
(Photo by Adam Nesmith)
Digiwaxx brought the pulse of the underground to the skyline with its Next Up Experience on Wednesday night, June 25. Held at The Penthouse in Hell’s Kitchen, this rooftop showcase blended New York City’s energy with the raw ambition of emerging hip-hop and R&B artists. The result? A night of electrifying performances, community connection, and forward-thinking exposure.
As part of the celebrated New Music Wednesdays series, the event offered more than a stage—it offered a platform, an audience, and for the first time, a digital identity. Each performing artist was gifted a .hiphop domain, symbolizing a new step in branding and ownership within the culture.
Performances That Brought the Roof Down
Hosted high above Midtown Manhattan, the showcase featured a carefully curated lineup representing both borough-based grit and national soul.
Ron Browz & Ether Gang Collective
Harlem icon Ron Browz introduced his Ether Gang roster—All Mighty Mak, Izzo, and Bragging Rights—who delivered high-octane verses steeped in East Coast swagger. Their chemistry and bravado captured the essence of New York’s battle-tested lyrical tradition.
Ty Poe
From Queens, Ty Poe gave a commanding performance, blending charisma, style, and lyrical sharpness into a set that had the crowd leaning in and nodding along.
Sada James
Cincinnati’s own Sada James dazzled the room with her angelic voice and emotional control. Her performance was a masterclass in vocal power and grace, earning her new fans by the minute.
Nyasia Chane’l
Soulful and sophisticated, Nyasia Chane’L performed her latest single, “Numb,” enveloping the crowd in raw emotion and silky melodies that echoed long after she left the mic.
Kofi Black
The smooth R&B crooner gave a standout performance while promoting his latest track, using the moment to both entertain and engage—proving himself an artist who knows how to move a room and market a record.
Lish2x & T-Sexie
Bringing fierce femininity and unshakable bars, emcees Lish2x and T-Sexie injected the stage with grit and confidence. Both left a mark as voices to watch in the city’s shifting lyrical landscape.
Jay Swishes
With sharp delivery and cool composure, Jay Swishes represented the new wave of NYC rap—bridging contemporary swagger with classic structure.
DJ Epidemik Sets the Tone
Guiding the night’s rhythm was DJ Epidemik, who masterfully kept the crowd moving between sets. He set the sonic foundation for a night that balanced celebration with discovery.
Artists Go Digital with .HipHop Domains
In a cutting-edge twist, every artist who hit the stage received their own .hiphop domain—a move that emphasizes branding, ownership, and long-term visibility in the digital era. It’s a modern nod to artist empowerment, making it clear that Digiwaxx is not only about the moment, but about longevity.
The Culture on the Rooftop
More than a showcase, the Next Up Experience was a creative ecosystem. Artists performed to an audience of DJs, bloggers, producers, and tastemakers, while panoramic skyline views added to the aura. It was networking, community-building, and celebration rolled into one unforgettable night.
Final Word
With breakout performances from Ether Gang, Ty Poe, Sada James, Nyasia Chane’L, Lish2x, Jay Swishes, and more, Digiwaxx once again proved its role as a frontline incubator for future stars. Powered by DJ Epidemik’s selections and the visionary push for digital branding via .hiphop domains, this was more than just a night of music—it was a moment of elevation.
Keep your eyes on these names. They’re not just next up—they’re now.



















