Nuk - Jaw Dropping
- English (US)
Nuk’s latest single “Jaw Dropping,” composed by Vernon Hill Jr., arrives with unapologetic swagger and a pulse that refuses to sit still.
Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L-Double or Nothin
Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L and his fairytale life. After a tale of survival, Breon now has some of the realest, rawest interactions with hip-hop. Not only does he create an echoing, blissful environment to listen to the tracks, but each track is like a tracker for progress, a milestone. His newest single is that gamble with excess, called Double or Nothin. Let’s see how he dabbles with darkness. With lyrics like “Going off I put molly in my lean, Dozing off then I see the purple dreams”, he entrances us. His rendezvous with his vices have left him intoxicated for more, and he details his tales of experimentation. As the chorus brings the scarce reality of his world, he knows his words invite you into this universe. The echoing background is just another step of the way, as you slowly soak in the sound he also imbibes. The synth play in the distance makes for a decent canvas for Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L to go at it with lyrical ingenuity. His brushes with the end is something that he reminds himself of, and he is grateful for his existence. We are too, with the kind of contribution he gives to hip-hop. I would love to hear this track featured for Gata in the series Dave. Not only is Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L someone who would fit the narrative, but his lyrics have a tie in with reality. Check out his album B4 and singles like Aquarius to really get to feel his bold lyrical plume. Check out and vibe to this single!
BLOODCAT-catcall$ 4 (director's cut)
Someone like BLOODCAT needs it to be just about the music. The image behind it can be a blur, an enigma. Any image you see of this artist doesn’t show their face, and that's their capacity as an artist. Let's talk about the music, like they would want us to. This is their album, catcall$ 4 (director’s cut). You need to see their growth as a prolific rapper in this year alone. BLOODCAT has released a constant barrage of albums this year, this being a director’s cut version after the deluxe. Their music has always encouraged thought and dialogue, and they don't shy away from ideas. The first single is charcuterie, laying bars over a distorted synth sound. This is a proper club track, but pay attention to the lyrics, and you’ll know what they're talking about. This selection of meats on the boards are deep cuts from their own life, experiences and how they've dealt with them. The groove is deep and executed with confidence. In reason and rhyme The vocals are on highlight with picture purrfect. The brilliance is the back and forth between the vocals and the hip-hop bars. The minimal instrumentals showcase the verses, creating the dissonant reality between the chorus and how it organically builds. As you’re amplified to this moment, vip creates the pedestal on which BLOODCAT has been placed. It deals with the importance and dialogue of being in the spotlight, and the oddities surrounding it, with resolve and finesse. A song like bonsai helps break from the mould as this artist would be placed. It has a reverberating soul to it, the rhyme scheme and attack is different. Though BLOODCAT is adept at navigating pathways of any hip-hop style, their lines are straight and edgy. With this song, they get comfortable and fold with the groove. Bankzy is quicker, working on the dynamism of the background, and the bank they make. There’s a reason raps like this are constantly featured on playlists, this rapper wants only their rap to speak the volumes they need. Two-step pussy brings a different rhythm section to a trap dream. It has an electrifying energy to it, something that you’d like to vibe to. The premise is zealous and exciting, teaching the sound to form around the artist as well. Titrate to the tune Funnel cake has a choir soul to it, in more ways than one. The core is modulating, but tears a hole in the expected aural tone. The verses bite into experiences one by one, and draws parallels that teach from it. In some ways, it is Lamar’s approach to how he raps, everything threaded to the attachment in the tangible world. Starface and 7up use some cool rhythm formed through BLOODCAT and their recording style. The use of pauses and changes in rhyme schemes make this song organic and original, never receding to the plainness of mediocrity. The songs in this cut are perfect for BLOODCAT’s own biography, a film that would be peppered with interesting and exciting happenings. It is something I’d love to see, even though parallels can be drawn from Creed & Champs. You can follow this artist for a steady stream of music on Spotify. Demon Slayer! and picture purrfect remain favourites, though you should listen for the story. Listen to their music and be sure to follow for more!
KOTC Clan-Mirror Selfie (Mirror on the Wall)
KOTC Clan bring the heat when they make music. With just 2 singles out, their songs have thousands of streams. Listeners love their melodies, catchy lyrics and chorus that are always memorable. Here, we see their debut single, Mirror Selfie (Mirror on the Wall). You might associate that line with Snow White, but this is a whole new take. KOTC Clan have a powerful chemistry, something that comes with having ideas that come together seamlessly. Their track has an infectious bounce to it, and makes you want to lean into the groove. The popping beat builds to the chorus, but with a smooth, honey like consistency. The electronic infractions are pulsating, they are the highlights to the tight bars that are dropped with accuracy. The produced vocals blend into the rhythm section, becoming the complex tetrahedron of sound that it is. It is a solid dance track through and through, and there seems to be no doubt why it is so popular. This is a song that resonates with party culture, and KOTC Clan seem to have taken lead. Any teen movie party scene could host this song. From Superbad to Project X, this is a song that will drop the beat when needed. KOTC Drew, KOTC Vibe and KOTC Gamal with the band make up this clan. With their other single, they seem to have gathered the required traction to make it click. The sound they achieve is simple, but layered with some hooks that need experience and a toe into the zeitgeist. Fortunately, it seems like this crew own that pool of water. Now, every day is a party.
Proklaim-Priceless
A lyrical mastermind and a seashell in the sand. Proklaim has the story to tell you near the shore, and you’re going to listen. It isn’t the fact that he can balance a groove so well, but also to do with his connection to what he writes. His sound is truly his, and he is on an upward trajectory with wings bent to fly. This is his latest single, Priceless. Within the repetition of the opening of this song, you find the soul that guides you. What is priceless is Proklaim and his ability to traverse through a rap. Hitting hard truths and choosing the spoils in words, this is a jester in the moonlight. The soft, warm bass that echoes in the background makes for his canvas. As the sound is felt, so are the lines and verses, and you’ll have to hear them twice. This song is best enjoyed as an effect first, and as the narrative the second time around. The heat is in the moment, and he holds it for long-like coal embers. There’s a reason Proklaim is on so many Spotify playlists, every true music fan sees a spark that they want to be responsible for honing. From Creed to Just Mercy, you can hear this song be the spine for truth. The embarkation of the lyrical genius in his prime is worth witnessing, and can be seen in the protagonist. In many ways, this artist holds the same power as the film’s lead, kicking the doors open with your own weight. There is a legacy to follow, and some will be following his.
Adik Angel- Evasions (Remix)
Adik Angel is a Switzerland based songwriter and composer. She has released over 7 albums in the past 7 years. One of them being “Heartbeat” a peppy number that has very rustic earthy yet upbeat tones within it. This isn’t to say that Adik sticks to a single genere or one kind of song making. With Genres such as Hip- Hop, dance and techno and textures such as rustic balcanic and nature, she caters to large variety of people. Evasions Remix by Adik Angel has a throwback atmosphere to it. With its techno beats and disco rhythm its most definetely going to make you groove. The song slowly begins as the synth does a classic drum like disco take off and we dive right into the song. The song gives you a strong imagery of space and a dance club. The excellently layered and repeating of vocals really help bring out the swerling notes within the song. This song is not about being profound and the sounds doesn't say it as well. Evasion helps you put on your rose tinted glasses, gyrate and pirouette across the dance floor. We can imagine Evasion in so many movies owing to its peppy and relaxed nature. It can be used in a chase sequence like in Tykwer’s Run Lola Run or it could also be in Clueless at the dance. This song has so much potential to amp the themes within a scene up. I can even imagine this track in experimental plays as well. Adik Angel is a one of a kind composer. She uses nature as her inspiration to help us connect with it. If you are a techno fan, I highly suggest you follow her on all social media platforms and keep yourself updated on her beautiful wok.
Clay Joule- Realm
Clay Joule is back with an important song that breaks all boundaries of music with his new single- Realm. This time he sings to bring into the limelight a movement known as the White Paper Movement that took place during Covid. This was to exercise the Civilian right to freedom of speech under an oppressive regime. Realm started off as a poem and then took shape into a song. Joule has done a brilliant job at putting the movement at the forefront of the track. Realm has a striking beginning with the bagpipes and Joule’s voice enters creating a solemn mood. The song has such a mixture of textures with Joule’s bass voice, the backpipe and the marching drums. At first glance the song may seem to have an absurdist movement’s touch in the nature of the song. But as we do our research on the white paper movement, the song suddenly makes a lot more sense. The layering of the instruments compliments Joule’s voice beautifully. “Welcome to our kingdom, I want you to be our king” these lyrics fit the cause so well. A country puts its citizens in shackles if it takes away their freedom of speech. Samuel Beckett premiered “Waiting for Godot” in 1948 which if you know your plays, has a huge following of its own. Realm can be played in any of the scenes and it would fit like a pea in a pod. Since the 1900's the play has taken many forms and even got produced as a film. The plot revolves around two characters who are waiting for a man named Godot but neither of them know that they are waiting for the same man. The story deals with important themes and freedom of speech is happens to be one of them. It is important to note that Absurdist Theatre was a Theatre movement that was a reaction to WW2. Clay Joule is doing some heavy lifting with his music. He brings forth important issues in a lyrical ballad format and this deserves to be recognised by a larger audience.
Hyde-Not a Flex
Hyde gives off the energy of a rap starchitect in the making. With cool, calculated verses, there is a level of drip on this gentleman that should be illegal. If all that in the artist side isn’t impressive enough, he works as an attorney in his day job. Hip-hop haven as a moonlight project, and this good? Make sure you’re sitting down for this one. This is his single, Not a Flex. Featuring SeaJay and Mahoney $, you know that only top level verses will constitute this song. There is a meta element to this track that makes it so much more entertaining. While the title is not a flex, probably every verse has a flex element of the incredible ability of rhyme. Not only possessed by him but his partners in this particular track, you’re reeled in like it’s an IMAX show. Keep in track with the lyrics, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. The chorus is something of a diamond tip, etching itself in your glass brain for eternity, in a way. If this is how Hyde wants to immortalize himself, he should have stopped 5 songs ago. Now, he’s creating a legacy. Inspiring and energetic, everything is as natural as can be. A cool background with some classy effects, no autotune or aid exists for this kind of dynamite delivery. This could definitely work in Creed 2, where the action sequences would be magical with this kind of song tying it all together. You never needed to know Hyde was an attorney. There are bars he’s passed that authorities can’t claim. Listen to his single and follow him for great, flavourful hip-hop!
Dax-The Devil's Calling
Nobody might drop bars like Dax in the indie game now. Constantly developing his game, he has changed his rhythm after turning over a new leaf. Poignant and raw, his tracks have all the punch and delivery hip-hop needs to thrive, and stay alive. His latest track is from his 2021 album, Pain Paints Paintings. This one is called The Devil’s Calling. He is shunning the debt like a messiah of change would. Not only does Dax have devastating bars, but he organizes them like a prose. His writing skill is being genuinely balanced by the incredible sound and production work-leading to a wholesome, well crafted album overall. This single is easily one of the highlights by writing. Bounced back, seen God, bowed down, got saved Not from the streets, I'm on the sidewalk advocatin' peace (peace) I want to see all my people win and set free (come on) I'm here to tell you that you better know that God sees This is a mark of a poet that wants positive change. There is a bleeding heart, and it bleeds into art. As the deft changes and words cleverly create niches of sound, the instrumental background comes to attention. It is with finesse, and reflecting the sound of what the words mean. Understanding Dax is as complex as it is easy, the words are there, and the picture is painted. My mind instantly went to Constantine and Max Payne when I heard this. The well written lyrics and bullet like bits have the desired effect. Whether it be Dear God, Dear Alcohol or JOKER, Dax explores a theme like none other. A juggernaut in the making, he is taking the world by storm. With God by his side, he will walk alone if required.
Fléxy- We're Beautiful
Fléxy aka Nelsy Akomor from Nigeria is taking over the pop/ hip-hop/ reggae scene by a graceful swoop. Clearly, he’s an artist that eases his way through mixing genres and creating a universe of his own in each song he releases. His latest release is a soulful hip-hop/ reggae single- We’re Beautiful. This upbeat number is a pop ode to love and an appreciation for one’s partner. The song has multiple genre’s influences within it from reggae to hip-hop to even a little bit of rock. This is owed to the synthesised percussion beats which also adds a mellow rock element to it. The song is reminiscent of the early 2000s pop songs such as umbrella by Rihanna and Jay Z. The track embodies so much love, more so- new love at that. We’re Beautiful is like a courtship dance between two lovers that oozes passion and connection. The song has a water-like quality- it trickles and tickles your senses and flows from one verse to another. Step Up is a film that caused such waves in the film world and in the dance world as well. Never before had movement been captured with so much precision and presented so aesthetically. What drew the audience in was the fact that it was a culmination of three art forms- music, dance and music. A variety of music was used in this film, any scene that had to portray chemistry through a dance performance, this number would fit in like a tailor-made ballerina’s shoe. Fléxy has over 48,000 listeners across the world and he’s only gaining more. This is due to many reasons but an affirmed reason because he isn’t gated by genres. He lets the music flow and invites listeners in.
JehiahSax-Gangster of Love
JehiahSax can bring the next big revolution, or something in the form. His music transcends genres, but his sound is very much pure. His compositions have an ease of familiarity, but his sound is complex and crystalline. You’re looking at a contrast of a human being, a living contradiction of class and poise. Some might think I’m joking. He, for one, might agree to disagree. This is his latest single, Gangster of Love. Seldom do people remember Kenny G’s collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff. At the time, it was stuff of legend. De La Soul did it in their jazz-rap/bluesy style of execution as well. JehiahSax creates the same effect of change, but with another style. He is a renaissance man, and you hear his sax lick first. Developing into a hip-hop track, he very much controls the atmosphere. The guitars show us their flavour in the verse section, but the sax mirrors the chorus. Gentle but present, it is like a glossy sheet of sheen on an expensive work of art. Sometimes you might realise that a diamond shines in plain sight as well. Incredibly catchy, a song like this is going to rest in your playlist for a long time. I’d have loved to have heard this one in Boiler Room. The smooth sax playing with the hip-hop verse contrast is something that would fit in the already sensational soundtrack of this movie. You can get more of JehiahSax with his other single, Reckoner. He is always recording more music, so you don’t have to wait much for his next single. Follow him for more music! Here’s the pre-save link for his track-https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jehiahsax/gangster-of-love-feat-ken-fitzpatrick--werekitten-2. Follow him and make sure you are up to date with his releases!
Jonathan Shapiro-My Dawgs
Jonathan Shapiro might have the holy powers it takes to make you fall in love with hip-hop. If you’ve been someone who has strayed away from it, his music will make you appreciate it for the poetry and story behind the songs. Though he is a talented freestyle rapper yet writes demolition material on his tracks, this success is expected. Writing and performing since he was 13, his sense of flow is now like a heartbeat. You can see this in his latest track My Dawgs. With the background alone, you can fall in love. Using a chill R&B based tune melting in the background, Jonathan Shapiro goes to work. From his words and attack along with stylish delivery, it is a living reminder of the great Juice Wrld. The words aren’t the only thing he’s shaping-he curates each space within each beat. It is truly masterful work from such a young musician. By the way he shapes his words, it seems like he’s been doing this forever. Only 1:40 seconds long, Jonathan shows us why he has control over his destiny. Some people have the power to wield their own big red button. This song would do really well in the reboot of Bel-Air. With the ingrained movement and lyrics in the track, it is easy to imagine this have the same drama as the show. Jonathan broke the ice with his singles, Feel Better and Get A Grip among others. It is a testament to beautiful lyricists, people who put the work and energy into their art. Feel the wave of change with his single!