BNGRS x LATASHA - Big City [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track hits hard with a throbbing beat and energetic vibe before settling into a short interlude of a smooth vocal flow. Overall, this track is gritty and rhythmic and feels like a night in the ‘Big City.’

The mood i set at the onset of this single and never really wavers even as the track offers variable sounds. This one delivers both the verve of an a banging Saturday Night with its production, as well as a lyrical cockiness that feels like pure swagger. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Louis Metric - Lonely [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Being happy with yourself is important anytime, and it is one thing many of us struggle with after a tough break up. But in these current times, learning to cope and be content with isolation is more important than ever before.

This track comes with a Hip-Hop/ Pop vibe and is well-written and performed with a touch of wry humor that comes through in the imagery of the video as well as the vocal flow. And it does so with a message that you can be alone and be perfectly okay.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cam Carter - Shadows [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Cam Carter’s hard hitting and emotional vocal flow dominates this track, but like most ‘Shadows’ the intrigue first comes from the haunting darkness, and this track begins with a beautifully dark vocal chant. The old school Boom-Bap flow hits with stellar writing and is punctuated by Carter’s intensity.

Lurking in the peripheral is that haunting chant that adds just a bit of an Indie songstress giving this hard hitting track enough commercial appeal to appeal to the hard edged Hip-Hop fan as well as those who gravitate to more commercial sounds. Carter walks that line well by maintaining his conviction in the vocal flow. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

GO79MAN - EVO7VE9 [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A chill vibe ushers in GO79MAN’s vocal flow which carries a raspy gravel behind earnest and honest lyrics. There is an energy behind his flow that keeps you leaning forward despite the fact there is not a ton of variation to the delivery. The track’s strength is the vocal talent and obvious conviction behind the message.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kafar Myers - True 2 Self [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kafar Myers has something he wants to say, maybe even needs to say. Often that is the element glaringly missing in modern Hip-Hop, where what is being laid down doesn’t matter as much as one big hook and a mumbled flow over a sick beat. But Myers is ‘True 2 Self’ here with his earnest and heartfelt lyrics delivered so that you can hear and feel every word. Truth and passion are all any talented artist need to rely on to give us a listening experience worth the time and Myers delivers both on this track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Smoke - Out Da Mudd [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Smoke drops the video for his lyrically moving track ‘Out Da Mudd’ off of his solo debut album, RAYSEAN BROWN.

Much like the storytelling power of the single, the imagery portrayed in the video keeps you watching. With a straight up flow style, and writing that builds and puts us in the mindset of another, Smoke unleashes the emotions and consciousness necessary to truly feel a track like this. I was pulled in early and stayed on the hook for the duration. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

NugLife - All I Wanna Do [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Producer NugLife is adept and bring interesting collaborations, but ‘All I Wanna Do’ is different in that it is a solo effort. Featuring his talents both on production and vocals, NugLife takes you into the world of the stoner producer and his perspectives.

With a touch of the psychedelic in the sound and vibe, this track feels like a nice chill trip into the clouds. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

King Magnetic & DJ E.REX - "How It All Started (feat. GQ Nothin Pretty)" [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“You gotta expect a track called ‘How It All Got Started’ to deliver an old school vibe, and this one certainly brings that flavor. This is one to play loud and proud as you reminiscent with your boys that you’ve been rolling with for years now.

King Magnetic takes us back to his stomping grounds of Allentown, PA for this nostalgic new video. The single is a collaborative effort produced by New York’s DJ E.REX, with a guest appearance from Mag’s longtime collaborator, GQ Nothin Pretty.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Neon Brown - "Maintain (feat. Vursatyl)" [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is a history lesson, an essay on social status and race, and a solidly entertaining example of Lo-fi Hip-Hop at its best.

Spot on and observant writing showcase a flow that builds engagement as it moves forward. Visually the video captures the vibe and power of the words with precision and enlightenment.

This is a song to watch, to hear, and to ponder afterward. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

D. - $9 [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track made me smile and nod in agreement. Bringing a chill flow, that escalates as it goes along, the message is real and truthful and speaks volumes in a wry subtle way.

’$9’ can feel like a fortune to a kid, but in the real world nine dollars isn’t shit, and the narrator here wants to teach a kid that lesson while opening his eyes to a whole lot more.

The vocal flow feels a bit like off the cuff poetry, but there is enough beat and energy to make the track come alive and give it a bit more of a commercial vibe as a result.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ryan Hemsworth x Ricky Lake x WADE08 - What I'm On Tonight [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Ryan Hemsworth drops the official remix of ‘What I’m On Tonight’ from Ricky Lake’s new album ‘Last Summer Sucked!’

The track has energy and life and is engaging from the drop. The vocal mix is intriguing throughout , and this is a song that defy’s you not to pop into the groove and sway along to the rhythm. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Josh Dominguez (feat. T.R.3) - DOUBT [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track brings a couple different vibes and sounds, and all of it works quite well because at the core of the song is solid, meaningful writing that conjures a variety of emotions.

The only thing I was left wanting was more, because at under three minutes the single had room to bring even more punch. The string intro was perfect lead in and the beat blended to usher in the vocal flow with engages me from the get.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

James Curran - Just Breathe [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track brings the energy right from the first of the vocal flow. The imagery of the video takes a bit to develop, but lyrically this single delivers line after line that keeps you on the hook.

Give this one a listen and I guarantee you it will get your head moving to the beat. The various vocals all bring something unique to the mix. The song features Moosh from Moosh & Twist, Aha Gazelle. and of course the talent of James Curran who you can bet you have not heard the last of after this one hits. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

RIME x Tobi Ibitoye - LUV [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Hell yeah!

That was my first reaction to this rowdy and ribald track. Pure fun energy behind this track about finding ‘LUV’ in the strip joint.

The track has a bit of funk to its groove, and some soul to performance. My advanced copy cuts off abruptly making me think there was a problem with the upload, but other than that his track offers nothing but a wry good time.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Focus The Truth - Pay to Play feat. Vo & Elle Simone [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Exactly as the name applies, Focus The Truth puts the spotlight directly on the truth with this track. Riding a steady old school beat, the lyrics unfurl with a chill, direct style that is slow enough for the impact to hit home, but paced enough to hold your focus. The chorus brings a softness that is gripping and all of the voices within this single deliver emotion and authenticity.

Well-written lyrics run throughout.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

AjGod - Never 2econd [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The beat and backing of ‘Never 2econd’ adds an emotional level to a set of lyrics that hits steady and unrelenting. This combination sets a mood and emotion that would not be possible without the tandem sound. Too many tracks today never consider the impact beat and melody play on delivering the message, but here, those elements bring as big an impact, as the outstanding writing and delivery. The tone is steady with very little variation overall, yet the flow engages with its truth and passion, brought forward by AjGod. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Lil Lyn x Charles Weaver - Crazy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Weaving two flows together, into one seamless track is not an easy production feat, but ‘Crazy’ manages to do exactly that. The Rap flow does the heavy lyrical work on this track about the love you can’t quite have or give, however the chorus comes by way of an R&B vibe that hits first and is woven throughout the track to add another layer to the emotions of the single. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Focus The Truth x Kyah Baby x TGIFLY - GraveDiggaz [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A solid dose of old-school Boom Bap and a traditional Hip-Hop flow are at the forefront of this track. Lyrically, the single is modern and fresh and brings a wealth of truth and intelligence.

Each voice comes with a distinct sound and all three are perfect for the words they drop on us. This is a track you can listen to for years to come, and never get tired of the beat or the lyrics. Hip-Hop done right!”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ijahdan Taurus x Echo Lair - Summit [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Delivering a nice Hip-Hop flow over a Reggae vibe, ‘Summit’ is both chill and intense at the same time.

The prevailing mood is calming and smooth, but lyrically the track has a depth that is worthy of deep reflection. Of course you can ignore that aspect and simply fire one up while letting the calm Reggae waves wash over you, just as easy as you can lean forward and dive into the words enough to break down the deeper meaning. That is the beauty here is that the track offers both in equal doses and vocally, the tone is the perfect compliment to both takes.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stefan Dismond - inCONTRAST [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track is as much Soul as it is Hip-Hop, but don’t take that to mean it is less than a fine example of both genres.

The fusion here is intriguing and the writing impeccable. The emotions shine through in the performance. This is the kind of track that will mean more to you with each subsequent listen.

Detailing the differences between two sides of a relationship, the single is for everyone that has gotten deep in their head, while trying to analyze where they stand and how they feel.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)