“The flow comes with a low-key groove that allows the intricate lyrical progression to unfurl with ease. This allows the listener to truly connect with the words, and while tranquil in its approach, the flow does emote a nice bit of passion and emotion. The words feel true and real, while establishing a rhythm that pulls you along and keeps you leaning in on the track.”
“Vulnerable honest is not a vibe that makes its way into the Hip-Hop world as oftena s it should, but at times you find that one track that simply lays it out in such an engaging way you can’t help but fall in. Such is the case with ‘LAst Sunday’ from Dex Channels.
Dex Channels, formerly known as Backstreet Peejay, is a based out of Orlando, FL. After a car wreck left his neck fractured, Channels had a change of heart which resulted in the artist’s rebirth and rebranding. The accident changed the whole pitch of his voice and this left Channels uncomfortable with his new sound for a little while making him adapt to new creative pockets. Hence, he gravitated towards a more limitless identity and sound. He’s a boundless artist who’s brand pushes the listener to be their original self.”
“Amplified can flat out spit, but don’t be fooled by the speed and proficiency of his flow, because behind it is a set of hard hitting lyrics with something to say. It might take you a few listens to pick up all the nuances, but ‘Look Like’ packs in plenty of lines with punch, and you can’t deny the skill with which they are dropped on this track.”
“Dropping in with a stream of conscious vibe, Logan Yeater utilizes sharp lyrics, and a powerfully melancholic delivery style to infuse this track with a strong sense of place, time, and emotion. The emotive flow is one that hooks and holds despite not having the kind of glossy repetitive hook that often dominates the music scene. Here such a thing is not needed, as this is a song that you simply feel as it unfolds.”
“Capturing the anger of both a generation and much of a nation, VENMC and ALI pull no lyrical punches while calling out Trump, as well as those who still support the Reality TV personality turned politician.
’Bunker Bitch’ takes on the cowardice and bigotry of the man and administration directly giving us a hard-edged track rife with passion and indignation.”
“There is no gamble to adding this track to you playlist. ‘PokerTable’ is a fiery track from Itz Jaleel that comes with a siren-like beat and a steady flow that drops the lines you can’t escape from.
My favorite portions of the track where when the production dropped away and left the flow to land hard and heavy.”
“Gold Standard Collective comes in on the track with a slow intro and beat that only ratchets up from there. Bars and beats keep the flow moving on this well-written, straightforward track.
Grab a ‘Deli Slice’ and take a big bite. You won’t walk away hungry from this meal.”
“This track is a perfect example of the beat and melody doing the heavy lifting in regard to the prevailing emotion of a song. The vocal delivery hints at a desperate yearning and almost pained morose, but at times choose a monotone delivery which works for the emotions involved. Such a track can lose its energy and feel flat, but the production behind the flow kept this track alive and tangible, allowing you to feel the lyrics in a way you might not have otherwise. The performance is spot on, but in a very subtle way.”
“There is a common man vibe to this track from Makola, though it is clear that the talent is anything but common.
’Everyday Legend’ takes on the idea that you gotta be like everyone else to stand out. With a bit of lyrical defiance, and an Afro Beat that helps brings alive the vocal flow, this track comes with an energy that takes over and pulls you along.”
“Swaggin’ from the get go, thehomieAve drops this hard beat and unflinching flow straight up on you. There is an old school vibe to the boast-filled writing, but this isn’t your father’s brand of school boom bap but closer to the classic Gangsta era. The beat and production deliver a contemporary vibe that matches the attitude of the performance and lyrics.”
“The beat hits first, but Jaycreux wastes no time dropping in with a flow that simply resonates. Comparisons to G-Eazy are inevitable, both in style and tone, though Jaycreux comes here with a harder edge lyrically.
’Violet’ is sneaky smart in that it takes a few listens to hone in on the nuanced writing.”
“Time to get it with Otis Fonde. ‘Never Let Me Down’ brings the energy straight from the get, and the lyrical flow hits with line after line that delivers punch and verve. Coupled with the energetic production behind the flow, and a splash of 70s Funk to that beat, this is a track that brings it in a way you have no choice but join the ride.”
“The progression and build of this track swept me up and carried me forward. The cadence at times feels a bit staccato, but the uplifting lyrics and emotive tone makes it all work on ‘Arise & Shine.’
British Nigerian Hip-Hop artists, BREIS conveys his intent here with a clear precise delivery that had me grooving along to the beat and joining in the chorus the second time through. ”
“Spec Kay draw a perfect balance between giving us a club banger and a deep conscious track. That beat comes at you and refuses to hear no, wheres the lyrics unfurl with a sharp lyricism that then gives way with a homage to the past with a nostalgic hook that works in a dark eerie way on the track because of the strength of the verses.”
“I heard a glut of Kobe inspired songs in the immediate aftermath of his untimely death, and while many came with talent, none quite captured the true spirit of the man for me. ‘81’ from Rich Cavier changed that. Dropping on Kobe’s birthday, this track has a stream of conscious style about it, and is artfully done. Every word and beat has has purpose here — from the 81 Kobe references that pay homage to his 81 points scored in a game — to the 8:24 length of the track with honors the numbers worn by Kobe.
Yes it is a long track, but there is content enough to carry it for the duration, and the words all deliver in the clutch. Just like Kobe.”
“We all need a mental health day from time to time, and for anyone that has ever called in sick to work to instead do something a hell of a lot more fun, this Hip-Hop anthem is for you.
’The Call Out’ delivers a funky old-school groove that brings the sick ... as in sick beats and rhymes that will keep you moving while you skip out on work for the day.”
“Loren Todd dreamed of playing int he NFL, but off the field issues ended that dream and after being sent home home from college, Todd began creating music as his outlet.
’Take It Slow’ reflects a shift in attitude as Todd showcases his talents in a different realm. Sharp lyrics and deliberate bars are balanced by a nice vocal groove that feels true and genuine. ”
“Marzs new single ‘So Free’ does give you a free feeling when listening to it. The visual is simple yet you feel his mood as he tells the story of life vs money. The female vocals on the chorus comes in at the right moment. Marzs also speaks on how the world tries to put you in a box but your family and everyone around you wants you to be free and successful.”
“Recent events have inspired so so many submissions in my inbox, and while every track has worth in its message, the sheer number has made it tough to bring a track that feels real, true and unique.
This collaborative effort has managed to rise about the fray do exactly that. ‘Black AF’ offers a variety of voices behind this track and they combine to bring forth a wealth of emotion and truth. Each flow offers a little something different, but each one lands its punches and its view.”
Rating: 4 out of 5
“Salsa infused Hip-Hop!
3409 drops this fiery track that will definitely get you up and moving with its dance floor allure and lyrical hook.
’Small Talk’ is a true genre bending track that delivers high energy with a swagger. The Toronto based 4 piece band prides themselves on genre modification, and I can only imagine after hearing this track that their live show must be lit.”