Bronx based, underground hip hop artist John J has released a new album, “Pain to Power.” Being more of a fan of old school hip hop than most contemporary styles, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that John J’s music has a very 90’s vibe, especially in his delivery…which is at faster moments is sometimes reminiscent of Bone Thugs. He also doesn’t make the mistake that modern rappers make by overdoing the effects and processing. This album has some potential. The songs are very dynamic and have a lot of coordinate elements. You can tell this wasn’t just thrown together.

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/1x0qitQC8Tx5ub1IxrREC9
http://www.johnj.win/
http://soundcloud.com/johnj506

New Orleans based artist 1stDegree’s has a new EP titled “DDay” out. He has one of those delivery styles that is laid back and unassuming, yet you can tell he means business. There are some memorably classic lines like “y’all stick to that JNCO.” What I like about these tracks is the backing music, which has a delightful chimy tone to it. They are very smooth and retains just the right amount of analog tape hiss to give the album a bit of an old school flavor. These mixes are extremely well put together, and 1stDegree has a professional and distinctive style that will have appeal with a wide variety of listeners.

http://www.datpiff.com/1stDegree-D-day-mixtape.859594.html

New single/video out from artist Andrea Chiapparo, featuring Max Kleinz and produced by Cosmophonix. Video quality is very impressive and professional, with actors helping to convey the mood of the song through brief romantic interludes. It also incorporates some incredible sky views and ocean scenery. The song has a light and poppy, 90’s style dance beat and an overall bright tone to it. It’s a pretty cool summertime dance track.

Hussy, an alternative rock artist from Boston and signed to Pace Recordz, has a new single out titled, “Karen.” In the song Hussy refers to Karen as an “old friend,” but it seems clear from the lyrics that they were more than just pals. The music has a very 90’s alternative feel to it and would not have been out of place on a Party of Five or Melrose Place soundtrack. Hussy’s vocals do an excellent job of carrying the song, which is very minimalist. The tone is sometimes reminiscent of groups like Sebadoh or Modest Mouse. This is a terrific track and certainly not what I was expecting from an artist that goes by the name “Hussy.”

http://www.pacerecordz.com/

JP.Kazadi’s debut single is a surprisingly positive and uplifting song that instructs you to “Keep pushing on” through adversity. The video utilizes a lot of bleak and depressing everyday imagery, the kind we can all relate to when we just don’t know if it’s worth it to get out of bed and leave the house. It is very subtle though. The combination of the slow pacing of the song and upbeat message is highly effective. There’s no phony cheerfulness and fake smiles here, just a guy going through the daily grind and continuing to pursue his dreams. JP is a good singer and brings with him an authenticity that’s rare to see in these times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXyIUQ0Ea9I

https://soundcloud.com/jp-kazadi

Hip hop artist NatStar’s new track “GIMME” is a fast paced ride all the way through. The video for this song was “shot directed and edited by EE Clark.”  NatStar’s jams have gotten him a rather large following on youtube for an indie artist.  Stylistically, “GIMME” is mostly just straightforward contemporary hip hop, although it has elements of soul and a pretty sweet electronic backing. NatStar’s quick delivery and larger than life personality helps to drive the song where he wants it to go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CUkqUU7YjE