Evan from Heaven - The Way It Is (ft. ill civilian) [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Sometimes a track just works with a simplistic, heartfelt delivery. ‘The Way It Is’ landed for me in such a way.

Evan from Heaven delivers the track with a stripped down, no frills flow that works in a genuine and honest way. The production behind the track stays out of the way, while still managing to add a bit of emotion to the groove. I did find myself wishing the track were a little longer and took the lyrics just a bit further.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Rasheed Chappell & Buckwild - "Mass Media" [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The world has been on fire for a while now, and it is easy to become desensitized to it all, but Rasheed Chappell and Buckwild have given is a stripped down spare track that infuses the news of the day with a beat and a flow that brings the perfect attitude to makes us feel the injustice, the fear, the anxiety, and the rebellious anger to stand up and do something about it all.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dax - GOTHAM [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“An early line delivers this message ... What did you expect when dumb people got smart lines.

I knew right then, Dax was saying something I wanted to hear. ‘GOTHAM’ puts a spin on the famous city of Batman fame by tying it to our everyday lives and the state of our society. DAX, as always, infuses passion into his flow and the writing is sharp and poignant, in this slow tempoed yet oh-so-powerful track. The video is as engaging as the single.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Conor Michael Smith - With You In Mind [Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“There are a lot of pissed-off angry voices out there and everyone of them brings merit, though Conor Michael Smith brings a passion and ernest that unexpectedly hits harder than most.

The emotions of the production behind him, especially that violin along with a hard hitting flow, really gripped me. Smith is part of a movement in this country that is demang change and this track is one of the anthems for that charge.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Clay Dub Tell Me Why (feat. Neezy) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Death is coming but now a days we are becoming so numb to it. Artist Clay Dub’s new single ‘Tell Me Why ft. Neezy’ delivers authentic pain and real life questions. Why is it when we see people die we can no longer cry?

Shot in black and white to show more emotions this lyric video takes to the neighborhood, every day locations that turn into crime scene. The question is why? Why so many bodies laying on the ground? ”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

REDD - Bounce [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“REDD knows who he is and what he’s trying to do, and on this track he declares it all for the world to hear.

Hard beats and a cocky swagger dominate the flow and vibe of this well written track. REDD is his own hype man and this track certainly pants the flag. Eager to hear more.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Covaboy x King Quell - Hood Trophy [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We often under estimate the power of a man. However, they are the strongest humans. Life is a tough game for them and Covaboy and King Quell speak on that in ‘Hood Trophy’. With a great story line and relevant topic the two tell the story of a man who is trying to make a living. We talk about giving people their flowers when they are here but we never speak on #HoodTrophys.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Magnifying the thin line between falling victim to the ills of the ghetto, and making it out. They both get Trophy's. Which one do you want ?? @Covaboy on al...

Thee Unemployed - Decade [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Thee Unemployed layers in a bit of funk-infused energy to their latest track, ‘Decade.’ This duo utilizes a fast paced flow to lay out their confident belief that this is their decade to shine and make their mark.

The energy gathers you in on this track and the lyrical flow comes straight at you in a way that is irresistible. Get ready to move with this one.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

THE LAST ALEXANDER - Break Da Safe [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track utilizes the beat and production behind it as well as any music out there. The writing comes with a solid hook, and the vibe is made all the stronger for the way it is unfurled around the beat rather than on top if it. The flow is engaging and the lyrics wryly sharp, making this a track you can easily connect to, and fall in step with. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Covaboy - Second Wind [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Packing a lyrical punch that delivers power and truths of the world we live in, Covaboy’s track, ‘Second Wind’ is the kind of song that sticks with you long after the last note.

Coming with an old school 90’s Rap vibe, the beat and flow are direct and unflinching. The haunting vocal sample frames the piece well and really adds an emotional layer to the track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mighty - Faith [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Lean in and pay attention, because Mighty is going to keep you on your ties with his latest single, ‘Faith.’

In a track that brings in a wealth of styles and sounds across multiple genres, MIghty gives us a track that feels big, bold, and inventive. The fact this arrangement was able to pull off such a mix without coming across as a song trying to do too much speaks loud of the talent involved.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Yung Gravy "oops!" - [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Make no mistake Yung Gravy knows what he’s doing at the mic, and he knows what he’s doing with your lady. Don’t be fooled by the ‘Oops’ and mocking tone of his latest track, he ain’t playin’ play. This is aa fun lively track full of wry humor and swag in pure Yung Gravy style. Get on board and have some fun by checking out Yung Gravy’s entire new album, Gasanova, which is out now.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Eon MC Etc. & Alkaline23 - Why You Doin It? [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The flow comes with a low-key groove that allows the intricate lyrical progression to unfurl with ease. This allows the listener to truly connect with the words, and while tranquil in its approach, the flow does emote a nice bit of passion and emotion. The words feel true and real, while establishing a rhythm that pulls you along and keeps you leaning in on the track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dex Channels - Last Sunday [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Vulnerable honest is not a vibe that makes its way into the Hip-Hop world as oftena s it should, but at times you find that one track that simply lays it out in such an engaging way you can’t help but fall in. Such is the case with ‘LAst Sunday’ from Dex Channels.

Dex Channels, formerly known as Backstreet Peejay, is a based out of Orlando, FL. After a car wreck left his neck fractured, Channels had a change of heart which resulted in the artist’s rebirth and rebranding. The accident changed the whole pitch of his voice and this left Channels uncomfortable with his new sound for a little while making him adapt to new creative pockets. Hence, he gravitated towards a more limitless identity and sound. He’s a boundless artist who’s brand pushes the listener to be their original self.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Amplified. - Look Like [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Amplified can flat out spit, but don’t be fooled by the speed and proficiency of his flow, because behind it is a set of hard hitting lyrics with something to say. It might take you a few listens to pick up all the nuances, but ‘Look Like’ packs in plenty of lines with punch, and you can’t deny the skill with which they are dropped on this track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Logan Yeater - Hard Liquor [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Dropping in with a stream of conscious vibe, Logan Yeater utilizes sharp lyrics, and a powerfully melancholic delivery style to infuse this track with a strong sense of place, time, and emotion. The emotive flow is one that hooks and holds despite not having the kind of glossy repetitive hook that often dominates the music scene. Here such a thing is not needed, as this is a song that you simply feel as it unfolds.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

VENMC x ALI - Bunker Bitch [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Capturing the anger of both a generation and much of a nation, VENMC and ALI pull no lyrical punches while calling out Trump, as well as those who still support the Reality TV personality turned politician.

’Bunker Bitch’ takes on the cowardice and bigotry of the man and administration directly giving us a hard-edged track rife with passion and indignation.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Itz Jaleel - PokerTable [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is no gamble to adding this track to you playlist. ‘PokerTable’ is a fiery track from Itz Jaleel that comes with a siren-like beat and a steady flow that drops the lines you can’t escape from.

My favorite portions of the track where when the production dropped away and left the flow to land hard and heavy.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Gold Standard Collective - Deli Slice [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Gold Standard Collective comes in on the track with a slow intro and beat that only ratchets up from there. Bars and beats keep the flow moving on this well-written, straightforward track.

Grab a ‘Deli Slice’ and take a big bite. You won’t walk away hungry from this meal.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

cg - xoxoxo [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is a perfect example of the beat and melody doing the heavy lifting in regard to the prevailing emotion of a song. The vocal delivery hints at a desperate yearning and almost pained morose, but at times choose a monotone delivery which works for the emotions involved. Such a track can lose its energy and feel flat, but the production behind the flow kept this track alive and tangible, allowing you to feel the lyrics in a way you might not have otherwise. The performance is spot on, but in a very subtle way.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)