ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC

Introducing: our best new music segment, this time specifically focusing on hip-hop that’s dropped this summer. Check out our selections for the best recent releases, tracks that provide refreshing vibes for this current heatwave.

Madhattan- “Canal Street”

New York rapper Madhattan further solidifies the fact that he is a noteworthy up-and-coming voice out of the city with “Canal Street”. This low-key, nostalgic banger is both retro and refreshing, providing a truly interesting offering and a dope new music video to go along with it.

Mr Pigeons- “Timekeeper”

Berlin’s Mr Pigeons comes through with a truly unique and intriguing offering in “Timekeeper”, a track that gives off a feeling of spiritual depth. This winding, psychedelic track keeps the listener on their toes with its mysterious sound.

YL- “SLOWPOKE RODRIGUEZ”

New York artist YL comes through with a dense, nocturnal track in “SLOWPOKE RODRIGUEZ” that is atmospheric and raw. Accompanied by a fresh music video, this release is worthy of much attention.

Hunnaloe- “The Towns Finest / Route99”

Hunnaloe’s underrated songs “The Towns Finest/ Route 99” are smooth and warm, conjuring an intriguingly nostalgic vibe that gives the songs lots of replay value. He shows potential throughout these tracks through clever lyrics and a strong cadence.

Robby Malic- “MVP” (ft. Joenis)

Western Massachusetts artists Robby Malic & Joenis present a smooth, hopeful offering in “MVP”. Over top of an uplifting instrumental, they deliver clever, well-written verses that capture the listener with their vividness.

Obai‘s recent track “NO MORE” is a refreshing and memorable release, containing smooth, smoky R&B vibes that keep the listener engaged.

The instrumental for “NO MORE” contains hazy synths that blend together into a stunning concoction. Underneath, rubbery bass and elastic drums create a bouncy rhythm, while still giving ample space for Obai’s charismatic vocals. He comes through with some catchy melodies that cap off in a sharply crafted chorus.

Overall, “NO MORE” is a strong release from Obai, showcasing his ability as a songwriter and providing a refreshing, futuristic sound. Hopefully more is soon to come from this talented young artist, who shows lots of potential at only 15 years old.

Bay Area artist Adam Pastel has shared a new song called “H8U”, which finds him venting about romance over top of a clean, refreshing instrumental.

The beat for “H8U” is fresh and upbeat, containing smooth synths and rumbling bass. Fast-paced drums lock in a solid rhythm underneath, providing a strong foundation for Pastel’s vocals. He comes through with some sharp verses and a catchy hook on this song.

Overall, “H8U” is an engaging track from Pastel that makes one look forward to what he has coming next. He is certainly an exciting new artist coming out of the Bay Area who is worthy of keeping an eye on.

New England artist Nick Rose has shared an upbeat, hopeful new song called “ESCAPADES”, featuring Sylvan LaCue. Over a fast-paced, bright instrumental, the two rappers flow rapidly with smooth cadences.

The instrumental for “ESCAPADES” is centred around optimistic keys and triumphant horns. Underneath, clean percussion locks in the rhythm, providing a strong foundation for Rose and LaCue’s flexible flows. They come through with some powerful, cleverly written verses that keep the listener on their toes.

Overall, one can be hopeful for new music from both of these artists, who show a natural chemistry on this release. This hopeful track leaves one feeling inspired and refreshed, and makes for much replay value. All in all, they show strength and focus in their songwriting and the instrumental is well-executed.

Massachusetts musician Dev Soter has shared a nostalgic new single called “Tulsa”. This bittersweet track combines elements of different genres to create something simultaneously futuristic and familiar.

“tulsa” begins with muscular drums that provide an energetic pace, as dreamy guitars are added to create a wistful tone. Moreover, strong bass compliments the track, adding layers that create an infectious rhythm. soter’s vocals on this release are magnificent as well, combining elements of hip-hop, pop, and indie to foster a style that is unique and refreshing. Furthermore, his songwriting ability shines through as he crafts engaging melodies while simultaneously showing restraint and discipline.

Overall, “tulsa” is a strong release from dev soter, further proving that he is a skilled up-and-coming talent to keep an eye on. It is likely that bright things are ahead for this Massachusetts musician, who came through with an under-rated, sharply crafted release earlier this year in “the dida tapes”.

Underground hip-hop veterans Mickey Factz, Blu, and Asher Roth have shared powerful new song called “Reign”, which finds them trading off verses full of firepower over top of a glorious instrumental.

The instrumental for “Reign” is regal, centred around massive gospel vocal samples and pounding drums. Alongside the drums, driving bass creates an infectious rhythm and a solid foundation for the three talented emcees dexterous flows. They deliver punchy, engaging verses containing razor sharp lyrics. Moreover, they ride the beat effortlessly with charismatic cadences that keep the listener hooked throughout.

Overall, “Reign” is a strong track from Mickey Factz, Blu, and Asher Roth, who re-unite for a truly illustrious release. The three underground veterans have not lost a step, sounding as focused and as poised as they ever have. Hopefully a full length project could eventually come from these three, who share natural chemistry on this song.

Johnny Quest The Rebel has shared a motivational release called “Neva Fold”. Over top of powerful synths, the rapper provides well-written verses about perseverance.

All in all, the instrumental on “Neva Fold” is elegant, containing thought-provoking strings that glide smoothly over top of rich drums. Deep bass ties the track together beneath, creating a strong foundation for Johnny Quest the Rebel’s vocals. He comes through with some charismatic flows and clever lyrics containing an inspirational tone.

Overall, this is a poignant release from Johnny Quest The Rebel, who cements himself as a sharp, poised lyricist on this track. Hopefully more is soon to come from this talented rapper, as he shows potential throughout this release.

O3CAS‘s track “Osa Lovely”, featuring Elijah Aike, contains glitchy production that swirls into a psychedelic blend, providing a kaleidoscopic bed for the song’s dream-like vocals.

“Osa Lovely” contains fragmented yet warm samples that reflect a mood of summer. These samples are nostalgic and bittersweet, creating a unique atmosphere that puts one in a contemplative headspace. Moreover, rich, crisp percussion complements the sample as it keeps an energizing pace beneath. All in all, the production on this track is minimalistic and simultaneously layered and multi-faceted, making for an intriguing listen.

Overall, “Osa Lovely” is a strong offering from O3CAS and Elijah Aike, proving that they are focused artists who provide a refreshing sound. This track provides a lot of replay value without straying into territory that is too familiar.

Massachusetts-based Respectfully Said, made up of hosts K and Darius Isaiah, is an up-and-coming podcast worthy of your attention. They provide insightful commentary on music from the area, featuring hot takes, song spotlights, interviews and more.

From the get-go, it is clear that Respectfully Said are a strong voice coming from the Massachusetts area, providing multi-faceted commentary about music from the region. They analyze everything from production to vocals to the artistic culture of the area, taking into account lots of perspectives each episode. In the burgeoning music scene of Massachusetts and specifically Western Massachusetts, their focused opinions and observations cut through as important and engaging.

Furthermore, Respectfully Said’s ability to cover a diverse array of topics is admirable, and they go in-depth on these topics with both co-hosts, guests, and just with the hosts of the podcast, K and Darius Isaiah. They also include in-depth music reviews in each episode, focusing on releases from the Massachusetts area but also including music from around the world. These reviews add another dimension to the podcast, adding to it’s multi-layered style.

Overall, Respectfully Said are steadily cementing themselves as a sharp voice coming out of Massachusetts, and demonstrate strong work ethic and clarity with each new episode. It is evident that they are a strong player in the fast-rising Massachusetts music scene, and will continue to grow with it, as well as help it grow.

Massachusetts musician Kudo‘s self-titled album is an atmospheric and powerful offering, providing energetic and contemplative energies that keep the listener engaged throughout.

KUDO kicks off with the massive “Woah”, which contains reversed keys and heavy percussion. Over top, Kudo delivers some superb verses full of exciting melodies. The chorus on “Woah” is truly memorable, showcasing Kudo’s sharp skills as a songwriter. He follows this up with the defiant “Made Me/ With That”, which contains a dark, epic piano riff that hooks one in immediately. Moreover, his vocals are heartfelt and authentic, channeling intensely unbridled emotion in a graceful manner. Furthermore, the beat switch midway through is engaging and provides lots of replay value.

Next, album highlight “Trick”, featuring vocals from Sosa Da Great and Pasto Chris and production from DK, is a raw and catchy track. Once again, Kudo comes through with an excellent chorus that caps off the song in a glorious manner. He follows this up with the grand, rugged “Flak Jacket”, which is centred around massive, demonic synths and head-banging drums. This track makes for a truly imposing and impressive listen, showcasing Kudo’s full power as a vocalist.

Another album highlight is the DK-produced “All In” which features moody keys and rich bass. Over top, Kudo delivers some adrenaline-fuelled, authentic vocals that energize the listener. Finally, the album closes out with the contemplative “Feelings Don’t Die”, which features reversed keys and bouncy drums. This track has a reminiscent, reflective feel, and Kudo comes through with some personal verses here.

Overall, KUDO is a strong release that solidifies Kudo as an exciting artist coming out of the Massachusetts music scene. It is evident that he is an important player in this vibrant, growing scene, and his consistency as an artist is truly admirable.

Written by Jacob Saltzberg