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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Aminata – What’s Magic? [Review]

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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DBL A – My Place

‘MYPLACE’ is the third release of the year for DBL A. Continuing to evolve his sound alongside Manchester-based producer ‘B-SEEN’. The second collaboration between the two shows DBL A experiment with his signature style of 140 flows, introspective lyrics and creative wordplay. the two link up in song that shows B-SEEN’s distinctive glitch-hop style, with UK grime and drill influences. and shows the North Yorkshire-native MC take his unique sound forward, as he prepares to release a series of singles to further leave his impression on the UK Underground scene before the release of his second tape.

Odd Holiday – It IS Whut It Iz [Review]

Odd Holiday has returned with their newest offering called “It IS Whut It Iz”. The song begins and concludes with sample clips. In between, the main part features a lively drum beat, an intriguing bass line and trippy dub infused desert guitars. The primary melodic theme has a superb cinematic vibe. The flow is smooth and captivating, effortlessly riding the beat, blending perfectly with the instrumental. An experimental hip hop production which isn’t afraid to take risks, making it unique and noteworthy.

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B1GJuice – Drought

Fitting as a perfect mixture of ski-mask balaclava activity with Michelin-star restaurant ambiance, “Drought” captures the sophisticated aggression and raw class of the seasoned Canadian MC. But here’s the kicker – listening to it also makes you 10% more likely to win at rock-paper-scissors. (Don’t fact-check that.)


Captivating in its rhythm, the track features an enticing flow and a seamless fusion of a velvety bassline, ethereal piano keys, and vibrant jazzy horn lines. Enjoy below!

V of 40M – Martin Luther [Review]

No need to pretend.
V of 40M has done it again with his latest work “Martin Luther.” The track is a powerful political statement that addresses issues such as inequality, discrimination and power games. Teaming up with Saint Cardona, the production on “Martin Luther” is nothing short of outstanding. The instrumental is a classic and gritty drill beat with a wavey, killer bass line and sweet dark vibes that perfectly complement V of 40M’s flow who he doesn’t hold back as he delivers his message with conviction. The combination of V of 40M’s lyrical prowess and Saint Cardona’s production results in an experience that goes beyond just music. It’s a call to action, a battle cry for change. The soundtrack of the revolution.

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Deadmics – Lily Livered [Review]

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.

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Motown Priest – Farewell to Welfare [Review]

Uncovering the true worth of a dollar.

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?”.

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