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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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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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Memoir. drops engaging new video for “luxury freestyle.”

Brooklyn artist Memoir. has returned with a fresh new release, titled “luxury freestyle”. On “luxury freestyle.”, sleek, graceful keys merge with a crisp, booming rhythm section to create a lush backdrop for Memoir.’s vocals. He comes through with smooth verses packed with infectious melodies that give the song added replay value, throwing in memorable refrains in the process. The new video features sharp, focused editing, warm saturation, and a charismatic performance from Memoir. that captures the song’s confident energy.

After a 7 month hiatus Memoir. returns with the single “luxury freestyle.” produced by Benihana Boy, and shows us that he has not lost a step. From the track’s stylish sonics and buttery flows to vivid music video, the New York native showcases his overall creative vision with a focused, poignant drop laced with the likeable charm he has become known for.

Watch the video for “luxury freestyle.” here:

Stream “luxury freestyle.” on Spotify here:

Connect with Memoir.: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

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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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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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Anthony Kannon sets the underground scene on fire with his new album ‘Cautionary Tales’ (prod. Frost Gamble)

By Hazel Clementine

Coming out of Ithaca, New York- Anthony Kannon is a force to be reckoned with. His new album ‘Cautionary Tales’, produced by Frost Gamble, is one hell of an album- one that will truly feed your soul. Some highlights from the engaging ‘Cautionary Tales’ include tracks like “Lazy Eye”, “Make it Rain”, “Take it Easy” and “Conye”, which display his character-rich, vivid sound. The idiosyncratic production of the track “Make it Rain” is a refreshing Al Green flip, and it’s amazing when you hear an old school classic that’s been flipped with a raw boom-bap sound.

Anthony tells amazing stories through his lyrics, In The track “Long Ride”, expaining how people say he sounds like a broken record, because all he knows is drugs and the lifestyle that comes with it. Here, Anthony raps about the realities of his life, upbringing and generally keeps it 100. On the track “Miss Daisy”, Kannon changes up his style a bit as he raps in a bit of an electrifying faster pace, while track “Conye” delivers a vibe that is unmatched with infectious grooving beats and sleek flows. To listen to this album, purchase directly on Bandcamp HERE as the artist gets supported directly or you can listen on all streaming services today.