Browsing Tag

Hip-Hop

Tha Blaqsmith crafted a monastery-esque mindscape with the lo-fi beats in his latest release, What is Meditation

Posted on 13 January 2024
The Last Day EP by Tha Blaqsmith

In the bustling sphere of modern music, Tha Blaqsmith, a California-Las Vegas based producer, crafted a unique auditory experience for their latest release, What Is Meditation, and invited his listeners on a voyage into the realms of inner peace and heightened consciousness, led by the guiding light of Edwin “Tha Blaqsmith” McCain’s innovative spirit.

From the outset, the mindfulness bells resonate, echoing the sacred sounds of a Tibetan singing bowl. This introduction is not just an opening but a ticket into a sanctuary of serenity. The bells set the stage, transporting the listener to the tranquil corridors of a Buddhist monastery, a setting where the mind finds solace and the soul, harmony.

As the journey unfolds, a crackling spoken word recording emerges, reminiscent of an old sage imparting wisdom on the essence of meditation. This element adds a layer of authenticity and warmth, bridging the gap between the ancient practice and the contemporary listener. The lo-fi beats then make their entrance, maintaining the tape recording crackles, a subtle nod to Tha Blaqsmith’s affinity for vinyl records and drum breaks. This fusion of the old and the new creates a soundscape that is both nostalgic and refreshingly novel.

The ambient elements that flow into the track further enhance this meditative experience. Tha Blaqsmith’s skill in blending these sounds demonstrates his unorthodox approach to music. With no formal background in composing, his natural inclination towards music shines through, offering a raw, yet refined essence to the hip-hop genre.

What is Meditation was officially released on December 31 in The Last Day EP; stream the EP in full on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lose yourself in the videogame-esque aesthetic in Mew Kardo’s latest trap single, VODOLADY

Posted on 12 January 2024

On Christmas Day, the trap trailblazer, Mew Kardo, put his debut LP, GAMK VOL2:ALLNIGHTLONG, under everyone’s tree and allowed the genre to transcend its archetypes. The pop-hooked 8-bit adjacent standout single, VODOLADY, portrays Mew Kardo as an antihero you can’t help but warm to as the melodies meander beneath his distinctively infectious bars that flow with a killer cadence.

His work, a vibrant blend of trap’s raw energy and a digital, almost videogame-like aesthetic, marks an immersive evolution in the genre. Kardo, drawing inspiration from titans like Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, infuses his music with a sense of boundless creativity, yet remains grounded in the gritty realism that trap music embodies.

Kardo’s skill in storytelling shines through as he navigates this complex landscape with a deft lyrical prowess reminiscent of Lil Wayne’s intricate wordplay and André 3000’s vivid narratives. The track is a journey through a world where the beats are as pulsating as the pixels on a screen, creating an immersive experience that is both familiar and refreshingly novel.

VODOLADY speaks of a future where genres are fluid, and artists like him are the architects of this new musical landscape. His ability to filter reality through a digital lens while staying true to the roots of trap is nothing short of remarkable. This release is a testament to his potential, hinting at a career that will be as impactful as it is innovative.

Stream VODOLADY on Spotify now.

Follow Mew Kardo on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Annava & Calmea delivered a hypersonic K-Pop/Hip-Hop mash-up with their infectiously fresh single, PARALLEL WORLDパラレルワールド

Posted on 8 January 2024

For his latest single, PARALLEL WORLDパラレルワールド, the US record producer and DJ Annava fused his beats with the razor-sharp bars of rapper Calmea to orchestrate a hypersonic earworm drenched in infectiously fresh K-Pop flavour. The distinction within the production was all too fitting with the titular theme; within parallel worlds, few things are completely uniform; this is inventively visualised within the arrangement and the authenticity of the track.

With Annava’s discography delivering everything from happy hardcore to hyper pop, the unleashing of PARALLEL WORLDパラレルワールド was an unexpected move, but one which notably resonated with his growing fanbase who can’t tear themselves away from the energy he brings to every release. By blending exhilaration with melodic precision, the up-and-coming artist is making a name for himself on the airwaves and beyond.

PARALLEL WORLDパラレルワールド is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tahj McQueen broke boundaries with the bass-swathed beats and breaks in his trailblazing alt-hip-hop track, BMMY

Posted on 8 January 2024

Tahj McQueen’s seminal track, BMMY, from his eagerly awaited debut album, Bumm3P, is a striking showcase of his experimental flair and a cutting testament to his avant-garde edge which is set to carve out his legacy in the landscape of alt-hip-hop.

Between the Eastern-inspired rhythms, the 8-Bit Adjacent beats and the glitchy matrixes within the melodies, there’s an artfully pioneering propensity to BMMY, one that any fans of hip-hop which breaks boundaries will appreciate. In the midst of the instrumental chaos, McQueen keeps his flow mesmerisingly steady, allowing his bars to become the eye of a distorted storm.

Exotic yet familiar, nostalgic in the digital textures yet innovative enough to push revolutionary tides through the airwaves, McQueen’s dynamic and high-energy production is a paradox that will leave you at the edge of your proverbial seat as the exhilaration grips you.

McQueen, a young talent from Greensboro, NC, draws inspiration from experimental hip-hop and electronic music and his drumline experience. This diverse background is evident in BMMY, where the bass-heavy and flashy production reflects his bold and energetic style. Currently a student at UNCG and working alongside the 506 creative team, McQueen is not just a musician but a visionary.

Stream BMMY as part of Tahj MacQueen’s debut album, Bumm3P, via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ADZii Boii – Let’s Go: a high-speed chase through the streets of raw, unfiltered lyrical genius

Posted on 5 January 2024
ADZii BOii

ADZii BOii, the Scottish hip-hop heavyweight, started 2024 with a seismic bang by unleashing his latest single, Let’s Go. Hit play and be flung into a high-speed chase through the streets of raw, unfiltered lyrical genius which cements his position as a formidable force in the hip-hop arena and offers a glimpse into his unapologetically candid mind.

The single is a masterclass in blending the ferocity of drill beats with the finesse of intelligent lyricism. ADZii BOii’s flow is a relentless force, intertwining with the pulsating beats to create a musical experience that’s both exhilarating and thought-provoking. The motorbike sound effects add to the high-octane atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of speed and agility that mirrors ADZii BOii’s rapid-fire delivery.

What sets Let’s Go apart is ADZii BOii’s ability to weave social commentary into his lyrics with a wit that’s both brutal and hilariously on point. The track is a rollercoaster of emotions, echoing the artist’s own life experiences. His storytelling prowess first showcased in his debut album, Colours, takes a more intense turn here, with each bar packed with meaning and raw energy.

The lion on the cover art is not just an image; it symbolises the aggression and power that ADZii Boii brings to the track. Notably, ADZii Boii is on a path to redefining the landscape of alternative hip-hop.

As we eagerly anticipate his second album, expected in Spring 2024, Let’s Go is a testament to ADZii Boii’s evolving artistry. Stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Bedfordshire’s Jeron Ross started a riot of rap innovation in his sophomore release, Possession

Posted on 3 January 2024

After making his debut with his East Coast-flavoured inaugural release, Write of Passage, featuring A Alchemy, the Bedfordshire rapper, Jeron Ross turned experimentalism into exhilaration by exploring the depths of alt-rap and showcasing his ability to blend storytelling with the unpredictability of freestyle in his sophomore release, Possession.

Hit play and find yourself in the uninhibited corridors of Ross’ mind, where each verse and switch in tempo leads you deeper down the rabbit hole and confronted by a mosaic of musical ideas, where each distinct part is part of a larger, mesmerising portrait of possession.

Ross’ versatility shines as he transitions from harmonised choruses to zany bars, each switch in style and tone adding layers to the track’s rich texture. His vocal performances are a rollercoaster of emotions, exuding a sense of impassioned and cagey urgency that grips the listener from start to finish.

The track’s structure, with more curveballs than cohesion, might seem unconventional at first. However, this apparent disarray is Ross’ genius at play. It reflects the chaos of a mind in constant motion, thoughts and emotions colliding and coalescing into something profoundly expressive.

Ross’ background in freestyle rapping, honed since his teenage years, is evident in the fluidity and spontaneity of Possession. His wicked punchlines and vivid imagery are a sure sign of even bigger things to come.

Possession was officially released on December 26; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

JAIZE became the voice of reason and rebellion in his standout rap track, FIRE.wav, ft Kwillo

Posted on 30 December 2023

JAIZE, hailing from ATX and one-half of the hip-hop duo Global Octopus, has delivered a potent and thought-provoking track with FIRE.wav from his eponymous EP. Featuring Kwillo, this single is a wavy meditation on the tumultuous times we find ourselves in, a reflection of the chaos and the quest for solace amidst it.

The track stands out for its unflinching stance on the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, a topic many artists shy away from. JAIZE, with his glitchy yet luxurious production, creates a soundscape that visualises the struggle to achieve mental equilibrium in times which normalise humanitarian crimes. His rap bars, delivered with a flawless and steady urgency, do more than just provoke thought; they ignite a fire within, challenging listeners to question and dismantle the oppressive constructs around us.

FIRE.wav is reminiscent of Kanye and Jay Z, yet JAIZE brings fresh conviction to the table while allowing his music to unravel as an authentic expression of himself.  This track is a bold statement, a testament to JAIZE’s ability to blend personal introspection with broader social commentary.

With his self-titled EP, JAIZE has not only created a compelling piece of music but has also positioned himself as a voice of reason and rebellion in an era saturated by superficial sonic themes. His hands-on approach to the EP, handling all the mixing and mastering for the first two tracks, and collaborating with Kwillo for the last three, showcases his dedication to his craft. He’s only going to get bigger from here.

Stream the JAIZE EP which dropped on December 15 on Spotify.

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

D. Moe the Artist waxed lyrical around the landmines of entanglement in ‘Sweet n Low’

Posted on 23 December 2023

D. Moe The Artist’s latest track, Sweet n Low, is a mesmerising blend of lyrical depth and sonic warmth. The Greer, SC-hailing 28-year-old lyricist and singer crafted a soundscape that allows you to ride the waves of the vibes while exploring the bitter-sweet intricacies of affection.

The track, produced by Supreme Buddha, is a masterful display of D. Moe’s prowess as a storyteller and musician. The track is saturated with mellow, delay-laden instrumentals that create a smooth, melodious platform. It’s on this sonic canvas that D. Moe paints his harmonised rap bars, delving into the nuanced landmines of affection and entanglement. His voice, both soothing and expressive, weaves through the beats with a natural ease, making every word resonate with the listener. D. Moe doesn’t just rap; he converses with the soul, offering insights into the complexities of human connections and conditions.

Behind the artist is a story of dedication and ambition. With his independent label, Prodigious Minds LLC, D. Moe is not just making music; he’s building an empire. His journey from collaborating with artists across the US to standing on the brink of his 2024 project Prodigious Minds is a testament to his commitment and talent.

Check out the official music video for Sweet n Low on YouTube.

Follow D. Moe the Artist on Instagram to keep up to date with the news on his album release. The LP is set to drop on January 1st.

Review by Amelia Vandergast