Focus The Truth x Kyah Baby x TGIFLY - GraveDiggaz [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A solid dose of old-school Boom Bap and a traditional Hip-Hop flow are at the forefront of this track. Lyrically, the single is modern and fresh and brings a wealth of truth and intelligence.

Each voice comes with a distinct sound and all three are perfect for the words they drop on us. This is a track you can listen to for years to come, and never get tired of the beat or the lyrics. Hip-Hop done right!”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ijahdan Taurus x Echo Lair - Summit [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Delivering a nice Hip-Hop flow over a Reggae vibe, ‘Summit’ is both chill and intense at the same time.

The prevailing mood is calming and smooth, but lyrically the track has a depth that is worthy of deep reflection. Of course you can ignore that aspect and simply fire one up while letting the calm Reggae waves wash over you, just as easy as you can lean forward and dive into the words enough to break down the deeper meaning. That is the beauty here is that the track offers both in equal doses and vocally, the tone is the perfect compliment to both takes.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stefan Dismond - inCONTRAST [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track is as much Soul as it is Hip-Hop, but don’t take that to mean it is less than a fine example of both genres.

The fusion here is intriguing and the writing impeccable. The emotions shine through in the performance. This is the kind of track that will mean more to you with each subsequent listen.

Detailing the differences between two sides of a relationship, the single is for everyone that has gotten deep in their head, while trying to analyze where they stand and how they feel.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

College x HeRo - Dojo [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A chill vibe permeates through this single. The flow has just enough passion behind it to hold your focus, but the biggest strength of this track is the tight lyrical content. Authentic truth fills every line and that elevates the rest of the track. There are no unnecessary embellishments to the production or delivery as College and HeRo straight up deliver this well-written single.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Afu-Ra - Reign on Me (feat. Mann) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Afu-Ra and Mann drop a flow that hits hard in every possible way. The lyrics are razor sharp, and the message blunt. The flow cuts and dodges and weaves and is Hip-Hop at its best, from two veterans of the genre.

The track has plenty to say and it says it well.

Stand up, fight for yourself. Don’t take the system bringing you down without battling back.

These are the truths embedded as well as observation of the world we live in. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jaycreux - Buggy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jaycreux drops a soulful Hip-Hop flow that feels a bit stream of conscious in the mood, but also brings a nice groove in the beat and melody. His voice has just a touch of rasp, and the performance brings emotion and passion which keeps the single interesting, and makes it easy to connect with. The lyrics are complex and layered, making this is the kind of track you will pull new things from every single time you listen. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

MoCity Jones - Won't Be Long [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“If you are thirsty for some old school sound, with a modern spin — then MoCity Jones has you covered.

The lyrics are sharp and relevant. The flow definitely has an old soul to it, both in that it shows the influences of the past, and that brings a hint that Soul sound, especially during the chorus.

The track builds in tempo and emotional impact and I can see myself putting this on more than one playlist and listening to it for years to come. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

iLL CHiLDREN - 16 GUiLLOTiNES [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“iLL CHILDREN never fail to bring the energy. Spitting a super fast flow, the quartet is hard to compare to anyone else out there right now. The skills and style of each member compliments the others very well and the transitions from one to the other are seamless.

The video does a good job of bringing the spirit and energy of the single to life. Lyrically, there are some fresh and intelligent lines, however the sheer speed of the flow does not make it easy to pick them all out on the first listen, and that is part of the intrigue here.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Soulllfoo x Ed Summers - Love to Love [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A soulful groove leads this track off before the main vocal flow drops in with a steady back beat and smooth roll. The performance feels both intimate and aggressive in a way that is tough to pull off. There is confidence in the delivery as well as an urgent need to make things work. That dynamic makes this an intriguing track and the production and beat keep you on the hook with an undeniable energy that will makes you want to move to the beat. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

4ndreas - Good Times Ain't Cheap (prod. 4ndreas) [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The stark truth always hits hard, and ‘Good Times Ain’t Cheap’ delivers nothing but the truth. An emotional track that brings out the feels for what once was, what might have been, and what could be ... this is the kind of song that puts water on flaming bridges and leads us back to those we love and care about the most. The writing is sharp, and poignant, and the delivery allows us to feel these words to our core. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

social links:
instagram.com/4ndreas
twitter.com/4ndreas_ny

Tia Carys - Figure Me Out [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Mesmerized.

That’s how Tia Carys left me from the outset. There is something about her vocals and confident demeanor in the video that hooked me instantly.

The vocal flow varied from almost a freestyle kind of feel, to a deliberate pop production, but through it all the lyrics pop and the attitude prevails.

Dropping the challenge is there right in the title, ‘Figure Me Out,’ but I am not sure I met that declaration because Carys is still a bit of mystery for me. That said, I did figure out that this is a track that I want to hear over and over again. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SLIM MUCHO - YELLOWSTONE MEMOIRS [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A chill rap vibe that brings truth and emotion through strong writing and observation of the world we live in. Short and sweet and to the point, the track falls in the stream of conscious type of delivery, which works well here because of a talented vocal tone and the passionate delivery.

I did find myself wishing there was more as it ended a bit abruptly but on the other hand it is every artist’s job to leave us wanting more. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Casey Jones ll - Draft Day [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Casey Jones drops his third freestyle release in anticipation of his first album drop in March. ‘Draft Day’ is a nostalgic homage to the Fugees as he flows over the classic beat. His flow is different but knowledgeable of the hip-hop history around him. If his freestyles are this dope we sure the album will be an all-star. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

D. - Love Live Life [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This Hip-Hop track offers both, wisdom rooted in reflection, and unabashed swagger fueled by dreams and confidence.

With lyrics that speak to who he is, and how he got here, D. does an excellent job of delivering this flow with passion and confidence. This track offers a glimpse into his past, but the resonance stems from the fact his takeaways from these experience are ones we can all use.

Add in a nice musical groove and the track is both entertaining and enlightening. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

paintriiip - MAKE WAVES [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Delivering a chill vibe, ‘MAKE WAVES’ is a tranquil track offering encouragement and inspiration.

The vocal are smooth and relaxing here and lyrically the track is urging you to be you. Without worrying about, or trying to keep up or impress others based upon their idea of success. Call it an anti conformity track if you want., but this is the kind of message we all need to hear from time to time. A perfect addition to your more reflective playlists. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Magic Seis - Pablo [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A smooth Latin beat backs the vocal flow on this track giving it an exotic and Reggae feel. The performance here held me with lyrics that offer a commentary on Hip Hop culture as well as Magic Seis own goals and aspirations.

The dream is often closer than we realize but the struggle to keep battling is tough. This track hints at that aspect while also using the metaphor to suggest it is important to be careful of who you keep close. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

J Soulstice & NugLife - With You [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This song feels like a perfectly busy day in the city, like those times when you are walking around feeling the sun on your face and catching various bits of a pleasing scent on the wind and conversation in the air. Then out of nowhere, a single sound cuts through the fray and captivates you. Could be a voice, a song, a distant beat. Intentional or not, but suddenly that is all you hear and you are alone in the world strutting along to your own personal groove. This single is that!

The vocal flow here begins amid a busy backing, but quickly pulled my focus in and I stay glued to that groove from that point on. This single feels like a stroll on that perfect day and this is one walk I want to take time and time again. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dajour Neufville - One Life [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“This track toes that Hip-Hop/Pop line with a definite Electro edge to the beat and melody.

Dajour Neufville has a pleasing tone that sort of lulls you in like a snake charmer, and before you know it you are singing along and swaying to the groove. Lyrically the track is motivational in nature and does a good job of hitting you with a message without feeling blase.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kosha Dillz - Schmoozin' [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“I was captivated here right off the bat. Jewish Rap?

I can honestly say this is the best track from the genre I’ve ever heard. It is also the only track of Jewish Rap I’ve ever heard. But that really doesn’t matter because the track is well-written, and performed with passion and fervor, and that is what makes good music. No matter the genre.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dirt Dolla - Blue Dream [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“A soulful and bluesy track with a nice Hip-Hop flow throughout, Dirt Dolla drops the single ‘Blue Dream,’ which has a bit of holiday nostalgia to it. That is not to say the track doesn’t have a resonance that works well all across the year because the lyrics are strong and the beat infectious.

Hard to pin a genre on this one so we will simply call it good music. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)