Arkansas artist YB has delivered a fresh single called “Praying Hands”. With a style that can be best described as optimistic in tone and content, but hard-hitting and trap-based sonically, YB is an artist that has been keeping fans eyes glued to him with a flurry of poignant, powerful releases, and his latest, “PRAYING HANDS”, is no exception. The booming, expansive single employs a heavy, trunk-knocking rhythm section and ethereal, ominous keys to create a cathartic yet uplifting soundscape. YB himself shines with a fast-paced, razor sharp flow and focused mic presence that captivates from the get-go. The song demonstrates his skill as an emcee and mic control that set him apart alongside quick-witted lyricism and sleek production.
Take a listen to “PRAYING HANDS” here and connect with YB on social media for more.
Cleveland artist 3vd returns to our platform with a fresh release, called “Man on a Mission”. The prolific artist recently dropped offerings called “Euphoria” and “Cutthroat”, which caught our attention initially for their versatility and sonic vibrancy. His latest, “Man on a Mission” continues the same diverse songwriting he has been displaying on his rapidly growing discography, accompanied by an engaging, energizing visual.
Warbling, futuristic synths and booming percussion create an adrenaline-fuelled backdrop for 3vd’s powerful yet self-contained flows. He sounds focused and poised on the mic as he rides the heavy 808s and poignant synths smoothly, captivating the listener’s attention from the get-go. The new visual, shot by @Zenen Saneshige, does well to enhance the track’s raw, off-the-wall feel with nocturnal visuals and sharp, fast-paced cuts that suit the track’s buoyancy.
The latest from 3vd, “Man on a Mission” represents another solid outing from the young Ohio artist and it has us excited for whatever else may be coming from him this year.
Massachusetts artist Jxylen has dropped off a new EP called DIVINE ORDER: ACT I, produced by E.N.G. Creation, fresh off the heels of his recent LP PROJECT MAYHEM: FIGHT CLUB EDITION. While his previous full-length project was often a dark, ominous analysis of the world around him, DIVINE ORDER: ACT I turns things further inward with its introspective content, simultaneously taking on a lighter, cathartic tone in its production and lyricism.
Weaving, soulful beats carry a certain airiness beneath Jxylen’s flows, as he sounds more assured and less burdened on DIVINE ORDER: ACT I, managing to let much off his chest and turn his focus towards new possibilities. Songs like “DON’T WAIT” encapsulate this, with Jxylen still enhancing his delivery with force, yet containing it and throwing in a sense of subtle optimism to balance things out. “THE GOD HOUR” sounds nearly triumphant, despite its aura of gritty realism, as stabs of refreshing vocal samples and elegant keys ring out under Jxylen’s confident verses.
DIVINE ORDER: ACT I takes on a different tone from Jxylen, while retaining his usual penchant for poetic, thoughtful lyricism and grimy instrumentation. It gives off a sense of release and letting go to make way for a brighter future, while keeping its style and sound gritty and raw like the Massachusetts rapper’s previous efforts. Give it a listen below and check out the new video for “DON’T WAIT” while you’re at it.
Detroit’s Valid and Stretch Money have shared a fresh song and video called “Game Film”. After release the well-received “Commentate” and their engaging 80s inspired single “Sentimental” ,Valid and Stretch Money are back with their ode to 80s cinematography, “Game Film”. Co-production shared by platinum credited Grammy-Award winning DJ Head of Shady Records, Grammy-Award winning Anthony Rizzo, and Detroit staple Eddie Logix. “Game Film” is an ethereal, lush track that pairs silky instrumentation with assured, charismatic flows from the two rappers that demonstrate their natural chemistry.
Warm, hypnotic harps blend with drifting strings to create a blissful atmosphere, as crisp, refreshing percussion moors the track beneath. Atop the silvery beat, Valid and Stretch Money deliver poignant verses full of references to films from the 80s, demonstrating a deep love and knowledge of retro cinematography. The video, directed by Jerry Reid, makes for a cohesive accompaniment with VHS-inspired shots that capture the song’s old school feel, complete with locker room and gym settings and an engaging performance from the two emcees.
During a phone conversation, Valid mentioned to Stretch that an idea came to him for them to do a record referencing classic 80s movie titles, scenes, and phrases. As he was saying it out loud, it came to him instantly that sports team’s study game film. “Stretch, I got it. To stay true to the concept of the album, we watch game film like sports teams do, but our game film is these classic gangsta’ ass 80s flicks.” Stretch saw the picture painted clearly, and the two went to work on top of the Eddie Logix score. The two MCs would end up penning what both would consider some of their proudest works, and a legit ode to the VHS era.
Dzh has shared a brand new single called “Practice”. Here, he provides a refreshing take on his usual sound and breaks into new ground with glitchy, progressive production that neatly splits the line between boom-bap, trap, and experimental hip-hop. Atop wavering, booming bass, grimy drums, and psychedelic, dark samples, Dzh weaves together poignant lines at a rapid pace, demonstrating his focus and inimitable mic presence. His flow is commanding and fluid as he attacks the track with a resonant confidence, shining with a laser-like delivery that hits the target with each syllable. As the production creates a buoyant, powerful backdrop for him, he steals the show as a vocalist and proves that his technical abilities are up there with the best in the underground with “Practice”.
New Jersey artist Dzh is a dual threat on the mic and the boards, developing his own sound and style through years of hard work and experimentation. Building a burgeoning, dedicated fanbase through engaging projects like his 2019 debut Under This Hoodie and 2020’s The Durag Tape and La Vita Nuova with Oklahoma’s Levi Hinson, Dzh has consistently displayed passionate, focused songwriting across his discography. His latest offering “Practice” is a real scorcher with a progressive edge to it, making us excited for what may be coming from him this year.
When it comes to hip-hop, Motor City is a locale synonymous with the genre. Over the years, the city has spawned many sub-genres, sounds, and styles that have resonated with many and laid their imprint upon the rap game as a whole. On Mike Wilder and Jake Bass’ new album D.E.A.P. (an acronym for Detroit Emcees and Producers), they tie all of these sounds together in a cohesive manner alongside a gifted set of collaborators. A poignant, infectious set of 10 songs that is diverse as it gets, D.E.A.P. brings in elements of boom-bap, lyrical hip-hop, trap, and more, to further exemplify why Detroit remains as one of the top cities in rap year after year. It’s a potent statement backed by powerful sonics and sharply-crafted lyricism, and D.E.A.P. makes for a strong offering overall that combines the sharp skills of multiple talents, including the likes of Pariis Noel, Marvwon, and more.
Some highlight tracks here include the atmospheric “Pray For Me”, which includes a dazzling set of lyrically-focused verses delivered smoothly, and the heavy, trap banger “Roll Witta Clique”, a track densely packed with charisma and style.
D.E.A.P. is the latest poignant offering from Mike Wilder and Jake Bass. Wilder, who executive produced this album alongside Jake Bass originally got his start in the industry by co-producing Eminem’s debut album Infinite in 1996. He also co-founded the prolific music company NUKID, LLC alongside Marky Bass. Be sure to check out D.E.A.P. below and further familiarize yourself with some of Detroit’s most talented rappers and producers.
Rising out of one of the south’s music capitals Houston, Texas, comes CA the Don with a captivating new release titled “Too High”. An engaging, genre-bending track that combines elements of hip-hop, R&B, and dance for a truly versatile joint, “Too High” presents another strong release from the consistent CA. In particular, “Too High” puts his songwriting on center stage, while also demonstrating his sharp ear for poignant production. CA the Don continues to push his own boundaries with each new release, isn’t afraid to experiment with his sound, and delivers to his audience time and time again, and “Too High” is another example of this.
Rich guitars and infectious bass open up “Too High”, followed by an engaging drum groove that pairs smoothly with the track’s warm instrumentation. CA starts off slow and slick with vocals that combine hip-hop and R&B elements with melodious inflections, before the song makes an engaging transition into a dance-infused joint. Throbbing percussion and immersive synths give the track a clean club feel, as CA takes the song to new heights as a vocalist with his silky delivery. The new video makes for a cohesive accompaniment as well, with balmy shots and a retro filter that immerse the listener in the track’s energizing yet laid-back feel.
Produced by Scar, cam sos, and CA himself, “Too High” is a solid new offering from him that continues the Houston artist’s run into the new year. Check it out below and connect with CA the Don on social media for more.
Detroit artists Valid and Stretch Money are back with a new single, titled “Commentate”. Produced by Slot-A with co-production from DJ Head, the song contains a vibrant soundscape based around raw synths, hard hitting drums, and potent bass. Vocally, Valid and Stretch Money shine as they trade raw, passionate verses back and forth that demonstrate their focus as lyricists. Full of clever lines containing engaging references, their verses meld with basketball-related clips to enhance the track’s themes. All of these parts work together to create a strong cohesive whole from Valid and Stretch Money, who continue their potent run of singles ahead of their new collaborative project Bill & Isiah.
“Commentate” makes for a strong new track from Valid and Stretch Money, with critically acclaimed producer Slot-A (producer of Legacy! Legacy! by Jamila Woods) linking up with Detroit MC’s Valid and Stretch Money to deliver a unique, never been done before, gritty display of lyrical penmanship with “Commentate”. Co-produced by platinum credited Grammy-Award winning DJ Head of Shady Records, and Grammy-Award winning Anthony Rizzo, “Commentate” is a hard-hitting, memorable display of potent lyricism and slick flows.
Listen to “Commentate” here:
The duo have also released an engaging new visualizer that enhances the track’s basketball themes with a retro feel. Check it out here:
Brooklyn artist Nkosi Bourne has dropped off a new single called “Final Form”. Containing a vibrant, soulful backdrop that blends cohesively with Bourne’s thought-provoking lyricism, “Final Form” continues his prolific run and demonstrates his signature sound in the process. A motivational anthem filled with raw vocals and reaffirming lyrics, the song gives perspective on accepting where someone may be isn’t where they want, but one must continue to take steps to get their “Final Form,” aka their best self, no matter what obstacles may arise.
“Final Form” contains vivid production centred around colourful samples, warm, minimalistic percussion, and rich bass. Creating an emotive, refreshing backdrop for Bourne’s sleek, laid-back flows, the instrumentation melds cohesively with his potent vocal performance. Lyrically thoughtful and focused, “Final Form”’s depth and messaging makes it a multi-dimensional release.
Give “Final Form” a listen below and further familiarize yourself with the talented Brooklyn rapper.
New Jersey-based artist RUYi has surprised fans with the release of his new single “Heart of the World”. The single also features fellow Jersey artist, Nike’ the Artist.
On this 3-minute 90s-retro inspired track, RUYi and Nike’ flow effortlessly to portray a flurry of emotions- from love to hope to disappointment. Nike’ starts the song off with otherworldly vocals, which can be described of as nothing short of perfect. She talks about the steps she’s taking to gain success in music- from “one more TikTok, one more show, one more video and interview”. RUYi follows up using his verse to highlight some trials and tribulations black people face on a regular basis. To add more emphasis to his verse, RUYi dropped a skit, to accompany the single, titled “Children of the Diaspora” in which he showcases his frustration with the government due to the systems put in place, or the lack thereof.
RUYi and Nike’ showcase amazing chemistry on top of an amazing production. Make sure to check out the new single below.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 