Since99 is At The Forefront of A New Wave

No matter how you feel about Since99’s cadence, he has the beats, punchlines and puns to demand his respect as an artist. Layer his lyricism on top of an impressive, bouncy beat and you conjure a majority of his latest work, high energy, but somehow monotone hits. Since99 continues to embrace what makes him stand out from the typical rapper persona. There’s no gimmick. His songs stay true to him and cause the same characteristics that some doubt him for, to be his strong suit. It’s a sort of “nerdy” rap that’s hard to pin down. With Hip Hop in the hot seat of popular music, the genre is bound to be molded and morphed as it evolves. Since 99, however, has solidified himself as a historical figure in the emergence of this newer genre.

Click here to listen Since99 on SoundCloud.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH CHLOE RAIN

Chloe Rain wrote her debut album for her, but she also wrote it for you. Each song is an extension of an emotion that we all feel. It’s the sadness of being cheated out of happiness or a glimmering opportunity, Unfair is a heartfelt and selfless display of love and growing pains. Although not perfectly polished, Chloe Rain and her friends of artist make this project a stepping stone for her musical career and what fans can anticipate.  

What encouraged you to make Unfair your debut album instead of a mixtape or EP?

CHLOE: i originally planned on making it another ep, but as the tracks came to be, i knew that myself and the people involved were album material. i also wrote the whole album in four days so i acknowledged how natural it was coming to me and took that as the universes way of saying, this is it. but what really pushed me was once i listened to it front to back for the first time i just knew it was my debut album.


What have you learned about yourself as an artist while creating this album?

CHLOE: i learned that i can do a lot more styles than i think i can, ikyk was the first time i wrote over a beat like that, and the lyrics literally slipped off of my tongue. i also learned that i’d rather put out a big project than a bunch of little ones, i like to tell a story through my art and although i can do it in four minutes, why limit it to that.


COVID-19 has ruined plans for millions. Did you experience any complications due to quarantine during the process?

CHLOE: honestly not really, i’ve been pretty lucky because most of what i do has been online so far the only semi complication, was i thought i had the virus so i couldn’t sing for about a week, but i ended up just having a cold thankfully. but that was the 5th day of working on it so the day after writing all those songs all i wanted to do was record but i knew it would only make recovery longer

Any plans for visuals in the future, this year or next?

CHLOE: i have a video in the works right now, and i plan on doing more in the next year or so, i have a lot of ideas in my head, i just need to work on bringing them to life

Is there a story behind the song “Asshole”?

CHLOE: asshole is just a song that i felt like everyone could relate to. i’ve done wrong like everyone, but i feel like you do one thing and everyone paints you out to be the bad guy. it was kind of my way of beating everyone else to it because i knew the people who this album was about would hit me up or throw shade and i had a song on the album to hit them with what i assumed they were thinking. & a song to the haters. 

Have you felt any pressure to meet or exceed standards while releasing your music?

CHLOE: honestly, no.i’m to a point in my craft where i can bump my own songs and love on them. i knew putting this project out no matter what the numbers said or who loved it, i was confident in my craft. and it was more than good enough.

What can we expect from for the rest of the year?

CHLOE: i have a lot planned, i’d except some singles, and potentially another ep.

Click here to listen to Chloe Rain anywhere.

I Can’t Smoke In The Gallery by Pulp

“I Can’t Smoke In The Gallery” is a slow and solemn track essential for moments when you just need to unwind. The grave bpm of the beat is hypnotic and Pulp’s soft vocals are meditative. The piano chords and drum beats can only best describe a sunny park scene. Pulp manages to create layers within the song, each with their own experience. Although the track has such light and optimistic tones, the lyrics hold a contrasting tale. You may just have to take another listen.

Click here to listen to “I Can’t Smoke In The Gallery” anywhere.

Turbo Bieber 3: Popstars Never Die! by Lil Turbo

Lil Turbo is keeping the summer energy alive with the third installment to his alter ego’s discography, Turbo Bieber. The eight track album consists of some of his best lyrical performances and new classics to add to any playlist.

The project is led with “Shine” a rich track to immerse the listener. It’s the perfect element of escapism. The project continues with “Texaco & Citago” with production by Neilaworld. The beat has an experimental and cosmic tone with Lil Turbo at the helm of the musical experience. Lil Turbo isn’t afraid to embrace what’s outside of the norm. His collaboration with Belis in “Gotta Blast” probably has the highest return on interest. The song is melodic and catchy, and assistance from Belis’ otherworldly vocals elevates Turbo’s delivery and gives body and texture to the piece.

From there, Turbo Bieber hits full speed. “Paranoid” has a more cocky persona than the tracks before it. Lil Turbo is focused on the climb, how others are moving around him couldn’t matter less. “Fuck what you say, I’m make me a trillion.” He’s manifesting a bright and rich future. “Money Talk” has softer energy, displaying his range and ability to maintain artistry while hitting all the notes people want to hear. He’s assisted by SEBii to solidify the gentle sound he was looking for. “Bad Bih” is a clever song, the tune almost mimicking  a nursery rhyme, making it almost impossible to forget. “Outerspace Zaza!” keeps the fun going. So far, Lil Turbo has allowed the tempo of the album to shift and flow almost like a concert. Each song has its purpose, whether it’s to kick off the show, keep the momentum going or slow it down. Lil Turbo closes out the show with “I Know She Know”, a more rhythmic and sensual track left over for the ladies.

Click here to listen Turbo Bieber 3: Popstars Never Die! anywhere.

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.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH LIL SAD BOI

Lil Sad Boi lets his emotions flow, and puts all of that energy into his music. He takes situations and circumstances that leave many numb and allows them to channel into his art. His latest single “Naruto” mellows the storm of anxiety that many across globe feel each day. His goals seem set and his focus on simply creating music for those similar to himself have already carried him far. In this interview, I sought to understand what brings him the confidence to be emotional, vulnerable and honest while still maintaining balance and privacy.

Has music always been your passion?

SAD: No, basketball was my passion for the longest time from like 5/6th grade even thru high school. But everything changed my sophomore year when my cousins asked me if I wanted to make a song. I was like what you mean and they had a little studio setup in their room. We made a freestyle and after that day I wanted to keep making music. It was like my calling. So my cousin was friends with an artists named teammate markus from my hometown and I met him. I recorded my first tape at his house a couple months after making that freestyle.

As you’ve grown up, how have you and your style changed?

SAD: I’ve changed a lot. When I was first making music I was just rapping. I was listening too a lot of g Eazy at the time and I wanted to be just like him. Then as my music taste started to branch out, my style changed. I was always a big drake fan and I noticed how he’s like the best and why is that. Well he doesn’t just rap he sings too. Once I could see that that’s when my style changed. 


Is there a story behind “Lil Sad Boi” and why you chose it?

SAD: Well my first name was cole train and my cousins gave that too me. Then when I was starting to get more serious I changed it to 9 9wl (nine owl). I just wanted to be different and my name was inspired by 6 dogs. The music I was making wasn’t really fitting my name and I started to get inspired by peep a lot. And i want to make a big impact just like him. I was also very sad at the time and I was thinking of changing my name to lil anyways so I was like why not just change it to lil sad boi. 


How important is it, to you, to have support from your hometown?

SAD: It’s very important. It’s where I’m from. It means a lot. They’ve known and seen my grown since day one.


What do you want people to take away from your music?

SAD: What I want people to take away is that there not alone. I want to help them thru my music. Depression and anxiety or whatever problems you are dealing with, I want my music to help them thru those rough times. Although my music can be sad and dark sometimes I still want to spread good energy and love to my fans and the Haters. 

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects?

SAD: Right now I’m working on something. I’m making a lot of music with my bro gvrci. We’ve got a lot of music together so we might drop a collab tape. But I’m Working on a project tbh I’m just creating and creating tons of songs at the moment. 


What sub-genre of hip hop do you believe will be the next big thing and why?

SAD: Emo rap. It kind of already is the next big thing but what peep did was so impactful. Then juice came along and had a huge impactful as well. And I think the next big artist to do the same will be iann dior. I feel like I’m apart of the emo rap genre and it’s just so impactful to the people who listen. I love making music for myself because it’s my passion but I love making it for others.

Click here to listen to Lil Sad Boi on SoundCloud.

Naruto by lil sad boi

Earth can be stressful, lil sad boi takes you into the clouds with his new song “Naruto”. Produced by xCephasx, the beat has a dreamy and uplifting tone. From here, lil sad boi sets the stage. “Running through the forest like Naruto. Tripping on shrooms. I think I’m on Pluto. I’m high, I’m high, like a satellite.” His lyrics are just as free and lighthearted as his dreams. “Naruto” is a great pick-me-up, the instrumental itself is very calming, like a breath of fresh air. This song is the perfect addition to your “Lazy Day” playlist. 

Click here to listen to “Naruto” on SoundCloud.

Amare Blvd by Amarelovesyou

The world has been nothing but stressful these past few weeks, and Amarelovesyou has managed to make all that craziness slip away through his new EP Amare Blvd. The EP consists of four tracks that drift between styles. The euphoria begins with “Come Thru”. You’re unexpectedly swept away by soft ukulele chords and Amare’s whimsical vocals. The chorus is catchy and all too relatable.  “I’m just trying to come through tonight. Tell me, why you trippin’ baby? Why ain’t gotta fight. Regards, baby Imma come through.” It’s a group of words that can be served justice if you hear from Amarelovesyou himself. 

The high energy continues with “I Gotchu”. Amarelovesyou seems to have crafted the perfect summer collection. “I Gotchu” has a similar energy to a late night of going to parties, kickbacks, or mountain tops. It’s the summer you’ve seen in movies and have always dreamed of having. Amarelovesyou’s writing takes his music to a level that’s supreme- but uniquely his own. “To Yo Face” is a more in-your-face and raunchy Amare. You wouldn’t want to repeat these lyrics to your grandma, or maybe you should... for content. 

“On My Lonesome” brings the EP to a close. The suspense built with jittery high hats and reveals a confident Amarelovesyou somewhat breaking the fourth wall. He addresses his path, personal relationships, and dives into more down-to-earth topics. “I’m been on my lonesome. Trynna secure that income. Shawty think she know something. She don’t even know nothin’. And as quickly as Amarelovesyou took into you his world, he pushes you out of it with an abrupt cut. The rest of the it is up to you.

Click here to listen to Amare Blvd anywhere.

Ant Hill by Pulp

In Pulp’s newest single “Ant Hill”, they take a jazzy, spoken-word approach.”I ain’t slept in two days. I’m too faded. Lost in a blue maze.” The record is produced by himself under the producer alias Candy Cigarettes. Pulp combines a soft snare drum and piano to convey the same emotion their voice carries. Their vocals are pitched higher than usual, giving it a lighter, more free tone. Pulp is excellent at setting the mood through his music, and this one speaks of hopelessness too familiar for some.

Click here to listen to “Ant Hill” on SoundCloud.

Slayer by Hefna380

Hefna380 never fails. His newest single “Slayer” is a fiery and energetic track. Although it’s brief, Hefna380 lifts the mood as quickly as the track starts. “Big bank. I want it all then I spend it all.” Producer W1erdo adds growls and adventurous high hats to enhance the animalistic, predatory zeal “Slayer” holds. Hefna380 has developed a loyal following to look forward to his music and he hasn’t disappointed. Each track in his discography can be played back-to-back or for key moments in your day. It won’t be long before we hear him everywhere.

Click here to listen to “Slayer” on SoundCloud.

Red Opp by Cardo Knight & WhiteRoseMoxie

“Red Opp” by Cardo Knight and WhiteRoseMoxie is an explosive and vibrant track. The blaring bass and loud sirens add contagious energy towards their verses. There’s nothing like the energy that comes from this duo.

“Blue opp. Green opp. Red opp. Two opps. I don’t give a f*ck. Little n*gga gonna get popped.”

Their lyrics are brash and cocky, the perfect elements for such an erratic instrumental. WhiteRoseMoxie adds a level of cold calculation. While Cardo attacks the beat, WhiteRoseMoxie delivers the final blow with speedy bars and punchlines. “N*gga got his mind on the minute. I can’t waste time.” This is a song that’s sure to be a staple in the summer of 2020.

Click here to listen “Red Opp” on Spotify.

Misused by Lil Infi

“I got a war inside my head. If it doesn’t stop soon then I’ll be dead.”

Misused by artist Lil Infi is a vulnerable and piercing track. Lil Infi dives into his emotions and lays all his insecurities on the table. The beat utilizes soft rock-influenced guitar chords and dancing percussion. His attempts to balance pain and optimism are impressive. Through his inner torment, “Misused” explains the thoughts of many young adults who are searching for a higher purpose. “Just look up at the stars and take in the view.” With such a well-developed track early in his career, Lil Infi is sure to be a star within his genre very soon.

Click here to listen to “Misused” anywhere.

Like A Pro Freestyle by Valencia Snow

Sometimes a wicked mindset is required to survive in the entertainment business. Dallas rapper Valencia Snow isn’t a stranger to wicked tendencies. Her “Like A Pro” freestyle cramped with sultry bars and unapologetic femininity. Ms. Snow isn’t shy on the mic. ”When I take your soul I’ll never release ya.” And she thrives in this oftentimes heartless environment. “Got you f*cked up in the head while you’re laying in your bed. But do not blow me up ‘cuz I’ll leave ya ass on read.”

Click here to listen to the “Like A Pro” freestyle on SoundCloud. 

Get High by Tuxx

Tuxx, one of the newest prodigies to enter the Internet Money family, released a fresh new single “Get High”. The cool rhythm and low BPM highlight Tuxx’s vocal abilities. He songs, “You can be the drug if you wanna burn me out.” He harmonizes over an instrumental created by producers Rio Leyva, Cxdy, and Nick Mira. The track begins with airy guitar and hints of soft bass, coupled with bouncing 808s and energetic snares. The song holds the same essence as walking a date down the Santa Monica pier. Tuxx’s music, similar to his career, is bright and hopeful, and at the cusp of something bigger.

Click here to listen “Get High” on SoundCloud.

Go Stupid by Baby Phace

New Jersey rapper Baby Phace took to the barren streets to record his freestyle “Go Stupid”. Directed by JustinNLA, Baby Phace is shown dawning the new normal attire for outdoor activities: gloves and a face mask. His lyrics are seamless as the artist and videographer duo travel down the not-so-busy street. Punchlines come as quickly as the pounds of bass in the beat. Baby Phace truly makes this song his own in this “PhaceMix”.

Click here to listen “Go Stupid” on SoundCloud.

Witness by Phi11a ft. Trippie Redd

Love can withstand many of life’s obstacles, but the distance seems to leave hearts most vulnerable. Australian Hip Hop artist Phi11a’s latest single “Witness” is a smokey and rebellious testament to this tragedy. “Usually I don’t want hugs but when’s she near I feel some type of buzz.” The stress of celebrity makes something as sweet as love go rotten. The beat, produced by Daniel Cartisano, has a slow, mysterious tone topped with perfected bass and rattling snares. Platinum recording artist Trippie Redd is featured on the track, accompanying Phi11a with his low and eccentric flow. Both artists show off their rapping and singing skills, even harmonizing, though somewhat through adlibs. This is a strong piece for Phi11a, displaying his growth as an artist and amongst fellow creators.

Click here to listen to “Witness” on Spotify.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH URA SENSEI

Ura Sensei draws his inspiration from within. His music is an extension of himself, thus each layer holds a piece of his story. His songs holds elements of old school style. Lyrically, he likes tends to speak what’s on his mind, delivering a message or a good time. Ura doesn’t shy away from talking about romance. His single “To My Girlfriend”, is currently his most popular song on Spotify, nearing 20,000 plays. He’s on a path to higher peaks, but will never forget these moments.

What’s your first memory of truly enjoying or creating music?

URA: At age 15, I never saw my father before until that time, he brought me my first mic & a computer to start making music on, never saw him again after that.

Is there a meaning or story behind your stage name?

URA: The anime Yu Yu Hakusho plays a big part in my stage name, I had a couple of stage names (ART, Trippy Art, Art Sensei) but none that were really original to where people can find me and me alone…so a friend of mine took the the main character’s name “Yusuke Urameshi” and mixed it around and I just added “Sensei”…funny how some who still like my music still refer to me as Art Sensei. 

Your music is based in emotion, was it difficult to be vulnerable through your music as a rapper?

URA: Not at all.

How do you select your beats, are any of your works self produced?

URA: YouTube, sometimes Traktrain and I go by type beats but they usually just become small beats people don’t really mess with and those are the best ones. None of my songs are self produced but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t make it happen. 

 What has been one of your most difficult tasks while building your career? (Finding a studio, looking for shows, beats, etc.)

URA: Looking for someone to do an article on me & looking to get booked for shows even if they’re small shows with 15 people. Where I live it’s hard getting picked when you don’t follow the trends & having an original sound. To most it’s weird..

How have you progressed as an artist since your beginning?

URA: I have so much that I laugh at my older tracks and wondered why did I think this was so good at the time. 

What can we expect from you this year? Will there be a major shift in your sound or approach to how you market yourself?

URA: Honestly….I can’t really say much but new songs, hopefully you might see me in other blogs…as far as marketing, just maybe if I do it correctly. It’s all about chasing the music bag and staying low-key, my brothers taught me that.

Click here to follow Ura Sensei’s musical journey on Spotify.

AntiHero by Convolk

Convolk has united each aspect of his artistry that makes him an outlier and emerged with AntiHero, a mature take on what life holds for him now. The album consists of seven tracks that fall just over eighteen minutes long, as a whole. “Swear to God” acts as an introduction to Convolk’s mind, a journey that AntiHero takes you on. Convolk’s longevity as an artist has been questioned in the past. If there were still any doubters for his talent and commitment to this game, “Swear to God” eliminates that. Convolk has never placed himself in one category, and he isn’t stopping now.

AntiHero has no genre. It’s introductory track is different from the next, “Black Sheep”. Convolk’s music has rock influences that are obvious and sometimes mislead the very people that he’s trying to entertain. “Black Sheep” sits perfectly between Rock and HipHop, due to its classic lead guitar chords and infused 808s. He never stays close to one sound. “Beaten Down Geranium Molle” steps even further away from “Swear to God” with a more cosmic and playful approach. The beat consists of hyperactive, high-pitch pings and  one-of-a-kind notes. A few seconds later comes the heavy bass and infectious drum patterns. For fans that were looking for an array of styles from Convolk, this may be your new favorite album.

Convolk isn’t a flashy artist. His music is meant to be something one can relate to rather than something one would want to live through. He experiences the same tolls as his audience. “Backstab Slash” acts as a halfway mark for the project, and Convolk shifts to a more romantic tone. “When it’s all said and done would you settle for me?” Life gets harder as things pick up and it seems the young Russian-American artist is no stranger to the consequences of fame. The next track, “Medicine” has become a fan-certified favorite, reaching 300,000 plays in just three days on SoundCloud. His relationships are still broken and like many, he’s still searching for his forever love. Convolk admits to being trapped in love in “Arson Kurapika”. Not death nor hellfire can keep him away from the one he loves.

The album closes with “Crumbling/Suicide Note”, a mid tempo acoustic track that reminds listeners why they enjoy Convolk so much. “Crumbling”and the album’s intro “Swear to God” are on opposite sides of the musical spectrum. As an artist, Convolk is fearless. His only limitation is his own commitment. His style sits in very niche pockets of music and thrives. AntiHero is a fun album to listen to, even with its darker tones. Convolk is a sign for what’s to come in music’s future. He is excellent at speaking to his fans on their level and bringing them a bit of what they want and more of what they need.

Click here to listen to AntiHero on SoundCloud.

The Ghosts Are Still Winning EP by Pulp

Pulp has battled his own demons and this project could be his silver lining. His latest EP “The Ghosts Are Still Winning” is his first body of work, consisting of two tracks produced by Dilly. His music is soothing and not necessarily meant for someone looking to be energized. “Technicolor” features piano chords that feel as if you’re listening to them through a vintage record player. Layered over this are drums that are just as distant as Pulp’s lyrics. Pulp’s performance for this track is phenomenal. His slow delivery and flat tone, missing of emotion force his downhearted lyrics to stand out. “I’m so done. I can’t grow up... lost in the void.”. It sounds as if he has given up. The ghosts and thoughts of a life he seems to be escaping continue to chase him.

The EP has been sitting on Pulp and Dilly’s hard drives for over a year. Pulp admits the songs were finalized February of 2019. One can only wonder why they waited so long. Maybe the quarantine has made them antsy to release a project or even think again about creating music. The interlude that finishes the project “Hatori Hanzo” is less hopeful than its preceding track. He admits, as he did in “Technicolor”, to turning to drugs for comfort. Pull closes the track with an honest message to fans. He feels like he may not “make it out” and trials in life were becoming more difficult. Of course, this was all back in early 2019. Over a year later, this body of work is ready to see the sun. It’s motivating to see that he must have been wrong at the end of his interlude. One can only assume this is why he waited to release “The Ghosts Are Still Winning”. We may never know for sure, but we do know he’s still in the game.

Click here to listen “The Ghosts Are Still Winning” on SoundCloud.