Tag: Roundhouse Music

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Blog Roundhouse Features

Jamal J. shares cinematic, thought-provoking album ‘My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah’

Jamal J. has shared a new album, My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah. The LP follows his earlier release, Babilu (Redition), with another monumental record built with the tension, depth, and world-building of a short film. On My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah, each track is infused with a sense of clarity and dimension, pairing intricate, mind-expanding lyrics with elegant, ethereal instrumentals that give the album a refined, cinematic quality. Moments of rawness and haunting beauty coexist as self-aware, detailed lyrics flow across soulful, boundary-pushing production with calm, collected ease.

The hypnotic, immersive sound of Saint Kay–produced tracks like “Salmonella” and “The Titan Kronos” draws the listener into the album’s ethereal atmosphere early in the tracklist, as Jamal J. demonstrates a unique ability to weave disparate phrases and words into vivid, fresh imagery. “Dichotomy,” produced by Reallyhiiim and featuring ANKHLEJOHN, layers a shimmering, infectious loop with organic production that sits neatly beneath the emcees’ poised, memorable lines. “Mudras & Gang Signs,” featuring Israel Jones, creates a hazy, thought-provoking atmosphere, bolstered by the duo’s richly poetic verses. “Weigh Me Down,” featuring Sol Chyld, stands out near the album’s culmination with reflective lyricism atop soaring samples and organic percussion.

Both meditative and invigorating, My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah is a layered record that draws the listener deeper into Jamal J.’s world. He continues to prove himself as a musician who cannot be boxed in- an artist who follows his own path with conviction while delivering emotive, expressive work.

Listen to My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah here now:

Listen HERE on all platforms.

Connect with Jamal J.: Instagram | X

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Blog Roundhouse Features

O Dawg shares potent new single “Wake Up”

O Dawg has shared a new song, titled “Wake Up”. A Brooklyn rapper with a gift for versatility, engaging lyricism, and a naturally charismatic delivery, O Dawg has been building real momentum since his 2016 debut. His sound blends classic East Coast grit with modern influences, creating a lane that’s entirely his own- defined by strong craftsmanship, range, and an unapologetically individual voice. O Dawg’s latest song, “Wake Up”, is a potent, raw offering that harnesses his razor-sharp lyricism atop enticing, dark instrumentation from Camoflauge Monk.

“Wake Up” finds O Dawg gliding over Camoflauge Monk’s production, which is equal parts elegant and sinister- a soundscape built on gritty percussion and a rich, humming bassline that sets a tense, cinematic tone. His delivery is sharp and controlled, each bar landing with precision as he paints vivid scenes through his lyricism. The track feels like a warning and a statement at the same time- O Dawg waking the listener up to his presence, his vision, and the edge that defines his craft.

Listen to “Wake Up” here now:

Connect with O Dawg: Spotify | Instagram | X

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Blog Roundhouse Features

The engaging world-building of Eric Scott’s “Wolfstein” (ft. Smoke DZA)

Eric Scott‘s latest release, “Wolfstein”, featuring Smoke DZA, is more than just a new single- it’s an immersive offering that invites you into the world of the artist and the character he has created. “Drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: The Man Who Made the Monster, this reimagining trades lightning bolts and laboratories for heartbreak and human emotion. In this version, Wolfstein is born from love and loss- stitched together not by science, but by sorrow- becoming something both hauntingly beautiful and deeply unsettling. It’s an angle approached with authenticity and originality, making Scott’s latest release “Wolfstein” stand out as he breaks the mold.

Sonically, “Wolfstein” is an enticing track- creeping, eerie keyboards, ghostly drums, and an ominous bass riff create the perfect backing for the track’s concept and presentation. Scott’s delivery matches the character of Wolfstein to the tee, with its mixture of emotion, hurt, and aggression. His subtle, hypnotic tone and flows add further dimensions of uneasiness to the track. Smoke DZA follows with a potent verse delivered in a similarly hushed, yet raw, tone.

The video’s high-contrast black and white aesthetic, along with its vivid, intense imagery, make for a cohesive accompaniment. Bringing the character of Wolfstein to the screen alongside companions cloaked in black, he portrays a complex and wounded character, carved from heartbreak, to create something both beautiful and terrifying.

Watch Eric Scott’s new video for “Wolfstein” here now on our platform, a single from his upcoming album Wolfstein.

Connect with Eric Scott: Instagram

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Blog Roundhouse Features

EliJah is blazing his own trail in underground hip-hop with fresh single “Function” (ft. Boldy James)

EliJah has shared a fresh new track called “Function”, featuring Boldy James. EliJah, a 23-year-old artist from Cleveland, Ohio, has been making a significant impact on the city’s music scene since emerging in 2020. Known for his authentic love of hip-hop and his willingness to experiment with diverse sounds, EliJah brings a fresh and dynamic voice to the genre.

His work has garnered attention through collaborations with notable artists such as Tony Shhnow, A$AP 12vy, and Boldy James, positioning him as one of Cleveland’s most promising young talents.

EliJah’s latest single puts his skills on display with sharp lyrical prowess, engaging, smooth flows, and hard-hitting production. Featuring hip-hop mainstay Boldy James, the track weaves together potent narratives, eclectic, infectious production, and focused songwriting for an immersive experience for the listener.

Atop glowing samples, raw percussion, and rich bass, the emcees trade memorable verses as they tackle the graceful instrumentation with ease. EliJah is an emcee who brings a powerful energy to each track that he drops, and his latest is further proof. Take a listen to “Function” here now and further familiarize yourself with EliJah.

Listen to EliJah’s music on all platforms HERE.

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Blog Roundhouse Features

The immersive sonic world of Noah Genesis’ ‘another hornet didn’t make it to spring’

Noah Genesis has shared a new album, another hornet didn’t make it to spring. Genesis is a 20-year-old producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Seattle, now based in Los Angeles. His music- entirely self-produced- fuses alternative pop, indie rock, and hip-hop into raw, experimental soundscapes. His new album, another hornet didn’t make it to spring, is a showcase of his diverse, emotive style, drawing from alternative pop, indie rock, hip-hop while maintaining deeply personal themes and an abstract approach. It’s the type of record that draws you in further and further across its run-time, immersing you in its introspective atmosphere and raw feel, as Genesis paints a vibrant picture of his inner world across 11 songs.

another hornet didn’t make it to spring is an album that cannot be boxed in to one genre or style. While it maintains a cohesive sound throughout, it pushes the boundaries through a blend of everything from alternative pop to hip-hop. From the indie and folk flourishes of opener “parasite”, with its expansive guitar riffs and bittersweet vocals- to the rich, energetic “northside story”’s hip-hop tones- another hornet didn’t make it to spring is a record that has something for everyone. Elements of folktronica and minimalism appear on tracks like “stinger”, while closer “nicolas sheff” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad.

The album presents a lived-in kind of intimacy for the listener, as many of its songs feels like a special nostalgic item one has re-discovered again after many years, of the kind they believe they might never find again. It’s a heartfelt, powerful record that brings you both potent points of sweeping instrumentation and vocals, as well as quiet, hidden moments that reveal themselves over time. Listen to Noah Genesis’ new album another hornet didn’t make it to spring here now.

Listen on all platforms HERE.

Watch Noah Genesis’ short film ‘where will i land?’ here:

Connect with Noah Genesis: Spotify | Instagram | YouTube

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Blog Roundhouse Features

Rising Artists Caddy Pack & Pavy Drop Empowering Anthem “Don’t Be Afraid”

Inspiring Hip-Hop Track Tackles Mental Health, Self-Worth, and Resilience with Universal Message of Hope

Emerging hip-hop duo Caddy Pack & Pavy have released “Don’t Be Afraid,” a powerful anthem that transforms personal struggle into collective empowerment. Produced by doom.got.beats, the track delivers an urgent message of self-belief and resilience that resonates with today’s social justice movements. Executive produced by Katrell The Phenomenal. Pairamilitary Music Group.

The Song That Speaks to Our Times

In an era where mental health awareness, anti-bullying initiatives, and human dignity are at the forefront of social discourse, “Don’t Be Afraid” emerges as more than just music – it’s a movement.

We created ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ because we’ve all been in that dark place where fear controls our decisions. Music has the power to reach people when they need it most, and if this song helps even one person recognize their strength, we’ve succeeded. This isn’t just entertainment – it’s empowerment.”

Why This Story Matters Now:

As society grapples with rising mental health challenges, increased social division, and the need for authentic voices of hope, “Don’t Be Afraid” offers a timely solution. 

The track proves that social change music doesn’t require controversy or conflict – sometimes the most radical act is simply reminding people of their inherent worth and power.

Stream and Download “Don’t Be Afraid”:

[Spotify] | [Apple Music] | [YouTube] | [SoundCloud]

Connect:
@caddypack, @pavyworld, @doomgotbeats, @kpthephenomenal, @pairamilitarymusic, @vindig_label 

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Blog Roundhouse Features

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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Blog

Building Community as a Blueprint for Independent Artists

Written by Jacob Ezra

We as independent artists are always in need of clever and practical paths to navigate the industry on our own. With the bloating of social media with content and the saturation of the music market, it has become more necessary than ever to seek new alternatives that differ from old models. In order to do that it can be important to re-frame our thinking around what success looks like in the creative industry. 

A method that directly reaches a group of people, focuses on their needs and interests, and eventually cultivates togetherness in a community, is a useful approach in today’s landscape. This differs fundamentally from the more traditional path of seeking accolades, co-signs, and streaming numbers. It’s not that those things don’t matter, it’s just that as artists operating independently we have a finite amount of energy- and focusing our energy in a different way is likely to yield more useful results at a ground level. That is to focus on finding like-minded individuals and creating a sense of commonality and community around your music and art. This might not bring about big streaming numbers, major co-signs, and the like- but it is likely to build true fans that will support you consistently, provide a quicker path to earning from your creativity, and allow artists to operate with greater freedom.

Let’s talk about effective ways to create community. It doesn’t have to centered around anything too grandiose, as these communities typically build slowly and methodically through consistency. It first involves establishing your identity, which can be done through telling your personal story, showing vulnerability, and letting people into your world. Creating emotional bonds with listeners is the first step to creating community, as they will be able to feel this commonality, and as if they are a part of something.

As this is being established through consistency, give people avenues to join your community. Starting a discord, group chat, mailing list, and cultivating this community through communication on social media are great foundations. Through authentically speaking with this community, providing them with relatable content, and providing incentives, you can strengthen your community bit by bit. Some examples of incentives you can provide could include discord events, contests, behind the scenes content, personalized merchandise, concert giveaways, a patreon, and more. The idea is to have people feel like they know you personally, to establish a relationship with them where they feel seen, and to give them ways to connect with other like-minded individuals in your community.

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Blog For the Record

808 BEEZY shares infectious new EP, ‘4 SUCH A TIME AS THIS’

808 BEEZY has shared an infectious new EP, titled 4 SUCH A TIME AS THIS. A prolific, versatile artist who has been on a run of late, releasing potent singles like “STILL 30 FOR 30”, “Need Some Mo 2”, and more- 808 BEEZY returns once again with an energizing, emotive EP in 4 SUCH A TIME AS THIS.

The triumphant, powerful intro “GATEKEEP!” displays 808 BEEZY’s commanding flows, sharp lyricism, and engaging songwriting. The atmospheric, sweltering instrumentation of “STILL 30 FOR 30” creates an ominous, immense feel, further enhanced by 808 BEEZY’s raw vocals and focus on the mic. “THE BLOOD” makes for a passionate closer that pairs haunting, poignant production with a standout performance from 808 BEEZY that matches the track’s electrifying rhythms and sound.

The eccentric 808 BEEZY is what happens when optimism meets melodic trap. The Arkansas-raised artist wraps emotional storytelling over hard-hitting 808s. From concept to delivery, rising artist, 808 BEEZY effortlessly captivates and woos his listeners with witty punchlines and ear-grabbing production.

After undergoing a rebrand in late 2023 (formerly known as YB), the artist now producer has continued his streak of catchy releases. 10+ million independent streams later, 808 BEEZY is just getting started.

Take a listen to 808 BEEZY’s latest offering, 4 SUCH A TIME AS THIS here now:

Connect with 808 BEEZY: Spotify | Instagram

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Blog Roundhouse Features

4knova shares energizing single “18weeks”

There’s a certain urgency to 4knova’s new single “18weeks” – like someone rapping with one foot on the gas and the other in quicksand. Built on the relentless bounce of Jersey club, the track moves fast, but the emotions hit even faster. It’s not just about the sound (which does knock), it’s about the friction: between ambition and love, loyalty and loss, drive and distraction.

4knova isn’t trying to sugarcoat the grind. He knows what he wants – success, money, freedom – but “18weeks” is about the weight that comes with chasing it. There’s paranoia. Isolation. Temptation. Moments where it feels like the closer you get to your goals, the more everything else starts to fall apart.

Lines like “I just made less friends & more enemies” and “Wanna touch a M / But she wanna fuck / I cannot be him till my money up” don’t just rhyme – they carry the tension of someone figuring it out in real time. Vulnerable, but still locked in. Tired, but not slowing down.

Engineered by 4knova and Yeah Josh, the production is tight and purposeful – clean, minimal, but heavy where it needs to be. It gives the lyrics space to breathe without ever losing momentum.

Hailing from Dallas with Palestinian roots, 4knova continues to blur the lines between genres and influences. His music pulls from real-life pressure and internal battles, pairing melodic delivery with club energy and sharp storytelling. As an independent artist, he’s not waiting for permission – he’s building something real, one track at a time.

Listen to “18weeks” here:

Listen on all platforms HERE.

Connect with 4knova: Instagram | X