Nothing in this world compares to giving back. For artists and creatives, this extends beyond financial charity and philanthropy. It is committing art to a particular people, positive purpose, or message. Okay, perhaps the first sentence was a lie. There is something better than giving back: seeing a sixteen year old girl do so with a marvelous video, and undeniable gift of rap. That is what Atlanta’s V3locity has done with her new, energetic banger, “Wild Out”. As she mentions herself (and what can be seen in the music video), “Wild Out” is an anthem for the kids. It is a turn-up song that, through V3locity’s saucy lyrics, danceable flow, and high-spirited delivery, gives kids everywhere the freedom to let loose. By the looks of the music video it must certainly be a success. Countless scenes show V3locity, as well as other teens alongside her, “wilding out” to her latest release. They dance freely through the rooms and halls of their high-school as if finally able to express themselves. That is the magic of “Wild Out”. That is what V3locity gives back: freedom and expression to the fellow kids in her community. With a radio-ready record like this at only sixteen? The sky is the limit for the talented V3locity; and we cannot imagine what cloud she’ll land on next.
The melody of Emjae’s “Recess” plays like a video game. By the end of its three minute run-time, you’ll know exactly why: it’s all about excitement. Between clever, metaphorical bars, and a volcanic delivery, nothing but overwhelming energy exudes from the modern-trap track. It aims to amaze your upcoming house party with mesmerizing, electronic synths, and a vigorous 808 bass. Emjae effortlessly maintains a high throughout the entire mix. Where many would fumble, the New Orleans/Hartford-repping emcee blazes through his verses. This relentless onrush of lyricism and vitality is precisely what makes “Recess” the party-centric banger that it is. Before the month is over, such a hit will have Louisiana and Connecticut warring for claim over the talented Emjae.
Sauga City, Canadian rapper Wyze links up with Tory Lanez for the official visual to his new single “Still” directed by Ty Black. Representing his own label “A Mind State entertainment” (AMS). Wyze views himself as a MC before anything as he was inspired and raised off of classic New York hip hop from the early 90s. He is expected to release his debut EP “Time Has Come” in April of 2019. In the meantime listen to his most recent project “Poseidon” which is available on all digital streaming platforms.
Most upcoming artists in Hip-Hop want nothing more than fame. The art takes a backseat to imagery, trends and social media stunts that will garner them a mainstream break. Few rising rap acts truly value the artistry and prospect of Hip-Hop; however, Swiss emcee, Rhyman, refuses to submit to that case. If anything, his new album, “The Wknd”, is a revival of lyricism and substance in a day where those elements seem to be dwindling away. The eleven track project sports of variety of Golden Era-styled beats, yet, this is not the sole factor that assigns “The Wknd” its Hip-Hop greatness. It is Rhyman’s proficiency as an emcee that makes this album an outlier of 2019. Whether you are cruising to the climatic opener, “Welcome 2 The Wknd”; awe-striking boom-bap cuts, such as “What If” and “Heaven”; the tranquil confessional of “No Sen$e”; or the abstract bangers, “Smog & Fire”, “Basick” and “Outro”; you will never hear Rhyman falter. He remains at the apex of his lyrical game for the duration of “The Wknd”. Does he reference wanting fame and a mainstream break as much as his fellow upcoming artists? Absolutely. However, the difference between him and them, is that Rhyman is willing to earn acclaim the only way you should in Hip-Hop: with creativity, honesty, and pure bars. He brings that triple package to “The Wknd”, and in doing so, has created an album that is true to the culture he breathes.
Even in March, the Valentines Day emotions are still rolling in. One artist, intent on this season of sensuosity continuing, is Benji Kriis. In a glowing wave of autotune, the New Jersey crooner lets every lady know where to go for love: “Hotel Rendezvous”. This two minute record is the paragon of modern R&B. Melodious, impassioned vocals, illuminated by delay and autotune, coast a gentle, trap-ladened beat. Lyrics, regarding Benji’s growing lust for this female character, poke through floating bells and a slow-rolling bassline. All the while, a ravishing fog is growing thicker and thicker around you. Before you know it, you are submerged in the Nigerian-born singer’s enticing depictions. “Hotel Rendezvous” is an undeniable mood-setter; with Benji Kriis proving just how excellent in can be in the modern R&B circuit. She has the talent, and the sound; all she needs is the right ear to hear her.
Paired with a quirky, animated video, Georgia star, Milyssa Rose, drops the eccentric “Dick Pic” single. Undoubtedly, the most abstract piece of art you will hear all week, “Dick Pic” is a radical melting pot of sounds. An EDM melody, crushed by a diabolical 808, creates the backbone for the beat Milyssa Rose dominates. Her delivery is a blend of savagely energetic and soulfully wonderful; with certain bars extending into songful melody. There is likewise a colorful persona Milyssa Rose leaps into when on the mic, using her lyrics to paint a picture, and captivating inflection to pull us in. All in all, the track is a ground-breaking contribution to the Atlanta music scene. As incendiary as the track’s purpose may be, its fun-spirited energy is evidence of a Southern femcee breathing creativity and life back into the art of Hip-Hop.
California to its core, “Clownin’” by Lil Scotty P is a speaker-shaking banger. It is the Lancaster rapper’s debut single for 2019, threaded with a new-age, West Coast charisma. Roaring, distorted 808s boom across “Clownin’”; adding fuel to the sinful melody, pattering hihats, and Golden state claps on the record. This beat proves to be the perfect plate on which Lil Scotty P can devour his competition. He unleashes a ravenous, high-energy delivery coupled with an unorthodox flow through “Clownin’”. A Californian pain is easily detectable in the West Coast rapper’s inflection. Each bar on his latest release comes from a place of trial and tribulation in the Lancaster streets; energized by the stories and references Lil Scotty P makes to his SoCal lifestyle. Just as Lil Scotty P remains true to the city that bred him, “Clownin’” remains true to the West Coast Hip-Hop sound; all the while putting its creator in a league of his own.