Author: befree

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.

freespottie was recently featured on our pages for his potent project with SpaceCave, titled Freespace– and he has impressed us once again with his refreshing new single “Deja”. This new offering finds freespottie flowing smoothly with detailed, emotionally rich lyrics atop a tapestry of glowing samples.

The appropriately-titled “Deja” conjures thoughts of wistful nostalgia with its dreamy, chopped samples and reminiscent lyrics. freespottie demonstrates his creative vision and emotive sound with a surreal track that emanates warmth. The song has a like-ably un-concerned quality, like freespottie is just zoomed in on his life and goals and tuning out the outside world. Give “Deja” a listen here now.

Sækyi and donnie killjoy, two standout artists out of Virginia’s fertile music scene, have connected for a new song called “DALLAS”, produced by Christian Solar. Punk, alt-pop, hip-hop and more coalesce into a potent, genre-bending offering that puts Saekyi and killjoy’s dynamic songwriting on display. Their vocal styles contrast with each-other while also meshing together, as raw, energetic gives the song added replay value- with a feeling of focus that translates to an exciting listen. Check out Saekyi’s latest offering “DALLAS”, with Donnie Killjoy and Rooftop Collective, here now.