Meet the artists on “i am OTHER, Vol. 2”, our compilation with Pharrell Williams and i am OTHER
Back in July, SoundCloud teamed up with Pharrell Williams and i am OTHER to release “i am OTHER, Vol. 1,” a compilation project dedicated to elevating and supporting artists impacted by COVID-19. With over 25,000 submissions from the first round, we knew this collab had to expand — which is why we’re back with “i am OTHER, Vol. 2,” out today.
In keeping with SoundCloud’s mission to empower creators to ignite change, “Vol. 2” is designed to amplify the fight for racial justice through music. The comp features 10 tracks that respond to and are inspired by the current social justice movement, and are hand-picked by Pharrell’s collective i am OTHER. SoundCloud and i am OTHER will make a contribution to Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, an organization dedicated to expanding Black voter registration and turnout, and increasing progressive power through movement-building and engagement.
Ahead, meet and stream the creators featured on “i am OTHER, Vol. 2.” In addition, these artists have been invited to join our Repost Select program and are recipients of grants and marketing support from our $10M creator accelerator fund. In other words, you’ll want to keep these names on your radar.
Track: “Greatness”
Atlanta-based artists WooDaRealest and Killer Mike have collaborated on this leading single, which features standout lyrics like “These devils say you a savage, can’t be blamed for it / I say Black Man, you is God and you should aim for it.” WooDa is known for his distinctive voice and deft ear for melodies; Run the Jewels’ Killer Mike is a Grammy winner, activist, entrepreneur and TV host. Watch their official video for “Greatness” here.
Track: “Black”
Cincinnati-born, LA-based rapper Aris Ray has always been an activist through his music, using his conscious lyrics to speak on social issues. When he isn’t recording his own work, he’s writing songs for artists like Lil Xan to Noah Cyrus.
Track: “Melanin Drip”
Louisiana-based duo Armed Rhymery consists of Kween Mo and Edward X, both in their mid 20s, who together are pioneers of the hip-hop scene in Lafayette. Locally, they are the first hip-hop group to perform and host at numerous shows and music festivals.
Track: “Free” (ft. Cuppy)
Nigerian Afro fusion/Afrobeats producer Ini Umoren, a.k.a. Saint Bond, is a prolific artist and songwriter who has worked with artists like Cuppy, Ms Banks, Ajebutter, BlackMagic, Ycee, Julian Marley and others.
Track: “Sister Act 2” (ft. Jaycarlos)
Nigerian-American artist Hanani hails from Arlington, TX. His trademark sound is influenced by contemporary R&B and rap, and his moving lyrics often reference his personal life experiences.
Track: “Play On”
Baltimore native WishGranted is a gifted artist who seamlessly raps through a vocal impediment that is undetectable when he’s immersed in his performances.
Harrison First and Marley Waters
Track: “Against The Wall”
Harrison First is a producer and DJ who splits his time between Stockholm and New York. It’s no surprise that his expansive and genre-blending sound is globally influenced. Boston-based songwriter, DJ and producer Marley Waters is known for his work on Colette Carr’s “Can’t Touch This,” and his collab with DJ Mustard on Tinashe’s multi-platinum single “2 On” in 2014.
Track: “New World”
North Carolina rapper Van Gammon has released numerous mixtapes and singles to critical acclaim, which often showcase his strong penchant for songwriting and poetry. He has also performed alongside artists Styles P, Torae and many others.
Track: “LOOSE CHANGE”
Seattle’s MoonDrop is known for creating music inspired by his real-life experiences, all while seamlessly weaving in a variety of genres and pushing the boundaries of hip-hop.
Track: “Change The World”
While Atlanta-based Devon Sangs is only 13 years old, he has the vocal chops of a veteran with his expansive range. He cites Whitney Houston and Usher as just a few of his musical influences.