Category: Blog

Miami artists The Young Exec and DeAndre‘s banger “Down” is an infectious offering that had us hooked from the start. Containing an electrifying, catchy instrumental centred around bright guitars and bouncy percussion, this track provides heavy replay value. Furthermore, the vocals here are engaging and memorable, with smooth, charismatic verses capped off by a feel-good hook. With warm, lively vibes, “Down” is great for both parties and casual listening.

Listen to “Down” here:

Elkin, NC artist Dylan Longworth‘s “tired eyes” is a dream-like, layered release that had us hooked from the get-go. Featuring wistful instrumentation centred around watery keys and crunchy, textured percussion, this track is a refreshing, poignant offering. Moreover, Longworth’s vocals are character-rich and catchy, showcasing lots of potential in his songwriting. If you enjoyed this track be sure to check out the remainder of his new album can i ask u some questions?, a genre-blending adventure through a variety of interesting sonic landscapes.

Listen to “tired eyes” now:

Written by Jacob Ezra

Providence, RI artist The China Blue has shared his debut EP The Last Several Months, an eclectic collection of intriguing, refreshing songs. Kicking the project off with the atmospheric “Why (It Didn’t Feel Right)”, the artist immediately showcases his creativity and focused songwriting abilities. Containing a starry, freeing instrumental and evocative vocals, this track starts the EP strongly and sets the stage for the project’s wistful sound. Project highlight “Nervous” follows, utilizing punchy percussion and addictive, driving bass to create an infectious rhythm. Here, The China Blue comes through with some of his catchiest vocals, while still remaining highly emotive throughout his performance. This track transitions smoothly into the eerie, thoughtful “SiLENCE”, a track that reflects on The China Blue’s mental state and themes such as loneliness and anxiety. Admirably personal, “SiLENCE” is a track that many can relate to, especially in these turbulent times.

Another strong track is “Hide Away”, a chilling, forward-thinking cut that feels as if it came back from the future in a time capsule. With swirling, hypnotic keys and crisp percussion, “Hide Away” is a track that beckons multiple re-listens to grasp its full scope sonically. Closing out the EP is the dreamy “SLEEP”, featuring Mere Raj, which allows the project to finish on somewhat of a breezier note. With airy keys and atmospheric background vocals, this track closes out the record in a graceful, focused manner.

Overall, The Last Several Months is a layered, emotionally resonant debut from this young artist. An expressive release that is admirably bold in its willingness to get personal, The Last Several Months is worthy of multiple re-listens to grasp its scope both emotionally and sonically.

Listen to The Last Several Months here:

Ollie Joseph has shared a bittersweet new single called “Cake”, produced by Galaxy X and foreigngotem. With electrifying guitars and driving, bouncy 808s, this beat is undeniably catchy while remaining emotive. Moreover, Joseph’s vocals are sharply-crafted and highly memorable, displaying his keen ear for melodies. Topically, he reflects on heartbreak and loss, making this cut relatable to most. With exciting, slick production and focused songwriting, “Cake” is a track that beckons many re-listens.

Listen to “Cake” now:

Cheer Captain has shared an evocative, atmospheric new single called “Right Outside”. Featuring spacey, nostalgic instrumentation soaked in reverb, this track possesses a warm ambiance that draws you deeply into its sound immediately. With mesmerizing vocals showcasing Cheer Captain’s sharp songwriting skills, this track is worthy of many re-visits.

Relatively new to the music scene as a solo act, Cheer Captain shows undeniable potential and focused songwriting on this offering. “Right Outside” marks another release in a series of high quality singles from Cheer Captain this year, including hypnotically beautiful numbers like “White Tee” and “The One”.

Listen to “Right Outside” here:

New Jersey rapper Papo2oo4‘s banger “Intheway 98′” caught our attention immediately for it’s refreshing, retro-futuristic sound. Featuring an optimistic beat centred around swirling, spacey samples and bouncy percussion, the instrumental is evocative and raw. Over top, Papo2oo4 comes through with some smooth, candid verses that draw the listener into the track’s atmosphere. He sounds focused and sharp, delivering vivid lyrics spun in engaging rhyme patterns. Be sure to check out the remainder of his recent project AF1MG Live 2004, Vol. 3 if you enjoyed this track.

Written by Jacob Ezra

New Jersey artist Ethan Ross has shared an intense new single called “NEVER BREAK”, in collaboration with vocalist Lames, and produced by Luga. Featuring an imposing, industrial-tinged instrumental centred around heavy, textured synths, the production on this track is truly addictive. Moreover, the vocals here are immediately captivating, as they contain much character and carry a gripping, intriguing presence.

Admirable in its boldness and unwillingness to be categorized, “NEVER BREAK” is a refreshing offering that is authentic and forward thinking. An exciting track that provides much replay value while remaining uncompromisingly creative, this cut is certainly going to be in our rotation for a long time.

Listen to “NEVER BREAK” now:

Written by Damilola Grey

smudgeout is back with another song titled “cheap jewelry”. The 3-minute track talks about the fashion industry’s tight grip on American consumers. She uses the track to express her disappointment and dissatisfaction with the fashion industry while also advocating for ethical consumption. She expresses all this with amazing vocals, hard-hitting guitar riffs, and drums. She paints a vivid picture with “cheap jewelry” which helps listeners understand the song, as well as her grievances from her perspective. “cheap jewelry” also marks her second release of 2021, with “Queen of Hearts” as the first. With both tracks being amazing, as well as her 2020 album, we are really looking forward to what the 19 year-old artist has in store for the future.

Written by Damilola Grey

New Jersey native and Rap Villain artist BobCat is back with another single named “Cliff Hanger”. The track, which features Alley Rocket, is BobCat’s second single of 2021. “Cliff Hanger” also marks the end of Rap Villain’s November takeover. The track starts with BobCat’s verse which is full of quick flow switches, heavy bars, and lots of wordplay (one of BobCat’s many specialties). BobCat evokes a lot of emotion into his verse, painting a picture for listeners about him, where he comes from, and what he’s trying to achieve. Alley Rocket also graces the track with a verse which was nothing short of amazing. Overall, great production, fire verses and a perfect delivery make “Cliff Hanger” one of the best drops this year.

Listen to “Cliff Hanger” now:

South Carolina artist juicethedon‘s “Root of All Evil” is an elegant, thought-provoking release. Conjuring a warm, focused atmosphere, this is a track that immediately immerses you in its sound.

“Root of All Evil” features an uplifting instrumental centred around gorgeous vocal samples underscored by smoky keys and subtle percussion. juicethedon rides the relaxed beat with ease, providing sharply crafted, thoughtful verses that have us rewinding to catch everything he is saying. If you enjoyed “Root of All Evil”, be sure to check out the remainder of his strong recent album Never Ending Story as well.

Listen to “Root of All Evil” now: