Nigerian mega-producer/songwriter Bongo ByTheWay has contributed a tremendous  amount of work in producing and songwriting as an entrepreneur. Growing up in an African household with parents who often sang Gospel music and being raised in the church, played a huge role in Bongo’s career today. He also credits his brother for teaching him how to appreciate the craft and mechanics behind the music. Bongo has accomplished many amazing achievements throughout his career. He is the producer behind “Girl Like Me” by Jazmine Sullivan feat. H.E.R., he is the face behind Cordae’s hit single “Gifted” featuring Roddy Ricch, he contributed three tracks for Mary J. Blige for her 14th studio project Good Morning Gorgeous, and the list goes on. This year, he won a Grammy for his contributions to Heuax Tales at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. I had the chance to catch up with the Grammy award-winning producer to learn more about his journey. Check out our interview below. — Lyrical Lemonade: As a Nigerian Native, it probably wasn’t easy becoming a globally known producer. Describe your journey to becoming a producer? My journey to becoming a producer started when I was around eight years old. That’s when I found …

If Lola Brooke is not on your radar this year, after reading this article, I hope you get very familiar with her. Standing at 4’9, Brooke is a force to be reckoned with. She is well known in the streets of New York for her deep gritty voice and fierce punchlines. A craft that began in Junior high school, has blossomed into a full-blown career. Growing up, she was influenced by some of hip-hop’s greatest like Missy Elliot, Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj, Lauryn Hill, B.I.G., 2 Pac, Meek Mill, and a few others. Today, the Bedstuy native returns with her new single ‘On My Mind’. ‘On My Mind’ is unlike anything we heard from Brooke before. Ahead of her debut EP, the up-and-coming rapper wants her fans to realize how diverse her catalog can be. In the LVTRKEVIN video, Brooke turns the heat up alongside Lil Rek as both artists embrace a New York love story. Even though this is a love story, Lola still brought out her fatal bars and aggressive flow that I have grown to love. “When I recorded ‘On My Mind’ I wanted people to see that Lola Brooke is a fan of love. There are …

Being an artist is a learning experience. Giles fka Vthov aka Giles’s appreciation for music began while he was in college when he learned about how many musical devices from a multitude of genres affect people. Throughout his career, the multi-talented artist began to understand the power music has in one life. His current mastery of music took over decades of work to develop. “I have an affinity for putting music together from a theoretical perspective. I am open-minded to all genres, and I am aware of the rich sonic possibilities that occur in the relationships between melody and harmony,” he explained. “At the same time, I stay sharp. I love the history of society, culture, and art.” As a rapper and hip hop producer, Giles gathered over 1 million views on youtube with his mixtape Books over Bullets and his debut album Amongst the Stars. He was also the pianist and lead musician on “What Does Freedom Mean” on the Soundtrack to the Oscar-winning major motion picture “Twelve Years a Slave.” Earlier this year, he released his first single “Alive”. The percussion and guitar chords on the upbeat track with Giles’ motivational words created a timeless record. This summer, …

RJAE came into the music scene in 2016 after being discovered by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie at the age of 16. Since then, the New Orleans artist has been putting in work overtime and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. He is currently signed to NBA Youngboy’s Never Broke Again label and has racked up over 20 million streams and views thus far. This past week, RJAE debuted his latest single Like A Ghost ft. Stunna Gambino. This is the collaboration we didn’t know we were missing. The ILL Views directed video received 183k views and counting on Youtube thus far. Throughout the video, RJAE is seen in a dark studio with mesmerizing fluorescent light. In an old New York neighborhood, Stunna pulls up with his crew and raps over the melodic beat. In the past, we have seen RJAE’s rap side, but on ‘Like A Ghost’ the rising artist showed his R&B side that the ladies love. Both artists showed out on this record, and we hope they collaborate on more singles moving forward. “Having Stunna on the record was major for me because I had been locked into his sound for a while,” RJAE shared. “To me, he’s one of the …

Duke Deuce is making a new lane in the music industry, and his latest project ‘Crunkstar, is a reflection of how far he has come in a short amount of time. Duke has teased fans with his new album since last year. However, this body of work was well worth the wait. The 20 tracklist features collaborations with Lil Yachty, Babyface Ray, Doe Boy, Rico Nasty, Gloss Up, Slimeroni, Co Cash, Glorilla, and DJ Tootz. The self-proclaimed King Of Crunk also linked up with some of the hottest producers in the game like Metro Boomin, Juicy J, Hitkidd, Pyrex Whippa, Duke Nitty, Allen Ritter, and more. Duke’s new album featured his recent single ‘ CRUNKSTARZ’, one of the best singles I have heard from the Memphis rapper this year. While fans are used to hearing his crunk sound, this song was much smoother and shows how versatile his flow can be. On this album you also hear the melodic intensity of “Animosity” ft Lil Yachty, then there’s the party-banger sound on “Flip Da Switch” ft. Juicy J, and the electric guitar-laden exorcism of “Living Life”.  Just last week, it was announced that Duke will kick off a Crunkstar Tour this Summer! Check …

This year, Lakeyah is all pump and no breaks. On June 17, the rising artist debuted her latest EP, No Pressure: Part One, via Motown Records. The 6-track installment includes her recent hit single “Mind Yo Business” ft. Latto, an absolute summer banger, and “I Look Good”. The new EP demonstrates once again that Lakeyah isn’t going anywhere.  One of our favorite track on this project is “Pop Dat.” 15 seconds into the record the Milwaukee rapper was already hitting us with her deadly bars and vicious flow that I have grown to love.  “No plain Jane, I like VVs/ And ain’t no broke nigga gon’ cop that (nigga can’t cop that)/My shit water like ice, no freeze (no freeze)/Uh, he wanna see me pop dat (he do)/But I’m a real ass P-I-M-P (uh)/I make a nigga drop that bag” In addition to the EP, Lakeyah also dropped a new video for  “Record Straight.” With 324k views in just 10 days, the female goat wants you to know that she may be young, but she is a certified boss in every aspect. If you haven’t already, check out No Pressure: Part One below.

Let’s be honest, Drill music is the new sound of New York. Drill originated from Chicago with artists like Chief Keef, Lil Durk, G Herbo, Fredo Santana, and many more. Drill music is greatly influenced by trap music, which emerged in Atlanta, Georgia. Production, flow, and lyrics are key characteristics of drill music. Nxrre from Brooklyn, NY is widely known for creating drill beats for NY artists like B-Lovee, Bizzy Banks, 26AR, Ciggy Blacc, Ronsuno, and many more. What started as a hobby in 2018 turned into a full-blown career in 2019. Nxrre began reaching out to managers and artists until he had the opportunity to work with Smoove’L, Stunna Gambino and Justin Rarri. Staying true to his culture, The rising producer always tries to give his beats a Spanish/Reggaeton type of Bounce. This allows Nxrre to stand out amongst other producers. Even though Nxrre is very known for drill, his catalog is versatile with anything from RnB, reggaeton, trap, melodic, and house music.  “I have a lot on the way I’m not going to lie, but me and JabariontheBeat have a highly anticipated song on the way with Stunna Gambino and NoCap. Me and ShoBeatz have a lot together as …

A new artist you should have on your radar this year is Chicago native Alistar. The up and coming artist’s dedication to improving his craft has landed him on Lyrical Lemonade radar. Alistar has been creating  buzz for himself with his positive mindset, and melodic vocals that I fell in love with. Today, Alistar debuts his new hit single ‘From Nothing to Something’. The CashoutBernard produced beat and RIAA Platinum engineer Anthony Smith created a record that will have you bobbing your head upon first listen. Alistar upbeat flow with his dope punchline made the perfect record to add to your playlist this week. “Ever since I was a kid, music is what has gotten me excited for the day. I could be having the worst day, yet when my fav song comes on, none of that seems to matter,” Alistar explained. “I’m truly blessed to be able to create this song as a means of inspiring or positively influencing anyone I can.” This year, I look forward to watching how Alistar will progress within his career. His talent has not gone unnoticed. It’s only a matter of time before the world realizes. Check out his new single below.