Lona Talks The Release Of His Album "Heart Of The Summer"
Texas rapper Lona, dropped his new album titled “Heart Of The Summer”, featuring 20 tracks!
“I was inspired by a lot from heartbreak to personal adversity, the climate of the world, triumph, defeat; just a host of emotions and experiences to be honest.”
By: Omar Cook
“I’m appreciative of all the love and support. i poured my heart into this so it means a lot to know people are not only listening but connecting with the music.”
Texas rapper Lona, dropped his new album titled “Heart Of The Summer”! Lona did not hold back on this project as he delivered 20 tracks on the album with features from other rising artists including Nayome, Kennyraccs, and LAW.
“The title was a metaphor my cousin used to describe my spirit in a conversation at a low point in my life. It stuck with me as I was working through it and eventually it became the title for this project. I was inspired by a lot from heartbreak to personal adversity, the climate of the world, triumph, defeat; just a host of emotions and experiences to be honest.”
This project features a lighter tone in music opposed to his previous projects which is probably just what people need with the current state of the world.
“I wanted to open up more of myself to people, one of my closest cousins pointed out my music could be really dark and moody but I’m not always that way so I made it a point to do more upbeat records this time around to show the side of me people don’t always see. I hoped to create a bright summer soundtrack for people to live to while at the same time sharing some inner thoughts I’d maybe hinted at but not really spoken on and also share things people may not have known about me.”
The pandemic slowed up life for a lot of people but it is still a great time for artists releasing music as artists have had time to be creative and put together dope projects.
“The pandemic definitely affected me in a lot of ways, cause for one I was homeless during the majority of it and the year which was a battle of its own. Which is something that really drove me during the creation of this project. It also stopped me from being able to do all the features in person which would’ve been cool. Just trying to navigate when to put it out also, it’s been so many things going on in the world, I never want to come across tone deaf so I was sitting on it for awhile because of all the social injustice and covid-19.”
The album features a number of dope tracks especially a collab with Nayome titled “Right Back Down”.
“My favorite track if i had to pick one right now today would be ‘Been About’ or ‘Southside Hooligan’. I’m also really proud of the intro and outro so it changes a lot lol.”
Even with the recent release of this album, Lona is already preparing for more!
Expect more music, I’m already working on 2 projects for next year. Visuals too, I have some shot already so I’m just waiting for the right time to start letting them go. Also merch and something special I’m cooking up for them so there’s a lot coming.
This is definitely a must listen to project as it is almost guaranteed to give you good vibes as well as lyrics that are relevant and relatable.
I think this one is brighter in the tone of the music and I feel like it came together more organically. with 346 i had a story/concept in mind that I tried to stick to but this time around I just made songs and then picked what fit the best.
Listen to the album below!
Lona - Long Winter
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Lona Drops New Single "Time 2 Time"
Houston rapper Lona dropped a new single called “Time 2 Time”! In this track he discusses situationships and how people find comfort in these types or relationships. Lona dropped his album 346 back in October and is starting the year off right with some hot new music.
“The inspiration came from women in my past & things i’d been going through. It was me looking in the mirror asking myself how I end up in similar situations. So the song was kind of me owning up like I know you don’t want me but I play along cause I like the company, usually because of the lack of self worth. I really wanted people to maybe see part of themselves in the record, cause situationships dominate this time we’re in.”
CHECK IT OUT HERE!
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Lona Talks '346' Album Release
We spoke with Houston rapper, Lona, about his new album release, 346! Read the full interview and stream the album here!
By: Omar Cook
Houston Rapper, Lona dropped a hot new album titled, 346! This rising artist continues to show his versatility with this 14 track project that is a must listen. Lona also has some other dope projects with Moment’s Notice EP, God Bless The Child, and YoungGiftedSoul.
We talked with Lona in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Question: What was your inspiration for the title of this project?
Lona: Well 346 is the newest area code in Houston and when it came out a lot of people weren’t feeling it. So I flipped it as a metaphor for me as an artist, being the new Houston and how people haven’t really shown me a lot of love either. I was also seeing the number everywhere like I’d be up late writing these songs, look over at the clock, and it’d be 3:46 and I’m big believer in signs so it all felt right.
Question: What do you want people to gather from listening to your album?
Lona: I want people to really take away that it’s okay to feel and be vulnerable and also that you don’t have to fit in. In fact, if you don’t there’s probably something bigger in the works for you. But I’m really telling a story though, the album is built on a concept. The album starts with me getting into an argument with my girl and I go on a drive to clear my head and the songs are feelings and thoughts I have riding around. I don’t want to give it all away but I want people to listen with that in mind. I also tried to truly capture where I’ve been at in my life the past 2 years. It’s a lot of layers so I just want them to sit with and digest it.
Question: What do you feel is a song that people MUST listen to on this album?
Lona: 20/20 Hindsight. Just because of how musical it is, it’s an experience. Plus the message of the song is important for everyone to hear. I feel like in this fast-pace world we live in we’re always looking ahead or feel like we have all the answers and the song is admitting you don’t have them and that you miss out on things right in front of you everyday because we fail to live in the present.
Question: How did you generate ideas for the songs on this album?
Lona: They all just kind of came to me over time naturally. I watched a lot of 90’s black love movies, some classic noirs, sci-fi movies, black sitcoms. I listened to a lot of R&B music from the 90’s and early 2000’s. I also just watched how we live today through social media. Plus life was putting me through things that forced me to grow and look at stuff differently so I had a lot to say personally cause I’m an introvert. I was really isolated so it all came out on wax.
Question: Is there anything else you want people to know about your music and this project?
Lona: I want them to know I put a lot of time into this album and it’s a really honest body of work. I just hope they can relate to it and enjoy it. Maybe some of the game, or hidden gems help someone feel like they’re not alone but I just really hope it connects with people and that they come back for more.
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Who's Hot? 7 New Artists You Need To Know
We're giving you a list of 7 of the hottest new artists that may be flying under your radar! These are artists who are ready to change the landscape of hip hop and let their talents fly! Check them out here!
We're giving you a list of 7 of the hottest new artists that may be flying under your radar! These are artists who are ready to change the landscape of hip hop and let their talents fly! Check them out here!
1. Sonta Me'Shay
“What motivates me is God, my Mom, my Family, My Team, those who believe in me & those who don’t. I define success as true peace, inside and out.”
Sonta Me'Shay is a versatile hip hop artist from Chicago who can sing and put together an edgy rap verse! This rising artist is apart of Machine Group Entertainment which features artists such as G Herbo, Tink and many others! Sonta has had great success on youtube with some of her songs You Ain't Shit, Final Goodbye, Friends, AndWord To My Ex, all gathering millions of views! Sonta is definitely an artist to keep your eye on in 2018!
Check out her music below!
Sonta - “ Who is She” Official Music Video
2. Lona
“I just let the music speak for itself. I’m a man of few words by choice and I consider myself versatile when it comes to music so I just make whatever I feel at the time. My new project is definitely for driving, late nights, thinking, friends and relationships though. It’s a time piece of where I’m at right now, something people can live to.”
This is definitely a name you need to keep your eye on. At just 21, he has a dope collection of music but he is best known for his songs "Have U", "Let U Tell It", and "Real Luv". This is a talented hip hop artist who brings relatable music as well as a sense of realness to his lyrics. Lona gives off Kid Cudi vibes as he's able to switch between a relaxing melody tone and real rap! Expect to be hearing his name more in the near future!
Check out his music below!
Lona - “Real Luv” Music Video
3. Antoine Banks
“I use the word “relatable” a lot. I enjoy telling stories, I enjoy when people listen to my music and feel like I’m speaking about their personal life experiences or even their life in general.”
Antoine Banks is one of those rappers who you're going to want to say, "I knew about him before the hype!" With a lot of rappers resorting to commercial rap and mumble rap, this dude stays true to the game! This artist out of Odessa, Texas brings a real feel to his music which is truly relatable to our generation. His flow and lyrics is what makes him stand out from the crowd to deliver true authentic hip hop!
Check out his music below!
Antoine Banks - “Visions of Forever” Music Video
4. Lijah Turner
“This is real feel hip hop! Honestly that trap music, autotune mumble rap bullshit don’t come out my mouth.”
There aren't many rappers out there that make music that stays true to themselves and retain their own creativity throughout their music, but this is one of those artists who keeps it real in every song! Real rap is still alive, and this west coast artist is making sure that people understand what that is! Lijah Turner is severely underrated but his talents won't be hidden for long. Turner brings raw content to his lyrics and makes music for fans who can truly appreciate his authenticity.
Check out his music below!
5. WAASIKeso
“I would describe our music as real and relatable because we are vulnerable with things such as relationships, depression, our personality and what we think. One song might feel like a nighttime ride by yourself, the next might feel like a summer day drive to the get some food with the homies. We try to capture different with every song.”
WAASIKeso is the modern day Eric B and Rakim. This duo out of Florida is exactly what hip hop needs. The duo of WAASIShade and WAASIKeso compliment each other perfectly and they will not be a secret for too much longer. Running through their playlist, it's hard to find a song that makes you want to press skip. Real hip hop, real lyrics, and real authenticity is what this duo brings to the table and the flow in which they deliver their content is unmatched.
Check out their music below!
Waasikeso - “Soul Food” Music Video
6. Laolu
“I just love creating and being around others who have genuine love for the art of music, nothing beats being around musicians and just seeing the enjoyment on their faces. The love of music motivates me and overcoming depression and making music again.”
The U.K. has bevy of talented artists, and this singer out of London is another product of a growing hip hop presence in England! Laolu puts her truths in her music, and brings realness to each song. This artist has a voice that will have you sit down and play all of her music on repeat. Laolu has openly talked about battling through depression and her own personal battle has sparked creativity in her music, and this is definitely music that many people can relate to.
Check out her music below!
Laolu - “How to Feel” Music Video
7. Nomi Sutton
“Knowing that I can do everything through Christ gives me a faith that constantly motivates me to keep pushing towards my passion. My mom is also someone who told me from the beginning to pursue my passion for singing. I also want her to have everything she wants so if it takes me there that would be such a blessing to have the opportunity to bless her and others.”
Nomi Sutton brings her own original sound to her music, matched with a voice that can make ou close your eyes and create your own visual. Nomi is a fairly new artist of Texas and is still growing her music catalogue but the music she has put out will make you want to keep an eye out for her next releases. Nomi's music is laid back and relaxing, music that is perfect for summer vibes!