Cleveland artist 3vd returns to our platform with a fresh release, called “Man on a Mission”. The prolific artist recently dropped offerings called “Euphoria” and “Cutthroat”, which caught our attention initially for their versatility and sonic vibrancy. His latest, “Man on a Mission” continues the same diverse songwriting he has been displaying on his rapidly growing discography, accompanied by an engaging, energizing visual.
Warbling, futuristic synths and booming percussion create an adrenaline-fuelled backdrop for 3vd’s powerful yet self-contained flows. He sounds focused and poised on the mic as he rides the heavy 808s and poignant synths smoothly, captivating the listener’s attention from the get-go. The new visual, shot by @Zenen Saneshige, does well to enhance the track’s raw, off-the-wall feel with nocturnal visuals and sharp, fast-paced cuts that suit the track’s buoyancy.
The latest from 3vd, “Man on a Mission” represents another solid outing from the young Ohio artist and it has us excited for whatever else may be coming from him this year.
Massachusetts artist Jxylen has dropped off a new EP called DIVINE ORDER: ACT I, produced by E.N.G. Creation, fresh off the heels of his recent LP PROJECT MAYHEM: FIGHT CLUB EDITION. While his previous full-length project was often a dark, ominous analysis of the world around him, DIVINE ORDER: ACT I turns things further inward with its introspective content, simultaneously taking on a lighter, cathartic tone in its production and lyricism.
Weaving, soulful beats carry a certain airiness beneath Jxylen’s flows, as he sounds more assured and less burdened on DIVINE ORDER: ACT I, managing to let much off his chest and turn his focus towards new possibilities. Songs like “DON’T WAIT” encapsulate this, with Jxylen still enhancing his delivery with force, yet containing it and throwing in a sense of subtle optimism to balance things out. “THE GOD HOUR” sounds nearly triumphant, despite its aura of gritty realism, as stabs of refreshing vocal samples and elegant keys ring out under Jxylen’s confident verses.
DIVINE ORDER: ACT I takes on a different tone from Jxylen, while retaining his usual penchant for poetic, thoughtful lyricism and grimy instrumentation. It gives off a sense of release and letting go to make way for a brighter future, while keeping its style and sound gritty and raw like the Massachusetts rapper’s previous efforts. Give it a listen below and check out the new video for “DON’T WAIT” while you’re at it.
Wrek has dropped off an eclectic new single, titled “Déjà vu”. Hailing from New Jersey, he has been building a versatile discography of releases prolifically of late, and “Déjà vu” is the latest expressive release from him, capturing his poignant songwriting and ear for character-rich sounds. The consistent East Coast artist shares a colorful track with “Déjà vu” that harnesses flourishes of Jersey club and dance music and mixes it engagingly with hip-hop and R&B flavors. The result is a highly cohesive drop that captures a youthful, optimistic energy with infectious songwriting and focused vocals.
“Déjà vu” presents another strong release from Wrek that finds him covering new ground with a vivid, catchy new drop that remains emotive and personal throughout. Give it a listen below.
Detroit’s Valid and Stretch Money have shared a fresh song and video called “Game Film”. After release the well-received “Commentate” and their engaging 80s inspired single “Sentimental” ,Valid and Stretch Money are back with their ode to 80s cinematography, “Game Film”. Co-production shared by platinum credited Grammy-Award winning DJ Head of Shady Records, Grammy-Award winning Anthony Rizzo, and Detroit staple Eddie Logix. “Game Film” is an ethereal, lush track that pairs silky instrumentation with assured, charismatic flows from the two rappers that demonstrate their natural chemistry.
Warm, hypnotic harps blend with drifting strings to create a blissful atmosphere, as crisp, refreshing percussion moors the track beneath. Atop the silvery beat, Valid and Stretch Money deliver poignant verses full of references to films from the 80s, demonstrating a deep love and knowledge of retro cinematography. The video, directed by Jerry Reid, makes for a cohesive accompaniment with VHS-inspired shots that capture the song’s old school feel, complete with locker room and gym settings and an engaging performance from the two emcees.
During a phone conversation, Valid mentioned to Stretch that an idea came to him for them to do a record referencing classic 80s movie titles, scenes, and phrases. As he was saying it out loud, it came to him instantly that sports team’s study game film. “Stretch, I got it. To stay true to the concept of the album, we watch game film like sports teams do, but our game film is these classic gangsta’ ass 80s flicks.” Stretch saw the picture painted clearly, and the two went to work on top of the Eddie Logix score. The two MCs would end up penning what both would consider some of their proudest works, and a legit ode to the VHS era.
Chicago artist Patrick Sun has shared a new EP called Villain Energy. Sun is starting off the year with his most honest body of work to date on his new EP. Through relatable storytelling and hard hitting bars across the project’s eight tracks, the Chicago rapper declares his own righteousness after accepting who he truly is as creator.
Villain Energy exudes a feeling of maturity and self-awareness across its 8 tracks, as it seeks to find a median between dark, ominous sounds and content and atmospheric brightness. Sun brings imposing, aggressive energy on the EP, while balancing it out with restraint and focus on the microphone. He especially shines as a wordsmith, with reflections upon self-acceptance and the complex moral nature of the individual’s inner workings. Portraying himself as a complicated character in a relatable fashion, Sun paints a clear picture for the listener. The mercurial feeling of the instrumentals enhances his message, with tracks like the expansive opener “Time Crisis” and the crisp “Follow Me” blending nocturnal elements with colorful, airy sonics.
Villain Energy can best be described as the peak of Sun’s character arc. The journey of reflection and acceptance that listeners hear on Sun’s EP creates an effect that moves one enough to consider the maturation of their own character and how they will ultimately choose to carry themselves in this life.
The New Jersey rapper-producer continues to expand his limits with “Practice”, a noisy, progressive track that showcases his versatility. The wall-of-sound approach and grimy samples almost recall an old school RZA beat but with clean, crisp drums and booming 808s that bring the track into 2023, or even a bit ahead of that. It’s a tour-de-force of hard-hitting production and forceful lyricism that makes it difficult to ignore Dzh’s “Practice”.
mynameisntjmack- “Leak”
mynameisntjmack, hailing from Virginia, drops off a stellar 2-part song called “Leak”. The artist goes into depth about his personal trials and tribulations atop a beat that showcases two disparate yet cohesive sounds. Beginning with a manic segment that implements a feeling of urgency with brisk flows and chaotic percussion, “Leak” builds before dropping into a smoky, laid-back ending that conjures a moody atmosphere for jmack’s introspection. “Leak” is an emotive, harrowing listen that showcases his diverse sound in the process.
Francesca Wexler- “LOVING U”
Francesca Wexler drops off another track this month, the genre-bending “LOVING U”. There’s no denying the Toronto-via-Lagos artist’s songwriting abilities, and with each track she seems to come up with a new inflection or melody that captures the ear in a refreshing way. Atop fluttering, futuristic production that builds in atmospheric layers, she once again lays down irresistible vocal lines that draw the listener deeply into the track’s textural, nearly aquatic soundscape.
Jxylen- “DON’T WAIT”
Jxylen’s “DON’T WAIT”, off his recently released DIVINE ORDER: ACT I feels cathartic in tone, as he lets much off his chest atop soulful production from E.N.G. Creation. His lyricism remains a standout as there are many layers to unpack within “DON’T WAIT”’s dense, vivid verses. The new video enhances the song’s catharsis with shots of open fields and an emotive performance from Jxylen. There’s a sense of relief to the track and video, while it also dives deep and remains unafraid to bare its soul.
LÉA THE LEOX- “Purpose”
LÉA THE LEOX delivers a heartfelt, thoughtful track with “Purpose”, a song that details her path of self-discovery and stresses the importance of connecting with what matters most in life. The acoustic R&B joint gives a clear picture of the songwriter’s mind state and personal journey atop pensive guitars and elegant strings. A moving song with a character-rich vocal performance from LÉA, “Purpose” makes for a relatable listen for many.
Ricky Mapes- “Heaven”
Bronx artist Ricky Mapes’ release “Heaven”, produced by PERFECT10, continues a prolific run for him with a sleek, atmospheric boom-bap cut. Retaining the essence of the lyricist’s gritty NY sound while adding in crisp percussion and airy samples that give the song a certain gloss, “Heaven” balances the rawness out with a smooth sheen. Paired with Mapes’ sharp, clever lines and sly delivery, its an offering that is simply easy to re-visit.
JJzxander‘s latest single “By My Side/ My Oh My” is capturing the hearts and minds of fans everywhere. With its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and powerful vocals, this track is quickly becoming a fan favorite. JJzxander’s unique blend of R&B and pop, coupled with his sincere and heartfelt approach to songwriting, make him an artist to watch. “By My Side/ My Oh My” is available now on all streaming platforms.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, JJzxander said, “I wanted to write a song that people could relate to. We’ve all been through the highs and lows of relationships, and I wanted to capture that feeling in this song. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or just starting to see someone, ‘By My Side/My Oh My’ is all about the importance of having someone to lean on.”
“By My Side/ My Oh My” is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. Fans can stay up to date with JJzxander’s latest releases and upcoming projects by following him on social media and checking out his website.
The New Zealand music scene has always been known for its unique blend of traditional Maori music and modern pop culture. With a new generation of artists taking over, the scene is set to reach new heights. One artist who is leading the way is Lil Dust, a young rapper who is making waves with his latest release, “LAYLOW.“
Lil Dust’s music is a reflection of the new wave of hip-hop that is taking over the world. His unique style blends trap beats with melodic flows, creating a sound that is both catchy and introspective. With his latest music video, Lil Dust is not only showcasing his talent but also putting New Zealand on the map as a hotbed for emerging artists.
The video for “LAYLOW” is a masterful work of art that captures Lil Dust’s charisma and energy. Directed by 24kMEDIA, the video takes viewers on a journey through the streets of New Zealand, showcasing the country’s beauty and vibrancy. The visuals are stunning, with bright colors and mesmerizing scenes that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
Throughout the video, Lil Dust raps about his success, fame, and everything that comes along with it. He talks about money, girls, and fast cars, painting a picture of the lifestyle that comes with being a successful artist. But there is also a deeper message in his lyrics, as he reflects on the sacrifices he has made to get to where he is today. He speaks about the struggles he has faced, and the hard work he has put in to achieve his dreams.
Overall, Lil Dust’s “LAYLOW” is a testament to the talent and creativity that is emerging from the New Zealand music scene. With his unique style and relatable lyrics, Lil Dust is quickly becoming a fan favorite both in New Zealand and around the world. The video is a stunning visual representation of his artistry, and it is clear that the future of the New Zealand music scene is in good hands with artists like Lil Dust leading the way.
Dzh has shared a brand new single called “Practice”. Here, he provides a refreshing take on his usual sound and breaks into new ground with glitchy, progressive production that neatly splits the line between boom-bap, trap, and experimental hip-hop. Atop wavering, booming bass, grimy drums, and psychedelic, dark samples, Dzh weaves together poignant lines at a rapid pace, demonstrating his focus and inimitable mic presence. His flow is commanding and fluid as he attacks the track with a resonant confidence, shining with a laser-like delivery that hits the target with each syllable. As the production creates a buoyant, powerful backdrop for him, he steals the show as a vocalist and proves that his technical abilities are up there with the best in the underground with “Practice”.
New Jersey artist Dzh is a dual threat on the mic and the boards, developing his own sound and style through years of hard work and experimentation. Building a burgeoning, dedicated fanbase through engaging projects like his 2019 debut Under This Hoodie and 2020’s The Durag Tape and La Vita Nuova with Oklahoma’s Levi Hinson, Dzh has consistently displayed passionate, focused songwriting across his discography. His latest offering “Practice” is a real scorcher with a progressive edge to it, making us excited for what may be coming from him this year.
Greenville, South Carolina rapper Ce$mar is quickly making a name for himself in the world of hip hop. Fresh off the release of his highly anticipated EP “Glass House“, he’s now released a brand new music video for the 6th track on the project, “Go!!!“.
Directed by Filmswave, the video perfectly captures the essence of the song. It features Ce$mar flexing cash and surrounded by luxurious cars as he talks about his fast-paced lifestyle and how he’s always on the go. The visuals are stunning, with a perfect balance of glamour and grit, which reflects Ce$mar’s unique style.
What sets Ce$mar apart from other rappers is his melodic and smooth flow, which is simultaneously assertive. He effortlessly transitions between different flows, showcasing his versatility and range as an artist. His lyrics are witty and clever, delivering a powerful message about his life experiences and the struggles he’s overcome to get to where he is today.
With “Glass House”, Ce$mar has solidified his place as one of the most promising young artists in the game. The EP features seven tracks, each with its own unique flavor and style. From the smooth and introspective “Stressed” to the upbeat and infectious “Go!!!”, Ce$mar showcases his versatility and ability to switch up his flow effortlessly.
The EP is a reflection of Ce$mar’s life experiences and his journey to success. It’s a testament to his resilience, perseverance, and dedication to his craft. With each track, he delivers a powerful message about staying true to oneself, overcoming obstacles, and never giving up on one’s dreams.
The release of the “Go!!!” music video is yet another milestone in Ce$mar’s career, showcasing his creativity and ability to connect with his fans on a deeper level. With its captivating visuals and infectious beat, the video is sure to become a fan favorite and attract even more attention to the rising star.
Ce$mar is definitely an artist to watch in the coming years. With his unique style, melodic flow, and powerful lyrics, he’s sure to make a lasting impact on the hip hop industry. “Glass House” and the “Go!!!” music video are just the beginning of what’s sure to be a long and successful career for the Greenville, South Carolina rapper.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 