Ishmael has dropped off a new single, titled “What’s the Word”, on his label Maelrose Records. Hailing from Porterville, California, he started making music when he was 14, originally aspiring to become a producer. Beginning to rap and write his own lyrics in high school, Ishmael went on to found his own label Maelrose Records and release his first album Rise Above in 2018, followed by a prolific set of projects that expanded upon his soulful, lyrically-focused style. His latest offering, “What’s the Word”, features dream-like, optimistic production and laid-back flows that give the song a carefree, summery vibe.
Atop an organic soundscape built around watery, relaxed keys, uplifting vocal samples, and crunchy percussion, Ishmael lays down nostalgic verses that paint pictures of both his past and aspirations for the future. With lines like “to sum it up, I’m just excited and terrified at the same time of what my future’s gonna look like”, he hits a vital nerve and relates to listeners in an unassuming fashion. Give “What’s the Word” a listen below as the California artist continues his prolific streak of singles.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 