Browsing Tag

Alt Hip Hop

So Royal The Music Producer Earned his Crown in ‘Royal 24’

Posted on 26 May 2024

So Royal The Music Producer’s standout production, Royal 24, is a hard-hitting homage to old-school hip-hop, infused with a fresh, scintillating edge that sets the independent artist and producer leagues apart from the assimilators masquerading as originators.

The track captures the soul and grit of the genre’s roots while showcasing So Royal’s exceptional talent as a beatmaker. His use of cinematic aesthetics heightens the evocative atmosphere, with playful rhythms that prove charisma isn’t just for rap bars.

So Royal crafted the perfect platform for his dynamic verses, which constantly switch in cadence, vibe, and tone, creating immense anticipation over what will follow, and there’s no room for disappointment; each progression is a testament to his versatile and chameleonic skill.

There’s an undeniable sense that Royal 24 comes from a place of pure creativity and emotion, making it easy to get lost in the innovative production. The single is a flawless exhibition of So Royal’s ability to blend the traditional with the contemporary, creating a soundscape that thinks forward leaving fans tripping over the authenticity while respecting the genre’s roots.

Royal 24 is available via Apple Music and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

A&R Factory Interview with SirC.A.P: Exploring the Evolution of an Artist

Posted on 25 May 2024
https://spotify.link/jkyxZyYfJJb

In this exclusive interview with A&R Factory, SirC.A.P delves into the creative journey behind his sophomore album, What We Became, which explores themes of love and heartbreak while showcasing his versatility as an artist. He discusses the collaborative process with producer 22cali, the intentional and free-flowing nature of the album’s diverse genres, and the meticulous selection of tracks from an impressive list of 72 songs. SirC.A.P also reflects on how What We Became marks a significant departure from his debut album, Divergent, and hints at even greater things to come.

SirC.A.P, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for the opportunity to connect with you following the release of your sophomore album, What We Became, which dropped on May 10th. What’s the concept of the LP and what does it say about you as an artist?

The album is about love and heartbreak showing the pros and cons of love and lust. This project shows my versatility and ability as a young artist.

What was it like working with producer 22cali on the LP?

Cali is my brother and we’ve been working since the beginning, I’m looking forward to the future projects we’ll be making.

Was it hard deciding which songs would make the tracklist? 

No, as we kept making songs we knew which ones were gonna fit and not. We chose from a list of 72 songs to create this tight-knit and concise album.

Was including such a diverse array of genres and vibes on the album intentional or a free flow of your creativity? 

With Cali producing the vibes intentionally, me recording what I did was a free flow of my creativity. We both really pushed each other creatively to make something that stands out from our peers.

Can you talk us through the sampling and production choices which allowed What We Became to hit as a dynamic and soul-rich release?

Some samples spoke to us and some didn’t but the ones chosen truly set the vibes and create the atmosphere that “What We Became” brings.

In your opinion, is What We Became a continuation or a departure from your 2022 debut album, Divergent? 

A vast departure definitely but there may be a continuation of What We Became stay tuned.

What’s next for SirC.A.P?

Improved everything! The next will be 10x better than the last. We never stop evolving.

Stream What We Became on Spotify now.

Follow SirC.A.P on Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Louvie exhibited his unflinching hip-hop narrative of tenacity and providence, Pray for Me

Posted on 11 April 2024

Louvie’s standout release, Pray for Me, is a striking embodiment of hip-hop’s power, deeply rooted in the artist’s personal journey. Hailing from Washington D.C., Louvie, born Ricardo Carter, has been crafting his musical identity since the age of 16, drawing inspiration from a spectrum of genres, with artists such as T.I. acting as his foundational influence.

The single opens with a melancholic melody, its moody waves setting a contemplative tone; the vocals, distorted with saturation, draw listeners into Louvie’s world, until the beat drops and Louvie’s cadence kicks in, ensuring each lyric aches with impact and sincerity.

The track is an unflinching narrative of hardship, resilience, and faith, resonating with anyone who has faced life’s relentless challenges and pushed through adversity with no one to stand with them on the battleground as they fight their way up from a disadvantaged position.

The track is a testament to his skill as a lyricist and his capacity to weave complex emotions into universally compelling music. Pray for Me is not just a testament to Louvie’s talent but a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of being the architect of your destiny.

Pray for Me hit all streaming platforms on March 23; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unveiling the Multicultural Beats: An Exclusive Interview with Stuee Singh at A&R Factory

Posted on 7 April 2024

In conversation with A&R Factory, Stuee Singh, the multifaceted artist behind the culturally rich single ‘Spiritual Sharabi’, unveils the layers of his creative universe. From intertwining his Sikh heritage with contemporary pop dance to embedding profound spirituality in mainstream music, Singh’s journey is a kaleidoscope of cultural, linguistic, and philosophical dimensions. His transition from a corporate titan to a music maestro is a tale of bold choices and authentic self-expression. This interview not only explores Singh’s multilingual prowess in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Danish, and Thai but also dives into his aspirations to infuse spirituality into hip-hop and pop. As we traverse through his experiences from Bangkok to Copenhagen, Singh shares insights on his upcoming projects and collaborations, promising a future rich with diverse musical explorations.

Stuee Singh, welcome to A&R Factory, we discovered you through your multi-cultural harmony of a single, Spiritual Sharabi, what was the creative inspiration behind this release, and which emotional themes underpin it? 

“Hi A&R Factory, honoured to be interviewed. Hello World. I’m Stuee Singh!

There are 3 creative inspirations for this song. the first is my cultural heritage, I wanted to make a song with a current vibe with Pop Dance and cultural elements. My second inspiration is my own story, being an international Sikh from a business background, I wanted to represent my culture in a cool way with intellectual and thought-provoking lyrics. My third inspiration is spirituality, I am spiritual and love to add a sprinkle of it to pop mainstream music.”

Rapping in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Danish, and Thai is no small feat. Could you share how your multilingual abilities influence your songwriting process and the way you connect with diverse audiences?

“Well I grew up hearing English, Hindi and Punjabi, So those 3 languages are very easy for me to think and rap in, Danish came later when I lived in Denmark for 6 years, and Thai I picked up by growing up in Thailand.  I am curious by nature and enjoy discovering new cultures, I find it inherently easy to connect with people from all cultures and backgrounds.

So it’s easier than it seems to feel my lyrics and write and sing in these different languages. I’m also adding Spanish in my next release. :)”

What is it about spirituality that inspires you? 

“Spirituality for me is about self-discovery and being fully present in a moment, I think it helps me be calm, creative and wise. I love it.”

Transitioning from a successful corporate career to pursuing music full-time is a bold move. What was the turning point that propelled you to follow your passion for music?

“It sure is! I’m quite proud of myself for taking this leap of faith and following my dreams and being my true self.

I think the turning point or should I say. The realisation point was on my 37th Birthday, I thought to myself, I’ll be turning 40 soon, it’s now or never. I’m not getting any younger so Carpe Diem!”

You aim to sprinkle spirituality and more positive vibes into mainstream hip-hop. Can you elaborate on how you amplify these elements in your lyrics and rhythms?

“Yes, so Pop and Hip Hop have had artists that sing about spirituality such as Pentatonix who high songs from the bible in a pop dance way, also MC Yogi who sings about uplifting topics. I am inspired by them and want to do a bit of that for my music with my own culture.”

Having lived in Copenhagen and been born in Bangkok, how have these diverse experiences shaped your musical style and the messages you want to convey through your art?

“Copenhagen is a great city, friendly people who live a healthy lifestyle and celebrate diversity. I also worked for a Global Danish Biotech and did an MBA when I was there. So, this gives me more thought-provoking and knowledge themes in my lyrics, also my passion for excellence and attention to detail was brought out more by being in Denmark where people have similar values.”

You’ve mentioned your goal to change the game of mainstream hip-hop and pop. What do you believe is missing in today’s pop and hip-hop scene?

“I think mainstream Pop and Hip Hop is missing me! haha 🙂

Well, I don’t know of many multi-lingual artists with a business background, that too with a Sikh cultural background.”

Looking ahead, what new themes or musical experiments can your fans expect? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?

“I’m officially going to launch my first album this year! I’m super excited about it, also I have been selected to be a part of Rishi Rich’s mentorship program. He is an iconic music producer and in my teenage years inspired the world by bringing UK Punjabi music to the world with his hits and songs with Jay Sean. I’m very grateful and excited to be mentored by him and collaborate in the near future!”-

Stream Stuee Singh on Spotify and never miss a new release by following the spiritual visionary on Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Twivee orchestrated an RnB hip-hop vignette of resilience and motivation with Ray of Hope

Posted on 5 April 2024

Twivee, the UK-based RnB and hip-hop fusionist delivered a compelling narrative of resilience and motivation in his latest single, ‘Ray of Hope‘.

‘Ray of Hope’ is a storm of fiery emotion, rampaging through Twivee’s distinctive vocal lines. His voice carries a unique blend of rough and smooth, soul and gruff grit, consolation and conviction. This duality in his voice mirrors the complexities of life’s struggles, making the track an emotional odyssey worth taking.

Twivee orchestrated a perfect backdrop for the mood of the track. The indie lo-fi elements, washed in saturation, amplify the intimacy and vulnerability of the release, while the grooves in the chorus are infectious, locking listeners into the momentum, making it a go-to anthem for anyone doubting their ability to navigate through life’s chaotic moments.

Twivee’s talent as a writer, producer, engineer, singer, and rapper shines through in this self-produced track. The bridge serves as a pivotal moment in the song, bridging the gap between the negatives and the positives. Lines like “Behind these eyes, I’ve seen pain” and “But I’ve seen skies and where it rains, it clears sometimes” encapsulate the essence of the track – a message of hope and perseverance.

Ray of Hope will hit the airwaves on April 5th; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Touch down in ‘BUDAPEST’ with Zulu Abantu’s Seminal Alt-Hip-Hop Track

Posted on 4 April 2024

Zulu Abantu may have cut his teeth in the grime scene, but he is coming into his own through vibrant genre fusions, especially after the drop of his latest single, ‘BUDAPEST‘. This track is a cultural mosaic, melding the raw edge of grime with the soulful depths of R&B and the universal appeal of pop.

‘BUDAPEST’ resonates with an exotic flair, breaking the monocultural mould with its eastern rhythms that weave through the production atop the trap beats, while Zulu Abantu’s vocal versatility is on full display, proving that his voice can effortlessly bridge grime, R&B, and reggaeton.

For those who crave rap tracks that abstract from material reality and transport you to domains you’d die to explore in physical form, ‘BUDAPEST’ hits the mark. The hooks in this track are not just irresistible; they are a siren call to those seeking musical exploration beyond the conventional.

Zulu Abantu’s journey from grime to an eclectic mix of genres is a testament to his artistic evolution. With a decade of dedication to his craft, he’s got what it takes to perpetually change the atmosphere of the alt-hip-hop scene.

BUDAPEST hit the airwaves on March 20; stream the single on Spotify and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sojourn to Tijuana with The Dream X’s Latest Serving of Hip-Hop Exoticism

Posted on 2 April 2024

After The Dream X racked up over 600k Spotify streams with his sophomore single, Tijuana, we had to know what the hype was about, and we quickly found it within the instrumental exoticism of the vibrant sojourn of a release which will leave you riding high on the waves of the oceanic production.

With the hazy melodies working in contrast to the bitter-sweet lyricism which explores the anti-climax of post-breakup hook-ups, there are as many layers to the emotions as there are to the genre-fluid instrumentals which fuse Latin guitars with a pseudo-trap backbeat and afrobeat colour.

Tijuana is the kind of track you’ll hit play on and feel the compulsion to crank up the volume until it’s slamming through your speakers and melodiously reverberating through you so you can savour the honeyed elixir which pours from The Dream X’s vocal harmonies which groove between his rap bars.

The Utah-based rapper, singer, producer, and actor is a fucking phenomenon, and we’re already desperate to hear what comes next.

Stream Tijuana on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Slip into the dark hip-hop abyss with my•escy’s latest harbingering hit, Fallen Fruit

Posted on 30 March 2024

my•escy’s latest single, ‘Fallen Fruit‘ is a gateway into the nefarious underbelly of dark alt-hip-hop. The track stands as a formidable force in the genre, showcasing a blend of jarring reverberation, aural annihilation, and lyrical aggression that captivates and cuts deep.

The sonics of ‘Fallen Fruit’ are akin to synthesised war horns resonating over a trap beat, creating an atmosphere that is both oppressive and exhilarating. It’s a soundscape that plunges listeners into a nightmarish landscape, yet there’s an undeniable allure in its darkness. The vocal hooks in the track are a masterstroke, evoking a sense of what might have been if Andre 5000 had ventured into the darker realms of hip-hop alongside Saul Williams.

Despite its artfully intentional disquietness, ‘Fallen Fruit’ is undeniably infectious. The hard-hitting, visceral melodies linger long after the outro, haunting the listener with their intensity. ‘Fallen Fruit’ is a testament to the power of dark alt-hip-hop’s ability to convey complex emotions and create a sonic experience that is both unsettling and utterly compelling.

Stream the single on SoundCloud and Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Groove and soul intertwined in Ceesa’s hip-hop debut, Special

Posted on 28 March 2024

Ceesa, an emerging talent from Tifton, Georgia, made an unmissable entry into the hip-hop arena with his single ‘Special’, a track that resonates with the rhythm and soul of hip-hop and showcases his unique flair and potential.

‘Special’ opens with an intro that blurs the lines between genres, featuring female backing vocals that are as powerful as they are emotive, layered over gentle melodies reminiscent of progressive house. This fusion sets the stage for what is a genre-bending experience. Ceesa then takes the reins, proving himself as Georgia’s new flow king. His verses are crafted with a finesse that allows the emotions to resonate deeply, making listeners feel the love in this song as if it were their own.

The seamless blend of trap beats with Latin RnB guitars creates a soundscape that captures the irreplicable bliss of being seen as though the other 8.1 billion people in the world fade away. Ceesa’s debut, infused with personal emotion and stylistic innovation, is a testament to his talent and a hint at his promising future in the music industry. For fans of Yvng.Wolfe, KingTrey, and Ivory Scott, ‘Special’ is a must-listen.

Special hit the airwaves on March 12th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

AR Jiggy followed a vibe into unchartered new wave hip-hop waters with ‘4U’

Posted on 21 March 2024

No one rides the new wave of hip-hop smoother than AR Jiggy, as exhibited through the hypersonically hot standout single, 4U, from his new LP, Ratchet Melodic 2, which strangely enough, delivers everything it says on the tin. The scintillating synths mimic the twilight as they glisten in the melodiously wavy production that will instantly get you in the genre-fluid groove of the synthesis of hip-hop, pop, and RnB.

Instead of ticking all the right hip-hop boxes with this seminal release and pandering to antiquated parameters, the East London rapper and singer followed a vibe into unchartered waters and ensured any urban innovation seekers would want to take the plunge time after time. From the precision in his sharp lyrically rhythmic hooks to the instrumental odyssey AR Jiggy puts before you in his tracks, there’s no refuting that he has exactly what it takes to hold dominion over the hip-hop domain in London and beyond.

Ratchet Melodic 2 was officially released on February 15th; stream it in full on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast