Brocko and robbie t have dropped off a new single, called “Sweet Relief”. Following up Brocko’s recent EP THE SUN GOD RISES with Lucyen, as well as robbie t’s single “LOBSTER BY THE LBS.” with lijah, “Sweet Relief” continues their run of warm, sampling releases that dabble in lo-fi and boom-bap sounds. The track provides a sense of catharsis with its glowing, rich soundscape built around elegant keys, swelling bass, and textural percussion. Brocko comes through with thoughtful verses paired with a smooth, clean delivery that pairs cohesively with the track’s graceful soundscape. “Sweet Relief” builds into a shuffling, DnB-inspired finishing rhythm section that provides a climax of energy, finishing the succinct 1 minute 35 second cut memorably.
New York artist Ché has dropped off a new self-titled album. Preceded by the potent singles, “APRIL 16th”, “SAMSARA”, and “FORGET ME NOT”, CHÉ capitalizes on the momentum the NY native has been building with 11 diverse tracks that draw from hip-hop, alternative R&B, jazz, and more. CHÉ is an album versatile in sound and heartfelt in content, as it finds the New York artist dropping a series of thoughtful verses atop engaging, diverse instrumentation. Throughout the record, an undercurrent of youthful energy is present- with shades of hope for brighter times, while also touching upon being in the thralls of depression and frustration. Using his bicycle as a motif, the album’s dynamic pace, observational nature, and NYC references are given added context and layers, giving CHÉ a conceptual edge. CHÉ is a record that won’t be boxed in, remaining refreshingly authentic with tracks that are sometimes triumphant- such as “LOCKER 260”- and at times darkly confessional and cathartic, like “NOBODY AROUND US”. There’s a healthy dose of surrealism present as well with vivid tracks like “PERFECTO PARK” painting a dreamscape lyrically and sonically. Album single “SAMSARA” also demonstrates Ché’s ability to craft infectious, memorable melodies in his songwriting, with a more pop-leaning offering that still delves into the jazzy, DIY aesthetics of the remainder of the album.
Overall, CHÉ presents a poignant new album from this young NYC artist that is multi-layered, heartfelt, and refreshing. It seems to be safe to say this could go down as one of our favorite records this year. Give CHÉ a listen below.
Oakland artist Ovrkast. has shared a new single, titled “Month In Brooklyn”. The lyricist and producer has steadily carved his own lane for his eclectic, soulful, and relaxed sound, influenced by the likes of Knxwledge, Flying Lotus, and more, while retaining a distinct sense of minimalism. Following up his recent singles “TBH!” and “SHUTUP!”, “Month In Brooklyn” presents a smoky, jazzy single that reflects on his recent time spent in Brooklyn- being away from his home, family, and friends back in Oakland, CA.
“Month In Brooklyn” contains laid-back, warm production centred around ruminative brass, infectious, organic-sounding bass, and pillowy 808s. Underscored by crisp percussion that locks in a steady groove, Ovrkast. drops emotive, engaging verses as he weaves together dynamic rhyme patterns. As crawling keys drop in beneath, he flows smoothly and with ease atop the sleek production, suiting its easy-going feel.
Ovrkast.’s latest continues his run of potent, jazzy DIY-inspired singles, with Ovrkast. producing, mixing, and crafting the artwork for “Month In Brooklyn”. Give “Month In Brooklyn” a listen below.
Prolific producer Zoomo and emcee Aasir have dropped off a new video for “Comrades”, a cut from their recent collaborative album The Policy. A standout cut from the record, “Comrades” contains character-rich, textural production from Zoomo that gives off an air of nostalgia with winding, gritty samples, rich bass, and organic-sounding percussion. The instrumentation pairs well with Aasir’s laid-back, raw flows and detailed lyricism, as he laces his verses with eclectic references that keep the listener pressed to the speakers to catch each line. The new visual’s relaxed, DIY feel pairs cohesively with the track, making for a vivid accompaniment.
“Comrades” finds RRR producer Zoomo and Aasir demonstrating a natural chemistry, giving the track an engaging, unassuming style that is immersive and inviting. Check out the new visual for “Comrades” below and stream the remainder of The Policy while you’re at it.
In the dynamic realm of music, certain collaborations and albums have the power to captivate audiences, push boundaries, and leave an indelible mark on the industry. Jay Cactus and GioHGS, two exceptional talents, have achieved just that with their highly anticipated album, ‘Love And War.’ With its distinct blend of UK Drill and Rap elements, this remarkable project showcases their creative prowess and solidifies their status as trailblazers in the genre.
The inception of ‘Love And War’ was rooted in a shared passion for music and an unyielding drive to make a lasting impact. Jay Cactus, an accomplished producer, and GioHGS, a talented artist, recognized the potential of collaborating and fusing their unique styles. Both individuals brought their expertise to the table, resulting in an album that defies conventions, pushes sonic boundaries, and delivers a refreshing take on UK Drill and Rap. The combination of Jay Cactus’s masterful production skills and GioHGS’s captivating artistry creates a dynamic and groundbreaking musical experience that sets ‘Love And War’ apart from the rest.
From the very beginning, ‘Love And War’ captivates listeners with its enthralling opener, “Intro.” The track sets the tone for the album, immersing the audience in a sonic landscape that initially consists of a piano and vocals, creating a mood of anticipation. As the track progresses, the drums kick in, intensifying the atmosphere and setting the stage for the journey ahead. Each subsequent song on the album showcases the exceptional talent of Jay Cactus and GioHGS, as they effortlessly navigate the complexities of wordplay, flow, and production. The combination of gritty beats and infectious melodies throughout the album demonstrates their ability to create a unique and engaging musical experience.
Beyond the notable collaborations, ‘Love And War’ encompasses a diverse range of themes and emotions. Tracks like “Honest” and “Family First” delve into personal experiences, reflecting on relationships, loyalty, and the complexities of love. Other songs such as “Changes” and “Where We Come From” provide a glimpse into the artists’ journeys, acknowledging the challenges they have faced while emphasizing their unwavering determination.
What sets Jay Cactus apart is not only his musical acumen but also his commitment to authenticity. Through his YouTube channel, JayCactusTV, he has cultivated a loyal following by sharing his creative process and offering invaluable insights to aspiring producers. This transparency has established a sense of community and further solidified his connection with fans. Additionally, while GioHGS may not be directly involved with the YouTube channel, his presence is felt through his collaborations with Jay Cactus and his appearances in some of the videos, which adds to the overall appeal and connection with their audience.
‘Love And War’ is more than just an album; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and artistic growth. Jay Cactus and GioHGS have fearlessly embraced the ever-evolving nature of music, combining their respective strengths to redefine the UK Drill and Rap landscape. Their ability to seamlessly fuse genres, experiment with new sounds, and push the envelope has garnered widespread acclaim and cemented their position as trendsetters.
As ‘Love And War’ continues to resonate with audiences, Jay Cactus and GioHGS remain dedicated to their craft. Looking ahead, they plan to build upon the success of the album, solidify their presence in the music industry, and inspire future generations of artists. Their unwavering passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to authenticity serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians.
In conclusion, ‘Love And War’ represents the culmination of Jay Cactus and GioHGS’s artistic evolution and their unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries. With its captivating melodies, thought-provoking lyricism, and innovative production, the album stands as a testament to their immense talent and artistic vision. As they continue to make waves in the industry, their journey serves as a reminder that true artistry knows no boundaries and that the pursuit of creative excellence is an ever-evolving process.
Nigerian vocalist JazzZ and Zimbabwean producer Tenten have shared a new project, titled ABSINTHE. The 14-track offering emanates an immersive warmth that draws the listener into its soundscape from the get-go- delivering a comforting listen with fuzzy guitars and keyboards, organic bass grooves, and silky vocals.
ABSINTHE has a lived-in, intimate feel that gives the project its own character, made evident from early in the track-list with the cozy keyboards and hypnotic grooves of “Again, Again, Again”. The instrumental’s coarsely-chopped, textural sound gives it a natural swing, complemented by JazzZ’s laid-back yet emotive vocals. The ethereal guitars, expansive strings, and watery keys of “Woe, Writhe & Hype” give the track a feeling of depth, as JazzZ’s verses soar with mesmerizing melodies. While the ruminative, nocturnal “Everytime” takes on a meditative pace, as crystalline keys and airy percussion mould naturally with JazzZ’s soulful delivery. “Gloria” makes for a standout later in the project with its regal sound and undercurrent of energy, laced into graceful keys, punchy percussion, and rich vocals, paired with imagery-rich lyricism.
ABSINTHE makes for a smoky, immersive new release from JazzZ and Tenten that exhibits expressive, jazz and soul-laced production and heartfelt, focused songwriting. Give it a listen below.
We came across South Bend, IN artist Gxldsoulrebel‘s track “What’s Real?” recently, and from there delved into his recent project The True Man Show. From the record, “What’s Real?” makes for a highlight with its insightful exploration of self and society, containing richly poetic bars laced atop warm, hypnotic production. With his characteristically laid-back, crisp delivery, Gxldsoulrebel lays down heartfelt bars woven into dynamic rhyme patterns, that work cohesively with the song’s soulful instrumentation. Above thought-provoking key melodies and airy percussion, he shines on the mic by piecing together lines filled with vibrant imagery. Conveying a sense of hope while maintaining a true-to-life feel throughout, “What’s Real?” makes for a highlight cut from the South Bend artist. Give it a listen here now.
Charlotte, NC-based rapper King Adroit caught our attention for his sharply-crafted new joint “Heem”. The 34 year old MC has an eclectic taste of the golden era with rich, vibrant sampled records and poignant lyricism. His unorthodox rhyme patterns that seem to be off beat and off topic, and yet they add up to a cohesive and engaging style overall. On his track “Heem”, Adroit flexes his lyrical abilities with a series of clever, charismatic verses atop warm, resonant production. Raw, glowing samples underscore him, moored by an organic-sounding rhythm section- as he handles the beat with ease, dextrously delivering lines in an unpredictable manner. It seems Adroit’s style could be described as “organized chaos”, with all elements working together despite their patchwork feel, demonstrating Adroit’s overall focus. Give his latest “Heem” a listen below now.
The Bronx’s Ricky Mapes has dropped off a new visual for his track “Banksy 88”, produced by The Natural Law and directed by Schweppes Baguette. The opening cut from his recent album OVERTHINKING, “Banksy 88” presented a standout off the record with its emotive, sharply-crafted lyricism and soulful, textural production. Atop a tapestry of gritty horns and rich strings that give the song a powerful sound, Mapes delivers line after line of potent social commentary and introspection, drawing the listener into the track’s immersive feel and relating them in the process. The new video, directed by Schweppes Baguette, features crisp shots and a compelling performance from Mapes with warm, inviting coloration. Check out the video for Ricky Mapes’ “Banksy 88”, released on the prolific Soulspazm, below and stream OVERTHINKING while you’re at it.
Philadelphia producer Finch has linked with Chaos TV for a new single called “Count My Luck!”. The track continues a prolific run for Finch that has included recent singles like the engaging “Kingdom” with Jawny’s Room, and “Empty Pockets” with dkj. “Count My Luck” finds him continuing to carve out his niche and sound, utilizing vibrant, expansive soul samples to create an uplifting, energizing soundscape, while mooring an infectious groove with crisp percussion and booming 808s. Chaos TV delivers charismatic, smooth flows atop the buoyant instrumentation while keeping a brisk level of energy that suits the instrumentation. “Count My Luck!” demonstrates a kinetic level of chemistry between the two that translates on to the record, which packs a punch despite its 1 minute 24 second run time. Give “Count My Luck!” a listen below.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 