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Evil Twin continue to build with ‘EVIL TWIN RELOADED’

Evil Twin, the duo consisting of sharp-witted lyricists Ricky Mapes, who hails from New York, and Fatboyshaun out of Texas, have returned with a fresh installation of their self titled EVIL TWIN series. Their latest offering picks up where they left off on the original EVIL TWIN project, but adds extra layers of complexity both lyrically and sonically that give it much character. Both Mapes and Fatboyshaun have a knack for versatility, able to flip heartfelt, personal rhymes and raw, piercing bars at the drop of a hat. This skill is shown throughout EVIL TWIN RELOADED, and it helps to engage the listener, having them on their toes across 7 tracks never quite knowing what to expect. Laced with soulful production from the likes of Micro, A U R, and more that ranges from ominous and bleak to rich and vivid, EVIL TWIN RELOADED finds the two emcees trading razor-sharp verses packed with dense imagery. Give EVIL TWIN RELOADED a listen below.

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Josiah Hotwire and Illinformed’s ‘BODYBAG SEASON LP’ (ft. Wish Master) is a blazing cross-continental collab

Harlem, New York emcee Josiah Hotwire and London producer Illinformed‘s album BODYBAG SEASON LP, featuring Bristol’s Wish Master is a blazing collaboration from across the Atlantic from start to finish. Equipped with hard-hitting, eclectic production that feels focused throughout, as well as detailed, razor-sharp rhymes from Hotwire and Wish Master, BODYBAG SEASON LP makes for a late year scorcher that blends NYC and UK hip-hop aesthetics cohesively.

Album single “HARLEM KNIGHTS” is a powerful song from early in the track-list that kickstarts the album with a fierce energy. Weaving strings, crunchy percussion, and immense flows give “HARLEM KNIGHTS” a gripping sense of urgency, paired with a sense of style that lives up to the song’s name. “IT GETS GREATER L8ER” contains angelic yet raw instrumentation that sounds poignant and cohesive when paired with Hotwire’s captivating verses. The orchestral, epic feel of “INSIDE MY MIND” makes for a truly impressive closer, with expansive energy and vivid lyricism from the two emcees. Give BODYBAG SEASON LP a listen here now.

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New York’s Dustrial Dre drops refreshing release “Mind’s Good” (prod. Arlo Walker) [Video]

By Jacob Ezra

New York artist Dustrial Dre is an emcee we’ve been following for some time now, and his latest release “Mind’s Good” takes things to a new level with refreshing, vibrant production from Arlo Walker alongside sleek, charismatic flows. Both gritty and elegant, “Mind’s Good”‘s weaving keys, crunchy percussion, and nonchalant confidence make it a track that’s easy to immerse yourself in. The laid-back yet focused joint has also been paired with a nocturnal visual that suits the track’s textural, grimy feel. With classic East Coast influences merged with their own refreshing twist, Dre and Arlo Walker provide an engaging lyrical cut with a vivid atmosphere and solid chemistry. Give the music video for “Mind’s Good” a watch below and be sure to stream the song as well while you’re at it.

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Meechy718 connects with T’Nah and Chelsea Reject for “VIBE WITH ME”

By Jacob Ezra

Brooklyn artist Meechy718 has connected with fellow Kings County standouts T’Nah and Chelsea Reject for a fresh single called “VIBE WITH ME”. Having been a staple in the New York scene for a number of years, Meechy718 continues to impress with his latest offering, which demonstrates his ear for crafting eclectic, lyrically-focused hip-hop with vibrant authenticity. Demonstrating a natural chemistry with T’Nah and Chelsea Reject, the three artists tackle a bouncy, atmospheric instrumental built around watery synth layers and buoyant drums. Blending engaging, smooth melodic vocals with sleek, raw flows, “VIBE WITH ME” is a dynamic track that provides something for everyone. Give it a listen below now.

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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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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.

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LIFEOFTHOM shares soulful new single “EZEKIEL”

By Jacob Ezra

New York artist LIFEOFTHOM has shared a new single called “EZEKIEL”, featuring AKAI SOLO, Ania Hoo, and JamesBurns. The genre-bending musician always brings something new and refreshing to the table with each release- flirting with hip-hop, R&B, indie, and more across his burgeoning discography. His latest song, “EZEKIEL”, is an emotive take on soulful New York sounds, with stirring, emotive samples underscoring his vivid verses. 

Atop warm, uplifting vocal samples, elegant keys, and engaging bass, LIFEOFTHOM flows in a cathartic, focused manner, while demonstrating a natural chemistry with fellow New York emcee AKAI SOLO. The pair come through with poetic, imagery rich verses that merge together seamlessly, painting a clear picture of their life and times in the process.

Give LIFEOFTHOM’s latest single “EZEKIEL” a listen below.

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rivan shares potent new single “BIG (tom hanks freestyle)”

New York-based artist rivan has dropped off a new single, titled “BIG (tom hanks freestyle)”. Following up his DnB-laced, atmospheric single “paper tabs”, “BIG (tom hanks freestyle)” takes on a different tone sonically with its icy, hard-hitting production that flirts with trap, and staggering, poignant flows. “BIG (tom hanks freestyle)” finds rivan shining as a vocalist with sleek vocals intertwined within a charismatic delivery, as booming 808s, raw percussion, and airy samples create a layered backdrop beneath him. With much replay value and sonic power, “BIG (tom hanks freestyle)” presents another engaging release from rivan. Give “BIG (tom hanks freestyle)”, produced by @bashofsb, a listen below.

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kuya takes listeners on an introspective journey with ‘Tales From Ophir: Moros y Cristianos’

By Jacob Ezra

New York artist kuya‘s album Tales From Ophir: Moros y Cristianos is an introspective sonic journey- backed by soulful sampling and laced with detailed, thoughtful lyricism. Inspired by hidden and forgotten stories from kuya’s ancestors and heritage from the Phillipines, Tales From Ophir: Moros y Cristianos is an album that is refreshing and enriching in its take on spirituality, personal growth, and more topics. The record finds kuya flexing his lyrical skills as well, with many vivid, detail-oriented bars that pair well with the album’s emotive, sampling soundscape.

kuya keeps his sound organic and his message clear on Tales From Ophir: Moros y Cristianos, established from the first song “Get you back!”. Discussing his origins and ancestry in the Philippines, realities of living in New York, and embracing Islam, kuya gets personal in his verses while examining how history creates who we are in the present. “hi-fi” is a warm, nostalgic track that feels like re-discovering a lost and treasured memory. “Child of Ophir” creates a sense of optimism while simultaneously being reflective, paying homage to NYC with various sentimental, vivid references. “salaam!” is a soulful closer that finishes the album with emotive touches. Here, kuya delivers expressive, introspective verses atop glowing keys and laid-back percussion, tying together the record’s sound succinctly.

Support kuya directly by purchasing Tales From Ophir: Moros y Cristianos on Bandcamp HERE.

Listen to Tales From Ophir: Moros y Cristianos here now: