“With a head nod to the Golden Age of Hip-Hop, Ishan drops his track, ‘Ishan.’ The flow hits steady and hard with just enough variation to bring the lines to life. The writing has punch and the beat hits an Old School vibe through out thought he track still manages to sound contemporary and hard edged. Ishan brings an intensity and passion which keeps the intrigue alive even without a pure, hype style hook.”
“Kenneth Goodrich delivers laidback LA vibes in “No Drama”. There is a piano melody that sets the mood for anyone listening to just relax. Kenneth speaks on not being perfect, working on flaws and despite the distance always being there for someone. ”
“This track is really smooth and poetic. Mathew Craig’s “Let It Burn” featuring Jeremy Bennett is a melodic and visually cinematic. It tells a story while visually engaging the listener. It talks about learning life and being patient as life gives you different scenarios.”
“We have dreams, we have partners but sometimes people switch up. Frisco Harbody Sco latest single “Stay Focused” lyrically speaks about people double crossing you. The track also speaks on learning from the pain, the betrayal and not letting it mess up your over goals.”
“A sports anthem that would feel right at home in a videogame soundtrack or in any arena or stadium. From the court tot he field, Wes Linden delivers a hard hitting flow that establishes a hook and rhythm right from the start. Lyrically the track has enough to hold you, but really it is the hook and vibe that carries the track alongside the vocal talent.”
“This hard-hitting track takes a look at what it feels like to be stuck in the heavy mud of addiction. Personal responsibility is one thing, but the systemic problem created by a capitalistic society is the culprit in the cross hairs here of this flow which blends Rap and an Alternative Rock style to deliver the message. This is a song that has the power to make people stop and think about this problem and the people fighting to stay above ground.”
“Coming with a male Billie Eilish feel, this dark and emotive track fromRONIN unleashes a tight lyrical refrain that is laced with both anger and vulnerability. The emotion is very much palpable on this slow and deliberate build. The arrangement is a perfect match to the nuance of the performance and mood of the track. The writing is dark and stark at times, but spot on in capturing the essence.”
“Bad Taste and Farmboy Slim team to deliver this fun, prickly ride. There are retro vibes of the Beastie Boys and a bit of techno Fatboy Slim Funk vibes as well, but the track really has that eccentric feel that is tough to pin down.
The LA brothers created the track after a psychedelic experience in the desert and you can tell in the best ways that it came from a freethinking mindset. A fun track with a twist and sharp pointed poke at every turn. Get ready to move and smile and reflect a bit as well.”
“Dre come sin with passion and grit and the beat production adds to the vibe with perfection. There is a bit of old school intensity tot he flow though the construction and vibe is pure contemporary. ‘B-Sides’ is a free flowing track with nuance and confidence pushing the vocals. Lyrically it is the kind of track that keeps giving with each listen so add it to your playlists and dig in truly feeling the talented writing and performance. . ”
“Rowlan starts the track off with an R&B type groove, before unleashing a heartfelt Rap flow and hook to pull the listener in emotionally. The combination of styles and grooves plays a huge role in upholding the intrigue, but overall it is the honest and genuine emotions in conjunction with the talented performance that carries the day. Not an easy one to compare, but there are influences of Drake, Kendrick and Jack Harlow to name a few.”
“A free verse track about grief and loss, delivered with genuine emotion and heart.
Javy XI takes on the hurt of losing his mom and delivers this flow with a loving memory that is edged with the pain of his loss. The backing and beat mostly get out of the way, but do add enough to give the track a solid well-rounded feel. A single that simply hits hard with its genuineness.”
“A slow flowing, but deliberate and powerful track that is intricately written and unfolds with precision and confidence. Robb Hayes boldly delivers the affirmations and Jasmine Crowe lends her talent to the mix with a soulful hook and delivery that helps the listener invite the emotional impact all the way in. The track is low key motivational, but one you can listen to on repeat and pick up new nuances each time.”
“Ian J in Ya Mouth drops this freestyle vibe and delivers it with a pure shit talking inspired flow full of bombs and witty observations. The track has a light hearted vibe, but still packs a punch when called for.
Sharp writing, timely delivery, and confident attitude are the earmarks of this track which is simply a fun listen. Like talking trash with your friends, this one simply feels like a good time.”
“Keep rising symbolizes and reflects on the struggles for artists coming up in the LA rap scene. Rob Law and Yelohill come from different hoods and different backgrounds, but the pain is the same. The sound of this song is like if Tupac and Nispey Hussle came together on a track. Uniting LA as one.
The track brings heart and genuine emotion which keep the listener leaning in and anticipating the next line. The two flows offer a different style but the juxtapostion of that is what makes the track pop. ”
“Dax is no stranger to visitors here at LA on Lock, and as long as he keeps putting out passionate music we will continue to share this videos and be fans. ‘Dear Alcohol’ is a slower tempo track with less anger and a more reflective emotional nature than many of Dax’s hard hitting singles, but that is not to say this song does land with its own force.
We all need to stop and take time to reflect on where we are emotionally at times, and this track is about that and the realization we often use alcohol or other things to hide from what’s really plaguing our minds. ”
“J. Lately delivers an uplifting and soulful Hip Hop track with ‘Pictures.’ The steady cadence pushes the track forward over the top of a tranquil groove and rhythm. The track is a vibe that is easy to settle in on and ride out. Lyrically, the track is one that takes a few listens to truly catch all the nuance and emotion. ”
“The talent is in the mix. VerseBorn X Flamingo Fred have the musical ability to mix words and melodic sound in a conscious hip hop sound. The dynamics leaves no competition but reminds you of how immaculate the track is.”
Rating: 5 out of 5
“Motivation is the power of manifestation. Artist General’s “War Ready” featuring JChosen is a perfect Hip-Hop motivation track. The examples and words he use creates a blue print of you and your goals. He preps you to be war ready for greatness. This nearly 6 minute track will have you empowered and ready to fight the war for success.”
“Kade Fresco drop this low key, yet meaningful flow and it hits with precision. Riding a lyrical build that most, if not all, of us can relate to, Fresco lets the melodic groove work alongside the lyrics to convey emotion and meaning.
The track is all about mood and perspective making it one to listen to over and over again so you can pick up on all the lyrical nuance.”
“Riding a nostalgic, jazzy hip hop vibe, this track by a Hawaiian Grammy winner, and a rapper from the DMV by way of Ghana, is about the neighborhoods they grew up in ‘Back Home.’
The flows are laidback but passionate and genuine and the lyrics feel a bit like a freestyle with genuine emotion backing it all. ”