Mase Well x Michael Christmas - Cycles [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Come for the fantastic line about Bill Murray and everyday being the same — Stay for the soulful beat and groove.

The writing sparkles at times on this track, and while there were a few production decisions that felt out of place me, the overall vibe here kept me tethered to the track all the way through. Both vocal flows are engaging, and I found myself closing my eyes and swaying along. In the end, that is all you can truly ask for from a song. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cimòn - MAE [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track from Cimòn brings passion and fire, and feels exactly like the rebirth it is. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, Cimòn unabashedly flexes his plumage with choice lyrics and direct statement at those who have doubted or counted him out. The writing is sharp, and the flow engaging, on this single that is as much a proclamation of creativity and art, over commercialism and the pursuit of the dollar as it is a personal statement. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Lil Guillotine x MC Sole - No Thanks [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With the Virus dominating the news cycle, the election has been pushed to the back burner, but this track shifts the focus back for at least a few minutes.

Well-written political refrain is rare in any genre, but Hip-Hop seems to be leading the way and this track joins several others with truth and conviction in a low- key, jazz infused flow. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mykel Hawk - If This Is Armageddon [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Fresh off his hard hitting EP, Mykel Hawk is back with a fresh track inspired by the current events we are all facing.

Sharp, intelligent lyrics are the heart of this track, but Hawk’s hard-edged, gravel-filled tone is the soul and the pairing gives this track a punch that is both sobering and enlightening. This is Hip-Hop with something to say in a time when it needs to be said. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Wez Atlas - Overthink [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“All of us ‘Overthink’ things from time to time, and rarely do those jumble of thoughts settle into a groove as smooth or entertaining as this track about that very thing.

Born in Japan, and raised in Colorado, Wez Atlas drops this chill vibe about the treachery of getting stuck inside our own thoughts with a unique and interesting perspective. Nicely produced, and well-written, this is a soulful reflective Hip-Hop that will make you think as much on the third, (or thirtieth) listen as it does on the first.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Joey Bread - I Love Quarantine [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“If you are looking for a laugh to get you through this current state of the world then Joey Bread has a sliced you off a track full of self-deprecating humor.

Catchy and funny in the same way ‘Pretty Fly For A White Guy’ was, ‘I Love Quarantine’ is a hearty offering complete with Bread spreading on the fun side of being isolated at home nice and thick.

The video adds another layer to the lyrics and will help keep that smile on your face as you listen to the silver lining of our new lifestyle.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mike SB - Ny for the Weekend (Prod. By Shiggy) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Mike SB wrote this one on a trip to NYC. Among his plans were to reconnect with an ex, but she had a different agenda and in that moment he realized sometimes, you simply have to move on no matter how hard it is.

The trip also allowed Mike SB to be in studio with Shiggy and this track is part of that effort. The vocals are smooth and the lyrics come from a place of genuine reflection and emotion. Both facts shine through in the flow.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jwalt - Where You Been [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Hailing from Oakland, California, 18-year-old emcee, Jwalt is brash, confidant, and talented. Here he offers up an answer to the question of ‘Where You Been?’

Lyrically the flow answers the questions about his personal life, as well as the trajectory of building a career.

The truth is he’s been working on his craft, opening for NAS, and being featured on Sirius XM, but fans do not always see all the work going on behind the scenes so this track sheds some light on the hustle, the emotion, the passion it takes to rise to the top of any artistic endeavor.

The flow here is direct and energetic, with authentic honesty driving the lyrics.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cam Carter x Ghostwriter LA - Anything For That Body [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The art of storytelling within the strict confines of a three or four minute song is a challenging jump, that not many are able to land. Cam Carter is able to do so here with a quiet almost staid flow that is brought to live by the engaging hook of the chorus. Teaming up with Ghostwriter LA, Carter is able to bring out the nuances of the lyrics and deliver an emotional track that means even more upon subsequent listens.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Rad - When I'm Faded [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track hooked me with the writing up front. Are the vocals pitch perfect and smooth? No, but they are genuine and honest, and I felt every damn word because of that.

When you have something to say, and you can say it with conviction, you don’t need some false shiny luster to make your words shine.

This is Hip-Hop truth with an air of vulnerability to make it real. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cinoevil - Dead Weight [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Cinoevil drops this sharply written track that cuts straight into you with a banging energy and steady vocal flow. The track features battle rap veteran, Shotgun Suge and is a powerful verbal onslaught that showcases Cino’s skills as an emcee. The beat is infectious and with each listen the writing comes through to provide even more engagement. The single is part of a 14 track album that dropped in early March.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Check out the complete Album here.

Lourdiz - Suicide Down Ft. Lil Gotit [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Lourdiz is a rising star to watch. Her vocal flow hits hard where it needs to, and settles into an infectious rhythm at other junctures of this track. The writing captures to dynamics of an artistic lifestyle quite well, as the struggle for the hustle is not a linear path, but an up and down battle that is not for the weak of or timid.

The fact Lourdiz is but 18 years old , and has this and so much else figured out bodes well for the talented star in the making.

Lil Gotit joins in here giving this track even more depth and variation.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

BNGRS x LATASHA - Big City [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track hits hard with a throbbing beat and energetic vibe before settling into a short interlude of a smooth vocal flow. Overall, this track is gritty and rhythmic and feels like a night in the ‘Big City.’

The mood i set at the onset of this single and never really wavers even as the track offers variable sounds. This one delivers both the verve of an a banging Saturday Night with its production, as well as a lyrical cockiness that feels like pure swagger. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Louis Metric - Lonely [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Being happy with yourself is important anytime, and it is one thing many of us struggle with after a tough break up. But in these current times, learning to cope and be content with isolation is more important than ever before.

This track comes with a Hip-Hop/ Pop vibe and is well-written and performed with a touch of wry humor that comes through in the imagery of the video as well as the vocal flow. And it does so with a message that you can be alone and be perfectly okay.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cam Carter - Shadows [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Cam Carter’s hard hitting and emotional vocal flow dominates this track, but like most ‘Shadows’ the intrigue first comes from the haunting darkness, and this track begins with a beautifully dark vocal chant. The old school Boom-Bap flow hits with stellar writing and is punctuated by Carter’s intensity.

Lurking in the peripheral is that haunting chant that adds just a bit of an Indie songstress giving this hard hitting track enough commercial appeal to appeal to the hard edged Hip-Hop fan as well as those who gravitate to more commercial sounds. Carter walks that line well by maintaining his conviction in the vocal flow. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

GO79MAN - EVO7VE9 [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A chill vibe ushers in GO79MAN’s vocal flow which carries a raspy gravel behind earnest and honest lyrics. There is an energy behind his flow that keeps you leaning forward despite the fact there is not a ton of variation to the delivery. The track’s strength is the vocal talent and obvious conviction behind the message.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kafar Myers - True 2 Self [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kafar Myers has something he wants to say, maybe even needs to say. Often that is the element glaringly missing in modern Hip-Hop, where what is being laid down doesn’t matter as much as one big hook and a mumbled flow over a sick beat. But Myers is ‘True 2 Self’ here with his earnest and heartfelt lyrics delivered so that you can hear and feel every word. Truth and passion are all any talented artist need to rely on to give us a listening experience worth the time and Myers delivers both on this track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Smoke - Out Da Mudd [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Smoke drops the video for his lyrically moving track ‘Out Da Mudd’ off of his solo debut album, RAYSEAN BROWN.

Much like the storytelling power of the single, the imagery portrayed in the video keeps you watching. With a straight up flow style, and writing that builds and puts us in the mindset of another, Smoke unleashes the emotions and consciousness necessary to truly feel a track like this. I was pulled in early and stayed on the hook for the duration. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

NugLife - All I Wanna Do [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Producer NugLife is adept and bring interesting collaborations, but ‘All I Wanna Do’ is different in that it is a solo effort. Featuring his talents both on production and vocals, NugLife takes you into the world of the stoner producer and his perspectives.

With a touch of the psychedelic in the sound and vibe, this track feels like a nice chill trip into the clouds. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

King Magnetic & DJ E.REX - "How It All Started (feat. GQ Nothin Pretty)" [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“You gotta expect a track called ‘How It All Got Started’ to deliver an old school vibe, and this one certainly brings that flavor. This is one to play loud and proud as you reminiscent with your boys that you’ve been rolling with for years now.

King Magnetic takes us back to his stomping grounds of Allentown, PA for this nostalgic new video. The single is a collaborative effort produced by New York’s DJ E.REX, with a guest appearance from Mag’s longtime collaborator, GQ Nothin Pretty.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)