Mixtape Review: Flymix Vol.2 – Fly Von

An attention-grabbing jittering sound comes piercing through first track ‘Automatic’, giving a bold introduction to FLY VON‘s latest mixtape, ‘FlyMix Vol.2’.

The prospective listener would be given if the seven-track set follows through with the jarringly-dope tone offered up in the intro track. However ‘FlyMix Vol.2’ changes direction and gives a smooth run of lack-laid slow jams vibing with a heavy bass that gives each arrangements that extra kick – with the exception of ‘Broke In A Minute’ which pretty much takes on a similar tone as ‘Automatic’, boasting a looping horn that goes rampant with fly’s flow oozing into the boisterous sound.

The mixtape eases down and concludes with ‘No Surprise’. With trance-like and hazy soundscapes, ‘No Surprise’ is a type of track that you kick back and roll up on your own or with some friends.

Fly Von always comes different and this mixtape is sure to ascend nicely on his ever-fly discography – get it? Oh never mind; Check ‘FlyMix Vol.2’ out below plus songs recommendations below…

Must Listens: Automatic, 24, All Your Fault,

Toronto’s Bad Gyal Ebhoni Drops Banging Visuals For Track, ‘IYKYK’

Directed by BBY Chris, the visual for ‘IYKYK’ showcases EBHONI in rare form as the 21-year old singer/songwriter hailing from Toronto powerfully delivers a flurry of edgy, fashion-forward performance shots, commanding her audience and unapologetically baring her soul.

An abbreviation for “if you know, you know,” the single was first released on Ebhoni’s mixtape “Good Dick & Weed,” a refreshing departure from the current landscape of female R&B heavily influenced by Ebhoni’s Caribbean upbringing. On the track Ebhoni speaks directly to a night where gunfire punctured six bullet holes in the backseat window of her family’s car, and they had to temporarily relocate to her grandmother’s house, where she openly wondered: what if she had been sitting in that backseat?

Putting up walls for her own self-protection, she’s only now beginning to draw from the power that comes from her own vulnerability. ‘IYKYK’ takes viewers on a 3 minute and 12 second journey through Ebhoni’s world, boldly sharing her pain, her vulnerability and ultimately her gift.

Earlier this year, Ebhoni released her EP ‘X,’ to critical reception from press and rare groove enthusiasts. In addition to Pitchfork praising Ebhoni for “reclaiming the Toronto R&B crown for women.” HotNewHipHop wrote, “Ebhoni has been one artist to keep an eye out for in the 6ix,” it’s no wonder FLAUNT crowned her “Our favoUrite new R&B artist.” Tracks like “Rotation” only bolster the rep she’s built as one of R&B’s most magnetic young stars, and with the release of Good Dick & Weed, Ebhoni’s growing fandom will surely only continue to expand.

Here’s your chance to check out one fierce artist-on-a-serious rise; hit that play button below…

Watch J-Onyx’s Video For Track, ‘Chop The Bummies’

Following her entry on the blog with track, ‘Can’t F With’, which claimed the Song of the Day Spotlight, J-ONYX continues to set the pace with her powerful lyrics and assertive flow…

‘Chop The Bummies’ emphasises the importance of having the right people in your circle. Concealing her identity, the rapper effortlessly glides over a hard-hitting beat and demonstrates the level at which she is establishing herself within the industry.

The visuals directed by Eric Myers perfectly represent the alpha-female flex that she’s becoming synonymous with on her exciting rise as a rapper. Taking viewers on a journey, J-Onyx cruises around the city surrounded by her day-one friends, captured with captivating camera angles, classical cars and topped up with energy from different dancers that interpret the record through motion and give the visuals a fresh dynamic. Affirming herself as one of London’s most promising newcomers, J-Onyx makes herself unmissable with her latest visuals, even behind her disguise. Check out the video below…

Watch Opium Black’s Video For Track, ‘Head Shot’

Connecticut’s rapper OPIUM BKACK makes a fierce entry on the blog and releases some blazing visuals for track, ‘Head Shot’ featuring Sheek Louch and Carti P. Newton. Check it out below…

Professor Paws Continues To Push Boundaries With New EP, ‘To The Bag’

Since PROFESSOR PAWS arrival onto the scene just 18 months ago, he has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. His first release from his To The Bag EP, ‘Southside Girl’, was undoubtedly well received, obtaining praise from trendsetting magazine Notion. He then followed with the lead single and title track, ‘To The Bag’, amassing over 125,000 views and over 75,000 streams in the process.

With a musical approach that is second to none, Professor Paws creates a unique hybrid between new age R&B and a gritty UK rap sound for his new EP. The opening track ‘To The Bag’ portrays his distinct R&B style, highlighting an instant ensemble of differing melodies whilst delivering punchy lyrical content that we’ve come to expect. This release epitomises his approach this year as he sets his aims on getting ‘straight to the bag’. The next track ‘Southside Girl’ is the perfect blend to stir up the party feeling as the vibrant melodic chorus instantly captures your attention while the hard-hitting rap verses deliver the perfect contrast. This song captures the excitement and flirtations of a relationship blossoming in its early stages. Moving in to ‘Sillionaire’, Professor Paws continues the musical theme of the EP, providing an R&B influenced hook with the raw rap that has become synonymous to his sound. A strong sense of the London artists affluent lifestyle shines through the lyricism, as he proceeds to remind us that ‘he is the man’.

Heading through the tracklist, ‘Gold Touch’ tells the story of the rappers’ similarity with King Midas and his golden touch, with the track delving in to a wittier, personable side of the rapper. With his usual combination of melodies and raw lyrics, this song is destined to be blaring out of car speakers across the UK. The final track is an extended version of ‘To The Bag’, the first version left listeners with a cliff hanger and this version is the clarity to the story. As he continues the go-getter mantra, we get a full understanding of Professor Paws mindset with his latest collection.

Of Ghanian and European heritage, Professor Paws is influenced by his roots and is keen to ensure that diversity always shines through in his music. Being exposed to such a wide range of sounds and styles in a rapidly developing musical climate, has helped shape his sound to one that moves fluidly between varying genres, tones and styles. His endless hours in the studio behind the desk as a producer has seen him work alongside major name rappers, including Giggs, Fekky, Cash and Joe Grind, and has undoubtedly helped to navigate his own personal artistry as he has cherrypicked wisdom from the best and been able to apply it to his own sound as an artist, something which evidently shines through in the EP.

With the release of his debut project ‘To The Bag’, we witness the development and evolution of Professor Paws. As he continues to gather momentum and make strides with his unorthodox hybrid of rap and R&B, we expect to see the experimental musician becoming a pivotal part of the music scene.