dopeness is what i like the most

Man, this dude is just  nice with it. Clocking in at under two minutes, Bklyn Lo hops on Meek's  Championships instrumental and proceeds to lace the track with an onslaught of fiery lyricism. "Stuck In My Ways (LoMix)" hits like a *gut kick* *Stunner*: quick and effectively to the point. At the rate dude is letting off his bars, I don't know if Bklyn was even breathing as he delivers his blunt, intelligent and confident prose. If Bklyn Lo doesn't release a full-length project this year, I'll be severely disappointed. Press play on "Stuck In My Ways (LoMix)" below.    

Raz Simone returns with his first set of visuals since the release of  Still Love , the 15-track album liberated earlier this month. For today's release, Simone blesses "Lies" with the official visual treatment. "Lies" kicks off with Raz addressing the often misused sentiment in calling someone "bro" - a lot of people will be quick to dap you up without actually considering you their family. In life we have the family we're born into and we have the family we choose. Having the freedom to  choose one's non-blood family, in theory, should make for an even stronger bond. Of course, as most of us have experienced the hard way, this bond can be quickly broken when ego manifests in the form of jealousy, envy, fear and greed. Throughout the first part of "Lies", Simone takes aim at a fellow artist he was once - and possibly still is - close to, referencing self-funded shows that took place around the world. While Raz was focused on ...

Jamla is the squad and the squad runs  deep . Whether it's the glowing star that is Rapsody or the hunger of the youth showcased through Reuben Vincent and Ian Kelly , Jamla is home to a wildly talented roster of vast artistry. And GQ may still be Jamla's best kept secret, maneuvering through the shadows, dipping in and out of the spotlight with calculated precision. But when he pops up, the young legend always comes through with the smoothest flow that houses simple yet thought provoking lyrical content - it's blunt commentary wrapped in the silkiest of flows. For his latest release, GQ returns to 2017's  E 14th , giving the Nottz-produced "Everything's The Same" the official visual treatment. As always, the Oakland-raised artist blesses the record with his uniquely textbook coolness, delivering his substance-heavy prose with tranquility. Throughout the track, GQ uses his words to paint vivid landscapes of his environment, allowing listeners to ...

Love, of course, is not an easy road to travel. But, when the love is real and when the love is divine, all the challenges, hardships and trials prove to be worth it. Real love - true love - always prevails. As the visual descends from the Heavens, Tobe Nwigwe begins the dulcet delivery of his prose. With a stoic demeanor, he stands with his Queen, as an enchanting dance installment takes place in the field upon which they stand. Nwigwe chronicles the journey that is his soul connection with Fat while the camera pans out. With "Ode To Fat", Tobe Nwigwe reveals the blessing from God that is the pregnancy of his wife. And this, he states, is "the most genuine form of happiness [he's] felt." From there, the latest #getTWISTEDsundays release is like an angelic embrace from the parents-to-be, the words of Nwigwe containing such an incomparable purity and bliss that it's near impossible not to catch goosebumps from this release. Saturated with artistic exp...

I'm not about to front like I'm a longtime listener of Samsin, but I did see this loosie reposted by Great Dane on SoundCloud earlier so I knew it was worth, at the very least, checking out. And I'm certainly glad I decided to press play on the young artist's "Useless (wip)". While the joint - which clocks in at a mere 1:32 - is unmixed and unfinished, Samsin brings some airy vibes throughout the tantalizing release, making sure to couple the chill atmosphere with some well-placed, seductively ambient drops. The spacey production will leave you floating in the abyss before sending you back down to Earth when it stops rather abruptly. If his recent tweets are any indication, Samsin may channel that 2016 energy and start bringing the vibes to SoundCloud more frequently. Listen to "Useless (wip)" below.  

It's easy to fall into a routine of listening to the same music on repeat, especially when there's such an eclectic mix of dope tunage available across the Internet. You get into the groove of emotions centered around a handful of artists, and forget to look outside that frequently spun playlist. So, it's always a nice treat when something new falls into the sonic airwaves that catches your attention and peaks your interest. Such was the case when I came across UMI and her latest release, "High School". With no previous knowledge of the artist or her style, I had zero expectations when I hit play for the first time - a rare excursion in this day and age. As the video began, and her debonair vocals drifted upon the Cooper Holzeman-provided production, I found myself spellbound by the collective aura of playful purity encompassing both UMI's prose and the lighthearted bop of instrumentation. The wistful "High School" does a pristine job capturin...

As the years continue to pass, I often reflect on the time I wasted as a younger person, longing for the opportunity to dedicate the freedom of my youth to my current passions. Of course, this is a rose colored glasses perception, not taking into account the simple fact that every moment lived before today was necessary to bring me to this point in time - had previous days not been "wasted", then I would not be living amongst the dreams and passions that fuel my present existence. Working daily with so many kids, I'm also constantly reminded of how difficult it must be for today's youth to maneuver through the conditioning and expectations placed upon them. Society lays out a calculated road to "success", leaving little to no room for outside of the box creativity or individuality. It's a damn shame the ways in which the world does it's best to suffocate the flickers of light that exist within each and every child walking upon the Earth today. ...

Cheers. Recorded in Brooklyn at 6 A.M. one vibey, fruitful morning, "Per Diem" has found it's way from the vault, liberated now for your listening pleasure and mental stimulation. Featuring back and forth chillosophical exchange from Granata and NIKO IS , the Jachary-produced joint is bountiful in it's wisdom while remaining humbly imperturbable in it's delivery. Listeners find themselves on the receiving end of a nonchalant discourse containing a vast depth of substance, all wrapped up in a smooth, simplistic package. As the self-proclaimed "Rhymin' & Artfunkel" recite their prose with little vocal inflection, the calming essence of quietude serves as an accent on the content. Rather than utilize hulking tones or boisterous deliveries, Granata and NIKO simply speak, allowing the inherent power of their words to act as the sole illumination of the overarching message. With soft-spoken, atmospheric instrumentation from Jachary guiding t...

The tag-team champs of the 860 drop off an ode to their stomping grounds, coming through today with the aptly titled "860 (The Snow)". Over some smooth, wavy instrumentation, Ty Hookz and CrissB take turns effortlessly lacing the joint with quotables in between the sleekly delivered chorus.  As the weather does it's thing outside, the latest from AQMNI will get the vibes right whether you're ridin' through the streets or taking care of business inside. Here's to hoping the wolves liberate more new work sooner rather than later.  Press play on "860 (The Snow)" below. 

Oh, baby! After popping up late last year following a lengthy absence from the public spotlight, GRiZ returns with a heavy dosage of funk to help keep your body warm and your vibes lifted this week. Along with announcing a new album and tour, GRiZ liberates "I'm Good" from the vault, coming through with a sound that holds true to vintage Grant while also showcasing the growth and maturity he's experienced over the last year. Man, just when you thought his style couldn't get any funkier, the eclectic artist finds a way to bring the energy of his music to a whole new level. "I'm Good" is the epitome of feel-good music, and you'll notice the tidal waves of euphoria crashing throughout your mind, body and spirit as soon as you press play...and then play the record back, over and over again.  "I'm Good" serves as our first taste of  Ride Waves , which is set for release on April 5th. Of course, this means GRiZ will be hitting the...

The first time I listened to F. Virtue came a couple years back, when the NY-based artist was doing a monthly series with Paper Mag. It was one of those experiences that I believe will forever remain fondly within the confines of my memory - the ways in which his music found peculiar ways of cutting deep, inching towards isolated parts of my psyche. With each listen, new emotions were drawn from within me, his words and impassioned delivery radiating with an unabashed realness, forcing me to take a look in the mirror - no matter how uncomfortable the reflection may have been.  And ever since, F. Virtue's music has held a special place in my heart. Using his own journey to cast vibrant illumination on countless issues that plague society, there is an honesty present within each song that rips at the fabric of the conditioning we've been raised under. It's this unflinching authenticity encompassing F. Virtue that allows for the music he creates to serve a higher purpos...

When you've got the Jamla family standing beside you - referring to you as Young Simba on Pride Rock - you know you're doing something right. And Reuben Vincent, at only 18 years of age, is clearly doing quite a bit  right . After making waves with his  Myers Park project in late 2017, it's been nothing but putting in work and honing an ever-evolving skill set for Vincent. Of course, being surrounded by the likes of Rapsody , GQ, Heather Victoria , 9th Wonder, the equally promising Ian Kelly - and, let's be honest, the laundry list of other artists who make up one of music's strongest collectives - is only going to help any artist serious about their craft ascend, and inevitably surpass, their greatest version. Case in point is Reuben's fiery additions to last year's  Jamla Is The Squad II  compilation, managing to hold his own alongside a who's who of hip-hop royalty, proving without question he's worthy of his spot in the squad. With a n...

Here's a new one from Ro Ransom to get the blood boiling and adrenaline pumping, as he joins forces with Y2K for the official remix to " Wraith ". The record, which originally found life on the the NY-based artist's  Possessed project, is hit with some heavy, aggressive new sounds courtesy of Y2K. There's an increased level of tenebrosity sifting through the updated sonic backdrop, bringing an even darker energy to the already overcast joint. The ways in which the lyrical content and delivery merge with the instrumentation, despite clashing stylistically, is a testament to the creative potency that exists between the tag-team of Ro Ransom and Y2K. With Ransom currently in LA focused on the studio grind, it only makes sense he's cooking up work with the talented producer. Expect more new music from Ransom, and hopefully Y2K, as the year moves forward. Press play on "Wraith (Y2K Remix)" below and check out Possessed  here .  

My goodness, there are not many feelings that compare to the genuine euphoria one experiences when they hear new music - like  really good  new music - for the first time. And this becomes amplified when you hear an artist for the first time and, as you dive deeper into their catalogue, you realize the entirety of what's already available is composed of beautiful music that educates just as much as it entertains. After one of Tobe Nwigwe's #getTWISTEDsundays releases appeared in the list of recommended videos on YouTube a couple weeks back, I've been hooked on the captivatingly unique energy brought forth with each new drop. Coming to life thanks to the creative coalition comprised of Nwigwe, Fat (Tobe's beloved) and Nell, viewers/listeners are opened up to a breathtaking aesthetic that is coupled with an abrasive yet uplifting sound. The ways in which the various layers of each visual jump off the screen, transcending from a simple video into a life all it's o...

After listening to Sean Matsukawa for the first time last month, I found myself doing a little research in hopes of discovering more music from the LA-based artist to enjoy. It didn't take long before that search lead me to the musical offerings of Kaiya Crawford, including the beautiful sonic experience that is  '97.  Kaiya's sound is unique, coming through in multifarious sonic manifestations. It's evident Crawford is influenced by a wide range of artistry but, upon listening to  '97 , it becomes even more clear the talented artist is determined to carve out a vibe all her own. Her vocals are delivered with angelic undertones, the alluring and seductive essence of which accent the already comforting and engaging energy emanating from the lyrical content and production. The appropriately utilized vocal effects serve their purpose virtuously, lifting and adding well-placed distortions without ever masking the pure, ardent emotion that gleams forth throughout t...

With two albums having dropped last year, Raz Simone showed no signs of slowing down as 2018 wrapped up and 2019 emerged. Following a roll-out that included Jacob Hill-shot visuals for " Dancing with my Heart ", " Isn't Love ", " Forever Don't Last " and " Hurting Painters ", Raz Simone celebrated his birthday with the liberation of his most extensive collection of music to-date. No stranger to composing poetic songs that offer deep insight into his personal life, backstory and current state of mind, the 15-track  Still Love somehow finds a way to depict Simone in an entirely new light. While it continues an ongoing trend of pure, unadulterated authenticity present in his music,  Still Love  dances with the many faces of love, bringing to life the various ways "love" takes form in - and leaves - the life of the street prophet that is Raz Simone. Throughout  Still Love , Simone serves the listener with juxtaposed depict...

With  Glory Sound Prep still sending blessings through speakers around the globe, Jon Bellion has been taking time to cook up masterfully spun acoustic renditions of some of the album's most popular tracks. Of course, the 10-track album is lovely from start to finish, so any one of those tracks might be your  favorite. Having already liberated acoustic versions of " Conversations with my Wife " and " Blu ", the VMG-housed artist turns to one of  Glory Sound Prep 's singles for his most recent release.  Congregating in a dimly illuminated room, with most of the artistry sitting criss-cross applesauce on the floor, Bellion and his talented friends strip down the genre-defying "Stupid Deep". It's fascinating to witness the intricate levels of poetic instrumentation that serve as the building blocks to what lives on the album as a pop-infused, mellow banger of a record. With the acoustic performance, viewers are opened to the layers of thoug...

No matter what side of the debate you stand on, it's safe to say the issue of gun violence - and increased gun legislation - is one of the most divisive issues facing America today. As such a hot topic, the issue tends to fuel heated, argumentative discourse that seldom serves a purpose other than furthering the divide. Due to this lack of peaceful discussion that may find roots in love and understanding, individuals are quick to overlook the most important issue at play - keeping people safe. I won't sit here and compose an editorial championing one view over the other, as I have no basis to claim my opinion is more important than the next. But I will unabashedly express the importance of finding some form of a solution that works to alleviate the pain and sorrow that stems for the overwhelming occurrence of gun-related violence that is plaguing this nation. Far too often, partisan politics and ideologies prevent us from embracing the fact that we're all here in this ...

There's nothing flashy about this cut from Elsha, but the rawness of the NIKO IS -featured "Para Mi Gente" allows for the track to exude self-confidence. With Elsha and NIKO taking turns lacing the multi-lingual collaboration with their unique deliveries, "Para Mi Gente" serves as a simultaneously abrasive yet uplifting anthem. Throughout the joint, both artists have the opportunity to let their words speak through, as the barely-there production leaves limitless room for the lyrical content to stand prominently in the foreground. Visually, viewers are brought out back to experience the energetic exchange that is the preparation of chicken on the grill. Keeping things rooted in the authenticity that's encompassing the music, we witness the process of slaughtering, prepping and cooking up the meal as Elsha, NIKO and their people enjoy themselves. Watch "Para Mi Gente" below.   

It's hard to deny the divisive nature of fundamentalist religion, having twisted the love-based essence of God into a means of instigating hatred, violence and war for no purpose other than feeding inauthentic power struggles. But, at it's core - removed from the influence of man - faith in a Higher Power serves only the most beautiful of purposes. Sometimes it's hard to find the will-power to actually wake up and be of service - whether that's going to a physical church or living your life in a pure, wholesome manner. Nonetheless, regardless of your presence in church every Sunday or who you're praying to, having that faith in some form of a guiding light is far more than a safety net - it has the potential to push you and allow you to thrive through life's most trying of hardships. Through faith and a relationship with a Higher Power, one begins to recognize their own internal strength. On his latest release, London-based Samm Henshaw takes these batt...

Quite a few people like to live in the illusion that relationships - and love - are always sunshine and roses. With the ability to flex the highs on social media, people have an outlet to paint their relationship in only the brightest of colors. But the truth is, regardless of the exterior forces at play, relationships take work. At the end of the day, no matter one's social, economic, professional or whatever identity, in order for a relationship - romantic or otherwise - to be "successful", it will require the ability to maneuver through both the highs and lows, experiencing the many emotions that find their way into the head  and  the heart. With "Nobody Knows", LA-based artist Jez Dior comes through with an honest portrayal of the work and struggles that go into a blossoming relationship, painting a vivid portrait with his genre-blending content. Backed by performance footage of his recent tour, as well as shots captured in Denver and Salt Lake City to ...

Last week, Ceschi liberated the first release off his upcoming  Sad, Fat Luck album and today the Factor Chandelier -produced " Say No More " comes to life with the official visual treatment. Directed by Andy McAlpine, the video offers a wild ride that beautifully captures the overarching tone of the track itself. Filmed in Amsterdam while Ceschi was wandering aimlessly "during a limbo stage in [his] life", "Say No More" utilizes brusque animation to showcase the chaotic frame of mind the New Haven-based artist was experiencing as a result of the many factors addressed throughout the record. With black and white images of Amsterdam's anatomy behind him, Ceschi is armed only with his guitar as he purges the unsettling turmoil from the depths of his being. While the realism is juxtaposed tumultuously with the animation, the viewer is able to experience the disturbing level of crossover that exists within our own lives. We're left with little ch...

I leave my inbox open to any artist that wants to send over their work. I'm always on the lookout for new music to write about and I've found the best way to discover new sounds is to actually have the chance to build with the artist directly. But, to be as transparent as possible, I wish more artists took the opportunity to Swantom Bomb into my messages. You never know what you're going to get when random artists are sending over their music - to say it's hit or miss is an understatement. That said, it was a lovely surprise to get a DM from MANSIONS and then find two new joints from the artist awaiting me in my inbox. After hitting play on "HOURGLASS", I was instantly hooked on the chill energy brought forth by the Oklahoma-by-way-of-Hawaii-based artist. MANSIONS is quite literally floating over the self-produced record with a metronome-like delivery, his content coming forth as if it was the sand falling through an actual hourglass. Filling the new re...

With a new album available everywhere tomorrow, Raz Simone wraps up his  Still Love  roll-out with the release of a brand new visual experience. Showcasing the unique artistic vision Simone possesses, the Jacob Hill-shot "Hurting Painters" features a visual backdrop that some may feel is contrary to the content presented in the song itself. However, upon deeper examination, the juxtaposing energies work together magnificently to orchestrate a dialogue concerning the relationship between love, race/racism and the lifestyle some individuals live in order to rise from the systematically implemented inequality. "Hurting Painters" manages to bring forth commentary on important subject matter, tying the main focuses together while also speaking on how these factors impact - and hurt - the individual(s) who find themselves labeled and judged simply based on their "cover". It's a stirring presentation that does not limit it's reach to black/white, as...

Although it's just a demo, "ION WANNA" serves as our first taste of new music from ClaS!cK   Murf n Rudy in quite some time. Both artists have been busy exploring other sonic outlets, as well as dealing with the highs and lows of their own lives. But, man, when these two come together they always cook up something special. "ION WANNA" is a smooth and soulful experience, the lyrical content housed within the ambient instrumentation. Listeners are initially struck by Rudy's raw vocals, the emotion behind his words coming through the speakers and creeping into the feels of those who press play. And then we find ourselves on the receiving end of Murf's powerful delivery as he lifts the song with reflective and motivating wordplay. "ION WANNA" finds easy connection with it's audience thanks to the relatable content, the final product working to take the listener on a journey into their own psyche, traveling through their lives and emotion...

Ryan Charles calls for the assist from Sam Lachow , cooking up a full-blown Seattle affair on his latest release. The Kase Closed-produced "POPA WHEELY" is nothing short of a bop, as the two artists take turns riding the vibrant, lightly trap-infused instrumentation, exchanging verses in between some fun crooning. Ryan and Sam step up with juxtaposing deliveries on "POPA WHEELY", resulting in an aberrant record that's as fun as it is mind-bending. You'll find yourself running this joint back a few times to capture the rapid fire quips both artists let off throughout the new release - it's not an absurdly lyrical track, but Charles and Lachow mask the depth of their content beneath the enticingly off-center energy present throughout "POPA WHEELY". Press play below.  

The enigmatic dylAn comes through today with a unique spin on Zedd's " Clarity ", covering the song with a far more sullen energy than the Foxes-featured original. Clocking in at just over a minute and a half, Capital A fills his rendition of "Clarity" with omnipresent dreariness, his crooning emerging from the depths of his physical. It's undoubtedly eccentric and certainly worth the quick listen, especially considering there's no telling how long he'll let it live online. Press play below.    

Man, what in the actual fuck can even be said about this onslaught Locksmith brought to DJ Kay Slay and Shade 45? Refusing to let the flu keep him subdued, Lock emerged from his hotel room to absolutely destroy any preconceived notion you may have regarding who's top 5 dead or alive. 'Cause, my brothers and sisters, if you don't recognize the pure lyricism that is Locksmith, then you gotta get your ears, eyes and mind checked. I'm writing this at a loss for words and, quite frankly, there isn't much that needs to be addressed as the Richmond, LA-based emcee spends ten minutes filling the instrumental with socially aware references masked as hard hitting bars. It's the gospel according to Lock; a textbook on what hip-hop as the potential to be. Unabashed, abrasive and mordant in his delivery, Locksmith once again demonstrates how capable he is to consciously go off - dude can write songs and dude can  rap . This freestyle is just another example in the e...

My introduction to Chanel came a couple weeks back when I caught a preview of "Freestyle" on a friend's timeline. The raw confidence present in Chanel's smooth delivery throughout the joint captured my attention and I've been looking forward to peeping her debut project in hopes of gaining a more in-depth feel for what she's bringing to the table. The release of  Uncovered does a beautiful job highlighting Chanel's still untapped potential, as the 8-track mixtape slaps from the moment you press play.  Uncovered is littered with sharp lyricism, leaving no doubt that Chanel is slick with the pen, but the most alluring characteristic on display is the emcee's spectrum-spanning range. More than just self-assured bars, listeners receive a variety of content that finds a balance between her lyrical onslaught and her songwriting capabilities. As the lyricism lays the foundation, Chanel crafts stories around her words, painting pictures of love, street ...

There has been a growing debate regarding the credit owed to - or deserved by - the artists responsible for producing tracks. Some argue producers deserve their just due while others contend the vocals are what make a song blow up. But, man, when you listen to something like "Lives An Ocean", I think the debate becomes obsolete. Of course, the record lives on Factor Chandelier's   Wisdom Teeth , so the producer is obviously going to receive his props for this one. However, "Lives An Ocean" showcases the importance and significance of both the production and the vocals. You could listen to just the instrumentation or an acapella featuring only Taylor Jade's voice, and be taken on a uniquely expansive journey guided by the sonic pull of your heartstrings. Fortunately, the two are overlapped and we are blessed  to experience the chill-inducing beauty that is "Lives An Ocean". Together, Factor's sullen and sorrowful production dances seduc...

As the one year anniversary of  Apologies in Advance  nears, Sylvan LaCue reflects on and celebrates all the work, blessings, love and sacrifice that was his 2018 with the release of the Jonathan Benavente-directed "Love & Sacrifice" visual. Upon the release of  Apologies in Advance  last January, the stars began to truly align for the Florida-based wordsmith. If you're a newer fan, I highly suggest digging into his extensive back catalogue to gain a deeper understanding of LaCue's history. As an avid listener of his music since 2009, it was such a pleasure to experience watching the progression of his career over the last 12 months. Perhaps more than any other artist in 2018, witnessing LaCue receive the long overdue - but perfectly timed - praise and spotlight filled me with joy. But this isn't about me - it's about the next chapter in the lifelong journey of one Sylvan LaCue. And with his latest release, Sylvan utilizes the  Apologies in Advance...

King Leez comes through swinging for the fences, kicking off 2019 with the lyrically dense "Up To Me". Delivering his vivid content with a fiery yet collected onslaught of bars, Leez laces Antwon Vinson's relaxed instrumentation with from-the-heart prose. Throughout the new single, the Black Umbrella affiliate pulls no punches, painting pictures of his resilience as he thrives through the ups and downs of day to day life. Press play on the Yap Films-shot "Up To Me" visual below.