Category: Blog

New York’s Ben Beal has tapped Elijah Who, REASON, and Mick Jenkins for the laid-back “Coraline”, which finds the three lyricists shining over top of Elijah Who’s glamorous, chilled out instrumental. The production on “Coraline” is exquisite, containing starry keys and psychedelic vocal samples ringing out over top of crunchy percussion. Reminiscent of vapour wave, the beat is memorable and immersive, carrying a hopeful mood. Moreover, the rappers share a natural chemistry as they weave introspective verses full of candid rhymes and interesting flows.

Stream “Coraline”:

Underground heavyweights Nicholas Craven and Boldy James have shared a new song called “Yzerman”, referencing legendary Detroit Red Wings hockey player Steve Yzerman. Here, James demonstrates his silky smooth flow over top of regal production from Craven. The beat for “Yzerman” is truly immersive, centred around elegant, nostalgic strings and reminiscent keys. Underscored by minimal, gritty percussion and rich bass, the beat draws the listener in immediately. Paired with James’ rugged yet laid-back flow and vivid lyrics, this is a release to re-visit again and again.

Listen to “Yzerman” here:

ANDA has shared a new single entitled “Fax Machine”, with Scienze, Jstyx, Cassette, DAE, Shawn McGrath, and Bobbon. This new track is breezy and warm, containing dream-like guitars that drift over organic percussion. Accompanied by wistful keys and rich bass, the beat is truly hypnotizing. Moreover, the vocal performances on the song are captivating and sharply-crafted, adding to the song’s nostalgic, laid-back tone. “Fax Machine” is an engaging, enjoyable collaboration that had us hooked from the get-go.

Listen to “Fax Machine” here:

Written by Jacob Ezra

Naderi & Kevin George have shared a new cut entitled “Lover”. This hazy, intense offering keeps the listener on their toes the entire time, providing an exciting, captivating mood and heavy replay value. Featuring raw, powerful production centred around spacey synths and driving bass, this track is intriguingly nocturnal in sound. The vocal performances here are sharply crafted and catchy, featuring smooth verses capped off by a truly memorable chorus. Overall, this track is an enthralling offering that combines hip-hop, R&B, and alt-pop stylings into an intoxicating concoction.

Listen to “Lover” here:

London’s namesbliss has earned our track of the week with his release “Light of Mine”, an atmospheric offering underscored by head-banging percussion. The heart of the track’s instrumental is made up of airy, dream-like synths that provide an intriguing contrast with the cut’s heavy drums.

Conveying a sense of hoping for something bigger and brighter, the instrumental provides a wistful backdrop for namesbliss’ introspective, powerful verses. His lyrics are well-crafted and thought-provoking, and his rhyme schemes are engaging, as he weaves together syllables in a refreshing fashion. If you liked “Light of Mine”, be sure to check out his recent album of the same name, a heartfelt collection of grime and garage influenced tracks.

Listen to “Light of Mine”

Steve Spiffler, Blu, and Sbvce, all hailing from the Golden State, have shared “Sixty Four (Remix)”, an atmospheric, ethereal new offering. The instrumental for “Sixty Four (Remix)” is centred around psychedelic samples that ring out over an infectious, engaging drum line. The drums are especially groovy, containing dry snares and organic kicks providing a solid foundation for the vocalists’ dexterous, rapid verses. They come through with sharply crafted rhymes, delivering clever line after clever line.

Listen to “Sixty Four (Remix)”:

Sacramento artist Reaz has come through with a refreshing new track called “Heir to the Throne”, accompanied by an engaging new video. The minimalistic, futuristic instrumental is immediately impressive, containing deep, powerful bass that swirls beneath crisp, catchy percussion. Moreover, Reaz’s impressive flow and clever, candid lyrics add another dimension to this rugged track, keeping the listener on their toes with every bar. Accompanied by a fresh music video that depicts Reaz giving a confident, smooth performance of his track, this is a release worthy of attention.

Watch & listen here:

LA up-and-comer Jay Ward‘s “Want From Me” is a track you should be tuning in to. Featuring airy keys and a bass groove that is pure ear candy, this sunny, catchy track is listenable and engaging. Crisp percussion frames Ward’s charismatic flow nicely, as he delivers some confident verses and a well-crafted hook. His cadence is smooth and his voice reflects a strong command of the microphone. If you enjoyed “Want From Me”, be sure to check out the rest of Ward’s recent album TRINITI for a refreshing dose of quality West Coast hip-hop.

Listen to “Want From Me” here:

Written by Damilola Grey

Terrence Léon is back with another single titled “Rain”. The 3 minute track finds Terrence showing off his amazing vocals while talking about his feelings towards a woman. This feeling he gets from her is so amazing and indescribable. Here, Terrence tapped into his inner The Weeknd for the making of this track. When I asked him what the song meant to him, he said “More or less, Rain is about phone sex. I think healthy sexual relationships are essential to one’s overall health”. A catchy hook, amazing vocals and flawless production makes this song so perfect. Rain is a track for the lovebirds, those still looking for love and also for those occasional late night drives. There is no doubt that Rain is a contender for song of the year.

Stream “Rain” below:

Canadian hip-hop producer Imperetiv has tapped Benny the Butcher and Rick Hyde for a new single called “Under the Scope”. This hard-hitting track contains an intoxicatingly dark beat made up of imposing, nocturnal samples that ring out over dusty, raw drums. The beat’s layered, textured feel makes it highly immersive, drawing the listener into its eerie atmosphere. Furthermore, Benny the Butcher and Rick Hyde come through with characteristically strong verses, full of sharply crafted lyrics delivered with power and raw energy. This chilling, wintery track is highly listenable, containing an enthralling, exciting mood that keeps one coming back again and again to revisit it.

Listen to “Under the Scope”: