Vocalist Cody Daniel is a somewhat unique artist in that his music combines elements from unlikely genres, such as alternative, R&B, pop soul. Others do this, but Daniel seems much more conscious of his eclectic influences. It’s not surprising. Younger musicians today have been exposed to many musical styles in their lives through, whereas artists in the past were often limited by whatever was popular in their geographic area or what was on the radio. Cody has released a video for his song “The Night.” Shot on location in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, the video is clean and professional, on the level of what you’d see on Mtv these days. A clearly talented singer, Cody Daniel’s voice propels the song as the listener sits back and watches the action unfold. It can be difficult to tell at times what is going on at times, but a night of romance and relationship drama it surely is. This music is very marketable and Cody has the potential to go very far with the right people backing him.

For more info:
https://www.cody-daniel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/codydanielmusic

Just a heads up, popular artist “Kaseeno” has released a teaser video for his catchy single “Antonio Banderas” (the song is also featured on his latest album, Trap Party Vol 1.) True to it’s name, it’s a fun party jam. Kaseeno delivers the Spanish lyrics well, managing to keep things tight even with the song’s complex pacing. Kaseeno’s laid back and easy going style combine with his energetic vibe to make the track a real pick me up. If the official video lives up to the quality of the song ( and all indications are it will as the teaser features Kaseeno getting out of a live helicopter) then it has a chance to be epic.

https://www.teamkaseeno.com/

“Heart of a King” is a collaborative hip hop effort featuring several artists. It is a smooth and fairly laid back jam. In line with one of the creators, the song utilizes a chess analogy and that of claiming one’s birthright as the rightful heir to the throne. Despite the talk of “kings” the lyrics are delivered with a low key and humble attitude (perhaps like an honorable royal) rather than boastful and aggressive. “Heart of a King” is also a melodic enterprise that displays more musical versatility than one might expect in this genre. It is in every sense a coherent musical composition, and rises to something much more than a mere collection of rhymes.

For more info:
https://www.iammarkivus.com/stand-alone-music.html
https://open.spotify.com/album/3GLOtr5HMfhKKWdgdRJbrb

Fremont,CA based artist SuriLee got her start singing Bollywood hit songs to friends and family in her native India. Her training in Hindustani classical music influences her music, which includes elements of Pop and R&B. He latest release, “Don’t Know” (from her debut album, “Wild Lily”) is kind of a mellow, yet personal song, with an ambient musical backdrop. The beat on it’s own would make a pretty decent piece of electronic music as an instrumental. Despite the song’s lyrical theme of “uncertainty” SuriLee’s vocals are expressive and convey a genuine sense of emotion. The music video is well done and features some breathtaking coastal scenery. SuriLee is a passionate performer and it shows at all levels.

http://www.surilee.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SurileeMusic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJxYmeZlq5k

(featuring DJ Tira, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Sox – Naak Musiq)

Giver Boi, a pop singer from South Africa has a new music video release for his song,”Putu Putu.” The beats in the song are the best part of the song, building and balancing the right amount of drama throughout the song. Putu Putu is mostly a party or “club jam.” I can’t really comment on the lyrics, since I don’t speak the language. The best I can tell, “putu” is the name of a kind of porridge, but I don’t think that is what the song is alluding to, if you know what I mean. Clearly a lot of work went into the production of the song and video, and it shows. They got some decent models to show up for the shoot. The song mostly gives off the vibe of money, sweethearts and fun. Hard to go wrong with that combo.

Fore more info:
http://giverboi.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Giverboi

Florida based hip hop artist DJ DYL has a new single out titled “Happy to Be Here” (featuring Boogs Malone and Murc Jones.) It’s an uplifting song, and the best way I could describe it would be the hip hop equivalent of Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” Musically, “Happy to Be Here” is quite good and easy on the ears. There are some terrific ambient sounds in the background, and I found this jam to have a relaxing and almost meditative quality to it. It’s very mellow but still performed with energy. “Happy to Be Here” is a catchy tune that’s filled with positive vibes. Check it out if you get a chance.

For more info:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3Llp233eehL4SudWDUcSZh
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/djdyl

With an upcoming official release date of November 24th, “Conceited” is a new EP from hip hop artist, Miztuh Chazs. My first impression of this album is that the production quality is very high. I can remember a time when indie hip hop artists recorded on 4-track cassette, but such is not the case really anymore. The quality here is as good as you would find on a major label. I personally don’t care much about production, but for those who do, “Conceited” is legit.

What I really want to stress about this EP though is how much fun and entertaining it is. Miztuh Chazs’ fun going, party personality is evident throughout the tracks. He makes frequent use of humorous, attention grabbing samples and sound effects. His lyrics are often creatively unpredictable, with gems like “Pussy smells like cotton candy, and she be going down smooth like her name is Brandy.” The song “Push to Start” even contains a Domino’s Pizza reference.

“Conceited” is an entertaining listening experience, but one shouldn’t overlook the fact that there’s some genuine artistry here. The whole project is very well put together.

For more info:

19 year old rapper Marquis Demps hails from Killeen, Texas. His new jam is Hot Shit (that’s actually the title,) and I have to admit, it is pretty damn good. Demps has a solid flow and assertive delivery style. The backing is an intense theme that kind of vaguely reminds me of the theme from the film, “Halloween.” In fact, listening to “Hot Shit” I got the mental image of Demps and his crew rolling around town, engaged in an epic battle with their enemies, while the theme from Halloween playing intently in the background. Marquis has some genuine talent, and the production of this track is very good. It’s right up there in quality with the most popular hip hop artists in this genre. Check out his music if you get a chance.

To Listen:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1301890515
https://open.spotify.com/album/5qcw6sc44DXDFIVGAOAxBI

Artist Teddy Hayes’new track “Love Come Rainin Down,” (from the CD “The Professor of Love SongOlogy) is an excellent example of what a talented, seasoned vocalist can achieve musically if they keep it real and don’t ruin their sound with gimmicks and effects processing. Hayes combines soul, jazz and rap in a way they comes off as natural and authentic. What particularly stands out is the way he delivers his performance so confidently. He sings as though it is second nature to him. It’s easy to not notice that he’s rapping in some parts of the song, because his delivery is more melodic than what we’ve come to expect with much of modern hip hop music. Teddy Hayes is one of those musicians that could probably manage give a great live performance without any instruments at all. He’s “got what you need, and he’s got it by the pound.”

New track from hip hop artist “U-G,” which features Teeklef and Rasta Zillion. True to the names, this song does have some Caribbean flavor, mixed in with coherently layered vocal tracks and a laid back backing. This has the feel of beachgoing or boating music. It’s a little more melodic than just standard hip hop, with some dynamic singing. It’s a good clean jam without a lot of attitude or pretense.

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/track/66LjTb0IEHTVivthunAN4b