The worlds of Hip-hop and R&B cross paths as MoeSOS DC teams up with vocalist Bianca Shaw. Over a sparse, moody backdrop, both artists take turns to reflect on their dysfunctional relationship and the effects of lack of trust on both sides. MoeSOS shares his own side of the story with a laidback flow while Shaw counters the argument with a commanding melodic run. Emerging Nigerian-American singer, MRCYU leads us into her Afrocentric bash on "Enter The Party." The laidback bouncy record produced by Duktor Sett taps into the reigning Amapiano sounds with its lush chords and sublime horns while MRCYU delivers a sultry performance ripe with catchy melodies. "Enter The Party" is her fourth official single since she started her music career in 2019. The Chicago-based duo made up of rapper A.M. Early Morning and producer Nightwalker team up with Rochester, N.Y. emcee Eto on “Late Night Early Morning.” The solemn jazzy track reflects on balancing life on different sides of the coin but ultimately they remind listeners that you have to go out and bring back the bacon regardless of the hurdles set before you.
Music curator/Spanish teacher Elsrxb teams up with Kool A.D., Quist , Spanish rapper Julieta Cavalaro, and producer Code Will for a lyric-dense collaboration titled "VULTURES." The ominous track opens up with a short introduction from Slug (of Atmosphere fame) before the emcees come through with a variety of styles ranging from laidback to energetic and vivid evocative lyrics. "VULTURES." is taken from the Amigos Vol 1 EP. "Earfquake" is a showcase of skill as emerging singer/rapper Anonimuss Rose recruits Che Noir to help her deliver the message that women in hip-hop are as strong as their male counterparts. Nrthview's "STICK N MOVE" is a somber alternative R&B track ripe with lush textures and airy melodic runs that sees the singer detailing his personal troubles on wax. From dealing with external pressures and keeping his head above water. UK singer Ezriella blends R&B and pop on her single "Calendar." The sublime track has a melancholic aesthetic and sultry melodic runs that reflect on dark times when hope is not in sight. It's quite relatable and heartwarming. Eclectic singer Scoobert Doobert is having fun on his summer-tinged track "I Love Money" where he looks at the dynamics of money from someone who is struggling and trying to be the richest man as soon as possible. The track has a fun and bright energy while Doobert's lyrics are plain hilarious for the most part.
NY-based Singaporean singer-songwriter Slodown and Synead take us deep into the "Demon Hours," a moody sublime song that embodies the true essence of their sensuality. The lush backdrop seamlessly matches the singer's sultry vocals and vivid lyrics that describe a night of uninhibited intimacy. The record is the second single off Slodown’s upcoming debut album.
The energy changes with the help of Body Bag Ben and Rick Hyde who deliver an unfiltered performance on their new collaboration titled "Make Amends." The hard-hitting neck-snapping record produced by Body Bag Ben is loaded with snarling rhymes, wild wordplay, slick cultural references, and equally chilling and neck-snapping production. The track is taken from their forthcoming joint EP, Hyde The Body Bag. Rxtherapper and 80 Empire's collaborative single "HEAVEN PT. 1" is a heartfelt and reflective single that dives into the tales of struggles and dealing with inner demons. The somber record is ripe with a smooth melodic chorus while RX's impassioned flow and vivid lyrics take precedence. The record is off the duo's 7 track project entitled Life after Life. Sacramento emcee Chuuwee and New York producer Money Montage bring hard-hitting trap sounds with lyricism on "Drugs In My System." From the booming backdrop and somber lyrics which Chuuwee uses to give listeners a sneak peek into his life, the track showcases the ups and downs of the rapper sans any form of filter. The song is from the duo's collaborative project No More Rappers.
"Colonizer" is a thought-provoking record provided by VENMC and Ali Saeed who share the perspective of the brown man in America. Over a rousing and synth-driven backdrop, the emcees look at the political landscape and how it affects minorities. The track has a nice switch at the end by the way and gives a soulful ending that listeners can rock with. Singer Flower Child and Cameron McCloud provide us with some sublime vibes on the single "Water." The track blends neo-soul and hip-hop and features sublime melodic runs by Flower Child and heartfelt raps by Cameron McCloud. The track is produced by 2x Grammy Award Winning Producers Jah Born and Tony Ballard.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Ria Sean caught our attention with her new single "Money Bag," a soothing Afropop number that showcases her sultry melodic vocals and confident swagger. Backed by the rich and crispy production by emerging producer Dehveen, Sean delivers a dancehall-tinged performance that is ripe with catchy harmonies and an empowering message of securing your bag at all costs. Cologne-based beat smith Mensing and singer Tally Schwenk team up for "Hangin' On," an ethereal beat ripe with lush guitar stabs, airy textures, and punchy drums to match. Schwenk is more than comfortable over this soothing backdrop and delivers a sultry performance that sees her reflecting on a situationship that seems to be stuck in one place. Indie rapper J.Lately pours his heart out on his new single "All I've Ever Been" where he employs a bright backdrop as the perfect canvas for his evocative lyrics.
The duo of Solo Riches and King Teddy is all about the flex life on their new single "Pull Up" which sees them detailing the luxurious life with gusto. They make use of a bouncy afro-pop/dancehall-infused style and deliver their lines in English and Pidgin English. Netherlands finest's emcee Dylamic is flexing his lyrical muscles on " SPLASH" which is bolstered by a mid-tempo, synth-driven beat. Dylamic blends witty lines and inner rhymes as his weapon of choice on this tune. Cleveland, OH emcee D-Werd reminds listeners that he is "I'm Really About It." Armed with gruff vocals and backed by producer Dan Solovitz's cinematic backdrop, he shows his go-getter mindset to the forefront and embodies the motto of more action, less talk. Gold Frames On Brown Skin's"Anti-Naruto (No Simp)" is a somber and moody track that explores the rapper's personal experience in the dating scene. He looks at the many ways men can be vulnerable to women who use their beauty to finesse them. The track also features Big Rube from the legendary Dungeon Family who adds a nice vocal narration to the track.
The good people at Scholars Ent. and Detroit emcee Nolan the Ninja help close out the playlist with "WORK (Freestyle)." The drill-bass heavy beat is produced by Toronto producer DviousMindZ and sees Nolan in his true element as he implores listeners to focus on their grind and quit yapping about what they are going to do. It can be visceral but it's a great motivational track and perfect for your evening workout playlist as well
Check our previous editions here.
For a full tracklist of this week's featured artists:
MoeSOS DC – "So Far Gone"
MRCYU – "Enter The Party"
A.M. Early Morning & Nightwalker: “Late Night Early Morning” f/ Eto
elsrxb x Kool A.D. x Quist x Julieta Cavalaro x Code Will – "VULTURES"
Anonimuss Rose x Che Noir – "Earfquake"
Nrthview – "STICK N MOVE"
Ezriella – "Calendar"
Scoobert Doobert – "I Love Money"
Slodown x Synead – "Demon Hours"
Body Bag Ben & Rick Hyde – "Make Amends"
Rxtherapper – "HEAVEN PT. 1"
Chuuwee x Money Montage – "Drugs In My System"
VENMC x Ali Saeed – "Colonizer"
Flower Child – "Water" feat. Cameron McCloud
Ria Sean – "Money Bag"
Mensing x Tally Schwenk – "Hangin' On"
J.Lately – "All I've Ever Been"
Solo Riches x King Teddy – "Pull Up"
Dylamic -" SPLASH"
D-Werd – "I'm Really About It"
Gold Frames On Brown Skin – "Anti-Naruto (No Simp)"
Scholars Ent & Nolan the Ninja -"WORK (Freestyle)"
