Cities Aviv | Artist
Wilbert Gavin Mays aka Cities Aviv is an American rapper and record producer born 1989 in Memphis, Tennessee. Mays is also the founder of independent record label Total Works (D.O.T). Mays' hazy beats and eclectic production style are influenced by left-of-center rap groups like Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball and MJG, and Black Moon. At the age of 20, Mays dropped out of the University of Memphis, where he studied journalism, to concentrate on music. Prior to becoming a rapper, Mays was the lead singer of a hardcore punk band, Copwatch, as well as a roadie for his friend's bands. During his involvement with the band, he began experimenting with hip hop music, eventually making the full leap into the genre. In 2011 he released his debut mixtape Digital Lows which received positive reviews from music publications such as Pitchfork and Spin, who 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. A year later came the "URL IRL" single along with the album Come to Life. Cities Aviv collaborated with Mykki Blanco and Antwon in 2014, and following his relocation to Brooklyn, he self-released a new digital single "Neutralizer"/"Graced and Blessed," in 2015. The artist really stepped up a gear in 2020, releasing four studio albums, an EP, a Single, and four DJ Mixtapes in the one year, highlighted by two of his finest albums; GUM and Accompanied by a Blazing Solo. Standout releases to-date include the aforementioned GUM and Accompanied by a Blazing Solo (2020), Man Plays the Horn (2022), Working Title for the Album Secret Waters (2022), and The Revolving Star: Archive & Practice 002 (2025). The mixtape Black Pleasure (2012) is also recommended. RYM's Liara nicely captures the mood of GUM with there review: "It has a very ethereal feel to it. Very hazy. And it also feels very lonely. I'm pretty certain that that feel comes from the isolation that the pretty soundscape manages to create. It's pretty sad, too, but it's also comfortable and rewarding.. this album is pretty much flawless". Cities Aviv is known for his eclectic production style. His songs merge styles from his varied influences such as Boris, Jay Dee, Die Tödliche Doris, 8Ball & MJG, Black Moon, James Brown, Throbbing Gristle, and noise music. Critics also noted post-punk influences on his works, accompanied by lyrical references to Joy Division and Psychic TV. The name "Cities Aviv" reflects themes of urban life (Cities) and renewal/new beginnings (Aviv, Hebrew for Spring), symbolizing May's experimental hip-hop sound and focus on Black empowerment and innovation.
Artist Website: dot-audioarts.com
Featured Albums: Cities Aviv
Related Artists: African-American Sound Recordings, W.G.M
