Jaywop - Bill Bellamy [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes you just need something that sounds and feels different. Sometimes you need to smile and enjoy an offtrack bit of humor. Sometimes you need some Jaywop. None of that is to say that Jaywop is not seriously talented, because it takes true talent to create a track that sounds good and entertains in this way.

’Bill Bellamy’ is as clever as it is goofy and the vocal flow is as engaging as it is fun. Give it a listen to put a smile on your face.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jameel3DN x Morcia Monique - Friends [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The flow here falls somewhere between stream of conscious and a spoken word freestyle. Either way, the truth comes across and the vibe is heartfelt emotion. A man trying to be who is without shame or hiding in a world where everyone wants to dictate who you are supposed to be. The backing is soft and delicate and adds a bit of emotion but at the end of this day this is simply a guy telling you how he feels. And he does it with style and class and truth.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Sarina - Bite Back [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track unfolds like a sexy serpent slinking in and seductively winding itself around you. Sarina’s sultry vocals pairs nicely with the attitude fueling the lyrics, proving she is more than ready to ‘Bite Back.’

There is a bit of bounce to the flow at times, and more of an R&B groove in other places. The track creates some stirring visuals thanks to the strong writing and emotive delivery. There is also an exotic flair to the overall arrangement that makes it hit a little different than most popular music.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Good.To.Go x FunkyCold - Ice [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track delivers a stream-of-conscious, old school vibe with a modern spin lyrically. The easy flow on this track definitely has a summer time ease about it that feels like a stroll down a busy sidewalk with the warm sun keeping you company. An easy track to settle in on with some fresh but poignantly true lines that stick with you. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stilljune - Care For Me [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The cold hard fact is not enough people in this world care about others. We all get a bit jaded by this fact, and when that person that doesn’t show the love or care for you is someone you love or care about, the pain is all the more acute.

Stilljune has tapped into the emotions of these facts with ‘Care For Me,’ a track that brings a steady vocal flow and beat that hits home for most of us.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ramond x Champ x Sydnie Battie - Bright Side [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“As part of a recent virtual graduation, Ramond performed ‘Bright Side’ for the Colorado State University graduating class of 2020. And the track delivers the perfect vibe of hope and determination and optimism in the face of challenges. The chill vibe is tranquil, yet brings an undeniable energy that pulls you along.

Ramond was hand-selected to Executive Produce a soundtrack based on the popular Black Sands comic book series. The 13-track soundtrack accompanies the animated DVD.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

floeticVandros - Feel Me (feat. Rowlan & DJ Pain 1) [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The track opens with a nice groove hovering between R&B and Pop, before delving into an engaging Hip-Hop flow. Both sets of vocal are intriguing in their own right, and they mesh very well to elevate the track into something truly special. The production of the track adds to the emotion with a smooth steady groove that is easy to ride with. ‘Feel Me’ is one you that you truly can feel all the way through.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

danny G - best friend [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A fun upbeat ode to the friendship side of love. danny G offers up a nice blend of vocal styles on this track, which is earmarked to help fellow musicians impacted by Covid-19 with all proceeds going to MusiCares.

So, consider downloading this one to add a fun energetic Pop style Hip-Hop track to your personal playlists, and to help musicians struggling through these tough times.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Infamous Mobb - "Like a Dream" (prod. by Havoc) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Infamous Mobb is back after a lengthy hiatus to give us a new single. ‘Like a Dream’ comes in with a laid-back, bluesy production from longtime collaborator, Havoc. That bit of grit sets the tone for the Mobb’s Big Twins, Ty Nitty, and Godfather Pt. III to spit their raw, realist bars about life as they know it in Queensbridge.

As the first single off their upcoming new album, ‘IM3,’ the track sets the bar high for Infamous Mobb’s return to the scene. The new album will include production from The Alchemist, DJ Muggs, Twiz The Beat Pro, DirtyDiggs, and more. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brilly Asher - Traumatized [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Brilly Asher drops this honest and unflinching track about the way our behavior hits others. Anytime a talented artist, truly lays bare his soul the result is an engaging song with relevance, because human nature leads us all to make the same mistakes, have the same dreams, share the same fears.

The flow here is slow and steady and carries a hint of an R&B vibe. The backing is fairly low-key and stays out of the way for the most part without adding a lot of punch on its own. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Miles Morrison - Go Out (feat. Yo Gotti, Stunna Girl) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Hard beats, and in your face lyrics over a pure party vibe. That is what Miles Morrison gives you with ‘Go Out.’

Course nobody has been allowed to go out for a while now, but imagine the free for all that will come once it is safe to do so. This song’s vibe comes close to the hedonistic urges lurking inside us all right now. There is an old school raunchy side to this and combined with the beat and various vocals it all comes together just like the best of parties.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Joe-Y - Cudi [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Joe-Y offers up a diverse set of vocal sounds and styles on his latest single, ‘Cudi.’ I will admit to being surprised by the level of talent more than once. This Ohio rapper is one to keep an eye on for sure.

Lyrically this track is about chasing dreams and perfection while also dealing with the struggles of mental illness and letting the doubts from that come in. The flow ranges from a straight up Hip-Hop vibe, to an almost Reggae like rhythm and tone.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Produkt x Rothstien - Supreme Wizards [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The writing here delivers authentic emotion and strong imagery. You can taste and feel the grit and scenes described in this track. The flow is steady and deliberate, but there is enough variation to bring home to message. The beat and production gets out of the way for the most part but adds enough layers to the track to help establish the mood and soul of this piece. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

K.I.N.G. the MC - F.E.A.R. [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is a definite poetic feel to the vocal flow on this one, but that fact worked quite well as the writing is superb and the emotional build well worth the ride.

Fear has spoiled things for us all at some time and this ode to overcoming these dubious thoughts is uplifting and sobering. The truth of this track offers a strength we all need on occasion. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Schmolbowl - Long Flight [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Schmolbowl drops a tranquil and trippy flow on ‘Long Flight.’ With a rapid delivery and strong writing that overlaps and surprises at every turn, the track has an energy that envelopes you and makes you lean in close to hear what is coming next. The chorus has a nice hook and the track as a whole shows a good range of talent so I can;t wait to see what else comes from Schmolbowl on down the line.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Timmies - be someone to never lose [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track brings an intimate vibe with its soft vocals and tranquil beat and melody. At only a little more than 90 seconds long the track does not fit into the commercial mindset, but I was mesmerized by the tender emotion behind the piece and each time I gave it a listen I was totally immersed and calmed by the mood of the track.

Feels like a glimpse into the personal thoughts of another, and yet it carried relevance for me as well. There is simply an understated beauty behind this song.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mass Conformity - Outside the Lines [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A bluebird kind of day vibe permeates the air on this track which is laid over top of a jazz-like piano melody and the soft sounds of birds on a spring day. Lyrically, the piece falls somewhere between self-reflective stream of conscious, and a pointed freestyle about commentary on life and society. The flow comes steady and unrelenting with enough passion to make it interesting , but not so much that it spoils to tranquility of the mood. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

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)