Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.
Bio
Rose Mercado, widely known as “Photobombshell”, is an award-winning cultural media strategist, producer, and storyteller dedicated to amplifying independent voices across music, podcasting, and creative industries.
Stories (21)
Filter by community
Mr. Pap Star Album Review (2026)
There’s something to be said about an artist who knows exactly who he is and then spends 13 tracks proving it. On Mr. Pap Star, Pap Star embodies confident dominance. The album feels like a manifesto, a therapy session, a victory lap, and a late-night confession booth all wrapped in bass-heavy production and fearless genre play. It’s cohesive without being predictable, and that’s the magic that is Pap.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.about 15 hours ago in Beat
Matty Tosca on Film, Fame, and New Music
In today’s interview, I had the chance to sit down with Matty Tosca, a true force in the creative world who’s proving there are no limits to what one person can achieve. From spitting bars as a rapper to making waves as a filmmaker and screenwriter, Matty has built a multi-layered career that stretches far beyond the music scene. He’s also a podcaster, sports manager, and producer, and his hustle is relentless. We dive deep into his journey, the mindset that keeps him pushing boundaries, and how he juggles it all while staying true to his roots. Let’s get into it!
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.about a year ago in Beat
“Bad Decisions Through My Visions” Premiere Connects with New Yorkers
Step into the vibrant streets of Harlem, New York, as Cookie the Comedian unveils a comedic masterpiece with her web series, “Bad Decisions Through My Visions.” This captivating series entertains with signature Cookie realness immersing you in the culture of Harlem. Cookie the Comedian, known for her unique blend of humor and authenticity, brings to life the daily trials of dynamic characters navigating through the city that never sleeps.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.2 years ago in Beat
AL99 Shines on The Showcase Tour in Clifton, New Jersey
The Showcase Tour is an event platform offering emerging artists, musicians, and performers a chance to exhibit their talents on stage. Typically organized as a series of live showcase events in various cities, The Showcase Tour provides a platform for up-and-coming talent to present their skills. Artists can connect with new audiences, network with fellow artists, and potentially gain exposure within the entertainment industry. On November 30, 2023, The Showcase Tour arrived in Clifton, New Jersey, and when I learned AL99 was on the flyer, I snatched up my ticket.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.2 years ago in Beat
NYC’s Most Talented Brings Light to New York Underground Music
On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, hundreds of music lovers and independent artists hopped in the elevator up to the sixth floor of 617 46th Street to experience the real New York independent music scene at The Penthouse. The privately hosted event, NYC’s Most Talented, was presented by Summer Fest, Gas Gawds, and Trappers Only Show, bringing talent and party vibes from all the boroughs, New Jersey, Maryland, and one artist from as far as Illinois.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.3 years ago in Beat
Premium Stage Concert Volume 2: New York on Stage
New York has no shortage of talent or opportunities to show it off despite what you may have heard. This past weekend, Dope Music Monopoly Premium Stage Concert Volume 2: Red Gino Showcase provided both. Volume 2 proved to be a noteworthy event in Brooklyn and part of a performance series that local (and traveling) artists should keep on their radar. If you are looking for a great time or stage time, this series is a valuable opportunity to perform, network, and build those entertainer chops.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.3 years ago in Beat
Underrated Indies
There are just a few weeks left until 2022, and it has been nothing short of a remarkable year. As someone always on the hunt for new music and rising stars, I have unearthed my fair share of independent artist and musician gems in 2021. In no particular order, here are my top ten independent artists that you need to hear in 2021. Happy Listening!
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.4 years ago in Beat
Dutch Brown’s Lyrically Loaded “Deus Per Vicos” LP is Poised to Smash Records
Dutch Brown has released a masterpiece, carefully crafted and poured over, from the title to the intricately laid rap bars in his latest LP, 'Deus Per Vicos.' The title, translating to "God through the villages," explains a lot about Dutch. Dutch Brown's history on the streets, in cipher after cipher, refining his craft day in and day out, eventually caused a buzz in New York without the help of social media. Dutch's talent, lyricism, and gritty energy, were discussed far and wide, and the news about someone spitting heat traveled by word of mouth. I can only expect with this latest project that the good news about 'Deus Per Vicos' will surely go just as far, if not exponentially farther, given the well-laid plans for its release.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.4 years ago in Beat
Loving The Game
Today I had the pleasure of checking out the newly released song from D.A. (also known under the performance name of Most Official), entitled "Loving The Game." To understand the piece and the journey more completely, let me share a little about the artist. D.A. and I crossed paths on the 'gram, as with most musicians I connect with, and while talking about artist services, he shared his unique and incredible journey with his life's passion: music. D.A. is an independent artist from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area of Minnesota with a long and impressive past in the industry. In 2008, as Most Official, he placed second out of over 30,000 entrants in the Loud.com competition, scored a record contract with SRC/Universal, eventually exited that contract, took a break from the business to pursue life, and is now back with a ton of head knowledge and more than an ounce of heart learning. As a seasoned hip-hop artist influenced by the heavy hitters and greats of the '90s, you'll hear that vibe, energy, and sound come through in all of his work. "Loving The Game" is no outlier from his signature, sharing a focused message that hip-hop is not dead.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.4 years ago in Beat
Meet the Artist: Pap Star
One of the easiest ways to find new music for me these days, particularly independent music, seems to be scrolling through Instagram at 3:00 am. I'm tired, impressionable, and looking to soothe that Millenial Anxiety. I get loads of music suggestions from the playlists that I curate, from music-loving friends and connections in my DMs, but I find a certain level of satisfaction when I hunt down a well-mixed melodic rap with solid bars all on my own (with the help of the algorithm). While I didn't find the artist I am sharing today through a late-night scroll, I did connect with him through the 'gram and have loved every post and reel since - for real.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.4 years ago in Beat
Independent Artist, 2woAM, Releases Full Moon
Shortly after midnight on January 18, 2022, a familiar notification blinked on my phone screen. It was an Instagram DM. It was my favorite type of message; a link to a newly released album. Because my friends are so incredibly dope, it isn't rare that a new song, track, beat, or project comes my way in the late hours, but this one was a surprise. I opened the link, added the project to my New New 2022 playlist, and immediately caught a vibe. The project, Full Moon from 2woAM, is a slow ride, and I know anyone who trusts my curation will fall in love with this one.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.4 years ago in Beat
RichFraz Releases 'Tale of Two Kingz'
Happy New Year! The turn of the new year is fitting for a change of pace, change of plans, or refocusing professional goals. Working closely with artist and MC, RichFraz for the past several years, I can say with confidence that he most certainly took advantage of the new year to turn over a new leaf musically. RichFraz has developed and finely tuned his sound, his brand as an artist and musician, and is finally ready to show people what he can do on the microphone. If you have not yet heard of the rapper/singer/songwriter, I'll briefly walk you through how he got here in 2022 with the release of his first album, Tale of Two Kingz.
By Rose "Photobombshell" Mercado, M.A.Ed.4 years ago in Beat
