Xzibit - Leave Me Alone (ft. Dr. Dre & Ty Dolla $ign) [Music Review]

“Music is an artform that is under constant change. All genre definitions move and shift, but perhaps no category has seen more of a realignment than the world of Rap and Hip Hop.

But sometimes you have to kick it old school, because the classic never go away. Younger listeners might not know the full impact Xzibit had in the music game, but it is time that changed.

Joined by the venerable Dr. Dre and Ty Dolla $ign, Xzibit declares ‘Leave Me Alone.’ But the track is likely to have the opposite effect as it introduces a new generation to a vibe and sound we don’t hear often enough in today’s Hip Hop.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Keadon Carium - LUSTFUL PROBLEMS [Music Review]

“Canadian Rapper, Keadon Carium drops his track, ‘Lustful Problems.’ The song has some Pop sensibilities though the flow leans heavy on its Rap cadence.

The tone is unique, and the timing spot on. The track is on the shorter side but it delivers its message by getting in and out with engaging efficiency.”

— Travis Erwon ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Cherry-Ilex - 5th of Liquor [Music Review]

“We aren’t always honest with ourselves much les others, but sometimes we have one of those reflective moments when we truly look deep inside ourselves. And on occasion it takes a bit of liquid courage to get there. That is exactly what Cherry-Ilex’s track, ‘5th of Liquor’ is about.

The artist called this ... “Late-night R&B out of Long Beach. A man alone with a glass, being honest with himself in a way he wouldn’t be sober.”

The smooth, unhurried groove is one you can feel as much as hear, and the lyrical honesty speaks to universal truths we often run from.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Burd & Keyz - Miracles [Music Review]

“Canadian artists, Burd and Keyz are joined by Nigerian-Canadian artist TOBi on this track about perseverance, faith, hope, and transformation. ‘Miracles’ is an energetic and uplifting track that blends hip hop, R&B, Afrobeats, gospel, and soul.

The groove is infectious and the lyrical build layered and nuanced enough to bring you back time and time again to take away more each time.”

— Travis Erwin

Taz Bentii -Money Wave [Review]

“Taz Bentii’s “Money Wave” rides with a confident, money-minded energy, bringing a catchy, modern feel that fits right into a late-night playlist. The track has that go-getter vibe that feels built for turning up, chasing the bag, and staying in your lane.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA Onlock Blogger]

simon lucas - midnight drive [Music Review]

“The beat and groove is alluring on simon lucas’s track, ‘midnight drive.’ The closing number to his sunnyboy EP the track is meant to conjure what happens next vibes to the story and album but it can also serve as an ethereal groove for anyone just feeling the vibes and ideas of a new, much needed, beginning. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Marvillous Beats - Bodega Rodeo [Music Review]

“Marvillous Beats in bridging the gap between Hip-Hop and Classical music with his body of work. ‘Bodega Rodeo.’ The intricate violin work and tinkling beat work together in harmonious bliss to both relax and motivate you to move to think, to be in a conscientious state only music can take you to.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

LAST ALEX! - PALM TREEZ [Music Review]

“Last Alex! captures a vibe on ‘PALM TREEZ,’ and track that has one foot in modern Hip Hop vocal style while not running from the past by utilizing a Boombap beat to drive the tempo and add nuance to the a trippy little flow. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ice Meez - The Other Side [Music Review]

“Ice Meez unleashes a flow that hits hard, but don’t discount this beat and backing as it feeds the lyrics in a meaningful way by setting the tone. ‘The Other Side’ is a street anthem, a declaration of truth as lived by the artist.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jah Freedom x Charles Herron -My Hoodie [Review]

“Jah Freedom x Charles Herron’s “My Hoodie” blends the soul of ‘90s boom-bap with modern conscious rap. The track challenges the stereotypes often associated with hoodies, turning them into a symbol of identity, resilience, and self-expression. It’s a powerful reminder that appearances don’t define character.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Ali Cashius Jr - Fear No Evil [Music Review]

“Puerto Rican and Yemeni artist, Ali Cashius Jr is unflinching in his political commentary on the track, ‘Fear No Evil.’ Speaking up for communities that too often lack a voice this track utilizes hard hitting lyrical punches and a traditional Hip-Hop sound to speak against the racial motivated injustices of today’s political climate.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Southpaw Yin:Yang (with Era 51) [Review]

“Yin:Yang” is easily one of the most sonically grounded Lo-Fi hip-hop tracks produced by southpaw to date — balancing experimentation with a clean, minimalist approach that feels both fresh and intentional. The piano and melody absolutely shine, creating a warm, immersive atmosphere that pulls you in from the very first note”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Ozi x Cat’s Eye - Work It Out [Music Review]

“Moving on is hard especially when you can still feel those feelings of old. Hip Hop artists Ozi and Cat’s Eye unfurl this flow about wanting to ‘Work It Out,’ but some damage is irreversible and sometimes things will never be the same. The track has a old school West Coast rap vibe that keeps the linster on the edge, leaning in for the entire lyrical build.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Saint Soldier - Theater [Music Review]

“Saint Soldier is unflinching in his social commentary of the times with ‘Theatre.’ The flow leans toward a spoken word delivery but it works well here with an ample emotive push moving the track forward with intensity and passion. A set of lyrics that unveils something new with each listen Definitely a song to dig in on and digest over multiple listens.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ben Barbic x El Boa Prod - More to Life [Music Review]

“Some tracks are tough to categorize and Ben Barbic’s ‘More To Life’ fits that bill. The Reggae vibes are undeniable but the track also lean on Hip-Hop culture and style in. A rhythmic and engaging delivery carries the listener along on the search for more.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Di$tinct - KNOWN FOR [Music Review]

“Two-time Canadian Choice Award winner Di$tinct unleashes what he is ‘KNOWN FOR.’ And what he is known for is with a strong hook and rhythmic delivery that not only holds your attention but demands repeat listens. A little old school Gangsta Rap style mixed with a modern contemporary pace and writing gives this track pop and a strong hook. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

SHUB - Legacy (Feat. DJ Paul & Nova RX) [Music Review]

“Indigenous artist and electronic pioneer, Shub is back with a unique vibe on ‘Legacy.’ Blending SHUB’s signature powwow step sound with Southern US Hip-Hop, the track also features DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia and the evocative vocals of Nova Rx.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Anonimuss Rose - American Dreamer [Music Review]

“Anonimuss Rose takes ont he haters and doubters with ‘American Dreamer’ in a Neo-Soul Hip-Hop influenced track that wraps around the listener and pulls them toward the climax of an engaging bit of songwriting. The track asks as many questions as it answers, and in doing so forces the listener to take a look at their own personal journey. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Codefendants x The D.O.C. - Rivals [Music Video Review]

“Old School Hip-Hop meets Punk in ‘Rivals,’ a collab from the Codefendants and THE D.O.C. Th track brings grit and intensity and each listen gives you something you previously missed. Dive in and fel this one unfurl.

This is a hype track that build intensity and intrigue from start to finish.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Sean Doe Butler x Kendrick Lamar x J. Cole Legendary - Review

“Sean Doe Butler brings hunger and raw energy, while Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole anchor the track with their signature storytelling and philosophical flair. The production balances hard‑hitting beats with atmospheric layers, giving each artist space to shine. Overall, it’s a powerful, memorable anthem that showcases skill, ambition, and thoughtful reflection.”

— Kreadiv Kesh