Music

Tragic Demise of Julio Foolio, A Rising Rap Star Silenced Too Soon

Charles Jones, widely known as Julio Foolio in the rap world, faced a tragic end on a somber night in Jacksonville. The rising star, celebrated for his raw depiction of street life through his music, was ambushed and fatally shot on his birthday. Foolio’s car was riddled with bullets, leaving him with fatal injuries. His death adds another name to the heartbreaking list of young artists lost to violence. As we honor Foolio’s memory, we explore the remarkable yet brief journey of an artist who left a lasting mark on hip-hop, from his challenging beginnings in Jacksonville to his career’s peak and the tragic events of his untimely death.

Born on June 21, 1998, in Jacksonville, Florida, Foolio’s life was shaped by the harsh realities of his environment. The streets he navigated daily became the vivid backdrop for his music. From a young age, Foolio witnessed violence and loss, experiences that deeply influenced his artistic voice. Inspired by Southern rap’s candid storytelling, he began creating his own narratives, drawing heavily from his personal life. His early tracks, characterized by gritty realism, quickly defined his unique style. Foolio faced numerous hardships, losing close friends and family to street violence, which further fueled his determination and artistry. His resilience was a defining trait, both in his music and his life.

Foolio’s rap career emerged as a means to escape his tough surroundings. His breakthrough arrived in 2018 with hits like “Crooks,” “Slide,” and “Voodoo,” which gained millions of views on YouTube and SoundCloud. These successes established Foolio as a significant figure in the rap scene. His career saw notable achievements, including the release of the collaborative mixtape “6Toven” with Zaytoven. Despite numerous challenges, including personal losses and industry feuds, Foolio’s distinctive style propelled him to greater heights.

Foolio’s rise was fraught with significant challenges and controversies. As he gained prominence, he became embroiled in violent incidents and public feuds, overshadowing his musical accomplishments. Growing up in Jacksonville, Foolio often found himself at the epicenter of conflicts, particularly with fellow rapper Yungeen Ace. Their longstanding feud involved diss tracks and social media clashes, escalating into real-life violence. These tensions were frequently reflected in their music, with both artists using their platforms to taunt each other, amplifying the looming threat of violence in Foolio’s career.

On June 23, Foolio’s 26th birthday, his life was tragically cut short. After being evicted from an Airbnb, he moved to a nearby Holiday Inn to continue his celebrations. In the hotel’s parking lot, his vehicle was ambushed. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to the early morning shooting, discovering multiple bullet casings at the scene. Although the investigation is ongoing, initial reports suggest the attackers had been lying in wait.

Foolio’s history of feuds made him a frequent target, and this deadly attack highlights the severe risks associated with notoriety and rivalries in the rap industry. While Foolio’s voice has been silenced, his legacy endures through his music, resonating with those who relate to the struggles and dreams he vividly portrayed. His story serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring impact of an artist’s spirit and work.

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Artist Spotlight

“The Deverills” by TYGERMYLK reveals a glittering ode to queer friendship

Hayz Harland, known professionally as TYGERMYLK, returns with something far more precious, “The Deverills,” a track that feels like flipping through a sun-creased scrapbook of inside jokes, questionable travel decisions, and emotional pitstops shared with your closest friends. Co-written with long-time creative soulmate, collaborator, and best friend Laura Reznek, the single is both a love letter and a comedic commentary, offering a tender, chaotic, and sharply self-aware ode to platonic queer friendship.

The track is funny, emotional, and honest. From the very first notes, “The Deverills” envelops listeners in warmth buoyed by the lush harmonies of the KIN Choir and lyrics that are as witty as they are wistful. Harland doesn’t just tell stories; she paints vivid scenes of viral cat museum escapades, hotel bar confessions, and that one time they ended up on the wrong boat (we’ve all been there…right?). Her storytelling shines with cinematic detail, culminating in a chorus that evokes the comforting feeling of returning home after an extended tour of beautiful disasters.

What makes this track potently impactful is its quiet indignities, which serve as an incisive critique of ageism within the music industry, and effectively challenge and dismantle outdated assumptions regarding queer relationships. Harland’s approach goes beyond merely requesting inclusion; she assertively establishes her presence in this domain by artfully combining humor with grace, thereby exhibiting both wit and poise.

In a cultural landscape that often prioritizes romantic ideals and fleeting novelty, “The Deverills” provides a refreshing exploration of the intricate and fulfilling dynamics that emerge from the joyful eccentricities of a chosen family. This narrative serves as a resonant anthem for those who have cultivated profound connections with friends or surrogate family members through shared experiences marked by unconventional road trips, communal living situations, and intimate exchanges of secrets during the twilight hours, discovering moments of joy along the way. The work encapsulates the juxtaposition of playfulness and poignancy, immersing the audience in the complexity and relatability of human relationships. TYGERMYLK’s anthemic creation stands as a noteworthy contribution to the discourse on the beautifully chaotic journey of human connection.

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Electronic

Tracy Dell wakens gen-x spirit with latest single, “American Blood”

Tracy Dell has arrived with her latest single, “American Blood,” a glorious nod to the high-octane golden days of 80s and 90s rock that defined a generation. This track explodes with distorted riffs and the inevitable spark of a Gen-X spirit that will not go gently into the night. Longtime fans may recognize the seasoned singer-songwriter as Tracy DeLucia, but with Dell, her new name is a reawakening. Her previous efforts hinted at the sweeter side of country pop, “American Blood” is Tracy rolling down the windows, flicking the switch, and letting her rebellious roots drive.

Produced by Kent Wells of Dolly Parton board work, the tune vibrates with raw energy, smart hooks, and memories you don’t need to be an ’80s baby to understand. With the residual echoes of defiance, Dell captures the beautiful chaos that shaped a generation in which music was both escape and identity. Her voice, grainy and urgent, is accompanied by explosive instrumentation drenched with high-octane guitars that feel like it was meant for turnpike speakers and garage parties alike. And the best part is that there is no glossing over the attitude.

If you have ever parked under the 7-Eleven lights, blasting alt-rock tunes with the windows fogged and dreams ignited, “American Blood” will feel like coming home. Tracy Dell is recapturing a feeling. One that is wild and loud and gloriously alive. With “American Blood,” Dell is playing a nod to her past, she’s stomping it straight into the present, guitar in hand and her legacy in tow. Tracy Dell showed up, and she brought Gen-X’s soul with her.

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