Mati - Life Notes [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track from Mati is exactly what the title says it is — ‘Life Notes.’ Delivered in a smooth easy groove about the ebbs and flows of life and the emotions we all deal with on a day to day basis the track simply hits.

I’m tempted to call this easy listening Hip-Hop, but only because it is delivered in a calm, steady flow that is easy to fall in on. Some might confuse the term easy-listening for boring elevator music, but this track is anything but boring. It is real and genuine and speaks straight to the human condition. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Killa Kid - Don't Do That (feat. Dar’Neisha) [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When Killa Kid comes in with his flow the passion, anger, intensity, and confidence all land with a deliberate force to fully impact the listener. The backing vocals set up those emotions well on this track about keeping it real when those who once talked shit and hated on your dream come slithering out once you find success as if they’ve been there by your side all along.

’Don’t Do That’ holds this brand of coward accountable for their BS and the intensity of the delivery will have you feeling it deep inside your chest.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kriswitak - MAYBE IM TOO HIGH [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Most of us have had to hit pause and wonder out loud ... “Maybe I’m Too High,” ourselves at some point in our life. This track is the soundtrack for all those moments. The delivery hits with solid timing and an emotive tone but this really is like a conversation with a friend when both of you are just a little bit, or maybe a lot of bit, messed up. A fun track for fun times. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Brody Brown - Eyes On Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Brody Brown drops this up-tempo track that settles into a melodic groove right from the start. ‘Eyes On Me’ delivers a hypnotic flow and a memorable hook that holds the listener’s attention. The production and video are both clean and tight and match the smooth ride of the song itself. I was left wanting more which is always the earmark of an entertaining and engaging track.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

TFM King P - Ouuuu [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“TFM King P is repping the Midwest with his sound and energy. This St Louis rapper is hitting us with that ‘Ouuuu.’

Inspired by Instagram Influencers on this track, he unleashes this rapid flow with precision and a confident wit that sells the track well. Riding an infectious Trap beat and varying flow the track stays out of the steady staccato cadence that dooms so many Trap tracks to sounding exactly the same. If this track doesn’t get you moving I fear nothing will.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Estella Dawn - Just Me [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Regular readers of these reviews are no stranger to San Diego Pop star Estella Dawn, as we have featured a handful of tracks from this rising talent. ‘Just Me’ is but the latest in a strong repertoire of songs. Utilizing two different vocal flows that play off each other and help bring out the emotions this track showcases the versatility of Dawn’s talent.

The vibe is sultry defiance and the emotions range from anger to determined resolve and all of it is performed with a genuine honesty and openness that many artists struggle to find.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Rah-C - Everybody is Concerned [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Riding a beat and groove that soars and uplifts all on tis own, Rah-C layers in a passionate energetic flow that sweeps you into the saga that is this track. This is a hype track that will motivate and push you so a perfect add to a workout playlist or any other that you need to get you up and taking on the world. The writing is nuanced enough to give you new takes through multiple listens and keep you intrigued.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jay Kayze - Over Love [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“People change and the best ones grow and learn from their past mistakes. This track is about being that new person and reflecting on a prior relationship. My only critique is that I wanted more and the song was over far too soon.

Blending a Hip-Hop vibe and a smooth R& B type groove the talent shines and pulls in the listener quickly and easily. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Notcho Aziz - That's Enough [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When music is passionate, genuine, and inspired from a talented artists’ view of the world, it doesn’t take a whole lot for their creation to truly come alive. That is the case with ‘That’s Enough’ from Notcho Aziz.

You have to turn a blind eye, or truly be ignorant to not see the brutal impact of racism and an all-too-often unjust judicial system in this country. This track is about saying enough is enough. The lyrics, hard-edged flow, and beat convey the outrage quite well on this track of social injustice.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Five Fingers Of Funk - My Mom's Prius [Music Video Review]

Ratong: 3.5 out of 5

“Sometimes you just have to smile and this track certainly delivers that. The timing and delivery of the flow highlight legit skills and yet the combination of vocal tone and comical lyrics reminded me a bit of old school Adam Sandler. I rarely connect to songs intended to be comedic, but the funky musical edge and wry wit worked for me on this track and the video adds to the tongue in cheek vibe. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

Codefendants - Def Cons [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Utilizing a variety of tempos and deliveries, the Codefendants capture magic with ‘Def Cons.’ A blend of Punk, Ska, Hip-Hop, and Skater Punk makes up the overall arrangement. Each set of vocals delivers a different tone, and yet they all mesh and sync to create one wondrous piece of music. Lyrically, the track has just as much to offer, and I’ll definitely be adding this one to several playlists and listening to it for years to come.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Big Boss Vette - Pretty Girls Walk (Remix) ft. Coi Leray [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pure Trap attitude sets the track off, and the bounce isn’t just an accessory here, but a full-out active part of the vibe.

Big Boss Vette unleashes her chorus in conjunction with the talents of Coi Leray to create a remix that hits with force. Lyrical wit and a strong overall verve amps the mood on a track that is one-hundred percent brass.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

DONNY D - Maria [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Donny D drops this ode to ‘Maria’ which is personified as a woman here but is a metaphor of course for marijuana. No matter the nature of the relationship we all need a bit of calm comfort now and again. The flow here popes and has a nice balance of energy and anguish to set it all off. The delivery is spot on for both timing and tone and this one that should be appeal to lots of people given the different ways the track can be taken.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

LAV.ISH - Take Your Time [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The edginess of the vocals gives a feeling a passion that draws you into the hook. If J.Cole was mixed w/ UK this is the sound I would envision. It’s refreshing and it rides.

It also gives you that get in my car and just cruise the highway type of feel. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Coucheron x Trip Carter x Pasha - No Love [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Sometimes a track hooks you with its brazen energy and catchy musical hook. That happened for me here. Lyrically, I did crave a bit more, but the vocal talent and vibe of the track refused to let me stop listening. The ending was a bit abrupt though I definitely will be playing this track when I need a bouncy pick me up to put a smile on my face. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ben Barbic - Social Climber [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The writing here and the message of these lyrics easily won me over. I do wish the track had a bit less production as the Autotune got in the way at times, but Ben Barbic overcomes that with his passionate delivery.

The track straddles a Hip Hop, Dancehall Reggae vibe and kept me leaning in for the entire ride.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Frank Dennis - West [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Frank Dennis drops this moody and brooding flow that sets a melancholic tone right from the start. The writing is sharp, and the lines land with a deliberate flow that sights in its targets, and hits the mark with emotional punch. I like the stripped down value as it allows the intent to land unimpeded. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ricky Davaine - Metamorphosis [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Ricky Davaine drops this in your face yet melodic groove that tell it like it is. ‘Metamorphosis’ is about recognizing the user and abuser and takers of the worlds and changing to protect yourself and your future.

The lyrical flow is dead on and the tone works well for the message being delivered. The track does a good job of straddling a coupe different vibes and gene lines and in doing so creates its own brand of sound. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Nep Jennings - MR [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The combination of attitude and strong writing sold this track for me. Lines like ... ‘I’d rather be paranoid than comfortable ...’ hooked me in and offered big perspectives in few words and that gave the track a powerful impact.

The tone of the flow is quiet confidence and a hard edged take on the world that is certainly warranted and accurate. Nep Jennings is a voice worth hearing with words that need to be said. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

BMB Mann - FWM [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A smooth backing track and a steady flow gives this track a groove that is easy to fall in and connect with. BMB Mann introduces himself with this lyrical flow and the talent shines in not only the emotional strength of the writing, but is also evident in the timing and pace of the delivery. A track that hints of a lot more to come from this talented artist and I can’t wait to hear what’s next.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger