Proklaim, the talented hip hop artist, has made a remarkable comeback with his latest release, “Valley.” His music embodies the essence of potent hip hop and stays true to his artistic goals. With this release the artist manages to craft well-thought-out melodic verses displaying his impressive range and, note that, without relying on autotune. Proklaim’s rap is elevated by a classic sounding trap beat that features a nicely hypnotic theme, signature trap hap patterns and heavy 808s that draw listeners in. If we were to imagine how Proklaim would speak: Maintain faith and hope through the various stages of life. Sometimes the journey we find ourselves on is uniquely designed for us. Let the empowering lyrics inspire you to carpe diem!
Deadmics is presenting “Lily Livered,” an honest alternative hip hop track with a charming old-fashioned atmosphere. The instrumental side of the song, by produced by Rob Castro, is nicely soothing, featuring pleasing piano lines and a lovely string section reminiscent of a black and white film. The addition of the horn solo enhances the warmth of the overall production. Thematically, the song discusses feelings of jealousy and vulnerability, as well as recognizing them. It deals with the conflict of feeling the dopest but not receiving recognition for it. On one hand, it seems uncool to crave acknowledgement, but on the other, it feels justified. Ultimately, it’s a reflection on both sides of the situation. You may hate the world. On not. Either way click play and dive in.
Drum and bass is not dead, it just nevel left underground. The UK-based producer Rohaan collaborates with Flowdan on the track “Musket,” a fast-paced and energetic drum and bass song with Grime elements. The vocals feature a raw and uplifting flow, while the instrumental is marked by a constantly evolving and power in bass, along with rich metallic beats that blend elements of both drum and bass and hip hop. The track is perfectly balanced between the two genres, making it a great choice to play at summer festivals held in remote, industrial settings. Hit play and prepare to enter the Drum & Bass arena. Expect mosh pits too.
These are the tales of a Sad Boy. Love Ghost and Big Boss Mulaa joined forces to create a moving EP which comprises four tracks. The EP is characterized by a blend of soulful guitar patterns and soul trap infused beats, producing a sentimental and melodic atmosphere. What distinguishes this EP is its genuine and unfiltered approach, which is beautifully honest. The lyrics of the songs draw inspiration from the emo culture and are richly expressed. “Heartless” delves into the intricate emotions of loneliness and the anxieties and doubts that emerge from suffering relationship trauma. “Lethargic” captures the feeling of being stagnant or stuck at a specific stage in life. “Samurai” encourages listeners to transform into a warrior and face their internal battles with courage and determination, while “Train Tracks” provides a deeply personal account of experiencing intense emotional pain and developing a profound sense of empathy towards those who have gone through similar traumatic experiences. Join the emotional ride below!
You don’t have to leave just yet.. Francisco Martin’s latest song, “Passenger Princess,” is a captivating blend of pop production, lively guitar rhythms, and a stirring beat. The artist’s dreamy falsetto takes center stage, and his cool songwriting and addictive chord progression make it even more enjoyable. The addition of numerous horns in the background provides depth to the production, while the keys (some of the with a retro hint) add warmth to the overall sound. With this song, Martin reminds us that there is beauty all around us, waiting to be appreciated. You just need to take a drive with the right person and click the play button.
Can you tell us more about the process of writing “head//heart”?
head//heart happened really quickly. I remember I found the beat first, & instantly fell in love with it, the oaky vocal sample repeating those lyrics did it for me. I came up with the chorus on the spot, and liked the inflictions on my voice. It felt right, with what I was going through at the time, me choosing those words. I had to sit down for the verse though. It was like, 11pm when I started and maybe 1am/2am when I finished the verse. I was realllll careful when I selected certain words as well, not in a safety net sort of context but because I wanted to properly convey my very conflicted thought process.
How has your experiences with mental health influenced your music and creative process?
I draw most, if not all of my creativity on how I’m feeling in real time whenever making music. I don’t know if other artist can relate but I very rarely make something happy when I’m the opposite. Unless a certain sound can pull me in that direction. But on the topic of influences, some of my favourite musicians (Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar) have used their platform to speak on topics such as mental health, and I can admit, I’ve been depressed & hit brick walls, figuratively. I want to help people with my music the same way other people have helped me with theirs.
Can you share more about the upcoming EP “photodump//exit left”?
The best way for me to describe it would be a snapshot of scattered memories of this one relationship I had that taught me a lot about myself. On the spectrum of toxic masculinity, & vulnerability, I go over that on the project.
Can you talk about the line “dead, I wish I was dead & gone” and what it means to you?
That line is really dark, when I first heard it I think I was so gripped & sold because yeah I talk about mental health a lot but to actually state that you don’t want to be here anymore for your entire audience to hear is a scary thing, but I see it as hopeful, because if you look behind the words you’ll find someone who’s looking & pleading for a reason to hold on, even if it’s just for a little while longer.
How do you see “head//heart” as a step towards bettering yourself and purging old demons?
I actually wrote this song about 3 years ago now! I had to write these songs to understand myself, & to come to terms with my thoughts & actions. So to me, this is me symbolically writing a letter to myself detailing all the things that bother me, everything that is wrong about myself & burning it before it plays on my mind. Old demons have no place in new beginnings.
This song is playing in the background as a black car heads straight down the pitch black alleyway and you stand hidden wondering: Are they gonna flood the big lights on us, or they friendly?
Born and raised in Detroit, New York City based artist Motown Priest makes a strong comeback with his latest single, “Farewell to Welfare.” The track features an effective 2 chord progression and a beautiful acoustic drumbeat with intriguing breaks that give the instrumental a natural feel. Motown Priest delivers a succinct flow, addressing the song’s main question and refrain: “What is the value of a dollar?”.
Get ready to ride the rhythm. Zenodro, the Hispanic artist hailing from New Jersey, has made a comeback with his latest release, “Trainwreck.” The track is filled with punchy lyrics and a consistent melodic riff that occasionally shifts octaves. What sets this song apart is its incorporation of groove switches that seamlessly transition between classic hip-hop/R&B infused beats and 4/4 dance beats, ensuring the listener remains engaged throughout the entire track. This is a track that’s perfect for dancing with anyone, but especially with a feline friend (If you’re curious about the reason why, it’s time to give Zenodro’s debut album a listen).
Can you describe the creative process behind the album “Quincy”?
Almost everything was recorded at a friend’s studio, so I got to really take my time experimenting with arrangements and sounds, and work with some of my best friends. My dog Quincy was by my side through the entire recording process, sometimes leaning against my legs while I tracked vocals.
How did your personal experiences with loss, illness, and recovery shape the content of this album?
I am very inspired by the cycle of nature when it comes to recovery and healing. The natural world is so resilient and adaptable that it’s impossible not to take cues from it when you’re facing down chronic illness and grief. My mom died at 64, while I was recording the album, and her death gave me a sense of urgency and vision around the project. It pushed me to be uncompromising and stay true to my goals.
Can you talk about the significance of the song “Letting Go” and its connection to your mother?
We go to Cape Cod every summer, and every summer for my teen years, I’d have a big fight with my mom. Towards the end of her life, as her illness progressed, I started thinking more about what it would be like to go to the Cape and not have her there to fight with — or even just be with. “Letting Go” holds some of the tension of loving someone and letting them follow their own path.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I love collaborating when it comes to recording, but songwriting is a really solo process for me. I’m a slow songwriter and I take my time feeling out melodic lines so they fit my voice perfectly. I love the idea of collaborating on writing in the future, but for now, it’s me on my own.
Favorite music related film?
I love “What Happened, Miss Simone?” as a documentary, and “This is Spinal Tap”
Future plans?
I want to share the songs from Quincy as widely as I can! I’ll be touring all summer and through the fall, and working on new songs from my home studio as well. I’m also writing a book this year — a hybrid memoir on grieving, and I can’t wait to share that with the world in the future.
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