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)

Makola - Everyday Legend [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is a common man vibe to this track from Makola, though it is clear that the talent is anything but common.

’Everyday Legend’ takes on the idea that you gotta be like everyone else to stand out. With a bit of lyrical defiance, and an Afro Beat that helps brings alive the vocal flow, this track comes with an energy that takes over and pulls you along.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

thehomieAve - John Wicc [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Swaggin’ from the get go, thehomieAve drops this hard beat and unflinching flow straight up on you. There is an old school vibe to the boast-filled writing, but this isn’t your father’s brand of school boom bap but closer to the classic Gangsta era. The beat and production deliver a contemporary vibe that matches the attitude of the performance and lyrics.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jaycreux - Violet (Ultra) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The beat hits first, but Jaycreux wastes no time dropping in with a flow that simply resonates. Comparisons to G-Eazy are inevitable, both in style and tone, though Jaycreux comes here with a harder edge lyrically.

’Violet’ is sneaky smart in that it takes a few listens to hone in on the nuanced writing.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Otis Fonde - Never Let Me Down [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Time to get it with Otis Fonde. ‘Never Let Me Down’ brings the energy straight from the get, and the lyrical flow hits with line after line that delivers punch and verve. Coupled with the energetic production behind the flow, and a splash of 70s Funk to that beat, this is a track that brings it in a way you have no choice but join the ride.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

BREIS - Arise & Shine [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The progression and build of this track swept me up and carried me forward. The cadence at times feels a bit staccato, but the uplifting lyrics and emotive tone makes it all work on ‘Arise & Shine.’

British Nigerian Hip-Hop artists, BREIS conveys his intent here with a clear precise delivery that had me grooving along to the beat and joining in the chorus the second time through. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Spec Kay - 96 [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Spec Kay draw a perfect balance between giving us a club banger and a deep conscious track. That beat comes at you and refuses to hear no, wheres the lyrics unfurl with a sharp lyricism that then gives way with a homage to the past with a nostalgic hook that works in a dark eerie way on the track because of the strength of the verses.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

RICH CAVIAR - 81 [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I heard a glut of Kobe inspired songs in the immediate aftermath of his untimely death, and while many came with talent, none quite captured the true spirit of the man for me. ‘81’ from Rich Cavier changed that. Dropping on Kobe’s birthday, this track has a stream of conscious style about it, and is artfully done. Every word and beat has has purpose here — from the 81 Kobe references that pay homage to his 81 points scored in a game — to the 8:24 length of the track with honors the numbers worn by Kobe.

Yes it is a long track, but there is content enough to carry it for the duration, and the words all deliver in the clutch. Just like Kobe.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Abyss - The Call Out (prod. by HustleMan Beats) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We all need a mental health day from time to time, and for anyone that has ever called in sick to work to instead do something a hell of a lot more fun, this Hip-Hop anthem is for you.

’The Call Out’ delivers a funky old-school groove that brings the sick ... as in sick beats and rhymes that will keep you moving while you skip out on work for the day.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Loren Todd - Take It Slow [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Loren Todd dreamed of playing int he NFL, but off the field issues ended that dream and after being sent home home from college, Todd began creating music as his outlet.

’Take It Slow’ reflects a shift in attitude as Todd showcases his talents in a different realm. Sharp lyrics and deliberate bars are balanced by a nice vocal groove that feels true and genuine. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Marzs So Free- [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Marzs new single ‘So Free’ does give you a free feeling when listening to it. The visual is simple yet you feel his mood as he tells the story of life vs money. The female vocals on the chorus comes in at the right moment. Marzs also speaks on how the world tries to put you in a box but your family and everyone around you wants you to be free and successful.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Carolina Waves x Lena Jackson x 2FLY KNG x TAGEM x Jooselord - Black AF [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Recent events have inspired so so many submissions in my inbox, and while every track has worth in its message, the sheer number has made it tough to bring a track that feels real, true and unique.

This collaborative effort has managed to rise about the fray do exactly that. ‘Black AF’ offers a variety of voices behind this track and they combine to bring forth a wealth of emotion and truth. Each flow offers a little something different, but each one lands its punches and its view.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

3409 - Small Talk [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Salsa infused Hip-Hop!

3409 drops this fiery track that will definitely get you up and moving with its dance floor allure and lyrical hook.

’Small Talk’ is a true genre bending track that delivers high energy with a swagger. The Toronto based 4 piece band prides themselves on genre modification, and I can only imagine after hearing this track that their live show must be lit.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Foreign Skrilla x Siya x Xian Bell - Die Like That [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“That beat pulls you in and each set of vocals delivers a flow that holds you to the groove. With a mix of styles and geographies, this track is hard to pinpoint to a particular sound, but it is a banger that just hits you in all the right places.

Foreign Skrilla brings it with her verve and attitude to represent the West Coast.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Tay Da Prince - Love One Another f/John Legend [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Delivering an uplifting message with a chorus from John Legend and a Hip-Hop flow from Tay Da Prince, this track is pure inspiration and positive vibes.

The video comes with an All-Star cast and the gospel vibe to the track does not comes at the sacrifice of a rich beat and energetic performance. Get on board with this project and do something positive today, be it a donation, a helping hand, or simply a kind smile towards another. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

For more visit https://loveoneanother.foundation/

Pawz One x DJ Dister - Out Of Bounds [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“If you think the West Coast is all sunshine and palm trees you just might be ‘Out Of Bounds.’

In a throwback to the Old School days when the West Coast Rap scene was wild, Pawz One drops a track that is defiant, and if not outright angry, at least outright hostile in the way it challenges perceptions and those trying to front over things they have no clue about. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

August Twelfth - Don't Know [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“August Twelfth comes in with attitude and verve and while it takes just a bit for the flow to truly take off, ‘Don’t Know’ is a track that builds and progresses to hook and hold you.

Toeing a line between Hip-Hop, and more of a R&B feel, the track feels alive in its rebellious attitude.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

GB Savant - Coronavirus Soup for the Soul [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“GB Savant has done what I though was nigh on impossible at this point ... given me a Covid inspired song that held my interest.

Dark and twisty and moody, ‘Coronavirus Soup for the Soul’ rises above the glut of the theme not only with a talented bit of writing, and a brooding build to the vocal flow, but also with strong imagery in the accompanying video. The entire piece comes with a vibe that matches the oddly structured make up of our days during this pandemic.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mike XI - Ghosts [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The beat and vocal rhythm of this track wrapped around me and kept me tethered in. The ‘Ghosts’ in our head often are hard to exorcise, and this track not only captured that lyrically, but with the production and arrangement as well.

Mike XI has impeccable timing and a strong emotive tone to make this track take up residence in the attic of your mind.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mr Dalvin x JoJo Hailey x Snoop Dogg - Special Remix [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The smooth laid back flow that no one else does quite like Snoop does, kicks off this track. Add in JoJo Hailey delivering a chorus that feels a bit like a throwback without feeling overtly retro, and the track just delivers a vibe that works to create a mood.This is one to dedicate to the one that is ‘Special’ to you. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)