Category: Roundhouse Features

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Blog Roundhouse Features

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

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Hidden Renaissance continue to expand their horizons with ‘BA SING SE’ album

By Jacob Ezra

Hidden Renaissance are certainly a group you should be paying attention to in today’s underground hip-hop landscape. Glued together by a love for hip-hop and community, the expansive collective helmed by duo T H R O N E have just released their largest collaborative effort ever in their new record BA SING SE. Rarely has such a wide number of artists contributed to a project, with over 200 artists competing to appear on the LP, and the final product manages to remain cohesive throughout. Soulful, lyrically-focused tracks tie the threads together on BA SING SE, with an undercurrent of love and creative cooperation giving the record a uniquely vital atmosphere.

The textural, warm sampling patchwork of songs like “1996 (In the Heart, In the Mind)” and “There’s a way!” are simply beautiful, and when paired with evocative lyricism they become touching. The group keeps it raw as well, with songs like “It gets dangerous” varying the flavors with its gritty soundscape and potent, urgent verses. The cascading, glowing samples of “Heaven’s Resources II” add a touch of surrealism, combining neatly with the track’s detail-rich lyricism. The organic, lo-fi sheen of the project gives it an immersive, layered feeling and makes it easier to sink in to some of these tracks, particularly on the smoky “Jazz Cigarettes” and “And I’m Still Here”.

With its community-first approach to creation, Hidden Renaissance transcends the bounds of a record label or company. It is, instead, a revolutionary community that makes and releases music together as a shared creative experience. Their latest offering BA SING SE marks their largest collaboration ever, with over 200 artists competing to appear on it, crafting more than 300 songs in a 2 month period in the process. The final result is a curated, multi-genre ode and homage to the raw skill and diversity of the underground. Take a listen to their latest project BA SING SE here now, a sonic odyssey of soulful sounds built around a love for community and hip-hop.

Connect with Hidden Renaissance: Spotify | Instagram

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DAMAG3, NOIR BENNY, and UNDERRATED ARTIST SEASON share hard-hitting single “BIG SMOKE”

DAMAG3 and Noir Benny have dropped off a new song called “BIG SMOKE”, released alongside UNDERRATED ARTIST SEASON. Produced by Zach Golden, sol, and Amber Ryann, “BIG SMOKE” is an attention-grabbing, hard-hitting joint that combines genres into a cohesive, electrifying blend. The rebellious sound of “BIG SMOKE” grips the listener from the get-go, as raucous, raw guitars, punchy, in-your-face percussion, and infectious bass underscore the powerful, urgent deliveries of DAMAG3 and NOIR BENNY. With industrial hip-hop and punk elements, “BIG SMOKE” is a tour-de-force of imposing sonics paired with poignant lyrical content and sharp songwriting.

DAMAG3, from the New Orleans area, is the boot-wearing, punch-throwing, loud, and proud trans big sister that rap needed. Influenced by the likes of Kendrick Lamar, JID, BROCKHAMPTON, Smino, Lamb of God, and more, they have been creating a uniquely-infused sound that resonates across many genres. NOIR BENNY is an eclectic emcee whose sound ranges from smoothly soulful to confrontationally noisy and powerful. His lyricism and sharp, focused delivery stand out in today’s underground hip-hop scene, with potent tracks like “WOULDYOURATHER” and “W.Y.I.M. (What’s yours is mine)” releasing this year. Take a listen to their latest song with UNDERRATED ARTIST SEASON, “BIG SMOKE”, and further familiarize yourself with these standout underground emcees.

Connect with DAMAG3: Spotify | Instagram

Connect with NOIR BENNY: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with UNDERRATED ARTIST SEASON: Spotify | Instagram

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boygrim shares raw new single, “on your mind”

By Todd Anderson

boygrim has shared a new single, titled “on your mind”. An indepdendent artist based out of Los Angeles, Califonira, he combines the new and the familiar with his diverse, sweeping style. From his past electronica-infused rap to his current rock sound, boygrim has been sure to keep his sound fresh and evolve over the years. His latest song, “on your mind”, is a raw, potent new track that blends elements of indie, rock, emo and more into a blistering, somber single.

Winding, electrifying guitars open the song and build dynamically into a fast-paced, head-nodding groove consisting of pounding drums and infectious bass. Vocally, boygrim shines with his relaxed, emotive melancholia, lacing together evocative melodies and culminating in a memorable chorus.

Take a listen to boygrim’s latest song “on your mind” here:

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Pink Siifu links with Turich Benjy for refreshing release ‘IT’S TOO QUIET..’!!’

By Hazel Clementine

The eccentric rapper and singer Pink Siifu releases a collaborative album with Turich Benjy, titled ‘IT’S TOO QUIET..’!!’. Not only is the highly anticipated project collaborative work but it features tons of other rappers, singers and producers, all coming together to create a cohesive sound. With potent trap and 808 drums flourishing within Pink Siifu’s eclectic sound, it turned this album into an adventurous sonic journey at each turn.

Pink Siifu made sure this album was a hitmaker as tracks like ‘WYWD..’!?’, ‘lookin..’!!(gorgeous)’, ‘Cadillac or Lex..’!!’ and ‘Keith Sweat..’!!’, it’s a banger from start to finish. Styles of chopped and screwed, rnb, cloud rap, Atlanta style trap, juke and experimental fill the album’s atmosphere, and all of the sounds merge into greatness. There were multiple highly talented producers on this project as well such as Tony Seltzer, SWARVY, Dj Harrison and HiTech adding to the poignancy of this project.

This is a rare instance where putting the album on shuffle could be a rewarding experience, due to its highly eclectic and energizing nature. The artistic aspect of the album really shines through across the track-listing with so many diverse moments. Check this album out on all streaming platforms and bump it up to MAX VOLUME!!!

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Aesop Rock releases expansive album ‘Integrated Tech Solutions’

By Hazel Clementine

Underground hiphop legend Aesop Rock has a new album that continues his impressive run from the past few years. ‘Integrated Tech Solutions’ starts off in a clever way with an 80’s themed infomercial about the integrated tech solutions that’s about to blast through your speakers. With album features such as billy woods, Hanni El Khatib and Rob Sonic, this new album is sure an incredible work of art, with expansive sonics and themes that stimulate thought at each turn. The beautifully poetic lyrics that are written and crafted by Rock stands out specifically in this particular album. With highlighted songs like ‘Living Curfew’, ‘Kyanite Toothpick’, ‘Salt and Pepper Squid’ and ‘Black Snow’, you are sure to have your heart and ears filled with energy as Aesop Rock creatively lays it down on each track with epic lyrics and beats turning this into a masterpiece. You can find this album on all streaming platforms so you don’t miss this!

Get ‘Integrated Tech Solutions’ on Bandcamp HERE.

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Tuamie drops engaging new beat-tape, ‘Farewell.’

By Hazel Clementine

‘Farewell.’ is the title of the most recent beat tape created by one of the standout beat makers and producers in the game. Tuamie tells a story with this beat tape- a quite melancholy story nonetheless, but we loved how creative and expressive he gets with this tape. This album makes your mind wander into and explore multiple possibilities or scenarios of what this album really means.

Our interpretation of this tape is that it goes through someone’s life who’s having a hard time, whether it being financially, mentally or emotionally. He starts off the tape with the first track titled “home less”, and right from the start is where this beat tape captivates the listener. The main character of the beat tape starts to experience homelessness, and could’ve been staying with family and friends but by the second track they’re now homeless on the streets with nowhere to go.

The third track titled ‘open everyday’, gives a sense of hope and ambition. With the more upbeat drums and sense of hope, the main character starts to plan their ways out of homelessness and desperation. They’ve figured out ways to succeed in life- but the 4th track titled ‘street sleeping’ tells us metaphorically but in not so many words that their hopes and aspirations did not pan out as well as they thought it would’ve before. They’re now outside truly sleeping under bridges and in hidden places behind buildings and trees because they don’t have anyone or anywhere to go.

Sadly, By the last track titled ‘xanax or o.d.’, it’s assumed that the main character of the tape has o’d on things that shouldn’t have been consumed. To an artistic hear, the beat on the last track also uses a loop that sounds as if someone is taking their last breaths. Farewell to the main character and another hit once again from precisely one of the best beat maker and producer of our time, Tuamie. To listen, you can find this album on Bandcamp and purchase directly or you can stream on Spotify or any other streaming service.

Support Tuamie on Bandcamp directly HERE.