Gavin Mays (born 1989), better known by his stage name Cities Aviv, is an American rapper and record producer from Memphis, Tennessee.

Early life

Gavin Mays was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended Overton High School and Cordova High School. At the age of 20, he dropped out of the University of Memphis, where he studied journalism.

Career

Prior to his career as a rapper, Mays was a lead singer of a hardcore punk band, Copwatch. During his involvement with the band, he began experimenting with hip hop music, eventually making a 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 Spin or spinning most often refers to: * Spinning (textiles), the creation of yarn or thread by twisting fibers together, traditionally by hand spinning * Spin, the rotation of an object around a central axis * Spin (propaganda), an intentionally b ...

''. In 2012, he released his follow-up mixtape, ''Black Pleasure'', through streetwear company Mishka NYC's record label before signing to Young One Records. After releasing the "URL IRL" single in 2013, he released his debut studio album, ''

Come to Life ''Come to Life'' is the fourth studio album released by Australian singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia. It became the first album to be released on her self-funded label, Malabar Records. Songwriting Although recording for the album began in ...

'', on Young One Records in 2014. In 2018, he released ''Raised for a Better View''.

Musical style and influences

Cities Aviv is known for his eclectic production style. His songs sample various artists of different genres. His influences include Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG,

Black Moon Black Moon may refer to: * Black moon, one of four astronomical events involving new or dark moons * Black Moon (person) (c. 1821–1893), Lakota (American Indian) headman * Black Moon or Lilith (hypothetical moon), a hypothetical natural satelli ...

, Big Pun, Non Phixion, and soul music, as well as rock music acts Joy Division and Deftones. Critics also noted post-punk influences on his works, accompanied by lyrical references to Joy Division and Psychic TV. Cities Aviv's rapping style and flow was compared to those of

RZA Robert Fitzgerald Diggs (born July 5, 1969), better known by his stage name the RZA ( ), is an American rapper, actor, filmmaker, and record producer. He is the ''de facto'' leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, having produced most albums ...

and MC Ride of Death Grips.

Discography

Studio albums

* ''

'' (Young One Records, 2014) * ''Your Discretion Is Trust'' (2015) * ''Immortal Flame'' (2020) * ''Gum'' (2020) * ''Accompanied by a Blazing Solo'' (2020) * ''The Crashing Sound of How It Goes'' (Total Works / PTP, 2021) * ''Man Plays the Horn'' (2022) * ''Working Title for the Album Secret Waters (2022)''

Mixtapes

* '' Digital Lows'' (2011) * ''Black Pleasure'' (2012) * ''Raised for a Better View'' (2018)

Singles

* "Coastin" (2011) * "Wet Dream" (2011) * "Flex Your Gold" (2012) * "I Want All" (2012) * "URL IRL" (2013) * "If I Could Hold Your Soul" (2017) * "WAYS OF THE WORLD" (2021) * "CINEMA CLUB" (2022)

Guest appearances

* Lushlife - "She's a Buddhist, I'm a Cubist" from '' Plateau Vision'' (2012) *

Knifefight Knifefight is a hip hop duo consisting of rapper Beans and producer Mux Mool. The six-track EP, ''Knifefight'', was released on Anticon on September 3, 2013. It featured guest appearances from Cities Aviv, Kool A.D., and Sub Con. The EP was de ...

- "Torn Victor" from ''Knifefight'' (2013) * Mr. Flash - "Number One" from ''Sonic Crusader'' (2014) *

Mykki Blanco Mykki Blanco (born April 2, 1986) is an American rapper, performance artist, poet and activist. She has collaborated musically with artists including Kanye West, Teyana Taylor, and Blood Orange. Early life Blanco was born in Orange County, Cal ...

- "Moshin in the Front" from '' Gay Dog Food'' (2014) * Nasty Nigel - "Home Box Office" from ''El Ultimo Playboy: La Vida Y Los Tiempos De Nigel Rubirosa'' (2016) * Show Me the Body - "Stress" from ''Corpus I'' (2017) * Beach Fossils - "Rise" from '' Somersault'' (2017) Productions * Antwon - "During Mimis" from '' Heavy Hearted in Doldrums'' (2014)

References

External links

Cities Aviv
at Bandcamp * {{DEFAULTSORT:Aviv, Cities 1989 births Living people Rappers from Memphis, Tennessee Musicians from Memphis, Tennessee African-American male rappers American male rappers African-American record producers American hip hop record producers Alternative hip hop musicians American punk rock singers African-American rock musicians 21st-century American rappers 21st-century American male musicians 21st-century African-American musicians 20th-century African-American people