Author: befree

New York artists LIFEOFTHOM and Stoic have connected for a fresh album, titled COCOTASO. With LIFEOFTHOM on my mic and Stoic behind the boards, the two display a kinetic chemistry with a set of hypnotic, enticing tracks. Hallmarked by thought-provoking, laid-back key riffs, bouncy percussion, and dynamic vocals from LIFEOFTHOM, COCOTASO makes for an engaging offering. With the surreal, relaxed atmosphere of tracks like “HOO” and “OMG”- paired with an underlying sense of focus and sharp, catchy songwriting, COCOTASO is a project that just sticks with you. With an airy effortlessness and layered sound, COCOTASO continues both artists’ prolific run. Give it a listen here now.

LOS KEMET has dropped off a new single called “Southern Gangsta Musik”. Following up a string of solid releases that found LOS putting his own twist on classic southern hip-hop influences, “Southern Gangsta Musik”‘s laid-back charisma and catchy songwriting gives it an aura of its own. With rich, smooth production centred around weaving strings, elegant bass, and crisp percussion- “Southern Gangsta Musik” is an atmsopheric and sleek cut. Complemented by LOS’ assured, baritone flows and vivid lyrics- “Southern Gangsta Musik” continues his run of captivating tracks. Give it a listen here now.

By Jacob Ezra

omontizay has shared a new song called “yes you can”, produced by barrakain. Hailing from Maryland, omontizay’s discography has often been described as eclectic, as he switches on a dime from relaxed lo-fi hip-hop tracks to powerful, booming hip-hop album cuts. His latest song, “yes you can”, finds him delving deep atop barrakain’s signature hypnotic, hopeful production. With a thoughtful atmosphere and a feeling of openness, the song inspires the listener to dream of a brighter future atop swelling samples, a rich rhythm section, and potent, introspective rhymes from omontizay. Check out “yes you can” here now.

New York artist Andre Lawrence has dropped off a new release called “Friendz”. Following up his potent album Dustrial Denim from earlier this year, “Friendz” employs a bouncy, drill-laced soundscape and deft flow for an infectious listen, making for an engaging summer anthem. Lawrence commands the mic with confidence with a light-on-his-feet delivery, complemented by the track’s buoyant, vibrant energy. The new video enhances “Friendz”‘s energetic feel and fun-loving charisma with fast-paced, carefree shots backed by the summer in NYC. Give the new video for “Friendz” a watch here now and stream it as well while you’re at it.

By Jacob Ezra

JUNECINEMA, consisting of North Carolina’s JUNE! and New York’s Jay Cinema, have returned with a soulful single titled “FAITH”, featuring Michael Christmas and produced by Kirti Pandey. “FAITH” paints a picture of resilience and overcoming obstacles against odds, interlaced within melancholic, yet triumphant horns, and vivid storytelling from the emcees. Pandey’s rich, minimalistic soundscape enhances the song’s strong, straightforward messaging of climbing over life’s hurdles, while the three emcees bare their souls in their verses- admirably not toning themselves down. They make the most out of life despite the invariable swings of lows and highs, as Cinema articulates, “we the definition of perseverance”. Give “FAITH” a listen here and check out the music video as well.

New York artist Rhakim Ali has caught our attention for his potent 2-song offering “MISTA DON’T STUNT”. Lead off track“MISTA DON’T PLAY” is both ominous and powerful, with whirling, icy samples, thumping bass, and raw percussion creating a perfect backdrop for Ali’s menacingly tone. The darkly hypnotic feel  of the track gives it much character, while Ali’s engaging flows keep the listener on their toes. “STUNT 101”, featuring Wiseboy Jeremy, switches the tone up with a vibrant, trap-influenced soundscape with bouncy rhythms and expansive synth lines. Ali delivers a more laid-back vocal performance complimented by Jeremy’s emotive delivery. Give Rhakim Ali’s latest “MISTA DON’T STUNT” a listen here now.

Florida artist Phoenix James is back with a fresh new song, titled “digital”. James’ latest takes on a sound that’s well, more “digital”, in contrast with some of her recent releases- which employed organic soundscapes. It’s a refreshing change for James that demonstrates her wide range and versatility, as she continues to prove that she’s an artist that cannot be placed in one box. Her latest offering, “digital” is a synth laden, playfully unique joint that brings her songwriting skills to the forefront with a set of engaging melodies atop tripped-out, silvery instrumentation. The Florida artist’s latest paints a vivid picture with its futuristic sound and potent vocals. Give “digital” a listen here now.