On the first single from his debut record, “Moving Different,” Noah of CXR makes a compelling case for his versatile and energetic style.
hip hop
Why We Like It: Off Topic’s “Threat”
On his chilly new single, New Jersey emcee Off Topic intimidates with ease over an uneasy beat. “Threat” is grimy, lo-fi and heavy with the rhymes.
Why We Like It: Diz’s “One Step Closer”
Diz basks in his journey towards fulfilling his purpose. Art is a reflection and the reflection of “One Step Closer” is the artist finding that purpose.
Why We Like It: Lxnny’s “Lamborghini Racers”
Lxnny sends us on a trip through another life by stepping into the shoes of a kingpin. “Lamborghini Racers” is a wavy listen that drifts on chimes and a smooth flow.
Why We Like It: Tall Black Guy & Ozay Moore’s “Runnin Away Ft. Malaya”
Tall Black Guy and Ozay Moore confront some of the hardest truths on “Runnin’ Away.” Bookended by spirit-gripping hooks from featured vocalist Malaya, the verses question the wisdom of fleeing from results that don’t line up with expectations.
Dirtsa’s Debut and the Duty of a Writer
‘ALETHEIA’S CALLING,’ the debut EP of Franco-Cameroonian artist and philosopher Dirtsa, is a bridge between cultures, ideas and sounds. Pulling from Greek and modern philosophy, the project is a duality of contrasting and complementary R&B and drill sounds. We spoke with Dirtsa about the truths she uncovered in its making.
Why We Like It: Leon Ross, YS Perignon & IM REAL’s “No Invites”
A good posse cut is hard to find, but with bars, barbs and no shortage of character, Leon Ross, YS Perignon and IM REAL make it sound effortless. “No Invites” is a song for an exclusive crowd and the emcees let you know.
Why We Like It: Leek Mali’s “Summer Forever”
Leek Mali rides the high of a summer of crushing his goals. “Summer Forever” transfers his infectious confidence with a psychedelic beat that exudes timelessness, freezing listener and emcee in the high of success.
Why We Like It: Complexions’ “Bad Ones”
On “Bad Ones,” Complexions croons over a cyclical and lyrical bassline with urgency for change.
Everything is Your Voice: Kevin George Live at The Knitting Factory
In his first show since lockdown, Kevin George enthralls a crowd with old hits and brand new songs from his 2021 EP, ‘Everybody’s in My Ear.’ CentralSauce speaks to KG about the new project and films the show in Brooklyn.