Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
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When AL99, pronounced “AL Nine-Nine,” drops a new track, it’s never just another single—it’s an experience. His latest release, “WHY II,” the ninth track from his EP Elevate, is no exception. From the first bars, the song is reflective, pulling listeners into the artist’s world of introspection, faith, and cultural awareness.
“I really was in the moment of reflection,” AL99 explains, recounting the creation of “WHY II.” “It was reflective from my own journey, and then reflective in terms of how I think about the world and what was going on at the time. I feel like music is so important to connect us all because then we realize we’re all the same.”
The song arrives as part of Elevate, a nine-track collection that sees AL99 seamlessly navigating the highs and lows of life and Hip-Hop. Tracks like “SET IT OFF,” “POP,” “ENIGMA,” “SINK OR SWIM,” “9 GOD,” “PASSION,” and “MOMMA” showcase the versatility that fans have come to expect. Each track feels intentional, with AL99 carefully crafting every beat, hook, and lyric to reflect a broader journey.
What makes “WHY II” unique in AL99’s catalog is its collaborative genesis. Unlike most of his music, which he produces himself, this track began with a beat by international producer B Noize. “I found this beat on YouTube, and I was like, ‘Man, this really speaks to me,’” AL99 recalls. “I just started rapping to it… and it kind of started the Y series.” The track continues a thematic exploration of the “why” behind his artistry—a series AL99 says is meant to connect listeners with purpose, introspection, and culture.
AL99’s artistry is as much about heart as it is about craft. On “WHY II,” he reflects on the delicate balance between ambition and authenticity: “I had to separate my mindset and how I’m grinding for a goal and my heart… still keep the passion of what I’m doing… it’s all still about the love.” This philosophy permeates his work, giving tracks a depth that resonates beyond the music itself.
Cultural heritage is another driving force. While not Haitian himself, AL99 draws deeply from his family’s roots. “Being around the family and speaking patois and Creole… it was always such a very spiritual, family-oriented situation,” he says. “You can manifest whatever energy you have inside you into reality. We have power in our heritages, we have power in our culture.” The influence of this lineage, coupled with his faith and personal growth, is threaded throughout Elevate, especially on tracks like “9 GOD” and “MOMMA.”
Beyond music, AL99 is an entrepreneur and a visionary. Founder of TPC Music Production, he recently signed a distribution deal with Universal Music Group/Bungalo, cementing his independent grind while expanding his reach. From the early success of singles like “POP” to his ongoing rise in the Hip-Hop scene, AL99 continues to define his own path, blending artistry, business, and culture.
“WHY II” is more than a track—it’s a testament to AL99’s journey as an artist and as a person. He hopes listeners will take away the essence of authenticity and reflection that permeates his music. “I just want people to go back and listen and feel that I was always speaking what I believed,” he says. “As long as I’m doing that, I’ll be happy, and I hope people now or later on feel that too.”
With Elevate, AL99 doesn’t just make music; he offers a roadmap of introspection, resilience, and cultural pride, proving once again why fans call him “Versatile AL” and peers recognize him as “The Genius.”
About AL99
AL99, known for his versatility as a lyricist, performer, instrumentalist, and producer, is redefining the boundaries of Hip-Hop. Drawing inspiration from icons like Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake, his music blends introspective lyricism, energetic performance, and cultural resonance. Founder of TPC Music Production, AL99 balances artistry and entrepreneurship, delivering music that inspires, entertains, and uplifts. With a mission to create tracks that connect deeply with listeners, AL99 continues to push Hip-Hop forward while remaining authentically himself.
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Artist Spotlight: Rondo Gold
Join us as Rondo Gold takes us behind the curtain of their artistry, legacy, and future plans.
HipHopNow: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Rondo Gold: There are so many amazing artists alive and those who have passed on that I could sit here all day and choose great artistic influences. However, My Top 5 Musical influences are Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Usher, and Tupac. All of these Great artists have and had an Amazing Work Ethic to go along with their undeniable Talent.
HipHopNow: When did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?
Rondo Gold: Well, I started freelance singing and freestyling with my brothers and cousins when I was around 13/14 years old. That led me to actually go to school for music for a short time. This helped me get better with basic music theory, songwriting, and performing. But I basically knew I wanted to do this professionally around 16 years old.
HipHopNow: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your daily life?
Rondo Gold: Honestly, I try to jot down my dreams and goals in my dream journal daily. Also, I have a vision board. I work out, and I meditate; I watch my diet and go on occasional fasts. And I can’t forget to listen to and study great artists, then and now; that is a must. Then I create some good music to top it all off.
HipHopNow: How do you define happiness and fulfillment in your life and career?
Rondo Gold: Happiness and Fulfillment come from spending time with my family and friends, eating some good Food, playing basketball/ working out/ Singing and dancing, Meditating as much as possible, and helping others/giving back whenever I can.
HipHopNow: Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies?
Rondo Gold: 1st of all, I’m a music head, so I can listen to a simple chord progression from an old song and become inspired lol; it can literally be that easy, and then it’s off to the races once the creativity kicks in. Many times I just hum abstract riffs and runs, and they come together, and before I know it, I have a dope hook or a full song.
HipHopNow: What’s your approach to creating a unique sound?
Rondo Gold: I am a versatile artist, and my fans/ supporters will see that; as time goes on, I can’t be boxed in. I use my versatile and vocal characteristics to shape my own sound with elements of playful/ charismatic all the way to deep/ emotional and real.
HipHopNow: What’s the significance of your album art, and how do you choose it?
Rondo Gold: Overall, I look for the theme that I’m going for, and for this particular single, “Impossible,” I kept it simple, romantic, but also thought-provoking for people to envision the idea and possibly an impossible Love.
HipHopNow: Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’re excited about?
Rondo Gold: Yes, I have some more magic coming soon. I’ve been taking my time to perfect a few of them, but I feel and think Quality over Quantity when it comes to my art. So yeah, stay tuned and get ready to be captivated by some good Music.
HipHopNow: How do you handle criticism and feedback on your music?
Rondo Gold: I actually don’t mind it as much as I used to; I’m more positive when it comes to feedback and constructive criticism these days. I see it as a chance to hear from the audience and Golden Dreamers on how they feel about my music. This, in turn, allows me to grow and improve in my artistry overall.
HipHopNow: How do you continue to improve your musical skills and knowledge?
Rondo Gold: Well, I always pride myself on knowing that I don’t know everything and that there is always so much more to learn. I just started back taking vocal lessons and plan on learning guitar and piano. Also, by listening back to my old music, I can already see my growth in vocal range, songwriting/subject matter, and overall confidence. It’s all about growth to me; that’s what I believe it means to be GOLDEN!
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