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Billboard Top Hip-hop

The Sharp and Swift Ascent of Imelda Gabs

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“My instrument is my body, so it is always in flux, and my identity as a singer has gone through many transformations as a result”

Q: Give us a short bio of yourself
Artists like Imelda Gabs are the reason why pop music never gets stale and evolves with the times that we live in.
Bold and unexpected, she manifests her passion and emotions through her music, both on stage and in the studio.
The 23 yr Belgian & Congolese artist grew up in Switzerland where she studied the piano, violin and singing. As she
naturally dived into composition and songwriting, performing quickly came her way.

At 14 yr she had her live debut at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels (BE) alongside her late father, jazz pianist
Doctor Gabs, followed by the W:HAlll (BE) where she got to play with organ legend Rhoda Scott and Miriam Makeba’s former drummer, Vic Jewel Pitts.

In 2017 she joined the Montreux Jazz Academy where she performed one of her first written songs “Heartbeat” with
renowned bass player Marcus Miller, and got invited to play at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival, opening for
Lianne La Havas and The Roots.

This event led her to “always expect the unexpected”, and from there her journey took a new turn.
The singer likes to mix varied sounds and treats her audience with a sonically rich blissful electro-acoustic musical
journey, which her self-produced debut single Fallen Angel fully embodies. Brilliantly infusing her dark pop inspirations with cinematic visuals, the single was internationally praised and its music video, directed by Dariy Mambetov, got awarded with Best Music Video & Best Director from the International Music Video Underground Festival.

In 2021 she presented her full band set up at Les Docks in Lausanne (CH) and the Montreux Jazz Festival who invited her for the second time to join their lineup. She also opened for French singer Camélia Jordana during the festival Le Créatives.
Her second single ALTER EGO was released on 10th December 2021 and her debut EP is on the way.
What should you expect from her next? the unexpected…

Journalist

Q: How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as raw, passionate and unexpected! While keeping a Pop
direction with my music productions, I like to explore other genres and mix them
together. It is a challenge but it’s also the best way I’ve found to evolve and push my
boundaries as an artist.

Journalist

Q: What is the story behind your latest song and what key projects are you working on this
year?
My latest song Alter Ego expresses how fighting your own inner demons can turn into a
vicious circle. 2020 was both a strange and difficult year as an artist and this song
came to me as a sort of rebellion against everything that was going on and how I felt at
the time. Currently, I’m working on my debut EP, looking forward to this next big step!

Journalist

Q: How do you want to be perceived by your fans and what’s one message that you want them
to know?
If you expect the unexpected, you become capable of anything and nothing can stop you,
whatever your goal is. I hope my music will inspire them to follow their dreams, whatever they
may be!

Journalist

Q: What life lessons have you learned so far in your music journey?
That nothing really ever happens as planned! You can only prepare yourself as much as
you possibly can for whatever comes your way, but that’s also what’s so exciting about a
music career, it’s constantly moving and you really never get bored !

Journalist

Q: Where can people follow you? (Link your social media accounts)
https://www.youtube.com/ImeldaGabs
https://www.instagram.com/imeldagabs/
https://www.youtube.com/ImeldaGabs
https://www.facebook.com/imeldagabs
https://twitter.com/imeldagabs
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OQhsLVx6kZBqWgDO5nYDS?si=N9Tky0Y6
T0i4KYJ-scVZdQ

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

The Music Industry’s Hidden Gem: James Artissen

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James Artissen

American Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, and Audio Engineer James Artissen also formerly known as James Worthy has long considered the name to be central to his life, and identity. It represents the dedication, and the passion towards his craft. Coming from New York, the musician attributes his hometown as a major influence on his style, and sound. Born James Allen Worthy on March 28, 1992 in Queens, New York, James began pursuing music at the age of 16. During that time period James had the opportunity to meet the late great Michael Jackson at Webster Hall in New York City which inspired James to fully pursue a career in the music business.

 

After moving to Atlanta, GA the singer, songwriter, and producers first musical experience was at his high school recording studio through a music mentoring program sponsored by Dallas Austin. His initial foray into music consisted of learning the art of songwriting which later turned into music production shortly after. Artissen was also highly influenced by artists such as: A Tribe Called Quest, Whodini, Kanye West, Miguel, The Weeknd, and Pharrell Williams. While studying those artists he began to teach himself how to sing in 2009. To further his education, he attended The Art Institute of Atlanta where he received a bachelor’s degree in audio production. This helped him begin working, and placing his work with mainstream acts, and songwriters. 

 
In 2017, James transitioned from music production to artistry and began recording himself. He joined a duo group named Kings X2, and released their debut single “Wine For Me” in september of 2017. The single peaked at #10 on the US Billboard Hot Single Sales Chart for 5 weeks. Later in 2018 the group disbanded, and James released his debut solo single “Move” which features the rap group Whodini. Following up to 2019 James released his anticipated EP “Blu Leisure” which became critically acclaimed upon its release.
The project included guest appearances from: Tony Terry, Sonna Rele, Kalenna Harper, and Whodini. After its great success he released his sophomore EP “Kaleidoscopes”, and in 2023 he joined forces with rapper Big Gipp of the rap group Goodie Mob to release their collaborative EP “Gipp N Worthy”. The lead single “TOTW” peaked at #91 on the US Billboard R&B Digital Sales Chart also charting at the #1 position on the Amazon Best Sellers Chart. Within all of James’s work he has been nominated for several Grammy Awards by working with names such as: Meek Mill, Justin Bieber, Robin S., 112, Raphael Saadiq, and so many others to name. In 2024 James launched his own label imprint Humble Sound Record in conjunction with Sony Orchard. The label houses artists such as: B Angie B, Robin S., Tynisha Keli, Sophia Habib, Shaynah, and Truth Hurts.
Related Artists:

Ty Dolla $ign

Tory Lanez

6LACK

PartyNextDoor

Khalid

The Weeknd 

 

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/jamesartissen/

https://www.twitter.com/jamesartissen

https://www.facebook.com/jamesartissenmusic

https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesartissen

Streaming:

https://www.youtube.com/@jamesartissenmusic

https://www.soundcloud.com/jamesartissen

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1cP5EevOlhJqtyk75ZEvMO?si=hLxyQlduShqK_1H26n_qqQ

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/james-artissen/1820494478

https://jamesartissenmusic.bandcamp.com

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

Marc “Mayjah” Payne Elevates in the game with New Album Levels of Payne, Featuring Rap Icon Shorty T and Kung Fu Rasta Sifu Bosco

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Marc “Mayjah” Payne Elevates in the game with New Album Levels of Payne, Featuring Rap Icon Shorty T and Kung Fu Rasta Sifu Bosco

LOS ANGELES, CA – Rising hip-hop artist and social media influencer Marc “Mayjah” Payne unveils his latest studio album, Levels of Payne, a boundary-pushing musical journey that blends West Coast lyricism, Southern grit, and Caribbean soul. With high-profile features from New Orleans rap legend Shorty T and St. Lucia’s reggae ambassador Sifu Bosco, this project solidifies Mayjah Payne’s position as one of the most dynamic new voices in global hip-hop.

Hailing from the West Side of Los Angeles, Mayjah Payne built his reputation not only as a gifted lyricist but also as a multi-talented producer and storyteller. Known for using hip-hop as his artform to speak on life, struggle, and ambition, he’s no stranger to growth. Levels of Payne reflects that evolution—a matured, sharpened sound fused with international influence and raw authenticity.

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The album’s standout track, “Don’t Mean Nothin,” pairs Mayjah’s slick bars with Shorty T’s Southern bounce and storytelling, forming a gritty anthem about surviving through adversity and rising to the top. Meanwhile, “Ashes To Ashes, Dust to Dust” brings a melodic twist as Sifu Bosco’s reggae harmonies flow effortlessly with Mayjah’s laid-back delivery, celebrating heritage, unity, and peace through music.

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With Levels of Payne, Mayjah Payne continues to expand his creative legacy. His previous projects have earned airplay on over 72 radio stations and charted Top 40 on 34 of them, and this latest release is already generating buzz across streaming platforms. Known for his high-energy performances and verified Instagram reach, Mayjah is taking this project worldwide to connect with audiences from California to the Caribbean.

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Critics are already calling Levels of Payne his most complete and ambitious work to date. “This is for the art – this is for the culture,” says Payne. “It’s not just about where I’m from—it’s about where we’re all going. Music should bring people together. That’s what this album is all about.”

Levels of Payne is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL. For fans of authentic hip-hop with a global heartbeat, this album is a must-listen.

Follow Marc “Mayjah” Payne on Instagram and other social media platforms @MayjahPayne and visit www.mayjahpayne.com for interviews, bookings, and press inquiries.

Watch “The Streets Don’t Love You” from the project “Levels of Payne” here below on the @MayjahPayne instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIwPzkCpCYF/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

 

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https://youtube.com/shorts/4qYqCxgD4aw?si=fJSKbSiN4j3_kPci

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

Bianca Ciocca Unleashes Passion and Rhythm in Her New Single “BED”

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Bianca Ciocca Unleashes Passion and Rhythm in Her New Single "BED"

Bianca Ciocca is back with an electrifying new single, “BED,” released on Valentine’s Day in collaboration with Chiato Records. This track is a mesmerizing fusion of Afro drill and sultry vibes, delivering a hypnotic rhythm that pulses with raw emotion and bold energy.

With lyrics like “Te busco y siempre estás, ya no hay marcha atrás” (I look for you and you are always there; there is no turning back), Bianca captures the essence of irresistible attraction and deep connection. The song’s smooth yet powerful beat makes it the perfect late-night anthem—whether you’re cruising through city lights or lost in an intimate moment.

🔥 “BED” is now available on all streaming platforms! Don’t miss out—stream, share, and spread the love.

💖 Listen Here: https://song.link/pwrggtx83z6vx


Bianca Ciocca: A Sonic Nomad Pushing Boundaries

Italian-German powerhouse Bianca Ciocca is more than just a musician—she’s a visionary artist whose creativity spans across singing, composing, acting, dancing, and fashion design. Based in Berlin, her music is a reflection of her nomadic soul, seamlessly blending elements of Hip-Hop, Trap, Latin, Dancehall, and Drum & Bass.

Her dynamic stage presence—whether performing solo, with a band, or as a DJ—has captivated audiences across the globe. Currently on a worldwide tour, Bianca is also preparing to unveil her upcoming album, “Bubble of Screams,” a deeply personal project inspired by her first Berlin winter, where she faced darkness, ghosts, and transformation through music.

With performances spanning Mexico, the USA, Europe, Africa, and India, Bianca has made her mark internationally, collaborating with acclaimed artists such as Tribuman, Nash, Maxi Roots, Sick Boy Simon, and Toy Selectah.

Following the success of her last album, “Jungle Tropical Feeling,” Bianca continues to break barriers, using her music as a force of empowerment—representing women, human rights, and fearless self-expression through the Girrrlx Power collective.

💖 Stay Connected with Bianca Ciocca: https://linktr.ee/biancacioccamusic
💽 Discover More at Chiato Records: https://www.chiatorecords.com

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