New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Today, Rexx Life Raj, the Bay Area rapper and self-proclaimed "Berkeley superhero" signed to EMPIRE, releases "Canvas." Led by a swirl of smooth stripped-down beats, Raj explores a personal fear that mirrors the fear felt in the outside world. The song's music video, shot with Raj alone in self-isolation, visually manifests this unease; when you are literally as alone as you feel.
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Canvas" is the first single off California Poppy 2, the sequel to Raj's 2018 EP, California Poppy, a collaboration with his in-house producer, Kyle Betty. Raj is also confirmed to perform at Inside Lands, Outside Lands' aptly titled virtual festival, at the end of the month (August 28-29).
Raj recently released the one-off single "Bounce Back (ft.
G-Eazy and Jay Anthony)," which has been praised by Hot New Hip-Hop ("smooth"), 2 Dope Boyz ("Back in action with his well-executed laid-back sound"), Uproxx ("Inspirational"), and more. "
Bounce Back" also had the honor of being a part of ESPNmusic (@espnmusic) and the NBA on ESPN's (@nbaonespn) featured commercial soundtrack, playing prominently throughout all NBA programming on ESPN and ABC, along with flagship shows Sportscenter and First Take.
Raj has toured and sold-out shows around the world and makes music that isn't afraid to be laugh-out-loud funny while also digging deep into what it means to be a young black man in
America - music for the brain, heart, and NBA 2k20. Fans of Raj include millions of streamers, as well as Pitchfork ("He can rap, hit a falsetto, and Julia Lewis' sparkly production is complemented by the radiant blood red backdrop"), Pigeons & Planes (a Best Artist of the Month), and Complex, comparing the 2019 Rapper To Watch to his local Golden
State Warriors; the young and talented rapper is building up his own dynasty. A Billboard profile from last year highlighted Raj's local philanthropic work with Good & Proper, working with Kehlani, his father's history as a
Black Panthers affiliate, the joys of Olive Garden, and more of his non-music interests, showing a different side to the former college football player (he's 6'3") who's about to have a big 2020 with new music on the horizon.
