Coming from the Porte de La Chapelle district in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, Slkrack made his appearance on the French drill scene in early 2020 with “Gestion”. Thereafter, he will release this same year 4 other sounds including a freestyle for Mouv’ in November and notably the track “Patek” in October 2020, with the presence in the clip of several beautiful names of rap such as Georgio, Doums, Gazo, Abou tall and Hache P.
After a busy year with the project “SL500”, then the EP “Merci” and a notable appearance on the sound “La Colline” from the album of Cashmire as well as several scenes and concerts, Slkrack is not finished with the year 2021 since he continues a series of freestyle “Hazi Life” whose first two have worked well. The rapper of the 18th district of Paris puts back a layer with this ” Hazi Life #3 ” accompanied by Dehmo.
‘I Know What You Did’ captures the energy of someone that got betrayed but is ready to move on. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
The main idea was showing the ugly part of anger. The part we hate seeing in ourselves. The person we become when we really get destroyed by someone. The version of ourselves they made us out to be.
Does your music in general reflect real life experiences?
Most of the time yes. It comes from my personal experience and my perspective.
Favourite album of the past decade?
Oh man.. tough question. Hopeless Fountain Kingdom by Halsey still gives me chills… As well as Under Pressure by Logic.
What would be your dream performance venue?
Madison Square Garden.. I’m from Jersey but I live so close to New York that I’ve walked by it so many times. My goal is to make it on that stage one day.
Your music has a pop sensibility. In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
When they’re looking to either cry, feel their feelings, or have a good time. I’m looking to make more upbeat music cause life isn’t all bad. My better songs just happen to be focused on love and breakups !
With manipulated, low pitch vocals and a chill hip hop beat ECLIPSE engages the listener instantly. Tell us a few things about it!
Pitched down vocals are one of my favorite ways of establishing the vibe of a song. This type of vocal manipulation is a staple in certain electronic genres, but the first time I heard it used really well in a hip hop song was A$AP Rocky’s “Goldie”.In this era of music, new listeners will skip your song pretty quickly if you don’t hook them in. Changing the texture of vocals is probably one of the best ways to keep people listening. On a technical level, I pitch my own vocals down about half an octave. I find that suits my vocal tone the best.
How would you describe your musical progress over the years?
Aside from hip-hop, I love the electronic sub-genres of Future Bass, House, and Trap. Pretty much all of my music will have elements of these electronic genres mixed with Hip-Hop. Recently, I’ve been making purer hip-hop like ECLIPSE. Although, even ECLIPSE uses drum sounds more typically associated with EDM in parts of the song.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
“Drink, Smoke, Cut a line, take you for another ride /I swear I love my girl but Oh these drugs they give me butterflies”. Most people know that drugs aren’t the healthiest or most sustainable way to be happy, but a lot of us use them anyways. This line is just a way of expressing how self destructive I can be even when things are going well for me.
Favourite album of the past year?
This is a tough one. I think I’m going to have to go with “ALBUM MODE” by Dillon Ponders.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
It’s probably different for everyone, but to me it’s a form of self expression. We all have totally separate lives inside our own heads that the world doesn’t see. My music is an extension of myself that I put out into the world. Kinda scary, but its satisfying when people react positively.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself not to wait so long to actually start putting out music. The earlier you start the more time you have to develop your sound and cultivate an audience. I used to be so worried about what people would think of my music that I just didn’t release it. Now I understand how subjective music truly is. Most struggling artists just haven’t found their audience yet.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I do amazing impressions of Elmo, Stitch, and Golem from lord of the rings. I haven’t found a way to incorporate that into my music yet. But when I do it’ll be awful.
Waiting for so long, please let me have that moment.. Dorian, the breakout Baltimore, Maryland artist returns with his new track titled Reign Love. The track is a first taste of the upcoming album release “The Arrival: Dream World Pt.2”. Dorian’s sound is characterised by his expressive vocal delivery which is enriched with professionally crafted back vocals. With this track the artist is showcasing his ability to produce contemporary music that is moving while at the same time has a feel good factor. The lyrics reflect the moments everyone experiences at some point of their lives, the times in which you are waiting for a change, from a small one to a big one that will change your life forever. The instrumental has an r&b sound while it incorporates some soul trap elements like the signature trap hi hats. The song comes with a video clip that captures perfectly the aura of the song, starring Dorian himself. Listen below!
A sound that combines my Swedish and Lebanese heritage into a Scandipop hybrid. An international latin / pop edm with, at times, also an Arabic flavor.
Fools Gold sounds very smooth. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
The idea behind the song is to bring out my roots and go back to the beginning. My musical journey has been quite long, having cruised thru different styles and flavours. Going back to the smooth latin style, the music style maybe closet to my heart. Is something I wanted to do for a long time. I also think it´s the style thatthat maybe showcases my voice the best. Foold Gold is about that special love. The Gold that you think that you can´t live without but then later down the road might discover is not at all what you thought it would be. But the lyric also talks about how its always better to have loved to the fullest then to not have loved at all. Fools Gold is a statement for any person who feel that they need to move on to possibly be the best version of themselves and take charge of their own lives. ”I´m moving on to be somebody”! Hopefully this song will be a reminder of your self wort.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
To mention one I want to highlight the song written to my mom, “Borrow you for a while”. It was one of those songs I felt would be a real challenge to write since it´s also so close at heart. But instead this perticular song almost wrote itself. After a night in the studio, embracing the memoy of my mom, waking up the next morning, there it was. Sometimes we can´t plan these things beforehand. “Borrow you for a while” is a song that means a great deal to me. Maybe somehow my mom helped me writing it being present from the other side. 🙂
Fools Gold also has a latin touch. What are your main influences?
Any artist who believe in themselves enough to go for their dreams. Starting my singing carrer out of L.A, one of my main influencers was the renowned artist SADE. Watching her and her amazing live band on stage in San Diego in 2001 had a hugh impact on me. In my early repertoar I also used to cover many of Sades hitsongs. I truly believe singing her songs influenced me in many ways as an artist. Also on my latest studio work Fools Gold you will find that very same and classic latin touch that Sade used to resemble.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
As an indie artist, my experienc is that its sometimes harder to break in to the music scene. If I could ask for one thing from the music industry it would be to be more open to new and upcoming talent. I have found that at times the music scene in Sweden seemes to be a more closed community. Therefore our focus has been more on the international scene. A strategy which has been quite successful. Try breaking into the international scene and your home coutry will follow. 🙂
You are based in Sweden. How do you relate to the music scene of Stockholm?
Im happy for the many great collaborations that has come out of my home country so far. I would say that Sweden has a great amount of talented songwriters and I´ve had the honor to work with some of them. Many of my music videos are also the result of great Swedish collaborations. I´ve also had the advanged of building a following on the Swedish live scene performing around the country during the last years. Of course it also helpes being able to perform and work close to where you´re based and your home
What is one message you would give to your fans?
”Ask and you might receive! Dare and you will gain!”. Being an athlete taught me that with hard work and focus you can achieve a lot. Never give up on your dreams and never let anyone tell you it´s too difficult!
BTW has a lovely rnb vibe and really positive vibes. What is the main idea behind it?
The main idea behind it was my trials and tribulations in my dating life This is what inspired this subject for BTW
For which lyric you are most proud of?
I swear these boys are the same thinking I was dumb enough to fall for the play. They be talking all night but they don’t ever act right. One of my favorite lyrics of BTW.
Your music has an old school vibe too. Are you into today’s RnB? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?
I definitely like the old classics which is what inspired the track but I also love the new sounds that are out as well..
What would you change in the music industry?
What I would change is for the music industry to be more open-minded and not put everything in a box like they do.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I picture the state of mind when people want to be cheered up regarding a relationship that perhaps went wrong. I would hope this song inspires to laugh it off and move on and be proud of who you are.
When was the last time you danced?
I love to dance , I was dancing in my bedroom last night.
Los Angeles based artist Cush Wallace is showcasing his latest work titled Types of Way. His sound is characterised by deep, chill vibes. The lyrics from Types of Way will take you on a journey through the artist’s universe. Cush Wallace is using a classic instrumental to get his message across in the four-minute record. Driven by the constant hi hat loop, it is also heavy on the saturated 808s, guaranteed to make your sub shake. His flow is mostly clean and melodic with interesting moments of light use of autotune. Turn up the volume and listen to Types of Way below!
In Down South you blend country elements with a modern twist. What is your creative process like?
I create a guitar riff on top of electronic drums, then find a synth and bassline that blend together well, usually creating lryics last. They have to match the vibe!
Which song of the EP reflects you the most?
Werewolf
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Gorillaz, Billie Eilish, Diplo, NIN, TOOL, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
getting the project promoted has been a challenge. Particularly on a local level. My local independent radio station is picky
Favorite film ever?
Grandma’s Boy
What would you say is your biggest vice?
Negative thoughts. I also have high expectations that usually lead to being let down
It’s a combination of melodic, conscious and cross continental hip hop, taking the best of those three and meshing them to create what you hear on my songs
How would you describe your musical progress over the years?
Its been going from strength to strength, I thank God. I think me taking my time honing my craft throughout the years, progressing with each song and reflecting that in the music is showing and reaping the rewards my way. For example, I’ve had labels approach for management and as of a month ago this year, I was recently approached by a big music PR company that wants to work with me, which I’m excited about. It can only mean I’ve been heading in the right direction over the years
What first got you into music?
Boredom honestly. I’d like to say something more exciting but this is whats brought that excitement ultimately. I used to come home from college on days where there wasn’t much going on and just play around with a skype headset and audacity (shout out audacity for all those that know) out of sheer curiosity and from there on, began the journey that’s got me here. I also feel that this, as well as having stories to tell myself, just made it so it came at a perfect time to gel that together
Favourite album of the past year?
I wouldn’t say I had a favourite up until now with Kendrick’s Mr Morale and the Big Steppers album
What would you change in the music industry?
I think education and development on how to strive as an artist, especially for independent artists. Whilst I know this is counter productive for labels and some, I think teaching the ropes and business side of things could be incorporated as this has been abandoned over the years, even looking at how an A&R used to develop an artist for example. It’s now a lot of take take and forget everything else
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be too be prideful for things and know that any worries you may have are miniscule in comparison to your potential and ceiling
In Sucia you blend latin elements with catchy pop sounds. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?
My cousin LucĂ had been visiting NYC and staying with me so we could work on some tracks. Producer and photographer, Calvish, who also helped produce the track had planned for us to meet MRI and Chop Ford and once we did we realized we were in a room full of Hispanics – Me and LucĂ being Ecuadorian, MRI being Colombian, and Chop Ford being Brazilian – and we thought about how fun and different it would be to do a latin collab track with a bunch of New Yorkers too. The idea came from our friend Elliot walking into the room with a shirt saying “Sucio”, which we all thought was great and that’s where the idea for the song came from.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
“First you get mad when I leave, then you get mad when I stay. I don’t wanna hear excuses, I don’t wanna play these games”
Favourite album of the past year?
Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
As of right now – but with Web3 and NFT’s becoming prevalent, the whole music industry is about to be turned on its heels. With music industry NFT’s like Pianity, and the whole idea of being an independent artist, creator, and with everyone wanting to be some sort of creator and needing the rights to certain music, the entire music industry is changing.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Just drop that shit and keep making content…GO CRAZY ON TIK TOK – That’s what I would tell myself. I hopped on Tik Tok late and lowkey regret it but also don’t want to depend my entire music career on it because I’ve gotten where I have without it.
When was the last time you danced?
Last night. I love to dance – it’s in my blood! I’m Hispanic. I grew up with music around the house, my family always coming over on weekends and holidays to party and dance throughout the night staying till 4am, and sometimes even just staying all night.
HipHop Paranoia 