Chicago artist Patrick Sun has shared a new EP called Villain Energy. Sun is starting off the year with his most honest body of work to date on his new EP. Through relatable storytelling and hard hitting bars across the project’s eight tracks, the Chicago rapper declares his own righteousness after accepting who he truly is as creator.
Villain Energy exudes a feeling of maturity and self-awareness across its 8 tracks, as it seeks to find a median between dark, ominous sounds and content and atmospheric brightness. Sun brings imposing, aggressive energy on the EP, while balancing it out with restraint and focus on the microphone. He especially shines as a wordsmith, with reflections upon self-acceptance and the complex moral nature of the individual’s inner workings. Portraying himself as a complicated character in a relatable fashion, Sun paints a clear picture for the listener. The mercurial feeling of the instrumentals enhances his message, with tracks like the expansive opener “Time Crisis” and the crisp “Follow Me” blending nocturnal elements with colorful, airy sonics.
Villain Energy can best be described as the peak of Sun’s character arc. The journey of reflection and acceptance that listeners hear on Sun’s EP creates an effect that moves one enough to consider the maturation of their own character and how they will ultimately choose to carry themselves in this life.
The New Jersey rapper-producer continues to expand his limits with “Practice”, a noisy, progressive track that showcases his versatility. The wall-of-sound approach and grimy samples almost recall an old school RZA beat but with clean, crisp drums and booming 808s that bring the track into 2023, or even a bit ahead of that. It’s a tour-de-force of hard-hitting production and forceful lyricism that makes it difficult to ignore Dzh’s “Practice”.
mynameisntjmack- “Leak”
mynameisntjmack, hailing from Virginia, drops off a stellar 2-part song called “Leak”. The artist goes into depth about his personal trials and tribulations atop a beat that showcases two disparate yet cohesive sounds. Beginning with a manic segment that implements a feeling of urgency with brisk flows and chaotic percussion, “Leak” builds before dropping into a smoky, laid-back ending that conjures a moody atmosphere for jmack’s introspection. “Leak” is an emotive, harrowing listen that showcases his diverse sound in the process.
Francesca Wexler- “LOVING U”
Francesca Wexler drops off another track this month, the genre-bending “LOVING U”. There’s no denying the Toronto-via-Lagos artist’s songwriting abilities, and with each track she seems to come up with a new inflection or melody that captures the ear in a refreshing way. Atop fluttering, futuristic production that builds in atmospheric layers, she once again lays down irresistible vocal lines that draw the listener deeply into the track’s textural, nearly aquatic soundscape.
Jxylen- “DON’T WAIT”
Jxylen’s “DON’T WAIT”, off his recently released DIVINE ORDER: ACT I feels cathartic in tone, as he lets much off his chest atop soulful production from E.N.G. Creation. His lyricism remains a standout as there are many layers to unpack within “DON’T WAIT”’s dense, vivid verses. The new video enhances the song’s catharsis with shots of open fields and an emotive performance from Jxylen. There’s a sense of relief to the track and video, while it also dives deep and remains unafraid to bare its soul.
LÉA THE LEOX- “Purpose”
LÉA THE LEOX delivers a heartfelt, thoughtful track with “Purpose”, a song that details her path of self-discovery and stresses the importance of connecting with what matters most in life. The acoustic R&B joint gives a clear picture of the songwriter’s mind state and personal journey atop pensive guitars and elegant strings. A moving song with a character-rich vocal performance from LÉA, “Purpose” makes for a relatable listen for many.
Ricky Mapes- “Heaven”
Bronx artist Ricky Mapes’ release “Heaven”, produced by PERFECT10, continues a prolific run for him with a sleek, atmospheric boom-bap cut. Retaining the essence of the lyricist’s gritty NY sound while adding in crisp percussion and airy samples that give the song a certain gloss, “Heaven” balances the rawness out with a smooth sheen. Paired with Mapes’ sharp, clever lines and sly delivery, its an offering that is simply easy to re-visit.
JJzxander‘s latest single “By My Side/ My Oh My” is capturing the hearts and minds of fans everywhere. With its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and powerful vocals, this track is quickly becoming a fan favorite. JJzxander’s unique blend of R&B and pop, coupled with his sincere and heartfelt approach to songwriting, make him an artist to watch. “By My Side/ My Oh My” is available now on all streaming platforms.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, JJzxander said, “I wanted to write a song that people could relate to. We’ve all been through the highs and lows of relationships, and I wanted to capture that feeling in this song. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or just starting to see someone, ‘By My Side/My Oh My’ is all about the importance of having someone to lean on.”
“By My Side/ My Oh My” is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. Fans can stay up to date with JJzxander’s latest releases and upcoming projects by following him on social media and checking out his website.
The New Zealand music scene has always been known for its unique blend of traditional Maori music and modern pop culture. With a new generation of artists taking over, the scene is set to reach new heights. One artist who is leading the way is Lil Dust, a young rapper who is making waves with his latest release, “LAYLOW.“
Lil Dust’s music is a reflection of the new wave of hip-hop that is taking over the world. His unique style blends trap beats with melodic flows, creating a sound that is both catchy and introspective. With his latest music video, Lil Dust is not only showcasing his talent but also putting New Zealand on the map as a hotbed for emerging artists.
The video for “LAYLOW” is a masterful work of art that captures Lil Dust’s charisma and energy. Directed by 24kMEDIA, the video takes viewers on a journey through the streets of New Zealand, showcasing the country’s beauty and vibrancy. The visuals are stunning, with bright colors and mesmerizing scenes that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
Throughout the video, Lil Dust raps about his success, fame, and everything that comes along with it. He talks about money, girls, and fast cars, painting a picture of the lifestyle that comes with being a successful artist. But there is also a deeper message in his lyrics, as he reflects on the sacrifices he has made to get to where he is today. He speaks about the struggles he has faced, and the hard work he has put in to achieve his dreams.
Overall, Lil Dust’s “LAYLOW” is a testament to the talent and creativity that is emerging from the New Zealand music scene. With his unique style and relatable lyrics, Lil Dust is quickly becoming a fan favorite both in New Zealand and around the world. The video is a stunning visual representation of his artistry, and it is clear that the future of the New Zealand music scene is in good hands with artists like Lil Dust leading the way.
Dzh has shared a brand new single called “Practice”. Here, he provides a refreshing take on his usual sound and breaks into new ground with glitchy, progressive production that neatly splits the line between boom-bap, trap, and experimental hip-hop. Atop wavering, booming bass, grimy drums, and psychedelic, dark samples, Dzh weaves together poignant lines at a rapid pace, demonstrating his focus and inimitable mic presence. His flow is commanding and fluid as he attacks the track with a resonant confidence, shining with a laser-like delivery that hits the target with each syllable. As the production creates a buoyant, powerful backdrop for him, he steals the show as a vocalist and proves that his technical abilities are up there with the best in the underground with “Practice”.
New Jersey artist Dzh is a dual threat on the mic and the boards, developing his own sound and style through years of hard work and experimentation. Building a burgeoning, dedicated fanbase through engaging projects like his 2019 debut Under This Hoodie and 2020’s The Durag Tape and La Vita Nuova with Oklahoma’s Levi Hinson, Dzh has consistently displayed passionate, focused songwriting across his discography. His latest offering “Practice” is a real scorcher with a progressive edge to it, making us excited for what may be coming from him this year.
Greenville, South Carolina rapper Ce$mar is quickly making a name for himself in the world of hip hop. Fresh off the release of his highly anticipated EP “Glass House“, he’s now released a brand new music video for the 6th track on the project, “Go!!!“.
Directed by Filmswave, the video perfectly captures the essence of the song. It features Ce$mar flexing cash and surrounded by luxurious cars as he talks about his fast-paced lifestyle and how he’s always on the go. The visuals are stunning, with a perfect balance of glamour and grit, which reflects Ce$mar’s unique style.
What sets Ce$mar apart from other rappers is his melodic and smooth flow, which is simultaneously assertive. He effortlessly transitions between different flows, showcasing his versatility and range as an artist. His lyrics are witty and clever, delivering a powerful message about his life experiences and the struggles he’s overcome to get to where he is today.
With “Glass House”, Ce$mar has solidified his place as one of the most promising young artists in the game. The EP features seven tracks, each with its own unique flavor and style. From the smooth and introspective “Stressed” to the upbeat and infectious “Go!!!”, Ce$mar showcases his versatility and ability to switch up his flow effortlessly.
The EP is a reflection of Ce$mar’s life experiences and his journey to success. It’s a testament to his resilience, perseverance, and dedication to his craft. With each track, he delivers a powerful message about staying true to oneself, overcoming obstacles, and never giving up on one’s dreams.
The release of the “Go!!!” music video is yet another milestone in Ce$mar’s career, showcasing his creativity and ability to connect with his fans on a deeper level. With its captivating visuals and infectious beat, the video is sure to become a fan favorite and attract even more attention to the rising star.
Ce$mar is definitely an artist to watch in the coming years. With his unique style, melodic flow, and powerful lyrics, he’s sure to make a lasting impact on the hip hop industry. “Glass House” and the “Go!!!” music video are just the beginning of what’s sure to be a long and successful career for the Greenville, South Carolina rapper.
When it comes to hip-hop, Motor City is a locale synonymous with the genre. Over the years, the city has spawned many sub-genres, sounds, and styles that have resonated with many and laid their imprint upon the rap game as a whole. On Mike Wilder and Jake Bass’ new album D.E.A.P. (an acronym for Detroit Emcees and Producers), they tie all of these sounds together in a cohesive manner alongside a gifted set of collaborators. A poignant, infectious set of 10 songs that is diverse as it gets, D.E.A.P. brings in elements of boom-bap, lyrical hip-hop, trap, and more, to further exemplify why Detroit remains as one of the top cities in rap year after year. It’s a potent statement backed by powerful sonics and sharply-crafted lyricism, and D.E.A.P. makes for a strong offering overall that combines the sharp skills of multiple talents, including the likes of Pariis Noel, Marvwon, and more.
Some highlight tracks here include the atmospheric “Pray For Me”, which includes a dazzling set of lyrically-focused verses delivered smoothly, and the heavy, trap banger “Roll Witta Clique”, a track densely packed with charisma and style.
D.E.A.P. is the latest poignant offering from Mike Wilder and Jake Bass. Wilder, who executive produced this album alongside Jake Bass originally got his start in the industry by co-producing Eminem’s debut album Infinite in 1996. He also co-founded the prolific music company NUKID, LLC alongside Marky Bass. Be sure to check out D.E.A.P. below and further familiarize yourself with some of Detroit’s most talented rappers and producers.
Rising out of one of the south’s music capitals Houston, Texas, comes CA the Don with a captivating new release titled “Too High”. An engaging, genre-bending track that combines elements of hip-hop, R&B, and dance for a truly versatile joint, “Too High” presents another strong release from the consistent CA. In particular, “Too High” puts his songwriting on center stage, while also demonstrating his sharp ear for poignant production. CA the Don continues to push his own boundaries with each new release, isn’t afraid to experiment with his sound, and delivers to his audience time and time again, and “Too High” is another example of this.
Rich guitars and infectious bass open up “Too High”, followed by an engaging drum groove that pairs smoothly with the track’s warm instrumentation. CA starts off slow and slick with vocals that combine hip-hop and R&B elements with melodious inflections, before the song makes an engaging transition into a dance-infused joint. Throbbing percussion and immersive synths give the track a clean club feel, as CA takes the song to new heights as a vocalist with his silky delivery. The new video makes for a cohesive accompaniment as well, with balmy shots and a retro filter that immerse the listener in the track’s energizing yet laid-back feel.
Produced by Scar, cam sos, and CA himself, “Too High” is a solid new offering from him that continues the Houston artist’s run into the new year. Check it out below and connect with CA the Don on social media for more.
Dami: So y’all just released a collab project. Can you tell us more about it?
Sareem: Yes, it’s a project that’s been in the talks since 2019. Alex, Sean, and I put a ton of work into this project over the years to be able to release it as it is now. It is probably the third version of the project as we know it. We had to make sure it was released in the best possible state.
Alexander the Great: Me and my homie, Sareem just put out the tape and we been working on it for a little over 2 years now. It started off as just a song or two we made together, but we had a good chemistry going and we are from the same area so we just decided to run it. Really glad it’s finally out. It’s also completely produced by Sean McNamara, our other homie so it was the three of us on the whole tape together.
Dami: How were y’all able to pick the songs that made the final version?
Sareem: We probably went through 15-20 songs and re-recorded the whole tape on a whole new interface. After that, we cut it down to around 12, then we stagnated on the project because we didn’t have a solidified banger that we wanted to put out first. One night before going out last month, Sean came up and, in an hour, we made both the beat and recorded Roll Bounce and that changed the entire trajectory of the project. From there, we felt a new wind and finished the project that same weekend. To answer your question though, whatever slapped the hardest and was a legit reflection of us was put on the project. I have a few drill songs I recorded for the project that were left off because that just ain’t my energy lol. We experimented heavy tbh.
Alexander the Great: We actually had multiple versions of multiple songs on the album. So, the first thing we did was decide what songs we even liked enough to make it. It ended up with 8 songs together and 1 individual song. We sat as a group with Sean and listened to all versions of the 8 songs we chose and decided which versions were best and which songs we needed to fix. And then we each had a song in mind for the tape that we pitched and that’s how we came up with the songs we picked and the order.
Dami: How did y’all meet and what made y’all decide to do a collab project?
Sareem: We met through two of our mutual homies. Shoutout Seth and Sammy. We met pretty early in our respective careers. I had just come off my first album and was just looking to make as much shit as possible. He invited me over to record at his producer’s crib and we made a song called “Yessir” that you can still find on my SoundCloud. The chemistry was there and we recorded a few more times that year. His girl went to the same school I did so he’d come up to visit her and I introduced him to Sean during that 2020 summer when we were making “Ignorance is Bliss”, and we busted a couple songs out that weekend and decided we wanted to go all in on a collab tape. We visited Alex’s apartment a couple times, but life got in the way of the project for sure. But after Sean and I graduated, we made sure to finish the project at some point and well, here we are now.
Alexander the Great: So, we actually got put into contact through some mutual friends who don’t make music. Shoutout Sammy and Seth Kett. Sareem and I both lived in Carlsbad at the time and both knew these homies and when they heard I made music, they got us to link up. At first, we did our own thing and just said we would collab in the future. Pretty sure it was 4th of July and we decided to link up and he was with Sean and they were working up there so I slid with a bottle and we made two or three songs that day and we loved them. Sadly, I don’t think 2 made the tape because of how far we grew musically after that.
Dami: What were the vibes for this project? How would you describe the sound?
Sareem: Whatever Sam was on, we’d be on hahaha. There aren’t many people on the planet that work harder than that dude. He’s always working and even outside of the project, that’s how it usually goes working with him so it helps his artists get out of their comfort zone if they want to. This played into what we were doing since it’s more of a trap project than anything else. My projects range from old school to new west with a little trap mixed in, but this project was damn near all trap until my solo track. The production he put on is crazy and I feel like we matched that energy in our hooks and lyrics fasho. Bouncy with a mix of some shit you can kick it and get high to.
Alexander the Great: I would say the vibe for the project is confidence with a little something to prove. For the sound, I would say it’s some hype shit that bounces and is definitely wavy.
Dami: What do you want people to take away after listening to this project?
Sareem: That we can do it all while getting lit with it. You can make turn up songs and keep it lyrically inclined. Sometimes, it ain’t even about the lyrics. Not everything gotta be serious. I went into the project thinking I gotta have the hottest verse on every song and if anything, that hindered our process in making the project because I was tryna do too much. It’s important for Alex to have his shine as much as it is for Sean or me. It’s a lot more that goes into a track than just being the best rapper on it and when you let go of your ego, you end up with a cohesive ass collab album that slaps pretty hard. And to add on to that, San Diego got something to say!
Alexander the Great: I want them to enjoy the music most importantly. I want them to like it and, in the process, hopefully trigger some interest in Sareem’s career and mine moving forward because we both got a lot of heat coming out soon.
Dami: What are 3 words you’ll use to describe the project?
Sareem: Hard hitting, hopeful.
Alexander the Great: Hype, fire, and wavy.
Dami: Even though it’s early, do you think you and Alex are gonna drop another collab tape in the future?
Sareem: Yeah once it makes sense. We haven’t even performed a song off the tape yet hahaha. Alex has his album he’s gonna put out and I have a ton of shit I’m tryna put together currently. If we were to do another collab tape, I’d wanna include AG3 and a couple other homies on it too. Keem and Zay, Stella and some homies I’ve met in LA. Making a collab album takes a ton of effort from everyone involved. Like Black Hippy never even made a collab album. Bottom line- it’s gotta make sense in the moment and “A. Anonymous” made sense for both of us. If it makes sense again, then we’ll run it back.
Alexander the Great: Definitely early so we wanna see how this one turns out. Like I mentioned earlier, we got a lot of individual stuff coming out soon that I think is really gonna catch some people’s attention. Sareem and I will collab 100 percent in the future but if it’s for another tape, I think we both wanna see the demand from the people.
Toronto based artist Ed Riley has been crafting his sound since he was just seven years old, and his years of experience have culminated in his latest single, “Love+Lust” featuring Dill the Giant. With a unique combination of R&B, alternative rap, and indie tones, Ed Riley’s style is sonically elite and truly one-of-a-kind. His new music video for “Love+Lust,” directed by NSTY, showcases a vulnerable and intimate side of the artist, further solidifying his place as a rising star in the music industry.
From an early age, Ed Riley knew that music was his passion. He honed his craft by writing and recording songs at home, and it wasn’t long before he began performing at local venues around Winnipeg. As he continued to develop his sound, he drew inspiration from a range of genres, including R&B, rap, and soul. This eclectic blend of influences can be heard in his music, giving his sound a unique edge that sets him apart from other artists.
With “Love+Lust,” Ed Riley showcases his true versatility as an artist. The song combines poignant lyrics with a haunting melody, creating an emotional ballad that speaks to the complexities of past relationships. Throughout the track, Ed Riley’s raw and soulful vocals deliver a performance that is both powerful and introspective. The song’s production is also noteworthy, with a minimalist approach that allows the lyrics and melody to take center stage.
The music video for “Love+Lust” is a testament to Ed Riley’s vulnerability as an artist. Directed by NSTY, the video is a visual representation of the song’s themes of heartbreak and longing. Shot in Toronto, Canada, the video features Ed Riley in a series of intimate and reflective moments, conveying the raw emotions of the song. The video’s use of slow zooming shots also adds to the intensity of the performance, making it a truly captivating experience.
As an artist, Ed Riley’s talent is undeniable. His unique sound and poignant lyrics have earned him a growing fan base, and his latest single “Love+Lust” is sure to cement his status with fans industry professionals. With its haunting melody and raw emotion, the song is a powerful ballad that speaks to the complexities of love and loss. The music video, directed by NSTY, is a visually stunning and intimate portrayal of the artist, showcasing his vulnerability and depth as a performer.
This release is sure to have listeners in their feels, while at the same time offering a new and refreshing sound for fans of underground music. I attached the link to the video below, as well as the Spotify link in case you want to add it to your playlist! Thanks for reading!
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 