Leezy – On Me [Review]

Leezy shows that, as he says, Patience and dedication always be the key with his new single, “On Me.” The first track from his upcoming album, the song showcases his masterful, effortless flow on top of some beautifully honest verses. The instrumental has a hypnotic vibe, featuring a classic beat enriched by a vintage vocal sample that feels like it is captured from a dusty vinyl record from that old French movie soundtrack. A powerful first release that leaves you wanting more. Listen below!

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M1 x Solomane – Free My People

Sometimes flex is cool. Flow switches are even better. Yet, there are moments when we must halt, observe our world, and speak plainly about what truly counts. Certain realities aren’t up for discussion; the right side of history is strikingly evident. This undeniable urgency directly fuels the powerful new single, ‘Free My People’.

In a powerful act of musical activism, M1 of Dead Prez and French-Moroccan rapper Solomane have joined forces with acclaimed artists Sa-Roc, Nejma Nefertiti, and Yasmeen Quintana for this fundraising single. Released via The Rose Production, the track is a direct response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other global conflict zones.

Born from an hour-long session in Barcelona, the song blends an old-school boom-bap spirit with a raw, resilient message. Each artist, from M1’s prayer for peace to Sa-Roc’s rapid-fire delivery and Quintana’s soulful voice, contributes to a collective call for an end to suffering.

All proceeds benefit Clean Shelter, a non-profit founded by a Palestinian and an Israeli, working to improve sanitary conditions in Gaza. As The Rose Production’s Adrien Rosier states, “Music has always been a voice for unity, and that’s exactly what we stand for.”

This powerful collaboration reminds us that in the shadow of war, “it is invariably the women and children… who pay the highest price.”

For more, visit http://www.theroseproduction.org/free-my-people. Donate directly at https://www.cleanshelter.org/donation.

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Pink Jagg – American Spirit [Review]

Now, this is what we call skill.

Describe your sound in 3 words

Poetic. Desert. Raw.

What inspired the title ‘American Spirit’ and how does it reflect the mood or theme of the track?

It’s the kind of cigs I smoke. It doesn’t feel like this daunting addiction to me. I actually feel like I have a sort of beautiful relationship with it. But it effects everyone around me especially my brother. We live together. Do everything together and he HATES IT. So I feel like “I have to quit. My ma hates it too.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

It symbolizes so much but to me personally it symbolizes unapologetic expression. My brother grew up very inspired by hiphop culture. I would always find homie on his head in his room or the garage. I’m sure he has a lot to say here. I could also write novels here and float the fuck on forever.

Your most honest and personal lyric?

I would say every lyric is personal but for this song: “If it’s wrapped in white I want all the smoke, that’s the American Spirit”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Kendrick. Eminem. My brother. He would probably say Bon Iver or someone like that.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

I imagine out of curiosity. Or fomo haha.

If the music of Pink Jagg was a film, which film would that be?

Damn. Something that has many details. That all the little details mean something or are intentional. Something poetic. On some Severance type vibe. Interstellar maybe.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t listen to them.

Thank you!

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Elijah Rich – Blueface (feat. Dalton Noon) [Review]

Elijah Rich teams up with Dalton Noon for “Blueface,” delivering flows with genuinely cool individual styles that keep things engaging. The instrumental’s hazy and beautifully detuned guitar arpeggio works nicely, while underneath, the drum beat carries a sweet old-school charm. The thoughtful use of acoustic instruments in the backing track results in a refreshing organic vibe that sets it apart from the commercial type beats you hear everywhere. Make sure to listen to the full album out now!

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Jay Gudda – Grey Magic [Review]

Jay Gudda, a familiar artist to our readers, is back with “Grey Magic”. The track’s production, characterized by its chilling mid tempo, is driven by it’s cinematic sound where nostalgic keys engage in a constant dialogue with mysterious undertones. Jay Gudda’s flow needs no introduction—it’s one of those distinctive styles you can recognize from miles away. Truly signature. Lyrically, “Grey Magic” draws inspiration from Manly Hall’s book, Magic: A Treatise on Natural Occultism, where Hall defines Grey Magic as “the unconscious or subconscious perversion of power.” To further quote the artist himself, “Don’t explain when it’s understood”. Listen below!

Make sure to listen our interview with the artist here

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Larry Coleman 2020 – The Art of War [Review]

Larry Coleman 2020 is an independent hip-hop artist from Las Vegas, who gained prominence on Soundcloud and through collaborations with Bay Area legends and other notable artists, known for his “Hunger Games Series” that reflects his Detroit roots and West Coast influences, and recently sold out his Hunger Games Tour.

His newest track, “The Art of War,” highlights his lyrical skill with clever lines and powerful punches, and includes a feature from Flint, Michigan’s Jon Connor. The instrumental, characterized by a two-chord arpeggio, creates an atmospheric soundscape that complements the heavy on bass beat. The track’s structure is engaging, with a groove switch in the middle, adding to its dynamic feel. Listen below!

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N8! – Destroy & Rebuild [Interview]

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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Born I – Koan [Review]

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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Odd Holiday – L.I.S.A.

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.

Bolt Seminar – Vigilante Ft. Alligator Alfred [Review]

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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