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Evil Twin continue to build with ‘EVIL TWIN RELOADED’

Evil Twin, the duo consisting of sharp-witted lyricists Ricky Mapes, who hails from New York, and Fatboyshaun out of Texas, have returned with a fresh installation of their self titled EVIL TWIN series. Their latest offering picks up where they left off on the original EVIL TWIN project, but adds extra layers of complexity both lyrically and sonically that give it much character. Both Mapes and Fatboyshaun have a knack for versatility, able to flip heartfelt, personal rhymes and raw, piercing bars at the drop of a hat. This skill is shown throughout EVIL TWIN RELOADED, and it helps to engage the listener, having them on their toes across 7 tracks never quite knowing what to expect. Laced with soulful production from the likes of Micro, A U R, and more that ranges from ominous and bleak to rich and vivid, EVIL TWIN RELOADED finds the two emcees trading razor-sharp verses packed with dense imagery. Give EVIL TWIN RELOADED a listen below.

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The Nait Sirk, Greekboy, chasay, and SMEB share laid-back new song, “Mary Jane”

The Nait Sirk, Greekboy, chasay, and SMEB have joined forces for a new track, titled “Mary Jane”. Laced with rich, relaxed soul-sampling loops, organic percussion, and infectious bass, “Mary Jane” makes for a vivid, reflective listen. Sharp verses from these lyrically-focused emcees give off a sense of cohesion, with a natural chemistry that gives the song a fluid, dynamic pace. Intertwined with relatable, heartfelt lines that draw the listener further into the track’s emotive atmosphere, “Mary Jane” presents a solid new release from The Nait Sirk, Greekboy, chasay, and SMEB. Give it a listen below here.

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Rail G shares soulful EP ‘Two Paths’

Rail G has recently dropped off a 2-pack EP, titled Two Paths. Soulful, refreshing production and detail-rich lyricism with elements of storytelling characterize Two Paths. A poignant project with undertones of optimism contrasted with bleakness, Two Paths presents two succinct, focused tracks titled “Grounded”, with Sun Gin, and “Demons in the Mirror”, with Robert Mouse, which explore themes of darkness and light. Rail G laces the first track with upbeat, sunny verses matching the track’s colorful production, before hitting the listener with the ominous, creeping “Demons in the Mirror”. With eclectic versatility, Rail G drops off an engaging new offering with Two Paths. Give it a listen below now.

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K3NT drops off vivid EP, ‘Pyramid Of The Sun’

By Jacob Ezra

K3NT has caught our attention for his recent project, Pyramid Of The Sun (produced by clockwork, ghowste, madebyok!, and more), a soulful, organic project featuring vivid lyricism and rich production. K3NT had a busy 2023, collaborating with the likes of clockwork, madebyok!, Ghowste and more on a string of engaging offerings, and he finishes off the year on a strong note with the lush Pyramid Of The Sun. Warm, dusty samples and resonant percussion underscore K3NT’s laid-back, smoky flows, while a feeling of focus permeates the EP. An eclectic drop with reflective lyricism that relates to the listener and provokes thought, laced with luscious instrumentation, Pyramid Of The Sun represents a solid end of the year release from K3NT. Give it a listen here now.

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‘Lost World’ collaboration by FastLife & sherman just might have the coldest rhymes of December

By Hazel Clementine

The album collaboration ‘Lost World’ by FastLife and sherman is an instant classic from beginning to end. ‘Lost World’ is nothing short of chilling beats and rhymes, such as the 1st track titled ‘What A Scam’ which delivers a beautiful electric guitar riff bridge, blended perfectly with jazzy samples. The album also features standout tracks like ‘Louder’ and ‘Fifty First States’, where FastLife and sherman showcase their impeccable lyrical skills over haunting and atmospheric production.

Not to mention, you cant forget the beautiful album cover that’s illustrated by an artist who goes by @eslickyricardo on instagram. The cover features various illustrations such as aliens, snakes, birds and planets which gives the impression that they are on a weird and random planet hence the name of the album being titled ‘Lost World’ . We felt as if the art also adds an element of intrigue and mystery to the overall concept of being on a strange and unknown planet.

The collaboration between FastLife and sherman on the album ‘Lost World’ showcases their ability to create a captivating and immersive musical experience. From the chilling beats to the impeccable lyrical skills, each track on the album is a testament to their talent. If you’re an hip-hop fan looking for something unique and thought-provoking, check out this album here on Spotify:

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Charlotte, NC’s hottest producer FLLS releases a phonk album that brings a sense of culture to the Charlotte community

By Hazel Clementine

Charlotte’s very own phonk legend FLLS releases a new album, titled ‘The Norf Cack Mack: Story Of Lucious Johnson’, and it will more than likely blow your car speakers out of service. If you’re a fan of phonk and Memphis/ Texas style hip hop, you will play this album over and over again.

Producer and rapper FLLS, also known as Lavonte Hines is a Charlotte native and a lover of southern music wanted to pay homage to talented southern rappers of the 90’s and 00’s by creating a fire phonk album. FLLS wanted his audience and fans to understand just how much they have influenced him by making an album that is audibly and phonically amazing in each and every way.

We don’t have a particular favorite track as each song is a true 10 out of 10. We loved how some of the tracks such as ‘Freaky Pimp’, ‘Sugar Creek Sweep’ and ‘If I Never’ gave bits and pieces of Charlotte’s history while also simultaneously giving somewhat of a “culture” feeling that Charlotte, North Carolina lacks. You can only stream this album on Bandcamp so support FLLS directly & purchase ‘The Norf Cack Mack: Story Of Lucious Johnson’ on his bandcamp here!

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Josiah Hotwire and Illinformed’s ‘BODYBAG SEASON LP’ (ft. Wish Master) is a blazing cross-continental collab

Harlem, New York emcee Josiah Hotwire and London producer Illinformed‘s album BODYBAG SEASON LP, featuring Bristol’s Wish Master is a blazing collaboration from across the Atlantic from start to finish. Equipped with hard-hitting, eclectic production that feels focused throughout, as well as detailed, razor-sharp rhymes from Hotwire and Wish Master, BODYBAG SEASON LP makes for a late year scorcher that blends NYC and UK hip-hop aesthetics cohesively.

Album single “HARLEM KNIGHTS” is a powerful song from early in the track-list that kickstarts the album with a fierce energy. Weaving strings, crunchy percussion, and immense flows give “HARLEM KNIGHTS” a gripping sense of urgency, paired with a sense of style that lives up to the song’s name. “IT GETS GREATER L8ER” contains angelic yet raw instrumentation that sounds poignant and cohesive when paired with Hotwire’s captivating verses. The orchestral, epic feel of “INSIDE MY MIND” makes for a truly impressive closer, with expansive energy and vivid lyricism from the two emcees. Give BODYBAG SEASON LP a listen here now.

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yeshua sunn shares hypnotic single “BADMOUTH pt. 1” (prod. olan)

Denmark-based artist yeshua sunn has dropped off a new single called “BADMOUTH pt. 1”, produced by olan. The glitchy, hypnotic new track combines sunn’s penchant for surreal sounds with poetic, introspective lyricism that provokes thought from the first line. With themes of exploring one’s inner self and spirituality, “BADMOUTH pt. 1” is a left-field, captivating new cut from sunn and olan that finds the emcee flowing deftly atop weaving, staggering samples and clunky percussion. Give it a listen below now.

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Baton Rouge’s V!lla shares atmospheric single “!NVASiON”

Baton Rouge artist V!lla has caught our attention for his fresh single, “!NVASiON”. An independent, multi-disciplinary artist, V!lla brings something refreshing to the table with each release, while displaying much versatility in the process. For his latest offering, he blends genres engagingly with a cohesive yet expressive, atmospheric alternative/ experimental R&B cut. With undertones of house and club, “!NVASiON”‘s vibrant, lush production merges seamlessly with V!lla’s silky flows and character-rich tone for a surreal offering. Give it a listen below now.

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Bigg Head links with Unitus and tyhir for fresh song, “Wrong Era”

Bigg Head has connected with Unitus and tyhir for a fresh song called “Wrong Era”. The imposing, raw track utilizes a booming, powerful rhythm section and glorious brass to conjure an aura of triumph. Merging cohesively with the cathartic production, Bigg Head, Unitus, and tyhir deliver stylish, commanding vocals that blend potent hip-hop flows with infectious melodies. Building dynamically until it releases the tension with a memorable hook, “Wrong Era” represents a intense, victorious offering from the three artists.

Give “Wrong Era” a listen here now: