Hip-Hop | Terence Ryan — See About A Dream [EP]
Posted by jeffwbaird on April 6, 2013
For a genre in which so much music is produced daily, there are far, far too few innovators involved. Far too few artists who still use it as a means of expressing genuine emotion and ideas, like the way it was conceived. As Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine once put it (I know, odd reference), “there’s a corner of the human experience neglected in pop music,” and I see this becoming more consistently true as hip-hop and pop integrate. I first was introduced to Terence Ryan’s music through his last EP, Skeleton, which drew my attention primarily because of the absorbing, downtempo production, but also because there was something so authentic and distinctive about his rapping on songs like “Alan’s Right” that I was immediately hooked. It’s almost unfair to his talent, though, to just list him here as just a rapper. On this new record he produces every track (which encapsulates his ability to play the drums, piano, and guitar), sings, raps, and even serves as the engineer. What I find most captivating about listening to the project, though, is hearing the array of moods and styles that all contribute to his polished sound. He’s extremely well versed in different genres, which allows him to simply set out to make songs, and the influences arise organically. This is one of my favorite releases of the year thus far, and even though it’s only 8 songs, they are each so powerful and unique that it bears the weight and depth of an album. Take a listen below and get lost in his sound like I have been for the past few days. “Disappearing” is one of the best songs I’ve heard from any unsigned artist in recent memory.
[soundcloud params=”auto_play=false&show_comments=true”]https://soundcloud.com/3qtr/sets/seeaboutadreamep[/soundcloud]
Hip-Hop, Rap, RnB | Sol – Dope (Prod. by the Zillas)
Posted by J_Salzer on April 1, 2013
Sol is back. After a long hiatus traveling the world, Sol returns to the states this month. If this is any hint of what 10 months off from music does for him, I’d like to see him take 20. Just kidding, I couldn’t go that long with out Sol. The production duo The Zillas handles the production, and they flip the beat at around 3:11 and Sol kills it again. It’s like Sol never missed a beat(no pun intended), he’s picking up right where he left off, but better. Judging off this track his flow has become more polished and his lyrics have become sharper. Stream the track below and be on the lookout for more Sol coming soon.
Dubstep | Feature Cuts – Vision
Posted by Jess on March 31, 2013
On April 30th, Feature Cuts will release his debut EP entitled Vision through his own imprint Ne7work. To kick off the promotion for the EP, he just released the stream of the first single and title track on his Soundcloud. In his own words, the song “defines a new direction” and that ever since the beginning, his “production has been subconsciously adjusting to truly define a style that I can call my own.” “Vision” is hard hitting and a taste of what to expect from the EP.
Dubstep, Featured, Interviews | xKore – Entropy (Masq Remix) [FNT Exclusive]
Posted by Sev on March 28, 2013
It already goes without saying that xKore has been taking the scene by storm these past few months, but thats not what this post is about. Masq is a new artist I was introduced to when the Getter – Fallout remix competition arose. I still think he holds one of the best remixes in the competition, but that decision is up to Getter. After scavenging through his Soundcloud I ran into this amazing bootleg remix that wasn’t released and I knew needed to be. Masq carries his own unique sound and creates tracks in all areas of the BPM spectrum, from neruohop, to dnb, to dubstep, with even a little free form piano here and there. This track was one of xKore’s older pieces that was never completed/released as far as I know, but Masq took the melody and threw his flavor all over this track to create this more aggressive sounding bootleg remix. Of course we were able to get it as a free download for you guys which you can find below, along with a little background about Masq in the interview we had with him; also below.
DOWNLOAD: xKore – Entropy (Masq Remix)
(Interview Below)
READ ON >>
Hip-Hop, Videos | Mike Stud – F*ck That (Prod. The Arsenals)
Posted by LoffyG on March 27, 2013
I present to you the 3rd cut off Mike Stud’s upcoming album Relief, which is set to drop May 6th. Directed by Jon Kilmer, “F*ck That” is Mike’s ode to all those who’ve hated. The Arsenals and Luke Walker set the mood with the production while Stud lays down two all original verses. Watch and be sure to catch up with him via his social media below.
Albums, Hip-Hop | Skizzy Mars – Phases [album]
Posted by Jess on March 26, 2013
The New York youngin’ Skizzy Mars drops off his debut project Phases, for free download. This is cool kid hip hop with plenty of indy and electronic influences on tracks like 15 & Delusional. Guest appearances and production on the project come from the likes of G-Eazy, Mikey Fresh, Sterling Fox, Conner Youngblood & more.
Download: Skizzy Mars – Phases [album]
Hip-Hop, Indie | Aer – Strangers [Free EP]
Posted by Grubeats on March 25, 2013
I feel guilty for sitting on this for the past week without posting. I’m sure the loyal Fresh Aer breathers have already inhaled this free EP, but for those who haven’t, I highly suggest taking a long deep breath and listening through.
With summer around the corner (hopefully) for us Northerners, Aer decides it’s only right to share some freebies with their fans to honor their continued loyalty. Although these may only be low tide tracks in comparison to what they’re going to hit us with this summer, I’ve looped this in full at least once daily since it dropped. Fire. With features from Mod Sun & Guy Harrison and production from Ratatat, Pete Rock, mattMIGGZ, and of course instrumental work by David and Carter themselves, you’d be foolish to pass on this.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Aer- Strangers EP