Music
MASS Mondays: Sylus Gambino, BTL Ek, Alejandro Blvnco
As the state of Massachusetts continues to endure the effects of COVID-19, that hasn’t stopped artists from releasing content. This week I present to you music from Sylus Gambino, BTL Ek, and Alejandro Blanco.
Do you have new music that should be featured on MASS Mondays? Give me a shout: miixtapechiick@gmail.com
Sylus Gambino ft. 8 Zipp, Vanni Allan Poe & Kam’Geez – “Kill Or Be Killed”
Artists: 8 Zipp, Vanni Allan Poe, Kam’Geez
Single: “Kill or be Killed”
Sylus Gambino‘s name may sound new to you, but his connections run long. With the help of Roxbury’s own 8 Zipp, NNCHVLNT artist Vanni Allan Poe and GYB’s Kam’Geez, the president and A&R director of NNCHVLNT records presents to us a brand new track and visual titled, “Kill Or Be Killed.”
As stated at the beginning of the video, one thing we got in common is pain.
Do we sense a compilation project from NNCHVLNT records in the works? Watch the four individuals in “Kill Or Be Killed” below.
BTL Ek – “Out on Bail”
Artist: BTL EK
Single: “Out on Bail”
“THEY FREED EK!”
You should already be familiar with Bandits The Label if you’re a frequent visitor to the site. Being out on bail, BTL EK celebrates with a new single since his release to hold fans over until the release of his new project.
Over the production of Humbeats, Ek is watching his back but still thuggin’ shit out.
Watch BTL Ek in “Out On Bail,” directed by Rell below.
Alejandro Blvnco & Ricky Flaire – ‘4 Da Night’
Artists: Alejandro Blvnco, Ricky Flaire
Single: 4 Da Night
With his Vulnerable project on the way, I wanted to post Alejandro Blvnco‘s joint project with Ricky Flaire titled, 4 Da Night.
Originally released on Valentine’s Day, the four-track effort is definitely a vibe and I wish it was longer. It’s certainly a teaser to Blvnco’s forthcoming project, as well as what we can expect from Ricky Flaire.
Stream 4 Da Night below.
Albums
Eric Bellinger Drops ‘The Rebirth 3 Remixes & More’ Featuring New Collaborations
Eric Bellinger has returned with The Rebirth 3 Remixes & More, a fresh take on his album The Rebirth 3: The Party & The Bedroom.
The nine-track EP includes three bonus songs, including a collaboration with Jastin Martin on the track “Chase,” as well as updated versions of records from the original album, such as “La Perla (Remix)” featuring Vedo, “Backstage (Remix)” with J. Valentine, and “Your Mind (Remix)” with Ye Ali, among others.
The Rebirth 3: The Party & The Bedroom is the third installment in Bellinger’s The Rebirth series, which began in 2014 with The Rebirth.
Originally released on March 1, The Rebirth 3 featured contributions from Ne-Yo, Tone Stith, Queen Naija, Zae France, K Camp, Mozzy, and more. Earlier this year, Bellinger supported the album on The Rebirth Tour, with special guest Zae France.
Audio
Kilynda Releases 2-Pack, “Deserved Better”
After releasing her “Heart Strings” visual in April, Kilynda returns to streaming platforms with an exciting new two-pack featuring her latest tracks, “Ever Since” and “Chains.”
After releasing her “Heart Strings” visual in April, Kilynda returns to streaming platforms with an exciting new two-pack featuring her latest tracks, “Ever Since” and “Chains.”
“I’ll never stop screaming THANK YOU to the people who continuously support me, even after I take long breaks. I spent a lot of time trying to make sure everything was perfect,” Kilynda wrote in an Instagram caption. “Come to find out, not everything needs to be perfect. You’ll be hearing more from me soon, but for now, here’s a two-pack you can enjoy for a while. All love.”
Kilynda consistently delivers, blending transparency and relatability with each release. Her music always seems to arrive just when we need it most. Stream the two-pack below and let her words resonate.
Culture
8 Zipp, Heffna Don and More Charged in Federal Sweep
Dominique Carpenter-Grad, known as 8 Zipp, and Trea Lankford, known as Heffna Don, are among ten individuals charged with drug conspiracy, linked to the alleged street gang H Block.
On Thursday, August 28, Boston-based rappers 8 Zipp and Heffna Don, along with 17 others, were arrested according to documents unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Dominique Carpenter-Grady, known as 8 Zipp, and Trea Lankford, known as Heffna Don, are among ten individuals charged with drug conspiracy, linked to the alleged street gang H Block (Appendix A). Separately, nine members and associates of the Mission Hill Gang, including rapper Big Body Benz, born Tyrone Brimage, and (Appendix B) face charges related to financial fraud.
The arrests result from extensive, multi-year investigations into gang violence in Boston, which follow the February 2024 takedown of over 40 Heath Street Gang members and associates. That investigation led to the indictment of Boston-based rappers Trottie Y Gizzle, Trottie Moula, Ricky Mazarati, BDE Keko and others, with charges ranging from racketeering conspiracy to drug trafficking, firearms offenses, wire fraud, and various forms of financial fraud, including COVID-related schemes.
Six H Block members were arrested on Aug. 29, 2024, in connection with drug dealing in Boston and surrounding areas. During the arrests, additional drugs and four firearms were seized. Four other H Block members are already in state custody. Additionally, three H Block associates are charged with conspiring to smuggle illegal drugs into a Massachusetts prison, where there has been a significant increase in the smuggling of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “K2,” and other dangerous substances.
Seperately, charges were filed against members and associates of the Mission Hill street gang for their roles in a mail theft and financial fraud scheme known as “card cracking.” According to court documents, this scheme involves the theft and laundering of money through bank accounts set up under various names controlled by the primary offenders. Six members and associates were arrested on Thursday, Aug. 29, and charged with financial crimes, while three others, already in custody, were also implicated.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts notes, “The charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (cocaine) provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, not less than three years of supervised release, up to life, and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl, PCP, and controlled substance analogues, i.e. K2) provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, not less than three years of supervised release, up to life, and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of theft of government property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of conspiracy to steal or possess stolen mail provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.”
APPENDIX A
- Trea Lankford, a/k/a “Heff,” a/k/a “Hefna Don,” a/k/a “Montana,” a/k/a “Tre Cain,” 33, of Boston;
- Dennis Wilson, a/k/a “Deuce,” a/k/a “Deep Jhonenson,” 36 of Boston;
- Avery Lewis, a/k/a “Wave,” 32 of Dorchester;
- Mark Linnehan,25, of West Roxbury;
- Eric Celestino,30, of Boston;
- Timothy Hearns, a/k/a “King Kill,” a/k/a “Tool Man,” a/k/a “Tooly,” 34;
- Dominique Carpenter-Grady, a/k/a “8-Zipp” a/k/a “Eighty,” a/k/a “Cindy Surin,” 35;
- Robert Heckstall, a/k/a “Ribbs,” a/k/a “Buck,” a/k/a “Buck Corleone,” 41, of Roxbury;
- Jason Bly, 44, of Quincy; and
- Jerry Gray, 28, of Dorchester.
APPENDIX B
- Imanol Rios-Franco, 24, of Brookline;
- Jairo Cabral-Santos, 22, of Boston;
- Brandon Baez, 22, of Framingham;
- Jiovanny Matos, 25, of Boston;
- Josman Romero Delgado, 22, of Boston;
- Jonathan Martinez, 25, of Roslindale;
- Anthony Worthen, 28, of Roslindale;
- Tyrone Brimage, 28, of Boston; and
- Glenroy Miller, 28, of Boston.
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