Author: befree

Springfield, Massachusetts artist Exus has shared a new song called “Pretty Girls”. Exus is a versatile artist with a penchant for penning both heartfelt, vulnerable tracks and high-energy, addictive bangers. His latest, “Pretty Girls”, falls into the latter category- but with a more experimental, Jersey club-influenced twist. The catchy new joint is produced by prolific Massachusetts beatmaker and instrumentalist DK, and it excites and entices from the get-go with its vibrant tapestry of sonics and potent vocals.

Glitchy, atmospheric instrumentation underscores Exus on “Pretty Girls”, containing a mix of weaving samples, throbbing percussion, and addictive bass. As a vocalist, Exus shines with a versatile vocal performance including smooth rap flows merging with airy R&B lines. It makes for a dynamic and diverse listen that showcases Exus’ wide-ranging songwriting. Give Exus’ new song “Pretty Girls” a listen below.

Connecticut artist Nick Rose has dropped off a new project, titled . Born Nicholas William Costantini, Nick Rose is a 22-year old artist born in New Britain and raised in Plainville. He is the co-founder and creative director of the music imprint DONT TRIP RECORDINGS, LLC. Inspired by his personal tribulations and love for pop culture, a twelve year-old Rose began utilizing his talents as a writer and multi-instrumentalist to produce his own songs in his bedroom. Inspired equally by 1940’s big-band jazz, Motown soul, and classic hip-hop, Rose continued to build an engaging, eclectic discography of genre-bending releases that earned him a following in his home state of Connecticut and beyond.

His latest offering is Everything’s Cooler!, a 7-song project that includes sonic flavors from hip-hop, alt-pop, synth punk, and more. Everything’s Cooler! opens with the invigorating bounce of “Pulp Fiction”, a track that utilizes electrifying, raw synths and punchy percussion to a potent effect. Accompanied by Rose’s sharply-crafted, infectious vocals that build dynamically into an earworm hook, “Pulp Fiction” is a highly relayable track with an off-the-wall energy that gives it a unique edge. “Afraid”, featuring frequent collaborator Armani Jordan, makes for a project highlight with its atmospheric loops, crisp percussion, and potent verses from Jordan and Rose that demonstrate a natural chemsitry. Tracks like “Fountain” and “New Day” bring added versatility to the project with introspective, heartfelt lyricism atop soulful boom-bap production that draws from classic hip-hop influences. But Rose can equally pen a catchy pop track that could be radio ready- as made evident with “Wandering”, the vibrant lead single with a hypnotic feel and raw energy that remains captivating throughout.

Give Nick Rose’s latest project Everything’s Cooler! a listen below here.

Music collective I’ll Never Die have dropped off a new single called “4 THE WIN”. Featuring vocals from Jay Nabi, Prince Shakir, and JUNE!, and production from pis.i, “4 THE WIN” finds them continuing to carve out their lyrically-focused, character-rich style with a strong new offering. Following up their album Da Infinity Fyles as well as prolific releases from individual group members, “4 THE WIN” finds the three emcees shining atop warm, airy production from pis.i while demonstrating a natural, effortless chemistry.

On “4 THE WIN” rich, laid-back guitars and pianos merge together into a smooth soundscape, underscored by minimalistic, organic percussion. The relaxed instrumentation creates a cohesive backdrop for Nabi, Shakir, and JUNE!, who come through with unhurried, refreshing verses containing vividly introspective lyricism. It’s a track that drops any frills and pretensions for an authentic track that wears its heart on its sleeve.

Made up of members JUNE!, Jay Cinema, Elijah Quinton, Roman., dj noonsomewhere, Nine Livz, Prince Shakir, and Jay Nabi, I’ll Never Die continues their run with their refreshing joint “4 THE WIN”. Take a listen to I’ll Never Die’s latest song “4 THE WIN” below.

Indianapolis artists Occ Taee and Solocash have shared a new collaborative album, called Splash Bros. This eclectic, potent new release includes a series of infectious songs that draw from hip-hop, trap, hyperpop, and pop. It’s a journey through raw, hard-hitting sonics, laced with vibrant melodies and memorable vocal lines. “All Night” opens the project with a colourful, melodic cut- while “Mozart” provides a highlight with its catchy production and sharply-crafted, focused vocal performances. “Love Song” demonstrates their diversity with a more airy, emotive joint that finishes the project strongly.

Both artists have been making waves in the industry individually, earning widespread recognition for their characteristic approaches to music. Solocash’s raw energy and engaging songwriting have captivated listeners worldwide, while Occ Taee’s unfiltered, potent lyrics and catchy flow have solidified his position as an influential figure in the hip hop scene. Their combined prowess promises a memorable sonic experience, fusing infectious melodies, captivating hooks, and hard hitting beats that will keep audiences hooked from start to finish. Give their latest project Splash Bros a listen here. 

Connect with Occ Taee: Spotify | Instagram

Connect with Solocash: Spotify | Instagram

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.