Release concert features natives

The Lorain High School Performing Arts Center, 2600 Ashland Ave., came alive with the beats, rhythms and rhymes of young talent for an album release concert on Sept. 15.

Hip-hop artist and rapper E’javien, 13, and pop artist Hannah Lurry, 16, both of Lorain, headlined the concert. The two released their new albums worldwide on Sept. 14.

Both artists are signed with Global Exec Records, an independent record label located at 422 Broadway Ave. in Lorain.

The show was hosted by Ashley Z of 96.5 Kiss FM with her colleague Mike D working as DJ.

Other guest performances included dance teams Black Pearlz of Columbus and Barbies of Steel City of Lorain, as well as Cleveland native, Fox’s “Empire” TV show star and singer London Arrington and 11 year-old artist Yanna.

“We wanted to give them the opportunity to show their talents,” Global Exec Records’ CEO and founder Daniel Rucker said of the show.

Rucker, a two-time Grammy nominee, songwriter and producer, created the record label works in 2007 and currently works with a total of six up-and-coming artists.

Hannah has been signed with Global Exec Records going on three years after being scouted at a talent show that her cousin told her about when she was 14.

“I’ve always loved singing and performing in front of people,” she said.

Hannah’s debut album “This Heart of Mine” was released in 2017, which peaked at number four on the pop charts in the United Kingdom.

Hannah began recording her sophomore album “This Heart of Mind (Reloaded) in April. She said that the hard work has paid off.

“It’s exciting,” Hannah said. “I’m excited to share it with everyone, the new music.”

E’javien was signed with Global Exec Records when he was 10 after his involvement with 422 Boyz, a hip-hop group based in Lorain.

He released his debut album “Moxy” in 2017, his lead single “Do What I Do” reached number one on the United Kingdom’s hip-hop/R&B charts, as well as a number 10 Amazon hip-hop best seller.

E’javien said that many months of practicing went into the preparation for the album release concert. He said that he is excited to release his new music.

“I’m ready for my fans to hear it,” E’javien said.

Both Hannah and E’javien’s newest albums can be found wherever digital music is sold.

JORDANA JOY — THE MORNING JOURNAL Hannah Lurry, 16, left and E’javien, 13, both of Lorain, before their album release concert on Sept. 15 at Lorain High School Performing Arts Center, 2600 Ashland Ave.