Mase Well x Michael Christmas - Cycles [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Come for the fantastic line about Bill Murray and everyday being the same — Stay for the soulful beat and groove.

The writing sparkles at times on this track, and while there were a few production decisions that felt out of place me, the overall vibe here kept me tethered to the track all the way through. Both vocal flows are engaging, and I found myself closing my eyes and swaying along. In the end, that is all you can truly ask for from a song. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mykel Hawk - If This Is Armageddon [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Fresh off his hard hitting EP, Mykel Hawk is back with a fresh track inspired by the current events we are all facing.

Sharp, intelligent lyrics are the heart of this track, but Hawk’s hard-edged, gravel-filled tone is the soul and the pairing gives this track a punch that is both sobering and enlightening. This is Hip-Hop with something to say in a time when it needs to be said. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Anthony Profits - Pen Chances [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“An old school flow is the focus of the performance, though there is also a soulful interlude that adds to the melancholy vibe.

Anthony Profits delivers genuine sound on this strongly written track with the East Side of Indianapolis in mind, though these lyrics deliver a universal relevance. The pace is slow, but impactful, and the beat stays out of the way to let the mood unfold on this rainy day kind of track. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Joey Bread - I Love Quarantine [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“If you are looking for a laugh to get you through this current state of the world then Joey Bread has a sliced you off a track full of self-deprecating humor.

Catchy and funny in the same way ‘Pretty Fly For A White Guy’ was, ‘I Love Quarantine’ is a hearty offering complete with Bread spreading on the fun side of being isolated at home nice and thick.

The video adds another layer to the lyrics and will help keep that smile on your face as you listen to the silver lining of our new lifestyle.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Anthony Profits - Can't Stop Won't Stop [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Short, but energetic and to the point, Anthony Profits gives us his thoughts on his latest track ... ‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, is actually a song where I am paying respects to 8ball and MJG. They had a song called ‘Lay it Down,’ and I was inspired by 8ball’s verse and put my own style to it.’

The single delivers an classic vocal style with just a hint of funk, especially in the intro.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Tatiana Woods x Ben Great x Aris Ray - How I Like It [Review]

“Tatiana Woods drops an engaging set of vocals that ushers this one in. Teaming up with Ben Great and Aris Ray, this is a fun song with several different grooves and threads that merge seamlessly to form one cohesive single that will hold you with its smooth groove and steady beat.

’How I Like It’ is a sharply written track that make you smile and think ... Oh Hell Yeah. Say it.”

Mike SB - Ny for the Weekend (Prod. By Shiggy) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Mike SB wrote this one on a trip to NYC. Among his plans were to reconnect with an ex, but she had a different agenda and in that moment he realized sometimes, you simply have to move on no matter how hard it is.

The trip also allowed Mike SB to be in studio with Shiggy and this track is part of that effort. The vocals are smooth and the lyrics come from a place of genuine reflection and emotion. Both facts shine through in the flow.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ysdubz - All Match [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Ysdubz drops an up beat track with a steady flow and an engaging beat. ‘All Match’ brings razor sharp lyrics and a uptempo rhythm to keep you on the hook for the duration. The track has an energy behind it that lifts it, and by extension — your own vibe as you listen and get charged by the juice pumping to your ears. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

BYNX - Ride With You [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A straight up Rap love song that comes at you hard and genuine. BYNX has the vocal chops to deliver an old school flow, or to sing a chorus with a touch of tenderness. I appreciate that these lyrics are meaningful and emotional without slipping into an overly sappy or sentimental way.

This is a love song you can play directly to your girl and make her smile, or while riding with your boys and not face ridicule. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Tom. G - Tore Down The Projects [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Gentrification is not an easy topic to put a humorous spin on, but somehow Tom. G accomplished to do so with ‘Tore Down The Projects.’ With rasp to his voice and a fast but not rapid flow, the vocals deliver the catchy hook and wit-sharp lyrics about the way things used to be for a player. The track delivers upbeat energy and a wry spirit that put a smile on my face. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Bstar - Tweety ft. Boosie BadAzz [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The energy of BSTAR and Boosie BadAzz make this southern banger, one you can ride along with.

Detailing the actions of clingy sidepiece who can’t get enough, there is a bit of humor here that we all need about now. The track has that spirit of defiance and attitude that makes it fun. The flow is fast and steady and the lyrics sharp enough to keep you listening close through multiple plays. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Elliott Taylor - Cali (feat. Cut Chemist) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The vibe here pulls you in and holds you, especially if you are lucky enough to call ‘Cali’ home. The melody and beat have a few surprises, and I dig that old school scratch added in there. The vocals are soft and steady and deliver the message with a clarity that can only be expressed by true belief in what you are saying.

This is a track to sit back and groove to why you smoke and reflect on your California lifestyle.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

GO79MAN - EVO7VE9 [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A chill vibe ushers in GO79MAN’s vocal flow which carries a raspy gravel behind earnest and honest lyrics. There is an energy behind his flow that keeps you leaning forward despite the fact there is not a ton of variation to the delivery. The track’s strength is the vocal talent and obvious conviction behind the message.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Smoke - Out Da Mudd [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Smoke drops the video for his lyrically moving track ‘Out Da Mudd’ off of his solo debut album, RAYSEAN BROWN.

Much like the storytelling power of the single, the imagery portrayed in the video keeps you watching. With a straight up flow style, and writing that builds and puts us in the mindset of another, Smoke unleashes the emotions and consciousness necessary to truly feel a track like this. I was pulled in early and stayed on the hook for the duration. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

King Magnetic & DJ E.REX - "How It All Started (feat. GQ Nothin Pretty)" [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“You gotta expect a track called ‘How It All Got Started’ to deliver an old school vibe, and this one certainly brings that flavor. This is one to play loud and proud as you reminiscent with your boys that you’ve been rolling with for years now.

King Magnetic takes us back to his stomping grounds of Allentown, PA for this nostalgic new video. The single is a collaborative effort produced by New York’s DJ E.REX, with a guest appearance from Mag’s longtime collaborator, GQ Nothin Pretty.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

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)