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David Naïve Carves Out His Own Sound on “SCARED, FOREVER”

At 17, most people are still figuring out how to articulate who they are to themselves, let alone translating that internal chaos into an uncompromising sonic world. For New York-based rapper, singer, and producer David Naïve, that process of self-documentation has been quietly building since childhood. Having picked up writing at 12 and self-teaching production at 14, Naïve’s approach to music isn’t a hobby—it’s an unfiltered archive of his teenage years.

His latest release, “SCARED, FOREVER,” acts as a loud, abrasive, and deeply introspective entry point into his vision. Moving away from polished formulas, the track pulls heavily from the raw, experimental textures of artists like Earl Sweatshirt, merging experimental hip-hop with noise and drone-music sonics. Anchored by organic, hypnotic percussion, the production creates a dense, atmospheric wall of sound. Over this heavy instrumentation, Naïve delivers vulnerable, descriptive vocals, turning his insecurities and self-critique into something sharp, melodic, and impossible to ignore.

The single serves as the lead-in to his upcoming debut album, Maiden, Post-Vïe. Scope and experimentation define the project, which Naïve built as a document of the last five years of his life. Across the tracklist, the album shifts intentionally through contrasting landscapes—from cold, ethereal EDM to manic rage metal and ambient, experimental rap. Underneath the genre jumps lies a central narrative: a candid exploration of love, loss, identity, depression, and gradual recovery.

With “SCARED, FOREVER,” David Naïve establishes himself as a completely self-reliant artist willing to embrace sound at its most volatile, capturing the weight of growing up in real time.

Listen to “SCARED, FOREVER” here now:

Connect with David Naïve: Instagram

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David Naïve Turns Loneliness Into Atmosphere on “EXILE”

At 17, David Naïve is already looking at music as something more lasting than a collection of songs. For the New York artist, writing and producing have become ways of keeping track of where he has been, what he has felt, and how he has changed. His new single, “EXILE,” sits firmly in that space.

Naïve started writing raps at 12 and began producing two years later. Everything he has released so far has been self-produced, giving him complete control over both the sound and the stories he wants to tell. His music tends to be introspective and atmospheric, but there is also a sharpness to his writing and melodies. He isn’t interested in simply describing how he feels; there is a sense of self-awareness in the way he turns those feelings into music.

“EXILE” is a particularly fitting example of that approach. The song draws from the cloud rap, wave and alternative R&B sounds that defined parts of the 2010s, but Naïve gives those influences a darker and more personal edge. Dense synths hang over cavernous percussion and booming 808s, creating a sound that feels distant and almost weightless at the same time.

At the center of it is a song about loneliness, escapism, and love and loss. Those themes aren’t presented as separate ideas so much as different sides of the same feeling. There is something intentionally dreamlike about “EXILE,” as if the song exists somewhere between wanting to disappear and wanting to be understood.

Naïve blends melodic vocals and sharper flows throughout the track, keeping the performance from settling into one mood for too long. The production gives him plenty of space to do that. Rather than overwhelming the vocals, the atmospheric layers create a backdrop for the emotional tension in the writing.

“EXILE” is also a glimpse into a much larger project. The song will appear on Naïve’s upcoming debut album, Maiden, Post-Vïe, an eclectic record that draws from a surprisingly wide sonic palette. The album moves through ethereal, cold EDM, manic rage metal and experimental ambient rap, reflecting a period of roughly five years in Naïve’s life.

For an artist who describes music as a way of documenting whatever is happening in his head at a given moment, that makes sense. “EXILE” doesn’t try to offer easy answers. It stays inside the feeling — melancholic, hazy and occasionally heavy — and lets the atmosphere speak alongside the words.

There is something striking about hearing an artist so early in his career already treating his music as a personal archive. “EXILE” feels less like a standalone introduction and more like a page from a story that is still being written. With Maiden, Post-Vïe on the way, David Naïve is beginning to put that story into focus.

Listen to “EXILE” here:

Listen on more platforms HERE.

Connect with David Naïve: Instagram

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Seth Narley and Creestal share cinematic, raw EP ‘Prada Cups In The South Of France’

Seth Narley has been steadily building one of the more compelling catalogs coming out of New York’s underground scene. Born in the Bronx, the rapper has spent the last year maintaining an impressive pace, balancing consistency with artistic growth. Releases like Oceans Mondrian and Welcome to the Show showcased his ability to pair vivid writing with focused execution, and his latest collaborative EP with producer Creestal, Prada Cups In The South Of France, feels like another confident step forward.

Across four tracks, Narley and Creestal strike a balance between luxury and grit, creating a project that feels equally cinematic and streetwise. Creestal’s production provides a rich backdrop throughout, blending soulful textures, orchestral flourishes, and understated elegance while leaving plenty of room for Narley’s storytelling to take center stage.

The EP opens with “Jordan On The Baseline,” immediately establishing the project’s atmosphere. Creestal’s sweeping instrumental carries a sense of grandeur without losing its edge, while Narley fills the space with sharp observations and imagery-driven lyricism. The result is a track that feels polished but never overly refined, maintaining the raw energy that runs throughout the project.

That momentum continues on “2 Thousand On The Knicks,” where warm guitar melodies and a driving rhythm section create one of the EP’s most memorable soundscapes. Narley sounds particularly comfortable here, delivering verses with the confidence of an artist fully settled into his style. There’s an ease to his performance that makes the song feel effortless without sacrificing precision.

“Unplugged From Marseille” shifts the mood. Creestal leans into a hazier, more relaxed palette, allowing the record to breathe while expanding its emotional range. Narley adapts naturally, weaving together vivid scenes and charismatic bars that make the track feel less like a detour and more like another layer of the project’s identity.

Closing track “Celia Cruz & Gloria Estefan” brings everything together. Soulful production, subtle gospel influences, and a sense of nostalgia give the song a reflective quality, while Narley’s measured delivery ties the EP’s themes together. It serves as a fitting conclusion to a project built on contrasts—luxury and struggle, refinement and rawness, ambition and reflection.

At just four tracks, Prada Cups In The South Of France doesn’t overstay its welcome. Instead, it leaves a lasting impression through strong chemistry between artist and producer, thoughtful songwriting, and a clear creative vision. For Seth Narley, it’s another reminder that consistency doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality. If anything, this latest release suggests he’s only getting sharper with each project.

Listen to Prada Cups In The South Of France here now:

Listen on more platforms HERE.

Connect with Seth Narley: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

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Mark Saunders’ ‘IN DUE TIME’: Vulnerability, Grit, and Craft

Mark Saunders, a Bronx-born vocalist and rapper emerging from the heart of hip-hop’s birthplace, steps forward with a distinctive voice shaped by introspection, experimentation, and unwavering drive. Continuing to carve out his own space within the ever-evolving hip-hop scene, Saunders releases his newest project, the resonant, reflective ‘IN DUE TIME’. 

At times defiant, and at times deeply personal or transcendent, ‘IN DUE TIME’ is a layered listen that showcases Saunders’ ability to both bring raw, unfiltered energy, as well as thoughtfully crafted, heartfelt storytelling. Although versatile, the tracks on ‘IN DUE TIME’ each bring a sense of passion that draws the listener in and provides a gripping listen. 

Opening track “The Holy Mecca” is a powerful introduction to ‘IN DUE TIME’, containing an urgent, cinematic sound, paired with sharp, introspective verses about overcoming obstacles and staying true to one’s vision despite opinions. “SCAPEGOATS”, featuring Ja’king the Divine and Javi Darko, contrasts the first song’s hard-hitting sonics with graceful, jazz-laced instrumentation and pensive, yet cathartic vocals. “BRUH BRUH” further showcases Saunders’ versatility with a trap-influenced, orchestral instrumental, bringing forth hypnotic flows atop booming rhythms. “N.O.R.E (What!?)” featuring Israel Jones blends a lush, jazzy beat with energetic verses that demonstrate a natural chemistry between Saunders and Jones. “Inshallah”, featuring B-Hill, closes the ‘IN DUE TIME’ by tying together the project’s themes of resilience and authenticity in the poignant first two verses, with closing lines and a voicemail that are an emotive, soul-stirring tribute dedicated to Saunders’ Mother. 

Taken as a whole, Mark Saunders’ ‘IN DUE TIME’ is a compelling journey through vulnerability, strength, and artistry, affirming Saunders as a voice in hip-hop unafraid to explore both the personal and the powerful.

Check out ‘IN DUE TIME’ on Bandcamp HERE and support the artist directly.

Listen to ‘IN DUE TIME’ here:

Connect with Mark Saunders here.

Photo credit: @idrisoptix

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O Dawg shines on refreshing new album ‘Electronic Art: Nobody Beats the Rogue’

Brooklyn rapper O Dawg stakes his claim with Electronic Art: Nobody Beats the Rogue, a project that highlights his versatility and command of sound. O Dawg is a New York–based rapper known for his sharp lyricism, stylistic range, and charismatic delivery. Blending classic East Coast sensibilities with contemporary influences, he continues to carve out a distinct lane within the hip-hop landscape. His newest album captures an artist comfortable moving between styles, pairing sharp lyricism with production that ranges from atmospheric and textured to hard-edged and direct.

Across the project, O Dawg shifts effortlessly between boom bap foundations and polished, trap-leaning tracks, maintaining a clear identity regardless of the backdrop. His delivery is precise and expressive, with verses that feel intentional and rooted in character rather than trend. 

“FBGM” is a highlight track early in the track-list, pairing sleek, orchestral production with sharply introspective lyricism and effortlessly smooth flows. “Press Start” injects the project with a renewed sense of momentum, driven by energetic instrumentation, hypnotic grooves, and razor-sharp delivery. On “Shining Force,” the artist pushes their versatility further, blending vibrant sonic textures with slick, drill-influenced rhythms and charismatic rhyme patterns. The album closes on a high note with “THIS ONE GOT IT,” a triumphant finale built on powerful strings, lush grooves, and commanding performances.

Electronic Art: Nobody Beats the Rogue balances elegance and grit, offering a focused statement that emphasizes personality and presence. It’s a project built on clarity and confidence, designed to resonate with listeners who value both style and substance.

Listen on all platforms HERE.

Connect with O Dawg: Spotify | Instagram | X

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Kueen releases a revitalizing summer project with ‘Got Juice?’

North Carolina born, New York based artist Kueen has returned with a new mixtape called Got Juice?. A multi-talented musician, entrepreneur and all-around hustler, Kueen has been pursuing music full-time for the better part of the decade, while she is also the CFO of innovative wellness company RAYFM. Receiving attention from some of hip-hop’s biggest names such as Pharaohe Monch, Rapsody, DJ Eclipse, as well as wide-ranging praise for eclectic projects such as Tales of Gotham, and more, Kueen has been steadily carving out a lane as an impactful, versatile voice in independent music.

Kueen’s latest project Got Juice? feels like the perfect soundtrack for a summer in New York, while maintaining a vibrant universality. Blending both influences from her North Carolina roots as well as NYC, is like a refreshing, organic dose of pure hip-hop, R&B, and soul that resonates for its sonic catchiness, spiritual depth, and dynamic versatility.

“Kleopatra’s Return” kicks off the project with a refined charisma interlaced into warm, jazz-laced instrumentation, sturdy grooves and sharply-crafted, intricate rhymes. “Give Thanks”, featuring Vibe Jonez, is a track that brings a feeling of clarity, with a spiritual, self-aware feel that transports the listener to another dimension. “D.H.A.D.” is breezy and heartfelt, featuring atmospheric guitars, rich backing vocals, and lively rhythms that complement Kueen’s smooth vocals cohesively. Tracks like “Pineapple Ginjah” and “Light my Spliff” contain a transcendent sort of beauty in their sound, adding to the overall uplifting feel of the project.

For nearly a decade, Kueen has been carving out a name for herself as a standout artist and songwriter, known for a rich, genre-blending sound that fuses hip-hop, jazz, soul, R&B, and beyond. Her work is marked by a raw authenticity- gritty and powerful, yet emotionally resonant- which has helped her build a strong and diverse following. Kueen proudly represents her Southern roots while channeling the dynamic spirit of NYC into her artistry. Beyond music, she also serves as the CFO of RAYFM Essentials, a lifestyle brand offering daily wellness products, including health juices, skincare, apparel, and more.

Listen to Kueen’s new project Got Juice? HERE on Bandcamp and support the artist directly.

Get the project on even.biz HERE.

Connect with Kueen: Website | Instagram

Visit the RAYFM store HERE.

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Lord Sko and Statik Selektah join forces for engaging single “Lesson Learned”

Lord Sko and Statik Selektah have joined forces for a new single called “Lesson Learned”. This new single finds the prolific NYC emcee weaving together imagery-rich, charismatic flows atop mainstay Statik Selektah’s refreshing loops and raw drums. The track’s nonchalant atmosphere, potent, observant lyricism, and lush production lend to a track that is effortlessly enjoyable. Sko and Statik Selektah share a natural chemistry that translates to “Lesson Learned”‘s butter smooth sound. Accompanied by a new video shot in front of some classic scenery in New York adds to the track’s unpretentious, relaxed feel, “Lesson Learned” makes for an engaging new release from Lord Sko and Statik Selektah. Give “Lesson Learned” a listen here now and check the new video out as well while you’re at it.

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Gio Genesis’ EP ‘Second Nature’ makes for a refreshing listen

New York artist Gio Genesis‘ EP Second Nature is a refreshing project that blends vital, atmospheric soundscapes with heartfelt, expansive vocals for a poignant listen. Emanating focus with its vivid instrumentation, powerful vocals, and sharp songwriting, Second Nature finds Genesis delivering dynamic tracks that cannot be placed into one box. With elements of alternative R&B, hip-hop, DnB, and more- Second Nature finds Genesis unwilling to limit himself sonically, to admirable effect.

Title track “Second Nature” is a hypnotic opener that vibrantly blends flourishes of R&B with DnB and garage influences for a versatile listen. “Easy”, featuring Donte Thomas and Tyjhier, is a cathartic, freeing track that includes layers of breezy instrumentation building atop a crisp drum line, highlighted by the track’s energizing vocals. “Deposit” is a soulful, inspiring finisher that closes out Second Nature at a high point, putting Genesis’ diverse vocals on full display with introspective lyricism. Give Second Nature a listen here now.

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Mark Saunders releases potent “BRUDDAHOOD” short film

Mark Saunders has released a new “BRUDDAHOOD” short film, which has come after the release of the well-received single of the same name. A multi-layered, expressive visual from Saunders that captures the song’s potency, Saunders directed the film himself alongside Luis Vazquez, and he provides the vocals on the lucid fifth verse alongside a talented cast of collaborators that includes TeeDotOhh, Ducksauce, Flii BooGiie, and SNS. The “BRUDDAHOOD” short film is a focused, engaging look into Saunders’ artistic realm with its cohesive synergy of sound and imagery that feels raw and authentic throughout. The visual’s stark, nocturnal shots and fast-paced editing give it a bracing energy while at the same time, it feels down to earth and intimate- giving it an intriguing contrast that adds much character. The short film captures the track’s themes of “BRUDDAHOOD” as it follows Saunders, TeeDotOhh, Ducksauce, Flii BooGiie, and SNS through captivating performances, as the song’s gritty instrumentation and heavy drums suitably soundtrack the dark, energizing feel.

The “BRUDDAHOOD” film further showcases Saunders ability to merge different mediums and release multi-layered offerings that fulfill a larger vision. With the film’s poignant narratives, dynamic shots, and memorable performances capturing themes of camaraderie and brotherhood- paired with the song’s textural, intense feel- “BRUDDAHOOD” makes for a cohesive, thoughtful new offering directed by Saunders and Luis Vazquez.

Mark Saunders is a multi-talented artist from The Bronx, New York who pushes boundaries with his releases by combining various artistic disciplines in ways that challenge convention. Driven by a desire to inspire, motivate, and tell a story of many, Saunders seeks to find something universal and bring it out in his work, giving his output an authentic, engaging feel throughout. His latest offering, the “BRUDDAHOOD” short film, marks another entry in his growing catalogue of multi-layered, thought-provoking releases. Watch the “BRUDDAHOOD” short film here now:

Stream “BRUDDAHOOD” here:

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Seth Narley drops off soulful EP ‘S.A.L.Y.’

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South Bronx, NY artist Seth Narley has dropped off a new EP, titled S.A.L.Y. Born Raymon Calleja, S.A.L.Y. is the latest offering in a series of potent releases that have included A MILLBROOK STORY, NIGHT AT THE ROXY, and more. Here, Narley tackles a set of soulful, stripped back beats that bring his present, clear delivery and penchant for introspective, cathartic lyrics to the forefront for a vivid listen.

Energizing soul samples, airy percussion, and rich bass-lines accentuate the warm, emotive feel of the set of four tracks, paired with an engagingly raw sound and approach. Tracks like “Chanel Rap 24” and “Harlem Nights” are vividly written with back-drops of lush sampling, while “Minnesota Fats” is a potent track alongside Really Jaewon that puts their technical skills on display atop layered instrumentation. S.A.L.Y. is a project that just grabs the listener and draws them in, with each line painting sharp pictures in the process. Give S.A.L.Y. a listen here now.

Connect with Seth Narley: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter