Kid Coffin - Old Milwaukee | Artist to Watch

Kid Coffin isn’t interested in making music that plays it safe. He is the kind of artist listeners either connect with deeply or completely reject—and that emotional divide is part of what makes his work so compelling.

His music reflects the contradictions of the world around him, moving between themes of love, kindness, and empathy and the darker realities of corruption, power, and greed. Through hard-hitting lyricism and vivid storytelling, Kid Coffin examines the complicated nature of the human condition while encouraging listeners to confront perspectives they may otherwise avoid.

His latest release, “Old Milwaukee,” continues that approach, offering another introduction to an artist who values honesty over easy acceptance. Kid Coffin’s willingness to explore uncomfortable emotions and conflicting ideas gives his music an identity that stands apart from artists chasing predictable sounds or trends.

That creative direction was firmly established with his 2024 project, EMOTION // IKIGAI. The project has become his most successful body of work to date, earning more than 200,000 streams on Spotify. Its growing reach proves that there is an audience looking for music with substance—music that challenges listeners while remaining personal and emotionally grounded.

As Kid Coffin continues building on that momentum, “Old Milwaukee” serves as another step forward in his journey. With a distinct perspective, sharp lyricism, and an ability to transform complicated emotions into vivid stories, Kid Coffin is establishing himself as an artist worth paying attention to.

Whether you love his music or hate it, one thing is certain: Kid Coffin intends to make you feel something—and that is exactly why he is an artist to watch.

The Happiness of Pursuit Festival Announces New Date and Venue for 2026

Stage Red in Fontana, California—the new home of The Happiness of Pursuit Festival on October 3, 2026.

The Happiness of Pursuit Festival is officially back!

After taking last year off, THOP Fest will return on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at its new home: Stage Red in Fontana, California.

For eight years, Firewater Bar in Ontario served as the home of The Happiness of Pursuit Festival. It was there that THOP Fest grew from a local independent hip-hop event into a respected platform for artists from across the country. The venue played an important role in our history, and we will always appreciate the memories, performances, and community that were built there.

As the festival continues to grow, we’re excited to begin a new chapter at a bigger, state-of-the-art venue. Stage Red is a multimillion-dollar live music facility that was renamed and redesigned by the City of Fontana in honor of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar, best known as the former lead singer of Van Halen.

Moving to Stage Red gives THOP Fest an opportunity to elevate the experience for our artists, vendors, partners, and attendees while continuing the mission that has guided the festival from the beginning: advancing independent hip-hop, supporting emerging talent, and bringing the music and arts community together.

The 2026 festival will feature performances from established and rising artists, vendors, art, food, and more. The official lineup and additional festival details will be announced soon.

After eight unforgettable years in Ontario, we’re ready to bring The Happiness of Pursuit Festival to Fontana and begin its next era.

Save the date: Saturday, October 3, 2026.

For festival updates, vendor applications, and upcoming announcements, visit THOPFest.net.

The Burnish Collective Closes Out the THOP Fest Tour with an Inland Empire Victory

The Burnish Collective members IE MOE and 504DEAL represent Ontario, California's thriving underground hip-hop scene. The independent rap collective won the THOP Fest Tour Inland Empire competition at Overspray in Pomona, earning a performance slot at The Happiness of Pursuit Festival.

The final stop of the THOP Fest Tour always carries a little more weight.

By the time the tour arrived at Overspray in Pomona, California, artists from across the West had already earned their places at The Happiness of Pursuit Festival. The Inland Empire stop represented one last opportunity to join the lineup—and the competition reflected it.

When the night came to an end, it wasn't just one artist celebrating.

It was an entire collective.

Representing Ontario, California, The Burnish Collective earned the final festival spot of the tour with a performance that showcased the strength of collaboration, chemistry, and independent artistry.

Unlike a traditional solo act, The Burnish Collective thrives on the idea that hip-hop is built through community. Founded by Inland Empire artists including IE MOE and 504DEAL, the collective has grown into more than a record label. It's a creative home for independent musicians committed to preserving the raw, authentic spirit of underground hip-hop while creating opportunities for one another to grow.

That sense of unity was impossible to miss on stage.

Each member brought a unique perspective and personality, yet every transition felt seamless. Instead of competing for the spotlight, the collective elevated one another, creating a performance that reflected years of trust, collaboration, and shared passion for the culture.

Beyond live performances, The Burnish Collective has become an important part of the Inland Empire's independent music community. Through projects like their weekly Weekend Warmup broadcasts and consistent appearances at underground venues throughout Southern California, they've built a platform that celebrates independent voices and strengthens the region's hip-hop scene.

That grassroots approach aligns perfectly with the mission of the THOP Fest Tour.

The tour was created to discover artists who are building something meaningful—not only through music, but through the communities they create around it. The Burnish Collective embodies that philosophy by proving that success doesn't have to be a solo journey.

Winning the Inland Empire stop at Overspray was more than a competition victory. It was recognition of the dedication, consistency, and collective vision that has fueled the group since its inception.

Now, The Burnish Collective will take that same collaborative energy to The Happiness of Pursuit Festival, where they'll represent not only themselves but the thriving underground hip-hop community of the Inland Empire.

As the final winners of the 2026 THOP Fest Tour, they've set the stage for an unforgettable festival.

Congratulations to The Burnish Collective on an outstanding performance and a well-earned place at The Happiness of Pursuit Festival.

Get familiar with 504Deal and IE Moe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1MsSAJ_nhU