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Independent Hip Hop

RNA KayGii is a conduit of cosmic charisma in his debut hip-hop hit, Boost Mine

Posted on 17 December 2024

RNA KayGii’s debut single ‘Boost Mine’ arrives with a vibe-driven aesthetic that feels more like a surreal sonic habitat than a standard hip-hop cut. Picture André 3000’s charisma colliding with the experimental impulses of J Dilla and RZA, and you’re halfway there. Metric precision in the beats holds it all together, while the lush, wavy textures seem to hover in a trippy, almost cosmic dimension.

The metaphysical imagery threading through the psychedelic motifs creates an unusual sense of intimacy as the track redefines the contours of the contemporary urban love song. The artist wastes no time pulling you deeper into the soundscape, with words that seem to drift through your psyche, stripping away defences to lay bare the emotional core. It’s less about grandeur and more about the raw nerve endings of feeling, all underscored by soulful grooves that swing between grit and silk.

‘Boost Mine’ doesn’t pander to the predictable. In under a few minutes, RNA KayGii proves that even a debut can possess a distinct edge, one that can expand horizons without ever feeling contrived. It’s a track that sets an unmistakable tone, letting you know this artist has something different to say—and the skill to say it.

Boost Mine hit the airwaves on November 28; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

Unveiling ‘Dreams of Rodeo’: An Interview with Caleb X on Aspiration and Artistry

Posted on 24 November 2024

Caleb X, an emerging artist hailing from Atlanta, joins us to discuss his latest album, Dreams of Rodeo. Inspired by personal experiences and the influence of artists like Travis Scott, Caleb delves into the stories behind his music, the obstacles he overcame during its creation, and his growth as an artist. He opens up about emotionally charged tracks like “Quiet” and shares his perspective on balancing life’s challenges while staying true to his creative vision. We also explore his future projects and his passion for fashion. Read on to discover more about Caleb’s artistry and what the future holds for him.

Caleb X, thanks for sitting down with us again to discuss your latest album, Dreams of Rodeo. It clearly holds a lot of artistic merit and visceral emotion; what’s the story behind the album? 

The idea of the album name comes from me being a younger aspiring artist wanting to take it to the next level from Atlanta to the LA scene, but as I began working on the album, the meaning went from “Rodeo” being the place I wanted to be to me making it be anything I wanted in life whether it was making a better life for me & my family or having peace of mind with the creativity and making that my “Rodeo” no matter where I am at the moment.

I also grew into my artistry by studying artists like Travis Scott & his come-up from Days Before Rodeo really inspired the album when it comes to the drive & hunger he had to get where he is now. So I took that hunger & applied it to making the album. Out of that inspiration, it made me come up with songs like “90210!” As a homage to Trav song off “Rodeo”. After making that song everything else started flowing & the next thing I knew I had a good number of songs that coincided with each other which helped me come up with the sonic direction of the whole project.

What were the most challenging and rewarding aspects of writing and creating the album? 

I would have to say the most challenging was writing the outro “Quiet”. That song is a sensitive one for me to this day since I’m talking about a story about someone I actually know along with the story of someone very close to me dealing with alcoholism & I feel the responsibility of keeping everything together but it’s only so much I can do so I had to dig up the strength & vulnerability to talk about it on a record to just put it out to the universe as therapy for myself & anybody else that might be dealing with a similar situation.

Sometimes we just need a moment of quietness to tune out unnecessary things & focus on what’s really important. It’s hard for me to even listen to that song. Last time I cried was writing that song so it’s tough for real. But at the same time it’s rewarding because after making that song, the stress I had before went away & after letting my family hear it, things seemed to smooth out all from me just putting those words out there. The tongue is powerful for sure.

What is it like to hit roadblocks along the way while sitting on an album before its release? 

Roadblocks are my biggest enemy, it would seem. It was over 2 years since I dropped a new project or track, so I was really itching to release something, but I couldn’t because things just weren’t ready because I had other priorities, which caused a hold-up with the creative process.

I was supposed to drop the album in December of 2023, but life hit like an 18-wheeler. Instead of getting discouraged I just kept working at it & writing to different beats & tapped back into the studio to make even more music until I felt I was completely done with the album. Just happy I was able to drop this year after promising my supporters a new project this year. I can’t even stand the word roadblock I swear. I can’t lie, I also have some women problems going on when I’m deep into creating & I let it get in the way sometimes although it also gives me new things to talk about hahaha.

I always say life imitates art so it is what it is. Can’t be too mad at it. It comes with being creative, honestly. You have to roll with the punches, whether it’s life’s responsibilities or women. You just have to manoeuvre your way through it & use it to your advantage while being patient with the process.

How do you feel now it is out in the world? 

I feel like a big weight lifted off me once it was out. I felt more free than I’ve ever been. Especially after getting people’s feedback about how much they like the project & hearing what song is their favorite, it really caused me to appreciate every second that went into recording it & gave me an even clearer idea of what to do next.

I’m always searching for a new way of creating in the studio after dropping a project. It’s an addiction at this point. I may feel free after a release, but then after a while, I’m not satisfied anymore. Always trying to work on something even better. But again, I really appreciate the feedback & love that I have been getting so far. Can’t wait to see who else it reaches.

A lot of independent artists struggle with the pressure to stay on the perpetual hamster wheel of pushing out new content, is that something you can relate to now you’re writing new tracks while ensuring Dreams of Rodeo gets the attention it deserves? 

That’s for sure a true statement for most artists but with me, I don’t let the pressure affect my consistency because my creative flow is something that never goes flat. Once I’m knocking out songs, I can’t stop so I’m always sitting on some type of music, it’s just a matter of finding a way to release it in a strategic way for me that turns into a constant battle.

The music will always speak for itself if you put in the time & effort into it. Once one person rocks with it it’s going to be a whole wave of people that will love it so I don’t really feel the pressure of needing to flood music. I take it one project at a time & let the people spread it to others. Every new listener is hearing it for the first time so why flood music? Maybe that’s just me though.

Is your new track, Butterfly Effect a continuation or a departure from Dreams of Rodeo? 

It’s from the Dreams of Rodeo sessions. It was supposed to be the intro for the album but then the direction I wanted to go changed so it stayed in the vault until now. I’m done holding back songs I make so I wanted to give people a single before the year ends as a gift of appreciation for the continued support before I release more new music which will have a different sound than Dreams of Rodeo.

Are there any other ventures or projects in the works that your fans can look forward to? 

As most people know I’m big on fashion & even got my own clothing brand going so I plan on eventually being a full-time creative director in the fashion lane which coincides with music so I’m looking forward to how far I go in that lane but until then I’m in the early stages of starting a new project titled “Still Shining”.

It’s a sequel to the first project I released titled “Shine”. It’s something that I can’t wait to bring to life & shift my sound once again. I just love trying new things & proving to myself I’m really like that. So much is in the works for my supporters from the music to music visuals to the fashion. It’s all on the way.

Stream Dreams of Rodeo on Spotify now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

From Bronx Streets to Beats: An Interview with Sapuis

Posted on 20 November 2024

Sapuis, the Bronx-born artist known for his introspective lyrics and innovative production style, joins us at A&R Factory to uncover his creative origins and the evolving narrative of his sound. Sapuis discusses how the challenging environment of his upbringing wasn’t just a backdrop but a vital component in sparking his artistic flame. Throughout the interview, we explore the profound personal and cultural influences that shape his music, his straightforward approach to his artistry, and his aspirations to make a lasting impact on the music landscape.

Sapuis, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for sitting down with us to discuss your artistic origin story, identity, and where you’re heading with your sound. Was it easy to ignite your creative spark in the Bronx?

Hell Yeah! In the South Bronx, your only option is to get creative. Whether it’s the meal you make out of what’s in the house, the outfit you put together to not get your ass cut, or even coming up on some money you gotta get creative.

Look, all the way back to the music of hip hop, rap and its culture were birthed from the creativity Bronxites had. They used that creativity to escape hell on earth, through song and dance. You gotta get creative or you will end up dead in the Bronx, so waking up is the ignition. Whenever I’m in a creative rut I can just think of the Bronx; the good, the bad, and the ugly which I came from.

You’ve made a name for yourself with your introspective lyrics, genre-bending, and signature production style; which artists have had the most profound influences on your sonic fingerprint?

My sonic fingerprint is influenced by me.

How do you feel after introspectively pouring your heart and soul into your tracks? 

I feel relieved because I got to pour that out. Going back to naming the Album “Before I Die” you can now better understand the title. (which is entendre in itself) I had to get that all out before I die, too many people never get the chance to do something like this. Others are found after death, but not me I made sure this was released on my terms.

Which aspect of writing and production came easiest, and which did you have to work hard to hone?

The writing comes the easiest since my music is about my life, mixing and mastering was difficult at first. Anything you work on gets easier tho. I’m gonna be good no GREAT regardless.

You’re clearly determined to forge your own way through the hip-hop landscape and blaze your own trail; what are the main factors that are pushing you forward and putting momentum into your career? 

Coming from the South Bronx, Fox Street. Pushes me forward. Using that as the foundation of anything I do… gives me the momentum to complete, accomplish, and systemize anything I fucking want.

You’ve recently released your sophomore LP, Before I Die; what’s the story behind the album and how does it align with your broader career goals? 

This album came off the heels of completing the second year of my “song a week” campaign. Midway through that journey I noticed that there wasn’t a body of work to show the work I am putting in. So I needed to put this out. I have some goals in my career to release albums that change music history and this is the start of that.

If you had to elevator pitch Before I Die, how would you sell it? 

Listen to my album Before I Die.

What’s next for Sapuis?

I’m trying to go on tour so if u seeing this book me rn. I’ll take care of the logistics no matter where it is on Earth.

–

Stream Sapuis’ Before I Die LP on Spotify now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Deep Groove Dominion: ‘Bad Habit’ by Thirteen Paris Vandals

Posted on 20 November 2024

Thirteen Paris Vandals, the creative moniker of Jon Norton, injected old-school boom-bap hip-hop with an intravenous shot of funk and disco in his latest single, ‘Bad Habits’. With groove pockets deeper than the Grand Canyon, no one will be immune to the hype of the hit, which crackles with live wire charisma, cutting through the noise with pretence-less bars that establish the Leeds-based luminary as a masterful orchestrator of urban euphoria.

‘Bad Habits’ pulses with high fire, all gas, no brakes energy that infuses each note with sonic serotonin; despite being roughed up with the grit of hip-hop, the track is iridescent as the disco balls that will call for his sound to be played beneath.

The enigmatic nature of his sound unriddles itself by bringing into perspective the artist’s influences, cited as seventies psychedelia and space rock; these elements, in addition to inspiration found within The Beatles and The Beachboys, weave their way into his diverse sonic palette.

With the magnetic charm of icons like Pharrell Williams and Outkast rolled into one, Bad Habits is a testament to Thirteen Paris Vandals’ potential as one of the most promising hip-hop artists in the UK. Don’t just watch this space—be part of his legacy and hit play.

Bad Habit is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Shawn Tuck’s ‘Bigger’ is a hip-hop trifecta of soul, style and substance

Posted on 14 November 2024

Shawn Tuck made one of the hottest hip-hop drops of the summer with his hit, Bigger. The high-octane track is a contemporary anthem that pushes style and substance through speakers with unapologetic energy. Tuck’s larger-than-life vocal delivery dominates the polished-to-cinematic-perfection mix, which leaves each beat dripping with gravitas.

A hip-hop heavyweight in the making, Tuck proves how powerful rap can be when you pour soul into every syllable, building a relentless rhythm that grips like a vice and doesn’t let go. Channelling the gritty heart of hustler hip hop with a soulful edge, ‘Bigger’ is a track destined to leave you hyped. Every line and beat shows he’s playing for keeps, seamlessly weaving emotional intensity with infectious energy.

His deft vocal switches from razor-sharp rap bars to smooth, honeyed harmonies bring a duality that evocatively hones the release to prove that there are few artists who can flex chameleonic skill with as much finesse as the US luminary, who prises influence from the likes of Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill, and Craig David.

Stream Shawn Tuck’s seminal single, Bigger, on all major platforms, including Apple Music, now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Open the Doors of Perception with DJ Promo & Avarice’s Hip-Hop Gem, Pandemia

Posted on 12 November 2024

DJ Promo, the Puerto Rican beat architect, and New York’s lyrical sage Avarice have crystallised their sonic synergy into the recently unveiled LP ‘Forgotten Gems’. Born from a prolific past, where beats crafted between 2007 and 2012 lay dormant, DJ Promo unearthed the sonic relics, offering them to Avarice, who expanded what was meant to be a brief EP into a full-bodied album.

The track ‘Pandemia’, a seminal hit from the sonic anthology, is a masterclass in expressive power. It weaves mid-western motifs through the solid rattle of the 808s, laying down a minimalist soundscape that cradles Avarice’s commanding spoken-word delivery.

With each word meticulously cadenced, the verses strike with the impact of spoken truth in the production, which sounds as though it has sprung to life from a vintage tape deck with its intimate hiss. Yet, the urban narrative thrums with a contemporary pulse, ensuring the duo earned their place in the contemporary hip-hop landscape.

As the instrumentals serenade the soul with their understated complexity, Avarice’s narratives coax the doors of perception ajar. Hit play, and let ‘Pandemia’ transport you to where music meets the mind in a quiet revolution of thought.

Head to Spotify to stream Pandemia as part of the collaborative Forgotten Gems LP, which dropped on October 31st. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Loose Change 10k became an unreckonable force in the Floridian hip-hop scene with their trippy hit, Haters

Posted on 19 October 2024

The Floridian hip-hop duo Loose Change 10k has once again proven its unreckonable mettle with the latest single and music video, Haters. The wavy and melodically trippy track instantly sets a mind-bending tone; once you’ve sunk into the saturated reflections of old-school hip-hop roots, the bars kick in and push adrenalized momentum into the hit with every syllable flexed.

The juxtaposition between the energy injected by the two MCs, O-Head and Danny Duke, and the catharsis of the experimentally catchy melodies leaves you cascading through a vortex of Loose Change 10k’s ingenuity.

With a sound that’s as fresh as it is fierce, they’ve reserved a space in the hip-hop pantheon with Haters, which vindicates anyone who has collected their fair share of haters simply by succeeding. If any track is going to convince you to take it all in your stride and leave them to stagnate, it’s Haters.

Stream the self-shot and produced video for Haters, which premiered on October 8th, via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mike37 transcended with the soul in his alt-hip-hop debut  LP, HOT AIR BALLOON

Posted on 7 September 2024

On September 6th, Mike37 made titanic waves by dropping his debut album, HOT AIR BALLOON. At the tender age of 17, the independent Milan-residing DJ, producer, vocalist and hip-hop & soul fusionist already has the chops to slice through genres and moods with the cultivated command of a veteran, which is affectingly exhibited in the vibe-driven 12-track LP.

The LP is a bold blend of soul and sharp-edged rap, straddling a dozen tracks that venture from intimate soul outpourings to spitfire spoken word, all dipped in the hallucinogenic haze of dreamy trap. Using hip-hop’s sonic playground for the foundation of the album didn’t get in the way of Mike37 casting the genre net wider into the domain of pop to implant pop hooks into his wavy hits which resound with seraphic semi-lucid euphonic euphoria.

To juxtapose the soul in the former and subsequent singles, the standout track, PUT YOUR CAMERA DOWN, throbs with aggressive synths and heavy 808s, setting the stage for Mike37’s incisive lyrics that slice through the superficial sheen of social media facades. Mike37 may have been a beat maker first, but this track is evidence of his command over metrically kinetic bars and his ability to lay bare a narrative that’s both raw and refined.

The album’s diversity is kicked up a notch with contributions from a variety of artists like Skyler, Uno Hype, Tiffany Evans, and Amy Fitz Doyley, each adding a distinct flavour to the mix without overshadowing Mike37’s own stylistic imprint.

Crafted in Italy’s Fiery Water Recordings Studio and given the final polish at Abbey Road by Alex Gordon, the technical execution of this album is nothing short of stellar. Every beat and note was engineered and destined to resonate.

Stream HOT AIR BALLOON on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Keep up to date with Mike37’s latest releases and news via Instagram and Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Aco Draco fires off in his stormer of a rap track, Ray Gun

Posted on 3 September 2024

Departing from sonic mundanity, Aco Draco’s latest single, Ray Gun, burst onto the scene with artillery that’s anything but ordinary. Opening with a faux news report, the track cleverly sets the stage for Draco’s irreverent entry, blending tongue-in-cheek humour with a punchy introduction that hooks listeners from the get-go.

Ray Gun”marries cinematic orchestral strings with classic boom-bap beats, creating a soundscape as expansive as it is epic. Draco’s raspy, convicting rap bars slice through the backdrop, proving that his command of the mic is as formidable as his creative vision.

This up-and-coming Colorado native, who carries influences from Lil Wayne to Metallica, showcases a dynamic fusion of sharp lyricism and high-energy beats that will rattle the hip-hop scene to its core.

From his humble beginnings recording in a closet with an Xbox headset to charting his own course in the rap industry, Draco’s journey is one of relentless pursuit and undeniable growth. His unique style, marked by raw authenticity and emotional depth, is capable of turning heads, bending ears and making waves with its charismatic wordplay and bold execution.

Ray Gun was officially released on the 29th of August; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Regal Club’s rap track, Electro, is a livewire to the senses

Posted on 27 August 2024

Dark ominous electronic beats meet the transcendence of enlightenment in the latest drop from Regal Club. With their new single and music video, the St Louis duo comprising Alvo and J. Cruz wrote a new chapter in their legacy which any hip-hop fan should revere as gospel. 

Electro, which features on the duo’s ambitious sophomore LP synthesises lyrical conviction with kinetic rhythm to break away from conventional hip-hop beats and breaks and to embrace a fusion where contrasts of light and dark play over a bass-heavy production. The instrumentals buzz with energy, sharpening the rap verses that effortlessly sync with the dynamic beats, creating a charged atmosphere which oscillates with intensity.

The duo’s authentic style possesses a visceral grip on the psyche, as Alvo and J. Cruz hold their own against Run the Jewels’ dualism. If you couldn’t get enough of the raw edge in Oddisee’s earlier records, Electro will resonate on a whole new level.

The official music video for Electro is available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast