Philly duo creates platform for underground hip-hop artists

SleepWalker Entertainment is a freeform archival project that thoroughly explores underground hip-hop and the community that surrounds it. They have covered artists from Philadelphia to Chicago, New York City and St. Louis—even as far as South Africa.

SleepWalker began in 2018 by Amari Newman and his then-college roommate Quentin Zimbalist as a radio show on Oberlin College’s radio station WOBC, based in Ohio. Since its inception, their mission has remained the same—help upcoming artists through interviews and exposure. 

Early on, the show primarily followed contemporary hip-hop, focusing on a certain year or relevant states that are important to the genre. However, Newman didn’t want SleepWalker to be the same as other platforms, he instead wanted to make it more engaging and personable. 

“I’d say we’re different from other platforms in our end goal and reasoning behind what we do. We look to cover rappers, producers and artists that are shaping the all around community of the genre,” said Newman, who helped organize Sleepwalker Entertainment’s show in Fishtown over the weekend. 

He adds that SleepWalker isn’t necessarily looking for the “hottest” artist out who has the most views or controversy surrounding them. But instead, they are looking for people who are genuinely talented, and those who have had significant influence over the genre but never received proper recognition. 

In Philadelphia specifically SleepWalker Entertainment has interviewed local artists including COWBOYKILLERR, Tethra64, Jarek (Working On Dying), Sayda, Coolaidhippy, Icewaterchase, 5G (Five Finger Posse), DJ FINNAHITALICK, Perseu$, and Slim Yola (Bullshitforsale). 

SleepWalker currently has no studio or office for its operations. Newman and Zimbalist do everything out of their homes. 

SleepWalker has an unofficial partnership with ParklabsPhilly, a studio space based in North Philadelphia, which is where they have been conducting in-person interviews. They have another working partnership with Eleventh Street Worldwide Creative Union, a multifaceted company that has been helping with video recording and editing of content. They also have a working relationship with the music company Exponent Agency. 

It is certainly a team effort.

Looking forward, Newman and Zimbalist plan to ramp up the content they put out—specifically interviews from local artists and individuals around the globe they believe are impacting underground hip-hop. Newman and Zimbalist also plan to organize more artist showcases as well. They’re looking to establish partnerships with brands, companies, and other artists who want to support what they are doing.

For information, visit sleepwalkerent.com