Infamous Mobb - "Like a Dream" (prod. by Havoc) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Infamous Mobb is back after a lengthy hiatus to give us a new single. ‘Like a Dream’ comes in with a laid-back, bluesy production from longtime collaborator, Havoc. That bit of grit sets the tone for the Mobb’s Big Twins, Ty Nitty, and Godfather Pt. III to spit their raw, realist bars about life as they know it in Queensbridge.

As the first single off their upcoming new album, ‘IM3,’ the track sets the bar high for Infamous Mobb’s return to the scene. The new album will include production from The Alchemist, DJ Muggs, Twiz The Beat Pro, DirtyDiggs, and more. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brilly Asher - Traumatized [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Brilly Asher drops this honest and unflinching track about the way our behavior hits others. Anytime a talented artist, truly lays bare his soul the result is an engaging song with relevance, because human nature leads us all to make the same mistakes, have the same dreams, share the same fears.

The flow here is slow and steady and carries a hint of an R&B vibe. The backing is fairly low-key and stays out of the way for the most part without adding a lot of punch on its own. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Miles Morrison - Go Out (feat. Yo Gotti, Stunna Girl) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Hard beats, and in your face lyrics over a pure party vibe. That is what Miles Morrison gives you with ‘Go Out.’

Course nobody has been allowed to go out for a while now, but imagine the free for all that will come once it is safe to do so. This song’s vibe comes close to the hedonistic urges lurking inside us all right now. There is an old school raunchy side to this and combined with the beat and various vocals it all comes together just like the best of parties.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Joe-Y - Cudi [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Joe-Y offers up a diverse set of vocal sounds and styles on his latest single, ‘Cudi.’ I will admit to being surprised by the level of talent more than once. This Ohio rapper is one to keep an eye on for sure.

Lyrically this track is about chasing dreams and perfection while also dealing with the struggles of mental illness and letting the doubts from that come in. The flow ranges from a straight up Hip-Hop vibe, to an almost Reggae like rhythm and tone.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mike Yorkz - Roaming [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The emotion behind the writing is honest and real on this track, and the overall vibe shines through. I did find myself wishing for a bit less production on the vocal side and a more rawness to the vocal flow, but the tone shows clear talent and I was kept on the hook by the genuine feelings behind this track. The chorus avoided the pitfall of reaching for a gimmick and simply let the emotion behind the song play out.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Tireek, Lonely Leonard - Hold On [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes all any of us can do is ‘Hold On’ as we go through tough times. And sometimes you gotta hold on for years to get where you want to be.

Tireek and Lonely Leonard team up to give is a glimpse of their coming up through tough times, but finding the love and strength around them to help them hold on. Both flows are honest and engaging, and the beat production feels right for the emotions fueling the track”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Produkt x Rothstien - Supreme Wizards [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The writing here delivers authentic emotion and strong imagery. You can taste and feel the grit and scenes described in this track. The flow is steady and deliberate, but there is enough variation to bring home to message. The beat and production gets out of the way for the most part but adds enough layers to the track to help establish the mood and soul of this piece. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Miscellaneous Productions x Natasha Pheko - Refuge [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I like the energy and spirit of this track, and those elements were what caught my attention first. This single would make a nice addition to your motivational playlists, no matter if you are headed to the gym or trying to rebuild a new life after a detour. The vocals are uplifting and the lyrics, while not complex, convey the message of hope and renewal and strength very well.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

K.I.N.G. the MC - F.E.A.R. [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is a definite poetic feel to the vocal flow on this one, but that fact worked quite well as the writing is superb and the emotional build well worth the ride.

Fear has spoiled things for us all at some time and this ode to overcoming these dubious thoughts is uplifting and sobering. The truth of this track offers a strength we all need on occasion. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Len Bowen - The Breaks ft. Katya [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is a definite old school vibe to this track, but it is not a pure throwback as the evolution of the genre comes through the production as well.

Len Bowen’s flow is steady and passionate in a low key kind of way, and Katya offers an engaging backdrop with her sweetly alluring vocal tone. Lyrically, the track is a quiet manifest of sorts. A marking of territory for Bowen almost. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Schmolbowl - Long Flight [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Schmolbowl drops a tranquil and trippy flow on ‘Long Flight.’ With a rapid delivery and strong writing that overlaps and surprises at every turn, the track has an energy that envelopes you and makes you lean in close to hear what is coming next. The chorus has a nice hook and the track as a whole shows a good range of talent so I can;t wait to see what else comes from Schmolbowl on down the line.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

YONAS - Good Day [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is something to be said for unbound optimism and that is exactly what YONAS is offering with his positive vibe laden track, ‘Good Day.’

The flow here is loud and vibrant and full of easy to follow good cheer, even when YONAS drops a few fuck yous along the way. Join in, song along and you to can be having a ‘Good Day.’ ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

MADic - Trump Check [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track drops a comical flow on the whole lock down, quarantine, Covid mindset. From blowing your stimulus wad on a one big joint, to Tiger King references, this one hits many notes of our time of self containment, but it does so with a wry smile and a thumping beat.

MADic obviously blew off some much needed steam by writing, recording, mix and mastering this one over a short 72 hour time-frame while stuck in confinement in NYC. His diverse talents show up throughout, and the video is a entertaining as well. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

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)