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LIFEOFTHOM and Fergie Baby bring the “SMOKE” on fresh song and video

New York artists LIFEOFTHOM and Fergie Baby have teamed up to release a powerful new single and video, “SMOKE.” The track embodies the vital energy of the city, with both artists hailing from Uptown NYC , while it brings forth their character-rich, distinct styles for a potent new offering.

“SMOKE” features a booming rhythm section, frigid and haunting samples, and raw, urgent flows create a track that’s both hard-hitting and atmospheric. The vocal performances contain a tangible sense of catharsis while demonstrating a natural chemistry between LIFEOFTHOM and Fergie Baby.

The music video for “SMOKE” is a psychedelic and highly energetic visual feast that perfectly complements the track’s gritty soundscape. Directed by LIFEOFTHOM himself, the video features a series of rapid-fire cuts and trippy visual effects that keep the viewer highly attentive.

But the real standouts of the video are the artists themselves. LIFEOFTHOM and Fergie Baby’s chemistry is palpable, as they trade verses and bounce off each other’s energy with infectious enthusiasm. Their raw, unfiltered style is a perfect match for the track’s hard-hitting beats and haunting samples, creating a music video that’s as captivating as the song itself.

Check out the new video for “SMOKE” here and further familiarize yourself with LIFEOFTHOM and Fergie Baby as they continue their rise out of Uptown NYC.

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Static Res captivates with DIY approach on album ‘PLACES OF PLENTY’

Static Res‘ album PLACES OF PLENTY is a record built on self-initiative and a willingness to blur genre lines. Entirely produced by Static Res and executively produced by Art Grad, PLACES OF PLENTY immerses the listener in an emotive journey, combining flourishes of hip-hop, alt-pop, indie, and more. Soaked in a warm, nostalgic ambiance that gives it added character, PLACES OF PLENTY puts Static Res’ vision and songwriting skills at the forefront with its selection of evocative, emotive tracks.

Static Res paints a dynamic picture on PLACES OF PLENTY, making sure it’s not simply a one dimensional journey. With both layers of emotion and elements of different genres coming together for a potent blend, Res’ intentionality shines through on PLACES OF PLENTY. Whether its on the lo-fi, soul-tinged hip-hop opener “ENTRADA”, or the synth-laden, progressive “NO BOUQUETS”, he shows versatility while remaining authentic. There are catchy hooks abound, but also vulnerable moments that any listener can relate to, making PLACES OF PLENTY a multi-dimensional record interlaced with a DIY work ethic.

Album highlight “PARTY FOUL”, a bouncy, vivid joint from early in the project’s track-listing- recently was given a fresh visual accompaniment, directed by Frank Most. The video was selected to be screened at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival (HRIFF) in Los Angeles, staged for a world premiere on February 22nd at LA LIVE. With its playful, colorful feel and tangible sense of organic-ness, its no wonder this video was selected for a screening at the film festival.

Born and raised in Maryland, Static Res is a multi-genre encompassing artist influenced by bedroom pop and old school hip-hop production. He currently has 5 albums out with sounds ranging from mellow alternative grooves to boom bap with hints of soulful R&B. As he began to self-produce some of his tracks in 2015 as a freshman in college at Ohio State University, Res studied great rapper-producers such as Mac Miller and J Dilla, learning from their craft. Static’s most recent album titled, PLACES OF PLENTY, executively produced by Art Grad, released everywhere December 1st, 2023. Give it a listen HERE, or stream it below on Spotify.

Connect with Static Res: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok

Photo credit: Frank Most

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GR3G explores “SOUL” with refreshing new single

Chicago-born artist GR3G has done it again with his latest single, “SOUL.” The track showcases his knack for personal, heartfelt lyricism, delivered with a smooth and focused flow.

It’s clear off the bat that “SOUL” is a song with a message, as it gets to the heart of the matter with quickness. GR3G’s lyrics are introspective and motivational, encouraging listeners to stay true to themselves, despite obstacles that may arise, and various distractions. The way he delivers his verses feels down-to-earth and relatable, with an everyman charisma enhanced by the song’s heartfelt instrumentation.

On “SOUL”, the smooth, rich beat provides the perfect backdrop for GR3G’s emotive delivery, creating a cohesive and powerful listening experience.

Overall, “SOUL” is a must-listen for fans of heartfelt, motivational hip-hop. GR3G’s talent for blending introspective lyrics with smooth production is on full display, making this track a standout addition to his already burgeoning discography.

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JUNE! shares smooth song “splyff 4” (prod. Chow)

By Gavin Green

JUNE!‘s latest release, “splyff 4,” is a soulful joint that blends lo-fi aesthetics with soul and R&B flourishes for a potent listen. Produced by Chow, the track features smooth R&B samples and JUNE!’s signature gritty, bassy flow, making it a character-rich new cut.

From the opening bars, it’s clear that “splyff 4” is something special. The instrumental sets the tone, with its soulful samples and laid-back vibe. JUNE!’s flow is the perfect complement, with his gruff delivery adding an edge to the track.

“splyff 4” feels wisened and raw, while it is also a showcase of JUNE!’s lyrical prowess. His wordplay is on point, with emotionally layered lines that keep the listener engaged from start to finish.

Overall, “splyff 4” is a must-listen for fans of hip-hop, both old and new. Featuring refreshing production from Chow and JUNE!’s signature baritone, growling flow and vivid lyricism, this is a memorable new joint from these artists. Listen to it here now.

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ToadStool engages with psychedelic EP ‘IF IT MEANS YOU’RE LOVED IN THE END…’

Providence, Rhode Island artist ToadStool has caught our attention for his 4-track EP IF IT MEANS YOU’RE LOVED IN THE END…. A poignant project filled with vivid, heartfelt rhymes laced atop hypnotic, psychedelic production, IF IT MEANS YOU’RE LOVED IN THE END is an engaging display of ToadStool’s lyrical skills. Unafraid to be vulnerable with his audiences, this EP delves into his mindstate and outlook, while tackling poignant themes like growth, acceptance, healing, and friendship.

The spacey, warm hypnosis of opener “HOURS, DAYS, MONTHS, YEARS” draws in the listener off the bat as it discusses the nature of time atop bittersweet key riffs. “ASTRAL MAN”, with Rap Man Gavin, includes a textural, atmospheric jazz-laced instrumental with enticing horn stabs, as the emcees deliver character-rich flows. Closer “METHODS…” is a meditative, emotive track that finishes the EP with crystalline flows and somber, reflective production.

Give ToadStool’s project IF IT MEANS YOU’RE LOVED IN THE END… a listen here now and further familiarize yourself with the prolific Providence artist.

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shemar and Child Actor paint a vivid picture on ‘sunscreen’

By Jacob Ezra

shemar and Child Actor have dropped off a new project, titled sunscreen. A meeting of two prolific, creative minds- sunscreen‘s graceful, warm sound is shaped by shemar’s emotive, autobiographical rhymes and the detailed sampling production of Child Actor. With breezy, wistful sonics and poignant rhymes that reflect a sense of catharsis, sunscreen is an engaging new project from the two artists.

Throughout sunscreen, the instrumentals glisten with an understated beauty- glowing, jazzy samples underscore shemar’s textural flows and sharp lyricism on songs like “skytrain! skytrain!” and “ants under magnification”. The elegant grooves and sleek rhymes on “suncreen” capture the listener’s attention right off the bat- while closer “rem sleep” makes for a powerful ending to the project- as shemar bares his soul atop Child Actor’s glowing production in a gripping manner.

Take a listen to shemar and Child Actor’s latest project sunscreen here, featuring burnin’ macaw, baegull, gwenn, and Jay Cinema.

Support the artists directly on Bandcamp HERE.

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Fergie Baby shares explosive song “VINCE BARTER”

Harlem artist Fergie Baby has dropped off a new song, titled “VINCE BARTER”. Rapidly building a wide-ranging discography full of vitality and versatility, Fergie Baby is an artist that can truly bring that raw NYC energy. His latest offering is exemplary of his powerful sound, sharp delivery, and penchant for infectious flows- as he glides atop this triumphant production in a way that’s both effortless and commanding. It’s an invigorating new joint that builds an enticing groove with booming 808s, gritty horns, and energizing percussion, laced with immense flows from Fergie Baby. Give his latest song “VINCE BARTER” a listen here now.

Photo credit: Ashley Thompson

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Jaysanityy shares focused single “generational artist”

By Jacob Ezra

Jaysanityy has dropped off a fresh single, titled “generational artist”. The eclectic, versatile artist, who recently dropped a well-received, genre-bending project in tru to one’s nature, has returned with a thoughtful single in “generational artist”. The hypnotic soundscape built around pensive, focused keys, lively percussion, and rich bass builds the perfect backdrop for the emcee, whose gruff yet smooth delivery and heartfelt lyrics cut through the noise and hit the listener on an emotional level. Continuing his trend of expressive, atmospheric offerings, “generational artist” demonstrates the creativity and vibrancy that Jaysanityy is steadily becoming known for. Give “generational artist” a listen here now.

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Iman Nunez provides a potent energy with “I GOT TIME” (prod. LevyGrey, LIFEOFTHOM, & James Burns)

By Jacob Ezra

New York artist Iman Nunez has shared a new song called “I GOT TIME”. With a powerful energy and raw urgency, “I GOT TIME” is a track that grips the listener from the get-go. With hard-hitting production from LevyGrey, LIFEOFTHOM, and James Burns centred around intense key riffs and a trunk-knocking rhythm section- paired with Nunez’s commanding, deft flows- “I GOT TIME” is truly a scorching cut. Nunez especially stands out for his ability to deliver dynamic, flexible flows that engage by refusing to sit in one pocket. “I GOT TIME” is simply an exciting track to listen to, with an addictive quality and strong focus from the emcee.

Born in Washington Heights but raised in Yonkers, Nunez was introduced to hip-hop at a very young age with his uncles constantly playing Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G. around him. He continued to grow his passion for rapping as he got older, dropping the well-received project Everything is Everything and partnering with EQ Distro, Roc Nation‘s indie distribution platform. His latest offering “I GOT TIME” is truly a tour-de-force of hard-hitting sounds and infectious rhymes. Give the track, produced by LevyGrey, LIFEOFTHOM, and James Burns, a listen below now.

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Nkosi Bourne is “Saving Grace” on fresh single

Brooklyn artist Nkosi Bourne has dropped off a fresh song, titled “Saving Grace”. The New York emcee has become known for his penchant for personal, storytelling lyricism, laid smoothly atop soulful sound palettes. His latest song, “Saving Grace”, continues this trend with its refreshing, emotive sampling instrumentation and potent verses. Bourne delivers laid-back yet vital verses atop winding, warm soul loops and punchy percussion on “Saving Grace”. Give Bourne’s latest a listen here.