Are you in need of some slow-moving, head grooving tunes? Look no further than Saya Mosaic‘s newest release Looking Glass. This EP features everything an R&B lover needs- from slick, swung, laid-back drum grooves that get you moving without even realizing it- to smooth bass-lines and beautiful harmonies. Saya exudes a real sense of maturity and poise with her delivery on these tracks and as an artist in general, especially considering she’s only been releasing music for the last year. A personal favourite of mine is the title track and lead single, “Looking Glass”, which presents some serious old-school vibes, paired with a synth rhythm that makes it feel fresh at the same time, like if Erykah Badu was a bedroom producer. Saya Mosaic is perfect for those chilled-out evenings when you crave something silky, and honestly, her discography will not disappoint wherever you decide to start listening.
HighJak and DMAD have shared a fresh, vibrant new single called “Get My Halo”. Here, the genre-blending artists seamlessly combine pop, indie rock, emo, and hip-hop into an infectious mixture that captivates the listener with colorful sounds and catchy melodies. Containing evocative, atmospheric guitars ringing out over an addictive bassline and underscored by bouncy, textured percussion, the instrumental for “Get My Halo” is layered and vital. Moreover, the vocals are poignant and emotive, containing addictive melodies as well as dynamic, raw rap verses. An engaging, versatile track, “Get My Halo” will certainly be a notable addition to our rotation going forward.
Jacob: What made you initially want to start making music?
Fatboyshaun: As like a 4-5 year old my mom always had jay-z, lil wayne, and scarface on and i would learn all the lyrics and shit. But i found my love for music when my stepdad taught me how to play drums when i was like 10 and from there the homie dremack told me i should try rappin when i was like 12-13 and its just been my passion since.
Jacob: What was it like growing up in south Texas, and what was the music scene like there?
Fatboyshaun: Ima get a lotta shit for this one, but personally ive never been a fan of the texas sound or what was relevant in texas. Dont get me wrong cause music is all perspective, i just heard it way too much when i was younger and when it came time for me to discover music for myself i found east coast music and that was like the most fye shit to me. Now i have a deeper appreciation for Texas music, but its still not in my rotation of shit i listen to.
Jacob: Who were some of the main inspirations that shaped your sound over the years?
Fatboyshaun: I would say Doom, pro era (the whole beast coast movement from the early 2010s), Ye (when he actually rapped), NAS, and odd future were all my younger inspirations and im glad i got to exist during a period where i got to experience those artists. Now i more so find inspiration from my personal life, films, travelling, food, physical art kinda just more so things that i can interpret in my own way. I also listen to music all day everyday, im still a music nerd at the end of the day rn i listen to alot of Bronson, roc marci, ankhlejohn, and any griselda artist.
Jacob:What do you look for when selecting beats?
Fatboyshaun: The beat has to speak to me. I do this thing where when i listen to a beat pack i stand up and i pace around, if i havent started freestyling/verbally writing out loud within 30 seconds to a minute, then i personally dont feel a connection with the beat. i love production and sound design, but im a sucker for a great fucking sample loop. its a art form to sampling and when its done right 9 times out of 10 ima pick that beat.
Jacob: Which track on 100$ pasta plates was your favourite to create?
Fatboyshaun: Personally kombucha was cool cause i just posted like a “calling all artist” type thing. Shit was like a battle royale. I got back like 35+ verses and only 4 made it. But conceptually timmy chans was my favorite song to write, record, and film the visuals to.
Jacob: How did you first connect with Trox?
Fatboyshaun: I got playlisted with Ricky Mapes and through him i connected with Soko and Trox just happened to be Soko’s artist. So Soko connected us and next thing u know we were making a project.
Jacob: What was the experience like working with Trox on 100$ pasta plates?
Fatboyshaun: It was cool, glad we experienced that and made a dope connection. It also was super easy to communicate and work everything out as far as music goes.
Jacob: What do you hope people take away from listening to 100$ pasta plates?
Fatboyshaun: I honestly dont know, i just hope they enjoy it and formulate their own perspective of what im saying. Im big on letting everyone formulate their own opinion cause who am i to try and push an agenda?
Jacob: What do you hope to achieve this year with your music?
Fatboyshaun: Personally i just wanna tour, preferably a european tour. Also wanna work with some artist but i like to let that type of shit happen organically. Hopefully we drop 3-4 projects this year too. its january so hopefully another one drop soon…who knows? Let Allah lead me where im needed most.
Watch the video for “Timmy Chans” by Fatboyshaun and Trox:
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 