Guillotine Crowns, a collaborative group consisting of Uncommon Nasa and Short Fuze, have shared a new single called “Art Dealers”. The duo, whose abstract, evocative style pairs gritty New York boom-bap aesthetics with forward-thinking sounds, share a natural chemistry built over a decade of prior collaboration. Their latest song, “Art Dealers” is a layered offering with a thought-provoking instrumental centred around textured guitars, chilling keys, and pounding percussion. Atop the instrumental, the two rappers come through with focused, lyrically dense verses that mesh smoothly with the track’s grimy production. Another solid release from these two underground veterans, “Art Dealers” is intriguingly nostalgic yet also futuristic.
North Carolina artist and Goreset member Dylan Longworth has come through with a new single called “feresy”, produced by swazy* and dez forman. Longworth, who has been prolific of late, releasing a series of refreshing singles, showcases sharp songwriting abilities and a keen ear for mind-expanding sounds on this latest single. Here, ethereal guitars and psychedelic backing effects concoct a kaleidoscopic landscape, as Longworth’s silky vocals glide overtop. His melodies are infectious and memorable, and he delivers them with ease and poise. Culminating in an emotive and captivating hook, “feresy” utilizes dynamics in its sounds to provide an evocative, forward-thinking journey for the listener.
Massachusetts artist Pareto has shared a new single called “Low Hung Fruit”, produced by New York’s Dre A.M. of Faulty Piston Records. A smooth, dream-like track, “Low Hung Fruit”‘s wistful sound is reminiscent of warm nights, and inspires one to reflect. Containing glowing, psychedelic keys and organic-sounding percussion, Dre A.M.’s beat here is sublime and somewhat surreal, providing a perfect foundation for Pareto’s vivid, personal lyrics and nonchalant cadence. He comes through with some descriptive verses that paint clear pictures, as he contemplates his path so far in life and music. An emotive, laid-back offering, “Low Hung Fruit” provides the whole package of strong production, nimble flows, and rich lyricism.
Northampton, UK artists L30 Robinson and Hxrmz LB have shared a fresh new banger called “Truly Yours”. Containing an ominous, nocturnal instrumental centred around winding synths and rich, heavy bass, this track is invigorating and intense. As the two rappers deliver rapid, dynamic verses full of vivid punchlines, one cannot help but be captivated by this track and drawn into its powerful sound. Sharing a natural chemistry throughout, the two rappers sound focused and poised on this offering, as they dazzle with flexible rhyme schemes and charismatic mic presence. Accompanied by an engaging new visual, “Truly Yours” is simply a release that is easy to re-visit again and again.
senya. has come through with a new single called “X”. His second single, this song draws influence from industrial and alternative hip-hop, providing a raw, nocturnal sound that is immersive and captivating. Featuring a chilling instrumental centred around apocalyptic synths and heavy drums, “X”‘s aggressive groove is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping and your heart racing. Moreover, senya’s vocals are evocative and intense here, meshing seamlessly with the track’s powerful production. A refreshing, progressive banger, “X” is a memorable offering from this new artist that had us intrigued immediately.
Rising Houston rapper-producer Alexcusemy has come through with a new EP called JAPAN Two. The prolific artist, who has been on a hot streak of late with solid projects like the versatile Stratosphere, continues to progress his cloudy, atmospheric sound on this offering.
The project kicks off with “2 Commas” with fellow rapper-producer silversurfersosurreal, a track featuring shimmering, airy production and infectious melodies. As the beat’s glowing keys glide beneath Alexcusemy’s smooth flow, the song draws the listener deeply into its atmosphere, providing a relaxing, psychedelic listening experience. Next, “Gotta Flex” with Madchyld ups the tempo and adds in more maximalist percussion, bringing in a slight drill influence. Here, Alexcusemy comes through with some of his most stylish and catchy vocals, with inflections and melodies that stick in one’s head long after listening. An uplifting, triumphant track, “Gotta Flex” finds him reflecting on how far he’s come and celebrating his wins.
This track transitions smoothly into “Tell Me, Would You?”, a summery, bass-heavy joint that pairs ethereal synths with crisp percussion. Here, Alexcusemy comes through with some charismatic verses that float over the driving instrumental. Lastly, the project closes out with “Bass on Hi”, a celebratory track that uses surreal synths and pillowy 808s to conjure a cloudy atmosphere. Alexcusemy delivers some sharply-crafted vocals on this song that captivate and finish the project off on a high note.
Overall, JAPAN Two‘s triumphant, psychedelic soundscape provides a refreshing take on cloud rap, mixing laid-back vibes with stylishness seamlessly. The latest from Houston’s Alexcusemy, this EP finds the multi-talented artist reaching new heights sonically as he continues to grow and explore.
mynameisntjmack and Tommy Richman have shared a new single called “BUNKER/ PREROLL”, produced by John Wehmeyer and Myles Sweeney. An infectious, refreshing offering, “BUNKER/ PREROLL” features a pensive, laid-back instrumental centred around bright keys and spacey backing vocals. As addictive, rich bass and crisp percussion build a strong foundation for the vocalist’s limber, clever verses, one cannot help but groove and vibe to this character-rich joint. With charmingly self-deprecating lyrical content and a sharply-crafted, memorable chorus, this track provides heavy replay value, and a cohesive whole package that equal parts fun and thoughtful.
Chicago’s Worry Club and Phoenix artist John the Ghost have shared a fresh new single called “Lately”. With both artists quickly rising in the ranks of underground music, this is a much-needed collaboration, and this offering finds the pair sharing an undeniable natural chemistry. A radiant, vivid track, “Lately” smoothly blends wistful guitars with energizing drums to create a colorful backdrop for the track’s dream-like vocals. Capped off by a magnetic chorus, the songwriting shines through on “Lately”, making it a track that is simply ear candy, with infectious melodies that stick in one’s head long after listening.
Nashville-based artists Sam Johnston and Emma Klein have shared a new single called “For a While”- a warm folk offering that evokes a feeling of lost summers. The instrumentation here is beautifully crafted, centred around glowing guitars and rich bass that give the song a wistful tone and a dream-like atmosphere. Johnston and Klein’s vocals suit the elegant instrumental nicely as well, as they come through with evocatively heartfelt verses and a memorable chorus. The latest from these talented Nashville artists, “For a While” is a bittersweet yet uplifting offering that immersed us in its atmosphere from the get-go.
16 year-old Florida artist Geo Mafia has shared a fresh new banger called “Hands Lifted High”, produced by RINGT808NE. With an infectious instrumental centred around chilling reversed samples bolstered by powerful 808s and head-banging percussion, “Hands Lifted High” is a monstrous joint that can easily rattle the trunk of your car. Geo Mafia’s vocals here are also exciting and powerful, as he comes through with some dynamic melodies and smooth flows that keep the listener on their toes throughout. A charismatic, cohesive offering overall, “Hands Lifted High” shows that these young artists are rising quickly with decisive confidence, crafting melodies and sounds that get the listener’s adrenaline pumping fast.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 