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Jamal J. shares cinematic, thought-provoking album ‘My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah’

Jamal J. has shared a new album, My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah. The LP follows his earlier release, Babilu (Redition), with another monumental record built with the tension, depth, and world-building of a short film. On My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah, each track is infused with a sense of clarity and dimension, pairing intricate, mind-expanding lyrics with elegant, ethereal instrumentals that give the album a refined, cinematic quality. Moments of rawness and haunting beauty coexist as self-aware, detailed lyrics flow across soulful, boundary-pushing production with calm, collected ease.

The hypnotic, immersive sound of Saint Kay–produced tracks like “Salmonella” and “The Titan Kronos” draws the listener into the album’s ethereal atmosphere early in the tracklist, as Jamal J. demonstrates a unique ability to weave disparate phrases and words into vivid, fresh imagery. “Dichotomy,” produced by Reallyhiiim and featuring ANKHLEJOHN, layers a shimmering, infectious loop with organic production that sits neatly beneath the emcees’ poised, memorable lines. “Mudras & Gang Signs,” featuring Israel Jones, creates a hazy, thought-provoking atmosphere, bolstered by the duo’s richly poetic verses. “Weigh Me Down,” featuring Sol Chyld, stands out near the album’s culmination with reflective lyricism atop soaring samples and organic percussion.

Both meditative and invigorating, My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah is a layered record that draws the listener deeper into Jamal J.’s world. He continues to prove himself as a musician who cannot be boxed in- an artist who follows his own path with conviction while delivering emotive, expressive work.

Listen to My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah here now:

Listen HERE on all platforms.

Connect with Jamal J.: Instagram | X

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Eric Scott and Isabella Akhtarshenas share vibrant new claymation video for “Picking Flowers”

Eric Scott and Isabella Akhtarshenas’s new claymation music video for “Picking Flowers” (ft. Patriny Amorim) offers a vibrant visual companion created by Akhtarshenas to the track from Scott’s ‘Wolfstein’ EP. The video recently earned an award at the Los Angeles Animation Festival for ‘Best First-Time Stop Motion Filmmaker’. “Picking Flowers” immediately draws the viewer in with its warm, nostalgic palette and handcrafted textures, each frame echoing the song’s wistful tone. The claymation world Akhtarshenas builds for Scott’s track is charmingly tactile, yet layered with emotional undercurrents that mirror the track’s soulful production and vivid, introspective rhymes. Patriny Amorim’s feature adds further dimensions, giving the narrative an even richer resonance.

“Picking Flowers” stands as a refreshing offering in today’s digital-heavy landscape, reminding viewers of the beauty in tactile artistry and the emotional depth that animation can carry. It makes for a promising sign of what may come next from both Scott and Akhtarshenas.

Check out the video here now:

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Review: Sugar Bomb brings the funk on ‘Sweet + Explosive’

For Asheville, North Carolina jazz trio Sugar Bomb, 2025 has been a coming out party of sorts.

In May, the trio released their debut EP Sweet, a four track effort centered around spaced out melodies and slow-burning grooves. In September, they released a companion EP EXPLOSIVE, a funkier, more upbeat effort than its predecessor.

Now, the trio — made up of bassist Eli Kahn, drummer Joe Enright and keyboardist Jacob Bruner — has re-released both EP’s as one project, Sweet + Explosive, a debut album that pairs the somber, lyrical lead writing of the first EP with the head-knocking, improvisational focus of the second.

The intro track, “Rubber,” kicks off with some breathy legato synth chords and steady brushstrokes from Enright. It’s a gentle, eery start to the record, easing the listener in with a pleasant kiss on the eardrums. Let us not forget Kahn’s contributions, whose grumbling, pulsating bass lines lay down the perfect backdrop that ties it all together.

The slow cooking feel continues on the second track, “IDK,” which has a guest feature from saxophonist Dylan Hannan, whose earthy, moaning saxophone lines float perfectly over the relaxed instrumental grooves laid down by the trio.

The next two cuts bring more of the same. “Kerosene,” despite its title, is a moody, mid-paced number driven by Bruner’s dreary synths, while “Lullaby” closes out the first half of the project with some more spacey keyboard work and some rhythmic percussion lines from Enright.

The vibe of the project completely changes in its second half. Track five, “Frenzy,” abandons the slow-paced, melodic focus from the first half, pushing the tempo with its driving, off-beat drum patterns and pressing lead melodies that eventually cascade into utter chaos near the end of the song.

The next two tracks, “Issa Vibe” and “Eli Special” are both funky dance numbers, erected upon nifty staccato bass work and some heavily technical improvisational chops from Bruner.

The project closes with “Dance Tune,” which is perhaps the biggest ear worm on the entire record. Alternating between a moody, stripped back melodic riff and a fast-paced dance riff, the trio slowly builds momentum in the song’s closing moments before a satisfying release of tension that closes out the record.

While Sweet + Explosive is essentially a tale of two halves —one half moody, the other half funky — what brings this project together so nicely are the catchy melodies, airy soundscapes and demonstrably high level of musicianship from everyone involved.

Photo credit: Camilla Calnan

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O Dawg shares potent new single “Wake Up”

O Dawg has shared a new song, titled “Wake Up”. A Brooklyn rapper with a gift for versatility, engaging lyricism, and a naturally charismatic delivery, O Dawg has been building real momentum since his 2016 debut. His sound blends classic East Coast grit with modern influences, creating a lane that’s entirely his own- defined by strong craftsmanship, range, and an unapologetically individual voice. O Dawg’s latest song, “Wake Up”, is a potent, raw offering that harnesses his razor-sharp lyricism atop enticing, dark instrumentation from Camoflauge Monk.

“Wake Up” finds O Dawg gliding over Camoflauge Monk’s production, which is equal parts elegant and sinister- a soundscape built on gritty percussion and a rich, humming bassline that sets a tense, cinematic tone. His delivery is sharp and controlled, each bar landing with precision as he paints vivid scenes through his lyricism. The track feels like a warning and a statement at the same time- O Dawg waking the listener up to his presence, his vision, and the edge that defines his craft.

Listen to “Wake Up” here now:

Connect with O Dawg: Spotify | Instagram | X

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Lil Derik shares soulful new EP ‘Red Dragon’

Lil Derik has shared a fresh EP, titled Red Dragon. From the South Side of St. Louis, Lil Derik moves between two worlds. By day he’s a substitute teacher and basketball coach. By night he’s one of the city’s sharpest independent hip-hop voices. Raised on the words of Rakim, 2Pac, OutKast, and Wayne, he started rapping in high school and formed the collective “More Than Music” with his closest friends.

After graduating and heading to Mizzou, he created Huey vs. Riley: The Mixtape in 2018, a release that quietly became a local cult classic. In the years since, he’s built an impressive body of work with five solo albums, four collaborations, thirteen EPs, and countless singles, all leading to his 2025 studio album Enter The Dragon, released on his twenty-seventh birthday.

The project opened doors. Festivals, co-headlining shows, a Connect The Dots freestyle, and a spot in the 2025 St. Louis Freshmen Class all followed. Now, with momentum at his back, Lil Derik begins the next chapter, starting with Red Dragon, a three-track EP crafted alongside UK producer Brey10.

Lil Derik weaves together potent, poetic lines filled with hard-earned introspection, resting them gently in Brey10’s warm and textured soundscape. His lyricism feels lived-in and honest, soulful without trying to be and focused without ever feeling forced, with a butter-smooth flow that glides across every beat he touches.

The EP opens with “Buick Lesabre,” carried by laid-back, silky loops that feel like a slow drive through familiar streets. Derik’s verses move with a graceful ease, blending memory, reflection, and calm confidence into something intimate and effortless.

“Fall In Love” follows and widens the world of the project. Expansive sampling and organic grooves create a vibrant backdrop for Derik’s raw and engaging flow. He shifts between vulnerability and swagger with natural rhythm, making it one of the project’s standout moments.

The EP closes with “Til Death Do Us Part,” a cathartic finale built on rising, evocative instrumentation. Here, Derik sharpens his pen, offering pensive lines that linger long after the track fades. It is a closer that reaffirms his voice, his craft, and the emotional clarity he brings to every release.

Together, the three tracks form a vivid and soulful snapshot of where Lil Derik stands today: grounded, expressive, and fully locked into his artistry.

Listen to Red Dragon here now on our platform:

Listen to Red Dragon on all platforms HERE.

Connect with Lil Derik: Instagram | X

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Eric Scott shares expressive new EP ‘Wolfstein’

Eric Scott has released a new EP, titled Wolfstein. On his new EP, Eric Scott reimagines Frankenstein through a lens of emotion rather than horror. His Wolfstein character isn’t sparked to life by lightning, but by loss. He’s not sewn together with thread and sinew, but with grief, regret, and the fragile remains of a broken heart. This character is carefully constructed and reflected by the record’s brooding, and eerie, yet stylish sound. With a potent charisma, heartfelt vocals, and creeping, versatile beats, Wolfstein is an engaging record from Eric Scott that stands on its own for its immersive world-building and gripping portrayal of his character.

From the first track, “Dance Around the Darkness” (ft. Sunnie and RodBitches), Wolfstein invites the listener in to a hypnotic, dark sound- with an elegant, orchestral instrumental and versatile, infectious vocals. The shuffling, ominous feel and enticing, sharp flows of “This Ain’t That” (ft. Johnny Sublime) make for a standout track, as detail-rich, lyrical verses flow smoothly atop smoky, raw horns. “Nolove” (ft. Kingsley Ibeneche) adds an atmospheric, vivid flavor of alternative R&B, furthering Wolfstein‘s irresistible versatility.

Eric Scott’s Wolfstein makes for a powerful EP that explores a deeply emotional and unconventional world- poignant, captivating, and fearlessly original.

Listen to Wolfstein here:

Listen to Wolfstein on all platforms HERE.

Watch Eric Scott’s music video for “Wolfstein” here:

Watch the video for “??Alive” here:

Connect with Eric Scott: Instagram

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The engaging world-building of Eric Scott’s “Wolfstein” (ft. Smoke DZA)

Eric Scott‘s latest release, “Wolfstein”, featuring Smoke DZA, is more than just a new single- it’s an immersive offering that invites you into the world of the artist and the character he has created. “Drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: The Man Who Made the Monster, this reimagining trades lightning bolts and laboratories for heartbreak and human emotion. In this version, Wolfstein is born from love and loss- stitched together not by science, but by sorrow- becoming something both hauntingly beautiful and deeply unsettling. It’s an angle approached with authenticity and originality, making Scott’s latest release “Wolfstein” stand out as he breaks the mold.

Sonically, “Wolfstein” is an enticing track- creeping, eerie keyboards, ghostly drums, and an ominous bass riff create the perfect backing for the track’s concept and presentation. Scott’s delivery matches the character of Wolfstein to the tee, with its mixture of emotion, hurt, and aggression. His subtle, hypnotic tone and flows add further dimensions of uneasiness to the track. Smoke DZA follows with a potent verse delivered in a similarly hushed, yet raw, tone.

The video’s high-contrast black and white aesthetic, along with its vivid, intense imagery, make for a cohesive accompaniment. Bringing the character of Wolfstein to the screen alongside companions cloaked in black, he portrays a complex and wounded character, carved from heartbreak, to create something both beautiful and terrifying.

Watch Eric Scott’s new video for “Wolfstein” here now on our platform, a single from his upcoming album Wolfstein.

Connect with Eric Scott: Instagram

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EliJah is blazing his own trail in underground hip-hop with fresh single “Function” (ft. Boldy James)

EliJah has shared a fresh new track called “Function”, featuring Boldy James. EliJah, a 23-year-old artist from Cleveland, Ohio, has been making a significant impact on the city’s music scene since emerging in 2020. Known for his authentic love of hip-hop and his willingness to experiment with diverse sounds, EliJah brings a fresh and dynamic voice to the genre.

His work has garnered attention through collaborations with notable artists such as Tony Shhnow, A$AP 12vy, and Boldy James, positioning him as one of Cleveland’s most promising young talents.

EliJah’s latest single puts his skills on display with sharp lyrical prowess, engaging, smooth flows, and hard-hitting production. Featuring hip-hop mainstay Boldy James, the track weaves together potent narratives, eclectic, infectious production, and focused songwriting for an immersive experience for the listener.

Atop glowing samples, raw percussion, and rich bass, the emcees trade memorable verses as they tackle the graceful instrumentation with ease. EliJah is an emcee who brings a powerful energy to each track that he drops, and his latest is further proof. Take a listen to “Function” here now and further familiarize yourself with EliJah.

Listen to EliJah’s music on all platforms HERE.

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The immersive sonic world of Noah Genesis’ ‘another hornet didn’t make it to spring’

Noah Genesis has shared a new album, another hornet didn’t make it to spring. Genesis is a 20-year-old producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Seattle, now based in Los Angeles. His music- entirely self-produced- fuses alternative pop, indie rock, and hip-hop into raw, experimental soundscapes. His new album, another hornet didn’t make it to spring, is a showcase of his diverse, emotive style, drawing from alternative pop, indie rock, hip-hop while maintaining deeply personal themes and an abstract approach. It’s the type of record that draws you in further and further across its run-time, immersing you in its introspective atmosphere and raw feel, as Genesis paints a vibrant picture of his inner world across 11 songs.

another hornet didn’t make it to spring is an album that cannot be boxed in to one genre or style. While it maintains a cohesive sound throughout, it pushes the boundaries through a blend of everything from alternative pop to hip-hop. From the indie and folk flourishes of opener “parasite”, with its expansive guitar riffs and bittersweet vocals- to the rich, energetic “northside story”’s hip-hop tones- another hornet didn’t make it to spring is a record that has something for everyone. Elements of folktronica and minimalism appear on tracks like “stinger”, while closer “nicolas sheff” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad.

The album presents a lived-in kind of intimacy for the listener, as many of its songs feels like a special nostalgic item one has re-discovered again after many years, of the kind they believe they might never find again. It’s a heartfelt, powerful record that brings you both potent points of sweeping instrumentation and vocals, as well as quiet, hidden moments that reveal themselves over time. Listen to Noah Genesis’ new album another hornet didn’t make it to spring here now.

Listen on all platforms HERE.

Watch Noah Genesis’ short film ‘where will i land?’ here:

Connect with Noah Genesis: Spotify | Instagram | YouTube

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Rising Artists Caddy Pack & Pavy Drop Empowering Anthem “Don’t Be Afraid”

Inspiring Hip-Hop Track Tackles Mental Health, Self-Worth, and Resilience with Universal Message of Hope

Emerging hip-hop duo Caddy Pack & Pavy have released “Don’t Be Afraid,” a powerful anthem that transforms personal struggle into collective empowerment. Produced by doom.got.beats, the track delivers an urgent message of self-belief and resilience that resonates with today’s social justice movements. Executive produced by Katrell The Phenomenal. Pairamilitary Music Group.

The Song That Speaks to Our Times

In an era where mental health awareness, anti-bullying initiatives, and human dignity are at the forefront of social discourse, “Don’t Be Afraid” emerges as more than just music – it’s a movement.

We created ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ because we’ve all been in that dark place where fear controls our decisions. Music has the power to reach people when they need it most, and if this song helps even one person recognize their strength, we’ve succeeded. This isn’t just entertainment – it’s empowerment.”

Why This Story Matters Now:

As society grapples with rising mental health challenges, increased social division, and the need for authentic voices of hope, “Don’t Be Afraid” offers a timely solution. 

The track proves that social change music doesn’t require controversy or conflict – sometimes the most radical act is simply reminding people of their inherent worth and power.

Stream and Download “Don’t Be Afraid”:

[Spotify] | [Apple Music] | [YouTube] | [SoundCloud]

Connect:
@caddypack, @pavyworld, @doomgotbeats, @kpthephenomenal, @pairamilitarymusic, @vindig_label