“Dude It’s Nolan utilizes multiple voices to deliver this track, but each one of them hits with passion and precise timing. The beat and production pair perfectly with the intensity of the lyrics.
Hard hitting and sharp at every turn, ‘Long Way’ is a song that proves these talented dudes are in fact, only a short way from breaking out in a very big way.”
“Riding a sultry beat, Dfils delivers an exotic flow that hooks all on its own. Add in a slithering lyrical arrangement and this deadly build lures the listener in and holds them tot he build. Dfils has that extra bit of verve tos ell it and keept he listener under his trance. ”
“We tend to feature one song at a time here at LA on Lock but every once in awhile a project comes our way that can’t really be broken down into those bite sized bites and still articulate the particular artist’s passion and talent. Downupright has given us such a project with ‘We’re Doomed, We’re Dancing.’
Call this one a Hip-Hop Rave for the end times of you want, but this collection of sixty, on-minute tracks to usher us through to the other side, is more than the sum of its parts. This is a statement and a collection that really digs and and deliver something new and fresh without going to far around the bend. ”
“The song is decent. It makes you want to go out and have a good time. The only take a way I had was in the end when the artist was talking without much context. I can still see this track being played a few times.”
“Amp Melo gives us an old school Boom Bap style track honoring the ‘Hoop Dreamz’ many of us had back in the day. Sadly, reality usually comes knocking on the door for most of us, but that nostalgia, for the time when anything felt possible keeps us all thinking about the what ifs. This track is the soundtrack for that, and the smooth groove makes it a song you can jam to alone or with a group.”
“Daimo Dunkin doe a great job of honoring the old school era of Hip-Hop and infusing contemporary emotions and ideas into this hard hitting track.
’Posies’ is a hype track, but not in the traditional sense as it does the job of motivating with low-key grit and resolve rather than through hyper boasts and hard beats. The production behind the flow adds to the grime of determination on the track, and the flow is unrelentless in its emotive power.”
“The song has an old Contemporary R&B vibe to it. Sterlen Roberts plans the perfect night to”Spoil You”. The tempo is fast yet steady still creating a romantic rhythm. Around the 1:15 mark there’s a sample of Soulja Boy but the rapping and examples doesn’t take away from the track.”
“Ice Meez knows how to sell the emotion and feeling of his well-written lyrics and once again delivers an impactful song for our listening pleasure.
’My Moment’ is a track that delivers truth and hope, without ignoring the difficult realties of this world we all face. The song has grit and genuine emotion, and Meez’s flow is delivered with an emotive power. The chorus adds a smooth groove that breaks that up perfectly to give the track a nice balance.”
“Bshortt gives us some true Rap fusion on this track. Utilizing a Latin inspired beat and melody, the track ranges from a soulful R&B groove in the quieter moments, to an Old-School rap delivery that gives the listener retro vibes.
’Sushi at Mikuni’ takes the listener for a joyride on the back of a strong and confident flow that both cuts and soothes as it builds. ”
“StillJune gives us an uplifting track of hope in ‘Moves.’ The emotion and writing hit for me on this track, though I did crave more variation to the cadence and vocal arrangement.
That said, the passion in the delivery and strong writing along with the talent made this a track that spoke directly to me.
This is definitely a song you can feel.”
“ZIMMx will draw some comparisons to Post Malone and while that is an apt place to put this track it would be a disservice to dismiss this track as derivative. The overall sound is original and fresh and the two voices blend and build to make this track soar emotionally. An easy groove to ride and feel makes ‘We Gonn Be Alright’ standout from the fray and I expect this to be a track on the playlist you share with your significant other. ”
“The writing and premise of this track captivated me from the start. LA rapper Garrett Zoukis delivers this one with a steady low-key flow that did leave me craving an escalation, but still managed to hold my attention and focus despite that rising sense being absent from the track.
’Senses’ is about the way our five senses shape our memories of a person and how any one of them can conjure those memories back to the forefront of our minds. ”
“There are glossy tracks, songs that hit with energy, and of course those with lyrical hooks that impale the masses. Then there are the songs that eschew the trappings of most popular music and simply give you pure, emotional truth.
UraelB does exactly that with ‘Dirty Toothbrush.’ Some might compare the style to Kendrick Lamar, but there is nothing derivative here on this track. The power comes from tapping into the memories of the soul, and the hope of tomorrow’s dreams. ”
“Few things transcends borders the way music can. Elesia limura and O.T are joined by Busta Rhymes on this track.
’Chooky’ is the kind of track that spurns slang to the new level so don’t be surprised when this slang from down under catches fire and you hear the word ‘Chooky’ used by music lovers across the globe.
The groove here is infectious as it combines a smooth delivery and flow with the trademark growl we’ve come to expect from Busta Rhymes.”
“Flau’jae has so many talents and keeps showing us in her latest single, “Perfect Timing”. After having a good year with LSU and people discovering her on the music scene with the inherited talented of her father this video gives us a recap. She talks about how everything has aligned with consistency and her believing in herself. To excel in sports and music is rare but she is finding her way.”
“Yung Gravy brings his wry lyrical wit and irreverent vocal style that his fans have come to expect on ‘Mozzarella.’ Joined on the track by Lil Keed, the flows sync and help bring this one to life. The hard beat and cadence make it easy to start bouncing and joining in once you know the words.
I won’t say this is my favorite Yung Gravy track, but still a fun one I will be listening to for a good long while.”
“Sav DaBrain unfurls this lyrical flow with a steady precision and a sophisticated intelligence that stands out among the fray of music out there being released. The hook is melodic and the overall groove of this rhythm sweeps the listener up and in. And the tender guitar outtro offered a great way to ease out, giving the track a nice completion that many tracks today lack.”
“The talking in the beginning builds you up and gives you an idea of what to expect. Cris Streetz “Switchin Sides” is about people being down with you but then changing their ways. The Shi Goonie feature allows listeners to get a good perspective from both male and female. The beat is a vibe and the songwriting and hook is relatable. ”
“This song grew on me pretty fast. ANTH and Conor Maynard deliver a dark yet aggressive rap track. “Won’t Feel the Same” is raw with feelings. It talks about the aftermath of a break up and when one person is happy and the other is fake happy. It takes you through the thought process of both parties while allowing you to build the emotional connection.”
“Hailing from Broward County, Florida, Loss Cozz has seen his ups and downs, but through it all he continues to create music and step up to the mic. ‘Treehouse’ is a smooth groove and steady build and Cozz’s flow elevates as it builds to hold the listener to the track’s tinkling climax.”