ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC

By Hazel Clementine

‘obala’ is inspectah k’s first release solely created by an SP 404. The SP 404 is heaven sent, as it is the perfect ingredient to an immaculate beat. Despite the album’s brevity with only four tracks, each song seamlessly transitions into the next- creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the listener, while having them begging for more beats and loops off the sp.

This beat tape was truly a seamless journey as each song flowed smoothly one after another, making it kind of feel like it was one consecutive song or mix. inspectah k’s use of the SP 404 in “obala” showcases his exceptional talent for crafting beats such as the first track ‘01142024’ as it has that infamous SP 404 lo-fi sound. The captivating beats and loops leave listeners craving for more, eager to explore the artist’s mastery of the SP 404 in future releases. Check out his album HERE and support the artist directly.

By Hazel Clementine

Ohbliv describes himself as, “oddly hypnotic, mesmeric visions of a musical utopia where hip hop dances with RnB, flirts with Jazz, and travels with ambient music……’”. But with his latest project, the first track titled ‘Untapped Resources’ flirts with a touch of drum and bass while mingling with Ohbliv’s signature beat making, which instantly makes this track a highlight early in the tracklist. The second song, titled ‘Kool Note Style’, is sonically an Ohbliv classic, while the third and fourth tracks exude cool, mellow ‘Weather Channel’ type of vibes. The album continues to impress with its unique blend of genres and mesmerizing beats. Each track showcases Ohbliv’s talent for creating hypnotic and captivating music. From the infectious healing energy of track ‘Vybe Check’ sharing African chants and songs infused with his jazzy experimental beats. The smooth transitions between tracks create a seamless listening experience, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the world of Ohbliv’s musical vision.

With ‘LewseJoints 13 Side B’, Ohbliv once again proves himself as a master of creating atmospheric and captivating beats that transport the listener to an African musical utopia. Purchase Ohbliv’s album here and directly support the artist!

By Hazel Clementine

If you’re a fan of Adult Swim’s [bumps] and miss the hypnotic beats and nostalgic vibes, then FlipzWorld‘s new album is a must-listen. If you recall watching Cartoon Network’s nighttime special ‘Adult Swim’, then you will remember their commercial segments called ‘[bumps]’ where they would showcase dope beats with awesome photography or gifs. Adult Swim’s [bumps] would feature the legends that we know of today such as Flying Lotus, J Dilla, Dr. Who Dat, Madib and many more groundbreaking producers and beat makers. These bumps were an inspiration to us a lot of us growing up, and it acted as an introduction to a new world of hypnotic, bass thumping beat snippets which kept us wanting more.

FlipzWorld’s [bumps] is a journey into the hypnotic and bass-thumping beats that left a lasting impact on many of us who grew up watching Adult Swim. Each track on the album instantly gives you throwback vibes and memories as your head will nod excessively from the vibrant beats. With each amazing track, you’ll instantly be transported to the memories and vibes of the past. To bring back all the old memories & [bump] days check out FlipzWorld’s Bandcamp page HERE to experience the nostalgia for yourself and support the artist directly.

By Hazel Clementine

The soothing sounds of ‘Miyako Temple’ by Mujo gives listeners a chance to feel peace and at ease. The meditative beats conjure a feeling of zen and stillness that is great to meditate, study or paint to. The combination of smooth, jazzy melodies and laid-back hip-hop beats created a tranquil atmosphere that transports listeners to a state of relaxation. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or find inspiration during a creative session, ‘Miyako Temple’ is the perfect soundtrack to accompany your healing journey.

This beat tape makes you wonder how the world would be in a bright and peaceful world with no crime or evil especially while listening to the second track titled ‘In Heaven’. The production quality of ‘Miyako Temple’ is top-notch, with crisp and clear sound that allows every instrument and element to shine. The artist’s attention to detail was executed by creating a cohesive listening experience from start to finish. ‘Miyako Temple’ takes you on a musical journey that uplifts the spirit and soothes the soul whether you’re listening while meditating, on a rainy day or painting. Listen to ‘Miyako Temple’ on spotify, apple music or Bandcamp today!

CHEL!‘s video for “wind”, featuring Mary Sue, caught our attention recently for its eclectic, lo-fi sound. Released alongside a slew of expressive, minimalistic, soulful offerings that flirt with left-field hip-hop and lofi, “wind” puts CHEL!’s style on display. With glitchy, hypnotic production centred around psychedelic reversed samples and airy percussion, merging with laid-back, sleek flows, “wind” is a memorable offering. A low-key but engaging visual accompanyies “wind” that emanates the track’s effortless feel and warmth while keeping an intriguing pace. Give the music video a watch here now.

By Jacob Ezra

Imani Nichele has caught our attention for her fresh 3-song offering, BLEAT. 22 year-old Chicago-based poet, rapper, singer/ songwriter and DJ Nichele was originally born in Detroit, and her work has diverse influences on spectrums between underground hip-hop, alternative, folk and more. Her latest release, BLEAT, is an engaging drop that blends laid-back, lush sounds with focused, potent flows. The immersive, grooving warmth of the title track opener- laced with character-rich vocals from Nichele atop watery, swelling keys- introduces the rich, relaxed sound of BLEAT. The coziness is taken to another level with the ethereal “sweatergawd.”, which contains powerful, spiritual undertones- capped off by Nichele’s intricate lyricism. Closer “PETA.” is a hazy, psychedelic cut with colorful tones that bring out a strong vocal performance from Nichele, who effortlessly and cleanly handles the instrumentation with dextrous flows and imagery-laden lyricism. Give Nichele’s latest offering, the versatile, impressive BLEAT, a listen below.

Washington, DC artist nofacerapper has dropped off a fresh single called “Blame Foule Monk”, produced by Foule Monk. Following up engaging releases such as “a mile a minute…” and “Face of the Moon”, “Blame Foule Monk” is a hard-hitting, raw track built around a phrase nofacerapper coined while working with Foule Monk, praising him with an infectious refrain.

“Blame Foule Monk” contains hypnotic, effectively minimalistic production based around whistling, ghostly samples and crunchy percussion. Laced with rich bass, the beat builds into a dynamic, catchy groove that provides an apt backdrop for nofacerapper’s poignant, cutting flows as he drops imagery-rich verses.

While producers in hip-hop don’t always get the credit they deserve, “Blame Foule Monk” takes aim at changing that in a refreshing manner. Give it a listen HERE on Bandcamp and directly support nofacerapper and Foule Monk.

By Mustafa Abubaker

Jake James is one of my favorite new rappers.

He’s cut from the same cloth guys like J. Cole, Drake, and Jack Harlow cut their teeth on… meaning he hasn’t ventured into the sounds Playboi Carti and his contemporaries have developed over time but rather draws inspiration from the golden age of hip-hop.

His new three-track project All Time High was recorded out of hotel rooms in Atlanta. The second track sounds like he’s ready for classic West Coast Dr. Dre production. The third track finds that sweet spot between the mainstream sound and the classic hip-hop sound he’s almost single-handedly kept alive.

Jake James is fasho one of those rappers you wanna keep tapped in with, bro got a lot of potential and you can tell he’s focused on making great music and treating music like a true job. Mix that with the passion, and you got a recipe for a star.

By Jacob Ezra

SwuM, GRIMM Doza, and YL are three artists that have all cultivated influence within their own respective lanes in the underground, and their latest collaboration “BLINK OF AN EYE” feels like a natural meeting of worlds. The song harnesses the nonchalant charisma and laid-back soulfulness that is a common in the three artist’s work, with a poignant lo-fi tinged track that brings their strengths together. “BLINK OF AN EYE”‘s hazy, hypnotic loops and dusty percussion blend with an uplifting airiness that gives it added character, while Doza and YL’s sleek flows paint true-to-life pictures over top. Give “BLINK OF AN EYE” a listen below now.