Genre-bending rapper Cities Aviv began his musical career as part of a hardcore punk band called Copwatch. During his time in the band, he began experimenting with hip hop music, eventually leaving punk behind to focus exclusively on hip hop.

His style is eclectic, often compared to other MCs like RZA and MC Ride of Death Grips. He’s influenced not only by more left-of-center rap artists like DOOM and Black Moon, but also by punk and industrial acts such as Joy Division and Psychic TV. His beginnings in hardcore are palpable in the post-punk vibes his music emits.

He released his debut mixtape Digital Lows in 2011, to rave reviews from publications like Pitchfork and Spin. He joined Mishka for his second mixtape, Black Pleasure, in 2012. He then signed to Young One Records, through which he dropped his first studio album Come to Life in 2014. He has since collaborated with artists like Mykki Blanco and Antwon, before releasing his 2015 single “Neutralizer”/”Graced and Blessed.” The Memphis-born rapper has also relocated to Brooklyn this past year. We’re excited to see what this newcomer brings to our scene, and to host him with Tamaryn at Saint Vitus on June 2!