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Cities Aviv
Birth nameGavin Mays
Born1989
OriginMemphis, Tennessee, United States
GenresAlternative hip hop,[1] cloud rap[2]
Occupation(s)Rapper, record producer, musician
Years active2008-present
LabelsYoung One, Mishka NYC, Fat Sandwich
Websitecitiesaviv.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 grad school to make a full leap into the genre.[3][4] In 2011, he released his debut mixtape, Digital Lows, which received positive reviews from music publications such as Pitchfork and Spin.[5]

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.[5]

Musical style

Cities Aviv is known for his eclectic production style. His songs sample various artists of different genres.[4] His influences include Big Pun, Non Phixion, MF Doom, Black Moon, and soul music,[5][4] as well as rock music acts Joy Division and Deftones.[6] Critics also noted post-punk influences on his works,[7][8] accompanied by lyrical references to Joy Division and Psychic TV.[8][9]

Cities Aviv's rapping style and flow was compared to those of RZA and MC Ride of Death Grips.[10][11]

Discography

Studio albums

Mixtapes

Singles

  • "Coastin'" (2011)
  • "Wet Dream" (2011)
  • "Flew Your Gold" (2012)
  • "I Want All" (2012)
  • "URL IRL" (2013)

Guest appearances

Productions

References

  1. ^ "20 Alternative Hip-Hop Artists Who Are Making Things Interesting: Cities Aviv". Pigeons and Planes. June 12, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  2. ^ "Cloud Rap: The Spacey, Cyber-Born Hip-Hop Subgenre". Highsnobiety. June 25, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  3. ^ Billings, Lane (June 13, 2012). "12 Tennessee Bands You Should Listen to Now". Paste. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Minsker, Evan (September 20, 2011). "Rising: Cities Aviv". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  5. ^ a b c Lymangrover, Jason. "Cities Aviv biography". AllMusic. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  6. ^ Milam, Chris (July 14, 2011). "Another Cup of Coffee with Cities Aviv". The Vinyl District. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  7. ^ Breihan, Tom (December 5, 2012). "Mixtape Of The Week: Cities Aviv Black Pleasure". Stereogum. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Cohen, Ian (November 26, 2012). "Cities Aviv - Black Pleasure". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  9. ^ Soderberg, Brandon (November 14, 2012). "Rap Release of the Week: Cities Aviv's 'Black Pleasure'". Spin. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  10. ^ Soderberg, Brandon (June 23, 2011). "Cities Aviv Digital Lows". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  11. ^ Jeffries, David. "Cities Aviv - Come to Life". AllMusic. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cities_Aviv&oldid=846030508"