Blxst and Tyga are rapidly becoming one of my favorite combos in music. Their previous collab, “Chosen” with Ty Dolla Sign, has been a staple of my warm-weather playlists for the past two years and now, they’ve joined forces once again, just in time to contribute to this year’s picnic soundtracks. Joining them this time around is Tyga’s fellow Compton rapper YG for the throwback park jam “West Coast Weekend” (yes, I am officially claiming Tyga as a Comptonite now. It’s been long enough.)
The track samples a familiar funk staple — everybody with an uncle over fifty knows Cameo’s 1986 neck-breaker “Candy” — while Blxst croons a hook ready-made for summertime house parties. Tyga and YG have both stepped up their respective rap games a lot in the past couple of years, but here, the vibes do the heavy lifting — which just makes their efforts all the more admirable. YG’s verse especially is packed with clever wordplay and interesting use of quirky pockets in the beat that makes me even more curious about the duo’s upcoming joint album, which they announced at Rolling Loud earlier this year. Blxst also sounds great here, stoking anticipation for his own album which is presumably dropping soon.
Listen to Tyga and YG’s “West Coast Weekend” above.
Earlier this week, 2K Games announced West Coast artist Blxst curated the soundtrack for season 7 of NBA 2K23. In a Zoom interview with Blxst, Uproxx got some insight into the creative process behind the soundtrack and the impact that a 2K placement can have on artists’ careers.
Blxst, who first exploded into stardom with his 2020 EP No Love Lost, has risen in stature ever since. He’s become one of the LA rap scene’s premier hook singers while building a thrilling catalog as a genre-bending rapper with releases like Before You Go and his Sixtape series with Bino Rideaux, which will see its third iteration in the near future. He’s also been a regular at Uproxx Studios, dropping off potent performances for UPROXX Sessions.
He’s expanded his impressive portfolio by launching his Evgle record label, supporting artists such as Jay Millian, who also makes an appearance on the 2K23 soundtrack with his song “Baby,” which exclusively launched through the game. The soundtrack also includes Blxst staples such as “Passionate” with Roddy Ricch, “Keep Calling” with Larry June, and “Spend It” with Babyface Ray and Nija.
As Blxst says during our interview, “Whenever a play comes to me of this magnitude, I think of how can I get my team involved? How can we make it a teamwork type of thing?” I compare this to the point guards as whom he loves to play in NBA 2K23 like Ja Morant and Kyrie Irving. Yes, he can score, but he also wants to put his teammates in the best position to win, which is the defining characteristic of an all-time great.
Let’s talk about the process of getting you involved in doing the soundtrack for season seven of NBA 2K23.
The process was kind of simple. 2K had reached out and it was natural. They just wanted us to curate a playlist and I was excited for it from the jump because I had linked up with Ronnie 2K randomly just going to a San Francisco 49ers game. I seen them up there and we chopped it up. I don’t know if he threw the alley-oop, but I’m definitely connected with the 2K family.
A lot of people, when they hear artists on 2K, that’s like the first time they might be hearing you. How do you decide on which songs of yours are the ones that are absolutely 100% 2K worthy?
A lot of the artists that are on the playlist I’m a fan of myself, and it’s certain songs that I pick from they projects that just inspired me to get up and do something. I feel like that’s one thing athletes can relate to, just wanting to be motivated from the music to be your best, to be the best version of yourself. That’s how I implemented the playlist.
It was really important to you to get the Evgle guys involved. What does that mean to an artist that is on your label? This might be the first time that they’re getting really that level of exposure.
I think it’s fire, especially for Jay Millian. We got to exclusively release a record in 2K. If you go to my career, you see different [Billboard achievements] and that’s a big deal. I think it’s just important to be able to give my artists and my producers them types of platforms. Whenever a play comes to me of this magnitude, I think of how can I get my team involved. How can we make it a teamwork type of thing? Even Vic and Carl — which is my manager and my attorney — … I like to look at them as tastemakers outside of the positions that they typically play. We just put our brains together, we the visionaries.
I guess the closest sports metaphor would be being a point guard, right? You’re always looking for the open shot for another member of the team. Do you have any specific songs or artists that you have memories connected with, “Oh, I discovered this person through 2K“?
I couldn’t give you a specific song, but I will say it’s certain moments that I connected with, like seeing Pharrell curate a playlist, seeing J. Cole as well, and Pharrell, somebody I’m a big fan of from the skateboard world to the fashion industry and how everything cross brands with the music. I feel like I’m following his footsteps in a sense, being here.
Speaking of J. Cole, he was actually included in the game as a playable character. Is that something we can look forward to: getting some hoops in with Blxst on the game?
I might have to get my jump shot up first, but yeah, I’m definitely down for the 3D scan. Put me in the game.
When you actually do play the game, who’s your team? Who’s your go-to?
I’m a player fan more than a team fan. I like to play with Ja Morant. I like to play with Trae Young, Kyrie Irving. I like to play the point.
What’s next for the future?
It’s summer 2023. I’m locked back in with Bino Rideaux for Sixtape part three. We slowly but surely getting that up, but outside of that, I’m also working on my album, which I’m excited for my fans to hear. It’s like an elevator version of Blxst. I’m a throw them off guard with new sounds. Been working with different producers and just staying inspired and motivated, keeping that fire under me, bro. I’m really in a positive space right now.
The NBA Finals start soon. Who you got?
Basketball don’t really matter to me ever since the Lakers got kicked out, got swept [laughing]. Being from LA, that broke my heart. I’m going to have to go with maybe the Joker. Maybe he can close it out.
I know that as an artist, you do a lot of interviews, so you get a lot of the same questions. I have to ask a lot of the same questions, too. If you were me interviewing you, what would you want to know? What would you want people to know about Blxst that you’ve never gotten to talk about?
I love that question. I would say that I’m just a goofy person, man. I think people take me serious. I’m not so vocal all the time, but if you know me, if you’re in my inner circle, I’m pretty goofy. I’m probably dancing in the studio on a random day. I think the world is going to see a different side of Blxst as things reveal.
Along with its annual updates, expansive play modes, and increasingly realistic graphics, the NBA 2K franchise is best known for its soundtracks, which highlight both rising stars and top talent with its in-game menus and gameplay background tunes. The newest update for the current edition, NBA 2K23, has taken things a step further, bringing in talented West Coast artist Blxst and his label, Evgle, to curate the season 7 soundtrack.
In addition to a pair of tracks from Blxst’s March EP Just For Clarity 2 — “Passionate” featuring Roddy Ricch and “Keep Calling” featuring Larry June — the new soundtrack also includes a number of tracks featuring Blxst, such as Babyface Ray’s 2022 single “Spend It,” and showcases label member Jay Millian with his new single “Baby.”
“IDC” by Jordan Ward and “Progress” by Westside Webb put the spotlight on more rising artists, while the last two tracks are big-name standouts: Benny the Butcher‘s 2020 track “Trade It All” and “Stop Breathing” from Roddy Ricch’s latest project, Feed The Streets III.
In a press release, Blxst said, “I’m excited to have Evgle included on the NBA 2K23 soundtrack simply because it’s a childhood dream. I can speak for most of us in saying that we grew up playing this game. So, to be a part of this is mind-blowing and it’s crazy how music bridges the gap. These songs were hand-picked by me and the Evgle team because this is what we like to listen to get inspired. I like to look at myself as a tastemaker and each artist on this playlist is a different ingredient to the soundtrack of my lifestyle right now.”
After premiering in the game this Friday, May 19, and remaining game exclusive through the weekend, the soundtrack will hit DSPs on Tuesday, May 23 along with Millian’s single.
Blxst is back, dropping off a new video for his track “Passionate,” featuring Roddy Ricch. The new single is a call to how far both have come and enjoying the success their hard work has earned.
The visual shows sold-out crowds, expensive cars, and beautiful views of Los Angeles. The new video is directed by Mayowa and Blu. The single can be found on the Just For Clarity 2 project.
After a year that saw his first Grammy nominations, Blxst returned with his new EP Just For Clarity 2, released via Red Bull Records/EVGLE. The four-pack features Larry June, Roddy Ricch, Mustard, and Terrace Martin.
“‘Passionate’ is bigger than a song to me,” Blxst says of the project. “I like to look at it more as a mindset, especially working with Roddy on this record. I think it’s dope to see somebody’s success go from zero to a hundred, especially somebody from the hometown. I just remember us being in a studio before anybody knew who we were and we had that same drive and passion. This track is a look back at that, seeing where we were, where we are, where we’re going, and what brought us here today.”
The new EP serves as a homecoming project, celebrating his role in the city as one of the most talented artists.
Blxst adds, “’Just for Clarity 2′ is the second installment of a project I put together for my supporters to have an update of what’s going on in real-time. When I think of clarity, I think of being clear and getting straight to the point. It’s a moment for me to vent and be honest and transparent, which is a theme throughout the EP. I call it a flawless four pack because it’s intentionally short and sweet, but it’s also an appetizer before the debut.”
Uproxx placed Blxst’s four-song EP Just For Clarity 2 among the Best New Hip-Hop released the week of March 10, writing, “Is California rhythmic crooner Blxst a rapper or a singer? And once again, the answer remains: Who cares? His upbeat ruminations on love, lust, and loyalty work equally well through either lens.”
The video for “Passionate” featuring Roddy Ricch, one of the EP’s four tracks, arrived on Thursday (April 6) and features all of the above.
Roddy begins by singing about being “too passionate” and reminiscing about “days we wasn’t having sh*t” from the hard-earned perspective of wealth.
“I been too passionate / but when I ride the ‘Rari I ain’t ever gon’ fasten sh*t,” Ricch raps while surrounded by luxury sports cars outside of a mansion at night. “And when my b*tch inside it, she don’t like when I go fast and sh*t / Motor in the hood sound just like a dragon, b*tch / And I put that on my momma / I ain’t gone raise a bastard son / He ain’t gon’ have to pick up sticks, he ain’t gon’ have the drum / He’ll know his daddy had a motherf*ckin’ platinum run.”
Footage of a Blxst live performance splices across the screen before Blxst starts his verse overlooking a vast landscape under blue skies and sun, correlating with “This ain’t overnight / I woke up with no ceiling / I made a vision come to life, I’m Cole Bennett.”
Just For Clarity 2 was rounded out by “Keep Calling” with Larry June, “Call My Bluff,” and “Ghetto Cinderella” featuring Mustard and Terrace Martin.
Watch the “Passionate” video above.
Roddy Ricch is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
DJ Drama’s seventh studio album, I’m Really Like That, is out today with a tracklist that features the late, great Nipsey Hussle, Tyler The Creator, the DJ’s Generation Now artists Jack Harlow and Lil Uzi Vert, and more.
Nipsey Hussle appears on the brusque track “Raised Different” alongside Atlanta rapper Jeezy and fellow West Coaster Blxst, who sings the hook. Nipsey’s posthumous verse focuses on the spoils of success but also warns foes about the consequences for pushing their luck with him. “Y’all want verbal,” he barks. “We candle your curb up.” Meanwhile, Jeezy’s verse takes stock of hip-hop’s recent run of losses: “They buried Takeoff today, let me pay my respect / Plus, it’s Dolph’s anniversary, you just don’t be next.”
In the run-up to the release of I’m Really Like That, Drama promoted the album with a string of clips reproducing scenes from the 1992 classic Juice including their original actors like Queen Latifah. Khalil Kain and Jermaine Hopkins also reprised their roles, with Jim Jones filling in for the late Tupac Shakur. You can check out more of those clips below.
Listen to DJ Drama’s “Raised Different” featuring Nipsey Hussle, Jeezy, and Blxst above.
I’m Really Like That is out now via Generation Now and Atlantic. Get more info here.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
West Coast crooner Blxst plays Prince Charming in the new video for “Ghetto Cinderella” from his recently released EP, Just For Clarity 2. The song, which is produced by Mustard and features an instrumental appearance by Terrace Martin (who else could blow a sax like that?), finds Blxst in full-on lothario mode, making a play on a woman he calls his “Ghetto Cinderella.”
The video, which contains plenty of allusions to the classic fairy tale, takes place mainly in a neighborhood beauty shop, where Blxst gets his hair braided while flirting with one of the shop girls as she sweeps up. After spending some alone time in the LA sunshine, the pair puts in an appearance at a classy-looking gala, where a massive diamond is being displayed.
This is no fairy tale, though, and with no fairy godmother in sight, they make their own dreams come true, leaving behind only a bedazzled Nike Air Force 1. The clip ends with the remaining shop girls perusing a newspaper proclaiming the couple’s wanted status after they disappear with the diamond.
Blxst’s new EP follows the release of his debut album Before You Go. It also contains his Larry June collaboration, “Keep Calling,” as well as a Roddy Ricch team-up.
We’re only two New Music Fridays into March, and already, we’re impressed with the quality of work our favourite artists have been sharing this month. Last weekend, projects from Kali Uchis, Dreamville, and Masego stole the spotlight. This time around, it was Conway the Machine who came through for rap lovers, and Blxst who held it down for any R&B fanatics out there.
The latter didn’t deliver a full-length project, though he did treat fans to a four-pack EP called Just For Clarity 2 featuring the previously released “Keep Calling” with Larry June. Blxst operates solo on “Call My Bluff,” but the two other titles, “Ghetto Cinderella” and “Passionate,” find him working with some impressive collaborators. On the project’s opening track, he teamed up with Mustard and Terrace Martin, and following that, he and fellow Californian Roddy Ricch came together for the first time.
Blxst’s New EP Features Roddy Ricch and Other Friends
“‘Passionate’ is bigger than a song to me,” the Before You Go hitmaker said of the catchy track. “I like to look at it more as a mindset, especially working with Roddy on this record. It’s dope to see somebody’s success go from zero to a hundred, especially somebody from the hometown.” Blxst went on to recall the early days of he and “The Box” lyricist in the studio before they had established themselves, also praising their endless passion.
While four songs may be enough to hold fans over for now, they obviously want more from the 30-year-old in the near future. Luckily, he’s teased that his new EP is simply “an appetizer before the debut.” Blxst added, “I call it a flawless four-pack because it’s intentionally short and sweet.”
Stream Blxst and Roddy Ricch’s “Passionate” collab on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, stream the former’s Just For Clarity 2 EP here if you haven’t already. Make sure to check back later for more release recommendations on our weekly Fire Emoji playlist update.
Quotable Lyrics:
Yeah, and I done put my heart and soul in it Got it out the mud, I promise it’s a cold feelin’ This ain’t overnight, I woke up with no ceilin’ I made a vision come to life, I’m Cole Bennett
Thursday night, Blxst hosted a release party for his new EP, Just For Clairty 2 at the Canary in Santa Monica. Joining the hip-hop/R&B star was Russell Westbrook, Larry June, Joy Bridges, JELEEL!, and more.
You can see images from the night below.
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After a year that saw his first Grammy nominations, Blxst is back with his new EP Just For Clarity 2, released via Red Bull Records/EVGLE. The four-pack features Larry June, Roddy Ricch, Mustard, and Terrace Martin.
“‘Passionate’ is bigger than a song to me,” Blxst says of the project. “I like to look at it more as a mindset, especially working with Roddy on this record. I think it’s dope to see somebody’s success go from zero to a hundred, especially somebody from the hometown. I just remember us being in a studio before anybody knew who we were and we had that same drive and passion. This track is a look back at that, seeing where we were, where we are, where we’re going, and what brought us here today.”
The new EP serves as a homecoming project, celebrating his role in the city as one of the most talented artists.
Blxst adds, “’Just for Clarity 2′ is the second installment of a project I put together for my supporters to have an update of what’s going on in real-time. When I think of clarity, I think of being clear and getting straight to the point. It’s a moment for me to vent and be honest and transparent, which is a theme throughout the EP. I call it a flawless four pack because it’s intentionally short and sweet, but it’s also an appetizer before the debut.”
You can see the tracklist and hear the project below.
Just For Clarity 2 Tracklist 1. Ghetto Cinderella (ft. Mustard & Terrace Martin) 2. Passionate (ft. Roddy Ricch) 3. Call My Bluff 4. Keep Calling (ft. Larry June)
Blxst has been working in the music industry in various capacities for nearly a decade now, and 2022 was one of his biggest years to date. In the early months, he appeared on Murda Beatz’s “One Shot” with Wale, as well as the wildly successful “Peru (Remix)” alongside Fireboy DML and 21 Savage. In April, the multi-talent’s Before You Go project arrived, boasting 13 titles, including popular releases such as “About You” and “Every Good Girl.”
Following that he closed the year out with a few more collaborations with the likes of Chris Brown, Kalan.FrFr, Babyface Ray, and Nija. As we continue to speed through 2023, Blxst is making his mark with a new four-track EP, Just For Clarity 2, which arrived this New Music Friday (March 10). It includes the previously premiered “Keep Calling” featuring Larry June, plus two more joint efforts and one solo song.
Blxst and Roddy Ricch’s First Collab Is Plenty “Passionate”
Blxst’s tracklist begins with “Ghetto Cinderella” featuring Mustard and Terrace Martin, which chiefly sets the tone for what’s to come. Next, he and Roddy Ricch put on a “Passionate” display with their first-ever link-up. Where the 30-year-old’s voice really shines is on “Call My Bluff,” where he operates solo.
As The Source reports, the R&B artist’s work with “The Box” hitmaker sounds to be his personal favourite. “‘Passionate’ is bigger than a song to me,” Blxst explained. “I like to look at it more as a mindset, especially working with Roddy on this record. It’s dope to see somebody’s success go from zero to a hundred, especially somebody from the hometown.
“I just remember us being in a studio before anybody knew who we were and we had that same drive and passion,” he added. “This track is a look back at that, seeing where we were, where we are, where we’re going, and what brought us here today.” Of his project as a whole, Blxst also shared, “When I think of clarity, I think of being clear and getting straight to the point.”
“It’s a moment for me to vent and be honest and transparent, which is a theme throughout the EP. I call it a flawless four-pack because it’s intentionally short and sweet, but it’s also an appetizer before the debut.” It remains unclear when his album will be dropping, but fans are certainly excited to see what else the California native has in store.
Stream Blxst’s new EP, Just For Clarity 2 on Spotify or Apple Music Below. Afterward, tell us which of the four titles is your favourite in the comments. Make sure to check back later this weekend for more release recommendations on our Fire Emoji and R&B Season playlist updates.
Just For Clarity 2 Tracklist:
Ghetto Cinderella (feat. Mustard and Terrace Martin)
