PG County, Maryland artist Koonce first gained recognition with his project “Lavender Lane” in 2019, and since then, he has consistently managed to elevate with each new drop. His latest single/video, “50 Tyson” featuring Big SP, is part of his 3-track EP, Press Play If You Love Me, which is a teaser for his upcoming second project, “LEAP!” The new single/video exemplifies his commitment to pushing creative boundaries and his sound while leaning into the artistic qualities that make him unique.
The accompanying music video for “50 Tyson,” directed by Maya Indigo, plays out like a visual story that encourages individuality in all senses. Set in a modern twist on the 1950s era, the video’s black-and-white aesthetic and camera transitions add depth. The video centers around a card game among friends, serving as a metaphor for embracing the cards that life deals us.
“The track’s production reminded me of an old jazz club, so the noir film style was always the goal,” Koonce shared with us about the video. “The noir film style provided the visuals with a serious tone. Big SP mentioned that playing a card game would be a dope idea for the video. With this idea, I thought about That ’70s Show circle shot when they were smoking and how the camera would pan to different people within the circle.”
The record itself meshes Koonce and Big SP’s styles together perfectly. With its seamless blend of distinctive elements from both artists’ signature sounds, the record’s carefully crafted arrangements and thoughtful lyricism are complemented by the velvety undertones of the instrumentation. Oftentimes musical crossovers can feel forced, but on a record like this, both artists find a natural balance that showcases their musical synergy in an authentic and captivating way.
“50 Tyson” not only highlights Koonce’s musical evolution but also emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality. In a world often driven by conformity, Koonce’s artistic expression and Maya Indigo’s direction challenge viewers to march to the beat of their own drum.
