Author: befree

By Damilola Grey

Doozy is back with his first release in almost 2 years, and to be honest, the wait was completely worth it. Doozy starts off the track showing off his deft melodies. Topically, he talks about his goal of getting to the top and never falling off, and how he’s not entertaining anything from people who aren’t his homies. He then continues by discussing how he isn’t fazed by fame or goofy energy. The production is nothing short of perfect as well.

When I talked to Doozy about the significance of the track to him, he told me “AAA is a song about personal growth, powering through tough times, while still allowing yourself some time to let loose and have fun. I feel like a good balance of hard work and fun is essential to living a fulfilling life, and while everyone is trying to follow the best path for them, it’s alright to make mistakes, learn from them, and keep heading towards your goals. With a song this amazing, Doozy’s goal of reaching the top isn’t far off.

Listen now HERE.

Canada-by-way-of-the-UK artists Joseph Carney and IAMTHELIVING have shared a new collaborative release titled “The Reverse Music Video.” While both artists were raised in England, they created “The Reverse Music Video” across the pond in Vancouver, Canada, where they both were based at the time. Carney is an acclaimed filmmaker now based in New York, while IAMTHELIVING is a Juno-nominated recording artist. Showcasing a natural, effortless chemistry between the artists, “The Reverse Music Video” provides a cohesive, focused pairing of visuals and audio.

“The Reverse Music Video” follows a unique concept. It was crafted through an idiosyncratic process, in which, Carney first filmed IAMTHELIVING’s loose vocal improvisations and built a story on the fly, then constructed a song by combining multitudes of takes, resulting in a song & music video unlike any other- one where the video came first, and then the music second.

Warm, glowing sounds provide an ethereal soundtrack to the visuals. Immersive, uplifting keys and atmospheric backing vocals creating a dream-like backdrop for IAMTHELIVING’s elegant vocals, as his vocal melodies float smoothly, lifting the viewer up to the clouds. Gentle yet assured, the sound palette present dazzles with its refreshing, surreal energy.

The visual, shot by Joseph Carney, is focused and clean, enhancing the audio’s graceful sound. Smooth, warmly saturated shots and crisp editing bring a feeling of pace to the video, while keeping the mood relaxed and inviting. It does an excellent job of capturing the song’s refreshing energy.

The latest from Joseph Carney and IAMTHELIVING, “The Reverse Music Video” is a holistic collaboration that showcases the two artists’ natural chemistry and keen eye for detail. This release makes for a refreshing take upon music visuals in a current landscape where many are falling into the same patterns.

Connect with Joseph Carney: Vimeo | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with IAMTHELIVING: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

Watch “The Reverse Music Video” here now:

New Jersey artist Dzh has shared a new single called “Issues”, assisted by Ricky Walters. Following up his last project, the well-received LP Dante’s Inferno, “Issues” continues his streak of hard-hitting, lyrically-focused offerings that balance introspective, heartfelt verses with charismatic braggadocio.

The instrumentation here is infectious and energizing, containing swirling flutes that meld with mercurial keys to create a focused atmosphere that enhances Dzh’s sharply-crafted flows. As driving 808s, and clean percussion lock in an invigorating rhythm, Dzh demonstrates his deft, flexible flows as he weaves together dazzling rhyme schemes with a crisp delivery. His clarity as a lyricist and emcee is evident, as he comes through with a barrage of lines that hit home immediately. He is followed by Ricky Walters, whose verses contrasts nicely with a more melodic-leaning flow, and Walters provides a strong follow-up.

The latest from New Jersey’s Dzh, “Issues” is a release that is both thought-provoking and catchy, with a refreshing, cinematic sound that hooks the listener in from the get-go.

Listen to “Issues” now:

By Todd Anderson

Mixxxed Feelings has shared a new visual for his track “Different Day.” Showcasing his refreshing sound that blurs the line between hip-hop and R&B, “Different Day”‘s infectious production and memorable, powerfully-delivered melodies draw the listener in from the get-go. Accompanied by a crisp, sleek new visual shot by Ryan Stephen Holly, “Different Day” makes for an offering that is easy to keep re-visiting.

Containing catchy, expansive pianos and a driving rhythm section, “Different Day” builds dynamically until it culminates in a cathartic hook. The accompanying video for “Different Day” mixes panoramic drone shots with close-up cuts that capture the song’s emotive feel. Mixxxed Feelings gives a confident performance, captivating the listener and enhancing the song’s atmospheric mood.

The latest from Mixxxed Feelings, “Different Day” has us excited for what may be coming next from the up-and-coming artist.

Watch the video for “Different Day” here:

By Todd Anderson

Atlanta based rapper Cam Dolla linked up with Young Rich Nation artist Mango Foo to create an engaging video for their single “Rich N*gga Problems.” The pair met in Atlanta and decided to shoot a video at the hotel right after they recorded at the studio. The video captures this spontaneous energy with fast-paced, raw cuts and charismatic performances from the artists.

“Rich N*gga Problems” contains powerful instrumentation that provides catchy sonics through fast-paced chimes and an electrifying, infectious rhythm section. The beat sets a strong foundation for the rappers deft verses, as they weave together stylish rhymes with ease.

Watch the video for “Rich N*gga Problems” here and get familiar with Cam Dolla and Mango Foo.

By Christian Peeney

Elderly men rapping British drill music? Apparently, it’s a match made in heaven.

Pete & Bas are 67 and 71 years old, respectively. Despite their age, they both bring a great energy to this track. Their raspy voices fit well with the drill rap beat, sampling Willy William’s “Voodoo” (perhaps more easily recognized as J Balvin’s “Mi Gente”).

I first noticed this track on TikTok, and it stuck out to me mostly because it was two elderly men rapping. That alone is enough to get me interested. However, when actually listening to the track, the production is tight and the sample is catchy. Pete & Bas also show themselves to be skilled rappers and lyricists. The lyrics depict the duo visiting various countries to flex, such as driving “a German whip with a German stick and a German chick” or going “out in Dubai smoking doobies”, proving themselves each to be a “Mr. Worldwide”.

Listen to “Mr Worldwide” now:

By Todd Anderson

Asr Avinash is a music producer and recording artist known for his signature electronic sound that delves deep into the artist’s psyche. For Avinash, musicality ran deep in the family, and artistic expression was encouraged.

With his anticipated new discography to follow his successful release of “Old News” single, Asr Avinash radiates non-stop creative chemistry spearheading the record with an energizing blend of lofi-hip-hop, trap, and electronic.

He plans to stay on top of his game by setting goals for the near future. Asr Avinash understands the value of focus and discipline, so he takes his progress very seriously. He plans to remain independent and keep producing character-rich music.

His latest offering, “Speak Now” contains infectious sonics centred around warm, evocative guitars that underscore his catchy melodies. Displaying his knack for crafting songs with much replay value, “Speak Now” engagingly blends various influences into a bright, addictive new release. Listen HERE.

YB has shared a fresh new album called WINGS OF AN ANGEL. Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, YB spent much of his upbringing travelling from place to place, never quite belonging anywhere, which later influenced his versatile style. WINGS OF AN ANGEL is his latest full-length release since his evocative 2022 project GLASS CEILINGS, continuing his prolific run of sharply-crafted offerings. Here, he showcases his emotive, poignant lyricism and infectious, uplifting sound.

Opener “hand of God freestyle” sets the tone for the LP with a powerful instrumental centred around driving 808s and raw, expansive guitars. The hard-hitting percussion creates a solid foundation for YB’s commanding, dynamic flows, as he tackles the beat with ease. “butterfly vibes 2” creates an infectious soundscape with catchy, rich 808s and crisp percussion underscoring YB’s focused verses, which build into an explosive hook that lingers in the listener’s head. Tracks like “age 8 freestyle” bring in a more laid-back, breezier sound with soulful samples swirling atop relaxed percussion, showcasing YB’s versatility as an artist. “STILL GOING” provides an album highlight with its cathartic instrumentation and smooth yet gripping flows, providing fiery energy that grabs a hold of the listener and doesn’t let go. Lastly, the album closes in a potent fashion with “wings of an angel freestyle” providing an emotionally resonant closer that ties together many of the different sounds heard on the album into a cohesive 2-minute package.

The latest from Arkansas-bred rapper YB, WINGS OF AN ANGEL finds him delivering 10 focused, introspective tracks, making for an uplifting, engaging listen.

Listen to WINGS OF AN ANGEL now:

Pittsburgh artist Connie Roses has shared a new single called “The City.” His latest release since his well-received EP There’s a Light Inside the Tunnel, Come and Grab My Hand, “The City” finds Roses providing an engaging alternative hip-hop offering which refreshingly blends together punk, hip-hop, and more.

Here, Roses’ uncanny ability to blend potentially disparate sounds into a cohesive package is on full display. The production draws strong influences from hip-hop, with booming 808s and crisp, clanging percussion merging together to create an exhilarating rhythm. His vocals, however, are more deeply reminiscent of punk and alternative rock, with a hip-hop flavor. His inflections are captivating, as he dances atop the beat vocally with flexible, dextrous flows and a gripping cadence.

Admirable in its willingness to take risks, “The City” makes for a refreshing listen packed with vital energy. Acting as a manifesto of sorts discussing his thoughts and feelings towards the music scene in his home city of Pittsburgh, “The City” immerses the listener in its atmospheric, raw power.

Connie Roses is an off the wall DIY hip-hop artist based in Pittsburgh, PA. Inspired by artists who combine depth with eccentric humor such as JPEGMAFIA and Zelooperz, Connie aims for the deeper understandings of postmodern America which is drenched in the influence of corrupt politics, social media addiction, and a shared sense of self-destruction.

Listen to “The City” now: