Tag: hip-hop

Album Review: Flow Riiot – Torii Wolf

When I first heard of TORII WOLF through debut single, ‘Free’ somehow I was compelled by the too-cool-for-school raspy vocals against the bass-driven number. Releases ‘Big Big Trouble’ and ‘Pain Killer’ followed and I was totally hooked!

The next big release was the 15-track production coming in the form of ‘Flow Riiot’, produced by DJ Premier (so you know you’re really onto a good thing here).

An atmospherically dreamy sample of The Messenger’s 60s funk/soul classic, ‘California Soul’, leads the set through ‘Everlasting Peace’ – and from there, a range of genres were introduced –  from alternative hip-hop to piano/violin-led arrangements. ‘Take It Up On Monday’ is definitely one for the nostalgics as the three-minute production brings on that old school/rare groove laid-back vibe. Possessing heavy influence hip-hop/boom bap of late 80s/early 90s, ‘Shadows Crawl’ will be the one for the serious hip-hop heads’ collection.

‘Flow Riiot’ ends on smooth note with ‘Moscow’. Led by the acoustic guitar, Torii adds an inexplicable magic, creating a real stellar singer-songwriter approach to the production.

It’s sure a mix bag of pleasure and anyone who enjoys listening to makeovers of old genres will have at least one favourite. Through ‘Flow Riiot’, this New Yorker has more than proved that her Throaty yet delicate instrument has that across the board appeal.

You’re here now…might as well check it out….

Must listens: Meant To Do, 1st, Body, Take It Up On Monday, Moscow

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Song of the Day: 0 To 60 – POP Buchanan (ft. Soho Kings)

POP BUCHANAN teams with NEW LEASE MUSIC regulars Soho Kings and steals today’s hot spot with track ‘0 To 60’, coming from his mixtape of the same name…something tells me that the bombastic slammer will go down a treat with you guys.

It may be this New Yorker’s first time on the blog, but he’s no novice. Also a motivational speaker, POP BUCHANAN promotes sobriety, honesty, and elevation through his tracks, which have been well received. Since its release in the summer, ‘0 To 60’ mixtape has been streamed over a million times on Soundcloud, with the single receiving over 170,000 listens alone on the platform, plus over 10,000 views on YouTube.

Collaborators Soho Kings recently had some success on the blog. Their single, ‘Life of the Party’ is currently crowned Song by the Month by the blog. The single also held the title last month.

Going by the above credentials, you know you’re onto a good thing here…so before you head off, hit the play button on ‘0-60’.

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New Track: Bioluminescence – ZT

Zachary Taylor – or ZT– always had a fascination with underground hip-hop – but it was J. Cole’s’ mixtape, ‘Friday Night Lights’ that ignited this upriser from Fairfax (Virginia) to start rapping and penning lyrics on school notebooks.

Now he’s making himself known and drops his brand new conscious track entitled ‘Bioluminescence’. Oozing the smoothest soundscapes you’ll probably ever heard, the latest offering act as a wake call to those who are completely blinded to what’s going on around them.

Also know as the Kale Gawd – because of his love for vegetables – ZT went on to become a frontman/lyricist for a rap-rock band called Where’s Zach? before going solo. Taking his rap journey to a new chapter, ZT is working on his EP called ‘Everything but the Kitchen Sinks’.

If you don’t know this guy, get to know him…check out ‘Bioluminescence.’

 

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Mixtape Review: A1 Mondays 3 – A1

If you enjoy REAL hip-hop and R&B of the yesteryear, then oh boy you’ve landed on the right spot!

As part of his #A1Mondays series, which started out earlier this year, A1 drops his third installment, coming in the shape of a six-track set entitled ‘A1 Mondays 3’. In his latest mixtape, the upriser takes on big hits such as Twista’s ‘Overnight Celebrity’ and Eve’s ‘Satisfaction’ and sparkles his some of the magic through his extra spicy flow.

I tell you, once you hit the play button on this bad boy, rest assured there won’t be a single dull moment. Head right here to check out A1 Mondays 3.

Must Listens: Overnight Celebrity Freestyle, Satisfaction Freestyle

 

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Song of the Day: Wild Wild West – Tobi Sunmola

Tipped as Mobo’s ‘One to Watch’ TOBI SUNMOLA returns to centre stage with the second release ‘Wild Wild East’, from his forthcoming EP.

The self-produced single showcases this newcomer’s versatility and ability to combine clever wordplay and infectious flows, with politically driven lyricism. At times the track is reminiscent of the Joey Bada$$ album ‘All Amerikkkan Bada$$’ with the young MC drawing inspiration from his African roots and struggles that he has continued to wrestle with during life in East Manchester.

A play, on the widely known phrase – ‘Wild Wild West’ – Tobi states that, “I used this reference to explain the big bad world I have to deal with, the negativity, deceit, envy and hardship, and how I try to keep my energy high through it all, in the hope of making it back home.”

Growing up in Nigeria, Tobi recalls that “becoming an artiste wasn’t a visible reality. I made music because I really wanted to”. His determination to succeed as a musician against the odds saw Sunmola saving up lunch money daily to skip school and head to the studio with his rap crew Dope Kommunity. Moving to Manchester aged 16 the young poet instantly immersed himself in the grime and UK hip hop scene, and his dedication has seen him achieve great things at the early stages of his career. Alongside winning Adidas’ ‘Take the Stage’ competition, he performed Radio 1 Big Weekend Exeter and has been acclaimed by the likes of Complex, The Line Of Best Fit, Afropunk, DJ Booth and BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.

Progressive and perceptive, ‘Wild Wild East’ is a further testament to TOBI SUNMOLA’s out-of-the-box approach as he continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting talents coming out of Manchester’s burgeoning underground music scene.

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