#22: Clever & Jay Webb

Music Kill TonyHosted by Austin Burke with special guests Clever and Jay WebbClever, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter celebrated for his distinctive genre-blending sound that fuses hip-hop, R&B, emo, rock, and country.Hailing from Gadsden, Alabama, Clever's musical journey began early. He started writing poetry at age 11 and transitioned to hip-hop music by 13. His talent for battle rapping quickly emerged, leading to appearances on local radio shows where he would freestyle battle callers live on air. He even won BET's "Spring Bling" freestyle battle in 2006.His breakthrough came in 2018 with his viral song and video "When Only You Will Do." This caught the attention of rapper Lil Bibby, who shared Clever's music with Juice WRLD. Juice WRLD's public admiration and a subsequent collaboration on the 2019 track "Ring Ring" opened significant doors for Clever in the industry.Since then, Clever has amassed an impressive list of high-profile collaborations, being featured on Billboard-charting singles by Justin Bieber ("Forever," which charted at #24 on the Hot 100), Post Malone, and Juice WRLD ("Life's a Mess II"). He has also recorded with an array of other major artists, including Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Lil Baby, Polo G, and NLE Choppa.In 2021, Clever released his critically acclaimed debut studio album, "Crazy," under Republic Records and Grade A Productions. The album showcased his versatility and featured guest appearances from a star-studded lineup. He has performed at major music festivals like Lollapalooza, Rolling Loud, and Firefly, and has accumulated over 650 million streams on Spotify as of March 2024.Clever's music is characterized by hard-hitting beats, reflective lyrics, and a raw, emotional delivery. His songwriting often delves into personal struggles, themes of hardship, tenacity, and triumph over adversity, resonating deeply with his audience. He has also recently ventured into country music, exploring his Alabama roots and collaborating with artists in the genre, further demonstrating his artistic range and refusal to be confined to a single category.Jay Webb is a rapidly emerging musician from rural Alabama, known for his unique blend of country music and hip-hop, characterized by catchy melodies, raw lyrics, and deeply emotional delivery.He received his first guitar at the age of seven and quickly became immersed in music, soon beginning to write and record his own original tracks. Notably, he often records all of his music from home without writing down any lyrics on paper.Jay Webb first gained significant attention when his song "Southern Girl" went viral on TikTok, accumulating over a million streams across various platforms. This initial success has led to a rapidly growing fanbase.His music is often described as Americana/Alt Country, featuring a nostalgic and emotional feel that respects traditional country while incorporating a modern spin. His songs frequently explore themes of love, loss, and longing, drawing inspiration from his own life experiences. Some of his notable songs include "Southern Girl," "Broken," "Bury Me With Bourbon," "Down Here," "Love Me Tonight," and "One More Shot."In June  of 2025, he signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, expressing his excitement to collaborate with them on music that resonates with real people.He is set to release his album "Where To Find Me" on July 25, 2025, which will feature 10 tracks, including his recent single "One More Shot." Jay Webb has been touted as an artist to watch in 2025, with his fan base continuing to expand daily. He has also hit the road for his first headline tour, which was well-received by fans.Performers Include:Ryan Rooster LeeAva PaigeRosemary SchultzTrey CallowayPaige RudermanWalker Taylor