Cities Aviv

Cities Aviv
Birth name Gavin Mays
Born 1989
Origin Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Genres Alternative hip hop, cloud rap[1]
Occupation(s) Rapper, record producer, musician
Years active 2008-present
Labels Young One, Mishka NYC, Fat Sandwich
Associated acts Copwatch
Website citiesaviv.bandcamp.com

Gavin Mays (born 1989), better known by his stage name Cities Aviv, is an American rapper and record producer, based in Memphis, Tennessee.

Biography

Prior to his career as a rapper, Mays was a lead singer of a Memphis-based hardcore punk band, Copwatch. During his involvement with the band, he began experimenting with hip hop music, eventually leaving grade school to make a full leap into the genre.[2][3] In 2011, he released his debut mixtape, Digital Lows, which received rave reviews from music publications such as Pitchfork and Spin.[1]

In 2012, he released his follow-up mixtape, Black Pleasure through streetwear company Mishka NYC's record label before signing to Young One Records. He released the "URL IRL" single and his debut album Come to Life on Young One imprint, in 2013 and 2014 respectively.[1]

Musical style

Cities Aviv is known for his eclectic production style. His songs sample various artists of different genres.[3] His influences include Big Pun, Non Phixion, DOOM, Black Moon, and soul music,[1][3] as well as rock music acts Joy Division and Deftones.[4] Critics also noted post-punk influences on his works,[5][6] accompanied by lyrical references to Joy Division and Psychic TV.[6][7]

[8][9]

Discography

Studio albums
Mixtapes
Singles
Guest appearances
Productions

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Lymangrover, Jason. "Cities Aviv biography". Allmusic. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  2. Billings, Lane (June 13, 2012). "12 Tennessee Bands You Should Listen to Now". Paste. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 Minsker, Evan (September 20, 2011). "Rising: Cities Aviv". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  4. Milam, Chris (July 14, 2011). "Another Cup of Coffee with Cities Aviv". The Vinyl District. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  5. Breihan, Tom. "Mixtape Of The Week: Cities Aviv Black Pleasure". December 5, 2012. Stereogum. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  6. 1 2 Cohen, Ian. "Cities Aviv - Black Pleasure". November 26, 2012. Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  7. Soderberg, Brandon (November 14, 2012). "Rap Release of the Week: Cities Aviv's 'Black Pleasure'". Spin. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  8. Soderberg, Brandon (June 23, 2011). "Cities Aviv Digital Lows". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  9. Jeffries, David. "Cities Aviv - Come to Life". Allmusic. Retrieved June 21, 2014.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 8/5/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.