Browsing Tag

Chicago

Babybrutha gave us a guide to aural salvation in their funk-driven soul-rock track ‘Black Vinyl’

Aural salvation-seekers with a penchant for funk-driven soul-rock will definitely want to delve into the latest release ‘Black Vinyl’, by Chicago-based fourpiece, Babybrutha.

Black Vinyl exhibits Babybrutha not just as dexterous artists, but as eccentric alchemists of soul-stroking high vibes; you’ll feel existentially lighter before the chorus hits. With Hendrix-style solos, vocals from Tim Lee which prove that his soul could sate the grim reaper for a decade and deep Motown grooves, it’s impossible to entertain any notion of apathy when the track is running through.

You can check out the official video to Black Vinyl by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Feeling like a hundred grand: NiSa Pasha is feeling real good and ‘Rollin’ with her crew on this party starter

After the huge success of 2020’s ‘Godfather‘, NiSa Pasha elevates her music to another level on her fourth single release and this one will have you dancin’ while ‘Rollin‘ into the club.

Chicago, Illinois-based American-Albanian EDM singer-songwriter, rapper, nature enthusiast, artist and dancer NiSa Pasha, makes that fresh kind of music that comes from her unwavering belief, that she can do anything she sets her mind to. Her mindset is truly soulful and she sings with such passion and stunningly projected vocals, as you feel her absolute love for this exhilarating journey she has chosen to embark on.

This is the story of cruising with the ladies to the local club and ignoring anyone with bad vibes or with undesirable motives to selfishly drag you into their self-destructive lifestyle choices. The freeing way with how she sings is such an inspiration to all those, who think you have to do certain things in order to be cool. Her message is that of pure love and here is a grounded free-spirited woman, who is doing things the right way and not cutting corners on the way to the top.

Rollin‘ from highly motivated Chicago EDM singer-songwriter NiSa Pasha, is a party grooving track which shows us that if you feel good and you have a loyal team around to keep an eye out, you can achieve anything you want. With a fiercely independent energy and that extra willpower to achieve her dreams, you just know that this artist is headed up the stars.

Eliminating unnecessary distractions and the noises inside your head are challenging things to do, but with that inner self-discipline inside you, it is possible to work hard and have fun at the same time too. After all, feeling like a hundred grand is only going to help you open the right doors in life.

Hear this hot track on her Spotify and see the journey to reaching her goals on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Standing her ground: NieceyInThaBuildin breaks free from all doubters on asylum-escaping video for ‘Kombat’

After teaming up with accomplished directors XBT91 and John Paul of Midnight Cinema Studios, NieceyInThaBuildin tears through the bars like a hungry soon-to-escape majestic lioness, on the claw-cutting new music video called ‘Kombat‘.

NieceyInThaBuildin is an electrifying Chicago, Illinois-based emcee, who has that fearlessly brilliant attitude that separates her from all the rest. She makes that raw, energetic hip-hop, that is quite terrifying at times and absolutely must-hear music all the time.

This is the story of standing up for what you believe in, brushing haters aside with your actions and dissing lazy DM inta-boxers who have no game, but pretend that they do.  You are tired of being tied up by the false narratives that people falsely conjure up to make themselves feel better. This is an extremely talented woman who is stacking up the finances in whatever way she likes, as its hers to spend anyway.

Her rap attack bars blow through the dusty streets and she flows like a real pro, one verse at a time. Whilst never holding back, there is so much to like from a real emcee that is eloquently audible and would hold her own in a rap battle against anybody.

The aggressive nature of her lyrics is particularly visual on this excellent music video, that perfectly explains what she is about as she breaks free from any shackles. When you have that self-belief and inner-hunger to succeed, it manifests into your music to show the raw energy that is so satisfying for her adoring fans.

Kombat‘ is that statement of intent from your new favorite underground rapper NieceyInThaBuildin, who stimulates your imagination to unheard of levels on this unwavering psychotic video, that you will find impossible to forget easily.

See this wildly imaginative experience on YouTube and find her fashionable vibes on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Always driving forward: Adrian Jose rips hard on the excellent ‘Astronomical Freestyle’

Taken off his latest five-track ‘Astronomical‘ EP, ‘Astronomical Freestyle’ is the lead song off this exciting new release from Adrian Jose, that will certainly get you thinking deeper, while cruising around the streets of this wild world.

Adrian Jose aka Slinky, is a Maryland-raised, now Chicago-based tow truck driver and singer/rapper, who makes that raw edged music, that is packed full of eighty hour weeks, party stories and flows so slick you will run out of hair gel.

The story about being focused while holding things together in your life while pushing your music to another level. Work might be long and hard but you have all these ideas floating around and make a plan to practice your rhythms whenever you get the chance. You have seem how some cats rap and you know that you put more milk in the bowl than most of them.

‘Astronomical’ from Chicago pop/drill artist Adrian Jose, is a tremendous single from an honest working individual who would rather be making music all day, but knows that he needs the bread now so he can bake up and build up his recipe book for a while, until the kitchen is hot enough. He displays a lyrical delivery that is raw and gritty, while being able to relate to the common man.

When you have the self-belief, most things really are possible. Looking to the stars rather than doubting yourself, is the only way to really find out what is out there.

Stream this fine track on Spotify and see more on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Making you blue: GRNBRIER show us the future with exceptional debut track ‘HUH?’

GRNBRIER drop debut track ‘HUH?‘ and this exhilarating new single will leave you gasping for air at the tasty creative juices that are clearly abundant here.

Vernon Hills, Chicago indie five-piece Hip Hop collective GRNBRIER mesh their tight beats and wild kick flips to ear-catching levels- as they rip the mic off its hinges with a top performance to leave you licking your lips for more.

Lead by Love Seat, they are on a carefully planned music mission to get their music heard to all corners of the globe with their catchy rap melodies and authentic style.

The groovy lo-fi-type beat gets you into the mood right away and you can’t help clicking your fingers. There is lots to like here as the Hip Hop energy is so smooth like a freshly shaved bald head.

This is a group with so much soul and the chorus will be stuck in your head all day due to the curiously catchy vibe and electric vibration that lights you up out of this dark slumber.

This is the story about caring so much for someone but they are just not showing you the same love all the time. They just want to be with you when they want but otherwise they shade you like an umbrella. All you want is to be happy but they are making you blue and its affecting your mood as you try and stay positive.

HUH?‘ from Chicago outfit GRNBRIER is a fresh new perspective on the Hip Hop genre that has slowly started to go stale like off milk in your fridge. This is instead a revitalization- so fresh and nice, you will be looking and listening twice.

Hear this fine new song on Spotify and see more visuals on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Where did she go: Mia Rago is in a different class above on ‘Gone’

Taken off her latest five-track EP ‘A Sea Of Darkness‘, Mia Rago is sumptuously elegant on the superb single called ‘Gone‘.

Western Springs, Chicago-based indie-soul/Americana solo artist Mia Rago, makes that honey-dipped sweet music that warms your heart, brings tears to your eyes and makes you shake your head in astonishment at how delightful this talented musician is.

After being forced to give up on sports and physical activity when she was just nine years old, Mia has fought back from her severe scoliosis and undertaken many painful surgeries to correct the painful curvature of her spine. She is a survivor who never gave up and this is reflected in her music. You see, music was always there for her when she needed inspiration and has never left her side.

With a gaze-like start that has you grooving along, we are soon introduced to a singer who tells us the story of a man who is looking for his girl. She is already gone and he does not know what he did wrong. Suddenly, the mystery grows deeper as perhaps he was the one that hurt her and that is why she disappeared for good. No one really knows what the real story is and this is a secret we might never ever fully know what transpired.

Her voice transforms your thoughts and you get lost inside this beautifully constructed song from such a truly pure singer. The vocals get stronger as the track goes on her seemingly-excellent tone range is quite incredible.

Gone‘ from the soulful A Sea Of Darkness‘ indie-Americana singer-songwriter Mia Rago, is a track makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up to attention, as she drifts into your heart with this fascinating story and her vocals blow you away.

This is a rare talent who is a fighter and she sings with that extra class that you don’t find often. This is a new single to embrace deeply and put on repeat.

Stream this terrific single on her Spotify and find out more about her story on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The real underground: Chicago emcee IAMJFK lays down the truth for the world to see on ‘Spitting’

IAMJFK gets the competition selling their mic’s on Ebay via the outstanding new single about current day affairs called ‘Spitting‘.

Released off indie label Miscellaneous Muzik, IAMJFK is a Chicago, Illinois-based underground emcee who spits with that eloquently real style that reminds you of the old school kind of hip-hop artist with astonishing insight and soul. With so many fake poser flash-in-the-pans suffocating the youth with their watered-down false narratives of experiences they saw in a movie, you get the impression that this one of those rare emcee’s that is speaking from the heart and with true stories.

He rips down verses like an experienced builder, slamming the bars the dust with an metaphorical sledgehammer as his mind is so advanced from normal rappers. His rhymes about what is happening before his eyes outside keeps you intrigued all the way, with the Blazing Saddles mention a particular highlight.

The revolution that is currently happening in the USA has shocked many but it shouldn’t be a surprise and it has been brewing for years and years. Bad role models have come and gone, leaving destruction in their wake. Luckily music has been documenting everything and this is the type of song that will be timeless and appreciated for years due to the introspective lyricism that shines through all the current darkness.

Spitting‘ from self-aware Chicago emcee IAMJFK is the type of hip-hop release that actually means something and deserves love from the streets. In an often confusing world, full of misinformation and hate, this is music that educates the hard working common man and woman-showing you what it’s really like inside- as the gritty rawness encapsulates life at present so vividly and truthfully bare.

When you are struggling to grasp what is real or not, true underground music gives us a flashlight to enter the tunnels of truth that has been hidden away for way too long.

Hear this excellent lyricist educate you with realness on Spotify and see more on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Peaceful meditation music: Coal Field Hotel send us on a glorious journey via ‘Wistful’

Coal Field Hotel breeze through the door with aplomb on their excellent multi-genre single called ‘Wistful‘.

The Chicago, Illinois electronic outfit aim to provide listeners with a bucket full of fusions that include post-rock, chillout, ambient and downtempo experiences, that reaches down at your soul and lift you up from any bad vibes that you may be feeling. They make music for the love of the art-form and this is felt in the real tender touch of their wonderful creation.

Wistful‘ is from the five-track album of the same name that dropped in 2019, forms a web of beauty around your heart and never lets go as this is such a deep instrumental song, full of mystery and ultimate intrigue. The way they massage your soul is quite captivating and the acoustic elements add so much to this electronic marvel for the ears to enjoy.

The symmetry that they are able to bond us together with is a sight to behold and you can’t help feeling so much more relaxed after this. This is that special mediation music to take you places you never thought existed.

Wistful‘ from Chicago’s Coal Field Hotel is a layered beauty that only has love and peace inside with a soundtrack to what life should be like. Everyone at one, bonding over music like this while we are floating in the air, looking at all the incredible trees and seas of life below.

This is a song that is best played late at night, when you are staring at the stars, looking for the extra motivation deep inside your bones.

Hear this gem of a track on Spotify and see the visuals on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

That moment of realization that hits home hard: Chicago producer/lyricist duo SnapDibz drop real Hip Hop truth seeker ‘Dead2Me’

Atlanta native emcee Snap and Chicago producer Dibz have joined forces to power in with lots of excellent lyrics and potent production that has created the new SnapDibz hard-hitting track called ‘Dead2Me‘.

The ominously vivid electric energy that flows up from the dark seas of doom is the way this Hip Hop track starts and you know that this is going to be extra special. This intuition is proved correct this time and the honest lyrics clamp our souls with the story of how someone close wasn’t there when you were drowning, with no way out. That feeling of betrayal is described in detail like a Picasso painting, the picture of how you had your hand up and asked for help, but received nothing but crickets in return; is tough to take and you blame yourself.

His cutting edge lyrics mixed with this perfectly built beat is sharp like a Victorinox knife, that cuts real deep and twists your bones. The anger and regret in his voice bubbles up and can’t ever be popped, as the realization of being betrayed sinks into your brain. The time to heal and take stock of who will really be there for you is now on the top of your agenda.

The realistic truth is, a lot of people are only friends with you as they see something they like, it might not be visible at first but their true colors will show you in due time, no matter how well you think you know them.

Dead2Me‘ from Chicago’s SnapDibz is a truthfully sad reflection of our reality TV based world that has created monsters from merely showing how fake life can actually be successful. The power here on the beat and lyrics should be a stark warning to us all, that we need to be so careful who we let into our sea of life as they can turn the other way when you are struggling to breathe, leaving you to save yourself with no lifeguard around.

Feel the realness on Spotify and follow the max-skilled duo on their IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Chicago emcee Blac Samurai shows ever-growing consciousness with ‘Brand New’

Chicago emcee Blac Samurai shows ever-growing consciousness with ‘Brand New‘ and this is a strong effort here in the cloudy world of 2020.

Born and raised in Chicago, Brandon Watkins decided on the name Blac Samurai. This was a name that was created by the Wu Tang name generator as he is a huge kung-fu fan and the legendary Wu-Tang Clan.

You feel a bit different today. This is a brand new feeling that you haven’t had to deal with before and it feels strange. You want to feel normal again, you want to get back in the zone again.

Taken off ‘Compendium‘, this is a sterling effort, full of lyricism that is rare to hear these days with so much mumble distorting the speakers all over the world. This is that A grade music, full of skills and thought.

Blac Samurai is one of those Hip Hop artist that raps about real things and there is no flashy fake glitz and glamour here. ‘Brand New‘ is a quality track, made with that extra bit of class, filled with raps that make your mind drift away. This is a terrific single from the Chicago-based emcee and he further cements his name in the upper echelons of the Hip Hop game.

Click here for the Spotify page.

Head through to the Insta page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen