Live From The 828

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Western North Carolina has been the home to a unique blend of talented artists, from the great Roberta Flack, to current rising star Luke Combs, to even the Grammy Award-winning Jermaine Dupri, who was born here in Asheville. But for all our musical heritage, the one genre that hasn't received the recognition it truly deserves is hip-hop. As someone who has lived in a few cities across Western NC, I've had the privilege of witnessing the immense talent of artists in the 828 firsthand. While we're all familiar with North Carolina stars such as J. Cole (Fayetteville), Petey Pablo (Greenville), and DaBaby (Charlotte), my hope is that soon, hip-hop in WNC will finally get the shine it deserves. 

Spaceman Jones & The Motherships
Forever In A Day EP
Released: January 6, 2025

After a two-year delay, Spaceman Jones & The Motherships swoop in to bless our ears & trunks with Forever In A Day, their first release since 2023’s The Loops Of Life, Part II. To celebrate the release of the new EP, on January 31st, they teamed up with SK, The Novelist to present The Hometown Show in Asheville, NC with performances from Musikman TP, Lavey and yours truly.

Purchase Forever In A Day on Bandcamp 
Stream Forever In A Day on Spotify
Follow on IG: @spacemanjonesandthemotherships

Chris John
Single: Hard to Breathe (prod. Chris John) feat. Billy James, 8theLegend, Ynv Ju
Released: January 9, 2025

Morganton, North Carolina-based songwriter and producer Chris John releases Hard to Breathe with Stunt City alumni Billy James. The melodic sounds of Hard to Breathe are bound to motivate you to get up & go get it! This track will easily be getting played from now through the summer, so expect to hear this one when you're out riding through the city, or grilling up at a BBQ.  

IG Reel // Follow on IG: @natureboychrisjohn