Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
Artist and producer Erick Alonso Moreno brings listeners a fresh sound in his latest single, “Dark Pop.” The California-based musician is known to write, record, and produce his own records, including his newest release, scheduled for early November.
Music came to Erick Alonso Moreno as a therapeutic outlet. Faced with depression, Moreno turned to music for solace and healing. “One of the reasons I got into music is my brother suffered from depression, and it was something I experienced, too,” shares the musician.”
Connecting with music and composing not only elevated Erick Alonso Moreno’s mood—it helped him on a path of self-improvement. Sharing his story also allows Moreno to connect with listeners through his ups and downs and inspire them on their path of self-improvement.
Moreno’s musical influences include a wide variety of genres, including a recent love for Tyler the Creator, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West. “I love betas and how they rhyme songs,” explains Moreno. “I’m trying to mix that into my own song and identity by listening to other artists and then making my own style.” Another large influence in his music is Latin music, which he infuses in his songs to further develop a unique listening experience.
If Erick Alonso Moreno had his own genre, it would be named “Dark Pop,” after the single and inspired sound. The vibe is a blend of pop with hip hop and rap influences. It is the opposite of dreamy pop, as dark pop has grit.
Moreno’s musical abilities enable him to be a one-stop shop for music creation. He envisions, writes lyrics, composes, and produces his own music from start to finish. “I write the melody, make sounds, play guitar, produce beats. I produce my music as I intend for the song to sound.”
For Moreno, each song is crafted with a unique meaning to share with listeners. “Each album shares the whole story of a period of time where I struggled and addresses how to overcome or fix or improve from that struggle,” explains the artist. It’s the singles that give a true glimpse of each issue, from depression to self-improvement.
The single “Dark Pop” was born from exploration. “One day, I was producing melodies and somehow came up with this piano. From there, I remember hearing the piano and came back the next day and tried to follow the rhyme, putting random words until I found myself rapping. Before that point, I didn’t know if I could see myself rapping / doing hip hop.”
For Erick Alonso Moreno, “Dark Pop” is about putting yourself out there and saying “look at me and see what I can do, even in the face of adversity.” On a personal note, it highlights the artist’s transition to hip hop and putting doubters in their place. “It was really tough to bring the single to life,” shares Moreno. “While recording the vocals, I struggled because I wasn’t comfortable hearing my own voice in this new kind of melody, hearing myself do something new.”
Leaving the single to settle for a few weeks, Moreno was awakened by a dream in which he was told by an eccentric individual how to record and make his vocals stand out of the mix. “I was struggling to hear my own voice, but this dream Brough it to life,” he adds of the uncanny experience.
In addition to the release of his latest single, Erick Alonso Moreno is excited to share more music with listeners. His album is currently in the works.
Make sure to stay connected to Erick Alonso Moreno on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
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While most high school students are figuring out homework and what to do with their free time, one rising hip-hop and rap artist out of Mississippi is busy making music on his terms. At 17, RAA Trey (born Alvin Peyton III) is showing up for his future self in a big way with the recent release of the new single, “Song of Da Year,” earlier in November. The track provides a preview of what to expect on his upcoming album 1OF1, featuring 14 songs that will drop this December.
RAA Trey, whose name is an acronym for “Respect Above All,” learned early on growing up in a family of entrepreneurs about putting in the work to make your vision a reality. He was only in seventh grade when he started his label, Take Money Records and Entertainment, which he still runs today, and began building a home studio to pursue his dream. The same drive and confidence remain, carrying over to his new work.
“Song of Da Year gives off a championship feel to it,” says RAA Trey. “I’m just letting everybody know to respect me as soon as I come in this game because when I’m coming, this is going to be over the top. That’s why it’s called Song of Da Year. Respect this.” Aware that his home state may not have a music scene such as other parts of the south like Memphis or Atlanta, RAA Trey shares he follows his own sound and whatever he feels at the moment.
Mixed and mastered by Shane Thomson with lyrics by RAA Trey, who writes all of his music, “Song of Da Year” features powerful lyrics of assurance with one particular part paying tribute to his mother: my momma worry / I told my momma she ain't gotta worry / evea' since I was young, you been nervous / I promise I'm gon' make it with these verses.”
As for performing, RAA Trey is a natural performer, gracing several stages, including a show to thousands featuring rapper a well known rapper from Louisiana, among other events over the years. Fans can expect to see him even more in the months ahead, as he plans to tour, expand his fan base and launch merchandise.
With “Song of Da Year,” RAA Trey, is manifesting, making his mark—and he hasn’t even graduate yet. Those who want to learn more and listen to his latest music can follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
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