world, and navigating through it is even more terrifying. But being able to collaborate with some amazing creatives in Australia and building a team from the ground up is probably one of the most self-rewarding moments as an independent artist. 

Is there any message or final thought you’d like to share with your fans and the listeners who have supported you along the way?

All my supporters have played such a significant role in my career and I love they’re along for the journey. Keep being YOU and remember, you’re THAT bitch!! New music soon… 

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Joey Pappas Interview

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We had a chance to talk with Joey Pappas on her latest release So Cold

Congratulations on the release of your new single So Cold! Can you tell us what inspired this song?

Thank you so much! I have always been someone who is ‘all or nothing’ and over the years I feel I have given so much and felt so much that I now struggle to trust anything is real at all. The irony of this song is I am saying that I struggle to express my emotions whilst writing them in a song for the world to hear. I wrote this song to myself, admitting things I have been almost afraid to say out loud and I hope it helps others feel seen.

What was the writing process like for this song, did you write it in the midst of your emotions? 

My producer, Kirby and I created the beat for this song a while ago and it sat with me for a while and I tried writing to it a couple times and nothing stuck. One day I came home, I felt incredibly low and burnt out, I put the song on and wrote the whole thing from start to finish in one go. The words just flowed out of me in almost a cry for help, it is one of the most transparent songs I have written as it is not about anyone else but me, which is something I find hard to speak on.

Who did you work with to bring So Cold to life? 

I have created all my songs with Kirby, he is extremely talented and an incredibly patient person which has been so needed as I am such a new baby artist. He allows me such a safe space to create my vision while also bringing such a distinct twist to my sound. I also created my debut music video for So Cold with my extremely talented brother, Jonny Pappas (Backlit Media). I had a distinct vision for the video and we created something that we are both incredibly proud of. I am very grateful to be able to work with both Kirby and Jonny!

What do you want your listeners to hear and feel from So Cold? 

I felt, even as I was writing this song, that I just desperately wanted to connect with people. Even though I felt so numb, the human need for connection and to feel love is still there underneath the emotional ice, the walls and pain. I hope that this song allows others to feel validated even in their isolation and that maybe, just maybe, we won’t always be cold and alone.

You grew up in a religious cult, can you give us more insight into how you accessed listening to music when you were growing up? 

I did indeed. It was something I have spent a lot of time being angry about and was the inspiration for my first single ‘Insane’ but now I deeply appreciate where I have come from and how it has helped create the person I am today. I was not actually allowed to listen to mainstream music, I had very limited access to the radio, we didn’t even have a TV in our household. I did a lot of singing in church and music has always been a large part of my life, just not mainstream music. I remember when I started my first job at KFC there was a TV in the restaurant area and it played music videos on it all day and I was obsessed with it. To be a singer was all I had ever wanted to be, even then, when I was cooking chicken for the masses.

Who is your favourite music artist now and why?

I would say it is a tie between Tate McRae and Billie Eilish. I love the lyrical honesty they both show and their sounds are so incredibly unique. They also intrigue me on a deeper level as well. Despite them both being incredibly huge artists, they are so private and I love that. They display such deep emotions in their songs but you never know what they are actually doing and are always leveling up constantly, which I find truly inspiring.

How do you want to make a difference in the world and music industry?

I strongly feel that my purpose on this earth is to help others feel seen and valued. I have always felt quite isolated and for want of a better word “different” and if I can help people feel safe to express who they truly are, then to me, that is success. By singing about my experiences I am able to reach a wider audience and in turn able to live in alignment with my purpose in the best way possible. 

If you could share the stage with any artist living or dead who would it be? 

Taylor Swift. Not even a doubt in my mind. That woman has helped me through every single phase in my life. I hope one day to meet her, I have no doubt she is just as genuine and empathetic as you can feel through her music. 

What’s next for Joey Pappas? 

To perform shows baby!!! I am going to be dropping more singles over the next couple months but ultimately I am so excited to be getting up on those stages and connecting with as many people as I possibly can. Melbourne and Brisbane are my goals before the end of the year.


Thanks for your time, is there a message you’d like to share with your fans? 

Thank YOU so much for interviewing me and listening to what I have to say. I would like to say be kind to yourselves, everything is happening just how it is meant to. You can’t rush art or love and you are full of both. All my love to you, yes you, who is reading this, you’ve got this, I believe in you.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Natasha Bianca Is THAT Bitch In Her High Energy Anthem “Flex”

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Natasha Bianca, the rising pop and R&B sensation hailing from Adelaide, is no stranger to the stage or the spotlight. Her steady rise to the main stage has been marked by features on Spotify’s Fresh Finds AU & NZ and The Drip playlists, and recognition on Fresh 92.7 Radio, CADA, Triple J, and Unearthed Feature Artist. Highlighting her prowess, Natasha was celebrated as one of the top 5 soul/funk/R&B artists at the SA Music Awards in 2022 and 2023 and shone at Groovin the Moo 2023, her first major festival appearance.

Natasha’s influence stretches beyond Adelaide; she has supported acts like Jay Zayat and Kill Carter in Melbourne and showcased her talent at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory. Her collaborations with Australian music luminaries Birdee and Thandi Phoenix underline her growing stature in the music scene. A significant nod to the rising star was her inclusion in the Listen Out 23 lineup alongside Ice Spice and Lil Uzi Vert, facilitated through Triple J Unearthed. Most recently, Natasha featured at the Metro Theatre in Sydney, supporting Young Franco, hosted by Smirnoff Australia.

Central to Natasha’s work is her upcoming debut EP, anchored in themes of female empowerment. This project is anticipated not just for its musical innovation but for its potential to inspire and empower. Natasha Bianca is more than an artist; she’s a visionary, using her voice to ignite change and empower women through the universal language of music.

“Flex” is a high-energy anthem where Natasha Bianca is calling out the flashy, picture-perfect lifestyle from internet trolls, the boys club and everyone in between trying to tear her down. With a catchy chorus that repeats “Flex flex, all your cash bro, we know you do it for the gram though,” this track pokes fun at the obsession with online validation. The verses are bold and unapologetic, all set to a beat that demands attention. Flex is calling out the haters and Natasha wants everyone to know she’s THAT BITCH and nothing or nobody will get in her way.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Panic In LA, May 2024 Recap

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This past Wednesday, May 15th 2024, Slum Village, Talib Kweli, and Rakim Allah Tha God Emcee shut down the house at DTLA’s 1720 venue. The Detroit duo and East Coast emcees hit the Los Angeles stage and delivered an epic show, performing classics. With Rakim headlining, LA anticipates his upcoming project ‘Gods Network,’ set to drop later in July, brought to you by Holy Toledo.

Images provided by Loe Kee (IG: @ LoeKeePhlicks)

https://www.instagram.com/loekee_phlicks/

Follow Panic In LA IG: @PanicinLA

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Joey Pappas Raps About Emotional Numbness In So Cold

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PHOTO CREDIT

Joey Pappas is an emerging Pop / Hip-Hop artist hailing from Adelaide. From a young age, Joey has challenged the status quo, having been born into a religious cult where her voice and self-expression were stifled. Since breaking free from those constraints, she’s been on a mission to prove that regardless of your upbringing, you hold the power to change your circumstances.

Joey channels her experiences into her music, aiming to empower others to recognize the validity of their own voices and emotions. Her transparent lyricism invites listeners to reflect on their own stories, blurring the lines between her narrative and theirs. Through her artistry, Joey Pappas is not just making music; she’s igniting a movement of self-discovery and empowerment.

Joey Pappas’ “So Cold” is a chilling reflection of emotional numbness and existential dread. The haunting melodies and atmospheric instrumentation draw listeners into a world of isolation. Pappas’ raw vocal delivery and poignant lyrics offer solace to those lost in their own emotional ice, finding strange tranquility amidst the chaos. This track stands out for its emotional depth and its ability to connect on a profound level, making it a powerful piece for anyone navigating their inner shadows.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Jae Markwick’s Reflection on Parental Guidance

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Jae Markwick is a South Australian singer/songwriter who got his start in mid 2021 where he began writing in his spare time after a friend told him he had a good voice for singing and rapping. Jae grew up listening to the likes of Hilltop Hoods, Justin Bieber, and Guy Sebastian. Jae made connections by attending local live shows to network. In his first few releases he has clocked over 1 million streams on Spotify. Landed himself in over 10,000 playlists, including Spotify editorial “Bongo Bars”, opened for Avery Harden on his Australian tour, and supported by international and national press.

Jae’s goal is to connect with his fans personally and make music that reaches people’s hearts and helps them understand their own emotions.

The Love You Give is a poignant reflection on parental guidance and personal struggles. Set against a backdrop of heartfelt hip-hop melodies, Jae and VAF delve into their respective journeys, from navigating heartbreak to battling personal demons. With introspective lyrics and soulful vocals, the song resonates with authenticity, showcasing Jae’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Through its raw honesty and evocative storytelling, “The Love You Give” not only showcases Jae’s talent as a singer/songwriter/rapper but also fulfills his goal of creating music that touches the soul and fosters understanding of one’s own emotions.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Brandon Bally Takes Hip-Hop To The Nightclub Dance Floor

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Brandon Bally’s latest hit, ‘Pew Pew‘, is an electrifying fusion of Hip-Hop and R&B that’ll have you hooked from the first beat. Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Bally brings a fresh vibe to the scene, blending introspective lyrics with infectious hooks. ‘Pew Pew’ is the ultimate club anthem, drawing on Jersey Club Music influences to deliver a dancefloor banger that’ll keep you moving all night long. Authentic and energizing, Bally’s music is a must-listen for anyone craving good quality music.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Stefan Rossi and Keith Kugo Deep Dive Sonic Exploration in Lucid

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When an innovative sonic master producer/artist with beautiful exploration like Keith Kugo & and intricate writer with performative force like Stefan Rossi get together.. you get an explosive combinational hit of stylistic & relatable music.

‘Lucid’ their first single off their upcoming EP hears a calm yet catchy groove that always has you engaged, singing along with bursts of excitement throughout.

With their debut single “Lucid,” the duo sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating musical journey. Seamlessly weaving together calm yet catchy grooves with bursts of excitement, “Lucid” invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world of sonic exploration. From the opening notes to the infectious chorus, each moment is infused with a sense of creative energy that leaves a lasting impression.

But “Lucid” is just the beginning. With an upcoming EP on the horizon, Keith Kugo and Stefan Rossi offer a tantalizing glimpse into the diverse range of flavors awaiting listeners. From introspective ballads to high-energy anthems, this duo refuses to be confined to one genre or style. Instead, they embrace the freedom to experiment and innovate, pushing the boundaries of what modern music can achieve.

In an industry often saturated with predictability, Keith Kugo and Stefan Rossi stand out as a breath of fresh air. Their commitment to artistic expression and sonic exploration makes them a duo worth remembering. So, keep an eye out for Keith Kugo and Stefan Rossi as they continue to redefine the musical landscape one electrifying track at a time.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Tommy Marsh Tells You A Lil Somethin ‘Bout Him In Latest Single Surf Ct

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Tommy Marsh, is a 21-year-old rapper/singer-songwriter from Maslins Beach. Tommy’s been writing his own songs since he was 9, and performing live is his absolute favourite thing in the world. The energy from an audience enjoying his music is an incredible feeling that he cherishes.

Starting out in a creative school, Tommy was fortunate to unlock his musical talents at a young age. His big dream? To make a positive impact through his music, motivating others to make positive changes in themselves and the world around them.

Surf Ct is a bold heavy rap track that dives into Tommy’s experiences growing up. The lyrics touch on overcoming bullying, playing sports, and finding resilience through personal passion. The memorable hook revolves around “Surf Court,” a steep street where the Tommy grew up, adding a nostalgic and relatable element. This song is a response to fans wanting more personal insights, showcasing Tommy’s growth in storytelling and his ability to seamlessly blend poetry with rap. Overall, Surf Ct offers a raw and authentic glimpse into the artist’s past, marking a significant step forward in his musical journey.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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