Focus The Truth - Survivor's Guilt [Music Video Review]

“Powerful! Both in the immediacy of the video, and in the vocal flow that comes straight at you.

Lyrically, the track is strong truth delivered with passion and verve. An old school beat backs the vocal flow and I especially like that retro 70’s flair added into the musical layer. The words and lyrics and overall vibe is contemporary, but the layers add a depth to the history of the systemic racism, generations in the building. The writing and performance is an intelligent thought provoking response and counter statement.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Da$Htone - "Someday" feat. Alma Cook & Ethan Butler [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“This is the very song we all need right now. As a stand alone single, ‘Someday’ would be a fun uplifting listen from a talented artist, but Da$Htone did not stop there. In a video that incorporates all of his community of greater Chicago, Da$Htone enlists the help of everyday folks and that took the spirit of this track to new heights.

The takeaway is a feel-good vibe and an engaging fun track that simply strikes the perfect tone right about now.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dax - BLACK LIVES MATTER [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Dax is no stranger to LA on Lock, nor has ever been one to hold back or stay quiet. His take on what the world needs, ‘BLACK LIVE MATTER’ is a triumph of hope and truth.

Listen and feel these words. Listen and be part of the solution. Listen and demand more from your self, and from society.

Racism is ugly, music and compassion, and society that does not stand for bigotry are beautiful. Kudos for Dax on spreading beauty and love.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Selli - Sober Kid [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Breaking up with someone you deeply care about, not because you want to, but because you have to, is a tough situation. Addiction ruins lives in so many ways and here on ‘Sober Kid,’ Selli details such a relationship. Along with the regret that comes after such a necessary act.

The imagery of the video is powerful, and the track itself shines brightest in its quieter, pensive moments. The writing is spot on, and though at times the autotune filters out some of the emotion, the overall performance remains quite gripping.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Chase Martin - Baby Wassup? [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is basically a upbeat fuck you. The beat is light, but the words direct. Call it instant Karma for those who treat your bad, and do you wrong.

Chase Martin pulls no punches, but sometimes directness serves the truth just how you need to hear it. The energy of the track makes it stand out and come alive.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Harmonee - Don't Bring Me Down [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Meshing a Hip-Hop vibe with an Electronic sound, Harmoneee drops ‘Don’t Bring Me Down.’ The production and arrangement keep the track moving forward at a tranquil pace that meanders, but never lags.

Lyrically, the track is a positive reaffirmation that tough times, hard times, anxious times — do not have to define you. That you can keep on moving forward and overcome the roadblocks until you get to the other side. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Caspa - No Friends [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Caspa drops his latest single, ‘No Friends,’ a track that is all about mood and vibe. The 21 year old hails from the Bahamas, and there is a laid back island feel to the flow, but lyrically, the track has a heavier truth about the fakeness that is so pervasive in this world. The vocals are delivered with a steady deliverance, and the emotion comes through without the production side of the track getting in the way of the rawness.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kevin Brown - Shine! [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kevin Brown keeps it positive in the face of haters and fake friends. ‘Shine!’ is about keeping your light on bright, despite a world filled with those trying to push you back into the dark.

The production here is lively and energetic, and Brown’s attitude truly does shine through in his vocal flow. This track would make a nice addition to your motivational playlists.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jaywop - Bill Bellamy [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes you just need something that sounds and feels different. Sometimes you need to smile and enjoy an offtrack bit of humor. Sometimes you need some Jaywop. None of that is to say that Jaywop is not seriously talented, because it takes true talent to create a track that sounds good and entertains in this way.

’Bill Bellamy’ is as clever as it is goofy and the vocal flow is as engaging as it is fun. Give it a listen to put a smile on your face.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jameel3DN x Morcia Monique - Friends [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The flow here falls somewhere between stream of conscious and a spoken word freestyle. Either way, the truth comes across and the vibe is heartfelt emotion. A man trying to be who is without shame or hiding in a world where everyone wants to dictate who you are supposed to be. The backing is soft and delicate and adds a bit of emotion but at the end of this day this is simply a guy telling you how he feels. And he does it with style and class and truth.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Sarina - Bite Back [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track unfolds like a sexy serpent slinking in and seductively winding itself around you. Sarina’s sultry vocals pairs nicely with the attitude fueling the lyrics, proving she is more than ready to ‘Bite Back.’

There is a bit of bounce to the flow at times, and more of an R&B groove in other places. The track creates some stirring visuals thanks to the strong writing and emotive delivery. There is also an exotic flair to the overall arrangement that makes it hit a little different than most popular music.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Good.To.Go x FunkyCold - Ice [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track delivers a stream-of-conscious, old school vibe with a modern spin lyrically. The easy flow on this track definitely has a summer time ease about it that feels like a stroll down a busy sidewalk with the warm sun keeping you company. An easy track to settle in on with some fresh but poignantly true lines that stick with you. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stilljune - Care For Me [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The cold hard fact is not enough people in this world care about others. We all get a bit jaded by this fact, and when that person that doesn’t show the love or care for you is someone you love or care about, the pain is all the more acute.

Stilljune has tapped into the emotions of these facts with ‘Care For Me,’ a track that brings a steady vocal flow and beat that hits home for most of us.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ramond x Champ x Sydnie Battie - Bright Side [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“As part of a recent virtual graduation, Ramond performed ‘Bright Side’ for the Colorado State University graduating class of 2020. And the track delivers the perfect vibe of hope and determination and optimism in the face of challenges. The chill vibe is tranquil, yet brings an undeniable energy that pulls you along.

Ramond was hand-selected to Executive Produce a soundtrack based on the popular Black Sands comic book series. The 13-track soundtrack accompanies the animated DVD.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

floeticVandros - Feel Me (feat. Rowlan & DJ Pain 1) [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The track opens with a nice groove hovering between R&B and Pop, before delving into an engaging Hip-Hop flow. Both sets of vocal are intriguing in their own right, and they mesh very well to elevate the track into something truly special. The production of the track adds to the emotion with a smooth steady groove that is easy to ride with. ‘Feel Me’ is one you that you truly can feel all the way through.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

danny G - best friend [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A fun upbeat ode to the friendship side of love. danny G offers up a nice blend of vocal styles on this track, which is earmarked to help fellow musicians impacted by Covid-19 with all proceeds going to MusiCares.

So, consider downloading this one to add a fun energetic Pop style Hip-Hop track to your personal playlists, and to help musicians struggling through these tough times.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Infamous Mobb - "Like a Dream" (prod. by Havoc) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Infamous Mobb is back after a lengthy hiatus to give us a new single. ‘Like a Dream’ comes in with a laid-back, bluesy production from longtime collaborator, Havoc. That bit of grit sets the tone for the Mobb’s Big Twins, Ty Nitty, and Godfather Pt. III to spit their raw, realist bars about life as they know it in Queensbridge.

As the first single off their upcoming new album, ‘IM3,’ the track sets the bar high for Infamous Mobb’s return to the scene. The new album will include production from The Alchemist, DJ Muggs, Twiz The Beat Pro, DirtyDiggs, and more. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brilly Asher - Traumatized [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Brilly Asher drops this honest and unflinching track about the way our behavior hits others. Anytime a talented artist, truly lays bare his soul the result is an engaging song with relevance, because human nature leads us all to make the same mistakes, have the same dreams, share the same fears.

The flow here is slow and steady and carries a hint of an R&B vibe. The backing is fairly low-key and stays out of the way for the most part without adding a lot of punch on its own. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Miles Morrison - Go Out (feat. Yo Gotti, Stunna Girl) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Hard beats, and in your face lyrics over a pure party vibe. That is what Miles Morrison gives you with ‘Go Out.’

Course nobody has been allowed to go out for a while now, but imagine the free for all that will come once it is safe to do so. This song’s vibe comes close to the hedonistic urges lurking inside us all right now. There is an old school raunchy side to this and combined with the beat and various vocals it all comes together just like the best of parties.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Joe-Y - Cudi [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Joe-Y offers up a diverse set of vocal sounds and styles on his latest single, ‘Cudi.’ I will admit to being surprised by the level of talent more than once. This Ohio rapper is one to keep an eye on for sure.

Lyrically this track is about chasing dreams and perfection while also dealing with the struggles of mental illness and letting the doubts from that come in. The flow ranges from a straight up Hip-Hop vibe, to an almost Reggae like rhythm and tone.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)