Respect the Game is a new single from Maryland based (and part time DC) hip hop artist, Nyke Ness. With all the market-tested, choreographed and manufactured hip hop tracks out there today, it’s refreshing to see a guy who is still down to freestyle and demonstrate some musical spontaneity. The song opens with a Denzel Washington sample quote from the film, Fences, a solid, attention grabbing intro. With a smooth transition, Respect the Game kicks into high gear. Nyke doesn’t waste any time. He gets right into it and delves into a quick witted, continuous flow. The backing music alternates between dramatic synths with a thumping beat and periods of minimal, quaint ambiance, featuring occasional breaks where only Nyke’s vocals can be heard. It’s a very effective mix, and I found myself pleasantly surprised by some of the unpredictable changes in the music. For his part, Nyke Ness never lets up. He rhymes skillfully, with passion and keeps it creative throughout. This is definitely a performance which commands respect.

For more info:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKvtdDscyaFbPmPvvkKeug
https://soundcloud.com/planetparadyme

Ready is a new single from Litty Rik, an artist from the outskirts of Los Angeles, CA. This impressive and polished club/pop/R&B jam has a slick and well-produced sound, with elements of hip hop as well. The song is constructed to a very high standard, making excellent use of precision timed vocal layering. With a peppy pace and aerodynamic flow, Ready seems ripe for radio airplay. It boasts an upbeat, feel good ambiance and the snap-crackle-pop quick rhythm will induce clubgoers to dance. Litty Rik’s lyrics are witty and catchy, peppered with occasional pop culture references, (energizer bunny, etc) and he demonstrates a dynamic vocal presence. R&B is one of the most difficult genres to sing. It’s just not something you can fake, and not only is the singing on this track good, it’s performed capably at impressive speeds. The talent is there. This artist just the right people to notice, and he’ll be in business.

For more info:

Vito’s Revenge is an EP from hip hop artist, Vito Storm. There are a couple of singles released from this EP, including War Cry and Buddalicious. This artist definitely isn’t playing around. Production is at the level of a major label. Vito Storm has a natural “star quality.” In fact, if someone heard these songs without knowning anything about the artist, one might assume it was the work of a famous pop star. The lyrics are delivered with eloquent confidence and a charismatic attitude. Oscillating between a casual coolness and cinematic intensity, the music strikes a professional balance, hitting the sweet spot. Buddalicious has a fun and instantly catchy beat, and Vito’s playful and sometimes audacious vocals will grab and hold your attention. War Cry (as you might ascertain from the title) features a bolder, and more “edge of your seat” ambiance and also features some crisp interludes from fellow hip hop performer, “Bumpy103.” The thumping bass and suspense driven, symphonic backing magnify the theatrical elements of the track. Both of these jams are super tight and ready for prime time. Keep an eye on Vito Storm, as this ambitious and entertaining artist may be going places in the hip hop world.

For more info:

https://open.spotify.com/album/1mwxi8hZX6lzn06lXuok21

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2bOf5cD63E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZt4bnuUOhI

Knockin is a new single from Austin born hip hop artist, Ro$ewood Renegade. My first impression of this track is that it has an incredible, retro-futuristic synth driven backbeat, featuring all sorts of radical “chiptune” bleeps and bloops. In fact, the backing music could stand on its own as a worthy electronic music piece. Ro$ewood Renegade’s delivery is fast paced and on point. One thing he does really well is utilize strategic, well-timed pauses in between his snappy rhyme segments, expertly engaging in a hip hop game of “red light green light.” It’s tough to even point out all the ways in which this song is good. I really like the music, and Ro$ewood Renegade delivers and presents like an old pro, with fresh, clear vocals and a natural charisma. Supposedly his father is a street legend in Austin and several other family members have substantial musical backgrounds. Perhaps that’s where the talent stems from, but one thing is certain, this jam definitely lives up to the family name.

For more info:

https://www.itsrenegade.com/

Arm Full Of Roses is a new single from Nashville based singer/songwriter, Mark Henes. This minimalist, 21st century Americana jam keeps its presentation simple, but that doesn’t make it any less musically fulfilling. The mix offers such clarity and detail, that you can enjoy every sound (no matter how subtle) emanating from the guitar. Likewise with the vocals, which are emotive and articulate. Of course, this kind of ultra magnified performance doesn’t leave room to conceal weaknesses in the mix or drown out weaker elements. Fortunately, the performance here is stellar, so there’s nothing to hide. The guitar tones are incredible, containing that delightfully chime-filled charm, and Mark is an expressive and capable vocalist. Sonically, this recording a high end audiophile’s dream, while artistically Arm Full Of Roses easily qualifies as a mini-masterpiece.

For more info:

http://www.markhenes.com/

Real Life is a new single from hip hop artist, Z-Gang. The track maintains a moderate pacing, yet thematically carries a subtle intensity which slowly builds throughout the song. Z-Gang’s laid back delivery doesn’t detract from the fact that you can tell he means business when he’s speaking. The backing music primes an atmosphere of suspense, juxtaposing nicely with Z-Gang’s chill demeanor. His vocals take center stage. This isn’t one of those rap songs with a heavy, thumping beat. As one might ascertain from the title, this jam is about “being real” as it relates to various aspects of life. This is exemplified by the music video, which doesn’t contain flashy lifestyles or outrageous costumes. Rather it’s just Z-Gang and his friends, humbly kicking it in everyday sitations as he casually and confidently spouts his rhymes. Production quality on this track is the way I like it, crisp, clean and clear, without excessive processing or effects. What gives this song potential in my opinion is that it’s catchy. I found that the chorus and various phrases got stuck in my head after only one listen. This is one of the most important ingredients to a succesful rap song, and this jam has it.

For more info:

https://audiomack.com/song/zgang-2/z-gang-real-life-raqmuzik

Gods Calling is a new single from Apex Mees (also featuring his cousin Par$ha who raps in farsi). Having made music together since they were only 13, the two have pioneered a blend of American and Persiab hip hop. When paired together, they do have a rather distinctive sound. The backing music is theatrical and ethereal, at times resembling orchestral church music with an added intensity. Both performers have a natural and fluid delivery flow, as the lyrics roll off effortlessly. As with many rappers, the skills are even more apparent at moments where the rapping speeds up. Gods Calling is also well produced. Nothing in the mix sounds harsh, which is especially important for this song, as the soft clarity of the music makes the sound so classically enjoyable. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from these guys.

For more info:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/gods-calling-feat-par$ha-single/1496844850

Workin On Fighting Social Injustice Vol.3 Police Drive By (Prod. by Plather) is a new release from Richmond based artist, djradtipptoppp. As is obvious from the title, the song makes a social statement about profiling and police brutality. However, the music itself isn’t what you’d expect and not your typical “in your face” protest song. It’s more of a synth driven, avant garde, ambient collage that’s both thought provoking and quite enjoyable to listen to. The message doesn’t focus specifically on racial profiling but rather takes aim at police profiling of all kinds (height, tattoos, etc). This makes the track more accessible, since a wider variety of people will be open to hearing the message. By enveloping his ideals subtly in the musical mix, the words have a subconscious effect. This trippy and atmospheric “Joker” style of anthem I believe will become more prevalent in this younger generation, whom this form of communication resonates well with. Be sure to check out this artist’s other releases on Bandcamp. Some good stuff there.

For more info:

https://djradtipptoppp.bandcamp.com/

https://soundcloud.com/djradtipptoppp/workin-on-fighting-social-injustice-vol3-police-drive-by

Into The D.A.R.K.NESS is a new album from the hip hop artist known as YT (real name Austin Arndt). The album lives up to its name, offering up a dark and atmospheric ambiance. It’s like hip hop with the sounds of a haunted mansion in the background. Musically, it ranges from quietly suspenseful to lively and crisp. YT has a tight, clean delivery at the climactic points of the songs and otherwise maintains a chill and strategically eerie rhyming presence. It’s easy to focus on the backing music, which is refreshingly and unusually unique for a hip hop album, but what’s incredible is that YT is such a talented rapper that his skills manage to outshine the hauntingly thematic backdrop. While the album is dark, it isn’t depressing. YT makes what is known as “recovery music,” which helps people (and himself) cope with issues they may be struggling with, though this is done in a very subtle and non-preachy way. The production and mix on this release are also top notch. This guy knows what he’s doing.

For more info:

https://ytmusic.us/
https://www.instagram.com/yt_the_official/

Last Night Was Hell is a new EP from LVSTNIGHT. First off, let me just say that I love the awesome, retro album cover art. It’s the best I’ve seen so far this year (I realize it’s still only January but I see a lot of album covers). Thematically, this release is coherently structured, with consistent track names like Potion, Yellow Pills, Lock Jaw, etc, it’s like a musical trip to the drugstore after a wild night out. The style is minimalist, with sparse but engaging beats and LVSTNIGHT’s casual delivery driving the action. His vocals are noteworthy in that he utilizes his voice to make creative sounds while spouting lyrics, giving him a dinstinctive and memorable persona. This album excels in style and aesthetics, and the lyrical substance lives up to the imagery. While this is technically classified as an EP, it does contain 8 fun filled songs and satisfies like a full length album.

For more info:

https://twitter.com/LVSTN1GHT