“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.”
“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. ”
“Smooth West Coast vibes dominate this flow and beat. Heretixx adds a touch of Trap to the mix to give this track a slightly different feel than a lot of West Coast Hip Hop. The flow is mesmerising as it slithers through a nice lyrical build and progression. ”
“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. ”
“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. ”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Instantly as soon as you hit play on “Paid” the instruments put you in the vibe. I love the line in the hook “You do whatever you want when you paid”. Reminds me of how I feel after cashing a check & walking out the bank lol. ”
“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. ”
“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.”