Album Review: Audiocity – Rayne Storm

Harlem NYC’s own RAYNE STORM is back with his latest eclectic rap album ‘Audiocity’. Within a month of its release the album has gained over 60,000 Spotify streams, over 100,000 across all platforms with the momentum rising. AudioCity also reached #4 in Hip-Hop/Rap and #21 in All Genres on iTunes in the country of Bahrain off the strength of the single “Revenge” ft. Jarren Benton & Kony Brooks, a major milestone for the indie artist.

As with each of his albums, Rayne has released each song as a single with stand outs including the solo track “On My Own”, the party banger “Doin’ A Lot”, “La La La”, “Dogecoin” and myriad of other songs. Each track transitions smoothly into the next and takes you on a ride through the “Audiocity” soundscape Rayne has created. The album touches a multitude of corners in hip-hop with everything from the drill inspired song “Chill”, to lyrical story telling with songs like “Hip Hop Love”, “Dive Bar” and “Dirty 30”.

This project has something for everyone. The range of the music has a multi-generational, multi-stylistic approach and appeal. Its safe to say this is Rayne Storm’s best project to date, a well produced independent Rap/Hip-Hop album that could be a game changer for an artist who has been determined to change the game. Check it out below…

Must Listens:, Revenge, Dogecoin (Run it Up), Hip-Hop Love, La La La, Alone, Dirty 30

Smooth Rapper High Nelson Drops Track, ‘Ribbon In The Sky’ + Video

HIGH NELSON continues his prodigious rise in 2022 with his third release ‘Ribbon In The Sky’, a contemporary and laid back summer heater which shows he aspose the same matter of fact and grown lyrics that he’s become well known for.

Talking on his influences, in his own words, Nelson explains, “My upbringing plays a part in the constant push and pull between right and wrong. There are many contradictions in the way I was raised by my family and the way I learned to survive outside of my household in the Bronx; these concepts live within my music.”

Being raised in the Bronx no doubt influenced High Nelson’s sound. His New York state of mind combined with rich Caribbean roots have organically fused together to create a perfect mesh of raw and authentic rap style, with a touch of easy going swagger.

‘Ribbon In The Sky’ shows High Nelson in his element, rapping effortlessly over an eclectic and beautifully produced instrumental. The artist provides a fresh viewpoint, rapping grown bars about making the correct decision in life, show Nelson as a man who has learnt from his past mistakes, matured from them and is intent on giving solid advice to a younger generation of listeners.

With ‘Ribbon In The Sky’’ follow up on his other impressive singles ‘Sunday’ and ‘Young Blood’. Check out the official video for single below…

Song of the Day: Lil 5i5 – Cassie Marin

Los Angeles-based vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist CASSIE MARIN‘s single, ‘Lil 5i5’ is the final release from her much-anticipated album, also titled ‘Lil 5i5’, out from last Friday (12th August.)

‘Lil 5i5,’ was the first song Cassie wrote for the project and the one that would inspire the trajectory of the rest of the album. The song is a perfect encapsulation of the album, showcasing Cassie’s trademark saccharine vocals and infectious, glittery synth-pop production.

Cassie elaborates on the title track: “While writing ‘Lil 5i5’ I got to this place where I was more forgiving of my inherited and learned limiting beliefs. I was no longer beating myself up about them and I decided to have fun shedding all of this stuff that did not belong with my identity and values. I allowed myself to just let go and be honest, but also not take myself too seriously and have fun. I hope the listeners are able to feel that for themselves when they hear it.”

Constantly exploring new musical and visual dimensions, Cassie Marin has emerged as an avant-garde luminary in the left-of-center pop space. Her upcoming album, Lil 5i5, which will be out on August 12th, is a dynamic 19-track album that shows off Cassie ever-evolving musicality. Pairing the rhythms of dance music with emotive melodies and meaningful lyricism, Lil 5i5 sees Cassie at her strongest and most vulnerable yet. “I started pursuing music as a career because of what music did and still does for me; it saves me every day,” she says. “I want my music to be there for anyone and everyone who needs it the way that music was there for me.”

Have a listen to Cassie’s single below…

BeKreative Returns With New Track, ‘Pan Mi (On Me)’

BEKREATIVE continues his run of releases with summer ready joint ‘Pan Mi (On Me)’.

The American artist/producer promises to dish out a string of singles throughout the year, covering an assortment of genres – anything from rock, pop fusions and country music.

He certainly didn’t disappoint with his latest release as he produces a tropical fusion of reggae and Afrobeats, which evoke the feeling of disappearing on a holiday to one of the caribbean islands.

Keep your eyes peeled on this guy as he has a lot more coming your way…but for now, have a listen to ‘Pan Mi (On Me)’

Watch DEVN’s New Video For Smooth Track, ‘Wild’

Almost a year since his guest feature on Dreamville rapper Lute’s record “Myself”, North Carolina’s R&B newcomer DEVN shares the official Cinecerly-directed music video for his new single, ‘Wild’. Produced by Arnold Obonyo, the song is about being wildly in love, and romantically obsessed with someone. The video plays out over the track’s subdued instrumentals, complimented by tinted lighting, and capped by an unexpected twist.

Speaking of the seductive production, DEVN says: “I wanted to capture that feeling on this record. I was inspired by patterns that I observed in relationships, whether that be my own or someone else’s. We all experience that moment of obsession and I wanted to play with that idea. We must acknowledge the fact that relationships have highs and lows, and realize that the romantically obsessive parts are passing moments, and grow with our partners past that. The video depicts what happens when we don’t get past those unhealthy feelings.”

‘Wild’ will serve as one of three new songs on the deluxe version of DEVN’s St. Luke St. EP, set to release 9th September via Soulspazm. For now, check out the video for the single below…