Browsing Tag

Rap

AR Jiggy followed a vibe into unchartered new wave hip-hop waters with ‘4U’

Posted on 21 March 2024

No one rides the new wave of hip-hop smoother than AR Jiggy, as exhibited through the hypersonically hot standout single, 4U, from his new LP, Ratchet Melodic 2, which strangely enough, delivers everything it says on the tin. The scintillating synths mimic the twilight as they glisten in the melodiously wavy production that will instantly get you in the genre-fluid groove of the synthesis of hip-hop, pop, and RnB.

Instead of ticking all the right hip-hop boxes with this seminal release and pandering to antiquated parameters, the East London rapper and singer followed a vibe into unchartered waters and ensured any urban innovation seekers would want to take the plunge time after time. From the precision in his sharp lyrically rhythmic hooks to the instrumental odyssey AR Jiggy puts before you in his tracks, there’s no refuting that he has exactly what it takes to hold dominion over the hip-hop domain in London and beyond.

Ratchet Melodic 2 was officially released on February 15th; stream it in full on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get your body beat with Stuee Singh’s bhangra hip-hop hit, Spiritual Sharabi

Posted on 19 March 2024

Dive into the vibrant world of Stuee Singh with “Spiritual Sharabi,” a track that effortlessly marries the rhythmic allure of Bhangra with the edgy essence of hip-hop. Singh, a multifaceted North Indian rapper, brings an eclectic mix of languages and cultural influences to his music, rapping in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Danish, and Thai. This linguistic dexterity, combined with his global upbringing in Bangkok and Copenhagen, sets the stage for a truly international hip-hop experience.

The single’s momentum is driven by Bhangra beats that compel the body to move, while Singh’s rap flows assert his distinct flair and his vibrant persona, which is deeply rooted in bringing light and mindfulness to his audience. Nevertheless, he doesn’t shy away from the grit and raw power expected from a hip-hop hit.

Singh’s journey from a successful global corporate career to embracing his true passion for music is as compelling as his lyrics. His full name, Harcharan Singh Thakral, meaning ‘With God’s Blessing’, reflects his spiritual inspiration drawn from Sikh scripture and hip-hop legends. In “Spiritual Sharabi,” he combines this spiritual depth with his sharp wit and wordplay, leaving listeners in awe of his cultivated approach to hip-hop.

Representing the modern Sikh and introducing the world to a contemporary interpretation of his culture, Singh aims to revolutionise mainstream hip-hop. “Spiritual Sharabi” is a clear indication that Stuee Singh is a visionary artist, reshaping the hip-hop landscape with every beat and verse.

Spiritual Sharabi is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Zel? darkened the corridors of trap with his indomitably infectious release, Swag Musik

Posted on 11 March 2024

Knowing exactly how to make his flows infectious, his hooks sharp, and his beats pop, Zel? staked his claim as one of the most seminal up-and-coming artists of his generation with his 2024 LP, Mode de vie.

The standout single, Swag Musik, is an urban autograph of sheer innovation; by darkening the corridors of trap, injecting the indomitable conviction of old-school hip-hop and working in RnB aesthetics around the heavy basslines, the Maryland-hailing recording artist delivered a hit that doesn’t just live up to the hype, it leaves you hyped through exposure to Zel?’s cunningly meticulous alchemic presence on the airwaves.

After studying beats and music and consistently staying on his grind, Zel?’s music became a cultivated and twisted take on the familiar; menacing and jarringly magnetic in equal measure, Swag Musik is everything it says on the tin; the shadowy noir-esque hit is a harbingering sign of even bigger things to come for Zel?

Stream Swag Musik on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sydney’s hip-hop heavyweight, T.C.W, will force heads out of the sand with his juggernautical alt-rap track, DAMN I AM U

Posted on 9 March 2024

T.C.W’s latest alt-rap juggernaut, DAMN I AM U, hits so hard you will be torn between shedding tears over the atrocities elucidated and responding to the call to arms by following suit, standing up, and fighting back against the relayed injustices rather than leaving tyrants’ blood pooling in our hands.

DAMN I AM U is a formidable force that proves our sanctity may be more comfortable with our heads in the sand, but we’re sleeping through history that is doomed to repeat if we see resistance is futile. The track begins with a harbingering outro of war horns, reminiscent of the epic scores in Game of Thrones, yet infused with a tribal edge which echoes the annals of Viking folklore. The intro sets a high bar, and TCW surpasses it with his dynamic and raw rap bars that reach the pinnacle of tensile conviction.

The instrumentals go beyond the usual rhythmic hip-hop tropes with their possession of a dark indie post-punk and progressive rock quality, creating a backdrop that amplifies TCW’s fervent lyrical delivery; it’s the ultimate anthem for seeking vindication for their contemporary angst and nihilism.

T.C.W’s lyrical prowess reflects his intricately intellectual depth, reminiscent of artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, while also nodding to his New York influences like ILL Bill and Vinnie Paz. His self-taught production skills shine through, marking ‘DAMN I AM U’ as a foundational piece in his journey towards creative greatness.

The track’s vocal performance is a rollercoaster of emotion, starting with a low, anticipatory tone before exploding into a passionate outcry, mirroring the passions of a modern revolution.

Stream DAMN I AM U on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Frank Blunt redefined hip-hop’s intellectual edge with ‘Bored Games 2’

Posted on 8 March 2024

Frank Blunt’s latest single, ‘Bored Games 2′, is a testament to his stripes as a rap luminary. Blunt stayed true to his name by delivering an intellectually resonant and intellectually stimulating hit of wisdom; it’s a journey into the depths of Blunt’s psyche, a reflection of his soul laid bare through masterful lyricism

While the jazz-infused rhythms pay homage to old-school hip-hop, Blunt weaves his sonic signature through the production like gritty urban calligraphy to carve out his own unique identity, mostly noted through the cadence of his introspective gold. Blunt’s flow is a marvel of rhythmic precision and melodic inventiveness, ensuring that listeners hang on to every syllable. His ability to weave complex narratives which go plateaus beyond the ordinary tropes of the genre allows the tract to challenge perceptions while remaining grounded in realism.

Frank Blunt’s influences, ranging from Michael Jackson to UGK, from Jay Z to Outkast, are evident in his music, yet he’s far from a by-product of assimilation. After a decade of cutting his teeth in the industry, his unparalleled talent is as razor-sharp as his lyrical wit. If any up-and-coming rapper has earned their place in the pantheon of hip-hop greats, it is Blunt.

Bored Games 2 was released on February 7th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

bleed moxie is the antithesis of Andrew Tate in his cinematically luxe alt-hip-hop track, women’s society

Posted on 8 March 2024

In a genre often marred by stereotypical portrayals, bleed moxie’s latest alt-hip-hop single, ‘women’s society’ is a refreshingly progressive deviation. Mitchel Paulson, under his latest persona, weaved a narrative that not only celebrates femininity but also challenges the listener to re-evaluate their perceptions and discriminations.

After an intro of 50s doo-wop and a touch of retro Hollywood glamour, the beat ushers into the dreamy-with-hazy-hues jazz-infused soundscape, which lays the perfect foundation for the emotionally charged rap bars. His verses are a poignant tribute to women, far removed from the objectifying rhetoric prevalent in much of contemporary hip-hop.

The track’s artfully nostalgic production juxtaposes sharply with its message, reminding us of a time when women were upheld with respect in society. This contrast is a sonically visualised commentary on the current socio-cultural climate, especially in the wake of incel movements led by figures like Andrew Tate. This track is not just vital; it’s a necessary step forward in the evolution of hip-hop.

bleed moxie, a chameleon in the music world, has evolved from the party-hard, emo-tinged innovator to the introspective, mature artist we hear today. His journey through various personas – from the Mox & J. Project to MJ FLAWS – has been a testament to his adaptability and depth as an artist.

women’s society was officially released on March 1st; stream the single on Spotify and SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

London’s HBEEE played by his own rules in his viral rap track, Game Over

Posted on 7 March 2024

After teaming up with director Mani J for the official music video for his latest hit, Game Over, one of the hottest UK rappers, HBEEE racked up over 312k streams in the space of a month; the grime track is more than worth the viral hype.

If you can’t stand the superficiality of fake beauty, know how it feels to always have your walls up and live knowing that no one will ever understand the complexities that lie beneath your persona, Game Over will leave you vindicated by the volition.

With a lyrical intellect that rivals George the Poet’s, the hook-rife release will leave you ensnared from the first hit; the contrast between the warm, intricate and melodic instrumentals and female backing vox with HBEEE’s razor-sharp-with-grit cadence, it’s impossible not to be affected by the authentically stylised ingenuity in Game Over.

Stream the official music video on the GRM Daily YouTube channel now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Experience 2024’s most electrifying hip-hop ensemble via ROK10’s seminal collaborative release, CYPHER V2

Posted on 6 March 2024

The release of “CYPHER V2” created a seismic shift in the hip-hop landscape. ROK10, a Lancaster native whose roots in metal and underground raves have seasoned his foray into rap, orchestrated an 8:40-minute juggernaut with a finesse that belies his eclectic background.

The track burst onto the scene with a vitality that could give the Wu-Tang Clan a run for their money. Each artist – OVLRD Shogun, DIENASTY PIFF, Rah the Broker, 2EZ, Reyya, S.A.V., and Velkro LaStrange – brings their unique flair, creating a tapestry of voices that’s as diverse as it is cohesive. Their bars skate over the old-school, gritty beats with an agility that’s both nostalgic and fresh, echoing the golden age of hip-hop while carving out a new niche.

ROK10’s ingenuity shines in the way he layers contrasting instrumental tones and textures beneath swathes of saturated delay. It’s a soundscape that allows each artist’s individuality to blaze, yet harmoniously meld into a singular, powerhouse anthem. The emotional charge of the lyrics is palpable, offering a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the psyche of each contributor. The gender balance in the vocals is another triumph, ensuring the track resonates with a broad spectrum of listeners.

“CYPHER V2” marks ROK10’s unforgettable debut in the rap scene. It’s a testament to his versatility and vision as an artist unafraid to blend and bend musical norms. For fans of rap looking for something that’s both rooted in tradition and boldly innovative, this track is a must-listen.

Stream CYPHER V2 on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Saint Kon’s Latest Tour De Force is a Sonic Crusade for Empathy and Justice

Posted on 1 March 2024

Some artists use their platforms for good; some use them for ground-breaking greatness. After Saint Kon released 10000 Hours on February 8, she’s definitively in the latter camp.

The pop-meets-hip-hop mash-up ensured the track has swathes of cross-over appeal while her bars bruise in a way that you may start to question if you’ve ever been hit before. The raw and heavy lyricism explores everything from suicidal ideation to the compulsion to heal others despite how deep our own scars bed down in our psyche.

After a minor key piano prelude, the bass-heavy boom-bap hip-hop instrumentals storm in as she switches from vocal harmonies to a killer rap cadence that blazes through her compulsion to fight the countless injustices of the world.

If the orchestrally heightened, inventively produced and polished track doesn’t fuel you with the motivation to use your time on earth to fight against the insidiousness that seems to get more nefarious with every trip around the sun, you can probably consider your own soul defunct. 10000 Hours is a lesson in convictive empathy; if it worked its way into the consciousness of everyone who existed, the human race would be transformed overnight.

10000 Hours is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Tago – D.A.M.N: An Eternally En Vogue Hip-Hop Anthem of Resilience and Enlightenment

Posted on 29 February 2024

Elevate your rhythmic pulses and bolster your resilience with “D.A.M.N,” the latest euphorically elevated hit from Tago, the Texan titan of hip-hop. The track is a seismic shift in the musical landscape – not by pandering to trends or pursuit of viral fame – but through unflinching perseverance to remain authentic and uplift music fans from all walks of life.

The cross-over appeal is unreal. Between the modernised grooves, which expose Tago’s electronica influences and determination to produce anything but pedestrian beats, you just can’t help but catch the fever of his positivity as he proves that while life might throw curveballs, it’s the grit and grind that keep you going.

Crafted by the multi-platinum producer whose name is fated to become synonymous with longevity in an industry where stars often flicker out as fast as they ignite, D.A.M.N is a firestorm of soul, wisdom, and exhilaration. This track is a bold declaration that Tago isn’t just playing the game; he’s setting the rules, delivering a sound that’s not just for the moment but for the ages.

Merging the raw, unfiltered essence of old-school hip-hop with a glimpse into the genre’s future, Tago’s invitation to embrace your journey towards self-actualisation and peak individuality is irresistible.

Tago Said:

“When I wrote D.A.M.N, I was going through a lot of trials and tribulations and it had me feeling like “DAMN”. In a sense, you can say the feeling of struggle is what created the track.

In this record, I’m trying to convey a story of resilience and inspire others to not give up on their dreams or themselves despite the pain, pressure, and people’s expectations. Always be authentic and never fold under pressure because diamonds are created under pressure.”

D.A.M.N will be officially released on all major platforms, including Spotify, on February 29th, followed by the upcoming accompanying official music video, directed by the cinematic titan, Ori Evans. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast