Hip-Hop | ICEBERG BLACK drops ‘Spaceships & Hoodbitches’
Posted by VMan on December 8, 2021
Iceberg Black – also known as “Ice” – has carved out a lane of his own style of unique hip-hop by his using his own self-produced beats that feature sparse melodies and booming 808s with prolific work rate aside from a distinctively gritty sound. His video for the track “Spaceships & Hoodbitches” was made by renowned director Shomi Patwary, the video takes viewers on a futuristic journey through Iceberg Black’s hometown, as he flexes in dapper attire and fancy cars. The video feels otherworldly and perfectly complements the track, which feels and sounds well ahead of its time. This one is tons of fun and super catchy!
Hip-Hop | Eyeconic And Shakk Debut Uplifting New Single “it’s a vibe”
Posted by VMan on December 8, 2021
Rising UK artists Eyeconic and Shakk have teamed up for brand-new collaboration “it’s a vibe”. Following the many challenges that have been prevalent globally over the last two years, “it’s a vibe” brings pure elation in the form of two and a half minutes of UK garage nostalgia. The track arrives with accompanying visuals directed by Kraken Cinematic. With the two Middlesbrough-based artists having already experienced much individual success in their solo careers so far, they look set to reach even greater heights with this latest release.
Highlighting what a formidable team Eyeconic and Shakk are, the track perfectly spotlights their rap abilities and songwriting talent – their knack for insanely addictive melodies and catchy toplines can be heard throughout, no more so than on the anthemic chorus which will surely be fixed into everyone’s head after just one listen. Setting the tone for the song with its title, “it’s a vibe” is a huge feel-good vibe that commands attention from the opening seconds and transports listeners to the popular late ‘90s/early ‘00s sound of UKG that has been making a comeback in recent years.
Speaking further on the release, Shakk says, “During a period of feeling low and uninspired during lockdown, I spoke to Eyeconic on the phone, and we discussed how we missed the thrill of performing live, which sparked the idea for this song. Inspired by the UK garage comeback, we felt it would be the perfect foundation to make something that encapsulated everything that makes the British music scene fun, energetic and diverse”.
Chill, Hip-Hop | Toronto’s Dancehall & Afro-fusion king Lexxicon unveils his latest album, ‘TROPICON ISLANDS’
Posted by VMan on December 7, 2021
Jamaican Born and Toronto bred Lexxicon is known for his dance-oriented Dancehall, Afrobeats, Pop and hip-hop-influenced sound. Finding inspiration in the works of established artists such as Sean Paul, Stefflon Don, and Wizkid, Lexxicon hopes to champion the afro-fusion genre with his upcoming projects and create a similar imprint on the international music scene. His new LP, TROPICON ISLANDS, is a hybrid project that is a breathe of fresh air. Spurred on by overwhelmingly positive reviews from Pop and Dancehall lovers alike, Lexxicon has kept fans on their toes offering an eclectic array of sounds and textures; from the tropical vibes of his native Jamaica to the dynamic rhythms of Congo and beyond, this is an artist who truly embraces his roots and takes inspiration from his surroundings. Tune in above now and don’t sleep on Lexxicon.
Abstract Hip-Hop, Alternative | Phantom Phunk Release “Yayo”
Posted by VMan on December 5, 2021
Phantom Phunk defies all boundaries and genres. The Florida based up-and-coming five piece have come together to form a sonically diverse and transcendent sound, reminiscent of the early days of Gorrilaz but with a more modern, crisper edge. Their new single “Yayo” bridges the gap between hip-hop and indie rock, gleefully using the best elements of both genres. This group is one to keep an eye in, enjoy “Yayo” above now!
‘Yayo’ is packed full of heavy, wurling synths and basslines, melodic flow and an energy that is undeniable. There’s a constant sense of chaos and intrigue, which is what makes this collective so interesting and vibrant. They say the track is about a ‘??A high stakes game of life or death’, and you can certainly hear at the forefront of the song from the off. It’s almost like the title track to a Tarantino movie, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the last second.
Hip-Hop | Lil Kapow Hits 50M Streams On Rap Single ‘BLACKOUT’
Posted by VMan on November 7, 2021
To the point, in your face, and without holding back, “BLACKOUT,” goes off. Lil Kapow goes hard and doesn’t care who knows. “BLACKOUT,” was released back in 2019 but has seen a resurgence this month, getting picked back up on TikTok and garnering him around 100,000 streams per day. Just over a minute long, the single pushes an instant drive in the listener to repeat the song, needing a second round of the music to digest the fast-paced banger which just delivered a vicious slap.
Lil Kapow has been given the nod of approval by the king himself, Drake, who followed the young budding aritst on Instagram. Though Lil Kapow has plenty of releases which have gone on to high-sucuss, “BLACKOUT,” has been his biggest yet, nailing a whopping 60,000,000 plays across streaming platforms.
His style is dark, his themes are one’s of giving no fucks, and his sound is distinctive, being able to be picked out of a lineup without question.
Alternative, Hip-Hop | Spark Houston Teases New EP via “Red”
Posted by VMan on October 5, 2021
Toronto, Canada based hybrid artist Spark Houston returns with a new single “Red” off of his forthcoming debut EP. The song showcases his often troublesome relationship with confrontation, competition and ambition. The unique sound he brings to the table on this one blends elements of indie rock and hip-hop, kind of like Gorillaz did in the 2000’s era, but with a different vibe all together. Check out a quote on the release below and stream “Red” above now!
Red is my competition, my drive, my energy and my bravado. In polychrome as a whole project (split amongst three EPS – Red, Blue, and Green) Red is the manic high before the crash of the depressing blue. Red is me rapping as well as anyone alive, knowing entirely that there is no human force that can stop me. Red is high octane. Red is lewd”
In the hook when the line “Red mine, red mine, red yours” is said, it’s an invitation for all of us, both myself and the listeners, to soak in the atmosphere of my intensity. The pitch shifted voice is used as a motif on red, hinting that, although it feels good to be in a place of righteous anger, that perhaps there is a darker element, a morose, a sadness, to that kind of energy. All of that, however, will be more adequately explained on the next EP, Blue.
Hip-Hop | PSiMiTAR’s “Better Believe It” is a Bop
Posted by VMan on October 2, 2021
PSiMiTAR get soulful and hybrid on their latest drop, “Better Believe It”. The group is made up of producer / rapper Steesh aka Baron Von Alias, and vocalist & DJ, LKP, they’ve been putting out their unique take on UK hip-hop soul under this alias since 2020. This is the first piece of music I’ve heard by the bubbling act and the more I listen to “Better Believe It” the more stoked I am to hear more music by this duo. Tune in above now!