pof by glasear

The concept that producers are artists in themselves has become more prevalent in the last decade. Producers are pivotal to the recording process and give songs their life force. Producer glasear takes it up a notch, creating a world within his music. His latest project “pof” is a quick look into his creative ideas and possibly his sound at its purest.

The EP begins with The First Step “Monoto”, it has a surreal essence. The tempo changes at glasear’s will. Like a dream, you're at the mercy of imagination. The soft bass and fluttering chords allow the track to flow. It mends perfectly into “Spyro (The Second Step)”. This instrumental sounds like falling deeper into the rabbit hole. The pacing of the drums gives off haste and the feeling that time is running out. It ends with a transition to a much calmer sound, almost like transcendence. Next is “Absorb (The Third Step)”. This track has similar elements to jazz. It’s freeing. Each instrument and sound has its own, distinct identity within the song, but they manage to complement each other and have the space to create something more. “Absorb” feels looser and more carefree than its predecessors. “Bliss (The Final Step)” has a rock influence with heavy drums, distorted strings, and angst that will engulf each listener. On the surface there’s chaos, but only to guard the soft, angelic vocals. Each just as precious.

Click here to listen to pof on SoundCloud.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH LOGAN WRITE

The focus on lyricism isn’t dead, and SoundCloud is not a platform of the past. Everything has its peaks and valleys, everything that rises must fall. Hip Hop artist Logan Write lives by this. His music is an infusion of classic rap flows with a shift in experimental writing and instrumentals. His bars run on like train tracks. You wouldn’t believe, once you get to the end, where you started from. He’s studied and nearly mastered his lyricism and boom-bap style. Now, he’s taken that knowledge and created a thoughtful and exciting EP, Late Night. I took the time to ask him about his affinity for music, commitment to staying true to his roots and what’s next for him, as soon as we are all allowed to leave the house.

How has growing up in the Midwest shaped your style of hip hop? You’ve stayed true to a more boom-bap style flow.

LOGAN: Livin on the east side of indy during my childhood it put me in a community where rap and hip-hop was more prevelant. There was a lot of old heads and I think that led me to perfer boom bap styles. But I try to put a spin on it.


You only have two projects and a handful of singles on SoundCloud, yet your music sounds professionally crafted. How long have you been creating music and what drove you to pursue such a career?

LOGAN: Im very self conscious about my music so Im always looking to improve production, creativity, and sound quality. I’ve been makin music for about a year and a half now, still a long way to go. Ive always loved freestylin and I wanted to transition to songs and after I had fully finished my first song I was hooked.


You pledged to remain true to roots in “Still the Same”. What keeps you sane and grounded while developing a name for yourself?

LOGAN: Id say the constant concept of who I want to be as a person and as an artist, Ill obviously change little by little as I grow but I want to stay goin in the same direction always.


How did your collaboration with 9Livez for “Alone” come about?

LOGAN: I was workin on Alone and decided that I was goin to put a feature on it and the first artist to come to mind was 9Livez. Man is amazing and he agreed he actually came through to my studio and recorded the verse right there.


Have you had your first live performance yet? If not, do you have plans in the near future?

LOGAN: I have! I opened for Ugly God in 2019. And I plan to as many more as I can!


What step in the process of creating a song do you find to be the easiest? Whether is the concept, recording, or finding the right beat.

LOGAN: I feel like none of the process is easy for me, I put a lot of time into makin all my material. Finding the right beat would be probably the hardest though.


Your music surely speaks for itself, but what do you feel sets you apart from other artist?

LOGAN: Im always comin out with different styles of music and the music im working on now is unlike what people makin today.

Click here to listen to Logan Write on SoundCloud.

Apply That Pressure EP by G.Soulow

Over the last few years, R&B has been pushed out of the musical spotlight by trap and drill music. North Alabama artist G. Soulow has made it his mission to rejuvenate R&B’s presence in pop music, and marry it with trap elements. His EP Apply That Pressure has a healthy and organic mix of rhythmic vocals and trap lyrics and instrumentals. “Gotta get a bag. Can’t go nowhere. Gotta stay focused. My music my biggest effect.” z

This project doesn’t have a single song that isn’t worth playing all of the way through. As a young artist, his talent lies in his vision and storytelling. G. Soulow is capable of depicting exactly how he feels or the message he wants to convey through his writing and musical arrangement. “Bestfriend” has a classic rhythm and blues tone while still creating that new school energy with its hook. G. Soulow has certainly spent ample time perfecting this project to not only be a solid and enjoyable body of work, but to also make it a valuable artifact in his discography. Apply That Pressure will remain timeless because of his attention to detail and believing that it’s quality not quantity.

Click here to listen to Apply That Pressure on SoundCloud.

”Lift Me Up” by Daddex

Daddex is capable of flipping the mood at any moment. His song “Lift Me Up” from his Christmas EP Nightmare Before Xmas does just that. The beat, that sounds most similar to the soundtrack of an action movie is captivating. The kick drum bass coupled with it forces you onto his level. Almost as partners in crime. His lyrics and persona are mischievous and sure to offend some, but where’s the fun in art it no one gets offended?

The kids will understand.

Click here to listen to “Lift Me Up” on Spotify.

Don’t Believe By Benkasso

Benkasso isn’t in the rap game simply for the money; he’s in it for the impact. His most recent music video, “Don’t Believe” is a testament to Benkasso’s commitment to bettering his community. His music speaks the truth and bring light and inspiration to his listeners. It was only right that the young rapper base the video in his home town. He goes above and beyond as a symbol to his local youth about the infinite possibilities beyond the world we know.

Click here to watch “Don’t Believe” on YouTube.

nocturne EP by avakten

Last year, avakten released a three-song EP titled nocturne. The EP, featuring the late rapper Hella Sketchy, is a high energy project and a solid body of work for its six minutes of run time. The listener is swiftly transported in and out of an atmosphere that resembles another dimension. Every chime or high hat sounds as if it's brand new and made for that specific track. avakten placed exceptional consideration into the mood he was trying to create during production. This EP is sure to stand out throughout his career as a estimate to his fearlessness as a producer and an artist.

Click here to listen to nocturne on SoundCloud.

One And Only By Only Yann

Just a week ago, Milwaukee rapper Only Yann released his first project One And Only. The EP is studded with explosive beats from an array of producers; Hoodrixh, 9TYEIGHT, and RichyBoyDior to name a few. Yann is making a statement with his first project- he’s taking this very seriously. The production and quality are top-notch, no shortcuts or “mumble rap”. His lyrics are fun and meant to heighten the energy no matter the situation. With an introduction to the game as dynamic and likable as this, I’m sure we’ll see much more of Only Yann.

Click here to listen to One And Only on SoundCloud.

No Call 4 Help EP by DroGotDoe’

Get it all off of your chest. That’s why rapper DroGotDoe’ did in his last eat EP No Call 4 Help. Often times we just need a way to vent in order to bounce back. The EP kicks off with a mid-tempo, grunge track “iPhone Gang”, then follows up with a higher energy track “Rollin”. The project crisscrosses between these two moods, ideally for those somber times when you’re stuck between feeling bad and feeling better.

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Click here to listen to No Call 4 Help on SoundCloud.

Binsecure by AntFlow

Soul music is not dead, not at the hands of AntFlow. His recently released EP, Binsecure takes listeners all the way back to the good old days. His intro track, “Tough Love” instantly alerts one to exactly what this project is, and AntFlow takes full advantage of your time, stringing you in with smoky guitar chords and slow bass. The trance continues with “Stuck On Pause” a heartfelt ballad. The EP, consisting of five tracks hits all of those wholesome heartstrings that we tend to miss in between the hustle and bustle. This project is sure to put your mind at ease and add that perfect touch to your cozy evening this Fall.

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Click here to listen to Binsecure on Apple Music.

Entr’acte EP by Dutcho

As the weather turns cold, it seems our feelings go along with it. Dutcho embodies that shift through his grunge and forthcoming music, Entr’acte furthers that bond. He speaks to those young people not looking for songs about material things, but rather real and sometimes unpleasant emotions or situations. ”War With Myself” is a helping hand for his supporters that may be dealing with more internal struggles. If you’re looking for a more alternative style or simply a new sound, this is the project for you.

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Click here to listen to Entr’acte on SoundCloud.

Deadly EP by Shao

Smooth and calculated. That’s the best way to describe rapper Shao’s newest body of work. Deadly is a honest telling of life today. Shao is an open book and his flow is as rhythmic as an old school record. Consisting of six tracks, each song is meant to fascinate the listener and show off all of Shao’s skills. Wordplay is nothing to the young MC and his explosive energy is on full display in ”Hunger” featuring GenoPride. Surely, all of the artists’ rage must have been released while recording the dark anthem ”Christ” featuring Surge. The EP, engineered and partially produced by platinum-engineer TylerGENIUS, distances itself from the Trap style of Hip Hop that the younger generation has coined for themselves, and pushes energy, inflection, grimy bars and a crazy beat to drive his point.

Click here to stream the Deadly EP.

#On My Way! By Lil Xelly

Lil Xelly seems to never take a break, or even sleep. While some artists take breaks between projects or like to create months' worth of suspense, Lil Xelly keeps his fans constantly entertained with new music. #On My Way! or #OMW! is one of his most cleanly engineered projects to date, the artist is always looking for ways to improve his craft. Lil Xelly collaborates with several producers for the six-track EP, including LordFubu, DPBEATZ, and Visual9, to simply name a few. Each song is exciting and perfect for your ”hyped” playlist. ”. ”Calabasas”, produced by Jolow is a bouncy, guitar and bass driven track, and a new classic Pop song for Lil Xelly. Not to mention he probably has one of the best relationships with producers. His sound has become more adventurous over the years, partly due to his love for networking and always generating new music. This project is the best example of his growth as an artist.

Click here to listen to #On My Way! on SoundCloud.

YBN Cordaé’s Lost Boy Tour

YBN Cordaé’s music is reaching a larger audience than he’s ever dreamed, and this summer, so will he. The South Carolina native rapper is bringing his sound across North America. The tour begins in Montreal, Quebec on the 23rd of this month and is currently scheduled to end a month later in Anaheim, California. Cordaé has kept his new music under lock and key. So far, he and his camp haven’t experienced any leaks, but fans are getting antsy. On his most recent Instagram post, at the time of writing, a fan tried out his luck, pressing the young rapper to release the album. Although there is no official release date known to the public, Cordaé promises he won’t go on tour without dropping the album first. Considering his explosive rapping skills, I think his fans could use a few extra days to learn all the lyrics before tour kicks off.