The emerging Los Angeles-based emcee has made huge strides in the alternative Hip-hop scene after the release of his 2012 debut studio album, The Popular Stranger, which earned him the respect and attention of Hip-hop titans like No I.D., Virgil Abloh, and Benji B.  Since, Ta’East has released a series of diverting BoomTrap singles, featuring his haughty vocal delivery, high-level lyricism, and storytelling, proving himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the evolving Hip-hop underground. 

After a four-year hiatus following his last project, Ta’East returns with the new EP, Beyond the Halo Effect, executive produced by close friend and collaborator Cairo Mayeson, who creates a cinematic and atmosphere audio landscape for the California emcee’s spirited lyrical performances. 

Originally from Oceanside, California, Ta’East recalls growing up around the “gangstas, skaters, and punk kids,” pulling influences from many mediums of culture, genres, and sub-genres of Hip-Hop music. 

“Where I’m from, with music, it’s kind of a melting pot. The first tape I ever bought was The Score by The Fugees,” East explains. “That, and then Timbaland and Magoo and all that Virginia shit, The Clipse. 8-Ball & MJG, whatever my uncle and big brother were listening to.” 

“Hov was a big influence. I loved what Biggie did. He gave us the blueprint, make sure you do them joints for the girls. Do the street bangers and all that but make sure you keep it smooth. Keep it player.”

The project’s lead single, “Ultra Magnetic,” is no far cry from what to expect from the project. Delivering each bar with utter convection over Cairo and M3rge’s face-melting production, Ta’East explains the inspiration behind the record came from his desire to portray complete confidence through his music, calling his sound “Ultra Magnetic.” 

“It’s like wearing the power within you on your sleeve," says Ta about the lead single. He undoubtedly flaunts his skill as a talented wordsmith on the hard-hitting 808-laden track that exudes the same passion heard in earlier releases. “I’m excited,” he declares. After dropping the loosie "Floor 2 The Ceiling" just months ago, East is eager to electrify hip-hop fans with new music. 

When speaking about the inspiration behind the new EP, Ta’East explained a majority of the project was made to turn up the crowd on stage while putting an emphasis on his lyrical ability and flow. 

“I just kind of got more in my bag. The pandemic got me way more focused. Tighten up my pen, I got more into the music, the musicality of things,” Ta explains. “I just wanted to flex. It's pretty much all performance-based too. So, I went in with that intention. Things are gonna get back poppin’ more than ever.”

This project will have no issue lighting up any concert stage as we transition into festival season this summer. Featuring seven tracks of undeniable bangers, Beyond the Halo Effect finds the California emcee spitting at the top of his game, covering topics ranging from race, self-doubt, and of course, his journey as a rising star in the Rap game. 

On the standout track “Nike Lows,” Ta’East gives listeners a chance to walk in his shoes, chronicling his journey from an Oceanside teenager with big dreams to a promising Hip-hop up-and-comer. 

And Ta’East continues to take leaps of faith. Along with his partner in crime, Cairo Mayeson, the California artist is working on launching an independent creative imprint DCCXX (720), which he describes as an “ideation team,” consulting artists, creative directing, and developing merch for other artists. 

“Me and Cairo are super creative people, and I feel like we needed to put some type of stamp on that,” Ta’East explains. “I look at myself as a writer more than anything. I would like to get into writing a show and getting into movies and things like that, and it’s gonna start right now with DCCXX.”

Ta’East continues to stamp himself as a modern-day renaissance man with his stellar world-building through his sonic masterpieces, unmatched pen game, and cohesively thematic visual storytelling. With the release of his latest EP, Beyond the Halo Effect, and developing creative imprint DCCXX, Ta’East is, without a doubt, next up.