highlighting who’s cool and what’s cool in the city
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Maaer
Maaer is an ambient / electronic music recording artist and Dj who has been making waves in the NYC underground scene.
His Dj sets featured in Vigil Records, Jetlag, and Akemi World events have brought his dance sensibilities to the forefront of the NYC dance culture
Francis Mercier
Francis Mercier is a Haitian-born DJ, producer, and label owner known for high-energy, melodic house that fuses African, Caribbean, and global influences.
He founded and leads Deep Root Records, with music that has earned global traction—chart-topping releases, Coachella performances, and collaborations with major artists.
Avangelia
Avangelia is a Brooklyn-based soul singer, producer, and songwriter who blends R&B, jazz, folk, rock, and blues into a neo-soul sound.
Known for her introspective lyrics and dynamic live shows, her standout tracks include “Breathin,” “boogeyman,” and “303.” Her debut album is Angel In The Wild.
Remy Bond
Remy Bond is a New York City–born singer-songwriter and actress known for blending vintage aesthetics with modern pop.
She’s signed to Warner Records, released the EP Backstage at The Tropicana, and is known for a cinematic, nostalgic style—often compared to Lana Del Rey.
Lakecia Benjamin
Lakecia Benjamin is a Grammy-nominated alto saxophonist, composer, and bandleader known for fusing jazz, hip-hop, and soul.
A charismatic performer, she’s played with icons like Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, and her albums—like Phoenix—have earned major praise and award nods.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Augello Cook, known professionally as Alicia Keys, is an American singer, songwriter and pianist. A classically trained pianist, Keys began composing songs at the age of 12 and was signed by Columbia Records at 15.
”Empire State of Mind” is basically an NYC anthem
Jay-Z
JAY-Z was the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the first solo hip-hop artist in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award in 2024.
He has built a business empire that extends beyond his music career, making him one of the world's few Black billionaires.