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Hip-Hop

Spotlight Feature: MIKE37 morphed pain into power in his soul-driven summer hip-hop anthem, PAGE OF THE DIARY

Posted on 9 August 2024

In contemporary hip hop, few releases capture the raw, dualistic essence of the emotional experience as viscerally as MIKE37’s latest single, PAGE OF THE DIARY. The narrative arc is powerfully constructed by an artist who simultaneously stands as a soul conduit and visionary beatmaker.

PAGE OF THE DIARY is an affecting aural reflection of the darkest hours before dawn, rendered into sound by MIKE37’s innovative spirit. The track ensues from a vivid vignette of melancholy before the beats morph—almost imperceptibly at first—into a high-energy, euphoric celebration of resilience.

MIKE37’s ability to straddle the emotional spectrum is on full display, encapsulating the listener in a journey from introspective sorrow to a triumphant, beat-driven high. The nostalgia-infused hip-hop beats lay a solid foundation, while MIKE37’s soul-enriched harmonies and sharp lyrical delivery cut through the mix, making each verse a testament to his creative charisma and his capacity to connect.

After the self-produced single was mastered by Alex Gordon at Abbey Road Studios, the quality of the sound engineering is palpable. Each sonic element is meticulously crafted, allowing MIKE37’s introspective yet bold lyrical thematics to shine against the sun-bleached melodies and dynamically shifting beats.

Fans of Tyler, The Creator, Kendrick Lamar, and BADBADNOTGOOD will find familiar comfort in MIKE37’s discography, yet there’s an undeniably unique twist to his music that sets it apart.

PAGE OF THE DIARY is as much of a visceral feel-good fix as it is a fundamental lesson in expression. MIKE37’s chameleonic creativity is on full display in the quintessential hip-hop anthem of the summer. Cancel the self-pity party for one and play it on repeat.

MIKE37 Said

“PAGE OF THE DIARY initiates as an introspective narrative of a dark chapter; it transplants the listener into the story to share the relatable emotions before the beat switches through a flux of energy and euphoria.”

PAGE OF THE DIARY will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify and SoundCloud, from August 9th.

Stay up to date with the latest releases from MIKE37 as he gears up for the launch of his debut LP on Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

David Rey Will Reign Over the Manchester Music Scene with His Grime Hit, Call Me King, ft Abnormal Sleepz

Posted on 9 August 2024

David Rey gave Manchester a place on the grime map with his latest single, Call Me King, featuring Abnormal Sleepz. Think of the Manchester music scene; The Smiths, Oasis and Stone Roses will immediately spring to mind, but if any artist can steal the psyche away from those luminaries, it’s Rey with this raw, cultivated track which pairs his hypnotically smooth flows with dark alt-electronic trip-hop-tinted beats which syncopate to the rhythm of the artist’s creative volition.

David Rey, originally hailing from Bermondsey and now a product of Manchester’s vibrant culture, has crafted his identity around the influences of UK grime legends like Ghetts and the resonant beats of American artists like Nipsey Hussle. His globe-spanning inspirations are evident in his music, which combines poignant introspection with visceral vitality.

Having graced the stages of over 35 venues domestically and abroad, Rey’s commanding presence is well-documented and celebrated, from performances that resonate with authenticity to airplay on platforms like BBC Radio 6 and Capital Xtra. His debut EP, Before I Begin, garnered notable praise for its lyrical depth and rhythmic sophistication, traits that continue to thrive in Call Me King.

The single itself is a study in contrasts: dark yet soulful, it delivers a mind-bending lush backdrop for Rey’s sharp, melodic flows. The track dives deep into the core of human connection and desire, rejecting the commonplace narratives of fleeting pleasures to focus on what truly resonates with the listener. George the Poet couldn’t have versed it better.

Call Me King will hit all major streaming platforms, including SoundCloud, on August 9th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rourky initiated the cybernetic revolution of UK hip-hop with Cyborg ft Riley

Posted on 7 August 2024

Nathan O’ Rourke, known by his stage name Rourky, has been a sonic staple in the UK for over a decade. Hailing from Birmingham, the 31-year-old rapper has been honing his craft since his teenage years, releasing music globally since 2013. Aligning with TigerBloodMuzik Entertainment, Rourky has become bigger than his gargantuan beats.

His latest single, ‘Cyborg,’ featuring Riley Zm, a drill rapper from Zambia, is a high-octane hip-hop anthem, effortlessly commanding attention with its fiery rap bars blazing across cinematically elevated beats. The track utilises synthesised electronic orchestral motifs, adding an air of grandiosity that is efficaciously juxtaposed by the grit in Rourky’s grimey bars.

The interplay between Rourky and Riley ensures that ‘Cyborg’ unfolds as a dynamic track, embedding itself in the listener’s psyche long after the electrifying hit has faded to a close. Rourky’s charisma bleeds through every progression, as he positions himself at the vanguard of hip-hop’s cybernetic future with his playfully convictive hit.

Cyborg stormed the airwaves on August 2 via TigerBloodMuzik Entertainment; stream the single on SoundCloud.

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

Aaron Thip is fortified with fortitude in the prophetic beats of his latest rap track, I Ain’t Scared

Posted on 27 July 2024

Aaron Thip’s prophetic presence when he steps to the mic was exemplified in his latest fortified-with-fortitude single, I Aint Scared.

Aaron Thip, a seasoned lyricist rooted in the vibrantly gritty underground of NYC hip-hop, grips attention with vice-like intensity from the outset of his latest release which allows you to instantly register the Brooklyn-born, Harlem-raised artist, previously known as Tha Coach, as a conduit of enlightened introspective gold.

His commanding vocal presence over the beats testifies to how he belongs to a league of his own as he revisits the path he walked down to achieve mental clarity and sanctity. Yet, this track is far more than an introduction to Thip’s psyche. He fearlessly tackles the challenge of maintaining peace of mind and resilience as society’s global fabric crumbles into disarray.

In times when many struggle to find solace, optimism and faith amid endless tragedies, Thip emerges as the ultimate role model. His vibe-heavy hit marries mellow, old-school instrumentals with his potent lyrics, delivering sonic salvation for anyone in search of melodic consolation.

Stream I Ain’t Scared on Apple Music and YouTube now.

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

2nd Class Citizenz bruised the boundaries in UK hip-hop with the orchestrally elevated volition in their seminal single, Change

Posted on 25 July 2024

‘Change‘ by 2nd Class Citizenz strikes with the ferocious fearlessness that exemplifies UK hip-hop while setting the collective leagues apart with its ornate orchestral arrangement that thematically juxtaposes the bruising bars, allowing the listener to reflect on how both halves live.

Each line bounces with flawless metric precision in the composition that will instantly greet you with a ‘fuck, this is fresh’ affirmation. Each rapper in the trio injects their own brand of flair, fire and fervour to make a significant sonic impact without resorting to brute force. Instead, ‘Change’ opens minds to the collective’s ethos of using the motifs to pierce lyrical gold into the psyche of their listeners.

The intellectually profound, endlessly accessible bars make every verse a revelation while allowing 2nd Class Citizenz to live up to their reputation as the grittiest, most authentic rappers in the UK.

Change is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rampage Wood scorched the airwaves with luxe hip-hop hit, All Summer

Posted on 9 July 2024

Rampage Wood didn’t come to play in his latest single, All Summer, he came to conquer. Since his 2018 debut, the Arkansas underground has failed to conceal his luminary sound which has amassed a loyal international audience.

All Summer glows with the aesthetics of 00s East Coast hip-hop to belie his Southern roots which pulled through stronger in his earlier material, influenced by the likes of Lil Wayne. With gospel-esque cinematic transcendence enveloping the beats, the hit is sublime on the senses and pushes a unique dynamic behind Wood’s provoking lyricism.

As one of the most cerebral rappers in the game, his flows are finessed with witty intellect; his ability to catch you off-guard with the lyrical gold in every bar is unmatched. With flawless metric precision and swathes of charisma to energise his delivery, you can’t help but get hyped by All Summer, which carries the luxe appeal of Jay-Z’s hits while blazing through the heat in Rampage Wood’s authenticity.

All Summer was officially released on June 3rd, it is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The high vibes in Mike37’s spacey electronic hip-hop track, C.R.I.B., transcended Earth’s orbit

Posted on 6 July 2024

After being dubbed the Best Italian Emerging DJ in 2018, Mike37 has begun to prove his mettle in the rap scene. With over 200k streams behind his hottest track, Take Me to Your Love Again, the luminary of creative versatility has lit a beacon with the fire in his flows.

The rapper and producer’s latest single, C.R.I.B. featuring Uno Hype, is wavey vibe-heavy, cosmic-dipped production which pairs his flair with metric precision with his ability to slam charisma through your speakers.

The spacey synthetics wrapped around the solid rattle of the 808s exhibited how Mike37 isn’t just in his own league; his boundary-breaking aural identity transcends the conventional limits of the genre.

While every bar becomes an infectious mantra, the transgressing instrumentals attest to how much promise lies in the artist’s career as he gears up for the drop of his debut self-written, produced, and performed LP, HOT AIR BALLOON.

Having already released three tracks via Just Entertainment, being featured in La Stampa and on RAI and Radio Monte Carlo, it’s only a matter of time before he looks down on the industry from the top of the charts.

C.R.I.B. dropped on June 28; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

East Meets West in Koza’s Impassioned Inferno of a Drill Track, SHADOWS

Posted on 2 July 2024

Koza’s second single, SHADOWS is a fierily impassioned inferno of frenetic rap cadences that reach the pinnacle of rhythmic fervour; by embracing his cultural roots in the exotically produced hit, punctuated by hard-hitting drill beats, Koza couldn’t have been more authentic to himself in the soul-baring release, which delivers an unforgettable introduction to one of the hottest drill rappers on the UK scene right now. It’s only a matter of time before he teams up with GRM and goes viral.

There are few artists who can match his heat and do so with maximum conviction that spills straight through the soul instead of the ego; all the lyrics serve to viscerally make a statement of intent as they cut through the atmosphere laid out by the diaphanously ethereal Hollywood-esque backing vocals and delicate instrumental layers which contrast sharply with the bass-swathed beats.

SHADOWS is a significant shift from Koza’s debut track, KOHLI; by underpinning the release in his personal philosophy, modernising the East-meets-West production with ahead-of-the-curve beats and anchoring it in vulnerability by narrating themes of self-discovery, the breakthrough artist broke plenty of ground with this stormer.

SHADOWS dropped on June 28; jump on the track on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast