Author: EDITORIAL FEATURES

Rome Streetz & Futurewave – “Razor’s Edge” (Album Review)

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This is the 6th full-length album from New York emcee Rome Streetz. Breaking out in 2016 off his debut mixtape I Been Thru Mad Shit, he would make his presence known as one of the most skilled lyricists in the underground today off projects like Headcrack & the Noise Kandy mixtape series. His last album Death & the Magician that came out back in February is not only Rome’s magnum opus, but one of the best albums that I’ve heard all year with DJ Muggs’ production being a damn-near perfect fit for dude’s acrobatic lyricism. But after a 5 month break, Rome is re-enlisting Futurewave for a Headcrack sequel entitled Razor’s Edge.

The opener “Mud to Moet” operatically looks back on when his pockets were frail whereas “Most High” goes into boom bap turf talking about being made in the image of God. His wife Chyna tags along for the hypnotic title track touching down on maturity leading him talking about going through some things on the luxurious “Same Way”.

Meanwhile with “Emvy”, we have Rome & Daniel Son coming together for a morbid shot back at those who’re jealous of them just before he & Starker jump on top of an organ for “No Sample” to say they ain’t changing shit. “Dry Ice” opens up about having to learn the wrong turn burns on top of a tense instrumental prior to the bloodthirsty “Sage of Gunsmoke” with Ransom, which has some jazzy undertones in the beat.

“Bible or the Rifle” works in some heavy horns to say it’s game over for those who make the wrong moves while “Disconnected” jumps on top of a soulful instrumental to acknowledge how doubters wanna work with him now that his profile is increasing. The song “9 4 Judas” grimily proclaims the only thing you need to know is how to earn dough while the penultimate track “High Grand Strandz” with Plex Diamond devilishly calls out those who try to take shit from New York emcees. Then there’s “Rated R”, which works in a gospel sample to compare his life to the MPA rating of the same name.

If anyone puts Razor’s Edge over Death & the Magician, I wouldn’t be mad at it at all because this is just as spectacular. Wasn’t feeling a couple of the features, but everything about Headcrack from the pen-game to Futurewave’s production is being turned up to 11.

Score: 9/10

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Scum – “Dyin’ World Chroniclez 2: Red Groundz” (Album Review)

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This is the 13th full-length album from Russian-American horrorcore veteran Scum. Coming up as the founder of the local independent powerhouse Lyrikal Snuff Productionz, the man has literally dropped dozens of projects either on his own or with side projects like M.M.M.F.D. & the 4 Horsemen. Dude just dropped Dyin’ World Chroniclez: Grey Skiez about 5 months ago & after a couple of new singles following that, we’re being treated to the sequel Dyin’ World Chroniclez 2: Red Groundz.

After the intro, the title track works in some violins for him & King Gordy portraying their own versions of Hell whereas “Beyond Comprehension” is a trap banger talking about how his intentions are clear. Smallz 1 tags along to let people know they’ll remain underground on the frosty “My Damnation” just before trapping cats into a “Lion’s Cage” with a demented instrumental.

Meanwhile on “We the Onez”, we have M.M.M.F.D. jumping on top of a skeletal trap beat to talk about parents warning their children of them leading into “Wonder” continuing to delve into that sound except it has more meat on the bone & Scum pondering what’s going through his victim’s mind. “Groundhog (Fri)day(13)” is an aggressive, high-tempo anthem to murder whereas “Intrauterine Cannibalistic” with Hex Rated goes into trap metal territory talking about making cats bleed when they catch ‘em.

The song “Humpty Dumpty” speaks on cracking people’s heads over a nocturnal instrumental while the penultimate track “Keep That Shit” works in some keyboards & hi-hats to admit that he’s sick in the head. Then it rounds out with “Nevaendin’ Story”, which is Scum talking about murder being addictive accompanied by a misty beat.

Scum has been putting it down for the underground wicked shit scene for a very long time at this point & the whole Dyin’ World Chroniclez series that he’s been doing lately turning out pretty hard. In comparison to the previous installment, I think this one sounds darker & rawer in terms of production choices & pen-game.

Score: 7/10

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K*Ners teams up with Bristol’s finest on “Time is Counting Remix” [video]

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K*Ners teams up with Grim Sickers, Tanya Lacey, Genesis Elijah, and Blacksmith for this energetic collaboration titled “Time is Counting Remix.” The all-star remix is chock full of different styles from the featured artists as it showcases the best from his borough and beyond. Each emcee comes through with their respective add-on from insightful to bravado-laden flows layered seamlessly over the upbeat but soulful beat provided by Self Taught Beats.

The visual is as dynamic as the song and makes use of solid performance shots of each act doing what they know best and also splicing it with different spots showcasing the organic vibe of the collaboration.

“Time is Counting Remix” is taken from K*Ners’ K*Star EP Vol 2. Get it here.

 

Keep up with K*Ners  | Spotify: Twitter: Instagram

Brandon Kai shares new single “On Me”

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Emerging Florida rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer BRANDON KAI come through with a summer offering titled “On Me.” The single is his first release in almost a year and the lead track from his upcoming sophomore EP, the infectious melodic rap track captures the sound that Brandon has been developing during the lockdown.

Bolstered by the hard trap drum grooves, lush synths, and pulsating basslines, Kai delivers a plethora of fiery flows peppered with melodic runs that stick in the ear for a while. The track sees Brandon Kai in glorious form, from start to finish, as he addresses girl trouble, detractors, new friends, and focuses on getting to the bag. Speaking about his inspiration for ‘On Me’ and how the track came about, Brandon says, “the past year helped me grow as an artist in ways that would not happen otherwise. The experience, lessons, and maturation are on full display in the music I’m creating now, with ‘On Me’ being one of the first”.

21-year rising star Brandon Kai – real name Brandon Raymond Trujillo – burst onto the scene in 2018 with his acclaimed debut EP In The Making when he was just 18-years old, and the following year, he landed on VEVO’s ‘Artists To Watch’ playlist with the single ‘Fxck A Day Off’, while also inking partnership deals with Symphonic and sync music publisher Audiio. However in 2020, in the face of the global pandemic and lockdown in 2020, Brandon took the opportunity to “step away and really take time with myself”, the Florida artist and producer recalls – the outcome of which is his upcoming new project, with ‘On Me’ offering an exciting first taste of what’s to come.

 

Keep up with Brandon Kai | YouTube: Facebook: Website:  Twitter: Instagram

Boom Bap Project Celebrate Comeback Album With New Video “Ink Drips”

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Boom Bap Project celebrate the forthcoming release of their comeback album, Return Flight, with the visuals for the project’s standout single “Ink Drips,” produced by Vitamin D, with additional instrumentation supplied by Rachel Panni and Alison Balano. The video follows the crew around WildCraft CiderWorks Brewery in Eugene, OR, where they spit lyrically rich verses about stress, pain and growth while giving a glimpse to the “Ink Drips” collaboration between the two parties. And that collab is a bourbon barrel-aged, single-varietal Kingston Black cider that uses a freeze pressed blueberry triage. Return Flight is available now for pre-order and hits DSPs on August 13. It will also be available for purchase on vinyl and CD via Fat Beats. The cider is available for sale on the Wildcraft site and Boom Bap Project shows, and it will be in-stores up and down the West Coast come August. 

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Kiks is “Full of Light”

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Brisbane-based Australian rapper Kiks returns with a new single titled “Full of Light” where he talks about attempting to change the world the best way he can. Backed by a dreamy and somewhat trippy backdrop, he delivers an emotive performance ripe with insightful and uplifting elements that listeners can relate to.

Kiks currently has 2 EPs under his notch, Ever Changing Moods (2019) and Slingshot (2020)

Get “Full of Light” on SoundCloud, Apple Music, Deezer

Keep up with Kiks | Facebook: Instagram.

Arlo Maverick is on an “Award Tour” alongside Mouraine, Gatson & Oozeela

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Arlo Maverick brings his crew for a special trip on his new single “Award Tour.” The smooth guitar-laden track sees him working with Mouraine, Gatson, and Oozeela who all come through with their distinct styles laced with insightful lyrics about success. The track serves as a manifestation of their dreams as their creativity and music have taken them far and wide across the globe and they all give thanks for that opportunity considering their background as second-generation immigrants.

 

3X EMA Award Winner Arlo Maverick is a Hip-Hop artist who aims to move his fans physically and emotionally. With his slogan of “Music that’s well rounded like Beyonce’s hips”, Arlo’s music is relatable and timely touching on everything from dating with trust issues, coping with suicide, to being undervalued at your 9 to 5.

Get “Award Tour” on Apple Music, Deezer,

Keep up with Arlo Maverick | SoundCloud : Facebook : Bandcamp : Twitter : Instagram

Mantragold provide “The Answer”

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Pop/R&B band Mantragold (fka Blesd) is back with a new single “The Answer” that dives into love, human nature, and the true purpose of life. The record dives into the need to repair the world in the sense of humans shedding their selfish attitudes in order to make life more palatable for everyone.

The record is a mellow, r&b infused ballad ripe with cinematic and rich textures that seamlessly blend with the alluring vocal performance by lead singers Ayo Awosika and Lily Elise. The duo’s chemistry is felt as they fuse their individual styles that run the gamut of the vocal range from low to high. The production credits include Jeremy Lawrence who plays the guitar and helms the entire production alongside Bassist Brock Pollock and drummer Joe Conner.

 

When not writing or playing with Mantragold, the band members are collaborating with other high-profile artists. See Ayo on the new Miley Cyrus’ Stand By You Pride Special and Lily on Olivia Rodrigo’s Live Music Video for ‘Favorite Crime’. Hear Jeremy playing guitar on “Chosen feat Ty Dolla $ign” by Blxst, Joe playing drums with artists like Jessie J & Jojo, and Brock slapping the bass at Jeff Besos’ House.

Get “The Answer” on YouTube, Spotify, Deezer, SoundCloud

“The Answer” Album Art was done by Claire Marice

Keep up with Blesd  |YouTube : Website: Facebook:  Instagram

09XXI shares two tracks “I AM” and “TREE OF LIFE”

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Emerging rapper 09XXI makes his entry on TWIB with these two exciting singles “I AM” and “TREE OF LIFE” taken from his new project.

“I AM” is a dark and reflective track that sees the rapper looking deeply within himself as he finds his footing in this crazy world. He makes use of a dark and punchy backdrop to share his thoughts on societal pressures and the need to embrace oneself in order to survive the craziness. His flow here is quite impassioned and energetic as he seamlessly flows over the dark engulfing backdrop laid before him.

Get “I AM”  on SoundCloud, Apple Music

 

“TREE OF LIFE” is an insightful and thought-provoking tale of a couple pontificating on the dynamics of an unplanned pregnancy. The what-if scenario is bolstered by 09XXI’s evocative lyrics and story-telling abilities which puts the listeners right in the mix of the action. It’s quite engaging and makes listeners think deeply about the delicate topic. Singer/songwriter Jayh joins him on the song and delivers a sultry and alluring melodic performance to complete the mission.

Get  “TREE OF LIFE” on SoundCloud, Apple Music.

Keep up with 09XXI | Soundcloud: TikTok : Twitter : Instagram