Music

ASAP Ferg And NLE Choppa Help The Emerging AG Club Rep For ‘Memphis’

The Bay Area collective breaks convention to borrow from another area known for its trademark regional sound. …

Although the emerging youth rap collective AG Club — short for “avant-garde” — proudly represents San Francisco, their breakout single is hardly beholden to the sonic conventions of the Bay Area. In fact, “Memphis” sounds much more like the bass-heavy trap rap of its namesake as it does the post-hyphy party rap of fellow NorCal denizens SOB X RBE or Guapdad 4000.

So the addition of guest rappers ASAP Ferg and NLE Choppa to the song’s remix, “Memphis Pt. 2,” is actually fitting in many ways. Like AG Club, the ASAP Mob eschewed local solidarity for an omnivorous sound that saw the blog era breakouts sampling from places like Houston, London, and yes, Houston to form their sonic playgrounds. Meanwhile, NLE Choppa is a resident of Memphis who has shown an increasing versatility beyond regional sounds as his popularity as a featured artist grows — yet here, he sounds right at home. The video finds them all linking up to wreak havoc in Los Angeles, just to really mix things up.

In an introductory interview for Vice’s i-D Magazine, AG Club gets compared to ASAP Mob as well as the LA-based diversity collective Brockhampton, while the group’s members Baby Boy, Jody Fontaine, and Mick Antony say their mission is “to take over every form of media from music to TV, film, and fashion.” Beginning with the breakout viral hit that is “Memphis,” we’d say they are well on their way.

Watch AG Club’s “Memphis” video above.

NLE Choppa is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

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Music

Clay and Kelsy Embrace Darkness and Light in Transformative EP ‘I am’

Clay and Kelsy, the innovative pair at the forefront of Los Angeles’ indie music scene, present their latest project: the emotionally charged and sonically intricate EP, ‘I am’. This work consists of five tracks that delve into the complexities of doubt, emotional pain, and the intricacies of self-discovery, addressing the multifaceted nature of the human experience—from heartache to resilience.

The EP opens with “Insecure,” a raw sonic narrative that unpacks themes of waning self-confidence. Following this, “You Hurt Me” delivers a poignant exploration of betrayal, characterized by its evocative lyrics and dynamic arrangement. The track “I Miss You” amplifies the emotional landscape with its soulful introspection, articulating the challenges of grief and attachment faced while letting go. In “Memories of Me,” the duo addresses the profound weight of despair, tackling themes of existential fragmentation and mental health struggles with brutal honesty.

The titular track, “I am,” emerges as a pivotal moment within the EP—serving as a testament to survival, growth, and the journey toward self-acceptance. This piece balances the turmoil of past experiences with an optimistic outlook on future endeavors, ultimately acting as a powerful affirmation of resilience and readiness to confront forthcoming challenges.

Clay and Kelsy’s exceptional storytelling is complemented by their innovative integration of electronic soundscapes with soulful lyrics and instrumentation, transforming ‘I am’ into a cathartic listening experience. As artists, producers, and co-founders of CKI—an initiative championing women’s empowerment and amplifying underrepresented voices—they infuse their work with authenticity and creativity. ‘I am’ signifies a significant evolution in their artistic trajectory, and the anticipation for their next steps is palpable within the industry.

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Artist Spotlight

Sadie Brown delivers a heartfelt illusion of a fake life with her new single “Counterfeit”

At the heart of “Counterfeit” is a tale of love manipulated for selfish purposes, yet still feels captivating. Sadie Brown’s new single “Counterfeit” invites listeners into the deceptive lull of beautiful and bleak love, one that promises everything while lacking genuine vulnerability, ultimately delivering only heartbreak. Brown adeptly illustrates the anguish of being entangled in a romantic relationship that never fully reveals itself, leaving listeners caught between longing and the painful acknowledgment of reality. Through ethereal pop sensibilities and a bittersweet melody, Brown explores the complexity of a “counterfeit love life” alluring yet reserved, a love that’s perpetually poised to “cut its losses.” The outcome is a sonic experience that feels as vast and unreachable as a memory of love gone awry.

“Counterfeit” doesn’t just touch on the hurt that comes from unrequited love; it captures the quiet resignation accompanying it. With “Counterfeit,” Sadie Brown steps into a new creative direction in her music, mixing introspective storytelling with emotional resonance.

Written during the lockdown and produced by Cashybear (Tim Ross, formerly of Cash+David), “Counterfeit” builds a hazy, indie-pop atmosphere that feels grounded and otherworldly. The collaboration with guitarist Jimmy Sims (known for his work with George Ezra) lends a retro warmth, creating swirling riffs that complement Sadie’s soft yet piercing vocal delivery. This subtle instrumentation mirrors the song’s themes: a relationship built on false pretenses, with its sweetness fading away like mist.

Brown draws inspiration from artists like Camera Obscura, Kate Bush, and Lana Del Rey, bringing a charming and restrained sense of vulnerability. Like Joni Mitchell, Brown leans into the contradictions of love, evoking nostalgia but never retreating from the reality of unfulfilled desire. “Counterfeit” is a thought-provoking piece that establishes Sadie Brown as a voice that can authentically convey both the charm and the ache of illusion.

For more information about Sadie Brown, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sadie Brown’s “Counterfeit“ on Spotify.
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