Hip-hop lyricist Donovan Payne AKA 88 Killa is released his sophomore EP “88 BPM” on Aug. 5 worldwide with lead track “Boomerang.” 88 Killa, or Killa for short, will be releasing his new set of tracks on international record label and music agency DEFDISCO, which he signed to in November 2015. Since the release of his debut EP in December 2015 on the label, the rapper has made waves in his hometown of Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond with his melodic hip-hop tracks and charismatic personality. The smooth flow and clever wordplay on 88 Karats was just a small preview of the talent and artistry the artist has in store for us on his forthcoming EP.

Payne now goes by 88 Killa, known for his wide array of mink coats, sick rhymes, dope beats, and obsession with all things BMW. “When I was growing up,” said Killa of being a luxury automobile enthusiast, “my uncle always said, ‘Black men drive BMW’s.’ I looked up to him and of course, he had a BMW, so I always saw them as a sign of success and wealth.” The artist’s debut EP as Killa, titled “88 Karats,” featured fellow Brain Gang Misfits including female rapper Sam Lao, producer Ish D, rapper/producer Blue, The Misfit, and Picnictyme, a member of Erykah Badu’s Cannabinoids camp. As Killa, Payne has shared the stage with internationally-touring artists such as Cam’ron, Wiz Khalifa, Danny Brown, Biz Markie, and Big Freedia. Killa’s catchy lyrics and unapologetic beats has landed him a nomination in 2016 as “Dallas’ Best Music Artist” by Pulse Music TV and an international record deal with British label and music agency DEFDISCO.

The new EP “88 BPM” was recorded in Payne’s hometown of Fort Worth, Texas at Ish D’s Alpha and Omega Studios and mastered at Kitchen Studios by OZ (Sam Lao/Young Bleed/Baby Bash/Lil Flip/Malice). The artist brought in Texas based producers Blue, The Misfit, Ish D, Devin Canady, and Kartel Kush to record the album. The result is a collection of high-energy, confidence-boosting tracks with wide appeal. It’s unforgiving, fresh, and in your face – uniquely crafted and performed in Killa’s signature Busta Rhymes-esque rasp. For fans of Cam’ron, Dom Kennedy, Curren$y, Too Short, and LL Cool J, the new EP shows Killa’s strength as a rapper and his ability to construct lyrically-witty tracks.

The album will be available for purchase via iTunes, the artist’s website, and through major online retailers. For more information on 88 Killa, please visit www.88killa.com.