Music
Max I Million’s New Album ‘Shine On…’ Illuminates the Golden Era Hip-Hop with a Vibrant Instrumental

Swedish producer Max I Million unveils his latest masterpiece, “Shine On…” This 12-track instrumental opus is a radiant homage to the Golden Era sound, brilliantly infused with a playful and innovative modern twist bound to captivate music enthusiasts worldwide.
Max I Million, a virtuoso crafting luscious and jazzy hip-hop beats, takes his artistry to soaring heights with “Shine On…” As he reminisces about the musical influences that shaped his journey, he effortlessly weaves intricate tapestries of sound, exuding a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously forging new and exhilarating sonic territories.
With an irresistible listening length of 26 minutes and 39 seconds, each track on “Shine On…” emerges as a vignette of imagination and creativity, designed to paint vivid pictures in the listener’s mind. By ingeniously using creatively flipped samples, Max I Million orchestrates an audio mosaic that celebrates the classic hip-hop culture while remaining fresh and distinct.
In an interview, Max I Million shares, “Shine On… is true to the Golden Era sound I grew up on, but it’s also vivid, playful, and colorful enough to stand on its own feet as an instrumental body of work.” Indeed, this album is a testament to his prowess in crafting sonic landscapes that breathe life into beats.
Max I Million elevates his artistry to new heights by ingeniously creating sounds from everyday household items, adding a delightful charm and uniqueness to each composition. This attention to detail is what sets “Shine On…” apart as a true gem in the realm of instrumental hip-hop.
Shine On… is available now through all major DSPs as well as vinyl. The record is pressed in an eye catching black, tangerine and silver swirl color configuration on 180g vinyl. The album packaging also features an inner board sleeve with both sides illustrated by MC Blue Matter, with the album cover and layout illustrated by collage artist Jesse Stone
Music
C’est Ça lights up a flemish spark with global potential in new single “Sunrise”

C’est Ça offers a flickering ember of hope on their new single, “Sunrise.” But be prepared for an even bigger surprise: this fresh-faced foursome may look young, and they are, but they sound timeless. With the self-assured charm of a band that has a clear idea where it’s going and just the right amount of mischief to keep things grounded, C’est Ça offers an invitation to follow along, and for the moment, this beautiful debut is a fantastic place to start.
“Sunrise” doesn’t just open, it comes to life. It unfolds slowly, like light penetrating morning mist, and it’s suffused with emotional swells and melodic sophistication that are both intimate and anhemic. A warmth draws you in from the first few bars, and sincerity lingers well past the last chord.
The same youthful longing in the vocals, the ambient guitars that expand like open space, the unassuming but insistent push of a band starting to figure itself out. But make no mistake: C’est Ça isn’t here to copy. They’re making their way, a sunrise at a time. According to their Belgium promo girl, they have ‘the emotional depth of bands such as Athlete or Snow Patrol’; you can see why. “Sunrise” achieves that elusive balance between vulnerability and uplift, which makes you want to hit replay and have it serve as a soundtrack to your peaceful mornings in solitude or your late-night reflections.
But below the studio polish is something even more evocative: heart. Whether it’s their small-town foundations or shared big-city dream of being found, C’est Ça carry themselves with a down-to-earth optimism that feels both approachable and hard-won. If this track is anything to go by, C’est Ça are not just climbing; they’re on fire. “Sunrise” is a promise and a business card, a quiet rumble from a band eager to be heard.
Music
Papi Jay drops a love letter to his roots with “Dear Sacramento”

Papi Jay offers something tangible and personal in a landscape where the music world is inundated with relatively shallow chart toppers. His new single, “Dear Sacramento,” is a lyrical love letter to the city that formed him. It slaps differently with West Coast bounce and raw, honest storytelling.
From Sacramento, born and raised, Papi Jay reps the 916. It’s physically palpable in every bar, every beat, every breath of this track. “Dear Sacramento” presents a portrait of a city that flows with love and struggle, grit and grace. It’s more than hometown pride, survival, endurance, and a sense of coming up when the world won’t notice you. And Papi is not just saying, but living it.
Papi Jay produces the track, fusing a distinctive Cali groove with something more personal: his truth. There’s the bounce, sure, but beneath, there’s an undercurrent of emotion and lived experience that cannot be overlooked. You can feel the streets, the summer heat, the late-night dreams, and the early-morning grind. There is no filter here, just passion and perspective.
“Dear Sacramento” is someone who’s found their voice and isn’t afraid to use it. There’s a slick hook, piercing verses, and a production that keeps your head nodding while your heart tunes in. This is not background music, and it’s a declaration. This one’s a must-have for all real hip-hop fans with a message. And for anyone who’s ever felt sidelined, who’s hustled in silence, who’s shouldered an entire city on their back, this song is for you.”
That is what Papi Jay is saying: Sacramento made him, and he’s here to give back the love. In “Dear Sacramento,” he shows that the most powerful stories don’t come from watching us so much as from the places we come from and the voices that emerge from those shadows to be heard. This song is not only for the city; it’s from the town and deserves to be heard.
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