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Exus captures the highs and heartbreaks of ‘Emotional Summer’

Springfield, Massachusetts artist Exus returns with Emotional Summer, a four-track project that embraces the emotional contradictions often tied to the season. Known for making music that prioritizes connection over convention, Exus has built a style that comfortably moves between R&B, alternative R&B, hip-hop, and pop without losing its personal touch. Whether exploring love, confidence, or vulnerability, his songs are driven by feeling first, inviting listeners to find pieces of their own experiences within the music. On Emotional Summer, he continues that approach with a concise release that balances introspection with undeniable replay value.

Each track brings its own character while contributing to the project’s easy-flowing atmosphere. Opener “Tears On My Shirt,” featuring Sy Ari Da Kid, pairs sun-soaked guitar melodies with emotionally charged vocals, creating a bittersweet introduction that lingers long after it ends. “For The Girlies” shifts the mood with lush keyboard textures, airy background harmonies, and a crisp rhythm section that gives Exus plenty of room to showcase his sleek delivery. The vibrant “Pretty Girls” injects dance-inspired energy through colorful production and infectious hooks, before “Broken Girls” slows everything down, closing the project with atmospheric sonics and reflective songwriting that leaves a lasting impression.

With Emotional Summer, Exus delivers a release that feels honest, approachable, and effortlessly versatile. By weaving together polished production with emotionally driven performances, he creates a project that captures both the carefree spirit and quiet complexities of summer.

Listen to Emotional Summer here now:

Connect with Exus: Instagram | X

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Cashus King and Big O reflect on transformation with ‘Water to Wine’

Los Angeles lyricist Cashus King and London-based producer Big O come together on Water to Wine, a collaborative album rooted in reflection, resilience, and personal evolution. Raised in the creative heart of Leimert Park, Cashus King has built his reputation on thoughtful storytelling and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, drawing on hip-hop’s tradition of using music as a vehicle for self-expression and social reflection. Big O, whose career has taken him from the American South to London, complements that vision with soulful, sample-rich production that blends classic hip-hop foundations with a contemporary, genre-fluid approach. Together, they craft a project inspired by the symbolic journey from water to wine, exploring how life’s struggles can become catalysts for growth and renewal.

Across the album, Big O’s warm, cinematic production provides the backdrop for Cashus King’s introspective lyricism, creating a sound that feels both grounded and expansive. “LikWid (Big Fish)” opens with uplifting grooves and confident flows, while “Precipitation,” featuring Fashawn, pairs orchestral textures with vivid, thought-provoking verses. The jazz-infused “Drownin'” offers one of the album’s most vulnerable moments, balancing ethereal instrumentation with reflective storytelling, before “Drippin (Soakin Poems)” shifts the mood through atmospheric electronic flourishes and dynamic vocal performances. Gospel influences emerge on “Holy Water,” where elegant instrumentation underscores deeply considered lyricism, and closing track “Wine” brings the record to an uplifting conclusion, reinforcing its message of perseverance and self-discovery.

With Water to Wine, Cashus King and Big O deliver a cohesive body of work that finds strength in honesty and transformation. Blending soulful production with compelling storytelling, the album offers a thoughtful meditation on growth, reminding listeners that resilience is often forged through life’s greatest challenges.

Listen to Water to Wine here:

Get Water to Wine HERE on Bandcamp and support the artists directly.

Connect with Cashus King: Instagram

Connect with Big O: Instagram

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Sighmon releases atmospheric new single, “Soldier”

Sighmon continues to develop a sound that thrives beyond traditional genre boundaries with his latest single, “Soldier.” Originally from Naples, Florida and now based in Los Angeles, the artist, producer, and songwriter has spent years refining an approach that draws from hip-hop, R&B, indie, and electronic influences while remaining distinctly personal. Built around themes of longing, reflection, and emotional vulnerability, “Soldier” showcases an artist with a natural ability to translate complex feelings into immersive and relatable offerings.

Throughout the track, Sighmon blends warm instrumentation with moody undertones, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and modern. Textured, immersive guitar melodies, rich basslines, and punchy percussion work together to establish a vibrant foundation, while atmospheric production choices add depth and emotional weight. His vocal performance moves between restraint and expressiveness, heightening the sense of yearning that runs through the song.

At the center of “Soldier” is Sighmon’s ability to pair thoughtful songwriting with memorable melodies. The track’s wistful atmosphere and dynamic vocal delivery capture feeling caught in that emotional space between closeness and distance, giving the song a universal quality that lingers long after it ends. Rather than relying on a single influence or formula, Sighmon draws from a diverse musical palette to create something uniquely his own. With “Soldier,” he delivers a compelling release that highlights both his versatility as a musician and his continued growth as a songwriter.

Listen to “Soldier” here now:

Connect with Sighmon: Instagram | X

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Ohzhe Explores Purpose, Perseverance, and Self-Discovery on New EP ‘GLORY’

Ohzhe continues to carve out a distinctive lane with GLORY, a deeply reflective and sonically rich EP that balances introspective lyricism with soulful, immersive production. Rooted in real-life experiences and driven by themes of growth, purpose, and legacy, the project showcases an artist committed to transforming personal insight into universally resonant storytelling.

Throughout GLORY, Ohzhe blends sharp lyricism with a carefully curated sound palette that feels both expansive and grounded. Ethereal sampling, warm soul influences, and raw textures intertwine to create a listening experience that is elegant yet impactful. The production moves effortlessly between moments of contemplation and intensity, providing the perfect foundation for Ohzhe’s thoughtful narratives and commanding delivery.

The project opens with “BORN,” a cathartic introduction that immediately establishes the EP’s emotional depth. Over rich, organic rhythms and layered samples, Ohzhe delivers deeply personal reflections with a captivating flow, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

“ART MONEY” expands the project’s sonic range, blending subtle trap influences with jazzy, atmospheric instrumentation. The track highlights Ohzhe’s versatility as he navigates themes of ambition, creativity, and value with confidence and precision.

One of the EP’s standout moments arrives with “BY FORCE BY FIRE,” a powerful display of focus and determination. The track’s expansive production feels both refreshing and meticulously crafted, while Ohzhe’s energized performance reinforces the project’s recurring themes of resilience and self-belief.

“SUNSHINE” introduces a compelling contrast, pairing bright melodic elements with an underlying sense of tension and mystery. The result is a dynamic backdrop for some of Ohzhe’s most introspective songwriting, as he explores personal growth with honesty and conviction.

The EP concludes with its title track, “GLORY,” a meditative and poignant closer that brings the project’s core ideas into sharp focus. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt lyricism, Ohzhe reflects on authenticity, perseverance, and the pursuit of a meaningful legacy, leaving listeners with a lasting impression.

With GLORY, Ohzhe delivers a cohesive and compelling body of work that highlights both his artistic vision and his growth as a storyteller. Balancing soulful production with thoughtful lyricism, the EP stands as a powerful statement from an artist determined to inspire through both his music and his message.

Listen to GLORY here now:

Watch the music video for “GLORY” here now:

Connect with Ohzhe: Instagram | X

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Seth Narley and Creestal share cinematic, raw EP ‘Prada Cups In The South Of France’

Seth Narley has been steadily building one of the more compelling catalogs coming out of New York’s underground scene. Born in the Bronx, the rapper has spent the last year maintaining an impressive pace, balancing consistency with artistic growth. Releases like Oceans Mondrian and Welcome to the Show showcased his ability to pair vivid writing with focused execution, and his latest collaborative EP with producer Creestal, Prada Cups In The South Of France, feels like another confident step forward.

Across four tracks, Narley and Creestal strike a balance between luxury and grit, creating a project that feels equally cinematic and streetwise. Creestal’s production provides a rich backdrop throughout, blending soulful textures, orchestral flourishes, and understated elegance while leaving plenty of room for Narley’s storytelling to take center stage.

The EP opens with “Jordan On The Baseline,” immediately establishing the project’s atmosphere. Creestal’s sweeping instrumental carries a sense of grandeur without losing its edge, while Narley fills the space with sharp observations and imagery-driven lyricism. The result is a track that feels polished but never overly refined, maintaining the raw energy that runs throughout the project.

That momentum continues on “2 Thousand On The Knicks,” where warm guitar melodies and a driving rhythm section create one of the EP’s most memorable soundscapes. Narley sounds particularly comfortable here, delivering verses with the confidence of an artist fully settled into his style. There’s an ease to his performance that makes the song feel effortless without sacrificing precision.

“Unplugged From Marseille” shifts the mood. Creestal leans into a hazier, more relaxed palette, allowing the record to breathe while expanding its emotional range. Narley adapts naturally, weaving together vivid scenes and charismatic bars that make the track feel less like a detour and more like another layer of the project’s identity.

Closing track “Celia Cruz & Gloria Estefan” brings everything together. Soulful production, subtle gospel influences, and a sense of nostalgia give the song a reflective quality, while Narley’s measured delivery ties the EP’s themes together. It serves as a fitting conclusion to a project built on contrasts—luxury and struggle, refinement and rawness, ambition and reflection.

At just four tracks, Prada Cups In The South Of France doesn’t overstay its welcome. Instead, it leaves a lasting impression through strong chemistry between artist and producer, thoughtful songwriting, and a clear creative vision. For Seth Narley, it’s another reminder that consistency doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality. If anything, this latest release suggests he’s only getting sharper with each project.

Listen to Prada Cups In The South Of France here now:

Listen on more platforms HERE.

Connect with Seth Narley: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

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Sports Boyfriend share bluesy new single “The Best Things in Life Are Free”

(Photo credit/Julia Siegferth)

Ahead of the release of their upcoming full-length album Slice of Life, Sports Boyfriend is back to bless our ears once more with their latest single, “The Best Things in Life Are Free.”

Built using the same formula as the two singles that preceded it, “The Best Things in Life Are Free” thrives on leisurely, muddy guitars, straight-ahead drum work and a heaping dose of yearning melancholy courtesy of lead vocalist Eileen Peltier.

There is a true blues-rock element to Sports Boyfriend’s sound, but they package it in a way that easily appeals to punky 20-somethings and college DIY heads alike.

Peltier delivers some of the most hard-hitting lines of her musical career on the track:

“If life went on forever, and I got everything that I want / I’d still look for you in every room..,” she confesses at te end of the track’s first verse.

Slice of Life will be available on all streaming platforms June 7.

Stream “The Best Things in Life Are Free” here:https://open.spotify.com/album/7iPLF9uZRpH3XdZ7wa0qcc?si=6avjdYk3QCmHc7jBRL7QGg

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Janet Blackwell bridges nostalgia and self-acceptance on “Eulogy”

(Photo credits/Mollie Menuck)

On her brand new single “Eulogy,” singer-songwriter Janet Blackwell patiently charts a path toward destination unknown.

Built upon steady, pulsating acoustic guitars, long legato bass lines and scarce yet efficient percussion, “Eulogy” deals in lyrical dichotomies: yearning for the past while embracing the future, acknowledging past shortcomings while fully accepting yourself as you currently are.

The second single off her forthcoming album Grand Central Star, “Eulogy” also serves as the record’s outro track, neatly tying together the album’s themes of nostalgia and self-acceptance into a cohesive final statement.

Blackwell’s writing is as intimate and diary-like as ever:

“A polaroid picture, no I don’t miss her, and I’ll never see her again/The pills and other poisons, the bills and all the boys, and I’ll never know her again,” she laments, almost longingly.

Grand Central Star will be available on all streaming platforms Friday, May 30.

Stream Eulogy here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2KRIvZGFVOF6uSir725r68?si=Svffm_3tQUmCgAz8JjWOPQ

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Park Hills Circle finds light in the fog on “Unspoke”

(Photo credit/Maren Celeste)

Over a celestial bed of synths and some moaning bass lines, singer-songwriter Maris O’Tierney lifts herself upward from the ocean floor of her own depression.

Her new “Unspoke,” which dropped on May 13 under the umbrella of her new solo project Park Hills Circle, is a nocturnal inner monologue that balances the excitement of new beginnings with a deep longing for a time where things felt just a bit more familiar.

”I was finding the daily rhythms of making my own home, after a period of living with my twin sister, I found myself disoriented by dark depression,” O’Tierney wrote in a post about the song. “Looking for comfort, I took out my classical guitar, and the warm tone of the nylon strings shifted something.”

A degree of sonic contrast slightly separates the new single and the album’s lead single, “Spring is Here.” While the lead cut is built upon off-kilter bass hits, dancing pianos and plucky strings, “Unspoke” finds itself at home over a Great Wall of synths, with the occasional fluttery piano line in the background.

Lyrically, while both songs are steeped in nostalgia and yearning, “Unspoke” is ever so slightly more hopeful:

I can’t tell you why I feel more alive these days/After a certain number of miles, your breath catches up to you,” O’Tierney reflectively croons out.

Park Hills Circle’s debut album All of a Sudden will be out on all platforms on July 10.

Stream “Unspoke” here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6sAkezMCE9QLnlJJi6aI9n?si=O9NX8nxwSgGyFwGh4Il91g

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Mike DFG lights the match on new mixtape ‘HEI$MAN’

Cover Art by TWXNOO

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and on his new project HEI$MAN, Chicago hip-hop artist Mike DFG has lit the match.

Across 11 tracks and a brief 29 minutes, Mike delivers witty, punchy, braggadocious raps over a batch of aggressive, claustrophobic trap beats.

HEI$MAN exists within a subgenre Mike himself has dubbed “anthem rap” — think Denzel Curry’s 2019 project ZUU, or Baby Keem in his most hyped-up moments.

The formula is as simple as it is effective: be as over the top as possible while creating an adrenaline-inducing listening experience that compounds with each song.

Mike gets busy right away on the intro cut “FLU GAME (DARK.),” where he throws out lots of sports-themed bars that pair nicely with the album’s name:

“When in doubt, know my team finna crashout, hit the lockers / First in depth chart, pressure on me, run the option,” he rhymes over a gritty sounding beat.

The energy Mike brings on the opener only intensifies throughout the rest of the tracklist.

“HE$TER,” which appears toward the middle of the album, brings more hyped bars along with some of the heaviest bass hits of any hip-hop song this year. The closing track, “cordial free$tyle.,” sees Mike channeling his inner DMX over soul crushing bass hits and some snappy trap hi-hats.

While HEI$MAN definitely feels more like a messy, informal mixtape one might have found on DatPiff in 2007 than a well-groomed commercial release, that’s kind of the point: it thrives on chaos and informality. 

For that reason, Mike DFG has delivered one of the most satisfyingly off-the-wall releases of the year.

Listen to HEI$MAN here: https://open.spotify.com/album/55hVq046XJQWKumiD0YNPz?si=cqxaHHdcSv6goxn1t1zlAA

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Chloe Jobin continues her healing arc on new single “On the Brightside”

Cover Art by Micci Cohan

Austin-based singer-songwriter Chloe Jobin has been on a musical healing journey as of late. 

On her recent single “Licking My Wounds,” released back in February, Jobin scored a heavenly battle for self-acceptance over wistful, slow-paced guitars and steady building percussion.

Her more recent single “On the Brightside,” released back on April 3, explores similar themes of depression and alienation amid a fight to protect one’s peace.

Aesthetically, “On The Brightside” thrives in a similar lane as its predecessor. Jobin’s stretchy vocals and dark yet slaphappy lyrics perfectly blanket the sparse, spacey guitars and minimal drum work. 

As uplifting as some of Jobin’s lines can be, there is still a haunting half-assuredness in her voice:

“There is no one, and there is nothing/That can take away my joy … I stay on the brightside,” she laments halfway through the song.

Jobin’s dreamlike new jam serves as the second single off of her forthcoming EP Over Time, due out on May 29.

Listen to “On the brightside” here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0vm0k1FufHok5DxsUcW0TH?si=IjcxD88HSkm2i9SJnBkbvw