Category: Blog

By Damilola Grey

Rap Villain founder and Newark native, Alley Rocket is back with another single titled “Like That”. He has been on a winning streak, feeding his fans (popularly known as cadets) with nothing but bangers for the past few months, and he extends that streak now with the release of this single.

On “Like That”, Alley Rocket takes a melodic approach. Rocket talks about what he likes in life: from Jordan 4’s and 9’s to women. He also talks about a lady who sees as more unique than other women, even if she seems, on the surface, like the others. “Like That” is a geechie drill track with amazing production, catchy lyrics and melodies, which can only be done by the top V himself; Alley Rocket. It’s a song everyone can vibe and relate to.

With Rocket extending his hot streak with this single, all we can wonder is “what’s next?”

Stream “Like That” on all platforms HERE.

By Damilola Grey

New York native, Tireek is most notably known as a very talented rapper who drops introspective and inspirational verses in most of his tracks. The Brooklyn artist is back with another single titled, “No More”, which features another talented rapper, Rozotadi.

On this track, Tireek talks about being his goal of being the greatest, as well as being widely regarded. He states that giving up is not an option since it’s the life he chose and also talks about his plans to make his team proud. Tireek’s verse is packed with amazing wordplay and bars, as well as a delivery which can only be described as perfect. Rozotadi also graces the track with a verse nothing short of amazing. “No More” has a very vibey, up-tempo feel to it and can be played during those times you’re feeling down or unmotivated.

When I talked to Tireek about “No More”, he said “it’s a song about reclaiming your power and securing all the things that you hope to obtain in life. It’s about never letting anything take you out of your element again and staying ten toes down as you reach new heights”. With a release this good, we won’t be surprised at the great heights Tireek will reach.

Stream No More HERE on all platforms.

By Evan Smith

Trenton, New Jersey artist and Renaissance Music member Cheek The Profit has shared a new video for his recent single “Big Bag”. Since the release of his well-received album The Profit Strikes Back back in 2021, the artist has been steadily carving his own lane as an up-and-comer rising from the East Coast. His new release, “Big Bag”, further proves his prowess as a rapper and songwriter, as he flows smoothly and charismatically atop colorful, infectious production from Filed Beats. The accompanying visual, directed by T Nickelson, is warm and vibrant, using fast-paced shots to capture the song’s dynamic energy. Cheek gives a commanding performance as well, keeping the listener highly attentive until the video’s culmination.

Containing infectious, confident sonics that feel sunny and bright, as well as triumphant vocals and flexible rhyme schemes from Cheek, “Big Bag” keeps things positive and motivational in an engaging manner, making for a strong release from the New Jersey artist and Renaissance Music member. This offering has us excited for what may be coming next from Cheek, as he looks to finish off 2022 in a big way.

Follow Cheek The Profit at @cheektheprofit on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Watch the video for “Big Bag” here:

By Trey Fox

Dave Coresh is a multi talented artist who’s been a constant fixture in the music industry for over a decade. The Chicago, IL native made his presence felt in his local scene as a creative and lyrically dynamic rapper. He was also one of Vic Mensa’s earliest collaborators. Coresh eventually branched out to LA and expanded his sound. He would go on to play with jam bands, form a music production house, and work on records with critically acclaimed artists such as Fousheé and Ty Dolla $ign. Coresh has now released his debut EP, an adventurous punk-rap record filled with incredible highs in just under 14 minutes.

While four of the six tracks were previously released as singles, they hit just as hard in the context of the record. Coresh’s flow on “NOBODY CARES” is calculated, rapping every word boldly and confidently. As the beat builds, the guitar melodies and Coresh’s vocals become more electrifying. “Nobody cares!” he yells into the void.

The second track, “TALK2ME,” is just as riotous. Coresh skates over the heavy bass and ominous guitar riffs. Mother Wata’s guest refrain is well-executed. The energy she brings on the record is a perfect fit. “PYMFB” remains just as entertaining. Sonically and vocally, Coresh delivers what feels like a public service announcement.

On a record that oozes aggression, “IDGNF” might be Coresh at his most confrontational from a lyrical perspective. He matches the energy of the thunderous 808s, delivering hard punchlines in quick succession. “Finna make a killing/I’m in the building, asbestos,” he raps fiercely. This is a clear standout on a project full of eye-popping moments.

“DUMBLUCK” and “CHECK MY CHECK” weren’t previously released, and they help to close out the record well. Coresh has a “pocket full of problems” on the former, looking back on fun but infamous drug-fueled moments. The latter is an energetic closer, and it’s also the longest song at over three minutes long. Coresh’s bravado is through the roof, taking time to clown lesser artists in the process. He threatens to “Put yo’ EP on a playlist and instantly hit eject.” As the song progresses, the hook slows down and the vocal pitches are lowered. It adds a little bit of eeriness to finish things off. Coresh delivered on a debut that was well worth the wait.

Stream “SMOKENMIRRORS” now:

https://open.spotify.com/album/0YK7zQBHSKRhlg6YOX5Y6k

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What inspired you to start rapping?

Trey Posey: It just really helped free my mind and the thought of helping someone else in their day-to-day life is what made me want to put it out for people to hear. I’ve always wrote songs since I was little for fun, and I always loved it. J Cole’s “2014 Forest Hills Drive” helped me through certain things, and that made me want to potentially help other people.

Dami: Most people would describe you as a lyrical rapper but how would you describe your sound?

Trey Posey: I would definitely say lyrical too, but I would call it a combination of lyricism, relatability, and versatility. It’s optimistic but real and dark at the same time. Kinda like a child’s sense of wonder with an adult perspective.

Dami: What are 3 words you’ll use to describe your music?

Trey Posey: Authentic, relatable, and unique.

Dami: Who are your biggest inspirations?

Trey Posey: J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, JID, Lil Wayne. Also I got a line; “my inspiration is my own potential”.

Dami: When making music, where do you grab inspiration from?

Trey Posey: Just how I’m feeling at the moment and the message I want to portray at the time. Sometimes when I need more inspiration, I’ll write outside in nature somewhere or just a different environment, other than the studio, that gives off the creative feel.

Dami: What’s your creative process like?

Trey Posey: I find it, make a beat, then I brainstorm ideas and go back to lyrics in my notes and see if those fit the vibe and keep them in mind if they do. Then I freestyle melodies and flows on the beat and keep the ones that sound good, then write to them and mix as I go.

Dami: Tell us about your latest project “Spoken Letters”.

Trey Posey: It’s a great, cohesive project that shows growth. There’s a letter in every song that’s to someone or something. It’s mature and there’s a lot of self-reflecting on it. There’s something for everyone and I think everyone can resonate with at least one song.

Dami: What does the project mean to you?

Trey Posey: Man it means a lot. This was another stepping stone of my artistry. I feel like I’ve finally mastered my sound. This project is a deep, vulnerable story of the pursuit of happiness. It’s the best music I’ve ever made.

Dami: What do you want people to take away after listening to it?

Trey Posey: I want people to feel like they’re not alone. I just want them to feel something. I love making music that people can really FEEL. Also, I want people to recognize my potential, and I’m not going nowhere.

Dami: What’s next for you after “Spoken Letters”?

Trey Posey: More big things. Doing some videos and maybe a deluxe for the project. Then next year, dropping more music and doing more and more shows. Just trying to get my name out there more.

Dami: What has been the most stressful part of being a rapper?

Trey Posey: I think just doing everything by myself. Writing, recording, mixing, mastering, marketing, finding shows, making my own cover art majority of the time, and occasionally producing. It’s a lot but I love it. It’s stressful trying to gain and keep fans as an independent artist, but it’ll be worth it in the end.

Dami: What’s your favorite part of being a rapper though?

Trey Posey: The art of it. The process of putting my feelings in a song and beging in the zone and getting chills from a song I make. Also another favorite part is when it releases and I get people’s feedback and they love it just as much as me.

Listen to “Spoken Letters” now HERE.

By Christian Peeney

I’ve been following NxG for a while. We attended the same college, so I started listening to his music around 2018-2019. Back then, he had released his EP, Note To Self, which has since been removed from streaming services. It was more of a melodic album, something akin to Frank Ocean or Daniel Caesar. Personally, I loved this NxG sound.

As time went on, NxG further developed his sound, with his hit single “Eyy Yeah!” and his EP Genesis, moving away from the RnB influences and into more rap. However, with release after release, I had seen some of his haters call him a clone. They compared him to Trippie Redd, Playboi Carti, and Lil Uzi Vert, calling him a ripoff of those artists. This album, Equilibrium, seems to be a direct response to those haters. As he said on Twitter shortly after the release: “I found balance. I found equilibrium”. This is the most NxG sounding project I have heard from him, and I’m happy to see he’s settled in on his unique sound. This project is, as the title suggests, an equilibrium between all of NxG’s influences and his own unique sound.

Songs like “FELL IN LUV $$” and “Bleachers” use a Carti-type dark and synth-heavy beat, but NxG comes in with his own high-energy vocal delivery. Other songs like “Yeah Yeah” and “524” lean a little more into the slower, melodic sound of the Note To Self era, while still leaving room for NxG to spit some insightful bars. Regardless of the sound, he comes in on a track with an energy and passion that shows you he’s truly having fun making this music.

One of my favorite songs, and favorite stories, from this album is “524 (Stacking Game Song)”. Now, this may seem like an odd title for a song. A snippet of this song had been teased on NxG’s TikTok account for MONTHS before this album dropped. Every time he’d use this sound, he would also use the “Stacking Game” filter, in which the player blinks to stack blocks into a tower. Most of these videos challenged his viewers to beat his score. His audience did just that and used his snippet every time. Looking under this sound, you’ll find over 800 videos of random TikTok users (including myself) playing the Stacking Game. It was an odd, but (in my opinion) very smart, marketing strategy to get people excited for the song. So, now that it’s released, it only makes sense to call it the “Stacking Game Song”.

Equilibrium is more than just a stepping stone in NxG’s career. It’s more of a pedestal, on which he can stand and proclaim to the world what kind of artist he is. It’s a high point, coming after performing with Lil Skies and writing a song for the Philadelphia Eagles. Much of the lyrical content of this project consists of NxG reflecting on his journey, from bedroom artist to someone who’s “Next Up”. He’s done a lot to get where he is, and he deserves to brag a little. With tight production, great hooks, and an overall exciting atmosphere, Equilibrium is a truly remarkable project, not just for what it sounds like, but for what it represents. NxG should be on your watchlist: it’s only uphill from here.

Stream Equilibrium out on all streaming services.

If you’re looking for an exciting rising artist coming out of Chicago’s musical hotbed- look no further than TG Fee. Having recently released his single “HighestShelf”, the prolific musician has already followed it up with an engaging new music video that capture’s the track’s personality rich sound and charisma.

Produced by Whothehelliscarlo, “HighestShelf” makes for a soulful, vibrant new offering from the THRAXX GANG artist, who has been steadily rising in the Chi and beyond. “HighestShelf” also showcases Fee’s focus as a lyricist as he delivers insightful, honest lyrics that hit home with each bar. The engaging accompanying visual finds Fee giving a commanding performance of the track, and utilizes fast-paced cuts to capture the song’s vital, inspired energy. “HighestShelf” makes for a release overall, further proving that the rising Chicago artist is here to stay. 

Watch the video for “HighestShelf” here:

Miami artist A-D has returned with a vibrant new single called “Lovesong.mp3”. Following up engaging recent singles “10v1” and “Take Me”, “Lovesong.mp3” finds the Divert Music Group artist delivering an emotive, groove-heavy release that expands upon the songwriting displayed in his previous offerings to make for an enticing and energizing final product.

“Lovesong.mp3″‘s production is silky yet bass-heavy, containing epic synths, deep, expansive bass, and uplifting keys that merge to create a vivid concoction. Atop the powerful instrumentation, A-D delivers a series of sharply-crafted melodies that linger in the listener’s head long after, making for an infectious cut. The track builds dynamically until it reaches a colorful crescendo, as pumping percussion and rich 808s give the track more layers.

“Lovesong.mp3” is a strong offering from the Divert Music Group artist that finds his songwriting abilities matching the quality of the instrumental for a track that captivates throughout.

Listen to “Lovesong.mp3” now:

Connect with A-D: Instagram