Ice Cube – ‘Death Certificate’ (25th Anniversary Edition) (Album Stream)
BROCKHAMPTON – ‘Saturation’ (Album Stream)
Lido delivers that swing with THEY. on “Not Enough”
Nostalgia is a powerful force. The hint of times past that brought us pleasure is enough to make us love something in the present. Norwegian producer, Lido, hits the mark on “Not Enough.” He connects with L.A. R&B duo, THEY., for a fresh take on a classic sound. THEY. tells Billboard, “We always considered new . . .
Billy Mercury deals with the realization that he’s a side piece on “Voicemail”
Hampton Roads, Virginia-based soul singer Billy Mercury has to deal with a complex situation on his latest single, “Voicemail.” Featuring jazzy acoustics and his slightly raspy vocals, the song begins with a woman speaking. She’s letting a man in her life that she’s just about done dealing with his lack of valuable contributions to her . . .
6LACK focuses on the next plan on “That Far”
We don’t accomplish much when we’re worried about everyone but ourselves. 6LACK understands this on “That Far.” If we’re down to give advice, it makes sense that we apply it to ourselves too. Get in the zone and keep your eyes on the prize. Related: 6LACK breaks free of a dark past on “Free” (Video) . . .
G4shi’s “Turn Me Down” might make you feel invincible
You ever experience that moment of euphoria where you feel like everything in the world is yours for the taking? G4shi‘s new autotune-assisted single, “Turn Me Down,” is the audio embodiment of that emotion. “I’m getting money with my eyes closed,” the New York resident confidently declares over an addicting melody and booming percussion. Expect . . .
Rob Milton combats depression with uplifting soul on ‘The Healer’
“Healer is a spiritual experience that shines a light on the darkness of depression and anxiety and encourages listeners to turn to the healing powers of music in times of need.” Rob Milton is one of the most soulful brothers in Richmond, Virginia. He’s back with a new EP called Healer that draws inspiration from . . .
WizKid – “African Bad Gyal” ft. Chris Brown
WizKid‘s Sounds From The Other Side project is scheduled to be released on July 14th. Ahead of that, he drops “African Bad Gyal” featuring Chris Brown. With this follow up to “Come Closer” ft. Drake, he delivers an infectious rhythm designed to get you on your feet for a good time. Stream below and pre-order the . . .
Ice Cube – ‘Death Certificate’ (25th Anniversary Edition) (Album Stream)
This isn’t black family comedy movie Ice Cube. The West Coast legend takes things back to basics with the 25th anniversary edition of his critically acclaimed Death Certificate album. The project includes both previously heard tracks from the original project and new material. Stream the 25th edition of Death Certificate below.
BROCKHAMPTON – ‘Saturation’ (Album Stream)
BROCKHAMPTON‘s Saturation album is a strong release that demonstrates just how powerful of an effect chemistry can have on a project. The free-spirited collective and self-described “boy band” fills the 17-track release with colorful production and free-spirited thematic elements. They’re not afraid to fully express the full spectrum of what they’re feeling, and the results . . .
Gunplay – ‘The Plug’ (Album Stream)
Gunplay, the owner of one of the most iconic voices in hip-hop, is back with a hard-hitting new project called The Plug. The MMG rapper’s latest release is 11 tracks total, and includes guest features from Tracy T and Mozzy. Stream The Plug below, and purchase via iTunes. 01. Gunplay – “D-Boy Fresh” 02. Gunplay . . .
SZA – ‘CTRL’ (Album Stream)
It’s here! TDE songstress, SZA, drops her heavily anticipated CTRL album. The 14-song LP includes features from Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, James Fauntleroy, and Isaiah Rashad. Related: SZA serves looks that kill in “Love Galore” ft. Travis Scott Stream CTRL below and get the album on iTunes.
Remy Ma – “Mask Off” (Freestyle)
Remy Ma gets busy and drops a freestyle over Future‘s “Mask Off.” I’ll admit, it’s weird hearing in auto-tune. I feel like she could have done it justice without so much vocal processing, but she attacks it with the same fervor and passion that we love from her. Stream below.
Masego’s “Navajo” is full of forward-thinking soul
We watched Masego chop up the beat to create “Navajo” recently for COLORS Berlin, and now the Virginia bred talent has given us the audio version. Chopped up vocal harmonies and crisp percussion play strong supporting roles, but Sego’s vocals are the driving force behind this record. Stream “Navajo” below.
Watch Josh Pan’s creepy, cinematic video for “Nowhere”
Josh Pan has never felt a need to play by the rules, or anything like that. The innovative producer/vocalist is back with a creepy, cinematic video for his mesmerizing single, “Nowhere.” Director Liam Underwood explained: “among the chaos of politics and war today, it may be hard to find purpose for some people. We as . . .
M.I.A. shares an auto-tuned loose track titled “Goals”
M.I.A. returns with the haunting, auto-tuned “Goals.” It’s produced by Branko, who was a contributor on M.I.A.’s most recent album. Dropping via YouTube, M.I.A. leaves fans this message: “DEDICATED TO MY HARDCORE FANS THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNFALTERING DEDICATION AND SUPPORT. YOU HAVE GIVEN ME A SLIVER OF HOPE IN HUMANITY. STAY STRONG. REALITY WINNERZ. ” “Goals” arrives . . .
Vic Mensa’s ‘The Manuscript’ EP is a thank you letter to all his fans
“This for all my fans that say they want that old Vic.” Vic Mensa has gone through a number of phases as an artist, and the Chicago-bred spitter aims to take things back to a different era with his four-track EP, The Manuscript. Vic’s always been able to flat out rap, and he reminds us . . .
Watch the alternate ending of ‘Juice’
Juice turned 25 years old on January 17th. I won’t lie, it’s one of my favorite movies ever. It was Tupac Shakur’s acting debut, but his performance felt so dominant. The movie ended with Bishop, who was played by Pac, falling off a rooftop after a vicious fight with his former friend, Q, who was . . .
Broccoli City’s Smile Project Carnival and Concert was the perfect rap collab
Photo by @africanist Saturday. Early evening. A hot, summery day in Washington, D.C. was coming to a close. The SMILE Carnival was underway for the third day in a row. GoldLink had just performed “Crew” for the second time in a row. I had just finished singing Brent Faiyaz’s ad-libs like I was a backup vocalist for . . .
Mila J – “Be My Lover” ft. Ty Dolla Sign
Mila J grabs Ty Dolla Sign for her latest drop, “Be My Lover.” She flips the classic Spice Girls hit, “Wannabe,” for an upbeat west coast bop for the summer. Stream below.
Twelve’Len’s “Rock It” is syrupy, sultry R&B bliss
It all starts with the slow moving, groovy baseline. Next, we have mellow guitar strums. Then Twelve’Len‘s unique, expressive voice comes in and “Rock It” becomes a charming, slow moving dose of R&B made for late night excursions and lazy mornings alike. The Miami up and comer’s new release is produced by Zach Fogarty. Stream . . .
SZA – ‘CTRL’ (Album Stream)
It’s here! TDE songstress, SZA, drops her heavily anticipated CTRL album. The 14-song LP includes features from Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, James Fauntleroy, and Isaiah Rashad. Related: SZA serves looks that kill in “Love Galore” ft. Travis Scott Stream CTRL below and get the album on iTunes.
DJ Khaled – “To The Max” ft. Drake
“Only say I love you just so I can hear it back.” Drake and DJ Khaled are here to supercharge your Monday morning with a fast-paced, energetic new single called “To The Max.” Featuring infectious percussion, lush piano, and energetic vocal samples in the background, it finds Drake at his melodic best, as he takes . . .
Tone Stith refocuses on “Get It Right”
Tone Stith (Chris Brown “Liquor” songwriter & producer) drops his latest single, “Get It Right.” He shows off some very smooth, rich vocals that would give some of the current top Pop/R&B acts a run for their money. The video is a brilliant accompaniment as it gives fans a behind the scenes view and brings . . .
Matt McGhee switches flows for the Baltimore Club-influenced “No Talking”
Matt McGhee continues his long standing streak of quality drops with his latest release, “No Talking,” but it has a different feel to it. The DMV-based emcee traveled to London recently, and he sat down with Ralph Hardy to premiere the record on Radar Radio. This is a radio rip, and I think the funniest part . . .
Mir Fontane – “Frank Ocean”
Mir Fontane gives us another drop before the release of his upcoming CAMDEN album. His new single, “Frank Ocean,” finds him flexing vocal abilities a bit more by infusing more melody with his raps. Fontane checks the people claiming to ride for him, but whose actions show otherwise. We get more references to his hometown which . . .
Tyler Wrighteous’s atmospheric single merits an “Ovation”
“My time is now. The stage is set.” Following up on his Nimbus project, Virgnia-based artist Tyler Wrighteous is back on the map with a Don Kevo-produced single called “Ovation.” The multi-talented emcee, vocalist, and producer makes it clear that he’s ready to step up and take what’s his. Stream “Ovation” below.