ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC

By Hazel Clementine

If you’re a fan of Adult Swim’s [bumps] and miss the hypnotic beats and nostalgic vibes, then FlipzWorld‘s new album is a must-listen. If you recall watching Cartoon Network’s nighttime special ‘Adult Swim’, then you will remember their commercial segments called ‘[bumps]’ where they would showcase dope beats with awesome photography or gifs. Adult Swim’s [bumps] would feature the legends that we know of today such as Flying Lotus, J Dilla, Dr. Who Dat, Madib and many more groundbreaking producers and beat makers. These bumps were an inspiration to us a lot of us growing up, and it acted as an introduction to a new world of hypnotic, bass thumping beat snippets which kept us wanting more.

FlipzWorld’s [bumps] is a journey into the hypnotic and bass-thumping beats that left a lasting impact on many of us who grew up watching Adult Swim. Each track on the album instantly gives you throwback vibes and memories as your head will nod excessively from the vibrant beats. With each amazing track, you’ll instantly be transported to the memories and vibes of the past. To bring back all the old memories & [bump] days check out FlipzWorld’s Bandcamp page HERE to experience the nostalgia for yourself and support the artist directly.

By Hazel Clementine

The soothing sounds of ‘Miyako Temple’ by Mujo gives listeners a chance to feel peace and at ease. The meditative beats conjure a feeling of zen and stillness that is great to meditate, study or paint to. The combination of smooth, jazzy melodies and laid-back hip-hop beats created a tranquil atmosphere that transports listeners to a state of relaxation. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or find inspiration during a creative session, ‘Miyako Temple’ is the perfect soundtrack to accompany your healing journey.

This beat tape makes you wonder how the world would be in a bright and peaceful world with no crime or evil especially while listening to the second track titled ‘In Heaven’. The production quality of ‘Miyako Temple’ is top-notch, with crisp and clear sound that allows every instrument and element to shine. The artist’s attention to detail was executed by creating a cohesive listening experience from start to finish. ‘Miyako Temple’ takes you on a musical journey that uplifts the spirit and soothes the soul whether you’re listening while meditating, on a rainy day or painting. Listen to ‘Miyako Temple’ on spotify, apple music or Bandcamp today!

CHEL!‘s video for “wind”, featuring Mary Sue, caught our attention recently for its eclectic, lo-fi sound. Released alongside a slew of expressive, minimalistic, soulful offerings that flirt with left-field hip-hop and lofi, “wind” puts CHEL!’s style on display. With glitchy, hypnotic production centred around psychedelic reversed samples and airy percussion, merging with laid-back, sleek flows, “wind” is a memorable offering. A low-key but engaging visual accompanyies “wind” that emanates the track’s effortless feel and warmth while keeping an intriguing pace. Give the music video a watch here now.

By Jacob Ezra

Imani Nichele has caught our attention for her fresh 3-song offering, BLEAT. 22 year-old Chicago-based poet, rapper, singer/ songwriter and DJ Nichele was originally born in Detroit, and her work has diverse influences on spectrums between underground hip-hop, alternative, folk and more. Her latest release, BLEAT, is an engaging drop that blends laid-back, lush sounds with focused, potent flows. The immersive, grooving warmth of the title track opener- laced with character-rich vocals from Nichele atop watery, swelling keys- introduces the rich, relaxed sound of BLEAT. The coziness is taken to another level with the ethereal “sweatergawd.”, which contains powerful, spiritual undertones- capped off by Nichele’s intricate lyricism. Closer “PETA.” is a hazy, psychedelic cut with colorful tones that bring out a strong vocal performance from Nichele, who effortlessly and cleanly handles the instrumentation with dextrous flows and imagery-laden lyricism. Give Nichele’s latest offering, the versatile, impressive BLEAT, a listen below.

Washington, DC artist nofacerapper has dropped off a fresh single called “Blame Foule Monk”, produced by Foule Monk. Following up engaging releases such as “a mile a minute…” and “Face of the Moon”, “Blame Foule Monk” is a hard-hitting, raw track built around a phrase nofacerapper coined while working with Foule Monk, praising him with an infectious refrain.

“Blame Foule Monk” contains hypnotic, effectively minimalistic production based around whistling, ghostly samples and crunchy percussion. Laced with rich bass, the beat builds into a dynamic, catchy groove that provides an apt backdrop for nofacerapper’s poignant, cutting flows as he drops imagery-rich verses.

While producers in hip-hop don’t always get the credit they deserve, “Blame Foule Monk” takes aim at changing that in a refreshing manner. Give it a listen HERE on Bandcamp and directly support nofacerapper and Foule Monk.

By Mustafa Abubaker

Jake James is one of my favorite new rappers.

He’s cut from the same cloth guys like J. Cole, Drake, and Jack Harlow cut their teeth on… meaning he hasn’t ventured into the sounds Playboi Carti and his contemporaries have developed over time but rather draws inspiration from the golden age of hip-hop.

His new three-track project All Time High was recorded out of hotel rooms in Atlanta. The second track sounds like he’s ready for classic West Coast Dr. Dre production. The third track finds that sweet spot between the mainstream sound and the classic hip-hop sound he’s almost single-handedly kept alive.

Jake James is fasho one of those rappers you wanna keep tapped in with, bro got a lot of potential and you can tell he’s focused on making great music and treating music like a true job. Mix that with the passion, and you got a recipe for a star.

By Jacob Ezra

SwuM, GRIMM Doza, and YL are three artists that have all cultivated influence within their own respective lanes in the underground, and their latest collaboration “BLINK OF AN EYE” feels like a natural meeting of worlds. The song harnesses the nonchalant charisma and laid-back soulfulness that is a common in the three artist’s work, with a poignant lo-fi tinged track that brings their strengths together. “BLINK OF AN EYE”‘s hazy, hypnotic loops and dusty percussion blend with an uplifting airiness that gives it added character, while Doza and YL’s sleek flows paint true-to-life pictures over top. Give “BLINK OF AN EYE” a listen below now.

Utah producer bluemason has dropped off a new 6-track project called NO TIME!, featuring a notable set of guests including Uhuru Noir, Micah Gabriel, Lynx Cane, and Roman. “NICOYA” with Uhuru Noir and Micah Gabriel paints an expansive, nocturnal picture with its vivid, eery soundscape from bluemason and poetic lyricism from the emcees. “ALI!” with Lynx Cane employs a smoky jazz-laced instrumental embedded with hypnotic, cathartic vocal samples, as Cane flows as smooth as butter while depicting rich imagery. “ESSENCE” with Roman takes on a lighter tone with ethereal, drifting samples in lush layers, as Roman sounds poised and light-on-his-feet with deft verses atop bluemason’s poignant production.

Support bluemason directly by purchasing NO TIME! on Bandcamp HERE.

Lil Du Bois has dropped off a new song called “30°”, with Zaphros. Inventive Utah lyricist and CQCX member Lil Du Bois, who draws influence from a wide range of acts including Goodie Mob, Gil Scott-Heron, and Nas, continues his run of expressive cuts with “30°”, produced by standout Zaphros. “30°” contains hazy, melancholic guitar riffs that build in layers atop crisp percussion and booming 808s. Laced with raw, versatile vocals from Lil Du Bois, “30°” is a captivating, genre-bending hip-hop track with traces of rock, electronic, and more. Give it a listen below.