Author: Admin

Dylan Naber – Pressure [Interview]

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Feel the weight, Dylan Naber delivers under Pressure. Read our discussion with the artist below!

Describe your sound in 3 words

“Energetic”, “lyrical”, and even at times “Melodic”

Tell us a few things about Pressure.

Pressure was recorded, mixed, and mastered by me. It’s produced by Axel who has made songs with me in the past like “Bubblin” and “Bout Me”. Pressure is also the first single of my upcoming mixtape and will have a music video coming out a week or two after the release. Pressure releases April 26th on all streaming platforms.

What is the main idea behind it?

The main idea about Pressure is to show my confidence and lyrical ability while also “talking shit” to my haters and people who doubt me.

Your most honest and personal lyric?

My most honest and personal lyric in the song would have to be when I say
“Overcome anything with the hand I’m dealt
Cause I’m the man (Uh)
You need to think about it, I don’t think you understand (Nah)
Y’all still sleep like you popped another Xan”
I have overcome a lot of obstacles in my life to be this confident in myself and as an artist. I like this lyric since it points that out while also pointing out how underrated I am as an artist(which I hope changes after the release of this song).

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Very tough question as I would say I have a different answer to this almost every day. My favorite rapper at the moment would have to be Big Sean as he is one of the rappers that inspire me the most. My favorite lyricist would have to be Eminem just because I don’t think anyone has even come close to how good his double entendres, similes and rhyme schemes are. It’ll take me multiple listens to even understand them all. My favorite producer will have to be DJ Premier just because of how great his sample choices are and all of his work with Gang Starr and Nas.

Do you think there is a true underground sound today?

Even though I think the sound of the underground has changed in the past few years I do think there still is a true underground sound. However, I do think there are a bunch of different underground sounds now due to the vast changes in the genre of Hip-Hop. Some underground songs are melodic, some are more lyrical, some are more experimental, it just depends on one’s taste.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

In my opinion Hip-Hop overall symbolizes a lot of things to different people. In my opinion one of the main things it symbolizes is creativity that you can’t really get in other genres of music. As sampling, producing, rapping, and DJing is at the core of Hip-Hop With producers using older songs to sample and incorporate in their songs, with rappers writing really witty bars and using certain songs as a way of expression, and with DJs creating fun transitions, it can’t really get more creative than that.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

This is a pretty funny question to ask. When it comes to getting trouble with the law I’m pretty good at following it. However, I did get caught for a Fake ID when I was under 21 trying to buy alcohol. Lucky for me the case ended up getting tossed away so nothing ended up on my record.

What do you love/hate about LA?

I lived in LA all my life so I don’t really know anything different. I would say what I love about it is that there is always something to do out here and the music industry is all out here as well. There’s not much that I hate about it other than how fake some of the people in the industry can be over here, good thing I can usually see right through it though. Oh and the traffic is always horrible over here, but that’s just LA for you.

Thank you!

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DBL A & Benwa – ZEMI (Ft. Sweets & Luke Royalty)

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DBL A & Benwa kick off 2024 with their new body of work, ‘ZEMI’. Manchester’s alternative and underground music scene continues to flourish as artist, DBL A and producer, Benwa team up to create the genre-bending lo-fi rap tape. With influence of indie as well as soul through to dark trap the 23 year-old artist displays his talents as a vocalist as well as showing his range of flows, rhyme-schemes and personal themes over a series of equally varied and detailed instrumentals. Both originating from Yorkshire, the pair take you on a sonic journey to Benwas home-studio in Manchester with a sound that’s reminiscent of rejjie snow projects from yester-year. curating lo-fi sounds that feel like the bread and butter of bedroom pop/rap, Alongside an array of features from other Manchester-based artists; Luke Royalty, Sweets and KHI-P all help add an extra layer of quality to the project. Synths, guitar and the occasional heavy 808 are all found carefully scattered across the EP, allowing DBL A to let his creative freedom roam wild, as he navigates a series of topics, from emotional growth, through to drinking liquor from a sippy cup. ‘ZEMI’ is only the first release between Benwa and DBL A which only makes the hint to a bright future of releases stronger.

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N8! – Destroy & Rebuild [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Raw, Poetic, Authentic

Tell us a few things about Destroy and Rebuild. What is the main idea behind it?

Destroy & Rebuild is based on the 8th number of Supreme Mathematics which is Build or Destroy. Build refers to actions or decision that lead to positive outcomes for self and/or community. Destroy speaks to the potential for destruction and negative consequences based on one’s actions or decisions. But real life is always so cut and dry and lines are often blurred. Sometimes you have to confront the negative energy that threatens your peace. Destroy and Rebuild, speaks to that moment of confrontation when you look the devil in the eyes and say Not today Satan. It’s the epiphany you have when you realized that in order for there to be harmony, you need to speak truth to power without fear of consequence.

Which is the most personal and honest lyric

For me, the most personal and honest lyric of Destroy and Rebuild Is “What the fuck what make him go so hard? I took a Blue Chew” lol

Favorite Rapper, Lyricist, and Producer

The Notorious BIG, Andre 3000 and The Deity Complex

What does Hip Hop symbolize in your opinion

To me Hip Hop is the voice for the voiceless. It speaks to the creativity and ingenuity of people who have nothing but manage to make it into something. It’s a culture built on the foundation of 5 elements but has grown to include so much more.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

I would give artist more control and ownership of their careers/art as well as equity in record labels/DSPs built on their backs.

If I was arrested, what would it be for?

Murdering MCs or being Black in America

A song you are convinced was written about you

Killing Me Softly by the Fugees

Thank you!

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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!

Main Text

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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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