ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 
Queens, New York rapper Jam Young and Denver producer Pike have shared a smoky new single called “Kick It Like That”. Here, Young delivers easy-going, memorable verses over top of a mesmerizing instrumental from Pike. As Young’s verses float smoothly, Pike lays down grand, warm horns anchored by organic sounding percussion. With a refreshing, relaxed vibe overall, “Kick It Like That” makes for a great soundtrack for reflecting upon one’s life and memories.
Listen to “Kick It Like That” now:
“Gone”, the latest collaboration from Norwegian artist Naits and German musician Jan Metternich, is an ethereal, refreshing offering that had us hooked from the get-go. With a sparkling instrumental centred around spacey, intriguing synths underscored by bouncy 808s and addictive percussion, “Gone” provides heavy replay value while simultaneously providing a fresh sound. Naits and Metternich’s vocals complement the instrumental and make the song more dynamic, with heartfelt melodies that imprint in the listener’s memory. A vivid offering from the two young artists, “Gone” will certainly remain in our rotation for the foreseeable future.
Stream “Gone” now:
By Damilola Grey
lucidjason is back with another track titled “4thesky”. The 3-minute track is about grief and losing people in your life, and the effects that has on you. Imp graces the first verse with a raw performance which is filled with emotion. They talk about their friend who passed away, and how they saw the effects it had on their family. lucidjason, who has the verse after Imp, raps his verse from a regretful point of view- he talks about his sister from an “I should’ve done more” point of view.
When I talked to lucidjason about his verse, he said his favorite line was “dearly departed reaper calling barely started” which means that people may go during the early stages of their lives. Oluwadoe blesses the track with her amazing vocals. 4thesky is a track full of intense emotions and the fact lucidjason, Imp and Oluwadoe were able to show listeners a glimpse of their grief in just 3 minutes is a testament to their dedication to perfecting their craft. I honestly can’t wait to see what each of them have in store for us in the nearest future.
Listen to “4thesky” now:
Hailing from Surrey, BC, Canada, Mark Generous is a hip-hop producer whose music bristles with authenticity and refreshing energy. Combining influences from chill-hop, lo-fi hip-hop, and lo-fi house, he presents a blend of sounds that is eclectic yet never loses its cohesiveness. With songs cloaked in nostalgic warmth, his music often inspires one to drift away blissfully and reminisce upon past memories.
Generous is an artist who has had a highly prolific journey in music, releasing over 15 beat-tapes in only 3 years and collaborating with labels such as Aviary Bridge, Etymology Records, and more. Going from producing beats in his hometown of Surrey, Canada, to having his songs streamed over 5 million times worldwide, his growth has been invigorating to witness. Expanding his skillset over a series of projects, beginning with his first release Inmyroom in 2019, the producer’s progression can be documented across his tapes. From his early work, one can witness the foundation that would later formulate his sound, from the glossy smoothness of the instrumental “Hands To The Sky” to the graceful, warm piano melodies of “Earl Grey”. Moreover, later songs like 2020’s “HEAVY EYES” and “Ease In” are evocative, drawing one in with their layered, immersive sonics.
His 2021 album The Search finds Generous drawing from all he has learned over his prolific run of releases, yet equally continuing to expand his palette. Opener “Lunar Sunset” sets the tone for the project, kicking it off in a laid-back yet expressive fashion. With textural, warm guitar samples swirling in layers over organic percussion, this beat feels meditative and tranquil. Graceful flutes are added to beautiful effect, giving the song an entrancing feel.
“Lunar Sunset” transitions smoothly into the dreamy “Azalea”, an earthy track that feels charmingly as if it were just dug out of the record crates. Here, expansive vocal samples give the song much sonic depth, pairing nicely with crunchy, head-nodding drums and a rich bass-line. A memorable moment on this track comes when the vocal samples transition into ethereal strings, giving it a new sonic dimension. Following this is the wistful “Two Twenty One”, which ups the energy slightly and adds a glitchier element. With mellow keyboards and snapping, catchy drums, this track provides heavy replay value. Next, “The Runner” conjures atmospheric samples and energizing drums to add extra momentum. Complete with a rumbling, infectious bass-line, this joint had us re-winding as soon as it finished.
An album highlight appears in the smoky, pensive “Keeping A Distance”, a sublime lo-fi composition effective in creating a surreal mood. Here, the pairing of rich, reminiscent horns with refreshing, watery keys allows for a layered feel that immerses the listener deeply into the track’s atmosphere. As warm, dusty drums play out beneath in a steady pace, “Keeping A Distance” lulls one into a peaceful state of mental clarity.
The following track “A Meal Before” is effective in its minimalism, with airy pianos drifting smoothly over relaxed drums. Partway through, an intriguing synth line is added that creates a textural edge within the track. An example of Generous’ ability to mix elements smoothly that would typically be paradoxical, the synths bring an enchanting element that hooks the listener.
Finally, album closer “The Drive Home” ties the sound of The Search together while also bringing in a refreshing style not otherwise heard on the project. Here, a lo-fi house beat containing shimmering, celestial keys and lively drums sets the tone of the track, before dropping into an addictive groove containing soulful vocal samples that feels truly euphoric. Pulsing with vibrance and vitality, “The Drive Home” finishes the album on a high note. This song embodies the album’s title, with a vibe of curiosity and longing for something greater.
Over the course of 8 tracks, The Search showcases Mark Generous’ eclectic sound and evocative, immersive style. Unwilling to settle for the formulaic, Generous mixes lo-fi hip-hop, lo-fi house, and chill-hop into a mesmerizing blend. A vibrant addition to his already extensive and diverse discography, The Search is an album that will certainly be in rotation for us entering the new year. If you enjoyed this record, be sure to check out Generous’ other tapes, released between 2019 to the present day.
Stream more music from Mark Generous here.
Connect with Mark Generous: Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook | Website
By Damilola Grey
Erik Evy is back with another single titled “Synonymous”. The 3-minute track has a feel-good vibe, in which Erik keeps his OG lo-fi flow but adds a bit more aggression. Erik is apparently talking to a woman he has developed feelings for on the track, and he wants them to go on a ride while listening to some Mac Miller. He also asks for the lady to keep it loose with him as his heart rapidly beats each time he’s around her.
When I talked to Erik Evy about “Synonymous”, he said that this was the first song he’s made where he didn’t play it safe. He stated that while not everyone might like it, in order to get better he needs to experiment with different sounds. “Synonymous”, in my opinion, is one of Erik’s best tracks and I honestly can’t wait to see the new sounds and songs he has in store for us.
Listen to “Synonymous” now:
Written by Jacob Ezra
Ontario, Canada artist Dillin Hoox has shared a vibrant, uplifting new single called “From the Heart”, featuring Georgia’s Jerome the Prince. Hoox, who has previously worked with Rick Ross, Lil’ Wayne, and more, is a multi-talented artist and entrepreneur who is both a producer and vocalist. His latest song “From the Heart” is an inspiring offering that pairs an elegant, hopeful instrumental with vividly personal lyricism and charismatic flows. Both Hoox and Jerome the Prince sound sharp and poised on this track, candidly delivering bar after bar with relentless confidence. With a memorable chorus as the cherry on top, “From the Heart” is an addictive, cohesive offering that had us re-winding as soon as it finished.
Listen to “From the Heart” now:
Massachusetts artist Big Drip has shared an atmospheric new single called “Lost and Found”, featuring Nashville-based musician Abstract. Containing a grand, warm instrumental centred around swirling samples and bright keys, “Lost and Found” is truly an addictive listen. Big Drip and Abstract’s vocals are engaging and sharply-crafted, as they deliver uplifting messages that are much needed during these times. A crisp, positive cut, “Lost and Found” provides heavy replay value while maintaining a poignant message.
Listen to “Lost and Found” now:
By Jacob Ezra
Gold Chain Music have shared an elegant single called “Off the Books”. Featuring charismatic, smooth verses from West Coast underground legend Planet Asia, as well as the talented K. Burns and Lenox Hughes, this joint stood out to us for its shimmering sound and sharp lyricism. The instrumental for “Off the Books” contains rich strings samples that drift over assured drums, creating a grand sound. Beneath, infectious bass creates a solid foundation for the three rappers’ flexible rhymes, making for an addictive, crisp boom-bap cut.
Listen to “Off the Books” now:
By Damilola Grey
Trap Papi has dropped his 5th tape of the year titled Ultraviolet Lotus. This 14-track album, which features Akaash Vincent, ADI, Jesse Commas, and Kyzo Kidd, is a rollercoaster of emotions with tracks for every emotion/ setting. From tracks like “Lose You” and “Way Less Friends”, which can be played on late night drives, to the catchy bangers like “Fine Line” and “Peer Pressure”, Trap Papi made sure to make this album an EXPERIENCE. The features did not disappoint either with my personal favorite being Kyzo Kidd on “Way Less Friends”.
When I asked Trap Papi what “Ultraviolet Lotus” meant to him, he told me “Ultraviolet Lotus to me is an open ended thing. Lotuses are known to be flowers of healing and opening up, so I interpret that as the only way I am able to heal from my past mistakes is by opening up. Ultraviolet rays are able to make black lights glow, and I thought the parallel between the idea of making something dark into light and opening up to heal was cool so that was the idea behind the name Ultraviolet Lotus”. Trap Papi also mentioned that Ultraviolet Lotus could be anyone that has made mistakes in the past but once those dark spots come to light, they must be willing to open up if they want to heal.
Listen to Ultraviolet Lotus now:
Written by Jacob Ezra
With 2021 coming to a close, we look back at the independent music scene as one positive takeaway from a year of confusion and volatility. With many strong releases this year, we had trouble narrowing down a definitive list, but here are Roundhouse Music’s selections of 5 albums that truly stood out to us, all released by independent hip-hop artists.
UK rapper Lord Apex‘s Smoke Sessions 3 is an atmospheric collection of refreshing boom-bap joints that had us hooked from the get-go. Opening with the cloudy, shimmering “Ssv3”, this album is a laid-back ride full of immersive ambiance. The rapper’s laid-back, hypnotic flow pairs smoothly with the easy-going production to create a mesmerizing listening experience.
Highlight tracks: “Like You Know”, “Say That”
A vivid, eclectic offering from Chicago’s D2x, The Color Blue puts his dynamic, forward-thinking style on full display. He comes through with 13 intriguing, memorable hip-hop cuts that flirt with jazz and dance music. Chock full of personality, The Color Blue showcases the young artist’s potential as an exciting artist in the underground.
Highlight tracks: “Shine”, “Adult Swim”
Camden Malik & Ibn Itaka came through with one of our favourite albums this year, the evocative, hazy Primetime. Containing some impressive production that pairs fast-paced, bouncy percussion with atmospheric, reverb-drenched samples, as well as some exciting, expressive rhyming from Camden Malik, this is an album that beckons many re-visits to capture its full soundscape.
Highlight tracks: “Po Man”, “Mansion”
The debut album from Massachusetts artist Robby Malic, the personal, vibrant Who’s Robby Malic? kicked off his prolific 2021. Containing colourful production and introspective lyricism, this record was in heavy rotation for us this year. In particular, album highlight “Pain” captured us immediately with its highly emotive, sharply-crafted vocals and uplifting production.
Highlight tracks: “Pain”, “All My Life”
A standout project from rising Ohio artist Chanelle Kazadi, Make It Work is a heartfelt, refreshing collection of tracks that showcases Kazadi’s personality at every turn. From the glowing, warm mood of opener “Two Cents” to the powerful sound of closer “Family Matters”, Make It Work stands contains many memorable moments that kept us rewinding.
Highlight tracks: “Two Cents”, “Make It Work”
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