Showing posts with label midwest hiphop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label midwest hiphop. Show all posts


“It’s been a while since I first saw you, something about that kiss...” For those of us who have had tremendous romantic encounters, these words from Chris Knite are a blast down memory lane. “Your pretty smile, girl, I can’t front it; Girl, I reminisce...” By the beam of his star-striking chorus, we are warped into complete recollection of that special someone; and reminded of the very moment each and everyone of us knew we were “Ready For Love”. 

Native and nigh-tropical percussions keep this enamored power at a constant throughout the record. Surely, the beat is flavored by an array of synths, rises, and basslines that assign it Pop perfection; however, these drums are powerful enough by their lonesome to lift your spirit. Lift it high into the atmosphere of this singer’s superb vocals. Through clouds of reverb and autotune, Chris Knite sings with the resplendence of his Sunshine State. As he serenades his unnamed love interest (in a fantastic mixture of English and Spanish), his voice flourishes with a lushness only Jacksonville, Florida could provide; making for an earth-shaking R&B hit. Love is in the air this summer and, thanks to Chris Knite’s latest, it’ll remain that way for the rest of 2019. Singlehandedly, he’ll have us all “Ready For Love”.

“Ready For Love” on Spotify




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Detroit native Godspeed2 presents his debut EP titled, Dues, featuring six exclusive tracks that officially introduces him to the world as an influential emcee. For the album, the rap artist, poet and published author channels the energy of some of his favorite artist as a way of paying homage to them. Throughout Dues, he addresses an array of critical topics such as inner-city violence, intra-cultural struggle, bigotry, hypocrisy, politics, dancing, partying, sex, and love. The interesting thing about the EP is how Godspeed2 opens up a dialogue about issues plaguing the world without dismissing or condemning them, a tough feat for an emcee fresh out the gate. Highlights on the album include the jazzy, conscious opener “In The D,” and the bouncy, introspective “The Night.” A track worth mentioning is the subtly explicit “Vibrations” where GodSpeed2 goes in-depth about an intimate encounter over production that has a big feel and even bigger hook delivered by featured guest, The Remedy. To support Godspeed2's latest album effort, stream Dues on all digital platforms and be on the lookout for his upcoming follow-up project, Afraid of the Dark, coming soon.



“Dues” EP 




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There is always a diamond in the ruff. For Burnsville, Minnesota, the multifaceted collective, On Our Own, is precisely that jewel; and summer 2019 may be their defining, shining moment. At least as far as one of their member’s, OOOAndre, latest release can measure; for, “Switch Up” is a modern-trap gem worthy of an imminent crowning. Although the Midwestern crew are well-versed in both R&B and Hip-Hop, “Switch Up” leans ostensibly on their thunderous, trap potential. It is a quintessential banger of today’s sound; fueled by pummeling 808s, invigorating rhythm, and OOOAndre’s unique, yet befitting flow. Obviously, he is the man OOO can go to for a irresistible hit. The way this Gopher State talent maneuvers through the beat simply exudes effortlessness; making “Switch Up” likely a natural phenomenon for ‘Dre. If that is the case, there are tons of records just as potent as this club-ready anthem, hidden within the On Our Own archives, just waiting to be dropped. The moment they are, following the promised success of “Switch Up”, the diamond will no longer be in the ruff. It will be crowning princes as they become kings of the new-age, Hip-Hop scene.



“Switch Up” on Soundcloud
[Download /// Stream]





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“Shorty in love with the Power!” repeats like a menacing mantra throughout the chorus of Von Marley’s 2018 drop, “Power...”. Chambered by reverberated echoes, a whirling melody, and thundering percussion, this bar builds every ounce of energy our Chicago emcee has to offer. When it explodes, a Windy City banger is the aftermath. For, this single is irresistibly infectious. In more ways than one, Marley has crafted the quintessential modern-trap record; entirely ready for the streets. Its booming beat and hypnotic hook make it a titan amongst this year’s heaviest releases. Yet, as much of a punch “Power...” packs with its production and chorus, the Nashville-residing rapper’s true potential shines through his lyricism and delivery. Endless, are his rhymes. For three minutes, Von Marley batters the microphone with bars; spitting them through the most famished inflection. Because, obviously, Von Marley is hungry for “Power...”; and so long as he continues turning out anthems such as this, he isn’t far from receiving it.


“Power...” on Spotify 




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Ragnrxk delivers a electronic trap gem with new banger "Homefree". Using an intricate new-age hiphop flow, the Michigan artist transforms his heavily auto-tuned voice into a musical instrument. He has been creating music for over 10 years and "Homefree" is his victory lap! Enjoy the new song and follow Ragnrxk today on Soundcloud. 

Ragnrxk on Soundcloud



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With an epic and timeless sound, multi-genre artist, Moromo delivers new single "Blameless". This is poetry wrapped in trap sticks and ethereal down-tempo vibe music, masterfully produced by FrenchKash. Listen as Moromo cryptically croons about an event that was out of his hands. Follow Moromo's growing movement and read more about the artist on his website.


Mormo Music

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When the national, musical spotlight was first shone on Chicago, the sound of the Midwest city was championed for its exposure of the roughness and violence that plagued its Southside streets. Windy City rappers were rocketed to fame through their ability to express themselves with “Drill Music”; however, since then, a change has transpired. Haven freed themselves from the trap of their war-torn neighborhoods, some of these artists have abandoned the vicious sounds that garnered them attention in the first place; opting for more conscious, introspective art. The change is so powerful, that it has even trickled back into Chicago, and myriad artists are becoming enthralled in positivity. One such rapper is C-ZAR. Although, his hometown is Kankakee, forty miles outside of Chicago city limits, he has been tormented by the same violence nonetheless. Yet, as his upcoming project, “DUALITY EP” will show, he is determined to change for the better. Slated for a March 27th drop, “DUALITY EP” is a call to the G.M.Clan rapper’s inability to escape “evil”, yet innate yearn to do “good”. He previews the sound with two singles, “Different Now” and “Duality (Intro)”. Both records feature guttural, “Drill”-esque production, contrasted by honest, reflective bars. Sometimes seasoned with autotune, C-ZAR dives into the “Duality” of his lifestyle, making certain to live room for the streets, as well as himself, in his lyricism. True to an ancient, Chicago philosophy, the rapper is aiming for Growth & Development; and “DUALITY EP” is his solemn pledge. If you can connect with the tales of a man stuck between right and wrong, “Different Now” and “Duality (Intro)” are perfect for you. When it drops, “DUALITY EP” just might be your favorite of the year.


“DUALITY” on Soundcloud 




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A soulful, old school beat makes every lyric Lui Vi spits hit ten times harder. By the end of “Let It Go”, he has worked magic over the kiid twan production and stepped that much further down his path to excellence. The Chicago-born/Atlanta-based rapper has released myriad records on his Soundcloud— most racking in tens of thousands of plays— however, “Let It Go” is an evolution in artistry. Albeit, competent with creating hardbody, self-produced bangers, he proves on his latest single that he has even more to offer. “Let It Be” is a pivotal record in that regard. It highlights Lui Vi’s breathtaking potential as an emcee, through a use of narrative rhymes and a charismatic flow that suits his star-studded sonics. Even the hook is wafting with intensity, as Lui Vi can be heard crooning colorfully across the soul-sampled chorus. “Let It Go” has already pulled in seven thousand plays; and if there is any love left for pure, soul-stirring Hip-Hop, he’ll get a million more.


“Let It Go” on Soundcloud 




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Nike Jays plans on “TaKiNg OvEr” with his first offering of 2019. Autotune-driven, and completely his own, “TaKiNg OvEr” is a fleeting crusade into contemporary trap territory. It clocks in a bit over two minutes; fulfilled by a trampoline of 808s, zipping hihats, and a simplistic sparkle of synthesized keys. The upcoming Chicago rapper’s use of melody is what steals the show here, as he can be heard colorfully cruising through a burst of bars. Truly absorb his lyrics, and you can trace the tale of a young, rising artist paving his own path to the top. Albeit, Nike Jays is aware he has a long journey ahead of him, “TaKiNg OvEr” is his promise to never succumb. According to his Instagram, he is currently working on an album with Black808Beats titled “Good Mornin”. If that is released alongside “TaKiNg OvEr”? Nike Jays will be even closer to seeing the door to his greatest dream unlock.


“TaKiNg OvEr” on Spotify 





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Since 2012, with the inception of Drill Rap, Chicago has been on an unstoppable incline. Year after year, they have rocketed indomitable acts into the mainstream; and now, Leekthough is next in line. This upcoming, Windy City rapper is putting the West in Midwest, with his bouncy, new drop, “Yeah Buddi”. A Bay-Area combo of percussions and bassline underscores Leekthrough’s vibrant, Chicago groove. He raps with an unyielding attention to rhythm and flow; which culminates into a nice, danceable release. Easily, “Yeah Buddi” could be blasted at a late-night, Chicago house party, and send everyone to the dance floor. Its impeccable pairing of Midwest attitude with West Coast aesthetic, brings a different cadence to the Chicago scene. That difference will send Leekthrough, and his titanic “Yeah Buddi” soaring across the city for the rest of the year.



“YEAH BUDDI” 
[Download /// Stream]


https://open.spotify.com/track/61bR1TSqGVRpD1khHHNKvK

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/yeah-buddi-single/1452562417




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“I just make the plays!” Minko Lowe puts all of his power into this first bar. “Put the land on my jam, let it play!” Once he follows through with that line, his new single, “Play”, immediately takes off. It is a charismatic cut, grooved by the thump of an ominous, ZTheSavage-produced beat. Our Oak Park-Chicago rapper adds a fresh twist to every verse he spits on “Play”. Lyrically, Minko proves prominent; however, what this record highlights best is how well he excels with rhythm. He rides this trap beat flawlessly, building and dropping his energy in various pockets of the instrumental. That loose, carefree quality of “Play” makes it perfect for a live audience; where Minko’s performance will be amped by the excitement of a bouncing crowd. With an anthem like this in the tuck, Minko Lowe can be unstoppable. Once the Windy City gets behind him, it’s only a matter of time before the entire nation is giving him plays.


“Play” 
[Download /// Stream]

 


After his phenomenal showing in 2018 with the 16 track “THC-4” project, many would have thought there was no higher a zenith for Wisconsin emcee, Obi Khan, to ascend. Not only did he display a marvelous ear for boom-bap, Hip-Hop beats; but he likewise proved that he could lyrically ravage them for an hour long. Now, he has returned with another LP, “Guerillaz”; and for those of us who thought he could get no better, he impressively proves us wrong. Upping the ante with 8 tracks more than “THC-4” offered, Obi Khan reintroducing every aspect that made the previous project impeccable. Close collaborators, Jabba Tha Kut and Merc The Big Body Benz, frequent the record, as they did the last, with outstanding guest verses. Thanos Beats, a prominent architect of “THC-4” diabolical, old-school sound, restores that aesthetic with a plethora of instrumental offerings to “Guerillaz”. Yet, what rockets this album echelons above its predecessor is Obi Khan’s own vision, education, and execution of the art. You can tell the Madison rapper has delve even deeper into the craft and art of a Hip-Hop album, since his last release. A few skits and instrumental breaks in between jaw-dropping, Golden Era-styled records gives “Guerillaz” a sense of pace and proficiency. It removes the 24-track work from being another, standard Hip-Hop album, and truly gives it a life of its own. This amplifies the power of his dark lyricism, guttural delivery, and grimey, puristic beat selection we champion him for. Every second of “Guerillaz” is electrifying. When added to Obi Khan’s discography thus far, the glint of his crown as an heir to the underground, Hip-Hop throne becomes crazily undeniable.

“Guerillaz”
[Download / Stream]
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