“The passion comes through in both the writing and performance of this track. MARQÛÏS drops a flow that feels like it rides the ragged edge of human psyche and in it, we the listener can feel the pain, hopes, and fears as they are laid down. The track has an anxious vibe in both the delivery and the melody, and it all combines to hold your attention as he brings a stream of conscious kind of vibe. ”
“Every artist has to hustle to carve out their place, and there are a ton of tracks highlighting that struggle, so it is a tough theme to hit and stand out. Blvff and nikmoody were able to do that here with a dark and gritty flow that feels honest and true without trying too hard. The strength is in the delivery, and the writing, and the lines land with precision allowing the listener to feel the tired determination.”
“The writing and lyrical progression of this track hooked me in and held me for the duration of this smooth groove. Caleborate, along with Kota the Friend, did not add any unnecessary embellishments to this track relying on the truth and strong emotion to bring the words alive. The lyric video allows you to decipher the lyrics in a next level kind of way and this is simply good songwriting delivered in an unassuming manner.”
“Principles..Hopes..Diligence.
Jon Hope is back with friends. He delivers ‘Where we Come From with Jim Jones and THS with Israel Wusu’. The poetic split is an introduction to survival with reflection on that Hope Shxt. People must understand that no matter how hard your life is or how deep of the hustle you are in there is still hope.”
“Stark simple truth — that hits hard!
Arlo Maverick delivers lines and truths that are unfortunately far too true. The imagery of the video is powerful and the gospel like delivery of the chorus adds an emotional depth that really hits home. Strong track and video and the power of the hook hits hard.”
“If you ever needed to feel empowered when all hope is gone ‘Last Stand’ is the song for you. Our ancestors are always with us and have made a-lot of sacrifices for us. This song is poetic revolution of what a-lot of people believe in. The ballad allows you to imagine yourself walking but realizing you are not online in this battle.”
A collaboration like no other, ‘Last Stand’ pulls through an emotional and breathtaking sound that is sure to tug at the emotions. Equipped with an outstanding acoustic guitar track and hard-hitting drums, this slow burn promises a rollercoaster ride of bliss. With smooth yet bouncy bass lines, the two talented hip-hop artists deliver thought provoking bars of lyricism as they channel the strength of their ancestors to push them through the dark times ahead.
“Pure West Coast vibin’!
JavyDade captures a smooth groove, while hitting on many of the aspects that make West Coast living what it is. This is a perfect track to play as you cruise down the PCH, or any place where the sun is shining and the good times are flowing.”
“Dax never holds back. LA on Lock visitors have seen the tracks we share from this Independent artist who unflinchingly does things his way. With theatrical music videos and a passionate flows that come straight at you Dax always has something to say and he is never afraid to say it.
Here on ‘KILLSHOT 3’ he hits on all of that and more, in what could be construed as a personal anthem on the state of the musical industry and the struggle artists such as himself face.”
“LiBand. Remember the name of this Louisiana rapper. Hailing from the other LA, LiBand delivers his words and flow with brazen confidence and impeccable timing.
The writing is sharp without ever relying on the easy or rpdictable rhyme to deliver his message. No, this track isn’t redefining the genre, but it is going to entertain and keep you in the groove.”
“Slaine might be ‘Chasing Ghosts,’ on this Hip-Hop track about old flames, but he won’t be chasing listeners after more people get a chance to hear this track. The gravel in his flow, and the heart in his words combined to have me leaning in and on the hook for the duration. The chorus featuring Rite Hook adds another element to the emotions of this single.”
“If there was ever a story to be told then it would start with Kobara. Kobara’s new single ‘Addicted to Your Love’ is about having your heart stolen but still holding on to what you no longer have. He converts honesty into lyrics and provide us with a melody.”
“Elijah Banks creates the emotion with a spot on performance that borders between Hip-Hop, and a more soulful R&B groove.
’Hard 2 Forget U’ is a track that owes its message to the one that got away, or escaped, or perhaps never quite was. It harkens of dashed love and missed opportunity in a yearning sort of way.”
“Coming with a flow that is backdropped by a soulful groove, Rxtherapper drops ‘I Know.’ The track has an easy rhythm and flow to it, that just sort of wraps around you and pulls you along. The tone and vibe combine to sweep you up and in and the video adds enough to the package to hold your visual interest as well.
This single hits like a conversation with a good friend. ”
“Nipsey has been gone a while now, but he’s certainly not forgotten, and this track conveys the emotions and passion of his fans quite well.
The flow is low key, but the earnest feelings come through loud and clear and you can feel the grief, disillusionment, and anger in every word.”
“Kick it back to 1990 something with this throwback to a Hip-Hop sound that you don’t get much of these days.
Lyrically, the track offers fresh contemporary lines that hit hard at times and offer up wry humor at others. Balt Getty and Chino Xl play off each other and the track packs in a lot in two short minutes. I did find myself wishing the track lasted a bit longer.”
“It’s been a long hard year, and for many we had to find our calm where we could. ‘Atshitshi’ starts as Hip-Hop track that falls into a nice soulful R&B groove and there in the smoke of this Cannabis ballad is a tranquil vibe and flow that unfurls like a nice high.
Add this one to your 420 playlist for those times you want to fire up and chill.”
“It. A simple word that often means nothing, but when it comes to entertainment, having ‘It’ means everything.
Poetik has it.
The IT factor that captivates sand holds you. ‘FAME’ is a track about the contradictions of remaining true to who you are in the face of rising stardom and thanks to Poetik’s calm verve, this single simply works.”
“With an uplifting backing that feels like a choir urging you on, Call Me Ace drops his truth with sharply written lines and a rising passion that builds as the track progresses. This track is part of NBA 2K21 in game experience so while many will hear ‘No Assistance,’ it is vital that you take time to stop and digest the lyrics for the full experience to land.”
“The truth delivered here in these lines ... Everybody dies, ‘Not Everybody Lives’ ... is a sentiment we have heard before, but K.M. drops this hook amid a lyrical build that feels both passionate and earnest. The flow is steady and deliberate, yet still conveys a heartfelt belief that makes every word land with conviction. It is this, that allows the track to break through and land in a meaningful way.”
“The unique tone caught me first, and the strong writing kept me leaning in. Both flows deliver a nice bit of passion and emotion and the beat production feels right for the track — hitting hard at times, but staying out of the way where need be.
’What is Hell Like?’ ... well I can tell you Hell is not listening to good music and talented artists like this, so the question will have to be answered another day for me.”