London producer/rapper REDD TUNES drops his first release of 2024 with EP, ‘Melted Minds’, available now for your pleasure.
As always, he rallies up another stellar line-up to bring together five tracks of his signature smooth underground hip-hop/ boom bap-style fusion, with the exception of intro track ‘Grindin’, performed by Grafeezy. ‘Grindin’ sets of the EP on a blazing note, offering up a more rampant side of underground hip-hop.
Be sure to look for more new music from the veteran beatsmith…but for now, check out ‘Melted Mindz’ EP below…
After the successful release of ‘Here I Am’, JLYLES keeps his momentum on a forward course as he gives us the interlude titled ‘Lyles Lullaby’, which serves as the second single to his upcoming album.
The Baltimore resident goes on an adventure through his brain as he revisits parts of his life, especially those during his transition to the home of the Chesapeake Bay. Produced by Sypooda, Lyles says that “this instrumental was so melodic that I couldn’t stop writing to it after penning the first line of the record. That’s why the song has no hook, it forced me to be introspective”. The influence gained from just the production gave the artist even more of an incentive to snag the beat from Sypooda. Gaining some sort of inspiration from any form of production is always a plus for artists, its even better when it takes one back to a certain time that challenges them musically and emotionally, as Lyles says “the beat is therapeutic”.
With the perfect backbone and theme set in stone, the New Jersey native went to work crafting what would eventually become an extension of the ‘Lullaby’ series, only second to ‘Chizz Lullaby’. JLyles held nothing back but instead let everything go. Really tuning into his vulnerable side with rhymes like “bottling my shit in this bottle is diabolical” and “man on a mission/my vision built a commission/my father sittin in prison/love momma but she was dippin/so we lackin supervision/and I’m the man of the house/weight of the world on my shoulders/gave hope in a drought”.
This record is yet another taste of what is in store for listeners and supporters of JLyles and is sure to put numbers on the board just as its predecessor is currently doing. The Execution has no release date set but from what the globe has heard off the album it is safe to say that no one should be worried about what to expect from it because expectations are high and they will be met. Check out Lyles Lullaby (Interlude) below…
Shot by KB4L, Curtis D. Hines. V OF40M, the architect of revolutionary rap, is at it again with a live performance, which serves as the warm-up to V’s upcoming music video release for ‘Martin Luther,’ dropping tomorrow (1st July)
If you are ready to hear music that really matters then this is the one! V, a revolutionist and “artivist,” is fresh off the release of his biggest single to date – ‘The Score.’ ‘The Score’ along with ‘Martin Luther’ are available on all platforms now.
Philadelphia built, Carolina made revolutionist V of 40M has been setting the culture ablaze since his world introduction a little more than two summers ago. He is the frontman of 40M, also referred to as Forty Million Strong, a black Independence people’s movement geared towards self-sufficiency, self-determination and autonomy for Melanites or “Blacks.” Staying true to the mission, V has implemented the movement into every aspect of his music and has also brought his fellow “M’s” with him.
Though the movement is his focus, the music has become an important piece in connecting the “M’s” with the people on a large scale. As he explains in multiple interviews, the purpose of the V of 40M art is to inspire, inform, motivate and mobilize the masses and from music, he can reach those who may be currently unreachable in speech.
From his debut release, ‘No Church on Sunday,’ until his latest ‘The Score,’ V has yet to stray. Fast forward a couple million streams and countless co-signs and features later, it’s safe to say that the 40M movement is here to say.
Check out the live from the block performance video below…
LA-based crew COLAMP addresses mental health with cartoon video for track, ‘Buggin’. The video enlists a bevy of prime talent, featuring Blu, Relic Fox and Katie Burke, with all parties’ creativity being matched with a feast of visuals for the eyes to behold. COLAMP’s forthcoming LP Tape also features Anacron, Life Rexall, The Lxves, & more.
COLAMP consists of MC Nathan Nice, producer KDT Produced It, & DJ’s Arbs & Breeze. KDT has produced for Sach of The Nonce, Arbs has seasoned history in LA’s DJ battle circuit, & Breeze has produced for Prince Po (Organized Konfusion), Rakaa Iriescience (Dilated Peoples), Scarub (Living Legends), 2Mex & LMNO (Visionaries), & more.
FR4NKIE (Formerly known as: XP Burstgang) a prominent member of the UK Grime scene, has dropped his highly anticipated sophomore project, ‘Overview Effect,’ earlier this month (3rd May). This project stands as a testament to FR4NKIE’s life work, representing a stylistic evolution and maturity from his previous releases.
‘Overview Effect’ boasts an impressive lineup of underground collaborations, featuring artists such as LPNoID, Illy From Da NW Side, Cosmo Laurie, Trapson, Dizmack, Masovelli, and Manchester Hypes. Produced by bass music royalty Trolley Snatcha, this project is a sonic amalgamation that showcases FR4NKIE’s versatility, blending Road Rap and Grime influences with elements of folk and guitar music.
Tracks like ‘To Be Frank’ delve into the realities of street life in the UK, while ‘Brick In The Wall’ offers a fresh take on folk and guitar sounds. ‘Benzema’ introduces a unique twist to the traditional ballad, reflecting FR4NKIE’s diverse life experiences. The project in its entirety serves as a window into FR4NKIE’s mind, offering a polished listening experience that resonates differently with each music fan based on their own life experiences.
FR4NKIE has earned international recognition for his contributions to the Grime scene. His triumphs include memorable wins in genre-defining events like Lord of the Mics and Red Bull’s Grime-A-Side tournaments, solidifying his status as a heavyweight in the genre. Collaborations with esteemed figures such as Mike Skinner and President T underscore his influence and impact.
Beyond Grime, FR4NKIE has ventured into various musical territories, crafting a diverse discography that encompasses trap, drill, and boundary-pushing ballads. His latest project, ‘Overview Effect,’ serves as a testament to his evolution as an artist, melding streetwise narratives with introspective themes. Through his decade-long music career, FR4NKIE has amassed a wealth of experiences and influences, shaping him into a multifaceted force in the UK music scene.
Check out ‘Overview Effect’ below…
Must Listens: To Be Frank, Simon Says, Janis Joplin, Is That You Yeah,Mess