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.

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.

Lifestyle by Joony

There’s a point where the journey becomes a bit mundane and some get stuck in a rut. Joony, in his latest music video for “Lifestyle”, lives through that boredom. His unbothered and nonchalant flow makes it seem like the money, nice cars and clouds of smoke are habitual. The life some are trying to obtain is what Joony does on a regular, and he’s still not satisfied. The video, shot by Tyler Kendall, has a warm and euphoric essence, making this lifestyle all the more dreamlike.

Click here to watch the “Lifestyle” music video.

Break Dat Bank by Lil Turbo

Lil Turbo has been releasing hits to break the seal on mainstream music and his latest single “Break Dat Bank” has placed him one step closer. The song, produced by Lukrative, features fast snares and bouncy drums. Lil Turbo has a villainous tone as he talks about avoiding the feds, fighting off racists, and still making a bag. The song and its chorus are catchy, making it hard to skip and even harder not to add to your playlist.

Click here to listen to “Break Dat Bank” anywhere.

S-CLASS by HATESONNY

HATESONNY is back with a colorful and vibrant video for his song “S- CLASS”, directed by ABGallery 7023. The song is produced by MyFriendNate and features ear-catching digitized notes and uptempo bass. HATESONNY dominates the track, keeping up with the beat and delivering just as hard-hitting bars and punchlines. This track is perfect for adding some energy to your day or just coolin’ with your friends. Just as HATESONNY manages to have a friends-only function, fully equipped with electric toy cars for transportation and all the weed they’ll need.

Click here to watch the “S-CLASS” video on YouTube.

No Hook by BunnyTheDon

BunnyTheDon keeps a tight grip on her cash and an even tighter grip on the industry. Her new single and visual “No Hook” is sure to lure in more listeners. Similar to the music video, shot by FilmedByTylan, BunnyTheDon is a woman in a predominantly male game. She finds confidence is proving herself. Her lyrics aren’t copied and her drive to be better than the boys at this is genuine. As a Maryland native and a boisterous MC, she’s sure to have fans all across the country in no time.

Click here to watch the “No Hook” music video on YouTube.

No Average by Digital Dior ft. Yung Gosse

 

Music label Digital Dior has taken visible steps within the industry to make themselves a household name. Their latest release “No Average”, featuring Yung Gosse and production by Papi and Rich Illuminati is a fierce leap forward. The single holds the essence of UK Drill, popularized in the US by late rapper Pop Smoke. Between Papi and Rich Illuminati, they’ve managed to conger dark energy through heart-thumping bass and adding a more sinister tone via a synth. Lyrically, Digital Dior and Yung Gosse hit it right on the head. The tempo is quick but cold. “No Average” delivers as a complete and mindful body of work with a clear message: we’re coming for you.

Click here to listen “No Average” on YouTube.

Let It Go by Makai Keyes ft. Moses B

Makai Keyes’ music video for “Let It Go” doesn’t cut corners. Instead, it completely removes them and gives you a closeup and blunt perspective of Makai’s thoughts and views. It’s minimalistic, to say the least. Whether those views are being held upside down from outside of a window by two masked (white) thugs or sitting on a bench atop of a grassy valley. Visually, “Let It Go” is as warm and inviting as Makai’s vocal performance. His rapping is well-paced and versed with soft vocals from Moses B that slide the track from catchy to award-worthy. The two have managed to capture the essence of moving on, the frustration- and freedom.

Click here to watch “Let It Go” on YouTube.

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.

More Play by D.O.E. The Paperboy

Virginia artist D.O.E. The Paperboy released a music video for his song “More Play” earlier this month. This is the first visual from his album The Second Harvest and sets a defiant tone. The beat is produced by The Crownz and is simply phenomenal. The use of drums and the placement of chanting throughout the record give it an earthly and empowering effect. D.O.E along with those close to him are depicted with ski masks, smashing cars, and spraying graffiti. They’re rebels, D.O.E cannot be controlled nor contained. His delivery is assertive and confident. “The rap game needs an I.V. Money can’t get you everything. There ain’t enough of it for them to buy me.” The video, directed by WarGod Films, is shot in black in white and uses distortion and slow-motion to amply the impact of his lyrics.

Click here to watch “More Play” on D.O.E The Paperboy’s YouTube Channel.

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.

Behavior by 909Mephis

909Mephis’ new music video for “Behavior” takes the viewer along a date between a disgruntled couple. The atmosphere seems romantic until their behavior towards each other changes. Directed by BenJAllen, a low-resolution video camera captures the couple’s close up and intimate expressions. The music, produced by RED, is sultry and 909Memphis’ known rhythm and blues style. His vocals are strained and some of the lyrics are drawn out, adding to the feeling that the viewer is witnessing heartbreak.

Click here to watch “Behavior” on YouTube.

Boomin by Big Flock

Big Flock teamed up with MOSHPIT to drop an explosive visual for his latest single “Boomin”. Visually, the video is spectacular. MOSHPIT is continuously switching scenes or introducing something new into the frame. The pace of the music video syncs with Big Flock’s lyrics rapidly firing after another. Each line touches down like a meteor. The hook is catchy. By the second round, it’ll be committed to memory. A better combination of abilities couldn't have been made. They created a smash hit with the best visual possible to represent it.

Click here to watch the “Boomin” video on YouTube.

Sake by BIGBABYGUCCI

BIGBABYGUCCI is known for making music for the moment. His latest single is a celebration for what’s to come, and the last release before his upcoming album, A Girl Is A Gun. This young and unsigned rapper has many successes to flaunt. Especially his most recent project Send Help, which grossed over a million streams across platforms. “Sake” is produced by Fish and has frequently been described as smooth and tranquil. One can only guess how they found inspiration for the title. BIGBABYGUCCI’s jagged vocals over Fish’s instrumentals are an unbeatable combination.

Click here to listen to “Sake” on SoundCloud.

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.

Parasite By Lilspirit

In tandem with Lilspirit’s upcoming album American Spirit, the young R&B artist has released his single “Parasite” on a global scale. The song, produced by mjNichols, was debuted on Beats1 Radio with Zane Lowe Wednesday morning. Lilspirit’s sultry vocals admit to some of his more negative and harmful love encounters. He describes a love that engulfs him, taking all of his peace but somehow still owning his heart. The young hitmaker is vulnerable and honest, seeking answers for uncontrollable love, or obsession, for someone so wrong for him.

Click here to listen to Parasite on SoundCloud.

I Want Everything by Somedaysoon

For many of us, the new year rang in the decade of adulthood. Children of the ‘90s officially had to wave goodbye to antics of the early 2000s, including puppy love and parties at the roller rink. Artist Somedaysoon brought that energy back in his exciting new single “I Want Everything”. From the fake, or should I say “personality”, glasses to the disco ball dance competition, Music Video Director NightRunner includes all the key nostalgia points. Visually and sonically, the song is upbeat and a lot of fun. It can be a real pick-me-up to add to your playlist.

Click here to watch the “I Want Everything” video.