There are labels that release music, and then there are cultural institutions that actively shape ecosystems. My Music Block Records firmly belongs in the latter category, and with the release of the EP “Love Rhythm and Romance”, the imprint delivers a statement of intent that is as emotionally resonant as it is historically aware.
The story begins with My Music Block TV, founded in the San Francisco Bay Area as a platform dedicated to showcasing music videos, live performances and in-depth interviews. From its earliest days, the mission was clear and unwavering. Artists of all backgrounds deserved visibility, individuality deserved celebration, and excellence deserved recognition. What started as a humble cable access show soon evolved into something far more influential. My Music Block TV became a global connector, amplifying independent voices and carving out space where artistry, authenticity and ambition could coexist without compromise.
That evolution naturally gave rise to the MMBTV Awards, now widely respected for honoring the most extraordinary talents within the independent music community. Musicians, actors, writers, producers and performers have all found acknowledgment under the My Music Block banner. The awards are not simply accolades but affirmations, validating careers that often thrive outside the mainstream spotlight yet carry immense cultural weight.
From there, expansion was inevitable. My Music Block TV grew into a full-fledged record company, launching My Music Block Records and releasing music from artists such as Eye’z, NÜK, Beezy Brain and Cydewayze. The label has also taken on a vital curatorial role, partnering with Gran Royale Music to re-release Bay Area classics from Varsity Club and Gran Mauruy ay, while overseeing deeply meaningful posthumous releases from Devire Sharon Manuel and Gregory Hickman-Williams. This dual focus on future-facing creativity and historical preservation positions the label as both tastemaker and custodian.
That ethos is vividly encapsulated in the EP “Love Rhythm and Romance”, a carefully sequenced six-track project that celebrates emotional connection, rhythmic diversity and stylistic range. Featuring Devier, Gregory Hickman-Williams, Eye’z, Beezy Brain, NÜK and Cydewayze, the EP functions as a showcase of the label’s artistic breadth while remaining cohesive in spirit and tone.
Sonically, “Love Rhythm and Romance” moves fluidly through Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B and Soul, with subtle but impactful traces of Latin and Jazz woven into its fabric. These influences reach their most elegant expression in Gregory Hickman-Williams’ rendition of “Beseme Mucho”. Anchored by a slow, hip-swaying rhythm, the track is adorned with resonant pianos and warm horn arrangements that create a sense of timeless intimacy. Hickman-Williams’ vocal performance is commanding and emotive, drawing from classical and operatic traditions to deliver explosive phrasing and powerful crescendos. It is a performance that feels reverent rather than nostalgic, honoring the song’s legacy while asserting his own interpretive authority.
NÜK shifts the energy with “Repeat”, steering the EP into vintage rap territory. His laidback yet unrelenting flow rides atop a skittering beat and bubbling synth motif, creating a hypnotic push and pull between restraint and momentum. The track feels effortless without ever being complacent, a reminder that mastery often lies in control rather than excess.
Momentum continues with Beezy Brain’s “Focuz”, which announces itself with a thumping, head-nodding beat and a low-slung bassline that commands immediate attention. Beezy Brain’s delivery is dynamic, switching seamlessly between sharp rap verses and a melodic hook that lingers long after the track fades. The balance between grit and accessibility makes “Focuz” one of the EP’s most immediate and replayable moments.
On “Dis Respect Fool”, Cydewayze plays with contrast to striking effect. His understated, conversational vocal delivery sits deliberately against bombastic synth horns and a rumbling bassline, creating a tension that both surprises and intrigues. The track thrives on this juxtaposition, proving that subtlety can be just as impactful as sonic maximalism.
The EP’s tonal shift toward warmth and romance is beautifully handled by Eye’z on “Dedicated…”. Blending R&B, Soul and Retro-Pop, the track glides on a vibrant mid-tempo groove. Eye’z’s crystalline lead vocal takes center stage, supported by rich harmonies that elevate the song into an immersive emotional experience. It is smooth without being saccharine, polished without losing sincerity.
Closing the project is Devier’s “Dancin’ and Romancin’”, a groove-driven celebration of intimacy and shared moments. Rooted in R&B and Soul, the track paints vivid scenes through its lyrics. “Reservations for two. Table with a view. Golden Gate light under the moon,” Devier sings, grounding the romance in a distinctly Bay Area glow. As the narrative shifts from dinner to the dance floor, the song becomes an ode to chemistry, movement and desire, delivered with charm and confidence.
As a first major step into the marketplace, “Love Rhythm and Romance” provides My Music Block Records with a powerful foundation on which to build its future slate of releases. The EP not only introduces listeners to a diverse roster of talent but also communicates the label’s values with clarity and conviction. Artistic range, emotional honesty and cultural respect are not marketing buzzwords here. They are embedded in the music itself.
Perhaps most poignantly, the inclusion of artists such as the late Gregory Hickman-Williams underscores My Music Block Records’ commitment to honoring legacies that were not fully celebrated during their time. In doing so, the label bridges past and present, reminding us that great music does not expire and that recognition, even when delayed, still matters.
With “Love Rhythm and Romance”, My Music Block Records featuring Various Artists delivers more than an EP. It offers a manifesto of intent, a celebration of love in its many forms, and a promise that this is only the beginning of something far bigger, brighter and deeply meaningful. My Music Block Records is already planning physical CD’s of the EP with additional tracks included for this summer.
For more information, connect with My Music Block Records on FACEBOOK
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