Author: befree

Canadian artists DTour and Imperetiv have linked for a new single called “ICEONMY”. Appropriately titled, this track’s frigid sound caught our attention immediately. Containing an engaging, raw instrumental centred around ominous keys, “ICEONMY”‘s production is sharply-crafted and infectious. As driving, powerful bass is added to underscore DTour’s assertive, flexible flows, the track picks up an adrenaline-pumping rhythm, commanding the listener’s full attention. An enthralling listening experience overall, “ICEONMY” finds the duo sharing natural chemistry and creating an explosive sound.

Listen to “ICEONMY” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Massachusetts artist Dylan Reese has returned with a fresh new single called “Knockout”. The ever-consistent Reese, who capped off 2021 with the stellar R&B cut “Lose Your Love”, appears to be entering 2022 in top form here. Containing glossy, warm production centred around glowing keys and infectious percussion, “Knockout” provides heavy replay value. Moreover, Reese’s smooth-as-butter vocals draw the listener into this track’s atmosphere, with memorable melodies that stick in one’s head for days. Featuring an intriguing transition into a hip-hop cut at the end of the track, “Knockout”‘s dynamics make it even more engaging. A sharply-crafted, focused R&B and hip-hop cut, “Knockout” will likely be in rotation for us for the foreseeable future.

Listen to “Knockout” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Sideshow has shared a new visual for his track “An Open”, featuring MAVI and produced by Foisey. “An Open” contains a warm, reflective instrumental centred around wistful vocal samples and textured percussion. The beat creates a breezy foundation for Sideshow and Mavi’s smooth vocals, as they come through with some candid verses that capture the listener with evocative, vivid lyricism. Balmy and laid-back, “An Open” and its accompanying visual create an organic, relaxed sound and graceful atmosphere.

Watch the visual for “An Open” here:

By Jacob Ezra

Francesca Wexler‘s release”Pink Noise” is our song of the week. Accompanied by a new lyric video, the mysterious, pensive “Pink Noise” concocts a vividly otherworldly atmosphere. Wexler, who is originally from Lagos, Nigeria but grew up in Mississauga, Canada, has truly tapped into something unique with her mercurial, layered sound.

On this track, this signature sound is on full display, with organic production that marries dusky horns with eerie vocal samples and textured percussion to create a nocturnal concoction that is vibrant and addictive. Moreover, her vocal delivery captures the listener with its emotive delivery and vivid lyricism. An emotionally layered offering that expresses alienation and longing in an engrossing manner, “Pink Noise” is one of our favourite tracks released recently.

The lyric video for “Pink Noise” is available here:

By Jacob Ezra

Nashville’s Dear Me has returned with with a new song entitled “How Did We End Up Like This?”. The eclectic songwriter and poet, who has been gaining momentum for his evocative, relatable style, has been prolific lately, releasing a series of strong singles.

For his latest offering, Dear Me connects with Laeland and Sølace to craft a bittersweet track that draws the listener in to its reflective atmosphere. With an instrumental centred around glowing keys and minimalistic, atmospheric percussion, “How Did We End Up Like This?” is produced beautifully. Moreover, the vocals are sharply-crafted and smooth, yet simultaneously emotive, making for a refreshing mood and sound.

According to Elite Talent Group, the name Dear Me comes from when he started making music – with the music served as little letters to himself. Heartfelt and personal, Dear Me is a talented artist that writes vibrant music anyone can relate to.

Listen to “How Did We End Up Like This?” here:

By Damilola Grey

Wrek is back with another track titled “All Day”. The 2-minute song has a mellow feel to it, with him painting a picture using clever rhymes and witty bars. “All Day” finds Wrek deliberating on whether he should take “his foot off the pedal to save gas”. He has been progressing a lot recently, and now he wants to take a break and “chisel his own path”. When I asked the New Jersey native what “All Day” meant to him, he told me, “I would definitely choose to be lazy and just do what I like. But obviously, I wouldn’t get anywhere doing that so it’s kinda me complaining about how I’d rather be home, but I know I have to get up, and get to it and make dreams happen”. Wrek also dropped a music video to accompany the track. Give “All Day” a listen here and don’t forget to check out the music video on YouTube.

Watch the video for “All Day” here now:

By PJ Ouellet

Vancouver-based Marto’s new single “24 Pills” and its accompanying video present a self-directed offering in its truest form. Wearing multiple hats as performer, director and engineer, “24 Pills” is an eccentric and spirited release from the young artist. Marto effortlessly flows over fast-paced, rage-inspired synth-filled production provided by Ymar & Synthetic. Marto’s energetic vocals are amplified by bright, vibrant visuals in which he shines as a confident and electrifying performer.

Watch the video for “24 Pills” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Queens, New York rapper Dre A.M. of Faulty Piston Records has shared a new single called “Brady”, produced by La Kosher Nostra. This track features a dark, monolithic instrumental containing menacing organs that swirl over top of heavy, textured percussion. Setting a raw, gritty backdrop for Dre A.M.’s candid, intense vocals, this song paints a grim picture that is simply immersive and enticing. His lyrical ability particularly stood out, as he depicts vivid pictures with words. This joint has us anticipating his next album Bad Kid, GOOD City due this year.

Listen to “Brady” now:

By Jacob Ezra

As the duo Karpenters, legendary emcee Kool Keith and talented LA producer Grant Shapiro have connected on “Still Doing It”, an infectious, atmospheric track that grabbed our attention immediately. “Still Doing It” features a layered, dream-like instrumental from Shapiro containing ethereal samples and infectious percussion. Moreover, Keith delivers engaging, commanding verses that capture his renowned wittiness and charm. If you enjoyed “Still Doing It”, be sure to give the remainder of their latest EP under the same name a listen.

Listen to “Still Doing It” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Abstract hip-hop act T H R O N E have shared a vibrant new single called “Do It 4”, assisted by rapper ArmstrongWW and producer Delorean McFly. A strong offering, “Do It 4” contains a celestial beat with an immersive sound that had us hooked immediately. The beat finds shimmering samples swirling overtop of rich percussion and infectious bass, setting a solid foundation for the emcees dextrous flows. They deliver sublime verses packed with dense wordplay that is thought-provoking and vivid. With a warm, smooth mix that brings the energies of the track to the forefront, “Do It 4” is a blissful listen.

Stream “Do It 4” now: