P will Earned His at Phresher’s PassTheAux x Still Got The Juice Spring Kickoff in NYC by NWO Sparrow

More than 250 attendees watched independent artists test records, and P.Will left with one of the loudest buzz. By Nwo Sparrow

Last Tuesday night, PassTheAux and Still Got The Juice returned for its first-quarter show of 2026, turning The Penthouse into a packed proving ground for artists hoping to make noise before summer officially takes over the city. With more than 250 attendees inside the Manhattan venue, the night felt less like a typical showcase and more like a live preview of what New York’s independent scene is preparing to unleash over the next few months.

The concept was simple but effective. Artists shared the aux, played their newest records, and tested fresh music in front of a crowd made up of tastemakers, media personalities, and peers who understand when a song has real momentum. The room carried that familiar New York energy where every set felt like an opportunity to shift somebody’s opinion or create a new fan on the spot.

That energy started early. Q Garcons also known as the neighborhood shakepeare opened the evening and set the tone with a confident introduction that eased the crowd into the showcase. Soon after, Phantom took over and leaned into melodic records that immediately brought a vibier but polished sound to the opening run of performances. His approach worked because it gave the crowd something atmospheric before the night moved into more aggressive records.

Then came one of the first standout moments. Eugene Black brought out a track that sampled Big Pun’s classic “I Don’t Wanna Be a Player,” and the record hit exactly how a sample flip should in a room full of New Yorkers. The nostalgia pulled listeners in, but it was Eugene’s stage command that made the performance land. He turned what could have been a simple homage into one of the stronger live moments of the early set.

As the night pushed forward, the sounds kept shifting. DaleXd delivered a chaotic, bass-heavy performance with a record that felt inspired by Playboi Carti’s rage-era sound. The energy was loud, unpredictable, and clearly designed for a younger crowd that thrives on distorted 808s and moshpit-ready production. Easy McGrady followed with “Really Don’t,” bringing a more grounded delivery, while Luxarie kept the momentum going with “Twerkin in My Jeans,” a track that leaned into nightlife and club-ready bounce.

Beyond the stage, the event drew a notable mix of faces from across the city’s entertainment scene. Kyle Bethel and Neek Bucks were both in attendance, adding a visible mainstream co-sign to a lineup filled mostly with emerging acts. Several recognizable NYC media personalities also moved through the venue, which made the night feel like more than just a listening session. It was a networking hub where artists were not only performing but quietly making the connections that could shape their next move.

Food from Mandy's Lasagna added to the experience, giving the event a community feel that made it easier for artists and attendees to stay locked in through the night. That balance between performance and hospitality gave the showcase a stronger sense of intention.

Still, one artist separated himself from the rest.

P will, representing Minneapolis, delivered what many in the room would likely call the best performance of the night. While several artists came prepared with strong records, P will had something harder to teach , presence. The second he touched the mic, the room shifted. His delivery was sharp, his confidence felt natural, and his songs carried the kind of conviction that makes an unfamiliar artist instantly memorable. In a showcase built around first impressions, P will made the strongest one.

Another crowd mover came from Business, whose track “Where My Money At” sparked an immediate reaction. The production cleverly used the Mario coin sound effect, which gave the song a playful but infectious edge. Combined with his long gold trench coat and striking visual presence, Business understood how to make the room remember him beyond just the music.

As spring begins, PassTheAux and Still Got The Juice proved that nights like these are where summer records often begin. Some songs may never leave these rooms. Others will soundtrack the city in a few months. Last Tuesday, at The Penthouse, artists were not just sharing songs. They were auditioning for New York’s summer.