Author: befree

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Josiah the Gift and SB11 shine on “Humble”

New Jersey emcee Josiah the Gift and Perth, Australia producer SB11‘s cut “Humble” presents a standout from their recent LP God Is Gracious, which caught our attention for its soulful sonics and passionate vocals. Laced with a textural instrumental from SB11 containing wistful, elegant vocal samples, infectious bass, and organic sounding percussion, Josiah delivers captivating verses full of emotion and urgency. He shines as a lyricist, with detail-rich and vivid lines that take a critical look at his life and times as well as the world around him, bolstered by the potent production. A track that maintains a raw, gritty lo-fi feel while staying graceful and smooth in sound, “Humble” makes for a highlight joint from their collaborative album God Is Gracious, which dropped earlier this year. Give it a listen below.

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Action Figure 973 and Shane, the Shaman share introspective single “The Light”

Producer Action Figure 973 has linked up with emcee Shane, the Shaman for a fresh single, titled “The Light”. “The Light” features laid-back, smoky production from Action Figure 973 containing atmospheric trumpets and contemplative keys, drifting atop rich bass and crunchy percussion. Creating a meditative, nocturnal mood- the production makes for an apt backdrop for Shane, the Shaman’s smooth flows and introspective lyricism, making for an organic-sounding track overall that displays natural chemistry between the two.

The latest from Action Figure 973 and Shane, the Shaman, “The Light” is a potent offering that presents a balanced soundscape of jazzy sonics and sharply-crafted, detail-rich lyricism. Give it a listen below.

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YB shares triumphant album ‘Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines’

By Todd Anderson

Arkansas-born artist YB has dropped off a fresh new album called Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines. YB is what happens when optimism and uplifting content meets melodic trap. He wraps emotional storytelling over hard-hitting 808s and trunk-knocking drums, making for a refreshing blend of sounds and styles. He has now come through with a triumphant, infectious new album called Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines, which finds him further defining his sharply-crafted style with a set of relatable, cathartic bangers.

YB is an artist that has a penchant for combining emotive themes and content with hard-hitting, gritty sounds. Over a tapestry of booming 808s, raw horns, and clasping percussion, he manages to rhyme poetically in a way that feels emotionally captivating for the listener. This contrast helps YB stand out and provides him ground to continue expanding his characteristic style, as made evident by his new project Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines. It sees him building on the positive elements of his past releases, with songs like “HOSTAGE” and “LIGHT” displaying a keen sense of songwriting and focus that translates naturally into YB’s confident vocals and production choices. Songs like the lead single “PRAYING HANDS” push the energy levels to the limit while also providing thought-provoking content. Then, there are tracks like “B.I.G.” that take on a laid-back approach and in doing so demonstrate YB’s overall versatility.

With the release of Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines, YB continues to transcend the medium with his studio work. Over 10 million streams as an independent artist, and a prolific streak of releases has led to him building much momentum in the underground and beyond. Give his latest release Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines a listen below and be sure to connect with YB while you’re at it for more soon.

Connect with YB: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

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Ania Hoo shares vibrant release, “Dreams/ Truth Is…”

Ania Hoo has caught our attention for her fresh 2-pack “Dreams/ Truth Is…”. The sharply-crafted, versatile new release finds Ania cohesively blending genres such as R&B, electronic, and more. With focused songwriting, Ania laces the first song “Dreams” with silky, smooth melodies atop bubbling bass, atmospheric synths, and lively percussion. Her vocal lines are catchy and engaging, embedding themselves in the listeners memory from the get-go. The second track, “Truth Is…”, creates a humid, vivid atmosphere with its layered keys, infectious bass, and expansive vocals. It’s an immersive, hypnotic track that arrives perfectly in time for the summer, presenting a refreshing new drop from Ania.

Jamaican-American artist Ania Hoo navigates a colorful, eclectic, and vibrant universe through her music. Inspired by artists such as Marvin Gaye and Teena Marie, she strives for her music to emulate the purest of emotions. Taking us away from the modern world and its endless need for consumption, we see Hoo opening us up to her vision that is focused on creating with integrity and intention. A world where music gives space to the collective to not only want to feel good, but to demand to be loved properly. Take a listen to Ania’s latest, the eclectic, vibrant 2-song offering “Dreams/ Truth Is…” below and be sure to connect with Ania Hoo.

Watch the music video for “Truth Is…” here:

Connect with Ania Hoo: Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music | SoundCloud

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Jordan Ali continues to defy boundaries with ‘Pack Your Bags’

Jordan Ali has shared a new project, titled Pack Your Bags. Hailing from Maryland, Ali has been making waves with his authenticity and innovative sound. Coming off his three track single “Food4Soul,” Ali’s versatility is constantly displayed as he continues to develop as a rising artist making a name for himself. Jordan Ali seamlessly blends thought-provoking lyrics, infectious melodies, and powerful storytelling to create a dynamic and engaging musical experience. His latest offering is the 7-song project Pack Your Bags, a potent, sharply-written release that finds him combining influences fro a wide variety of genres for an engaging and often surreal sonic journey.

Right off the bat, Pack Your Bags demonstrates its expressiveness with “CARDIO”, a track that packs a punch with its vibrant mix of house and hip-hop. Featuring blistering, space-age synths and commanding vocals, “CARDIO” retains a uniquely DMV feel while keeping its sound apart from the rest. The title track “Pack Your Bags” is an elegant track built around shimmering strings, punchy percussion, and heavy flows, adding dynamics to the tracklist. “Food4Soul” creates a feeling of depth and thoughtfulness with its watery, hypnotic soundscape and introspective lyricism.

Ali’s latest project is a display of creativity and focused vision, bringing different elements together cohesively for a listen that entices and surprises in all the right ways. Give it a listen below on Audiomack and further familiarize yourself with this rising Maryland artist.

Connect with Jordan Ali: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

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Ki Storii shares R&B-infused self-love anthem, “Taboo”

Ki Storii has returned with a fresh single, titled “Taboo”. With the recent resurgence of rap queens leading the pack and ushering in a new group of rising stars, the door is open for captivating new voices to emerge.  Enter Bronx, NY artist Ki Storii, who is making the charge and consistently proving herself as one of the bubbling young acts in the female rap game. After her 2021 “Whole ‘Nother Level” single topped 100K streams on Spotify and her latest party hit “Shawty Lo” is approaching 50K, the ‘BX Baddie’ is ready to make her mark on 2023 with her new single, an intriguing spin on self-love titled “Taboo”, featuring Brianna Knight.

“Taboo” makes for an enticing, vibrant listen- with retro-tinged yet sleekly modern production and charismatic vocals from Ki and Knight. Colorful vocal samples and electrifying synths drift atop a crisp drum line, recalling the nostalgia of mid-2000s hip-hop and R&B but with a refreshing twist.

“Taboo” finds Ki Storii continue to carve her lane coming out of the East Coast with another strong track that empowers with its lyrical content. Take a listen below and connect with Ki Storii for more.

Follow @Ki.Storii on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

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Nkosi Bourne shares organic new visual for “Final Form”

Brooklyn artist Nkosi Bourne has released a video for his well-received single “Final Form”. “Final Form” is a poignant, focused offering that puts his lyrical abilities on full display. His vivid verses paint a portrait of his life and times, connecting on an emotional level with the listener as he weaves together heartfelt, relatable poetry. Bourne’s pen game truly sets him apart in a world where style is often valued over substance- as he wastes no time and makes every word count. With soulful, rich production suitable to his thoughtful flows, “Final Form” is a standout cut from the Brooklyn emcee that proves that he can hang with the best of them in today’s underground. Paired with a refreshing visual that enhances the tracks down-to-earth feel with its laid-back pace and natural frames, “Final Form” is a release that finds Bourne comfortable in his own lane- as he delivers an effortless performance in front of backdrops of his hometown of Brooklyn. Watch the new video for “Final Form” HERE and get familiar with Nkosi Bourne as he continues to rise in the underground out of NYC’s fertile scene.

Nkosi Bourne is a conscious rapper with the melodic skills needed to reach a mainstream audience, Nkosi Bourne blends the sounds of classic hip-hop with his Afro-Caribbean heritage to create a powerful, emotive style. The Brooklyn-based rapper has been honing his craft in private for years, but now he is ready to emerge on the scene and make his presence felt.

Give the new video for “Final Form” a watch here:

Connect with Nkosi Bourne: Spotify | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter

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Pastel Blank shares warm single “Shareholder”

Victoria, Canada’s Pastel Blank has come through with a fresh single, titled “Shareholder”. Formed in 2019, the versatile project, which often blends art-rock and funk, is headed by singer/ songwriter Angus Watt. Pulling influence from the jerky rhythms and genre-bending curiosity of Talking Heads as well as the interlocking guitar work of Canadian post-punk luminaries Women, the music of Pastel Blank coats experimentation in pop-minded song structure. It’s a potent, warm release that arrives just in time for summer, putting Watt’s songwriting on full display with infectious melodies and a laid-back charisma.

“Shareholder” contains vibrant, balmy guitar stabs that take on an organic tone, underscored by lively percussion that gives the song an engaging pace. With rich bass dropping in beneath to moor the track, Pastel Blank delivers silky yet confident vocals that contain a self-aware confidence. With energizing synths layering in beneath to give the song a captivating pace, Pastel Blank adds a chorus that entices the listener with its hypnotic melodies, capping off the track in style.

The latest from Victoria’s Pastel Blank, “Shareholder” makes for an exciting new track that blends art-rock and funk for a cohesive offering.

Watch the new video for “Shareholder” here:

Connect with Pastel Blank: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube

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“stuck” presents a solid new offering from Bemi and Wiseboy Jeremy

Chicago artist Bemi‘s cut “stuck”, featuring New Jersey standout Wiseboy Jeremy recently caught our attention for its infectious, warm sonics and sharply-crafted vocals. Bemi, a Chicago native hailing from the 409, recently dropped his solid new projct Channel Two: Analog, from which “stuck” was a highlight track. On “stuck”, he exhibits natural chemistry with Wiseboy Jeremy atop the amarah production, which shines through for its smoky, laid-back grooves and organic sound.

An engaging blend of alternative R&B and lyrically-inclined hip-hop, “stuck” is a track that is smooth in style and relatable in content. With performances that sound effortless and yet immaculately crafted and focused, Bemi and Jeremy drop off a warm new joint that inspires the listener to reflect on their position in life. Give it a listen below and stream Bemi’s Channel Two: Analog while you’re at it.

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Ben Reilly continues run with new single “PhotoShoot”

New York-born artist Ben Reilly has shared a new single called “PhotoShoot”. “PhotoShoot” follows up his recent releases “Let the Sample Work” and “Edna (Capes)”, which contained soulful, lively production while putting his sharp, focused songwriting on full display. The bass-heavy, gritty “PhotoShoot”’s booming 808s burst out the speakers, contrasted with crisp percussion and sparkling, space-age synth lines. The beat leaves ample space for Reilly’s dynamic flows, as he throws in engaging inflections and varies his rhyme patterns in a way that constantly keeps the listener in their toes, hooked in to catch each syllable. It’s another track that demonstrates Reilly’s creative prowess and commitment to his vision, while keeping its sound infectious and packed with replay value. Give “PhotoShoot” a listen below.