“Lyrical power and a hard beat lend this track all the punch it needs. D!V!DENT is joined by WESTSIDE BOOGIE on the track and both flows hit with the force of vintage Tyson. ‘YDYAIDM’ is the perfect blend of old school, in your face aggression and smooth Contemporary lyricism.
A true banger I needed to experience after starting to think modern Rap was trending too soft. ”
“This track offers good artistic talent and yet it missed reaching its full potential. I liked the tone and the passion that pushed the flow forward and the premise or hook of the track is also rock solid but the elements did not quite combine to land with full force.
’LasT LetteR’ certainly owes a nod in style to Eminem, and Conflixx has that same sharp delivery that lands when he is truly feeling it. Though there are times when the delivery felt forced and artificial. However, in the end, it was the writing that just didn’t stick the landing. The rhymes often felt forced, or at least predictable. There were not enough surprises or twists to take this one to the next level for me despite the obvious potential and talent.
Give it a listen and let me know in the comments of you agree or disagree, and don’t forget to explain why or why not.”
“The groove here, is exactly what captured me. From that funky beat, to the vocal cadence this one is pure rhythmic groove. Which is no doubt why D4WN titled this one ‘Groove.’
I did find myself craving a touch more vibrancy from the vocal side of the production dynamics, and the few brief quiet interludes were more distraction than addition for me. But man when this one is flowing, it is undeniably smooth and infectious.”
“Dude It’s Nolan utilizes multiple voices to deliver this track, but each one of them hits with passion and precise timing. The beat and production pair perfectly with the intensity of the lyrics.
Hard hitting and sharp at every turn, ‘Long Way’ is a song that proves these talented dudes are in fact, only a short way from breaking out in a very big way.”
“I like how the song creates different vibes with a combination of instrument. The song is contemporary R&B, Neo-Soul, with a little exotic sound to it. Iconic Bastardz knows exactly how to mix and master a track to engage a listener. This was an audio only submission but it leaves you to imagine your own visuals.”
“Amp Melo gives us an old school Boom Bap style track honoring the ‘Hoop Dreamz’ many of us had back in the day. Sadly, reality usually comes knocking on the door for most of us, but that nostalgia, for the time when anything felt possible keeps us all thinking about the what ifs. This track is the soundtrack for that, and the smooth groove makes it a song you can jam to alone or with a group.”
“Ice Meez knows how to sell the emotion and feeling of his well-written lyrics and once again delivers an impactful song for our listening pleasure.
’My Moment’ is a track that delivers truth and hope, without ignoring the difficult realties of this world we all face. The song has grit and genuine emotion, and Meez’s flow is delivered with an emotive power. The chorus adds a smooth groove that breaks that up perfectly to give the track a nice balance.”
“Bshortt gives us some true Rap fusion on this track. Utilizing a Latin inspired beat and melody, the track ranges from a soulful R&B groove in the quieter moments, to an Old-School rap delivery that gives the listener retro vibes.
’Sushi at Mikuni’ takes the listener for a joyride on the back of a strong and confident flow that both cuts and soothes as it builds. ”
“StillJune gives us an uplifting track of hope in ‘Moves.’ The emotion and writing hit for me on this track, though I did crave more variation to the cadence and vocal arrangement.
That said, the passion in the delivery and strong writing along with the talent made this a track that spoke directly to me.
This is definitely a song you can feel.”
“Coming with a smooth groove and funky beat, TRiiiPSS launches their new single ‘Space Baby.’ Lyrically the track is about those out of the world feelings of love and admiration. New love is glorious and it is easy to view the person of your desire as being from another planet as they feel that rare and special. This track captures that in a delightful way with steady vocals and a musical groove that is easy to orbit around. ”
“There are glossy tracks, songs that hit with energy, and of course those with lyrical hooks that impale the masses. Then there are the songs that eschew the trappings of most popular music and simply give you pure, emotional truth.
UraelB does exactly that with ‘Dirty Toothbrush.’ Some might compare the style to Kendrick Lamar, but there is nothing derivative here on this track. The power comes from tapping into the memories of the soul, and the hope of tomorrow’s dreams. ”
“Sav DaBrain unfurls this lyrical flow with a steady precision and a sophisticated intelligence that stands out among the fray of music out there being released. The hook is melodic and the overall groove of this rhythm sweeps the listener up and in. And the tender guitar outtro offered a great way to ease out, giving the track a nice completion that many tracks today lack.”
“I don’t know; I was on the boarder line with this. Then I found myself fast forwarding. Something is missing that didn’t allow this song to resonate with me despite the dope video. I still am going to share it with others because it highlights fatherhood. Also, someone on our platform may like it.”
“Delivered with precision and talent, this well-written track infuses strength and emotion in one, attention-catching flow.
Wildcard comes with an intense flow and Justin Cohen joins for the hook to add another layer. This is a track that takes a few listens to pick up all the lyrical punches, but it also has a smooth hook and groove that is easy to fall in on and connect rhythmically.”
“I was more drawn to the visual aspect than the song overall. I like how Speech Debelle is placed as a muse for people to paint their own vision. As a listener it was hard to understand the lyrics outside of the 11:11. I would suggest add this video as a lyric video so people can musically engage just as they are able to visually engage. ”
“Ev Malone has a poetic delivery. I can picture him sitting down with a notebook taking his time on every verse. Elevate is an inspiring song that empowers people with encouraging verses and opens up positive images. I like how the tempo doesn’t change regards of the elevated scenarios given.”
“YVK has a West Coast vocal tone and delivery. The track has an old school sound with a mix of new school. YVK takes his time on every verse and is very descriptive as if he is walking down the street rapping about what he sees.”
“K Hella drops this energetic and well-written flow that keeps the listener leaning in to hear what comes next.
The hook is a smooth groove that lands between hip-Hop and R&B and overall this track works on the emotive delivery which makes me believe every last word.
Contemporary Rap done right. ”
“Mattyice1990 takes his time with this one. He delivers a raw yet emotional track as he takes us through his fight with his demons and his dreams. The soft piano keys aligns with his flow which keeps you listening to his story and understanding his pain. Life keeps throwing things at him which is painful to deal with yet he still has hopes of being successful and getting his Maserati.”
“NonSense caps off a prolific year with his single ‘The Audacity.’ NonSense had this to say about his creation ... “The track is about standing tall atop your mountain despite those who feel they can stand in your way. Being the very best version of YOU and you alone at the behest of naysayers.”
Delivered in an old school Boom Bap style, the lyrical flow hits and the writing comes with a punch. The Carson, California native channels many of his musical heros in this diverse build and sound. ”