Calvin Valentine Shares VHS feat. Illa J w/ HipHopDX

Los-Angeles based producer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and emcee Calvin Valentine is preparing to release his Mello Music Group solo debut album Keep Summer Safe onSeptember 14th. In anticipation, today he releases new single "Vhs" featuring Detroit-based rapper Illa J with HipHopDX. About the new track, Calvin comments: "I wrote 'Vhs' at my dad's house after he broke out all the old home movies. We sat on his porch smoking purple trinity and reminiscing on old times. The song is the soundtrack to my childhood. I had recorded the hook but it just wasn't exactly how I wanted it. So I had my dude Illa J come through and he killed it."

Despite his youth, Valentine has already become a multi-talented music veteran - producing for legends like De La Soul, Nas, and more recently - Disney Star / Interscope signee Ryan Beatty. In addition for producing for big industry names, Calvin (aka the Bong Mayer) has also worked with the likes of Bun B, Devin The Dude, Juicy J, Boogie, and of course Dilla's younger brother, Illa J. He's had music licensed for Nike, Skype, MTV, and more with a sound that lends itself to film and television. But the west coast musician is best known in the beat scene for his uncompromising work behind the boards. The Eugene, Oregon native began playing drums at age 6 - and by 19, he was playing Warped Tour with his band Medium Troy.

His 2016 album, Eugene, was the first major stark declaration of his singular talent; the work of an artist fiercely aware of what made him, who is is, what he loves, and where he's going. "Vhs" feat. Illa J follows the release of Valentine's first album single "911 Turbo" earlier this month. Both will be included in the upcoming ten-track LP Keep Summer Safe, where Calvin lends his lush production, singing, and rhymes to this collection of stoney tracks that mix chilled out R&B with melodic hip-hop vibes. Described by Valentine as "ever evolving music for your soul", the album provides joyous relaxation for listeners; a stoner's haven for eclectic sounds and vibes.

Listen here: "Vhs" feat. Illa J

Photo Credit: Emily Berkley