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Rap Music Promotion Blog

Kilabear created a sonic sanctuary for the disillusioned with his dark trap stormer, leave me alone

Kilabear

In leave me alone, the alt-rap pioneer, Kilabear, stakes his claim as the dark sovereign of trap, invoking a prelude reminiscent of Sisters of Mercy, only to shatter the gothic serenity with a bass-heavy beat that propels us into his world of brooding introspection. The track is a raw confluence where the polished production of pop and the grit of trap music coalesce into an evocative vignette of how desperation for isolation can swarm the psyche.

Kilabear’s verses, laden with a poignant candour, penetrate relatable melancholy deep into the mix; his words don’t just hit close to the bone, they soak into the marrow as you’re confronted with unfeigned vulnerability, which acts as an olive branch to connect through one of life’s most solitary experiences. If you’ve ever wanted to withdraw into the recesses of your own spirit through disillusionment and scorn, consider leave me alone you’re new sonic sanctuary.

With his music, Kilabear addresses themes of heartbreak, substance abuse, and the everyday struggles that often go unspoken. leave me alone is a testament to his fearlessness in exposing unvarnished truth.

leave me alone will be available to stream on all major platforms from October 9th; check out the single on Spotify and Apple Music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Micah! is California dreaming in their latest alt indie pop release, STAY UP

You don’t need Micah!’s bio to tell you that they’re a Cali-residing artist, you can hear it in the dreamy warmth of the hazy melodies in their latest alt-indie-pop single, STAY UP, which teases nuances of hip-hop into the mix with sharp pseudo-rap cadences in the verses.

After honing their songwriting, recording and production skills for a decade, STAY UP is a catharsis-soaked culmination of all the time invested in their unflinching dedication to carve out a niche that listeners will want to nestle into time after time.

Fans of the deliciously delirious tonal palettes alchemised by NewDad, Jibba, Just Mustard and other contemporary indie icons in the same vein will find endless appeal in STAY UP, which is yet another attestation to Micah!’s potential that has already been actualised after the artist opened for Snoop Dogg and hit the 1 million stream mark on SoundCloud.

STAY UP was officially released on September 19; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Caleb X ticked all the right dream trap boxes in ‘Ricky Hoodie’

Caleb X’s standout single, Ricky Hoodie, drawn from his third LP, Dreams of Rodeo, introduces listeners to a dreamscape where the trap genre isn’t just revisited; it’s reinvented. The track embodies a dreamy trap aesthetic that could lift the heaviest souls to ethereal heights with its light, transcendent tonality. The instrumental work is nothing short of entrancing, setting a cloud-like stage for Caleb X’s vocals.

His verses meld the sticky sweetness of pop harmonies with the sharp cadence of hip-hop, demonstrating his unique flair for bridging genres. It’s a polyphonic exploration that promises to peel back layers of the mundane and add a fresh sound to any vibe-out playlist. Ricky Hoodie ticks every proverbial box for what dream trap can aspire to be—polyphonic, innovative, and utterly mesmerising without resorting to cliché.

Caleb X, hailing from Atlanta, continually defies the ordinary, shaping sounds that refuse to be shackled by the conventional boundaries of trap music. With each new release, he distinguishes himself from his contemporaries by bending sonic boundaries towards his creative will.

Stream and purchase the 3rd LP from Caleb X on Apple Music and Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Teck-Zilla, JXXIII, Quinja, Sentence, Yada and Reespect ignited a sonic revolution of empowerment in their collaborative hit, Naija Women

Naija Women by JXXIII, Quinja, Sentence, Yada, Reespect

Teck-Zilla’s latest hit, Naija Women, is an explosive celebration of culture and empowerment that carves out space for female strength in a rap landscape often skewed against it.

Produced by Nigerian-born, UK-based Teck-Zilla, the track brings together five Nigerian rappers—JXXIII, Quinja, Sentence, Yada, and Reespect—each brings their own mesmeric energy to the mic as the beat cuts like a razor through the lush, atmospheric production, making way for the quintet’s undeniable talent to shine through.

The dynamic interplay between the artists results in a juxtaposition of soul and fiery passion, making it impossible to settle on a single emotion; instead, you’re left in awe of how these women hold their own, spitting bars with confidence and unapologetic resilience.

For every woman who has ever fought hard just to be heard, Naija Women is a powerful reminder to never stop trying to reshape oppressive narratives.

Naija Women was officially released on September 9th and is now available to stream and purchase via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Skinny Blacks fired up a new wave of hip-hop with his hypersonically hot track, Getaway Bae

With roots stretching from South London to St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Skinny Blacks delivered a pulsating summer anthem with Getaway Bae. If you’re searching for a track that hits harder than a heatwave in July, this high-octane single offers everything you’d expect from an artist fusing his Jamaican heritage with trap-heavy beats.

In an era where so much hip-hop sounds formulaic, Skinny Blacks smashes through the monotony with energy levels that could power a city. The track comes with the unrelenting force of a tropical storm, combining rhythmic precision with an edge that demands a replay.

By blending melodic rap with bold trap production, Skinny Blacks crafted an adrenalised hit for the wanderlust generation. Lyrically, it’s an unapologetic testament to being in control of your destiny, and musically, it’s a blueprint for the new direction UK rap is taking. It’s clear Skinny Blacks isn’t just riding the wave – he’s creating his own tsunami in the scene.

Getaway Bae was officially released on September 1st; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tony C sonically visualised the kidcore aesthetic in his hip-hop hit, Peter Pan Man

Tony C’s latest single Peter Pan Man is a defiant, high-octane triumph of playfully devil-may-care rebellion. The Californian emcee, known for his feverish flows and razor-sharp lyrical precision, takes listeners on a journey through a kidcore aesthetic with polyphonic beats that bounce and crackle under his infectiously insolent high-vibe lyrics. Flexing against the pressures to conform and grow up, Tony C proves that being forever young isn’t just a fantasy, it’s a lifestyle.

As gripping as his visual narrative is, it’s the rhythmic precision in Tony C’s bars that truly pulls you in; it really wouldn’t matter if he was waxing lyrical from the periodic table. His animated flows are impossible to resist, hooking you with every beat. The track leaves you craving more, not just from the song itself but from his entire discography, which is as diverse and dynamic as Peter Pan Man suggests.

Tony C’s origin story took place in Roseville, California, where he initially channelled his creativity into poetry before turning to music in high school. After making waves with a 10-song album produced by Zak Diebels (Z-Rokk), Tony’s debut release, Invincible, caught major attention. With tracks appearing on E!’s Khloe and Lamar and VH1’s Black Ink Crew, the iTunes editors were quick to praise his lush hooks and hyper-enunciated verses, comparing him to heavyweights like Slug, Eminem, and Mac Miller.

With Peter Pan Man, Tony C further cements his status as a rising force in hip-hop, refusing to grow up or slow down.

Peter Pan Man is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

PTM WOK’s ‘ALL OVER’: A Seamless Fusion of 80s RnB and Contemporary Hip-Hop Swagger

With his latest release, ‘ALL OVER,’ the independent rapper, PTM WOK, effortlessly bridged the gap between nostalgic 80s RnB vibes and the sharp pulse of modern hip-hop. The Dominican artist, who was born and raised in New York City and now resides in Tampa, Florida, draws on his rich Latino heritage and urban experiences to deliver a track that is as rhythmically tight as it is atmospherically lush.

The smooth low timbre of PTM WOK’s rap bars glides over the track, syncing perfectly with the solid rattle of the 808s, which demand your attention and pull you right into the core of the rhythm. Every beat is touched with salacious soul as he waxes lyrical, effortlessly weaving his wordplay around a honed yet natural cadence.

The free flow of ‘ALL OVER’ gives it an unfiltered, almost stream-of-consciousness edge, yet the profound imagery woven throughout the track attests to PTM WOK’s elevated lyricality.

As the creator and driving force behind the artistic collective Plot Twist Mafia, he’s steadily becoming one of the most unreckonable forces in the Floridian underground hip-hop scene.

PTM WOK’s latest work is undeniably one to pay attention to, particularly for those who appreciate a seamless blend of lyrical depth and rhythmic precision.

Stream the official music video for ALL OVER which dropped on August 14th on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Aco Draco fires off in his stormer of a rap track, Ray Gun

Departing from sonic mundanity, Aco Draco’s latest single, Ray Gun, burst onto the scene with artillery that’s anything but ordinary. Opening with a faux news report, the track cleverly sets the stage for Draco’s irreverent entry, blending tongue-in-cheek humour with a punchy introduction that hooks listeners from the get-go.

Ray Gun”marries cinematic orchestral strings with classic boom-bap beats, creating a soundscape as expansive as it is epic. Draco’s raspy, convicting rap bars slice through the backdrop, proving that his command of the mic is as formidable as his creative vision.

This up-and-coming Colorado native, who carries influences from Lil Wayne to Metallica, showcases a dynamic fusion of sharp lyricism and high-energy beats that will rattle the hip-hop scene to its core.

From his humble beginnings recording in a closet with an Xbox headset to charting his own course in the rap industry, Draco’s journey is one of relentless pursuit and undeniable growth. His unique style, marked by raw authenticity and emotional depth, is capable of turning heads, bending ears and making waves with its charismatic wordplay and bold execution.

Ray Gun was officially released on the 29th of August; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Beats, Rhymes, and Faith: KAotik’s Quest for Integrity in Hip-Hop

KAotik

KAotik, a dynamic figure in the hip-hop arena, recently shared insights into his creative process and the cultural influences that shape his music. In an exclusive interview, he explores the significance of his Nigerian heritage, his spiritual beliefs, and how his varied life experiences across different cities and continents feed into his lyrical themes. Through it all, KAotik maintains a commitment to originality, ensuring his music remains true to his vision while resonating with a diverse audience. His independent label, Vintage Note, stands as a testament to his dedication to forge a unique path in the industry.

KAotik, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us to discuss the innovative paths you’re forging through the hip-hop landscape. First things first, what’s your sonic origin story?

Well, when I was younger I’m guessing at around the age of 8 years old in the mid to late 80s, I listened to a lot of R&B. I was infatuated by artists my parents played such as Bobby Brown, Michael Jackson, and Lionel Richie. Also, I admired other artists I picked up on from the radio on my own such as Anita Baker, Whitney Houston and Al B. Sure. I didn’t gain any interest in Hip Hop till I was around the age of 14 in the early 90’s. I can recall my first time experimenting with Hip Hop. A friend and a couple of my brothers recorded a Hip Hop song we made up on a stereo system with a tape recorder. I remember as I grew older my mom bought me a boombox and me buying my first tape. A Hip Hop artist out of Texas named Mr. Mike.

How integral are your Nigerian roots to your artistic identity?

I would say there is a bit of influence from my Nigerian roots to how I create music. Some of it may come from how I create some of my beats, which sound a little like Nigerian music. Also, I may have a track talking about my culture in Nigeria or have a track saying a word or two in the Igbo language of Nigeria. Growing up as a catholic, my parents played a significant part in my upbringing for the love of my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. God is very influential in my creativity and how I put together my music. The Lord’s influence in my music is very evident especially now that I’m older.

After being born in Washington DC, attending boarding school in Nigeria and uprooting your life to Laurel MD, you’ve experienced a multitude of geographical and cultural shifts; how have these transitions influenced your lyrical themes and the stories you tell through your music?

My concepts and ideas on what I write about haven’t changed much since my transitions internationally and nationally. When I lived in D.C. I was very young so my memories over there were very vague. When I was in boarding school in Nigeria I pretty much wrote about life and what was happening around me. Now that I’m in Laurel, MD I also do a bit of the same thing. But now I’m more experienced along with more clever wordplay and more sharpened skills.

From being part of a duo to joining a larger group, and finally shining as a solo artist—how has each phase contributed differently to your development as an artist?

When I first started to pursue Hip Hop more seriously, I was living in my old stomping grounds of Silver Spring, MD years back. When my partner in rhyme and I formed a group, we entered a lot of open mics and Hip-hop contests. This developed my confidence as an artist and helped me gain stage presence. As I went through my phase of joining a larger group, I began to grow with my writing process, learned how to work with other artists and my ability to perform was enhanced. Finally, as a solo artist, I took all those skills I learned being in groups and utilized them to my advantage. I also developed in other fields such as knowing how to navigate through the music business more fluently.

How do you keep your sound relatable and distinctive?

I do my best to be relevant in Hip Hop with the music I put out now. But that is not my main objective when doing music. I prefer to just be my own original self and put out material that’s not going to be trendy or what everybody is doing. At the end of the day when I evaluate it all, I gotta ask myself the question, is the material I’m putting out being true to myself or not?

You pull inspiration from a range of diverse rappers, which artist has had the most profound impact on your motivation and determination to build your own legacy?

Honestly, KRS One, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Black Thought, Last Emperor, Inspectah Deck and Keith Murray all had a profound impact on my motivation and determination to build my own legacy. But if I had the difficult decision to choose one artist, I would go with Black Thought. The reason being is he is the only artist I really was emulating while I was finding my way as an artist. Also, he has one of the nicest pen games in Hip Hop, he kept his integrity and never changed throughout the years for relevancy.

Can you tell us about your independent label, Vintage Note?

Yeah, It’s a label I started years ago when I became a solo artist. So far, I’m the only artist on the roster but that could change in the near future. At the moment my label is being distributed by CD Baby. Eventually, my goal is to be able to receive distribution from a larger independent distributor such as The Orchard or Empire.

Your latest project, They Said It Couldn’t Be Done, is quite the statement of resilience, what inspired the release?

I’ve been doing this music thing for several years now and through it all I haven’t budged from keeping my distinct perspective in Hip Hop. There are a lot of different influences in this genre of music that you can easily pick up. But I kept my integrity, and continued to stay true to me and put out material that I’m known for. Regardless of what an abundance of people say, such as my perspective on Hip Hip can’t be done or can continue to flourish. I’m proving them wrong because I’ve been active as an artist these past number of years and that’s how the title They Said It Couldn’t Be Done came about.

What’s next for KAotik?

Well Lord willing, I hope to be putting out several new projects in the following year. Look out for them! Also, I will be doing my best to be booking more shows because I’ve been on a drought for that. Plus I’m gonna continue to build and develop my label. I also have some business ventures I’m looking into. Other than that whatever the Lord blesses me with creatively or inspires me to do, no question I will pursue. Peace.

Stream They Said It Can’t Be Done on Bandcamp now.

Follow KAotik on Facebook and Twitter.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Regal Club’s rap track, Electro, is a livewire to the senses

Dark ominous electronic beats meet the transcendence of enlightenment in the latest drop from Regal Club. With their new single and music video, the St Louis duo comprising Alvo and J. Cruz wrote a new chapter in their legacy which any hip-hop fan should revere as gospel. 

Electro, which features on the duo’s ambitious sophomore LP synthesises lyrical conviction with kinetic rhythm to break away from conventional hip-hop beats and breaks and to embrace a fusion where contrasts of light and dark play over a bass-heavy production. The instrumentals buzz with energy, sharpening the rap verses that effortlessly sync with the dynamic beats, creating a charged atmosphere which oscillates with intensity.

The duo’s authentic style possesses a visceral grip on the psyche, as Alvo and J. Cruz hold their own against Run the Jewels’ dualism. If you couldn’t get enough of the raw edge in Oddisee’s earlier records, Electro will resonate on a whole new level.

The official music video for Electro is available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast