Browsing Tag

90s Hip Hop

DanFromUpstairs & Luke Matthews shifted the tides of alt-pop with ‘Love’

Posted on 13 September 2024

With his boy-next-door moniker which fully synergises with his genre-fluid sonic identity, DanFromUpstairs is easy to adore. The Brighton-based artist’s latest single, Love, featuring Luke Matthews is a veritable exposition of how much of a forte orchestrating authentic alt-pop earworms is to him. I can safely guarantee you won’t find a more deadpan love song on the airwaves, and that is just scratching the surface of the ingenuity in Love.

As the pseudo-hip-hop beat slaps, the pop melodies stroke with their lush 90s-tinged aesthetic creating an expansive contrast with the intersections of scuzzy synths and raw indie rock guitars which rough the smooth edges of the polished production that you’ll need a serious concussion to forget.

As a true conduit of sonic experimentation who knows exactly which textures, tones and stylistic elements to synthesise into his narratives to ensure innovation doesn’t deviate into obscurity and veers towards commercial potential instead, DanFromUpstairs is standing at the vanguard of the modern genre-bending trend.

The official music video for Love will premiere on September 13; stream it on YouTube.

To connect with DanFromUpstairs and keep up to date with news of his forthcoming debut album, Hopeless Fables, which promises to deliver a continuous fever dream as the track grooves between electronica, funk, hip-hop, jungle and rock, follow the artist on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Co Co Jones brought the funk in her boom bap RnB hit, OutSide

Posted on 25 August 2024

With her latest release, OutSide, the icon in the making, Co Co Jones, cemented her position as a definitive firebrand in the contemporary RnB scene.

The track begins with a burst of funk, led by bass rolls that set the stage for what is soon to become an irresistible summer anthem. As the hit progresses, the fiery grooves pull you into a synthesis of boom-bap hip-hop, funk, and RnB, allowing Co Co Jones to blaze across unchartered ground. It’s a track you won’t dare to listen to half-heartedly; the message to live in the moment and embrace the heat of the season is one that will stick you long after the outro.

Jones has always been a pure conduit of innovation, and OutSide is no exception. The single ignites an explosion of emotion and authentic experimentation that is undeniably infectious, further showcasing Jones’ ability to meld edgy grit with swathes of feel-good soul.

By drawing from a deep well of talent that spans singing, songwriting, lyricism, and poetry, Co Co Jones is a one-of-a-kind entity in the industry, destined for infamy.  Since releasing her first full project, SuperSoulSista, in 2006, Co Co Jones has consistently proven herself as an unreckonable force. From the radio hit Anticipating to her last project, Love, Jones, she has demonstrated versatile skill that few can rival.

Whether on stage or in the studio, Jones commands attention with her soulful presence and ability to lyrically ensnare; traits that have earned her the privilege of collaborating on multiple projects and gracing numerous platforms, including television, film, radio, and live performances.

OutSide was officially released on August 2nd; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Noremac became the king of the swagger-soaked high-vibe hip-hop banger with ‘Do It Again’

Posted on 28 July 2024

Cali hip-hop icon-in-the-making, Noremac dropped a swagger-soaked high-vibe banger with his latest release, Do It Again.

The rapper and producer doesn’t just roll with the punches in the 90s nostalgia-wrapped hit, he grooves with the wit-injected punchlines which mark him as one of the most charismatic artists on the underground.

As ludicrous as Ludacris, as magnetic as Mac Miller, Noremac, with his luxe stylistic approach to production that echoes the gloss and grit of Jay-Z while staying firmly in his own lane, sonically owns everything required to enter the pantheon of the hip-hop elite.

Crafted in his home studio, where he’s been spinning tracks since middle school, Do It Again, is a timeless hit that throbs with chest-punching boom-bap bass. Noremac’s bars bounce with a cadence that’s both sharp and infectious as his presence on the mic, allowing even the most reserved listeners to find the groove.

Do It Again was officially released on July 19; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nsilo – Peterbilt: A Truck-Sized Tale of Unreckonable Grit

Posted on 25 July 2024

Nsilo’s latest single, Peterbilt, revved onto the hip-hop scene with a force as unstoppable as the eponymous truck it salutes. The narrative arc in the artist and producer’s hit may seem unconventional, yet the juggernaut of the road became a powerful parable as it becomes the centre of the track that positions Nsilo as a fearlessly untouchable contender in the annals of old-school hip-hop.

When Nsilo waxes lyrical, it’s impossible not to feel the force of his bars that have been honed by his love for 90s hip-hop greats and classic poetry alike. Yet, Peterbilt exhibits the up-and-coming artist as so much more than just an adept lyricist with a razor-sharp ability to find the perfect cadence to make every bar bounce with maximum impact.

The track’s production is a masterclass in balancing dark, layered textures with lighter elements. Waves of caustic reverb slice through the beat, resulting in an atmosphere which haunts as it uplifts and exhilarates. The meticulous synthesis attests that Nsilo knows exactly when to cast shadows and when to let the light in, mirroring the complexities of his storytelling which reflects on the values of blue-collar work, ensuring every hit is infused with authenticity and grit.

Stream Peterbilt on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Majesty defined her hip-hop legacy in ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’

Posted on 15 May 2024

Karma may be a bitch, but there are few fiercer figures in the hip-hop industry than Majesty, who will be reigning supreme after the drop of her legacy-defining single, What Goes Around Comes Around.

The solid beats, sharp flows and even more cutting wordplay establish Majesty as a triple threat in the genre filled with pretenders that would kill for her ability to deliver conviction with soul. As the luxe jazzy instrumentals that are filtered through a filmic lens take you back to the ‘90s East Coast hip-hop sound, Majesty’s cadence attests to her determination to perfect her craft and inspire through her independently released hits.

Anyone who hits play on What Goes Around Comes Around will find themselves vindicated by the rhythmically explosive exposition on the sweetness of karmic justice. Along with everyone else who can’t get enough of this hit, we can’t wait to hear what Majesty has locked, loaded and ready to drop.

Stream What Goes Around Comes Around, which has already racked up over 3k views on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Manchester’s LIVO Navigated the Duality of Pride and Pain with her Debut Spoken Word Single, Queer Joy

Posted on 6 May 2024

Having already proven her mettle in the Manchester spoken word scene and received plaudits from Guy Garvey and Tony Walsh, LIVO has spread ‘Queer Joy’ in her debut single, which puts a serene backdrop of 90s hip-hop nostalgia behind her wordplay that permeates the soul.

Tenderly vulnerable yet assertively euphoric candour lies at the core of Queer Joy, which celebrates the experience of living authentically and unapologetically hedonistically outside of the heteronormative hegemony and living vicariously.

Eloquently hitting a few raw nerves through the lyrical vignette which also touches on the most painful aspects of navigating a society which may have progressed in recent decades but still makes it difficult for queer people to find pride, in spite of the vibrant pageantry of Pride flags and events, Queer Joy leaves you sinking into LIVO’s presence, hanging off every syllable so articulately delivered.

Together with producer and composer Stanley Penrose, LIVO made an affecting debut with Queer Joy, which dropped ahead of her debut LP, The Age of Joy.

Queer Joy was officially released on April 12; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kelvo’s Laidback Cuts Got Sharper with His Latest Alt-Hip-Hop Release, Got2Change

Posted on 27 March 2024

North London’s Kelvo is riding an exotically mellow new wave of hip-hop while harking back to 70s soul & funk and 90s hip-hop with his latest single, Got2Change, which showcases his ability to weave introspective lyrics with vibrant beats and transcendent swathes of soul.

From the outset, ‘Got2Change’ sinks you into a tropical-infused groove; the soundscape lays the perfect foundation for Kelvo’s smooth rap bars, which glide effortlessly over the beat. His flow is as smooth as velvet, creating a striking contrast with the colourful vibrancy of the instrumental arrangement.

Instrumentally, Got2Change is a holiday from the gritty streets of London, but the big smoke is infused in the razor-sharp flow of Kelvo as he delves into themes of self-growth and introspection, challenging listeners to awaken from the slumber of unrealised potential. In essence, Got2Change is a call to action, an invitation to strip away tension and embrace a more reflective state of mind.

Got2Change will hit all major platforms on March 27th, stream it via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ceaser Live Soul – Never Enough: A Hip-Hop Symphony of Tenacity and Soul

Posted on 23 January 2024
Pivot by Ceaser Live Soul

Ceaser Live Soul, hailing from Brooklyn, NY, didn’t stop at loading his latest single, Never Enough, with a series of mic drops. With the hit from his eagerly anticipated Pivot EP, he detonated lyrical dynamite while affirming that just because the next goalpost always seems greener, that doesn’t mean you will be any happier when you reach it.

The urban cautionary tale, versed through superlative lyrical dexterity, is a pathway through the labyrinth of contemporary hip-hop with 70s soul acting as a guide and unflinching intersections of 90s hip-hop bringing the momentum. Each syllable in Ceaser’s flow is felt as it dances over the soulful beat, bringing his poignant wordplay to life.

The refrain, “You can have it all but it’s never enough”, is more than a catchy hook; it’s the heartbeat of the song. It encapsulates Ceaser’s relentless pursuit of greatness, his unwavering tenacity, and the paradox of success – the constant yearning for more, even when you’ve seemingly reached the pinnacle. This theme resonates deeply, especially for those familiar with the relentless hustle of urban life.

Adding to the track’s allure is the soulfully strident backing vocals by Caribbean Pop sensation Hovlaine. Her voice adds a layer of depth and emotion, elevating the song to new heights. The collaboration is seamless, a testament to Ceaser’s skill as a producer and artist.

Stream and purchase the radio edit of Never Enough via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dell Feddi waxed lyrical on life’s ebb and flow in his latest rap track, Sometimes

Posted on 29 December 2023

Dell Feddi’s latest single, Sometimes, is a striking testament to the dynamic nature of life, encapsulated in a track that resonates with the rhythm of our ever-changing mental states. The Bay Area rap artist has delivered a piece that is as profound in its message as it is captivating in its delivery.

The track is a narrative woven with the threads of life’s unpredictability. His killer flow and sharp lyrical wit are the driving forces behind this track, each word meticulously chosen to reflect the myriad of ways a new day can alter our perspective. The bass-swathed beats, inspired by 90s boom bap, provide a robust backdrop to his charismatic delivery, making the track a massive hit that leaves a lasting impact.

The song delves into the essence of human experience – the simplicity and complexity of life, the ups and downs, and the ever-changing rules that govern our minds. Feddi eloquently elucidates the concept that nothing, especially our mental states, is forever. Each day brings with it a new point of view, an opportunity to don another guise and see the world through a fresh lens.

Feddi’s ability to articulate this perpetual motion of life and mind is not just creative; it’s a flawless exposition of the human condition. The track invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and to find solace in the fact that change is the only constant.

Check out the official music video for Sometimes which premiered on December 1st via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nick O charted new horizons with his debut rap track, Be There for Me  

Posted on 27 December 2023

Nick O, Surrey’s latest hip hop sensation, has unleashed a musical tour de force with his debut single, Be There for Me. The vibrant tapestry of sound, woven with the lyrical dexterity reminiscent of George the Poet and infused with a soulful essence, beats to the pulse of East Coast hip-hop while asserting Nick O as an orchestrator of originality.

From the first beat, the track sinks the listener into a  blend of modern storytelling and nostalgic 90’s soul. Nick O’s influences, ranging from the lyrical genius of Kanye West and Andre 3000 to the emotive melodies of Frank Ocean and Sampha, are intricately interlaced. His rhythmically flawless canter dances over the beats, painting vivid pictures of his inner world – a world filled with contrasts, from the peaks of joy to the valleys of introspection.

The ethereal female backing vocals in the track create a hypnotic juxtaposition, a delicate balance that complements Nick O’s robust and confident delivery. This unique combination sets Be There for Me apart, making it one of the most compelling hip-hop debuts of 2023. As we look towards 2024, it’s clear that Nick O is not just a rising star – he’s a force poised to take dominion over the UK hip-hop industry.

Stream Be There for Me on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast