Dude It's Nolan - Long Way [Music Review] April 10, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 Dude It’s Nolan utilizes multiple voices to deliver this track, but each one of them hits with passion and precise timing. The beat and production pair perfectly with the intensity of the lyrics. Hard hitting and sharp at every turn, ‘Long Way’ is a song that proves these talented dudes are in fact, only a short way from breaking out in a very big way. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Iconic Bastardz - I Like It [Review] April 08, 2024 by Kreadiv Kesh in Conscious, Neo-Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 I like how the song creates different vibes with a combination of instrument. The song is contemporary R&B, Neo-Soul, with a little exotic sound to it. Iconic Bastardz knows exactly how to mix and master a track to engage a listener. This was an audio only submission but it leaves you to imagine your own visuals. — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Amp Melo - Hoop Dreamz [Music Review] March 22, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 Amp Melo gives us an old school Boom Bap style track honoring the ‘Hoop Dreamz’ many of us had back in the day. Sadly, reality usually comes knocking on the door for most of us, but that nostalgia, for the time when anything felt possible keeps us all thinking about the what ifs. This track is the soundtrack for that, and the smooth groove makes it a song you can jam to alone or with a group. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Ice Meez - My Moment [Music Review] March 08, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Contemporary R&B, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Ice Meez knows how to sell the emotion and feeling of his well-written lyrics and once again delivers an impactful song for our listening pleasure. ’My Moment’ is a track that delivers truth and hope, without ignoring the difficult realties of this world we all face. The song has grit and genuine emotion, and Meez’s flow is delivered with an emotive power. The chorus adds a smooth groove that breaks that up perfectly to give the track a nice balance. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Bshortt - Sushi At Mikuni [Music Review] March 01, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Trap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 Bshortt gives us some true Rap fusion on this track. Utilizing a Latin inspired beat and melody, the track ranges from a soulful R&B groove in the quieter moments, to an Old-School rap delivery that gives the listener retro vibes. ’Sushi at Mikuni’ takes the listener for a joyride on the back of a strong and confident flow that both cuts and soothes as it builds. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
StillJune - Moves [Music Review] February 19, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 3.5 out of 5 StillJune gives us an uplifting track of hope in ‘Moves.’ The emotion and writing hit for me on this track, though I did crave more variation to the cadence and vocal arrangement. That said, the passion in the delivery and strong writing along with the talent made this a track that spoke directly to me.This is definitely a song you can feel. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
TRiiiPSS - Space Baby [Music Review] January 29, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Commercial, Autotune Rating: 4 out of 5 Coming with a smooth groove and funky beat, TRiiiPSS launches their new single ‘Space Baby.’ Lyrically the track is about those out of the world feelings of love and admiration. New love is glorious and it is easy to view the person of your desire as being from another planet as they feel that rare and special. This track captures that in a delightful way with steady vocals and a musical groove that is easy to orbit around. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
UraelB - Dirty Toothbrush [Music Review] January 20, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4.5 out of 5 There are glossy tracks, songs that hit with energy, and of course those with lyrical hooks that impale the masses. Then there are the songs that eschew the trappings of most popular music and simply give you pure, emotional truth. UraelB does exactly that with ‘Dirty Toothbrush.’ Some might compare the style to Kendrick Lamar, but there is nothing derivative here on this track. The power comes from tapping into the memories of the soul, and the hope of tomorrow’s dreams. — Travis Erwin ~LA on Lock Blogger
Sav DaBrain - Reading Books [Music Review] January 05, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 Sav DaBrain unfurls this lyrical flow with a steady precision and a sophisticated intelligence that stands out among the fray of music out there being released. The hook is melodic and the overall groove of this rhythm sweeps the listener up and in. And the tender guitar outtro offered a great way to ease out, giving the track a nice completion that many tracks today lack. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Just Steve- You Made My List [Music Video Review] December 24, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in Holiday, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 2 out of 5 I don’t know; I was on the boarder line with this. Then I found myself fast forwarding. Something is missing that didn’t allow this song to resonate with me despite the dope video. I still am going to share it with others because it highlights fatherhood. Also, someone on our platform may like it. — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Wildcard - The Scorpio Element (feat. Justin Cohen) [Music Review] December 02, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 Delivered with precision and talent, this well-written track infuses strength and emotion in one, attention-catching flow. Wildcard comes with an intense flow and Justin Cohen joins for the hook to add another layer. This is a track that takes a few listens to pick up all the lyrical punches, but it also has a smooth hook and groove that is easy to fall in on and connect rhythmically. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger
Speech -Debelle 11:11 [Music Video Review] November 16, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 3 out of 5 I was more drawn to the visual aspect than the song overall. I like how Speech Debelle is placed as a muse for people to paint their own vision. As a listener it was hard to understand the lyrics outside of the 11:11. I would suggest add this video as a lyric video so people can musically engage just as they are able to visually engage. — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger] Embed Block Add an embed URL or code. Learn more
Ev Malone - Elevate [Review] November 16, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in Conscious, Hip-Hop Rating: 3 out of 5 Ev Malone has a poetic delivery. I can picture him sitting down with a notebook taking his time on every verse. Elevate is an inspiring song that empowers people with encouraging verses and opens up positive images. I like how the tempo doesn’t change regards of the elevated scenarios given. — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
YVK -Wanted To Know [Review] November 16, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 3.5 out of 5 YVK has a West Coast vocal tone and delivery. The track has an old school sound with a mix of new school. YVK takes his time on every verse and is very descriptive as if he is walking down the street rapping about what he sees. — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger] Embed Block Add an embed URL or code. Learn more
K Hella - How It Goes [Music Review] November 10, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 K Hella drops this energetic and well-written flow that keeps the listener leaning in to hear what comes next. The hook is a smooth groove that lands between hip-Hop and R&B and overall this track works on the emotive delivery which makes me believe every last word. Contemporary Rap done right. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Mattyice1990- Maserati [Review] November 09, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in Hip-Hop, Conscious, Rap Rating: 3 out of 5 Mattyice1990 takes his time with this one. He delivers a raw yet emotional track as he takes us through his fight with his demons and his dreams. The soft piano keys aligns with his flow which keeps you listening to his story and understanding his pain. Life keeps throwing things at him which is painful to deal with yet he still has hopes of being successful and getting his Maserati. — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
NonSense - The Audacity [Music Review] November 07, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 NonSense caps off a prolific year with his single ‘The Audacity.’ NonSense had this to say about his creation ... “The track is about standing tall atop your mountain despite those who feel they can stand in your way. Being the very best version of YOU and you alone at the behest of naysayers.”Delivered in an old school Boom Bap style, the lyrical flow hits and the writing comes with a punch. The Carson, California native channels many of his musical heros in this diverse build and sound. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Rally 4 Reality - Jebediah [Music Review] October 20, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 3 out of 5 Songs about people, (actual or fictional) can be tricky, but his one works in that it also feels like true tangible history as much as a fictionalized account. The American Dream isn’t the same for everyone and isn’t easy for anyone, and the lyrics here give us a taste of that dynamic. This track from Rally 4 Reality is a tribute and ode to Robert Jebediah Freeman the Grandad from Adult Swim’s ‘The Boondocks.’ — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Jay Dutch x BiiG Dreams - About That Time [Music Video Review] October 19, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 A dose of truth and honesty is always a good idea, and here Jay Dutch delivers exactly that as he lays out the difficult road to success in the music industry, and in a broader sense the world. Haters gonna hate and doubters gonna doubt, and when given the chance, the hustlers are gonna take what they can from you. ’About That Time’ is about believing in yourself and holding that hard line until you rise above all those looking to drag you down. — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Pawz One - Good Man [Music Video Review] October 13, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4 out of 5 The strength, journey, and courage of a man can be found in Pawz One’s “Good Man”. The song is poetic with a few emotional moments. It tells the journey of no matter a man’s struggle there are still good moments. — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]