The pursuit of commercial success has forced the hand of countless artists in today’s music scene to place a heavier premium on trends and what sells. Unfortunately, this particular emphasis comes at the expense of quality and authenticity, two areas that Mondoe2xx and AstroImGone continue to highlight in their respective discographies. On April 29, these two independent artists are set to go against the grain, delivering a single that not only speaks of their brand as musicians but also gives listeners a taste of their potential as future household names.
A highly anticipated collaboration resulting from a fateful encounter in Los Angeles, the release of “Work for Hire” is another step toward materializing a dream that Mondoe2xx and AstroImGone are both chasing. Produced by OG Billy Busthead, this track is expected to hit close to home and capture the attention of hip-hop lovers across the globe. But, most importantly, it is bound to highlight the strengths of two must-watch forces that are currently gaining a solid foothold in the music industry.
Born in Washington, Mondoe2xx called South Carolina his new home when he and his family moved to Gaffney. Like millions of people worldwide, he is intimately privy to the seemingly never-ending challenges that life has to offer. Not only did the promising talent have to deal with the death of his older brother when he was 14, but he also needed to contend with losing his mother in 2019 and his best friend in 2021. Ultimately, he made a move to pursue a career in music, which he fell in love with at a young age.
The voice behind the singles “Why” and “Diamond in the Rough,” Mondoe2xx has demonstrated that he has more up his sleeves apart from his arsenal of music skills. On top of launching a podcast called “The Smokers Lab” together with EMOEDAGREAT, the Activated Music Empire label founder also started the clothing line “Activated Clothing Brand” and began delving into screenwriting.
AstroImGone, a New York native, shares Mondoe2xx’s preference for talking about what’s real in his music. This multi-talented rapper was exposed early on to the world of music, thanks to a father who was heavily invested in hip-hop culture and a mother who was deeply interested in R&B and Gospel. At the age of nine, he started writing his own raps and would eventually begin carving a path toward the industry years down the road. In 2011, he dropped his first single, “Persian Rugs,” impressing peers and listeners alike by marrying an unorthodox flow and a dark grunge beat.
Currently, AstroImGone is spearheading his own music label, Up & Up Music, and standing at the helm of a clothing brand called “Up and Up Clothing Co.” So far, the go-getter has opened for artists like Jackie Chain and Moosh & Twist, increasing his visibility and expanding his reach by gracing local shows in Syracuse. Through the upcoming release of “Work for Hire,” Mondoe2xx and AstroImGone are looking forward to cementing their presence in the music scene and introducing their distinctive discographies to hip-hop listeners.
