New England artist Nick Rose has shared an upbeat, hopeful new song called “ESCAPADES”, featuring Sylvan LaCue. Over a fast-paced, bright instrumental, the two rappers flow rapidly with smooth cadences.
The instrumental for “ESCAPADES” is centred around optimistic keys and triumphant horns. Underneath, clean percussion locks in the rhythm, providing a strong foundation for Rose and LaCue’s flexible flows. They come through with some powerful, cleverly written verses that keep the listener on their toes.
Overall, one can be hopeful for new music from both of these artists, who show a natural chemistry on this release. This hopeful track leaves one feeling inspired and refreshed, and makes for much replay value. All in all, they show strength and focus in their songwriting and the instrumental is well-executed.
Massachusetts musician Dev Soter has shared a nostalgic new single called “Tulsa”. This bittersweet track combines elements of different genres to create something simultaneously futuristic and familiar.
“tulsa” begins with muscular drums that provide an energetic pace, as dreamy guitars are added to create a wistful tone. Moreover, strong bass compliments the track, adding layers that create an infectious rhythm. soter’s vocals on this release are magnificent as well, combining elements of hip-hop, pop, and indie to foster a style that is unique and refreshing. Furthermore, his songwriting ability shines through as he crafts engaging melodies while simultaneously showing restraint and discipline.
Overall, “tulsa” is a strong release from dev soter, further proving that he is a skilled up-and-coming talent to keep an eye on. It is likely that bright things are ahead for this Massachusetts musician, who came through with an under-rated, sharply crafted release earlier this year in “the dida tapes”.
Underground hip-hop veterans Mickey Factz, Blu, and Asher Roth have shared powerful new song called “Reign”, which finds them trading off verses full of firepower over top of a glorious instrumental.
The instrumental for “Reign” is regal, centred around massive gospel vocal samples and pounding drums. Alongside the drums, driving bass creates an infectious rhythm and a solid foundation for the three talented emcees dexterous flows. They deliver punchy, engaging verses containing razor sharp lyrics. Moreover, they ride the beat effortlessly with charismatic cadences that keep the listener hooked throughout.
Overall, “Reign” is a strong track from Mickey Factz, Blu, and Asher Roth, who re-unite for a truly illustrious release. The three underground veterans have not lost a step, sounding as focused and as poised as they ever have. Hopefully a full length project could eventually come from these three, who share natural chemistry on this song.
Johnny Quest The Rebel has shared a motivational release called “Neva Fold”. Over top of powerful synths, the rapper provides well-written verses about perseverance.
All in all, the instrumental on “Neva Fold” is elegant, containing thought-provoking strings that glide smoothly over top of rich drums. Deep bass ties the track together beneath, creating a strong foundation for Johnny Quest the Rebel’s vocals. He comes through with some charismatic flows and clever lyrics containing an inspirational tone.
Overall, this is a poignant release from Johnny Quest The Rebel, who cements himself as a sharp, poised lyricist on this track. Hopefully more is soon to come from this talented rapper, as he shows potential throughout this release.
O3CAS‘s track “Osa Lovely”, featuring Elijah Aike, contains glitchy production that swirls into a psychedelic blend, providing a kaleidoscopic bed for the song’s dream-like vocals.
“Osa Lovely” contains fragmented yet warm samples that reflect a mood of summer. These samples are nostalgic and bittersweet, creating a unique atmosphere that puts one in a contemplative headspace. Moreover, rich, crisp percussion complements the sample as it keeps an energizing pace beneath. All in all, the production on this track is minimalistic and simultaneously layered and multi-faceted, making for an intriguing listen.
Overall, “Osa Lovely” is a strong offering from O3CAS and Elijah Aike, proving that they are focused artists who provide a refreshing sound. This track provides a lot of replay value without straying into territory that is too familiar.
Massachusetts-based Respectfully Said, made up of hosts K and Darius Isaiah, is an up-and-coming podcast worthy of your attention. They provide insightful commentary on music from the area, featuring hot takes, song spotlights, interviews and more.
From the get-go, it is clear that Respectfully Said are a strong voice coming from the Massachusetts area, providing multi-faceted commentary about music from the region. They analyze everything from production to vocals to the artistic culture of the area, taking into account lots of perspectives each episode. In the burgeoning music scene of Massachusetts and specifically Western Massachusetts, their focused opinions and observations cut through as important and engaging.
Furthermore, Respectfully Said’s ability to cover a diverse array of topics is admirable, and they go in-depth on these topics with both co-hosts, guests, and just with the hosts of the podcast, K and Darius Isaiah. They also include in-depth music reviews in each episode, focusing on releases from the Massachusetts area but also including music from around the world. These reviews add another dimension to the podcast, adding to it’s multi-layered style.
Overall, Respectfully Said are steadily cementing themselves as a sharp voice coming out of Massachusetts, and demonstrate strong work ethic and clarity with each new episode. It is evident that they are a strong player in the fast-rising Massachusetts music scene, and will continue to grow with it, as well as help it grow.
Massachusetts musician Kudo‘s self-titled album is an atmospheric and powerful offering, providing energetic and contemplative energies that keep the listener engaged throughout.
KUDO kicks off with the massive “Woah”, which contains reversed keys and heavy percussion. Over top, Kudo delivers some superb verses full of exciting melodies. The chorus on “Woah” is truly memorable, showcasing Kudo’s sharp skills as a songwriter. He follows this up with the defiant “Made Me/ With That”, which contains a dark, epic piano riff that hooks one in immediately. Moreover, his vocals are heartfelt and authentic, channeling intensely unbridled emotion in a graceful manner. Furthermore, the beat switch midway through is engaging and provides lots of replay value.
Next, album highlight “Trick”, featuring vocals from Sosa Da Great and Pasto Chris and production from DK, is a raw and catchy track. Once again, Kudo comes through with an excellent chorus that caps off the song in a glorious manner. He follows this up with the grand, rugged “Flak Jacket”, which is centred around massive, demonic synths and head-banging drums. This track makes for a truly imposing and impressive listen, showcasing Kudo’s full power as a vocalist.
Another album highlight is the DK-produced “All In” which features moody keys and rich bass. Over top, Kudo delivers some adrenaline-fuelled, authentic vocals that energize the listener. Finally, the album closes out with the contemplative “Feelings Don’t Die”, which features reversed keys and bouncy drums. This track has a reminiscent, reflective feel, and Kudo comes through with some personal verses here.
Overall, KUDO is a strong release that solidifies Kudo as an exciting artist coming out of the Massachusetts music scene. It is evident that he is an important player in this vibrant, growing scene, and his consistency as an artist is truly admirable.
Massachusetts musician DK has shared a pair of new EPs dedicated to North Dakota and South Dakota. Over top of 6 tracks in total, the talented artist displays his sharp production and songwriting abilities.
For North Dakota, DK kicks off with the appropriately named “Energy”, an upbeat track featuring rich bass and crisp percussion. DK showcases his songwriting ability on this opener, stringing together melodies effortlessly. Next, the acoustic guitar-backed “History” provides a mood that is more laid-back in nature. He comes through with a sharp hook on this song that keeps the listener engaged. Lastly, the atmospheric “Granted” is a highlight, providing nostalgic, reminiscent vibes that carry one back to past memories. DK comes through with some well-written verses that draw the listener in, as smooth synths ring out underneath.
On South Dakota, DK comes through with some uplifting vibes on the opener “Tied Up”. Here, bouncy drums provide a fast-paced rhythm as bright synths play over top. He follows this up with the melancholic, bittersweet “Kissing Booth”, which contains a strong instrumental centred around watery keys and clean percussion. DK provides some well-written vocals that keep the listener on their toes. Finally, he closes the project off with “Enjoy”, a positive, optimistic track that features a crisp, relaxed beat. This song closes the EP out on a hopeful note, providing cheerful yet contemplative vibes.
Overall, North Dakota and South Dakota are engaging, well-crafted projects from DK. It is evident that he is a voice that deserves attention in the Massachusetts area, as a member of a fast-rising yet still slept on scene.
Haiko has shared a bouncy, energetic new cut called “IU2Ly”. Over top of atmospheric synths and clean percussion, the artist delivers infectious melodies that keep the listener hooked throughout.
The instrumental for “IU2LY” consists of bright synths that play out smoothly over top of adrenaline-fuelled drums. Beneath, rich bass glues the track together and provides a solid foundation for Haiko’s catchy vocals.
He comes through with some engaging melodies that keep the listener on their toes, delivering strong verses and a sharply executed chorus. His melodies are playful yet equally well-written, adding to the replay value of this song.
Overall, “IU2LY” is a strong offering from Haiko, providing a great soundtrack for summer and drawing the listener in from the get-go. Hopefully more is soon to come from Haiko as we move into the latter half of 2021.
New York rapper Hunnaloe has shared an elegant new visual for his smooth, nostalgic singles “The Towns Finest / Route99”.
This new video finds Hunnaloe delivering a charismatic performance of his singles, appearing easy-going yet assured throughout. The video is cinematic and features warm coloration, adding to the reminiscent mood of the tracks. On the two tracks “Towns Finest” and “Route99”, he delivers rapid, powerful verses full of sharply crafted lyricism. Moreover, the beats are dark yet calming, containing wistful samples that carry one back to past memories.
Overall, “Towns Finest / Route99” is a strong release from Hunnaloe, showcasing his superb mic skills and providing two solid instrumentals. He shows much potential on this release, and cements himself as a new artist to keep an eye one going forward for the rest of this year.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 