Danny Matos – The Tarmac [Album Stream]

For up-and-coming New York rapper Danny Matos, ‘The Tarmac’ is the culmination of hard work, determination, and incredible skill. He’s dropped some serious heat this past year, kicking off with the well received ‘Hangar EP’ in addition to various loosies. But it’s ‘The Tarmac’ that pulls it all together, showcasing one of the city’s bright young talents. At a concise and cohesive ten tracks, this project hits its stride immediately, pulling in listeners with the powerful lead single, “Fought The Devil” and refusing to let go. That’s because Matos and his go-to producers, Rusty Mack and The Red Walrus, put their all into what they create. Where his passionate delivery provides a view into the fire in his belly, the musical duo’s colorful instrumentals display their unique approach, complementing each other perfectly. That goes for any topic Matos decides to tackle. He deftly takes on difficult subject matter including depression (“Fought The Devil”), heartbreak (“Too Soon”), and society’s view of women and men (the brilliant one-two punch of “Red Carpet Globe (Animus)” and “Stay Together (Anima).” While these topics can seem heavy, there’s also a swagger to Matos and how he views his own abilities. He brags and boasts his way through several cuts, including “Music Thing” and “Dice,” but it’s never a braggadocio overload from the kid. “This project shows some confidence, but it also shows some darkness,” Matos explains. “Whether people admit that or not, there’s no escaping it. Human beings have a duality within them at all

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Danny Matos feat. Samantha León – Bring Me [Audio]

For the final single off his upcoming LP, ‘The Tarmac,’ New York native Danny Matos turns the lens on himself and delivers an impassioned, fiery anthem for anyone trying to make it on their own. “Bring Me” captures the spirit of a young artist on the rise, and anyone who’s said “f*ck it” and left everything behind. “Bring Me” serves as a strong counterpoint and follow-up to lead single “Fought The Devil,” a track that dives into what it’s like to battle depression and anxiety. While those same topics arise on “Bring Me,” this song turns those emotions into power, and propels the protagonist to move and do right by himself. As Matos sings on the hook, “I don’t know where I’m going, but I know I gotta bring me with me.” The track also features a stunning guest feature from Samantha León, a talented young New York artist in her own right. She and Matos form an incredibly musical chemistry, especially over the vibrant, keys-driven backdrop from Rusty Mack and The Red Walrus. “Bring Me” is available for stream, and can be downloaded off the iTunes pre-order link for ‘The Tarmac,’ as the project’s fourth and final instant-grat track.The Tarmac hits digital retailers and major streaming outlets next Friday, August 26.

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Danny Matos feat. Taylor – Too Soon [Audio]

Danny Matos’ music is potent for reasons beyond his strong songwriting and keen ear for production (from Rusty Mack and The Red Walrus). It’s his honesty that often makes his work so engaging, and that’s especially apparent on new single “Too Soon,” the latest leak taken from his upcoming album, ‘The Tarmac.’ What makes “Too Soon” so successful is the way in which he addresses heartbreak. There’s no infidelity or lies here, just two people in love who are also afraid of commitment. Like many topics Matos has covered thus far, this too is one that so many of us have experienced. But it’s more than just the subject matter that hits home, because it wouldn’t resonate so strongly if he didn’t deliver with such passion. Matos, with some help from guest vocalist Taylor, delivers line after line of relatable material, all of which is emphasized by the layered, lively production of Rusty Mack and The Red Walrus. From “Maybe we are/ Giving up too soon” to “I don’t want to be scared/ To get to know you deep,” you can hear Matos working out where things went wrong, and how to move forward. But what if the fear never subsides? That’s up to him (and his listeners) to answer on his own. “Too Soon” is available for stream, and can be downloaded off the iTunes pre-order link for ‘The Tarmac,’ as the project’s third instant-grat track.The Tarmac hits digital retailers and major streaming outlets on August 26.

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Danny Matos feat. Joie Giordano – Stay Together (Anima) [Audio]

Whether peering inside himself or at our society, New Yorker Danny Matos has a sharp and unique perspective that ultimately aims to help the greater-good. That much is evident on “Stay Together (Anima),” a searing takedown of the expectations placed on men, and relationships. Known for his brimming pen game, Matos uses his gift to tackle troubled relationships torn apart by outside forces including the intensity of one’s career goals, and the desire to seek out others. It doesn’t have to be that way, though, and guest vocalist Joie Giordano (she’s also on lead single “Fought The Devil”) drives that point home throughout the track. In addition to slaying the hook, she closes the song with a heartfelt message: “If only we made an effort/ To make an effort/ To stay together.” You can hear the pain and anguish in Giordano and Matos’ vocals here, providing even more weight to an already-heavy subject. That being said, their songwriting is strong enough that nothing feels plodding or overwrought, only honest. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they have the skillful musicianship of Rusty Mack and The Red Walrus providing the foundation on “Stay Together,” the second single from Matos’ upcoming album, The Tarmac. “Stay Together (Anima)” is available for stream, and can be downloaded off the iTunes pre-order link for ‘The Tarmac,’ as the project’s second instant-grat track. ‘The Tarmac’ hits digital retailers and major streaming outlets on August 26.

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Danny Matos feat. Joie Giordano – Fought The Devil [Audio]

With his new single “Fought The Devil,” New York rapper Danny Matos is providing a voice for anyone who’s ever struggled with depression, anxiety, or any mental illness that tries to convince you that you’re just not good enough. In this case, the devil that Matos, and so many young people in our country are fighting, is the one that lies within. It’s that voice in your head that constantly tries to pull you down and cause inner turmoil, even when nothing’s wrong. Plenty of us have been there, and it’s important to remember that there’s always a way out of it. Matos’ words serve as a reminder of that notion, because he makes it clear to his listeners that they’re not alone—and that they can get through it. And he’s doing so with one of his most powerful and beautifully written songs to date, which stems from his forthcoming full-length album, The Tarmac. “Fought The Devil” is a tense and lush listening experience—from the hook, down to the production. On the chorus, the poet-turned-rapper is joined by vocalist Joie Giordano, while go-to collaborators Rusty Mack (of Harry Fraud’s Surf School) and The Red Walrus flesh out the instrumental. “Fought The Devil” is now available for stream, and can be downloaded off the iTunes pre-order link for ‘The Tarmac,’ as the project’s debut instant-grat track. ‘The Tarmac’ hits digital retailers and major streaming outlets on August 26.

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Danny Matos – Everything [Audio]

New York rapper Danny Matos is an open book, an artist unafraid to expose his innermost thoughts to the listener no matter how personal or difficult. And he fights with his demons by way of a wicked pen game and swift cadence, especially on his latest track, “Everything,” that again finds him collaborating once again with Surf School producer, Rusty Mack. The two clearly have some serious musical chemistry, as they worked on Matos’ refreshing and gripping EP, ‘The Hangar,’ that dropped in January, along with a string of loosies including “Cope,” and “You Ain’t Better.” You can add “Everything” to that ever-growing list of noteworthy non-album cuts, with its bright and thick instrumental flowing beneath one of Matos’ strongest hooks to date. His sing-song delivery is catchy and moody, a perfect pairing for words of being “fixed” like glue on someone and/or someone against better judgment. The thing about Matos’ lyrics is that we’ve all been there, sometimes whether we like to admit or not. Struggling to let go of what brings you down (but you think is worth it) is never easy. And if you happen to be going through something similar, you can find solace in the fact that you’re not alone. “Everything” is now available for stream and download through all major digital retailers.

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Danny Matos – You Ain’t Better [Audio]

Failed relationships have long provided ample inspiration for artists of all types who have often used heartbreak as a muse for some of their finest work. At least, that much is evident on “You Ain’t Better,” a biting new single from the rising NYC talent, Danny Matos. Whereas previous single “Cope” had a more introspective vibe to it, “You Ain’t Better” finds the artist at his most frustrated and annoyed. Those feelings simmer brightly beneath the surface of the track, which avoids being trapped in “angst-rap” territory thanks to the bright, dubby vocals and production. The latter is handled by frequent collaborator Rusty Mack, of Surf School, and instrumentalist the Red Walrus. Together, they’ve crafted a catchy kiss-off anthem for anyone who realizes their love addiction is “bad for me, like nicotine.” If nothing else, hopefully Matos can help others going through similar romantic struggles and that, sometimes, you’re better off being alone. “You Ain’t Better” is now available for stream and download through all major streaming outlets and digital retailers.

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Danny Matos – Cope [Audio]

After garnering serious attention earlier this year with ‘The Hangar EP,’ New York artist Danny Matos continues hustling with the release of a brand-new single, “Cope.” Just as we heard on the EP, the track features the poet-turned-rapper once again working with his go-to musical collaborators—Surf School’s Rusty Mack and instrumentalist the Red Walrus. Their lush, live aesthetic adds richness to “Cope” and provides more emotional weight to Matos’ verses, which center on learning to live with mistakes (both his own, and those of others). His admission of not being able to cope sometimes, as noted on the track’s melodic hook, is just another shining example of what makes Matos’ music so poignant. While he can absolutely paint a lyrical picture—and does throughout his verses—he also knows when to drive his point home more simplistically. And that notion is particularly clear in the closing sample of a man speaking on how “the truth will set you free.” You just have to go out and find it. “Cope” and now available for stream and download through all major streaming outlets and digital retailers.

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Danny Matos – New Genre [Video]

With his stellar EP, ‘The Hangar’ out now, NYC upstart Danny Matos follows it up with sharp, gripping new visuals for the project’s affirming lead single, “New Genre,” which is produced by Surf School’s Rusty Mack. Given that the poet­turned­emcee throws his contemporaries under the microscope throughout the track, it’s only fitting that he does the same to himself in the song’s visuals, which are directed by Angel Oz Navarro (who previously worked with Daytona and Fredro Starr). “New Genre” depicts the gifted lyricist chasing his inner­child for the duration of the clip, never quite capturing his younger self, but instead finally realizing it’s been with him all along. And it’s that resilience to embrace his youth that makes his work so engaging. Essentially, Matos is emphasizing the need for artists to speak freely and honestly, however painful that can be, while tapping into their creativity. Those are two crucial elements of crafting true art, and Matos embraces them throughout his new release. ‘The Hangar’ EP is available online where music can be streamed or purchased.

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Danny Matos – The Hangar [EP]

n a time when New York’s lyrical dynasty has become a ghost of its former self, Danny Matos is here to prove that the East Coast still has something to say. Although he’s still fresh on the scene, his dream has been in the works for over a decade, some of which has been spent as a spoken word poet. Given his knack for lyricism, it’s no surprise that Matos has roots in poetry. In the past few years alone, he’s taken home awards for his pen game across NYC. However, he doesn’t rely on his background to influence his delivery. Instead, Matos flows on the mic like he’s been rapping for years. And that’s apparent throughout ‘The Hangar EP,’ which finds Matos showcasing both his talents and his personal growth. “I’m being open and holding a mirror to myself with this project,” says the New York City artist.“ In keeping with that theme, Matos made a conscious decision to keep the tracklist void of any features. Besides a brief hook on “F*ck My Head Up,” which explores relationships from a lovelorn perspective, ‘The Hangar EP’ is 100% Matos. The seven-track effort is produced entirely by Rusty Mack, with additional instrumentation provided by the Red Walrus (both affiliates of Harry Fraud’s Surf School label). Matos explains that they all spent “every Sunday for almost a year” together to craft the project. “I was right there with them as they produced each track,” he adds. Their musical relationship shines through immediately

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Danny Matos – Let Go [Audio]

When NYC rapper Danny Matos hits the booth, his energy and lust for life are apparent. The same goes for his innate talent, which he showcases through his latest single, “Let Go”. In addition to demonstrating his skills on the mic, the New York artist has a message for his audience on the second leak off his upcoming EP, “The Hangar”. When he repeats “All I could do is learn to let go…” on the hook, it’s a mantra we could all stand to live by. Everyone’s held on to something (or someone) they thought could get better or that they can change, and Matos even declares himself a hypocrite in this regard. Even so, it’s learning how to get past it all that can allow us all to grow. Just like on previous single “New Genre”, this track (and the rest of the EP) finds the driven MC backed by melodic, live instrumentation from Rusty Mack and the Red Walrus. They both represent Surf School, a skilled crew of artists led by super-producer Harry Fraud. “Let Go” is now available for stream, and can be downloaded of off the iTunes pre-order landing for “The Hangar”, which drops January 8th!

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