We Speak Music

Randy Ross Turns Real Life Into Real Country on New EP Hard Days, Soft Nights

Published

2 months ago

February 18, 2026

Some records try to sound cool. Randy Ross just sounds honest.

With his new EP Hard Days, Soft Nights, the Phoenix-born, Nashville-seasoned songwriter delivers a straight-up slice of vintage honkytonk country – the kind built on worn guitars, good stories, and a little bit of barroom wisdom.

Released January 25, 2026, the project arrives at a turning point for Ross. After years in Music City, he recently packed up for a fresh start in Northern California, and these songs capture his final chapter in Tennessee. Think of it as a musical postcard from the road: part memoir, part goodbye note, all heart.

The title track sets the mood perfectly. “Hard Days, Soft Nights” is a feel-good, working-man anthem written by Ross’s longtime friend and mentor Raymond Sisk. It’s about putting in the hours, doing the grind, and knowing there’s someone worth coming home to at the end of the day. Simple, relatable, classic country.

“I’m A Mule” brings a playful twist to the EP, with Ross reflecting on self-acceptance and the idea that not everyone is meant to be a racehorse. Sometimes being stubborn, steady, and true to yourself is exactly the point.

Then there’s “Good People,” a late-night duet with Kenny Sharp that feels like the last round at your favorite dive bar. It’s a nod to the characters you meet after dark – the ones who may look a little rough around the edges but usually turn out to be the best kind of company.

Taken together, the songs on Hard Days, Soft Nights paint a picture of everyday life: work, love, loyalty, laughter, and the occasional long night. No gimmicks, no gloss – just solid songwriting and a voice that means what it sings.

For fans of traditional country with a modern spirit, Randy Ross just served up the perfect soundtrack.

Follow Randy Ross: Instagram – Facebook

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NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)

Published

11 hours ago

April 14, 2026

MJ Savino

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.