His second single “Yoga,” features Janelle Monáe herself. The track debuted at number 49 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, and was eventually nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. His first official single, 'Classic Man,” was released in February 2015 featuring Gian Arthur, and received a ubiquitous airplay. The rapper/singer is currently signed to Janelle Monáe's Wondaland Records label. Originally born in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, Jidenna was partially raised in Nigeria, but moved back to the states when he was six. You can have a listen to Towkio’s music on SoundCloud. Inspired by Yeezy and Lil Wayne, Chicago Tribune has described the young rapper’s sound as 'an adventurous mix of rap, '90s soul, jazz and generally weird, fuzzed-out beats.'

His latest release, Drift is a rhyme-driven, sample heavy track, that paints a picture of his rap repertoire. It comes down to this, the dude knows his stuff and has made a career of identifying rising stars.īorn and raised in Chicago, this twenty-something rapper has already released a solid amount of music in a short time. With one mixtape, and three EPs released between 20, Towkio is showing no sign of slowing down. Zane is also host of the new show, Planet of the Apps. His most recent accolade, aside from co-writing Sam Smith’s debut album, In The Lonely Hour, is the lead tastemaking DJ on Apple Music’s Beats 1 Radio. During his time at BBC Radio, he interviewed the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Eminem. Starting with DJing, transitioning to presenting and hosting with MTV Europe, then landing a BBC Radio 1 show with a global audience from 2003-2015.

New Zealander, Zane Lowe has done just about everything you can in the music industry. Here’s the deal with Zane, the show, and his picks. Zane's hand pick selections for Saturday’s Concord showcase include up and comers Towkio, Jidenna, Aminé, and Kami. You’ve probably heard by now that Zane Lowe is curating an Official Lollapalooza Aftershow at Concord Music Hall as part of his OCDC series at music festivals across the country.

Saturday, August 5th, 17+ show, Doors 10 p.m.

Jidenna the chief album listen