Browsing Category

Top Hip Hop Music Blog & Promotion

PK1UP – Wordplay: When Southern Gothic Hip Hop Met UK Grime

Posted on 21 January 2025

Birmingham-based PK1UP’s single, Wordplay, produced by Tezza Beats, has earned the independent artist a spot on the UK hip-hop map. With a Southern Gothic backdrop framing his bars and beats, the trailblazing luminary broke the mould while ensuring the accessibility of the track was never compromised. It’s all rooted in his ability to interplay cadence with candour; the way the metric precision carries the raw vulnerability and well-earned swagger ensures that too many hits of this track are never enough.

With every new listen, you find a new facet of genius within the lyrics. Between the evolving reprises and the progressive narrative, Wordplay pulls you closer to the artist’s scarred psyche, which is exhibited without apology or apprehension. The melodies make it an effortless track to listen to, but there’s nothing easy about the lyrical content—that shit will stick with you long after the outro.

PK1UP, who is quickly becoming a name to know in UK rap, brings a fresh perspective to the scene. With a distinct sound influenced by Detroit/Flint beats and experiments in Southern Hip Hop, Drill, and Grime, he’s already released over ten tracks, two music videos, and a standout collaboration with NasP on If Rap Don’t Work.

Wordplay is pure urban aural gold, a testament to PK1UP’s relentless artistry and refusal to compromise on authenticity.

Wordplay is now available to stream on all major platforms, including YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Breaking the Mould: An Interview with r/ginola on Bold Soundscapes and a New L

Posted on 18 January 2025
r/ginola

With an unmistakable knack for pushing boundaries and weaving intensity into every track, r/ginola is a genre-defying artist carving his own path from the unlikely backdrop of Connecticut. Having honed his craft through years of experimentation and evolution, his music is an unapologetic blend of moody cadences, raw emotion, and influences as diverse as shoegaze, nu-metal, and modern trap. In this candid interview, r/ginola opens up about his tumultuous artistic journey, the deeply personal themes behind his forthcoming 8-track LP, and his unrelenting commitment to authenticity in an industry often criticised for its uniformity. From his creative process to his take on vulnerability, this conversation offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist determined to leave a mark.

r/ginola, welcome to A&R Factory! It’s a pleasure to sit down with you and discuss the release of your upcoming LP. Before we get into the music, we’d love to get a better understanding of who you are as an artist. How did you get started and where has your music taken you so far?

I started about 4 years ago as more of a way to vent my feelings and frustrations that I had at the time. I showed friends the stuff I was making during a smoke sesh and they really encouraged me to get in a proper studio and take it seriously. That period was very dark but I’m glad I went through it. It allowed me to fully express things but also find myself as an artist and really made me open to new ideas or sounds.

Fast forward to now, after 3 rebrands in terms of name & genre, and over 100 songs, I feel I’ve really grown as an artist, and I am currently making my best stuff. The old stuff was cool (a lot of it is deleted) but the new stuff is basically a blend of what I was making previously.

What’s the most satisfying/challenging aspect of your craft?

Hmm.. the most satisfying to me is creating songs. I enjoy the writing bit, coming up with different flows and then putting it all together. The most challenging bit is mixing/mastering. I’m not the greatest at it but I normally try to tweak it to how I would like it and how it would sound in my car

Can you describe the unique elements that define your sound?

My sound to me is different from anything you hear currently. It’s hard nowadays for artists to really stand out because there is a lot of copy and paste but with my sound, I worked hard to make it different.

My delivery/cadence is very moody, and I think that comes from my time making shoegaze/nu-metal music. The lyrics are very sexual or aggressive at times, which is basically my usual nature.

What’s the story behind your 8-track release?

Whenever I drop a project, I always try to paint a picture. The picture is created by expressing everything I have dealt with in my life through relationships, friendships and miscellaneous things. This project, in particular, is about me falling in and out of love with an ex. I don’t wanna dive too deep into it, but you get the gist. I should also add that when it comes to the story/lyrics of each song, I leave it up to the listener to interpret it however they see fit.

How would you say the release reflects your identity as an artist?

This release is me. From the lyrics to the story to the energy to the sound, this project embodies everything I set out to be when I initially started.

How do you balance vulnerability and creativity?

When it comes to writing I pretty much lock myself in a certain period of time in my life and remember what it felt like. The more vulnerable I am the better the lyrics I believe. I try to keep it from sounding like I’m whining and keep it very fun so people are able to connect with it better. Sappy love songs just aren’t for me. I like to make mine sick and twisted, very dark at times.

You’ve cited influences ranging from Deftones and Static Dress to Yeat and Young Thug. How do these varied inspirations manifest in your music, and are there any nods to these artists on this record?

Jeez, I could talk about each of these artist for days! And there are loads more, LOADS! But these have been very prominent in my artistry. I’d say Deftones for sure has played the biggest role, Chino Moreno for me is god (I’m glazing heavily and I don’t care haha), I love that guy dearly! From songwriting to singing to energy to just about everything, he heavily influences my music. I love Static Dress for their visuals as well as their sick storylines, Oli is very cool!

Going by the standout single, sssnake, you’re clearly one to push the boundaries of sound design, where did that boldness as an artist come from?

I’ve always been bold. Maybe too bold at times but I like being this way. You can’t be afraid to take risks or try new things, you just gotta go for it and stick with it. Will it get you in trouble sometimes? Sure, but who cares! Be different, enjoy yourself!

How has your location shaped your artistic journey?

Umm I mean I feel like it kind of blessing but also a hindrance. I’m from Connecticut, so not too many people know of the state or where it is. There aren’t many artists or any artists for that matter that have made it out. But I also feel like that’s because everyone is trying to sound like everyone, and since Connecticut is unknown, no one wants to hear their story. They’d rather listen to someone from California, Florida or New York if the story is similar. For me, I’m in my own lane; there is no one making this kind of music here. And I love that!

What does 2025 have in store for you?

We will see together hahah I’m hoping to tick some boxes off the things I’ve been manifesting but I won’t be disappointed if things don’t go as planned. End goal is to just continue putting out great music and enjoy every second of it!

–

Stream r/ginola’s new 2025 LP on SoundCloud now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

LZee Walks the Razor’s Edge with Brutal Honesty in ‘3 am on LSD’

Posted on 16 January 2025

At just 16, Chicago-based rapper LZee proves he’s already a lyrical force to be reckoned with on 3 am on LSD. The brutally honest track exhibits the emotional turbulence of living on the edge as a coping mechanism. While many up-and-coming rappers lean on bravado, LZee flips the script with visceral candour, exposing raw vulnerability that resonates far beyond the surface.

The juxtaposition of the warm Latin guitar melody against the hard-hitting rattle of the 808s creates a magnetic dynamic, softening the blow of the heavy-hitting bars while keeping the track grounded in its gritty realism. LZee’s flow is flawless, with every syllable delivered in perfect rhythmic precision, amplifying the weight of his introspection.

Taken from his 2025 LP, Anti, 3 am on LSD demonstrates a prodigious level of polish in both its beats and lyricism, making it clear that LZee is not just another voice in the crowd. His ability to balance emotional depth with technical chops marks him as a standout in the hip-hop scene.

With his versatility and sharp wordplay, LZee is poised to climb to the heights his talent demands. If the industry has any sense, this single will be the spark that sets LZee’s career ablaze.

3 am on LSD is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

SAINT tgw – ‘in darkness,’; Hip-Hop’s Firestorm of Authenticity and Emotive Artillery

Posted on 14 January 2025

SAINT tgw is etching his way into the annals of hip-hop history with his raw authenticity and trademark emotively cinematic sound, and his latest single, in darkness, sets his reputation ablaze. Influenced by icons such as Tupac, Nas, and Biggie, while standing shoulder to shoulder with contemporaries like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake, the rapper is blazing his own trail to the top without missing a step.

in darkness doesn’t just hit hard; it hits in all the right places. The high-energy intensity is perfectly juxtaposed with the meticulously measured cadence of his bars, which command a layered track that transcends typical hip-hop beats. Bluesy guitars angularly cut through the polished production, while the rattle of the 808s and blasts of bass create a visceral foundation for his fervent lyricism and charismatic conviction.

The anthem is a soundscape that melts the mind into susceptibility, making it impossible not to lock into SAINT tgw’s unrelenting momentum. SAINT tgw isn’t merely riding a wave of hype—he is the hype. in darkness solidifies his place as an industry heavyweight in the making and confirms what fans of raw, unfiltered hip-hop already know: SAINT tgw isn’t just aiming for greatness—he’s claiming it.

‘in darkness,’ will be available to stream on all major platforms, including SoundCloud, from January 14th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

LA’s GiNN 諸葛靖 dropped a darkly debauched dancefloor-scorching electrohop anthem with his mindfully mantric hit, //MHM//

Posted on 10 January 2025

LA’s GiNN 諸葛靖 is back with a swagger-soaked, unapologetically bold new single, //MHM//, dropping on 10th January. It’s a jet-black, body-moving juggernaut that hammers home his mission to bridge cultures and tear through genre boundaries in one fell swoop. The track bristles with a sense of unrestrained hedonism, but there’s an empowering undercurrent too, as GiNN commands us to trust our instincts and slam the door on timid self-doubt.

Charged with grit and fuelled by a pulsing bassline, //MHM// is precisely the kind of track that carves its own niche in Electrohop. As soon as the thundering beat kicks in, it’s clear GiNN has taken care to ensure every element lands like a knockout punch.

Recorded in Chengdu, Sichuan, and spearheaded by GiNN as Executive Producer, Composer, and Lyricist, the single joins a litany of cross-continental influences that shape his bilingual style. He’s deftly woven Mandarin and English hooks into a propulsive arrangement that feels underground-ready and crafted for the main stage.

With creative support from Otomic on arrangement and audio engineering, //MHM// simmers with dark tension before bursting into a thunderous assault of bass. GiNN’s low-slung vocals add an air of edgy mystique; there’s no mistaking his raw self-assurance as he urges listeners to own their choices. Lyrically, it holds true to the mantric backbone, turning a simple “mhm” into a resolute statement of intent.

GiNN’s commitment to celebrating his Han-American roots remains a vital part of his artistic identity. He’s proven he can hold sway both online—racking up more than 50K followers on 抖音—and on monumental stages like 88rising’s Head in the Clouds festival in Guangzhou.

//MHM// will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, from January 10th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

INFAMOUS C-4 Brings the Boom Back with ‘Hear Me Now’

Posted on 9 January 2025

Atlanta’s INFAMOUS C-4 doesn’t just live up to the explosive energy in his moniker; he defies expectations with every bar in his latest single, ‘Hear Me Now.’ Anchored in the golden era of hip-hop, the track’s nostalgic boom-bap beats and rattling 808s nod to the days when DJ Jazzy Jeff ruled the airwaves.

‘Hear Me Now’ doesn’t lean on the past; it reinvents it. INFAMOUS C-4’s smooth melodic flow rides the beat with an effortlessness that feels timeless, while his lyrics leave pretence at the door. Every verse, delivered with playfully witty charisma and undeniable determination, showcases his ability to craft tracks that build a vibe that’s impossible to ignore. The jazzy undertones in the production give the track a temperate warmth, hinting at the wide-ranging influences that shape his sound.

Already making waves with live performances across Atlanta, INFAMOUS C-4’s reputation is backed by good reviews and a hunger for greatness. His commitment to his craft – from top-tier rhyming to impeccable song-making – puts him in a league of his own. With the right push, the Grammy dreams feel less like ambition and more like inevitability.

Hear Me Now is available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, where you can also discover his sophomore LP, Traffic Jamz Da Mixtape.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sauce999__ Launched a Soulful Escape Beyond the Stratosphere with his cosmic RnB release, ‘The Flying Saucer’

Posted on 8 January 2025

With The Flying Saucer, the breakthrough luminary Sauce999__ crafted an intergalactic alt-RnB experience that defies conventional boundaries and went beyond Earth’s orbit. Featuring SALTHOUSE and Raquel, the track is a standout moment from the Boston-based producer’s eccentric LP of the same name, released in November 2024. Sauce999__ utilised a synthesis of vintage samples and live instrumentals to create a soundscape that lifts listeners far above the monotony of material reality.

The track balances the nostalgic warmth of old-school RnB grooves with a modern, experimental edge. While mostly instrumental, it doesn’t shy away from emotion; spacey vintage samples serve as the perfect transmission while the ethereally soulful non-lexical vocals and outro mark the outro, tying together a composition that feels both otherworldly and grounded in authenticity. By juxtaposing familiar retro tones with exploratory production, Sauce999__ delivers a sensory experience which simulates floating weightlessly through the cosmos.

Unlike typical psychedelic tracks, The Flying Saucer forgoes cliché motifs, instead carving its own unique path into sonic escapism. Sauce999__ proves himself not just as a producer but as an architect of vibes, expertly cradling his listeners within the dreamy transcendence of his work.

Stream The Flying Saucer on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Aireill broke convention with his confessional alt-hip-hop track, I Might Die Like This

Posted on 8 January 2025

Aireill’s standout single I Might Die Like This, produced by Zeus the God and taken from his debut LP, Atonement., plunges into the raw depths of introspection. Saturated in delay and trippy alt-hip-hop textures, the track is a hazy yet vibrant meditation on pain and resilience, brought to life with an undercurrent of dancehall warmth. The production’s hazily distorted instrumentals create a transcendental backdrop while Aireill’s emotive bars storm through a narrative steeped in fiery urgency.

As the title suggests, the lyrical content doesn’t shy away from heavy emotional territory, yet Aireill transforms his personal confessions into a universal sentiment. His ability to connect with listeners while laying his struggles bare reflects the heart of his artistry. Beyond an outlet for pain, I Might Die Like This offers an unflinching mirror to anyone wrestling with their own demons.

Hailing from Sanford, Florida, and deeply influenced by his formative years in Jamaica, Aireill’s sound is steeped in duality. His roots in both hip-hop and dancehall are evident as he fuses his rhythmic foundations with a modern alt-hip-hop edge. What began at 14 as an exploration of music evolved into a deeply therapeutic process, allowing Aireill to hone his skills as a rapper, singer, and beatmaker while confronting life’s challenges.

With Atonement., Aireill demonstrates the versatility and depth of his creative vision. Each track offers a different lens into his emotional and artistic journey, and I Might Die Like This is the undeniable standout.

Stream Aireill’s debut LP, Atonement., on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lil Dom reigned as trap royalty in his emotively heavy hit, ‘emo prince’

Posted on 8 January 2025

Lil Dom has staked his claim as emo trap royalty with emo prince, a dark, immersive plunge into raw vulnerability. The track’s opening minor-key Latin guitar strings set a deceptively tranquil tone before the instrumentals dissipate into wavy obscurity, amplifying the emotional weight carried by his confessional lyricism. Every beat and verse swells with unfiltered emotion, creating a soundscape where ennui and exhaustion echo with haunting relatability.

Known for reshaping contemporary music’s edges with his blend of emo rap, cloud rap, and hyperpop, Lil Dom’s artistry pushes boundaries without losing sight of raw authenticity. emo prince exemplifies his ability to bridge the sonic gap between introspective lyricism and cutting-edge production. The track’s cathartic undercurrent doesn’t just narrate the tortured psyche—it invites listeners to sit in its midst, offering a shared solace for those wrestling with the weight of burnout.

As the song builds, its brooding atmosphere fractures with the bite of a raw rock riff, giving a powerful, climactic release that anchors the listener within its emotive grasp.

emo prince dropped on December 27; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Le$Lie & Stevie the Vibe’s ‘Spend A Lil Sum’ – Hip-Hop Reimagined in a Kaleidoscope of Innovation

Posted on 7 January 2025
https://open.spotify.com/wrapped/share/share-6c57c85bdfe043e698553816c43fe457?si=aDLm-z6ARBOsQ02eQLSwpg&track-id=0Pj2z1QrWsCoakc3obi9ta

Stevie the Vibe and Le$Lie delivered a dark, trippy, bass-drenched experience with ‘Spend A Lil Sum’ while finding a pioneering way to pay tribute to the timeless appeal of old-school hip-hop.

The instrumentals oscillate in a mind-bending fusion of bass and sharply cinematic minor-key piano notes, and the relentless rhythmic precision underlines the bars as they bleed into the mix with seamless cohesion. RnB-esque vocals intensify the track’s immersive, urban kaleidoscope, giving the lyrics a spotlight that demands total attention. Then comes the sermon-esque outro, infused with shimmering gospel hues, branding this standout cut from the 2024 LP, Pressure, as a defining moment for both collaborators.

Prior to putting the Pressure LP into motion, Le$Lie honed his craft at the University of Michigan, earning a BFA in Musical Theatre while minoring in Performing Arts Management and Entrepreneurship. When the pandemic struck, he cut his teeth as a producer before unveiling his debut single, ‘In Too Deep’. Soon after, he reunited with his high school friend, Stevie the Vibe, to record the Pressure LP and co-founded Vibrascope Records—aimed at offering independent artists budget-friendly promotional opportunities.

Beyond his studio pursuits, Le$Lie is also a seasoned Broadway actor who spent two years on the First Broadway National Tour of Jagged Little Pill, appeared with the Toledo Symphony in A Gershwin Celebration, performed as Bamatabois in Les Misérables at The Muny, and took a lead role in a national Xbox commercial.

Spend A Lil Sum is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast