RZ Shahid has shared a new EP, titled MOTION. Shahid, who hails from Minnesota, is a multi-faceted artist and creative entrepreneur who uses music, storytelling, and visual art to craft immersive experiences that captivate and inspire. A prolific figure in the Minnesota arts and music scene, Shahid’s latest offering MOTION is a potent, focused set of four songs that displays an engaging songwriting ability, enticing sound, and a penchant for introspective, detailed lyricism.
“PROGRESSION” makes for a sleek, uplifting opener, with its tapestry of airy backing vocals and rich grooves, which provide an apt backdrop for Shahid’s smooth, heartfelt flows and lyricism. “FULL CIRCLE”, with Charmaine, emanates a soulful warmth that captivates from the get-go, paired with memorable, thoughtful verses from RZ Shahid. “LET IT GO” provides a highlight at the end of the EP with celestial, layered production and an infectious vocal performance that blends elegant melodies with raw rap flows.
Listen to RZ Shahid’s latest offering, the poignant MOTION, here now on our platform:
Rising rapper Boot Raymond has dropped off a new album called, maim. Coated with an air of warm nostalgia, and paired with vividly detailed, personally rich lyrics- maim makes for a thought-provoking and immersive listen. Showcasing Raymond’s innate lyrical ability atop a set of abstract, soulful instrumentals, the album draws the listener in from the get-go with its emotive feel.
Opener “black sambas”, with KIDD, uses a pastiche of layered sampling and gritty, organic percussion to create an apt backdrop for Raymond’s imagery-laden poetics. “ego trip”‘s weaving, psychedelic production provokes deep thought while Raymond reflects on his past, and how it brought him to where he is now, as well as his hopes for the future- making for a relatable cut. “fein4love”, mixed by @croko.moko, makes for an uplifting offering and a project highlight, with cathartic vocals that ring out clearly, chalk full of emotion. The hypnotic feel and lucid lyricism of “another praise” feels laid-back and pensive, with a certain soulful wistfulness that shows up throughout maim and gives it its own character.
Boot Raymond’s latest offering maim is a heartfelt project full of enticing moments that draw the listener into his world. It paints a personal portrait in a vivid manner while demonstrating sharp lyricism and a keen ear for engaging instrumentation. Listen to maim here now.
This shit is dope. I just want to say that right off the bat. Freetape 4: Renegade Rap is the fourth project in the Freetape series, where Free Hamze pairs up with one producer for a whole project, to make magic. This one is a collab with fellow Austin producer YoursTruuly, and it lives up to its title. Freetape 4 is an anti-imperial hustle manifesto ladened with equal parts unshakeable resolve and grief. The unlimited range of YoursTruuly’s beats provide the perfect canvas for Free to paint a landscape of emotional peaks and valleys as he navigates the complexities of his existence.
“Still” starts with an excerpt of Miles Davis in an interview, talking about a peer of his taking things to extremes. Was he referring to Free Hamze? Who’s to say? (note: Davis passed away several years before Free Hamze was born). Either way, I’mma assume the snippet is indicative of Free’s own temperament.
Then the beat comes in. The airy sample creates a breezy and serene atmosphere that feels like taking a stroll through a cloud. Free saunters on the beat with equally easygoing and melodic flows ‘bout flippin packs, unabashedly carving his own lane, and bein content with the life he’s created. If you’ve listened to Free Hamze, then you know this is his modus operandi. He’s BEEN on this tip and he’s STILL on this tip. “Still’ is a smooth intro track that showcases Free’s trademark swagger.
“I Can’t Lie” shows us the fatalistic side of Free Hamze. Free immerses himself in a somber and captivating beat as he speaks on feelings of hopelessness, the family he’s lost, and how all of this led him to trappin’. The depression Free raps about comes from the trauma of imperialism and white supremacy, havin been subjected to the evils of Isra-hell and the U.S. as a Lebanese immigrant who ended up in Austin, Texas.
It’s no wonder he’d seek freedom outside the conventions of society. Free Hamze’s hustler ethos is the result of his determination to change his circumstances by any means. This determination is shadowed by deep feelings of survivor’s guilt. More than anything, he longs to return home, for his people to be free, so he does what he can. But there’s an acute awareness that no matter how hard he hustles, it won’t fill the void left by the destruction of his home and a still-growing list of martyrs. It’s important to Free that we know this about him, because otherwise we could never understand him or his art.
We know now that there’s an ever-present sadness in Free. On “Two $idez” he shows us that grief can act as a catalyst that pushes you to revolutionary action. He’s joined by Locuust (rap moniker of YoursTruuly), on a track that serves as a battlecry. The intro consists of a Lebanese freedom fighter saying they’ll never be defeated as long as they keep their heads high. Then, Locuust comes in guns blazing, letting us know what the fuck she’s about. Her verse is a pithy denouncement of Zionism and the military-industrial complex. It’s colored by intricate rhyme schemes and clever metaphors, delivered with infectious zeal. Free starts his verse by asking a set of rhetorical questions that highlight the brokenness he feels- a brokenness that can only be combated by earnest self-expression and a commitment to resistance. He implores us to pick up arms in the fight against fascism ‘cause these hypocritical crackers ain’t gonna defeat themselves (tru).
There’s a fascinating synchronicity taking place here that I wanna elaborate on, so stick with me. The essence of the sample is a powerful, energizing swell of violins that sound like they’re from a Middle-Eastern composition. YoursTruuly and Free Hamze take that and flip it to make a Hip-Hop beat. A western art form created in response to the material conditions of oppressed (Black American & Caribbean/ Latino specifically) people in the west. That beat is then used to decry imperialism and the western powers that be. Every part of “Two $idez” works together to create a piece of art that demonstrates how the Palestinian struggle for freedom is directly linked to the struggle for freedom everywhere. Like… damn dawg. That’s poetic justice if I’ve ever seen it.
“Mirror World” featuring Chucky Blk and Locuust is the stand-out track for me. Together the 3 of them go fuckin bananas. The beat is beautifully haunting. It has its own gravity, like stars shimmering in the vast emptiness of space during the creation of the universe. Chucky Blk steps up to bat and expounds on that with a poetic verse that speaks of danger to come, creating yourself anew, and the arduousness of the task. He talks about how the birth of his daughter spurred his transformation, the satisfaction that’s come with it, and ancestral veneration. All of this is said with an air of defiant pride & joy in Chucky’s delivery, as he creates his own pockets in the (mirror) world of the beat. Free elaborates on Chucky’s sentiment that something is coming, a combination of natural disasters and man-made horrors that will strip us of our humanity. He draws lines between A.I. and the increasing violence of fascism. Free is nonetheless unfazed as he locks in on his art and revolutionary struggle, slightly annoyed you haven’t figured all this out yet.
It’s evident in his sobering tone and razor sharp flow. An internal locus of control guides him. The only man he’s concerned about is the one in the mirror. This level of focus makes him a threat to the powers that be. He coolly confirms they’re right to be afraid. The beat strips down to just woodwind. Locuust is there sipping tea, reading the leaves, finding solace in their guidance. Then the drums come back and she oscillates between hope & uncertainty in her journey of self-discovery in the context of increasing (mirror) worldly turmoil. She’s also seen what’s coming, and offers condolences. There’s a tension in her voice that captures the teeter-tottering of her orientation, and the verse is bolstered by her characteristic wordplay. Ultimately, she chooses to embrace hope and trust herself as we see how the story of our lives plays out. In a world where black, brown, and queer people are demonized for their very existence, this track shines. A mirror can only reflect what you bring to it, so they choose to bring their A-game.
On the song “Ouroboros”, Free Hamze brings us back to harrowing reality. Back once again to trappin, this time framed as a foregone conclusion. Like the sky being blue. Because he already knows that chasing desire will ultimately lead to his own demise… but we all need money. The fatalism from “I Can’t Lie” re-emerges, and Free confesses that even his dreams are wrought with grief (“I dream of processions/ And coffin parade/…. Tombstones of the martyrs/ With Surahs engraved”). Understandably, he’s too consumed by the sorrow of his circumstances to try to break the chain. Free’s M.O. to operate outside the status quo isn’t entirely from a desire to move different. The first rejection was western society’s failure and rejection of him. It makes me think of the African proverb “The child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth”. Free’s knowledge of his contradictions can’t save him as he too becomes the Ouroboros, the snake that eats its own tail. Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, Free glides on this beat like a gritty paper airplane, and the hook is infectious. Wasteey Monroe follows Free on the track with a unique and provocative vocal performance, but the lack of lyrical content on the verse makes it feel out of place in the context of Renegade Rap. The feature feels more like two verses put on the same song than it does a collaboration.
“Gunpowder Spliffs” is the closing track, and a fitting goodbye to Freetape 4. It’s got a proper outro feel. YoursTruuly comes through with a soulful beat that starts with James Baldwin telling us that the kids want to live. Free hops on this joint emanating a melancholy optimism when he speaks, one that was forged in the blistering crucible of experience. The survivor’s guilt is still there, transformed into a source of motivation that no fascist could ever begin to fathom. He reaffirms his commitment to speaking truth to power. There’s a tenderness he reserves for the kids that we get a glimpse. Because he was one of those kids that Baldwin mentioned. One of those kids that wanted to live, and he has. He’s STILL here! Free Hamze lives in the songs he makes and in the hearts of anyone who hustles because they have to. Anyone who stands tall in the face of capitalism, white supremacy, and imperialism, the three-headed beast that looms over so many people. Nothing can stop him!
Free Hamze showcases a rare penchant for songcraft and a moving sincerity that can’t be duplicated by machine-learning or the uninitiated. YoursTruuly’s production honestly leaves me awestruck. The beat for “Mirror World” is one of the craziest joints I’ve heard in a minute. Her occasional features as Locuust also poignantly add a layer of depth to the tapestry that they weaved together. Freetape 4: Renegade Rap is a must-listen project for anyone with a goddamn heart. So give it a listen if you haven’t, or repeat listen if you have! No number rating ‘cause that shit is for chumps.
Chicago artist Tsavage has shared a new project, titled Don’t Overthink It. His new offering is an infectious, versatile set of songs that presents Tsavage’s focused, character-rich sound in a potent fashion. Boasting sharp songwriting, engaging, versatile sonics, and emotive lyricism, Don’t Overthink It makes for a refreshing listen that immerses the listener in its atmosphere from the get-go.
“Grownish” is a motivational opener that showcases abilities as both a rapper and singer, with crisp flows and emotive melodies that make for a dynamic listen, set to inspiring instrumentation. “Easy” is a smooth, introspective joint that provokes thought with its tightly-woven lines and vivid imagery, while “All In”‘s catchy grooves and atmospheric instrumentation make it a hit-worthy track. “Here On” makes for a cathartic closer that features soulful production and vocals, laced with captivating lyricism and enticing flows that
Hailing from the northern suburbs of Chicago, Tsavage is no stranger to the hip hop scene. Introduced to music early on through his father- a producer, engineer, and songwriter- Tsavage’s passion for the industry grew naturally. After dabbling with other creative outlets like cinematography, he ultimately found his true calling in music, where his talents and dedication now shine. As he continues to steadily build a captivating, engaging discography, take a listen to his latest offering Don’t Overthink It now on our platform.
Stream Don’t Overthink It here on our blog.
Listen to Don’t Overthink It on all platforms HERE.
Detroit mainstay Valid continues his journey of the well-received Peach Brandy album with the release of an evocative video for “Places.” In this visually captivating piece from Lucky Penny Media, the MC honors his roots while reflecting on the city that shaped his identity. The video incorporates heartfelt home footage, whisking viewers back to 2005, the year of Valid’s last visit to Serbia as a young man. It serves as a celebration of Detroit’s rich hip-hop culture, intertwining memories of the past with hopes for the future.
“Places”, produced by Knowhere2run and Vibin wit DJ Mono, is a potent track from Valid’s recent album Peach Brandy that explores his heritage in Serbia and how it shaped him into the man he is today, with vivid lyricism set to a back-drop of rich, atmospheric guitars, warm strings, and organic percussion. The new visual, alongside the track, acts as an homage and tribute to his homeland with heartfelt, nostalgic shots that capture the song’s emotive narratives.
Mentored by Grammy-winning DJ Head, Detroit emcee Valid is making waves in hip-hop. After his acclaimed debut album, Mihajlo, in 2019, he released the Plum Brandy EP, gaining traction in Eastern and Southern Europe. Valid has collaborated with notable artists like Apollo Brown and Skyzoo and recently teamed up with Stretch Money to form the duo Bill & Isiah. Their album gained significant attention, charting on college radio in the U.S. and Canada, and their freestyle on Eminem‘s Shade45 became a defining moment for Detroit hip-hop. Performing alongside legends like Xzibit and ThaDogg Pound, Valid’s influence continues to grow, with exciting prospects ahead. His latest offering, the fresh visual for “Places”, makes for a poignant, memorable release, coming after the drop of his engaging, versatile Peach Brandy LP. Give it a watch here now on our platform.
Mama Yaya, Jake Bass and The Light Works have come together once again for a new single called “Truth or Dare (The Light Works Remix)”. A potent meeting of minds that brings each of their vibrant, character-rich sounds to the forefront, “Truth or Dare (The Light Works Remix)” presents another strong track from this trio of collaborators.
“Truth or Dare (The Light Works Remix)” is a versatile new offering, with its poignant blend of electronic, dance, R&B, and alt-pop elements. Immersive keys and rich guitars drift atmospherically alongside Mama Yaya’s soulful vocals, underscored by an infectious drum-line that incorporates DnB aesthetics. Building dynamically, powerful bass, raw synth lines, and added cathartic layers of percussion give “Truth or Dare (The Light Works Remix)” an epic feeling, culminating in a massive chorus, and giving the track much replay value.
Mama Yaya is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter of Palestinian and Jewish descent. She launched her music and acting career in the fifth grade and has performed at notable venues like U.S. Cellular Field, the Chicago Symphony Center, and Pritzker Pavilion. She has also collaborated with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for the Deaf and the Loud Symphonic Experience.
In the summer of 2018, Mama Yaya signed with Detroit producer Jake Bass at Boca J Music. For her latest release, “First Off (The Light Works Remix),” she teams up with Bass, who has been immersed in music since childhood. Starting at eight, he learned drums, piano, guitar, and bass by ear. By 15, he founded Boca J Music and gained recognition in the Detroit music scene. In 2016, Jake co-produced the 20th anniversary remix of Eminem’s “Infinite” and its accompanying documentary. He has also composed for various artists, filmmakers, and brands, including RYN SCOTT, Drew Verdé, and Mama Yaya.
“Truth or Dare (The Light Works Remix) features a collaboration with The Light Works, the creative duo of producers Ludlow and Freddy Todd. They blend Chicago house, Detroit techno, drum and bass, and hip-hop/R&B to craft a unique and infectious sound in electronic music. Raised in Detroit, the pair met in high school and have since established successful careers as producers, accumulating hundreds of millions of streams and touring globally.
Listen to “Truth or Dare (The Light Works Remix)” here now:
g0ldilock is back with a fresh single called “Road Running”, featuring Drelli. The prolific artist returns once again with a refreshing song that puts his versatile sound on display, this time featuring Drelli, and the two artists share a natural, synergetic chemistry with this new release. Blistering, vibrant synths, a booming rhythm section, and crisp percussion underscore the two vocalists as they deliver line after line of smooth, charismatic bars that blend melodious inflections with a more raw hip-hop delivery. As the track builds dynamically and powerfully, “Road Running” incorporates an explosive hook that adds much replay value to the track. Be sure to give g0ldilock and Drelli’s latest “Road Running” a listen here now.
Mama Yaya, The Light Works, and Jake Bass have connected for a new single, titled “First Off (The Light Works Remix)”. This song finds this talented cast of collaborators joining forces for a vibrantly emotive single that blends genres enticingly. Featuring rising, colorful synth layers and cathartic woodwinds drifting atop an energizing, buoyant rhythm section, “First Off (The Light Works Remix)” builds powerful grooves alongside engaging instrumentation. Further enhanced by Mama Yaya’s heartfelt, ethereal vocals that build dynamically across the track, “First Off (The Light Works Remix)” is an example of a song that brings all of the collaborators strengths to the table, with each adding their own unique dose of creativity. It makes for an uplifting song that courses with energy, as pulsating rhythms blend smoothly with bright synths and hypnotic vocals for an infectious new release.
Mama Yaya is a Chicago based, singer/ songwriter of Palestinian and Jewish descent. She began her music and acting career officially in the 5th grade and has since performed at venues such as U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago Symphony Center, Pritzker Pavilion, Uncommon Ground, and more, as well as performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for the Deaf and Loud Symphonic Experience. In the summer of 2018, Mama Yaya signed with Detroit producer Jake Bass at Boca J Music. For her latest collaboration “First Off (The Light Works Remix)”, she joins forces with Jake Bass, A Detroit-based composer and producer, Jake was born into the trade, fashioning his sound by playing drums, piano, guitar and bass, all by ear, starting at eight years old. By 15, he founded his production and publishing company, Boca J Music, and he was already catching the eyes and ears of the Detroit music scene. In 2016, Jake co-produced the 20th anniversary remix of Eminem’s “Infinite” and produced the related documentary. Jake has composed for automakers, television, filmmakers, and many additional artists including RYN SCOTT, Mama Yaya, Drew Verdé, and Apropos.
“First Off (The Light Works Remix)” is a collaboration with The Light Works, the brainchild of producers Ludlow and Freddy Todd, who fuse Chicago house, Detroit techno, drum and bass, and hip-hop/ R&B to create a distinctive and infectious sound in electronic music. Raised in Detroit, the duo met in high school and have since built successful careers as producers, amassing hundreds of millions of streams, and touring the world.
“First Off (The Light Works Remix)” makes for a poignant meeting of minds that blends R&B, pop, electronic, and dance aesthetics for a memorable new song. Take a listen to it now on all platforms HERE.
Rising Indiana artist Tewo has released his latest single, “Rapstar,” featuring Stevo. This new track solidifies Tewo’s position as an emerging talent in the Midwest hip-hop scene with a potent, infectious new release. Tewo is known for illuminating any stage with his irresistible presence, while gaining momentum in the Midwest scene as well as beyond for his sharp take on melodious hip-hop sounds.
On “Rapstar”, energizing, vibrant synths build atop booming 808s and crisp drums to create a synergetic backdrop for Tewo and Stevo’s catchy vocal performance. They feed off eachother’s energy with potent lines that dynamically build atop the engaging synths and powerful, bouncy rhythm section. Give Tewo’s latest song “Rapstar”, featuring Stevo, a listen here now.
Clara Zimm has dropped off a fresh EP, titled Back to Reality now. This potent, heartfelt new project combines atmospherics sonics with sharp songwriting for an engaging alternative R&B release. With soaring vocals and rich instrumentation, Back to Reality now is a dynamic offering that captivates from the get-go. Opener “Fading” is an enticing track that introduces Zimm’s poignant sound of Back to Reality now– with warm keys, powerful vocals, and an airy, hypnotic rhythm section. “Novocaine” follows up next with a smooth, intimate track that adds versatility with its incorporation of hip-hop influences in its engaging grooves and delivery. The glowing ambiance and silvery melodies of “Between the Sheets” makes for an EP highlight, with shimmering synths and strings taking the track to new heights. While “Venice Rooftops” contains colorful synth lines and crisp rhythm section that provide a strong foundation for Zimm to showcase her vocal range, as she locks in potent vocal melodies atop the song’s vivid instrumental.
Born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA, Clara Zimm who’s soulful with an edge, is bringing pop and R&B elements to the table with old Hollywood class and modern flair to fit her own voice and world. Her debut EP, Back to Reality now, with a concept project that deals with the theme of fantasy vs. reality: Its easier to create and live in your own head rather than dealing with the truth, but eventually, we must come “back to reality.” A potent, memorable project that makes for an atmospheric alternative R&B release, Clara Zimm’s Back to Reality now entices with its smooth, melodious sound and emotive instrumentation. Take a listen to Back to Reality now here and connect with Clara Zimm while you’re at it.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 