Show some love and support for this week's Spotlight of the Week

Showing posts with label hip hop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hip hop. Show all posts

Monday, July 28, 2025

KCMO Artist Spotlight - Young Rillo


Every now and then, an artist comes through and makes us stop what we’re doing, turn the volume up, and really listen. That’s exactly what happened when Young Rillo landed in our inbox. Straight outta Kansas City, Missouri, this brother is the truth. And now that he's officially part of the Melodic Playground Radio family, it’s only right we let y’all know what time it is.

Let’s talk about that joint “H.E.R.” featuring Kevin Church Johnsons. Man, this one right here? It’s a whole vibe. It’s smooth, it’s soulful, it’s storytelling with substance. Rillo ain’t just throwing bars—he’s painting pictures. And Kevin? That brother brought some grown-man soul to the mix. The way the two of them play off each other is magic. This ain’t no fast food music—this is that real deal, cook-it-slow, feel-it-deep type of joint.

But hold up… just when we thought we had Rillo figured out, he flipped the energy and hit us with “Got Me Lit Up”. And let me tell you—that one’s a whole summer anthem. That’s backyard BBQ music. That’s pull-up-on-ya-people-feeling-good music. It’s confident. It’s catchy. It’s the one you blast on repeat while you shine on your haters. Rillo showed us both sides—emotional depth and big flex energy. And we’re here for all of it.

Now over here at Melodic Playground, we don’t just spin songs—we break artists. We support the ones that deserve more ears, more light, and more love. And Rillo? He’s exactly the kind of artist we get excited about. Ain’t no gimmicks, ain’t no chasing trends—just raw talent, real stories, and a style that can ride in any region.

Rillo’s got that Midwest hunger, but his flow got West Coast ease. He makes it look easy, but you can tell it comes from a place of grind, lessons, and lived experience. Whether he’s rapping about love, loyalty, or leveling up, there’s purpose behind every word.

We’re not just proud to have him on the station—we’re honored. Real talk.

So if you ain’t caught the wave yet, now’s your chance. Go run up “H.E.R.”. Then hit Got Me Lit Up and tell me that ain’t a heater. Trust me, once you hear Young Rillo, you’ll get it.

Kansas City stand up—your boy is out here putting on heavy.

And to the rest of the world? Pay attention. Rillo’s not just up next. He’s already here.

Welcome to the Playground, fam.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Artist Spotlight - Lady Lux

From underground stages to headline features, Lady Lux is proving that the Inland Empire isn’t just a stop on the map—it’s a movement. Hailing from Chino, California, this rising emcee has taken her lyrical skills and hustle to new heights over the past year, earning well-deserved recognition across the region and beyond. With her name now in daily rotation on Melodic Playground Radio and a growing list of accolades under her belt, Lady Lux is becoming a voice of the streets—raw, bold, impossible to ignore.

Lux first caught attention with her early singles like Chuckz N White Laces and Bar 4 Bar, combining classic West Coast vibes with her razor-sharp wordplay and self-assured flow. Her authenticity stood out in a sea of noise, and that’s exactly why she was featured in Melodic Playground Magazine last year. What started as a simple artist spotlight quickly turned into something bigger. Lux was not just another feature—she became family.

Her grind hasn’t slowed down since. Lux’s presence on Barz on Wheelz gave fans a chance to witness her go toe-to-toe in a mobile freestyle showcase that’s earned a reputation for only featuring the most serious spitters. From clever punchlines to gut-punch truths, Lux didn’t just ride the beat—she owned it. Shortly after, she made waves again on the high-profile platform On the Radar, solidifying her reputation as one of Southern California’s fiercest independent voices.

But behind every rising star is a community, and Lady Lux has never forgotten hers. She continues to collaborate with local legends like Diamonique, a West Coast veteran whose stamp of approval carries serious weight in the I.E. scene. Their creative chemistry is evident, and it's no surprise that Diamonique has become a key part of her studio work and sonic evolution. Together, they’re representing Chino with pride—and keeping the mic hot for the next generation.

Lux’s sound is unapologetically hers: confident, gritty, and laced with both experience and edge. Whether she’s flexing on a track or speaking truth about life’s darker corners, her delivery is always sharp, her cadence always calculated. Her songs like Get Into It, Back On Track, and Nitro Beamz reveal a range that balances street wisdom with infectious hooks—proving that she's not only a bar-for-bar technician but a true artist in every sense.

Now with daily rotation on Melodic Playground Radio, Lady Lux is reaching listeners far beyond the I.E., bringing her message to new fans every day. Her journey from DIY recordings to full-fledged performances has inspired countless others to pick up a mic and find their own voice. But make no mistake—this is only the beginning.

2025 is already shaping up to be a landmark year. With more shows in the works, new visuals being developed by Willow Concepts Studios, and fresh music always cooking, there’s plenty more coming from Lady Lux. She’s not just putting Chino on the map—she is the map. A compass for raw talent, hard work, and the spirit of independent artistry.

At Melodic Playground, we’re proud to support Lady Lux not only as an artist, but as a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. She’s already a favorite among our listeners and a key part of our vision to spotlight authentic voices from overlooked communities.

So whether you’ve been riding with Lux since day one, or just discovered her through one of our playlists, know this: she’s coming for everything she deserves. And we’ll be turning the volume all the way up.

Tune in. Lock in. And remember the name—Lady Lux.


Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Diamonique and Dirty Birdy set the 2025 Standard


This Christmas, hip-hop fans in the Inland Empire and beyond received an unforgettable gift: the electrifying new single "Feelin’ Myself" by Diamonique featuring Dirty Birdy. These Inland Empire legends have united their immense talents to deliver a track that is already being hailed as one of the best the region has heard in years. And who else but Melodic Playground Radio could have the honor of breaking this instant classic?

From the moment the beat drops, "Feelin’ Myself" commands attention. Produced by Gr4ff and Nique, this talented team up cooked up an original recipe in the Diamond Cut Lab, perfecting a track that radiates authenticity and pure hip-hop energy. The seamless blend of Diamonique’s razor-sharp flow and Dirty Birdy’s Mutant lyrical ability, showcases why these artists have remained revered figures in the Inland Empire music scene. This is not just another song—it’s a celebration of real hip-hop, wrapped up not by elves but by Hip Hop Wizards that create with a love for the craft.

Melodic Playground Radio debuted "Feelin’ Myself" on Christmas Day, cementing its place as the ultimate holiday gift for hip-hop lovers. We’re thrilled to announce that this track is already in our station rotation and will continue to grace our airwaves daily throughout 2025. But that’s not all—the second issue of Melodic Playground Magazine also dropped today, featuring this monumental collaboration on its front cover and feature story.

As a platform dedicated to spotlighting exceptional talent, we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure "Feelin’ Myself" gets the recognition it deserves. Our 2025 street team will be working tirelessly to promote the track across the Inland Empire, while our online efforts aim to make it go viral. It’s time for the world to see what we’ve known all along: Diamonique and Dirty Birdy are the real deal.

"Feelin’ Myself" is a lyrical roller coaster ride. and a reminder that the Inland Empire continues to produce some of the finest talent in the game.

We encourage you to watch the music video linked below and share it far and wide. Let’s help Diamonique and Dirty Birdy achieve the viral recognition they’ve long deserved. And don’t forget to grab a copy of the latest issue of Melodic Playground Magazine for the full story behind this epic collaboration.

This Christmas, "Feelin’ Myself" is a gift for for the culture, for the Inland Empire, and for hip-hop lovers everywhere. Tune in, turn it up, and join us in celebrating this incredible moment in music.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

2025 Viral Violin Duo: Sons of Mystro Vivaldi Rock


Melodic Playground Radio proudly shines a light on the remarkable violin duo, Sons of Mystro, as they make waves with their groundbreaking instrumental single, "Vivaldi Rock." This fusion of classical elegance and modern energy is not just a song—it’s a cultural moment. Composed by brothers Malcolm and Umoja McNeish, "Vivaldi Rock" showcases their ability to blend timeless music with contemporary flair, promising to resonate across movies, video games, and stages worldwide.

Born and raised in South Florida to a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother, Malcolm and Umoja were introduced to music early but it was their exposure to the violin became a passion they nurtured at Dillard High School for the Performing Arts. Under the guidance of mentors such as the acclaimed Black Violin, the brothers transformed their classical foundation into a springboard for creativity, carving out a unique space in the music world.

Sons of Mystro are not just violinists; they are musical storytellers. Their compositions reinterpret reggae classics, reimagine American pop hits, and introduce original works that transcend genre boundaries. Accompanied by a DJ and a powerhouse drummer, their performances are more than concerts—they’re experiences that leave audiences spellbound.


Their accolades are as impressive as their talent. The duo earned the International Reggae and World Music Award for Emerging Artist under 21, and their debut album, Reggae Strings, has been celebrated as a masterpiece of cultural fusion. From local festivals to global stages, Sons of Mystro have dazzled audiences with their electrifying chemistry and profound musicality.

Sons of Mystro represent a bold reimagining of what instrumental music can achieve. Their innovative fusion of reggae, pop, and classical influences creates a sound that appeals to listeners of all backgrounds and generations. The ability to seamlessly integrate cultural heritage with modern sensibilities makes them a beacon of creativity and inclusivity in the music industry.

Critics and fans alike praise their ability to evoke emotion while pushing the boundaries of traditional violin performance. Whether interpreting reggae classics like Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved” or delivering original compositions, the brothers craft songs that speak to the soul and get audiences on their feet.

Black Violin, their mentors, describe them as “an innovative musical force that is ready to take the world by storm.” Their live performances, enhanced by their dynamic stage presence and emotional depth, are a testament to their ability to connect with people in profound ways.

2025 promises to be a banner year for Sons of Mystro. Fans can look forward to their highly anticipated tour, which will bring their extraordinary talent to stages across the globe. Each performance promises to be a celebration of artistry and cultural expression, featuring tracks like "Vivaldi Rock" and selections from Reggae Strings.


In addition, the upcoming issue of Melodic Playground Magazine will include an exclusive feature on the duo. Readers will get an inside look at the future of music. This spotlight will also include details about their tour schedule, ensuring fans don’t miss the opportunity to witness their magic live.


As Sons of Mystro continue their rise, Melodic Playground Radio is proud to support their journey. By championing artists like Malcolm and Umoja, we’re fostering a community where innovation and authenticity thrive. Tune in to hear "Vivaldi Rock" on our station and be part of this exciting moment in music history.

With their unique blend of cultural heritage, technical mastery, and creative vision, Sons of Mystro are poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of music. Their story is one of passion, perseverance, and artistry—a story that is only just beginning.

Sunday, January 3, 2021

Remembering Baby Huey

 


I am not old enough to actually remember Baby Huey. I have no idea what type of feeling his music had in the 70's. I have no idea what type of impact his sound had during that era but I do know that Baby Huey's single "Hard Times" was way ahead of its time.


2020 was a rough year for the globe and if you're anything like me, you leaned heavily on music to get you thru the struggle. I was all over the place musically... listening to a lot of new Christian hip hop, soul, EDM and much more. Often I found myself listening to oldies and funk but when I stumbled upon "Hard Times" everything else in the music came to a halt.

I listened like it was the first song i ever heard. I had it on repeat all day the first day. The DJ in me was fascinated with dozens of sample this track left behind. I actually bought the track from Itunes music so i could play with it on the turntables.

2020 was the perfect year to hear "Hard Times" but the reality of my crazy life had me feeling baby Huey on so many levels. It was like my man wrote this song specifically for me. It helped! It really did. Music like this can help a man keep his head up, push thru walls of burden and survive. Aside from god and prayer... this song might have been my biggest crutch of the year.

I am not the only one feeling this track. according to WHO SAMPLED this track has already been sampled 72 times. Songs like BUCK 50 from the WU TANG, COMPTON from the GAME, CAN I Kick It by Tribe Called Quest and many many more. Maybe tjat is part of the reason it hit me so hard. I already had is in my subconcious and embeded in my veins.

According to Wikipedia... A native of Richmond, Indiana, James Thomas Ramey was the son of Robert and Ernestine Ramey. He moved to Chicago, Illinois at the age of nineteen, and worked with several local bands as a singer. When he was still in high school, he worked with his first; the Vets. Due to a glandular disorder, Ramey weighed about 350 pounds around this time. His size contributed to his stage presence, but also to health problems. Nevertheless, he made light of his condition, adopting the stage name "Baby Huey" after Paramount Pictures' giant duckling cartoon character of the same name.

With a sound, style and inspiration from the future Baby Huey help mold the birth of Hip Hop and today.. nearly 50 years later its still one of the best songs you can find on the planet. Might be overall better than any song recorded and released during 2020. If you anything like you can agree.


As I share this blog post to Remember Baby Huey, im not just introducing you to him or his music. Im giving you a deeper look at who I am... inside and out. This sound is me. This Song is my soul. These lyrics are my life and Baby Huey is my brother. Rest In Peace James... you da man!!!!!

Friday, January 1, 2021

Welcome To Melodic Playground

 

What's Up Fam!? I am DJ MELADIK and this is my Melodic Playground. Today is January 1st 2021 and instead of going out to party.. I decided to launch my very own blog, radio station and music media network. My goal this year is to make 1 new instrumental beat each day this year. So hopefully by the end of the year I have over 350 tracks in rotation, broadcasting 24 hours a day not only to entertain my listeners and I... but also display each track as my very own musical resume. 

Maybe one of these instrumentals will inspire a song writer to collaborate with me. Maybe it will be just right that Television or movie studio use it for their production purposes. Almost everything played on Melodic Playground Radio will be owned, created and produced by me, DJ MELADIK but i will also, often feature others artists. Local artists, Underground or mainstream... artists and music that motivate. Music that I can relate to and who  knows, maybe you will too.

It wont just be all about music, eventually it will encompass all my passions, thoughts and goals.

I don't know how the rest of you will receive my melodic playground but quite frankly I don't care. I never made music for fans, money or approval. I'm doing this for me but I will always share it with my network, my friends and family while making it available for the public as well.

Its really just a feel good hobby that is keeping me out of trouble during this crazy pandemic. Just like any website I will monetize it and sell ad space but the reality is.. I have no intentions of selling out, catering to the norm or following any trends. Its just ME and whatever I feel like doing or talking about. I'm learning stocks, I'm addicted to Fornite, I love every genre of music... not equally but I do love them all. I might talk about sports, technology or culture. I have to do something to keep from going pandemic crazy lol wishing someone would please take me to a concert lol but until Im doing this! So strap in and get ready for a ride thru the mind of Meladik. It's Free... for now lol!