International advocacy organization Global Citizen and creative imprint pgLang have unveiled Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience, a groundbreaking initiative to establish an unprecedented international music touring circuit across the African continent. This long-term endeavor aims to create job and entrepreneurship opportunities for Africa’s emerging generations through a series of world-class live events.
The inaugural event, Move Afrika: Rwanda, is scheduled for December 6, 2023, at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Kendrick Lamar, a co-founder of pgLang, will headline the event. pgLang will serve as the curator of Move Afrika from 2023 until 2028.
GC MoveAfrika Admat Social Nov2 EN Post
Move Afrika addresses global inequities by driving transformative investments within local communities, engaging local talent, vendors, agencies, and crews, and providing opportunities for on-the-job skill development. It will set a new gold standard for entertainment touring events, increasing demand from both international and regional artists to perform in Africa.
In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, Kigali will host Move Afrika‘ annually for the next five years, with plans to expand the tour to five countries by 2025.
Move Afrika: Rwanda, taking place on December 6, will feature Kendrick Lamar as the headliner, with more regional artists to be announced. The event will also launch a citizen-led advocacy campaign addressing critical issues across the continent, including health funding, climate change, economic opportunities, and civic participation. To take action on these issues, text +250 790 008 555 on WhatsApp.
With Afrobeats taking over the music space in the most beautiful way, it’s only right we pay homage to the ones who are paving the way. Insert Khaid, the 18-year-old superstar in the making who prides himself in creating Afrobeats and trap music.
Hailing from Nigeria, Khaid began his musical career at the young age of 12, dropping standout freestyles and performing on the streets of Ojo in Lagos. Growing up in a family of 10, with two parents and eight kids, Khaid’s past jobs include being a mechanic, a barber, and a painter. Soon, he’d be discovered by one of Nigeria’s most popular content creators, Sydney Talker, who went on to sign him to his imprint Neville Records.
Fast forward to 2023, Khaid unveils his highly-anticipated new EP titled Emotions. The six-track project is spearheaded by lead singles “Anabella” and Jolie.” One thing that does not go unnoticed is Khaid’s soulful melodies over Afrobeat rhythms, and his ability to freestyle timeless anthems for audiences all the world to listen and dance to.
Plus, Khaid was recently sighted spending some time with Lil Durk, with fans only hoping the two would collaborate on a record.
The Source spoke with Khaid via Zoom to discuss his background, love for music, linking with Lil Durk, roots in Lagos, dream collabs, and more!
What was the moment you fell in love with music?
I fell in love with music at a very young age, due to the influence from my parents. They liked playing songs a lot, and I fell in love with listening to songs at first.
Which artists made you fall in love with Hip-Hop?
Our mom, she liked playing Michael Jackson a lot. And Celine Dion. From there, I wanted it to be like Michael Jackson, and following the steps of Michael Jackson’s style. When I was growing older, I started knowing more people, like Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne. From there, I got to know Polo G, XXXTentatcion, etc. That’s how my Hip-Hop journey started.
The link up with Lil Durk, me and Durk have been talking online and video calls. When I was in the United States, I was in Atlanta and he called me. He FaceTimed me because I was with his producer DJ Bandz. He called me and he asked me when I was going to come to California. From there, we had a couple meetings with some record labels in California. We had to go to California. When we were in California, he called me again. We spoke again. From there, we went to his house two days after. He called me like “yo, we should come through when we are less busy.” That’s how we ended up going to his house.
Did you guys record?
[laugh] It’s funny you ask. Nah, we didn’t. We just vibed. After then, we’d met a couple of times. So definitely, we gon’ do something.
Were you a huge fan of Lil Durk?
Yeah, I’m a huge fan. I love Durk. I’ve been listening to Lil Durk since when I was not signed.
You just dropped your new EP, Emotions. Favorite song off the project?
The one that the fans are really listening to right now is “Jara,” because it got that emotional feel. So they’re a lot of songs I’ve dropped but none is as “JARA,” speaking on the emotional aspect. “JARA” is just a song that speaks to the heart of people and it’s easy to cling on to
right now,
Who or what inspired “Anabella”?
I didn’t get no major inspiration from “Anabella.” It was that moment in the studio where you just vibe. You just want to happy, you want to make something so creative. I wasn’t inspired by nothing. I think the song’s good, I was just recording. I didn’t even write lyrics or anything. We just made the beat and I started freestyling. That’s it.
It has over 8 million views on YouTube, did you think it would go up like this?
The first release, I didn’t even know it was going to be this big. Or I didn’t know people were going to like it. When we dropped it, everybody was so skeptical about what we dropped. They asked, does he do it? Do we react to this one? Obviously, they really like it. I’m grateful.
Best memory from the video shoot?
I was supposed to drop the snippet that day of the video shoot. We kept going back and forth about this snippet because we got a couple of snippets. I ended up dropping it anyway. My head clicked because we’re like okay, we’re going to try something right now. We have this little game that we do in Nigeria, which we select by closing your eyes. I just picked any one and dropped it like that.
What does it mean to be from Lagos, Nigeria? Afrobeat has a huge wave right now.
Lagos, Nigeria is one of the major cities that support me and show me love. It’s great to see how far I’ve come. I’m from the streets of Lagos. I’ve experienced that life of the streets and everything. Coming from where I came from, it’s hard because it’s the deep part of Lagos. You wouldn’t expect or you wouldn’t imagine somebody will get to see your video, or listen to your song. One day they’ll give you a call and say, “Yo, I want to sign you.” So it’s hard. But if you’re consistent and if what you’re doing is real, definitely you’re going to prosper.
Any goals for yourself at this point in your career?
Right now, my major goal is to work on how people see me. My image, the way people see me. It’s one thing to deliver when you’re making your music, and it’s something else to shape how people see you. It’s something else to keep yourself branded in a certain way in people’s eyes. Right now, one of my major goals is to project how people see me.
How do you want people to see you?
Everybody got the image that they want people to see. For me, I want to be seen as this normal person, but spiritual and sees the world more than what it is. There’s more to the world than what is going on right now. There’s more to the world. Aside from music, there’s a lot of things going on with people. You see people get depressed. You see people going through some battles. They don’t need to physically have scars on their faces for you to know they’re going through something. I want to shed light on that part of the world too. It all starts from the image. What type of image are you trying to go put out there? Once people see “oh, you’re really creative and you’re really came up on this stuff, they tend to share more light and help people in that situation.
Is there an artist you want to collaborate with, that you haven’t yet?
I got a lot. I do want to welcome everybody as much as possible. I’d like to work with Burna Boy, Wizkid, Lil Durk. I’d like to work with Polo G. I’d like to work with Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish. A lot of people, I cannot stop mentioning.
Rolling Loud, the world’s premier hip-hop festival, has kicked off its 2024 World Tour in style with the announcement of Rolling Loud Australia. The festival, slated for January 2024, is returning to Sydney after a five-year hiatus, taking the party down under with a new debut in Melbourne and more cities yet to be unveiled.
On Australia Day, January 26th, the epic music celebration will ignite at GIANTS Stadium in Sydney, followed by a second performance at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on January 27th. This marks the first leg of Rolling Loud’s 2024 global itinerary, following the massive success of Rolling Loud Miami, the world’s largest rap festival.
“We are hyped to come back to Australia for the first time in years,” say Rolling Loud co-Founders Matt Zingler & Tariq Cherif. “The Sydney fans were so passionate in 2019, so we are eager to return Down Under, and bring Rolling Loud to more cities this time. The Aussie shows will be a unique Rolling Loud experience, and we’re excited for everyone to see what’s in store.”
Rolling Loud had an eventful 2023, expanding its reach worldwide with a successful venture into Asia, featuring marquee artists like Travis Scott and Cardi B. The summer saw the festival conquer Europe with Rolling Loud Germany in Munich, Rolling Loud Rotterdam in The Netherlands, and the return of Rolling Loud Portugal in Portimão. The World Tour for 2024 is set to continue with stops in Europe, Asia, and North America after the down-under debut in Australia.
In 2012, the Nigerian Afrobeats music sensation Davido released his debut album, Omo Baba Olowo (The Genesis) — ‘son of a rich man.’ Even though it was not a darling of the critics, the record marked the start of a career that has since followed a decisively upward trajectory. It’s been a successful decade for Davido, who has since become a world-famous star who collaborates with American artists such as Chris Brown and whose career path became symbolic of the success of the whole genre.
Sony Entertainment West Africa’s Oluwaseun Lloyd, known as Banko in the entertainment circles, has been there for all of it. He’s been more than just a passenger for the ride, too – he’s even been the president of a record label he co-owned with Davido for nearly six years. Their story shaped the course of West Africa’s hottest cultural export, and it started before Davido took up the microphone.
“I was figuring out what to do after graduation and got interested in talent management. My older brother was an artist then, and I started looking for producers for him,” Oluwaseun Lloyd recalls. “A friend connected me to an artist friend of his, and I liked the sound of the music that he was making. He connected me to his little cousin, who happened to be young Davido.”
The still-teenage Davido was a producer at the time, creating beats for different artists. Not long after he sent some to Oluwaseun Lloyd, he reached out again to let him know that he’d decided to become an artist in his own right. The two met up in London, where they produced Davido’s first single. From there, Davido returned to Nigeria to kick off his career, and Oluwaseun Lloyd returned to Canada, where he was studying, to finish his graduation.
The next time the two met, Davido’s career in Nigeria started, and he needed a road manager. Oluwaseun Lloyd signed up for the job. “We put out his debut album in 2012, and then the ride started,” he recalls. “I was Davido’s road manager from 2012 till about 2016.”
In 2016, amid talks of Davido signing for a major record label, the two decided to start an independent record label in Nigeria. That’s how Davido Music Worldwide was born. The success of DMW attracted attention to Oluwaseun Lloyd’s talents. Soon, he started getting job offers from the likes of Sony Music. After initially refusing, he eventually decided to take up the offer and become the general manager of Sony Music West Africa in 2019.
Oluwaseun Lloyd still consults with Davido’s management, but his new position also allows him to work with other talent from Nigeria who are signed to Sony. He’s worked with Wizkid, Tems, and Oxlade and has become instrumental in ensuring the local musical ecosystem gets the international attention it deserves. And it’s easier — thanks to the work he and Davido did.
“It was from the ground up, from discovery to the break, and then going global. We celebrated the 10th anniversary two years ago,” Oluwaseun Lloyd says. “With the growth of the music, there’s change coming. There’s a long list of new artists that have come out, thanks to the doors we were able to open, especially with Davido going
Iakopo is an international recording artist who brings his good energy and vibrations anywhere he goes. Born in California but growing up in Upolu, Samoa, Iakopo deems himself a mix between a Cali boy and an island boy. Speaking fluent Samoan and Japanese, he also boasts a heavy Japanese influence in both his personal and professional life.
In fact, Iakopo’s wife Sakura da Patra works directly with him on his visuals, choreographing and producing his new single and visual titled “Roll It.” The song is dedicated to both the art of rolling weed, as well as rolling your hips on the dance floor.
When it comes to his sound, Iakopo prides himself in his tropical, reggae music. He also blends the genres of reggae, dancehall, and Hip-Hop, creating his own melting pot that distinguishes him from the others.
Iakopo has standout features with 2 Chainz, Ne-Yo, and an unreleased record with the legendary Snoop Dogg. “Roll It” arrives in perfect timing for his forthcoming album, slated to release in November.
The Source caught up with Iakopo in downtown Los Angeles to discuss his recent releases, working with 2 Chainz, new single with Ne-Yo, unreleased Snoop Dogg collab, the independent grind, and more!
You’re shooting a music video in LA?
We’re shooting a music video on Monday. For my new single that just dropped called “Roll It.” It’s a reggaeton, upbeat party song. We shot half of the video in the desert, in Lancaster area. We’re shooting the rest of it in LA.
What inspired “Roll It”?
To be honest with you, the song came out as a freestyle. This record label called No Genre invited me to the studio. They’re mostly reggaeton, it’s what they specialize in. They’re based in LA, I really love them. They invited me to do a couple of tracks with them. When I got the studio, they said “Oh, we have some producers we think would be perfect for you.” They brought some people in. The first track they played was that one. I lit up a joint and I freestyled the song. It was one of about five or six songs that we did. I basically smoked the joint. It was reggae vibes, so it was really easy for me. I just got in the pocket. “Roll It,” it‘s a double meeting too. Because I’m telling the girl roll your hips. So roll your joint or roll your hips, both.
Hip-Hop celebrates 50 years this year, what was the moment you fell in love with Hip-Hop?
I remember listening to Jay Z’s first big album, The Blueprint. And Tupac’s album was there. When I heard the Tupac song “Changes,” that definitely touched my heart and touched my soul.
Favorite artists of all time?
I’d definitely put Bob Marley in there, John Lennon in there. There’s an artist named Vaughn Benjamin, he’s a singer for Midnite. Definitely not a very well-known group, but that guy was the most prolific songwriter/artist I’ve ever met in my life. His lyrical approach and the information that’s coated in his music, I never came across another artist that did it so well like he did.
What was the highlight from working with 2 Chainz?
I really got to know 2 Chainz more than I did previously. I was very impressed with his creativity and the vibe that he comes with, because he’s very intelligent. He’s very eclectic. I was very
honored to work with him. The more that I got to know him and his music, the more I cherish and value our songs together for sure. The song itself, it’s been doing amazing. “Top of the Hill.”
How did you end up connecting with Ne-Yo on “Feels”?
We connected through my manager. We did the song about a year and a half ago. I had the song and I was waiting for the right time to release it. We recorded the song in Dallas, Texas. We got in the studio two or three times before we completely finalized it, then we mixed it out here in LA.
How does it feel for it to chart?
Today, that song for the Spotify charts is #21 in Dallas. That’s funny, because we recorded there in Dallas. Also today, it hit #9 in Chicago. It’s done more than that. But today, that’s where it’s at.
“Sparrows” was really my lucky — I’ve been having a lot of great success with the music after I came here to the States. But “Sparrows” was definitely one of the big songs. For me, especially was one that I did by myself. It hasn’t stopped. It’s been viral for a year, thousands of dancers and clubs doing videos today. That was cool too because at that time, I just left my label. I didn’t have any marketing, I didn’t have budget. I didn’t have nothing behind it. I got lucky with that one. Everybody loves “Sparrows.”
How’s the independent grind?
It’s great. It’s really busy, I have to wear a lot of different hats. Doing two, three songs a minute kind of thing. But I do have a team now in a way. I’m operating somewhat independently in that I’m calling all of my own shots. I’m making all of my own moves and choices, according to my own preference. But I do have a team, shout out Music2DNA. My manager Lake Davis. I love you bro, he’s really awesome.
Whatever happened to the song with Snoop Dogg?
That’s one that I have in the vault. We’re looking at releasing the top of the year, because I have an album also titled Feels dropping in November. A lot of stuff going on.
Talk about doing events with your wife.
Tomorrow, we are hosting the Ttt Time event. It’s an event, dance company. Every two or three months, we do a tour in Japan with hundreds of different dancers. Maybe incorporate dance battles and choreography with the live show. We’re doing our first one tomorrow in Torrance
at View, Music Bar & Lounge. That’s going to be our first one. We have about 20 or 30 girls fly out from Japan to join us.
What’s one thing fans may not know about you?
I’m vegetarian.
Anything else you want people to know about you?
I love y’all. To my fans, I really do appreciate all the love and support and energy you guys bring. I’m here to give you guys good music and hope y’all continue to enjoy it. Keep rocking with me.
We got a lot of stuff coming in. We got a new album. We got a new song with Snoop Dogg coming as well. It’s going to be an eventful year for sure. Stay tuned, keep watching, and keep it love.
Nigerian music maestro, Sarz, has dropped the highly-anticipated music video for his latest single “Yo Fam!” featuring the renowned dubstep and EDM DJ-producer Skrillex and Nigerian singer/songwriter Crayon. Now available through UnitedMasters, this track is the debut single from Sarz’s forthcoming album, set to hit the airwaves early in 2024.
The music video beautifully complements the song’s rhythm and vibe, capturing the essence of Sarz’s signature afro-fusion style. With a blend of music, dance, fashion, and art, it pays homage to Nigeria’s rich culture, the birthplace of Afrobeats.
The video’s atmospheric production seamlessly transitions from day to night, mirroring the essence of the track, which celebrates life, freedom, and authenticity.
Sarz is the creative genius behind global chart-toppers like Beyoncé’s “Find Your Way Back” and Drake’s “One Dance.” In “Yo Fam!” the video showcases Sarz’s artistic prowess and exceptional production skills while spotlighting the authenticity of those propelling the Afrobeats movement.
With this latest release, Sarz continues to make his mark as a trailblazing figure in the global music scene. Fans can immerse themselves in the captivating visuals and infectious rhythms of “Yo Fam!” while eagerly awaiting the arrival of his upcoming album.
SOUNDSTORM, the colossal multi-genre music festival, is set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this December, and it’s making waves worldwide with its star-studded lineup. The 4th edition of SOUNDSTORM, known for pushing boundaries, will feature Grammy award-winning producer, singer, and songwriter Pharrell Williams as the headlining act.
With a career spanning decades, Pharrell is a luminary in the music and entertainment industry. Renowned for chart-topping hits and innovative collaborations, he’s set to deliver an unforgettable performance.
While Pharrell’s ‘Phriends’ and the complete 2023 lineup are yet to be revealed, tickets are selling fast. Last year, SOUNDSTORM hosted over 600,000 fans, featuring 260 hours of live music by 200 artists. The festival’s international appeal has made it one of the world’s must-attend events.
Don’t miss out on the chance to witness a phenomenal performance by Pharrell and other top artists at SOUNDSTORM by MDLBEAST. Secure your tickets and be part of this global phenomenon that continues to captivate music enthusiasts worldwide.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has officially unveiled the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, a groundbreaking global effort designed to harness the power of music as a diplomatic tool for promoting peace democracy and advancing broader U.S. foreign policy objectives. This initiative seeks to expand economic equity and the creative economy, foster societal opportunity and inclusion, and enhance access to education through the medium of music.
The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative aspires to foster public-private partnerships, leveraging the support of American companies and non-profit organizations to strengthen connections with people worldwide, convey American leadership, and respond to global challenges.
In the company of senior officials from the Biden-Harris Administration, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, distinguished figures from the music industry, influential leaders in the arts and humanities, and alumni from the Department’s music diplomacy exchanges, the Secretary unveiled several significant initiatives. These include the introduction of the American Music Mentorship Program, the establishment of the Fulbright-Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar Award in Arts and Science, and a commitment to disseminating American music and lyrics in classrooms worldwide as part of the United States’ extensive investment in global English-language education.
Moreover, in a collaborative effort between the Department and the Recording Academy®, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, along with Recording Academy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harvey Mason, Jr., presented Quincy Jones with the inaugural Peace through Music Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes and celebrates the invaluable contributions of American music industry professionals, artists, or groups who have played a pivotal role in fostering cross-cultural exchanges and advancing global peace and mutual understanding through their musical endeavors.
Key highlights of the initiative’s launch include:
American Music Mentorship Program: This partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the Recording Academy will bring mid-career music industry professionals, including musical artists, to the United States for mentorship and networking opportunities. The program aims to cultivate a professional music industry ecosystem, support creative talent, and bolster the global creative economy.
Fulbright-Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar Award in Arts and Science: In collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Fulbright Program will introduce a new fellowship for foreign scholars that explores the intersections of arts and science. This fellowship focuses on the role of the arts in individual and global health, well-being, and the environment.
Boosting English-Language Learning Through Music: To promote English-language learning, especially for youth and underserved communities, the Department will integrate music into its existing $40 million investment in English-language learning worldwide. The Sing Out Loud program, in collaboration with American Music Abroad, will bring music and lyrics into classrooms globally.
This initiative follows the bipartisan Promoting Peace, Education, And Cultural Exchange (PEACE) Through Music Diplomacy Act signed by President Biden last year.
The launch event featured live performances by American and international artists across various music genres and was supported by generous private-sector sponsors.
Additionally, the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative includes many programs worldwide, such as Arts Envoys traveling to the Middle East and the People’s Republic of China, American Music Abroad, the Next Level hip-hop program, and the Harmundi International Music Summit, among others.
The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative embodies a powerful commitment to the role of music in fostering understanding, diplomacy, and peace on the international stage, making it an essential component of U.S. foreign policy efforts. For more information, visit www.state.gov/musicdiplomacy or contact [email protected].
Jay Park made history when he partnered with Roc Nation back in 2017, serving as the first Asian artist to sign to the imprint.
Born in Seattle, Washington, Jay Park fell in love with Hip-Hop at a very early age, getting his start writing raps and breakdancing in high school. In 2004, Jay’s mom had him try out for an audition with South Korean’s JYP Entertainment, eventually selected to become a member of a Korean boy band as an idol. There, he’d train to become the superstar he is today.
But throughout his career, Jay Park has never forgotten his love for Hip-Hop. In 2013, he launched his own hip-hop label called AOMG, based in Seoul, Korea.
Now, he continues to break down boundaries — this time, launching his soju brand, Won Soju, into the United States. Boasting 2.8 million followers on Instagram alone, Jay Park even changed his IG handle to @moresojuplease. A+ for marketing!
The Source had the pleasure of attending Jay Park’s Won Soju release party at Intercrew in Los Angeles.
How excited are you to have Won Soju hit the US market?
I’m very excited. The goal in the beginning was to have it next to vodka and tequila. Because everybody knows sake, but not a lot of people know soju. And the people who do know soju, all think that the green bottles only at pochas and stuff like that. I wanted to let people know that there is a more higher quality premium soju that wanted to introduce to people.
What’s the meaning behind Won Soju?
Obviously, it’s the currency won. The Korean currency’s won. In English and in Korean, there’s a bunch of different meanings like one. Or won is circle in Korean, or won like victory won. So it translates very well globally.
How much soju you are you drinking in a day?
In a day? Oh Lord. A week, maybe three or four bottles a week.
Favorite food to have with Won Soju?
To be honest, I like to just have fruits. You know, I gotta watch my weight.
I see those abs!
That’s what I’m saying, it’s because I eat it with fruit. The Korean pear, the bae. I love that.
Favorite thing to do when drinking soju?
To be honest, I don’t really like going to clubs anymore. I just like to have conversations with homies. I have a lot of Won Soju with my employees, so we talk about work. Stuff we want to do. Try to stay motivated, inspired.
I heard soju in Korea usually sells for $1. What was your reasoning behind the higher pricing?
Well, it’s made completely different. For Won Soju, first of all the ingredients are more expensive, because we’re using real rice from Wonju-si. Also it’s like Hwayo Soju or Andong Soju, where it’s traditional distilled soju. There’s no preservatives. There’s no sweeteners. There’s no MSG. It’s not made from a huge factory. You can’t mass produce it.
Hip-Hop celebrates 50 years this year. What was the moment you fell in love with Hip-Hop?
Second grade: Warren G, “Regulate.” Regulators. My cousin had it in his Walkman. I heard that, that’s when I was like “Yo, what is this?!” I immediately fell in love with it.
Last question, favorite Tupac song?
How many brothers fell victim to the streets? Rest in peace young homie, there’s a heaven for G. Be a lie if I told you that I never thought of death. My homie, we the last ones left. But life goes on! [sings Tupac]
Patoranking is here to spread nothing but good vibrations from Africa to the rest of the world. Boasting 8.7 million followers on Instagram alone, the Nigerian recording artist is best known for his feel-good blend of dancehall and Afrobeats and songs that will have you undoubtedly moving and grooving on the dance floor.
First getting his start as a dancer, Patoranking is a walking testimony of someone who made it out the ghetto and now lives out his dreams on the daily.
In describing himself, Patoranking states, “Patoranking is easy-going. Patoranking, aka World Best. Patoranking, the people’s champion. Patoranking, Wilmer and Welda’s dad.”
Over the summer, Patoranking unveiled new music, including “Tonight” featuring Popcaan,” raking in over 2.5 million Youtube views for its video, and more recently the celebratory anthem “Higher.” He also shared an accompanying visual for “Higher” on his IG debuting his two beautiful daughters for the first time ever.
Both songs are from Patoranking’s brand new studio album titled World Best, with features from Ludacris, Kizz Daniel, and Beenie Man.
The Source spoke with Patoranking during his two days in Los Angeles, taking a break from his time in the studio after putting his finishing touches on World Best. Read below as we discuss his name, love for Hip-Hop, touring with Lauryn Hill, “Higher,” his latest album, fatherhood, and more!
How’d you get your name?
I remember I met a guy at the beach who was playing his guitar. I was vibing to what he was playing. He said, “My youth what dem call you?” I said, “Patrick.” He said “Pato a who? Are you from Puerto Rico?” And we would laugh. He said he has respect for my music and he sees a future for me. He’s going to attach “Ranking” to “Pato,” since my name is Patrick. I’m like “yeah, Patoranking. I love it for me.” The first time I heard it, the sound: “Bam bam, Patoranking. Can’t leave music for banking” [he sings]. It was easy to rhyme with.
Hip-Hop celebrates 50 years this year. Talk about your love for Hip-Hop.
I love Hip-Hop. For me, I want to take it back: the whole revolution of Hip-Hop, because it’s gone through phases. There was a time Hip-Hop was the only platform for people speak their minds. You got conscious rappers as well, that speak for the people. For me, I learned my writing skills from a rapper.
Who?
I learned quite a lot. My rhyming skills, I learned a couple of things from Kanye. So many rappers that I listen to that I like: Drake, Kendrick Lamar. All of them.
Did you work with Kanye? Or just listening?
I listened to Kanye. I haven’t worked with Kanye. I’ll work with him soon, and Drake.
What’d it mean to tour with Lauryn Hill?
Talking about Hip-Hop, that’s someone else you can’t miss out of that list. She’s the GOAT. perform. Have you seen her perform? Touring with her was a learning process. I needed that time in my life because I wanted to learn quite a few things, and it really helped me. She’s a wonderful woman, and I’m thankful for that opportunity.
How did that happen?
At first, she was working with someone that’s a friend to us, that suggested us. I don’t even know how it happened, to be honest with you. I just know I got a call from a friend: “Lauryn Hill wants you on the tour.”
How excited were you?
Super excited. Super.
Were you nervous?
No, not at all.
Love your new song, “Higher.” Talk about recording this song.
“Higher,” a thanks giving song. I live the life of a thanks giver. Everyday of my life is a blessing. Every day above ground is a blessing, so you have to give thanks. A song like “Higher” is an expression of how I feel, my everyday life. Which is giving thanks.
Love seeing your kids on your instagram, they’re so cute!
Thank you. I have two daughters, Wilmerand Welda. Just vibing. I just posted Welda online for the first time, because I try to put them around something iconic. Wilmerhad an album around that [titled after her& released in 2019]. She inspired me to do so many, many great things around the album.
What can we expect from your album, World Best? Are you saying you’re the world best?
I am, all the people say I am. My friends call me World Best. If they say that’s who I am, then I am. Musically, I’m going to prove that. Just brace yourself for great music. Eargasm, that’s the feeling.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CqL4RjRIWNR/
How was it hanging out with Ludacris in Ghana?
It was good. Shout out to Luda, I had a great time. Great energy, he’s a good guy. Family guy, family-oriented. Spent some time with him, it was good. The vibe we did, madness!
How did you end up linking with him?
You know what, I was just chillin’ and someone called me. Two people called me. Somebody tried to reach us through my manager. The same friend that connected us to Lauryn Hill, was the same person who called me.
How often do you eat jollof rice?
Always.It’s part of the culture.
Best memory from doing “Tonight” with Popcaan?
The best memory was the video. We shot a video somewhere in London. Popcaan and I have been friends for a while, so we talk more often. After the video, we went somewhere. He had jollof rice, and I had eba and egusi soup, so that was one moment that I can take from that. It’s good.
What do you need in the studio at all times?
First of all, I need God’s presence, to make sure the environment is good and no evil spirit. I need my producer. Whenever I’ll be there, I just want the energy to be right. That’s all.
How did fatherhood change your life?
If I was a good man, it has made me a better person. If I was good before, now I’m better.
How old are your kids?
Wilmer will turn five on Sunday, on the 20th of August. Welda will be three in November.
How are you going to celebrate her birthday?
How she wants it. She already told me what she wants. Definitely make it up to her.
One thing you want people to get from World Best?
If there’s one thing I want you to get from the album, just enjoy it. Enjoy it, because I enjoyed myself creating it. To be honest, just enjoy it. That’s all.
Would you like to do on your day off, when you’re not working?
Play football [soccer].
Are you good?
Super good. I thought I was going to be a football player.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Clj6yTbMU32/
How was it performing at FIFA?
It was good. Been waiting for such moments. When the opportunity came, smashed it.
Any goals for yourself at this point in your career?
Yeah, just touching lives. Nothing more. Service to humanity, being a blessing to people.
Anything else you want to let the people know?
Big shout out to The Source. We give thanks to God for the profit and the loss. It could have been worse, but right now we’re chillin’ on The Source. We’re blessed.
Patoranking’s fourth studio album World Best is available now on all platforms.
444 (@khaidxr)
