With “Ghost Town” Casper Jones tackles loneliness with a variety of textures. The single is a reflection of staying behind in New York City as an exodus of people left during the initial surge of COVID.
Why We Like It
Why We Like It: Caleborate’s “Contact” Ft. Kota the Friend
Caleborate and Kota The Friend connect for a smooth single centered around the theme of patience. “Contact” rides on simple snares and a pattern of strings that emphasizes the weight of the emcees’ bars.
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.
Why We Like It: Justy’s “Rinse, Repeat, Regress”
Looking inward can have a healing effect, but it can also cause pain. On her new single, “Rinse, Repeat, Regress,” Justy raps a testament to bearing the pain of introspection.
Why We Like It: L.A. VanGogh’s “Trip”
L.A. VanGogh raps through the nuances of grief and escape on his new single “Trip.” As the dense, off-kilter production is interspersed with moments of clarity, VanGoh’s clever rhymes always find the focus.
Why We Like It: Deca & Homeboy Sandman’s “All Because of You (Infatuated Duke)”
Dipping into the past for Deca’s hypnotic instrumental and for the root of his past trauma, Homeboy Sandman looks to learn from his mistakes in the name of growth.
Why We Like It: Rock Abruham’s “Teeth”
Rock Abruham delivers hefty punchlines over a looping soul sample with nonchalant confidence that begets his ambivalence for an industry more concerned with marketing than authenticity. He raps “Teeth” with an effortless quality that brushes off that frustration with sheer talent.
Why We Like It: Pavit Sanghera’s “Fake Love”
“Fake Love” isn’t love and Pavit Sanghera uses this subtle R&B single to explore the duality of passion and performative romance.
Why We Like It: Bluebloods’ “Postcard From A Quarantined Miner In Flin Flon” Ft. Courtney Devon
Bluebloods’ latest single exudes vintage beauty in unrest with sharp vocals and intriguing imagery. The song draws a line between the timeless love of the 12th century, the labor movement of the early 20th century, and the current moment that reflects them both.
'