“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.
Why We Like It: New Track City’s “Do You Believe?”
New Track City does justice to a Dilla beat on “Do You Believe.” Bem and Chi.Stone’s rapid-fire references fill the track with clever word-play and a flow that’s consistently exciting from one verse straight into the next.
Why We Like It: VIBE WORLD ORDER’S “004”
Inspired by hip-hop groups like N.E.R.D. and Gorillaz, VIBE WORLD ORDER brings dance crazy beats and varied flows to “004,” a single from their EP, “What If We Kissed… At The Vibe World Show?” Each member adds a dash of personal touch to a track that’s constantly evolving from the second you press play.
The Rise of J.I.D: from Never Had Shit to Rollie on the Wrist
J.I.D is coming for the top and nothing is out of reach. There’s no ceiling too high for him to shatter when he moves with the precision and drive that he’s shown throughout a long path of obstacles and hardship. We compiled the most in-depth biographical profile of J.I.D in existence to archive his remarkable story forever.
Why We Like It: Good.To.Go’s “Theme Music”
“Theme Music” blends a beautiful minimalistic beat with an unexpected vocal delivery. Psychadelic sounds and imagery combined with the steady flow of Good.To.Go, make the track a trip in itself.
J.I.D: Every Interview He’s Ever Given, Catalogued and Summarized
J.I.D is in a league of his own. Now you can hear the complete story of his journey directly from J.I.D himself. We cataloged and analyzed every published interview he has ever given, covering a timespan of over half a decade of artistry. Podcasts, written interviews, video, radio, all of it is right here for your reference.
Five Great Summer Albums that Hip-Hop Heads Might Have Missed
With the staggering volume of music that’s being released every month, it’s next to impossible for any one person to keep up with it all. I guarantee that there was at least one release this summer that you haven’t heard but would’ve loved. We sat the CentralSauce Collective down to focus in on 5 excellent […]
