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Wiley From Atlanta’s new album is his best yet

By Mustafa Abubaker

Wiley from Atlanta‘s new album Killing Time Before The Flood is out now via Blue Coyote Recordings under licensing to Tierdrop Records.

Packing 10 songs in just 31 minutes, KTBTF holds no punches as the young rapper and singer’s most realized work thus far. To keep it real, there are no bad songs on the album. The quality control is through the roof. Each song feels meticulously crafted and cared for as a parent would a child.

The rap features from Jelani Imani, Ben Reilly, and DavidTheTragic bring to mind the kind of verses Kanye West himself brings out of artists like Fivio Foreign on “Off The Grid” and Rick Ross on “Devil In A New Dress” in that Jelani Imani, Ben Reilly, and DavidTheTragic are all excellent rappers in their respective solo discographies but impressively adapt to Wiley from Atlanta’s sound flawlessly, delivering pitch-perfect, on-topic verses.

“Calypso”, for example, is a standout.

True to the city, Wiley from Atlanta shouts out the Outkast album The Love Below on “After The Storm”, a rap song with a soaring chorus.

“Snakeskin” is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Wiley from Atlanta‘s going on tour in January! Make sure you catch this talented artist on the road.

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Don’t sleep on the beat tape ‘buggie’ by ras_koala

By Hazel Clementine

Listening to ras_koala‘s beat tape ‘buggie’ gave instant nostalgia- as it took us back to the OG beat tape days of discovering releases from the greats like Ohbliv, Tuamie, and Knx, and watching Godsconnect edits on Youtube. ras_koala not only has this engaging beat tape to vibe to, but they also have a project the dropped back in october titled ‘listen.’ if you want to check that out as well.

This current tape ‘buggie’ may have been a quick offering, but it was worth every second of listening. The beginning of the tape features very mellow but still head nodding worthy tracks such as ‘drivein’ and ‘land’. Going towards the ending, while the beats are still mellow, the crisp clear drums start to give more of that signature boom bap sound. Our favorite track is ‘nodding’ because everything about the beat is comforting. The nostalgic feel, the drums, the sample, the piano…..what’s there to hate about this beautiful hypnotizing beat? Please support the artist by purchasing directly from the bandcamp link here. You won’t be disappointed!

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The Ian Moore shares emotive single “Highs and Lows” (ft. danny G)

By Todd Anderson

The Ian Moore has shared a new single, titled “Highs and Lows”, featuring danny G. The versatile St. Louis artist continues to expand into new territory with each release, cohesively blending genres like hip-hop, indie, folk, pop, and more. With a prolific catalogue of eclectic releases, Moore has been showcasing his skills as both a melodic vocalist and rapper. For his latest song, titled “Highs and Lows”, he connects with danny G for an emotive song that touches on experiencing extreme low points in your life, and being able to pull yourself back from that feeling, to reach a point where you are at the top of the world. It’s a relatable new cut that features heartfelt performances from The Ian Moore and danny G, backed by engaging instrumentation. Atop warm, breezy guitar layers and an infectious rhythm section, the two artists shine with sleek, character-rich vocals. Give “Highs and Lows” a listen below now.

Connect with The Ian MooreSpotify | Instagram | Twitter

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Drew Verdé provides a “Wake Up Call” with new single and music video

Detroit artist Drew Verdé has shared a new song called “Wake Up Call”, produced by Jake Bass, along with a fresh music video. Verdé is a versatile and multi-talented artist, being a videographer, director, studio engineer and logo designer. His songwriting and sound is very versatile, with Verdé injecting elements of hip-hop, R&B, rock, and more into his music- while staying true to himself with each record he creates. He had a rough upbringing in Detroit, with a family of addicts including his mother and father, and he first used music as his escape when overstimulated in his household, and as a way to express and release his emotions. His most recent single is called “Wake Up Call” produced by Jake Bass, and with bass by T-Money Green, a vibrant, powerful song made for the mother of his child. Paired with a lively, engaging music video, “Wake Up Call” is a potent new release that finds the impactful Detroit artist returning once again in full form.

Warm, vital layers of guitars and rich bass build an uplifting backdrop for Verdé, merging with punchy percussion that locks in a memorable groove. He comes through with smooth, eclectic vocals with an energetic, melodic take on lyrical hip-hop- building into an ear-worm hook. The new music video captures the song’s lively feel with saturated shots, vivid coloration, and expressive choreography that gives the track added energy and flavor.

Watch the new music video for “Wake Up Call” here and be sure to connect with Drew Verdé on social media for updates regarding new music and more.

Stream “Wake Up Call” HERE.

Connect with Drew Verdé: Spotify | Instagram

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Drop everything and pass ‘The Aux’ to Blockhead

By Hazel Clementine

The long-awaited solo release of ‘The Aux’ by Blockhead is a hit from beginning to end, that you really don’t want to miss. With features like Aesop Rock, Navy Blue and Danny Brown and many more, ‘The Aux’ features some of underground hip hop’s best artists today.

The album starts off with heat as we vibe with the engaging track ‘AAU Tournaments’, which features artist Navy Blue and billy woods. As you progress throughout the album you get beats and eclectic samples that you’ve never heard of intertwined into an organic, NYC hip hop sound. Our favorite track is “Mississippi”, featuring Aesop Rock, which samples some truly intriguing songs and vocals. If you’re a big hip hop head, then you might’ve caught the surprise sample on the track that’s no other than Black Moon’s hit song ‘Who Got The Props’. Admired the sampling so much, we had to go back and listen to not only the track again to rave about how Blockhead orchestrated every sound, beat and instrument but we had to go back and listen to Black Moon.

Go and listen to Blockhead’s new album ‘The Aux’ which is out on all streaming platforms and currently on Bandcamp for only $10 (Which is a STEAL! ).

Support Blockhead directly on Bandcamp HERE.

Stream ‘The Aux’ here:

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Shane, the Shaman, Supernalist, and Shah Leezy connect for new song “In The Air”

Shane, the Shaman, Supernalist, and Shah Leezy have connected for a fresh single, titled “In The Air”. With Shane and Shah hailing from New York, and Supernalist from the DMV, “In The Air” makes for a soulful East Coast collaboration that contains an airy, uplifting energy. Atop layers of breezy soul samples, rich bass, and minimalistic percussion, the emcees deliver imagery rich, vivid verses that blend together seamlessly, accentuated by the laid-back, smooth sound of the instrumentation. With undertones that feel both nostalgic and hopeful, “In The Air” presents a vital new release from Shane, the Shaman, Supernalist, and Shah Leezy. Give it a listen below.

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Jay Cinema and Chow share laid-back offering “What A Day!” [Video]

New York artist Jay Cinema has returned with a fresh video for his song “What A Day!”, produced by Chow. Cinema has had a prolific 2023, with a slew of soulful, poised solo work as well as memorable joints with hip-hop collective I’ll Never Die. Earlier this year, his Hell Of A Life EP with Jedos caught our attention for its vulnerability and authenticity- finding Cinema discussing personal and spiritual themes atop a patchwork of engaging soul-laced production from Jedos. Now, he returns with “What A Day!”, produced by Chow, which finds him continuing this ethos, with Cinema laying down poetic, rich verses atop a laid-back, textural soundscape. The new video, directed by Caleb Callahan, features low-key, relaxed shots around New York that capture the song’s off-the-cuff, free-spirited feel. Give it a watch below now.

Stream “What A Day!”:

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Wiseboy Jeremy and Kirti Pandey share soulful release “Do I Not” (ft. Phoenix James) [Video]

Wiseboy Jeremy and Kirti Pandey have dropped off a new video for their song “Do I Not”, featuring Phoenix James. Jeremy, hailing from New Jersey, expresses life through his lens of the world with hip-hop as his chosen medium. The 21-year old artist relays his introspection over jazz-tinged, contemplative production with a little bit of classic East Coast grit. His latest release finds him connecting with prolific producer Kirti Pandey and soulful singer Phoenix James for a potent, emotive new offering.

Warm, layered production creates a laid-back and assured backdrop for Jeremy and James, who each bring refreshing elements to the track while showing much natural chemistry. Jeremy begins with heartfelt, introspective verses that touch the soul and relate to the listener, while James follows up with a silky hook that adds extra dynamics to the song. The visual, directed by redbrags and Wiseboy Jeremy, features intimate cuts and low-key, hazy coloration that give it a lived-in feel, enhanced by the song’s rich, jazzy soundscape and relaxed vocals.

Give the video for “Do I Not” a watch here:

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A Glistening Afro, and a New Album by Seafood Sam

By Hazel Clementine

New album ‘Afros In The Wind’ by Seafood Sam is a hip-hop, R&B, neo soul and experimental fantasy, as each song captivates the listener in an invigorating, creative sound. “Luv Baby Soft” starts of like a futuristic Microsoft vaporwave dream- everything starts to glisten into the sunset, things such as the sun, sky, cadillacs and afros. “The Spirit of Harold Lilly” has more of a neo soul vibe as Seafood Sam speaks about himself going from, essentially being broke, to having money, and how he is the chosen one that was handmade and crafted by god.

Like, how could you not root for the chosen one? He is Seafood Sam after all for Christ’s sake!…. or as Seafood Sam proclaims, he calls himself ‘Seafood Smooth’. But one might ask, why? Well, we’d like to think it’s because he’s one smooth mothafucka while he’s rocking his drip, cruising in his cadillac with his 4c afro blowing with the wind. That sounds like a vibe but nothing more like the tracks “Ethel’s Cafe” and “Annie-Merl”, which they both delivered beats, piano riffs and expressive rhymes. Check out Seafood Sam and his new album ‘Afros In The Wind’ & his two previous works now on Spotify and Bandcamp!

Support Seafood Sam directly on Bandcamp HERE.

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Sir Louie shares versatile new project, ‘Made To Love’

Sir Louie has shared a new project, titled Made To Love. The rising Montreal artists flirts with elements of hip-hop, house, electronic, and more across 7 tracks that establish his vibrant, unique style. Out of the rich fabric that makes up Montreal’s music scene, Sir Louie certainly proves himself a voice to pay attention to with Made To Love, as he refreshes the listener with each character-rich joint. Moreover, the focus and care he puts into the songwriting and composition of each track shines through, with dynamic, poignant verses flowing into memorable hooks, equipped with vocal lines tinged with clarity. Songs like “Optional” and infectious and fun-loving, laced with bubbling bass-lines and colourful synths that recall house elements, while Louie’s sharp flows take centre stage as he rides the beat with ease. The immersive warmth and sultry feel of “Positions” gives the song a magnetic energy, while on “FLEX” he FLEXes his rap skills atop an instrumental that would be traditionally difficult to tackle. Fast-paced, garage and house influenced percussion lines ricochet beneath watery synths, recalling some UK hip-hop flavours while staying true to Montreal sounds. “Call Back” is a wistful, atmospheric closer that includes lush R&B lines merging with hip-hop and electronic for a potent wrap-up to the record.

Tyrus “Sir Louie” Facey, is a charismatic performer with a sound that reflects his passion for strength, love, and spirituality. Through his music, this talented freestyler and natural storyteller hopes to spread his message and inspire others. Sir Louie has made a name for himself and gained popularity with songs such as “Optional”, “Dear Hiphop”, and “Timbs” (ft. Flamenco Sketch), the latter of which features a feel-good video and a vibrant performance by both artists. Give a listen to Sir Louie’s latest release Made To Love here.

Connect with Sir Louie: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter