Author: befree

By Connie Roses

“Maybe in two more years I’ll do something” is the final recollection made on IFF_’s new track released last Friday, also notably named “TWO MORE YEARS.”

Though “TWO MORE YEARS” is wrapped quite succinctly around the idea of melancholy daydreaming and controlled self-loathing, self awareness of a shared jaded view towards the future is more than apparent through the four minute epic pop-rock track.

Since early 2020 we’ve been trapped in the Covid-19 pandemic and though two years seems like a suitable time to discuss the pandemic, many artists have either executed upon the discussion poorly or have dismissed the topic as a whole.

Earl Sweatshirt of course released “Sick!” last month to critical acclaim. But while the album is of course in reference to the pandemic and its effects the themes of the album revolve around the chance to finally reflect deeply on the past since its writer is forced to stay inside. “Sick!” is a strong tape, but doesn’t hit the spot for a discussion of how the populace’s attitude towards the future has changed since COVID-19 swept across the world.

“TWO MORE YEARS” is a track that fills the COVID-19 gap. Frustration and boredom, a lingering depression, and confusion are all tied to images which serve as simple yet beautiful metaphors. A blank ceiling, a slight touch of blue in the sky which is inevitably meant to go away as the seasons turn bleak and cold, an inability to leave the house and go grocery shopping… these images all serve as connections to the lingering effects of COVID-19 and how it affects our ability to act now and move forward.

IFF_ balances the self-loathing lyrics with a dramatic instrumental and soaring vocals that serve as hopeful reminders that the frustration is backed by a shared feeling which so many of us have and wish to be done with. A bleak feeling that there might be another two years where we feel a strong indifference fueling our depression, and an inability to make the choices we need to make to put the trauma and confusion behind us. This balance is the beauty and tragedy of “TWO MORE YEARS.” Go listen to it now.

IFF_’s new tape APT 203. releases February 25th. Part 3 will be out this Friday on the 18th. Go follow his instagram below to stay updated for more of their music.

IFF_ on Instagram.

By Jacob Ezra

Oluwadoe and Lucidjason have shared a vivid new single called “I Will”. A spacey, retro-futuristic R&B banger, this song provides jubilant grooves packed with vitality. The instrumental from Lucidjason is catchy and textural, containing colorful keys and electrifying guitars layered atop head-nodding percussion. Moreover, Oluwadoe’s vocals are smooth and spirited, drifting atop the instrumental with grace and effortless charisma. Sharing a natural chemistry, Oluwadoe and Lucidjason provide an organic-sounding offering that had us hooked from the get-go.

Listen to “I Will” now:

By Jacob Ezra

North Carolina artist Dylan Longworth has shared a dreamlike new single called “like me back”. The young musician, who has been gaining momentum for his evocative songwriting and genre-blending, versatile sound, has come through with a heartfelt new offering in “like me back”. Effectively conjuring a surreal atmosphere sonically, this song’s spacey, soft synths create a warm, otherworldly ambiance. Atop the cloudy instrumental, Longworth bears his heart with evocative melodies that drift smoothly, culminating in a highly memorable chorus. Showcasing his relatable lyricism, Longworth’s authenticity shines through on this track, grabbing the listener’s undivided attention.

Listen to “like me back” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Melbourne, Australia artist LNG has shared his debut single “Attached to Me”, a smooth, infectious offering that fuses pop and R&B together in a refreshingly seamless fashion. Displaying a keen ear for melodies and a penchant for relatable lyricism, he appears to be already making a strong introduction with this debut.

“Attached to Me” features a warm, addictive instrumental containing glowing key and atmospheric backing vocals. As bouncy percussion and a highly memorable bass-line are brought in, this track picks up an irresistibly catchy groove. Overtop, LNG delivers sharply-crafted verses chock full of engaging melodies. His voice is smooth yet confident, drawing us into this track’s balmy atmosphere and holding our attention closely throughout. A sharply-crafted, fun-loving track overall, “Attached to Me” provides much replay value.

Listen to “Attached to Me” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Birmingham, Alabama artist D-Bibbs has shared a fiery new offering called “NO KD”. The 22-year old rapper, who has been gaining momentum for his engaging sound and diverse vocal abilities, displays a sharp ear for production, as well as razor-sharp lyricism on this track. Accompanied by a raw, evocative visual shot by JakePutMeOn, “NO KD” is a memorable release that beckons many re-visits.

The instrumental on “NO KD” is triumphant and defiant, suitably underscoring D-Bibbs’ powerful vocals. With icy, adrenaline-pumping synths that soar atop head-banging percussion and muscular 808s, this beat is a truly addictive listen. Moreover, D-Bibbs’ verses are gripping, as he hits you with line after line of finely-tuned lyricism delivered with a commanding cadence. Paired with a refreshingly raw and unfiltered video that captures this song’s passionate essence, “NO KD” provides the whole package- infectious production, captivating vocals, and a well-crafted visual that enhances the track’s vibe.

Watch the visual for “NO KD” here:

London artist Orae Khalil‘s latest single “5 Year Plan”, assisted by Certy and produced by Mike Beats, has been in our rotation of late. Containing an infectious, moody drill instrumental featuring vibrant, nocturnal keys and booming percussion, this track makes for an addictive listen. Moreover, the vocals here are raw and engaging, yet also smooth and charismatic, adding replay value to this track and adding layers sonically. The latest from the talented Khalil, “5 Year Plan”‘s hazy, atmospheric drill sound is refreshing and vivid.

Listen to “5 Year Plan” now:

By Griffen Elliot

Solo Jaxon has just blessed us all with his new single “Winners and Bosses” this track has undeniable bounce and a triumphant feeling, which is fitting for its themes of hustling and perseverance. But what undoubtedly makes this song is the explosive and self-assured delivery by Solo. The vocals on this track grab you immediately and don’t let go, oozing a sort of confidence in the booth that would rival many established rappers today. If you’re looking for new songs for your gym playlist, or just something to keep you motivated, I strongly recommend some Solo Jaxson.

Listen to “Winners and Bosses”:

By Griffen Elliot

Daniel Price, Daniel Price, Daniel Price, a name you will want to remember. This man has been picking up steam, and his new release “Video Girl” is adding fuel to the flame. A natural swagger, and lush vocals that bounce on top of this song’s slick drum groove are the essence of what makes this track so sweet, although the guitar is the final chef’s kiss. Catchy melodies and fresh tones you wouldn’t usually expect to hear in an R&B record add a new layer of intrigue, and keep you glued for the 2:50 minute run time. Be sure to check out the music video that’s just been released while you’re at it!

Listen to “Video Girl” now:

Watch the music video here:

By Damilola Grey

Babyg the Artist has finally dropped her long-awaited EP Confetti World. The project dropped the same day as her birthday. The 8-track EP is a collection of all of Babyg’s sounds- from the hard-hitting “Reaper”- a personal favorite of mine- where BabyG and Dzh drop their hardest bars to the melodic, in-your-feelings type track “Aquarius Lover”, to “1017”, where Babyg addresses a friendship she lost sometime last year. Fans were also blessed with an extended version of “Confetti”.

Confetti World has a track for every mood, vibe, or feel. The New Jersey native stated that Confetti World represents putting aside your ego and having a parade to celebrate yourself- your past, your mistakes, excitement for the future and so forth. Confetti World was honestly worth the wait, and we are excited to see visuals, and whatever else Babyg has in store for us.

Listen to Confetti World HERE

Watch the video for “lifestylegreen”:

JuJu2x and Yung Vince have shared a new video for their song “Give Her Back”. Multi-talented artists, JuJu2x and Yung Vince’s diverse styles blend hip-hop and R&B into a seamless combination, providing an engaging sense for rap flows while simultaneously displaying keen ears for buttery R&B melodies. The artists, who originate from Fort Worth, Texas, have steadily been building a catalogue of vibrant, infectious bangers, and their latest release is no exception. “Give Her Back”‘s hazy, moody soundscape captured our attention immediately, drawing us into its layered sound. Accompanied by a fresh new visual, this release provides much replay value.

The production on “Give Her Back” is hard-hitting yet atmospheric, balancing heavy, crisp drums and booming 808s with elegant, reverb-soaked keys. The instrumental’s usage of heavy sounds with lighter elements lends itself to an engaging listening experience, drawing one into the song’s smoky, nocturnal mood. Atop the instrumental, JuJu2x and Yung Vince deliver rapidly-paced, exciting verses that combine smooth rap flows with melodic R&B sensibilities in their characteristic style. Raw yet effortlessly charismatic, their vocal performances add catchiness to this already contagious track. Accompanied by an exciting video that utilizes subdued lighting to capture this song’s dark, immersive feel, JuJu2x and Yung Vince deliver a cohesive package on this new release that enthrals the listener.

Culminating in their latest offering, it has been interesting to watch JuJu2x and Yung Vince’s growth as artists, over a series of memorable tracks that document their willingness to blend interesting sounds together. An exciting counterpart to Texas’ rich R&B and hip-hop scene, these two artists appear to be accelerating their songwriting skills at a rapid pace by way of a tireless work ethic. Moreover, the chemistry the two share is evident on “Give Her Back”, with their vocals flowing together seamlessly. With slightly different styles and tones, yet an overall similar vibe and ethos, the two working together seems like an organic fit.

Overall, “Give Her Back” is an exhilarating track that pairs spacey ambiance with head-nodding rhythms to craft an infectious blend. With JuJu2x and Yung Vince coming from Texas, a state renowned for producing talented, prolific artists at a fast rate, the two musicians stand out while still directly paying homage to the area’s beloved sound. This is made evident on “Give Her Back”, a vibrant, addictive offering that captures the classic feel of Southern hip-hop while simultaneously providing something refreshing. With its smoky, dark vibe and powerful sonics, “Give Her Back” will likely be in our rotation for some time, and it has us anticipating what will come from JuJu2x and Yung Vince in 2022.

“Give Her Back” audio:

Connect with JuJu2x: Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Yung Vince: Instagram

To listen to more music from JuJu2x, go here: YouTube | Spotify

To listen to more music from Yung Vince, go here: Spotify