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Portrait of hip-hop artist SPXTRM wearing a black cap and graphic t-shirt. The Las Vegas THOP Fest Tour winner combines spirituality, philosophy, and modern hip-hop to create music that explores the full spectrum of human experience.
SPXTRM, winner of the THOP Fest Tour Las Vegas competition, is known for blending spirituality, conscious hip-hop, and thought-provoking lyricism. His unique artistic vision earned him a spot at The Happiness of Pursuit Festival.

Not every artist wants to tell you who they are.


Some artists want to challenge how you see yourself.


That was the impression left by SPXTRM, the winner of the THOP Fest Tour Las Vegas stop and the latest artist to earn a performance slot at The Happiness of Pursuit Festival.


In a music landscape often driven by trends, SPXTRM stands apart by asking bigger questions. His music explores spirituality, self-awareness, personal growth, and the complexities of the human experience, all delivered through modern hip-hop production and sharp lyricism. Rather than offering easy answers, his songs invite listeners to reflect, question, and think more deeply about the world around them.


The name SPXTRM is fitting.


Like a spectrum, his music moves between light and darkness, confidence and uncertainty, struggle and triumph. Each track becomes a reflection of the many different emotions, beliefs, and experiences that shape our lives. It's a perspective that resonates because it's honest. Life isn't one thing, and neither is his art.


What makes SPXTRM particularly compelling is his ability to make profound ideas accessible. Drawing inspiration from ancient philosophies and spiritual concepts, he translates complex themes into music that feels relevant to modern audiences. His intricate wordplay rewards close listening, while his message remains clear enough to connect with listeners from all walks of life.


That balance was on full display during the Las Vegas competition.


While every artist brought energy to the stage, SPXTRM brought intention. Every lyric felt deliberate. Every performance choice served a purpose. His set wasn't built around chasing attention—it was built around creating connection.


In many ways, that aligns perfectly with what The Happiness of Pursuit Festival represents. Beyond entertainment, the festival celebrates artists who use their platform to inspire, challenge, and uplift their communities through creativity and self-expression.

By the end of the night, SPXTRM had earned more than a victory. He had earned an opportunity to bring his message to an even larger audience.


As he prepares to take the stage at The Happiness of Pursuit Festival, attendees can expect more than a performance. They can expect an artist committed to exploring the full spectrum of what it means to be human.


Congratulations to SPXTRM, winner of the THOP Fest Tour Las Vegas stop. Be sure to get familiar with him.



 
West Coast artist T.F performing on stage at The Happiness of Pursuit Festival (THOP Fest) in Ontario, California
Photo By: Keshia Janee

The legacy of THOP Fest continues to make waves in hip-hop culture as alumni artist T.F returns with a powerful new release—this time teaming up with legendary producer DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill on Don't Call Me Lucky.


Known for shaping the sound of West Coast hip-hop, DJ Muggs has worked with some of the most iconic names in the game. His gritty, sample-heavy production style helped define the success of Cypress Hill and continues to influence generations of artists today.


Now, he joins forces with T.F, a rising force out of Los Angeles and a respected voice among underground circles. This collaboration represents a bridge between eras, pairing OG craftsmanship with a new wave of raw, authentic storytelling.


From THOP Fest to the Global Stage

T.F’s journey is a testament to the impact of platforms like THOP Fest. As an alumni of the festival, he’s part of a growing list of artists who have used the stage as a launchpad to expand their reach and elevate their careers.


THOP Fest has built a reputation for spotlighting emerging talent before they break into wider recognition and T.F is a prime example of that trajectory in motion.


The Sound: Gritty, Soulful, and Unapologetic

The new album blends DJ Muggs’ signature dark, cinematic production with T.F’s sharp lyricism and street-rooted narratives. Fans can expect:


  • Hard-hitting drums and dusty samples

  • Authentic West Coast energy

  • Introspective bars mixed with street wisdom

  • A cohesive, timeless hip-hop sound

  • Features including Ghostface Killah, Rome Streetz, Roc Marciano and more.


Why This Release Matters

In an era where trends come and go, collaborations like this remind listeners of hip-hop’s foundation. It’s about authenticity, storytelling, and respect for the craft.


For THOP Fest supporters, it’s also a proud moment seeing alumni continue to grow, collaborate with legends, and represent the culture at a high level.


Stay Connected with THOP Fest

As THOP Fest continues to highlight the next generation of artists, stories like T.F’s prove why the platform matters. Today’s performers are tomorrow’s headliners and sometimes, they’re collaborating with icons like DJ Muggs.


Be sure to stay tapped in with THOP Fest for more artist updates, exclusive releases, and opportunities to discover the next wave of hip-hop talent.


West Coast artist T.F performing live on stage at the happiness of pursuit festival in ontario, california
Photo By: Keshia Janee

 

If you weren’t at the main stage when the first snare hit, you missed a piece of hip hop history. The energy was electric as Detroit’s own Apollo Brown took over THOP Fest, proving exactly why he’s considered the gold standard of modern production.


We’ve just dropped this exclusive performance clip from his set—check it out and witness the soul of the MPC in action.


Apollo Brown didn’t just play a set; he curated an experience. From his dusty, soul-infused textures to the hard-hitting, cinematic anthems from his latest releases, the crowd was locked into every beat.


Detroit producer Apollo Brown performing live on stage during the happiness of pursuit festival in Ontario, California hosted by 60 East

 
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