Browsing Tag

Mellow Hip Hop

Kelvo’s Laidback Cuts Got Sharper with His Latest Alt-Hip-Hop Release, Got2Change

Posted on 27 March 2024

North London’s Kelvo is riding an exotically mellow new wave of hip-hop while harking back to 70s soul & funk and 90s hip-hop with his latest single, Got2Change, which showcases his ability to weave introspective lyrics with vibrant beats and transcendent swathes of soul.

From the outset, ‘Got2Change’ sinks you into a tropical-infused groove; the soundscape lays the perfect foundation for Kelvo’s smooth rap bars, which glide effortlessly over the beat. His flow is as smooth as velvet, creating a striking contrast with the colourful vibrancy of the instrumental arrangement.

Instrumentally, Got2Change is a holiday from the gritty streets of London, but the big smoke is infused in the razor-sharp flow of Kelvo as he delves into themes of self-growth and introspection, challenging listeners to awaken from the slumber of unrealised potential. In essence, Got2Change is a call to action, an invitation to strip away tension and embrace a more reflective state of mind.

Got2Change will hit all major platforms on March 27th, stream it via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Drift away with WIN’s latest single, Goodnight, and see why he is the brightest Bronx trap luminary in 2023

Posted on 12 July 2023

Smooth out your playlists with the latest RnB-infused, pseudo-trap lullaby, Goodnight, from the up-and-coming urban trailblazer WIN.

With dreamy jazz nuances worked into the soporific mix, Goodnight is a soulfully musical exhibition of the Bronx-hailing recording artist’s talent and ingenuity, which has seen him performing at a series of high-profile music festivals, including Harlem Art Festival, SXSW, and Daze Summit.

With his melodic uptempo spoken-word bars dominating the hazy mix, there are few vibe-out tracks that succeed in spilling catharsis and feel-good energy simultaneously in this vein. With his infectiously enigmatic charisma paired with his cutting wordplay skills that paint vivid vignettes of life in the Bronx, you can consider WIN as the brightest trap luminary in. 2023.

Goodnight hit the airwaves on June 7th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Is Our Children Learning dish out the satirical catharsis in ‘Little Sayin From Tennessee’

Posted on 21 July 2022
Is Our Children Learning

Like an infinitely breezier Beastie Boys, Is Our Children Learning’s latest single, Little Sayin from Tennessee, is a mellow meld of indie, hip hop and satire, sweetened by 70s analog warmth.

Unlike many satirists, Is Our Children Learning evade being as depressing and existentialism-evoking as the MSM. In their latest single, they tie together blissful catharsis from upbeat riffs and cutting witticism. Allowing you consider the true absurdity of hyper-normalised insanity being in every inch of the political spectrum while ensuring your rhythmic pulses are placated. To call it ingenious wouldn’t be all too much of a stretch.

Check out Is Our Children Learning on Instagram and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Surfs up in Wave Lord’s seminal new wave hip hop single, No Durag

Posted on 6 June 2022

You haven’t experienced new wave hip hop until you’ve surfed the cruxes on the grooves in Wave Lord’s seminal album, Life of a Rap Star. The lead single, No Durag, is a blazing yet mellow window into the US artist’s determined mentality and his aptitude for soft and hazy instrumental hooks.

The Bahamas-born, Canada-residing artist brings every ounce of his motivation and passion into his wavey mixes which may lull you into a state of catharsis, but no matter how down the tempo, his distinctively rhythmic rap style always brings the energy.

No Durag is now available to stream on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Johnny E Sullivan has made his vulnerably intimate indie hip hop debut with ‘Bedroom’

Posted on 6 May 2022

NYC’s young prodigy, Johnny E Sullivan, has been gradually garnering acclaim since the release of his debut 2022 single, Bedroom, which has now amassed over 40k streams on Spotify alone. The new generation of music fans couldn’t ask for a better voice to tune into and find relatable raw poetry.

The mellow indie trap beats flow seamlessly against the colourful melodies and the vocals that effortlessly switch between volatility and vulnerability as Bedroom draws you deeper into the melancholy that is all too resonant in our collective state of ennui. After such a successful debut, Johnny E Sullivan is undoubtedly one to watch.

Bedroom is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Henry Franck defines the laws of attraction in his exotically mellow hip hop track, Insane

Posted on 17 March 2022
Henry Franck

The Florida-residing Haitian American music producer Henry Franck’s latest single, Insane, transcends the contemporary hip hop curve with its indie-meets-country vibes and vocal lines that are nothing short of melt-worthy.

Insane is for anyone that likes their hedonism with a side serve of chill and mindful positivity. As the hooky yet mellow choruses make an earworm out of the track that features Mickey Factz, the lyrics define the laws of attraction in the context of intimate affection.

The artist and US army vet’s sound is the kind that is powerful enough in its sweet catchy sentimentality that it could even appease no great aficionados of the genre. In other words, Henry Franck more than has what it takes to make it in the mainstream.

Henry Franck’s single, Insane, will officially release on April 8th, 2022. It will be available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Walker Deuce takes ambient trap to the realms of old school hip hop with ‘Chill’

Posted on 11 November 2021

From freestyle prodigy to vibe master, Walker Deuce’s sound may have evolved, but his bold, raw energy remains as visceral as ever. His standout release, Chill, has all the makings of your next vibe out playlist staple.

The short and sweet track may only run through for 1:34-minutes, but that is all the time it took for the Portland-based artist to lull you into a state of reflective catharsis through the wavy trippy tones and nostalgic old school sensibilities.

Chill carries all the grit of 80s hustler hip hop, but its colourful cadence and indie guitars stay on the more soulful and affable side of expression. Any fans of Snoop Dogg, Mac Miller, Dre won’t want to hang around in introducing Walker Deuce to their playlists.

Along with releasing eight albums, plus plenty more EPs and singles, the rapper and songwriter gives back to the hip hop scene as an indie label owner.

Chill officially released on September 29th; you can check it out for yourselves on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

Kayshon relives the AM magic in his RnB Hip Hop single, Late Night.

Posted on 21 October 2021

Master of catchy hooks, Kayshon has released his latest captivatingly smooth mash of RnB, hip hop and pop, ‘Late Night’, which captures the intimate magic that only breeds in the small hours.

The 23-year-old Austin, TX born and raised artist always looks to his experience for inspiration. And with that, you get the instant affirmation that each of his singles comes from a place of sincerity. With Late Night, you get a potent shot of 90s nostalgia from the modern, intricate and mellow production. Yet, the biggest draw is undoubtedly the sweet magnetism in his pitch-perfect harmonies.

Fresh off the release of his debut EP, Love Cycles, there has never been a better time to make ample room for this up and coming luminary on your radar.

Late Night is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Young Corrupt’s latest feat of mellow hip hop ‘Lost Faces’ will leave you lusting for the simple life.

Posted on 2 March 2021

With their hard-hitting approach to hazy lyrical Hip Hop, it comes as no surprise that Young Corrupt has been able to amass plenty of hype with their honest, gritty and confrontational tracks since making their relatively recent debut.

If you’re yet to be acquainted with Young Corrupt’s lyrical wit, their mellow vibeout playlist staple ‘Lost Faces’ will prove to be the perfect introduction. The beats follow sensual grooves, while Young Corrupt adds plenty of energy to the  mix through their strident Rap bars which paint the plaintive struggles of 21st century romance and leave you yearning for the simple life.

You can check out Lost Faces (prod. Blev) for yourselves by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

London’s ‘Up In The Air’ is the perfect antidote to Covid-Brexit winter blues

Posted on 21 December 2020

‘Up In The Air’ by newcomer London is the perfect antidote to the current wind, rain, Brexit, and Covid-19 doleful torpor gripping the UK, a summery, upbeat, dance-y mix of R&B-inspired hip-hop and mellow, groove-filled soul. There’s a rich, deep and uplifting ascending bassline, a deliciously soulful female backing harmony part, and London’s soft, Smokey Robinson/Marvin Gaye style tuneful vocal, all lilting smoky East Coast DC vibes and summer sunshine.

‘Up in The Air’ is London’s third single, following up ‘Y.D.L.M. (You Don’t Love Me)’ and ‘5 Questions’, and it’s clear that there’s some growth going on here; all that bodes very, very well for London’s future.

Check out ‘Up In The Air’ on Apple Music and Spotify, and follow London on Instagram.

Review by Alex Holmes