Cruzz - Going Up [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Connecticut might not be the most common place for a Hip Hop artist to merge from, but Cruzz is certainly putting out notice that quality rappers can come from anywhere. His lyrical aptitude and smooth easy delivery combine to create ‘Going Up,’ a track that is all about vibe and confidence.

The flow allows the writing to shine, and the arrangement lets the emotions land with a deliberate force that many so-called hard-edged tracks, fail to achieve. Make no mistake this track has punch, it just happens to deliver it with unnecessary bluster or the false bravado that so many other tracks rely on to get their intent across.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Killa Kid - Don't Do That (feat. Dar’Neisha) [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When Killa Kid comes in with his flow the passion, anger, intensity, and confidence all land with a deliberate force to fully impact the listener. The backing vocals set up those emotions well on this track about keeping it real when those who once talked shit and hated on your dream come slithering out once you find success as if they’ve been there by your side all along.

’Don’t Do That’ holds this brand of coward accountable for their BS and the intensity of the delivery will have you feeling it deep inside your chest.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Brody Brown - Eyes On Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Brody Brown drops this up-tempo track that settles into a melodic groove right from the start. ‘Eyes On Me’ delivers a hypnotic flow and a memorable hook that holds the listener’s attention. The production and video are both clean and tight and match the smooth ride of the song itself. I was left wanting more which is always the earmark of an entertaining and engaging track.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

TFM King P - Ouuuu [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“TFM King P is repping the Midwest with his sound and energy. This St Louis rapper is hitting us with that ‘Ouuuu.’

Inspired by Instagram Influencers on this track, he unleashes this rapid flow with precision and a confident wit that sells the track well. Riding an infectious Trap beat and varying flow the track stays out of the steady staccato cadence that dooms so many Trap tracks to sounding exactly the same. If this track doesn’t get you moving I fear nothing will.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Rah-C - Everybody is Concerned [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Riding a beat and groove that soars and uplifts all on tis own, Rah-C layers in a passionate energetic flow that sweeps you into the saga that is this track. This is a hype track that will motivate and push you so a perfect add to a workout playlist or any other that you need to get you up and taking on the world. The writing is nuanced enough to give you new takes through multiple listens and keep you intrigued.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Lu Hound - Tinted Eyes [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Lu Hound unleashes a nice balance of passionate ire, and a soulful groove while delivering his track ‘Tinted Eyes.’ The beat and flow blend to form a nice cohesive vibe that engages the listener and forces them to lean all the way in on this build. Hard-hitting writing with an edge is at the heart of this one, and the attitude behind the lyrics is what will bring me back time and time again. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Notcho Aziz - That's Enough [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When music is passionate, genuine, and inspired from a talented artists’ view of the world, it doesn’t take a whole lot for their creation to truly come alive. That is the case with ‘That’s Enough’ from Notcho Aziz.

You have to turn a blind eye, or truly be ignorant to not see the brutal impact of racism and an all-too-often unjust judicial system in this country. This track is about saying enough is enough. The lyrics, hard-edged flow, and beat convey the outrage quite well on this track of social injustice.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Zeke - Magic [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The hook is easy to connect with here, and that is what first sold this track to me. Of course, the timing and vocal talent on the flow work to bring a groove and rhythm to this build that popped off and kept me eager for the next line.

Zeke unleashes his brand of ‘Magic’ proving this Georgia rapper is one to keep an eye on for future releases.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Rohan - So Paid [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“No one ever reaches the top of the mountain without struggling to get there. Rohan uses a smooth and easy delivery on this flow about fighting through the pain to reach to the place you want to be in life.

The track utilizes a Rap flow, but also has the groove of a slow and soulful R&B track giving the vibe an added dimension and accessibility to the emotional thread of the lyrical build.”

— Travis Erwin @ LA on Lock Blogger

Parris LaVon - WEAK [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Parris LaVon shares a bit of vulnerability on this flow, but despite the title of the track he clearly is anything but ‘Weak.’

We all have our problems and roadblocks but persevering and coming out the other side is what defines who and what we are. The beat and rhythm here are smooth and the lyrical flow lands its emotional punches with a raw earnest vibe that feels genuine. A track to listen to over and over again to appreciate the various nuances.

Be sure and check out the entire new album, WINTER IV which just dropped this week. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Big Boss Vette - Pretty Girls Walk (Remix) ft. Coi Leray [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pure Trap attitude sets the track off, and the bounce isn’t just an accessory here, but a full-out active part of the vibe.

Big Boss Vette unleashes her chorus in conjunction with the talents of Coi Leray to create a remix that hits with force. Lyrical wit and a strong overall verve amps the mood on a track that is one-hundred percent brass.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

Riton - Sugar (feat. Soaky Siren) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“GRAMMY winner RITON returns with an energetic dancefloor banger that samples 50 Cents ‘Candy Shop’ and offers the vocal talents of rising Rap star Soaky Siren. The beat is infectious and the ‘Sugar’ oh so sweet on this EDM/Hip-Hop blending vibe.

A track sure to get listeners moving and singing along by the first chorus, no matter how you want to categorize this genre being single.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Savage334 - Diamonds [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The intro hit me with Rihanna, ‘We Found Love’ vibes though once Savage334 dropped in with that deliberate and direct flow, the track stood all on its own.

Lyrically, the blows land with emotion and grit and the build kept me leaning in for every last word.

’Diamonds’ unleashes its meaning and intent rather with a clear sparkle, though the nuances and inflections make it a track you can listen to over and over again and still discover new emotions along the way. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Frank Dennis - West [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Frank Dennis drops this moody and brooding flow that sets a melancholic tone right from the start. The writing is sharp, and the lines land with a deliberate flow that sights in its targets, and hits the mark with emotional punch. I like the stripped down value as it allows the intent to land unimpeded. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ricky Davaine - Metamorphosis [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Ricky Davaine drops this in your face yet melodic groove that tell it like it is. ‘Metamorphosis’ is about recognizing the user and abuser and takers of the worlds and changing to protect yourself and your future.

The lyrical flow is dead on and the tone works well for the message being delivered. The track does a good job of straddling a coupe different vibes and gene lines and in doing so creates its own brand of sound. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Nep Jennings - MR [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The combination of attitude and strong writing sold this track for me. Lines like ... ‘I’d rather be paranoid than comfortable ...’ hooked me in and offered big perspectives in few words and that gave the track a powerful impact.

The tone of the flow is quiet confidence and a hard edged take on the world that is certainly warranted and accurate. Nep Jennings is a voice worth hearing with words that need to be said. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

BMB Mann - FWM [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A smooth backing track and a steady flow gives this track a groove that is easy to fall in and connect with. BMB Mann introduces himself with this lyrical flow and the talent shines in not only the emotional strength of the writing, but is also evident in the timing and pace of the delivery. A track that hints of a lot more to come from this talented artist and I can’t wait to hear what’s next.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ishan - Impact [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Xersize - End of Days [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“When you think Rap you probably don’t think Sweden but Swedish artists Xersize is here to change that. Dropping a rapid fire flow reminiscent of Eminem at times, ‘End of Days’ is a passion-fueled rant about being overlooked and dismissed in a crowded field of artists. It is about having the confidence to stand up and shout look at me because I have something worthwhile to say. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Whethan - Fall Out Girl [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A collaboration between 23-year-old electronic DJ and producer, Whethan and Florida-based rapper, Zai1k, “Fall Out Girl,” is a high-energy, feel-good track that comes alive right from the start.

’Zai and I linked up in Miami and made a bunch of cool ideas. ‘Fall Out Girl’ was inspired by the Miami lifestyle and is a perfect sunny drive with the top back, a pop hit to blast til’ the neighbors knock.’ -Whethan

The combination of artistic talents here works well and every element adds to the listener’s engagement of the track. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger