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Chaos TV and made by ok! connect for new single “Carnations”

Emcee Chaos TV and producer made by ok! have connected for a fresh single called “Carnations”. Blending Chaos TV’s smooth flows and sly lyricism with made by ok!’s signature tapestry of lo-fi, textural soul samples, “Carnations” makes for a refreshing track from these two artists that displays their natural chemistry. Equipped with a laid-back, dusty instrumental based around hypnotic, glitchy samples, crunchy percussion, and infectious bass, as well as thought-provoking, focused verses from Chaos TV, “Carnations” makes for a solid new single that incorporates the organic feel of crate digging. Give “Carnations” a listen below and further familiarize yourself with Chaos TV and made by ok!.

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Morgan Gold shares atmospheric single “c o m p l e t e l y c l u e l e s s”

Prolific Chicago artist Morgan Gold has returned with a new single, called “c o m p l e t e l y c l u e l e s s”. Following up her well-received prior single and video “r o u t i n e”, “c o m p l e t e l y c l u e l e s s” takes on an atmospheric soundscape that neatly complements Gold’s dream-like vocals. Once again displaying her penchant for ear-worm melodies, “c o m p l e t e l y c l u e l e s s” provides much replay value while finding her sounding self-aware and focused on the microphone. Backed by sparkling keys, infectious bass, and airy samples, Gold glides atop the sleek production, building dynamic verses into a cathartic hook. Give Gold’s latest “c o m p l e t e l y c l u e l e s s” a listen below. 

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Francesca Wexler lets us know that “there will be blood”

For some artists, it seems that remaining creative with each release is integral to them, and Toronto-via-Lagos musician Francesca Wexler is certainly one of them. Broadening her horizons with each offering, Wexler has recently flirted with hip-hop, alt-pop, indie, and psychedelica- and returns now with a flavorful, rebellious cut called “there will be blood”. Leaning more into the hip-hop and trap lane, “there will be blood” conveys a sense of urgency with booming 808s, crisp, snapping percussion, and frenetic, lively samples. Creating a feeling of tension building up with its dynamic flows and instrumentation, “there will be blood” is a subtly intense track that finds Wexler in the pocket as an emcee atop buoyant production. Give it a listen below.

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Nkosi Bourne asks “Are You Ready?” on new single

Brooklyn lyricist Nkosi Bourne has released a fresh single called “Are You Ready?”. Following his recent soulful, thought-provoking song “Final Form”- “Are You Ready?” features textural, vibrant sampling instrumentation and self-aware lyricism that give it added flavor. Atop weaving, raw soul samples, warbling strings, and minimalistic percussion, Bourne paints a detailed picture in his verses while keeping his content confessional. With a carefree, laid-back warmth that makes this track suitable for long walks with headphones in late summer, “Are You Ready?” is a refreshing new offering from the Brooklyn artist. Containing hypnotic production and potent, heartfelt vocals, “Are You Ready?” Is sure to entice listeners with August winding down.

Watch the visualizer for “Are You Ready?” below.

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Gxldsoulrebel and 95 Goldie detail being at a crossroads with “Split Decision”

Gxldsoulrebel has connected with 95 Goldie for a new track, titled “Split Decision”. Hallmarked with lush, laid-back production, introspective flows, and commanding yet low-key mic presences, “Split Decision” makes for another thoughtful cut from these prolific artists. Atop silky, moody production centred around dream-like keys, warm guitars, and a poignant bass-line, Gxldsoulrebel and 95 Goldie weave together pensive verses laced with rich lyricism, while showcasing an effortless chemistry. As “Split Decision”’s meditative instrumentation builds hypnotically, the two rappers play with the track’s themes of being at a crossroads in life, at a time when introspection and reflecting on your past is key to move forward. It’s a relatable and heartfelt track that inspires one to look within in a world that often encourages the opposite. Give “Split Decision” a listen below.

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Achille shares hypnotic track, “cure”

Chicago producer Achille has shared a single called “cure”. Delicate piano lines and hypnotic, grounded percussion detail Achille’s single “cure”, conjuring dream-like soundscape in the process. Moored by rich bass, “cure” builds into a meditative groove while keeping a lightweight airiness that gives the track an engaging balance. With its freeing, relaxed instrumentation- “cure” creates a sense of relief, like taking a deep breath and letting the stress off your chest after a long day. Achille’s track “cure” continues his run of lo-fi tinged, emotive instrumental hip-hop tracks with a refreshing new joint. Give “cure” a listen below now. 

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demahjiae and Elujay share hypnotic single “1178”

East Oakland artist demahjiae has connected with Elujay for a fresh single called “1178”. Following up demahjiae’s potent 2022 EP Angels Wear Black as well as stellar features on records from Navy Blue, Ovrkast., and more, “1178” finds him linking with fellow Oakland standout and genre-bending artist Elujay for a strong new offering that blends influences eclectically.

The hypnotic, soulful cut features expansive, warm production and engaging, melodically-laced verses that captivate from the start. Blending melodic inflections with heartfelt, introspective lyricism and raw flows, “1178” makes for an versatile release from demahjiae and Elujay that showcases their diversity on the mic. Underscored by a dream-like instrumental built around surreal, sparkling keys, airy percussion, and choral backing vocals, the emcees drop off potent, honest verses that are detailed and refreshingly introspective. Give “1178” a listen below now.

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insyt. takes listeners on a journey with ‘The Nothings I’ve Felt’

insyt. caught our attention for his recent EP The Nothings I’ve Felt. An introspective, vivid journey into the life and times of the artist- The Nothings I’ve Felt is a refreshingly personal, character-rich drop that puts insyt.’s lyrical abilities on full display. Following up his project The View From the Sky from earlier in 2023, The Nothings I’ve Felt finds him continuing to refine his potent, heartfelt sound with an engaging 5-track offering.

The Nothings I’ve Felt opens with “Eons”, a hypnotic joint featuring warm production and introspective lyricism from insyt. that sets the tone for the project and grasps the listener from the get-go. “Gemini” follows next with an organic, thoughtful cut that finds insyt. piecing together vibrant, poetic lines atop textural, laid-back keys and infectious percussion. “1973”, featuring Samad M, features glowing, gospel-tinged production that creates an air of nostalgia, suiting the emcees reflective verses. “Eating my Tail”, featuring Uhuru Noir, closes the project strongly with an emotive offering, finding the emcees confessional with gripping verses that feel cathartic in nature.

Take a listen to The Nothings I’ve Felt below here.

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D2x shares cinematic new single “Faith”

D2x has dropped off a new single called “Faith”. A standout voice coming out of Chicago’s vibrant hip-hop scene, “Faith” follows up his acclaimed 2021 album The Color Blue as well as his 2022 single “UNDERSTAND”, arriving ahead of his upcoming album Hotel 1105.

“Faith” contains refreshing production built around lush vocal samples, sparkling keys, and a bouncy, addictive rhythm section. With classic Chicago influences delivered with D2x’s own personal twist, “Faith” is a vivid new joint that entices with its lively soundscape. Moreover, D2x shines as a vocalist with a confident mic presence, crisp delivery, and emotive lyricism.

Overall, “Faith” is a strong new cut from D2x that has us excited for his upcoming album Hotel 1105, listen to it below.

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Shaw Calhoune shares soulful new EP, ‘Four Piece’

Maryland artist Shaw Calhoune has shared a new EP, titled Four Piece, via Big El Records. Following up engaging singles like “A House Sparrow’s Feather” as well as his project Fly Langston released in February, his latest offering, Four Piece,is a focused, detail-rich project containing soulful, rich production and true-to-life, vivid lyricism from Calhoune.

Four Piece opens with “Fu Kang”, a track that introduces Calhoune’s penchant for memorable, poetic lyricism atop a meditative instrumental containing thought-provoking keys and minimalistic percussion. “Kenny’s” brings in hypnotic soul sampled production as Calhoune laces his verses with clever, poignant lines- while “New Dynasty” introduces an expansive, elegant sound. Closer “Eddie Leonard” makes for a highlight from the EP with its powerful soul samples, potent keys, and raw, hard-hitting flows from Calhoune to finish the project on an emotive note.

Take a listen to Shaw Calhoune’s latest project Four Piece below now.