Lay Bankz: It's a Philly ting with the new 'After 7' album on repeat mode
I might glow New Jersey and New York City vibes but there’s no denying Philadelphia churns out some amazing musicians and hitmakers - not to mention cheesesteaks and cheesecakes (sorry, Junior’s) - and when it comes to the anthems? How about rap crooner Lay Bankz coming through with a new After 7 album for your listening pleasures? Say less.
I might glow New Jersey and New York City vibes but there’s no denying Philadelphia churns out some amazing musicians and hitmakers - not to mention cheesesteaks and cheesecakes (sorry, Junior’s) - and when it comes to the anthems? How about rap crooner Lay Bankz coming through with a new After 7 album for your listening pleasures? Say less.
Lay Bankz delivers with her new ‘After 7’ studio album
It’s more than an EP and demands full-fledged listening goals. The follow-up to last year’s Now You See Me EP, Lay delivers a full-course audio meal for you to enjoy from track to track.
At only 19 years old, Philadelphia’s “lil mami” Lay Bankz is running circles around the R&B and rap game, blending multiple decades worth of each genre’s musical trends to create her own intoxicating, unique sound. Leaving no stone unturned in her evolution from TikTok’s viral darling to a hit-making diva, Lay shares After 7, her debut full-length project. The project is home to the nostalgia-inducing song of the summer contender “Tell Ur Girlfriend,” which spent multiple weeks at #1 on Billboard’s TikTok Top 50 chart and soared to #58 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. To date, “Tell Ur Girlfriend” boasts over 143 million global streams to date and over 5 million TikTok creations, capturing the attention of influencers like Charli D’Amelio, Alix Earle, and Brooke Monk. Including a feature from rapper BEAM on “how could you,” After 7 is out now via Artist Partner Group, Inc.
The number 7, according to numerology, is often associated with spiritual wisdom, introspection, intellectual rigor, and poise. Fittingly, After 7 is one of Lay’s most polished releases yet, showcasing her diverse musical palette as she navigates the highs and lows of fame and romantic relationships through coming-of-age bangers. Spanning 15 tracks, the project audibly captures each numerological trait of the number 7 – “7Days7Nights” layers meditative frequencies atop a poignant club instrumental, creating a danceworthy bop that is equally as hype as it is soothing, while the reflective R&B ballad “Double It” finds Lay examining her own vices after a breakup. The recently-released single “Good Look” and the Pharoahe Monch-sampling “Tongue Out Freestyle” sees Lay in emcee mode, delivering fierce, self-affirming rhymes that further prove that she’s musically beyond her years.
What makes After 7 special is how Lay leaves room to showcase the Philly club sound she helped define without shying away from experimentation with other genres. “WOULD YOU?” blends elements of NY drill, ‘90s eurodance, and club-pop as Lay tests her boo’s unconditional love for her with an unconventional version of “21 Questions.” On other tracks, like the funky, FreakNik-inspired “Booty Pop,” Lay gives an animated performance with the same energy as a Missy Elliott and Ciara collab. Clocking in at 35 minutes, After 7 is equally as fun as it is digestible, and should be enjoyed with a side of serious hip-shaking. If you listen to this project long enough, you’ll be singing and dancing in your room like the star of your favorite rom-com movie.
After 7 is the follow-up project to Lay’s 2023 debut Now You See Me EP. Now You See Me is home to viral hits like "Ick" (over 100 million streams, #1 on TikTok's Viral chart, more than 1 million creations) and "Na Na Na" (over 50 million global streams), and has earned praise from Lyrical Lemonade. Fast forward to 2024, the triple-threat established herself as one of the most exciting risers to watch – in the first half of the year, Lay was named Spotify's Most Necessary Artists To Watch for 2024, placed on Complex's list of Rappers To Watch in 2024, REVOLT’s 13 Female Rappers to Watch in 2024 and YouTube's Fifty Deep Music Class of 2024, and walked the Red Carpet at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Last week, she was named Billboard’s May R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month – check out her exclusive interview with Billboard HERE!
With After 7, Lay Bankz proves that there’s no ceiling when it comes to her success. Keep your eyes on the rising rapper/singer/dancer as she blicks her way into your heart one banger at a time.
Lay Bankz: Philly's own keeps it 100 and doesn't regret it with 'Tell Ur Girlfriend'
The streets are ruthless and if you’re playing by the rules of hip-hop artist Lay Bankz, it’s only a matter of time before more than just your friends know things are more than just platonic with ‘Tell Ur Girlfriend’ detailing it out.
The streets are ruthless and if you’re playing by the rules of hip-hop artist Lay Bankz, it’s only a matter of time before more than just your friends know things are more than just platonic with ‘Tell Ur Girlfriend’ detailing it out.
Lay Bankz lays down the law in ‘Tell Ur Girlfriend’
From the Valentine’s Day vibes brewing to just not being able to resist the power of some lust, Bankz doesn’t hold back with her newest audio gem.
Lay Bankz seamlessly fuses the past, present, and future with her unqiue hybrid of club music, hip-hop, and R&B. The Philadelphia 19-year-old's new single "Tell Ur Girlfriend" succinctly synthesizes her eras-spanning appeal. The new song layers serrated synths and space-age squelches of turn-of-the-millennium R&B atop the sliding 808s of drill and insistent five-beat pattern of East Coast Club to create a futuristic, dancefloor-filling anthem. Twirling melodies and fastpaced rhymes with ease, Lay grounds the proceedings in a well-drawn relationship drama. She and her partner are each stepping out on their significant others, but Lay is tired of living a lie. "If you want me, you gotta put the word in/Tell your girlfriend...that I'm your girlfriend," she sings.
"Tell Ur Girlfriend" continues the momentum from Lay Bankz's breakout 2023, marked by several viral singles and an acclaimed debut EP. She kicked off the year with the frenetic club-rap anthem "Na Na Na," a viral smash that generated over 127k video creations on TikTok and over 45 million global streams. Lay tapped into the zeitgeist once again with her single "ICK!," a ferocious club-rap song about the moment sparks stop flying, which became one of the biggest viral hits of 2023, peaking at #8 on Billboard x TikTok's Viral Chart behind more than 1 million video creations, and generating over 90 million streams across platforms. Both "Na Na Na" and "ICK!" are highlights from Now You See Me, Lay's debut EP, which shows her range across 7 memorable tracks. To close out 2023, Lay released "Sloppy Seconds (Ick Pt. 2)," the equally-cheeky follow-up single to "ICK!," generating nearly 7 million streams since its release in December.
Lay's new singles continue to exhibit why Lay Bankz is one of the most exciting risers in hip-hop and R&B today. Lay Bankz first emerged onto the scene as a dancer, gaining a following on social media with her energetic interpretations of regional dance moves, like the "blick." When she built a large enough platform, she showed the world her true talent with the viral hit "Left Cheek (Doo Doo Blick)," a club and R&B hybrid that generated nearly 450k creations on TikTok. The success of "Doo Doo Blick" established Bankz as a bonafide TikTok phenomenon–with over 2.4 million followers and 88 million likes–and one of the most sought-after talents in the club scene–she showed off her chops on "PIANO," a highlight from Bandmanrill's debut album, and recently got a call from Ciara, who recruited Lay Bankz to appear on the "Dance Mix" of her new single "Da Girls." Videos of Lay dancing with Ciara generated over 1 million combined views on TikTok. Lay earned critical acclaim from Pitchfork for her seamless club-n-b single "In My Bag," and showed off her bars in a a performance with On The Radar. She was mentioned by Complex as a Philly artist on the rise in their list of The Best Rap Cities Right Now.
Most recently, Lay joined fellow club-influenced artist Skaiwater on "choosin u" and walked the Red Carpet at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Earlier this year, she was named one of Spotify's Most Necessary Artists To Watch for 2024.
With "Tell Ur Girlfriend" and much more on the way, Lay Bankz looks to continue her mission to bring Philly to the masses. Next, Lay performs at Rolling Loud California 2024 in Los Angeles on Friday, March 15th. Stay tuned for much more from the rapidly rising artists as the year continues.
Meek Mill: The Dreamchasers boss promises to 'destroy' anything going against him these days
Me versus the world, Meek Mill? You better believe it. The hip-hop veteran is focused on going all the way up and making sure the potential ops realize he’s prepared for anything looking to oppose him.
Me versus the world, Meek Mill? You better believe it. The hip-hop veteran is focused on going all the way up and making sure the potential ops realize he’s prepared for anything looking to oppose him.
Meek Mill is keeping it 100 on anything going against him
While quick and to the point, Meek Milly made sure to rely on the power of Instagram to let loose on his state of mind at the start of ‘24.
‘Anything go against me ima destroy that shit✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨’
Sauce Walka & Freeway: The rap duo deliver cinematic flexing in the 'Switches & AR's' music video
Sauce Walka. Freeway. Super tough. The hip-hop pair coming through with a much-needed visual from their ‘Switches & AR’s’ anthem? Oh yes.
Sauce Walka. Freeway. Super tough. The hip-hop pair coming through with a much-needed visual from their ‘Switches & AR’s’ anthem? Oh yes.
Sauce Walka & Freeway’s ‘Switches & AR’s’ music video goes hard
It’s all types of big flexing from the Southern rap artist and Philadelphia hip-hop heavyweight. It’s a standout visual from the Texas native. Tap in.
Meek Mill: The Dreamchasers boss is really having too much fun drunk in Dubai
Keeping it 100? It’s an extended holiday weekend so you’re bound to see some silly headlines pop up into the NEWS section, so don’t be surprised with Meek Mill securing a spot here for being more than tipsy and living his best life in Dubai.M
Keeping it 100? It’s an extended holiday weekend so you’re bound to see some silly headlines pop up into the NEWS section, so don’t be surprised with Meek Mill securing a spot here for being more than tipsy and living his best life in Dubai.
Meek Mill’s having way too much fun in Dubai right now
The rap heavyweight has spent the past few days way, way, way far away from Philadelphia and has the snapshots to prove it. Meek’s latest contribution to The Culture? How about posing low-key drunk with Dubai’s skyscrapers in the background?
‘She’s giving Chanel lol I’m drunk this don’t count 😂 6:35am’
And of course the snapshot sparked some wild reactions including a comment from hip-hop artist Melii.
‘Got them Braids back and don’t know how to act 😂’ -Melii
‘LOL’ -MoRuf
Meek Mill's Dreams & Nightmares 10-year anniversary show is officially a sell out
You know you’re doing something right when you’re selling out stadiums. Maybach Music Group’s Meek Mill is making sure everyone from the front to the nosebleeds feels his presence courtesy of a sold-out Dreams & Nightmares 10-year anniversary concert set to go down after Thanksgiving.
You know you’re doing something right when you’re selling out stadiums. Maybach Music Group’s Meek Mill is making sure everyone from the front to the nosebleeds feels his presence courtesy of a sold-out Dreams & Nightmares 10-year anniversary concert set to go down after Thanksgiving.
Meek Mill is out here selling out stadiums
Meek Milly hit up his Instagram page to acknowledge the massive achievement. While it’s unknown who all will grace the stage with him November 26, one thing is for certain - it’s going to be a packed arena.
“Now I gotta make it 360* PHILLY NOVEMBER.26 all my guys f#%k wit me!!!!!! ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨”
Amber Rose is begging for Philadelphia violence to end
Vixen Amber Rose might live the Los Angeles lifestyle but she’s hurting for her city. The Philadelphia native has stepped forward to share some tough statistics about the crime and pain the City of Brotherly love is currently going through.
Vixen Amber Rose might live the Los Angeles lifestyle but she’s hurting for her city. The Philadelphia native has stepped forward to share some tough statistics about the crime and pain the City of Brotherly love is currently going through.
Amber Rose wants Philadelphia violence to end
Muva Rose lit up her Instagram page and didn't hold back. In addition to making a public plea, Amber shared slideshows of numbers revealing a combination of murders, shootings and overdoses happening on a frequent basis.
“My City is down so Bad 😔 I’m forever a South Philly Girl this really hurts my heart! City officials please reach out to me! I don’t know how I can help at this point but I want to do anything I can even if it’s just using my voice for now. This has to stop! 😥💔”
Paper Planes is taking over JAY-Z's Made In America this weekend
Made In America is just days away so you can imagine the hype is only growing. Turns out popular brand Paper Planes is pulling through once again for an epic outing and to become the exclusive streetwear partner at the Labor Day Weekend festivities in Philadelphia.
Made In America is just days away so you can imagine the hype is only growing. Turns out popular brand Paper Planes is pulling through once again for an epic outing and to become the exclusive streetwear partner at the Labor Day Weekend festivities in Philadelphia.
Paper Planes is taking over Made In America
With over a decade of experience in the books, the brand continues its streak of signature designs and will help make the 10th annual music event go down as an incredibly memorable one.
Paper Planes worked with top designers from Who Decides War & Barriers WorldWide to create the limited-edition collection featuring nods to the Philadelphia community and the Made In America brand. Items from the collection can be parched in person at the festival or in advance at https://www.paperplane.shop/collections/made-in-america.
Established in 2008, Paper Planes combines street fashion, music, and design into one and is known for providing its signature headwear and t-shirts. 2022 marks Made in America's 10th year of performances, boasting a powerful and diverse lineup featuring headliners Bad Bunny and Tyler, The Creator.
The festival also remains rooted in the city's culture and holds advocacy at its core, averaging 15,000 social actions taken each year and over $150 million generated in economic impact for the City of Brotherly love since launching in 2012.
Amber Rose is putting science over religion, on God
Low-key? I resisted covering this a few days ago because I figured by the time the Instagram embed went up, the unique Amber Rose would have removed it but 72 hours later and she’s sticking to her stance - believe in God? Huh?
Low-key? I resisted covering this a few days ago because I figured by the time the Instagram embed went up, the unique Amber Rose would have removed it but 72 hours later and she’s sticking to her stance - believe in God? Huh?
Amber Rose is putting science over God
Muva Rose recently chopped it up about her thoughts on the man upstairs. She didn’t hold back and kept things 100 on the concept of believing one entity is responsible for humankind.
“Check out my interview with @rocktopics I really never talk about religion but personally I will never understand how white men from Europe went to Africa and stole Black people brought them to the US, Caribbean and back to Europe and beat them until they prayed to THIER God (Jesus) Generations later we are still all brainwashed that a man from Nazareth was born from a virgin mother and died for our sins then was resurrected. Of course Jesus’s mother was a virgin that’s the only way she would be good enough to give birth to the son of God Lol sounds like a bunch of men manipulating and setting the standard for women. While men in the Bible had 10 wives 🤷🏼♀️ I can go on and on for hours that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Just be a good Person. People that bring up the Bible to fit their needs are usually the most hypocritical, judgmental people out there from my experience. I will forever be a loving compassionate person I don’t need religious bigots to dictate who I am 🥰😘”
Julian King talks living in China, evolving his career, Philadelphia roots and more (Exclusive)
R&B singer Julian King is serious about his craft and with his 'Can We Go Back' receiving steady attention, it's only right Attack The Culture pulls him away - briefly - from music-making to dish on everything he's experienced in the past few years career-wise.
R&B singer Julian King is serious about his craft and with his 'Can We Go Back' receiving steady attention, it's only right Attack The Culture pulls him away - briefly - from music-making to dish on everything he's experienced in the past few years career-wise.
From talking about the reason behind his stay in China to low-key feeling like Los Angeles and Atlanta are his second homes outside of Philadelphia, the popular crooner doesn't hold back on keeping it 100 on both his professional and personal life.
As we always do at this time, check out some of the conversation highlights and keep scrolling to experience the full Julian King chop up session.
Julian King. My apologies for not knowing this but is that the government name or is that the alias? I love the name Julian King. It rolls off the tongue easy. The ‘King’ part though, did we add on the ‘King’ part?
Julian: We added on the King part. The idea behind King was to just to put my name amongst the greats. It was actually an idea from a team that I worked with years ago that kind of just stuck. My family is pretty well known in the city and I kind of wanted to step outside of my religious affiliation with my family as to who Julian was as an artist. When I think about people with the last name King, I think of Martin Luther King, someone who has pioneered his way through civil rights and really has become an icon towards the Black community so if I can do just a fraction of what he did within music and within my gift, I’m a happy camper.
I’ve always felt like there was a fashion sense with the music and you. You have this heartfelt music that hits hard but when people look at you, there’s always fashion statements - at least in my opinion - being made. When I look at you, Julian, it’s like two dope worlds. We’ve seen that from Lil Uzi Vert in Philadelphia as well, but for you, where does that motivation and inspiration come from?
Julian: I love clothes, man. I used to have really long hair which was way down my back and for me, everyday was like a canvas that I got to paint. Some days I felt like wearing a basketball jersey and some shorts. Some days, I felt like wearing really tight pants and a patent leather rain jacket. Some days I felt like wearing knee-high boots. I love to switch it up because clothes make me feel confident and sometimes I’m in different moods. Sometimes I dress this way, sometimes I dress that way. One thing is for sure and two things for certain, it’s that I’m always going to look good. I love to play with clothing and I think that’s one of the freedoms that people don’t really give themselves the liberty. There’s so many things in this world that make this world beautiful.
I had no idea you lived in China. Was that just you wanting some Chinese food and it wasn’t enough to get it in Chinatown in Philadelphia or was it something family or business-related?
Julian: At the time, I had just broken up with my ex-boyfriend, fired my last team, I let go of my job, my lease was up. It was getting to be one of those life moments. I got presented with the opportunity and I was like, ‘You know what? Shit. Let’s do it.’ And I did it. The first few months was a little crazy but by the time I left [China,] I didn't even want to leave.
Got you. How is a Philly cheesesteak in China? Can they throw down on a Philly cheesesteak or nah?
Julian: Nah. And even if they did, I’m not trying.
How did quarantine and the pandemic change the music-making? I think we all, myself included, went through a lot of different transformations. Without revisiting every detail, just talk about the evolution - were you able to overcome it?
Julian: It’s interesting. No shade. The first few months? I didn’t do shit. Like, there were times, bro, I was just like I do not give a fuck. I’m not doing this. The world is ending and I’m not going to try to push to be this thing and do this thing if it’s not organically. I then taught myself how to record in Pro Tools and that changed the game. I’m not a big person who likes to have a lot of people in my studio sessions at all. I’m OK with my manager or assistant at the time, my engineer at the time and myself. Maybe a writer. I don’t like a lot of people in my space when I’m in this process. So being able to shut my door and be by myself, it allowed me to write from a different place. I just started writing whatever came out and it’s so interesting because at the end of 2020, I ended up signing with the team that I have now and they loved every record.
Need more Juilan King in your life? Check out the full chop up session with the Philadelphia singer as he talks about fashion influences, hometown heroes and plenty more below.
Meek Mill's cracking into the NFT hustle
Maybach Music Group’s Meek Mill is putting his trust into the latest trends. The hip-hop star has teased fans about the creation and rollout of a new NFT mixtape set to drop in time for the new year.
Maybach Music Group’s Meek Mill is putting his trust into the latest trends. The hip-hop star has teased fans about the creation and rollout of a new NFT mixtape set to drop in time for the new year.
Meek Mill’s cracking into the NFT hustle
The Philadelphia rap heavyweight hit up his Instagram page to deliver the big news to followers. He shared a trailer hyping up the new project and locked in a New Year’s Day drop.
“Loyalty club starts January 1st 2022 nft mixtape 😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎”
T.I. credits Beanie Sigel for helping him become 'King of the South'
Grammy-winning rapper T.I. knows how to pay homage. The self-proclaimed King of the South has saluted State Property’s Beanie Sigel for helping elevate his status in the rap game over 20 years ago.
Grammy-winning rapper T.I. knows how to pay homage. The self-proclaimed King of the South has saluted State Property’s Beanie Sigel for helping elevate his status in the rap game over 20 years ago.
T.I. credits Beanie Sigel for helping elevate ‘King of the South’ title
Tip went to his Instagram page with a snapshot of himself posted up alongside Beans. T.I. even credits their classic “2 Glock 9’s” for being the transition from a Southern rapper to the King of the South.
“There would be no "King Of The South" without him featuring me on the song that birthed the moniker. @beaniesigelsp #2Glock9s”
T.I. and Beanie Sigel’s collabo goes way back
The duo didn’t just recently link up. Their classic collaboration dates back to the Shaft movie soundtrack from 2000.
T.I. and Memphis Bleek link up too
A few years later, Tip linked up with another Roc-A-Fella Records legend with Memphis Bleek on their “Round Here” anthem. The banger also features Southern rap icon Trick Daddy.
Bow Wow gives T.I. his much-needed respect
Recently, rap veteran Bow Wow shared a clip of himself chopping it up with Tip. Bow credited T.I. for believing in him when others didn’t.
“Casual conversation w/ myself and my big bro @troubleman31…. Cant believe he told me what he told me backstage. This man believed in me when they doubted me. He taught me how to song write. Bro went from taking me to the southside to pick up my back then gf to haunted houses to becoming a legend himself! I get shy when people compliment me. Just not use to it. But yall peep this! 2 🐐”
State Property's Freeway Shares Painful Loss Of His Daughter
Philadelphia rapper Freeway is going through one of the hardest real-life tragedies any father could ever fear - the loss of a loved one. The State Property member has come forward to announce the passing of his 21-year-old daughter and reveal the emotional hit it has taken on him.
Philadelphia rapper Freeway is going through one of the hardest real-life tragedies any father could ever fear - the loss of a loved one. The State Property member has come forward to announce the passing of his 21-year-old daughter and reveal the emotional hit it has taken on him.
State Property’s Freeway Announces Daughter’s Death
Freeway went to his Instagram page this weekend to share the shocking and painful announcement. He also shared a throwback clip of his daughter Harmony smiling and living her best life dancing during a bout with cancer.
“You know the saying sugar and spice and everything nice, well that’s my Harmony! ❤️ I promise y’all she was the sweetest most kind most caring generous loving adorable person I know. Allah Really blessed me putting her in my life. I love her so much and this hurts so bad 😢 this video was February of this year on her 21st birthday. Even though she was fighting cancer she was always happy and always smiling and she always brightened up my day. The only thing that’s giving me comfort is I know 100% that she believes in Allah and she was a good person. I truly believe she has everything it takes to enter into heaven. 🤲🏾🙏🏾❤️ Please keep her in your prayers & please ask God to show her comfort and mercy. Listen Life & Death is very real! cherish your love ones & keep them close to you because you never know, we are not promised our next breath. She truly was my best friend and I don’t know what I’m gonna do this pain is unimaginable. 😢💔”
Freeway + Harmony Ring Liberty Bell At 76ers Game
Free also returned to Instagram Sunday to share some more words about Harmony. He specifically shared a throwback clip of them together at a Philadelphia 76ers game and having the honor of ringing the Liberty Bell while also revealing the cancer bout.
“I pray that my daughter Harmony’s name rings bell‘s amongst the angels in heaven 🤲🏾❤️ much Love to the @sixers for helping put a big smile on my daughters face that day! 🤲🏾🙏🏾💔❤️❤️”
Freeway Announces Son’s Death
In October 2020, Freeway announced tragic news of losing his son. He went to Instagram to break the crushing announcement to followers.
“God knows I try my best to be strong, but this right here is a pain like I never felt. Please cherish your time and your love ones because we’re not promise the next breath. I Pray Allah forgives my son for all Of his sins and I pray that Allah grants him the highest level of paradise. Ameen 😢 Please make dua for him & my family.”