How ironic: to coin your project, “Fireproof”, and have it be one of the most volcanic debuts of the new year. That alone testifies to the cleverness of New York emcee, Azazel; yet, if in need of further convincing, his talent in the booth will do the job. Over beats produced by Retnik Beats, Lucid Sounds, 808Melo, Jxke, and Shakespere, among others; Azazel wears many faces. And he breathes fire from the mouth of each and every one of them as the album evolves. A fully-automatic flow ricochets throughout the intro, “Armageddon”, afore quelling into calm, yet jaw-dropping conscious hip-hop on “See You In Hell”. His Slim Shady-esque imagery and storytelling blazes atop “The FuckList”; with that rapid-fire inflection creating a quintessential closer out of the last track, “Crossroads”. In between this madness, on the other, equally impressive 9 tracks, is solid, diabolical Hip-Hop. To the bone, Azazel is a true lyricist. Throughout the project, he pens each and every word with purpose; manifesting fire-and-brimstone bars that utterly melt the mic. “Fireproof” is a prime example of the Golden Era attitude and appreciation for Rap, meeting its modern, 808-driven production. It is an extraordinary debut by the Brooklyn rapper; yet, do not let its name deceive you. You’re one play-button click away from your headphones erupting into flames.


“Fireproof” on Soundcloud




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Here to awaken our spirits with his almighty “Jesus Peace Love Fun” project, is Michigan’s own, Valiant Praize; anointed with versatility and the blessing of musicality. This ten-track effort is ripe with diverse sounds; ranging from the most cinematic, modern-trap, to choir-filled gospel rap, Pop, and tranquil R&B. All of which illuminating with powerful praises of God. The Detroit talent is hard-hitting on the album opener, “Valiant Praize”. As an incredibly theatric progression takes to the background, Valiant Praize, dipped in auto-tune, unleashes a peerless love for Christ on the trap beat. This love only amalgamates as the project courses on, with tracks such as the bubbly “O Happy Day” giving a soulful-rap incarnation to his holy adoration. “Standing In Love” is an acoustic guitar ballad, filled with heart-touching, prayerful bars. The rest of the album is a musical expedition into pure, Christian rap; with Valiant Praize’s lyrics, melody and passionate inflections leading each hymn. “Jesus Peace Love Fun” is a masterful exercise in musical spirituality and unstoppable range. It is an energetic listen for young, Christian adults; and will bring the youth exponentially closer to Christ.

Recent Valiant Praize interview




Download Full Album




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Brilliant emcee Lee Ricks posits a classic tale of dichotomy while leading the listener through a lyrical journey in a truthful pursuit of life with the newest track, "Worlds Apart".

Lee never ceases to amaze with his eager lyrical delivery which is balanced by shifting flows, intelligent, constructed bars and his ability to vocalize his deep expressions. These abilities transport the listener to his space. Melodic and dark, the music production by visionary producer BigBob further concentrates the mood, with Ricks singing a catchy hook. The latest track is from the forthcoming collaborative EP, "Beats For Breakfast".

Listen to "Worlds Apart" on Audiomack and stay tuned for the EP to arrive.
Lee Ricks



 



Christiano Can

"F . A . N . S"


Silky, soulful and smooth. Those three words will be the first and only rebounding through your mind, once play is clicked on Christiano Can’s “F.A.N.S” extended-play. As the rapper’s debut project, “F.A.N.S” seeks to make a grandiose introduction; and it delivers that statement in more eclectic ways than one. First and foremost, the soulful, sophisticated textures of this music make it a awe-striking, pleasant listen from the jump. Golden horns, colorful chords, and a luscious female vocal form a dreamscape out of the intro-track “D.A.F.H.A.H”. Style changes as the tape progresses; with a variety of sounds, rhythms and grooves, erupting from the depths of the mix. Raw, quirky Hip-Hop is at the root of “Oddly Awkward” (Neo-Soul gushing throughout its remix), and pure, undulating Funk bubbling about the final track, “I’m Only Crazy”. Alongside this evidence of Christiano Can’s uniqueness as an artist, there is the overwhelming proof of his competence as a rapper. As the EP surges on, Christiano draws from myriad flows. On the track, “Oddly Awkward”, something Eminem-esque is transpiring; with our genre-rapper having the lyrics to do it justice, as well. He is nonchalant on the remix, smooth on the intro-track, and energetic on the out. As sporadic as “F.A.N.S” is as a body of work, it is immensely impressive and certainly satisfying. All over it is the mark of true musical artistry; and we can do nothing but look forward to Christiano Can’s drops on the 5th of every month this year. Fingers crossed, they’ll be as jaw-dropping as this.



“F . A . N . S”




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While Cardi B and Nicki Minaj are embroiled in beef, another femcee is darting straight for the crown. She is North Carolina’s own, Tangelica Dominae; and in 2019, she’ll be making “Boss Moves” to become the new Queen of Rap. “Boss Moves” is a stark booming anthem. Her fearless intention to rupture the rap game translates perfectly through the sinister bounce of its backing progression. Hellish, is the orchestral hit that layers these melodies; giving way to Tangelica’s tenacious bars and an impeding 808’s pound. The moment that 808 impacts, our Raleigh rapper is launched into a tirade of lyrics and flow. Through this earth-shattering, speaker-rattling banger, Tangelica is empowering to her fellow, independent ladies. She embodies a boldness and bravado in the booth, that every woman listening can applaud. Letting every one of them know they can make the same “Boss Moves” she is. For, if our Southern powerhouse continues making anthems like this, it won’t be long before Cardi and Nicki are ghosts of the past.


Recent Interview w/ Tangelica Dominae:



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To turn up your next party, with a through-the-roof banger, Chang$ has dropped “Do You Believe Me Now”. It is the ATLien’s debut single, aimed to rocket him into an energetic 2019. “Do You Believe Me Now” commences with a melodic jumble of ad-libs, buoyed atop bubbling synths and ominous atmospherics. The pound of a distorted 808 pushes his vocals into the mix; and when the beat is paired with his rhythmic flow, a contagious bounce ensues. Obviously, Chang$ is well-versed in the art of making a hit; seeing as “Do You Believe Me Now” sports all the elements of a promising trap smash. Its bodacious beat, infectious flow, and exciting chorus makes the Decatur, Georgia record a promising New Year slam. It is swift and satisfying; perfect for your local house party or nightclub mix. How Chang$ will follow up this climatic debut? We must wait, with bated breath, to know.


“Do You Believe Me Now” on Spotify


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 “Who am I s’posed to trust?! It’s like they’re all out to get me...” will be ringing through your head by the end of Lilman’s latest release. The Bay Area-born, Pittsburg, CA-based rapper is indomitable on this new banger; burning holes through the track with an incendiary series of bars. Melodies, embellished by sparkling guitars and reverberated pianos, are scorched to a crisp the moment Lilman aims for the beat. He blazes through lyrics regarding the turbulence of his addictions, personal life, and street life; as well as the damage all three have done to his reliance. Under this heat, even the galloping trap drums have melted into his delivery. All in all, “Who Im Supposed To Trust” is an exciting, new smash from the Money Star Mob talent. By the end of his chorus, Lilman chants “Oh, you think that gun really makes you tough?!”; erupting with a pure, fiery energy that welds a hot trap anthem right beneath his belt.



“Who Im Supposed To Trust”



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