Smoke DZA Drops “We Outside” With Popular Democracy, Benny the Butcher, Bun B and Unsigned Bronx Artist WHOISTEVENYOUNG
SEO Meta Description: Smoke DZA and Popular Democracy release We Outside, produced by Mike & Keys, featuring Benny the Butcher, Bun B, BIG K.R.I.T. and rising unsigned Bronx artist WHOISTEVENYOUNG.
NEW YORK, NY — November 2, 2026 — Harlem hip-hop veteran Smoke DZA has joined forces with Popular Democracy and Grammy-nominated production duo Mike & Keys for We Outside, a six-track hip-hop project combining music, streetwear, and community organizing ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The project brings together established hip-hop heavyweights including Benny the Butcher, Bun B, BIG K.R.I.T., Beanie Sigel, Styles P, and Chip Tha Ripper.
But one name deserves special attention: WHOISTEVENYOUNG, an unsigned singer, songwriter, and producer from the Bronx who appears on two tracks alongside some of the industry's most respected lyricists.
Released November 2, We Outside is available across major streaming platforms and launches alongside a limited-edition fashion collection developed with Union Los Angeles and Barriers.
WHOISTEVENYOUNG: The Unsigned Bronx Artist Making Major Moves
While We Outside features numerous established names, the inclusion of WHOISTEVENYOUNG highlights the opportunities independent artists can create without traditional major-label backing.
Hailing from the Bronx, New York, WHOISTEVENYOUNG has developed a versatile musical identity that blends contemporary R&B, hip-hop, soulful melodies, and New York storytelling.
His career spans singing, songwriting, music production, and collaborations with prominent recording artists.
On We Outside, WHOISTEVENYOUNG appears on two records:
“Statue of Limitation” featuring Benny the Butcher and WHOISTEVENYOUNG.
“1v1 vs. The System” featuring Reuben Vincent and WHOISTEVENYOUNG.
These placements introduce his artistry to audiences following Smoke DZA, Benny the Butcher, and the wider underground hip-hop community.
For an unsigned artist, securing two appearances on a culturally significant project represents another meaningful addition to an already growing catalog of collaborations.
From Dave East and Snoop Dogg to the Bosco Soundtrack
WHOISTEVENYOUNG is no stranger to working with recognizable names in hip-hop.
His earlier collaborations include work associated with Dave East, Snoop Dogg, French Montana, and DDG.
One of his notable releases, “Love You More,” draws inspiration from 50 Cent's classic “21 Questions” and appears in connection with the 2024 film Bosco.
The song's music video features Snoop Dogg and Dave East, demonstrating WHOISTEVENYOUNG's ability to contribute to records alongside major recording artists.
He also contributed to “Make It Back,” a song connected to the Bosco soundtrack featuring French Montana and DDG.
His catalog includes additional releases such as “Shook Up,” “WHO DO YOU LOVE,” “GIRL IDK,” and “Shawty Got Luv.”
Despite these industry connections, WHOISTEVENYOUNG has continued to build his reputation as an unsigned artist, combining independent releases with collaborative opportunities.
His journey reflects a growing reality in the music business: artists can develop meaningful industry relationships, secure placements, and build recognizable catalogs without first signing a traditional major-label recording agreement.
Smoke DZA and Mike & Keys Assemble an Impressive Tracklist
Produced by Mike & Keys, We Outside features six records combining lyrical hip-hop, contemporary production, and socially conscious themes.
Official tracklist:
“Exact Change” featuring Kai Ca$h and Fergie Baby
“Statue of Limitation” featuring Benny the Butcher and WHOISTEVENYOUNG
“We Gon Be Straight” featuring BIG K.R.I.T.
“Diamonds Can't Save You” featuring Beanie Sigel and Styles P
“1v1 vs. The System” featuring Reuben Vincent and WHOISTEVENYOUNG
“Food for Thought” featuring Chip Tha Ripper and Bun B
The project places artists from different generations and regions of hip-hop on one release.
For WHOISTEVENYOUNG, appearing twice on the six-track project creates additional visibility among audiences already familiar with some of the genre's most established performers.
Popular Democracy Uses Hip-Hop to Encourage Civic Participation
The collaboration is part of Popular Democracy's broader effort to connect cultural expression with grassroots organizing.
Popular Democracy is a network of 49 grassroots organizations across 33 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Its work focuses on issues including housing affordability, healthcare, economic justice, immigration, voting rights, and community representation.
According to the project's announcement, We Outside was developed to encourage communities to participate in civic life and make their voices heard.
Smoke DZA emphasized that hip-hop has always been connected to community identity and the importance of people telling their own stories.
The November 2 release places the project immediately ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Union Los Angeles and Barriers Bring “We Outside” Into Streetwear
Alongside the music, Popular Democracy has partnered with Union Los Angeles and Barriers to introduce a limited-edition capsule collection.
The collection includes hoodies, sweatshirts, and T-shirts, extending the project's cultural identity beyond streaming services.
The combination of hip-hop, fashion, and grassroots organizing creates a multifaceted campaign built around recognizable artists and established cultural brands.
It also demonstrates how music releases can connect with audiences through multiple forms of creative expression.
Why WHOISTEVENYOUNG's Involvement Matters
For independent musicians, visibility is often one of the biggest challenges.
WHOISTEVENYOUNG's participation in We Outside adds another notable credit to a career that already includes soundtrack placements and collaborations with established performers.
His story is particularly relevant to emerging artists throughout New York City.
Coming from the Bronx, a borough central to hip-hop's origins, WHOISTEVENYOUNG represents a generation of independent artists navigating the industry through songwriting, production, collaboration, and digital distribution.
His ability to move between R&B melodies and hip-hop collaborations provides flexibility across different musical environments.
With two appearances on We Outside, he has another opportunity to introduce his sound to listeners who may be discovering him for the first time.
For artists building careers outside the traditional label system, that kind of exposure can be an important step toward expanding an audience and developing future opportunities.
Where to Listen to “We Outside”
We Outside, presented by Smoke DZA and Popular Democracy and produced by Mike & Keys, is available beginning November 2, 2026, on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube, and Amazon Music.
Listen to the project: https://mypowermyvote.org/weoutside
Discover WHOISTEVENYOUNG: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/whoistevenyoung/1660233002
Read Spate Media's original WHOISTEVENYOUNG artist profile: https://www.spatehiphopnews.com/2024/08/spate-profile-whoistevenyoung.html
With an established Harlem rapper leading the project, major hip-hop figures contributing verses, and independent artists like WHOISTEVENYOUNG gaining additional exposure, We Outside connects multiple generations of New York and national hip-hop talent.
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