Diverse Artist Giles Gets Back in the Game with a Motivational, Soulful Hip Hop Single, “Alive”

ORLANDO, FL - Few doubt the talents of Alvin Giles. He is an accomplished producer, audio engineer, arranger, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter. After a ten-year hiatus, and under a new moniker; Giles, formally known as Vthov, makes his return as a musical artist. 

Blending genres like a pro, Giles fuses hip hop, r&b, and soul with a myriad of intriguing elements from other genres. While his resume proves he can perfect any style, he returns to his hip hop roots for "Alive".

“I’m reintroducing the world to me as an artist and feel that ‘Alive’ perfectly encapsulates what I have to offer,” said Giles. 

“While seeing my contemporaries’ careers grow, it felt like my career as a rapper was dead. I needed a reboot,” he said. “‘Alive’ is first, a message to me. I’m letting myself know that I am standing on the shoulders of giants and have what it takes. I can overcome adversity.”

But after ten years, can Giles get back in the game as a contender? 

While the world is coming out of a long pandemic, Giles’s return could not be timelier – and he delivers. “We’ve all suffered,” he said. “This pandemic is the first time in modernity that the human race can unite under the shared title of survivor.” 

Back Rank Records will drop the single on March 11th, along with a lyric video on streaming platforms. Giles is the CEO and founder of Back Rank Records. 

“Alive” begins with a soulful keyboard and is transformed into a big synth anthem. Giles takes listeners on a trip over the decades to create a timeless classic. Giles combines soulful vibes and hip-hop elements to create “Alive.” From the energetic big synth hook to the verse that flows with groovy 70s keyboard licks, the bass drum is the track’s heartbeat. When you think the song cannot get any better, Giles throws in some rock power chords for good measure making the hook explode with energy.

“My hip hop seeks musicality via instrumentation, chord progressions, and basslines,” explained Giles. “I write songs with rich melodies and harmonies as the framework.”

Sonically Giles’ style stands out, but there is more to his music - a deep meaning resonates in “Alive.”

“There’s so much clout and swag rapping, but for me, there is so much more that hip hop can bring instead of just talking shit. My music is introspective and self-reflecting. I dive deeper than just material possession and machismo,” said Giles. 

Born and raised in Orlando, Giles’s mission is to bring music to the people. He hits all the marks with “Alive” that exceeds its lyrical context and propels him back into the industry as a performer to watch. 

“‘Alive’ is very relevant for the times we are living in. It’s an anthem for people who feel they need a win,” said Giles. “When you hear the chorus, you’ll want to get back in the game, and get that W.” 

While Giles plans to release more singles in the future, listeners love the 3:33 minutes of “Alive.” 

“This song is for people who have suffered, which is all of us,” he said. “Hopefully, ‘Alive’ can reach the underdogs of the world and put a little wind in their sails.”

Make sure to stay connected to Giles on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

Connect:

Website: https://gilesmusic.com

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B000QJI4E4/giles

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/giles/1612668569

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/officialgilesmusic

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/68TzkIrPgDqHPko5ZHvxqV

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OfficialGilesMusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGilesMusic

Instagram: http://instagram.com/officialgilesmusic/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialgilesmusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Official_Giles

Views: 168

▶ Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

WIN TICKETS

Hugel
Saturday, Nov 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Bonobo
Saturday, Nov 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Pretty Lights
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 19-21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Ozomatli
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Bluesky Instagram TikTok Linktree

Subscribe to Our E-Blast

Members

Latest Activity

A video by Editor's Pick was featured

Jungle: Tiny Desk Concert

It's hard for any band to make the old sound completely new, but Jungle has spent much of the past decade transforming vintage soul and R&B into something almost alien. The grooves are deep and warmly familiar, with wistful reflections on love and…
1 hour ago
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Unify with Motown on Mondays DJs Malachi  & DJ Tek Neek at Sessions, Oakland

November 13, 2026 from 9pm to 11:45pm
Friday Oct 9thUnifysound and Sessions Presents UnifySounds by Motown Monday DJsDj Malachi Dj Tek Neek@ Sessions, 406 15th St., Oakland  9pm-2am | No CoverMore Info: https://sessionson15th.com/See More
7 hours ago
2 videos by Editor's Pick were featured
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted a status
"Welcome True Skoolers, we just revamped the website. Feel free to explore all the features!"
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted videos
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Outside Lands 2027 at Golden Gate Park, SF

August 6, 2027 from 12pm to 11pm
August 6, 7 and 8, 2027 OUTSIDE LANDSGolden Gate Park San Francisco, CAFriday, August 6 | Show: 12:00pmSaturday, August 7 | Show: 12:00pmSunday, August 8 | Show: 12:00pmThis festival is all ages. Tickets coming soon.>> MORE INFOSee More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Eric Andre: Subtle at Fox Theater, Oakland

May 19, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
Wednesday, May 19, 2027 ERIC ANDRE: SUBTLEFox Theater 1807 Telegraph Ave,Oakland, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmThis event is 18 and over.>> BUY TICKETSSee More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Fat Tuesday Celebration With Rebirth Brass Band at The Chapel, SF

February 9, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
Tuesday, February 9, 2027 FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION WITH REBIRTH BRASS BANDNOLA Food & Drink Specials + East Bay Brass Band at CurioThe Chapel 777 Valencia Street,San Francisco, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmThis event is all ages.>> BUY TICKETSSee More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Marian Hill at Bimbo's 365 Club, SF

March 1, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
Monday, March 01, 2027 MARIAN HILLACT TWO: THE TOURBimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus Ave,San Francisco, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmThis event is 18 and over.>> BUY TICKETSSee More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Tinashe at Fox Theater, Oakland

May 13, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
May 13 and 14, 2027 TINASHETHE SHOW MUST GO ONFox Theater 1807 Telegraph Ave,Oakland, CAThursday, May 13 (SOLD OUT)Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmFriday, May 14 (2nd show added by popular demand)Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmThis event is all ages.>> BUY TICKETSSee More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Lucky Daye at The Warfield, SF

April 8, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
Thursday, April 8, 2027 LUCKY DAYEThe Warfield 982 Market Street,San Francisco, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm>> BUY TICKETSSee More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Ibeyi at The Fillmore, SF

January 27, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
Wednesday, January 27, 2027 IBEYIThe Fillmore 1805 Geary Boulevard,San Francisco, CAShow: 8:00pm>> BUY TICKETSSee More
Wednesday

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service