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maintain.jpeg

Neon Brown - "Maintain (feat. Vursatyl)" [Music Video Review]

March 12, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is a history lesson, an essay on social status and race, and a solidly entertaining example of Lo-fi Hip-Hop at its best.

Spot on and observant writing showcase a flow that builds engagement as it moves forward. Visually the video captures the vibe and power of the words with precision and enlightenment.

This is a song to watch, to hear, and to ponder afterward. ”
— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
March 12, 2020 /Travis Erwin
neonbrown, vursatyl, maintain, laonlock
Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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    $9.jpg

    D. - $9 [Review]

    March 07, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious

    Rating: 4 out of 5

    “This track made me smile and nod in agreement. Bringing a chill flow, that escalates as it goes along, the message is real and truthful and speaks volumes in a wry subtle way.

    ’$9’ can feel like a fortune to a kid, but in the real world nine dollars isn’t shit, and the narrator here wants to teach a kid that lesson while opening his eyes to a whole lot more.

    The vocal flow feels a bit like off the cuff poetry, but there is enough beat and energy to make the track come alive and give it a bit more of a commercial vibe as a result.”
    — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
    March 07, 2020 /Travis Erwin
    d., $9, laonlock
    Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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      whati'montonight.jpg

      Ryan Hemsworth x Ricky Lake x WADE08 - What I'm On Tonight [Review]

      March 07, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Remix, Electro Pop, Hip-Hop, Conscious

      Rating: 4 out of 5

      “Ryan Hemsworth drops the official remix of ‘What I’m On Tonight’ from Ricky Lake’s new album ‘Last Summer Sucked!’

      The track has energy and life and is engaging from the drop. The vocal mix is intriguing throughout , and this is a song that defy’s you not to pop into the groove and sway along to the rhythm. ”
      — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
      March 07, 2020 /Travis Erwin
      ryanhemsworth, rickylake, wade08, whati'montonight, laonlock
      Music, Remix, Electro Pop, Hip-Hop, Conscious
      Comment
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        doubt.jpg

        Josh Dominguez (feat. T.R.3) - DOUBT [Review]

        March 07, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious

        Rating: 4 out of 5

        “This track brings a couple different vibes and sounds, and all of it works quite well because at the core of the song is solid, meaningful writing that conjures a variety of emotions.

        The only thing I was left wanting was more, because at under three minutes the single had room to bring even more punch. The string intro was perfect lead in and the beat blended to usher in the vocal flow with engages me from the get.”
        — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
        March 07, 2020 /Travis Erwin
        joshdominguez, t.r.3, doubt, laonlock
        Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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          justbreathe.jpeg

          James Curran - Just Breathe [Music Video Review]

          March 05, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious

          Rating: 4 out of 5

          “This track brings the energy right from the first of the vocal flow. The imagery of the video takes a bit to develop, but lyrically this single delivers line after line that keeps you on the hook.

          Give this one a listen and I guarantee you it will get your head moving to the beat. The various vocals all bring something unique to the mix. The song features Moosh from Moosh & Twist, Aha Gazelle. and of course the talent of James Curran who you can bet you have not heard the last of after this one hits. ”
          — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
          March 05, 2020 /Travis Erwin
          jamescurran, moosh, ahagazelle, justbreathe, laonlock
          Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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            luv.jpeg

            RIME x Tobi Ibitoye - LUV [Review]

            February 27, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious

            Rating: 4 out of 5

            “Hell yeah!

            That was my first reaction to this rowdy and ribald track. Pure fun energy behind this track about finding ‘LUV’ in the strip joint.

            The track has a bit of funk to its groove, and some soul to performance. My advanced copy cuts off abruptly making me think there was a problem with the upload, but other than that his track offers nothing but a wry good time.”
            — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
            February 27, 2020 /Travis Erwin
            rime, tobiibitoye, luv, laonlock
            Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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              paytoplay.jpeg

              Focus The Truth - Pay to Play feat. Vo & Elle Simone [Music Video Review]

              February 25, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Hip-Hop, Conscious

              Rating: 4 out of 5

              “Exactly as the name applies, Focus The Truth puts the spotlight directly on the truth with this track. Riding a steady old school beat, the lyrics unfurl with a chill, direct style that is slow enough for the impact to hit home, but paced enough to hold your focus. The chorus brings a softness that is gripping and all of the voices within this single deliver emotion and authenticity.

              Well-written lyrics run throughout.”
              — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
              February 25, 2020 /Travis Erwin
              focusthetruth, vo&ellesimone, paytoplay, laonlock
              Hip-Hop, Conscious
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                never2second.jpg

                AjGod - Never 2econd [Review]

                February 19, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious

                Rating: 4 out of 5

                “The beat and backing of ‘Never 2econd’ adds an emotional level to a set of lyrics that hits steady and unrelenting. This combination sets a mood and emotion that would not be possible without the tandem sound. Too many tracks today never consider the impact beat and melody play on delivering the message, but here, those elements bring as big an impact, as the outstanding writing and delivery. The tone is steady with very little variation overall, yet the flow engages with its truth and passion, brought forward by AjGod. ”
                — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
                February 19, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                ajgod, never2econd, laonlock
                Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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                  crazy.jpg

                  Lil Lyn x Charles Weaver - Crazy [Review]

                  February 18, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Contemporary R&B

                  Rating: 4 out of 5

                  “Weaving two flows together, into one seamless track is not an easy production feat, but ‘Crazy’ manages to do exactly that. The Rap flow does the heavy lyrical work on this track about the love you can’t quite have or give, however the chorus comes by way of an R&B vibe that hits first and is woven throughout the track to add another layer to the emotions of the single. ”
                  — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
                  February 18, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                  lillyn, charlesweaver, crazy, laonlock
                  Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Contemporary R&B
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                    gravediggaz.jpg

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

                    February 15, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious

                    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)
                    February 15, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                    FocusTheTruth, kyahbaby, tgifly, gravediggaz, laonlock
                    Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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                      summit.jpg

                      Ijahdan Taurus x Echo Lair - Summit [Review]

                      February 14, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Reggae

                      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)
                      February 14, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                      IjahdanTaurus, echolair, summit, laonlock
                      Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Reggae
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                        incontrast.jpg

                        Stefan Dismond - inCONTRAST [Review]

                        February 14, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Contemporary R&B

                        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)
                        February 14, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                        stefandismond, incontrast, laonlock
                        Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Contemporary R&B
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                          dojo.jpg

                          College x HeRo - Dojo [Review]

                          February 07, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Rap

                          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)
                          February 07, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                          college, hero, laonlock, dojo
                          Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Rap
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                            Reignonme.jpg

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

                            January 31, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious

                            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)
                            January 31, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                            afu-ra, mann, reignonme, laonlock
                            Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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                              buggy.jpg

                              Jaycreux - Buggy [Review]

                              January 31, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Soul, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious

                              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)
                              January 31, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                              jaycreux, buggy, laonlock
                              Music, Soul, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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                                won'tbelong.jpg

                                MoCity Jones - Won't Be Long [Review]

                                January 24, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious

                                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)
                                January 24, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                                mocityjones, won'tbelong, laonlock
                                Music, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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                                  16guillotines.jpg

                                  iLL CHiLDREN - 16 GUiLLOTiNES [Music Video Review]

                                  January 21, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious

                                  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)
                                  January 21, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                                  illchildren, 16guillotines, laonlock
                                  Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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                                    lovetolove.jpg

                                    Soulllfoo x Ed Summers - Love to Love [Review]

                                    January 21, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious

                                    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)
                                    January 21, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                                    Soulllfoo, edsummers, lovetolove, laonlock
                                    Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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                                      goodtimesain'tcheap.jpg

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

                                      January 21, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious

                                      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

                                      January 21, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                                      4ndreas, goodtimesain'tcheap, laonlock
                                      Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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                                        figuremeout.jpg

                                        Tia Carys - Figure Me Out [Music Video Review]

                                        January 20, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious

                                        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)
                                        January 20, 2020 /Travis Erwin
                                        tiacarys, figuremeout, laonlock
                                        Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious
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