MiQ The Burb Boy - B.O.M.B.S [Review] November 28, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “MiQ The Burb Boy comes in with clear purpose and deliberate, slower flow that burns with steady passion before the arrangement takes a harder edge and builds into a fiery and emotional take. The earnest performance and strong writing make for an engaging track. Add in a sneaky hook to the beat which helps tie the track together in a tangible way, and this single has everything you could want from a song with true punching power.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
TweezDaSwaggyGod - Trip [Music Video Review] November 14, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Trap, Rap, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “Offering a deeply personal take on the world, TweezDaSwaggyGodtakes us on a steady ‘Trip’ that hooks and engages start to finish. The flow is deliberate and impactful in its honest portrayal of his past and intended future. The delivery here has heart and the writing is genuine in its emotion and intent. The beat gets out of the way for the most part, but offers enough punch to help bring out the lyrical blows.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Breeze Davinci - Mind Games [Music Video Review] October 22, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Neo-Soul, Rap, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “Breeze Davinci rides a smooth flow and an addictive beat to bring out ‘Mind Games.’ The vocals lean on the production dynamics a bit too much at times, leaving me craving more emotional resonance, but the impact still comes through enough for me to engage and stay tethered to the build. The writing and groove are strong and the track is one I will certainly add to a few different playlists.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
CHIBI LoyaltyOverLove - Trap Boo [Review] October 08, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “The energy of this track caught me straight off, and then the vocal flow came with enough emotion to carry the day once that initial energy settled in. The confidence in the delivery, and the fact he’s clearly having fun dropping this flow makes it a pleasure to listen to. This is one I’ll be adding to several playlists to have at the ready when I need that pick me up groove or to settle in and let the music wash away the day. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
LibFOREIGN - HUNNIT PROOF [Music Video Review] October 07, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Trap, Rap, Hip-Hop, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “LibFOREIGN delivers ‘HUNNIT PROOF’ with precision and passion — a combination that is not easy to achieve. The flow hits with emotion and meaning, but stays within itself to establish an easy groove that is varied and deliberate. The writing shows confidence as well and comes with a deliberate swagger that sets off the track. I gave the track multiple listens and found new nuances with each go.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
$cholah - Attention [Review] October 01, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Autotune, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “I instantly fell for the groove on $cholah’s single ‘Attention.’ I did feel like the emotions was rushed by the tempo at times, but the smooth vocal tones and good vibes overcame my sensation that the song was rushing by and allowed me to settle in and find my groove. With each listen I grew to appreciate and connect with the track more and I can safely say this is a a track I won’t get tired of hearing over and over again. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
DJ Zenas x Ramond - The Spot [Review] September 03, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “Labor Day brings both party vibes, and a subtle brand of sadness as you realize summer is coming to an end. This track from DJ Zenas captures both of those vibes. ’The Spot’ comes with a groove and rhythm that feels like sipping a cold drink beside a warm pool, but the party is coming to an end and with that limited time this single feels like a Sunday afternoon as another long weeks looms ahead. The dynamics here gives you all the feels.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Lasko - Down [Review] August 25, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “Some tracks are all about the groove and vibe. ‘Down’ is one of those songs that instantly hits you with a mood and rhythm that pulls you easily along. Lasko brings an attitude that feels almost a smirk behind his flow. This leaves the listenr with a feeling not unlike a conversation with a friend giving the flow that ‘it’ factor that is hard to manufacture because it is either there, or it’s not. Lasko has it for sure. Add this fun summer track to your playlists and enjoy the good times.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Shayan Valaie - FØURDAYS (feat. Yan P) [Review] August 06, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Trap, Hip-Hop, Adult Contemporary, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “You ever been up for ‘FØURDAYS’ and realize you can longer feel your face? Then Shayan Valaie and Yan P are speaking your language on this track. We’ve all been there at one time or another and this easy progression brings out all the vibes from such prolonged adventures. So fire one up, or pour that stiff drink and keep the good times rolling with the rhythm of this infectious performance and hook-filled build. The smile on your face might even bring some of those lost sensations back.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Otev - In My Head [Music Video Review] August 06, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Contemporary R&B, Autotune, Alternative Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “The build and progression of this track worked for me, both vocally and the beat production. Lyrically this is one that simply resonated and made me nod my affirmations as I listened. The R&B groove gives the arrangement an easy flow and the production dynamics add just enough to give the while thing a contemporary feel.I was left wanting a bit more as the song felt short overall and could have went deeper in the writing, but all art should leave you wanting more and this one certainly did that for me.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Trey Triple A. x TheyCallHimAP - Paradise [Music Video Review] August 05, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “Trey Triple A. and TheyCallHimAP proves ‘Paradise’ can be found anyplace we happen to be, and that the ideal is more of a mindset than a true destination. The build and groove here comes with a smooth yet sharp edge, and the flow hooked me from the start. The lyrical flow hooked me in and I stayed there basking in the creation of Triple A’s paradise. A smooth summer vibe that will carry through even when the days are no longer sunny.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Yayvo - Champagne [Review] July 20, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Commercial, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “Pop the cork on this track and you will be sipping on the tasty sounds of Yayvo. ‘Champagne’ offers a bit of sweet bubbly for the soul with its smooth groove and easy flow. The hook is easy to dial in and song along with and the verses offer enough to connect it all and keep you savoring the sound long after the bottle is first opened. So raise your glass as you add this track to you playlists and expect others to toast your fine ear for being one of the first to discover great new music. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Rico Freeman - Cash Out [Review] June 27, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “Rico Freeman kept me on the hook for this ride with a siren like beat, and an unbalanced cadence that kicks off a vibe that takes the flow right to the ragged edge. You can call this a hype track if you must, but it simply feels like a declaration of confidence for me. Add this track to your energetic playlists when you need that jolt of motivation. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Flipfone - OUTLAW [Review] April 04, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “A banger with a nice bit of funk to the cadence. Lyrically, the track stays fairly basic, but the beat and flow bring the track to life, so the simplicity of the production works well in this case. This is more of a party song to put on and sing along with as you hang with your homies.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
ZillaKami - CHAINS [Music Video Review] March 23, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Autotune, Rap, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “If you like your music with a hard edge, and razor sharp attitude, ZillaKami has the sound you are craving. ’Chains’ is a take no prisoners type of track with a hard guttural delivery, and an industrial sounding guitar that drives the backing and brings out the grittiness of this writing and performance.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
LiBand - Soulja Mentality [Music Video Review] February 13, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “We recently featured another track from LiBand and that one delivered with unflinching bravado and confidence. This time the flow is a bit more low key, but the unique tone carries the day. Layed over trap keys and skittering 808s, this flow is more of a steady resolve and mindset than a swaggering boast. In this diversity of styles and sounds, LiBand impresses and verifies he is an artist that is here to stay.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Dax - KILLSHOT 3 [Music Video Review] February 06, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “Dax never holds back. LA on Lock visitors have seen the tracks we share from this Independent artist who unflinchingly does things his way. With theatrical music videos and a passionate flows that come straight at you Dax always has something to say and he is never afraid to say it. Here on ‘KILLSHOT 3’ he hits on all of that and more, in what could be construed as a personal anthem on the state of the musical industry and the struggle artists such as himself face.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
LiBand - Talk My Sh*t [Music Video Review] February 06, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “LiBand. Remember the name of this Louisiana rapper. Hailing from the other LA, LiBand delivers his words and flow with brazen confidence and impeccable timing. The writing is sharp without ever relying on the easy or rpdictable rhyme to deliver his message. No, this track isn’t redefining the genre, but it is going to entertain and keep you in the groove.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Tiny Jag - d0nt U (with WTM Scoob) [Review] February 05, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Autotune, Commercial, Rap Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “Sometimes an artist has enough of that so-called ‘IT’ factor to carry a tune, and that was the case here for me as Tiny Jag conveyed enough passion and attitude to keep me leaning in and listening on a track that did not always do enough to stand out from the fray, arrangement wise. The talent is unquestioned, and there are some great lines and emotion, but I would have liked to find that one moment to make me truly fall in. That said, the talent and ‘IT’ factored carried me through and I can’t wait to hear more from this artist.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Santino x Mir Fontane - What is Hell Like? [Review] December 04, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 “The unique tone caught me first, and the strong writing kept me leaning in. Both flows deliver a nice bit of passion and emotion and the beat production feels right for the track — hitting hard at times, but staying out of the way where need be. ’What is Hell Like?’ ... well I can tell you Hell is not listening to good music and talented artists like this, so the question will have to be answered another day for me.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)