BANKROL HAYDEN IS BACK WITH “BOP SLIDE (FEAT. OHGEESY, BLUEFACE & MAXO KREAM)”

Rising hip-hop star Bankrol Hayden unveils his star-studded single, “Bop Slide (Feat. OhGeesy, Blueface & Maxo Kream),” out now. Produced by Alex Goldblatt (Roddy Ricch), Tom Levesque (Roddy Ricch, YG, Ty Dolla $ign), Callan Wong (Lil Mosey, Lil Tecca) and Diego Ave (Megan Thee Stallion, Wiz Khalifa, Kali, Doechii); the triumphant horns andmbass-boosted groove, sees Hayden dropping an undeniable chant as a trifecta of true rap heavyweights, turn up with equally quotable and engaging bars.

“All of these guys fucked with the record, hopped on it, and showed love,” Bankrol Hayden says. “What’s dope is Maxo represents Texas, so it’s not just in the West Coast box. It’s different.”

“Bop Slide (Feat. OhGeesy, Blueface & Maxo Kream)” is the latest track to herald Bankrol Hayden’s much-anticipated new mixtape, 29, set to arrive March 10th. The project was unveiled earlier this year with the melodic “Can’t Change For You (Feat. charlieonnafriday & Arden Jones),” joined by an official music video directed by JakeTheShooter. Watch HERE.

Bankrol Hayden wrapped up 2022 with Christmas basketball anthem, “Courtside.” Produced by longtime collaborator Einer Bankz (Travis Scott, 21 Savage), the bespoke track was created specifically for EPSN and ABC’s “NBA on Christmas Day” campaign and was featured extensively over the holiday season throughout all NBA on ESPN coverage, spanning promos, in-game placement, social media, and more. Named as the featured artist for all “NBA on Christmas Day” coverage, Bankrol Hayden – accompanied by producer Einer Bankz – celebrated the premiere of “Courtside” with a special appearance and live performance on ESPN’s NBA Today. Watch HERE.

Bankrol Hayden will celebrate his recent successes and much more with a long-awaited North American tour – his first headline run to date. “The 29 Tour” begins April 15 at San Diego, CA’s Voodoo Room and then continues through a May 18 finale at Los Angeles, CA’s The Echo. For more information and ticket availability, please visit www.bankrol.co.

Listen Here: https://bankrol.lnk.to/Bop-Slide

#LAonLockExclusive: DJ Specs

DJ Specs has been climbing the hill all his life. Both figuratively, as he’s worked to build a name in a business that is notoriously tough to carve out a reputation, and literally, as a proud son of Victorville and the surrounding High Desert. Climbing back up the pass on I-15 is something he must do every time he returns home from gigs in and around LA.

Because he’s been so ardent and determined to stake his place among the best, DJ Specs now has more opportunities to perform down the hill at prominent headlining events. One climb feeds the other, but the ascent has never been easy. Specs, a moniker bestowed upon him by his mom, turned his passion for music into a profession at an age when most kids were busy playing Minecraft. DJ Specs on the other hand was honing his craft with turntables and microphones and by studying the techniques of others such as DJ Blend.

The early haters nearly deterred him, but after a start and stop beginning, Specs truly launched his career in high school as an in-demand DJ for house parties and by hosting his own events. He'll be the first to say he couldn’t have done any of that without the support of his mother and after fighting through those early detractors, Specs had established his presence when his world and support was ripped apart by his mom’s passing. He considers 2020 the worst year of his life.

Of course, the world was on fire for us all that year, but the untimely loss of his mother left Specs reeling. No man walks alone, so with help from respected mentors in the business, and members of his family, DJ Specs came back from his grief with an even stronger desire to do both his mother, and his city proud.   

Known for his crowd engaging style, DJ Specs doesn’t sit back and wait for the crowd’s energy to feed him. Instead, he feeds the crowd and then together their energies merge and swirl into an unstoppable frenzy. A historian in many realms, but especially music, Specs prides his ability to connect and reach audiences of various ages and musical tastes. Call it universal appeal if you will, but truly it’s the result of hard work, research, and the right personality to entertain without letting ego dictate what the crowd wants, no, scratch that, needs to hear.   

“Growing up, I never had much attention on myself,” DJ Specs said. “As a DJ, I’m my own team. It’s a one-man sport, so the vibe of any party or event relies on what I do to keep everyone’s emotions high.” But there are a lot of fans in the seats these days, rooting on that one-man team and Specs takes that responsibility to heart because their good time relies on the mood he sets. And other artists who share the stage, rely on him to create the perfect environment for them to work and succeed. While DJ Specs works alone on stage to cultivate the right vibe, he carries the weight of others during his climb. He’s appeared with and in support of artists like A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Rick Dunk, Bino Rideaux, 03 Greedo, RJMRLA, Blueface, and Saviii 3rd to name a few.

Energy and positivity are trademarks of Spec’s style, and he exudes both as a Ratchet-style DJ hellbent to give every member of his audience a reason to smile and move and remember the show. “The projects or music I use will be relevant to my audience. That’s how I keep them entertained. Something as simple as me telling a story or sharing a message along with the tracks I select makes a difference. I spend a tremendous amount of time doing research to create something fresh and original.”

His favorite moment thus far was bringing his young son on stage and sharing his passion with him, but like all hard-working parents DJ Specs struggles when his performances take time away from being a father. Conversely, it is the love of family that helps make some moments on stage extra special. On the one-year anniversary of his mom’s passing, DJ Specs found himself headlining a stadium show in his own city. “It felt like it was meant to be,” Specs said. “She watched me with the greatest seat in the house. She was with me on that night for sure.”

On that night, every step of the climb was worth it. But DJ Specs isn’t the type to step back and relax. No, he recalls the early days when he lost friends to shootings and the time one of his own events at a hookah lounge led to gunfire and his own car getting shot up with him inside. Only seventeen at the time, DJ Specs understands his good fortune to have escaped lasting trouble. Probably more than most, since his own father was shot at young age and those wounds resulted in a loss of vision that has prevented kept Spec’s father from ever having the joy of seeing his son’s face.

Another step in the climb that would leave some thinking … no, it’s too steep, I’ll stop here and rest. Not DJ Specs. He’s kept going through all the challenges. Kept reaching for that “Fire & Desire” if you will, because we all have to start over now and again. Speaking of Drake, DJ Specs hopes to one day work with the artist, because he feels they share the same knack for delving into the personal emotions to create something unique and different.

DJ Specs continues to climb, and he does so with thoughts on his mom, his son, doing right by the artists he works with, and of course he does it all with an ear to the ground so he can deliver something special and memorable to the fans that come out to see him. This allows them to get lost in the music for a little while and forget their own climbs. Leading them to that place is DJ Specs, the fun-loving and talented DJ that keeps that beat pumping and the energy going.

#LAOnLockExclusive: QU/NTEN "3 PEAT" (Dir. CSPR) [Single]

QU/NTEN hails from North Carolina originally but now calls LA home. This rising twenty-one year old rapper delivers his flows with calm confidence and a vocal swagger. ‘3 Peat’ is the kind of track that immediately pulls the listener in with a vibe and steady beat before unveiling the lyrical groove.

Once the lyrical hook takes over and drives the flow, the Trap rhythm and groove make it easy to stick to the build and progression. A track you can use to hype and motivate yourself or simple ride the groove while cruising beneath the summer sun. QU/NTEN is clearly feeling the vibe and that lends extra juice to the track.

The video is shot with an old school analog feel giving the project a tinge of a throwback mood even though the actual flow is pure contemporary. This is one of those tracks that hits from the very start, but hooks you deeper with each play.

Learn more about QU/Ten via Instagram and Twitter or stream his work on Spotify

ATLANTIC RECORDS TO RELEASE ORIGINAL SONGS FROM ALL-LIVE COMPETITION SERIES THROUGH EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH NBC

Atlantic Records has released the second installment of the original songs featured on NBC’s “American Song Contest.” Tonight, 11 artists will perform their original songs in front of hosts Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, a live studio audience and millions of viewers across America. The songs featured on Monday’s episode are available HERE.

From the producers of “Eurovision Song Contest” and “The Voice,” the all-live music competition series features 56 Artists, representing the 50 states, five U.S. territories and our nation’s capital, all competing to win the country’s vote for the best hit song. Atlantic Records is the exclusive music partner for “American Song Contest” and will release the original songs featured throughout the series. 

Last week’s premiere episode was a major success and came in as the #1 new reality series premiere and the #1 most talked about telecast on broadcast. In the series debut, 11 artists performed showstopping performances, watch them HERE. At the end of the show, it was announced that Hueston from Rhode Island was selected by the national jury to automatically advance to the Semi-Finals. America’s votes help decide which three additional artists will advance to the next round. The results will be revealed during tonight’s episode. Fans at home can vote for their favorite performances on nbc.com/ascvote, the NBC App and on TikTok.  Voting for the Qualifiers opens Monday night and will close Wednesday at 7 am ET.

The 56 artists span a wide range of performers, from undiscovered talent, up-and-coming new artists, and rising stars to established and legendary icons. 

#LAonLockExclusive Justin Kawika Young - Back To The Blue [Premiere]

“LA on Lock is proud to premier, ‘Back To The Blue’ from Justin Kawika Young. Originally from Hawaii this talented artist now calls LA home and his smooth soulful vocals are perfect for delivering a calming, tranquil affirmation like this song. Offering an ode to the waves and water, this track comes across like Jack Johnson meets Bob Marley.

The track feels like warm sunshine on your face. cools water lapping at your ankles, and simply calm comfort. Give it a listen and appreciate the talent and chill vibes. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

#LAonLockExclusive - DMB DAI - Appealing [Music Video Review]

Smooth. No matter what else I write take the word smooth and let it glide over you as easy DMB DAI’s vocals flow through the air. ‘Appealing’ is the kind of easy vibin’ track that instantly puts the chaos of the world on the backburner and allows the mind and body to settle in on the ride.

The candid video helps drive that mindset home with an almost intimate voyeurism. The hook does the heavy lifting lyrically speaking but the track is all about beat and that silky rhythm. Given the video is shot with a party backdrop the tranquil intimacy is a bit surprising but that works because this track is all about focusing on the one that captures your eye and shutting out the noise surrounding you. It is about dialing in and enjoying each other with total disregard for everything else.

DMB DAi sells this with a calm, confident attitude and those seductive vocal tones. Still the track manages to convey a bit of fun along with the one-on-one vibes that gives the song its edge. The combination makes this a track you can add to that playlist dedicated to your lover, or simply as a nice slow jam to reflect on the better times.

Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

#LAOnLockExclusive - LA On Lock Vol. 3 (Compilation Mixtape)

The LA On Lock mixtape series returns with the 3rd installment featuring all new music from the Los Angeles/Inland Empire independent music community. Curated by N3 On Track & DJ Specs. Hosted by DJ Specs! Out now on Soundcloud, Audiomack & MyMixtapez! Check out the full tracklist below.

Tracklist:

1. Kalan Fr.Fr - Look At Me

2. AD - 2 A.M ft. Wiz Khalifa

3. Drakeo The Ruler - Talk To Me ft. Drake

4. Remble - Touchable

5. Destiny Rogers - West Like ft. Kalan.FrFr

6. GoGetta.KB - Float

7. Bino Rideaux - Creepin ft. BlueBucksClan & Mustard

8. Chris O'Bannon - Wrist Froze

9. TeeFLii - Niccle Bar ft. Baby C Mac

10. J Wolf - Top Floor

11. Dreebo - STFU

12. Steve DaMar - U Ain't For Me ft. Chris O'Bannon

13. F.R.E.$.H - Henny Marble

14. G Perico - Vegas Weekend

15. Skinny Kenny - Blown ft. Sean Carson & CallMePhats

16. Bino Rideaux & Roddy Ricch - Lemme Find Out

17. Problem - Taking All Fades ft. Dom Kennedy

18. YT - No Negative Vibes

19. G.Nas - Welcome To The Show

20. Tudy Guapo - Pray For A Brick

21. DertBagJANKY - Don't Be Sensitive

22. Feefa - En Mi Bolsa

23. Pookie F'n Rude - Groovy When I Move ft. FNF Deezy

24. Compton AV - Slid'n ft. Snoop Dogg

25. RJMrLA & Yelohill - Ain't Enough

26. Like This

27. Young Ceno - Proper ft. Mr. White Dogg

28.

29. UpAllNyt - My Dance

30. They Call Me P.Y.T - Big Bands ft. Fresco & AD

31. DeneroDaDoughHunter - Loaf ft. R3 Da Chiliman

32. Deuce Biggs - Come Over ft. MoneyMitch & Drilla 6

33. Chris O'Bannon - Broke In

34. DJ Upgrade - Soul Korea

35. Jaelen Edmonds - GetAway

36. Charma La'Donna - Westside

37. Jayson Cash - Priority ft. Blxst

38. BbyAfricka - Baby Mama Coochie ft. Saweetie

39. Mr. White Dogg & G5YVE - Twerkers & Strippers

40. The Finatticz - Thick Bih Lil Bih

41. Blakk Juan - Bounce Dat Ass ft. G5YVE & CMO Uno

42. Chef Boy - Yappity Yap

43. Dezzie Gee - Jerkin Dayz ft. Young Sam

A New Nipsey Hussle EP Is Going to Be Released As An NFT

A Nipsey Hussle EP will be released as an NFT. In partnership with RAIRTECH, a digital rights management platform has teamed up with producer Leroy “Mr. Lee” Williams and Southwest Digital Distribution for the EP. 

The Nipsey Experience NFT will include the title track, “Blue Laces 3,” seven unreleased tracks, a Nipsey Hussle documentary, and behind-the-scenes footage. 

Only 1000 NFTs with exclusive music rights will be available for purchase. Purchasers will be added to a private discord server to receive exclusive drops, including first access to NFTs, real-world auctions, and merchandise. 

More info to be announced.

via Real 92.3

#LAOnLockExclusive: Ryan Caraveo "Northend Sweetheart" [Album]

“It’s Friday and the last Friday of the month. So you know what that means?!? New Music!!!

We got a chance to experience an LA On Lock Exclusive with Ryan Caraveo and the Universal Music Group’s °1824. Caraveo’s talented journey has gone from making music in his closet, selling his music out his backpack to preparing for a tour and releasing his latest album “Northend Sweetheart”.

Through a lot of independent work and struggles with depression Caraveo focuses on organic and vulnerable rap. He stresses showing the softer side of things without sugar coating it. Ironically there is a track on the new album called “Sugarcoated”. He can’t take the sugar coating anymore and neither should you. In attending the conference it was his honesty and transparency of letting everyone know yes he is a rapper but he also isn’t much musically trained. He doesn’t know how to play many instruments and often vibes on what sounds good to him in opposed to what you want to hear. He may rap then he may sing but as you take a listen to his latest album you will not only hear the difference in mood but see the difference in the song titles. Caraveo just isn’t known for having sold out tours for nothing, he proves it an every project, visual , and interview he releases.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Music: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

Socials: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter 

Tour dates here

#LAOnLockExclusive: Liddy Mechelle - "She Can Freak It" feat. AshBashThaRapper, Kurupt & Leah Writes

“With all the music that is out now it’s good to hear something driven by females. “She Can Freak It” is the West Coast version of K.P. and Envyi’s “Swing My Way” but with more bang to it. Stemming from the 90’s single “We Can Freak It” by Kurupt. Liddy is bringing back the 90s west coast vibe in her own version with her latest single “She Can Freak It”.

West coast born and raised artist Liddy Mechelle is Hip-Hop, Rap and RnB all infused into a remarkable talent. She brings Lea Writes, Ash Bash Tha Rapper and legendary Kurupt together to deliver a feminine yet hardcore and direct women’s anthem.

Visually from scene to scene they highlight the importance a woman has in the streets and how she’s very aware of what she wants because she’s a real one. This is something you are sure to keep on replay.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

#LAOnLockExclusive: Almost Monday "Live Forever" [Single]

Emerging from the 619; San Diego based alt-pop trio Dawson Daugherty, Cole Clisby, and Luke Fabry are giving people a boost of energy for one of the most dreadful week days, Monday.

From ‘The Mondays’ to ‘Almost Monday’  these three are more than just band mates; they have formed a brotherhood who not only use their music to escape but to bring joy to people’s lives. What started out as a live band turned into an amazing shift in their lives. Almost Monday is an example of realizing your journey and going for it. As two juniors and one senior in college the group were signed making the ultimate decision to pursue music full-time.

The alt- pop band provides a nostalgic vibe to their music. During their 1824 performance they performed three of their songs 

Broken People

Come On Come On

New Single ‘Live Forever’

As they prepare to release their new album, Dawson informed us we would find humor in one of the titles and Luke explained in one word the general idea of the album is ‘Granted’. The extended explanation is to not take relationships or time for granted and kind of live in the present and don’t worry too much about past or the future.

So what would be their recommended song to jump stop #MoodyMonday with positive energy? 

Volume Up Please……‘Come On Come On’

Check more of their music out here: Instagram - Twitter -Spotify

-Kreadiv Kesh (LA OnLock Blogger)

#LAOnLockExclusive: Young Ceno - "Letter To My Granny" [EP]

“Granny’s are essential to the family and often play the role of raising their grandchildren.

Born and raised in Los Angeles with a hustler’s mentality, Artist Young Ceno recently released his new EP ‘Letter To My Granny’.

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Young Ceno has experienced a lot of deaths and when you lose people your world tends to shift. His Granny taught him everything he knew and how to strive for everything that he wants. He relieves his thoughts musically in the 9 track EP. From ‘Letter To My Granny’ to ‘10 X 10’ and ending with ‘Bitch Please’ this EP will have you vibin and #Gassin all the way through.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Stream/Download Link: Letter To My Granny

#LAOnLockExclusive - Madison Cunningham 'Wednesday' [EP]

“Since it’s Wednesday there is no better day to tell you about Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and guitarist Madison Cunningham’s new covers EP, ‘Wednesday’.

Usually an artist will visually record themselves singing covers and upload them onto social media. However, Madison started recording covers for some of her favorite artists last year as her way to stay inspired both in writing and performing. She explained in a virtual °1824 conference that the hardest part for her with doing covers is not to botch it. She always wants to preserve the sound but also add her own personal sound to it as well.

The EP ‘Wednesday’ features covers of songs from the following:

1. Hold On (Tom Waits cover)
2. The Age of Worry (John Mayer cover)
3. In My Life (The Beatles cover)
4. No Surprises (Radiohead cover)

During quarantine it was mainly her and her boyfriend (Guitar) so she started to do covers to express how she was feeling and to find comfort. She goes to explain that she chose these four songs because they were relevant to what was going on this year with the pandemic and social distancing.

The California native was seen full of excitement not just for her EP release but the excitement of turtleneck season and it being a little brisk of chill in California. As she smiles with inspiration and a love for her craft her advice to others is to never be afraid to bring what you have to the table. Don’t shave your ideas.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Listen to Wednesday on Spotify. Madison Cunningham · Single · 2020 · 4 songs.

#LAOnLockExclusive: Talibandx - "The Profit" [Single]

“Talibandx is a poetic artist who relays his ideologies into his music. Hi new single ‘The Profit’ tells a melanin story. The story of being black with a price tag. Truth be told Melanin is worth $450 a gram which is a higher worth than gold, silver and copper.

Society loves black culture but does black lives matter as much as black culture?

Talibandx’s new single is about value, profit and worth of Melanins. With a 21 Savage tone over an echoed cadence Talibandx makes us question ; What exactly are they after?”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

#LAOnLockExclusive: Yung Gravy - Gasanova [Album]

“Party At My Mama’s House- Yung Gravy

Sitting relaxed in his family home, Artist Yung Gravy talked to the °1824 team and a number of virtual influencers about going from Soundcloud stardom to one of Republic Records talented artists. The University of Wisconsin graduate had started freestyling in high school but remained low key as he attended college, but of course good talent can only stay hidden for so long. After going nearly a year without revealing his identity, Gravy visually introduced himself to his Gravy Train( fans) in his saucy single ‘Mr. Clean’.

Gravy continues to gas up his fans in his new album ‘Gasanova’. From the relatable yet unorthodox track titles like ‘Martha Stewart’, ‘Whole Foods’ , ‘Oops!’ and ‘Drip On My Dresser’, this new album is sure to take you on a musical ride. With many wild personalities like Ski Mask The Slump God and TrippyDaKid on Gravy’s favorite song ‘Always Saucy’ to my favorite ‘ Steve Austin’ with Young Dolph; ‘Gasanova’ will have anyone hopping on the Gravy Train.”

— Kreadiv Kesh

Listen to Gasanova on Spotify. Yung Gravy · Album · 2020 · 14 songs.

#LAOnLockExclusive: Still Woozy - "BS" [Single]

“The color purple combines the calm stability of blue with the fierce energy of red. Purple is often associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. Purple also represents meanings of wealth, extravagance, creativity, wisdom, dignity, devotion, peace, pride, mystery, independence, and magic.

Singer/Songwriter Sven ‘Still Woozy’ Gamsky, can be seen wearing purple in his new visual or having shades of purple in the cover art of his new single ‘BS’; Woozy even wore purple during his virtual press conference hosted and moderated by the °1824 team of Universal Music Group. During the conference, we learned that it’s never intentional, he just loves purple.

‘BS’ describes a creative dream that reflects the travel of the mind. The song digs deep into a person’s thought process causing them to think and analyze the things around them while finding a center of happiness. During the conference, Woozy described music not only as a coping mechanism but a form of intimacy.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Still Woozy - BS Listen: https://smarturl.it/StillWoozyBS Connect: https://www.instagram.com/still_woozy/ https://twitter.com/Still_Woozy https://www.faceboo...

#LAOnLockExclusive: GMB -Money Boyz [EP]

“GMB Jae5ive and the rest of the team are letting the money pile in the new EP “Money Boyz”.

”In a party yet a direct tone GMB’s first track ‘Dirty Money’ gives you insight of who they are as they make it known they are all about the money. Now do not let the laidback vibes fool you because the second track ‘Stick Talk’ will remind you how they are also about business and action. ‘Out the Streets’ is the third track which is delivered as an autobiography. Each of the Money Boyz explain growing up in the projects with no guidance yet still surviving. Now these guys have a certain vibe to them; that is why the ladies are after their ‘Oohwah’ in track four which lead us into track 5ive ‘End Of Discussion’.

The ’Money Boyz’ project and visuals that they are releasing are pure example of track six. They never been focused on the struggle; they must make it through their ‘Seasons’.

Their lyrics are raw and consistent with each track. Do not just try to follow the money train but follow GMB as they head to the top.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Stream/Download Link: MoneyBoyz

TK x Kanejohnson - WestSide (feat. KaneJohnson) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a song that would make you want to get to steppin shawty on the ‘Westside. Cruising in the car and out of their favorite store TK and Kane gives listeners a classic vibe in their new single. Riding in old school whips they display what it is like living on the Westside in the 6. ‘Praying On My Down Fall because I am heaven sent’ is one of my favorite verses out of many. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

#LAOnLockExclusive: Nasty C - 'Zulu Man With Some Power'

“Everyone loves the motherland. Regardless of what part, Africa is a historic piece of earth. Known as ‘The Coolest Kid In Africa’ Artist Nasty C has released his third album, ‘Zulu Man With Some Power. Exotic yet cultural rap is how I would describe his new album. WIth intentions to show the world how cool it is to express your culture Nasty C allows us to feel his Zulu culture through his music. He mixes his beats and interchangeable raps in Zulu. Among the 20 tracks with some pretty dope features from artists like Ari Lennox, Lil Keed, T.I. and Lil Gotit. I would say a few of my ultimate favorites are the following in my own order:

18. Ababulai
12. Sad Boys
8. How Many Times
15. Booka Bucks
16. Palm Trees
17. Zulu Man

He is an artist that will get in your temple while lyrically being blunt. The whole album is a reflection of his journey and his perspective as he globally takes over the music industry.”

— Kreadiv Kesh

Listen to the album yourself and tell us your favorites: https://nastyc.lnk.to/ZMWSP

Don’t You Dare Sleep on Steve DaMar’s -- KnightMares of the 310 [Album Review]

Steve DaMar gets straight out personal on his new album KnightMares of the 310. Within the intimacy of the lyrics and the emotive delivery, DaMar reveals both his talent and his mindset. The early tracks of the album feel especially biographical giving us as listeners an insight far too may other artists run from. With KnightMares of the 310, Steve DaMar makes it clear he runs from nothing or nobody.

From the opening track “Lyntro” you get a sense of place, of intent, and of determination that prevails throughout the entire album. These qualities are delivered via a variety of flows and styles that keeps the entire project feeling fresh and intriguing for the duration.

The third track on the album “LaLa” kicks ups the energy with a hard beat, backing an old school flow with banging bars. Coming with bravado that stands in stark contrast to the bare honesty and vulnerability of the next track,“Thinking Chair,” which also has more of a soulful R&B delivery at times. These back-to back selections shine a spotlight on DaMar’s diverse talent, both in the writing and the delivery. The varied arrangements and deliveries of this album also speak of a quality in production and forethought to the construction of the album.

“Lynwood Mac” takes us to Steve DaMar’s home streets of Lynwood, California and the backing production perfectly sets of his smooth flow that carried a hint of Kanye in both its message and delivery.

The title track is the sixth offering among the seventeen selections making up the album. “KnightMares of the 310” is the history behind DaMar and is certainly pivotal to establishing to lyrical progression of the album and feels almost like the end of chapter one of the project with the vibe taking a more mellow, less emotional intense direction.

That is not to say the back half of KnightMares of the 310 goes easy in its writing or performances. Only that there is a noticeable shift in the vibe.

DaMar might step back from the self-reflective intensity, but his boldness and flow are still unflinching. Tracks such as “Laxative” which make it clear the artist isn’t going to take shit from anyone, whereas “Bulletproof Soul” and “No Peace” deliver clear Conscious Hip-Hop vibes with intelligent, thought-provoking lyrics that might not feel as starkly personal as the opening tracks, but carry universal resonance that wraps around your mind long after the last beat.

“Kan’t Rest” is another standout track among the tracks on the back half of the album. Coming with a stream-of-conscious vibe, the delivery is emotive and real and like every other track on this collection the production gets out of the way never overshadowing the emotion of the writing or delivery.

Steve DaMar stands at the mic and delivers without the need for unnecessary embellishment. Honest and true, there is not a toss away track on KnightMares of the 310 making it a standout effort from an artist that deserves every bit of the attention coming his way.