Author: befree

By Christian Peeney

Oh my! Rapper and TikTok influencer Charlie Curtis-Beard returns with a new single “good girls bad girls”.

The idea likely comes from the song’s opening sample, in which a random TikToker proclaims that “men do not want slutty women”. CCB then goes on to rap about appreciating all kinds of girls: good or bad, “clean or dirty”, girls who “fuck for work” or girls who “wanna twerk”. It’s a funny song that shows off CCB’s clever lyricism and competent rapping abilities.

His voice reminds me of early Childish Gambino: higher in pitch and somewhat “nerdy”. It’s endearing, and it helps his message of inclusivity of all women seem more genuine and refreshing. It also makes the song more engaging; it’s a voice you want to listen to.

Towards the end, CCB’s rapping turns to singing for a catchy bridge section that eventually explodes into an overlay of different voices over the original beat. It effectively shows that Charlie isn’t just a rapper, but also a singer. The song is short, catchy, and digestible: perfect for a TikTok age of music.

Listen to “good girls bad girls” now:

New York native Memoir. has returned with his 2nd offering of the year, just in time for warm weather on the east coast. The 2-track offering “Poised. // Hold Grudges.” comes as a dose of redemption and resilience overtop drill beats, with Memoir. adding “Poised II is the sequel to the ongoing “Poised” series where I display my passion, resilience, and willingness to overcome life’s trials and tribulations. For the song “Hold Grudges.” Memoir. mentions “It’s a reminder to not only myself but to others listening that whenever you are elevating, striving for your goals, people are waiting for your downfall. People who knew you before your perceived success will Hold Grudges.”

The first half “Poised II” creates an energizing soundscape with a sample drill beat that fuses vivid samples with pumping 808s and crisp drums. Atop the sturdy instrumentation, Memoir. weaves fluid, charismatic rhymes in dynamic patterns, adding extra vitality to the track. The second song “Hold Grudges” follows with a cloudy, ethereal instrumental containing subtle keys, driving percussion and sliding 808s. Here, he delivers powerful vocals that captivate with hearfelt, descriptive lyricism.

The latest from New York’s Memoir, “Poised II/ Hold Grudges” makes for a refreshing, infectious sample drill offering.

Listen now:

By Todd Anderson

Melbourne, Australia’s Jay Dior has returned with a new song called “Stop Choosing”. This single details heartbreak atop bright, engaging instrumentation. “Stop Choosing” finds Dior delivering vibrant, catchy verses that culminate in an ear-worm chorus that lingers in the listener’s head. His vocal performance providing heavy replay value through his engaging melodious delivery. He combines stylings from hip-hop, rap, pop, and alternative R&B to craft a song that feels versatile in its blending of influences. The production here features fluttering, warm guitars drifting atop crisp, snapping percussion. As rich 808s drop in beneath, the song picks up a driving rhythm that energizes the listener. “Stop Choosing” makes for a refreshing track for the summer, as it proves to be a suitable soundtrack for warm evenings.

Stream here:

Watch the video here:

By Todd Anderson

Erik Evy has returned with a new visual for his track “Quarter Life Crisis”. The latest from the Chicago artist, this song provides a wistful mood as Evy delivers smooth, heartfelt flows that discuss personal growth and the ups-and-downs of modern life. Featuring an airy instrumental containing uplifting keys and subtle vocal samples drifting atop bouncy percussion, “Quarter Life Crisis” provides heavy replay value. Moreover, the new accompanying visual is clean and crisp, enhancing the song’s focused, refreshing sound and making this an offering that is easy to keep re-visting.

Watch the visual for “Quarter Life Crisis” here:

By Todd Anderson

Washington, DC-born, Virginia-bred artist Haisai Maché has returned with a fresh new EP called Mr. Hunchback. Showcasing his eclectic, character-rich sonics and genre-blending style, this 4-track offering finds him exploring a variety of soundscapes that flirt with electronic, alt-pop, hip-hop, and more. Textural and vibrant, these songs find him delivering catchy, dynamic vocal performances atop versatile instrumentation.

Opener “Mr. Hunchback” contains an infectious, dance-infused instrumental centred around swelling synths, energizing guitars, and bouncy percussion. Atop the lively production, Maché delivers bright, engaging melodies in his verses before delving into a memorable chorus. Next, “World Cup” introduces layered, watery reversed keys before vital percussion and addictive bass drop in beneath to give the song added replay value. Here, he delivers another series of tuneful melodies that urge the listener to continuously rewind.

“Closure” ups the pace with atmospheric keys and snapping percussion, creating an enticing groove that immerses the listener in the track’s airy sound. Maché delivers a fluid vocal performance here that enhances the song’s uplifting, expansive feel. Lastly, closer “Do You Like My Love?” brings in a warm, colorful house-influenced instrumental that blends smoothly with his upbeat vocals, making for a diverse, infectious end to the EP.

The latest from Virginia-based artist Haisai Maché, Mr. Hunchback finds him delivering a vivid, versatile set of 4 songs that flirt with a wide range of genres including pop, hip-hop, dance music, and more.

Listen to Mr. Hunchback here:

Connect with Haisai Maché: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

By Damilola Grey

King Madi has just dropped his highly awaited album and second instalment of the Matrix series, Matrix II. The 22-track album boasts of features from Blaze Tha Meziah, Karmaa, Hidden Demons, Haley J, and frequent collaborator, Type1ne as well as others. Matrix II is King Madi’s most diverse and refined project to date. When I talked to him about what the album meant to him, he told me “this album is special because in the first album Matrix, I was in a very dark place in my life, and I was ready to give up on music and life all together. I stepped away from music for a while, but this project stands as a symbol to never give up. It continues from the previous lore of the first project and serves as a reminder that life comes in ‘waves’”.

The album, funny enough, is more or less a wave. It starts off with lots of high energy but later mellows down and gets deeper lyrically. Mental health is also tied into the sequencing of the album, which can be seen in tracks like “Awaken” and “Triumph”. Matrix II is honestly an amazing album from start to finish and King Madi didn’t disappoint with it one bit. Make sure to check out the album right now.

Listen here:

Minnesota artist Pardyalone has shared a single called “not a home”. Showcasing his signature mixture of energy, emotion, and authenticity laced within focused, memorable songwriting, “not a home” makes for an emotive listen. Roping the listener in with his smooth vibrato and heartfelt lyrics, Pardyalone’s performance draws the listener in and makes it difficult for them to focus on anything else. Wistful guitars and crisp percussion underscore his evocative vocals, blending together to create a melancholic, dreamlike soundscape. The latest from Pardyalone, “not a home” is a heartfelt and sharply-crafted offering.

Listen to “not a home” now:

Highland Park, Los Angeles artist Reverie has shared a new single called “No Chaser”. Powerful in sound and personal in content, this song is evocative and emotive, while showcasing her sharp lyrical abilities and deft flow. Opening with ghostly, expansive keys that drift atop gritty, pounding drums, the production on “No Chaser” is raw and ominous. Atop the nocturnal instrumentation, Reverie delivers heartfelt, passionate bars detailing mental health and addiction. Her verses are detail-rich and candid, as she draws the listener in with each bar. The latest from Reverie, “No Chaser” makes for an immersive and poignant listen.

Listen to “No Chaser” now:

Bronx rapper Ricky Mapes has shared a new release called “40 THOU”. Following up a prolific run of engaging, gritty singles including “BIG MAPES” and “FENTY”, this offering finds Mapes at the top of his game lyrically once again, delivering a series of sharp bars atop ominous production.

Icy pianos and hard-hitting drums open the track in a menacing manner, providing a solid foundation for Mapes’ dynamic bars and powerful delivery. Showcasing a focused command of the microphone, “40 THOU” finds him weaving together poised, confident lines effortlessly. Featuring engaging rhymes and heavy, grimy production, “40 THOU” makes for an invigorating listen overall.

Listen to “40 THOU” now:

Prolific Canadian songwriter Maggie Szabo has released her popular pride anthem, “Don’t Give Up” on DSPs for the first time. This authentic and heartfelt song is dedicated to transgender youth around the world who live in fear and suffer from rejection and exclusion. The uplifting pop anthem’s music video was originally released in 2017 to a wide reception, and has now been released on all DSPs for streaming.

“Don’t Give Up” opens with grand, expansive choral vocals and airy, atmospheric synths before bouncy percussion is added to give the song an enticing groove. Atop the shimmering instrumentation, Szabo delivers powerful, infectious melodies that demonstrate her sharp songwriting abilities. Crescendoing in an explosive, inspiring chorus that lingers in the listener’s head long after listening, “Don’t Give Up” is an anthemic offering that provides a potent and important message.

The latest from Canadian artist Maggie Szabo, “Don’t Give Up”‘s heartfelt vocals and heavenly instrumentation make for an uplifting, poignant listen.

Stream “Don’t Give Up” now: