Diamond Blacc-Shannon’s Son
Revisit the style of old school hip-hop with Diamond Blacc, giving you an edge with his sound and style. A rapper from Philadelphia, Blacc is creating a niche for himself with his heavy bars and robust lines-out with a fire to prove something. I had the pleasure of talking to Blacc about his journey to this EP, Shannon’s Son. About the album “Shannon’s Son” is my debut EP that showcases my authenticity and expressionism as an artist thus far. It is a reflection of self and the music I create. Everyone who knows me recognizes me as my mothers son, so the title is like my call tag. This EP is both an experimental and explorative showcase of sound, tone and subject that sails through a multitude of genres. My music is a reflection of the change that is occurring in hip-hop right now. Diversity in artistry, music, sound and even genre are more apparent now than ever before and I am on a mission to forge my own lane in the music sphere. This is exactly what Blacc is about, the change in the very atmosphere of hip-hop and everything else that goes with it following a tumultuous year. His songs might disguise themselves as something mundane and talked about, but the statements lie under the sheets. Some songs might even be too drawn or purified to mean something that sounds very basic, but that’s part of the charm of Shannon’s Son, the random nature of the debut album. The art of what is in a name Choosing this stage name, Diamond Blacc tells me how it has been derived and what it means to him. I have always viewed myself as a diamond in the rough. I have come a long way in my life and endured a great deal. Yet despite all that life has thrown my way, I am grateful to say that my experiences have shaped me into the best version of myself. My stage name and life experiences are synonymous to that of a diamond. Diamonds endure extreme heat and are formed under immense pressure to become the beautiful gems we admire near and far. Though songs like Shining & Memories have political undertones or at least mirages, they can easily be misunderstood. Blacc tells us about his music process, of creating and deliberating what he feels is art. I wouldn’t say that I intentionally write songs to have any specific social or political impact. I write from the heart and I speak my truth in my lyrics. Through my music, I seek to inspire, encourage, and uplift others to be their most authentic selves and live their truths. If speaking my truth in my lyrics were to be received as socially and/or politically impactful, I would be very appreciative of such comparisons. How a track is written-beat to rhymes The first few tracks are invasive of a very interesting writing and rhyming process, especially Poppin‘ & Rollin‘, meant to be heard together. You tend to realise that the intent might alter in each phase, so I asked Blacc about his process: When I write, the beat is in control. It is the melody that dictates the lyrics. I like to meditate for a bit to clear my head and listen to the beat a few times through headphones. I enjoy writing in private and often small spaces where I can be alone with just myself and my music. I’ll freestyle a little bit, and I will write everything down. After a few rough drafts the structure of my song builds, develops, and flows on its own. There is a magic that grows organically and often out of spontaneity. I believe I just steer the path. The closing track is perhaps the most important part of the song and I always like to make sure my closing remarks are smooth but impactful. I like them to conclude the overall message of whatever I’m presenting but done so in a way that is pleasing to the listener’s ear. With a good beat and flow on a track you can nearly say anything as long as it is pleasing audibly to your listener’s ear. I keep this in mind when writing my lyrics and apply the technique throughout my verses but especially in my closing remarks. I want listeners to be left satisfied but still wanting to hear my songs again and again. To conclude Diamond Blacc has a great compilation for a debut album, with interesting tight beats, all the way to lyrically complex bars that tend to deviate your rigid train of thought. The trap vibe is evident in songs like Make Me Cream, while his introductory songs are talk from a point of success and freedom. It is part of the rich fabric of hip-hop and yet aims to push towards a new style. Just remember him as Shannon’s son. I'd love to see this track on the film Rush Hour in one of its many quirky moments! Check out the movie here - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120812/plotsummary
Marcus Smith-Day After Day
Marcus Smith couldn’t wait for a band to form. He became one. A multi-instrumentalist with an edge like none other, there is nothing this man cannot do. His singles are exciting, unexpected and have a beautiful mélange of live instruments pouring in like colours from a prism. His latest single might be one of his best yet. This one is called Day After Day. With the kind of groove he maintains, he should be RHCP’s latest recruit. But, he’s breaking boundaries. With a catchy, cool rhythm section crafted with the lightness of a fruity beer-he expands what you would hear. The chorus is instantly installed as a high rise tower in your brain, and it's populating quickly. He must be a stickler for style, because he doesn’t let any rhythm settle. Constantly in varying motion, he comes in with a rap section that is tighter than most who specialize in it. Choosing unique verses and words, his sentence creation and flow manifestation is off the charts. A beautiful closing instrumental part assisted by vocals rounds off the fruitful track, engraved to the back of your head. Call on Marcus Smith to make a honey like sticky track. I’d have loved to have heard this track in Wayne’s World, one of my favourite music based films. The sticky element allows for the quirkiness as well. If the lyrics were to be read into, Groundhog Day and Palm Springs for sure. You can catch more of this incredible artist’s music with She Don’t Care, 21 Questions among some funky, groovy stuff. Make sure you follow him for more special tracks that will enter your playlist for sure.
Kurst- The Oracle
Kurst has always had a great pulse on what resonates with his listeners. With this awareness, he brings The Oracle to us. Kurst speaks to us about everything all at once in this song. You feel as though you are taking a tour of his mind palace except this happens to have a fire-beat structure. Kurst has an acute sense of reality. He has showcased his talent through his lyrics which have truly been crafted to perfection. He says “Gotta take the shot if I want to be the GOAT. Gotta keep on swimming if I want to stay afloat.”. Kurst also spices things up in a surprising manner as he adds references to Bambi and Elsa. I truly appreciate badass rappers having Disney references in their music in an unironic way. His nonchalant delivery of some hard-hitting facts of the world has this song winning its listeners over. A movie that comes to mind as we listen to the song is Freerunner directed by Lawrence Silverstein. The movie is an adrenaline-pumped watch that has a couple of men with bombs around their necks. They then have to go from one end of the city to another within an hour or it blows up. This happens as wealthy international businessmen place bets on who is going to win. It's absurdist and gory and has an incredible playlist of background tracks, The Oracle will fit right in with its swag. Kurst has hit over 11,000 listeners on his singles and has listeners across the US and it is only growing. The Oracle is a banger of a track that is bound to blare in your ear as you work out to give you that last push! Don’t forget to catch his music on the link attached.
Butterfly Haus- Time Bomb Season
Picture yourself on a plane and the announcement to fasten your seatbelts happens. That is Wire Cutter (Intro) on Time Bomb Season by Butterfly Haus. Our New Jersey-based Nigerian singer-rapper has such a knack for storytelling. He plays with several tones and textures that has the album gurgling with life and meaning. Butterfly collaborates with Osaze Akerejah, royLT, Turner Johnson, Audie OPM, Yahzarah and kkimmestry in this one. The album has ten songs, each carefully weaving a story chapter by chapter. Time Bomb Season has the backdrop of war. In One Step Forward Two Steps Back, he unravels and lets us in completely. The product of an artist truly showing themselves in their art is that the listeners feel seen. It happens more often than not in Time Bomb Season. Though Butterfly’s life experiences are unique, there is undoubtedly a connection we feel with his music. I'm Up and Butterfly Haus In I’m Up, we hear him play with a new set of warm tones of music. We hear percussion take the forefront here. They play like battle drums signalling either the start of the war or the surrender. He speaks of love as if he were a soldier at war. We see this even in If and When. Where he tries and frees himself from the ache of a breakup. Butterfly moves us with a mixture of a combination of tunes in the album and a mixture of vibes. While the subject matter of most songs is heavy it is placed with warm beats as backdrops, this juxtaposition is interesting. That is until we get to Blue Marble Gamble. Blue Marble Gamble Blue Marble Gamble is a track that oddly holds. The entire album plays with vocal texture and effects. But in this one, it’s more evident when we hear Osaze Akarejah say “Countless moments I’ve spent running, it’s so regal.”. The song deals with someone who can’t live with themselves due to varied reasons and is running away. Butterfly’s voice comes in like a hug and appreciates your strength and choice. Men, Women and Children is a film that deals with mental health across the spectrum. A core ideology of the film is communication, either too much of it (bordering surveillance) or too little of it. The film is an exquisite showcase of all sorts of relationships, from parental to romantic or the lack thereof as well. The entire album would be a perfect fit for the film as both deal with similar themes. It would be interesting to see how the playlist would affect the light moments as well. Butterfly Haus has come through with his album. It gives hope to a large population and most definitely gives words to thoughts and feeling people so rarely express. The album feels like a precious labour of love that the world can now feast upon. You must check out Butterfly Haus and his work, he has some live shows coming up and his very own podcast that deals with mental health, physical health and life in general.
DJ H Chimist - Run Away
DJ H Chimist's latest release, "Run Away," is a soulful and emotive track that showcases the artist's knack for crafting meaningful lyrics and compelling beats. The song starts with a series of hypnotic "Ouhouhou" chants that immediately set the mood for the rest of the track. From there, the music takes on a more melodic tone, with a smooth, driving beat that carries the listener through the song's many changes in tempo and mood. At its core, "Run Away" is a song about love and the power that it has to transform our lives. The lyrics are simple but impactful, describing a relationship where two people can be honest and open with one another, even when the rest of the world isn't listening. The song is filled with heartfelt declarations of love and a sense of urgency, as DJ H Chimist implores his partner to take his hand and run away with him, to a place where they can be free from the constraints of the world around them. One of the things that makes "Run Away" so compelling is its use of repetition and call-and-response. The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, with its repeated refrain of "Runaway, runaway." The song boasts of well-produced synth tones which provide a foundation for the beats to follow. DJ H Chimist dictates the rest of the song with his impeccable words. The song can be a worthy accompaniment to more modern romantic flicks like Crazy Stupid Love and 500 days of Summer. A heartfelt ode to love and longing The music, too, is a standout on "Run Away." The beat is infectious and danceable, with a thumping bassline that propels the song forward. There are also moments of quiet introspection, where the music pulls back to allow the lyrics to take centre stage. These shifts in tone and tempo give the song a sense of depth and complexity, making it more than just a catchy dance track. Overall, "Run Away" is a beautiful song that showcases the rapper's talents as a songwriter and producer. The lyrics are heartfelt and sincere, the music is catchy and memorable, and the overall message is one of love and hope. It's a song that is sure to connect with anyone who has ever been in love, or who has ever felt the desire to escape from the world around them. DJ H Chimist is the next big thing in the indie rap scene. Highly recommended.
6ixth Element- What They Want
What They Want by 6ixth Element is a powerful piece that deeply resonates with the youth. It explores the expectations that society has for you or the lack of them as well. When he speaks his truth, he speaks with verve and fire. The song begins with a mellow echoing tune and is slowly amplified by 6ixth’s voice. The song is supported by strings and percussions as its lead tone setters, apart from his striking verses of course. The lyrics manage to capture the essence of alienation and the need to prove people wrong. He literally knocks and tells you that the haters are going to hate but you need to keep pushing forward. “Look as I shift gears, 'cause life just gets harder. But as I look in the rearview, my haters fall behind farther,” he says, need I say more about this man’s flow? The kind of rap presented to us by 6ixth is the good old old-school rap that perhaps sets the tone at the start of a film. This goes to show us just how good of a storyteller 6ixth Element is! The Other Guys is a buddy cop action film starring Will Farrell and Mark Wahlberg. These two have the need to prove themselves. This is because they are pitted against Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne Johnson. While the film is a hilarious action watch, it has poignant statements to make about the justice system and action movies in general. What They Want would be great in the background as they are on one of their casual drives that turn into a chase and escape scene. The song has your attention gripped right from the start and 6ixth's words breathe life into you. The track is nothing short of brilliant, leaves you wanting more.
Any Longer- Moody Mac
Picture the rain pattering on your car windshield and you make a decision to incredible rock-rap?! That’s how Moody Mac empowers you in Any Longer. Any Longer is an absolute banger that seamlessly blends elements of rock and rap to create a truly unique and electrifying sound. The song is a steady roller coaster ride that progresses with instrumentals that gradually build. From the moment the haunting melody kicks in, you know you're in for a wild ride. Moody's lyrics are off the chain while he spits them with swagger but moves you with the intensity and gravity of what he’s saying at the same time. The instrumentals, especially the guitar work deserve its moment under the spotlight on this page. While this adds texture, Moody’s voice swoops in and adds depth that propels the track to new heights. There is a mixture of moods that sways the song between genres. The song reminds us that people live hard lives and make choices to live every day. Art that comes from deep experiences will sit so easily in the hearts of people and that is exactly what Any Longer does. While Good Girls is a dark humoured comedy-drama, it has its moments of grim life in it as well. It manages to make you empathize with the supposed villain- Rio. The series has the most apt playlist that amps up each song with ease and Any Longer would fit right in. The rock-infused single is one of many first few singles Released by Moody Mac. He showcases his talent and versatility with ease and grace in every single one of them. Any Longer is a must listen and you catch this and more on his page attached below.
ANTi- Close To You
ANTi has you hitting the replay button through his new single Close To You. The tunesmith has created this gem that effortlessly merges grooves with soulful melodies. Close To You Features Sci-Fy and together they bring the song to life. ANTi creates a musical experience that is nothing short of electrifying. I need you to be prepared with an umbrella for this one because these men will bring you an electrifying storm of a number. The production of Close To You is a masterpiece. They so effortlessly blend funk and pop elements into a sonic and soulful explosion of joy. It brings forth this irresistible urge to get your body moving and grooving to the music. The delightful drum kicks and the synth-laced instrumentals add this gruff texture that only elevates ANTi’s pumped vocals. If this song ever plays at a party, I'm sure you'd wish for the party to never stop. ANTi adds a little bit of spice in his vocals and it adds a little bit of desire that everyone looks for. Close To You is one of those songs that could be used in a films incredibly well. But it would do especially well in Always Be My Maybe. The film has Keanu Reeves in it, need I say more? You can imagine Ali Wong’s character playing this in her head as she shook his hand. All in all, Close To You is a song that when it bursts onto the stage, it will thoroughly blow you away. Close To You is a number that has vibrant energy. You must check out his cheeky craftsmanship in the links attached below.
Dax - The Abyss
Dax dives into the depths of every emotion he can muster and pushes out his new and most precious baby- The Abyss, his latest single. With every word uttered, he takes us closer and closer to the eye of the hurricane that is his life. Dax emulates a sense of dignified confidence that only comes with experience. Not just professional experience, we’re talking about the ups and downs of life. He hits the floor running with this track, as he unfolds little by little in the first section of the track. And before you know it, he leaps with “I was Traumatized. What would you have said if you were looking into my mama’s eyes.”. This reminds me of every character from The Bear, they hustle and struggle to get and keep their restaurant running. You would be a fool to not recognize the warrior that Dax is in this song. He shows us all his scars and dares us to look in his eyes. You can check out just how brilliant this and every song by him is in the links attached above.
Love Ghost - Snap
Love Ghost, the flag bearer of the underground scene, have unveiled his latest masterpiece, 'Snap' in collaboration with BrunOG and Chzter.' This experimental rap gem is a striking blend of trap and electronica, enigmatic in its industrial soundscape, and as hauntingly memorable as their previous work. 'Snap' showcases Love Ghost's artistry as they weave a sonic tapestry that transcends boundaries. The track's mix is nothing short of genius, manipulating the stereo field to create a dynamic and immersive experience. The pulsating beats and ethereal synths seamlessly merge with the gritty industrial elements, forming a mesmerizing sonic landscape. A Sonic Revelation in Experimental Rap As the groove takes hold, 'Snap' seems to be tailor-made for poppers and lockers. It's a track that could easily find its way into dance sequences in movies like "Step Up" and "You Got Served," enhancing the cinematic experience with its electrifying energy. Love Ghost's commitment to addressing personal battles of mental health shines through in 'Snap.' The song is a haunting reminder that love, like an unshakeable apparition, lingers even when it's gone. With this track, Love Ghost once again proves their fearless, Seattle-inspired musical journey is an essential part of the indie music scene. 'Snap' is more than just music; it's an artistic revelation that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.
Killah Trakz - For The Love
Killah Trakz, the musical genius who first captivated our ears back in 2007 with "Hoodz Prodigy," has once again proven his mastery in his latest track. Namely, "For the Love," collaborating with producer Es-K. This groovy masterpiece harks back to the golden era of classic rap records, offering a nostalgic journey through the roots of hip-hop. One cannot help but appreciate the meticulous attention to detail in the mix of this track. Es-K has artfully crafted a stereo field that immerses the listener, employing panning techniques that make each element pop in its own space. The optimum compression ensures that the dynamics are well-preserved, allowing the listener to feel the full breadth of the sound. "For the Love" is a sonic narrative from the rapper Killah Trakz that could seamlessly fit into the gritty world of "Straight Outta Compton," resonating with the raw energy and storytelling prowess reminiscent of N.W.A. Additionally, its rhythmic finesse and pulsating beats would make it a perfect addition to the soundtrack of "Baby Driver," enhancing the film's adrenaline-charged car chases. Trakz's ability to consistently deliver verses that stands the test of time underscores his significance in the underground hip-hop scene. "For the Love" is not just a song; it's a testament to his enduring musical excellence, reaffirming his status as a true luminary in the realm of hip-hop.
Dani Twice - Moonlight
Dani Twice has you popping the bubble of reality and elevates your senses to a whole new level of imagery with his latest single- Moonlight. Moonlight features Tony Tony Narvaez as well, who adds an abundance of texture to the number. The track is quirky and tasteful, a welcomed ear-worm if you will. There is a bubbling quality to the track, that emulates the feelings of new love. Sit back and let Dani sweep you off your feet into his wonder-world of rhythm, rizz and culture! Moonlight is a spring that bubbles to life with a scratching sound. This makes the song feel like the sounds are coming from around you. Making this a truly immersive experience. The track progresses into the pop world while also playing with classic/earthy styles. We also have glimpses of Y2K-sounding beats and rap styles. Dani feels like a chemist who plays with imagery through sonic waves. It is wild how every beat in the track adds so much character to the track and animates the song immaculately. The film that truly comes to mind with the beats, lyrics and title- Moonlight is Princess and the Frog. You can visualize a more Ghibli-styled version of the song playing as Ray sings it to the moon. If this doesn’t tell you just how much detailing Dani and the production team has put into this song, I don’t know what will! So I highly suggest you listen to this pop, bubble tea of a song. It will have you shaking off reality for 3 minutes and will push you into an Alice in Wonderland meets Sean Kingston situation.