Pettidee Archives - Five Twenty Co., LLC

Village KNG releases second single, Forward Motion

“I was taught that it is only 10% of what happens to you in your life that affects you and 90% is how you respond to it all. Some people get stuck after tragedy.”

Fear, doubt, frustration, and loss are all things that stop us and could keep us from moving forward.

“If we take one step at a time, eventually we will be closer to our desired destinations. We wanted to create the theme song that would inspire and encourage people to move forward and feel great while getting there.” – Pettidee

Forward Motion was really a product of the post-pandemic season. Many of us experienced some hits and losses during that time frame. That may have been a loss of homes or livelihoods, or friends and family members. Coming out of that season, we all had a decision to make. Stay stuck in certain areas or find a way forward.

“This is, in many ways, a recounting of God’s resume of goodness in the past and trusting His faithfulness will continue to see us through moving forward.” – KnowdaVerbs

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Listen to more music from Village KNG here

Certified vets Pettidee and KnowdaVerbs to release We Are Village KNG group project

The first time you hear the news, it comes across as an unlikely tag team.

Who would think to pair the crunchy, CeeLo-ate-a-Transformer vocals of Pettidee with the boom-bap lyricism of unlocked action figure KnowdaVerbs? The idea actually originated with both emcees. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find the two men have a healthy history thanks to the connective tissue of GRITS’ Teron “Bonafide” Carter and the Factors of the Seven fellowship.

Petti and Verbs have also partnered on music projects in the past (check out their collaborative carol from the Soldier Sound Christmas album). But now it’s time to introduce music fans to their group identity as Village KNG (pronounced “king”).

“About a year ago, Verbs and I linked up to discuss some voice-over work. During the process we reminisced about the rich community that comes from being in the studio with other hip-hop heads who follow Jesus,” explained Pettidee. “We ended up pulling up some beats and just messing around with some tracks. One thing led to another and we ended up with a handful of songs we felt were worth sharing.”

Part of their spark came from seeing rappers of their era (think NaS, Black Thought, Jay-Z, etc.) continue to release and perform music at a high level.

“It just shows we shouldn’t place self- or externally-imposed age limits on the use of our gifts and talents,” Verbs said.

The team decided upon the name Village KNG. It represents their desire to make an impact on a local level and to remind others they serve the “King of Kings.”

The First Single

The debut single from Village KNG is available now and is titled Harriet Tubman.

An accidental freedom song, it’s not a biographical account of the life of Harriet Tubman. It’s about the essence of how she led. Specifically, the time frame of her stepping into the role of conductor of the Underground Railroad. The song points to her resolve and resilience. In order for Harriet’s passengers to arrive at a destination of freedom, it required a mindset pivot for them to realize there was freedom that awaits them if they were willing to brave the journey.

As lyricists communicating topics they’re passionate about, there is a similar sense of urgency to see the listener experience a new level of available freedom. On Harriet Tubman, the intensity of the mid-pace melodic beat and sounds reminded us of a trek through a forest during the night. As it progresses, it opens up to a morning break-type moment. This song calls us to assess our current realities of life, even if what we find is darker than what we would hope. This tune is for all willing to walk out of a cage of captivity to flourish into a new level of freedom without looking back.

“I freed a 1000 slaves I could have freed more”

It’s a stand-out quote from Harriet Tubman. So many people don’t realize that they can be free from mental bondage. Once you see the similarities between slavery and oppression in today’s society, especially in entertainment, it’s hard to look away. To allow it to be without taking action, just like Harriet. Rocket (a strong female MC) speaks to her generation in a way that only a woman could. She anchors the song to bring the last verse to Freedom.

Although we are physically free, there are millions of people in mental slavery. Bound by every negative thought that holds them down. Keeping them in mental boxes and emotional chains. Like Harriet Tubman. Village KNG vowed to use the vehicle of music to set those sick of mental oppression FREE.”

Village KNG Upcoming Project

The first release from the group will be We Are Village KNG (side A). It contains the songs “Afro Frontier,” “Forward Motion,” “Harriet Tubman,” and “King.” Beatmaker Tone Jonez infuses the project with futuristic sounds and frequent nods to the artists’ distinct cultural roots as African-Americans with lived hip-hop experiences.

“We wanted a challenge,” shared Verbs. “What sounds can we use to clearly communicate what’s in our heart? You’ll hear it on We Are Village KNG.”

Side A will be released in early 2023 with another, four-song Side B to follow. Look for both on all major digital service providers and find associated photo/video content on social media at @villagekng.

Good City Music is home to some of the brightest up-and-coming talents in the Christian music industry.

Among the impressive roster of artists is Ohio’s own DJ and producer, JIMMY ROCK.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic impacting an already difficult-to-navigate music scene, JIMMY ROCK has seen his trajectory increase sharply over the last two years.

In 2020, ROCK’s Ep ‘World of Drops’ debuted at number 112 on the iTunes Dance charts. Since then he has been busy building his catalog with a string of singles, bootleg remixes, and a follow-up EP, all while garnering highlights from media outlets such as New Release Today, Nashville Unsigned, Where’s The Vibe, and Atlanta-based Trackstarz. ROCK was also chosen by TunedUp as one of 2021’s “Artists to Watch”.

This April, JIMMY ROCK is releasing his new EP Word of Vibes: Remixes which features re-imagined versions of songs from both ‘World of Drops’ and 2021’s ‘Summer Vibes’ EP.

The lead single, Vibes [Remix], featuring Marty of Social Club Misfits and Light Ends Darkness, hits digital music retailers on February 25, 2022. The record beautifully blends EDM elements with Pop and a touch of Hip-Hop in perfect preparation for the upcoming project.

World of Vibes: Remixes will release on April 15, 2022, and features collaborations with Fern (Social Club Misfits), Steven Malcolm, Joe Maz (Pitbull, Ty Dolla $ign), Pettidee, KJ-52, Reyer, Sean McGee, and ShaVazz The Weirdo, as well as the aforementioned Marty and Light Ends Darkness. The project is executively produced by JIMMY ROCK with mixing and mastering from acclaimed production team The Brewz (Thomas Iannucci).

*Which remixes are you most interested in hearing? Let us know in the comments below!

Follow JIMMY ROCK: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Tik Tok

Release Details

Title: Vibes [Remix]

Artist: JIMMY ROCK

Release Date: February 25, 2022

Features: Marty, Light Ends Darkness

Released via: Good City Music

Title: World of Vibes: Remixes

Artist: JIMMY ROCK

Release Date: April 15, 2022

Released via: Good City Music

Eric Boston reviewing a hip hop influenced EDM album…what could go wrong?

I am stepping out of my comfort zone with this one.

Jimmy Rock’s new six-track EP ‘World of Drops’ includes elements that were more than intriguing for me. It also made me slightly nervous as I want to do any project that I review justice.

I guess the best thing that I can do is to simply jump in feet first!

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Intro To War ft. Egypt Speaks – Basic monologue into by Egypt Speaks that bleeds into track two, the first song of the album.

War – The first song is also the project’s longest, coming in at just over five minutes. The tribal drums work in tandem with the electronica feel of the melody. To be completely transparent, I am not the one who should be critiquing an EDM record. That being said, I appreciated the way that this track builds and adds layers as it progresses. The inserted adlibs and KB inspired (“I Believe”) chant bring a hip hop element that I was able to connect with. Overall, I can see this leading a Jimmy Rock set and getting a crowd ready to cut loose for an evening.

Catch These Hands ft. Pettidee – If you read my review of Brinson’s ‘Throw the Crown’ album (you can do so here if you haven’t), then you know that one feature that is sure to grab my attention is seeing CHH veteran Pettidee listed on a project. Add that to a title such as “Catch These Hands” and certain expectations begin to form before hearing a single bar. I must say, my preconceived ideas of this track were not close to the final product.

I love how Jimmy Rock presented Pettidee’s vocals on the hook as a sample instead of a traditional chorus. We only get a single verse from Pettidee, but it was a good one. His unmistakable gritty vibrato works well with the dance-infused production. Not every rapper can appear at home in this environment, but the duo of Jimmy Rock and Pettidee pull it off well as Pettidee’s energy is in sync with the track’s feel.

Don’t Sleep On Me – Again, another EDM production that I feel less adequate speaking on. I definitely caught some similar vibes as when hearing dance music in the 90s (without the track sounding dated, which is a big plus).

I think it was a good thing that the track came in under two minutes; it serves as a transition of sorts to the following record.

Won’t Stop ft. Steven Malcolm & Fern – As we reach the next to last track on the project, Jimmy Rock enlists the help of two of the biggest names in the CHH space with the likes of Steven Malcolm and Fern of Social Club Misfits.

One thing that jumps out from the start is the more traditional hip hop sound.

Fern and Steven Malcolm both deliver quality verses that have become a staple for these now veteran emcees. I will say, the vocals on both verses sounded a bit different than we are used to hearing, almost like they are not as polished as normal. This is not a bad thing as I still enjoyed the more raw, less produced sound.

Moving between the verses and to finish off the track, Jimmy Rock installs electronic segments that keep the soundscape changing throughout.

You Feel It – The final track hits like a “War” part two of sorts.

The handclaps act as applause for an overall well-crafted project. Jimmy Rock keeps the finale moving with a variety of changes and vocal sampling. While not my particular lane, I can most certainly appreciate the level of musicianship that went into the track”s arrangement. My question is, do “You Feel It”?

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The ‘World of Drops’ EP is solid from top to bottom.

Is it one that would be in my personal regular rotation? Probably not. Would it have its place in life’s soundtrack? Without a doubt!

If you’re looking for some high-energy music with a positive message to get you going, then ‘World of Drops’ is a great option.

What do you think? Hit the comments and let us know!

Ohio based DJ, Jimmy Rock, is set to release his debut studio EP titled ‘World of Drops’ on October 2, 2020.

What is a drop?

A drop is a moment in a dance track when tension is released and the beat kicks in, releasing the enormous energy during a song’s progression…after the momentum builds, the pitch rising, the tension mounting, bigger, louder, until suddenly…the drop!

The project is produced by Jimmy Rock and Ben Crespo featuring CHH notables in Fern (of Social Club Misfits), Steven Malcolm, Pettidee, and Egypt Speaks.

‘World of Drops’ is an invitation to dance, cut loose, jump, and let go! It is a creative exploration where musical styles collide including Dance, Electronic, Trap, Hip Hop, Latin, Spoken Word, and Big Room. Pre-order and Pre-save beginning on September 11, 2020.

To learn more visit djjimmyrock.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

‘World of Drops’ Track List

Intro to War ft. Egypt Speaks
War
Catch These Hands ft. Pettidee
Don’t Sleep On Me
Won’t Stop ft. Steven Malcolm & Fern
You Feel It

Jimmy Rock is a multi-award winning DJ that has toured around the world opening for acts such as Kings of Leon, Lecrae, Skillet, NF, Andy Mineo, Family Force 5, and Judah & The Lion.