Shirley Ju

JohnBorn; Credit: Art Like Us/Xavier Thomas

JohnBorn Gets Your G.O.A.T.

Shirley Ju
JohnBorn is a creator of all things art, fashion and music. If you ask him which facet he sticks to most, he won’t have an answer. Hailing from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the contemporary painter initially came to L.A. eight years ago to pursue music, with no inklingthat his art would blow up first. Now, he’s eager to announce his solo exhibition, "G.O.A.T.," currently on view in downtown L.A.....
Credit: Casi Moss

Track of the Week: Dumbfoundead's "Pink Bleu Dawn"

Shirley Ju
Dumbfoundead is back and this time, he holds nothing back. Fresh off the release of his Cafe Bleu EP, inspired by a bar he frequents in Koreatown, the Asian-American rapper and actor kicks off the new year with the official video for “Pink Bleu Dawn,” the closing tune on the six-track project....
Credit: Cam Fairfax

Is Eric Bellinger the Reigning King of R&B?

Shirley Ju
Best known for his club bangers “I Don’t Want Her” and “Valet,” singer-songwriter (and sometimes rapper) Eric Bellinger prides himself on quality, authenticity and passion in not only his music but his everyday life....
Credit: Tristan Edouard

Supah Mario Credits Career to Young Thug and Explains His 12 Producer Tags

Shirley Ju
“Marioooo!” Supah Mario is here to increase the respect bestowed upon producers. Hailing from South Carolina but now based in Atlanta, the “Blue Tint” producer has come a long way from playing drums in church. Admitting rock was actually his first love, real name DeMario Priester draws influences from all genres, creating a soundscape for hip-hop and trap to blend and thrive....
Anderson .Paak; Credit: The Come Up Show/Wikicommons

The Best West Coast Hip-Hop Albums of 2018

Shirley Ju
West Coast is the best coast. With 2018 being the year hip-hop has cemented its status as the world’s most popular genre, it’s only right we pay homage to California, home to legends Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and so many more. As we near the year's end, L.A. Weekly presents a list of the top 10 West Coast albums of 2018, in no particular order....
Art by Jahlil Nzinga; Credit: Courtesy of Keith Jenkins

Keith Jenkins Welcomes His Alter Ego, Artist Jahlil Nzinga, to the World

Shirley Ju
You may recognize him as Stunnaman from The Pack, but Keith Jenkins is reinventing himself as an all-around visual and creative artist, and debuting his new moniker for the purpose: Jahlil Nzgina, referencing his mother’s family name. While at the reins of the legendary Bay Area collective that paved the way for many rap groups to follow, Keith needed an outlet to cope with the ever-changing rules of the industry. Finding his new calling in art, he recently threw his first solo exhibition, "Same Shit, Different Day," at 3FLR Gallery in Koreatown....
Louis the Child; Credit: Cameron Postforoosh

Louis the Child Recall Their Playground Years

Shirley Ju
Walking by Louis the Child’s set at Coachella, it was damn near impossible to ignore their sonically enticing soundscape and enchanting visuals. Blossoming five years ago, the production duo, made up of Robert Hauldren and Frederic Kennett, have since found their niche and created their own lane, catering not only to electronic and pop fans but open-minded music lovers in general....
Credit: @venuslovesyou

Blackbear Opens Up in Person and on His Albums

Shirley Ju
Blackbear is more than just a musician. He is one of the most talented, hard-working, dedicated and strong artists to enter the studio. Aside from his ability to create hit records seemingly effortlessly, it’s his real-life experiences battling anxiety and substance abuse that he bravely recounts through his lyrics. Records like “Anxiety” and “If I Could I Would Feel Nothing” give hope and strength, allowing his growing fan base to not only relate but to find comfort....
Credit: Lula Hyers

AlunaGeorge Brings Alternative R&B to the Troubadour

Shirley Ju
AlunaGeorge is back and better than ever. Refusing to be boxed into any one genre, their blend of R&B, soul and EDM has helped them to be one of the most well-respected names in the industry. While Aluna Francis is the face of the musical duo, real fans know there’s a producer named George Reid tucked away in the studio where he’s most comfortable....