Browsing Tag

Rap

reubencmg looked beyond the surface level of scars in his compassionately raw rap track, Insecure

Posted on 31 January 2024

In his latest single, Insecure, the UK rapper reubencmg opened a narrative on how we can walk through life buried under the weight of our trauma which bears down on everything we do, from how we navigate relationships to what we will passively accept from life’s protagonists who bank on people being bruised enough to tolerate exploitation and humiliation.

With the soul in the backing vocals harmonising behind the George the Poet-esque spoken-word cadence, which adds to the melodiously wavy vibe of Insecure, reubencmg keeps it raw and real while delivering a gritty urban soundscape that people can seek solace within every time they need a reminder that every person you walk past in the street has their own demons to defeat and burdens biting down on their psyche.

Stream Insecure on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ard Adz & Sho Shallow sharpened the raw edge of London’s rap scene with ‘Still Windy’

Posted on 24 January 2024

Brixton’s biggest rap luminary, Sho Shallow, has another feat of innovative urban engineering in his discography, which is quickly becoming an unreckonable legacy in the London rap scene. Still Windy, created in collaboration with Ard Adz, is a deeply affecting synthesis of lyrical intimacy, gritty charisma, and melodious beats that pulsate luxe grooves into the release which doesn’t allow the essence of the track to be overshadowed and lost by excessive studio production.

In the span of 12 hours, Still Windy was recorded and the music video was filmed, ensuring the same fire that sparked the inspiration blazes through the fervent release, which juxtaposes the soul in the backing vocals with the sharp cadence in the rap delivery, which bleeds urgency and expressive candour.

The video has racked up almost 200k streams since its December 28th premiere, which debuted ahead of the Head Above Water LP, which is due for release on January 26.

Check out the official music video brought to YouTube by GRM Daily via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ceaser Live Soul – Never Enough: A Hip-Hop Symphony of Tenacity and Soul

Posted on 23 January 2024
Pivot by Ceaser Live Soul

Ceaser Live Soul, hailing from Brooklyn, NY, didn’t stop at loading his latest single, Never Enough, with a series of mic drops. With the hit from his eagerly anticipated Pivot EP, he detonated lyrical dynamite while affirming that just because the next goalpost always seems greener, that doesn’t mean you will be any happier when you reach it.

The urban cautionary tale, versed through superlative lyrical dexterity, is a pathway through the labyrinth of contemporary hip-hop with 70s soul acting as a guide and unflinching intersections of 90s hip-hop bringing the momentum. Each syllable in Ceaser’s flow is felt as it dances over the soulful beat, bringing his poignant wordplay to life.

The refrain, “You can have it all but it’s never enough”, is more than a catchy hook; it’s the heartbeat of the song. It encapsulates Ceaser’s relentless pursuit of greatness, his unwavering tenacity, and the paradox of success – the constant yearning for more, even when you’ve seemingly reached the pinnacle. This theme resonates deeply, especially for those familiar with the relentless hustle of urban life.

Adding to the track’s allure is the soulfully strident backing vocals by Caribbean Pop sensation Hovlaine. Her voice adds a layer of depth and emotion, elevating the song to new heights. The collaboration is seamless, a testament to Ceaser’s skill as a producer and artist.

Stream and purchase the radio edit of Never Enough via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lem’s Sophomore Rap Track, S.A.D, Is A Stark Reflection of Modern Angst

Posted on 21 January 2024

In “S.A.D”, Lem’s second release, there’s an undeniable gravity that pulls you into the heart of today’s societal unease. The track starts with a haunting piano melody, subtly setting a sombre mood. As Lem’s verses unfold, there’s a tangible shift from mere melancholy to a profound, introspective exploration of contemporary disillusionment.

Lem’s lyrical prowess shines as he navigates through the complexities of modern life. His words are a candid portrayal of the pressures we face, from economic turmoil to the distorted realities perpetuated online. His approach is refreshingly sincere, standing out in a genre often dominated by surface-level expressions of frustration.

Lem’s raw narrative resonates with authenticity, offering listeners a glimpse into the struggles beneath the facade of everyday life. His choice to reveal the real sources of his anxiety and depression is both brave and rare, making “S.A.D” a standout piece in UK rap.

“S.A.D” is an impactful addition to Lem’s growing discography, showcasing his ability to articulate the complexities of the human psyche in a way that is both enlightening and deeply moving. It’s a compelling invitation to engage with his music and a strong indication of his potential to leave a lasting mark on the music scene.

S.A.D was officially released on January 12th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Madam Who? Has riotously returned with her pop-hooked and rock-licked electro-clash earworm, Peter Meter

Posted on 19 January 2024

Electro-pop-rock meets hip-hop in the latest single, Peter Meter, by the indomitable visionary, who always favours the bold and rejects the mundane to empower others through the electricity in her eccentric expressionism, Madam Who? In her rap verses, the trailblazing sonic mould-breaker gives all the ensnaring electro-clash energy of Peaches before the track descends into a Garbage-esque alt-90s earworm in the choruses to deliver the ultimate liberating anthem.

The larger-than-life vignette of how her Grandma Rita used to absolve her of her boy troubles took Madam Who? 20 years to write, but now it has arrived, complete with a fully characterised music video and a quirkiness akin to the B-52s, we can all drink in the sage wisdom, which you may not want to follow to the T, but one thing is definitive about this track, it will riotously shake every ounce of ennui out of you.

After overcoming brain cancer, Madam Who? Has remained relentless on her mission to defy expectations and verse for the underdogs. In 2023, her debut EP, Reclaim Your Power, caught the attention of Good Morning America, and her story aired to 1.7 million viewers. Now that Peter Meter is on the airwaves, the Maryland-residing singer-songwriter is set to spill more serotonin and uplift countless people from their minor and major tribulations.

The official music video for Peter Meter premiered on January 19th; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

King Apollo juxtaposed grit with glamour in his alt-hip-hop hit, Holliwould

Posted on 18 January 2024

King Apollo, hailing from Columbus, Ohio, is not just another name in the rap game; he’s a whirlwind of creativity reshaping the hip-hop domain. His latest single, ‘Holliwould‘, stands as a testament to this bold assertion. This track is a journey through a soundscape where jazz’s sophistication meets the raw energy of rap, creating an experience that’s as enigmatic as it is enthralling.

From the first note, ‘Holliwould’ envelops you in a world where the past and future collide. The instrumental arrangement is a masterclass in melody, weaving a tapestry that’s both spacy and wavy, with a jazzy undertone that feels like a nod to the classics. Yet, it’s undeniably forward-thinking, a fusion that feels both nostalgic and novel.

King Apollo’s bars are the centrepiece of this musical odyssey. His wordplay is not just clever; it’s a sly wink to the listener, as intricate and layered as the title suggests. The lyrics dance through the beats with a devilish charm, offering a glimpse into a mind that’s as sharp as it is creative. It’s this blend of wit and wisdom that sets King Apollo apart, ensuring that every line resonates long after the song ends.

By blending the glamour of film noir with the unvarnished truth of street life, contrasting elements coalesced with effortless grace and established this sense of duality as a mark of King Apollo’s artistry.

Stream Holliwould as part of the 2023 LP, OuterSpace, on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Suedejazz Collective broke jazz-fusion boundaries with ‘Spinal Chord’, ft Louie Le Vack & LEYLAH

Posted on 16 January 2024

Suedejazz Collective assembled once more to create their sophomore single, Spinal Chord and brought Louie Le Vack & LEYLAH into the fold to orchestrate an unflinching foray into the darker side of contemporary jazz-fusion.

The intro sees piano keys sway against the rigorous drum fills and fervid horns before sultry RnB vocal lines, perfectly pitched by LEYLA, become a demure anchor in the track, but it isn’t long before there’s another seamless yet breakneck transition in the exhilarant feat of genre fusion. Hip-hop often borrows timbres from jazz, but Suedejazz Collective reverse-engineered the fusion by bringing in Louis Le Vack’s rap bars that bite down hard on the psyche over the synthesis of electronica fervour to effortlessly complement the ensnaring alchemy which grooves through the release.

There aren’t many jazz-inclined outfits that can transcend the fusionist flair of Melt Yourself Down and Acoustic Ladyland, but the energy and attitude which charges through Spinal Chord is set to seal the London-based multicultural collective’s fate as unrivalled conduits of experimentalism. The uniqueness of their sonic blueprint goes beyond edgy pretension. It opens up viscerally constructive arenas of sound that you’ll want to feel the heat of time after time. Forget the smoky jazz you’ve inhaled before. Spinal Chord is a wildfire in the form of a riptide.

Stream Spinal Chord on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Reality bites, but Sizway’s bars hit harder in his originated rap track, Paint

Posted on 14 January 2024

For his latest single and music video, Paint, which has now racked up almost 350k streams on YouTube, one of the biggest names to break through the rap scene, Sizway, collaborated with producer Josh Osbourne and director Dre Paiid and unleashed a gritty portrayal of life’s raw edges.

Born Zuri Ntlabati, Sizway’s Detroit roots and South African heritage have culminated in a sound that is as diverse as his background. Paint, set against a backdrop of hypnotic melodies and the sharp bite of 808s, is a testament to this.

The track opens with a mesmerising play of keys, setting a tone that is both introspective and assertive. As the trappy rattle of the 808s kicks in, Sizway takes the reins, delivering rap bars that pull you into his world. His lyrics are a vivid vignette of reality, unvarnished and unapologetic. There’s no room for hedonistic gloss here; Sizway’s narrative reflects the sharp teeth of reality that he has navigated.

As he continues to rise in the hip-hop dominion, Sizway stands as a trailblazer of originality, and Paint is a key to understanding a world he navigates with grace, edge, and grit.

Stream the official music video for Paint on YouTube now.

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

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