There’s an art to autotuned balladry, and Rokeaux is clearly well-versed in the form. Looking for a deep song about the prison of clout chasing or a high-speed flashy banger? “To: Rep” is both.
hip hop
Why We Like It: Jaywop’s “Big Bad”
Success is more than just a destination for Jaywop. On his new single “Big Bad,” Jaywop is putting in the hours. His cadence flips between rapping and singing and thrives in moments where you can’t tell the difference.
Why We Like It: Riley Writtens’ “Talking To Myself”
Brooklyn MC Riley Writtens covers a vast space of lyrical boom-bap on his new single, “Talking to Myself.” His thoughts are meandering but his delivery is concise and to the point, flowing by like water over the clean chill-hop production.
Why We Like It: Passport Rav’s “Outer Riches, Inner Poverty”
Sharp critique and confident delivery are the defining characteristics of “Outer Riches, Inner Poverty.” Passport Rav throws poetic fire at consumerism and power dynamics over a strong minimalist beat that makes each word something to focus on.
Why We Like It: Hare Squead’s “Minor Gangsters (Gully)”
Coming off working with Goldlink on “Herside Story,” the duo Hare Squead are bringing another bop, “Minor Gangsters (Gully),” to our ears. The track is anchored by the kind of percussive finger snaps that lend themselves to a sidewalk strut.
Why We Like It: Cantrell’s “Crown Me” (Ft. Mick Jenkins)
The hits keep coming and Cantrell keeps rising. Cantrell’s bars on “Crown Me” are as solid as they’ve ever been, but this time with the addition of a fearsome feature from Mick Jenkins. Ready for some deserved recognition, the single aims to secure a throne.
Why We Like It: Cantrell’s “11:59PM in Atlanta”
A late-night freestyle fitting the title, “11:59PM in Atlanta” features the familiar face of Cantrell spitting bars on dark production. His tone fluctuates between anger and restraint, letting the rhymes flow out in the stream of consciousness style of midnight contemplations.
Why We Like It: Bvle’s “Mvrs”
If baring one’s soul can bring us together, couldn’t it also push us apart? On his new single “Mvrs,” rapper Bvle explores the question over a solemnly ambient beat with compelling instrumentation.
Why We Like It: Chrispin’s “Horrorscope”
“Horrorscope” sails by on the outstanding synth and snare instrumental behind the casual, beat-laced rapping and singing of Chrispin. It’s easy to see how the fun the artist had crafting the track breathes the same light-hearted entertainment to the listener.
Why We Like It: Lex Leosis’ “Gemini” Ft. Benita
On her new single “Gemini,” Lex Leosis paints her frustrations with those close to her not understanding her bisexuality. The track exists in a duality, balanced on trap influences and the gentle R&B hook.
