Love brings life in the flutter of the heart and rush of awareness, but as easily as it gives, it takes. “Killing Me Slowly” by Paris Price bridges romance from life to death with features from Chris Patrick and Dende.
Why We Like It: Eimaral Sol’s “Season” Ft. Dende
In a blustery duet, Eimaral Sol and Dende harmonize while drifting apart. “Season” is a mutual breakup song that sees two vocalists with unique edge agreeing to give each other room to grow independently.
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: Paul Grant’s “Connection (Remix)” Ft. Brittney Carter
A bare instrumental is like an abstract landscape waiting to be filled with the listener’s impression. The remix is a snapshot of that imprint. Paul Grant’s “Connection” paints with lo-fi strings and a splash of funk that sends Brittney Carter down a lyrical journey into building confidence from trials put behind.
In Conversation with Dende: “In Case You Forgot I’m BLACK”
This March 8 interview with Dende covers the musical short film “In Case You Forgot I’m BLACK.” Dende talks about last summer’s police brutality protests, frustration with the lack of change, the effect of the weight on his person and healthy advice for healing in the communities most affected.
Why We Like It: Kabwasa’s “Dreamer”
“Dreamer” by Kabwasa is an upbeat ode to chasing dreams and pushing them to evolve even as we approach them. Featuring elegant vocals from Ayoni, the track is both reflective and inspirational.
Why We Like It: O2worldwide’s “ONLY ONE”
“ONLY ONE” is a song about growing up, but also not growing up. O2worldwide is a 16 person collective of long-time friends rapping their own coming of age franchise out of Oklahoma.
Why We Like It: PK Delay’s “Butterfly” Ft. Benji. & My Favorite Color
Winding and psychedelic, “Butterfly” flitters in and out of the physical and existential. PK Delay raps about the disconnect between the chaos of the world and proceeding like everything’s fine. Features from Benji. and My Favorite Color rounds out the track.
Why We Like It: Lebbs’ “Right One” Ft. Daisy Vorakhanh
As Daisy Vorakhanh sings the hook to “Right One,” she warmly invites emcee and producer Lebbs to rap through the challenging introspection of his soul over jazzy lo-fi production.
Why We Like It: Tracy Lamont’s “Everybody’s Favorite”
Tracy Lamont is bringing balance back to doing what you love because you love it. On “Everybody’s Favorite,” off his new EP, Lamont raps about overcoming doubt and finding joy in every aspect of creating.
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