40 Ball Shawty by CloudGTB

CloudGTB of Hip Hop collective IcedOutAngels released a versatile and aggressive track today, perfect for your next quarantine induced rage. “40 Ball Shawty” is high energy and the use of wind instruments, orchestrated by its producer Guami, adds a unique flair. It gives the single that inquisitive feeling that makes you want to listen to it again, and when you do you may find another layer of sounds you didn’t notice before. The lyrics are cocky, but rightfully so. They must’ve known they have a hit on their hands.

Click here to listen to “40 Ball Shawty” on a 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.

My Jetta by Seba Hara

“I just wanna drive, but I can’t step in my ride.” Seba Hara creates a calm and euphoric atmosphere in his newly released demo “My Jetta”. Seba performs over enchanting guitar chords and old school drums. His voice is coupled with a high-pitched mimic that brings a light tone to the track. Seba’s use of short soundbites and radio static resembles songs to the likes of Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator’s more recent work. Nonetheless, “My Jetta” pushes the mold for Seba Hara and alters what fans can expect from the young talent.

Click here to listen to “My Jetta” on Spotify.

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.

Moron by Kid Vision

Take what they say about you and flip it on its head. That’s what Kid Vision with his single “Moron”. He strengthened his craft through the criticism of some that may be too afraid to chase their dreams. The track begins with silence until a scratch of static is heard, followed by Kid Vision’s animated flow. His lyrics are zany and humorous. His bars fire one after another, attacking you with all of his feats and calling his future like Babe Ruth. He’s confident, rightfully. He mocks his doubters and speaks his future into existence. The track closes with more static and a brief tape recording that’s tone contrasts the boisterous attitude the rest of the track holds. He asks his audience to listen to what he has to stay. There are better things to come.

Click here to listen to “Moron” 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.

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.

Always on My Mind EP by Hoodie Rob Uzumaki

Always on My Mind is a two-song EP detailing love and loss that often comes with following your dreams. The title track “Always on My Mind” is produced by Logan Kade and recalls a relationship that simply couldn’t last. His emotional revelations are the focus of this track. The second, “Call Please” is more optimistic, but still realistic, and features a fast tempo beat by 5head with speedy high hats. This quick project is refreshing and surely found its way into the library of many listeners with similar heartache.

Click here to listen to “Always on My Mind” anywhere.

Foolin’ Me by R’mani

This is a song to add to your “good morning” playlist. Atlanta rapper R’mani delivers an exciting and colorful performance in his single “Foolin’ Me”. His lyrics are optimistic and the use of voice distortion allows the track to evolve. The instrumentals are trap-inspired, but producer GeeohhS layers these over softer chords. R’mani pairs this with raunchy references of his hobbies outside of the studio. Along with R’mani’s airy vocals, it’s the perfect kickstarter.

Click here to listen “Foolin’ Me” on SoundCloud.

Inspiration by Keko

Keko, a young Georgia rapper, is a man of many flows. His brand new single “Inspiration” combines two of his colorful cadences. “Inspiration” is produced by J. Flex and his combination of heavy, deep bass and light, airy chimes are stellar. Keko adds his own flavor to a Georgia-influenced style. In only a week, his audience has deemed it a hit and it’s surpassed 500 streams on SoundCloud. With time, it could reach even greater heights.

Click here to listen to ”Inspiration” on SoundCloud.

NewDecadeNewSeason By Hefna380

Hefna380 is walking on stars. His newest single “NewDecadeNewSeason” produced by RichBoyDior is a rejuvenating party song with melodious timbre. The intro catches the ear then the chorus comes to lock you in. Hefna380 is cocky and cool on this track. One can assume from its title that this song is his mantra for 2020. He’s making his best moves from here on out.

Click here to listen “NewDecadeNewSeason” on SoundCloud.

I’m A Bad Person by XanMan

XanMan just made the day of each of his fans. I’m A Bad Person who was released late Thursday night and is stuffed with stand-alone bangers. XanMan has the cure for boredom. The project overall is fun and XanMan opens up about his anxieties. It features XanMan’s iconic punchlines and wordplay. He doesn’t hold back nor disappoints. The album holds only two features, NoCap and Tisakorean, as the rapper tends to keeps to himself musically. XanMan tries his hand at R&B for “Paris”. This isn’t his first experience, but his vocals have greatly improved since Broken his previous album. This album couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

Click here to stream I’m A Bad Person everywhere.

Away by Dev Soul

Dev Soul gives an emotional performance in his newest song “Away”. Featuring production by Timothy Infinite, Dev Soul lets his vocals stand at the forefront, his harmonizing is southing. The soft guitar strings carry his testimony. As a vocalist, Dev Soul is at his best. The music video, directed by Twon Carter, mimics his minimalistic approach to the ballad. Love and candlelight.

Click here to watch “Away” on YouTube. 

Fresh Out Da Week Playlist 3/17

This week’s volume of the Fresh Out Da Week playlist is an hour-long catalog made to broaden the sound of your personal playlist. Many of the songs have futuristic influences, melodies and high energy chords. This week is composed of bangers, exclusively. There are instant hits such as “Curtains” by Leesta (@1leesta), “F Love” by Surf (@surfskrt), “Tokyo Drift” by Lil Xelly (@LilXelly) and “Armageddon” by Lil Turbo (@golilturbo). As always, the producers are the evil masterminds. There are outlying performances such as Sparkheem (@sparkheem) and SpizzleDoe (@spizzledoe) for “Tokyo Drift”, FBK (@fadedblackid) and Lifted (@prodlifted) for “Armageddon”, and Dreoh (@dreoh1k) for “Upset”. There isn’t a single half-hearted song in this week’s playlist. Each track demands its own respect within its own lane.

Click here to listen to Fresh Out Da Week Playlist 3/17 on SoundCloud.

Storm by D’vyne

D’vyne, a fifteen-year-old rapper from Chicago, is ready with a track that’ll stamp her name on the game. “Storm” is produced, mixed and mastered by D’vyne. It's not out of her element to put the world on her shoulders. The single demands respect. This song is anything but cookie-cutter. She lets her talent speak for itself. The young artist fires out fierce and braggadocious bars. It’s a high energy track perfect to add to your “New Favorites” playlist.

Click here to stream D’vyne’s music everywhere.

Back to Back by Seph7z

“Back to Back” is a hit from beginning to end. It immediately brings you in and hits you with bouncy bass and Seph7z’s unique vocals. The lyrics are memorable and catchy. The beat, produced by ChexBeats, is a fusion of different influence, from brass drums in the intro to the flute and trap high hats. Seph7z isn’t drowned-out by these dynamic sounds. Instead, he brings the same energy and sends the single into another atmosphere.

Click here to listen to “Back to Back” on SoundCloud.

Ninja by King Madi

King Madi delivers explosive and perfectly executed verses in his newest single “Ninja”. As the title entails, King Madi hones his lyrical abilities and rapidly delivers bars filled with metaphors and sarcastic punchlines. This is all presented over a techno-influenced beat that emulates the most intense moments in your favorite old school video games. This is a great single to keep fans excited for what’s to come.

Click here to listen to “Ninja” on SoundCloud.

Lonely Son by LATENIGHTJACE

Lonely Son is the channeling of infectious and sorrowful emotions. LATENIGHTJACE utilizes his vulnerability in order to send a message to his fans; it’s okay to express themselves and their lives may have more similarities than they think. Produced by Taurs, Lonely Son is slow in tempo, a melodic ballad. There’s more to see from this young talent. His emotional insight and ear for fresh sounds will take him far.

Click here to listen to “Lonely Son” on SoundCloud.

Oh, Lucy By Connor Andersxn

Connor Andersxn takes an emotional trip in his latest single “Oh, Lucy”. The Wasaga Beach artist sends a tender plea to “Lucy” and begs not to drive him crazy. The song keeps a tight grip on your heartstrings. Despite being cloaked by a metaphor, the deep temptation and desire that’s expressed in his voice are tangible. Connor Andersxn may shift his public perception, as he opens up about his truth.

Click here to listen to “Oh, Lucy” 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.