Category Archives: Reviews

ZieM – Ksenos

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Ksenos is a new single from ZieM, a Norway-based hip hop artist originally from Greece. This vigorous new track is brimming with stylishly intense vibes. Backed by a delightfully eerie beat, ZieM’s lyrical delivery is engaging and methodical. He’s capable of rapping at impressive speeds, while maintaining excellent focus and composure. Even without being able to understand the language, you can tell by the tone and diction that this guy really means business. He gives a dynamic performance, fluidly transitioning between different paces and cadences.

The overall sound just has a very slick and clean feel. The video for this jam is professionally made. It’s well-edited and the high quality visuals are crafted into an artistically coherent piece. Clearly a lot of effort went into this project, and it shows.

For more info:

https://www.instagram.com/ziem_zm/?igshid=njcn1ze17tp2

Infuhme – Help

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Help is a new single from hip hop artist, Infuhme. Backed by an exotic, synth-driven beat, this hypnotic track blends elements of trip hop and chillwave to create a distinctive sound. There are even some detectable reggae influences here. Infuhme has a no-nonsense delivery style as he lays things down eloquently. He’s not shy about telling people to shut their mouths.

Moving at a modest yet deliberate pace, this jam has kind of alt hip hop feel. Atmospherically, the vibe is on the darker side, which definitely keeps things interesting. Various delay and reverb effects on the mix give the song an ethereal, dreamlike quality. It is both mellow and serious at the same time. The beat is retro-futuristic and honestly just really cool. Help is a worthy hip hop release that scores extra points for its stylistic originality.

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AERO BLUE – OTHELLO

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OTHELLO is a new single from hip hop artist, AERO BLUE. Featuring an exquisite and symphonic musical backing, this release is brimming with precision style. For a moment I almost began to wonder if this was an instrumental track, as the rapping doesn’t kick in until almost the 1 minute mark. The structure is highly effective though, because you can really feel the suspense and anticipation build, and when AERO BLUE’s delivery materializes, he doesn’t disappoint. He has a creative flow, and his voice maintains a high energy charisma. The lyrics are peppered with cultural, visual and literary references, making this a sophisticated endeavor of pure professionalism.

His other recent track, 3G is ambient and futuristic. The minimalist beat is synth-driven, while AERO BLUE’s vocals take on a more cerebral tone. While the music is slightly more mellow and meditative, AERO BLUE’s delivery remains engaging. It’s difficult to imagine how hip hop artists can stand out in what has become such a crowded genre, yet AERO BLUE is clearly at the top of his game and means business. These releases are definitely in the upper echelon of contemporary hip hop jams.

For more info:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/63xmDmoImhImwel6pHOSFK

Krim$in Terror Phantom – Abyss

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Abyss is a new album from Seattle/Tacoma-based hip hop artist, Krim$in Terror Phantom (of the “coastal cult” collective). This high octane EP is packed with fresh, thick beats. Attention grabbing samples interweave smoothly with the content, and the backing vocalizations are often enchantingly hypnotic. Abyss has an intentionally eerie quality. It is both spiritual and businesslike at the same time. The mixes are powerful, and subtle usage of noise gives the music an intensifying jolt. The delivery style is straightforward and assertive, as Krim$in Terror Phantom and various guest artists emit an engaging stage presence. This is a bold, no-nonsense release. The action never lets up, even for a moment.

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Swing Dee Diablo – King of Skulls

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King of Skulls is a new album from hip hop artist, Swing Dee Diablo. Set for release on April 30, 2021, this epic project features a plethora of collaborative artists. There are also numerous production credits, such as Zombie Aristocrats, Killa On The Beat, xShy361x, Jinx Beats, and Genius Boy. Swing Dee Diablo is himself a well-known performer, so with this kind of all-star lineup you know it’s going to be legit.

Songs like Vehicles hit with maximum intensity, while the backing beats have a delightfully demonic ambiance. Fundamentally solid hip hop combines with occult motifs to create a sound that opens up a musically inspiring portal to the netherworld. This is spiritually potent stuff and genuinely groundbreaking. Despite the wide variety of contributors, the quality and tone manage to remain remarkably consistent throughout. There’s no telling what King of Skulls will unleash when this crisp album drops at the end of this month.

For more info:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4u8bCfArPrLUcKirtpat7U?si=A1ofeq0WTBGnOcdMLVNmbA&nd=1

Apricity – All My Lies

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All My Lies is a new single from Ontario-based artist, Apricity. Merging elements of pop, alternative, and electronica, the song manages to hit that sweet spot where mainstream appeal and indie cred overlap. Apricity’s style has an edge to it, reminiscent of artists like Shirley Manson, while her crystal clear vocal tone is reminiscent of some of the classic female synthpop singers of the 80s. She has a strong voice and belts out the lyrics with an impressive level of emotional intensity. This song is a good example of how an artist can incorporate musical attributes from the past and manage to create a sound that would resonate with today’s audiences.

For more info:

https://apricitymusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/apricityofficialmusic/?hl=en

Dean FM – Sissy

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Sissy is a new album from Boston-based rapper, activist and influencer, Dean FM (Dean-Fraser Milford). Enveloped by by hypnotic rhythms and a musical backing that’s positively sparkling, Dean FM gives a performance that’s lush with confidence and inspired charisma. The vocal delivery incorporates elements of hip hop and bubblegum pop, and this non-binary artist (who embraces both he and her pronouns) can actually rap.

Style-wise, the presentation is often creative, clever and exotic, while maintaining an impressively choreographed structure. There’s truly a unique artistic persona here. It’s not all fun and games though. The track Bottom Bit sets out to raise awareness about exploitation in the world of prostitution. Compassion, social consciousness and gender neutrality acceptance are essential themes in Dean FM’s work. From a musical standpoint, Sissy is bold, upbeat and radically energizing.

For more info:

http://www.deanfmofficial.com

Jaa – Align

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Align is a new single from North Jersey-based artist, Jaa. He’s half-Caribbean, and claims that his moniker (which also happens to be his initials) is a play on the term “Jah.” This latest track combines aspects of pop, hip hop, R&B, soul and even emo. The vocal delivery is sentimental and expressive, with the atmosphere of the song being greatly enhanced by the guitar-driven backing. Align is a very unique song musically, that transcends the boundaries of genre stereotypes.

Jaa has cultivated a distinctive style for himself. He gives a sincere performance and isn’t afraid to open up about his struggles and vulnerabilities. Thematically, Align has romantic undertones and centers around a relationship where two people realize they just don’t see eye to eye. It’s a timeless tale of living, loving and learning.

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Zemirah Singleton – Crazy Over You

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Crazy Over You is a new single from Mississippi-based artist, Zemirah Singleton. After being discovered while singing at a local talent show, Zemirah performed vocals for a song titled I Got the Blues, when she was 16 (though she has been singing since the age of 5). Zemirah has also appeared on ITS Lit TV and BET JAMS.

Up against a sparkling back beat, Crazy Over You does a fine job of showcasing Zemirah’s impressive vocal skills. Her voice is dynamic and her tone is lush with soft sincerity. It’s just really pleasant to listen to, especially as she hits those high notes. This girl can really sing, and her performance radiates with youthful, positive energy. The song itself blends elements of pop, R&B and soul, and is just a clean, well-written jam. Zemirah definitely has a future in this industry.

For more info:

Brad Byrd – State Line

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State Line is a new single from alt country/folk artist, Brad Byrd. With its subtle intricacies and delicate melodies, this track obviously bears the mark of a professional. Enveloped in a modest paced and musically minimalist framework, Byrd’s performance is expressive and emotionally deep. Atmospherically, it captures the timeless spirit of travel and the open road.

The action slowly amps up over the course of the song’s nearly 8 minute run time. It really does convey the feeling of being on a journey. The backing music at times is ambient and more synth-driven than you’d expect from this style of music (I suppose that’s where the “alt” comes in). Ultimately, State Line is a dazzling release that’s full of heart and skill.

https://brad-byrd.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BradByrdOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/bradbyrd/