Browsing Tag

90s Hip Hop

Kelvo’s Laidback Cuts Got Sharper with His Latest Alt-Hip-Hop Release, Got2Change

Posted on 27 March 2024

North London’s Kelvo is riding an exotically mellow new wave of hip-hop while harking back to 70s soul & funk and 90s hip-hop with his latest single, Got2Change, which showcases his ability to weave introspective lyrics with vibrant beats and transcendent swathes of soul.

From the outset, ‘Got2Change’ sinks you into a tropical-infused groove; the soundscape lays the perfect foundation for Kelvo’s smooth rap bars, which glide effortlessly over the beat. His flow is as smooth as velvet, creating a striking contrast with the colourful vibrancy of the instrumental arrangement.

Instrumentally, Got2Change is a holiday from the gritty streets of London, but the big smoke is infused in the razor-sharp flow of Kelvo as he delves into themes of self-growth and introspection, challenging listeners to awaken from the slumber of unrealised potential. In essence, Got2Change is a call to action, an invitation to strip away tension and embrace a more reflective state of mind.

Got2Change will hit all major platforms on March 27th, stream it via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ceaser Live Soul – Never Enough: A Hip-Hop Symphony of Tenacity and Soul

Posted on 23 January 2024
Pivot by Ceaser Live Soul

Ceaser Live Soul, hailing from Brooklyn, NY, didn’t stop at loading his latest single, Never Enough, with a series of mic drops. With the hit from his eagerly anticipated Pivot EP, he detonated lyrical dynamite while affirming that just because the next goalpost always seems greener, that doesn’t mean you will be any happier when you reach it.

The urban cautionary tale, versed through superlative lyrical dexterity, is a pathway through the labyrinth of contemporary hip-hop with 70s soul acting as a guide and unflinching intersections of 90s hip-hop bringing the momentum. Each syllable in Ceaser’s flow is felt as it dances over the soulful beat, bringing his poignant wordplay to life.

The refrain, “You can have it all but it’s never enough”, is more than a catchy hook; it’s the heartbeat of the song. It encapsulates Ceaser’s relentless pursuit of greatness, his unwavering tenacity, and the paradox of success – the constant yearning for more, even when you’ve seemingly reached the pinnacle. This theme resonates deeply, especially for those familiar with the relentless hustle of urban life.

Adding to the track’s allure is the soulfully strident backing vocals by Caribbean Pop sensation Hovlaine. Her voice adds a layer of depth and emotion, elevating the song to new heights. The collaboration is seamless, a testament to Ceaser’s skill as a producer and artist.

Stream and purchase the radio edit of Never Enough via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dell Feddi waxed lyrical on life’s ebb and flow in his latest rap track, Sometimes

Posted on 29 December 2023

Dell Feddi’s latest single, Sometimes, is a striking testament to the dynamic nature of life, encapsulated in a track that resonates with the rhythm of our ever-changing mental states. The Bay Area rap artist has delivered a piece that is as profound in its message as it is captivating in its delivery.

The track is a narrative woven with the threads of life’s unpredictability. His killer flow and sharp lyrical wit are the driving forces behind this track, each word meticulously chosen to reflect the myriad of ways a new day can alter our perspective. The bass-swathed beats, inspired by 90s boom bap, provide a robust backdrop to his charismatic delivery, making the track a massive hit that leaves a lasting impact.

The song delves into the essence of human experience – the simplicity and complexity of life, the ups and downs, and the ever-changing rules that govern our minds. Feddi eloquently elucidates the concept that nothing, especially our mental states, is forever. Each day brings with it a new point of view, an opportunity to don another guise and see the world through a fresh lens.

Feddi’s ability to articulate this perpetual motion of life and mind is not just creative; it’s a flawless exposition of the human condition. The track invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and to find solace in the fact that change is the only constant.

Check out the official music video for Sometimes which premiered on December 1st via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nick O charted new horizons with his debut rap track, Be There for Me  

Posted on 27 December 2023

Nick O, Surrey’s latest hip hop sensation, has unleashed a musical tour de force with his debut single, Be There for Me. The vibrant tapestry of sound, woven with the lyrical dexterity reminiscent of George the Poet and infused with a soulful essence, beats to the pulse of East Coast hip-hop while asserting Nick O as an orchestrator of originality.

From the first beat, the track sinks the listener into a  blend of modern storytelling and nostalgic 90’s soul. Nick O’s influences, ranging from the lyrical genius of Kanye West and Andre 3000 to the emotive melodies of Frank Ocean and Sampha, are intricately interlaced. His rhythmically flawless canter dances over the beats, painting vivid pictures of his inner world – a world filled with contrasts, from the peaks of joy to the valleys of introspection.

The ethereal female backing vocals in the track create a hypnotic juxtaposition, a delicate balance that complements Nick O’s robust and confident delivery. This unique combination sets Be There for Me apart, making it one of the most compelling hip-hop debuts of 2023. As we look towards 2024, it’s clear that Nick O is not just a rising star – he’s a force poised to take dominion over the UK hip-hop industry.

Stream Be There for Me on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

17thekid became the fieriest flow queen on the underground hip-hop scene with her latest single, Roll Call

Posted on 12 December 2023

Roll Call, the latest boom-bap hip-hop track from 17theKid, is a fresh nostalgic throwback to the 90s, infused with the artist’s fiery and larger-than-life energy.

The multi-talented indie artist brings her unique blend of skills as a rapper, drummer, singer-songwriter, producer, audio engineer, and dancer to the addictively electric track that is a testament to 17theKid’s intellectual prowess and sharp wit, as she weaves intricate lyrics that showcase her academic background and deep understanding of the genre. Her flow is impeccable, effortlessly transitioning between rhythms and rhymes, proving why she’s quickly becoming known for her conviction and creativity in the hip-hop community.

The beats are masterfully crafted, offering a rich and layered backdrop that complements 17theKid’s dynamic vocals. The track’s production, despite being self-recorded in a modest home studio, doesn’t lose any of its polished edge, highlighting 17theKid’s growing skills as an audio engineer.

Her ability to meld different aspects of her artistic personality into a cohesive and compelling narrative is a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft. In Roll Call, she not only pays homage to the boom-bap style but also puts her unique stamp on it, making the track both a nostalgic journey and a bold statement of her place in the modern hip-hop landscape.

Roll Call hit the airwaves on November 25; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Black Silver is dark and disarming in his latest cinematic juggernaut of a rap track, Silver Linings

Posted on 20 November 2023

Black Silver dropped one of the biggest hip-hop collabs of the year by unleashing the gritty old-school rap track, Silver Linings, featuring Rakaa Iriscience, Griffen, Mykill Myers, and DJ Skilz.

With plenty of record scratching and wavily saturated distortion around the solid and steady beats in the dark and chillingly cultivated production, Black Silver (AKA the Navigator) and his band of lyrical alchemists paid a fitting ode to the 90s hip hop while showing they’re more methodical than Method Man, wittier than Nas with wordplay and boast all the cinematic charisma of Conway the Machine.

When Black Silver isn’t dropping his seminal solo rap tracks, the Las Vegas-hailing trailblazer is at the helm of his independent record label, Sterling World Records and contributing to hip-hop groups, including Analog Brothers, Tha Likwit Crew, 2000 Crows, and Black Ice with Ice T.

Silver Linings hit the airwaves on October 20th; it is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Push your perception in a rose-tinted direction with Marquis Storm’s latest single, Grateful, ft M Stacks

Posted on 3 September 2023

For his latest track, Grateful, the trailblazing rapper Marquis Storm collaborated with M Stacks to create a dualistically high-fire feat of hip-hop that prays at the altar of gratitude to definitively prove that life is little more than perception, and you can shift yours if you make blessed more than a hashtag.

The Cleveland Heights-born and raised rapper and songwriter always runs his rap bars through deep introspection to forge his hits with lyrical gold that will leave you inspired by his energy, wordplay, and insights; Grateful is no exception. As the instrumentals weave through the melodic grooves and spill colourful catharsis with every progression, Storm adrenalizes the mix with his fiery-with-soul bars that leave you with no choice but to soak in his wisdom.

Storm has been cutting his teeth in the industry since the age of 13 and he’s made major waves in the industry since. His hits have been picked up by international press, and he’s opened for everyone from Stevie Stone to Yelawolf. He’s also made appearances at the Grammy Awards and the NBA All Star Weekend in 2022.

Grateful hit the airwaves on August 25; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jfons proved pace is the trick in his soul-driven old-school hip-hop single, Can I Get a Minute

Posted on 22 August 2023

If you’re looking for your next 80s hip-hop nostalgia fix, don’t look past the slick with jazzy retro soul latest single, Can I Get a Minute, by the rap trailblazer, Jfons, who knows exactly how to push euphoria through his grooves to create perennial urban earworms.

The progressive structure of the lush with reverb hit ensures that with every beat, you will become deeper entwined with the smooth melodies and arrested by the sultry narrative that humbly captures the pure and innocent moment of attempting to catch someone’s eye. Even the staunchest romantic cynics won’t be able to proclaim that romance is dead after easing themselves into the grooves in Can I Get a Minute.

Can I Get a Minute has already racked up over 40k streams across all streaming platforms, and it doesn’t look as though the momentum driven by the hype around the track is going to falter any time soon. Get Can I Get a Minute in your ears by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Tampa’s premier hip-pop nostalgist Class Vee sent an invitation you won’t want to ignore with her latest music video, House Party

Posted on 24 July 2023

After sensing the contemporary inclination towards retro aesthetics and sonics, Tampa, Florida’s hottest hip-pop nostalgist Class Vee doused the airwaves in 80s and 90s hip-pop nostalgia with her latest single, House Party.

While the music video pays an ode to the 1990 film of the same title staring Kid N Play, the single brings a solid slice of 90s boom bap flavour for the ultimate aural escapism from the 21st century. The bass-drenched beats and earwormy grooves beneath Class Vee’s glassy-with-soul vocal lines creates the ultimate feel-good anthem, which reminds the listener that life is for living and parties are for attending.

Following the release of House Party, the singer-songwriter will release her Arianna Grande-inspired single, Wierdos, on the 30th of July and perform at New York Fashion Week in September 2023.

Class Vee said:

“With my latest single, I wanted to create nostalgia; a lot of people miss the 80s and 90s; House Party is high vibe hip-pop invitation back there.”

Add House Party to your Spotify playlists or watch the music video, which has already garnered 13k streams via YouTube.

To keep up to date with all of the strides Class Vee is making in the industry, follow her on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jeremiah Kingston has launched his infectiously dynamic hip hop debut EP, You’re Not Gonna Like This

Posted on 29 June 2022

Hip hop debuts keep charging onto the airwaves in 2022. Few appeared with as much style, energy, and sub-genre-melding distinction as Jeremiah Kingston’s debut EP, You’re Not Gonna Like This. From party rock hip hop to jazzy tracks, smoky enough to set off your smoke alarms through the sheer sepia-tinged luxe air; it is almost progressively dizzying.

Using reverse psychology in a debut EP title was a bold move, yet it sets a tone for the daring expression contained within. The Charlotte, NC hip hop newcomer created the EP after taking a look around at his life, hating the view and making a move to change it. No stone was left unturned.

Track 3, YNGLT, starts with the cutting lyric, “If my people found out what was going on in my head, they’d leave me in straits”, before launching into a frenetic admission of inner turmoil; that we can all probably relate to these days.

Jeremiah Kingston reminded me exactly why I fell in love with hip hop in the 90s. The larger-than-life personality, the wild energy, the eccentric instrumentals… Anything goes in Jeremiah Kingston’s debut and everything goes together seamlessly, making it one of the most promising we’ve heard this year. We hope there is plenty more in the pipeline.

You’re Not Gonna Like This is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link. Follow Jeremiah Kingston on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast