Rap | M!NT makes his label debut with new single and video “90 Degrees” (ft. Nas Leber)
Posted by VMan on September 22, 2020
If you’re already missing the warm Summer days like we are, we’ve got the song for you. Brooklyn-based producer M!NT has released his melodic and introspective new single “90 Degrees”. The collaboration with Bronx-raised artist Nas Leber is an emotive track brought to life with heavy 808s, piano, and smooth vocal production. According to the press release, the nostalgic lyricism (via Leber) illustrates themes of overcoming challenges and and gratitude for the man he’s become as a result. Those feels are doubled down thanks to the songs relatable “end of Summer” retrospect.
Directed by Sasha Nitze, the highly cinematic video is one of the best we’ve seen in 2020. In the visual, we find Leber rapping against the backdrop of a typical Bronx streetscape (filmed in City Island, to be precise). With it’s stunning creative direction and melancholy tone, the visual takes viewers on a nostalgic trip into memories of a Summer gone by, with a totally New York feel.
The visual premiered on producer and YouTuber Ryan Celsius’ platform and is already making a buzz. Celsius oversees M!NT’s A&R on Stockholm-based record label Amuse, who M!NT recently inked a deal with. Prior to signing his label deal, M!NT had an extensive career as an independent artist, producer, and sound engineer having worked with the likes of Cautious Clay, Ooah from Glitch Mob and NAO, as well as touring around the electric festival circuit, performing at Electric Forest, Mysteryland, and Lightning in a Bottle. If “90 Degrees” is anything to go by, we’re expecting great things from this rising producer. Be sure to stay up to date with all things M!NT by following him on Instagram and checking out the video for “90 Degrees” below!
Hip-Hop | 2nd Generation Wu Are Back with ‘Heaven on Earth’
Posted by VMan on September 10, 2020
2nd Generation Wu is back with their new single “Heaven on Earth (Light One)”. If you’re looking for great new hip-hop music, check this out.
2nd Generation WU is a music group formed by children of the Wu-Tang Clan. Led by the core of iNTeLL (son of U-God) and PXWER (son of Method Man), 2nd Generation WU has split off the Wu-Tang family tree and created a new branch. They pick up their own torch, lit from their parents, and blaze a trail all their own. They are not just children of the legendary hip-hop group. They have their unique sound.
After the success of their debut single “7.O.D”, iNTeLL & PXWER got back in session with the producer J.Glaze to craft another one. Trying to explore the greatest potential of their music, they set out to make a blend of music that would tap into a new vein yet to be fully fleshed out. And here comes “Heaven On Earth”, a dark jazzy boom trap uptempo vibe with a transitional chorus’ reminiscent of something heard from OutKast. As written in the hook, “Get up on that thing, in and out, are you breathin? Love fire stronger than a rock, baby dreamin. Twist a little, spend a little time with the right one. Heaven on Earth till we die, let’s light one.”
The producer J.Glaze, also wearing many hats as composer, recording engineer, and studio musician, takes the song up a level with his elegant trumpet solo as a beautiful third verse. The solo gives a breath to highly lyrical experience and allows the listeners to reflect on the lyrics they just received, leaving the song a quiet but endless aftertaste. With Artwork by Culture Freedom bringing everything together, this song won’t disappoint those looking for great new music.
Electronic, Hip-Hop | CHYLD & Ronnie Lott Team Up for ‘ur a puzzle’
Posted by VMan on August 12, 2020
I’m tempted to make this entire post one very long pun about CHYLD and Ronnie Lott’s new song “ur a puzzle” being the missing puzzle piece that I needed, but don’t worry, I won’t. Instead, I’ll just say that CHYLD is back with what is in my opinion his best release to date. The Boston based producer and multi-instrumentalist welcomed San Antonio raised MC, Ronnie Lott, onto this song, and boy am I glad he did! Lott’s confident flow paired with his cheeky lines like “We go together like schoolwork and students at Princeton” makes for a perfect topline for CHYLD’s synth-filled track.
Both of these artists are on the rise, CHYLD leaning a bit more into the Electronic lane and Ronnie Lott into Hip-Hop. I was previously unfamiliar with Ronnie Lott’s work, but I have been a frequent listener of CHYLD’s for a bit, so I expected to hear more melancholy, contemplative lyrics. However, I was pleasantly surprised to hear them sing about the fun and upbeat topic of meeting a new crush. This Hip-Hop jam has buzzy synths, a groove fit for dancing, and flirty lyrics perfect for the summer time.
Hip-Hop | seeyousoon Impresses on Debut Album, ‘VIDÉ’
Posted by VMan on August 4, 2020
Drawing comparisons to the likes of Brockhampton and Odd Future, seeyousoon have quickly established themselves as ones to watch this year. The nine—Ignacio, Kenny, Denny, Maddie, Josh, Dre, Drex, Luke, and Mitch- formed in 2018 based on a shared love artists as diverse as Jadakiss and Mars Volta. VIDÉ is the group’s first project and is as eclectic as it is impressive. Raw hip-hop soars of electronic injected beats with a punk rock flair. Really dug this LP.
Hip-Hop | Vince Serrano, Eddy Rez & Kiture Drop Dope Lyric Video For Original Single “PROpina”
Posted by VMan on August 1, 2020
With the lyric video dropping for the upbeat and rightfully flashy “PROpina,” a trio of united talented comes together, creative flows pouring out while the visual aspect takes effect at the same time.
Vince Serrano and Kiture this time link with Eddy Rez, putting power to paper while the production sustains the atmospheres.
With a dash of smoothness, some moombahton thrown in, and a shimmer of both melodic and rap-based lyrics, this multi-cultural hybrid will have folks around the world moving and grooving.
Check out the lyric video above and learn more about each artist by peeping each of their socials where available.
Hip-Hop | Rising producer and multi-instrumentalist lets his multi-faced sound flow on “Dominicana”
Posted by VMan on July 28, 2020
Rising producer and Florida native Hush Forte has returned with his dreamy new single ‘Dominicana”. Ripe with Summertime vibes, “Dominicana” is a smooth flow of soft melodies, smooth vocals, and lush percussion. It’s a gorgeous blend of hip-hop, jazz, and soul that’s likely to draw comparisons to early Kendrick Lamar or 99.9% era Kaytranada.
If you haven’t heard of Hush yet, we think you will soon. In the space of just a couple of years, he’s released a full-length instrumental LP “Ardor”, a string of memorable singles (“Summer Girl” comes highly recommended), placements on the NBA’s “BASE:LINE” playlist, a sync on the Toyota 2020 TRD campaign; and that’s just the beginning! Spotify have already taken notice of “Dominicana”, having placed the track on their coveted POLLEN playlist. Although it’s Hush’s first release in about a year, it’s certainly been worth the wait – “Dominicana” is a really solid sign of things to come. If it’s anything to go by, his upcoming mixtape “LOOK CLOSELY” is sure to make a mark. Be sure to stream “Dominicana” and follow Hush Forte on Instagram for updates on new music.
Chill, RnB | Juliet July’s Palm Trees in the Mist EP is a Striking Hybrid Approach to R&B
Posted by VMan on July 14, 2020
Hailing from Amsterdam, up-and-coming Dutch singer/songwriter Juliet July debuts her highly anticipated and introspectively gorgeous EP Palm trees in the mist. The 6 track release blends element of older and modern Alternative R&B vibes. Her innate ability to create such an exquisite fusion of contemporary R&B, soul and jazz is showcased beautifully throughout the impressive debut release. Along with the release of her new EP, Juliet July also released an accompanying visual for the stand out single “GONE” which you can watch now below under a quote from her. Check out the full EP above now!
“Palm trees represent happiness, joy, warmth, The Mist represents more heavy, sad and dark emotions. ‘Palm trees in the mist’ combined, creates a symbolism for me to keep seeing the ‘Silver Livings’ in whatever situation life throws at us.” – Juliet July