“The talking in the beginning builds you up and gives you an idea of what to expect. Cris Streetz “Switchin Sides” is about people being down with you but then changing their ways. The Shi Goonie feature allows listeners to get a good perspective from both male and female. The beat is a vibe and the songwriting and hook is relatable. ”
“This song grew on me pretty fast. ANTH and Conor Maynard deliver a dark yet aggressive rap track. “Won’t Feel the Same” is raw with feelings. It talks about the aftermath of a break up and when one person is happy and the other is fake happy. It takes you through the thought process of both parties while allowing you to build the emotional connection.”
“Hailing from Broward County, Florida, Loss Cozz has seen his ups and downs, but through it all he continues to create music and step up to the mic. ‘Treehouse’ is a smooth groove and steady build and Cozz’s flow elevates as it builds to hold the listener to the track’s tinkling climax.”
“FIFTY VINC and Mr. Goodbarz do a great job of blending the BoomBap roots of Hip-Hop with contemporary vibes to create a track with a solid foundation in the past, but the relevance of today needed to hook new listeners. The bars hit with precision, and that beat brings it all alive. The hook is engaging and the tone just what a track like this needs to catch fire and gain attention with those who might not be as grounded in the history of the genre.”
“Coming with a hard, in your face beat, $cream-Capone unfurls this sex-charged flow with attitude and verve. The writing is sharp and gets down and dirty completing the sultry edge this one offers. Add this one that to time to get down and nasty playlist. ”
“Pierce Elliott unfurls this smooth easy groove with talent and precision. The backing is soulful and his flow over the top is just as rhythmic with the exception of a little spoken word interlude in the middle of the track. The intro was a tad long, but did build a vibe for the actual lyrical progression. Old school vibe, though the lyrics still feel right at home in today’s musical landscape.”
“Kuttem Reese is pissed to hit that next level. The Orlando, Florida rapper is a Hip-Hop star on the rise and his new eighteen track album is more fuel on the fire.
This track is about remembering the path and the pitfalls, the haters, the doubter, the struggle it took to climb the ladder. The video adds to the vibes and really dials in the track’s lyrical intent which is delivered with precision and a smooth talent. ”
“David Davenchy’s track, ‘The Day I Saw You’ hooked me with it’s lyrical realness. The delivery is steady and the tone showcases Davenchy’s talent, though I did crave a touch more energy or passion pushing the flow forward. The writing is true and honest and that is what really shined brightest for me with this track.”
“Jaydii kicks off the first verse on ‘Hot Soup’ before Supreme Khay comes in witht he hook and later verses. THe high-energy track feels like vintage Beastie Boys mixed with some Wu Tang funk and quirk. Both flows are delivered with an engaging tone and verve that refuses to let you off the hook.”
“The connection is toward the end. I was close to declining this but the end caught more attention so I played it back. Kuttem Reese starts out with a nice piano melody to introduce this emotional rap track featuring No Cap. Phone Lights is about the transition of life and its experiences. Sometimes it take life altering moments in order for someone to change their ways. Despite being surrounded by phone lights the pain and memories are still there. The hook is powerful and relatable to a lot of people.”
“K Hella drops this energetic and well-written flow that keeps the listener leaning in to hear what comes next.
The hook is a smooth groove that lands between hip-Hop and R&B and overall this track works on the emotive delivery which makes me believe every last word.
Contemporary Rap done right. ”
“Mattyice1990 takes his time with this one. He delivers a raw yet emotional track as he takes us through his fight with his demons and his dreams. The soft piano keys aligns with his flow which keeps you listening to his story and understanding his pain. Life keeps throwing things at him which is painful to deal with yet he still has hopes of being successful and getting his Maserati.”
“NonSense caps off a prolific year with his single ‘The Audacity.’ NonSense had this to say about his creation ... “The track is about standing tall atop your mountain despite those who feel they can stand in your way. Being the very best version of YOU and you alone at the behest of naysayers.”
Delivered in an old school Boom Bap style, the lyrical flow hits and the writing comes with a punch. The Carson, California native channels many of his musical heros in this diverse build and sound. ”
“Beauxx, Big Sad 1900, and Cypress Moreno drop their third collaboration together, ‘I Need That.’ The track preempts their forthcoming collaborative EP.
Inspired by the West Coast sound this single offers a laidback R&B style groove and of course accentuates the trios various vocal talents.”
“Throwback Old school emcee driven hip-hop is a rare animal these days. Here PB Mogul fits the bill along with a hard hitting JayceeDai, who brings the attitude in every word.
Ante Up is an up-tempo, high energy song full of fun and bars exchanged between the two Utica, NY Natives. With a catchy hook and undeniable chemistry, Ante Up is a bonafide banger!
This one hits.”
“Songs about people, (actual or fictional) can be tricky, but his one works in that it also feels like true tangible history as much as a fictionalized account. The American Dream isn’t the same for everyone and isn’t easy for anyone, and the lyrics here give us a taste of that dynamic.
This track from Rally 4 Reality is a tribute and ode to Robert Jebediah Freeman the Grandad from Adult Swim’s ‘The Boondocks.’”
“Some tracks are simply a groove and vibe. ‘Ran It All Up’ from KYO! is such a song. Riding a smooth flow and steady beat KYO! delivers an emotional ode to growing up and taking care of your business no matter the missteps along the way. It is the song of life so to speak, with the ups and downs and the perseverance to keep laying it out there while you chase your goals and dreams.”
“A dose of truth and honesty is always a good idea, and here Jay Dutch delivers exactly that as he lays out the difficult road to success in the music industry, and in a broader sense the world.
Haters gonna hate and doubters gonna doubt, and when given the chance, the hustlers are gonna take what they can from you.
’About That Time’ is about believing in yourself and holding that hard line until you rise above all those looking to drag you down. ”
“I was close to declining this track. Mainly because of the mumble rap build up and the lyrics not being clear. However, the more I listened to Roxy Alice the more the vocal tone reminded me of Young Thug. Sometimes it’s not about understanding a song but how good it sounds and the vibes it gives off. “Strike Me Blind” is a song that I can see being played a few times.”
“Love is fraught with so many pitfalls and unfortunately cash can be a big one. Falling for a girl outside your means with $ in her eyes can be a frustrating endeavor and Summonte showcases that with this track. ‘OOHS &AAHS’ has an unconventional hook that is more sounds than anything else, but it works and the energy carries the track forward. I found myself moving and singing along to this relatable song.”