“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.
The Chilly, Exhilarating Notes of Native Son
Ano Chrispin almost gave up on music… but when the pandemic switched things up, the versatile artist returned to old habits, turning out ‘Metro Dread,’ a gorgeous record that examines race, identity, belonging, cynicism, and the relentless pace of the everyday.
Suede Seats at Jaywop’s House
In the wake of his excellent debut album, Suede, Tacoma-by-Phoenix emcee Jaywop is making big moves – and as he tells Conor Herbert, it’s all going according to his ambitious plan.
Why We Like It: Noha Saré’s “LOST”
On her second single, “LOST,” eerie R&B architect Noha Saré builds on her unique blend of exhilaration and confrontation. It’s an enchanting melody for Saré to weave spellbinding vocals.
Why We Like It: Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim’s “WNBA”
These laid-back rhymes find as much ease slipping from coast to coast and beyond as Your Old Droog does circumnavigating the globe himself. An effortlessly chill loop, cooked up by Tha God Fahim, underpins the bars with production that rolls out the extravagance of a red carpet entrance with the subtley of slipping through a side door.
Kanye West Won’t Save Us – But Toasty Digital Might
The prospect of a new Kanye record has never been less enticing, but inspired remixer Toasty Digital has managed to piece together something better: a thrilling sampledelic celebration of Kanye West and the artists behind his many sounds and styles.
Why We Like It: NanaBcool’s “10 & 2”
On “10 & 2,” NanaBcool uses his vivid rendering of a traffic stop to probe America’s deep racial ills with support from Chicago’s Elton Aura. Their raps move deftly between revolutionary confidence and concern for the lives of family and friends.
Why We Like It: Blu Hyku’s “Carry On”
On “Carry On,” NYC emcee Blu Hyku channels a stirring message of solidarity for Asian American communities facing violence and discrimination.
Why We Like It: Melodownz’s “Money”
New Zealand emcee Melodownz raps about the ills of greed and consumption culture over a dreamy beat driven by rapturous drums. “Money” floats on a waving cadence that expands to fill the pocket in different ways.
Getting Louder with Leslie West
Leslie West, the lead singer of hard rock group Mountain, died in December, and whilst many mightn’t remember the Woodstock alumni, his fingerprints can be found on hundreds of tracks from hip-hop institutions to modern pop classics.
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