Tag: rap

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OJ Mountain delivers a layered listen with “don’t praise me, i won’t take it too well”

By Jacob Ezra

New York-based artist OJ Mountain has shared a new song called “don’t praise me, i won’t take it too well”. A tapestry of jazz-laced samples on “don’t praise me, i won’t take it too well” conjures an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and eery, while OJ matches the track’s otherworldliness with detailed, abstract lyricism.

Weaving, darkly hypnotic guitars and saxophones drift atop a fast-paced, frenetic rhythm section, accentuated by OJ’s surreal lines and deft flows. With rhyme patterns as unpredictable as the instrumentation, he keeps the listener on their toes and drops off an offering with “don’t praise me, i won’t take it too well” that is thought-provoking- as well as somehow soothing and ominous simultaneously.

Continuing his prolific run after a series of poignant singles and collaborations with T H R O N E, DAMAG3, and more, the intriguing single “don’t praise me, i won’t take it too well” appears ahead of OJ Mountain’s forthcoming album WRONG NOTES PLAYED WITH GUSTO.

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kJADE dives deeper on ‘THE SOUND THAT TREES MAKE’

By Jacob Ezra

kJADE has caught our attention for her fresh project THE SOUND THAT TREES MAKE. On , THE SOUND THAT TREES MAKE, kJADE delivers anthems of empowerment atop soundscapes of shimmering, jazz-laced minimalism. With a penchant for descriptive, introspective lyricism that gets to the heart of the matter- kJADE keeps the listener engaged with deft poetics atop smoky, intriguing instrumentals.

The cozy, freeing sound of THE SOUND THAT TREES MAKE– produced largely by esteban.mp3– gives it an intimate atmosphere that entices the listener, creating an apt backdrop for kJADE’s personal, observant lyrics. While sonically the album is often hazy and lo-fi, it contains uplifting undertones of self-empowerment that make THE SOUND THAT TREES MAKE a character-rich and multi-layered listen. “SPIRITUAL WARFARE VETERAN” is a highlight track that uses soaring, warm samples and deeply thoughtful lyrics to great effect. The album finishes especially strong with a series of expansive instrumentals that create an aura of freedom that takes the record to new heights on tracks like “INNR CHILD”.

Take a listen to kJADE’s latest project THE SOUND THAT TREES MAKE here.

Photo credit: Apetight

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kevspeakstruth releases introspective EP, ‘K.E.V.’

By Jacob Ezra

kevspeakstruth has shared a new EP, titled K.E.V. K.E.V. further showcases his signature sound, which finds a balance between his roots in both NYC and Florida- with southern-tinged percussion and rhythms merging with Kev’s East Coast-influenced delivery and lyricism. Like much of his output, it finds him unwilling to be placed in a box, while he also wears his heart on his sleeve across the EP’s five tracks. Discussing topics like trying to find direction in your mid-late 20’s, staying true to your grind, and more, Kev wastes no time in delving deeper into matters that directly impact listeners.

“Imposter Syndrome” poignantly discusses self-doubt atop an emotive, vibrant instrumental, contrasted by the ominous, darkly jazzy sound of follow-up track “Clover”. He also delves engagingly into drill on the energizing “Hermanos” and even left-field electronic on closer “Siamese”, as K.E.V. takes on an identity of its own with its diverse soundscape, paired with kevspeakstruth’s heartfelt introspection. Give a listen to K.E.V. here now.

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SpaceCave and freespottie find a ‘Freespace’ on international collaboration

By Jacob Ezra

Freespace is a 6-song offering from SpaceCave and freespottie that caught our attention for its transcendent sonics and unfiltered energy. SpaceCave hails from Novosibirsk, Russia, while freespottie originates from across the globe in Atlanta, USA- and the two manage to find a blissful common ground atop a series of layered, immersive instrumentals while displaying light-on-their-feet flows and heartfelt lyricism.

The carefree feel and off-the-cuff presentation of Freespace makes it enticing from the get-go. Hypnotic, cloudy samples and punchy percussion accentuate the two emcees potent flows on songs like “Find the Groove” and “Words of Advice”. “Just Another Night” adds jazz tinges with glitchy undertones that give it a mind-expanding style- while closer “New Day”‘s tranquil, reflective sound and warm flows recall hints of Nujabes while SpaceCave and freespottie also give it character of its own.

The fun-loving, free-spirited mood of Freespace feels desired in today’s musical landscape, as the two artists approach the EP with little cares as to an overly manicured presentation of themselves. With a natural, off-the-cuff feel and rich, laid-back production, Freespace is an enjoyable release from these two. Check it out here now.

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Valid and Stretch Money deliver an anthem for hard workers on “Nine To Five”

Valid and Stretch Money, also known as “Bill & Isiah,” come together once again on Valid’s latest single, “Nine To Five.” Following their successful collaboration album in 2023, the duo delivers a Summer 2024 anthem with this track produced by Vuk Starinac. This track resonates with hardworking individuals who clock in day after day, yet still manage to keep their style and spirit alive.

Valid’s latest release featuring Stretch Money demonstrates the pair’s creative vision, charismatic approach, and ability to inject humor into their work. Demonstrating the chemistry that the duo has become known for, “Nine To Five” finds them trading clever verses that have the listener re-winding throughout. With hypnotic, playful production centred around sleek keys, punchy percussion, and rich bass, “Nine To Five” makes for an infectious listen. Featuring a new music video that captures the track’s humorous, laid-back swagger with an engaging performance from Valid and Stretch Money – “Nine To Five”, released on Valternativa Records– provides the whole package from the two Detroit mainstays.

Listen to “Nine To Five” here and check out the new music video.

Connect with Valid: Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook

Connect with Stretch Money: Instagram | Facebook

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Myles Clayton connects with Chris Celestial for raw single “Sittin’ N da Middle”

By Jacob Ezra

Myles Clayton and Chris Celestial have connected for a new single called “Sittin’ N da Middle”. The new song finds I’ll Nevah Die member Clayton and I N D affiliate Celestial demonstrating a potent chemistry atop a beat with a powerful energy that’s both thought-provoking and unsettling.

It seems that Clayton and Celestial are natural collaborators, with both emcees demonstrating pensive, introspective lyricism and an ear for dark, cacophonous production. “Sittin’ N da Middle” brings their strengths together atop a cerebral instrumental that is equal parts grimy and atmospheric. Walls of imposing samples, droning backing vocal samples and a rumbling rhythm section underscore the emcees’ cathartic, hard-hitting vocal performance and imagery-rich lines. Give “Sittin’ N da Middle” a listen here now.

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Kaos the Baker shares “THE ESSENCE OF KAOS” on soulful new album (prod. SB11)

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Kaos the Baker has shared a new album, titled THE ESSENCE OF KAOS, produced by Australia’s SB11 and mixed and mastered by TimePiece. Raised in Akron, Ohio and Charlotte, North Carolina- Kaos the Baker has been making waves for his emotive, raw delivery, detailed lyrical style and ear for engaging, soulful production. A mainstay in Charlotte’s hip-hop scene, Kaos co-founded the label AKB2 Entertainment alongside his cousin and fellow talented emcee Lord Jah Monte Ogbon. His latest album, THE ESSENCE OF KAOS, is a powerful addition to his consistent discography, featuring versatile, charismatic vocals atop rich soundscapes from SB11.

On THE ESSENCE OF KAOS, Kaos the Baker handles a variety of soul-laced, lush instrumentals from SB11 with ease. He demonstrates dynamic flows, a confident, emotive cadence, and re-playable lyrics that give THE ESSENCE OF KAOS much character. Coming through with a variety of sonic flavors while staying true to himself throughout, Kaos delivers potent, driving tracks like victorious opener “The Essence”- while also laying down ethereal, thoughtful joints like “Forming Galaxies” with ease. With ceaseless energy and poignant focus, Kaos the Baker and SB11 present a sonic tour-de-force with their latest offering THE ESSENCE OF KAOS.

Listen to Kaos the Baker’s latest project THE ESSENCE OF KAOS, produced by SB11, here now.

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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.

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NAHreally and The Expert share thought-provoking album ‘BLIP’

NAHreally and The Expert have dropped off a new album titled BLIP. This new LP from Massachusetts-born, New Jersey-based emcee NAHreally follows up his poignant 2022 album HACKINAWAY, and it finds him connecting with prolific producer The Expert for a thought-provoking collection of character-rich, ruminative songs. BLIP draws the listener into a hypnosis with a set of focused songs that are detail-oriented and relatable- putting a refreshing twist on observational lyricism while dissecting life’s minutiae from the outside looking in.

Songs such as standout track “Breaking Down in Real Time” featuring Open Mike Eagle, display NAHreally’s sharp eye for detail atop The Expert’s pensive production, as NAHreally tackles anxiety around aging in a manner that zooms in and gives listeners a clear picture. Jazz-tinged songs such as “Movement & Light” use ethereal production and vivid, poetic lyricism to convey a bittersweet wistfulness- while “Read the Room” discusses the awkwardness and uncertainty of human interaction atop potent, dark instrumentation from The Expert. Overall, BLIP is truly a journey through light and dark, and various integral emotions, while exploring the quirks and little complexities of being human.

Take a listen to NAHreally and The Expert’s new album BLIP here:

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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.