Brooklyn Artist Nali Talks New Single “Maybe” Featuring Coi Leray and Touring with Jordan Ward
Rising R&B and neo soul artist Nali is having a major moment. The Brooklyn singer songwriter recently connected with DJ Fusion to talk about her new single “Maybe” featuring Coi Leray, her musical roots, and hitting the road on Jordan Ward’s Apartment Tour.
Originally from Flatbush, Brooklyn, Nali represents a new wave of soulful R&B artists blending classic influences with modern sound. While she began experimenting with music around 2020, her career began accelerating after a viral moment on social media helped introduce her voice to a much larger audience.
“I started making music just for fun,” Nali explained. “But in December 2023 a snippet I posted on TikTok got picked up by a music page called I Breathe Music Daily and it went viral on Instagram. After that everything started moving.”
That momentum led to the release of her debut project “I Am Nali,” which quickly connected with listeners and produced songs that have already reached over a million streams.
A Family Legacy in Music
Music runs deep in Nali’s family history. Her sound draws inspiration from generations before her.
“My grandfather was a jazz saxophone player and my dad was an R&B singer songwriter,” she shared. “Now I’m kind of walking in both of those paths.”
That background helps explain the jazzy, neo soul influence that defines much of her music. Her songwriting and production lean heavily into smooth melodies, soulful textures, and emotional storytelling.
“Maybe” Featuring Coi Leray
One of Nali’s newest releases is “Maybe,” a collaboration with Coi Leray, which has been gaining attention across streaming platforms.
The collaboration came together through industry connections after Nali signed with CourtesyOf, the label founded by music executive Saint Harraway.
“We had recorded the song during a trip to Los Angeles,” Nali said. “St. heard it and said Coi would sound great on the record. We had already met before at my release party, so everything just lined up.”
Beyond the music, Nali says she learned something important from working with Coi Leray.
“She was super humble and down to earth,” Nali explained. “Something I’ll always remember is that no matter how big you get, you’re never too big to reach back and work with artists who are still coming up.”
Joining Jordan Ward on Tour
Nali is also hitting the road as part of Jordan Ward’s Apartment Tour, supporting the rising artist whose breakout track “White Crocs” helped introduce him to a national audience.
When she first received the offer to join the tour, she admits she was shocked.
“When I got the message from Jordan’s team I was like… wait, Jordan Ward? White Crocs Jordan Ward?” she laughed.
The tour includes a stop at the House of Blues in Chicago, giving Midwest fans a chance to see Nali perform live.
Fans attending the show can expect an energetic, soulful experience.
“Jordan’s music is upbeat and fun and even the more intimate songs are just really smooth,” she said. “The whole show is going to be a vibe.”
Advice for Independent Artists
Before wrapping up the interview, Nali shared advice for emerging artists trying to find their path in the music industry.
“Stay true to yourself and your values,” she said. “Don’t feel like you have to change who you are to get into certain spaces. And don’t be afraid to promote yourself and be vulnerable with your art.”
With strong streaming numbers, a major collaboration, and a national tour underway, Nali is quickly becoming an artist to watch in the evolving R&B landscape.
Fans can find her music on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms by searching Nali, and follow her on social media @theoriginalnali for tour updates and new releases.
Wisconsin’s Hip-Hop Legacy: Celebrating 50 Years of Culture and Innovation
For decades, the global music industry has looked to the East and West Coasts for the blueprint of hip-hop. But according to Manku and Jinx of Pyramidal Productions, the real "foundation" of the genre has a deep, often overlooked connection to the Badger State.
In a recent sit-down with DJ Fusion on 93.1 Jams, the duo discussed their mission to spotlight Wisconsin’s monumental contributions to music history through their latest project: "Hip-Hop in Madison: Our Story, Our Culture, Our Future."
More Than a Coast: Wisconsin’s Influence Behind the Scenes
While Wisconsin might not always get the "on-camera" credit, its influence is woven into the fabric of the industry. From the 608 to the 414, Wisconsin artists and producers have been "getting busy" since the culture first figured itself out in the 80s and 90s.
"Even though our coast isn't represented, we are influential behind the scenes in a great way," says Manku. "From Beyoncé to Dr. Dre, Wisconsin is in the midst of it all."
Local Legends and Global Hits
This highlights a "who’s who" of Wisconsin talent that has shaped the Billboard charts and the evolution of rap:
-
Clyde Stubblefield: Often called the "foundation of hip-hop," his drumming remains the most sampled in music history.
-
Speech (Arrested Development): While many associate the group with Atlanta, Speech got his start as a DJ for Khali Tribe in Milwaukee and Madison.
-
Koo Koo Cal: Representing Milwaukee with a #1 hit on the Billboard charts.
-
Fresh Force & Def Khali: Early pioneers who took Wisconsin hip-hop to national screens like BET.
-
Rico Love & Skylar Gray: Powerhouses who have penned and produced hits for the world’s biggest superstars.
Preserving the History: The Wisconsin Historical Society Exhibit
To celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, Pyramidal Productions has curated an immersive experience at the Wisconsin Historical Society. This isn't just a collection of facts; it’s a tactile journey through time.
The exhibit features:
-
Vintage Tech: From cassettes and Walkmans to VHS tapes, giving the next generation a hands-on look at how the music was originally consumed.
-
Interactive Art: A community graffiti board and a custom 3D lenticular poster.
-
"Lead Between the Rhymes": Insights into the upcoming movie produced by Pyramidal Productions that documents this rich history.
The Movement: Past, Present, and Future
The goal of the movement—and the upcoming community town hall—is to stabilize the culture. By discussing the past and envisioning the future, Pyramidal Productions aims to ensure the Wisconsin hip-hop scene has longevity for the next 50 years and beyond.
As DJ Fusion noted, "This isn't just about Madison; Madison is a piece of the puzzle. This is about the culture that our entire state—the 608, the 715, the 920—brings together."
How to Get Involved
If you want to learn more about the documentary, the exhibit, or the future of the local scene, stay connected with the architects of this movement.
-
Visit the Website: PyramidalProductions.com
-
Follow the Movement: Join the community town halls to help shape the future of Wisconsin music.
Local Love Live Launches at Madison Extracts Bringing 608 Hip Hop to the Stage and the Airwaves
After five years of breaking independent music on the radio, Local Love is evolving.
Local Love Live is officially launching at Madison Extracts in downtown Madison. This free monthly hip hop and spoken word showcase creates a direct bridge between live performance, social media content, and radio exposure on 93.1 JAMZ.
Hosted by DJ Fusion, Local Love Live takes place every second Wednesday of the month from 6PM to 9PM at Madison Extracts, located at 106 King Street. The event is 21+ with no cover charge.
Each showcase features two to four hip hop artists along with featured spoken word poets. Performances and interviews are recorded live inside the venue. That content is then distributed across social media platforms and featured on upcoming Sunday night episodes of Local Love on 93.1 JAMZ.
This creates something unique for the Madison and greater 608 music community. Artists are not just performing. They are building media presence, learning how radio works, networking face to face, and connecting with other serious creatives in the region.
Local Love Live is designed for artists who want more than streams. It is for artists who want growth, visibility, and opportunity.
Madison Extracts continues its commitment to culture and creativity by providing the space for this platform. The venue has built a reputation for supporting artistic expression and opening doors for local talent.
March 11th Featured Artists:
Compound
G.I.N.X.S.
Prolifik
Drew Greens
Upcoming dates include:
April 11 featuring 608 Trayce and 2 4Wun with two remaining performance spots.
May 13 featuring Blizz Gee with three remaining performance spots.
June 10 with four open performance slots available.
Artists interested in performing must submit professionally mixed and mastered original music with clean radio friendly lyrics. Clean and instrumental versions in MP3 format, EPK, and press photos should be emailed to Fusion@madtownjamz.com.
Submission does not guarantee airplay. Social media presence and professionalism influence consideration.
Local Love Live is about the culture. No cover. No cost. Just opportunity.
Every Sunday night, a new episode drops on 93.1 JAMZ.
No one gives you hip hop like this.
Local Love [02-22-26]
YSM The Prince - Ima Show You
Rich Porter - Honest
Landon Devon - Don’t I
Austin Galante - Rock The Game To Sleep
Red The Bully - Sing That
Flame The Ruler - Up
sureRich - Breakfast In Bed
Daiyon - Get With The Program
J.P. - Bad Bitty
Prettybaby Jackson - So Deep
Drive Oscar in Sun Prairie Offers Affordable Car Rentals With a Legacy First Mission
Sun Prairie is growing fast, and one local business is filling a gap that national chains ignored.
On 93.1 JAMZ Community and Culture Inside Out, DJ Fusion highlighted Drive Oscar, a Black owned car rental business in Sun Prairie run by Antonio, a local entrepreneur focused on family, service, and long term legacy.
Drive Oscar is not positioned at the airport. It is not built around fees and friction. It is built around community convenience and affordability.
Antonio chose Sun Prairie after noticing something simple. People from surrounding towns were driving into Madison just to rent a car, because there were no options closer to home. Sun Prairie had booming growth, plenty of car dealerships, and no real rental presence from the big companies. Antonio saw a solution and moved on it.
Drive Oscar now operates a fleet of about a dozen vehicles and offers a wide range of options that match real needs. Customers can rent a pickup truck for moving, a smaller car for getting around town, an SUV for comfort, or a minivan and seven seater for family travel. Antonio keeps pricing affordable, often landing in the $30 to $50 per day range depending on the vehicle and timing, and he offers discounts for longer rentals. He also adds extra value with occasional perks like money back, free days for multi day bookings, and gift cards.
What makes the story even bigger is the mission behind it.
Antonio put the business in his son’s name from day one. He says it plainly. He works for his son. That is the difference between talking about legacy and building it on paper and in practice. Antonio has three daughters as well, and he wants his children to grow into ownership, responsibility, and self sufficiency.
He also speaks openly about the realities of building a business without loans or grants. Maintaining a fleet requires constant reinvestment. Engines, transmissions, repairs, and upkeep never stop. Antonio handles it, keeps the pricing steady, and leans on consistency, research, and strong relationships to keep growing. He has spent serious time learning the funding side, approaching banks, asking questions repeatedly, and doing the unglamorous work of building credit and trust.
Drive Oscar is located at:
1500 West Main Street, Suite 1, Sun Prairie, WI
To browse vehicles and book online:
DriveOscar.com and search the Sun Prairie location.
To contact Antonio directly:
608 440 1989
If you want to support a Black owned business in Wisconsin and you want a rental experience that feels human, local, and flexible, Drive Oscar in Sun Prairie is worth checking out.
Madison streetwear is leveling up with D'GEMC [Community & Culture]
https://vimeo.com/1166176022?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Madison streetwear just got a serious upgrade.
On 93.1 JAMZ Community and Culture Inside Out, DJ Fusion sat down with Drew, founder of D'GMC, a Black owned streetwear brand in Madison, Wisconsin that is redefining what urban fashion can represent.
D'GEMC is not just a name. It stands for Dedication, Gratitude, Excellence, Maturity, and Character. The brand was officially launched in 2022, but the grind behind it stretches back nearly eight years. What started as pressing shirts at home and selling pieces at local venues has now evolved into a fully produced designer level clothing collection.
The Dedication 22 Collection includes:
-
Premium denim jeans with custom logo buttons and stitched branding
-
High quality leather pullover
-
Two jogger sets including zip up and pullover styles
-
Crew tees and polo tees
-
Branded beanie hats
-
Fully customized labels, wash instructions, and interior detailing
This is not a print on demand t shirt operation. Every piece is designed from thread to finish. From embroidery placement to fabric selection, Jemcee focuses on quality materials and intentional craftsmanship.
Drew explained that much of his inspiration came from travel, family, and especially his son. While building his career as a local music artist, he wore his own designs on stage as promotion. Over time, the fashion side began to gain more traction. Instead of chasing short term moves, he made a long term investment into building a sustainable brand.
That decision represents the maturity piece of D'GEMC meaning.
The Dedication 22 drop is structured as a full collection, not just individual pieces. Customers can mix and match denim, leather, joggers, tees, and hats to create a cohesive look. It follows the same strategy major design houses use, giving Madison a streetwear brand that feels national in quality while staying rooted locally.
D'GEMC is currently available online at DGEMC.online and in store at Serial Clothing on East Washington in Madison.
For Drew, being a Black owned business in Madison means progress. It means moving toward the good. It means building something the city can acknowledge and support.
With the winter focused launch underway and a summer drop already in the works, Jemcee is positioning itself as a serious contender in Madison streetwear.
Support local. Support Black owned businesses. Support brands built with dedication.
Local Love [02-15-26]
Rich Porter - In My Thoughts
Truth Jones - Peace
Taye Sharkiee - Foe Nem Grave
Furrowmusic - Take Me Away
PartyAt4 - To Da Moon
P. Swagg - Where They At
Lil Tee - Confetti
Rich Porter - Honest
Compound - ReRoute
YMG Monsta - Lost Boy
Friends With Benefits Top 20 Countdown [02-14-25]
The Friends With Benefits Top 20 Countdown on 93.1 JAMZ delivered another huge week for Madison music fans. From chart heavy hitters to rising voices building real momentum, this week’s lineup shows exactly why the countdown is a staple on madtownjamz.com.
Megan Thee Stallion claims the number one spot with Lover Girl, closing the show with serious star power. Bruno Mars follows at number two with I Just Might, while Wale and Leon Thomas land at number three with Watching Us. Leon Thomas doubles up this week, also holding number four with Mutt. Gunna featuring Burna Boy rounds out the top five with WGFT.
The top ten stays competitive with Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller’s It Depends, Metro Boomin, Quavo, YKNIECE and BunnaB on Take Me Thru Dere, Cardi B’s ErrTime, and Belly Gang Kushington’s Friend Do Remix featuring YKNIECE.
Earlier on the list, Kehlani, Lil Uzi Vert, Doechii and SZA, Toosii with YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and Tyla all make strong appearances, keeping the mix balanced across hip hop, R and B, and crossover hits.
Want to see where your favorite song lands next week? Follow the full rankings, get exclusive updates, and stay connected with the culture at madtownjamz.com. The Friends With Benefits Top 20 Countdown continues to spotlight the records Madtown is really rocking right now.
#20 JayDon featuring Paradise - Lullaby
#19 Pitbull and Lil Jon - Damn I Love Miami
#18 T Pain - Club Husband
#17 Harry Styles - Aperture
#16 Tyla - Chanel
#15 Kehlani - Folded
#14 Lil Uzi Vert - What You Saying
#13 Doechii and SZA - Girl, Get Up
#12 Toosii featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again - Please Don’t Go
#11 Jermain Reese Jr. featuring Girlfriend - Can’t Explain It
#10 Chris Brown featuring Bryson Tiller - It Depends
#9 Metro Boomin featuring Quavo, YKNIECE and BunnaB - Take Me Thru Dere
#8 BigXThaPlug featuring Ella Langley - Hell At Night
#7 Cardi B - ErrTime
#6 Belly Gang Kushington featuring YKNIECE - Friend Do Remix
#5 Gunna featuring Burna Boy - WGFT
#4 Leon Thomas - Mutt
#3 Wale featuring Leon Thomas - Watching Us
#2 Bruno Mars - I Just Might
#1 Megan Thee Stallion - Lover Girl
Local Love [02-08-26]
Chicken P - How it Goes ft Huncho
Juciee Monroe - Click Clack
Austin Galante - Sanguine Teeth
Bliz Gee - The One
Keyz - On One
Chaos New Money - Who Can I Run 2
Chi Town Taurus - Quavo
Gavin Degier - For A Minute
Flame The Ruler - Get Like Me
Prettybaby Jackson - Feel Me
