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.
Lo-fi
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: CimplyDan’s “South Side Livin’”
He mightn’t be a local quite yet, but on “South Side Livin’,” CimplyDan salutes Florida and feels very much at home. Lo-fi production tints the artist’s laid-back bars with accents of beaches and sunsets in the sunshine state.
Why We Like It: Paul Grant’s “Connection (Remix)” Ft. Brittney Carter
A bare instrumental is like an abstract landscape waiting to be filled with the listener’s impression. The remix is a snapshot of that imprint. Paul Grant’s “Connection” paints with lo-fi strings and a splash of funk that sends Brittney Carter down a lyrical journey into building confidence from trials put behind.
Why We Like It: fika’s “Don’t Say I Don’t”
fika returns with another lesson in love on “Don’t Say I Don’t.” The stripped back goodness is fika doing what they do they do best. Jazzy lo-fi instrumentation and songwriting that cuts straight to the heart. Find your yourself longing for love you didn’t know you were missing.
Why We Like It: Sly Wes’ “I Wish”
Sly Wes blends sound from funk, reggaeton and electronic to produce rhythmic bliss. “I Wish” is an instrumental escape into yearning.
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.
Love, loss and lo-fi with fika
With all the chaos in the world it’s easy to forget to take a moment and enjoy the sweeter things. That moment could be now and that sweetness could easily be Love Stories, a jazzy lo-fi escapade of romance and heartbreak. We sat down with fika to discuss their new EP, the meaning of love and acceptance of loss.
Why We Like It: Brwnsounds’ “Pt222”
The very nature of “Pt222” is one of conflict, of being pulled in so many different directions by your emotions that it feels like you’re running in circles. Brwnsounds raps dynamically over shifting production that direct the song’s emotional range.
Why We Like It: Critical Mischief’s “Lift Me”
As the weather becomes colder and isolation more desired, art with the intention of spreading hope is welcomed as the battle against seasonal gloom begins. “Lift Me” is a plea from Critical Mischief for hope.
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