Song of the Day: One of the Good Ones – Alex Ludovico

Back from nearly a year-long hiatus full of self-reflection, therapy and partial sobriety, ALEX LUDOVICO gives a scorching single entitled ‘One of the Good Ones,’ featuring Curly Castro. In this triumphant return to releasing new music, Alex laces this Jason Griff/Illmind-produced bouncy cut with socially conscious lyrics reflecting on the constant challenges of his being a black man in America and not conforming to media-driven stereotypes.

“’You’re one of the good ones’ is a phrase I heard all my life without ever really taking stock of what it meant,” explains Ludovico, “It’s a phrase used to separate people from their Blackness. When you grow up being told your interests are ‘white,’ there’s two paths you can take. You can let it make you sad or you can take a road of intellectual superiority. But both of those paths are wrong,” he continues. “Black is NWA and Black is Living Colour. Black is being loud and proud and Black is being quiet and reserved. White supremacy forces people into boxes in order for them to be defined. We will not be defined by our interests. This is a reminder to watch out for it.”

To further emphasize the point, Ludovico enlists the lyrical swords of the incomparable Curly Castro, whose rebellious wordplay has been well-documented throughout the years, most notably on his revolutionary 2021 LP, Little Robert Hutton on Backwoodz Studioz.

‘One of the Good Ones’ is the first in a series of singles Ludovico will be releasing over the next few months, leading up to his upcoming LP this Summer. This new single is available to download for free at insubordinaterecords.com and on all streaming platforms. Check it out below…

Watch IDK’s new video for track, ‘Pinot Noir’ ft. Saucy Santana & Jucee Froot

On the heels of his critically-acclaimed F65 album release, Maryland rapper IDK returns with the nostalgia-tinged music video for ‘Pinot Noir’ [feat. SAUCY SANTANA & JUCEE FROOT]. Directed by Khari Johnson & Jason ‘IDK’ Mills, the visual flaunts nineties appeal and emanates warm throwback energy.

Behind the track, IDK shares, “And also, I don’t have to be a gay rapper to put an openly gay rapper on my song… I heard the beat, and I heard a very talented artist by the name of Saucy Santana on that beat. I love him forever for taking that risk with me. Now we have a banger for the summer.”

Shot in black and white, the Golden Age of Hip-hop vibes are heavy throughout, offering fans a full view of IDK’s artistic versatility and storytelling. An uptempo, jazz-driven sample of Khia’s 2001 hit single ‘My Neck, My Back,’ it strikes a balance between carefree and confident, creating a unique kind of high art within the rap world. IDK delivers dynamic bars and instantly makes his presence known, assuring, “You know me, I don’t need no introduction in this.” From quick-hitting lyrical flexes to the unapologetic raunchiness of Saucy and Jucee Froot, ‘Pinot Noir’ makes for another standout ballad from the naturally gifted multihyphenate.

Elsewhere, IDK continues to make his claim as one of today’s most sought after collaborators in music, fashion, and beyond. Recently, he collaborated with Nike to unveil his limited-edition Nike Air Max Pro 97 “Free Coast” F&F sneaker. This fashion-forward feat follows IDK’s stellar performances at Coachella last month, where he donned a custom Lanvin race suit and helmet. But his commitment to style didn’t end there. Just last week, he created original content with the Jordan Brand for their new “Mini Hoops” series – a true testament to someone who’s in complete control of their creative output.

In addition to releasing his provocative new album, IDK is gearing up for his headlining “65 Tour” kicking off June 23rd in Paris, France. The 22-stop tour will make landfall in New York, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in Toronto, ON October 29th. The full list of dates can be found below — for more information please visit http://www.Thr33Dot.com.

It’s also important to note that IDK is using his influence to make a positive impact. With the fall return of his tuition-free music business seminar at Harvard University, No Label Academy, he’s merging industry with academia to help BIPOC students jumpstart their career in the music industry.

Check out the video for ‘Pinot Noir’ below…

Mr. Jones Drops Latest Track, ‘Brand New’

Rapper, songwriter and record label owner of Manchester Music Group, MR. JONES seizes every single moment in his latest track titled ‘Brand New’ released Saturday (6th May) across all music platforms.

With melodic chants introducing the smooth joint, leading to a glitchy bassline, the Mancunion spitter drops fiery bars of pure preservative of treating each day full of brand new opportunities.

Mr Jones hit the ground running with his debut album, ‘Long Running’ and follow-up project, ‘No Time To Waste’, which collectively received way over a million streams. Arguably his best work to date, ‘Brand New’ serves as a teaser to his third album, coming out later this later. Check it out below…

Song of the Day: 50 Days – DL

East London native DL is making waves with his unique blend of rap and Afroswing and ’50 Days’ is no exception. With an uplifting message of perseverance, progression and ambition, DL showcases his impressive rapping and singing talents over atmospheric production courtesy of Rehum Brew (NSG – Daily Duppy). This track is taken to another dimension by means of the crooning background vocals and killer electric guitar riffs.

Check out the accompanying visuals by Blue Boredom shot in the Swiss Alps…

Song of the Day: Let It Fly – Rayne Storm (ft. Krizz Kaliko)

RAYNE STORM returns with single ‘Let It Fly’, featuring Strange Music’s own Krizz Kaliko. The melodic track serves as the second single off his upcoming album ‘Audiocity II’.

The production by Wyshmaster creates a riding bassline as the background for this introspective weed anthem. Krizz delivers with his classic midwest flow while Rayne brings it with a bouncy verse about getting away from the stress of daily life, in between puffs of smoke.

‘Let It Fly’ is a must for any cannabis enthusiasts playlist. Make sure you hit play on this while you light one up…