The Beauty of Independence is an ongoing series in which Ben Carter (of HipHopNumbers) chats with independent artists about the challenges and the triumphs of existing outside of the major label system. These are the stories rarely told … Dive In about Ahmad Anonimis & The Beauty of Connection
Main Content
Fresh Out the Kitchen
Surrealism & Rhythm: The Animation of Adam Wright
Featured Sauce
LaLion: The King of Consistency
The Beauty of Independence is an ongoing series in which Ben Carter (of HipHopNumbers) chats with independent artists about the challenges and the triumphs of existing outside of the major label system. These are the stories rarely told … Dive In about LaLion: The King of Consistency
MUSIC DISCOVERY
Why We Like It: Connor Musarra’s “Missed Call”
Conor Musarra contemplates whether or not to call back a toxic ex over sharp piano and driving drums. “Missed Calls” is one for lovers and the leavers.
Kevin Holliday’s ‘OMNI’ is All-Encompassing
Taken from the prefix meaning “of all things,” Kevin Holliday’s ‘OMNI’ is an all-encompassing multi-genre EP that escapes from the serious. Funk grooves and indie-rock strings underpin a croon that positions Holliday as a romantic with a punk facade.
Why We Like It: Hailes’ “Not Perfect”
Brooklyn singer-songwriter Hailes is back with a viral new single making the rounds on TikTok. “Not Perfect” has her dancing in the in-between, asking for a second chance at love.
Why We Like It: James the Prophet’s “Tobago” Ft. Chester Watson
James the Prophet and Chester Watson rap about traveling a steadily shrinking world on “Tobago.” Lo-fi textures accompany creeping anxieties spurred by the climate crisis, but the beat’s gentle bob and the emcees’ listing flows lead the track to relaxing waters.
Why We Like It: VIBE WORLD ORDER’s “LIFT”
The Jersey crew is back again! VIBE WORLD ORDER’s off-kilter raps and earth-shaking beats collide in another face blasting single. “LIFT” sees JTT, GROOVY, Reg Mason and GINI’ with an injection of energy.
Why We Like It: mynameisleonidas “Periergo”
Mystery man mynameisleonidas is back with another heater with surprising dips and weaves. “Periergo” is a stunningly complex composition with unexpected direction and lasting impact.
Why We Like It: Mamii’s “Creepiin”
Mamii taps into so much nostalgia that she actually finds her sound in the future. “Creepiin” pulls wavy synths and smooth modulation from a distant timeline where beats are heavy and bars are heavier.
Why We Like It: STAYOUTLATE’s “WUSSUP”
Toronto group STAYOUTLATE pull up to our discovery section with a masterful posse cut. On “WUSSUP,” each emcee brings a unique flex rap flow to a horn blasting beat.
Why We Like It: Slouch Online’s “Rocket”
A fantasy of separation over slow synthy production constitutes a relatable rumination on reality itself. “Rocket” by Slouch Online is all the incentive you need to, “get lost, find cool shit, be an alien.”
Why We Like It: Darci’s “Burn” Ft. BEAM
A contemporary symphony of synths and autotune enhance the fiery love that Darci details on “Burn” with an invigorating feature from BEAM.
Why We Like It: Tia Nomore & Stoni’s “Skirmish”
On their blockbuster link-up, Oakland emcees Tia Nomore and Stoni tear through The Bay, brandishing sharp bars as they literally bust blocks in the tongue-in-cheek music video for “Skirmish.”
Why We Like It: CimplyDan’s “South Side Livin’”
He mightn’t be a local quite yet, but on “South Side Livin’,” CimplyDan salutes Florida and feels very much at home. Lo-fi production tints the artist’s laid-back bars with accents of beaches and sunsets in the sunshine state.
Featured Interviews
Surrealism & Rhythm: The Animation of Adam Wright
Adam Wright creates for the freedom to be weird. Through creating the animated video for Open Mike Eagle’s track “Idaho,” Adam proves he feels no obligation to reality. Freed from the shackles of plausibility, Wright’s animations are able to manifest the most abstract of ideas, making his style a natural fit for the visualisation of … Continue Reading... about Surrealism & Rhythm: The Animation of Adam Wright
Kevin Holliday’s ‘OMNI’ is All-Encompassing
Photo Credit: Tamara May This CentralSauce featured interview with Kevin Holliday covers his new EP, 'OMNI,' streaming now on all platforms. Follow the artist on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with future releases. The words we speak, write, sing and rap are formed from a snowball of cultural and historical context. We smash … Continue Reading... about Kevin Holliday’s ‘OMNI’ is All-Encompassing
Quiet Contemplation for the Stormy Mind: Hoosh’s ‘everything’s going to be alright’
This featured artist profile on Hoosh follows his first full-length project, 'everything's going to be alright.' Find him on Instagram and stream the album on the platform of your choice. There’s no limit to how an album can pull the curtains back on the imagination, and yet everything’s going to be alright sets the stage with a … Continue Reading... about Quiet Contemplation for the Stormy Mind: Hoosh’s ‘everything’s going to be alright’
Ahmad Anonimis & The Beauty of Connection
The Beauty of Independence is an ongoing series in which Ben Carter (of HipHopNumbers) chats with independent artists about the challenges and the triumphs of existing outside of the major label system. These are the stories rarely told because these are the artists doing it all themselves. Discover the beauty of having total creative … Continue Reading... about Ahmad Anonimis & The Beauty of Connection
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