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 The Beauty of Independence with Cal Scruby
Main Content
Fresh Out the Kitchen
LaLion: The King of Consistency
Featured Sauce
Trust Tate, “Real Reasons,” Life, & Purpose
Trigger Warning: Imagery of gun violence "On April 21st, 1994, New York Times Magazine featured a 7 month old infant struck by stray gunfire. Rapper, Producer, Engineer, College Graduate… I am that infant. 27 years later... this is … Dive In about Trust Tate, “Real Reasons,” Life, & Purpose
MUSIC DISCOVERY
Why We Like It: Dragonfruit’s “Lonely”
Reconciling the maturity and pain found in isolation, Dragonfruit deliver “Loney” — yet another avant-garde electro-laden instrumental with spinning vocals both sung and spoken.
Why We Like It: D Prince & Cece Valor’s “White Sneakers (Better Than Me)”
Straight out the box, nothing is worth more attention than an unblemished pair of all-white sneakers. In this age-old tale of jealousy, “White Sneakers (Better Than Me),” Cece Valor’s uptempo hook puts priorities in perspective as D Prince raps on his toes to keep both the kicks and the relationship unscuffed.
Why We Like It: Louisa Laos’ “seventeen minutes” Ft. inHarmony
Songstress Louisa Laos condenses the feeling of the seventeen minutes before she has to leave her long-distance lover into three and a half. Her yearning is palpable on “seventeen minutes” Ft. inHarmony.
Why We Like It: Baby Phace’s “Invictus”
Haitian American and Jersey-centric artist Baby Phace provides a mantra-like banger with his new single “Invictus,” but his approach is more off-center than you might expect. Produced by Falak, the duality of the instrumental makes a natural landscape for a compelling visual.
Why We Like It: Heidi’s “Make A Mess”
A tale of gun-toting affection and doomed romance, Heidi’s “Make A Mess” finds passion in a dangerous, seductive spiral.
Why We Like It: Dre Walton’s “When We Dance”
Dre Walton’s powerful performance elevates every aspect of “When We Dance,” from the story to the swing to the sensuality itself.
Why We Like It: RedRum’s “Mark of Da Beast”
“Mark of Da Beast” is a gritty gangster rap from duo RedRum. A sinister treble, a booming synth and a slew of threatening bars make the single a sharp listen.
Why We Like It: Matt Nye’s “Love and Other Drugs”
Matt Nye is caught between drug-induced highs and the coldness of reality on “love and other drugs.” It’s an easy-going beat for the emcee to lay his stress to rest.
Why We Like It: Otis Mensah’s “Like A Dog”
The gentle jazzy “Like a Dog” sees Otis Mensah at his most melodic. The second installment in season two of #OtisMensahExists brings Mensah questioning if changes in his personality are for better or worse. He drowns in the hurt like the howl of a dog.
Why We Like It: Dragonfruit’s “Know Better”
Bringing their knack for songwriting to a new — more electric — sound, Dragonfruit creates a house hit that makes it easy to forget the world, but “Know Better” really warns of the dangers of losing yourself.
Why We Like It: Donny Block’s “Fin”
In a swirling symphony of distortion, Donny Block encapsulates the feeling of hopelessness. The irony of “Fin” is that it’s just the beginning.
Why We Like It: Kai Straw’s “Bleeding Out in the 415”
Kai Straw is back with another intense composition based in synthy keys and harrowing vocals that push an idea of acceptance. “Bleeding Out in the 415” is a dance with travesty, a battle hymnal that keeps you moving.
Featured Interviews
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 because these are the artists doing it all themselves. Discover the beauty of having total creative … Continue Reading... about LaLion: The King of Consistency
Malawi Hip Hop is in Good Hands with C-Scripture
Being real is hard, because everybody wants you to be like something else." Hip hop teaches. It affects change and gives hope, and the technical ability of the emcee can dazzle and entertain on a purely objective level. C-Scripture inhabits all of these qualities — the Malawian rapper is forging a path for the younger generation to walk … Continue Reading... about Malawi Hip Hop is in Good Hands with C-Scripture
SAROS: Behind the Interview
We wanted something that symbolised that we were worldwide, because [SAROS] means when the poles shift, it’s always daytime or nighttime no matter what time zone a member is in” – Ian in the Water for CentralSauce (2021). In a word created by Ancient Greeks and co-opted by modern physicists lies a sentiment of unity across time and space. … Continue Reading... about SAROS: Behind the Interview
Dell Nellson on Being a Voice in 2021
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 Dell Nellson on Being a Voice in 2021
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