Category: Blog

Throughout the last few years, New York City has started to take the reins when it comes to being at the forefront of drill. Splashing onto the scene nationally through the sheer will of Pop Smoke, the city started to produce more potential hitmakers, leading to a national interest in the sub-genre. Hailing from the Bronx, rising indie rapper Word Life is one of those rappers, and he looks to prove it with his lavish new video for, “Smoke.”

Set to the tone of towering drum kicks, infectious synths and a steady rhythm, “Smoke,” finds Word Life showcasing some of the qualities that have made him one to watch. Effortlessly gliding over the up-tempo production, he highlights his knack for melodic progression, as well as an ability to produce engaging one-liners. Combined with the video, the Gambino-shot visual also does a brilliant job of highlighting the charisma of Word Life, as we follow him through a shopping spree in the Bronx. Meshing together his abilities as a rapper with his potential for on-screen opportunities, it’s no wonder that he’s started to become one of the more interesting independent rappers to keep up with.

Watch now:

Brooklyn artist FlyBoi Rell has teamed up with Woodah Three Times for a fresh new release, titled “Luck”, produced by NtheLab Productions. Following up previous releases like “No Safety” and “Word of Mouth”, “Luck” continues his streak of lyrically-focused, engaging singles. Containing a raw, triumphant sound that motivates and inspires, “Luck”‘s powerful horns and booming rhythm section draw the listener in immediately. Atop the smoky instrumentation, FlyBoi Rell delivers charismatic, commanding flows as he weaves together seamless rhyme schemes. Woodah Three Times comes through with a memorable bridge that captivates with sharp lyricism.

With lyrics such as “down on my luck down on my bucks.”; “ We leveled up “, and others, the audience gets a close look into his story and  personal  conviction as an artist. 

The latest from Brooklyn’s FlyBoi Rell, “Luck” is a triumphant, infectious offering that finds him sharing a natural chemistry with Woodah Three Times.

Listen now:

Connect with FlyBoi Rell: Instagram | Twitter

By Christian Peeney

Is the beach too far from you? Do you want to tropical vacation without traveling at all? All you need is to listen to this song!

Diz and Frank Sativa come together for “SOULFOOD” to remind us all that summer isn’t quite over yet. The instrumental feels like a 70s hula beat, the kind of music that plays at tropical resorts to remind you that, you are indeed at a tropical resort. It makes me feel like I’m sitting on the beach out by the ocean with a drink in my hand. The sound is peak summer.

There’s almost a youthful flair to the track; it’s not stingy adults on vacation, but it’s a group of friends hanging out on the beach. It’s as if Diz is freestyling over the music playing from the resort. Then, when Frank Sativa comes in, it’s as if he sees a cute girl lounging on the beach and goes to flirt with her. He’s nervous and doesn’t really know how to approach her, but he knows that his boys have his back. It takes me back to fooling around with my friends back in high school without a care in the world. This song, to put it very simply, is good vibes. Though it’s the end of July, and summer is coming to a close, there’s still plenty to enjoy.

Stream “SOULFOOD” now:

By Griffen Elliott

PLAY DEAD (not to be confused with the 80ʼs goth band) is a rowdy three-piece punk band from South London. These noisemakers are fresh to the scene, having released only a handful of singles and an EP since 2020. Despite this, itʼs clear they have immense raw talent, carving out such a powerful, energetic sound right out of the gate. Their latest single “Barbershop” can attest to this with its lively bassline, classic punk guitar tone, and attitude-packed vocals it’s the type of song that makes you want to get smashed with your mates and jump around. It also carries on a common theme in the band’s discography of just being young and having a good time- a refreshing take in a world of music that is always trying to prove a point. The next wave of punk has arrived, and its name is PLAY DEAD.

Listen to “Barbershop” now:

By Damilola Grey

Doozy is back with his first release in almost 2 years, and to be honest, the wait was completely worth it. Doozy starts off the track showing off his deft melodies. Topically, he talks about his goal of getting to the top and never falling off, and how he’s not entertaining anything from people who aren’t his homies. He then continues by discussing how he isn’t fazed by fame or goofy energy. The production is nothing short of perfect as well.

When I talked to Doozy about the significance of the track to him, he told me “AAA is a song about personal growth, powering through tough times, while still allowing yourself some time to let loose and have fun. I feel like a good balance of hard work and fun is essential to living a fulfilling life, and while everyone is trying to follow the best path for them, it’s alright to make mistakes, learn from them, and keep heading towards your goals. With a song this amazing, Doozy’s goal of reaching the top isn’t far off.

Listen now HERE.

Canada-by-way-of-the-UK artists Joseph Carney and IAMTHELIVING have shared a new collaborative release titled “The Reverse Music Video.” While both artists were raised in England, they created “The Reverse Music Video” across the pond in Vancouver, Canada, where they both were based at the time. Carney is an acclaimed filmmaker now based in New York, while IAMTHELIVING is a Juno-nominated recording artist. Showcasing a natural, effortless chemistry between the artists, “The Reverse Music Video” provides a cohesive, focused pairing of visuals and audio.

“The Reverse Music Video” follows a unique concept. It was crafted through an idiosyncratic process, in which, Carney first filmed IAMTHELIVING’s loose vocal improvisations and built a story on the fly, then constructed a song by combining multitudes of takes, resulting in a song & music video unlike any other- one where the video came first, and then the music second.

Warm, glowing sounds provide an ethereal soundtrack to the visuals. Immersive, uplifting keys and atmospheric backing vocals creating a dream-like backdrop for IAMTHELIVING’s elegant vocals, as his vocal melodies float smoothly, lifting the viewer up to the clouds. Gentle yet assured, the sound palette present dazzles with its refreshing, surreal energy.

The visual, shot by Joseph Carney, is focused and clean, enhancing the audio’s graceful sound. Smooth, warmly saturated shots and crisp editing bring a feeling of pace to the video, while keeping the mood relaxed and inviting. It does an excellent job of capturing the song’s refreshing energy.

The latest from Joseph Carney and IAMTHELIVING, “The Reverse Music Video” is a holistic collaboration that showcases the two artists’ natural chemistry and keen eye for detail. This release makes for a refreshing take upon music visuals in a current landscape where many are falling into the same patterns.

Connect with Joseph Carney: Vimeo | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with IAMTHELIVING: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

Watch “The Reverse Music Video” here now: