SolH has connected with kojima plus, Chaos1.0, and Pareto for a new single called “Rollin”. With sleek, laid-back production and sharply-crafted flows, “Rollin” provides a refreshing offering that finds each artist bringing a unique contribution to the table for a cohesive whole. The 420-themed song has a warm, glowing feel, with expansive, balmy guitars underscored by rich, infectious bass, and locked in by crisp percussion. The emcees tackle the relaxed beat with ease, matching its easy-going energy with focused yet calm flows. The track feels both effortless and well thought-out, which can be a rare combination to come by.
The slick, bouncy single makes for an apt soundtrack to the warming weather of late spring, and it keeps things playful but also introspective. Take a listen to “Rollin” and further familiarize yourself with SolH, kojima plus, Chaos1.0, and Pareto.
Detroit’s Valid and Stretch Money have delivered their highly anticipated joint album Bill & Isiah. Preceded by an intensive roll-out that found them hitting fans with track after track of diverse, vivid sounds that kept them on their toes, they come through with the finished product now in Bill & Isiah, and does it ever impress. Across 11 concise yet detailed songs, they further prove that they are a duo to be reckoned with not just within Detroit, but on a wider scale as well.
There are many potent moments that draw the listener into Bill & Isiah’s tasteful and retro-futuristic soundscape, beginning at the gate with the opener “89′ Cadillacs”. The track demonstrates the artists’ focus and dedication to the record’s themes early on, showing their integrity as songwriters and emcees. Bolstered by strong flows, engaging rhyme patterns, and vibrant production, “89′ Cadillacs” is a standout near to the start of the tracklist.
Then there’s the funky, velvety “Revenge”, which drips with swagger and style. Melodious, 80’s-influenced moods continue onto “Sentimental”, the well received single from the record, and show up again at numerous points throughout Bill & Isiah. However, the album does not lack in hard-hitting, lyrically-focused moments either, with tracks like “Game Film” and “Commentate” showcasing both rappers’ venomous pens. Closer “Like This” brings in a classic Detroit sound, with rolling bass and bouncy percussion that recalls the hallmarks many of us love about Motor City hip-hop. It’s a potent mixture of styles and sonics that makes Bill & Isiah stand on its own and finds both rappers bringing their full effort alongside a talented cast of producers and collaborators.
Detroit legend Stretch Money links with Valid on the full-length LP Bill & Isiah, overseen by platinum- credited Grammy-Award Winning DJ Head formerly of Shady Records/ Interscope. Although this is a concept album with a theme throughout, the album is far from a gimmick. Valid and Stretch Money honed in on exactly where they are in their careers and personal lives while adopting the Detroit Bad Boys persona. Give Bill & Isiah a listen below and further familiarize yourself with Detroit heavyweights Valid and Stretch Money.
Shore has shared a new single called “7.7.7”. Shore is a developing independent rapper, singer and songwriter from Annapolis, Maryland. The 19-year-old has shown his versatility and ability to write catchy hooks, sing with conviction and spit emphatic bars, which have perked the ears from outlets such as Lyrical Lemonade, Fashionably Early, Daily Chiefers and more. Shore hopes to continue to be a source of inspiration for the youth in his community to show that your dreams are worth chasing and there is a way out.
His latest offering, “7.7.7”, follows soon after his well-received single “Pure Souls”, and it finds him taking on a crisp and clean, yet hard-hitting sound. The production on “7.7.7” is focused and compact, as booming 808s contrasting with inspiring, emotive keys, locked in by punchy percussion. Shore himself shines as a vocalist with memorable melodies and a heartfelt delivery that grab the listener’s attention from the get-go. Following up a prolific streak of releases, “7.7.7” provides us with even more reason to be excited about Shore in 2023.
King Adroit‘s song “Louis Armstrong”, from his recent project Nicaraguan & Malt caught our attention for its smooth, luxurious feel and potent lyricism. Full of clever, cutting lines that have the listener rewinding throughout, Adroit’s verses are sharply-crafted and focused, as he takes on a laid-back yet confident delivery. The sleek production features gritty, jazzy samples and minimalistic percussion that give enough space for Adroit’s gymnastic wordplay. He balances rawness with a certain refined feel that gives “Louis Armstrong” added personality and character.
Hailing from the Bronx, Adroit continues to build a formidable discography that includes recent releases like Nicaraguan & Malt and The Belgian Blue 2, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Houston artists Bowen Thi and ArmstrongWW have joined forces for a new single called “Relapse (Ah Ah Ah)”. A colorful, energizing new release that displays a natural chemistry between the two Texas-based musicians, “Relapse (Ah Ah Ah)” blends genres engagingly. With elements of hip-hop, alt-pop, and indie, the song’s warm grooves and memorable songwriting make it a standout from Bowen and Armstrong. They play off each other’s energies for a track that remains fun-loving throughout, with a vibrancy that makes it infectious.
“Relapse (Ah Ah Ah)” makes for Thi’s first release of the year, following up well-received singles like “GO!” And “DIVING” from last year. ArmstrongWW is fresh off the heels of his eclectic project Recovery, which earned praise from ELEVATOR, DailyChiefers, and more.
Chicago artist Erik Evy kicks off spring on a refreshing note with “Down Stream”, effectively opening up a new chapter for himself as an artist. Becoming deeply involved with Chicago’s scene, the rising artist has been making waves in the Windy City and beyond, and continues his run with “Down Stream”. The song and video is the introduction into his next chapter that centers around the themes of family, nature, and the way we see the world.
“Down Stream” is a warm, wistful new release accompanied by a self-filmed new visual. The track is compelling in its lyrical imagery and minimalistic yet focused, engaging sound, as Evy reminisces upon his past and looks hopefully at the future atop balmy guitars, a relaxed, level-headed drum line, and rich bass. The video takes on a charmingly DIY approach and reflects Evy’s ethos and approach of taking everything into his own hands when it comes to his creative process.
Erik Evy is a 26 year-old Chicago-based artist who has an exceptional touch with capturing emotions and stories. Influenced by J Cole, Mac Miller, and Amine, he challenges his listeners with different themes with each of his new projects. He expresses tenderness, while flaunting the confidence to win freestyle competitions in Chicago, and opening for Wifisfuneral. Evy’s creativity is infectious, his lyriciscim is expansive, and he captures every emotion in what it means to be human.
Watch the new video for “Down Stream” below and get further acquainted with Erik Evy. Follow him on platforms as well to watch for updates.
California artist Ishmael has caught our attention for his track “Where to Now”, a soulful, introspective joint off his album The Way I See It. Ishmael is an artist from Porterville, California and he began crafting music at the young age of 14. After releasing a series of mixtapes and EP’s, he went on to found an independent label and perform at the likes of Private Wax Festival, The Getaway Fest, and more. Under his new label, Maelrose Records, Ishmael released his The Way I See It project, containing the standout track “Where to Now”.
Containing upbeat, refreshing production centred around reverby, warm soul samples layered atop organic sounding percussion. The beat contains an engaging swing and a fuzzy, throwback feel, recalling undertones of 9th Wonder’s early production. As an emcee, Ishmael sounds focused as he delivers introspective verses detailing overcoming obstacles and striving for more. It’s a relatable track that puts Ishmael’s pen game on center stage. Give “Where to Now” a listen below.
The Bronx’s Johnny VúDOE has come through with a fresh EP called 2pieceAAbiscuit. The 3-track project finds VúDOE flowing smoothly atop character-rich, dusty samples layered on psychedelic drum patterns. He shines as a lyricist, as he packs his verses with thoughtful and clever quips that beckon many re-winds from the listener to catch it all.
Coated with an enveloping warmth, the EP feels immersive, drawing one in further with each minute. In particular, “introducing” makes for a highlight with its grooving, textural bass-lines and lo-fi, grimy horns. It’s true-to-life music with a healthy dose of surrealism in its sound, and there’s a lot to be liked when it comes to the personality entrenched in VùDOE’s brief but potent 3-song project.
Connecticut artist Nick Rose has come through with a fresh video for his single “WANDERING”. While the single originally caught our attention for its vibrancy and genre-bending songwriting, the video expands upon its strengths even further- with colourful, fast-paced shots that capture the track’s vital energy, plus engaging storytelling to go with it. Capturing the song’s liveliness and subtle feeling of urgency, the video depicts a chase scene of Nick and a love interest, equipped with chaotic, psychedelic effects that add to its dizzying pace and layered sound.
Born Nicholas William Costantini, Nick Rose is a 22 year-old artist, songwriter, and producer from Connecticut, born in New Britain and raised in Plainville. Nick is the co-founder and creative director of his imprint DONT TRIP RECORDINGS LLC. Inspired by his personal tribulations and his love for popular culture, he has built an expansive discography of releases that flirt with hip-hop, alt-pop, dance, and more.
Check out Rose’s latest video for “WANDERING” below.
Brooklyn artist Shane, the Shaman has shared a new EP called Lifestyles Of The Young, Black, and Gifted, produced by Tenten. The potent, focused 4-song project finds Shane delivering pensive, sharply-crafted lyrics atop smoky, sample-based production. The instrumentals from Tenten creates a hazy, mysterious atmosphere and a feeling of depth that pairs cohesively with Shane’s thought-provoking lyrical style. His laid-back yet confident cadence draws the listener’s attention quickly, and on songs like “Right Place” he especially shines with sleek wordplay, while Tenten delivers a strong beat containing raw grooves and dusty percussion. “Ebony and Ivory” makes for an elegant track that slows down the pace and finishes the project on a high note, with swirling keys and textural horns that suit Shane’s vocal tone as he delivers some of his most potent lyrics on the EP.
Take a listen to Lifestyles Of The Young, Black, and Gifted below and further familiarize yourself with Shane, the Shaman.
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