Tag: unsigned rapper

Arlo Maverick probes materialism in video for track, ‘Retail Therapy’

Canada’s hip-hop artist ARLO MAVERICK shared his astute perspective on working-class struggles last month with the release of his album, ‘Blue Collar’. Now he’s unveiling a new video for his track, ‘Retail Therapy,’ which probes the artist’s complicated relationship with money and materialism, and offers a suitable soundtrack to Black Friday remorse.

Over hard-edged UK drill-inspired beats and name-checks to Central Cee, the track captures the anxiety and impulsivity of consumption without the means, and the acquisition of material things as a form of social currency.

Alongside the track, is a dance-fueled video that Maverick says, “flaunts flyness and gives UK drill an Alberta twist.” Directed by Natalie Meyer and shot at various Edmonton and Calgary train stations, the video features rhymes and moves from Mahk Milliano and cameos by Calgary rapper Tea Fannie, R&B artist Rome IX, Edmonton MC and clothing designer Lion Luciano, and video director Da Kid T.

In probing materialism as a means of status-chasing, Maverick reveals the superficiality and foolishness in it all: “Got a closet full of product/That I only wore once/If I’m honest there’s no logic/I just bought it just to stunt.”

With every amusing, scathing observation, Maverick holds up a mirror to many of today’s social ills. “In our society a lot of us wear our successes and seek validation with items we purchase,” he says. “We acquire things that we don’t need to feel a certain way; to appear successful or flaunt status. But we often find ourselves in debt and still unhappy.”

Check out the video for ‘Retail Therapy’ below…

by Categories: New VideosTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

J Baby x Ne$$ drop gripping album, ‘The Price Of Bread’

Following up their critically acclaimed 2020 collaborative project ‘21st Century Blues’, RBG rapper NE$$ (previously featured in The Source’s ‘Unsigned Hype’) and UK producer baby J (known for collaborations with Skinny Man, Mark Ronson, dead prez, Iman Thug, and Shabazz The Disciple of Wu-Tang) return with ‘The Price of Bread’, a groundbreaking concept album that dives deep into the lived experiences of oppressed communities navigating the harsh realities of capitalism.

Housing previous support from Earmilk, Notion, Kiss FM UK (MK), Viper magazine, Wordplay magazine, ‘The Price of Bread’ serves as a groundbreaking concept album that dives deep into the lived experiences of oppressed communities navigating the harsh realities of capitalism.

The term “the price of bread”, often referring to the state of inflation at any given time, is an ideal title for an album exploring these themes in a time when inflation is at the highest rate it’s been in decades. In true hip hop form the word “bread”, slang for money, transforms the title into a paradoxical double entendre ‘The Price of Money’. In this context, the album fearlessly poses a poignant question: “What is the cost of money, or to put it plainly, what does it cost us to make money, to navigate capitalism?” Doubling down on this concept, the album’s tracklist is a veritable anthology of money-themed titles (Sell Our Pain, Human Capital, Stripper Money, etc.), each serving as a chapter in a larger narrative.

Baby J weaves a broken, lo-fi, and slightly out-of-tune dystopian soundscape that resonates like the echoes of dusty, long-forgotten 60’s records, but what’s astounding is that no samples were used in creating this haunting and mesmerizing atmosphere. This unique auditory canvas allows the listener to immerse themselves fully in the stories and emotions presented in this album and sets the stage for NE$$’s storytelling and lyricism to paint vivid pictures of lumpenproletariat life.

Known for his work with Brooklyn duo Weekend Money and Dead Prez affiliated rap group A-Alikes, the seasoned hip-hop veteran takes centre stage as a modern-day griot on this opus. His lyrics peel back layers to reveal a world where every dollar counts and every decision can be a matter of life and death.

The album flaunts an impressive tracklist, graced by a carefully curated roster of guest appearances, with standout songs ‘Sell Our Pain’, the aforementioned ‘Stripper Money’ feat. Conway the Machine, ‘Illegal Business’ feat. RBG comrade Coach NYM & Rukus “Vice Grip” feat. Houston rapper Fat Tony, among other gems.

NE$$ and Baby J invite you to join them on this evocative journey, offering a unique perspective on the world we live in, the price we pay and the hope we hold.

Must Listens: Sell our pain, Stripper money, Get rich quick, Dollar 2 the fire

by Categories: New AlbumsTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Song of the Day: Bring The Family Home – Kosha Dillz

Iaraeli-American rapper KOSHA DILLZ has penned a hard-hitting joint following the news of Hamas’ most recent attack on Israel. Within just a few days Kosha Dillz (aka Rami Even-Esh), had written ‘Bring the Family Home’ and recorded and a stunning video shot in old Jewish New York on the Lower East Side that includes shots of the famous Yonah Schimmel’s Knishery and the new Beastie Boys Square.

“(Saturday’s) attack will go down as one of the most horrible days in Jewish history in our lifetime,” Kosha Dillz told AllHipHop in a recent interview. “It’s a day when children and grandmothers were slaughtered, ripped from their homes and documented on social media for the world to see.”

Many of Dillz’ relatives and friends have died and/or been kidnapped, including those at the infamous Supernova festival where over 260 people perished. With over 150 people kidnapped, how can one artist think about releasing a song at a time like this? Kosha rhymes, “Bring the family home that’s what the world saying, cry to death or can’t sleep that’s the worst pain”When there is no point of return, the only option is to create any form of communication on our platform as an opportunity for education. When you hear Kosha Dillz on a Griselda-type beat, he does just that.

An advocate of peace, Kosha has been elevating the stories of survivors from October 7 via social media. “I already know that there are people with historical fact sheets, but even with footage of the horror, our current world doesn’t accept it as truth. My only option of not seeing it within my own eyes is getting videos from all my followers.” By sharing real messages from his fans followers and friends, it resonates more with how society wishes to feel the urge to chime in with proximity. “The world seems to want to feel close to a cause, so the only way to do that is to give a platform to survivors, just like the Holocaust Museums did. This one is ours. Never again is now.”

Speaking out for causes he believes in is not new to Kosha. Last year he dissed Kanye West on Death Con 3 when he made Nazi sympathizer statements that canceled him. The world was against anti-semitism for a moment but then came back to its normal acceptance. Not even one year later, Jewish life and the world as we know it as a whole have been changed for eternity with over 1200+ Israelis being killed; the equivalent of 33,000+ Americans in population.

Kosha is a New Jersey native who was born to Israeli parents. He is a successful independent artist who has toured the globe with everyone from SZA to Matisyahu and is known widely from his recent appearance on VH1’s Wild ‘N Out.

Check out the video for ‘Bring The Family Home’ below…

by Categories: Songs of the DayTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Song of the Day: The Top – Nealie

NEALIE is swiftly emerging as a notable figure in the vibrant Chicago music scene, thanks to his debut release, ‘The Top.’ His music brings a breath of fresh air with a unique and distinctive melodic hip hop style, capturing the attention of both fans and industry professionals alike. As an artist, he demonstrates immense potential, and his songwriting skills showcase a depth and versatility that hint at a bright future in the music world.

This young artist is not just talented; he’s driven and ambitious, which is a winning combination in the competitive music industry. Nealie’s commitment to his craft, coupled with his creative approach to his work, is setting the stage for a promising career. As he continues to refine his artistry and evolve as a musician, it’s clear that he’s on a trajectory to become one of the next biggest things in Chicago’s music scene.

For those who appreciate the magic of music and its ability to shape emotions and narratives, it’s advisable to keep a keen eye out for Nealie. With each release, he is likely to push boundaries and offer fresh perspectives, solidifying his presence as an artist with an enduring impact in the industry. Nealie’s journey is one that music enthusiasts and industry insiders should be excited to follow and support. Check out ‘The Top’ below…

by Categories: Songs of the DayTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

OUT TODAY: Matthew Progress wages war against sexual puritanism on single ‘Digital Underground’

Toronto-based artist MATTHEW PROGRESS has released ‘Digital Underground’, the latest single from his forthcoming debut album God Made Dirt. A stark departure from the album’s previous singles (‘Gen Pop’, ‘Doc Neville’) which were more concerned with politically and socially-focused matters, ‘Digital Underground’ instead sees Matthew exploring the freeing power of sexual liberation. Evoking the feel and sensation of an acid trip, ‘Digital Underground’ is a psychedelic slice of new age funk, harkening back to the work of OutKast, Parliament-Funkadelic, Rick James and The Free Nationals, but re-imagined in a way that falls in line with Matthew’s trademark sense of menace and darkness. Its classic-sounding bass lines are paired with sensibilities skewing more electronic, that are further elevated by Matthew’s pitched up vocals.

Says Matthew of this new track’s origins: “While making ‘God Made Dirt’, Dan Only and I were inspired by various forms of psychedelic music like OutKast’s Stankonia, which we consider a psychedelic Hip-Hop classic. I felt moved to write about sexual liberation as a source of personal power and alignment with the divine. To me, that was best illustrated in story form.”

Narrating the scene of an orgy, the Dan Only (River Tiber, a l l i e) produced track, Matthew offers a detailed, first-person description of the encounter. The track’s chorus is a philosophical call to action, urging listeners to, when possible, choose love (or sex) over violence. Over the course of three minutes, Matthew urges listeners to unlearn and rid themselves of unhealthy doctrine they’ve been taught about owning one’s sexuality and body.

‘Digital Underground’ marks the third single release from Matthew’s full length debut album God Made Dirt (Pirates Blend) that will hit streaming services and digital retailers on 24th November. Composed of nine tracks, the project is a lyric-forward multi-genre mosaic that toggles between abstract hip-hop, punk, electronica, trap and psychedelic influences. The entire album has been produced in collaboration with Dan Only. Through an apocalyptic end-of-days lens, God Made Dirt explores the internal human dialogue between the divine and the primal self. On this intuitive journey through an ominous and gritty dimension – Earth 2023 – Progress rejects doctrine and fully embraces human complexity. He invites listeners to align with ancestors in the cosmos, resist authoritarianism, prepare for inevitable violence, claim sexual liberation while celebrating death and decay.

Listen to ‘Digital Underground’ below, out today (8th November) across various music platforms…

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment