Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

Thought Provokah shares reminiscent EP ‘Expensive Thrifts’

By Jacob Ezra

New York artist Thought Provokah has caught our attention for his fresh EP Expensive Thrifts. A graceful, elegant set of underground hip-hop tracks that still retain their grit and rawness- Expensive Thrifts finds Thought Provokah painting reminiscent, vivid pictures with his lyricism atop production from IV, Ares Prod, Magnum Beats, Immortal Buddha, and Ganesboro. A sleek set of laid-back joints that find Thought Provokah exhibiting a focused, relaxed charisma through which he never sounds rushed, but always present and confident. “Wear Are You” is a poignant opener that brings forth a brisk, soulful feel with its cinematic key lines and triumphant vocals. Title track “Expensive Thrifts” is beautifully nostalgic with uplifting undertones, underpinned by a rich, infectious bass-line and characterized by Thought Provokah’s poetic verses.

Expensive Thrifts follows Thought Provokah’s persona Knapp Jones- who is on a little shroom trip and stumbles into a thrift store when a record he remembers- an Ahmad Jamal joint- piques his interest. As he gets deeper into his trip, he starts reminiscing as he sees items that bring about memories.

Give Thought Provokah’s Expensive Thrifts EP a listen here now. Support the artist directly HERE.

Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

Bub Styles shares raw new visual for “Can’t Buy Class” (ft. Lord Sko)

Standout Brooklyn artist Bub Styles recently dropped off his potent album Outerwear SZN 4, and he has now come through with a fresh video for “Can’t Buy Class”- a highlight joint from the project featuring Lord Sko. “Can’t Buy Class” pairs a grimy, raw energy with understated elegance- laced with sleek key riffs, punchy percussion, and dynamic, charismatic vocals from Styles and Sko. The two demonstrate a cohesive chemistry as they trade imagery-rich verses atop the track’s gritty, nocturnal instrumentation. The new video, directed by Gee, captures the tracks off-the-cuff rawness with crisp shots, engaging editing, and potent performances from the two emcees set to the apt backdrop of NYC’s streets at night time. Give the engaging new video from Bub Styles and Lord Sko for “Can’t Buy Class” a watch here now.

Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

Andre Lawrence shares refreshing new album ‘Dustrial Denim’

New York’s Andre Lawrence has shared a new album, titled Dustrial Denim. Produced entirely by fellow NYC standout Arlo Walker, Dustrial Denim is a poignant, sleek collection of observant East Coast hip-hop tracks that blend classic 90’s boom bap influences with refreshing twists.

“Dawn (Intro)” is an expansive, vivid intro that acts as Lawrence’s mission statement- as he paints pictures with his lyricism atop Walker’s layered soul sampling. “Lo Definition” follows up next with a rugged, yet crystalline, track with a laid-back nostalgic feel and charm. The wistful keys and relatable verses of “Mind’s Good” draws the listener in immediately- while “Rich”‘s smoky, jazz-laced soundscape and potent vocals make it a highlight from Dustrial Denim.

Listen to Dustrial Denim here and further familiarize yourself with NYC’s Andre Lawrence.

Watch the music video for “Rich” here:

Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

Chelsea Reject and T’nah demonstrate a strong “Focus” on new single

By Jacob Ezra

Frequent collaborators out of Brooklyn, Chelsea Reject and T’nah, have linked up for another refreshing, kinetic release called “Focus”, produced by Theodore Williams. Chelsea Reject is a dynamic and versatile hip-hop artist hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Known for her razor-sharp lyrics and captivating delivery, Chelsea has made a name for herself by crafting introspective stories and sharing unapologetic takes on the world around us. T’nah, is a gifted Brooklyn hip-hop artist known for her boundary-pushing sound and introspective lyrics. T’nah crafts thought-provoking songs that explore themes of identity, love, and self-discovery, while drawing from a unique blend of soulful R&B and experimental hip-hop sonics. Their latest song represents a potent meeting of creative minds, as “Focus” is a versatile, engaging new song that displays their strengths as songwriters and vision as artists.

On “Focus”, the meditative instrumentation from Theodore Williams is centred around weaving, ethereal keys and organic-sounding percussion creates a poignant foundation for Reject and T’nah. Blending atmospheric R&B influences with raw, East Coast hip-hop aesthetics, they showcase their diversity and dynamic sound with “Focus”. Trading vocals in an effortless manner while feeding into each-other’s energy, they provide a streamlined, heartfelt listen with their latest single. Tapping into something universally human with lyrics delving into staying true to one’s heart and purpose, “Focus” presents a strong new offering from these Brooklyn mainstays. Listen to “Focus” here now:

Chelsea Reject and T’nah have also dropped off a refreshing, vibrant accompanying visual for “Focus”, directed by Anahita Amirshahi. Capturing the song’s relaxed yet pensive mood with an engaging set of shots, the new video feels soulful and relaxed.Watch the video for “Focus” here:

Connect with Chelsea Reject: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with T’nah: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

Brooklyn’s Meechy718 continues to carve out his own lane with “LASER TAG”

NYC mainstay Meechy718 has dropped off a new song, titled “LASER TAG”. Continuing to showcase why this versatile, talented Brooklyn emcee cannot simply be boxed in to one sound or style- “LASER TAG”‘s infectious, energizing sound contains a character-rich vibrancy that captivates from the get-go. 

“LASER TAG” caught our attention immediately for its lively, rich sound- which pairs cohesively with Meechy’s focused, clear delivery. What stands out is the clarity in his vocal tone, which communicates an assurance that never feels forced- but rather laid-back and natural. He flows smoothly atop buoyant 808s, sparkling keys, and crisp drums, while throwing in dynamic inflections that add a unique vitality to this cut. Capturing classic NYC energy while also remaining eclectic with various influences, “LASER TAG” finds Meechy sound focused, poised, and in the pocket.

In the heart of Brooklyn, a unique blend of East Coast roots and West Coast vibes converges in the form of rap artist Meechy718. Hailing from New York but embodying a distinct West Coast feel with Jazz and Drill elements, Meechy has been making waves in the underground NYC community since 2018 with his first solo project. Meechy is not just a rapper, he’s a true artist who possesses the rare ability to captivate any room. His latest song “LASER TAG”, continues his run of potent tracks. Give it a listen here now and be sure to connect with Meechy718 for more soon.

Further connect with Meechy718 and stream “LASER TAG” on various platforms HERE.

Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

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.

Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

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

Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

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.

Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

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.

Categories
Blog Roundhouse Features

Jay Cinema and Chow practice ‘Alchemy’ on new album

By Jacob Ezra

Jay Cinema and Chow have connected for a fresh project called Alchemy. Cinema is a visionary abstract hip-hop artist from Yonkers, New York, known for his boundary-pushing sound and thought-provoking lyrics- while producer Chow is a prolific beat-maker whose captivating, refreshing twist on underground hip-hop sounds merges particularly well with Cinema’s expressive style. On Alchemy, the two find a natural, engaging chemistry as they piece together a tapestry of raw, sampling soundscapes that drift from eery and claustrophobic to vibrantly psychedelic. Chow’s heavy, gritty drum lines, glitchy patchwork of samples, and potent bass-lines provide an intriguing soundscape for Cinema, as he lays down bar after bar of vividly poetic, often grippingly introspective lines. The project provides an interesting mixture of dark sounds with colorful textures, which gives it added character. Songs like “All On Me” are powerfully cathartic despite their laid-back demeanour, while joints like “Chemdawg” are kaleidoscopic and layered, bringing together that dark griminess with a certain almost intangible vibrance. Many projects get described as “sonic journeys”, but Alchemy is one that is certainly worthy of the title, with its vast range of emotions and sounds laced within Jay Cinema and Chow’s heartfelt performances. Give Alchemy a listen below now.