ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC

By Griffen Elliot

“Consequences” by ihateyouALX presents a strong laid-back style reminiscent of 90’s Westcoast rap, which is not surprising for a Palmdale native. However, something that will strike you about this track is the wavy synths and instrumentation that instantly create a mellowed atmosphere giving a solid foundation for ihateyouALX to flow over without trapping him in an old school type beat. The vocals in this song feature a catchy melody and interesting interplay between the backup harmony and the lead. The lyrics themselves are quite intricate, featuring great wordplay and polished delivery. So, If you’re looking for a good cruising song that you can both get lost in and dive deep into the lyrics, then ihateyouALX’s new single has got you covered.

Listen to “Consequences” here:

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What was your first introduction to hip hop?

Sareem: For as long as I can remember, my parents would bump Jay Z, The Beastie Boys, and Kanye in the car. Our family has always been musically inclined and we grew up listening to a ton of different genres honestly. Didn’t realize that kids in my area didn’t listen to rap like that, until in second grade for this “my mum and I” project I wrote that our favorite activity was to sing “Gold Digger” in the car. She got called into my teacher’s office like 2 days later.

Dami: What inspired you to start making music?

Sareem: Just life honestly. I’ve been writing poems since I was young but I used to play the drums and little piano too. I love the old school shit so my first records were me tryna be like Dre and Ice Cube and they were trash lol. Around the time I was 19, there was a moment that happened with a girl and one of my best friends at the time that left me depressed and not trusting anybody for a solid couple of months though, and I spent a lot of that time just writing music and putting it out. It wasn’t good but it laid a foundation and helped me get out of that depression. A lot of my initial shit was me just tryna sound hard without really backing it up, but the more vulnerable I became with it, the more other people, as well as myself, connected with it.

Dami: How would you describe your sound?

Sareem: It’s really just a projection of me. I have songs you can party or smoke to, there’s some you can put in your workout playlist, there’s some for when you feel like shit. I care a ton for the writing too and try to make my next verse better than my last. I throw in a lil bit of West Coast in the mix too. I grew up on the oldies as well as the new school, like Schoolboy Q, Kendrick, 2Pac, Kid Cudi, DMX, and Lil Wayne.

Dami: Who are your biggest inspirations?

Sareem: Schoolboy Q, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, 2Pac, Donald Glover, Ab-Soul, Eminem, Kid Cudi, Jay Z, Kobe Bryant, Zach De La Rocha, JID, Dave Chapelle, Aaron McGruder, and Serj Tankian.

Dami: When making music, where do you grab inspiration from?

Sareem: Life experiences. I write down emotions and keep note of things I go through, then I go through beats and if I’m feeling something then I’ll grind it out and see if I can write something to it. Whatever I’m listening to at the time has a role in it too.

Dami: What’s your creative process like?

Sareem: I gotta lock in. I write my most when I’m by myself and enter this little flow state of throwing ideas around. I love rapping with other people and getting everyone on a track together but I don’t like writing in front of other people for the most part. The exception if it’s a hook.

Dami: You just dropped a single titled “Locked In”. Can you tell us about it?

Sareem: This one is a single from my upcoming album. “Locked In” is a song about getting in that flow state and locking in. My dad asked me to write a song about what goes through my head during that process, and this came out of it. I chose Gohan to be on the cover because his battle versus Cell represents that state in my eyes, and identify with his character a ton.

Dami: Can you tell us more about your upcoming album?

Sareem: Yeah for sure. The working title is ENTER R.E.E.M 2. The theme is really just coming into my own after entering a new chapter of life. There’s a ton of new sounds on the project and it represents me and my creative process at this point in time. Been having a blast getting to play it live and I really can’t wait to put it out.

Dami: Any features on it?

Sareem: Hell yeah. Shoutout AG3, SPYKID, and Ha Keem. You can catch SPYKID on our song “Coastin”, and AG3 on our songs “Run Up” and “Turn Me Up”. Sean McNamara stays killing the beats before anything else. And shoutout Alexander the Great and Chineme too. There’s enough material already for a deluxe album.

Dami: What do you hope to achieve by the end of the year?

Sareem: 100,000 monthly listeners, to play Rolling Loud LA (or some equivalent) and to build up this network we have going and bring my homies with me. We’ve got a dope talent pool and I really want it to expand further.

Connect with Sareem and listen to his music here.

South Carolina artist juicethedon has returned with the second instalment of his Buy One, Get One Free series. Raised in Charleston in a household of musicians, the gifted lyricist has consistently been releasing engaging, vibrant tracks lately. Here, reflective, smoky jazz-laced opener “U Know My Name” sets the tone beautifully, conjuring an immersive atmosphere filled with warmth and density. Showcasing juicethedon’s characteristically smooth, dextrous flow, the song kicks the 2-song offering off on a high note.

Next, “4th Quarter” provides wistful, nostalgic instrumentation centred around moody vocal samples and glowing guitars. Underscored by subtle, organic percussion and rich bass, this beat lays a solid foundation for juicethedon’s evocative vocal performance, as he glides over the sentimental instrumentation with ease, delivering verses filled with vivid lyricism.

Listen to Buy One, Get One Free, Vol. 2 now:

Queens, New York rapper Dre A.M. has shared a new single “Not a Hobby”, where topically he seeks to redefine how society sees an artist’s role. As an artist, the amount of times that you hear people belittle your work in a variety of ways can get understandably frustrating, and this song touches on this at length. A relatable offering for many in music today, “Not a Hobby”‘s sharply-crafted lyricism and vivid instrumentation drew us in immediately.

Featuring an instrumental centred around menacing, icy keys and deep, pounding drums, “Not a Hobby” makes for an imposing yet infectious listen. It is Dre A.M.’s elastic flow and descriptive, thought-provoking lyricism that is the cherry on top here, as he comes through with some spell-binding verses that kept us on our toes throughout.

Listen to “Not a Hobby” now:

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What was your first introduction to hip hop?

Dzh: My first introduction to hip hop was actually through gaming soundtracks. The Game (the artist) had this record called “Higher”. I studied those lyrics, and from there I just became a huge fan after wanting to know more.

Dami: What inspired you to start making music?

Dzh: I honestly just started writing songs because I fell in love with songwriting as a whole and I wanted to learn how to produce music as well. As I got older, high school really, I really took interest in it and went from there.

Dami: When making music, where do you grab inspiration from?

Dzh: Anything or everything that I could be going through or went through. I try my best not to dive too deep into situations, but draw from them as best as possible.

Dami: Who are your biggest inspirations?

Dzh: Obviously, the bigger artists like Drake, Kanye, J Cole, and Jay Z. Those are stamped, but my main three are Mick Jenkins, 6LACK, and HER. Honorable mentions are Blxst, Nipsey Hussle, and recently, as far as instrumentalists go, Terrance Martin too.

Dami: What’s your creative process like?

Dzh: Usually I listen to beats constantly. I write in my head and try to take my time with what comes naturally. If something feels rushed, I won’t bother and I’ll step away from writing.

Dami: How would you describe your sound?

Dzh: In recent years, I’ve only been compared to Mick Jenkins. I listen to him almost every day, so I can see where people draw that conclusion.

Dami: You just dropped a single titled “Relying on Me”. Can you tell us more about it?

Dzh: “Relying on Me” is part of an upcoming project scheduled to release later this year. It’s the record where I’m able to be a little bit vulnerable, but also let my listeners and fans know what my come up or journey really was. It was an introduction to who I am and what I’m about.

Dami: Can you tell us more about your upcoming project?

Dzh: My upcoming project is really something special. I discovered different strengths and weaknesses in this project and I’m more than excited to share it. Just gotta wait a little bit longer.

Dami: Any features on it?

Dzh: Don’t wanna reveal too much, but there’s one twist on the album that a lot of people aren’t ready for.

Dami: What has been your most memorable experience as an artist?

Dzh: Actually, last year. I’d released my video for a single “No Doubt” and I was doing my best, for promoting it at least and randomly I’d gotten a notification that the video was playlisted in VEVO’s official “DSCVR Hip-Hop” playlist. I’d never been playlisted in anything that major, so it was pretty exciting for me.

Dami: What do you hope to achieve by the end of the year?

Dzh: I have a bunch of accomplishments that I plan to release this year, like travelling and meeting more of my internet friends, charting for this album, shooting more videos etc. BUT the biggest goal to reach this year is to inspire someone and to let them know it’s possible with or without a budget. All they need is a great team and a better work ethic.

Listen to “RELYING ON ME” by Dzh here.

By Damilola Grey

Dzh has finally dropped his highly anticipated single “Relying on Me”. The 3-minute track sees Dzh paint a picture of his life growing up, and all the hardships he faced. He states he’s only relying on himself due to people’s absence in his time of need. He remembers how they laughed at him and never believed in him. He also recalls working twice as much as others due to the pressure of taking care of the house. Dzh’s delivery and lyrics help take listeners on this journey through his life. When I talked to Dzh about significance of the track to him, he said “Relying on Me” is more than just a song for me. It’s a reminder that no matter who stays or leaves, at the end of the day, I still have myself and that’s all I’ve really needed to have things done. Sort of a selfish song in a sense, but I made this record for me and myself only”. Although Dzh said he made the record for himself only, “Relying on Me” is too good a track to not to be listened to by everyone.

Stream “Relying on Me” now here.

By Jacob Ezra

Rising artists Control Room and LNDN have shared a new single titled “Know You” on the Glasse Factory imprint. A refreshing collaboration between these Western Canadian producers, “Know You”‘s forward-thinking, bass-driven sound is welcomingly energizing. Containing layered, breezy synths and airy vocal samples buzzing atop bouncy, textured percussion, this track conjures a lively, immersive atmosphere.

Steadily building an enticing groove using powerful, vital bass and crisp, fast-paced drums “Know You” provides an engaging listen, while also showcasing Control Room and LNDN’s willingness to push boundaries. Unafraid to test new ground sonically, the artists show a keen sense for crafting intricate melodies and idiosyncratic grooves. The patchwork of complex synths on “Know You” make this especially evident, as they create a dense soundscape that still manages to remain highly cohesive throughout. Balancing a more maximal approach with tangible rhythms and grooves, “Know You” is a clear example of Control Room and LNDN’s focus and poise as producers, as they achieve a spectrum of sounds that is vibrant and enticing.

The latest release from these Western Canadian artist on the rising Glasse Factory imprint, “Know You”‘s progressive, layered sound drew us in immediately. With a refreshing sense for unorthodox melodies and grooves, this track provided an energizing mood that made us want to move right off the bat. We can only hope more is soon to come from Control Room and LNDN, who evidently share a natural chemistry on this offering.

Listen to “Know You” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Georgia artist Convict Julie has come through with a new album titled Exquisite Pain. Born in Atlanta but based in Athens, the musician’s emotionally layered sound and cathartic, angelic voice are refreshing and captivating, helping to build her a strong budding fanbase in recent years. For her latest project, Julie heightens the tension and enhances the beauty in her music to unprecedented levels, making for a gripping and affecting listen.

The atmospheric opener “Surrender” finds her blending charisma and confidence with a vaguely unsettling mood, making for an intriguing listening experience right off the bat. The song places her vocals at the forefront, and for good reason, as it introduces her compelling voice boldly. Following this track up is the heavier, bouncier “Convict”, which brings in an exciting pace with pillowy 808s and crisp percussion. Minimalistic yet engaging, this instrumental is infectious, providing much replay value. Furthermore, Julie’s vocals here are memorable, as she comes through with a delivery that is raw yet smooth.

An album highlight appears in “Battle Cry”, a grand, expansive cut containing icy, atmospheric keys that ring out over top of rumbling synths and clean percussion. Here, she delivers one of her strongest vocal performances on the record, with soaring melodies deliver in a rich tone. Songs like “Dark Matter” showcase the project’s diversity as well, as this track takes on a more subdued, nocturnal ambiance. Watery, dusky keys make up the heart of “Dark Matter”‘s instrumental, creating a mysterious soundscape that suits Julie’s hypnotic vocals nicely. Lastly, “Legend” closes out the project on a menacing, powerful note, with icy keys and head-nodding percussion, as the vocals give an example of her range, reaching towering heights throughout.

Overall, Exquisite Pain is an affecting, sharply written project from Georgia’s Convict Julie. Showcasing her poise as a songwriter and powerful, angelic vocal style, this album is a gripping listen that deeply immerses the listener in its atmospheric sound. Hopefully more is soon to come from her, as she once again comes through with an emotionally layered offering that is intriguing and unsettling, while also confident and stylish.

Listen to Exquisite Pain now:

Los Angeles artist Cashus King has returned with an eclectic new EP called Cashus Kingdom. The underground veteran, who is a long-time affiliate of the great Dirty Science crew, alongside Blu, Exile, Aloe Blacc, Fashawn, and more, provides a refreshing offering on this EP that captures his ear for intriguing sonics, as well as his deft poetic lyricism. Bringing personal verses that draw one into the project’s idiosyncratic sound, King is admirably unafraid to explore new territory on Cashus Kingdom, making him a revitalizing voice in the underground hip-hop landscape.

EP opener “Circadian Rhythm” introduces the project’s psychedelic ambiance, immersing the listener in its otherworldly sound. With winding, dark keys and soft, creeping drums, the beat creates a thought-provoking, nocturnal soundscape that underscores King’s intricate, ruminative lyrics gracefully. His personal lyricism brings relatability to the project, as he delves into his inner thoughts within vivid, poetic verses. Following this song up is “Rivers of Babylon”, a textural, kaleidoscopic track containing an organic-sounding beat containing layered sounds such as droning, ominous sonics, and clunky, clattering percussion. Showcasing the diversity of Cashus Kingdom, “Rivers of Babylon” meshes smoothly with the other tracks while still standing out with its spacey, industrial-tinged sound.

Project highlight “SKUNK!!” appears next, bringing in raw, glowing horns that ring out atop dusty, infectious drums to create a grand mood. Here, King provides some verbose, dynamic verses that keep the listener on their toes throughout, with an exciting delivery that is executed effortlessly over the charismatic instrumental. Another highlight appears in “Kingdom Come”, a nocturnal sounding song with raw, immersive instrumentation that conjures a dark, dream-like atmosphere. Metallic, rumbling guitars play out over gritty drums and rich bass, as King delivers evocative lines rapidly, providing intensely detailed imagery. To close off the project, he comes through with the darkly beautiful “Freudian Theory”, a song that mixes airy, celestial keys with angelic, watery vocal samples to create a truly unique atmosphere. Here, King delivers some of his most vivid lyricism on the entire project, coming through with some deeply layered metaphors that plunge the listener into the song’s visceral depth.

A refreshing, thought-provoking project overall from Cashus King, Cashus Kingdom provides an array of sounds and lyrical motifs that are both otherworldly and relatable. An eclectic offering from the underground veteran that shows his willingness to break down sonic boundaries, this EP is consistently diverse yet simultaneously cohesive, creating a colorful landscape that keeps the listener on their toes at each turn.

Listen to Cashus Kingdom now:

Connect with Cashus King: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube