New Jersey wordsmith Josiah the Gift has been on our platform a number of times- and he has once again delivered a solid outing on his recent project, titled The Glorious Si. “I Can Say”, a potent offering from the new album produced by Ed Glorious, is a hypnotic, warm single that employs graceful soul-sampling instrumentation to paint a vivid backdrop for Josiah’s poignant rhymes. His clear, focused delivery and smooth flows pair neatly with Glorious’ airtight production- making for an emotive track that floats with a warmly atmospheric feel. As Josiah the Gift continues his prolific streak of enticing releases, we are excited to be following along with the journey. Give “I Can Say” a listen here now.
New Jersey emcee 95Smokey and producer Tapwaterfish have shared a new project, titled KOI POND. The vibrantly psychedelic EP, with poised rhymes from 95Smokey and memorable, atmospheric production from Tapwaterfish, blends sounds from boom-bap, cloud rap, and more into an engaging, versatile outing.
95Smokey’s textural delivery and penchant for eclectic references stands out from the get-go, and his style is matched aptly with Tapwaterfish’s fluid, airy instrumentals. “THE GREATEST SHOW” is an expansive opener, with dynamic flows from 95Smokey that keep the listener on their toes, and a potent verse from underground standout Ghais Guevara. “AMANO” contrasts the opener with a spacey, laid-back sound and a relaxed delivery from Smokey. “MIBU VILLAGE”‘s nostalgic strings, psychedelic vocal samples, and clasping percussion- paired with Smokey’s vibrant lyricism that paints pictures in the mind of the listener, make it a highlight towards the end of the project.
Give 95Smokey and Tapwaterfish’s latest EP KOI POND a listen here now.
Phoenix James has dropped off a new song, titled “Contact High”. The Miami artist, who has been making a strong impact in the vibrant South Florida music scene for a number of years- is a prolific, self-produced songwriter and artist. Demonstrating an innovative, engaging approach throughout releases like 2022’s New Stages EP and sultry single “Limbs”, James has shown that she cannot be boxed in to one style and sound, with a vibrancy that emanates through her work.
Phoenix James’ latest single is soulful and rich, while also containing a feathery airiness that gives it added character. Warm, swelling guitars, organic-sounding, grooving percussion, and rich bass underscore James’ smooth vocal tone. With a fullness to her vocals that captures the listener from the get-go, paired with a dynamic, focused songwriting style, James shares an expressive, addictive new cut with “Contact High”.
Give Florida artist Phoenix James’ newest single “Contact High” a listen here now.
Atlanta rapper Booney and Brooklyn producer NDK have dropped off a new song, titled “Game of Pawns”. Two artists coming out of highly vibrant music cities and scenes, their latest collaboration distills emotive, passionate energy and a self-aware focus that gives it added character. NDK’s wistful soundscape built around drifting keys, elegant guitars, and a crisp rhythm section underscores Booney’s graceful, dextrous flows. He sounds light-on-his-feet and poised on the mic, with pensive lyricism that cuts through the noise and relates to the listener. With verses about love, life, and envisioning a bright future, “Game of Pawns” makes for a potent offering from Booney and NDK. Give “Game of Pawns” a listen here now.
Jaysanityy has dropped off a fresh single, titled “generational artist”. The eclectic, versatile artist, who recently dropped a well-received, genre-bending project in tru to one’s nature, has returned with a thoughtful single in “generational artist”. The hypnotic soundscape built around pensive, focused keys, lively percussion, and rich bass builds the perfect backdrop for the emcee, whose gruff yet smooth delivery and heartfelt lyrics cut through the noise and hit the listener on an emotional level. Continuing his trend of expressive, atmospheric offerings, “generational artist” demonstrates the creativity and vibrancy that Jaysanityy is steadily becoming known for. Give “generational artist” a listen here now.
When Hip Hop was invented in the Bronx in 1973, it was founded on four principles: Peace, Love, Unity, and Having Fun. Fundamentally, these are the emotions and feelings Hip Hop was intended to manifest within people. They ultimately were what enabled Hip Hop culture to develop and eventually permeate the mainstream, until it got so popular that it became ubiquitous with society itself.
Today, these principles have largely been abandoned in the psyche of the average hip hop artist, consumer, and fan. The genre and culture has been commercialized – bent and morphed into one of the most lucrative products late stage capitalism has to offer. This trajectory led to the infamous phrase “Hip Hop is dead”.
While this may be true of the Hip Hop you hear on the radio and in movies, the Hip Hop that stays true to the principles still exists. In fact it has always existed, and will continue to exist as long as human beings have access to microphones. All you have to do is do a little digging. And once you do, you’ll find people like Providence based MC Jesse The Tree.
Jesse approaches the genre in a way that makes it impossible to question his authenticity. He cares about the words he’s using as much as he does the reason he’s writing in the first place. Working full time as a therapist, he aims for his writing to be emotionally healing, and this sentiment bleeds through every bar. His lyricism is comforting and warm, as though he’s giving you an encouraging hug. There’s something uniquely wholesome about his music that I can’t quite put into words.
Perhaps these lines from his song “Albatross” could give you a better idea:
“No hands / pair of swollen glands / golden quiet measured by the way the river dance / turn a different misanthrope into my biggest fan / if you listen close / you could understand”
Or maybe this beautiful couplet on the song “Butterfly Tattoo”:
“No magnum opus I’m just passing over / maybe life is just a nap atop a tacky sofa”
This aspect of Jesse’s music represents the “Peace” principle of Hip Hop. His message inspires introspectiveness, encouraging one to see the beauty in one’s surroundings. In Jesse’s world, the simplest of things are given a vivid portrayal.
He started on his journey after being inspired by his older sisters playing a Guru tape for him when he was young. His family is a massive component of his ethos, and he writes about them often. While some of his lines mention them explicitly, according to Jesse, he’ll often reference slices of childhood memories that the listener wouldn’t necessarily pick up on. This is the source of the tenderness that infuses Jesse’s music – allowing for the second principle of Hip Hop to rise to the surface in full force – Love.
When I asked Jesse about what he likes to prioritize as an artist, he emphasized the importance of making real connections, collaborating, and writing with other artists. He’s eager to do things that keep his pen sharp, and working with other writers is one of the ways he likes to do it. Additionally, he attends as many shows as possible in order to keep up with new talent and maintain the connections he already has. This keeps him grounded and reminds him to keep questioning the reasons for his writing, what exactly he’s writing for, and how it affects others. It’s clear that Jesse understands the inherent value of people, and it’s because of this that he embodies the “Unity” principle of Hip Hop.
This brings us to the final principle, which is the most difficult one to truly master – Having Fun. In order to accomplish this, one must be immune to outside forces that may corrupt their creative process in a negative way. Having fun in a Hip Hop context, or even just in a creativity context requires practice and effort so that the artist can ensure they are remaining true to themselves. While mellow and relaxed, the production Jesse uses is suffused with passion and excitement. He understands that the best beats are usually the simplest, and this provides him with the perfect canvas for his colorful lyrics. The instrumentals on “BUG FLESH”, and “Mr. Elevator”, from his recently released album “Not Fade Away”, are an impeccable example of this. Currently 32 years old, Jesse is in a remarkable phase of his career. Reflecting on his evolution, he regards the music of his early twenties as a mere “trial run.” Today, he asserts with confidence that he is producing his most exceptional work to date. Faced with an industry and culture that pushes the narrative that one has to be young to pursue a creative career, this aspect of Jesse’s journey is hugely inspiring.
As Jesse puts it on his track “SHAKEDOWN STREET”:
“What’s the payout? / tangled and blue / never had a keen interest in the fountain of youth”
In the realm of music, there are compositions that possess a serene and ethereal quality, gently enveloping listeners in a world of tranquility and reflection. One such piece is “Dove” by the talented artist Yasuke The Jashin.
“Dove” transports listeners on a serene journey through its delicate melodies and soothing harmonies. Yasuke The Jashin, with deft skill and artistry, weave together layers of sound to create a musical tapestry that evokes a sense of peace and introspection.
The composition invites listeners to immerse themselves in its gentle embrace, as if soaring on the wings of a dove through tranquil skies. Each note carries a sense of weightlessness, lifting the spirit and calming the mind.
From the subtle piano motifs to the ethereal synthesizer pads, “Dove” captivates with its understated beauty and emotional resonance. It is a testament to their ability to craft music that speaks directly to the soul.
As you listen to “Dove” by Yasuke The Jashin, allow yourself to be carried away by its serene melodies and meditative ambiance. It’s a musical oasis in a hectic world, offering moments of peace and solace to all who lend an ear.
“Dove” is a track that provides serene qualities and emotional resonance. It seeks to capture the essence of the composition and its potential to evoke introspection and tranquility in listeners.
In the vast landscape of electronic music, certain compositions stand out for their ability to transport listeners to otherworldly realms of sound. “My0ne” by eery is one such piece that delves into the depths of electronic creativity, offering a captivating sonic journey.
From the moment you press play, “My0ne” envelops you in a mesmerizing array of beats, synths, and textures. eery, the mastermind behind the music, weaves together layers of sound with precision and artistry, creating a sonic tapestry that is both immersive and intriguing.
The track unfolds like a journey into uncharted territory, with each twist and turn revealing new sonic landscapes to explore. The pulsating rhythms and ethereal melodies carry listeners along, inviting them to lose themselves in the music.
One of the most striking aspects of “My0ne” is its ability to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. As the layers of sound unfold, there is a feeling of discovery, as if you’re venturing into the unknown and uncovering hidden truths along the way.
The production quality of “My0ne” is top-notch, with every element carefully crafted to create a cohesive and engaging listening experience. From the intricate percussion to the atmospheric synths, each component of the track contributes to its overall impact.
As you listen to “My0ne” by eery, allow yourself to be fully immersed in its electronic depths. Let the music wash over you, carrying you away on a sonic journey unlike any other. It’s an experience that is sure to leave you both inspired and mesmerized.
This blog post aims to introduce readers to the electronic track “My0ne” by eery while capturing its immersive qualities and intriguing sonic landscapes. It invites listeners to delve into the depths of the music and embrace the journey it offers.
Ahk Sair is an artist that caught our attention recently, and his song “Honeycomb”, with Child Actor, gives a potent taste of his sound. With ruminative, nocturnal jazz-tinged production from Child Actor that feels darkly hypnotic, paired with raw, vivid bars from Ahk Sair, “Honeycomb” is a track that is both thoughtful and infectious. Its gritty style and warped sonics give it added character, and Ahk Sair captures a subtle sense of urgency with his commanding flows. A track from Ahk Sair’s recent album Camera Mans Jeans, “Honeycomb” presents an exciting song from him that has us continuing to keep an eye on his rise. Give “Honeycomb” a listen here now.
Darkness Falls has dropped off a fresh new song, titled “GRATEFUL”. A relatively new artist rising out of Texas’ fertile underground, Darkness Falls’ captivating, mysterious sound and electrifying live performances have helped him carve out his own lane. His latest song, “GRATEFUL”, continues his run of potent, powerful tracks that merge genres engagingly, while injecting much replay value into its sound.
The raw, energizing sonics of “GRATEFUL” are built around heavily distorted guitars and a booming, immense rhythm section. Darkness Falls himself delivers cutting, infectious vocals that blend a potent hip-hop delivery with melodious inflections. The intense yet catchy “GRATEFUL” makes for a sharply-crafted addition to the rising Texas artist’s discography, and showcases him continuing to build his sound and style and grow exponentially with each release.
Take a listen to Darkness Falls’ latest song “GRATEFUL” here now.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 