Browsing Tag

trap

Hard-Edged Synths Collide with Wit-Sharp Bars in Pretty Blicky’s Alt-Trap Speaker Slammer, RUN (v2)

Posted on 15 December 2024

RUN (v2) by Pretty Blicky (AKA Kami the Wolfboy) hammers through the streets with trap beats that bounce like rubber bullets against concrete walls. The track’s 00s hip-hop grit and warped, discordant synths charge each verse with a dark momentum that’s already rattling the mainstream, proved by tens of thousands of streams and its transformation from an urban underground secret into a speaker-slamming stormer.

Pretty Blicky, sometimes operating as the child-friendly persona Kami the Wolfboy, has carved a distinct space in a less diverse musical climate by blending humour, intellect, and genuine compassion. From highlighting socioeconomic and political issues with unapologetic authenticity to experimenting across multiple genres—culminating in what he dubs “Grunge Trap”—he refuses to be pigeonholed.

‘RUN (v2)’ sits next to tracks like JOYBOY—an upbeat pop and rap hybrid that disguises heartbreak beneath brighter tones—and SORRY NOT SORRY (#SORRYNOTSORRY), a viral sensation with over half a million YouTube views, revered for its sharp commentary and lyrical chops.

Beyond streaming figures, Pretty Blicky’s philanthropic acts, such as sending thousands of dollars to those in need while working at Chipotle, and earning verification on CashApp, amplify the authenticity that resonates through every bar.

With ‘RUN (v2)’, Pretty Blicky forced new fault lines through stale terrain, giving fans of trap something raw, resonant and hyped to the max to get psyched with.

Stream the official music video for RUN (v2) on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

J.B.Z lay the blueprint for Birmingham’s trap takeover with their seminal hit, The Trap

Posted on 4 December 2024

With their debut EP, The Prelude, Birmingham’s J.B.Z make it clear they’re here to dominate the UK trap scene. It isn’t just the title of the EP which promises even bigger things to come; it is evident in how each member carries their distinct flow like a weapon, delivering darkly humorous and edgy street narratives that resonate with authentic grit.

Serving as the opening salvo, The Trap showcases the collective’s raw energy and fierce drill beats that perfectly complement their razor-sharp bars. Thriving on mood and meaning, beneath the intense, bass-heavy beats and shadowy atmosphere lies a track charged with social consciousness, proving that J.B.Z isn’t afraid to confront reality while spitting with a cadence that leaves nothing in the tank.

The Prelude is an unflinching statement that there’s as much trap mettle in Birmingham as across the Atlantic. So, if you’re searching for trap that balances darkness with clever wit and bone-shaking beats, The Trap is a stark reminder of who’s ready to put Birmingham on the global rap map.

The Trap hit all major streaming platforms, including SoundCloud on November 24th; stream the track now and follow J.B.Z on TikTok and X.

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

Sapuis wore his heart on his bars in ‘RIP SAM’

Posted on 8 November 2024

In one of his most visceral tracks to date, ’RIP SAM’, the up-and-coming independent hip-hop artist Sapuis wore his heart on his bars and let the dark trap instrumentals set an ensnaring tone.

The atmospherically cinematic track uses a big beat production with wavy aesthetics to amplify the sense of disquietude that Sapuis storms through with his lyrics that prove that few rappers on the scene know how to flex fortitude as intensely as the icon in the making who, with every track, is making his way up from the underground and into the mainstream.

The launch of his 2024 LP, Before I Die, marked a pivotal chapter in Sapuis’ career; with enough perseverance, there’s no reason why he couldn’t become the hottest lyrical waxer of his generation. The way his articulation flexes to the beat is cooking up serious heat.

Stream RIP SAM with the rest of Sapuis’ discography via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kilabear created a sonic sanctuary for the disillusioned with his dark trap stormer, leave me alone

Posted on 9 October 2024
Kilabear

In leave me alone, the alt-rap pioneer, Kilabear, stakes his claim as the dark sovereign of trap, invoking a prelude reminiscent of Sisters of Mercy, only to shatter the gothic serenity with a bass-heavy beat that propels us into his world of brooding introspection. The track is a raw confluence where the polished production of pop and the grit of trap music coalesce into an evocative vignette of how desperation for isolation can swarm the psyche.

Kilabear’s verses, laden with a poignant candour, penetrate relatable melancholy deep into the mix; his words don’t just hit close to the bone, they soak into the marrow as you’re confronted with unfeigned vulnerability, which acts as an olive branch to connect through one of life’s most solitary experiences. If you’ve ever wanted to withdraw into the recesses of your own spirit through disillusionment and scorn, consider leave me alone you’re new sonic sanctuary.

With his music, Kilabear addresses themes of heartbreak, substance abuse, and the everyday struggles that often go unspoken. leave me alone is a testament to his fearlessness in exposing unvarnished truth.

leave me alone will be available to stream on all major platforms from October 9th; check out the single on Spotify and Apple Music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Caleb X ticked all the right dream trap boxes in ‘Ricky Hoodie’

Posted on 6 October 2024

Caleb X’s standout single, Ricky Hoodie, drawn from his third LP, Dreams of Rodeo, introduces listeners to a dreamscape where the trap genre isn’t just revisited; it’s reinvented. The track embodies a dreamy trap aesthetic that could lift the heaviest souls to ethereal heights with its light, transcendent tonality. The instrumental work is nothing short of entrancing, setting a cloud-like stage for Caleb X’s vocals.

His verses meld the sticky sweetness of pop harmonies with the sharp cadence of hip-hop, demonstrating his unique flair for bridging genres. It’s a polyphonic exploration that promises to peel back layers of the mundane and add a fresh sound to any vibe-out playlist. Ricky Hoodie ticks every proverbial box for what dream trap can aspire to be—polyphonic, innovative, and utterly mesmerising without resorting to cliché.

Caleb X, hailing from Atlanta, continually defies the ordinary, shaping sounds that refuse to be shackled by the conventional boundaries of trap music. With each new release, he distinguishes himself from his contemporaries by bending sonic boundaries towards his creative will.

Stream and purchase the 3rd LP from Caleb X on Apple Music and Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Skinny Blacks fired up a new wave of hip-hop with his hypersonically hot track, Getaway Bae

Posted on 20 September 2024

With roots stretching from South London to St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Skinny Blacks delivered a pulsating summer anthem with Getaway Bae. If you’re searching for a track that hits harder than a heatwave in July, this high-octane single offers everything you’d expect from an artist fusing his Jamaican heritage with trap-heavy beats.

In an era where so much hip-hop sounds formulaic, Skinny Blacks smashes through the monotony with energy levels that could power a city. The track comes with the unrelenting force of a tropical storm, combining rhythmic precision with an edge that demands a replay.

By blending melodic rap with bold trap production, Skinny Blacks crafted an adrenalised hit for the wanderlust generation. Lyrically, it’s an unapologetic testament to being in control of your destiny, and musically, it’s a blueprint for the new direction UK rap is taking. It’s clear Skinny Blacks isn’t just riding the wave – he’s creating his own tsunami in the scene.

Getaway Bae was officially released on September 1st; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Salon is an icon of raw authenticity in his alt-rap hit, About Me, I’m Real

Posted on 10 July 2024

Salon’s latest single, About Me, I’m Real, is an unflinching testament to the power of raw, unfiltered self-expression in a world that often demands the opposite.

The heart-piercingly poignant single doesn’t just hit close to the bone, it’s enough to tear your soul in two through the choked-with-emotion vibrato in the vocals, the strident reflections of a frenetic soul through hyper-pop hooks, and the intimately intricate guitar layers which conjure elements of Midwest emo into this alt-rap hit, which serves as a visceral statement of intent from an artist determined true to himself, regardless of whether facades would serve him better.

Each lyric hammers intense emotion into your psyche, guiding you through a bittersweet lament of how authenticity can be your downfall. This track leaves no listener unscathed; its confessional nature, while pensive, invites you to embrace your own idiosyncrasies and reject incessant pressure to conform.

Since 2018, Salon has used music as therapy, transposing feelings into something tangible in the same vein as the late Chester Bennington, who left a sonic void of catharsis behind. Bennington is a big artist to live up to, but Salon, with his ability to turn vulnerability into salvation is succeeding on a profound level.

About Me, I’m Real was officially released on July 5th; stream the single on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

$chaff the Prophet – TELEPHONE: The Cosmic Psych-Trap Track You Won’t Be Able to Put Down

Posted on 13 June 2024

$chaff the Prophet burst through the bubblegum pop trend and established his own cosmic bubblegum psych trap niche with his second LP for 2024, PSYCHEDELIC BUBBLEGUM.

The standout single, TELEPHONE, is an electrifying synth-driven kaleidoscopic synthesis of 8Bit, trap, hyperpop, and Owl City-esque electronica. If the viscerally hued sonics of the track don’t ensnare you, $chaff the Prophet’s sticky-sweet approach to painting a neon-lit vignette of a lonely protagonist searching for connection while keeping social life in the palm of her hand hits hard enough to bruise.

The exposition of how easy it is to get “lost in information, pixels and tones” couldn’t hit closer to home now given the hyperconnected nature of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The artist’s signature arpeggios lend themselves effortlessly well to the playful yet empathy-evoking production, which shows just how far $chaff the Prophet has come since the launch of his debut in 2019. Now 11 LPs deep, his authentic sound has become so cultivated that he deserves to be revered as a pioneer in his own right.

TELEPHONE is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

7ELIX found a new depth in intimacy with his emo rap vignette,  ‘CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK’

Posted on 30 May 2024

CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK taken from 7ELIX’s seminal LP, emergency exit, pt.3: death of a memory, is the perfect introduction to the Asheville, NC-born artist’s music which is offered as a salve for the outcasted soul.

The songwriter, producer and audio engineer created the ultimate testament to his motivation to advocate for mental health and suicide awareness by orchestrating this confessionally evocative emo-rap vignette of vulnerability. By illustrating the power of candid expression and giving an outlet for jagged emotions that become scars if they’re harboured for too long, he gave a lesson in catharsis in CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK.

The light production work on the intricately melodic track ensures that none of the visceral sincerity from the recording was stripped away. Painted in nocturnal light that depicts the intimacy of late-night thoughts cascading into vocalisation, CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK captures 7ELIX at his most uninhibited as he attempts to hold onto a relationship that is precariously hanging in the balance despite his tight grip on the affections that bring warmth to the bittersweet release.

It’s a heart-wrenchingly authentic release which is a clear sign of even bigger things to come from 7ELIX. We can’t wait to hear what’s lingering in the prodigy’s timeline.

CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast