Magi Merlin Shares New Single, ‘Free Grillz’ + Video

After courting a cult following with her underground EPs Drug Music, On My Way to the Listening Party, and subsequent singles, the ever-mysterious Canadian artist, MAGI MERLIN (pronounced MADGE-eye) is stepping into her moment with new single, ‘Free Grillz.’ The new track follows off earlier tips from CRACK Magazine and spots opening for the likes of Lido Pimienta and playing at Osheaga alongside ODIE, Jessie Reyez, etc. She will support the new single with SXSW dates and a debut headline show in Brooklyn at Purgatory on March 9.

Produced by longtime collaborator and beatsmith Funkywhat, ‘Free Grillz’ finds Magi’s vocals gliding over frostbitten hi-hats, tectonic snares, and a shattering bassline showing off the extent of her talents, marrying a sensuous and self-assured rapping style with a wistful hook. Changing tact from earlier releases, Merlin switches out some of those syrupy R&B flavors for the sounds of 90’s house, drum and bass and acid-flecked hip-hop. ‘Free Grillz’ is a track that playfully aspires to the tropes of rap fame while also frankly reflecting on the realities of day-to-day life (like having your name mispronounced, or having to kick out the clingy man who won’t leave your apartment).

Directed by Walid Jabri, the music video for ‘Free Grillz’ shows Magi in an intimidating, cold and yet utterly captivating light. Proudly flaunting her grillz, she embodies the daring attitude of the song and mesmerizes viewers in an array of red hues and fast-moving shots. From motorcycle rides to blowing off a boring guy and mosh pitting, Magi keeps us on our toes as she references the lifestyle in the lyrics.

Check out the fierce video to the equally fierce track below…

Check Out J French’s Lyric Video For Track, ‘Exotic Flowers.’

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Dallas-based rapper J French’s drops his hypnotic lyric video for latest single ‘Exotic Flowers’.

J French says of his new single: “I wanted to acknowledge how strong and dope women can be with this song. I do that by giving flowers to a few women I know personally. The first verse is dedicated to a longtime friend, and the second verse is dedicated to a love interest. Every woman is their own unique flower, and this song presents the whole bouquet.”

‘Exotic Flowers’ is the second single from French’s new album Good Karma. As his first album without profanity, the album is the result of deep introspection and therapy, and serves as French’s fourth full-length project, which topped digital streaming platforms and stores upon its release in late January.

Check out J French’s lyric video…

Song of the Day: Way I See It – Pyano

Canadian rapper PYANO‘s first release of the year, ‘Way I See It’ is driven by a vibrant and energetic groove, taking a peek into his journey of finding his sound as an artist.

“I’m always somewhere between the motivational, hardcore rap that I grew up on versus the more melodic stuff that I listen to today,” says Pyano. “On this track, specifically, I find a good balance between the two which as a result enables me to celebrate the milestones of success in my life in spite of this whole pandemic thing. Despite the challenges and obstacles over the last couple years, I’m exactly where I planned to be, and further, which is why this track is a good representation of all the lessons I learned through all that.”

Born in Amman, Jordan but currently living in Ottawa, Canada, Pyano has mastered the art of bringing charged vibes on records, ranging from lyrically conscious to catchy melodic anthems. His music transcends borders between hip hop subgenres using witty yet motivational lyrics and a bouncy cadence to give his smooth signature style over an infectious piano laced beat.

Pyano released three singles in 2021, ‘Closed Off’, ‘Pineapple Juice’ and ‘From the Beginning’, his biggest single so far, and continues to make his introduction to the rap game known with his latest single, ‘Way I See It’ while teasing his first EP which will be out later this year.

Check out the official video for Pyano’s ‘Way I See It’…

Song of the Day: Who’s Guessing Who? – Banggz

Ontario’s rapper BANGGZ‘s latest track, ‘Who’s Guessing Who?’ is a true testament that’s he’s a real GOAT in the rap game in his hometown.

With attention grabbing, tribal-esque bars, ‘Who’s Guessing Who?’ delves into the the 22-year-old’s state of mind, reflecting on the current times as well as his experiences in these times.

Why not check out the video for the track below, directed by Quest and the man himself…

Watch Boslen’s Video For Track, ‘Nightfall’

Genre-obliterating artist BOSLEN shares a cinematic, visceral music video for ‘Nightfall’. The trap-infused track, which sports a stunning feature from rising South Carolina artist Dro Kenji, is the final song to get the video treatment from his debut album, ‘DUSK to DAWN’, which came out in August via Chaos Club Digital/Capitol Records.

The moody visual, directed by Mike Tate and executive produced by Natasha Dion, was filmed in Los Angeles, but feels as if it takes place in a hazy, red-tinged underworld. It’s an appropriate energy for the loneliness in the lyrics, which find Boslen enduring quiet nights as he works to expose lies, and encourages someone to reveal their scars to him. The clip finds Boslen and Kenji wandering around an empty, lavish mansion—a perfect setting for a song about the cost of investing your time and energy into someone who can’t, or won’t, reciprocate.

‘Nightfall’ serves as the midpoint—and one of the emotional centrepieces—of the immersive 12-track project ‘DUSK to DAWN’, which has resonated deeply with both fans and critics alike. The album has already eclipsed over 16.4 million streams globally and has also garnered acclaim from tastemaking websites across the globe.

But for Boslen himself, the point doesn’t seem to be the success—he just wants his art to connect with people: “I really want people to notice the true feeling that this project cohesively can convey. I’m trying to make generational music that lasts after I’m dead.”

With videos as cinematic as ‘Nightfall’ and projects as moving as DUSK to DAWN, he’s well on his way. ‘Nightfall’ closes out the DUSK to DAWN chapter as Boslen gears up for an even bigger 2022. Check out the video below…