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.

Odds by A.C. Wells

“You got a lot on your plate. And I got a lot at stake. Is that enough of a reason for me to give up on us? Oh, girl.”

“Odds” by Maryland Hip Hop artist A.C. Wells, formerly known as Ant Flow, is rhythmic and sensual. A.C. delivers light vocals and floating falsettos. The song is based in love, and A.C. Wells put all the love and attention he could into the song. The song plays as if it’s a love letter or a track from a long-lost old school mixtape. He sings over soft, acoustic chords and harmonizes with higher-pitched notes effortlessly. His music has matured since we’ve last heard from and his focus seems sharper than ever.

Click here to listen to “Odds” on SoundCloud.

Side Effects By Lil Xelly

Lil Xelly is a work horse. His latest rap album, Side Effects, is a products of hours upon hours locked inside of the studio. Lil Xelly is set on showing off his 10,000 hours. The thirteen tracks, all solely featuring Xelly, are the explosive and ambitious style that his listeners anticipate. He teams up with almost a dozen producers including TylerGoldChains, Doofdum, Visual9 and Eski. Lil Xelly is known to collaborate with any producer with a quality product. Name’s don’t mean much, it’s the work behind it that really shines through for Xelly. He may not have found his dream team producer, or he may not be looking, but he’s made magic with a multitude of underground producers and artists alike. Side Effects is uptempo and raw. It may take a listen or two for one to notice the depth of his lyrics. His production is so layered and dynamic that the project has hours worth of listening time. This album and its fan buzz is sure to catch the eyes of a few labels.

Click here to listen to Side Effects on SoundCloud.

WLDRF WNDRLND By Geuice

Putting his hometown of Waldorf, Maryland on the map has been added to rapper Geuice’s To-Do list. He embraced outsider criticism and demands respect for his city. WLDRF WNDRLND is a flavorful body of work. ”The Intro” holds the old boom-bap style of rap that his longtime fans know him for, his genesis. He transitions with “Do It” and from there, the listener can understand just why it’s called “Waldorf Wonderland”. Geuice teams up with rap artists from across the city, and the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The album hosts fiery features such as Parris Lavon, Dizzy Gordo, and Aquil VCR. Geuice has spliced together the wonderful elements of his sound and his biggest teacher- his life. Lyrically, Geuice is polished and confident. He reminds fans of his R&B skills, in “Finesse” featuring Ssa!nt. He maintains a casual tempo throughout the album. Similar to those sunny, oftentimes slow, days that come with living outside of the city, the action.

Click here to listen to WLDRF WNDRLND on SoundCloud.

MOSHPIT vs. Fresh Ones Park Playlist Volume 1

Two of the hottest tastemakers of hip hop’s underground have combined their minds to create their first collaborative playlist. MOSHPIT a media presence from the DMV area and Paris’ Fresh Ones Park owner and curator FH, have teamed up to expose truly all of the potential stars that may arise this year. Artists like FINGO 33 (@digitalfingo), Reddo (@95REDDO), Lil Xelly (@lilxelly), and TrippJones (@_TrippJones) make an appearance. They put together over twenty singles from different artists located across the country and from the DMV’s hotspot for talent. Artists featured on the list break the mold, such as the explosive track  “OOPS...” by Rare Tazo (@RareTazo) and the quick draw talent of Xaefdn (@XaeFDN) in “Tony Montana”. Producers Klimongue, Sparkeem (@Sparkheem) and, as a duo,  Neiiburr (@Neiiburr) and YungBRANDOO add extra sauce to the mix. If you have some extra time on your hand or need to find some new music for your personal playlist, this is for you.

Click here to stream the “MOSHPIT vs. Fresh Ones Park Playlist Volume 1” playlist on SoundCloud.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH ROKU

A calming ambience and a hazy room must be the set inside of recording artist Roku’s mind. His music provides this exact aesthetic, it’s ideal for an immersive experience, a friends-only kickback and perfect for a study session. His rhythmic and somber style pairs well with hip hop influences. Roku is skilled at finding the peace in anything. His latest single “MiddleMan”, produced by 2thousan9, pushes these skills to the foreground. He balances his flow’s energy with low tempo instrumentals well. His music may sound sad to the untrained ear, but Roku has found his niche in this balance. All of his supporters know this from experience, whether through music or his social output, he’s one of the chillest personalities out there.

How long have you been making music? Has it always been your passion?

ROKU: I’ve been making music since seventh grade but really taking it seriously since I was about 18/19. I’m 22 now. Music and creativity has always been my passion. I used to want to be a director before I started making music. 

What was your first recording session like? When did you step into your first official studio?

ROKU: My first recording session was really dope cuz it was just me with my computer and a mic and I could experiment and take as much time as I needed. The first professional studio I went to was when I started going to audio engineering school and I got to use the studios there. But I’ve always been my own engineer and recorded myself even to this day. I just keep upgrading all my equipment.

Since you gained knowledge for your musical career from college, do you have advice for artists that are in school/college that may feel dropping out is their best option?

ROKU: Well I’m not gonna lie I actually didn’t go to college either. I took a year long course at a recording studio so it wasn’t like school at all it was like an apprenticeship fr. But as far as kids in school I would just say stay in school until you feel real traction. And then when u really feel like people are listening I would drop out and go head first. People put way too much of a stress on school you don’t need it. But it def helps some people.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

ROKU:  I draw my inspiration from my everyday life and the struggles/successes I go thru. And just being able to say something that connects w people. I also draw inspiration from the people around me, and my inspiration musically comes from my favorite artists and my friends who make music. 

Do you think where you’re from has held you back or pushed you forward?

ROKU: Where I’m from has helped and held me back. It’s held me back just cuz I’m not in LA or NY and that’s where the actual music BUSINESS is. But it’s helped me so much more cuz there’s so many talented artists around me who bring good energy. The scene in the DMV and in Maryland especially has so much goin on rn.

What adversities do you feel you’ve overcome since you’ve started your career?

ROKU: Some adversities I’ve overcome is remembering to be patient w everything, as well as getting out of my own way fr. Every artist is their own worst enemy. 

What critical aspects of your artistry have changed or evolved in the last few years?

ROKU: I stopped trying to write bars w hella metaphors and double entendres and started just speaking from the heart and talking about my everyday life. I also switched up what kind of beats I like to jump on as I’ve grown as a artists.

What can fans expect from you this year? Any project coming in the next couple of momths?

ROKU: 2020 I’m boutta go crazy. I got hella videos coming in the next 2 months plus at least 3 more projects. And I’m always boutta flood my soundcloud with singles. I’m also tryna get sum behind the scenes videos going. Just be on the look out for Roku 2020. Love y’all

Click here to listen to Roku on SoundCloud.

Hunger by Jaelin Westbrook

Sometimes time is all we need to come back better and stronger than ever. Jaelin Westbrook has returned to the scene for the first time this year with his single “Hunger”. From the message of the song, one can tell Jaelin is focused and more determined to make this music thing work. The song is inspiring and catchy, the perfect hook to reel in new listeners.

Click here to listen to “Hunger” on Apple Music.

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.

I’m Sorry Pt. 2 by Joony

Joony consistently performs at his best and always keeps his audience entertained or on the edge of their seats to see what's next from him. This time around, he paired up with film director Kody Grace for the ”I’m Sorry Pr. 2” music video. The video is somewhat minimalistic, using pops of special effects couple with more elaborate transitions. The video’s tone quite literally matches Joony’s tone throughout the song. It's mellow yet magnetic.

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Click here to watch Joony’s ”I’m Sorry Pt. 2” music video.

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The Big Step for Tyler Fontaine

Tyler Fontaine is a gem and a testament to the whiplash-fast speeds of the underground scene. In today’s age of digital stars, it's difficult to weed out the organically grown artists and those that some believe are developed by labels to trick or influence listeners. Artists that went unheard suddenly bubble to the surface and are “instantly” stars. Taz Taylor, CEO of Internet Money, is continuously the suspected culprit, according to online detectives. When he somewhat covertly picked up another artist, Hip Hop & RnB artist Tyler Fontaine on Sunday, again suspicions grew. I wanted to get in front of the roomers and conspiracy theories that are sure to arise in the coming months as they begin business and musical ventures.

Tyler Fontaine is a multitalented artist from Maryland. His discography cross genres. He sounds bounces from Trap, Drill, RnB, even dipping into Reggae. He's diverse and not afraid to experiment with his vocals and musical abilities. A fearlessness such as this is what fits the criteria of each of Taz Taylor’s artists, or a long-standing musician. Every year the industry changes and collects sounds, genres, and new tools to further music, adaptation is to be expected.

Tyler isn't a stranger to hard work. So far on his own, Tyler Fontaine has released half a dozen singles and collaborations on all major streaming platforms. Do Not Disturb 2, the sequel to his mixtape of the same name is his first project on Apple Music. The original, released in 2018, has accumulated over a hundred thousand streams on SoundCloud. His music and following didn't begin with Hollywood recognition. Tyler’s music, like any other underground artist, has been gradually building a following as he’s built up his abilities, confidence, and catalog. Nothing happens overnight.

Click here to listen to Tyler Fontaine on SoundCloud.

Broken by XanMan

It happened.

It finally happened.

Sunday morning, Xanman took to Twitter and announced that his long-awaited album Broken would be released to all streaming services “Tonight”. His Twitter followers were suddenly in a frenzy, myself included. I thought, “If this really drops, the months-long wait is finally over. Sure enough, Broken, the album consisting of fifteen tracks was published. And it took off.

Only twelve hours after Broken’s release, it has entered into iTunes Top 50 Albums chart. Surpassing artists such as Lizzo, Tyler, The Creator, and Megan Thee Stallion. It's in the works to possibly dethrone stars Lil Nas X and Trippie Redd. The suspense he's built up the last few months has surely paid off. The project is pieced together perfectly. From the beginning, Xanman bounces between an R&B style and his hardened trap flow with the songs Broken, Pt. 1 and Not. The pattern continues almost seamlessly.

Xanman shows off a skill that he's been practicing and perfecting for most of the year. Stepping into a melodic, blues-style sound isn't new to him. He's remixed a handful of R&B classics, his cover of Alicia Keys’ No One is one of his most popular renditions. A trend that may have started as a joke proved to be a strength for Xanman, and a favorite for his fans. The young rapper has managed to make a form of Emotional Trap like no other.

Click here to listen to Broken anywhere.

HEYMANNY2 by YungManny

‘HEYMANNY2’ is the sequel to its predecessor of the same name and the first body of work by rapper Yung Manny. The ‘Moana’ rapper starts off the well awaited mixtape with a track most wouldn’t expect. ‘I’m YungManny’ is a melodic r&b-trap experiment produced by Manny himself. It still holds his unique flow in the middle of the song. He mixes styles- showing his versatility and openness to a new, different sound. We’ve come to learn he’s certainly not afraid of doing the unexpected.

10 Band Lick has become a fan favorite in the few hours since the project’s release. His connection with those who support him is hard to ignore. He navigates social media, staying out of any real drama and sharing his views with his peers. He advocates finishing school and totes his own report cards online. Although only being fifteen, he’s also spoke on the misuse and overuse of marijuana to his followers on Instagram. The young talent explained his belief that marijuana should be used as a reward rather than an activity, if not used medicinally. It’s no secret minors smoke weed. Why not be real about it? He’s a light for the future, if anything.

The mixtape has a few features, each noteworthy in their own right. ‘Billy & Mandy’ feature’s rapper Good Intent, a fellow Maryland rapper. The two work well together and create an energetic dynamic. KJ feature’s Lil Gray, another DMV native. Yung Manny, with this being only his second major project to date, has secured a spot amongst local veterans in the game. His most well received feature is ‘Manny 2x’ with Young Manni of Rich Shootas. The music video, now sitting at over half a million views, hosts a cameo of Q Da Fool, another local rapper who happened to sign to Roc Nation in 2018. 

With the current trajectory of this young man’s career, there’s no telling where we could see him by even next year. The team behind him seems to be genuine and solid... and well versed in marketing. Their strategies haven’t seemed to fail so far. Yung Manny’s energy and appeal is refreshing and could be what gets him national- and even possibly global fame. Right now, it seems it’s all up to him. 

Breezy Supreme Signs to Quality Control Music

Maryland rapper Breezy Supreme, also nicknamed “Maryland Manson” has earned himself a management deal with Quality Control Music. This milestone comes after years of hard work from the artist and a few independent songs that caught labels, and fans, eyes. His mistake recent project ‘Hell Raiser’ was the last nail in the coffin.

New Series: Genius Talks

Genius Talks is an all new Youtube series hosted by one of the hottest producers in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area: Tyler GENIUS. The first episode maps out what the award winning producer has planned for its future. Discussions and tips delivered to a homegrown artist. The last two years have drawn him great success, but he also mentions his downfalls. He admits, no one has a perfect career and many fail, but it’s about the growth beyond that which creates success. The series has a light tone and can be beneficial to artists, musicians, producers and even entrepreneurs. It’s all under the umbrella of Tyler GENIUS.

Click here to watch the first episode.

Follow Tyler GENIUS:

• Twitter @TylerGENIUS
• Instagram @ItsTylerGENIUS

Purchase a beat by Tyler GENIUS: 

• https://tylergeniusbeats.com/

Internet by Lil Dude

Rapper Lil Dude, also known as Lil Dudeluciano via social media, released a brand new video last week for his single ‘Internet’. The video features text bubbles and of course beautiful women. The visual rolled out as preparation for his next mixtape ‘Trapnanana 2’. The new tape is set to drop sometime this month and is the follow to the fan-favorite original Trapnanana project. 

Click here to watch the ‘Internet’ music video. 

Double-O-Blvck by Pistol Pete and B-Rice

   Double-O-Blvck is the most recent collaborative project between rappers Pistol Pete and B-Rice. The two mirror each other’s energy well, creating the upbeat snare-filled track “Thunder”. Admitting they were never the type for school, the duo name this as their last opportunity, it’s all or nothing, in the track “Letsgetit”. B-Rice adds a dark energy to the EP while Pete tosses around punch lines and a message for their opps. Producers YungJuan and Ozz make an appearance on the EP, alongside several others talented producers, giving the project its unique sound. Each song branches a bit more into a new vibe thanks to the added variety. In the EP’s self titled outro, Pistol N Pete, the rappers stamp their names on the game and swear their return. They’re not here for the nonsense.

 Click here to listen. 

Breezy Supreme’s Hell Raiser

Breezy Supreme doesn’t seem to quit. Following the release of his music video for Maryland Manson on Halloween, the satanic artist dropped his long awaited project “Hell Raiser”. The rapper proudly chants that he’s the antichrist on its second track. Breezy is ushering in a wave of grunge and hardcore into rap. The project is well produced including features from Tankheas666 and Chxpo. Okay Cool may be the catches song off of the EP, toting high hats and a repetitive chorus that inspired the song’s title. This project is sure to please fans and award him with an even larger cult following.



LINKS

apple music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hell-raiser/1440357562
spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7u5USxcBItJ4deBy88GST6

Artist to Watch: Khari Leone

Khari Leone is best described as an artist that has found his niche and mended perfectly into it. Khari’s sound is perfected and matured. He bounces between using small skits and long intros in his tracks, creating a mood and preparing the listen for what he has to say next. His flow is upbeat and very in-your-face, exactly what any rapper needs. As a young artist Khari has a seasoned style.

“Gang Killa”, the first song featured on his soundcloud, is the most telling of his capabilities. He himself claims his flow is like voodoo. His verses are confident and delivered expertly. His bars are just as boisterous as you’d expect from any chart-topping rapper. His remix to the 2015 number one hit Panda proves he is capable of going up against any other MC.

Khari Leone is a versatile artist to say the least. He generates club bangers just as much as he churns out R&B vibes. His album “Strictly for You Girl” is packed with songs that are almost polar opposites of his trap/drill influenced songs. His ability to entertain multiple audiences will surely prove beneficial in his career.

Overall, Khari Leone is a powerhouse performer. His discography is well thought out and he only releases quality projects. Even as an undiscovered artist his music is on the caliber of radio hits. It won’t be long until his original music rivals what we hear on the waves of today.




LINKS

apple music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/khari-leone/1327858295
soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kharileone/
twitter: @kharileone
instagram: @kharileone

MoneyMarr Releases New Project “Draco Vibes”

DC artist MoneyMarr has had a pretty good week. His song, Whip Out the Stick, was evidently on Ski Mask the Slump God’s Hollywood party playlist, bringing tons of new listeners his way. On top of that MoneyMarr released his newest project, Draco Vibes on all streaming platforms. The artist has been receiving buzz for months. It’s only a matter of time before he’s up next!

Sermon and Burial in Memory of Baby Ahk

Maryland rapper Baby Ahk was killed, Friday October 26, in a double homicide in Riverdale, Maryland. Further information regarding the situation is unknown at this time. Monday, October 29th, his family held a sermon and open burial of Olayiwola Arawole for his his family and supporters. He leaves behind friends and fellow rappers , family, and countless fans who supported him and his career.