“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“In today’s musical landscape, we often dismiss a track before it has time to truly land it’s emotional punches. I nearly did that here. The early vocal groove from Raquel Aurilia, while beautifully delivered, did not hit me in the feels, but when blended with the slow deliberate flow of Cam Carter and the message of the track subsequent refrains landed with perfect emotional balance. This is definitely a track that means more with each listen.”
“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.”
“Putting this single in any particular box is a tough task. Chief Kelly delivers a vocal sound that is perfectly attuned the the Indie Alternative designation, but this single has definite Hip-Hop sensibilities as well.
What stands out most for me is the passion and energy of the performance, and that makes ‘Lovely Bones’ a gripping listen no matter what label you stick on the track. The build and progression had me in its grip to the end. ”
“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.”
“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.”
“This is a track that shifts and bends, giving you several different vibes and grooves. Coming with an ensemble feel that reminded of Wu Tang, ‘Wound Up’ offers a soulful groove that you can’t help but fall into and sway along with.
Great for hanging with the people you call family whether they are related or not, or simply chilling by yourself the mood here is inescapable.”
“Being stressed never felt this good. A straight up energetic banger that will make you both smile and nod your head in agreement.
There are plenty of tracks about anxiety that take a more languid approach to the emotion, but this approach has the ability to shake off the stress and get you moving with the beat.”
“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. ”
“It’s the snow for me. It was nice to see a video shot in a different setting especially Alaska. Tayy Tarantino’s flow is direct as he tells a story of perspective. He delivers a surprise sound in the chorus and goes right back to his verses.”
“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.”