nocturne EP by avakten

Last year, avakten released a three-song EP titled nocturne. The EP, featuring the late rapper Hella Sketchy, is a high energy project and a solid body of work for its six minutes of run time. The listener is swiftly transported in and out of an atmosphere that resembles another dimension. Every chime or high hat sounds as if it's brand new and made for that specific track. avakten placed exceptional consideration into the mood he was trying to create during production. This EP is sure to stand out throughout his career as a estimate to his fearlessness as a producer and an artist.

Click here to listen to nocturne on SoundCloud.

Fresh Out Da Week Playlist 1/28

FH has combed through the underground again and updated the Fresh Out Da Week playlist with the hottest tracks from across the globe. This week features songs like “Like A God” by Surf (@surfskrt), “Put It On” by TyFontaine (@TyFontaine1800) produced by JetsonMade, and “RIOT” by SENJU (@KillSenju). The producers play a major role, as always, in this Fresh Out Da Week playlist, with astounding production by NEDARB, 8FIFTY (@Prod8Fifty), as well as an appearance by KillJustin (@KI11JUSTIN) and Guami (@ProdGuami) in “In The Shade” by RedArmBandit (@RedArmBandit). This week was packed with brand new releases. Tap into the playlist and find all the hits before the week is over!

Click here to listen to the “Fresh Out Da Week” Playlist on SoundCloud.

One And Only By Only Yann

Just a week ago, Milwaukee rapper Only Yann released his first project One And Only. The EP is studded with explosive beats from an array of producers; Hoodrixh, 9TYEIGHT, and RichyBoyDior to name a few. Yann is making a statement with his first project- he’s taking this very seriously. The production and quality are top-notch, no shortcuts or “mumble rap”. His lyrics are fun and meant to heighten the energy no matter the situation. With an introduction to the game as dynamic and likable as this, I’m sure we’ll see much more of Only Yann.

Click here to listen to One And Only 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.

Sins by Lil Spirit

Lil Spirit is one of the best at keeping promises. He stuck to his word and dropped his single “Sins” Friday morning. The blues track, co-produced by mjNichols and Alec Wigdahl, resembles the ‘90s or an early 2000s RnB hit. Lil Spirit is evidently most comfortable with this style of music. His vocal performance is more dynamic in this song than his previous singles. It’s possible that Lil Spirit Boy is gearing up to launch a project with a similar tone as “Sins”. But, it’s 2020, and Internet Money could have anything up their sleeves.

Click here to listen to “Sins” on SoundCloud.

Eternal Atake Is Lil Uzi Vert’s “Best Body of Work”

Late Thursday night, early Friday morning, self-proclaimed rockstar Lil Uzi Vert spoke to his fans in a short burst of tweets about his very long-awaited album Eternal Atake. Fans have been waiting almost two years for this specific project while Lil Uzi teased it during his musical break. Fans once speculated that it would never come out. Towards the middle of 2019, he brought back the hype and promised a 2020 release date.

Uzi tells his fans that Eternal Atake is his best body of work and it’ll bring the good vibes from 2016 back to christen the new decade. The Philadelphia rapper is determined to complete this mission. He’s gone to the lengths to change his famously unpredictable hair into a bright, neon orange dye job. If that doesn’t scream warm feelings and high energy, I don’t know what does.

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.