SLU!¢£n $zn by Gady

As popular culture is shifting into a more retro era, so is Hip Hop. Gady has achieved an inspiring combination of Y2K style and rap music. His latest EP SLU!¢£n $zn possesses a vibrant and fast essence, within the music and Gady’s gracious delivery. The project is entirely produced by Kasai, a obviously perfect pairing for Gady’s music, known to be on the higher side of BPMs. It’s difficult to listen to without matching his energy along the way. This 10 minute, five-song EP is exactly what people are looking for. It’s completed with its uplifting energy and optimism. As the world is quickly beginning to reopen, safely, Gady’s music is a great way to encourage you to, as well.

Click here to listen to SLU!¢£n $zn on SoundCloud.

Letter To You by NOAHH

NOAHH remembers his late friend and fellow artist in this song and video for “Letter To You”. This comes off of his latest album Noahh’s ARK and acts as an introduction to the project. NOAHH often speaks about Cloudy Nueve and his promise to keep his name, and musical legacy, alive. Cloudy is also featured on the album. For the video, NOAHH shares clips of loving moments that the friends shared on stage as he walks the haze of not having him here today. He speaks from his heart, making “Letter To You” a powerful song for anyone who’s lost, someone.

Click here to watch the “Letter To You” video

Mach II by Keko

Keko can’t be of this world. His latest EP Mach II feels as if he has traveled in and out of this galaxy searching for the perfect sound. The first song of the EP “Pull Up” has that futuristic, yet minimal sound. It’s the best balance of upbeat but methodical. Production isn’t just slapped together on this project. Keko stacks styles to keep in his arsenal throughout the EP. There isn’t just one style of Hip Hop that Keko ventures in, his music can appeal to the masses.

The EP features the single “Bon”, a melodic and relatable track about Keko’s step up as a young man and artist. His sound is constantly growing. Keko has never been shy about putting out something different. This experimenting helped bring this project into existence. The final song on the EP “Smooth Words” is a bold and refreshing Pop sound that most Hip Hop artists wouldn’t touch, but it seems like anything Keko touches turns to gold.

Click here to listen to Mach II on SoundCloud.

JETSKI by Internet Money ft. Lil Mosey & Lil Tecca

Internet Money never fails to sense exactly what the world needs to hear. Their newest single “JETSKI” is electric and vibrant enough to ignite that summer energy that’s bubbling inside all of us. Led by Taz Taylor, and following their RIAA certified gold album B4 The Storm, Internet Money has been on track to be the biggest producer-driven collective to touch the Billboard charts. This single has accumulated over four million streams on Spotify alone on its debut. With stellar credits, including Lil Mosey and Lil Tecca, it’s hard to see this track not climbing the charts.

Click here to listen to “JETSKI” anywhere

BIGBABYGUCCI’s Assume The Worst

BIGBABYGUCCI had fans on their toes as his sixth studio project neared its official release. Assume The Worst is coming with only a few weeks' notice since the Atlanta rapper has now fortified on the West Coast. This move to California could only add variety and vibrance to his music. This project was recorded in Hollywood, mixed and mastered entirely by Better Temperatures’ engineer and producer, Joe Dirt. Producer Fish is also returning alongside longtime creative partner BIGBABYGUCCI. 

BIGBABYGUCCI could write the playbook on how to keep fans engaged and interested. His social media is filled with teasers and updates. And release dates are never too far apart. In fact, on the eve of Assume The Worst release, he released the single “Unhealthy”, accompanied by a music video directed by Keaton Jones. The ominous and eye-catching video is an excellent appetizer as fans anticipated the main course.

BIGBABYGUCCI keeps everything open and on the table, but manages to keep all the big surprises behind closed doors. Whether it’s a new single to hold fans over until his next project or using his platform to create his label, there’s always something for fans to enjoy. His ventures into physical CD sales and merchandise as an independent artist is a feat only few can do for themselves. BIGBABYGUCCI has triumphed since his separation from his label years ago. Now, he’s living any independent artists’ dreams.

Click here to listen to Assume The Worst.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH QEW LLC

Everyone wants to rocket to the top, but it’s the continuous practice that makes you the greatest. QEW LLC is a rapper from Atlantic City who embodies determination. With one project and quite a few singles on his discography, he’s focused on always elevating his talent. His Let’s Feast album features a more boom-bap style of hip hop while his newer music takes on an all new sound. I had the opportunity to talk to him and better understand his love for the craft and how he’s so open to change.

What’s the story behind your name and the start of you creating music?

QEW: QEW is my initials. I want to be recognized as a musical business and thats where the LLC comes from. I’ve been creating music since the late 90s. I was a young child recording myself on a karaoke machine using cassette tapes. I was born into music honestly.

You’ve evolved since your Let’s Feast EP, what’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in yourself?

QEW: Nothing really changed. It is more about timing. Let’s Feast is more of a time stamp and introduction for the people to reference. I am just turning up my content as time goes on.

A lot of your music has galactic and extraterrestrial influences, how did your love for space start?

QEW: Books. I just read, read, read.

What authors or books particularly inspire you?

QEW: I get my inspiration from Occult, Esoteric, and Spiritual books.

Have you ever battled with sticking to your old school, lyrical style and making music that fits mass appeal?

QEW: No. I just fuse the two. I found a way to balance it out.

Your music never fails to elevate the energy in a room. What is it about high tempo tracks that captures your interest?

QEW: It allows me to push more lyrics out in a shorter time.

Are you open to making slower, more melodic music?

QEW: I have made and I am currently making slower more melodic music. I am really calculated with my music so I’m just waiting for the right time to release them.

You have a few collaborations under your belt now, do you have any plans for more in the near future? Anything new with someone we’ve heard before?

QEW: Yes! I want to work with everyone as long as it makes sense to my brand and musically. Not that I know of but I am open and available.

What can listeners expect to here next from you? Any projects for summertime?

QEW: I am about to shift into a more club, house party, vibe out type of zone for the summertime. I will be releasing them in single form. Stay Tuned!!

Click here to listen to QEW LLC anywhere.

Qwick Quake Yr 2100 by QEW LLC

Music has the unique ability to change your mood instantly, “Qwick Quake Yr 2100” is fun and experimental example of just that. For this single QEW LLC spares no moment,he  explodes onto the mic- and that energy never dissipates. Produced by bbazul, the track uses heavy drums and electric guitar to elevate the beat, futuristic tones throughout the song give it a mystical element. QEW LLC raps about a higher, intergalactic energy, giving listeners a bit of his knowledge and a total shift in mood. Much like his lyrical ability, he’s simply from another planet.

Click here to listen to “Qwick Quake Yr 2100” anywhere.

333 by Lil Turbo

Lil Turbo isn’t taking any time off and isn’t let his opposition rest on his new single “333”. His fast-paced lyrics and determination make this track a head-knocker. “Get straight to business. Know that I do not play.” Nothing’s stopping his focus. As Spring is coming, this is the exact energy that we as listeners need from the underground. Lil Turbo brings his best on all of his releases, hopefully, this will set the tone for this year.

Click here to listen to “333” anywhere.

this is the last time by pulp

pulp has put their fantastic spin on The National’s  “this is the last time”. pulp gives the song more longing and a feeling of grief, bringing down the tempo. They speak not-so fondly of, but mesmerized by, “Jenny”. pulp generates a sorrowful tone with slow, dark piano chords. The National’s thoughtful, woeful lyrics are paired with their dreary tone. “I wish everybody knew what’s so great about you. But your love is such a swamp. You don’t think before you jump.” “this is the last time” is similar to a mantra, or a promise to yourself. pulp shows off their creative directing skills and pays homage to the band with this cover of a classic.

Click here to listen “this is the last time” on SoundCloud.

Basic by Trestil

Trestil is look for a girl that’s out of this world. His new single “Basic” assures that he’s on the search for better when it comes to his love life. “Basic” is a smooth R&B track, Trestil puts his vocals on display and delivers a stellar performance. The track is fairly short, allowing listeners to listen to it over and over. The energy of the song makes it perfect to add to your daily playlist. Trestil went above and beyond with this single.

Click here to listen to “Basic” anywhere. 

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH JTVION

      

JTVION is a young, influential rapper from Sandusky, Ohio. His music melds together different musical influences, from metal to punk rock, into his unique Hip Hop style. Although JTVION is still on his sprint up the mountain, his music is close to any professional caliber. Recently, he’s been strolling through Twitter and collecting believers. His music and his message are so good, they’re hard to ignore. After seeing his work as an outsider, I wanted to know what’s behind his discography and enthusiasm. He’s one of those artists that make everything seem a bit too easy.


Where did your musical career begin, what materials were at your disposal and what kind of person were you?

JTVION: When I first started making music I had got really into pursuing it as a hobby after X passed away. It hurt losing an artist that helped me through so much so I wanted to step up to the plate and be somebody others could look up to. At the beginning I didn’t have any equipment except GarageBand on my iPhone, some Apple headphones and a scrap car that I recorded in. So because of only being able to record with low quality equipment I made loud aggressive screamo style music


Did you ever dabble in music before XXXTentacion’s passing? How did it change after he passed?

JTVION: Yeah I would rap in freestyle everyday when I would walk around when i was little up until I wanted to start taking it serious


How do you think you’ve evolved or improved since then?

JTVION: Since then I think I’ve improved drastically. To the point where if I showed you an old song you wouldn’t even believe it was me lmao


How has you faith helped you as a person and an artist?

JTVION: My faith in god carries my career and my ability to prevail. If it wasn’t for the strength god gave me I would’ve stopped pursuing music a long time ago! As a person I’ve completely changed my life around. My whole life used to revolve around drugs and getting High off pills, weed, coke basically whatever except the crazy stuff, if it wasn’t for god and music idk who or where I’d be


How do you approach song concepts and the message you convey now? Is it hard to stick to a style or overall image?

JTVION: I don’t really have a certain way I approach song concepts I just create what I’m feeling at the time. I think sticking to a style is easy once you’ve landed how you you want to sound I guess, I wouldn’t say I have a singular style but you could hear anyone of my songs and go “oh, that’s JTVION”


It’s hard being an independent artist. Who or what motivates you the most?

JTVION: Some things that motivate me the most are having an impact on those I come across. Allowing people to see my journey in music and my faith as an example that anything is possible through hard work and faith. I’m also motivated by how far I can go with my music and the life I can create for myself! I really just want to prove to myself that I can change my life. Oh and I want to prove people who thought little of me that I’m more than what they thought o ever could be.


If you could pick 2 of your own songs and 1-2 of your favorites to direct to people that went through a similar situation as you, what would they be?

JTVION: LoveUAlways and Midnight off my album Young Lost Soul. Bounce Back by 17dreams, Fire by Seji, Change the Climate by Lil Xavy and Runaway by 6VIB3Z.


Although COVID is still a factor, do you have plans for more immersive audience experiences?

JTVION: Yeah totally, I wanna do some sort of “virtual” concert this year and put on a show for my fans through a livestream of some sort! I think that’d be pretty cool


What are your plans for this year? Are more collaborations in the future?

JTVION: Some of my plans for this year are to drop another album/project toward the summer! Along with getting the Seji x JTVION tape out. I also wanna work with some more artists I’ve connected with here on twitter. Like Yung Gosse and Babyface, etc. there’s really so much I want to get done!

Click here to listen to JTVION anywhere!

Who Are You by JTVION

 

JTVION’s newest single “Who Are You” is an electric and melodic soon-to-be hit. His melancholy cadence and taunting lyrics give it an angsty vibe, along with stunning production by prodbybmw. His vocals are raw, even as he harmonizes with himself. It’s just over two minutes long, making it perfect to add to a playlist and keep the sound fresh. It has the honest energy that many young listeners are searching for, topped off with his catchy style. “Who Are You” has all the elements of taking off. Considering it was released less than a week ago, this is a track to lookout for.

Click here to listen to “Who Your Are” anywhere.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH REESIE WOODS

      

Reesie Woods, a young R&B artist determined to let his spark ignite the music industry. His qualifications are above most, but it’s his spirit that makes his music enjoyable. With a handful of projects and singles under his belt, he has been able to generate an engaged and dedicated audience. Although he’s in the early stages of his career, his knowledge of his craft and his amazing talent are sure to take him much further. I talked to him to learn more about his latest single and what experiences crafted him into a young artist.


You music has a well tuned and mature sound, what are your roots in creating music?

REESIE: First of all thank you! Yes, I believe that my music actually really stems from my actual experiences and growth.When there was I feel like I was (am) growing into myself through these experiences. I feel as if that bleeds in my music, and everything I do creatively. Also my music influences have a big role in it as well. Such as Miguel, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Diddy, John Legend, and of course Usher!


What pushed you to pursue a career in music?

REESIE: What pushed me to pursue to do music was (believe or not) Alicia Keys! I watched a video of her performing on the Soul Train awards on youtube, playing the piano, and singing. The way she was doing it, the way she was so captivating. I just knew I had to at least explore the feeling, so I began piano lessons at 13, and long story short it was wraps! Went to college to study music, discovered my love for singing, started being trained classically. Got my degree in Music Business. Now here I am aspiring to my dreams and aspirations! It hella life lessons that could be taught through learning music, and singing music as well. I am grateful for the rocky process. Truly.

R&B has been rising back into mainstream popularity. What’s something new or back in style that you’re happy about?

REESIE: First of all. This make me extremely happy. Simply because soul music has such an impact in my life. I grew up around various amounts of R&B music being played around me. I love the fact R&B is a little bit more alternative meaning that its incorporating a new sound but with the essences of true R&B. Artist such as SZA, Anderson Paak! Also, please do not sleep on this artist that goes by the name of Yebba!! She has this gospel influence to her! She is the real deal! I love artist who can really go there and really tap into the soul aspect of music. Thats my point tho. I love that the soul aspect is coming back into R&B, BECAUSE that is what R&B is.

Has quarantine helped you or hurt you creatively? How so?

REESIE: I would say it has helped me! It has help me tremendously. I had all this extra time to think, to meditate on so many different thoughts, emotions, fears, and really strengthen myself. To grow in confidence, to forgive, to grow from certain fears. Overall to not stunt my growth as becoming the person I want to be. KEYWORD “I” simply because I was so focused on other peoples opinions when my opinions should be the first and last opinion I think of. Quarantine put so many things into perspective for me, which is why my song Midnight II. just really came so fast, and so naturally. Because I was able to confront my mental barriers. YES that’s a thing. haha Speaking for myself. 

What’s the story or motivation behind “Midnight II”? It sounds like the theme to a good date night.

REESIE: The story behind Midnight is about a girl I was in a situation with. It’s about you two wanting to be together, but these cycles keep happening, and getting in the way of the actual talking phase. Meaning we can never get pass our issues, because of these assumptions. So that why I write the hook. “Love me tease me know you think about me, Hate me but you miss me tell me how you really tryna be” So Midnight II. is literally about a phase in a relationship. Thats why the music video describes it so well. Because by the end of the video is a sense of relief between couple because you know it’s love there but shit keeps getting in the way. Thats Why I say “save me from your midnight” meaning I just want to see you lets talk, lets get through this.

What’s your next step in music as far as keeping fans engaged while concerts are still somewhat far in our future?

REESIE: Definitely more videos! I love video foe real real. More covers, and behind the scene footage of my process. More music is coming, and musical features I am crazily hyped about! Also we have more releases soon with our clothing line Protagnia! So be on the lookout and support!

Will “Midnight II” be a part of larger body of work? When can fans expect more from you?

REESIE: Haha. It still really early for me to tell actually. Because I wrote Midnight II. based off a feeling and I just kinda go with my true feelings. Fans can expect more from me this year for sure. I just getting warmed up. I feel as tho I reach the point were I can really express myself musically, and more is coming sooo sooooon.

Click here to listen to “Midnight II” anywhere.

Age of the Beat Stars

Hip Hop has morphed dramatically since its origin in the 70s. Each generation adds its flavor and layer of creativity to the art. As we’ve fully stepped into the new decade, it has become increasingly obvious that producers have come for the crown. Rap has always been about the rhythm and poetry created by the DJs and emcees. But the years have brought a new audience, and a new sound. Melodic, drill, and trap rap are now international. Hip Hop is global and connecting personally with the lyrics isn’t necessary. Countries as vast as Russia, Korea, and Italy have adopted rap music. Where verbal communication falters, the rhythm does all the talking.

Now, simply what’s heard sonically is enough to connect one to a song. The impression of the bass, the emotion and tone of the vocals is key to evoke a response. Entire cultures are infused into Hip Hop, then shared even further through streaming and social media. At the core of these experiences are the producers and engineers. They’re able to create instrumentals so timeless and organic that it doesn’t take a certain listener to appreciate it. Producers search for fresh and enticing sounds to add texture and brand the beat into listeners’ brains. This all comes together in the studio as engineers take the best qualities of the beat and the artist’s vocals and create the hits of today. 

It’s hard to say you haven’t liked a song just from the beat, especially the drop. That energy is hard to ignore. Production in itself has always been a prominent skill in creating music. Now, thanks to social media, young listeners and artists can follow their favorite producers, learn from them, and listen to all of their songs. Producer collectives have launched their recording careers. In this era, the artists are the instruments. Internet Money, the multi-faceted music collective, has earned themselves over twenty weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Stars can be discovered at any stage when it comes to production. A young and driven collective is more than capable of leaving their mark. The collective Neilaworld acquired credits on multiple platinum projects in 2020, including Pop Smoke’s Shoot For The Stars, Aim for the Moon. In this new decade, everyone gets their credit. Anyone can be a star.