NOT 97

We caught up with Def Jam's newest signee on the eve of releasing his latest project "I Am, Because You Are." Dende talks coming up in small town Texas playing in Church choir with his family and learning how the perform from studying Baptist preachers. We discuss the emotion tax of making R&B and the essence of his music that comes from a deep yearning. Dende names his Mt. Rushmore of iconic "running" singers, and performs his standout track "Never."   © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We caught up with Johnstown, PA's own Eem Triplin to talk through his major label debut "Melody Of A Memory," working with the legendary DJ Dahi who executive produced the record, and how studying the art of songwriting has evolved his sound, amongst more.  Thank you to our friends at Damballa. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re starting off the year joined by Toronto’s Kingo Halla. We talk the development of his sound and navigating new collaborations on his upcoming project Alchemy. He talks coming up as the youngest in a musical family, and watching his brothers pave their own paths in the industry. Going through the conservatory system and studying at Berklee, leaning into community in Toronto and more. Plus a live performance of the title track to his new album, Alchemy. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the last episode of the year we catch up with the boys from the prolific jazz outfit BadBadNotGood during their marathon residency at the Blue Note. We talk through their process of writing and collaborating — most recently with Baby Rose on Slow Burn. We discuss their hometown of Toronto and the influential scene they came up in alongside Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, and more, the secrets to longevity as a band, and what's next for them. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We caught up with Jordan Hawkins to talk through his rise from coming up in North Carolina and his early days in the church, to beginning his professional journey out in LA, making waves across the country, and living out his rock star dreams next year releasing a new project & touring his music around the world. Check out Jordan's latest single "Love So Good" out now on all platforms.  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlotte’s own Mavi joined us on the day before releasing his latest body of work “Shadowbox,” a record that he says represents a wholly artistic pursuit, created freely without inhibition or external pressures. Mavi discusses his journey as an independent artists and the challenges, as well as the honor that goes along with that, we talk through his hometown’s impact on him and in turn his work to creating greater access to the arts for kids coming up in Charlotte, amongst more. Plus a performance of “I did” live from the studio. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sat down with LA’s Nana a few months back after the release of his 3 EP, the lead up to his latest “Are U Still There?” We talk through the West Coast’s banner year this year, the importance of visual storytelling, coming up in family of Ghanaian immigrants and the influence his parents have had on his artistry, and more. Plus a performance, live from the fire escape, of his standout “Motion.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Isaiah Huron takes his time but doesn’t over think it. On the heels of releasing his latest “I’ll Finish The Lyrics Later” we have a conversation about growing up in the church and what those early experiences taught him about performing, finding comfort in chaos, putting the art first, and embracing human error, amongst much more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tariq Al-Sabir is a producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, musical director, the list goes on. We caught up with Tariq to talk through his latest “Unlike Yesterday Today I’m Ready,” the foundation his hometown of Baltimore set for him creatively, his work as a producer and music director most notably with Dev Hynes, and more. Plus a performances of Dry Flower live from the studio. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The crew from San Jose collective Peach Tree Rascals join us today on the heels of releasing their latest “LOVE, THE RASCALS.” We talk through what it takes to stay friends and collaborators navigating the ups and downs of the industry. What the viral “Mariposa” moment meant to them, at 378 million plays and counting, and the power in rebuilding from the ground up. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Prolific producer and DJ ESTA stops by to talk through his latest record FRANCIS, his early days running around with Soulection, finding his confidence, & trusting his instincts. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Detroit’s Baby Money stopped by sit down with RaShaad and talk through the intention behind his music, representing the city of Detroit, and the talent that’s rising from that city right now. We discuss hitting the road for the first time and being a father, amongst more. Plus an acapella performance of "Shinin." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LUCI is a North Carolina-raised, Brooklyn-based artist known for boundary pushing sounds that span punk, hip-hop, electronic, experimental and everything in between. We talk subverting genre and pushing beyond labels while maintaining a connection to your sonic roots. Luci speaks on art school and her many creative pursuits from visual art to dance to playwriting. And performs SPINS off her latest record THEY SAY THEY LOVE YOU. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tempest joins us today on the heels of releasing her latest "The Ranch." Multi-talented and ever pursuing new creative endeavors we talk to Tempest about DJing, cooking, songwriting, producing, performing and more. We talk making fun music that stems from rage, the power of an ego death, and more plus a live performance of the title track The Ranch. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Xenia Manasseh joins us today discussing her journey from Nairobi to Berklee college of music to LA. We discuss her relationship to place as a part of her creative process, the ever rising ceiling of opportunity for artists coming out of Africa, writing as a form of confession and self reflection amongst much more plus an in-studio performance of “Phases.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Radamiz is one of one. The Brooklyn-born, LA-based artist and filmmaker stopped by NOT 97 to have an expansive, thoughtful conversation about intention, purpose, how and where we seek validation, worth, and so much more. Radamiz is known as a deep thinker, a community leader, and a visionary artist, amongst more. He talks use through his journey, his growth, and his perspective. Plus — performances of “I am blessed, I’m Alive, I’m Amazing” and “STTTRETCH” live from the studio. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A few months we linked up with Yellow Days before his sold out show at Elsewhere to talk through this “Hotel Heaven” era of his — what this warped world represents and the thrill of pulling people out of their comfort zone. Yellow Days talks through the twists of his career from signing to a major, getting lost in LA, to holding up in a flat in London to find himself again. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sat down with the boundary bending Duckwrth as he gears up to release his highly anticipated new album — he breaks down the process to creating his most vulnerable, expansive body of work to date and building a world for his art to live in. We discuss his foundation as a graphic designer his hands-on approach to his career, and what led to this point, amongst more. Plus an in-studio live performance of the lead single "GREY SCALE." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s guest Chenayder may be still be in high school but she’s already gotten co-signs from Tyler The Creator, SZA, Clairo, Smino, Mavi, and more. We talk through her nascent career and building her sound in real time, juggling high school and music, hitting the road with Mavi, and releasing her debut EP “Maybe In Another Life.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Atlanta’s own SWAVAY joins us today to talk through his latest “BILLY,” what he’s learned from his decade + career in this industry, lessons from Metro Boomin to James Blake, and the importance of community in the rap game, amongst more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re sat down with Justin Nozuka on the heels of releasing his latest body of work "CHLORINE" to dive into Justin’s illustrious career since dropping his debut album at 16 years old and coming up in a family surrounded by music & ambition. Justin reflects on his experiences and lessons learned over the years navigating this creative pursuit & introduces “Berlin Spins” off CHLORINE — available on all platforms. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re tapping in with Pittsburgh-born artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist BENJI, coming into his own after years working with Atlanta supergroup Spillage Village and Earthgang. We talk through coming up out of Pittsburg and how that city has shaped who his is as an artist, finding his sound, and his Love Gun Trilogy as he gears up to release the final installment Love Gun 3 based around themes of Self Love. Plus, a live performance of “Radio.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re joined by Brooklyn newcomer Kenji. We discuss his process & the journey to finding his voice, his sound, and his community. Kenji offers an intimate live performance of his track "SALMA," the lead single to his debut EP "between heaven & earth" that will be available on all platforms on September 27th. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A few months ago we sat down with Lekan and discussed his approach to songwriting and surrendering to the creative process. And we talked through what this current moment means to him, as Lekan supports Tems on her "Born In The Wild" tour. Plus Lekan givs an intimate in-studio performance of "Familiar," the stand out track from his latest “So You Know” EP. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buddy joins us on the heels of dropping his latest record “Don’t forget to breathe.” Buddy discusses his journey from signing with Pharrell at 15 and working within the major label system for over a decade, to today, releasing his music as a fully independent artists. Buddy talks through his own perspective shifts over the last couple of years, going on a wellness retreat in Portugal, and ultimately finding peace within himself. Amongst more. Plus an impromptu, acapella performance of "Buddy A Fool." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TeaMarrr is not one to sleep on. The LA-by way of Boston artist has been making waves in the industry for years with a pointed pen and a contagious energy she’s ready to step back into the light after laying low since 2023’s “You Should Prolly Sit Down For This.” We talk through her latest single “CATMAN” and what this new era represents for her both sonically and conceptually. We discuss her relationship with Issa Rae and the experience of being signed to Issa’s Raedio imprint. Plus, a captivating performance of the single “CATMAN” in full costume. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rising Baltimore-born singer / songwriter Low.bō talks through his relationship with his hometown, what it means to develop your own sound in real time, the importance of family, and how his experience in visual art mediums has impacted and influenced his music. Plus, a live performance of his track "Silverhaze."  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York’s own Andre Lawrence join us on the heels of dropping his debut record “Dustrial Denim.” We talk through his aspirations in music and pushing beyond hip-hop, how this city has shaped who he is and the artist he is becoming, what it means to pay homage to those before you while staying true to yourself, and more. Plus a live performance of his track "Vignettes." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is a special delivery — highlighting not a rising artists, but a rising collective of music journalists, videographers, photographers and more. REAL ONES is a Chicago force — covering the sound of the city and beyond for the better part of the last 3 years. We had the pleasure of working with Real Ones to present Frank Leone’s debut album release party in Chicago and in New York and had to have them — all eight of them who were in New York — on the show to talk through the community and platform that they’re building. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back in May we linked with Chicago artists and producer Frank Leone to celebrate the release of his long-awaited Fools’ Gold debut “FISH” with two shows in New York and Chicago. While in New York we had Frank stop by the studio to talk through his illustrious career spanning over a decade of making music, his interest in visual storytelling, and what this moment with Fools Gold means to him. As well, a live rendition of "Morning Dew." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we talk to Long Beach’s own Seafood Sam on the heels of releasing his latest Standing on Giant Shoulders . Sam discusses his legendary hometown and what it means to transcend the sound of the city. Over 8 albums in 5 years, we talk through Sam's prolific output and his evolution as a produce and songwriter. In addition, Sam gives a live in-studio performance of Rainboots & Ponchos. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re sitting down with Tunji Ige to talk through his career from the blog days to today, coming up in Philly and how that creative community has shaped him as an artist, finding his sound and not being afraid to defy genre, what it has meant as a Nigerian American to see African artists be accepted worldwide, and his experience as a Grammy-nominated songwriter for his work on Khalid’s Location, amongst more. Plus an in-studio performance of his unreleased track "BUNNY RANCH." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rae Khalil joins the show as she gears up to release her debut album CRYBABY with Anderson .Paak's Ape.Shit. We talk to Rae about her introduction into music and how her career and creative process has evolved since we featured the track “Girlfriend” off her debut back in 2018. We discuss Rae’s experience on Netflix’s rap competition show Rhythm & Flow, working with and being Grammy nominated with .Paak, and her excellent debut record. Plus an exclusive performance of an unreleased track. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Patrick joins us today to talk through his rapidly rising career from Jersey to Atlanta to LA. We talk through work ethic as Chris is one of the most hard working artists out now, we discuss his experience releasing music on EVEN and the value of sharing music directly with his fans, and what it has meant to have a community of like-minded artists to both support and motivate to go harder, amongst more. Plus a studio performance of his track "Barcelona."  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peace Peace  — our friend and former guest MoRuf joins the show as he rolls out his “Tiny Mic Raps Vol 1” and looks ahead to the next wave of his career. We talk through MoRuf’s long journey through the mixtape era, what Jersey means to him, coming up around legends like SZA, Jesse Boykins the 3rd, and Joshua Kissi, being a father, and what we can expect from his forthcoming project, MOOLODIC. Plus, a live in-studio performance of the track Naz Joint. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Erick The Architect joins us on the heels of releasing his latest “I’ve Never Been Here Before," his most honest, his most experimental, and his most free — featuring collaborations from Baby Rose, George Clinton, James Blake, Joey Badass, and more. We discuss Erick coming into his own as a producer and artist, how formative his family has been in shaping who he is, what he learned from the rise of the Flatbush Zombies, and his deep passion for design, amongst much more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh off releasing their debut solo project "Toothpick," we talk through Daisy World's rise in LA with the band DAISY and what this new era means to her going off on her own without the band. We discuss Daisy’s breakout feature on Tyler, The Creator’s "Call Me If You Get Lost" and how that moment fueled her confidence, building a whole world around her music through design, fashion, visuals, and more, and the value of showing the process, embracing the raw and vulnerable side of creativity. Amongst more. Plus Daisy gives an intimate performance of "Blindfold." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over 5 years in the making, we finally sit with rising Atlanta rapper Kenny Mason. We introduced Kenny on NOT 97 back in 2018 and had him write a story for the first edition of NOT A Zine that same year. Kenny came to town on the heels of his latest project 9 and the Route 9 tour. We talk through Kenny’s growth since we first played his music on the show, signing with RCA, collaborating with legends, and touring the country. We discuss Kenny’s unwavering commitment to blurring boundaries and experimenting with sound, and so much more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rapidly rising artist Joony joins the show to talk through his multi-dimensional sound and his prolific output dropping 5 albums in 2 years. We discuss the influence of Maryland and getting cosigns from artists like Brent Faiyaz and BLXST. Amongst more. Plus a live in-studio performance of “Cheap.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's guest is making moves across the world for their breakout song "Slide" and the latest "Baddies" — Toronto’s own Sadboi. We discuss Sadboi’s career from releasing covers on YouTube and entering singing competitions as a young teen to being cosigned by Drake. We discuss her relationship with her mom who has helped manage and develop her career for years, releasing music under Ebhoni before reintroducing herself, Toronto’s multi-cultural influence, and her upcoming project “BARE CHAT.” Plus, an in studio performance of the contagious “Slide.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baltimore’s own Brandon Woody & his band Upendo have made a name for themselves across the world and have yet to drop an album. The trumpet virtuoso, band leader, and composer talks through his mindset in music and the importance of presenting art live to his audience. He breaks down his philosophy, thinking beyond genre, and working to express raw emotion & energy through sound. Amongst more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back in March when we launched this season, we threw an event at NuBlu to celebrate 10 Seasons and Boston-born Palestinian artist Neemz came down to perform with her band. We caught up with Neemz the day before the show to talk through her evolution in music since her start in 2020, we discuss her vision and what goes into creative directing all of her visuals, and representing herself and her culture as a proudly Palestinian artist, amongst more. Plus Neemz gives a high energy performance performance of her track “Big Steppa."  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re joined by a very special guest — TDE’s own SiR, on the heels of releasing his latest, critically acclaimed album HEAVY. We talk through SiR’s journey from his debut Seven Sundays until now, the trial and tribulations of navigating this industry, and what this moment means to him, with his most vulnerable, introspective project to date. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Queens-bred singer/songwriter Amal Zenab joins the show. We talk through Amal’s earliest memories making music, what inspired her to follow this dream, collaborating with Nathan Bajar on her latest body of work Safe & Sound and how that helped her find her own voice. As well, Amal performs BOSSA ANDALE for us. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode we’re joined by London’s own Shaé Universe. We sat down with Shaé back in February when she was in the midst of releasing her Valentine’s Day album “Love’s Letter.” We talked through the record and why this moment was important to put out a call for self-love. We tap into Shaé's history of going viral with covers on Twitter, how she’s gotten iconic features through genuine, organic connection, and what it means to work with the one & only Lalah Hathaway. Shaé also treats us to a powerful in-studio performance of her song “Passenger Princess.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s we're introducing the young, Toronto-born RNB upstart UNA MIA. Una is fresh off the heels of releasing her debut single "Lose You," with a breakout Colors performance. We talk through what it means to introduce yourself and your music to the world, Una’s journey as a classically trained Opera singer, finding her footing as a live performer, and more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s episode features California newcomer Asha Imuno, on the heels of releasing his latest project, the debut “PINS & NEEDLES.” We talk through Asha’s journey in music since his days as a band kid, finding his voice, and balancing his place as a multi-faceted creative. As well, Asha gives an exclusive performance of “Watch My Step.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to NOT 97 on Today’s episode we link up with LA’s own Amindi to talk through her musical journey from her debut “nice” to 2023’s “Take What You Need.” Amindi talks through her vision for success, creative directing her own projects, and how to balance being true to yourself as a DIY artists and still knowing when to ask for help.  Plus a live, in-studio performance of the standout track "green house." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to NOT 97 — this is Season 10! Today's episode featuring FELIX! Coming off the heels of being featured on the standout track "Upset" from Brent Faiyaz's latest album, FELIX! is the newest upstart from Brockton-based collective Van Buren Records. A creative Swiss Army knife, FELIX!'s music is a culmination of his past in design, fashion, and photography. His explosive singles "Paris Fashion Week," "Playboy," and "America Has A Problem" show an artist poised to take over in 2024. NOT 97 is hosting a Season 10 launch party featuring FELIX! as well as Neemz! and LUCI. Saturday, March 16th at Nublu (151 Ave C)  Tickets to Season 10 launch: tinyurl.com/mrx3ykff *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s episode has been a longtime coming, welcoming a dynamic duo we first introduced to our listeners back in 2018 with their song “How To Get By” — April + VISTA. The DC-natives recently released their collaborative EP with the legendary Swedish band Little Dragon. We talk about how that partnership came about, producing the record in Sweden, and their joint tour. We discuss the influence of the DMV & the DIY mentality that drives their artistry, as well as the importance of cherishing the moment, letting go of the pressures of perfection, and embracing opportunity. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices