Rail G has recently dropped off a 2-pack EP, titled Two Paths. Soulful, refreshing production and detail-rich lyricism with elements of storytelling characterize Two Paths. A poignant project with undertones of optimism contrasted with bleakness, Two Paths presents two succinct, focused tracks titled “Grounded”, with Sun Gin, and “Demons in the Mirror”, with Robert Mouse, which explore themes of darkness and light. Rail G laces the first track with upbeat, sunny verses matching the track’s colorful production, before hitting the listener with the ominous, creeping “Demons in the Mirror”. With eclectic versatility, Rail G drops off an engaging new offering with Two Paths. Give it a listen below now.
K3NT has caught our attention for his recent project, Pyramid Of The Sun (produced by clockwork, ghowste, madebyok!, and more), a soulful, organic project featuring vivid lyricism and rich production. K3NT had a busy 2023, collaborating with the likes of clockwork, madebyok!, Ghowste and more on a string of engaging offerings, and he finishes off the year on a strong note with the lush Pyramid Of The Sun. Warm, dusty samples and resonant percussion underscore K3NT’s laid-back, smoky flows, while a feeling of focus permeates the EP. An eclectic drop with reflective lyricism that relates to the listener and provokes thought, laced with luscious instrumentation, Pyramid Of The Sun represents a solid end of the year release from K3NT. Give it a listen here now.
The album collaboration ‘Lost World’ by FastLife and sherman is an instant classic from beginning to end. ‘Lost World’ is nothing short of chilling beats and rhymes, such as the 1st track titled ‘What A Scam’ which delivers a beautiful electric guitar riff bridge, blended perfectly with jazzy samples. The album also features standout tracks like ‘Louder’ and ‘Fifty First States’, where FastLife and sherman showcase their impeccable lyrical skills over haunting and atmospheric production.
Not to mention, you cant forget the beautiful album cover that’s illustrated by an artist who goes by @eslickyricardo on instagram. The cover features various illustrations such as aliens, snakes, birds and planets which gives the impression that they are on a weird and random planet hence the name of the album being titled ‘Lost World’ . We felt as if the art also adds an element of intrigue and mystery to the overall concept of being on a strange and unknown planet.
The collaboration between FastLife and sherman on the album ‘Lost World’ showcases their ability to create a captivating and immersive musical experience. From the chilling beats to the impeccable lyrical skills, each track on the album is a testament to their talent. If you’re an hip-hop fan looking for something unique and thought-provoking, check out this album here on Spotify:
Charlotte’s very own phonk legend FLLS releases a new album, titled ‘The Norf Cack Mack: Story Of Lucious Johnson’, and it will more than likely blow your car speakers out of service. If you’re a fan of phonk and Memphis/ Texas style hip hop, you will play this album over and over again.
Producer and rapper FLLS, also known as Lavonte Hines is a Charlotte native and a lover of southern music wanted to pay homage to talented southern rappers of the 90’s and 00’s by creating a fire phonk album. FLLS wanted his audience and fans to understand just how much they have influenced him by making an album that is audibly and phonically amazing in each and every way.
We don’t have a particular favorite track as each song is a true 10 out of 10. We loved how some of the tracks such as ‘Freaky Pimp’, ‘Sugar Creek Sweep’ and ‘If I Never’ gave bits and pieces of Charlotte’s history while also simultaneously giving somewhat of a “culture” feeling that Charlotte, North Carolina lacks. You can only stream this album on Bandcamp so support FLLS directly & purchase ‘The Norf Cack Mack: Story Of Lucious Johnson’ on his bandcamp here!
Harlem, New York emcee Josiah Hotwire and London producer Illinformed‘s album BODYBAG SEASON LP, featuring Bristol’s Wish Master is a blazing collaboration from across the Atlantic from start to finish. Equipped with hard-hitting, eclectic production that feels focused throughout, as well as detailed, razor-sharp rhymes from Hotwire and Wish Master, BODYBAG SEASON LP makes for a late year scorcher that blends NYC and UK hip-hop aesthetics cohesively.
Album single “HARLEM KNIGHTS” is a powerful song from early in the track-list that kickstarts the album with a fierce energy. Weaving strings, crunchy percussion, and immense flows give “HARLEM KNIGHTS” a gripping sense of urgency, paired with a sense of style that lives up to the song’s name. “IT GETS GREATER L8ER” contains angelic yet raw instrumentation that sounds poignant and cohesive when paired with Hotwire’s captivating verses. The orchestral, epic feel of “INSIDE MY MIND” makes for a truly impressive closer, with expansive energy and vivid lyricism from the two emcees. Give BODYBAG SEASON LP a listen here now.
Denmark-based artist yeshua sunn has dropped off a new single called “BADMOUTH pt. 1”, produced by olan. The glitchy, hypnotic new track combines sunn’s penchant for surreal sounds with poetic, introspective lyricism that provokes thought from the first line. With themes of exploring one’s inner self and spirituality, “BADMOUTH pt. 1” is a left-field, captivating new cut from sunn and olan that finds the emcee flowing deftly atop weaving, staggering samples and clunky percussion. Give it a listen below now.
Baton Rouge artist V!lla has caught our attention for his fresh single, “!NVASiON”. An independent, multi-disciplinary artist, V!lla brings something refreshing to the table with each release, while displaying much versatility in the process. For his latest offering, he blends genres engagingly with a cohesive yet expressive, atmospheric alternative/ experimental R&B cut. With undertones of house and club, “!NVASiON”‘s vibrant, lush production merges seamlessly with V!lla’s silky flows and character-rich tone for a surreal offering. Give it a listen below now.
Bigg Head has connected with Unitus and tyhir for a fresh song called “Wrong Era”. The imposing, raw track utilizes a booming, powerful rhythm section and glorious brass to conjure an aura of triumph. Merging cohesively with the cathartic production, Bigg Head, Unitus, and tyhir deliver stylish, commanding vocals that blend potent hip-hop flows with infectious melodies. Building dynamically until it releases the tension with a memorable hook, “Wrong Era” represents a intense, victorious offering from the three artists.
It’s rare that a live show captures my true full attention. I often end up getting distracted, or the performer doesn’t quite have the stamina to make every moment of their set intriguing. So, it was an unexpected treat to witness an act that I was truly impressed by. A couple Saturday evenings ago, I found myself with a spare bit of time. I contacted a friend of mine to hang out, and he said he was going to a show in Bushwick to see his friends perform. Intrigued, I tagged along.
Pretty soon after we had arrived, a large group of people walked onto the stage, and my friend became super excited. “This is them!” he exclaimed. The group was clearly trying to make a memorable impression. They were dressed in eccentric outfits – sports jerseys, camo vests, chains, sci fi-esque glasses, and baggy clothing. One of them even had a device that shot bubbles into the air. Their stage presence and chemistry was something to behold. There wasn’t a single moment when at least one of them wasn’t airborne – flying around with a contagious wave of energy.
As I would come to learn, this group was called 3rd Ave. Though they knew each other informally at NYU in the music technology program, their group formed essentially by accident, after they all happened to win tickets to the Rolling Loud music festival via a giveaway through their school. After combining forces, they began to build a creative environment that feeds off collectivism. Each member contributes different elements based on need, instead of having designated producers and vocalists. Most of them if not all have the ability to produce for the group by themselves as they are all sufficiently talented, but they have mastered the art of splitting up tasks so that the final product is as polished and perfectly crafted as possible.
This would of course be irrelevant if their sound wasn’t there, but their sound is perhaps 3rd Ave’s most alluring quality, They manage to turn some of the most ubiquitous, familiar, and over-represented genres out there – trap, hyperpop, emo rap, and commercial pop – into a style that is undoubtedly unique and fresh. They almost manage to make you feel like you went back to the 2010’s in a time machine and were able to experience the Soundcloud era all over again.
Their most streamed release entitled “ackerman” is a perfect example of this. The beat is as simple as it gets – trap drums, booming bass, and a catchy flute sample. On paper it should just be another generic trap song, but it isn’t. The hypnotizingly infectious hook samples the fitness gram pushup test audio halfway through it, injecting it with charisma and nostalgia. Jaden, the first MC to take a verse on the track, does so in his signature whisper delivery, immediately forcing the listener to pay attention due to how unconventionally it hits the ear.Thai and Type Oh Negative attack the other two verses with punchy, effortless flows that glide over the instrumental with grace and swagger. The lyrics themselves are nothing revolutionary, but they still manage to jam pack in tons of quotables and charismatic lines. “Elastipussy, call her Ms. Incredible”, is a bar I won’t be forgetting any time soon.
Their recent album “CYBERBULLY” is their first full length LP, and it features an impressive diversity of production and vibes. It has cuts similar to “ackerman” on tracks like “BOP IT!”, to mind-warping hyperpop breaks on “TAMAGOTCHI” and “HOLD MY HAND // PIECES”, to jarring tracks with beats that are absolutely bonkers such as “???” that would fit perfectly in an expository scene of a depraved dystopian sci-fi flick.
3rd Ave. has immense potential, and should not be overlooked. The group is set to study abroad together in Prague this upcoming Spring, and there’s no telling how that experience will inspire their music moving forward.
Long Beach, California artist Mikem Nahmir has caught our attention for his recent project, THESE THINGS JUS‘ HAPPEN. The soulful, personal release provides vivid lyrical imagery that paint pictures of Nahmir’s mindstate and environment, laced atop immersive, sampling production. Here, the West Coast lyricist’s poetic pen shines through, especially on tracks like the evocative “no cryin’ no sufferin'”, a song that balances stark realism with hopefulness eloquently. Elsewhere, Nahmir achieves a similar effect with the rapper inspiring the listener while always keeping a grounded sense of matter-of-factness. “faces”, featuring cystic, contains haunting beauty, enhanced even further by Nahmir’s detailed, cathartic lyricism. The smoky, jazzy sound with uplifting notes on THESE THINGS JUS’ HAPPEN calls to mind some elements of Common or Blu, but Nahmir is certainly doing things his own way. All in all, THESE THINGS JUS’ HAPPEN comes through as a late-year highlight and will likely go down as one of our favorite projects from 2023. Support Mikem Nahmir directly on Bandcamp HERE.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 