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THE HARDEST WORKING LABEL IN CHICAGO: THE RISE OF DREAM GLOBAL RECORDS

The music industry is constantly changing, but the Lawrence brothers try to stay ahead of the curve by adapting to and embracing new trends in music and not being afraid to pivot from the old ways. In 2021, Music Executives and siblings D. Lawrence, 31, and Tayski Lawrence, 29, relaunched Dream Global Records, an American record label and management agency. 

The pair has a knack for spotting talent and artist development. The formula is simple: Locate talented artists nationally, throw all the resources they have at these young musicians, and build them into the hottest acts out of their cities. That is home to artists like former 1017 records signee RoBoy and Bando Pop, whose latest single, “flights” featuring Lil Baby, garnered over 13 million listens on Spotify.

Following the rise of Dream Global Records, we wanted to dive into how the label functions and how two highly motivated individuals are helping shape the next generation of musicians. With the music distribution arm of Roc Nation, Equity Distribution, distributing Dream Global Records’ music catalog, D. and Tayski Lawrence have been able to run the company while still managing the day-to-day operations of the various artists on their roster. This is a tailor-made experience, and both music Executives know that they have to be creative and steadfast to run the label. 

“We pride ourselves in what we do here at Dream Global Records with artist development. Everyone is just catching these one-hit wonders or TikTok moments. Nobody is creating real superstars because everybody got away from artist development. Nobody wants to invest and put the time into artists to build something special.”

“One of the major things about my brother and me is that we always try to teach entrepreneurship to our Artists and everyone around us. We always tell our Artists the same thing: Some music styles don’t trend or last forever. Use your name, your platform, and the money you’re making to invest in other things that can be long-term financial gains to secure you and your children’s futures,” D. Lawrence said. The pair have taken their advice, branching into music management, distribution, and publishing worlds. 

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You can connect with Dream Global Records on InstagramFacebook

Connect with D. Lawrence and Tayski Lawrence on Instagram.

 

Artist Spotlight

Marsha Bartenetti reinvents in her own style “New York Minute”

Marsha Bartenetti

Marsha Bartenetti’s latest release, “New York Minute,” written by Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding, offers emotional depth, turning a timeless look at life’s fragility into a reflective, cinematic journey. Stephan Oberhoff’s arrangement perfectly frames Bartenetti’s voice, and Kevin Bate’s expressive cello adds a warm resonance that makes the track feel like a movie.

The way each instrument sounds makes it feel planned, which lets the listener stay in the fleeting moments the song so beautifully describes. Bartenetti’s singing is the best part of the song. She shows an openness that feels real, as if she has lost something and still fully embraces love and presence with complete honesty. Her choice of words and small changes in tone make the lyrics feel even closer.

“New York Minute,” is a new version that pays tribute to the original while showcasing Bartenetti’s own style. The movie-like instruments and heartfelt vocals make the song feel both personal and universal. It makes us think about how hard it is to let go and hold on.

Connect with Marsha Bartenetti on Spotify || Facebook

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Artist Spotlight

“Yonkers” – Song by Tyler, the Creator

Tyler, the Creator

15 years ago, Tyler, the Creator released “Yonkers.” The song would go on to shape a generation of hip-hop fans and make him one of the most talked-about artists in modern music. Tyler’s work on “Yonkers,” which came out of the Los Angeles group Odd Future, was a brave mix of raw lyrics, dark humor, and simple production that made him stand out from other artists right away.

“Yonkers,” which is just over three minutes long, seems simple but has a big effect. The song’s production is based on a spooky bassline, simple piano chords, and simple drums. This puts Tyler’s voice and story front and center. His flow is slow and threatening, and it sends out a stream of verses that balance shock value with deep thoughts on themes like being alone, rebelling, and thinking about oneself. This song has a modern twist on the gritty, confrontational style of hip-hop that was popular in the early 2010s.

The music video for “Yonkers” became a cultural phenomenon all by itself. In the black-and-white video, Tyler looks straight into the camera while doing something that surprised both fans and critics. Tyler became known as an artist who isn’t afraid to push boundaries when the song’s raw lyrics and stark images quickly went viral. The video’s viral success brought Odd Future national attention and helped Tyler get more work, including his albums Goblin (2011) and Wolf (2013), which were both well-received by critics.

People who didn’t like “Yonkers” thought it was a new take on hip-hop. People in the genre often liked flashy production and collaborations, but Tyler’s solo song showed that minimalism can be just as interesting, if not more so, when it has strong lyrics. Young people who wanted realness and change connected with the song’s unapologetic tone, and its influence can still be heard in music today. Many contemporary artists assert that Tyler’s early compositions, particularly “Yonkers,” significantly influenced their lyrical writing and visual storytelling techniques.

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“Yonkers” was a big moment in Tyler, the Creator’s career. It was a bold statement from a single artist who wanted to change the rules of hip-hop, and it captured the spirit of early Odd Future, a group that thrived on chaos, creativity, and free expression. More than ten years later, the song is still a touchstone for fans and a turning point in the growth of alternative rap. Its creepy beat, controversial lyrics, and viral music video are still seen as examples of a time when hip-hop was pushing its limits and welcoming a new generation of voices that were willing to question the way things were.

“Yonkers” is a cultural artifact, a snapshot of the time that shaped Tyler, the Creator’s unique artistic style, and a reminder of how powerful bold, unapologetic music can be.

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