D. - $9 [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track made me smile and nod in agreement. Bringing a chill flow, that escalates as it goes along, the message is real and truthful and speaks volumes in a wry subtle way.

’$9’ can feel like a fortune to a kid, but in the real world nine dollars isn’t shit, and the narrator here wants to teach a kid that lesson while opening his eyes to a whole lot more.

The vocal flow feels a bit like off the cuff poetry, but there is enough beat and energy to make the track come alive and give it a bit more of a commercial vibe as a result.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Josh Dominguez (feat. T.R.3) - DOUBT [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track brings a couple different vibes and sounds, and all of it works quite well because at the core of the song is solid, meaningful writing that conjures a variety of emotions.

The only thing I was left wanting was more, because at under three minutes the single had room to bring even more punch. The string intro was perfect lead in and the beat blended to usher in the vocal flow with engages me from the get.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

James Curran - Just Breathe [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track brings the energy right from the first of the vocal flow. The imagery of the video takes a bit to develop, but lyrically this single delivers line after line that keeps you on the hook.

Give this one a listen and I guarantee you it will get your head moving to the beat. The various vocals all bring something unique to the mix. The song features Moosh from Moosh & Twist, Aha Gazelle. and of course the talent of James Curran who you can bet you have not heard the last of after this one hits. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

J'Moris - Make It Look Easy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is one of those tracks I didn’t want to like at first, because of the almost exasperated vibe to the vocal tone, but something held me to the track and the longer I listened, the deeper invested I became.

The beat and melody are perfect for the flow, and lyrically, the track brings a realness that is hard not to stay hooked on. And that vocal tone that at first felt wrong, mesmerized me and convinced me that the performance was perfect for the emotions behind this single. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

AjGod - Never 2econd [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The beat and backing of ‘Never 2econd’ adds an emotional level to a set of lyrics that hits steady and unrelenting. This combination sets a mood and emotion that would not be possible without the tandem sound. Too many tracks today never consider the impact beat and melody play on delivering the message, but here, those elements bring as big an impact, as the outstanding writing and delivery. The tone is steady with very little variation overall, yet the flow engages with its truth and passion, brought forward by AjGod. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Lil Lyn x Charles Weaver - Crazy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Weaving two flows together, into one seamless track is not an easy production feat, but ‘Crazy’ manages to do exactly that. The Rap flow does the heavy lyrical work on this track about the love you can’t quite have or give, however the chorus comes by way of an R&B vibe that hits first and is woven throughout the track to add another layer to the emotions of the single. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jeda N & Kofi - Forgiato [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some tracks simply deliver a vibe that is tough to fully explain. ‘Forgiato’ from Jeda N & Kofi is exactly such a track.

The beat and rhythm are alluring and engaging and the tone mesmerizing. Lyrically, the track delivers some lines that swing hard, but taking each individual element of this track does not do the entire vibe justice, because together the track is far stronger than any one thread. This is the kind of single that builds within you and stay with your long after the last beat. The kind of track that compels you to play it on repeat.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

CANTRELL - Understand | A COLORS SHOW [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“CANTRELL drops a flow here that brings a chill vibe, and lyrics dripping with truths, straight from his heart. Smooth and tranquil, the vocals are still able to deliver passion and emotion that force you to stay focused in the track. The beat and melody echo the mood, giving the entire track a calm, yet meaningful ride.

The video is straightforward with CANTRELL and a mic, but given the nature of the piece that is the only imagery needed to get the intent of this single out.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jonathan Shapiro - Diamonds in The Rough [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“This track brings a chill vibe offering uplifting lyrics. The vibe here is a low-key reminder to us all that we can weather whatever storm is raging in our lives. The vocals are heartfelt and steady in their message. The delivery is not pure perfection, and that works well here, as it only highlights the message that much more than we can get where we want to be without being perfect every step of the way.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

College x HeRo - Dojo [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A chill vibe permeates through this single. The flow has just enough passion behind it to hold your focus, but the biggest strength of this track is the tight lyrical content. Authentic truth fills every line and that elevates the rest of the track. There are no unnecessary embellishments to the production or delivery as College and HeRo straight up deliver this well-written single.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

MDS Bella x Lil Bling - Pull Up [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“MDS Bella captivated me with her aggressive whisper style of rapping. Far too many rappers, of both genders, seem to believe that volume is the key to expressing themselves, but this track proves that passion and strong writing do not need over the top theatrics to get the point across.

Delivering lyrics rooted in her Memphis heritage and speaking her mind about injustice and politics, MDS Bella is a voice to keep tabs on. ‘Pull Up’ is a track to engage your mind and spirit. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jaycreux - Buggy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jaycreux drops a soulful Hip-Hop flow that feels a bit stream of conscious in the mood, but also brings a nice groove in the beat and melody. His voice has just a touch of rasp, and the performance brings emotion and passion which keeps the single interesting, and makes it easy to connect with. The lyrics are complex and layered, making this is the kind of track you will pull new things from every single time you listen. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

MoCity Jones - Won't Be Long [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“If you are thirsty for some old school sound, with a modern spin — then MoCity Jones has you covered.

The lyrics are sharp and relevant. The flow definitely has an old soul to it, both in that it shows the influences of the past, and that brings a hint that Soul sound, especially during the chorus.

The track builds in tempo and emotional impact and I can see myself putting this on more than one playlist and listening to it for years to come. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

MB Quaz x WB Trel - Aint The Same [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Rap.. Trap... Eat... Repeat, and this is one song is one that is sure to stay on repeat. ‘Ain’t The Same’ talks about switching lanes and how life switches up on you too causing everything to change. The lyrical flow that these two have is amazing. They talk about hustling but in a intellectual yet smooth way to where it’s relaxing”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

SLIM MUCHO - YELLOWSTONE MEMOIRS [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A chill rap vibe that brings truth and emotion through strong writing and observation of the world we live in. Short and sweet and to the point, the track falls in the stream of conscious type of delivery, which works well here because of a talented vocal tone and the passionate delivery.

I did find myself wishing there was more as it ended a bit abruptly but on the other hand it is every artist’s job to leave us wanting more. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mash Louis - Enlightenment [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A nice stream of conscious track that builds throughout. Starting easy and calm, the vibe intensifies, as does the flow, creating an urgency that held me tight to both the lyrics and the performance.

The track hits a bit of calm in the middle giving us a breather before again launching back into the emotion and verve that hooked me before. Their is both confidence and vulnerability here, and that adds to the intrigue of this track. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Young F.Y.E - 1 Wish [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is my first go hearing Young F.Y.E, and that is a damn shame because this is Hip-Hop as it should be.

Delivering a unique tone to a familiar world and theme, ‘1 Wish’ isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but rather just put some some and personal spin. The flow is talented, clear and distinct, no mumbling to a rhythm and calling it art. Rooted in personal experience you come away feeling like you know a bit about the man behind this track rather than the smoke and mirror job some in the game try to fool us with. In other words, this just feels real and we need more genuineness in the genre.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Magic Seis - Pablo [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A smooth Latin beat backs the vocal flow on this track giving it an exotic and Reggae feel. The performance here held me with lyrics that offer a commentary on Hip Hop culture as well as Magic Seis own goals and aspirations.

The dream is often closer than we realize but the struggle to keep battling is tough. This track hints at that aspect while also using the metaphor to suggest it is important to be careful of who you keep close. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Young Trelle - Top 20 [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Confidence and defiance are at the forefront of Young Trelle’s lyrics for ‘Top 20.’

Written in response to the fact his name was left off of a top 20 artists list circulating through his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, Young Trelle upped his game by declaring he should be on that list, and also by calling out some that did not belong.

This is the kind of boldness that only works when you have the talent and energy to convince people you are right as he did with this banger.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Secret - Easy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A track dripping with attitude, and delivered with lyrics that speak loud with both humor and confidence. This anthem is for the ladies sick of all the expected elements of a dude’s shit. It is for those who decide to be a little bit choosy on who they let in.

’Easy’ is one to blare loud rolling around so you can let the world know where you stand. Don;t sleep on that sick beat either.

Secret has that defiant and sexy edge to her flow that speaks clear and loud and makes this a track that even the fellas can appreciate. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)