Player-ism is Back to the Forefront

This album release party had been planned for months. After several mishaps, outside of anyone’s control, the event location changed multiple times. But to quote Rixh, “There ain’t nothing bigger than the program,” and that includes venue changes and performing on pollen-polluted rooftops.

The Program for Players album release party kicked off Sunday, April 6, with Rixh greeting a full rooftop of fans and supporters at Juan’s Rooftop & Cantina. Hip Hop & Melodic masterfully curated the rooftop day-party vibes.

Listen to P2P Rixh & MG’s Program for Players on all DSPs.

Now, for all intents and purposes, this was a party—and not just any party, but one designed for the player. Everyone came in their best drip: vintage Evisu, gold chains, fitted caps. It felt like the place to be. This might’ve been one of the only parties where the men had more dance moves than the ladies—real talk—niggas really squabbled up. Black joy has many faces. This was one of them. At this point, Richmond is slowly catching on to the petite but potent power and presence of Ronnie Luxe. She opened with her lead single “Breathe,” and the West Coast party energy took over the rest of the evening.

With additional performances from Oakland’s PressGod and King Dolo, the bar was raised, and the collective joy of the community levitated.

Pay2Play Rixh and MG closed out the night with several records from the new album, but not before bringing Luxe back out for one of the final songs, “Smile.” A chill track that reminds listeners to smile through the pain and lean into joy. They wrapped with “Run It Up,” the lead single. MG—the Mac without the Roni—ran it back twice, and the rooftop at Juan’s felt like it might lift off. It was a strong indication of how lit the summer will be, and how even thought that pollen was heavy, the love was heavier.