Toronto group STAYOUTLATE pull up to our discovery section with a masterful posse cut. On “WUSSUP,” each emcee brings a unique flex rap flow to a horn blasting beat.
Rap
Why We Like It: Tia Nomore & Stoni’s “Skirmish”
On their blockbuster link-up, Oakland emcees Tia Nomore and Stoni tear through The Bay, brandishing sharp bars as they literally bust blocks in the tongue-in-cheek music video for “Skirmish.”
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: The Urban Renewal Project’s “Will to Survive” Ft. Vic Mensa
Blending hip hop with ancient Mediterranean instruments and brimstone bars, The Urban Renewal Project and Vic Mensa face “urban survival syndrome” with a warrior spirit. “Will to Survive” is a triumphant piece of music that energizes action.
Why We Like It: Nate Husser’s “Sleep Like A Baby” Ft. Jean Deaux
Equal parts furious and fun, Nate Husser’s “Sleep Like A Baby” courts chaos with palpable glee, undeniable skill, and a mean Jean Deaux verse.
Why We Like It: D Prince & Cece Valor’s “White Sneakers (Better Than Me)”
Straight out the box, nothing is worth more attention than an unblemished pair of all-white sneakers. In this age-old tale of jealousy, “White Sneakers (Better Than Me),” Cece Valor’s uptempo hook puts priorities in perspective as D Prince raps on his toes to keep both the kicks and the relationship unscuffed.
Why We Like It: Baby Phace’s “Invictus”
Haitian American and Jersey-centric artist Baby Phace provides a mantra-like banger with his new single “Invictus,” but his approach is more off-center than you might expect. Produced by Falak, the duality of the instrumental makes a natural landscape for a compelling visual.
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.
In Conversation with Dende: “In Case You Forgot I’m BLACK”
This March 8 interview with Dende covers the musical short film “In Case You Forgot I’m BLACK.” Dende talks about last summer’s police brutality protests, frustration with the lack of change, the effect of the weight on his person and healthy advice for healing in the communities most affected.
Why We Like It: Mickey Woods Jr’s “rockin’, rollin’”
Mickey Woods Jr is a rolling stone on “rockin’ rollin’.” he takes the highs and lows of life head-on but at a pace that’s comfortable to him. It’s a dynamic rap track with some harmonic bones.
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