Emerging artist Aaron Aye is someone that should be on your music radar. The Minneapolis native is oozing with crossover potential, blending elements of hip-hop and R&B into an appealing croon. The 22-year-old brings his “Since ’96” single to life for a raw visual dedicated to the city that made him via Billboard premiere on Thursday (May 3).
“’Since ’96′ is about striving to be the greatest you that you can be. It’s an ode to Minneapolis the city that raised me,” Aye tells Billboard. “I wanted to start the journey with a celebration of my city where I experienced loss, pain, struggle and ultimately, triumph.”
Aye explores areas of his snowy midwestern city while explaining the trials and tribulations of his enduring life’s journey throughout the video. The “I Know” artist smoothly dances around making his way to local establishments, such as his favorite record store or smoke shop, with cameos from friends later on.
“One mother no father, he’s a bitch I’ll never need him/ Never stand to see a woman get mistreated/ Never had a secret big enough or worth keeping,” he passionately rhymes over the horn-laden production. “Since ’96” will appear on Aye’s upcoming debut album, Orphan, which is expected to drop some time later this year.
Aye’s story makes him an easy person worth rooting for. His parents divorced when he was only a baby, so he was raised by a hardworking single mother. During his freshman year of high school, his mom had unfortunately passed away due to cancer just two months after her initial diagnosis, leading him to bounce around from family to family the rest of his teenage years. Now, the inspirational artist is looking to channel his heartbreak into a dream come true.
Check out the “Since ’96” video below. For everything Aaron Aye visit his official website.