Browsing Tag

Nas

K.I.R.B. took the crown off Nas with the rap flair in his latest installation of infectiously impish alt-hip-hop, ‘No Time’

With a slamming beat bolstering the experimental saturated in delay instrumentals, intricately unorthodox rhyme patterns in the rap bars and enough impishly clever charisma to win you over from the first verse, after the release of his single, No Time, the Cali rap prodigy, K.I.R.B., will never be kicked to the curb by the music industry.

The up-and-coming artist has enough ingenuity in his bars to rival Nas, Rakim and Method Man, as for the sonic aesthetic, that’s beyond compare through K.I.R.B.’s authenticity and determination to keep his sound pumping with a diverse array of influence.

Since making his debut, K.I.R.B. has worked with everyone from NICK BLANCO to Nick Mira, but clearly, he’s not riding on anyone’s coattails. He’s got exactly what it takes to win over an army of alt-rap fans.

Check out No Time on all major streaming platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

looCcaM remixed reality in his 90s NY Hip-Hop meets Avant-Garde Sci-Fi sonics rap track, Trumpet of the Martians

If the spacey conviction in Legend Has It by Run the Jewels left you hooked, prepare to be ensnared all over again by the latest track, Trumpet of the Martians, from the cosmically urban innovator, looCcaM.

If someone asked Nas, Jay-Z or the Notorious B.I.G. to pour their 90s NY rap flavour into a Doctor Who soundtrack, the result would be as scintillatingly convictive as this Avant-Garde boom bap homage to futuristic poetics, which simultaneously unravels as a high-fire rebuke to neoliberal dogmatism.

Following the release of Trumpet of the Martians, the Buffalo, NY native will release his LP, Silence Exile Cunning, on October 19, which was innovatively crafted to synthesise beat culture with iconography which has previously had no place in the rap scene. Expect everything from electro-punk to hyper-pop to experimental poetry. In looCcaM, we believe.

Check out the radio edit of Trumpet of the Martians via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lyrically supreme Washington DC underground emcee Kvng Chemist guides us through his obvious true love for music

Kvng Chemist is an insightful and experienced figure in the music game. The Washington DC emcee sat down with us the other day to speak more about his vision behind the new single, his career to date and what’s next.

Llewelyn: Thank you for joining us today Kvng Chemist. Let’s start off here. Where in the world are you as we speak and how did you get your artist name? It feels like it’s a good story of how you got it originally.

Kvng Chemist: Right now I’m in Washington D.C born and raised. My artist name origin stems from my early childhood when my father was a DJ and my interest in science as I first started out as The Venomous Chemist as in the early 90s there was a chemist radioactive lab set to where you could concoct a lot of ingredients to make weird things and I really enjoyed and it help me to appreciate art and mind of a chemist so I embody that and as I got older me and some of my friends I grew up with we really got into learning ancient cultures and history which lead to me evolving and changing my name to Kvng Chemist as doing research we are descendants of our ancestors who are ancient beings.

Llewelyn: Please tell us more about your true love of music. How has this progressed and does it encapsulate your life story?

Kvng Chemist: My love for music stems from my father DJing since I can remember at the age of 4yrs old seeing him mix and blend oldies with late 80s to early 90s hip-hop and R&B. He seen how much I loved music at the age 2yrs old and made sure when ever he had gigs at weddings, beach parties, anniversaries etc. me and my brother was present. My love for the art progressed as friends around my neighborhood would come over and we would have freestyle sessions and battle rap. I did a lot recordings I sang and rap on my home alone talkboy my parents bought me one Christmas. But I really starting taking my writing serious when I was 14 yrs old and recorded my first song at 15yrs old. I believe when I turned 19yrs of age and my daughter came into the picture my writing and thought process changed and evolved for the better. It’s crazy because her being helped me tap into expressing my journey and lessons in life in a enigmatic manner and I embody that.

Llewelyn: When do you realise that you wanted to be an artist and what have been the victories and challenges along the way? Have you found that self-belief has carried you over the line when some have doubted you?

Kvng Chemist: I realized at 15yrs of age I wanted to be an artist. I was an introvert growing up and there was a lot of emotions and things I started to experience that I felt more comfortable expressing through writing. My challenges along the way we’re definitely hard. It was a constant struggle trying to master my cadence to the beat and I really stood out because most not all but majority of my peers liked punch lines and battle rap and that just wasn’t me even though I enjoyed it also. My victories along the way were my constant freestyle sessions whether I was in a cypher or around my friends, or I was with my cousin and he would play new beats he made and we would ride out for 2 to 3 hrs and he would have me freestyle on all his beats the whole ride. Those moments and memorabilia were pivotal in my growth up to this day. Most definitely self-belief has carried me over the line of doubters whether it was family, friends, business partners, love interests. It was all fuel to the fire. But at the end of day I love what I do and it’s me.

Llewelyn: Your new single is called Star. What’s the vision behind the project and who did you make the song for? Also, who was involved in the creation besides yourself?

Kvng Chemist: The vision behind my new single Star was self-love affirmation and recognizing who I am and when I wrote it I spoke from my personal perspective and experiences with the thought of others in mind. Because I do believe everyone has a gift and everyone is special or you wouldn’t be here. So we are all Stars but, it’s on us as individuals to seek out that gift and see how can we use it for the betterment of mankind. I definitely wanna show love to everyone I collaborated with on this single Anna-Sophia Henry who is one of the co-writers, Darrell Banks the producer and Face the engineer who mixed and mastered the final cut.

Llewelyn: How do you write tracks? Do you go outside to find the lyrics or do they come naturally when you want?

Kvng Chemist: When I write I never box myself into only one particular way of how my creativity comes to me. So to be truly honest and 100 when I say this my process is never forced and comes naturally when I’m inspired to share my experiences, thoughts, and lyricism

Llewelyn: What kind of music are you into and who are some of your favorite artists?

Kvng Chemist: I’m into most genres because they all tell a story and as I study them and listen closely they all expressed in different emotional tones how I would put it. But I will say I do listen to more classical, opera, & jazz music. Those combinations definitely inspires some of my creative styles. As favorite artists now a days I really don’t have a favorite because I like so many of them that came before me. So just to name a few off the top of my head MosDef, Rakim, Big L, Nas, AZ, Busta Rhymes, Black Thought, OutKast, Goodie Mob, UGK, De La Soul, Slum Village, Tribe Called Quest, of course Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tha Eastsidaz, & Shade Sheist it’s so many I enjoy studying & listening to the art overall from all genres just to reiterate

Llewelyn: Last, who inspires you most in the world and do you have any words for young musicians starting out in the game?

Kvng Chemist: I would say the fact that I exist to learn & experience God’s creations, inspires me the most. Because every breath, every step, every heartbeat, every blink from eyes is a tempo. Music is an essential part of life!

For the young musicians starting out. Be inspired, be different. Always be true and authentic with yourself and you’ll be successful. It’s all about PFM Positive Foward Movement

Listen up on Spotify.

See more on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

So Strong: Massachusetts-based rapper Poppa King Oats urges us to join Together

After showing us his hustling Biggie Smalls mentality on his previous release from May 2022 called Throne, Poppa King Oats knows he just needs that one hit song so that he can live like Nas on Together.

Poppa King Oats aka Carlos Carela is a Massachusetts-based indie trap solo artist and is known for his catchy songs that will get the heart pumping.

With a huge smile, a positive mindset, and expertise in droves, Poppa King Oats returns to our consciousness with a terrific single that sets him apart from others in this oft-selfish game. Showing us he is ready for anything as he knows that talent isn’t an issue, as we are reminded of his smooth style that will make many nod their heads all night.

Together from Massachusetts-based indie trap artist Poppa King Oats is a faith-filled soundtrack to those who believe that without God, they don’t feel great at all. Rapped with his signature charm and skilled lyrical projection, this is a fine single from an artist who knows what is most important in life.

Oozing with underground quality and a message for all those who have perhaps forgotten to pray for a while, this is a song that leads the way to that guiding light.

See this new music video on YouTube and find out more on his Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ron A.P. made true love a tangible phenomenon in Real Love Pt. II

Making true love a tangible phenomenon is a feat beyond most artists, not Ron A.P. in his latest music video, Real Love Pt. II. With full awareness that love is the most explored emotion in music, Ron A.P. went all in with this smooth jazzy hip hop track. Shakespeare may not have referred to how much crackheads love to chase the rock, and that may just be where he went wrong in encompassing the visceralism of the emotion.

After hearing The Ex Files from the US rapper, which went hard on retrospective romantic dissonance, we are stoked to hear Ron A.P. back on soulful form. Any fans of Nas, Jay-Z, Kanye and B.B. King will find a playlist staple in Real Love Pt. II.

The official music video for Real Love Pt. II will premiere on August 19th. Check it out on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Anthony Levone speaks for the pacifists in his latest lyrically driven hip hop track, Peacekeepers

Anthony Levone’s latest single, Peacekeepers, featuring Fooly23, is for everyone that has been cognitively wrapped up in the senseless brutality of our contemporary existence a little too much lately. And when I say everyone, that is especially in reference to genre preference. The articulate nature of Levone’s lyricism means that the smooth sonic old school and sun-bleached hip hop instrumentals fall by the wayside as his bars pull parables from religious icons to prove that we’ve scarcely moved on in terms of civility.

The West Palm Beach-hailing artist has been releasing music since 2019, in that time, he’s developed a staunch fan base with his J.Cole, Nas & Common reminiscences. He’s also been in heavy rotation on international radio stations and landed a plethora of coveted playlist placements. Yet, judging by the socially-minded tenacity in Peacekeepers, it is safe to say that none of his philosophical work will ever be over-amplified.

The lyric video for Peacekeepers premiered on April 22nd; it is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Its Better Than My Enemies: Young Walt Dez walks away from all the drama and ‘Jealousy’

With that knowing look that is drenched all over his all-seeing eyes, Young Walt Dez wonders if his main girls scorned envy will really be the end of him with ‘Jealousy‘.

Young Walt Dez is a youthful New Bedford, Massachusetts-born indie rapper who projects his fresh style onto the world with shrewd confidence and is certainly on the rise currently.

At a young age, Dez started to write raps under the name “NBK”, long before he chose the name Young Walt. It wasn’t until the death of his father, a diehard fan of hip hop legend Nas, that Dez really started to take music and life, more seriously.” ~ Young Walt Dez

After the sad death of his father – you feel that Young Walt Dez had vital time to mourn – which in turn lead to him realizing what he really wanted to do in life. There is an old school respect strewn all over his raps, with his introspective new era style that is truly his own.

Jealousy‘ from the flowing-with-meaning New Bedford, Massachusetts-based indie hip-hop artist Young Walt Dez, shows us a creative man who is slightly worried about what could happen to him – if the two women he currently cares about – join forces to totally destroy him. He carefully ponders his future and takes him to cross the street with both eyes looking around smartly, into a new world that is hopes will turn out alright.

To honor his fathers name and to make something of his life, is all that he really cares about after all.

See this fire new music video on YouTube and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Throw away your saviour complex under the direction of 3HRE’s resounding RnB Hip Hop single ‘Save Me’

Up and coming US Rap artist 3HRE premiered the music video to their latest single ‘Save Me’ on December 15th, ‘mindful and conscious’ Hip Hop may be in trend right now, but 3HRE raised the bar with his conceptually perception shifting hit which has the capacity to seismically shift your attitude around salvation.

It allows you to see most of the people who claim to be drowning as people who waded into the water themselves. With the female vocals crying out for sanctity from themselves along with 3HRE’s Rap bars offering lyrical gold such as ‘Don’t put your trust in another human being because they will never save you’, describing Save Me as a powerful single seems like a criminal understatement.

The artist’s proclivity to lend inspiration from gritty and convictive artists such as Nas and Rakim along with optimism-inspiring Christian Hip Hop artists allows you to experience the best of both worlds. Additionally, save me is as stunning in sentiment as it is in sound.

You can check out the official video to Save Me by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Larizzle freshens up the UK’s Tribal House Scene with the multi-layered masterstroke release ‘Ama Chill’

Ten years of DJ’ing at the forefront of the UK’s Tribal House and UK Funky scene, with a sound he describes as UK Afro House – taking in South African Amapiano along the way – Larizzle is already no stranger to the limelight. Performing in some of the biggest venues in the UK and Europe, providing guest mixes to the likes of BBC Radio 1Xtra, Kiss Fresh, and Capital Xtra, and supporting big names such as Nas, Stormzy, Skepta, and Mark Ronson, might be enough for most people – not to mention twice winning the UK Official Mixtape Awards in 2012 and 2013, of course.

However, Larizzle is definitely not one to rest on his already sizeable laurels. ‘Ama Chill’ is his second personal music release, the follow up to October’s debut ‘Ama Play’, and it bears mention here the second release on his own ‘Larah Records’ label, founded in memory of Larizzle’s late daughter. Chilled yet funky from the first beat, ‘Ama Chill’ kicks in with irresistible afro drum beats and sonorous chants of ‘hey’, before melodic pipes build a repeating ariose mantra intensifying to a thumping drum-and-bassline climax. The whole track develops, piece by piece, into a multi-layered masterstroke, each section augmenting the previous parts whilst all carrying their own individual identities, that central repeated melody sticking in your head long after the final beat has echoed away.

You can check out ‘Ama Chill’ on Larizzle’s website, and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Alex Holmes

Ecsentric has left another mark on Brooklyn’s map of Hip Hop artists with “Alibis”

 

As an up and coming Hip Hop artist in Brooklyn, NYC, Ecsentric has some serious competition, but his latest release “Alibis” makes it all too evident that he’s on the way to the top with his fresh new sound which vibes with plenty of old school elements.

Under the influence of J. Cole, Nas, Logic and Kendrick Lamar, Ecsentric’s sound boasts that shimmeringly alluring Jazzy tone, although the dreamy reverb in Alibis takes the production to new hypnotic heights. As for the lyrics, they’re candidly exposing enough to draw a tear from you as you lose yourself in the evocative narrative of loss and betrayal.

The instrumentals may be light and melodic in Alibis, but don’t be surprised if it leaves you with a few emotional bruises.

You can check out Ecsentric’s latest drop by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast