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Swoope Finds His Sound on New Album, Sonshine

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Akron-born bar master, Swoope just released his latest project entitled Sonshine.

This project is the latest from the former Collision Records frontman since splitting with the label.  Swoope released a handful of singles last year, most of which are included on this project, including “All the Time,” “Never Left,” and the latest, “Hall of Fame.”

Disappointingly, one of his best tracks from 2017, “Lambo” is missing from Sonshine and it’s baffling seeing that the subject matter fits well with the overall narrative of the album; however, the project holds up well despite its absence.

For those looking for something as the kids would say, litty, there is plenty throughout the project like “Hall of Fame,” “Flex,” or “All the Time.” One of the many stand- out lines for me is this:

Gotta find a way to monetize black twitter, so they gotta pay if they tryna laugh with us. –“Old Me”

It’s clear that on that song as well as “Tsnk” and “Black Boy,” Swoope isn’t shying away from sparking real and much-needed conversations in the wake of so much racial injustice in America. What’s also clear is that he isn’t afraid of making music that overtly points people to Jesus even though it’s become a trend to conceal and disguise the gospel message for the sake of making dynamic or relevant music.

After his 2014 alb Sinema, which completely fell flat, Swoope needed to bounce back and he did in a major way, in my opinion. Sonshine has something for everyone and totally hits the mark. It’s evident that the Native North collaboration was a perfect fit.  In the world of “vibes” there was concern Swoope would get lost in the “wave,” but it’s clear he’s the same tuneful emcee we grew to love, but sometimes take for granted.  Conclusions are always drawn from singles that are released, but by now we should all know that is futile.  He’s sticking to who he is, but wisely adapting to the current musical climate and doing it very well.  Swoope has stated that this time around he’s found his sound and I couldn’t agree more.

Purchase Sonshine here.

Stream Sonshine  from Swoope Here

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Entertainment

Aklesso Unveils Deeply Personal Album “Still Lonely” Under Rodney Jerkin’s “Alienz Alive” Label

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After a three-city string of private listening events and insightful new interview with Sway In The MorningMiami’s own Aklesso unveils his deeply personal album Still Lonely, released via Rodney Jerkins’ Alienz Alive. A follow-up to his praised 2024 album Lonely, the project solidifies him as one of Hip-Hop’s most honest storytellers.

Produced by Okay.BennyWilliam Soolua, and GLEECEStill Lonely is a vulnerable, atmospheric exploration of fatherhood, faith, abandonment, and generational healing. The album expands the emotional universe introduced through his recent singles, including the Lecrae-collaborated single “Lonely” and the Darrel Jones–directed “Range!” featuring 1K Phew.

Listen to Still Lonely in its entirety below and watch his intimate conversation with Darkchild below:

 

The Florida-born entertainer officially signed with Alienz Alive back in September, marking a new chapter in his career. Rodney Jerkins, founder of Alienz Alive, adds:


“Aklesso’s story, his culture, and his sound all carry a weight that this generation needs to hear. From Miami to Haiti to the global stage, he’s not just making records, he’s making an impact. At Alienz Alive, we’re about building legacy, and Aklesso embodies that. I couldn’t be more excited to walk this journey with him.”

The Haitian lyricist, Aklesso, shares:

“This is the most honest project I’ve ever made. It’s not about perfect answers, it’s about presence. It’s about realizing God was with me even in the moments I felt the most alone.”

Be sure to stream and purchase this latest release – Now Available everywhere where music is sold.

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Music Videos

Aklesso & Jon Keith Release Fresh Visuals for “Freedom” — A Song About Breaking Cycles and Choosing Healing

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Aklesso and Jon Keith — both artists signed to legendary producer Rodney Jerkins’ label Alienz Alive — have released fresh visuals for their collaborative single, “Freedom.” The record blends hard-hitting Hip Hop energy with smooth, melodic vocals, creating a sound that feels emotionally raw while remaining sonically intentional.

While both artists are often categorized as Hip Hop, Freedom exists beyond strict genre lines. The collaboration reflects a layered musical identity — Hip Hop at its core, but shaped by vulnerability, reflection, and a willingness to confront real-life struggles head-on.

At the heart of Freedom is a conversation many artists — and listeners — are quietly having: how do you break generational cycles without becoming consumed by them?

Aklesso’s verses pull listeners into an unfiltered space, addressing trauma, fear, and mental health battles that often go unspoken. Lines wrestling with destiny, survival, and internal conflict give the song its emotional weight, while the repeated declaration — “Promise you, promise God, I will never repeat the trauma” — stands as both a confession and a commitment. It’s not framed as perfection, but as responsibility.

Jon Keith’s chorus offers balance and resolve, reframing freedom as something that requires intention and partnership. “There’s freedom if we try… if we fight” positions healing as an active process — one that involves effort, faith, and community rather than isolation. The repeated refrain, “It’s you and I,” underscores the idea that freedom isn’t achieved alone.

The visuals echo that same tension between struggle and hope. Clean, focused imagery allows the message to lead, reinforcing the song’s core theme: freedom is not just personal — it’s generational. Choosing healing today shapes what gets passed on tomorrow.

In a cultural moment where conversations around mental health, faith, and generational healing are becoming more urgent, “Freedom” lands as more than a collaboration. It’s a statement — one rooted in honesty, faith, and the courage to choose a different path forward.


WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

WATCH: ArtSoul Radio’s Exclusive Interview with Aklesso & Jon Keith on “Freedom”

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Culture

NEW MUSIC: Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts Deliver a Soulful Moment with “Still”

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Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.

Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.

👉 Watch the live performance here.

Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥

Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.

Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.

The Vibe

With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.

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