Reggae music personified; Jamaican-born, UK-based Ross I-Yota embodies boundless versatility and creativity, both as a performer and storyteller. Even though he prides himself on his consistently iconic reggae brand, he is in no way limited to this sound only; he has showcased an innate ability to present music in multiple ways, reshaping how we perceive music with his distinctive genre-fusion style. His tunes are driven by the core nostalgic reggae soundscape but fuse a host of other strands such as dancehall, roots, and Afro-Caribbean-influenced sounds that certainly appeal to a vast market. And he does not sing for the sake of singing; he produces conscious music with relatable, relevant, and impactful lyrics as he values the aspects of reggae music where lyrics, musical quality, and authenticity matter.
Ross I-Yota is now gearing towards the release of his new EP dubbed “Reggae Garden”- a 4-track body of work that has been inspired by love: love for one another, love for oneself, love for reggae music, and that butterfly-causing romantic love.
Through this conscious cosmic exploration, Ross I-Yota takes us on a musical journey that is informative, inspiring, and entertaining, a noteworthy accomplishment in an age where many artists produce differently. You can tell how invested he was in making this project as well as his selfless intentions that inspired it. Also, you can feel his love for the genre woven throughout each performance. This is the kind of music that the world needs now!
“Reggae Garden” was inspired by the golden age of reggae/roots and dub music; while listening to some of those classics back in time, Ross I-Yota was inspired to create something with a similar vibe, melding the genre’s legendary essence with his unique touch to produce this substantial body of work.
“Show Love” is a bona fide masterpiece and a call for universal love for one another. The underlying message here is that we are all one, and thus, there is no need for this hatred, racism, meaningless wars, and subjugation. This is a call for us to see everyone for who they are—humans—instead of seeing them for the color of their skin, race, religion, continent, or heritage. The blend of the quintessential reggae percussion, bass, drums, and guitars, along with the sweet-sounding lead and choir-like backing vocal harmonies ensures that the message gets home and remains cemented.
The catchy hook, “show a lot of love (a lot of love)
Spread a lot of love (a lot of love)
Give a lot of love (a lot of love)” is where the gist of this track’s deeply relevant message resides!
“Free Up” reminds me of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” because it is a call for us to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery and free up our minds because no one else but us can. Many have become susceptible to misinformation, propaganda, and outright lies from those serving in various capacities of power, and it is about that time that we take that power back and allow ourselves to think freely without being manipulated.
The beat in “Reggae Garden” is irresistibly catchy and lingers in the mind. It is hypnotic and special, and the harmonious blend of vocals by Ross I-Yota and guest artist Ellel Flo elevates the song to greater heights. The way they bounce off one another is ear-worming and enchanting as they lyrically and melodically assert their love for reggae music. This tune is simply an ode to that unconditional love for reggae and everything it represents.
The last tune, “Reservation” is a classic reggae ballad inspired by love. Ross I-Yota wants you to listen to this track and feel all the emotions of being in love. He wants listeners to relate to the song and understand the feeling of being head over heels for someone. Armed with a mesmerizing and magnetic singing style, he really captures the essence of love and going out on a date with that special someone who makes your heart skip a beat!
In conclusion, There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be head over heels for this EP that was made with love and is all about that love!
Follow Ross I-Yota everywhere and keep it here for the latest developments.
Atlanta, GA — December 20, 2025 — The walls of The Tabernacle are set to shake with a genre-bending symphony that bridges the worlds of trap, orchestral performance, and immersive live production.
At the helm of this cultural convergence is Fresh Taste Group, the boutique production management label founded by Tahir Ali and strategically guided by Demetrius Diaz, Chief Strategy Officer. Known for their mastery of vertical integration and corporate cross-collaboration, Fresh Taste Group is reshaping what modern production companies can be — equal parts label, creative agency, and strategic partner.
This upcoming event — “An Elevated Trap Experience” — unites Fresh Taste Group with Zaytoven’s Familiar Territory Inc., and Renaissance Orchestra, under a powerhouse partnership with Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
“Fresh Taste Group’s role is about building bridges — connecting the artistry with the infrastructure,” says Diaz “What we’re doing isn’t just a concert; it’s a template for how culture is produced, managed, and scaled.”
The December 20 performance pairs Tyrone Bowie Renaissance Orchestra’s sweeping arrangements with Zaytoven’s timeless trap catalog, transforming beats born in Atlanta studios into cinematic live compositions. With The DG Company and FreshTasteGroup on production and Lou Grimes of Live Nation ensuring top-tier execution, the show embodies the future of cross-genre collaboration.
Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster, but beyond the sales, industry insiders see this as a pivotal moment — a proof of concept for how trap’s global influence can transcend its roots through orchestral sophistication and world-class production design.
Atlanta has always innovated; now it orchestrates.
Martone isn’t one to tell his story quietly; he’d rather broadcast it until the walls shake. Known as “The Emperor of House Music,” the Detroit artist has built a career on putting himself on the line. For over a decade, Martone has been recognized as a dance-floor architect who is also a storyteller, a cultural activist, and a model of genuine authenticity. He has consistently pushed boundaries with tracks like “Chocolate” and his album The Evolution of Martone, blending club beats with emotional substance. His latest release with Intelligent Diva, “Too Bad, So Sad,” continues that work, proving a heartbreak anthem can be a weapon.
At its heart, “Too Bad, So Sad” is about a breakup, but it’s not the kind that hides in the shadows. Martone opens with lines that feel both personal and cinematic. “I gave my heart, you played it like a game. Thought we had forever, but you just brought the shame.” This is a blunt confession, the kind you make after the tears have dried, when all that’s left is the plain truth. The simplicity of his words makes them hit harder because they don’t rely on metaphor; they are the wound itself. The hook, “Too bad, so sad, it doesn’t mean that I didn’t love you,” feels like a sigh and a shrug at once. It honors the love that was real while firmly closing the door on someone who failed to value it. Martone finds strength in that raw clarity.
Then Intelligent Diva enters, and her verse is like a best friend storming into your room while you’re crying. Her flow is sharp and her tone is commanding, instantly changing the song’s direction. She raps, “Never let nobody treat you like a doormat. You’re a prize to be won, go boast, go brag.” Her words are a pep talk, delivered with the urgency of someone who won’t let you stay down. Martone voices the ache, and Intelligent Diva provides the antidote. Their collaboration creates a dynamic conversation, moving from grief to grit. Her verse transforms the track from a sad diary entry into a rallying cry.
What makes the song feel so immediate is its real-life backdrop. Martone released “Too Bad, So Sad” only days after his divorce was finalized. The timing wasn’t planned, but it feels poetic. You can hear the weight of lived experience in every note. This isn’t just a story crafted for a song; it’s a piece of a life pressed into rhythm and melody.
In a time when dance music can feel like pure escapism, Martone makes sure the beat carries something real. “Too Bad, So Sad” is fueled by emotional honesty, offering both catharsis and empowerment. It’s a reminder that even the deepest heartbreak can be the start of a rebirth. Intelligent Diva’s feature acts as a lifeline, a testament to the power of support when you feel alone.
If you’ve ever found yourself picking up the pieces, this song is for you. Put it on repeat, let it sting, let it heal, and let it remind you that heartbreak is temporary. Reclaiming your power is the real goal. So dance, cry, or scream along. Whatever you do, don’t skip this one.
40 Cal returns with “Benihana,” a track straight from the blocks of Washington, D.C. It’s a smoked-out song that combines swagger with street reporting. The name is fitting, as the track serves up a kind of hazy, late-night bravado. Inspired by a calm smoke session, 40 Cal finds an honest balance between mood, memory, and menace.
The production features a humid, tropical-scented trap loop. It sits low and patiently, giving space for 40 Cal’s cadence to cut through. He raps like a person who has witnessed the worst and figured out how to translate it into sharp, often funny lines. His delivery can make you nod in agreement and wince at the same time. The lyrics are unapologetic, weaving weed metaphors together with imagery from the gutter. The chorus repeats the details of the scent and strain, becoming a kind of sensory anchor.
What really stands out is his ability to switch between swagger and storytelling. He places lines about graduating “from the streets” right next to darker threats involving body imagery and choppers, all while maintaining his distinct loner energy. Through it all, 40 Cal’s voice remains his own. The hook is simple but sticky, “Smoking out the bag got grass like a farmer… real tropical shit name like Benihana.” The words get stuck in your head because they successfully build a specific moment.
He effectively mixes violent imagery with small, humanizing details. Lines like “face so swollen” or “leave him fat like Homer” land with visual force and prevent the song from feeling like empty posturing. A rough humor is threaded through the track. An absurd line can undercut a threat, which makes the whole song feel more authentic and lived-in. The smoke session inspiration is clearly important here. The record’s structure mimics a late-night conversation, circular and relaxed until a sharp line suddenly raises the temperature.
If there is a critique to be made, it is that the song relies heavily on repetition and some familiar metaphors. The violent imagery can feel blunt, almost automatic, which some listeners might find distracting. At the same time, that bluntness can be interpreted as honesty. 40 Cal is not trying to make something pretty. He is reporting, turning the experience of survival into bars that hit fast and hard.
Ultimately, the track’s strength is its personality. 40 Cal comes across as hungry, proud, and sharp. He avoids overexplaining his life. Instead, he throws out images and lines, trusting the listener to understand. There is a magnetic confidence in that approach. With “Benihana,” he is staking his claim and reminding everyone that he is still a voice to be heard.
Let the hook loop and the beat roll. If the track grabs you, it belongs in your rotation. Share it with anyone who appreciates gritty storytelling and keep an eye on 40 Cal. He clearly has more stories to tell, and this track suggests he is just getting warmed up. It’s worth a listen and a spot on your playlist.