Producer BhramaBull has dropped off a new track called “Victorious”, alongside Toronto emcee Raz Fresco and New Orleans’ CKooliente. A meeting of three standout minds in hip-hop’s underground, “Victorious”‘s effortlessly soulful, laid-back feel comes through in its weaving, graceful vocal samples, warm keys, and rich rhythm section. The emcees sound poised and sharp atop BhramaBull’s ethereal beat, as they trade raw verses while demonstrating a natural chemistry. Focused and in the pocket, Fresco and CKooliente’s assured tones match BhramaBull’s rugged yet smooth production style for a truly “Victorious” offering. Give it a listen here now.
California duo MOMO AZUL!, consisting of emcee Masongo Ogora and producer SoulLoops., come together for a soulful, uplifting release in THE ALBUMLUDE. A reflective, warm set of songs that feel freely expressive in a refreshing manner- THE ALBUMLUDE‘s potent, hopeful energy refuses to be constrained. With much character and engaging songwriting that often opts for unorthodox approaches, THE ALBUMLUDE is a vibrant, likeable offering from MOMO AZUL!. “GRIEF GUY // COMMERCIAL BREAK” introduces a carefree like-ability that lingers throughout the record, distilled by its chorus, which truly grows on the listener as time goes on. “DIM TO 2% BATTERY” feels like a sonic sigh of relief with its laid-back, thoughtful sound- while songs like “HALF-HUMAN 2ME” blend in free jazz and lo-fi elements for psychedelic offerings. Overall, THE ALBUMLUDE is a sonic journey that surprises and charms at many points. Give it a listen here now.
Jaysanityy has dropped off a new album, titled bag man julio. The prolific artist has become known for his ear for hypnotic, soulful production, and especially his ability to go deep with his lyricism and content. Building a prolific catalogue of releases that put a forward-thinking twist on boom-bap, he continues to expand his sound with bag man julio, which features Jordan Ali, omontizay, and more. Jaysanityy has a penchant for building expansive worlds with his songs, while injecting a heavy dose of potent introspection. Both grounded and surreal, bag man julio cuts past the surface level from the get-go for a thought-provoking listen. Highlight tracks include the ethereal, epic “50 years of hip hop”, with the powerful catharsis it displays in its vocals, as well as the rich, meditative “generational artist”. bag man julio feels like one of these albums that just tunes the external world out, and inspires a deep dive within. Give bag man julio a listen here now.
A.M. Early Morning has shared a new EP called Pitchin Quarters, produced entirely by Nightwalker. The project finds the pair demonstrating a natural chemistry as they lay down a series of heartfelt, jazz-tinged tracks that reflect their work ethic and focus. Opener “Hard Times” makes for a reflective listen with its warm, nostalgic jazzy production and raw lyricism. The glowing soul loops and assured vocals of “Progression” conjure an undertone of triumph, while title track “Pitchin Quarters” paints a starkly real, vivid picture atop enotive production. An engaging EP that radiates authenticity, Pitchin Quarters presents a solid new release from A.M. Early Morning and Nightwalker. Give it a listen here now.
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.
Trey Tuck has dropped off a new song called “SET THE PACE”, featuring the legendary Smoke DZA and produced by Josh Blount. Based out of Connecticut, Trey Tuck is a hip-hop artist known for his versatility and lyrical innovation. Tuck started writing and rapping in 2012, basing his musical style from his daily experiences. Driven by music’s ability to bring people together, Tuck’s lyrics tell stories about the lessons learned from his trials and tribulations. For his latest offering, Tuck shines atop hard-hitting production from Josh Blount that blends old school East Coast hip-hop influences with refreshingly modern sounds, alongside a potent verse from Smoke DZA.
Engaging, raw sampling, immense percussion and booming bass give “SET THE PACE” a cathartic, powerful pace, setting an apt foundation for Tuck and DZA’s captivating flows. With sharply-crafted lyricism, poised deliveries, and confident mic presences, the two emcees swap blistering verses that capture the intense energy of the production.
“SET THE PACE” presents an exciting new offering from Connecticut artist Trey Tuck, with a hypnotic, hard-hitting blend of sounds that captures the listener’s attention from the get-go. Give “SET THE PACE” a listen here now:
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:
_thesmoothcat and Wino Willy have dropped off a fresh new album, titled Ready, Set. Hypnotic and refreshing, this potent new record finds the two creative, eclectic artists discovering a common ground with jazzy, psychedelic soundscapes. Wino Willy’s dusty, astral instrumentals suit the focused musings of _thesmoothcat, who drops verse after verse of engaging material. Introspective and hypnotic, Ready, Set presents a wide variety of jazz-tinged soundscapes drenched in an otherworldly atmosphere that sets this record apart. From the glowing, pensive sonics of “Brand New”, to the lo-fi abstractions of “OFFTOP”, Ready, Set is a mind-expanding record from two artists deeply in their bag creatively.
Regarding the conception of Ready, Set and the unique circumstances that led to the record coming together- in late 2020, beat-maker/ producer Charles Corpening ( Wino Willy ) took a gig mixing a live- stream for a mural dedication in New Orleans featuring a performance by _thesmoothcat ( Josh Henderson) & 9th Life. Corpening was so moved by their sound that he captured the raw audio on the spot and began flipping it as soon as he got home. The levity and joy in the streets that he heard in Josh’s music in contrast to the darkness of the times conjured feelings of his youth in Philadelphia and the cultural similarities across both cities. Shortly after, he reached out to Josh and the collaboration that led to Ready, Set was born.
Take a listen to _thesmoothcat and Wino Willy’s refreshing new album Ready, Set here- an LP full of life and self-awareness that reflects the two artists’ outside-the-box approach and poignant work ethic. Support the artists directly on BandCamp HERE.
Emcee Degree, of BSF Records, and prolific producer BhramaBull have connected for a new EP called You Are Your Art. This project presents a potent meeting of minds, with personality-rich, soulful instrumentals from BhramaBull providing Degree with the correct canvas to paint his true-to-life, detailed lyricism.
From the get-go, the meditative keyboard riffs and streetwise verses of “Under The Gun” captivate, while “Bravo”‘s warm but wistful sonics present a solid follow up. The orchestral, nostalgic instrumental and focused vocals on “Insomnia” feel refreshing, and the introspective, elegant “Bullet Proof Jeep”, with Pat Ron, makes for a highlight later in the track-listing.
Give Degree and BhramaBull’s latest offering, the poignant You Are Your Art, a listen here now:
Dray Taylor is back on our pages with a new song called “Lifted”. A refreshing emcee with a penchant for heartfelt bars and soulful sonics, Taylor continues to fly unfairly under the radar despite having a consistent, quality output. “Lifted” presents an uplifting, focused offering from Taylor, as he weaves together thoughtful lyrics atop a tapestry of rich, airy vocal samples, punchy percussion, and lively bass. With an eye for detail in his verses, and an inspiring feel, Taylor drops off a vital offering with “Lifted”. Give it a listen here:
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 