We came across South Bend, IN artist Gxldsoulrebel‘s track “What’s Real?” recently, and from there delved into his recent project The True Man Show. From the record, “What’s Real?” makes for a highlight with its insightful exploration of self and society, containing richly poetic bars laced atop warm, hypnotic production. With his characteristically laid-back, crisp delivery, Gxldsoulrebel lays down heartfelt bars woven into dynamic rhyme patterns, that work cohesively with the song’s soulful instrumentation. Above thought-provoking key melodies and airy percussion, he shines on the mic by piecing together lines filled with vibrant imagery. Conveying a sense of hope while maintaining a true-to-life feel throughout, “What’s Real?” makes for a highlight cut from the South Bend artist. Give it a listen here now.
Charlotte, NC-based rapper King Adroit caught our attention for his sharply-crafted new joint “Heem”. The 34 year old MC has an eclectic taste of the golden era with rich, vibrant sampled records and poignant lyricism. His unorthodox rhyme patterns that seem to be off beat and off topic, and yet they add up to a cohesive and engaging style overall. On his track “Heem”, Adroit flexes his lyrical abilities with a series of clever, charismatic verses atop warm, resonant production. Raw, glowing samples underscore him, moored by an organic-sounding rhythm section- as he handles the beat with ease, dextrously delivering lines in an unpredictable manner. It seems Adroit’s style could be described as “organized chaos”, with all elements working together despite their patchwork feel, demonstrating Adroit’s overall focus. Give his latest “Heem” a listen below now.
The Bronx’s Ricky Mapes has dropped off a new visual for his track “Banksy 88”, produced by The Natural Law and directed by Schweppes Baguette. The opening cut from his recent album OVERTHINKING, “Banksy 88” presented a standout off the record with its emotive, sharply-crafted lyricism and soulful, textural production. Atop a tapestry of gritty horns and rich strings that give the song a powerful sound, Mapes delivers line after line of potent social commentary and introspection, drawing the listener into the track’s immersive feel and relating them in the process. The new video, directed by Schweppes Baguette, features crisp shots and a compelling performance from Mapes with warm, inviting coloration. Check out the video for Ricky Mapes’ “Banksy 88”, released on the prolific Soulspazm, below and stream OVERTHINKING while you’re at it.
Philadelphia producer Finch has linked with Chaos TV for a new single called “Count My Luck!”. The track continues a prolific run for Finch that has included recent singles like the engaging “Kingdom” with Jawny’s Room, and “Empty Pockets” with dkj. “Count My Luck” finds him continuing to carve out his niche and sound, utilizing vibrant, expansive soul samples to create an uplifting, energizing soundscape, while mooring an infectious groove with crisp percussion and booming 808s. Chaos TV delivers charismatic, smooth flows atop the buoyant instrumentation while keeping a brisk level of energy that suits the instrumentation. “Count My Luck!” demonstrates a kinetic level of chemistry between the two that translates on to the record, which packs a punch despite its 1 minute 24 second run time. Give “Count My Luck!” a listen below.
Wakai has dropped off a new visual for his song “’05 Honda”, featuring Malik Elijah and produced by Ramraz. At 23-years-old, Wakaiis a DIY aficionado with a preternatural natural talent for creating makeshift studios & recording anywhere he lays his hat. Emerging at the forefront of a bubbling new-wave hip-hop community inBaton Rouge, Louisiana, Wakai earns respect from those who inspire him while nurturing a compelling sound of his own. His latest offering, “’05 Honda”, is a breezy, soulful track that arrives ahead of his anticipated album Some People Scream, Some People Talk via THANKS Recordings.
Atop vivid, rich keys and an organic-sounding, infectious rhythm section, Wakai and Elijah sound comfortable and in the pocket as they weave together smooth rhymes with carefree charisma. With detail-rich lyricism and dynamic rhyme patterns, they keep the track engaging throughout while their vocals pair cohesively with “’05 Honda”‘s relaxed, summery instrumentation.
“’05 Honda” is a laid-back summer jam that puts listeners right in the artists’ shoes. A metaphor for their respective trajectories, the car is a vehicle en route to the next points of their careers. As Wakai and Elijah gain momentum with their projects, they use this song as a moment to revel in what they’ve already accomplished.
“Made this song while I was sitting in my car with no AC & and a few joints,” Wakai shares. “I realized it wasn’t about me not having the best whip, but just having something that got me from A to B. We worry ourselves to the point we forget to let things manifest. When at the end of the day we are all divine, whether that’s in an 05 Honda or 2023 Tesla. Were all the same — Trying to get from point A to B.”
South Texas emcee Fatboyshaun has shared a new visual for his song “Heart on my Sleeve”, an emotive standout from his recent project BLOOD ON MY CARHARTT. “The potent cut finds”Heart on my Sleeve” finds Fatboyshaun dropping off an introspective joint that demonstrates his versatility as a lyricist, with compelling lines laid atop textural, soulful production from Cuffedgod. Atop rich, nostalgic vocal samples and graceful keys, Shaun gives a cathartic performance and gets more vulnerable with lines like “ayo im tired of serving j’s on a dayshift, pray they drop my brothers cases, never a question if we gone make it”. Accompanied by sleek backing vocals from anekah as well as an organic-sounding, grooving rhythm section, he sounds comfortable yet delivers his verses with emotion and urgency, making for a gripping listen. The new visual, shot by tg_vision, enhances the track’s laid-back, focused feel with minimalistic yet engaging shots and a charismatic performance from Fatboyshaun.
Watch the new video for “Heart on my Sleeve” here and stream BLOOD ON MY CARHARTT while you’re at it.
3vd has dropped off a new visual for his song “My Bad”, shot by Aesthtx. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and its surrounding areas, 3vd grew up in a house with five other siblings. He began writing when he was only 8 years old and incorporates elements of pop and R&B into his music to create a unique and timeless sound. In addition to writing and performing music, 3vd produces and engineers, something that sets him apart from other rappers his age. “My Bad”, produced by @SavBeats, is an electrifying new banger that blends elements of trap with R&B and hip-hop for a sleek, stylish joint. With infectious percussion, hypnotic vocals, and retro-futuristic synths, the song excites the senses and keeps the listener hooked throughout. The accompanying visual makes for an engaging, enticing viewing that enhances the song’s playful video game aesthetic, paired with a charismatic performance from 3vd.
Give the new visual for “My Bad” a watch below and connect with 3vd while you’re at it.
New York artist The Nait Sirk has caught our attention for his recent single, “IN MY CITY”. The hypnotic, nocturnal cut follows up his project BALANCE with Alma 16 from May and finds him continuing a prolific streak of releases. “IN MY CITY” blends layered, stylish production based around atmospheric, vibrant samples and crisp percussion, with Sirk’s raw, assertive flows. Equipped a gritty delivery, nimble rhyme patterns, and a surreal sense of lyricism, Sirk stands out on the mic and delivers a performance that draws the listener deeply into “IN MY CITY”‘s immersive feel. A sleek, hazy new joint that puts Sirk’s lyrical skills and mic presence on display, “IN MY CITY” has us looking forward to what may be coming from him as he continues his fast-paced 2023 output. Give it a listen below.
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.
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.
