Shoes on the Chevy is a new single from Alabama-based hip hop artist, Kiyahotpeppa. This song is full and rich with teriffic sonic quality. From an audiophile perspective I’d have to consider this to be one of the most pleasing mixes I’ve ever heard in this genre. It just hits all the right frequencies. Blending elements of hip hop, pop and R&B, the music never veers too far off in one direction. The appeal is very mainstream and approachable. Kiyahotpeppa values sincerity and realism, and one can sense this expression in the tone of his delivery. B.Unique’s backing vocals help to soften and smooth out the edges of the track, accentuating the eloquence of Kiyahotpeppa’s vocals. The ambiance is mellow but determined, as Kiyahotpeppa comes across as profound without being aggressive or arrogant. Shoes on the Chevy is an excellent and enchanting piece of music. This guy does a fine job of representing the Birmingham music scene.

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/kiya.hotpeppa
https://www.instagram.com/iamkiyahotpeppa/
https://soundcloud.com/kiya-hotpeppa/

320 is a new album from hip hop artist, Trey Dilla. At first glance this might seem like a straightforward hip hop release, but it quickly becomes clear that the backing music is much more complex and better quality than most standard hip hop fare. The background makes use of a lot of soft chimes and ambient synths while being anchored by firm beats. Trey’s delivery is often conversational and reflective. It almost has the feel of a “fireside chat” in rap form. His vocals are just very engaging and sincere. He oscillates between a range of emotions in these songs, often displaying surprising sensitivity. Some of the tracks contain romantic undertones, while others (such as Look at Us) are full blown love songs. The opening jam, Southside Everywhere is a hard hitting, nostalgic trip that slowly gives way to making plans about the future.

Trey Dilla can obviously rap decently, but what’s more interestng to me is that he’s actually a good poet and songwriter. Many technically good rappers are not necessarily good writers. Trey’s abilities as a lyricist seem highly advanced, perhaps indicating a background in creative writing, or maybe he just puts a lot of heart into his work. No problems with the production. Everything is clean, and he doesn’t muddy up the vocals by using a lot of processing or autotune. Just a nice smooth sound.

For more info:

https://www.instagram.com/dilladagift

https://songwhip.com/album/trey-dilla/320

Jasmine is a new single from New York artists, Jxhar and DenZe. The release is part of their upcoming collaborative effort called Don’t Play With Fire. There’s actually a video for this jam, and I have to say it’s one of the better indie music videos I’ve seen recently. There’s an actual narrative, and it’s filmed in a split screen style, with a soap opera visual aesthetic. It’s almost like watching an intro to a televsion show. Romantic undertones, communication struggles and dramatic relationship dynamics play out in the lyrics in a way that will resonate with listeners of all types. Watching the couple bicker gives the track a voyeuristic, reality tv vibe. As far as the musical aspect, it’s a pretty straightforward pop song with solid production and vocal performances. It will definitely get people interested and wanting to see more from these artists. They’re definitely off to a great start, and I highly anticipate the release of the rest of this project.

For more info:

Majestic is a new album from “M.A.T.T” This spicy EP features romantic tracks that blend elements of hip hop, R&B and pop. Repetitive, mantra like choruses make these jams instantly catchy. Songs like Thinkin’ Bout You almost immediately gets stuck in your head. M.A.T.T’s vocals convey sentimentality and humble strength against formidable backing beats and smooth instrumentals. Each of these tracks has a really cool and attention grabbing intro before it kicks into high gear. As an album, Majestic has a ton of pop appeal. The sound is very mainstream friendly, and the relationship dynamic in the lyrics should resonate with both sexes, depending on perspective. While the album has alludes to a sexually charged atmosphere, it isn’t particularly explicit. The ambiance is more oriented toward late night romantic encounters and the emotional bond being formed. This is a good mainstream friendly release with a couple of radio ready tunes. My favorite song on here is Tonight, which is graced with some memorably stellar female vocals.

For more info:

https://www.instagram.com/m.a.t.t_music/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMZtXLsj0bR_OIXvwF3TMQ
www.facebook.com/universalmattmusic

Art of Wu II is a new mixtape from hip hop artist, Vice Carter. This is actually the 15th mixtape this guy has cranked out and the sequel to Art of Wu. As the title suggests, the “Art of Wu” series is intended as an homage to the iconic hip hop outfit, Wu Tang Clan. This epic release features a whopping 25 tracks. With classic analog vibes and robust language, these songs capture the spirit of 90s hip hop. Songs like Cobra Clutch are bumpin’ from the opening bell with an assertive delivery, thick beat and no-nonsense vibe. There is just so much material here to peruse. Gumbo is another interesting mix with a more mellow and ambient vibe. With a plethora of samples, beat variety and performer contributions, Art of Wu II will keep you entertained for hours. You should definitely peep this recording.

For more info:

Facebook.com/vicecartermusic

Schwem is a new single from hip hop artist, Takis. This guy may not waste time on a lot of hype, but he definitely has some skills. The muic speaks for itself. He can maintain a tight flow at impressive speeds and adapts to abrupt pacing changes with ease as he raps over a surprisingly complex beat. It’s one of those quick witted beats that oscillates unpredictably and keeps you on your toes. The high degree of difficulty indicates this guy is no amateur and has a lot of street experience. The track utilizes some distinctive voice alteration processing, giving Takis’ voice a bit of a darker, supernatural edge. There isn’t a lot of flashy marketing or overblown production associated with this song. All of the focus is on skill, the substance and “meat” of the track, and it does indeed deliver in that department. Schwem is actually a pimp tight jam that’s worth checking out. You can give it a whirl in the links below.

For more info:

HOLLYWOOD is a new single from Los Angeles-based pop/folk artist OLYA K. This bright and energetic synth pop track is pure retro-futuristic electricity. There are some elements of 80’s pop (even the idealization of Hollywood glamour has a fondly nostalgic twinkle). OLYA K combines classic, quality vocals with pulsating EDM backing music. The melodic, emotional delivery and sensory intensity it represents a kind of disco-like passion.

OLYA K is a teriffic vocalist, and she doesn’t hold back. She belts out these lyrics with everything she’s got. The City of Los Angeles should consider using this song for a tourist promo. When she says “Everybody’s favorite vacation, everybody’s favorite location…Hollywood” the place sounds positively magical, and you’ll be ready to board the next plane out of Podunk and visit. Indeed, I used to live in Hollywood myself, and I quite enjoyed it. OLYA K was born in Bulgaria and there is a hint of Europop in this recording, which in my opinion greatly enhances it. HOLLYWOOD is a fantastic and fun pop jam that will put you in a good mood.

For more info:

https://www.reverbnation.com/olyasongs

Underground Soul is a new solo album from Washington DC-based artist, God Jani. This avant garde release blends elements of soul, hip hop, experimental and go-go to create an experience that is fresh and psychedelic. The backing music is unique, and songs such as Like That (ft. Tolliewood) have an almost dreamlike collage feel to them. Underground Soul defies genre stereotypes and is a fine example of what can happen if a young artist allows curiosity to broaden his tastes when growing up. God Jani is clearly an artist who’s willing to take creative chances.

These songs are very smooth and ambient, but not in the sense that they will put you to sleep. There’s a meditative vibe here that really takes you into the zone. God Jani sings well, and is something of a “jack of all trades.” His vocal delivery adapts to the different styles, tones and pacing of each song. My favorite track on the album is probably Get Me. It flows magnificently, contains excellent layering effects and the rapping is just totally on point. Underground Soul is available on Apple Music, and there’s a video for the lead single Like That, which you can check out below.

For more info:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/god-jani/1259880422

PAIN is a new single from Brooklyn-based artist, GAZBE DEBONAIR. He also happens to be Haitian, and the Caribbean vibes in his delivery enhance the song, giving it a melodic and natural timing that blends effortlessly with the backing music. There’s just something about the combination of his performance and the mix that seems to flow very well here (COOK AKA COOK MONSTA is credited with the production side.) The sound is hypnotic and GAZBE seems totally relaxed and in his element. Where this track really shines are the points of emphasis on certain words and phrases, which really hit home. The pacing is stylishly more mellow and modest than most contemporary hip hop jams but GAZBE’s voice makes effective use of it through emphasis and musicality. This guy is one of those rappers that seems this all just comes natural to him. You should check out the video for PAIN as well (filmed by SIXRAYSPRODUCTION). It’s high quality and GAZBE rocks a pretty sweet Calvin Klein hoodie while he performs this number.

For more info: