Lil Bean - Mob Ties feat. Jackboy (Prod. Einer Bankz) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Lil Bean is joined by Jackboy on this smooth build and flow. ‘Mob Ties’ delivers an easy groove to ride with its strong writing and emotive flow. The combination hooks and holds the listener and keeps you leaning in on both the lyrical progression and beat.

The Bay Area rapper has a new album that is already gaining national attention so jump on board with this talented artist and be one of the first to buy in and recognize this rising talent.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Most Wanted - Hood Anime [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Most Wanted offers up this track that simply hits different. The build and progression is a departure from the norm, and the construction here works well thanks to the energy and beat production. I did struggle a times to stay with the lyrical flow, but the groove and energy made it come to life for me despite that fact.

I appreciate the raw talent and willingness to put something out in the world that doesn’t feel derivative of every other track on the radio.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Too Many T's - So Nice [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track from Too Many T’s hits like a British Beastie Boys. That old school construction and beat felt nostalgic, without coming across as dated and the verve behind the flows flashes both confidence and talent.

This is simply a track that will get you moving and bouncing along as you fall in line with the build. The video is just as fun on this party anthem that truly is ... ‘So Nice.’”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Viktor Harter - Jerome ft. lunajoep [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We’ve all known a ‘Jerome,’ though the name might be different — the mindset they bring with them isn’t. The groove here on this track is funky and the beat urges you to nod and move along. This single offers a good balance between old school and new vibes.

This is one of those tracks that simply worms its way into your ears and sticks for a long long time.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Zak North - Kidz Die II [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Every line of this track drips with emotion. The greatest fear of every parent is a health battle for their children, and while this song is directly about that event, there are things to digest here about humanity and the emotions we face even if if you have never stood in those shoes.

This song is sad and yet hopeful at the same time because of this father’s passionate flow. This truly is a track to fell deep down in your gut.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Peachcurls - Senzu Bean [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Peachcurls establishes a mood here with his laidback delivery in stream of conscious kind of flow. The West Coast vibes are are strong on the track, and this is the perfect song for slow rolling under the sun as you glide by rows of palm trees. The writing is stellar and comes with a brazen take on the world that endears the listener to the artist, and makes you nod in agreement as you dig in on this chill flow. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Rich Robbins - It's Not Your Fault [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track truly finds it heart around the :40 second mark, but the writing and passionate delivery of the flow make it engaging right from the start.

Rich Robbins takes on toxic masculinity with this well-written song. The creativity and shifting sounds does conjure up comparisons to Tyler the Creator, but the groove of this track adds a musical vibe that not many track manage to pull off.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Marcey Yates - Shitte Dae [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“It could have been a shitty day, but I won’t let it ... so says the intro and chorus of this track.

Marcey Yates takes an attitude and mindset and pours it into lyrical form here on this track. ‘Shitte Dae’ is a mood, and a groove, and through several listens it held me and kept me leaning in to feel these lyrics and remind myself my own outlook plays an outsized role in what kind of day I’m going to have.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Moemaw Naedon & Calig Kontra - Futura Dystopia [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Moemaw Naedon and Calig Kontra have captured a mood with ‘Future Dystopia.’ Described as a post apocalyptic banger, this track unfurls with procision hitting its mark every step of the way.

The old school flow meshes well with the hard-edged beat and build of the track, making it feel futuristic while maintaining the tones and edge of a foundation too many other artists run from these days. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Dax - Dear Mom [Music Video Review]

“Dax is back with a track that comes with a different vibe than his usual intense flows and messages. Right in time for Mother’s Day, Dax drops this ode to the hard working moms out there who have made a lifetime of sacrifices for the sake of their children while also offering that steady hand of guidance we at times resent be need as we find our own way in the world. This is one to sit back and feel this weekend, and every other day, because we wouldn’t be here without our moms.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Revalation x GoD iLLa x M-Dot - I Been (prod. by L.O.B.) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Straight up old-school swag, both in the flow, and in the writing. If you are a fan of strong ensembles, ala Wu-Tang then this is a track that will get you bouncing to the beat. The video is straight up fun, and will take you back to the days you and your homies got up to jacking around with the world around you.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Icon South - My Script [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Icon South teams up with Indie Artist, whynotcordell on this melancholic track. “My Script’ utilizes an almost monotone delivery to drive home the emotion and power of the writing. The beat is straightforward, but a perfect match for the vibe of the lyrics. This songs puts that disenfranchised angst we’ve all felt, into a tangible art form.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Matt Nye - Hell of a Guy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I might be a day late sharing this one, but hey, 4/20 is way more a way of lifestyle than a date on the calendar. Matt Nye drops this smooth easy flow that bends and curls like the sweetest smoke with its pungent wordplay and mystical beat production. There are Mac Miller vibes to be made, but this one just feels right no matter who you wanna compare the style to. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brandon Bill$ x DaniLeigh - Unlimited Skills [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Hooks for days. The beat, those lines, the imagery of the video ... all of it works here on this track. Brandon Bill$ and DaniLeigh team up to deliver the track with a nice balance and swagger that brings out the vibes. I did wish the track went a touch longer, as I definitely wanted more when it was over. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Pats x Raptor - What's the Word? [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“What can you do when you ain’t being heard? Pats and Raptor take a bit of old school flow and a bit of Mac Miller influenced sound to answer the very question that plagues many independent artists.

A serpentine like arrangement accompanies the hook and the dup combines to hook you in with a classic Hip-Hop sound. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Chríz Gabriel - Drip [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With ties to London, Brooklyn, and LA, Chríz Gabriel brings a smooth worldliness to his flow that gives his delivery a hook and edge even on a track like ‘Drip’ which on the surface is all about a clean tranquil vibe. Dig in deeper however, and the nuance of the writing adds a dimension than only a man like Gabriel is poised to unleash.

Fresh out of London, Chríz Gabriel is a man on a mission. With a talent birthed through LA culture and Brooklyn block parties, and a sound inspired by artists such as Little Simz, Lecrae and Drakeo the Ruler, Chriz is a melting pot of West coast sounds, catchy hooks, and intricate flows.

There is a hint of freestyle and stream-of-consciousness to the overall flow style, though the production and hook elevates ‘Drip’ to that next level and gives the track the added purpose to make it stand out from the fray. The video gives the viewer a glimpse of Gabriel’s personality and passion.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jonnie Morris - Squad In Da Field [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jonnie Morris drops a flow that feels raw and ragged in the best possible ways. The emotion of the writing is present in every word laid down. There is a hint of old school 90’s flavor, but not so much that this track feels dated in anyway. More like a homage with a fresh spin.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mo Nicole - Friends [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The escalating tempo hooked me on this track. Coming with a staccato flow infused with attitude, Mo Nicole rides the beat letting her lyrical punches land with precision. After a steady build, the flow backs off which allows the words to carry more emotion as the message sinks in with depth.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

912KEEM -LONG LIVE ABE [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A year has past but the hurt, trauma, healing and fight still exists. 912Keem releases their new song Long Live Abe. What started out as was walk/run through the city lead to a violent ending. 912Keem not only walks us through their view but they musically connect us to their emotional feelings. A lot of weight is carried but no one ever sees the scars. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Follow 912 KEEMInstagram: 912keemTwitter: 912keemLong Live Ahmaud Arbery

Jordan Baumstark - Fashionably Late [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jordan Baumstark for sure conjures Mac Miller vibes, but the retro funk and groove to this track ads an old school feeling to the mix as well. This is one of those tracks that feels like something you’ve heard before from your very first listen. Not in an unoriginal copycat or tired sort of way, but in that it just feels comfortable and classic.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)