We Speak Music

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

Published

9 months 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

Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

Published

4 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Don Reed

London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.

Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’

‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.

Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.