We Speak Music

LIL TJAY COMING TO EUROPE FOR “THE PAST 2 PRESENT TOUR” WITH SPECIAL GUEST KEY GLOCK THIS OCTOBER

Published

1 month ago

July 25, 2024

Don Reed

KICKING OFF AT THE O2 ARENA ON THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEBUT ALBUM TRUE 2 MYSELF

Bronx-born, multi-platinum recording artist Lil Tjay, known for melodic rap tracks accumulating over 15 billion streams like the 8x Platinum “Pop Out” with Polo G, 6x Platinum “F.N,” and 6x Platinum “Calling My Phone” featuring 6LACK, just announced his upcoming Europe tour. Fans around the continent can catch him starting October 12 on his 8-date “The Past 2 Present Tour” featuring special guest Key Glock known for viral solo tracks like “Ambition For Cash,” “Since 6ix,” and collaborations like “Major” with his late cousin and Paper Route Empire records founder, Young Dolph. Joining them on tour is emerging Toronto-based R&B artist RealestK, known best for his viral single “WFM.” Tickets are on sale now HERE, with the exception of The O2 Arena show, which will go on sale Friday, July 26 at 10 AM BST.

‘The Past 2 Present Tour’ will kick off at London’s iconic The O2 Arena on the fifth anniversary of Lil Tjay’s double platinum debut studio album, True 2 Myself, which was released in October 2019. Featuring guest appearances from Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Lil Wayne, and others, the project debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart and helped launch his career. Fans in Europe can look forward to a nostalgic experience as they hear multi-platinum-certified hits from Tjay’s debut album like “F.N,” “Hold On,” and “Leaked.”

Lil Tjay burst onto the rap scene with a unique blend of swagger and lyrical prowess, quickly capturing the attention of millions. Following several multi-platinum albums and collaborations with Pop Smoke, Kid LaRoi, NBA Youngboy, Offset, French Montana, and Ice Spice, he’s accumulated over 15 billion global streams and accolades such as being featured in XXL’s Freshman Class of 2020 and Billboard’s 21 Under 21. His recent single, “June 22nd,” offers a raw, introspective look at the traumatic events leading up to him being shot, showcasing his euphonious voice and unique storytelling ability. This track is part of his latest album, 222, which highlights his artistic evolution since his platinum-certified 2021 release, Destined 2 Win.

Lil Tjay’s latest achievements have cemented his place in the rap world. His 2023 album 222 not only pushed the boundaries of his musical vulnerability and skill but also resonated deeply with audiences globally. The album’s success was followed by his highly-anticipated “The Good Life Tour” in 2024, featuring special guests Kalan.FrFr and Dina Ayada. This tour showcased Lil Tjay’s dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with fans, further solidifying his status as a major force in contemporary hip-hop.

Memphis-born rapper Key Glock will be the special guest on the tour where fans can expect to see him deliver his signature cold, stark, uncompromising verses. Key Glock is known for instant classic projects such as Yellow Tape and Yellow Tape 2 and two Dum and Dummer releases with his cousin and Paper Route Empire record label founder, Young Dolph. Coming off of his recent single “Big Big Money,” fans are highly-anticipating the release of his forthcoming project, GLOCKAVELI.

The Past 2 Present Tour will travel around the continent of Europe, starting at London’s iconic The O2 Arena then making its way through Amsterdam, Oslo, and Helsinki before taking over Brussels, Paris, Munich, and ending this leg in Berlin. With Tjay celebrating his debut album and having already released several singles in 2024 like “Told Ya,” “Good Life,” and “No No,” there’s no shortage of hits to hear on the Past 2 Present Tour this Fall.

LIL TJAY’S ‘THE PAST 2 PRESENT TOUR’ DATES

12/10/24 – London, UK – The O2 Arena

13/10/24 – Amsterdam, NL – AFAS Live

16/10/24 – Oslo, NO – Spektrum

17/10/24 – Helsinki, FI – Black Box

19/10/24 – Brussels, BE – Forest National

20/10/24 – Paris, FR – Zenith

23/10/24 – Munich, DE – Zenith

25/10/24 – Berlin, DE – Uber Eats Music Hall

We Speak Music

The Keymakers’ Revolutionize Electronic Music with Soulful New Sound On ‘Separate’

Published

23 hours ago

September 6, 2024

Philomena Marie

Rome and Red, the sibling duo behind The Keymakers, have been making waves in the electronic music scene since their 2017 debut. Known for blending soulful melodies, live instrumentation, and electronic beats, the brothers are carving out a unique space in an often-saturated genre. Their latest single, “Separate,” cements their place as artists who defy genre conventions while crafting deeply emotional and resonant music.

A Unique Musical Journey

The Keymakers’ sound is shaped by their distinct musical upbringings. Rome, trained as a jazz saxophonist and R&B vocalist, brings a deep sense of musicality and emotional depth to their work. Red, on the other hand, honed his skills as a DJ, blending tracks at college parties and building an instinct for dynamic, crowd-pleasing beats. Together, their different backgrounds merge into something truly unique: a sound that pulls from jazz, R&B, electronic, and pop, creating a fusion that feels fresh and forward-thinking.

This eclectic mix of influences is on full display in their music, which has already attracted a global audience. With over 3.8 million streams and placements on 17 Spotify Editorial playlists, The Keymakers are a force to be reckoned with. Their presence on popular playlists like New Music Friday and Time to Dance is evidence that their sound transcends borders, resonating with listeners from the U.S. to Spain and Denmark.

Separate: A Heartfelt Exploration of Distance

The Keymakers’ latest single, “Separate,” stands out not only for its pristine production but also for its emotional depth. Written about Red’s personal experience with long-distance relationships, the song captures the bittersweet emotions of love, heartache, and longing. “Separate” begins with a delicate piano melody, quickly evolving into a layered sonic landscape of electric guitar, synths, and subtle percussion. The brothers strike a perfect balance between digital and physical sounds, creating a track that feels both intimate and expansive.

Vocally, Rome delivers a performance filled with vulnerability, perfectly complementing the track’s lyrical themes of separation and longing. His R&B roots shine through, especially in the chorus, which feels like a cry of both heartache and hope. The production is polished yet raw in its emotion, giving listeners space to feel the weight of the song’s message.

A Masterclass in Live Performances

While “Separate” is a testament to The Keymakers’ ability to create emotion-driven studio tracks, the duo is equally impressive live. Their performances are not simply DJ sets; they are multi-instrumental experiences. Rome and Red incorporate live drumming, saxophone, guitar, and sampling into their shows, offering an immersive sonic journey that takes electronic music to new heights. Fans in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston have already been captivated by their ability to blend live instrumentation with electronic beats, creating unforgettable experiences.

Pushing Boundaries with Every Release

After relocating to Los Angeles in 2020, The Keymakers have been steadily evolving their sound, and “Separate” is a clear sign of their growth. By balancing organic instruments with electronic elements, the duo has found a way to make digital music feel personal and human. This ability to infuse soul into electronic music is what sets them apart from many in the genre.

Their dedication to pushing musical boundaries extends beyond just their recorded tracks. In August 2024, they were featured on Sirius XM’s Diplo’s Revolution with a Guest House Mix. This appearance highlights their versatility, showcasing their talents in both high-energy mixes and emotional ballads.

Final Thoughts

The Keymakers are more than just rising stars in electronic music—they are innovators, creating a sound that resonates emotionally while thrilling listeners with its genre-defying production. “Separate” is a prime example of their ability to merge the personal with the universal, transforming Red’s experience with long-distance relationships into a track that many can relate to.

As Rome and Red continue to evolve and refine their sound, they remain artists to watch. Their unique blend of soulful, electronic music is a breath of fresh air in today’s musical landscape. With upcoming releases and their continued commitment to delivering unforgettable live performances, The Keymakers are poised to revolutionize the industry—and we can’t wait to see what they do next.