On her new single “Gemini,” Lex Leosis paints her frustrations with those close to her not understanding her bisexuality. The track exists in a duality, balanced on trap influences and the gentle R&B hook.
Why We Like It: SlumBums’ “Possessed”
SlumBums come at “Possessed” with a hauntingly catchy hook. Deep bass and a complex beat produced by Kodiak provide a hypnotic background for an aggressive verse from $tew being taken over by the grind of constant output.
[Featured Profile] Tonio Sagan: Standing on the Sun
The power of thought can place us on the surface of the Sun in a fraction of a second. Sound leaves a fingerprint in matter and music can influence the past and future. We sat down with Tonio Sagan, producer, rapper, and grandson of the world’s most well known astronomer, to talk life, music, and all of the intersections of the two.
Why We Like It: Chris Patrick’s “Big Black Truck” (REMIX)
In his unofficial remix of J.I.D’s “Big Black Truck” Chris Patrick kills the familiar beat with rapid-fire delivery and clever lyricism. His cadence is dripping with hunger as he expands on the topics of the original track with even more energy.
Why We Like It: Cam Archer’s “Foreword”
Cam Archer attacks on “Foreword” with his sharp lyricism, firing away at critics amid introspection of his own strengths and weaknesses. Every syllable is delivered with precision over bass-heavy production meticulously whittled down to just the right supporting backdrop for Archer’s two-and-a-half-minute verse.
Why We Like It: Otis James’ “In Love”
Simply put, “In Love” is the sound of falling in love with sound. Otis James’ instrumentation takes after the likes of GRiZ, Flume, and The Floozies. It’s funk with just the right touch of synths and strings. The track goes beyond the sway and rhythm of the classic jam band and crosses into surprising new territory.
Why We Like It: J. Loree’s “Dead or Alive”
“Dead or Alive” expresses rapper J. Loree’s dismay at fighting internal demons while portraying an unfaltering facade to the people in his life. The track blends hip-hop with escalating rock elements and culminates in a powerful crescendo of guitar and rap.
Why We Like It: James Deacon’s “HERO aka Rich”
James Deacon’s “HERO aka Rich” is an ode to heroes lost and heroes created. His powerful vocals demand the center of the track, inserting the listener into a war of internal and external conflicts as he battles with changing his perceptions in the aftermath of his world’s desolation.
Why We Like It: Nug Life’s “Long Flights” Ft. Issa Gold
Featuring Issa Gold of The Underachievers, “Long Flights” floats surprisingly light for Issa Gold’s rough east coast cadence. The secret is the producer NugLife’s jazzy, lifted production; fit for an instrumental all its own but feeding fire to Issa Gold’s delivery as he paints the picture of political commentary and spiritual awakening that is “Long Flights.”
Why We Like It: Harrison Turner’s “Walk Away”
Harrison Turner is built to sell-out arenas with a voice and sound reminiscient of Arctic Monkeys. The production on “Walk Away” harnesses the improvisational texture of a true live, rock band in a way that feels too genuine and authentic enough to almost believe the single producer is a whole band stacked on top of each other in an overcoat.
