Artist Spotlight

In an industry where artists are constantly looking for ways to stand out, G Fonzo is making waves with his eclectic style and relentless determination. Blending elements of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, his sound is a unique fusion that captures emotion, energy, and authenticity.

A Unique Style That Sets Him Apart

When asked about his style, G Fonzo describes it as an eclectic fusion of genres that seamlessly blends different musical influences. But what truly makes him different? His mindset. He stays focused, keeps pushing forward, and constantly sets new goals to evolve as an artist.

The Creative Process: Writing & Recording

For G Fonzo, songwriting is all about emotion and realness. Sometimes, he writes straight from his feelings, while other times, he finds a beat and lets the rhythm guide his words. The key to recording? Confidence. He emphasizes the importance of believing in what you're saying and delivering it with power.

Latest Project: How Could You Forget About Me

G Fonzo's latest project, How Could You Forget About Me, isn't inspired by a specific story—it's a pure moment of chemistry. Teaming up with his little sister, Za, and his dog BluBenjis, they matched each other's energy and created a hit.

In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, new talent emerges daily, but only a few manage to carve out a distinct lane for themselves. One such artist making waves in South Florida is Punchleyen, a rising force in the rap game whose raw talent and lyrical prowess demand attention.

From Inspiration to Creation

For Punchleyen, music has always been in his blood. Growing up in a neighborhood that birthed hip-hop talents like Kase 1, The Lost Tribe, and The Dirty Klownz, he was surrounded by a culture of creativity. However, his biggest inspiration came from a personal connection—his cousin, Will Killem.

"Eye Swear" – A Different Approach to Storytelling

Punchleyen's latest single, "Eye Swear," showcases his ability to think outside the box. Produced by Strong Arm's Skrilla The Hitman, the track takes a creative spin on a common hip-hop theme—weed. This artistic decision was intentional, allowing him to express his love for cannabis while keeping the content accessible and relatable.

What's Next?

The future looks bright for Punchleyen, with two major projects on the horizon. First up is D.O.P.E., a collaborative EP with his close friend and fellow artist Block Bezzle. Following that, fans can expect a shift in sound with an R&B-heavy project, showcasing his versatility beyond hip-hop.

1. Block, you had the city buzzing before your run-in with the law—looking back, what was life like at that point in your career?

It was great, felt like I was on the rise, on my way up, feel me. But when them people knocked me off, I had to change my mindset to adapt to the circumstances I was up against.

2. When the legal issues came down, what did that moment teach you about the industry, the streets, and yourself as a man?

It taught me that time will tell. It showed me who's really for real when it comes to loyalty, who's got a n**a's back when all I can do is watch the front. I discovered myself as well—who I am as a person and what my purpose is in this life. I also realized I had to simplify my music down a bit for my audience.

3. A lot of artists fall off after setbacks, but you came back stronger. What was the turning point that made you say, "Nah, I'm not done"?

When I look in the mirror, I see my only competition. Only person can stop me from winning is me. The windshield bigger than the rearview for a reason, so I keep pushing. It's way bigger than me—I got people round me that need me. Tunnel vision, I'm gone complete the mission.

4. You started your own label, HBE—break it down for us. What does HBE represent, and why was building your own movement important to you?

Hustle Babie Entertainment (HBE)—it's the hustle, the grind, the consistency, the ambition, the relentlessness, the drive, the motivation to win. From birth we were born to hustle. Ownership is important to me. Being an underdog and always overlooked, not getting the recognition you deserve—that made me start my own movement.

5. Miami has always had a raw sound, from Trick to Rozay to the new wave. Where do you see yourself fitting in that lineage, and how do you stand out?

The authenticity in me, the fearlessness, raw street lyricism from real life experiences—I am a product of Miami, but I'm different. I'll stand out 'cause my sound is not like Miami's style of rap. I created my own lane. I don't sound like anyone but me.

6. Some of your music carries pain, but also ambition. When you hit the studio, what fuels your pen and your voice the most—your past struggles, the wins, or the hunger for more?

To be honest, all of it mixed together fuels the life outta me. From what I don't want to go back to, to the vision I see for the future I'm creating for myself and the ones around me.

7. For the fans who might just be hearing the name Block Bezzle now, what record should they press play on first to really understand your story?

"Where We At" will definitely give you a glimpse and leave you wanting more. It's the first single off my unreleased project Limited Edition, a tape that's gonna give you everything you looking for in me.

8. You've been through real-life setbacks, but now you're building an empire with HBE. How do you balance the street mentality with the business mindset?

It's a challenge. I got trust issues—being hurt by some of the closest around you does something to a person. Once you realize not everyone has the same mindset as you, you adapt. I had to learn to think for others so I don't have to hurt 'em. I just take it one day at a time, not rushing anything—when you rush, you miss something. My patience, humbleness, and meditation—with a lil marijuana—keeps me balanced, 'cause I can erupt quick. Business-wise, I don't know everything, I'm still learning as I go. But keeping an open mind has really benefited me. If you want something bad enough, you'll find that balance.

9. What message do you want to send to young cats in Miami who look up to you but might be walking that same line between music and the streets?

Life is all about making smart decisions and choices—choose wisely. A smart man learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from others' mistakes.

10. Looking ahead, what's the next big move for Block Bezzle and HBE—albums, collabs, tours? Where's this comeback taking you?

It's taking me to the place I always see when I open my eyes—the top. Albums, tours, shows, movies, collabs—the sky's the limit. But y'all know I move in silence, so I won't tell you everything I'm working on behind the scenes. Just keep ya eyes open or you might miss something. #imeanit

Goulds, Florida—better known to locals as G-Town—isn't for the faint of heart. Growing up there, you had to be confident, courageous, and tough, both mentally and physically. For Ill Mat, that environment wasn't just survival—it was training ground.

"G-Town shaped my mindset. It taught me not to be a pushover and how to earn respect. Those same elements still live in my music today."

Originally known as Lil Mat, he quickly realized that "little" never fit who he was. His ambition was too big, his presence too strong, and his rhymes too sharp.

"I never thought of myself as little. Once I knew I was really good at rapping, I felt like I was—and will be—the illest to ever do it. That's when I became Ill Mat."

The Art of the Battle

Ill Mat sharpened his craft in battle rap, the purest form of hip hop in his eyes. To him, it's more than bars—it's a mental war.

"Battle rap is tremendously more demanding than making a song. You have to be skilled, smart, tactical, intense, and believable. Your opponent is aiming to verbally destroy you, so you've got to be sharp at all times."

From Freestyles in the Car to the Airwaves

The roots run deep. Ill Mat first recognized his gift between ages 7 and 9, freestyling in the car with his little brother while his dad played DJ.

"I was trash at first. But then I caught the flow and started honing my skills. That's when it clicked."

His dedication would eventually lead to a defining moment: winning 99 Jams' Artist of the Month, putting all eyes and ears on him in the Miami scene.

More Than Music

While versatility sets him apart—he insists no sound is out of reach—it's his message that leaves a lasting impact.

"Knowledge is powerful. I always drop real life jewels in my music. I spread positivity for the youth to capitalize on. Learn from everything, good or bad, and be the best version of yourself. Forget what they say."

What's Next for Ill Mat?

The future is wide open. He's dropping new projects, visuals, and content, with plans to expand into film and the fitness world. But no matter how far he branches out, the music remains the heartbeat.

"I'm a lifer when it comes to this. I'll spend the rest of my life making music—whether y'all love it or hate it."

ILL MAT 💯

1. Growing up in Sunnyside, Houston, what was that environment like for you, and how did it shape the artist you are today?

It allowed me to understand to slow down. Take in what people may do or don't as a fact but learn from it and push to greater heights.

2. You describe your style as alternative rap—what does that mean to you, and how do you approach jumping on "any beat" with confidence?

Like more than just regular boom bap or trap beats, but to be able to be vulnerable on any type of sound. And make it make sense so that I can flush out what I'm trynna paint—whether it be orchestra, electronic music, jazz, or whatever.

3. You've mentioned that your mom and sister were some of your biggest influences. In what ways did their hustle and grind translate into your music and career?

I'm STILL learning ya feel me, STILL learning. Especially about patience, saving, selfless work. It's a lot of work but I'm seeing the good from it.

4. From legends like LL Cool J and Eminem to groups like Slum Village and Little Brother, you've got a wide range of musical inspirations. How do you blend those influences into your own unique sound?

With all of them it taught me a range of music styles and being free, and professional at the same time. It takes a lot to elevate and a good team and open mind helps. So I learned the good and bad through seeing their progress in and outside of music.

5. Kid Cudi and Common are known for connecting deeply with listeners through vulnerability—do you feel like that's something you also aim for in your music?

I try not to think too much about it. Only thing I'm really worried about is if this makes sense? When I spit these rhymes to this beat will it be felt and heard at the same time? Am I feeling what I'm saying or is this just a lot of filler to move the song along? Then once I do that it's time to build and make sure that it is hitting the marks for trust, the heart, being relatable, and just sounding good.

6. When you're in the studio, what's your creative process like? Do you write first, freestyle, or let the beat guide you?

A mixture of both now. I've gotten better again at freestyling so if I'm pushing it with writing I just stay on task with the beat and the song.

7. As an artist coming out of Houston—a city with such a strong hip hop legacy—what makes your voice and sound stand apart from the rest?

I'm still a Southside kid from Houston. But I use all my lingo here and there but I'm more in tuned with being ME. I don't care because people gonna talk however regardless. So I decided to just be ME—say what I wanna say, feel how I wanna feel, flow how I wanna flow, and just be genuine. Be adventurous with beat selections, tell a story, build worlds. Make it fun for people to feel again and dissect my raps and albums.

8. If someone were listening to your music for the first time, what track would you tell them to start with, and why?

My newest track "Purge." It's in the name, because it's a reset to a new beginning fresh.

9. Beyond music, what drives you personally? What motivates 713nickb when you're not recording?

Life's mistakes, life's ups and downs, movies with purpose and adventures.

10. Looking forward, where do you see your music taking you in the next few years, and what impact do you hope to leave on the game?

To perform in the Motherland and bring some money over there. To have my immediate family not wanting and stress so damn hard. To bring light to people that have no voice and can't speak in a room not crowded. I'm not worried about being the greatest but I'd like to be in them talks even when I pass on.