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.

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!

W!ld C4rd by G.Soulow

 

G.Soulow is putting the finishing touches on his discography for the year. His latest EP, W!ld C4rd, puts his growth and evolution as an artist in 2020 on full display. It’s full of high energy, catchy bars, and new lines to take with you. Lyrically, he’s only surpassed his previous projects. His dedication to Hip Hop’s fundamentals allows him to excel when he infuses his writing with a modern sound. The EP is also completely self-produced. This combination of talents gives G.Soulow an advantage over most independent artists. Taking on both fields places him in a category of artist-producers such as Kanye West, Tyler the Creator, and even Chief Keef. Ultimately, only time will tell where we’ll see G.Soulow next, but it seems he may be hard to ignore by then.

Click here to listen to W!ld C4rd anywhere.

Ill by avakten

Artist avakten has taken his discography to an all new height with his single “Ill”, co-produced by Ginseng and his producer alias- Simulacra. The fusion hyper pop and his airy vocals make the song a hit for any occasion. Lyrically, the song is revealing, but uplifting. “You were fake before we started...My past been painful, I’ve been beaten down”, avakten has gifted his heart and had it broken before him. He’s turned this heartbreak into sweet melodies and a remedy for those feeling just as sick. 

Click here to listen to “Ill” on SoundCloud 

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.

The Nastiest by Michael Seuss

Michael Seuss has never failed to stay true to Hip Hop. His latest single, “The Nastiest” hits harder than most. His lyricism is boisterous and his delivery is hard-hitting, it’s difficult not to meet his energy. It seems he’s met a point in his journey where things are falling together and others are falling apart. In only a few weeks the song has climbed to the top of his Spotify Popular Songs chart. For those that admire lyrics with a bit of thought behind them, Michael Seuss catalog is more than adequate.

 Click here to listen to “The Nastiest” on Spotify.

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.

The Fall Selection by Ty Sorrell

The Fall Selection is tranquil and revitalizing listening experience. Ty Sorrell begins the project with a classic approach to rap; a sample, some boom bap, a polished flow and something weighing on his chest. This style continues into the second track “Society” but features sporadic sounds of cash registers and a faster pace. Much like the race for riches. Ty teams up with Rob Gibsun and Prof. Ant for “House of Wax”.  The beat is more sinister and their flows are heavier, more serious. Their energy mimics old school villains, monologging about their evil plans. The project shifts in tone from here, “A Gateway” sounds much like the better path for the characters we met before. Ty speaks as a more enlightened self, schooling maybe the audience or his younger himself. The project comes to a close with “Autumn’s Work” featuring clwdwlkr.  They talk about setting a seed and leave you with a mesmerizing message to help it grow this fall.

Click here to listen to The Fall Selection anywhere.

Just Another Melody by The Underd0g

 Told her not to fall in love with me 

The Underd0g hasn’t had the best luck with love. One of his latest singles “Just Another Melody” details his love life. Fans love him, through his music and sometimes a bit more candidly on the road. But it’s all very surreal. The fame doesn’t fix all of his problems and finding real connections can be even harder.

Heart’s frozen. They been hating on me. I don’t know them. I’ll be sad and lonely. Til the world ends 

The Underd0g almost masks the underlying despairing lyrics by pitching his vocals higher and using lighthearted guitar chords, hints of soft synth and simple snares and claps. It gives the essence of floating, which seems to be something The Underd0g would much rather do.

Click here  to listen to “Just Another Memory” on SoundCloud.

Demons & Monsters by 347Aidan

Layers and raw vocals, that’s what brings 347Aidan’s last single “Demons & Monster” its eery and enticing appeal. The young artist has a specifically raspy voice that creates its own ambiance when harmonious. The acoustic guitar grounds the song as the bass carries you through an array of emotions portrayed by 347Aidan. He reveals who’s truly corrupt and evil in society, all wrapped in an infectious chorus. It’s the monsters that run the world.

Click here to listen to “Demons & Monsters” anywhere.

Life’s Hard, Love Hurts by Lil Sad Boi

Life’s Hard, Love Hurts is a raw and organic EP created by Lil Sad Boi. He expresses his emotions fully, shouting out legends before him such as Lil Peep and XXXTENTACION that used their emotion as slates or mirrors for their music. Lil Sad Boi connects through the most human emotions: loss, heartbreak, and wanderlust. He’s searching for the answers that many of us are diving into. Each song, from “X Wing” to “Cali Girl” is a reflection of a love lost or barely able to come to fruition. This project is definitely residing in the realm of Emo Rap. Lil Sad Boi manages to put his mind and way of expression on the line to make a masterpiece fit for those feeling a little too lonely.

Click here to listen to “Life’s Hard, Love Hurts” on SoundCloud.

Outside, Inside by Makai Keyes ft. Foe Snow

The search for love can be treacherous, but Makai Keyes and Foe Snow manage to make the love pains sound whimsical. “Outside, Inside” is a snappy almost-love song. Makai is searching for someone who will let him in, but the journey hasn’t been all sunshine. “I’m on my own so you know I’m alone now, but I done learned a lot of things that I know now.” Foe Snow speaks his peace, adding his own distorted flare to his vocals and the instrumentals. His verse steps into the realm of R&B, making the track all the more dynamic.

Click here to listen to “Outside, Inside” anywhere.

Crash Tonight by Funeral

“Crash Tonight” is the first song I’ve ever heard from North Carolina rapper Funeral, but it definitely won’t be the last. Emotional music has always been a staple in popular music, but now it’s merging into Hip Hop more than ever before. Funeral is a part of a generation of artists that enjoys being vulnerable, and despite the genres' harder history, has a deep connection and talent for Hip Hop. “Crash Tonight” has crass and worn vocals mixed with hyper pop distortion and frankly dark lyrics. Similar to mega artists like Trippie Redd and the late Juice WRLD, Funeral in “Crash Tonight” manages to take a subject matter that would usually be grim and makes it rhythmic and brighter than the assumed emotions and story behind it. Funeral and his SoundCloud listeners would agree, he’s on the verge of a blowup.

Click here to listen to “Crash Tonight” on SoundCloud.