A ceaselessly gripping hip-hop allure shows across the Shit Outta Luck EP, an upcoming release from Jakk Da Rhymer, releasing on April 25th. The EP marks his first collaboration with Philadelphia-based producer Hafafuk, and also is Jakk’s first release for Madcap Records. “WNYU (Intro)” aptly introduces Jakk Da Rhymer, while noting his artistic pursuits getting underway back in fifth grade. The heady mystique of “Young Squalor” follows, emphasizing his evident talents. Percussive pit-pattering and cinematic vocal sample eeriness guide into the commanding lead vocal flow. References to black c ..read more

Evolving from soulful nostalgia into a hard-hitting hip-hop energy, “Alive” is a new single from Dallas-based rapper Nana Bangz. ’90s rap influences like Lil Kim and Missy Elliott are evident in the riveting vocal lead especially, complementing a diverse production that embraces throwback samples — in both the jazz/doo-wop and soul-pop veins — in addition to a variety of atmospheric beats. From soulful samples to deliciously unsettling rap segments, “Alive” makes for a compelling listening sequence. The Seals and Crofts’ “Summer Breeze” sample is beautifully infused at the track’s mid-point ..read more

A soulful hip-hop success exploring the roles of love and sacrifice, “STARFALL” is a recent single from Proklaim. The Namibia-based artist has impressed in the past with tracks like “REASON 2 BELIEVE” and “THIEVES.” The especially reflective “STARFALL” melds both dexterous vocal flows, like the gripping verses approaching the three-minute mark, alongside the soulful R&B vibe of the “just the way this world works,” hook. “The song is about prevailing even when it takes a while,” Proklaim explains. The glistening piano and jazzy percussion combine for a rainy-day stirring. Vocals emphasize ..read more

An album that explores “true Washington, DC metropolitan culture,” Bammas Pretend is an eclectic hip-hop success from DeUce Double. From the haunting hip-hop allure of “Double Digits” to the infectious pop touches within “Feedback (El Pollo RICO Charge),” the release enthralls with strong production and lyrical insight. “Double Digits” kicks off Bammas Pretend with an eerie mystique. “I doubled them digits,” the confident vocal flow enamors, with a plucked bass-y resonance and hazy textural mystique complementing the steady vocal work. A more pop-forward bounce stirs on the subsequent “Feedba ..read more

Philly-based artist vidpoet struts a hip-hop sound bridging no-frills nostalgia and a spacey contemporary punch, evidenced throughout the stellar Art Therapy, Pt. 3 EP. A stirring sound presents itself with the aid of producer Steve Sperry, spanning from the heady precision of “Microwave Burrito” to the sci-fi synth pop inclinations of “Spacey.” “Microwave Burrito” brings about an old-school throwback sound to kick things off. “I’m like anywhere you find a microwave burrito, just heat and heat,” and other clever lyrical wordplay stimulates, with steady rhythmic hypnotics and sporadic key-lade ..read more

A charismatic, bass-y hip-hop sound consumes on “Big Drip,” a single from St. Louis-born, Florida-based artist 3Fifs (Three Fifs). A quick-swiping title-touting hook proves infectious in between the impeccable flow within the verses, complemented by lightly flourishing keys and bass-y rhythms throughout. The track’s creative process arose when 3Fifs brought his Avatar: The Last Airbender fandom into a freestyle line: “…and I’m aiming for the sky like Appa, nigga, ‘Yip Yip!'” The entire studio were smitten with the infectious verse, and the track’s process began, later complemented by a verse ..read more

A stirringly creative hip-hop display from Zur Schönen Aussicht, Turbo Charged Up is an album with enjoyably unpredictable pursuits in style, structure, and beyond. The Berlin-based trio have assembled a talented roster of nine rapper collaborators for the release, based across Europe and the United States. Their engrossing flows and lyrical concepts complement the project’s stimulating sound, reminding of Shabazz Palaces’ free-flowing, jazz-touched hip-hop sound. Guitarist Jo Wespel (Beatdenker), saxophonist Paul Berberich, and drummer Flo Lauer present a riveting showcase throughout the alb ..read more

Jthurston presents a consuming hip-hop production on new album Self, ranging from the hauntingly nocturnal “Find” to the soulful pop hooks within “Live My Life.” The release succeeds in delving into concepts like self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and rejection — building to a vigor and confidence that bolsters artistic pursuits and expands the human experience. The opening “Last of Me” eloquently conveys how self-confidence can inspire the road to artistry. “I had to kill the doubt before I put my dreams in action,” the vocals emit amidst a ghostly piano procession. Reflections on school peers l ..read more

Brooklyn-based artist Zel Monstrous conjures an eclectic hip-hop sound throughout the Now That Was Interesting EP. Its five tracks range from the hard-rock guitar infusions within “SCREAM” to the pop lushness at the center of “ILLITERATE.” The diverse production and raucously invigorating vocal flows result in one of the year’s more impressive hip-hop EPs. “ILLITERATE” grips from the get-go, with industrial-friendly rhythmic gasps and an entrancing murkiness. “Fee-fi-fo-fum,” vocal momentum drives into doses of reality — “Luckily I never did time in a cell / If I did, my peeps couldn’t afford ..read more

A soulful, chilled-out hip-hop production enamors on “Art of Healing,” a new track from Maddy Suppez — artfully exuding the impact of a breakup and its non-linear healing process. Suppez and collaborator Justice Gbada provide suavely impactful vocal deliveries, culminating in an anesthetic title-touting refrain. Airy vocal expressions meander alongside subtle rhythms to start, expanding upon Suppez’ precise vocal flow. “Even though I walk through hell and backwards, I’m surrounded by angels,” Suppez lets out, entrancing amidst the hypnotic bass line and steady percussion. An uptick in vocal ..read more