Igwe Aka has always possessed a playful side, his relied-upon parlor trick that shrouds his childhood afflictions with crude banter and goofiness. There’s no need to lay his hands on them, just as much as there is no need for you to carve and prod him for answers as if you are performing an autopsy. Sit back and let him…
Rap
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“Momma said I got this shit,” JAWNZA boldly proclaims with the opening line to his new single with Lab Group and Player Dave. Listeners will be inclined to agree as every bar of ‘HD‘ effortlessly floats over the thumping kick drum and ethereal chords ringing underneath from start to finish. The cohesiveness with which ‘HD’ melds the rapper’s voice with…
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Few artists have been more instrumental in merging the worlds of hip-hop and electronic than Monteal-based producer Lunice. Through his solo efforts and as half of the iconic duo TNGHT he has helped define the sound of electronic trap music and continues to push the envelope. His new release Open is a ten-track offering that moves between rap cuts, hard-hitting…
- BLOGRapTrap/Twerk
OddKidOut Harnesses Endless Powers Of Time With ‘NUCLEAR’
by John Donahueby John DonahueThe spirit that lies in OddKidOut‘s abilities is unlike any other. His craft has only elevated higher and higher throughout his time in the industry. Always experimenting with different frequencies, rhythmic structures, and concepts while showcasing outstanding abilities on and off stage. Completely making his name and journey separate from others. Delivering only the finest work through unpredictable arrangements, sound…
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Diz and Cisco Swank understand we all need a little convincing. Humans are naturally stubborn, especially when intrusive thoughts such as “failure” mesh well with our lack of patience. In the first few seconds of ‘Oneday,’ the production feels groggy. The rich, fatty chords, muted drums, and desaturated baseline create an early morning feeling. Cisco sounds weary as he spouts…
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In the second verse of the closing track of Super Eagle, Igwe Aka shows why home is a difficult thing to find. ‘Euphoria (Zoom)’ is Igwe’s most personal confession of his childhood, delivered in sedation. He’s weary, the kind that makes you drop your guard and say things you wouldn’t be when energized. Opening up about his immigration process, he’s…
- BLOGRapTrap/Twerk
PREMIERE: OddKidOut & Macntaj Mix Styles On Powerful Anthem ‘CODES’
by Colinby ColinPhilly-based producer OddKidOut has been on the rise for a minute. First breaking out with his Solstice EP on the iconic OWSLA, the talented producer has wowed us with releases on Fool’s Gold, Bassrush, and Monstercat, plus his Beat Battle win at last year’s Goldie Awards. Today he returns to Monstercat with an absolutely massive rap meets electronic banger entitled…
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Nothing ever starts as intended or lasts as long as it should. Endings are often abrupt and agonizing, and uncomfortable with saying goodbye out of fear of a kind gesture becoming a reality. It’s hopeless trying to control life when it’s demented. It thrills off cosplaying as The Joker, smiling when its surrounded by destruction. Beginnings, on the other end,…
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“I been the G.O.A.T. for so long, I guess it’s not exciting when I win/ Boohoo, someone grab the violins/ Every time I try a ting, top bins like Haile when he sings/ So of course they don’t like me, I’m the king.” The opening bars to Stormzy’s comeback single ‘Mel Made Me Do It’ set the tone for the…
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“I can take 5 years off cause my shit is timeless, my core got my back so I’m staying on promise” – Joey Bada$$ Five years removed from the powerful ALL AMERICAN BADA$$, Joey Bada$$ is finally back with a new album. A decade after his breakout debut mixtape 1999 comes the sequel 2000. The project picks up where his…