11/18/2025
$TYLJA aka Daraja Hakizimana of My Block Recordz Announces Two New Upcoming Projects — “Testing the Waters” & “Rock The Block” — Set to Drop Through Jay-Z’s New Indie Roc Nation Platform
In a major move for independent music, $TYLJA — the rising force out of My Block Recordz — has officially announced two upcoming projects, titled “Testing the Waters” and “Rock The Block.” Both releases will roll out through Jay-Z’s brand-new independent Roc Nation Distribution platform, marking a defining new chapter for the artist and his label.
Roc Nation’s new open platform empowers independent talent with major-grade distribution, analytics, and ownership while giving artists control and an 85% royalty structure. For $TYLJA, this is more than a release—it’s a strategic launch into a wider industry landscape while maintaining complete creative freedom.
A Two-Phase Artistic Evolution
“Testing the Waters” – The Transitional Chapter
“Testing the Waters” represents growth, experimentation, and elevation. Here, $TYLJA explores new sounds and expands his creative palette, signaling an evolution from raw street perspective into a more dynamic artistic range. It’s a project that captures the moment before the breakthrough—the calm before the flood.
“Rock The Block” – The Takeover Begins
“Rock The Block,” the follow-up project, embodies high energy, raw intensity, and street dominance. This release is built for the neighborhoods that raised him—an anthem-driven, block-first project that cements his identity, his roots, and his mission to shake the industry from the ground up.
Together, these two projects tell a full story: elevation, transformation, and takeover.
A Perfect Alignment With Roc Nation’s New Indie Era
Jay-Z’s new platform gives artists like $TYLJA aka Daraja Hakizimana and labels like My Block Recordz the opportunity to scale without selling out. For $TYLJA, it means:
Full independence
Retaining master ownership
Access to global distribution
Power to manage drops, data, and marketing
A wider industry reach without label restrictions
This marks the beginning of a more empowered era for My Block Recordz—and $TYLJA aka Daraja Hakizimana is leading from the front.
The Road Ahead
With “Testing the Waters” and “Rock The Block,” $TYLJA enters a new level of artistry and ambition. Backed by My Block Recordz and strengthened by Roc Nation’s indie infrastructure, he stands ready to bring the Block to a different world stage.
Written & Edited by Julie Monroe + RocNation + MBM11
