Author: befree

New Jersey wordsmith Josiah the Gift has been on our platform a number of times- and he has once again delivered a solid outing on his recent project, titled The Glorious Si. “I Can Say”, a potent offering from the new album produced by Ed Glorious, is a hypnotic, warm single that employs graceful soul-sampling instrumentation to paint a vivid backdrop for Josiah’s poignant rhymes. His clear, focused delivery and smooth flows pair neatly with Glorious’ airtight production- making for an emotive track that floats with a warmly atmospheric feel. As Josiah the Gift continues his prolific streak of enticing releases, we are excited to be following along with the journey. Give “I Can Say” a listen here now.

New Jersey emcee 95Smokey and producer Tapwaterfish have shared a new project, titled KOI POND. The vibrantly psychedelic EP, with poised rhymes from 95Smokey and memorable, atmospheric production from Tapwaterfish, blends sounds from boom-bap, cloud rap, and more into an engaging, versatile outing.

95Smokey’s textural delivery and penchant for eclectic references stands out from the get-go, and his style is matched aptly with Tapwaterfish’s fluid, airy instrumentals. “THE GREATEST SHOW” is an expansive opener, with dynamic flows from 95Smokey that keep the listener on their toes, and a potent verse from underground standout Ghais Guevara. “AMANO” contrasts the opener with a spacey, laid-back sound and a relaxed delivery from Smokey. “MIBU VILLAGE”‘s nostalgic strings, psychedelic vocal samples, and clasping percussion- paired with Smokey’s vibrant lyricism that paints pictures in the mind of the listener, make it a highlight towards the end of the project.

Give 95Smokey and Tapwaterfish’s latest EP KOI POND a listen here now.

Phoenix James has dropped off a new song, titled “Contact High”. The Miami artist, who has been making a strong impact in the vibrant South Florida music scene for a number of years- is a prolific, self-produced songwriter and artist. Demonstrating an innovative, engaging approach throughout releases like 2022’s New Stages EP and sultry single “Limbs”, James has shown that she cannot be boxed in to one style and sound, with a vibrancy that emanates through her work.

Phoenix James’ latest single is soulful and rich, while also containing a feathery airiness that gives it added character. Warm, swelling guitars, organic-sounding, grooving percussion, and rich bass underscore James’ smooth vocal tone. With a fullness to her vocals that captures the listener from the get-go, paired with a dynamic, focused songwriting style, James shares an expressive, addictive new cut with “Contact High”.

Give Florida artist Phoenix James’ newest single “Contact High” a listen here now.

By Jacob Ezra

Atlanta rapper Booney and Brooklyn producer NDK have dropped off a new song, titled “Game of Pawns”. Two artists coming out of highly vibrant music cities and scenes, their latest collaboration distills emotive, passionate energy and a self-aware focus that gives it added character. NDK’s wistful soundscape built around drifting keys, elegant guitars, and a crisp rhythm section underscores Booney’s graceful, dextrous flows. He sounds light-on-his-feet and poised on the mic, with pensive lyricism that cuts through the noise and relates to the listener. With verses about love, life, and envisioning a bright future, “Game of Pawns” makes for a potent offering from Booney and NDK. Give “Game of Pawns” a listen here now.

Ahk Sair is an artist that caught our attention recently, and his song “Honeycomb”, with Child Actor, gives a potent taste of his sound. With ruminative, nocturnal jazz-tinged production from Child Actor that feels darkly hypnotic, paired with raw, vivid bars from Ahk Sair, “Honeycomb” is a track that is both thoughtful and infectious. Its gritty style and warped sonics give it added character, and Ahk Sair captures a subtle sense of urgency with his commanding flows. A track from Ahk Sair’s recent album Camera Mans Jeans, “Honeycomb” presents an exciting song from him that has us continuing to keep an eye on his rise. Give “Honeycomb” a listen here now.

Darkness Falls has dropped off a fresh new song, titled “GRATEFUL”. A relatively new artist rising out of Texas’ fertile underground, Darkness Falls’ captivating, mysterious sound and electrifying live performances have helped him carve out his own lane. His latest song, “GRATEFUL”, continues his run of potent, powerful tracks that merge genres engagingly, while injecting much replay value into its sound.

The raw, energizing sonics of “GRATEFUL” are built around heavily distorted guitars and a booming, immense rhythm section. Darkness Falls himself delivers cutting, infectious vocals that blend a potent hip-hop delivery with melodious inflections. The intense yet catchy “GRATEFUL” makes for a sharply-crafted addition to the rising Texas artist’s discography, and showcases him continuing to build his sound and style and grow exponentially with each release.

Take a listen to Darkness Falls’ latest song “GRATEFUL” here now.

kevspeakstruth has caught our attention for his track “New Bag”, featuring Futuristic. kevspeakstruth is a Florida artist whose infectious flows and dream-like production create a positive and uplifting experience. Initially hailing from the hip-hop mecca that is New York, Kev’s music blends the narrative-based lyricism associated with the east coast with elements of southern culture. His latest offering personifies this with its blend of grimy sonics with booming 808s and crisp percussion, paired with raw lyricism and catchy inflections. The song finds kevspeakstruth and Futuristic handling a powerful, heavy beat with ease as they trade airtight flows at a dynamic pace. Give kevspeakstruth and Futuristic’s latest single “New Bag” a listen here now.