UK emcee Parallax is "Giving Game" on his new release which sees him making use of Premise on the beat's bass-heavy trap backdrop. He sounds quite amped up with his fiery lows coupled with a lighthearted demeanour and the result is a stunning track perfect for your fitness playlist. "Beat That Drum" is another energetic jam that makes its way to our list courtesy of rapper/singer Lena Dov who aims to keep us moving with this vibrant groove-heavy jam. As the title suggests, it's all about raising the ante, being true to oneself, and never stop hitting that drum with confidence. Dov is also the lead singer for The Program. Bre Maa's "B.U.M." is an experimental/soul track that dives into the struggles of black women across the globe. From being overly sexualized and discriminated against, Bre Maa proceeds to break down the systemic oppression and remind her fellow black women that they will always be beautiful regardless of what everyone else says. "B.U.M" is taken from her EP, Brightly Unveiling Majesty. Flatbush, NY producer/artist Bishop Sparks brings a touch of jazz and soul on his new release, "My Way." The laid-back track is ripe with lush keys and warm basslines which serve as the perfect backdrop for Sparks' sultry melodic vocals and heartfelt lyrics about the lady in his life.
We switch things up a bit with the help of eclectic artist Scoobert Doobert whose self-denigrating track, "I'm an Idiot," caught our attention. The rock-pop-infused track has a reflective vibe that fits Doobert's somber and rueful lyrics. Ain't nothing like an artist being extremely honest and hilarious at the same time. Nepali artist venávy gives us his "Perspective" on his new track where he talks about life from a very nuanced perspective. Over a moody trap backdrop, he reminds listeners that things are not always black and white and we should always consider the gray areas and more importantly, always keep an open mind to learn new things. The song is taken from his Maze EP. "Happy You're Happy" is a soul/rap infused cut from emerging rapper Curt Summers who shares a true story that everyone can rock with. The song is birthed from a real conversation between him and his ex who is now involved with someone and Summers has no choice but to accept reality and be happy for her. It's quite a touching record that shows how two people can reach closure without remorse.
The duo UnlikePeople (made up of Dceased and Telly McLean) make their entry on this week's list with "12Knives," a reflective cut that dives into the dynamics of changing lives between individuals. The production here has a solemn and rock-esque feel and Dceased detailed lyrics do bring listeners deep into the mix of things. Get their OCD LP here. Atlanta-based rapper Din Dinero walks us through the "Hallwayz" where self-doubts and traps are in copious amounts. The rapper reflects on his own struggles and how he was close to giving up but a fire inside of him spurred him to keep going. "Alien-Made" is a conceptual track by Jehdi Flywalker who considers himself an alien to everyone around him. He makes use of various scientific motifs and references to drive home his point and it's quite engaging and well-crafted. Mancunian legend Strategy links up with Bristolian bass producer Fiend for something heavy and dense. The song in question, "Premium Grease," is Strategy's way of putting his heritage on wax and all his accolades as well. He sure doesn't let up with the double-time flow and singlehandedly runs lap across the track with ease. If you need that adrenaline booster for your morning workout, this track will juice you up. Majestic and King Cash Beatz team up with Lukiah The Skywalker for the insightful track "Fake Smiles." The record has a bluesy/soul vibe plus the premise is equally insightful as Majestic dives into the daily pressures and stress that comes with working a 9 to 5 with an overbearing boss or dealing with fake friends who try to do you dirty. either way, it seems like problems never finish and when you think you are home free, something new creeps out the woodwork.
Emerging rapper Cooper Glass takes us back to "2016," a time where the young rapper was trying to find his footing in this thing called life. The production is solemn and the way he used the classic drum break is solid as well. The reflective single is taken from his LP Seasons. Mesquite, Texas native C.h.a.m.p makes a grand entry on our playlist with this cheeky bass-heavy song titled "Baby Debo." Armed with his laidback off-beat flow and somewhat hilarious lyrics, C.h.a.m.p invites us into his world where literally anything can happen. "Baby Debo" is taken from his latest EP Yolo. UK-born, Australia-based rapper/producer Be Kind gets into an introspective mood on his new single "Goodbye Gordon." The guitar-driven funky track sees him reflecting on his old studio and savor all the good memories he accumulated while working there. Jersey-based Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter, Raquel Liane Martinez definitely got the "Juice" on her new release. A bouncy girl power track that showcases her soothing vocals and heartfelt playful lyrics.
M Soto delivers a sultry and reflective record "Old Me" which dives into the age-old love lost situation between two individuals. The track has a lush R&B aesthetic reminiscent of the mid-2000s plus it's quite catchy. We close up with Mr. Green and Jadakiss's "Street Champion," a funk guitar-laden piece that is filled with dope bars. Kiss is in his element as expected and brings the goods in copious amounts over Mr. Green's groovy instrumental. The track is the latest instalment in the New Jersey beatsmith’s singles series that pairs dusty samples and themes from rare ‘80s ninja movies with heavyweight rappers like Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, DMX (RIP), and Lil Wayne.
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For a full tracklist of this week's featured artists:
Parallax – "Giving Game"
Lena Dov – "Beat That Drum"
Bre Maa – "B.U.M."
Bishop Sparks – "My Way"
Scoobert Doobert – "I'm an Idiot"
venávy – "Perspective"
Curt Summers – "Happy You're Happy"
UnlikePeople (Dceased & Telly McLean) – "12Knives"
Din Dinero – "Hallwayz"
Jehdi Flywalker – "Alien-Made"
Strategy x Fiend – "Premium Grease"
Majestic x King Cash Beatz x Lukiah The Skywalker – "Fake Smiles"
Cooper Glass – "2016"
C.h.a.m.p – "Baby Debo"
Be Kind – "Goodbye Gordon"
Raquel Liane – "Juice"
M Soto – "Old Me"
Mr. Green x Jadakiss – "Street Champion"
