Author: befree

New Jersey writer, recording artist, and producer Xav the Ripper has returned with a new single titled “Champ’s League”, produced by Xav and fellow NJ producer Devin Glover. Beginning at the young age of 16, he taught himself how to be entirely self-sufficient in his recording process, learning how to record, mix, and engineer. After a series of engaging, lyrically-focused offerings in 2021, as well as 2022’s “No Cry”, he has now returned with triumphant banger “Champ’s League”.

“Champ’s League” opens with boisterous, textured horns that underscore Xav’s commanding vocals. Once crisp, head-nodding drums drop in, he ups his energy to new levels, attacking the track with gripping ferocity before the song explodes into a powerful, memorable hook. Showcasing sharp, confident flows and focused lyricism, Xav’s vocal performance draws the listener in, keeping them glued to the speakers to catch every line.

The latest from New Jersey’s Xav the Ripper, “Champ’s League” has us excited to hear another full-length project from him, as it exhibits poise in its lyricism and a refreshing, energizing sound.

Listen to “Champ’s League” now:

By Mark Generous

Virginia-based rapper Hype collaborates with producer Soul Chemist– creating the timeless project Talk To Me Nice. The two showcase natural chemistry in their sound – paying homage to their hip-hop roots through traditional gritty drums, classic soul/gospel samples & unmatched lyricism.

From the start of the project until the end, the duo displays a strong sense of innovation and versatility—with each instrumental awakening a unique sense of charisma from the artist, Hype proves to the listeners that he is not one to run out of lyrical substance. His ability to adapt to different vocal patterns & techniques while maintaining cohesiveness through each track shows how he differentiates from other rappers in the industry. He expresses his determination
to set standards through the songs “To The Limit” and “Talk To Me Nice,” demonstrating cleverness through lyricism and his unparalleled pulmonary capacity.

Talk To Me Nice is Hype’s third album release available on all DSPs, and we’re looking forward to hearing more work from the Richmond, Virginia artist.

Listen to Talk To Me Nice now:

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Virginia artist Donnie Killjoy has shared a new single called “Bed Stuy”. This bristling, energizing single picks up an infectious groove through its usage of fast-paced, textural drums and buoyant bass, providing an addictive post-punk sound. Killjoy’s vocals here are evocative as well, as his reverb-soaked verses draw influence from punk as well as hip-hop, giving the song a dynamic, versatile feel. The latest from Virginia’s Killjoy, “Bed Stuy” makes for his third single on streaming platforms, and furthers his engaging songwriting and captivating style.

Listen to “Bed Stuy” now:

WAX and YJ have come through with a new alt-pop single called “where is my mind”. Here, colorful, bouncy production underscores their addictive vocals, with warm keys and pumping drums blending together to create an energizing, vital rhythm. Their verses are sharply-crafted and well structured, with potent melodies that linger in the listener’s head after listening. “where is my mind” builds in an enticingly immersive fashion with layered instrumentation that compounds upon each element while remaining cohesive throughout. A bright, memorable new WAX and YJ, “where is my mind” engages the listener with its playful, summery alt-pop style.

Listen to “where is my mind” now:

Miami’s A-D has shared a new banger called “Miami Rage”. A genre-blending artist whose discography combines influences from rap, pop, alternative rock, and more, he writes engaging bangers that entice with their textural production and addictive sonics. For his latest, he comes through with a banger featuring adrenaline-pumping production centred around driving, gritty synths and crisp, drill-influenced percussion. Atop the energizing instrumental, A-D delivers assertive vocals and descriptive lyrics that draw the listener in from the get-go. The latest from Florida artist A-D, this single is refreshingly forward-thinking in terms of its sound and songwriting.

Listen to “Miami Rage” now:

Sheffield, UK artist Katz with A K has come through with his debut single “Wine Cave Fundraiser”, with Phoneutrian on production. A refreshing, left-field offering, this single makes for a mind-expanding listen. Opening with textural, gritty string samples weaving in glitchy patterns atop crunchy drums, “Wine Cave Fundraiser” crafts a rich soundscape for Katz with A K’s off-the-wall, colorful lyricism. The song then erupts into a noisy, driving chorus that draws the listener into its otherworldly atmosphere. The debut single from Sheffield’s Katz with A K, “Wine Cave Fundraiser”‘s mystical content and outlandish production make for an intriguing, challenging listening experience.

Listen to “Wine Cave Fundraiser” now:

Massachusetts artist Dylan Reese has shared a new single called “deep”. A soulful, refreshing cut that arrives just in time for summer, this single watery keys and grooving, buttery drums create an immersive sound. Here, Reese’s vocal performance is characteristically smooth and showcases his range as a vocalist, with memorable verses capped off by an angelic, drifting chorus. With effortlessly catchy, glowing production and infectious, laid-back vocals, “deep” continues Reese’s recent run of engagingly written R&B singles.

Listen to “deep” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Ben Blanks has connected with Massachusetts musician Johan Lenox and Vancouver, Canada’s Isaac Zale for a new single titled “Dracula”. A prime example of what Blanks accurately describes as his “class-conscious” sound, this single contains poignant subject material critiquing societal structure, alongside pensive, infectious instrumentation. Featuring creeping synths and crunchy percussion underscored by rich synth bass, the production here is layered and addictive. Moreover, “Dracula” contains sharply-crafted melodies and a memorable hook that gives the song extra replay value. The latest from Blanks, Lenox, and Zale, this single provides a captivating sound that feels engaging and rebellious.

Listen to “Dracula” now:

“WHATSGOOD?” is the latest offering from Milwaukee duo Topfloor 414, showcasing their electrifying sound and catchy songwriting. The single opens with bristling, driving synth stabs that build in layers, before the group’s confident vocals are brought in. Packed with ear-worm melodies, the verses turn the energy up to even more electrifying levels, giving this track much replay value. Powerful, pounding drums give the song an adrenaline-pumping rhythm, as the group caps off “WHATSGOOD?” with a memorable hook. The latest from Topfloor 414, this single has us excited for whatever may be coming next from the Milwaukee duo.

Listen to “WHATSGOOD?” now:

New Jersey artist cant be jake‘s “boys dont cry”, released earlier this April, is an addictive, bright offering that finds him continuing his run of memorable singles. Here, colorful pianos and bouncy, infectious percussion provide a solid foundation for the singer’s verses, as he blends together influences from hip-hop, pop, and more in his vocal performance. The verses then build into a buoyant chorus that adds expansive backing vocals beneath to conjure a layered soundscape. The latest from New Jersey’s cant be jake, “boys dont cry” follows up engaging recent offerings like “Olivia” and “desperate boy”.

Listen to “boys dont cry” now: