Philly natives Quilly, Spade-O and City Rominiecki are stirring up the pot with the release of their gritty new mixtape “On Dek Ent: The Album” hosted by Don Cannon. Stamped as Philly’s biggest indie movement, the new project marks the first compilation album by the On Dek artists, who each boast their own loyal fan bases.
“Nobody in the city is really doing compilations like this any more. We took the old school approach and put out this project, hit up the music stores and radio stations, handing out CDs,” notes Philly OG Spade-O. “I thought [the project] was a good look to move the brand forward. A lot of people don’t know we’re all associated, so now they do.”
Quilly, Spad- O and Rominiecki effortlessly put in hours at the studio together recording new songs and revived some older records with new verses from each other. The On Dek trio teamed up with dope producers Koach Bubb, Gibbs, JFresh and more for a solid 17-track album. “On this project, I fell back from the trap music my fans know me for, and was able to give more substance, more pain and a more in-depth side of Quilly. I took my personal stories and put it on this compilation,” explains underground Hip-Hop hero Quilly.
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After a feature in The Source Magazine catapulted their mixtape into even more blogosphere fame, the On Dek artists are letting the music speak for itself. So far, fans nationwide are clocking “Paparazzi,” “Do Your Homework,” “Like Me,” “Dope Games,” and Reminisce,” as their favorites off the album. “The response we’ve gotten and the support from the city and beyond, has been overwhelming. I’m just thankful for everything. When you get love like this, you have to earn that. It’s humbling to be recognized by a Hip-Hop staple like The Source, and to be appreciated just off our genuine music,” Spade-O says.
WATCH: Quilly, Spade-O & City Rominiecki Hit the Streets in Philly to Promote New Album
Quilly agrees and says his “County Boys 2” song off the project is going crazy on the radio right now. He also credits “Never Felt Like This,” “Sins,” and Paparazzi” as his personal favorites, while Spade-O says “Nothing to Prove,” “Never Felt Like This,” and Reminisce” are his top three.
With plans to release two new videos for “Sins” and “Studded with A Dollar” based on popular demand from the fans, Quilly and Spade-O aren’t getting too comfortable with the success. “I gotta keep working and keep putting out good music,” says Quilly, who’s looking to get back on the road and release a follow up to his hit single “Real One.” Spade-O is currently in the studio working on his next album “Still Unchained” and an accompanying documentary. At the end of the day, both artists say it’s all about the label and the brand. “We’re a conglomerate, we want to be more than music,” says Spade-O. “We represent the Philly sound, true grit. We started this together and we’re going to make it to the finish line together.”