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…

Song of the Day: I’m Not In Love (Remix) – Nsh Ghxst

Hailing from Philadelphia, NSH GHXST is hitting full speed with single, ‘I’m Not In Love’ (Remix) Ft Nsh Da Real. Melodic, catchy, and far from basic- Nsh Ghxst has found his sound.

Growing up, music always played a major part in the 22-year old singer/songwriter’s life. His growth in only a year paired with his grind, displays raw talent, individuality & most importantly, HUSTLE. Young and hungry, Nsh Ghxst plans to push out even more consistent music in an attempt to grow his popularity. Step by step, his efforts are beginning to pay off; having reached over 11K views on his “GYALIS” freestyle via TikTok!

Have a listen to ‘I’m Not In Love’ (Remix) below…

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…

Song of the Day: Found – Quiet Son & Arula

With their dreamy, dark, sensual sound, ARULA & QUIET SON form a duo whose music combines the qualities of both urban electronica, dance, and experimental folk with an infusion of melodic pop sensibilities. Initially starting as a remote song collaboration between the two California artists & producers, the project blossomed into a fully realised LP that winds through themes of self-discovery, reclamation, climate consciousness, and romantic vulnerability.

In just a little over a year, Arula & Quiet Son have played shows throughout California, touring with acts like Random Rab & Desert Dwellers. The first single and title track from their debut album, ‘Found’, explores the power and direct connection between the feminine and nature.

Excited about the release, Arula says: “‘Found’ is a reclamation of the power that can only be harnessed from within. It is an ode to anyone who has ever felt lost, confused, or like they don’t fit it. It is a reminder that we can always be found within ourselves, and within the receptive energy of nature and earth”

Quiet Son elaborates: “The production of this song is really special to me. It was such a unique challenge, because when I heard the initial demo I realised the message of the song is so clear that I had to make sure the production supported Arula’s vision precisely. It was an exploration in creating and subsequently releasing tension: to build the sound around Arula’s vocals as the message of the song evolves from one of self-doubt into one of complete reclamation, empowerment, and ecstasy. It was fun to let that huge bass synth take over in the last chorus; I think it really opens the song up and symbolizes the feeling of relief and blessing we can feel when we give ourselves permission to take control of our lives and destinies.”

Arula continues: “Our hope is that this song reminds you that you are powerful and enough, just because you exist. May you always feel found within yourself.”

Take a peep at the stunning video for ‘Found’ below, directed by Jade Sanchez of Earth Based Media.