DJ Duce interviews music recording artist Zorealzs on his music escape and how music has been his meditation. DJ Duce: I Want to read you a quote from your bio that I have read "I always used to listen to my music. It was a way to escape, when I had no way to". When you were listening, where did you escape and how did that reflect on your music? Zorealzs: My Zorealzs Zone that's what I call it. It's almost like a form of meditation as some may say a zen state, monk like Lol 😂 . I always like to use my imagination, being creative and innovative, a trendsetter was just me putting a stamp on everything and making it official to solidify my arrival in the industry. My peers and associates always said I had flow and good rhymes but I really never took it serious. It was all just fun, chilling with family and around good people in the studio. I felt comfortable, we would just vibe out together and make bangers whether u got the trunk beating on the slab, chopping chrome, or at a barbecue. We was definitely going to have a good time and show up and show out! DJ Duce: Growing up in Southside of Chicago Illinois and leaving at the young age of 10, what is the craziest memory you have that ties into one of your songs? Zorealzs: Honestly, at that age I would probably say my grandfather being murdered. That to me was real tough to deal with. DJ Duce: I Listened to quite a few of your tracks on SoundCloud. What would you say has changed in your music from your track 'Power Moves' (8 years ago) to 'Nobody' currently? What would you want to improve about your music today? Zorealzs: Power Moves that was produced by Ranch Sauce was a song to put you in a mood of motivation. Just stunting and flexing on all the non-believers of your vision and goals. Now you finally succeeded, what a feeling. My track Nobody, I felt that definitely was one of my crossover songs. It has a R&B, Hip-Hop vibe, Reggae influenced ipappi created the instrumental. I was looking for a Caribbean sound on my Beatstars page. ipappi is cool, we spoke a few times and definitely will be making some more music together! Prince Fosu, professionally known as iPappi is a Ghanaian record producer and sound engineer who hails from Kumasi in the Ashanti region. His major productions include "Ololo" by Stonebwoy featuring Teni and "Up and Awake" by Kojo Cue and Shaker featuring Kwesi Arthur. DJ Duce: I seen you met a lot of music artists in your career. Which one was your favorite and what piece of game did you learn from that artist? Zorealzs: I really can't say i have a favorite because there has been so many. As far as a artist standpoint that's meaningful to me, I would say my high-school friend Donovan a.k.a. Trajik. Honestly I didn't even know him as a artist. Trajik use to battle in the lunch rooms with all the local artists. We use to make beats on the lunch table with the pens and pencils. Straight throwback, just linking up with him, watching his work ethic, craft and dedication. He showed me how to mix and engineer music. I would be in the studio with him as he's working on a project and I'm constantly asking him questions on the ProTools operations. Just learning, soaking it up and he's just a all-around good friend who stayed solid! I would also say Sean a.k.a. Kriptik/Frank Sincere. Long huh Lol 😂 . That's another story. But for real, Sean that's my little bro. We had a group called X-Rated and we dropped one album. We were actually working on the second album, but somethings happen and it didn't work out. We will talk about it in the movie or check out the documentary. DJ Duce: In 5 years, where do you want to be in music? Where do you see your music career in 5 years? Zorealzs: Definitely charting the billboards! Winning some awards and traveling doing shows globally. Keeping a steady flow of residual income from royalties and investments. It's happening now! I can't even say 5 year's honestly, but definitely a well known artist globally and a positive leader, that is able to motivate and encourage others to do better. Stay focused on becoming greater mentally, emotionally and spiritually! Zorealzs Social Media Instagram Zorealzs 'Bounce' Article by DJ Duce

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Lil Wayne signs with UTA and announces his new album "I Am Not A Human Being III." Lil Wayne is having a huge week, cryptically hinting that he might have gotten married on Tuesday and announcing some big music news on Wednesday. According to a press release, the living legend has signed a new deal with UTA for representation around the globe in all areas of his career. With the new deal, the 38-year-old rapper has announced the release of his upcoming studio album, I Am Not A Human Being III. Representing a range of talent including Offset, Tyga, Post Malone, Bad Bunny, YG, Machine Gun Kelly, Tierra Whack, and more, UTA is one of the most prominent music groups in the business, representing the best of the best. Lil Wayne's addition to their roster is a monumental one, which will become even more of a big deal upon the release of I Am Not A Human Being III, which will be out later this year according to the press release. Read full article at HNHH

Fans will be able to tune in to watch the beloved rapper's "Celebration of Life Memorial." Unfortunately for fans, there won't be a public memorial service for DMX. We were all hit with the devastating news that the beloved New York emcee had passed away following a heart attack, and the world has taken to the internet to share their favorite moments from Dark Man X. Earl Simmons has been a fixture in the Hip Hop community for decades and his vulnerability, partnered with his rough persona, created a space in music that no other artist can come close to occupying. Last week, we reported on the news that DMX's memorial service would take place at the Barclay's Center, and just an hour ago, his loved ones shared more information about his "homegoing celebration." "Saturday 4/24 Celebration of Life Memorial LIVE on @YouTube at 4:00 PM EST (Link in bio.)," someone penned in the caption to a photo of X. "Sunday 4/25 Homegoing Celebration LIVE on @bet at 2:30 PM EST." They made it clear that "attendance [is] restricted to family & close friends... #longlivedmx." There were also rumors that Swizz Beatz contacted Kanye West to ask the Sunday Service leader to attend the memorial. Ye and X have collaborated in the past so it would seem fitting that Swizz would want West in attendance in whatever capacity. Check out the post about the memorial service below. Full article at HNHH

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The Rap icon, real name Greg Jacobs, also known by his alter ego Humpty Hump, is being memorialized by artists and fans. In the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Digital Underground always got the party started. Even today, once "The Humpty Dance," "Same Song," or Tupac Shakur's "I Get Around" plays on the speakers, it's difficult not to run to the dancefloor. Digital Underground—founded by Chopmaster J, Kenny-K, and Shock G—was a worldwide sensation prior to social media apps and viral buzz. At the time, they were one of the more fun-loving, yet controversial collectives on the scene, and later, they would go on to add several members including Pee Wee, Money-B, and Tupac Shakur who acted as a Digital Underground backup dancer early in his career. On Thursday (April 22), Chopmaster J shocked the Hip Hop world when he shared a post on Instagram with the devastating news that Shock G, also known by his alter ego Humpty Hump, had passed away at 57. "34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip hop band and take on the world through it all the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some," Chopmaster J wrote in the caption. "And now he’s awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!! #digitalunderground." Reactions to this sad news have been met with stunned reactions, especially on the heels of losing other Hip Hop legends like DMX and Black Rob. TMZ reports that Shock G's father, Edward Packer, confirmed the news and added that the rapper was found unresponsive in a Tampa hotel room. A cause of death will be determined once an autopsy is completed. Long Live Shock G. Rest in peace to a legend. Check out a few responses below. Full article at HNHH

Chevy Woods, one of Wiz Khalifa’s earliest Taylor Gang signees, might be best-known for his association with the Pittsburgh rapper, but he’s developed into a dexterous solo artist as well. MASK ON, the Pittsburgh-native’s latest project arrives in perfect time for summer weather, with airy bars and melodic instrumentals gracing much of the project. The “Things Changed” rapper has proven yet again that he’s bigger than just a Wiz feature. Stream Chevy Woods Mask On Below...

Moneybagg Yo has been an instrumental component of the rise of Memphis Hip Hop over the past few years. Beginning in 2016 with his debut Federal Reloaded, Moneybagg Yo has been one of Memphis’s most devout champions, and that continues with his latest release, A Gangsta’s Pain. Yo’s latest includes star-studded lineup of features from Future, Polo G, Lil Durk, BIG30, Jhené Aiko, Pharrell and more. If Moneybagg Yo's prolific 2020, which brought a joint album with Blacc Youngsta and two editions of Time Served is indicative of his plan for 2021, A Gangsta’s Pain is just the start. Stream Moneybagg Yo A Gangsta's Pain Below...

Rolling Loud’s 2021 Miami festival is now set to take place in July, moving from the originally planned May dates by over two months. The new dates were revealed in a post on Instagram, with Rolling Loud thanking ticket holders for their patience. “We are excited to announce that Rolling Loud will now take place on July 23-25, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens,” the fest announced. “We want to extend a massive thank you to all our ragers who have held onto their tickets. Those who can’t make the new dates will have an opportunity to obtain a refund.” Rolling Loud will additionally be “sweetening the deal” for those who kept their tickets, although what that entails is unclear. “Whether you’re a Rolling Loud veteran or a first-timer, you are about to be a part of history.” The press release for the rescheduled dates announcement mentions the event will keep "as much of the 2020 lineup intact as possible–including headliners Post Malone and ASAP Rocky." When reached for clarification on whether Travis Scott—who was previously announced as a headliner alongside Post and Rocky—would still be headlining, a rep replied, "We'll have more updates on the lineup in the coming weeks." The full lineup, ticket information, and other details on the festival will be detailed shortly. Full article at Complex

Pretty Summer Playlist Season 1 is Saweetie’s barometer for forecasting talent she views as “Next Up” according to her Instagram post. Artists such as Drakeo The Ruler, BbyAfrica and Kendra Jae, among others, join Saweetie on six of the seven tracks existing on Pretty Summer Playlist Season 1. Stream Saweetie Summer Playlist: Season 1 below...