Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
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In the opening frame of the music video for ML Underwood’s “Still I Rise,” the camera pans across the facade of the historic ruins of City Church in Gary, Indiana. Soon, a pristine white Rolls Royce pulls up in front.
The driver of the Rolls opens the door, and out steps Underwood, looking fresh in his black designer jacket and shades with platinum jewelry dangling on his chest. He enters the crumbling, graffiti-covered church, and the contrast is clear: surrounded by ruin and pain, here is a man of resilience. Here is a man who will rise.
Everything now is literally in chaos
People on their knees praying looking for a way out
But Underwood doing for the hood
The downtrodden, disenchanted, and misunderstood
You’ve gotta pivot so you don’t ever become a crook
Lead by example or do something good so we all rise
The positivity of “Still I Rise” is resonating, as seen in video comments like “This one hit different,” or “Very uplifting song.” One calls the song a “new black anthem.” Says another, “These bros have saved hip hop.”
And the numbers don’t lie. Radio rotation on Chicago’s 92.3, nearly three million views on YouTube, and viral success on TikTok have helped to drive the track to number one on the global iTunes chart. And with 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Underwood’s success — and positive message — cuts across all platforms and audiences.
Underwood says, “Despite everything we’ve been through, we rise. And that message applies to everybody.”
The impeccably produced “Still I Rise” features singer Danny Boy (Daniel Steward). Danny Boy, signed to Death Row Records in the 1990s, and whose voice has graced records by 2Pac and many more, elevates the hook, helping the track sound like an instant classic.
Underwood says, “We knew we needed a voice that could elevate the message, and Danny Boy took it to another level.”
Underwood created the track over a year. His process includes meditating on the lyrics and working with longtime collaborator Damon Jones (Young Khan Tha Don). With a beat from Grammy-winning Tone Jonez, he also got input from a cousin, Ivy (Ivana), who developed the melodic idea in the hook.
With the track and team in place, Underwood headed to Pressure Point Recording Studio in Chicago to record with Slavic Livins, an audio engineer known for his work with everyone from Gucci Mane to KeKe Wyatt.
The result is a track that could have been made during the heyday of 1990s rap, but that tells the true story of a 27-year veteran of the music industry. As Underwood says, “I don’t talk about things I didn’t live. Everything in my music comes from real experience.”
If you really wanna cry, look through my eye
In this game I seen way too many guys die
Envy and jealousy shot ’em down like a drive by
All I’m doing is speaking facts, why would I lie?
ML Underwood’s ties to the Gary, Indiana music scene, cut deep. The “visionary from Gary” was even named after Marlon Jackson of the Jacksons, the royal family of music in Gary. In the 1980s he was a beatboxer and performer with Le Boiz, the first rap group from the city signed to a label (Pharaohs Records). Later, he became a promoter for everything from music to boxing.
Now, he is focused on his own career as a rapper and a positive light in the community. Like a fighter, he has gotten back up. He wants to inspire others to do the same. Like the video for “Still I Rise,” it is possible to turn ruin into inspiration, dark into light, crumbling walls into creativity.
“Life is going to hit you,” he says. “But the key is, you don’t stay down. You rise.”
“Still I Rise” is out now with promotional support from Starlight PR. Follow ML Underwood at the links below.
My Life Entertainment
YouTube
Spotify
Empire.ffm
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Apple Music
iTunes download
Amazon Music
Tidal
Deezer
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AL99 (pronounced “Al nine-nine”) is an artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist on a mission to do more than just make music for people to listen to. He wants people to get inspired and motivated by it. He wants to be an example for young people and show them that being authentic leads to success. His latest track, “Addictive Visions" features Aisha Hall of Yapp City Music/Ghostface of Wu Tang, and demonstrates his desire for new experiences by achieving his goals through not only his music but all of his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Written in 2025, “Addictive Visions” is a laidback rap track with an entrancing melody where AL99 and Aisha Hall bring different flows but both discuss what they want and what they’re trying to achieve. AL’s flow is more relaxed but still confident as he slides from his verse to the hook. Meanwhile, Aisha Hall brings her confidence to the forefront with her verse which packs a punch but keeps the relaxed atmosphere of the track intact.
“I’m trying to see things I’ve never seen before. I’m trying to go places I’ve never been before. And I want to do that through the music path I’m on.” he said.
AL99 wants to lead by example through the authenticity in his music. And with that authenticity, comes diversity in the booth and in the boardroom. He’s earned degrees in Audio Production and Music Business and releases music through his company, TPC (To Progress the Culture) Music Production, whom he has a distribution deal with via Universal Music Group/Bungalo. He wants people to see that he’s an example of how to navigate the music world on your own terms by making the business decisions that are best for your music and everyone else on your team.
The diversity continues on the music side too with AL99 being a fan of music of all kinds and wanting young people to be inspired to live their truth and be themselves. As a multi-instrumentalist he plays the guitar, drums, and keyboard, giving himself a wide-ranging musical ear. This comes in handy not only when he produces his music but when he mixes and sometimes masters it too.
AL sees himself as a voice for those who may not have one because he himself was once the child that was interested in things that were not as popular with his peers. With age came the confidence to fully embrace these interests and now he’s built a career on musical diversity.
“I’m trying to bring something new to the industry. I feel like today people are more open to that in the rap world because people are starting to stray away from what we’ve been seeing for years. They’re embracing the new creative ways people are doing things and I’m a part of that.” he said.
With AL99 pursuing multiple paths that branch out from his music, motivation to keep moving forward is key. Motivation comes from his love of music and his love for sharing his journey in real time while people witness it with him. He feels as he grows in life his audience is growing along with him and they’re navigating life together. And the through line for this is his aforementioned authenticity and accountability.
AL99 has big plans for the future which include expanding his TPC brand and making movies since he already takes a cinematically intentional approach to his music. In addition to more music, he’s also got something special and unique planned to truly illustrate his story but listeners will have to stay tuned to see more about that.
“Addictive Visions” by AL99 featuring Aisha Hall is available on streaming services now.
You can see more of AL99’s authenticity and journey by keeping up with him on these platforms.
LinkTree | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok
The Starlight PR Team thanks AL 99 for taking the time to speak with us.
Tap in and stream “Addictive Visions” now!
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