Category: Blog

Handsome Pryce has shared a smooth new single called “Satisfied”, produced by Clayhead. Featuring a laid-back instrumental centred around glowing keys and minimalistic percussion, this track conjures a nostalgic, warm soundscape that immerses the listener in its atmosphere. Moreover, Pryce’s vocals are evocative, with vivid, personal lyricism and a relaxed yet confident cadence. A weightless, reflective offering, “Satisfied”‘s bittersweet vibe makes for a great soundtrack to rainy nights.

Listen to “Satisfied” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Indie pop band Otto have shared a new single titled “When I Really Saw You”. The Detroit group introduced their captivating 80’s-influenced sound over two early singles, “If You Know”, and “Good Fight”, and they return in top form with their third single as an outfit. On this offering, bittersweet guitars are introduced first, building an addictive riff that merges smoothly with airy synths, as brisk percussion drops in beneath. Combining a fun-loving feeling with a subtle ruminative, brooding mood, the instrumentation here balances both light and dark to create an intriguing soundscape. Moreover, the vocals on “When I Really Saw You” add to the song’s emotionally layered nature, as topically they touch on the nostalgia of feeling that while you may have a connection with someone, you know you’re better off apart. An immersive, contemplative song, “When I Really Saw You” is poignant in content and mercurial in sound, making for an offering worthy of many re-visits.

Listen to “When I Really Saw You”:

Clbrks and Kiina have shared a new visual for “Embankment”, a highlight track from their refreshing new album HABITS 2. Containing a hazy, warm instrumental from Kiina that is evocatively spacey and immersive, this track conjures a mysterious mood. The vocals from Clbrks here are smooth and candid as well, with cleverly-written verses that draw the listener even further into this song’s mercurial atmosphere. Paired with a lo-fi visual that captures the song’s subtly claustrophobic, nocturnal aesthetic- “Embankment” is an offering that is simply easy to re-visit again and again.

Watch the video for “Embankment” here:

Wellingborough, Northamptonshire rapper Nevmore has come through with a fresh new single called “Something For the Car”, featuring Clbrks. A laid-back, warm track featuring charismatic verses from the two rappers, as well as a glowing instrumental from Thugsbunny that evokes the image of a late-night cruise on a summer night, “Something For the Car” is an aptly titled cut with much replay value. The instrumental here feels stripped back and yet simultaneously layered and textured, with smooth, grand guitars ringing out atop watery keys and relaxed percussion. Moreover, Nevmore and Clbrks share a natural chemistry as they trade off imagery-rich verses that keep the listener pressed to the speakers to catch each line.

Listen to “Something For the Car” now:

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What was y’all first introduction to music?

Oluwadoe: My first introduction to music was my father. He was the first person who introduced old school music and different types of music to me when I was a little girl. He used to sell vinyls and CDs and I’d always be there with him during the day- he was always playing music.

lucidjason: I first discovered rap when I heard “Breathe” by Fabolous. My mum didn’t like the track cause of what he was talking about but I didn’t really know what he was talking about. I also really liked Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, and Linkin Park when I was little. I also discovered music from watching AMVs.

Dami: What inspired y’all to start making music?

Oluwadoe: Writing music was like therapy in a way to me, and also a way to express myself since I was very shy. It was a way for me to get my voice cause I felt comfortable and safe singing. Watching artists like Beyoncé, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill also inspired me as a woman to start my own career. I was inspired to not only become a singer but also write music for other people.

lucidjason: I started making music in 2017 and my music then wasn’t good so I wanted to start producing my songs. This was around the time Brockhampton started getting big and seeing artists like them, Tyler the Creator, Frank Ocean, and Earl Sweatshirt inspired me to make music more.

Dami: What’s y’all creative process like?

Oluwadoe: My creative process is very non-structured. I come up with the most random things in my head. Since I was little, I used to come up with melodies in my mind (like I was mentally producing songs in my head). My creative processes come from a lot of impulses as well as life experiences I’ve been through.

lucidjason: It depends on how I’m approaching it. Whenever I’m sampling, I find different genres to sample. Sometimes, I might study music for a while. I’ll look up chords and transcribe them, and then build upon that. When I’m rapping, I want to say something real and be true to myself.

Dami: How would y’all describe your sound?

Oluwadoe: I want to say my sound is of RnB and soul but I can’t really say for now because the EP I’m working on with lucidjason is very much pop/electronic. I will say RnB/soul right now though but I want to explore different sounds individually as well.

lucidjason: Personally, there’s definitely a sound for me but I’m working on expanding on that. I made a rock song the other day but for the most part, my sound is more of an alternative boom-bap style. Something that you’ll hear from Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist.

Dami: Y’all recently dropped a collab titled “I Will”. Can y’all tell us more about it?

Oluwadoe: “I Will” is a song that we started working on last year when me and lucid started working together very consistently and it came from a normal session where he was showing me different types of beats that he produced and we came across this one that was an old
school type of sample and it automatically gave me this energy of being out with your friends. I end up writing to the beat right away and it ends up being this really upbeat, old school, 80s inspired love song.

lucidjason: I made the beat after quitting my job. I went to my old co-worker’s house and I was going through some samples that I saved, and I made the beat around August. Oluwadoe and I worked on the song in November. I showed her the beat and she started writing, and I was humming melodies trying to figure out what would stick and what wouldn’t. We wrote the song rather fast. It took like 2 sessions to get the main thing down.

Dami: What’s next for y’all after “I Will”?

Oluwadoe: We’re planning on working on a joint EP together. The name of the EP is ‘Shut Up and Kiss Me’. Lucid randomly came up with the name but it actually makes sense because a lot of the songs I’ve written to the instrumentals he’s produced are love songs. I think it also suits it because this EP is very upbeat and full of energy. We’re also planning on dropping another song in March titled “Come Over”, and it’s actually the very first song we worked on together last year.

lucidjason: As Doe said, we have a project in the works. I feel like Doe and I are gonna be the RnB/pop version of Freddie Gibbs and Madlib one day. Individually, I got a DJ gig on the 23 rd of February. I’m also working on some stuff with the band, and also some solo work allegedly.

Dami: What has been the most stressful thing y’all have experienced or are still experiencing as artists?

Oluwadoe: I would say the most stressful thing, which I’m also guilty of, is money. Everything costs money unless you know how to do everything on your own- from producing your beats, to mixing and mastering. It just costs more money outside of that, and it has been a challenge for me because I’ve had to pay money for everything except for writing or singing, which is the only free thing I have. Other than that, I think the most stressful thing is how hard we are on ourselves as artists.

lucidjason: Personally, I cannot work with people who I can’t stand. I actually get along with Doe a lot, and I think that’s why our music sounds so good. If I can’t vibe with you as a person, I don’t want to make music with you, and a lot of people don’t get that. Also balancing personal life with music. Balancing your craft and your personal life is a very difficult thing to do.

Dami: What has been y’all most memorable experiences as artists?

Oluwadoe: That’s a good question. There’s so many memorable moments I’ve had in these couple years but I’ll say the most memorable one for me was when I finally got my first short film done by actual film directors. That was really memorable for me because I felt like I was finally an artist. Other memorable moments include the artists I’ve met, the shows I’ve been able to do, being in a group, and also being solo. It’s been amazing. Another one was the first time I ever headlined an open mic show.

lucidjason: From getting on my first article to my first playlist. A few months ago, I was working on this compilation album. I produced one of the songs and also did the second verse, and I rapped it in front of a bunch of people at a show. After rapping it, I got all types of love. That was a very liberated feeling, and I loved the energy there. Another one was when a person I went to school with sent a video of them and their friends listening to my song.

Dami: What are y’all hoping to achieve at the end of the year (both individually and collaboratively)?

Oluwadoe: Individually, I plan on putting out more music this year. I plan on putting out more EP’s because I really want to build my discography as an artist. I want to collab with more people because I really enjoy the process. I hope to do more shows because I haven’t performed in so long. I also want to build my name in the Atlanta scene and beyond. As a collab though, I plan on putting out more music with lucid. I want us to grow together- as individuals and artists.

lucidjason: The goal for me is to be able to live off my music and put other people on. I want to headline my first show also. I want to put out my solo work and group work too. I want to do a short film and keep on doing photography. I also want to believe in myself.

Listen to “I Will” by Oluwadoe & lucidjason now here.

By Griffen Elliot

“Consequences” by ihateyouALX presents a strong laid-back style reminiscent of 90’s Westcoast rap, which is not surprising for a Palmdale native. However, something that will strike you about this track is the wavy synths and instrumentation that instantly create a mellowed atmosphere giving a solid foundation for ihateyouALX to flow over without trapping him in an old school type beat. The vocals in this song feature a catchy melody and interesting interplay between the backup harmony and the lead. The lyrics themselves are quite intricate, featuring great wordplay and polished delivery. So, If you’re looking for a good cruising song that you can both get lost in and dive deep into the lyrics, then ihateyouALX’s new single has got you covered.

Listen to “Consequences” here:

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What was your first introduction to hip hop?

Sareem: For as long as I can remember, my parents would bump Jay Z, The Beastie Boys, and Kanye in the car. Our family has always been musically inclined and we grew up listening to a ton of different genres honestly. Didn’t realize that kids in my area didn’t listen to rap like that, until in second grade for this “my mum and I” project I wrote that our favorite activity was to sing “Gold Digger” in the car. She got called into my teacher’s office like 2 days later.

Dami: What inspired you to start making music?

Sareem: Just life honestly. I’ve been writing poems since I was young but I used to play the drums and little piano too. I love the old school shit so my first records were me tryna be like Dre and Ice Cube and they were trash lol. Around the time I was 19, there was a moment that happened with a girl and one of my best friends at the time that left me depressed and not trusting anybody for a solid couple of months though, and I spent a lot of that time just writing music and putting it out. It wasn’t good but it laid a foundation and helped me get out of that depression. A lot of my initial shit was me just tryna sound hard without really backing it up, but the more vulnerable I became with it, the more other people, as well as myself, connected with it.

Dami: How would you describe your sound?

Sareem: It’s really just a projection of me. I have songs you can party or smoke to, there’s some you can put in your workout playlist, there’s some for when you feel like shit. I care a ton for the writing too and try to make my next verse better than my last. I throw in a lil bit of West Coast in the mix too. I grew up on the oldies as well as the new school, like Schoolboy Q, Kendrick, 2Pac, Kid Cudi, DMX, and Lil Wayne.

Dami: Who are your biggest inspirations?

Sareem: Schoolboy Q, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, 2Pac, Donald Glover, Ab-Soul, Eminem, Kid Cudi, Jay Z, Kobe Bryant, Zach De La Rocha, JID, Dave Chapelle, Aaron McGruder, and Serj Tankian.

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

Sareem: Life experiences. I write down emotions and keep note of things I go through, then I go through beats and if I’m feeling something then I’ll grind it out and see if I can write something to it. Whatever I’m listening to at the time has a role in it too.

Dami: What’s your creative process like?

Sareem: I gotta lock in. I write my most when I’m by myself and enter this little flow state of throwing ideas around. I love rapping with other people and getting everyone on a track together but I don’t like writing in front of other people for the most part. The exception if it’s a hook.

Dami: You just dropped a single titled “Locked In”. Can you tell us about it?

Sareem: This one is a single from my upcoming album. “Locked In” is a song about getting in that flow state and locking in. My dad asked me to write a song about what goes through my head during that process, and this came out of it. I chose Gohan to be on the cover because his battle versus Cell represents that state in my eyes, and identify with his character a ton.

Dami: Can you tell us more about your upcoming album?

Sareem: Yeah for sure. The working title is ENTER R.E.E.M 2. The theme is really just coming into my own after entering a new chapter of life. There’s a ton of new sounds on the project and it represents me and my creative process at this point in time. Been having a blast getting to play it live and I really can’t wait to put it out.

Dami: Any features on it?

Sareem: Hell yeah. Shoutout AG3, SPYKID, and Ha Keem. You can catch SPYKID on our song “Coastin”, and AG3 on our songs “Run Up” and “Turn Me Up”. Sean McNamara stays killing the beats before anything else. And shoutout Alexander the Great and Chineme too. There’s enough material already for a deluxe album.

Dami: What do you hope to achieve by the end of the year?

Sareem: 100,000 monthly listeners, to play Rolling Loud LA (or some equivalent) and to build up this network we have going and bring my homies with me. We’ve got a dope talent pool and I really want it to expand further.

Connect with Sareem and listen to his music here.

South Carolina artist juicethedon has returned with the second instalment of his Buy One, Get One Free series. Raised in Charleston in a household of musicians, the gifted lyricist has consistently been releasing engaging, vibrant tracks lately. Here, reflective, smoky jazz-laced opener “U Know My Name” sets the tone beautifully, conjuring an immersive atmosphere filled with warmth and density. Showcasing juicethedon’s characteristically smooth, dextrous flow, the song kicks the 2-song offering off on a high note.

Next, “4th Quarter” provides wistful, nostalgic instrumentation centred around moody vocal samples and glowing guitars. Underscored by subtle, organic percussion and rich bass, this beat lays a solid foundation for juicethedon’s evocative vocal performance, as he glides over the sentimental instrumentation with ease, delivering verses filled with vivid lyricism.

Listen to Buy One, Get One Free, Vol. 2 now:

Queens, New York rapper Dre A.M. has shared a new single “Not a Hobby”, where topically he seeks to redefine how society sees an artist’s role. As an artist, the amount of times that you hear people belittle your work in a variety of ways can get understandably frustrating, and this song touches on this at length. A relatable offering for many in music today, “Not a Hobby”‘s sharply-crafted lyricism and vivid instrumentation drew us in immediately.

Featuring an instrumental centred around menacing, icy keys and deep, pounding drums, “Not a Hobby” makes for an imposing yet infectious listen. It is Dre A.M.’s elastic flow and descriptive, thought-provoking lyricism that is the cherry on top here, as he comes through with some spell-binding verses that kept us on our toes throughout.

Listen to “Not a Hobby” now:

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What was your first introduction to hip hop?

Dzh: My first introduction to hip hop was actually through gaming soundtracks. The Game (the artist) had this record called “Higher”. I studied those lyrics, and from there I just became a huge fan after wanting to know more.

Dami: What inspired you to start making music?

Dzh: I honestly just started writing songs because I fell in love with songwriting as a whole and I wanted to learn how to produce music as well. As I got older, high school really, I really took interest in it and went from there.

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

Dzh: Anything or everything that I could be going through or went through. I try my best not to dive too deep into situations, but draw from them as best as possible.

Dami: Who are your biggest inspirations?

Dzh: Obviously, the bigger artists like Drake, Kanye, J Cole, and Jay Z. Those are stamped, but my main three are Mick Jenkins, 6LACK, and HER. Honorable mentions are Blxst, Nipsey Hussle, and recently, as far as instrumentalists go, Terrance Martin too.

Dami: What’s your creative process like?

Dzh: Usually I listen to beats constantly. I write in my head and try to take my time with what comes naturally. If something feels rushed, I won’t bother and I’ll step away from writing.

Dami: How would you describe your sound?

Dzh: In recent years, I’ve only been compared to Mick Jenkins. I listen to him almost every day, so I can see where people draw that conclusion.

Dami: You just dropped a single titled “Relying on Me”. Can you tell us more about it?

Dzh: “Relying on Me” is part of an upcoming project scheduled to release later this year. It’s the record where I’m able to be a little bit vulnerable, but also let my listeners and fans know what my come up or journey really was. It was an introduction to who I am and what I’m about.

Dami: Can you tell us more about your upcoming project?

Dzh: My upcoming project is really something special. I discovered different strengths and weaknesses in this project and I’m more than excited to share it. Just gotta wait a little bit longer.

Dami: Any features on it?

Dzh: Don’t wanna reveal too much, but there’s one twist on the album that a lot of people aren’t ready for.

Dami: What has been your most memorable experience as an artist?

Dzh: Actually, last year. I’d released my video for a single “No Doubt” and I was doing my best, for promoting it at least and randomly I’d gotten a notification that the video was playlisted in VEVO’s official “DSCVR Hip-Hop” playlist. I’d never been playlisted in anything that major, so it was pretty exciting for me.

Dami: What do you hope to achieve by the end of the year?

Dzh: I have a bunch of accomplishments that I plan to release this year, like travelling and meeting more of my internet friends, charting for this album, shooting more videos etc. BUT the biggest goal to reach this year is to inspire someone and to let them know it’s possible with or without a budget. All they need is a great team and a better work ethic.

Listen to “RELYING ON ME” by Dzh here.