Tag: hip-hop

Arlo Maverick returns with new album, ‘Blue Collar.’

After his recent appearance on the blog with video for track, ‘Day Ones’ Canadian rap veteran ARLO MAVERICK unleashes his second solo album, ‘Blue Collar’. The collection draws on personal experiences to give a compelling account of the grind and hurdles of a blue-collar worker.

Much of the themes on ‘Blue Collar’ revolve around a universal pursuit of purpose, prosperity, and happiness, from the disillusionment of the job market after graduating from college to the gratification of indulging in material things to being undervalued at a 9 to 5. It’s an album that tries to capture the seemingly endless balancing act to meet our personal needs, satisfy our wants, and get ahead in an economic environment that makes it harder and harder to do so.

“This album comes from a personal place, but the overall message of hard-work, self-determination, and perseverance is a universal one,” said Arlo Maverick. “I hope this record resonates with blue-collar workers in Alberta, and across the country – people who are working hard, trying to keep their head above water and make their dreams a reality no matter how out of reach they may seem.”

On ‘Night Shift,’ the album’s centrepiece, Maverick ponders the tension between balancing making ends meet and material success, and the overwhelming sacrifices made to reap the rewards. In sharing his story of real-life hurdles, he offers an empowering anthem to the bleary-eyed workers of the world navigating similar experiences.

Elsewhere, the experienced rhymer takes his sound into bold new directions, experimenting with UK drill (‘Retail Therapy’), and flexing his vocals on the soulful trap number (‘Day Ones’), all while keeping true to his appetite for old-school hip-hop flavours and gospel (‘Losing My Religion’). 

Maverick holds nothing back on tracks like ‘On Me,’ about taking accountability to build a legacy, and the album closer, ‘Nothing of Value,’ which details the effects of an abusive shop floor supervisor and a worker’s eventual breaking point: “Walk away from everything/You’ll be lucky if I leave a note.” It’s an explosive finale that speaks to self-determination in the workforce, and the ability to take back control of one’s own fate.

Having spent the entirety of his solo career delivering scathing social critiques, with ‘Blue Collar’ he continues to spark conversations about the frustrations of work life and professional ambitions. An instantly relatable collection of songs, ‘Blue Collar’ positions the rapper as a powerful voice for the working-class.

Check out the powerful album below…

Must Listens: On Me, Night Shift, Late Nights, Father, Nothing Of Value

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Song of the Day: Tie Me Down – Burney

Rising swiftly through the ranks of the UK hip-hop scene, talented upcomer, BURNEY, is poised to once again capture the attention of audiences with single, ‘Tie Me Down’. This track masterfully melds resonant guitar melodies with the energetic flair of rap, creating a seamless fusion that exudes an enticing sensuality. Through this musical offering, Burney continues to chart his distinctive path in the world of music. From the very outset of the song, he fearlessly asserts his artistic identity, presenting a narrative that resonates universally—an exploration of a young man’s journey through the challenging waters of
commitment, a theme universally understood

Commenting on the tune, Burney said; “Tie me down is a guitar-infused UK rap song with a sexy edge. It tells the story of negotiating the commitment stage when you’re used to playing the field. This track is an interesting contradiction in the typical rapper shit of only caring about myself & being promiscuous, when really the idea of settling into something serious is just as exciting. Being terrified of intimacy but enjoying the benefits that come with it is a sticky situation for both parties involved, but it makes damn good music..”

Burney’s journey took an exciting turn in 2021 when his single “San Pellegrino” caught the attention of BBC Introducing The South, who hailed it as their track of the week. Notably, the track also garnered recognition from the renowned drinks company San Pellegrino itself, solidifying Burney’s growing reputation. After a hiatus, Burney returned to the scene with renewed creativity and a fresh perspective, evident in his recent singles ‘Crazy Enough’ and ‘Best Friends / Demons.’ These releases marked the inception of a series of captivating tracks for 2023, exploring themes of self-discovery and love amidst the aftermath of toxic relationships.

Hailing from the serene hills of Surrey, Burney is well-acquainted with pushing the boundaries of UK hip-hop. His distinctive style weaves smooth vocals with a captivating blend of neo-soul, rap, and dance influences, offering listeners an unparalleled sonic journey. Having graced prestigious stages like The Isle of Wight Festival and Brighton’s The Great Escape as part of the collective Dirtbag By Association, Burney has established himself as a solo artist. With the release of ‘Tie Me Down’ he elevates his artistry to new heights, showcasing his growth as an artist and delivering a fusion of storytelling and musical prowess. Check it out below…

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Listen to Fresh Money’s album, ‘Perception of Money.’

Chicago Hip Hop artist, FRESH MONEY, is an emerging star in the Midwest market. His latest project ‘Perception Of Money’ is quickly circulating in the city of Chicago and around the region. Gaining plenty of notoriety with leading single, ‘When We Popout’ featuring Drill Music standout, Memo 600, and produced by Arcaze, ‘Perception Of Money’ is a solid project

Fresh Money states, “I’m a versatile artist I can rap or I can get melodic… My music makes you feel happy about life and makes you want to do something to get some money…”

Check out ‘Perception of Money’ now! And stay tuned for new releases and more content from Fresh Money.

Must Listens: Remember Since, off da Rip,

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Arlo Maverick shows gratitude for ‘Day Ones’ in new video

Canadian hip-hop artist ARLO MAVERICK is sharing a new video for his track, ‘Day Ones,’ a song of appreciation for all the people in his life that have supported him since the beginning. The soulful trap-inflected tune will appear on his forthcoming album, Blue Collar, slated for release 20th October 2023.

A detour from Maverick’s cerebral rhymes and biting commentary, he switches up his usual flow to flex his singing skills while offering a simple message: appreciate and hold the loyal people in your life close. The video features a montage of friends, family, and loved ones over the years. Appropriately arriving ahead of Thanksgiving weekend, it’s a tender show of thanks to the community that lifted him up – and the haters that made him stronger – in his quest to make something out of nothing.

“The music video features archival footage of people who were on or tied to a label we ran in the 2000s, called Music For Mavericks, including members of Politic Live, Kreesha Turner, and others,” said Arlo Maverick. “We were a family in a lot of ways and we all keep in touch so I thought it was fitting to centre this video around them. Everyone at the table is part of this legacy. With hip-hop celebrating 50 years, this video in some ways pays tribute to Edmonton’s hip-hop history by showing some of today’s leaders in the culture like K-Riz and Mouraine when they were first starting out.”

While the previously-released Blue Collar single, ‘Night Shift,’ revealed the hard work and sacrifice of those working to get ahead, ‘Day Ones’ shows the importance of appreciating the people who have stood by through it all.

As Maverick says, “For entrepreneurs, the road to success is extremely lonely, but there are always the handful of people who help you achieve your goals. This song acknowledges and celebrates them. I hope this song gets listeners into a thankful mood to show gratitude to the people that have always had your back.”

Check out the video for ‘Day Ones’ below…

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Song of the Day: Hold It Down – Spencer Elmer

After a flurry of acclaimed releases, SPENCER ELMER returns with ‘Hold It Down’, an ode to the delicate balancing act between relationships and career. As Spencer soars as an artist, his hunger for success overrides his desire for romance forcing it to take a backseat as he confidently climbs to the upper echelons of the music industry. His careful and considered lyricism overlays a pulled-back instrumental set with soothing guitar strings and a feathery melody, resulting in a downbeat track that is almost melancholic – a sound that we’re yet to hear from Spencer.

The mellow visuals sees Spencer exploring London with his mates dressed in the finest streetwear, a visual that is not dissimilar to what a day in the emerging rapper’s life would usually look like. Spencer’s confidence shines in front of the camera, showcasing his natural talent and skill for captivating an audience.

The follows Spencer’s recent releases ‘Far From Rude’ featuring one of the UK’s most respected rappers and songwriters JAY1, and bouncy, tongue-in-cheek cut ‘Calm Like Kim’, as well as following his recent signing to LA-based record label 10K Projects earlier this year.

The third single lifted from upcoming EP, ‘Hold It Down’ shows fans a new side to Spencer, showcasing just how versatile he can be and solidifying his position as a formidable new artist on the scene. Check out the video below…

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