Cities Aviv

Wilbert Gavin Mays (born May 16, 1989), better known by his stage name Cities Aviv, is an American rapper and record producer from Memphis, Tennessee. He is also the founder of the independent record label Total Works (also known as D.O.T.)

Early life Gavin Mays was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 the lead singer of a hardcore punk band, Copwatch, as well as a roadie for his friend's bands. In 2011, he released his debut mixtape, Digital Lows, which received positive reviews from music publications such as Pitchfork and Spin.

In 2012 he relocated to New York and released his follow-up mixtape, BLACK PLEASURE, through streetwear company Mishka NYC's record label before signing to Young One Records. Shortly thereafter the label ceased operations.

He subsequently released his sophomore album Your Discretion Is Trust on Collect Records in 2015. This same record was later given an official release by Ormolycka. This album had a mixed reaction among fans compared to the rapturous praise of Come To Life. The main thing that caused fans to react in such way was the new industrial sound that Mays was going for on this album.

In 2018, he released Raised for a Better View, which forged his canonical outré punk approach together with a new solemn & angular sound . This album was the 1st edition on Total Works (also known as D.O.T. [Division of Total]). Since then all of Cities Aviv's output as well as an eclectic array of other artist's projects has been distributed by the label.

In 2021, Mays released THE CRASHING SOUND OF HOW IT GOES via D.O.T Records. The album has been described as "an hour-long meditation". Compared to its predecessors, this album saw Mays focus more on writing again. A limited run of cassettes designed by Geng PTP was sold after the initial release. Critics also noted post-punk influences on his works,

Discography

As Cities Aviv

Studio albums 2014 – Come to Life 2015 – Your Discretion Is Trust 2018 – Raised For A Better View 2020 – Immortal Flame 2020 – (SCORE) 2020 – GUM 2020 – Accompanied by a Blazing Solo 2021 – THE CRASHING SOUND OF HOW IT GOES 2022 – MAN PLAYS THE HORN 2022 – Working Title for the Album Secret Waters 2024 – Cafe Tom Tom 2025 – Electric Chair 2026 – EVEN COLDER SPRING

EPs 2011 - Coastin’ 2013 - AVI. 2020 - SUBARU EXIT HATCH 2024 – Bernadette Leak 2025 - Slacks

Mixtapes 2011 – Digital Lows 2012 – BLACK PLEASURE

Compilations 2024 - Archive & Practice 001 2025 - The Revolving Star: Archive & Practice 002

Singles 2011 – "Wet Dream" 2012 – "Flex Your Gold" 2012 – "I Want All" 2013 – "URL IRL" 2016 – "Melanin Drop" 2017 – "If I Could Hold Your Soul" 2018 – "Black on Earth / Thorns" 2018 – "Say No More" 2018 – "Get up with Time" 2020 – "Life’s Only Valid Expression" 2021 – "love. fool. revue." 2021 – "Episodes" 2021 – "WAYS OF THE WORLD" 2022 – "CINEMA CLUB" 2025 - “patchwork demo”

Guest appearances

Production Credits