Cities Aviv

Underground Memphis producer/rapper Gavin Mays lays down hazy beats in his solo project Cities Aviv. Influenced by left-of-center rap groups like Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG, and Black Moon, he released his own 2011 mixtape, Digital Lows, at the age of 22. Pitchfork and Spin gave the album glowing reviews, calling it one of the best underground rap releases of the year. He released the Black Pleasure album in 2012 on the streetwear brand Mishka's record label before signing with the Young One imprint, who released his album Come to Life the following year. He collaborated with Mykki Blanco and Antwon in 2014, and relocated to Brooklyn. ~ Jason Lymangrover