Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
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BALTIMORE, MD – Many people who live in and around Baltimore, Maryland know it for its unfortunate nickname, “Murdaland.” It’s a name that stems from its extremely high crime rate and a homicide rate that puts its capital city, Baltimore, among the most dangerous cities in the world. But East Coast artist Alex Fraze is on a mission to help his hometown have a different reputation, one that embraces love. His latest EP, “Lover and a Fighter,” is a project that pays homage to Michael Jackson, one of his biggest influences. MJ was known for saying he was a lover, not a fighter, but Fraze said he’s flipping it to say that he’s a lover and a fighter because he has deep love and passion inside him, but his music and energy is intense. It’s a project that comes with a lot of passion and good vibes that Fraze describes as “very wavy,” while also showcasing how much of a fighter he is when it comes to things he wants in life and things he’s passionate about.
“I feel like I strive to bring older elements of music back into today’s sound,” Fraze said. “I feel like a lot of today’s sound is very manufactured – that’s just my opinion. And I want to create choruses that really connect with people and music that makes you feel. I want my sound to be infectious. You don’t even have to know the language of what you’re listening to, but you can feel it. That’s the kind of passion I came with on this project. It’s very wavy and really explores a lot of love situations.”
The standout single he’s highlighting from the EP is “Bonnie.” It’s a song that Fraze said highlights the perception of someone engulfed in a toxic relationship. The story of the song is about having a girl by your side who is toxic at the same time. Fraze said “Bonnie” is an archetype that he uses to describe that kind of woman.
“The woman is in your face in love and shows a false sense of transparency and trust, but has a different motive and intention,” he said. “It’s ironic because the original ‘Bonnie,’ who is the counterpart of Clyde (an infamous couple that banded together to commit crimes around the country in the 1920s), was his true love until their last breath. The title ‘Bonnie’ was chosen because of the fact that she shows the traits of a loyal ‘stay down’ woman, but is the complete opposite at heart.”
Fraze said the inspiration for the story cam from real events in his own life. He was wrapped up in a toxic relationship for a while and was jaded by feelings he had for her. He said he viewed her as a “Bonnie” and put her on a pedestal.
“I used that experience to channel how I felt in that time to create the lyrics and vibe of the song,” he said. “The instrumentation of the music is the opposite of the message in the song. The wavy chords and 808s give the song a relaxed, laid-back energy. Groovy is the best way to explain it.”
Fraze said the production was the most important factor in the process of creating the song. He said he wanted to give listeners two different vibes. When listeners hear the instrumentals, he hopes they feel a sense of tranquility. But when they listen to the words and are able to digest and understand their deeper meaning, he hopes they appreciate the illusion the message is portraying.
“The beat sounds very wavy, but the deep message in the song evokes a feeling of being stuck on someone and their toxic tendencies,” Fraze said.
Another standout single from the project is “I Was Your Worst,” which is about recognizing the mistakes you’ve made in a relationship and vowing to do better in the future. The hook of the song says, “You was my best and I was your worst. I move like some trash, this love got your soul on hurt.” Fraze said it’s a song that’s a little more groovy than the rest, and as such will definitely stand out as one of the premiere tracks.
Ultimately, Fraze said he wants his music to serve as a kind of “renaissance” for the music industry. He wants to bring something new and something that adds to the evolution of music and the direction it’s heading.
“I want to shift the game a little bit,” he said. “I take inspiration from a lot of the greats – like James Brown and Michael Jackson and Sam Cooke – and create music that is psychedelic and sets a mood. My drive is to be a pioneer in the industry and to innovate a new lane of sound.”
To listen to Alex Fraze’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexfrazeofficially/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003255915314
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexfraze14?lang=en
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/alex-fraze
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RSN’L (pronounced “Arsenal”) is a Christian hip-hop artist armed with a sharp lyrical pen guided by the word of God. His music not only shares the message of God’s Word but combines it with creative punchlines, high energy and an authentic dedication to creating songs that resonate with the listener. His latest single, “TILL I SEE JESUS,” which features producer OnBeatMusic, finds him discussing the persecution he’s faced in his faith walk and how he won’t let anything stop him.
The track “TILL I SEE JESUS” is one that came from commitment. Written around 2AM, it’s a song that was born once RSN’L entered a flow state during the creative process. The words came pouring out of him and by 11AM, he was headed to the booth to record them. A natural process like this is commonplace as no song is created by forcing it, compromising or anything of the sort.
“I’m not going to stop and I’m not going to quit. I’m pouring everything into this and it's setting me free. There’s nothing in the way of me doing this because as I continue, obstacles are moving out of my way. I’m doing my part by doing what God called me to do which is to teach and encourage people through truth. Everything I write can be tied into truth or scripture.” he said.
The biblical references throughout “TILL I SEE JESUS” are surrounded by ever evolving production from OnBeatMusic that creates an atmosphere of triumph and confidence. His flow switches throughout the song keep the energy at a high level and showcase his namesake excellently. The name “RSN’L” represents how every verse he spits is a weapon in the arsenal of faith, and each song is aimed at the hearts of listeners who need transformation more than entertainment.
RSN’L makes music for the mind and culture of Christ. He’s not making music to make money nor is he interested in creating a fame centric fanbase. He was called to do something that is not widely accepted and he is okay with that. He knows God has equipped him with the tools and the gifts to share His message and it will reach those it is supposed to.
“Regardless of what people think, I’m the one who has to have my heart and motives right because it is not my intent to try to capitalize off of the Gospel or even use the talents I have for my own glorification.” he said.
RSN’L loves that he can use music to share God’s Word because music itself works both sides of the brain at the same time and creates neuropassages. He also knows God created the world with His mouth by speaking and that shows that words have power, a voice has power and what we say creates. By making music based on the will of God and using the talents God has given him to share the message through the music, he is impacting people directly.
“The heart is our minds, the will and the emotion. Music can impact a person so heavily that it steers their future. So when they listen to God’s Word through my music, they’re submitting themselves to the truth within it.” he said.
RSN’L’s full story is a living breathing testimony to how God’s power is truly life changing. From his days growing up in Englewood on the South Side of Chicago to enlisting in the military and to now being a father and husband, his journey is one of faith and persistence. He continues to share God’s word through ministry and music.
“TILL I SEE JESUS” feat. OnBeatMusic is available on streaming services now.
You can learn more about God’s Word through RSN’L by following him on these platforms.
Website | Apple Music | Spotify | Instagram | Facebook
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