DMV standout Joony taps Bay Area icon Larry June and rising R&B star Isaiah Falls for their effortlessly smooth new single, “PIMPIN”. The track is a masterclass in genre-blending: laid-back production, slick lyricism, and soul connect to create a slow-burner that feels tailor-made for late night drives down PCH.

Led by a buttery hook from the “Florida Baby” riser and strengthened by ultra player verses from Joony and Larry June, “PIMPIN” sees all three artists delivering peak performances. While the track still taps into familiar hip-hop themes, each voice brings a fresh perspective, making this an instant add for any playlist featuring vibey summer songs or after-hours jams.

Regarding the collaboration, Joony shared, “Since Isaiah’s style leans more into R&B, and my music typically has that laid-back, confident vibe, we knew we wanted to create something with a mix of suave, sexy, and cool energy. We both sat down and got to work on it. I let Isaiah do his thing on the hook, and then I came in right after with that same swagger. A few months later, I sent the track to Larry June, and he vibed with it right away. He sent the record back to me almost immediately, and that was that—everything fell into place. The lyrics, while a bit bold, were meant to carry assertiveness with a hint of humor and wit. We wanted it to feel playful yet confident.”

“PIMPIN” also marks a key moment in Joony’s evolving rollout. While his first two singles of the year – “DOPA(MINE)” and “NO CHILL” – were solo efforts, this latest drop ushers in a collaborative chapter that hints at the direction of his forthcoming album this year. Behind the scenes, Joony’s momentum has only grown, securing credits alongside the likes of Brent Faiyaz, Blxst, Destin Conrad, and Ty Dolla $ign, including a standout co-write on Ty’s recent single “ALL IN,” and a featured contribution to Destin Conrad’s focus track “FMU!” off the LOVE ON DIGITAL LP.

With “PIMPIN,” Joony levels up once again, proving that he’s not just teasing fans with new material, he’s setting the tone. Stream it now and stay tapped in for more from Joony as his name continues to heat up.

Standout South-London R&B artist James Vickery today releases his superb new studio album JAMES.

The album encapsulates an exhilarating year so far that has seen the release of stunning singles “All In”, “Right Side”, “Butter” & “Hotel Lobby”, receiving praise across the board with support from Billboard, Ones To Watch, Apple Music (The Rebecca Judd Show), BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, KISS, The Independent & more.

Joining forces with longtime collaborator JD Reid (Mahalia, Mabel, Sinead Harnett), producer Larrance Dopson (Kendrick Lamar, Ella Mai, Justin Timberlake) and Grammy-nominated LA songwriter/composer Jonah Christian (Beyonce, Normani, Tems), his stunning new album is a remarkably assured statement – one that introduces a whole new sound to his audience. It’s an album Vickery calls his most authentic yet, blending classic R&B, Seventies funk, soul, and the pop sounds of the late Nineties and early 2000s that shaped him. That organic energy is palpable throughout – a bold, emotionally rich statement from an artist fully embracing who he is.

Today also sees the arrival of brand-new single “Fall In Your Arms” – a simply stunning track, encapsulating the depth and sheer quality of James as an artist. He strips everything away for this tender, heart-rending piano ballad on which Vickery pleads. “I finally feel safe/ ‘cos you’re here by my side. I need it night and day/ And all my problems drift away.”

Also appearing on the album is the suave R&B slow jam “Like That” featuring breakout rapper BIA, and a breathtaking rendition of Aerosmith’s chart-topping hit, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”. The fan favourite “Hotel Lobby” was recently featured on Love Island UK and James took part in Crystal Palace’s sensational FA Cup build up and victory celebrations as he performed their club anthem ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ for fans at Wembley’s Box Park before the game. He also sat down with BBC London TV for an interview at the stadium, HERE.

James is completely deaf in one ear due to a life-threatening cholesteatoma diagnosed at the age of eight. A vocal coach, initially brought in to help him with his speech, soon discovered his astonishing singing ability. His documentary Louder offered a candid glimpse into his experiences, shedding light on his identity and heritage as the son of a Welsh father and South African mother.

James has built an impressive career to date. His breakthrough COLORS SHOW has racked up nearly 40 million views, and collaborations with Kojey Radical, Musiq Soulchild, Kenny Beats, EARTHGANG & SG Lewis, as well as support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, The Fader, Clash & Complex, has cemented his reputation as a standout voice in UK R&B. Once driven by a need for acceptance, James has now embraced his truth.

James will tour North America, Europe and the UK throughout October, November & December – tickets here.

Toronto’s own artist and producer Chris LaRocca today released his single “last pair of boots in town” ahead of his EP ‘dog years’ arriving on October 3rd.

“last pair of boots in town” speaks to the cyclical nature of toxic relationships. While he is surrounded by friends, loved ones, fellow creatives, and peers in the music industry, this single focuses in on the moments where he feels most isolated.

The lyrics are as introspective as ever, as Chris LaRocca balances melancholy with a matter-of-fact kind of acceptance. His tone is bittersweet as he takes listeners through what feels like an inevitable ebb and flow of relationships in his life. The instrumentation on this single is intentional and sparce, shining a clear spotlight on his words. “last pair of boots in town” is more than just a sad song, it is a journey where Chris LaRocca faces the truth that some people will never change.

On the moments that led to this single, LaRocca shares: “‘last pair of boots in town’ is beyond heartbreak – it’s about feeling like you are both someone’s last resort and safety net; when you are so toxically in love with someone that no matter how they treat you, they know you will always be there when they call. When writing this song, I was originally thinking about a friend of mine’s experience with someone they loved who treated them terribly, but ironically a year after creating it I found that I was living the story of this song myself. I think that’s why this song is so important to me – it is such a universal and painful feeling that so many have experienced, and I want it to feel like a safe space for people who can relate to know that they are not alone.”

As the release of his EP dog years approaches, “last pair of boots in town” has revealed yet another facet of Chris LaRocca’s exploration of a brand-new personal sound. Since dropping his single “ladybug” at the start of this year, he has been steadily unveiling the range of what listeners can expect to hear across the full EP project.

Rising LA artist rouri404 released his second single of the year “body (i want you)” today on Red Bull Records. Following a transformational cross-country move from Orlando to Los Angeles earlier this year, the genre-blending artist has hit the ground running with new music and a fresh direction, showcasing the evolution of his sound to fans and new listeners alike.

With futuristic synths, plucky soundboard adlibs, and a track composition that honors the best parts of EDM – rouri404 is redefining the space between emo-adjacent hyperpop and classic electronic music as he modernizes the genre. Lyrically, “body (i want you)” is an honest exploration of self, encompassing the challenges that can stand in the way of growth and embracing the journey for all its parts.

On the story behind “body (i want you)” rouri404 shares: “After getting sober in 2020, I began experiencing anxiety and stress-related seizures. It became difficult to hold a full-time job because I was constantly afraid that my mind or body would shut down on me. I felt like I had
no control, like something could possess me at any moment and I’d be completely powerless. For a long time I blamed myself. I thought choices I made when I was younger had ruined me, permanently.”

rouri404 continues: “But with time I started to see things differently. I’ve come to believe that all my flaws for better or worse, have shaped who I am. They are still part of the story. I realized I’ll never feel truly comfortable in my own skin until I can treat the worst parts of myself as equal. “body” is my attempt to move through all of that, to sit with those thoughts and feelings as honestly and openly as I can.”

While his affinity for raw vocals and his layered, glitchy production are consistent with previous releases, rouri404 has entered into a new chapter of his personal sound. Drawing inspiration from legacy artists like Skrillex, while also sharing a lane with newer acts like 2hollis and ISOxo, rouri404 is taking different facets of the genre and arranging them in a way that only he can.

Richmond-to-LA rapper, producer, and singer-songwriter Peter $un today unveiled his full-length album ‘Rent Was Due…’ The nine-track project arrives with the new single “Double Standards” featuring breakout R&B star Joyce Wrice. The official music video, coming next week, sees Sunny and his date in a swanky bar surrounded by a rotating cast of women and men vying for their respective attention, all while they bicker about the double standards at play.

In the lead up to his album release, Peter $un (Sunny) has been warming up fans with summer-ready singles all season, including the feel-good track, “All That I Want” featuring Bay Area rapper Rexx Life Raj and the backyard BBQ anthem, “Weight On Me” featuring SoCal rapper Buddy. While “Double Standards” dials down the dancefloor energy, it showcases another side of the Virginia native, highlighting his soulful roots and nostalgic R&B influences.

Unpacking the meaning behind the single, Sunny shared: “I wrote ‘Double Standards’ based on the dynamics of a toxic relationship. It’s about calling your partner out on some shit, meanwhile you’re doing all the same things to them.”

Sunny’s verses flow with ease, and when Joyce Wrice joins in, their synergy is undeniable. They exchange playful arguments about relationship imbalances over a laid-back beat that creates an effortless groove. On collaborating with Joyce, Sunny added: “Working with Joyce Wrice on the track was amazing. She has this great energy whenever she pulls up – she really killed it on this one.”

The album introduces brand new tracks like the jazz-inspired opener, “Get Down,” which borrows from Kool and the Gang’s iconic “Get Down On It”, and the old school rap track, “Keep the Faith”. Sunny bounces between different eras, genres, and sonic landscapes throughout the album, pulling from his dynamic West Coast community and the fabric of the Richmond scene. While each piece of the project has its own musical identity that flexes Sunny’s versatility, together they form a cohesive narrative on ‘Rent Was Due…’

Piecing it all together, Sunny reflects: “The album is deeply personal to me – it’s life imitating art. Creating it gave me a way to express joy during a difficult time and reminded me of the control I have over that little voice in my head. We wanted to dance through the chaos and now, we’re celebrating.”

Sunny created this album from a real need to make rent – a challenge that many rising artists face in monetizing their passion – and for his existing fans, it only re-emphasizes his commitment to transparency. It’s both raw and relatable, yet it never succumbs to the difficulties Sunny faced at the time. Looking toward a brighter future, he chose to find the silver lining and that hope shines through in the colorful tones of ‘Rent Was Due…’.

Richmond-born, LA-based artist Peter $un (Sunny) returned today with his new feel-good single, “All That I Want” featuring Bay Area rapper Rexx Life Raj on Red Bull Records/Mind of a Genius. While Sunny’s DMV roots are foundational to his sound, moving to Los Angeles has brought a West Coast flavor to his music that gives “All That I Want” its bouncy, upbeat groove. His love for ‘90s neo-soul can also be felt in the laid-back rhythm and funky instrumentation. Rexx Life Raj adds a contagious energy in his verse, making for a smooth yet party-ready track. While it’s easy to dance and vibe when it comes on, the lyrics in Sunny’s verses are deceptively vulnerable. He’s only got eyes for one girl in the room and wants to be sure she knows it.

On the making of “All That I Want,” Sunny shares, “Rondo came to me with a beat he’d made and as soon as I heard it, I knew I wanted to put a verse on it. It was just different. Rondo’s been my main collaborator as far as production goes since 2018 and he knows the styles of beats I like and how I want things to sound. Then Rexx & Pineapple Citi hopped on, and they really took it to the next level. I wanted to make something that people could have fun with, move a little, feel good. Hearing it back for the first time after everyone did their thing, it felt complete.”

The accompanying visualizer captures a chill morning with Sunny and friends on the front steps of his house. From LA to the Bay, Sunny and Rexx are setting the mood for a kick-back. With a tip jar in hand labeled “Rent $$$”, Sunny’s gearing up for a summer of hustle as he works to make ends meet while enjoying the moment.

Earning fans in everyone from Zane Lowe to Russ, Sunny has built a loyal following around his soulful repertoire. Last year, he released the house-inspired track “MY FAVORITE DRUG” off his summer starter EP, 3PIECE. With it came his debut on SpringHill’s coveted “On Site” YouTube series and a Red Bull Media House x Ghetto Film School short film, $unny Daze, directed by Lexx Truss. This year will see more new music and good vibes from Sunny – stay tuned.