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.
hip hop
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.
Why We Like It: Lit Lyk Looney’s “Twosday Eve”
Basking in success and indulging some excess, Lit Lyk Looney is on top of the game in the charismatic “Twosday Eve.”
Why We Like It: DJ Five Venoms’ “Look At What I Did” Ft. Yak Gotti & Big Havi
DJ Five Venoms collects the perfect two voices to concoct this captivating trap country ballad. Yak Gotti and Big Havi bring big southern raps with a country twang to “Look At What I Did.”
Why We Like It: Dirtsa’s “Questions”
French-Cameroonian artist Dirtsa is back with another single. “Questions” is more of the lyricists’ fierce delivery over a winding beat. She questions the ignorance towards ongoing worldwide injustices in a way that implies seeking answers means taking action.
Surrealism & Rhythm: The Animation of Adam Wright
Through rhythm and surrealism, Adam Wright uses animation to bring music to life, putting poetry in motion. CS’ Ryan Gaur sat down with the accomplished animator to talk style, substance and the spaces in between.
Why We Like It: James the Prophet’s “Tobago” Ft. Chester Watson
James the Prophet and Chester Watson rap about traveling a steadily shrinking world on “Tobago.” Lo-fi textures accompany creeping anxieties spurred by the climate crisis, but the beat’s gentle bob and the emcees’ listing flows lead the track to relaxing waters.
Why We Like It: VIBE WORLD ORDER’s “LIFT”
The Jersey crew is back again! VIBE WORLD ORDER’s off-kilter raps and earth-shaking beats collide in another face blasting single. “LIFT” sees JTT, GROOVY, Reg Mason and GINI’ with an injection of energy.
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