Cambridgeshire-based guitarist and vocalist, HRTLSS, has been a touring artist since 12-years-old when he toured with a metal band. After a 10 year break, he’s making a calculated return. “Paranoid” sees him and LAYNE bringing Weeknd-esque vocals and synths to a song about swirling anxieties.
Conversations with Chris Patrick: From the Heart, Vol. 2
Among internal strife and external chaos, Chris Patrick searches for peace of mind. On his highly anticipated 2020 album, ‘From the Heart, Vol. 2,’ the New Jersey emcee grapples with striving for lofty goals within a system that’s designed to make even his success an outlying statistic.
Why We Like It: Dende’s “Phone Number” Ft. Chris Patrick, Bairi
“Phone Number” feels like a low light neon-tinged love song but opens a window to lessons Dende has learned about keeping a tight circle. Guest features from Chris Patrick and Bairi make a bright blend of bars and R&B that’s easy to groove to.
Why We Like It: Sirens of Lesbos’ “Like Some Dream” Ft. J.I.D
The way in which music connects to our spirit is closely tied to dreaming. Sirens of Lesbos capture the fleeting world of the out-of-body with “Like Some Dream” Ft. J.I.D. The Swiss artists linked up with J.I.D and Christo for this surreal neo-soul journey.
Why We Like It: TA3’s “Nasty”
TA3’s rhymes are as hypnotic as the visuals to “Nasty.” A natural performer with a for musical cadence, the New Jersey emcee raps with wisdom and confidence through a flow of consciousness style that imparts his perspectives like a net cast into the world — reeling back whatever is on his mind.
Why We Like It: Sir Calloway’s “40oz of Holy Water”
Mind, body and soul — three essential components to wellness. “40oz of Holy Water” Ft. Backwud Marc is an invigorating mantra about fighting addiction. Sir Calloway raps about strengthening the spirit to combat afflictions of the mind and body.
Why We Like It: Hoosh’s “Missed Takes”
Words left unsaid are as haunting as the words we regret. On “Missed Takes,” Hoosh brings a passionately pensive R&B voice to a gentle acoustic track. He finally releases the guarded emotions that ended his relationship on this solemn soliloquy.
Love, loss and lo-fi with fika
With all the chaos in the world it’s easy to forget to take a moment and enjoy the sweeter things. That moment could be now and that sweetness could easily be Love Stories, a jazzy lo-fi escapade of romance and heartbreak. We sat down with fika to discuss their new EP, the meaning of love and acceptance of loss.
Why We Like It: SlumBums’ “Hanta Yo!”
Hot off of Life is Strange, their debut album under the name SlumBums, emcees $tew and Kodiak have found an identity to thrive under. “Hanta Yo!” is a braggadocio hit that overlays the tag team’s niche for flashy flows, clever bars and engaging production.
Why We Like It: VIBE WORLD ORDER’s “Fosho”
In a video centered around boxing, VIBE WORLD ORDER returns with “Fosho.” The single is yet another heavy hitting rap that highlights the collective’s versatility and cohesion. The emcees flow light on their feet but ready to deliver a knock out.
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