We Speak Rap
LEVITATE: Gino Black’s Electrifying Anthem of Motivation, Elevation, and Triumph

Over the last four years, Gino Black has definitely elevated his sound as a record producer as well as being deliberate in showcasing his lyrical abilities as a premiere rap artist. In addition to hip-hop/rap music, he also produces electronic dance music, alternative rock and he also composes orchestral and ambient music for film, tv and other media.
On his latest release, Gino Black is full on balls to the wall focused. He has a clear and concise message to his listeners. MOTIVATE. ELEVATE. LEVITATE. CELEBRATE. While he cautions, “Don’t celebrate to soon while your building on success…”; he commands like a drill like a drill sergeant as he instructs us to first MOTIVATE ourselves through internal bravery from within. Then he advises us to ELEVATE ourselves mentally and our circumstances via hard work, sacrifice and discipline. After which point he tells us to “LEVITATE”; and what that means is to rise above the stress, negativity and BS of life. According to Gino Black, “...it is ONLY after we have achieved true individual success from our efforts can we CELEBRATE. Celebrating your wins too soon (while in progress) can be a hindrance for additional growth and expansion.”
“LEVITATE” is a very unique record in that it has subtle nuances of peacefulness within the sonics of the production, but at the same time, it quickly and energetically and viscerally livens up and gives the listener a sensation of supercharged battery pack of energy. Listening to “LEVITATE” makes you feel like you can accomplish anything!

Short Artist Bio:
Gino Black is among the vanguard of what he calls ‘exotic cinematic hip-hop’ music’. He is an alternative rap artist and is also a multi-genre producer who creates amazing soundscapes which cause his listeners to have visceral reactions. His songs are driven by hard beats, aggressive lyrics and have atmospheric ambient qualities with very distinct textures. He is also proving to be in touch with his introspective and reflective mind as displayed on his most recent releases, like the sentimental song about his grandmother, “Someday“, his song about his youngest daughter, “Don’t“, his transparent and thought provoking Black History Month anthem, “Black Boy” and the upcoming new single, “A Good Woman“.
In 2021, after a 10 year hiatus from music due to serious health issues, Gino Black made an aggressive return to releasing new music. He has been consistently releasing a slew (40+ songs) of new underground bangers and thought provoking music by way of releasing new single song every month. This course of action began in January 2021 and this method has increased his listeners by ten fold since then.
Gino Black s South Florida based artist/producer, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, has released some very memorable and successful songs over the years. He’s recently been gaining quite a buzz with songs like, “Bullets”, “Take 2 Me”, “Hustle”, “Wonderland”, “Forever Summer”, “Melanated” and the heartfelt dedication to his grandmother, “Someday”. He has been building a solid fanbase as his music maintains an average monthly audience of at least 20,000 listeners. He’s best known for “Esoteric Men”, his collaboration with Cincinnati based artist, Blakk North; which is approaching 200,000 streams. They’ve also made 4 other songs together; which include the monumental, “Esoteric Men“, “Game Changers”, “The Set”, “Stall Me Out”, “Esoteric Men 2” and most recently, “Fake”, as well as the new song “Chapa Ya”; which is a collaboration with Blakk North.
Gino Black has also lit up and has been rapid firing at the underground music scene in 2024 with incendiary smashes like “Don’t Look Back”, “OH MY GAWD”, “Frenzy”, the reflective “Black Boy” and the heartfelt, “A Good Woman”.

The track was Produced by: Gino Black & Tone Jones
The track was Written and Arranged by: Gino Black
The track was Mixed and Mastered by: Gino Black
The track is Published by: POWERBLAST WORLDWIDE MUSIC [BMI]
Label, Marketing & Distribution: POWERBLAST WORLDWIDE
“LEVITATE“ is available for quick and easy sync licensing opportunities.
Contact:
POWERBLAST WORLDWIDE
PowerblastMusicMarketing@gmail.com
We Speak Hip-Hop
NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)
Kendu 718 is taking over the scene with his latest single “Gritty,” produced by Juxx Diamondz of Back Block Music Group LLC. The NY rapper shows off his signature blend of storytelling and lyricism woven with slick metaphors. He’s simply writing bars and putting out heat; his deliverance though is aggressive and slightly intimidating; true NY style. Stream “Gritty” and get to know Kendu 718 in the interview below.
MJ: Before we jump into your new single “Gritty,” take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.
Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs and alcohol ever since.
MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.
Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up, it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.
MJ: Let’s talk about the new single “Gritty.” What can listeners expect once they hit play?
Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks, no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build responsible, productive lives.
MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back Block Music Group LLC?
Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and from there, everything developed naturally.
MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to “Gritty?”
Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.
MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you currently working on?
Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels, and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also have some dope features on it.
MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the sound and movement behind the project.
Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.
MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music and stay connected.
Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms. Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.

Stream “Gritty” on preferred platforms – Gritty
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