Rexx Life Raj & D Smoke Join Forces On “Optimistic”

Rexx Life Raj & D Smoke Join Forces On “Optimistic”

Special Single Off Empire Presents: Voices For Change Vol. 1

RAJ’S CALIFORNIA POPPY 2 OUT THIS FALL

Today, Rexx Life Raj shares his latest track: “Optimistic (ft. D Smoke).” This special collaboration highlights EMPIRE’s new compilation release and call to action featuring some of today’s leading musical trailblazers across rap and R&B (Lloyd, Renz, Mozzy, PJ Morton and more): EMPIRE Presents: Voices For Change Vol. 1, out September 22.

“Optimistic” is another demonstration of Raj’s quick wordplay and his ability to fly and float around a simple beat. This time, he’s joined by D Smoke, who complements the Bay Area rapper with a different speed of thoughtfulness. 

Listen to “Optimistic”: https://music.empi.re/voicesforchange1

Here’s Raj on the track:

“I believe in utilizing my platform to support causes that strive for positive change and growth. When my Empire family asked me to contribute my artistry to be a part of this project, I knew ‘Optimistic’ would be a perfect addition of hope and encouragement. I'm honored to be aligned with such a meaningful project and in the company of my peers and colleagues who all believe in supporting something larger than ourselves.”

Voices For Change Vol. 1 is a comprehensive collection of works from a varied and diverse roster of artists spanning genres (Rap, R&B, Latin, Country) and geographic regions (US, UK, Latin America, Middle East, Asia) using their voice to speak truth to power on issues of social injustice. Each artist speaks directly from their own experiences, shedding light on issues specific to their own unique cultures and communities. 

Every aspect of the creative process has been provided gratis — from the producers of the songs to the artists who recorded them, the engineers who mixed and mastered the project, and the creatives who designed every piece of art & visuals. Profits from the royalties on Voices For Change Vol. 1 will be donated directly to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

This compilation also features Lloyd, KIM!, TEC, $tupid Young, Bulova, Audio Push, PJ Morton, Sammie, Sonna Rele, Kevin Ross, Trevor Jackson, Jacob Latimore, iyla, Renz, Little Torment, Rotimi, Haiti Babii, Bohan Phoenix, Jackboy, UNOWAY, Jean Deaux, and Mozzy.

Raj recently announced his next project, California Poppy 2 (out later this year) and released “hot-shooting” (Uproxx) single “Canvas.”

Earlier this year, Raj released the one-off single “Bounce Back (ft. G-Eazy and Jay Anthony).” “Bounce Back” had the honor of being a part of ESPNmusic (@espnmusic) and the NBA on ESPN’s (@nbaonespn) featured commercial soundtrack, playing prominently throughout all NBA programming on ESPN and ABC, along with flagship shows Sportscenter and First Take.

Watch Raj’s interview on ESPN’s Now or Never: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTPSOvjHius&feature=youtu.be

ABOUT RAJ:

Raj has toured and sold-out shows around the world and makes music that isn't afraid to be laugh-out-loud funny while also digging deep into what it means to be a young black man in America - music for the brain, heart, and NBA 2k20. Fans of Raj include millions of streamers, as well as Pitchfork ("He can rap, hit a falsetto, and Julia Lewis' sparkly production is complemented by the radiant blood red backdrop"), Pigeons & Planes (a Best Artist of the Month), and Complex, comparing the 2019 Rapper To Watch to his local Golden State Warriors; the young and talented rapper is building up his own dynasty. A Billboard profile from last year highlighted Raj's local philanthropic work with Good & Proper, working with Kehlani, his father's history as a Black Panthers affiliate, the joys of Olive Garden, and more of his non-music interests, showing a different side to the former college football player (he's 6'3") who's about to have a big 2020 with new music on the horizon.

REXX LIFE RAJ ON THE WEB:

Press Page: https://www.shorefire.com/roster/rexx-life-raj 

Website: https://www.rexxliferaj.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RexxLifeRaj/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rexxliferaj 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rexxliferaj