Revalation x GoD iLLa x Mayhem (of EMS) - A Game prod. by Gajos [Music Video Review] September 08, 2021 by Kreadiv Kesh in Hip-Hop, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “Revalation x GoD iLLa x Mayhem (of EMS) bring their “A Game” with their latest single. The single has a hardcore beat with lyrics that not only empower you but push you to accomplish anything that you set out to do. Each verse has a Hip-Hop yet poetic feel that is sure to keep you hyped.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
DxBoY - Lit Again [Review] August 26, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Trap, Rap, Hip-Hop, Commercial Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “DxBoy makes the most of this Trap beat and flow. ‘Lit Again’ is an ode to escaping lockdown and getting out there in the world alongside people and finding your vibe. The track comes with an easy beat to fall in on the groove and the lyrical flow hooks and holds the listener as well. Short but no so short that the flow doesn’t grab you and make its point. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Lil Bean - Mob Ties feat. Jackboy (Prod. Einer Bankz) [Review] August 22, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 “Lil Bean is joined by Jackboy on this smooth build and flow. ‘Mob Ties’ delivers an easy groove to ride with its strong writing and emotive flow. The combination hooks and holds the listener and keeps you leaning in on both the lyrical progression and beat. The Bay Area rapper has a new album that is already gaining national attention so jump on board with this talented artist and be one of the first to buy in and recognize this rising talent.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Most Wanted - Hood Anime [Review] August 19, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Neo-Soul, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4 out of 5 “Most Wanted offers up this track that simply hits different. The build and progression is a departure from the norm, and the construction here works well thanks to the energy and beat production. I did struggle a times to stay with the lyrical flow, but the groove and energy made it come to life for me despite that fact. I appreciate the raw talent and willingness to put something out in the world that doesn’t feel derivative of every other track on the radio.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Too Many T's - So Nice [Music Video Review] August 13, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 “This track from Too Many T’s hits like a British Beastie Boys. That old school construction and beat felt nostalgic, without coming across as dated and the verve behind the flows flashes both confidence and talent. This is simply a track that will get you moving and bouncing along as you fall in line with the build. The video is just as fun on this party anthem that truly is ... ‘So Nice.’” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
#LAOnLockExclusive: Chriz Gabriel- "Potluck" [Music Video Review] August 09, 2021 by Kreadiv Kesh in Music Videos, Music, Hip-Hop, Jazz Rating: 5 out of 5 “Nowadays people tend to run when they hear the word “potluck”. It usually means their job is encouraging them and their coworkers to contribute a food item to a work office dinner. We all know everyone can’t cook and everything isn’t safe. However, Chriz Gabriel is cooking up a different vibe in his new single “Potluck” that you are sure to want more of after one listener.Chriz fuses bay vibes and London life with a Hip -Hop and Jazz melody that allows you to dance all the way through. Initially one would expect to see a bunch of adults cluttered around but “Potluck” visually creates a vibe that displays the talent of kids and a universal track that anyone can ride too.” — Kreadiv Kesh (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
Viktor Harter - Jerome ft. lunajoep [Review] August 05, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 “We’ve all known a ‘Jerome,’ though the name might be different — the mindset they bring with them isn’t. The groove here on this track is funky and the beat urges you to nod and move along. This single offers a good balance between old school and new vibes. This is one of those tracks that simply worms its way into your ears and sticks for a long long time.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Scholars Ent. x Nolan the Ninja - WORK (Freestyle) [Review] August 04, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Most of the time I need a track to shine right out the gate to find my connection. ‘WORK’ was a bit slower building for me, so while I remianed optimistic early on, it wasn’t until the :45 second mark or so that the passion of this flow truly hooked me in. Once you digest the lyrics, this build makes perfect sense, but this one did take a bit for me to find my connection. Give it a listen and no doubt it will do the same for you. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Yung Jewelz - Price 2 Pay [Review] August 02, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Trap, Hip-Hop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Once the flow drops in — this track is a solid banger. The intro is intriguing as well, but it is her flow that truly brings the this one to life. Full of attitude, and that Southern Rap vibe that is often attempted, but rarely landed this single simply pops. Hard bars and a thumping cadence allow the punches to land with force. Don’t sleep on this one — this is a talented artist with plenty to say. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Zak North - Kidz Die II [Review] August 02, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Rap Rating: 4 out of 5 “Every line of this track drips with emotion. The greatest fear of every parent is a health battle for their children, and while this song is directly about that event, there are things to digest here about humanity and the emotions we face even if if you have never stood in those shoes. This song is sad and yet hopeful at the same time because of this father’s passionate flow. This truly is a track to fell deep down in your gut.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Peachcurls - Senzu Bean [Music Video Review] July 23, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 “Peachcurls establishes a mood here with his laidback delivery in stream of conscious kind of flow. The West Coast vibes are are strong on the track, and this is the perfect song for slow rolling under the sun as you glide by rows of palm trees. The writing is stellar and comes with a brazen take on the world that endears the listener to the artist, and makes you nod in agreement as you dig in on this chill flow. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Rich Robbins - It's Not Your Fault [Review] July 16, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “This track truly finds it heart around the :40 second mark, but the writing and passionate delivery of the flow make it engaging right from the start. Rich Robbins takes on toxic masculinity with this well-written song. The creativity and shifting sounds does conjure up comparisons to Tyler the Creator, but the groove of this track adds a musical vibe that not many track manage to pull off.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Marcey Yates - Shitte Dae [Review] July 16, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 “It could have been a shitty day, but I won’t let it ... so says the intro and chorus of this track. Marcey Yates takes an attitude and mindset and pours it into lyrical form here on this track. ‘Shitte Dae’ is a mood, and a groove, and through several listens it held me and kept me leaning in to feel these lyrics and remind myself my own outlook plays an outsized role in what kind of day I’m going to have.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
ItsMeHowl - Le Sigh [Review] July 04, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Study Beats, Hip-Hop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Need something to put on while you relax or focus on another task at hand? ‘Le Sigh,’ from ItsMeHowl is just the track you need for such playlists. Low key and calm, but still with a true sense of purpose and direction, the track carries you along like a gentle river toward wherever it is you wish to go. This piece is all about setting a mood in the background, and it achieves that task very well. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Rich Yung Zaya - The Weed The Dope [Music Video Review] July 02, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Coming right at you with a straight up lyrical free flow, Rich Yung Zaya keeps you on your toes trying to catch the references and sharp word play. The flow on this track is delivered without unnecessary or added embellishments, just straight up old-school verve and attitude. Fans of 50 Cent and that style will want to check out this artist and all he has to offer.” — 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
Moemaw Naedon & Calig Kontra - Futura Dystopia [Review] June 05, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 “Moemaw Naedon and Calig Kontra have captured a mood with ‘Future Dystopia.’ Described as a post apocalyptic banger, this track unfurls with procision hitting its mark every step of the way. The old school flow meshes well with the hard-edged beat and build of the track, making it feel futuristic while maintaining the tones and edge of a foundation too many other artists run from these days. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Trip Carter - Freshout [Review] June 04, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Indie Pop, Contemporary R&B, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Trip Carter’s somes with a distinct raspy vocal style that emotes the light but direct attitude of this lyrical flow. He shares, ‘This song is about the feeling you get when you’re finally out of a bad situation. When you’re fresh out of jail, work, quarantine, or a toxic relationship, the energy is unmatched. You can finally breathe, blow off some steam and look forward to new possibilities.’The track is a genre ender but comes with a steady easy groove that pulls you in and holds you there. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Dax - Dear Mom [Music Video Review] May 07, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Commercial, Conscious, Hip-Hop, Alternative, Rock “Dax is back with a track that comes with a different vibe than his usual intense flows and messages. Right in time for Mother’s Day, Dax drops this ode to the hard working moms out there who have made a lifetime of sacrifices for the sake of their children while also offering that steady hand of guidance we at times resent be need as we find our own way in the world. This is one to sit back and feel this weekend, and every other day, because we wouldn’t be here without our moms.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger