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Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Drops Rap Track, Becomes a Legend

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Stephanie Morales, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Portsmouth, Virginia, just released a music video called “Sundress Season” and it is legend. The video, filmed with her husband and kids, is a rap track produced by their 14 year old son who is an aspiring music producer. Morales released the video into the wild on Monday and promoted it to her Facebook page, adding, “Storytime: At the end of last school year our son, the producer lost a bet to his dad Luis Morales and had to give him one of his beats (that he was going to discard) and engineer a song for his dad. 😂 Fast forward, the WHOLE family jumped on the track.”

While the video is just a family having fun and being silly, the song lyrics are what really makes the track next level. “It is sundress seasons and I don’t know how to act…that booty bouncing…I love the way the dress crease careens around that booty crack…it is sundress season…you need to go and get you some.” In the post Morales described the video, saying, “Our little music video chronicles some of our summer family fun together.”

The video has now been viewed six-thousand times on Facebook and 30,000 times on YouTube. While there has been some outcry over a senior official making a video using the phrase, “booty popping,” people were quick to rush to her defense; proving that sometimes people are still pretty great. However, a former candidate for city council and civic activist, Barry Randall, has called for her to step down. Randall told Wavy TV 10, “Turn on our computer and watch our commonwealth’s attorney do the booty pop… I have a problem with the whole gist of the video.” He went on to say that Morales exercised poor judgment and that “our city’s top cop [shouldn’t] exploit and display her body in that matter.”

For her part Morales responded to the accusations by saying she was proud of the video, her son, and her family for creating the track from the “ground up.” Equally great, she said she also wrote her own lyrics. To her detractors she said this, “To suggest that women are disrespecting themselves by having a positive body image as I do in that video, where I discuss my fitness goals, also talk about my intellect, on a track produced by my son needs to do a little bit of soul searching.”

 

 

Segga Spiccoli Drops New Album, “Skinny V”

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If there is one stream to check out this week it is Segga Spiccoli’s, “Skinny V”.

“It’s been a year since I’ve released a body of work. In that year I took time to think about my life, my art, the things I’ve experienced these 25 years, and where I want to be in the future,” wrote the Richmond rapper, who released his project on Sept. 7. On his Soundcloud promoting the new album, Spiccoli said he views his work as a memoir that “will live forever” and that “Skinny V” is his most complete work to date.

The album, equal parts smooth and introspective, delves into the contemporary struggles faced by young people in these complex times. On the track, “Velvet Pillows in my Casket,” produced by Bandolero, the rapper poses a simple metaphor which speaks to what 2018 has become, asking the listener: “The plot thickens, do you want the red or blue pill, its the prescription.” On another track, “Lost in Translation,” he declares proudly, “I’m tired of hearing old heads talking about my generation, its a shame you complaining ain’t your life still where it was back in the 80s,” a sentiment shared by those suffering through the insanity of this reality TV age bestowed upon us by an older generation who lost its way – prescient.

Spiccioli also collabs with fellow Richmond rappers and producers, such as Young Felxico, Trademark, Fan Ran, and Bandolero, making “Skinny V” a powerful addition to the growing lexicon of musicians and artists taking the River City’s reputation for cutting-edge rap and hip-hop to new levels.

 

 

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

 

Lone Pistolero: Weekend Playlist by Sunny & Gabe

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Every Friday night, RVA Mag drops one scorcher of a playlist curated by Virginia’s most influential artists, musicians, and institutions. This week, Hampton Roads’ killer duo, Sunny & Gabe, brings you a playlist worthy of the hurricane that never was; a curated gallery of music, sounds, and experiments that is as worthy of your nocturnal exploits, as it is your daytime recovery.

Don’t hold back this weekend, Virginia.

 

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

There was Thunder, There was Lightning, There was Cole Hicks

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Last night there was rain, thunder, lightning, and then there was Cole Hicks. Sometimes a great night will have a sense of destiny, some purpose that shakes us from the mediocrity of our everyday lives – last night’s musical showcase at The Camel felt like that. With Richmond squads like the Association of Great Minds ripping up the East Coast, Hicks, who headlined the show to premiere her debut album, “May Day,” has landed at just the right time as Richmond’s rap and hip-hop scene continues along a path of national prestige.

But that’s not where the night started.

The night opened with local jazz and soul singer Kenneka Cook who’s ingenuity on stage is as compelling as it is dreamlike, creating musical atmospheres that become a livable presence for everyone in the room. While a force in her own right, Cook brought the crowd together; her beats and lyrics taking us on a perceptive journey into a soundscape that envelops the watcher.

Kenneka Cook

In between sets, Richmond great Illa Styles took the stage with singer Franciose Hamilton. Shrouded in a purple haze, they brought an energy to the building and primed the crowd for Cole Hicks.

Illa Styles and Franciose Hamilton

Hicks’ lyrics hit the heart and formed a groove right into the soul. At one point, Hicks told the audience “be true to yourselves.” While an old maxim, nothing can be more apparent in 2018 and hearing it from the stage sounded like poetry. Hicks brought a feeling of genuine authenticity from the crowd, putting her entire self into the work. Her music creating a vibe that is inclusionary, prescient, her beats dropping like the thunder outside. There was an energy from the stage, it was electric. When she was joined by Joey Gallo that same energy only increased, becoming a kinetic force of rhyme and reason. Towards the end of the set, Kai’la, joined Hicks on stage to close out the night by claiming verses that were raw and relevant, a testament to where this movement is going. 

Afterward, RVA Mag spoke with Illa Styles who said, “The Richmond rap and hip-hop scene has spent years and years maturing, coming into its own. It offers an experience real, genuine, and true. That is what makes this present time, here in Richmond, special.”

 He is not wrong. Richmond is what’s happening. 

Some of the best photos of the night can be found below:

Etherial Kenneka Cook
The Mighty Cole Hicks
Joey Gallo
Cole Hicks and Kai’la
Drip. Drip. Drip.
Kai’la, Closing out the Night with Cole Hicks
Bringing the Fire to Richmond. Levels.

*Jack Clark and Landon Shroder contributed to this report. All photos by Landon Shroder

 

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

Peter $un: Still Scummy Sunny

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There is undoubtedly a difference between the musical influences associated with the east coast versus the west, but what happens when they merge? Los Angeles-based rapper Peter $un released his EP, “Valencia,” giving Richmond a taste of what it sounds like to be bi-coastal.

After releasing his 2017 album, “Beautiful Piece of Shit,” the Richmond-born rapper decided to take the leap and relocate to Los Angeles. This was not without sacrifice though, forcing him to leave behind his concrete support system in order to pursue the growth and development of his artistry.

A strong support system is what’s contributed to the rapper’s success, in both his hometown and his new home base. “It’s everyone around me. A lot of people have contributed to my art, or to a piece of me, in a way that involves pushing me to go further with my music,” he said. 

Pointing to his friends in the room, and giving out a shout out to the producers he’s worked with, Peter $un said all of the those he’s come across have helped him get to where he is today. “It’s always love, and they’re the reason why I try to show love to as many people as I can, because you can be contributing to something or vice versa and have no idea of it in the moment.”

Over the course of his first year in LA, and with the help of producer Lasik Beats, he created “Valencia,” which he dropped two months ago. Named after the street he lives on in downtown Los Angeles, $un said the project was something that organically fell together over time.

Excitedly, he shared that it was the first time in a long time that he had made an album just out of “fun”. No overthinking. No expectations of how it’ll be received by his fans. Just raw vibes. Just genuine Peter $un.

The sunny and upbeat California vibes weren’t his only motivation. He understood that in order to make a well-rounded and relatable album, he’d need to incorporate some slightly more serious influences. Initially, he spoke to the struggle of the long distance and the emotion involved with being separated from his family and friends. Not to mention, the efforts it takes to adapt to life in a new place.

Outweighing both is the distance that was now put between him and his son. Not just states, but time zones. When listening to his album, you can feel both the hurt and the happiness. The beats radiate the energy of a fun, summertime turnup, but the bars have some subliminal messages. He conveys concern over everyday struggles such as women, what it means to live a happy and fulfilling life, and staying true to one’s authentic self despite your success.

For example, in his song “Evry Thng Nvv” he raps, “I was broke when I switched up, so money can’t change an asshole too much.” A statement that is proving to be true based on the longevity of his fans and supporters.

Keeping up the brand is a big part of being an artist in the industry. While $un said he hasn’t had to alter it at all as he’s gained success, its been hard for him to keep up a certain image.

“I think it’s about how you come out of the gate. I’ve always been about being myself,” he said. “Actually, when I first came out my thing was being a drunk. I’d be drunk and wild, “Scummy Sunny”. I was the “scum” brand. As I’ve grown as an artist and as I get older, I’m not drinking like that no more. All heavy and wild and shit. But it’s still expected of me, even now, so it’s not hard to keep up.”

In a generation focused on social media and superficial validation, it is refreshing to see an artist that isn’t buying in. That, even after monetizing his music, he still stays genuine to himself and supports the “scum” brand and still loves the family and friends that have helped him, and will continue to help him, climb up the ladder to further success as an artist.

Now that “Valencia” has been released and is creating waves, $un isn’t sitting back and relaxing, he’s already toiling away on his next work. 

“I’ve currently got three projects in the works. Two are already done and one I’m starting to work on now,” he said. “One project is with Gyyps, which we’re finishing up, but I’ve got some songs coming out with him this month on a Mike and Keys project. I’ve also got a project with Rondo which will probably be the next thing we put out because that’s like, my baby.”

Keep up with Peter $un’s music and forthcoming projects on his Instagram @holapedroxxx.

Photos By: Kathyrn DeFrank

 

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

The Conqueror Returns

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We were already knocking back our second shot of whiskey when Nickelus F walked into Commercial Taphouse, the prolific rapper just returning to Richmond after his first national tour. Sliding into the booth alongside us with a worn backpack and noticeable jet lag below his eyes, you wouldn’t suspect that he is one of the most dominant rappers on the east coast. 

That’s Nickelus F.

At 35, Nickelus F, carries himself with a casual humility, one that is both sly and confident. “I’m a master of names. Like…I’m Nickelus F, but I’m also Sweet Petey, I also go by Jellyfish Jones, Nick Fury, Bison Beckford…” He names a few more, his hands gesturing for each. “Rufus Ogelthorpe, Gomez Garfunkel, Horace Hardbody…it’s my thing.” His grip on the name game starts with MF Doom, one of his top inspirations and a mentor in rap aesthetics, telling us, “You got MF Doom, but you also got Madvillain, you got fucking King Gidora.” 

Settling in for what was obviously becoming a boozy interview, we ordered another round of whiskeys, clinking glasses to his successful tour. When asked how it went, Nick popped out of his seat full of energy bringing to life the atmosphere of being on the road.

“The shows, that’s what it was for me,” Nick said, telling us that his fanbase has always been diverse which adds to the energy of the shows. Watch any of the Instagram videos Nick posted during the tour and it is not hard to see that kinetic energy on full display. Yet he also acknowledged how his verse adds to the accessibility of his music. “I feel like a lot of things I talk about are human truths. So doing those shows, I love the energy.”

While no stranger to performing, this was his first continuous tour and while Richmond is always close to his heart, he said the tour stops in Memphis, New Orleans, Houston, and Atlanta were some of his favorite shows, describing Philly as “fucking insane.” 

 “It was very eye-opening. It is hard to see it all if you are not getting out there touching people in these different cities. That was the powerful part for me,” he said. 

Pointing out how intense some of the shows could be, he said, “I tapped myself out early! I lost my voice from performing way too hard after my third show and my knee was still sore from stage diving.” That’s not hard to imagine if you’ve ever been to one of Nickelus F’s shows. His presence on stage is confrontational, visceral, and totally engaged with the audience.  

Recently heralded by Pitchfork as a leading figure of Richmond’s rap scene, Nick is seeing some major airtime and rightfully so. The veteran rapper, who dropped his eighth studio album, “Stuck” back in May,  has cultivated a strong following from nearly two decades in the scene and is quick to admit that everyone is talking about Richmond. “This is the place. Even if you go anywhere else, even in the 757, Northern Virginia, they’re all talking about the Richmond scene.”

Yet success doesn’t happen in a vacuum and according to Nick, collaboration is key for artists and something they need to embrace in a small city. “[I want] to grow this city, to grow the culture. I want to work with more people, do more collaborations, I love brainstorming and throwing ideas around,” he said. The rapper said he’s been in talks with Richmond metal band Division of Mind about a potential collaboration. “We talked about it on the tour, I really fuck with what they’re doing,” he said.

That’s the River City grind which is putting Richmond on the map.

Joining Nickelus F on tour was fellow Richmond native and hip-hop heavyweight, Lil Ugly Mane. Back in 2015, the two joined forces to release a joint album, “Trick Dice,” which was distributed as a cassette throughout Richmond and sold out in almost an hour.

“Ugly Mane is like a crazy genius, he’s well versed and he comes from the punk scene, he’s a pure dude with a high integrity level in the music he creates,” he said. “When we did ‘Trick Dice’ together, none of those songs sounded the way they did when I initially recorded them.”


Comparing Ugly Mane to Frankenstein, Nick described him as “the doctor who created the monster.”

While many artists from the River City look elsewhere for the break, striking out for New York or Los Angeles, Nick still loves the grit of Richmond. While he was quick to mention some of the other scene pioneers like Slapdash who created Epic Fest, he also talked about how culture acts as the connective tissue for the entire rap community. “What’s going to blow people up from out of here is light being on the whole scene, that’s what makes it special. It is not just going to be one person. People are going to fall in love with the culture of the city the same way they did with Atlanta, Houston, and the Bay Area. The culture blows an area up.”

Yet its not just the music that keeps Nick grounded. Being a father to two sets of twins is only one of Nick’s accomplishments. Add that to eight studio productions, an induction into the 106 and Park Freestyle Friday Hall of Fame, and a recent degree from VCU in strategic advertising and Nick is well placed for what’s next.

And even though he just got off an intense tour, Nickelus F isn’t ready to relax just yet. He said he wants to tour more often, but wants to fly solo for his next trip on the road. For this, he made another investment shortly after graduation – an investment in himself to better market his brand. “I took what I have and what I learned about websites, made an LLC, I got Illustrator and Photoshop, I made shirts. With what I have now, I feel much more liberated and less worried about the future.”

With the growing rap and hip-hop community starting to extend past the creative confines of New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles, more eyes have been put on smaller communities to enrich the market with genuine originality.

And with few cities able to compete on the grounds of tension and controversy, Richmond has the resources to incubate the next wave of artistry. Few know this better than Nick, who has articulated his challenges into the narratives and verse he is now known for.

“Before I went back to school, I went through dead-end warehouse jobs,” he said. “I’ve always worked hard jobs where I was easily replaceable – they could chop me and fill somebody else in – and it happened, right after I had my babies.” All of his hard work has started to pay off though and for the first time, Nick has started to see a return on his rap career, telling us, “It’s amazing because I’ve made more money since graduating [last May] than I have in a long time – like, since ever.”  

After several more drinks and some off-the-record banter, we got up to leave. On the walk, a person or two would break away from their tables to shake Nick’s hand. Some simply wanted to congratulate him on a successful tour, while the bar owner told Nick the next time he came in the first round was on him.

A short time later we rendezvoused at the house of our managing partner to bullshit over some more whiskey and a joint. I gave him one more question, asking him what’s next?  

He answered confidently, “A whole lot of ruckus.” 

In the meantime, catch Nickelus F at Vinyl Conflict’s upcoming Customer Appreciation Day concert Sat., August 25 alongside hardcore punk bands Bib, Nosebleed, Deviant, and Slump.

 

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

 

Photos by Landon Shroder