Author: Erika Becker

S.O.N. – “Grant Us Eyes” (Album Review)

Posted on by Erika Becker

S.O.N. is an MC from Sharon, Pennsylvania notable for his associations with the Legion Realm & the Hivemind movement. But for his official full-length debut over here, he has enlisted Billy Obey produce the whole thing from top to bottom which immediately caught my attention given that Billy is 1/3 of what I personally believe to be the greatest horrorcore act to come up within the last decade: Alla Xul Elu.

After the “A Terrible Fate” intro, the title track is a Hellish opener speaking on dark energy surrounding him whereas “E.V.I.L. (Everything Vile Inside Legion)” takes a turn into boom bap territory repping the Legion Realm. “King of Dark Energy” proclaims himself as such on top of an occult instrumental while “Breathe” somberly depicts a dark messiah encouraging this man & woman to become a part of him.

Meanwhile after “The Descent” interlude, but “The Mouth of Madness” grotesquely depicts a place where only the strong survive just before Xul themselves tag along to embrace their sins for quasi-rap rock tinged “Amen”. He later fucks with Samaritan witchcraft on the misty “The Bridge” leading into him talking about losing his mind for the dusty “What’s That Noise?”.

Following the “Order of the Blue Rose” interlude, “Feed the Beast” takes the trap route to describe the antichrist whereas the heinous “Eye for an Eye” talks about a demon being summoned by the tears of the broken. The penultimate track “The Blessing” calls to a higher power in wicked boom bap fashion & then the closer “The Hive” talks about a beast that goes by many names accompanied by a buzzing instrumental.

I can only imagine S.O.N. going places from hereon out because I highly enjoyed what he brought to the table with Grant Us Eyes. Dude’s lyrics are amongst the darkest that you’ll hear all 2021 & of course Billy Obey knocks it out of the park on the production end of things.

Score: 9/10

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Showrocka, Spek Arson teams up with Brucie , Kay Wattz, Dezi Da Bomb Diva , Lxvndr & Jayla Sings for “Big Hoop Energy”

Posted on by Erika Becker

Emerging New Haven, Connecticut-based emcee/all-around entertainer Showrocka assembled a team of the best emcees on his newest effort titled “Big Hoop Energy.” The track serves as the ultimate tribute to the female rappers who never get their just due and also a display of skill by these women who can hold their own with their male counterparts. Anchored by Showrocka and Spek Arson who help introduce listeners to the event, the starting lineup is made up of Brucie, Kay Wattz, Dezi Da Bomb Diva , Lxvndr and Jayla Sings.

The record is built on an anthemic backdrop ripe with a classic horn sample and heavy drum grooves that form the perfect canvass for the ladies to run wild with the pen. The flows are fiery and the lyrics are unfiltered so it’s nothing but utter verbal manslaughter as the ladies hold nothing back with their distinct voices and katana sharp lyrics.

Showrocka is currently active on internet battle platforms Str8sixteen and Emceegods, as well as being a content contributor and actor on the soon-to-be-released 4Bar Show featuring Joell Ortiz. Showrocka’s most recent full-length project entitled I Grew Up on Wu features Young Dirty Bastard , which was released in April.

Get “Big Hoop Energy” on Apple Music

 

Keep up with Showrocka | YouTube : Apple Music: Instagram

Kings Cvstle and Dia Day put their “Pain In Pages ” [video]

Posted on by Erika Becker

London identical twin duo Kings Cvstle team up with singer Dia Day for this excellent, reflective single titled “Pain In Pages .” The track is built on a moody and somber texture that blends perfectly with the duo’s revealing and evocative lyrics as they explore their inner pain and struggles. Dia Day ties it all with her gripping soulful performance.

 

The visual has a reflective and cinematic aesthetic that makes it engaging . It makes use of several perfomance shots and also follows the trio around the city of London as they try to find balance and semblance of peace.

“Pain In Pages ” is taken from the duo’s forthcoming album due in November.

Keep up with Kings Cvstle | Soundcloud: Spotify: Spotify: Instagram

J.Meazy shares “bring thE pain” feat Brizz Rawsteen & “ca$h i$ thE rEa$on”

Posted on by Erika Becker

Emerging emcee J.Meazy proceeds to “bring thE pain” alongside Brizz Rawsteen on this Method man-inspired track. Flipping the same sample from the classic METH song, the duo bring out the proverbial big guns and lunge into action decimating the opposition with reckless abandon. The production is solid and makes use of a punchy drum groove with that legendary vocal-driven sample and the result is a pure lyrical massacre on wax.

Get “bring thE pain” on  YouTube

 

“ca$h i$ thE rEa$on” is the second cut from J.Meazy and captures the rapper’s go-getter attitude. The rapper reminds listeners not to sleep on him as he is out to make bags by any means necessary. He also peppers the track with a healthy dose of bravado and an interpolation of the hook from Raekwon’s “Ice Cream” single. “ca$h i$ thE rEa$on” also samples the same piano loop from “Ice Cream” and flips it nicely into a thumping trap drum groove driven beat that will burst your speakers.

Get “ca$h i$ thE rEa$on” on Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer

 

Keep up with J.Meazy | Soundcloud: Facebook

J. Vybe – “Break Free” Ft. Ariano (Video)

Posted on by Erika Becker

Riding the momentum off his new single “Break Free”, J. Vybe drops a powerfully emotional video for the track.  Directed by SceneSmart and shot at Lake Gardner in Amesbury Massachusetts, the video brings you closer to the face behind the thought-provoking lyrics of J. Vybe. While some might have chosen a darkened landscape to match the song, this video delivers light and hope as an antidote to pain that lies in the shadows.

Produced by Southern California’s very own Ariano, “Break Free” is a dark and intensely moody track, allowing J.Vybe to channel vulnerability into deeply honest lyrics. Following a wild year of uncertainty, “Break Free” is a perfectly timed plea to break out of the darkness and into the light. It’s a brooding joint with a ghostly feel, yet J. Vybe’s lyrical prowess gives it a triumphant edge.

Born and raised in MA, fresh emcee J. Vybe has been releasing his brand of good Vybe music over the past few years but his new single “Break Free” appears to be turning point in his career, both sonically and lyrically. Make sure to follow him on Instagram @j.vybe.

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Witch Prophet’s “Musa” gets a Remix featuring Stas Thee Boss

Posted on by Erika Becker

Queer Ethiopian/Eritrean, singer-songwriter, ‘Witch Prophet‘s song “Musa” gets a revamp courtesy of SUN SUN and featuring emcee Stas Thee Boss. The jazz-infused track is eclectic and ripe with layered sounds and a solid groove that merges perfectly with Witch prophet’s enchanting melodic runs and Stas Thee Boss’s fiery cadence and vivid lyrical imagery.

Keep up with Witch Prophet | Soundcloud: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram

Trap Rabbit x The Bul Bey x Unown – “Hissy”

Posted on by Erika Becker

This is a collaboration between alt-jazz production duo Trap Rabbit, producer Unown, and rising Philly MC The Bul Bey. The lyrics to this track were written the day after the failed American insurrection in January 2020. They grapple with current events and social media culture.

 

This is a collaboration between fusion production duo Trap Rabbit, producer Unown, and Philly MC The Bul Bey. The lyrics to this track were written the day after the failed American insurrection in January 2020. They grapple with current events, anxieties, and culture. The words and flow are unsettling, complimenting the instrumental.

The foundation of the instrumental was and improvised and chopped up live set by DJ Unown and Trap Rabbit, similar to their previous release together, The Cook Up Vol 1.

Rapper-songwriter The Bul Bey tells the authentic story of Philadelphia native meets global citizen. With the optimism of a school teacher, the honesty of an Imam, and a lexicon only a Philly Bul could truly comprehend, the playful Hip Hop wordsmith’s bouncy bars elevate the bright sides of working class life.

 

 

“Stop tryna get me to dance/ when they killing us/ I’ve got a strap in my hands/ and I’m Pulling Up”

The instrumental was made using samples from a live improvised performance by Trap Rabbit. They were chopped by DJ Unown and then further produced by the duo.

Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered at Treacle Mine Studios in Philly, PA by Michael Cumming (Sun Ra Arkestra, Hilary Hahn, Jim Cunningham)

Trap Rabbit is a collective of Philadelphia and New York-based musicians that produces music referencing a menagerie of influences including piano trios, indie songwriters, psychedelic rock, experimental hip-hop, and niche 70’s funk and soul from around the world. Founded in a basement on the outskirts of Philadelphia in 2015, its members include studio rats, touring session players, ivy-league snobs, conservatory grads, high school drop-outs, DIY legends, pop junkies, jazz enthusiasts, and hip-hop aficionados. Their achievements are similarly varied, including international tours, academic awards, and collaborations with Grammy-winners and platinum record holders.

Trap Rabbit is a collective of Philadelphia and New York-based musicians that produces music referencing a menagerie of influences including piano trios, indie songwriters, psychedelic rock, experimental hip-hop, and niche 70’s funk and soul from around the world. Founded in a basement on the outskirts of Philadelphia in 2015, its members include studio rats, touring session players, ivy-league snobs, conservatory grads, high school drop-outs, DIY legends, pop junkies, jazz enthusiasts, and hip-hop aficionados. Their achievements are similarly varied, including international tours, academic awards, and collaborations with Grammy-winners and platinum record holders.

In the past, Trap Rabbit has been fortunate to share the stage with artists such as Mark Giuliana and Taylor McFerrin, and to work in studio settings with producers like Phil Nicolo (Lauryn Hill, Bob Dylan), and Eric Bazilian (The Hooters, Cyndi Lauper).

In addition to producing original music for themselves and others, they also make commercial music for sync libraries, apps, and audio books, and podcasts with their production studio, Treacle Mine Recording.

DJ Unown is a Philly-based, DC-bred producer. He currently produces hip-hop instrumentals and plays in Oddisee’s live band.

Photos by Quincy Stallworth*

Get it on all DSPs here.

Keep up with The Bul Bey | SoundCloud : Facebook: Twitter: Instagram

Keep up with Trap Rabbit | SoundCloud: Facebook: Youtube: Instagram

Fabich’s “Summer 21” is pure summer vibes on wax

Posted on by Erika Becker

Producer Fabich taps into the summer spirit with this warm horn-driven jam titled “Summer 21.” He blends warm textures, catchy retro-vocal melodies, and throws in some heavenly trumpets courtesy of Lahos.

The result is a bouncy, summer jam that reminds listeners of the sunny beaches, cold drinks, and beautiful ladies in bikinis.

Get “Summer 21” on SoundCloud .

 

 

Keep up with Fabich   | Soundcloud: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram

Paying Tribute to Biz Markie and Chatting with John Robinson

Posted on by Erika Becker

Hip-Hop has lost another icon. Rest in Peace, Biz Markie. You made us laugh, kept the beat going with your mouth, rhymed alongside some of the best to ever do it, all the while with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. The show starts out with a tribute mix to you this week. You will never be forgotten.

After the opening tribute set, we have a half hour of John Robinson tunes before he calls in to the Word is Bond Studios for an in-depth interview. And then we close off with some great new music.

Press play and spread the word.

Word is Bond!

Chase March & Wizekrak – Word is Bond Theme
Marley Marl ft Heavy D & Biz Markie – We Write the Songs
Biz Markie – Vapors
Biz Markie – Biz is Goin’ Off
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo ft Big Daddy Kane & Biz Markie – Erase Racism
Biz Markie – Just a Friend
Cut Chemist ft Biz Markie – Moonlightin’ With Biz
Biz Markie – Nobody Beats the Biz
Morcheeba ft Biz Markie – In the Hands of the Gods
Biz Markie – Make the Music With Your Mouth
Chan Hays ft Homeboy Sandman, John Robinson, & Ghettosocks – The Shoes
Configa & DJ Views ft El Da Sensei, John Robinson, & Solemn Brigham – Word Science
J. Rawls & John Robinson – Jazz Unconditional
MindsOne & DJ Iron ft John Robinson – Horizons
John Robinson & PVD – Full Circle
Jay Are ft Tiffany Paige – YCP
DJ K.O. Ft Torae, John Robinson, Talib Kweli, & Tiffany Paige – Someday
Eloh Kush & Dus ft John Robinson, El Da Sensei, & StaHHr – B-Boy Bonanza
Tiffany Paige & John Robinson – Long Time
John Robinson – Better Music
John Robinson ft Eloh Kush – Dreamer
Elzhi, Meeco, & DJ Access – Back in the Days
Fortunato & Royce Birth – No Half Step
Ramson Badbonez ft Tru Trilla, Fly Kwa, & Prince Ak – Lame Duck
Eleven & Jason D – The Combo
Dan-e-o ft Wizekrak, & MikeAll – Sick Widdit
bRavenous – The Twist
Frac & Tone – Coast is Clear
Frankenstein – The Projects
Chadio & The Dirty Sample ft Rozmo – Commercial Kids Totem

Thanks for listening!

This Episode Will Air – Thursday July 22, 2021.

I wanted to podacst this episode early as a special tribute. Last week’s show with A.D. Carson will be posted next week. Sorry about the delay on that one.

Listen to Word is Bond Rap Radio

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If you liked this episode, check out last week’s episode.

  • Word is Bond Rap Radio with special guest, Chadio

New York City nightlife is back thanks to Project 91 and their 4th of July Block Party, featuring GoldFish, Phantoms and Devault

Posted on by Erika Becker

Project 91, a New York City-based event experience and production company produced the first festival in NYC since 2019 on the waterfront in Brooklyn this past 4th of July. Project 91 advertised the festival as a “block party”, which indeed it was. With over 3,000 + guests in attendance, they had food trucks, a beer garden & a VIP lounge for guests.

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A post shared by PROJECT 91 (@project91events)

Project 91 has been producing events all over New York City since 2019, but their brand took off this spring/summer as they were first on the scene to start throwing underground parties as well as booking well known DJ’s such as Carnage, Cheat Codes, SNBRN, & David Berrie.

The Project 91 team, founded by Todd Mackall & Duncan Abdelnour, have some very exciting plans coming down the pipeline this summer and fall. On July 17th, Gryffin will be making his return to NYC on the Infinity Hornblower, titled, PROJECT 91 AT SEA. The hornblower is the biggest party yacht in all of New York City. The show sold out in under 48 hours.

Project 91 focuses on bringing high-energy house music experiences to different venues around NYC. Recently, they started a series of parties called “Off The Record” where they bring in unannounced artists as secret guests. Carnage and Cheat Codes were both featured on this series at nightclub Schimanski, an iconic venue in Brooklyn.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jarrett Birnbaum