Author: Admin

Sorg & Napoleon Maddox – If You [Review]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Soulful, grooves, authentic

How did you meet and form Sorg & Napoleon Maddox?

Connecting through social medias in 2013 to compose the duo’s first track « Wild West ».

Tell us a few things about “If You”. What is the main idea behind it?

The main idea behind “IF YOU” is that we will all at some point find ourselves in need of a hand to lift us up from a difficult place in life. As much as we need to be lifted, we also need to be there for other people who need lifting, and understanding this is life greatest treasure.

How do you navigate the intersection of music and social commentary in your work?

We look for the personal connections. We look for our own vulnerabilities and unanswered questions when we approach subjects. This is power of art, so that social commentary can move us emotional and is more that words, critique and judgement.

Are there specific messages or narratives that you feel are particularly important to convey through your art?

As we aren’t working on a singular platform as a politician or sells person might do, we don’t have fixed narratives to convey, but in general we are talking about liberation and redistribution of powerful from the oppressor, back to the oppressed.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

At the moment, they are “IF YOU” “UJFP” and “SHARK MEN”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

No best, no favourite.. but iconics !
Rappers : Nas, Common, Anderson Paak., … Producers : DJ Premier, RJD2, Hit Boy, …

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Unity, original, and resistance

What isn’t a crime but should be?

Environmental disrespect

Thank you!

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Born I – Koan [Review]

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Born I, also known as Ofosu Jones-Quartey, is a rapper and meditation teacher from the Washington DC area. His mantra, “You Are Enough,” reflects his positive outlook and serves as a guiding principle. As a versatile lyricist, Born I effortlessly navigates through various genres while consistently showcasing his powerful lyrical skills.

In the track “Koan,” Born I delivers an authentic piece characterized by his sincere flow. The track is distinguished by a consistent melodic theme in the instrumental, featuring nostalgic high-pitched manipulated vocal samples. The organic incorporation of the piano contributes to the overall texture, and a deep bass line serves as a cohesive element. Born I poses thought-provoking questions once again. Who is the student, who is the master? Click play. The answer lies within.

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DBL A – Grabbing at my ankles

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Manchester-based artist DBL A and Manchester-born producer, Yves Jones, link up to create DBL A’s latest single ‘Grabbing at my ankles’. Following a spell of lyric and flow-heavy releases, the artist marks a sonic shift with his latest single. Showcasing stripped-back flows, as well as more melodic vocals, DBL A experiments with new sounds on a soulful and ‘genre bending’ track. The song came about as a result of regular sessions between the two. Off the back of their 2022 UK garage release ‘smarties’ Yves Jones (one half of rising Manchester based duo ‘Fieves’) displays experimental vocal processing that works hand-in-hand with DBL A’s delivery, showing just how comfortable the two young creatives are working together. introspective lyrics from the north Yorkshire native paint a vivid picture over soulful samples and synths as he talks on topics of self-destructive behaviour and overcoming negativity from exterior forces. The 23-Year-old artist looks to take larger strides in the UK music scene as well as within his own artistic development. Releasing on 13/10/2023, DBL A, displays his range on a song that likens itself more towards a genre-mixed sound than that of his previous releases – One that any fans of Sampha or Vegyn should be sure to check out. Having already shown his talents at a Ballami radio cypher, alongside Manchester-based artist ‘Finnerz’, earlier in the year ‘DBL A’ is one to watch in the UK scene as the artist promises that there’s ‘much more to see from him’ before the year is done.

DeliBass – Hikaru (Lofi Mix) [Review]

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DeliBass, the producer hailing from Australia, has gifted us a delightful auditory escape with his instrumental track, “Hikaru (Lofi Mix).” At the heart of it lies a smooth guitar line that engages in a soulful conversation with dreamy atmospheric keys. The songwriting carries a jazzy vibe, enriched by sweet twists that add a layer of sophistication to the composition. This lo-fi mix is the perfect companion for a laidback afternoon, an ideal soundtrack for moments of quiet contemplation or creative endeavors. Listen below!

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Conrad Jon – Suburban Disturbance [Review]

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Conrad Jon’s “Suburban Disturbance” brings a vibe to the hip hop scene. Featuring a distinct string riff in the instrumental that persists throughout the entire track, what truly sets the song apart is its original melodic flow in the hook, that has an early Young Thug flavour. The simplicity of the beat, enriched with classic trap elements, adds an effective layer to the project, making it easy to hit that replay button. The flow is delivered effortlessly, a testament to the artist’s ability to create catchy hooks. Listen below!

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Odd Holiday – L.I.S.A.

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Odd Holiday, consisting of Alt-Hip-Hop MC Mattic and producer duo Daylight Robbery!, straddles the line between underground nostalgia and a progressive future. In “Adam West High School,” the mysterious piano loops reminiscent of Griselda’s style, evolve into smooth jazz stabs and psychedelic nuances curtesy of Ghost in the Machine. The MC delivers a seamless, one-take verse that spans the entire track—no hooks, just pure lyrical wizardry that captivates attention until the very end.

‘Boarded Up Portals’ encapsulates the group’s overarching hip-hop approach, blending abstract cinematic soul with eloquent, vivid lyricism. Odd Holiday diverges from the mainstream, choosing an unconventional path and ensuring to seal off the portal behind them. This track possesses a dual nature—simultaneously beautiful and haunting. Extended, angelic vocal samples, immersed in darkness, create an ideal setting for intricate lyrical mind games.

“Omen Key” ventures into the realm of Brazilian Psych, introducing an additional layer to the duo’s diverse alternative-hip hop collection. The introduction captivates with an immersive wall of synth that transforms into a velvety Rhodes-driven groove, featuring Mattic’s characteristic verse. In a surprising twist, the B-section unfolds into a psychedelic guitar breakdown, effortlessly complemented by Mattic’s flow. Odd Holiday, once more, explores a fresh sonic identity, remaining unmistakably true to their distinctive style.

Nate Rose – LEVEL UP (Survivor’s Guilt) [Review]

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Nate Rose takes his game to the next level with the deeply personal new song titled “LEVEL UP (Survivor’s Guilt),” delving into themes of family trauma, ethical and moral questions, and a stark juxtaposition of the circumstances facing him and his old friends. This powerful track is marked by some fire, minimal 808s in the beat and showcases a skilled, heavilly eq flow with remarkable variety, presenting an honest and raw work of art.

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Filmore! – MENACE [Review]

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Irish singer, songwriter, rapper, and visual artist Max Zanga, aka as Filmore! collaborates with Uppbeat showcasing his signature delivery with “MENACE,” a track featured on his self-titled mixtape. This aggressive hip hop tune seamlessly incorporates Nu Metal influences, adding an edgy and dynamic dimension to the music. Beyond its intense sound, “MENACE” delves into themes of introspection and self-doubt, delivered with a fiery vocal performance that demands attention. The ingenious fusion of an intriguing synth riff with the solid guitars, creating a powerful project that pushes boundaries.

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Bolt Seminar – Vigilante Ft. Alligator Alfred [Review]

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John Sarastro (visuals and beats) teams up with Dell Wells (vocals and words) for Vigilante, a hip-hop production that blends traditional techniques with new ideas pushing the boundaries of the genre. The instrumental stands out with its intriguing funky line mixed beautifully with a classic, saturated drum beat, while the added scratches carry an oldschool essence.  The flow exhibits pleasing variety, with each rapper effortlessly delivering their bars. Unconventional hip hop straight from da underground. Listen below!

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Aminata – What’s Magic? [Review]

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Hailing from Canada, Aminata showcases her irresistibly chill work delivering some serious laid back vibes. The artist’s delivery has a straight, to the point, spoken word touch. The warm detuned synth chords in the instrumental create a distinctive presence, harmoniously mingling with the lofi beat and the pleasantly subdued bass line. What’s Magic? Aminata has the answer for you. Click play below!

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