Mitchel Gerald’s new single “John Wick” is a horn-laden hustle anthem. The emcee is hitting 2021 with redoubled energy in music and entrepreneurship.
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Why We Like It: LocalBlac’s “We Outside”
“We Outside” by LocalBlac fuses LA aesthetic and energy with stream-of-consciousness bars layered with vulnerability. The energetic emcee reminds us of vigorous rappers JID or Chris Patrick.
Why We Like It: Donsmith’s “Group Chat”
Harlem emcee Donsmith balances two worlds in lyrical and visual form for his latest single. The video for “Group Chat” visually represents the encroachment of gentrification as he lyrically attacks the idea that the invasion on his neighborhood and culture is anything but destructive appropriation.
Sounds That Kept Us Sane: The Albums That Got CentralSauce Through 2020
Rather than a list of our objectively “best” albums of 2020, CentralSauce would like to present you with something more personal. These are the albums that kept each one of our writers hanging on to their sanity throughout a particularly difficult year.
Why We Like It: Vallé’s “Prodigy” Ft. John Givez, Sam V
The prodigal son, Vallé, is back to drop off barrels of bars on “Prodigy.” John Givez and Sam V join him as they cut through the competition in spectacular fashion. It’s hip hop on pop rock melodies.
Why We Like It: Dylan Owen’s “A Time To Move On”
Dylan Owen is moving on, and this full-bodied dedication to the home in which he grew is sure to hit you where you live. The keys and drums of “A Time To Move On” are steeped in hometown nostalgia and Owen’s reflections on growth are tied to the memories of growing.
Why We Like It: Cameron and the Slumberknights’ “Midnight”
Cameron and the Slumberknights make artful instrumental hip hop with unbridled sincerity. Their second official single, “Midnight,” fuses the always-unpredictable city of London with Bruce Wayne’s Gotham as the track evolves and leaps from scene to scene.
Why We Like It: TA3’s “Nasty”
TA3’s rhymes are as hypnotic as the visuals to “Nasty.” A natural performer with a for musical cadence, the New Jersey emcee raps with wisdom and confidence through a flow of consciousness style that imparts his perspectives like a net cast into the world — reeling back whatever is on his mind.
Why We Like It: LIV †’s “Interlude For A Dreamer,” feat. Jaywop
“Interlude For a Dreamer” Ft. Jaywop is otherworldly in some exceptional sense, as though pulled straight from the mind of some wistful daydreamer. LIV †’s soulful vocals and Jaywop’s rapid-fire flow are nestled neatly between plush keys and a cotton candy beat.
Why We Like It: Sir Calloway’s “40oz of Holy Water”
Mind, body and soul — three essential components to wellness. “40oz of Holy Water” Ft. Backwud Marc is an invigorating mantra about fighting addiction. Sir Calloway raps about strengthening the spirit to combat afflictions of the mind and body.
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