Top Ten is a new single from hip hop artist, Redd Is An Ember. This no-nonsense track is clean, swift and punchy. The synth-driven backing music is mellow and mysterious, allowing the vocals to hit with full force. In what is essentially a monologue of poetic ruminations, Redd Is An Ember’s delivery is absolutely precise, as he impressively oscillates between different speeds with ease and professionalism. His performance is powerful from start to finish. He knows when to dial up the action and when to scale it back, making the song’s climactic points all the more effective. Suffice to say that Top Ten is top-tier indie hip hop.
Push Through is a recent single from Tendy (Rutendo Moyo Mazuru), a singer/songwriter from Zimbabwe who currently lives in Boston, MA. Citing influences like Lauryn Hill, Alanis Morisette, Evanescence, Janis Joplin, the Beatles, and Bob Marley, Tendy’s eclectic style blends elements of various genres. Her songs are characterized by colorfully melodic backing music and vocals that are rich with expressive emotion. She’s actually quite a good singer, and her dynamic, passionate voice ultimately carries the day. There are hints of her gospel roots (both her parents are pastors) in the energy and depth of her performance. The ambiance is upbeat but contains an underlying sensitivity as Tendy sings sincerely about life, love and relationships.
TRAFFIKING (FT HIS BLOOD BROTHER SBEEZLO aka SB) is a new single from Queens, NY-based hip hop artist, veezlo vercetti and was released on BICBANG MUSIC RECORDS in Brooklyn New York. The backing beat blends pleasingly haunting melodies with a robust bass. It provides crisp and solid framework for the vocals, which are delivered with enthusiasm and maximum intensity. The flow is on point, which becomes apparent as the suspense builds and the song really kicks in. TRAFFIKING has a certain dark and sinister quality to it, which increases the engagement factor for the listener. This is ultimately just a strong, no-nonsense jam that incorporates some atmospheric flair. Fun and creatively presented.
Team Captain is a new single from hip hop artist, Wonyay. Backed by a light, synth-driven beat, Wonyay demonstrates a commanding vocal presence as he delivers one lyrical gem after another. Seriously, this guy’s voice is huge! He has a natural charisma as a performer. His roaringly jovial vocals blend humorous wit with genuine emotion and an action packed vibe. As the song progresses you really get a feel for how impressive the flow is and how well everything is structured. I don’t want to give anything away, but there are a number of clever lines and zingers in this jam. Team Captain is ideal for late night pool parties but could also be enjoyed on a relaxing, contemplative drive home from work or school. Admittedly, I had never heard of Wonyay before this release, but he has genuine skills as a rapper. Definitely some big time potential here.
I’m So Broke is a new single from Central Illinois-based hip hop artist, Nahash Wizdom, and appears on his new album, Grown Folks Muzik. As the title hints at, I’m So Broke references the financial hardship many have experienced as result of the pandemic and these rather precarious times we live in. The song is refreshingly honest and emotionally deep. It really does represent an inspiring anthem of the common person’s struggle and perseverance in difficult circumstances.
Nahash Wizdom gives a down to Earth performance that’s brimming with empathy and hits all the right marks as he calls for people to continue to take chances, roll the dice and make the most of life. Musically, the track has a nice, melodic flow. and Nahash Wizdom proves to be a capable vocalist. You really have to see the video to fully appreciate the song though. The visual narrative is well put together and successfully reinforces the song’s central themes.
Weirdo is a new single from an up and coming artist/rapper known as Spacely, (who’s also into self-recording, mixing and mastering). The backing beat for this track is surreal and futuristic. Its artful serenity blends with a haunting intensity to create a darkly meditative atmosphere. Honestly, this is one of the more musically appealing beats I’ve heard in recent memory. Delicate instrumentals and backing vocals are interwoven in a very sophisticated way.
Spacely’s delivery is poetic and reflective as he talks about living his life as a unique person with unconventional proclivities. He has a pointed, deliberate flow and an almost mathematical sense of timing. His lyrics are pretty clever, and he demonstrates some depth as a writer, by avoiding hip hop cliches. With this song Spacely does establish himself as a “weirdo” in all the most artistically flattering ways. Weirdo is currently available on all major platforms, but you can also stream it on Spotify below.
Released just a few days ago, Left L.A. is a new single from Stephen Jacques’s upcoming album, Soul Hydraulics. The song offers up commentary on the superficial plasticity and slickness of life in Los Angeles, which I can personally relate to as someone who once lived there. Stephen Jacques employs terms like “deals” and “mergers” to emphasize the inhuman commodification of the LA cultural experience. Musically, the song is touching and sentimental, with its delicate melodies and euphoric hooks. The songwriting is beautifully sincere, containing a fluid structure and coherent narrative. The recording is polished the old fashioned way, with a clean mix and gritty emotion, rather than surgically processed. The lamentation of Los Angeles as a superficial and heartless entertainment hub may not be a new theme, but Stephen Jacques gives a presentation that keeps it as real as ever.
Soul Hydraulics is a new album from Richmond-based artist, Stephen Jacques. Scheduled for an official release date of Sept. 3rd, 2021. This alt-rock collection is rich with flavorful guitar melodies, while expressive vocals lend the songs passion and sensitivity. The audio production it top quality but still manages to leave room for the sound’s organic appeal. Tracks like Come to Me Marie have a timeless rock’n’roll feel. One could just as easily imagine Buddy Holly performing some of these gems. Jet Fighter is one of the more rocking tunes and really gets the juices flowing. This album is totally professional on every level, while retaining its artistic credibility. There’s no shortage of the human spirit on Soul Hydraulics.
Gasoline is a new single from hip hop artist, Sammie Blaze. This crisp new jam has one of the most colorful and far out beats I’ve ever heard. It really has a great “super ball-like” bounce to it. For his part, Sammie Blaze has a catchy and fresh delivery style. His voice is mellow but engaging, while the backing vocals enhance the rhythmic flow of the track and give things a conversational vibe. Even though many hip hop songs incorporate weed as the subject matter, Gasoline authentically captures the atmosphere and surrealism of the experience through the music itself. This is an impressive release, with creative songwriting, quality production and an above-average performance.
Mr Anyone is a new single from Posh, an Italian alternative rock band that is currently based in Dusseldorf, Germany. This group emerged way back in 2001 and was prominent throughout the 2000s, even having represented Italy at the international Midem Festival in Cannes, France in 2007. After a hiatus, the band recently made a comeback with their single, Running Up That Hill. Their latest track, Mr Anyone is slated for an official release on August 9th. This enchanting song features excellent technical guitar melodies, while the vocals cultivate a mesmerizing and darkly hypnotic ambiance.
The instrumentals are almost more reminiscent of hard rock, as the musicianship on this release is much more precise and advanced that what is typically associated with alternative music. However, the atmospheric spirit is entirely alternative with its lyrical commentary and tone. The mix is full and rich with sonic intensity, with the guitars driving the action. Their rhythmic loudness combines with the mantra-like vocals to entrance the listener. This is a professional recording, pretty much the equivalent to that of a major label release. Posh has already established themselves historically in the genre, but this new release should net them a new generation of fans who may not be familiar their music. The comeback is well underway.
