Highway - Highway

By Howie Butler

Recent underground graduate Highway released his self-titled debut project through Victor Victor Worldwide in affiliation with Geffen Recordings. Highway's been in high demand, as he garnered an immense buzz through his introductory mixtapes that featured production from the likes of Xjay and jetsonmade.

Highway's vocals had originally fielded comparisons to Future and Kid Cudi, and while those comparisons still apply, he's carving out his lane vocally. As a rapper-producer, Highway's been able to build out the moody auras commonly heard across this project and his discography. This allows his performances to glide across the instrumentals, as seen in the standout songs "Someone" and "Take It All". The project is highly immersive and replayable, making it perfect for any setting. While its 26-minute runtime gives a small taste of what's to come shortly, it leaves listeners hungry for what's next from SeaTac's succeeding superstar.

EXCURSION! - bluemason & Roman.

By Adrian Richards

Kentucky MC Roman. teams up with Salt Lake City producer bluemason dropping "EXCURSION!". Roman. has been the underdog of the IND collective for a long time. Every show of his lyrical ability, it gets better every time. This EP shows that. The eerie intro track "SLEEP" fades you into the elusive mind of "Roman.". The delivery is almost seamless to the production in a way I never heard from any upcoming MCs.

bluemason provided that push through the timely instrumentations. I heard his work with seFu, so I expected this level from him. The standout track "ITSYOWORLD!" comes last from the 6-track EP. "Shoulda gave you some points; I'm bout to break the board," he speaks over the melancholy production. You could feel the beat envelope your senses as the course of the story makes your head knock—a valid release from the IND camp for the coming season.

Heatwave Vol. 1 - Gios4ma

Written by: Trey Fox

Jackson, MS rapper-producer Gios4ma unearths his vault, releasing Heatwave Vol. 1 to digital streaming platforms for its fifth anniversary. It previously existed on services such as Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and Youtube. While the project might be five years old, the subject matter, as well as the inventive production, rings true to the present day.

In under 25 minutes, Gio forges new and exciting sonic pathways. The EP is a perfect mix of instrumental tracks and more traditional songs with rap verses features. The instrumentals have a hypnotic quality to them, reeling you in repeatedly. The third track, “Kazca,” is perhaps the best example of this. With a layer of otherworldly synths, hints of static, and an incredible drum pattern that sounds tribal, it feels like you’ve been placed in between the past and the future.

The EP flows naturally, and Gio makes efficient use of its duration. The project is consistent throughout, and Gio’s heatwave metaphor unravels as it progresses. Contributing to the “heatwave” are issues such as social and political tensions as well as an epidemic of crime and violence. Songs such as “Saudade samba,” “Battleground,” and “Jungle Book'' effectively address these themes. Chicago rapper King $ly and LA rapper Ghostie 8k’s verses on “Saudade samba” reflect the post-2016 election. $ly and Ghostie 8k address issues such as propaganda, racism, and perseverance through difficult times.

The project remains consistent throughout. Hux paints a vivid picture on “Battleground,” one that depicts scenarios that require one to do what is necessary for survival. On “Jungle Book,” AERO SANDHILL mourns the loss of childhood innocence and former friendships. He also feels trapped in his existence, describing his life as one constant loop.

The record closes with “good.game.everyone,” an instrumental that feels both spacey and aquatic. Gio accomplished a lot with this EP, and it’s one that fans might come to appreciate more as they unpack it with repeat listens.

SON - the hermit, SUN!

Written by : Adrian Richards

Charlotte based rapper JUNE! (fka Shawn May) released his latest piece “SON” under the moniker of “the hermit, SUN!”. The 9 track LP feels like a metamorphosis for the emerging MC. The lighthearted tone of the production clashes well with the darker gruff tonality of SUN’s voice. Throughout his latest project, SUN! sounds more recharged and his words are as clear as ever. A definite shift from his usual works as “JUNE!”, as he taps into his Viktor Vaughn inspired persona.

Compared to his previous works, this project takes a more personal approach. . On “1010” produced by Kingayeo, SUN dives into his current and past life dealings. “I feel like Steez…I ponder many times sending that last tweet”, expressing the similar feelings of disparity shared with late the Brooklyn rapper Capital Steez of Pro Era. Expressing regret in the self-featured “lost way”, reminiscing in “SON” & “change”. Fellow IND members Jay Cinema and Roman. shine on their contributions, displaying the smooth cohesiveness with SUN’s vision.

“SON BEEN THE ONE!” screams Fayde, the high pitched conscience on the final track “SUN”. This project solidifies JUNE! as a rising force in the underground and shows his ever changing skillset as an MC. We’re glued to what he has in the works next.

Ghetto Popstar Vol. 1 - Rodney Chrome

Rodney Chrome is back! After his 2020 release QUEER PRESSURE, Chrome has kept his foot on the culture. He has featured in fashion campaigns and recently graduated from NYU, where he gave a commencement speech to his graduating class (Homie had Taylor Swift crying.) Chrome recently dropped a two-pack EP titled Ghetto Popstar Vol. 1. His latest single is disruptive and elegant. The heavy distorted drums and choir vocal arrangements supporting Chrome are addictive.

On “Famous,” Chrome reflects on his journey to becoming famous and embracing the small hurdles that may come along. On “To The Money,” Chrome is displaying his joyous mentality towards getting to the money. As if the thrill of the chase is more exciting than actually getting the bag. Chrome’s confidence bleeds through these two singles. He’s taking control of his destiny and manifesting his future. There are so many layers that highlight his determination to reach his ideal level of fame.

Chrome’s production choice always captures our attention; This shit feels like stadium music. Production provided by Benchwarmer and Kris Malanin is original and captivating. Both producers created a safe atmosphere for Chrome to explore his creative offerings in full force. We’re huge fans of Rodney Chrome and excited to see where he’s taking his audience with the new rollout method.

GOOD SEEDS - Ricki Monique

Minneapolis-based musician Ricki Monique dropped her debut EP Good Seeds. On her debut EP, Monique is honest and not vain when it comes to providing details about her upbringing and life experiences. Her words are vivid but poetic. With confidence, well-tuned cadences, and forthright writing ; Ricki Monique displays “what it feels like to have a fuckin dream.”

The production Monique explores her lyricism on are refined nostalgic melodies with goey-like bass textures sprinkled around. It’s easy to cling on and become submerged by the neo-soul heavy-based production that’ll remind you of the Soulquarians’ days. On “RUBY,” Monique tells a story about a woman’s acceptance of her inner growth and the childhood lessons she had to unlearn. The string arrangements under Monique’s voice experimentations bring out the purity in her writing. The cut short guitar riffs embrace the slight textures of Roy Ayers's “Sunshine.”

”Look up, momma said keep your chin up.” At times, throughout the 6-track body of art, Monique is giving herself a pep talk as she continues to embark on her dreams. “CEREAL” featuring MMYYKK is the heart and soul of the EP. The beat switch was smooth and displays her ability to change creative directions with ease. She doesn’t miss a beat on “FTG” and keeps up with the upbeat production.

Before dropping her latest EP, Monique released two singles, “IMMORTAL” being one of them. Ricki Monique is more than a “female rapper;” I truly think she’s going to a beautiful slow-burning career and music that’ll be deemed timeless.

learn 2 swim - Redveil

On his 18th time around the sun, PG county Maryland native Redveil returns with his latest project learn 2 swim. Fully written and produced by the “pg baby” that is soon to become a household name. On learn 2 swim, Redveil is facing maturity and embracing the highs and lows of his new profound success. Compared to his 2021 release Niagara, veil finds a balance between his metaphoric and undeviating delivers.

Veil’s keenness for chopping up samples and layering spacey 808s that’ll have your speakers vibrating plays a huge role in his creative contributions. His voice inflections and tonality stick out unequivocally, displaying his growth as a performer. His voice inflections and tonality stick out unequivocally, displaying his growth as a performer. “mars” demonstrates Redveil’s growth as a rapper and producer; clashing lofi samples and jazz-infused elements that bring forward pioneering synth sounds from the 80s.

On “shoulder” featuring Mekdelawit & Renaissance Mic, Veil raps about his fleeting youth and having to step into adulthood. Veil’s audience expands over all ages because of his fluent ear for soul samples and youthful approach to trap drum arrangements. Sam Truth's vocals on “better” give Veil the space to reflect on triumphs and strength his optimism for the future.

His stanzas are short but jammed with preciseness; leaving no room for error. His growth feels like a slow burn and confidently takes the sonic risk to present his artistry at its purest. Samples, heavy 808s, and alluring synth progressions under a jazz microscope; Redveil is truly a student of music and it’s evident in his creative offerings.

To a Dark Boy - Wakai

Baton Rouge, Louisiana native Wakai returns with his latest project To a Dark Boy. Just shy of 33-minutes, Wakai demonstrates a picturesque lyricism, admiration for camouflage soul samples, and an earnest connection with jazz. The project is intentionally subdued. The intricate storytelling by Wakai provides a deeper understanding of his upbringing and the self-proclaimed triumphs it took for him to get where he’s at today. At times, his cadences feel like a bedtime story or even a personal spoken-word piece that took years of refinement before being pressed into the audience's ears. He has a way of using his voice as a sonic component to highlight the low frequencies that linger throughout the project.

Before the big release, he dropped two singles, “Starter Jacket” with Emmavie and “When There Was No Sun” with Mick Jenkins, which seamlessly shows his love for working with artists that compliment his sound and share the same passion for detail

His writing style is unfeigned. ”Evening Sun” embodies heartfelt confusion. Wakai describes the challenge of deciphering love vs lust; real vs fantasy. The sample vocal arrangements mesh well with the content of the song, which shows off Wakai’s seasoned ear for production and use of vocal instrumentation to assist with his storytelling.

The smothered jazz essentials and Wakai’s immersive contemporary delivery feels free form. At times, this album feels like a lo-fi version of To Pimp a Butterfly. Perfect storytelling with introspective rhyme schemes that create its own pockets. Even the production tells a story and that’s thanks to the power of samples. The album feels reminiscent of the past through the crackling sample textures.

“Smile 4 Us” is our standout track from the body of work. I’m a huge fan of the reimagined “Diana in the Autumn Wind '' sample that has been infamously used by Slum Village and other artists such as Chance the Rapper. But for this track, it’s chopped up in a refreshing way that I doubt the naked ear could pick up on it. Your ear must be seasoned, which is evident in the production Wakai decides to rap on. The soothing vocals by Kay Lashea set the tone for Wakai to get into his bag.

The use of free-form writing styles, niche soul samples, and jazz-infused components portrays a deconstructed symphony for Wakai’s collection of short stories. Production credits are held by wavworld, Kirti Pandey, Noa Jamir, Nocvhll, Versus Beats, and Wakai himself. If you’re into enriched storytelling, muffled 808s over-saturated samples, and impressive rhyme schemes, give “To a Dark Boy” a listen. Last year, Wakai released “Away Game, Vol. 2,” and this new project is a great addition to his catalog.

Easygrowing - Kinrose

The DMV sound is always evolving but stays true to its core. 24-year-old PG County native Kinrose delivers his debut EP Easygrowing, providing a much needed soundtrack as we enter into springtime. You feel a sense of blossoming as Kinrose paints a vivid depiction of growth and acceptance through his passionate melodies and reflection. 

Kinrose’s voice inflections sharpen his storytelling skills. Even with his laid back approach, listeners are given the chance to enter into his safe space of self reflection. On “aloof on a roof,” Kinrose reflects on being a black college student and learning how to maneuver in a mostly white environment… finding the balance between having fun, while not becoming a victim to those moments of bliss. His crooning on “aloof on a roof” is soothing, but telling within itself. You can feel his frustrations toward always having to be on his p’s and q’s, while his peers are given the grace to be easy going due to the benefits of classism. 

The 5-track EP centers around growth and exhibits Kinrose’s coolheadeedness. He finds melodies that compliment his pacing and messaging. On “cloudy air” Kinrose expresses his reasons for isolation - he’s focused on obtaining his idea of success. The project is smothered in hope and optimism, despite the challenges he has to overcome.  He understands he has to find peace and grace, and is willing to do the work. 

Des Plaines- Q Prodigal & DVNTBEATS

Buffalo rapper Q PRODIGAL and Chicago producer DVNTBEATS team up for their sonic offering Des Plaines. The five-track EP is sharp and soulful with feature appearances from J WADE, 500, JAY FOSTER, and BLAKE PARKER (formerly known as Blake Saint David.) DVNT and VIC ROSE took the honor of executive producing the EP, providing the realm for Prodigal to flex his lyrical abilities and display his growth as an artist. Q’s confidence feels natural and his delivery irresistible.

DVNT’s production builds a distinct atmosphere by using heavy vocal sample chops to create a timeless and living sound. There’s a feeling of solace and warmth that comes from the production, complementing the dynamic verses from both Q and the featured artists. Both Q Prodigal & DVNT released projects last year; The Wind Behind Me and This Is Not a Lofi Record. Des Plaines is a well-crafted, concise, and engaging EP that rewards more with each listen, proving that Q PRODIGAL and DVNTBEATS are a duo to keep an eye on in the future.

PASTIMES+ - Hadji Gaviota

New York native Hadji Gaviota returns with a deluxe version of his EP PASTIMES that dropped last year summer. Even with the addition of a few new songs, this project feels refreshed with in-depth textures of Gaviota unique approach to genre-blending.

“put the L in style!” is a song about growth and finding appreciation in the unforeseen future. His energy throughout the track provides comfort and guidance; This song would make you dance through the growing pains. His confidence exudes on “EN VOGUE” and “jawn cena!” solidifies his infectious delivery. Gaviota continues to build off the momentum of joyous indulgence as the eight-track project plays out. Go give this project a full listen to and tap in!

Raging Bull - Romeo+Juliet

NJ-based artist Romeo+Juliet is proving the powers of TikTok algorithms. A few weeks ago while scrolling on TikTok, I came across a video with the caption “Day 1738 of sharing my music until someone notices …” with a song playing in the background that’s hard not to acknowledge. I heard a fifteen-second clip and was instantly hooked to his wave. “NYC,” felt like a hazy soundtrack to walking around the city during gloomy hours. It still surprises me that this project came out last year in July and it’s just now getting the attention it deserves.

Raging Bull feels like the perfect score for an indie film. Nurturing in its core but forward-thinking sonically. The beat switches feel paced and unlock another layer of understanding. The words Romeo+Juliet uses are poetic, specific, and detailed in emotion.

“Dive Bar” is one of the many stand-out tracks from the project, centers around the blissful moments of vice indulgence. It sincerely feels like a conversation with a happy drunk (if that makes sense.) The guitar riffs and synth chords on “Coocoo” strike right to heart as Romeo+Juliet harmonizes against the production.

Listening to this project sincerely brought back nostalgic memories of discovering Frank Ocean’s early music. We’re looking forward to what’s next.

Marinade - Bad With Phones

South East London native Bad With Phones continues to embark on his creative expressions with his project Marinadereleased last year October. The neo-gospel elements infused with alternative R&B and afrobeat essentials create the perfect soundtrack for undiscovered rapturous. The project feels like the transition from summer into fall. At times, the production feels bright and joyous, while maintaining the consistency of evolving layers.

“Monica,” ignite a slight interpolation of Drake’s “Headlines” off of Take Care; with the calming repetitiveness of “they know, they know, they know.”

“Symmtry” being one of the standout tracks is comforting during a psychedelic experience. There’s a consistent feel of things will be alright, despite the enteral dysfunction. The funk and light synth elements place listeners with a euphoric encounter.

There’s a slight influence from Outkast’s *Speakeerboxxx/ The Love Below* that is prevalent on *Marinade.* It’s the tonality of Andre 3000 and the gregarious of Big Boi that seeps through Bad With Phones on the tracks in an honorary way. The project feels like a beautiful expedition through various sounds as Bad With Phones finds their way back to the surface.

BPM - V. Cartier

Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer V. Cartier recently dropped his latest sonic offering BPM. It’s impossible to sit still and listen to this project. Cartier provides a refreshing approach to alternative pop and experimental R&B. “What You Want” demonstrates his funk influences and ability to incorporate deep house tempos. 

This project provides different synopsis of seeking courtship in efforts for experience, not forevermore. On songs like “ONS” and “Gonna Do” illustrates his confidence, while songs like “Call Me” and “Westside” reveal his unassertiveness. Throughout the project, Cartier finds a well-meshed balance between the two. There’s something truly special about the slowdown version of “Tempo.” 

Spoiled Milk! - Fifthpower

New York-based rapper and well-rounded creative Fifthpower dropped his latest project Spoiled Milk! This project takes listeners into an alternative universe filled with heavy 808’s and whimsical chord progressions that sets the perfect environment for Fifthpower to deliver his thoughts without any filter. On “Wsp 2.0,” Fifthpower is talking his shit effortlessly while being supported by punching 808’s that forces listeners to bounce along.

The project is fully produced by his long-time collaborator Kahlil Blu; these two are the perfect duo. The gritty drums and muffled looped sample on “IV.PC” embody 90’s underground rap and modern lo-fi. The back and forth lyrical exchange between Fifthpower and Kahlil Blu feels like those Hip Hop concerts at the neighborhood park our parents would brag about. In addition to making music, Fifthpower also creates some dope art!

Beautifully Black - LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON

Charlotte based rapper LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON released his latest offering Beautifully Black, executive produced by Navy Blue. Ogbon’s jam packed delivery over Blue’s mercurial loops feels like a poetic fairytale through a non pictorial lenses. His stanza’s vary between great story telling and rhetorical expressions. The production feels whimsical and dystopian.

The opening track “The Missing Link/The Sneaky Link,” Ogbon’s power raps through his pondered convictions, while gracefully transitioning into his appreciation towards the past and present.

LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON is establishing himself as a prominent figure in hip hop and confidently going against the grain to display his authenticity. 

Poster Girl - Talia Goddess

New York based multi-talented artist Talia Goddess recently released her debut project  Poster Girl. The 19-year-old self taught producer , singer , songwriter and creative community leader continues to break barriers and transcend her spectrum of creative mediums.

Goddess refuses to be confined by industry standards and her determination to do so exudes through her debut project.

Goddess has an honest but incongruous approach to her production and arrangements. On “4U,” Goddess is aware of what she brings to the table. In addition, the drums are so funky and sticky; the mesh between her vocals and the production resemble a saturated lava lamp. 

Through her lenses of free range, Goddess welcomes her audience into a deeper realm of her sonic contributions to the world. The titled track “Poster Girl” is a perfect example; You’re in a constant phase of transition. On “Never Wanna Fall“ Goddess finds a balance between reggae and modern R&B. The last track on the project resonates the most; her voice is soothing and nurturing in the sense of acceptance. Acknowledging that things have changed but still wishing that you could wander off into “Fantasy” like nothing happen is what we all dream for sometimes. 

Leading up to her debut project , she released a few singles , appeared in a Tommy Jeans campaign , remixed multiple tracks , hosted producing workshops through her company and managed to DJ multiple events around the city. Talia Goddess is paving out her own lane and the anticipation to see what she creates next is worth the attention. 

Bicoastal - Bathe

Brooklyn based R&B duo Bathe (composed of Devin Hobdy and Corey Smith-West) guides us through a peaceful transition from summer into fall with their latest project Bicoastal. This project embodies the feeling of hoodie weather music. Their approach towards ambient alt R&B is distinct and comforting. The duo is not afraid to blur genre lines while still keeping to their core.

Rounding off at 25-minutes, the duos maturity and growth is evident. They are beyond pouring their hearts out on the basketball court in feetal position. Both are yearning for something deeper than a summer fling and coming to terms with the depleting effects of settling. 

The title track “Bicoastal” is transcending. The soothing vocals supported by the heavy traditional rnb production; it’s clear that the emerging musicians appreciate the greats before them. This shit feel like Maxwell’s BLACKsummers’night infused with Frank Ocean Blonde. 

Their chemistry goes unmatched. Hobdy’s vocals supported by Smith-West loose but steady guitar arrangements delivers a divine path of tranquility. 

This project makes listeners take a step back and look at what’s around them. It’s easy to get caught up in the superficials of life and forget what’s important; life itself. Allowing gravitational pull to be the force beneath strong bass lines and astronomical layers to fill in those moments of silence.

LOOK CLOSELY - Hush Forte

Producer, songwriter and instrumentalist Hush Forte dropped his latest album LOOK CLOSELY. The tape is consistent in the most generous ways. Rounding at 40-min duration , filled with prodigious guitar riffs that revives alternative soundscapes and melodies. Forte’s production displays inspiration from the 1970’s Jazz infusion band Weather Report and glimpses of Stevie Wonders 1980’s classic Hotter Than July. 

What sticks out the most is his drum textures. His drums are smothered behind different chord variations but, the presence is still prevalent; not overbearing. 

The 11-track offering features Love Mansuy, Saint Lyor, Q, and more. The rugged chord progressions and falsettos on “YOU UNDERSTAND” featuring Q resembles The Parliament. This being their second track together since “summer girls;” when these two team up, stand out moments are guaranteed.

On “GREATEST FAULT,” Forte summaries the process of facing the truth. What happens in the dark will eventually come to light , or you eventually become the darkness. 

“The shadows never leave his feet“

Hush Forte is pushing creative boundaries. He finds comfort between contemporary and modern R&B . While at the same time he’s not your typical R&B artist, so expect the unexpected. 

Indie-Blues Artist Aidan Ochre Conducts Science Experiment on Love vs Lust

20-year-old New York State indie artist Aidan Ochre explores the derailing emotions of differentiating what’s love vs lust on his latest ep release Ochre. Ochre feels like a science experiment. On “Is This Love” Ochre questions his own intentions and feelings before reacting.

“Playing with emotions/ It all feels hopeless/ Unless you’ll be feeling it too.”

The plush production allows the spacing between his words to show curiosity and optimism. Disguised under heavy reverb, fuzzy production, and beautiful guitar solos, Ochre allows his unguarded feelings to conduct his research on “Let You Know.” While still acknowledging his adulation, Ochre decides to “Slow Down.”

“I don't want to rush now/ If we don’t have to.”

The atmospheric transition from “Let You Know” to the jazz-funk influenced track “Slow Down” feels like Ochre might’ve jumped the gun by putting his emotions out too early and is now seeking to ground himself. Usually, after some research, your hypothesis is slightly adjusted before the experiment. Occupying the fourth slot is “Keep it Moving,” which is a bit more upbeat compared to the rest of the project. On this track, Ochre is dancing through the pain.

“We keep it moving but it’s so easy to see/ I’m losing feelings and you keep on pushing me.”

Now that Ochre is finally experimenting with those emotions, he’s coming to the realization that maybe it wasn’t love. “Guess I should've saw it coming.” On “Ever Changes,” Ochre cuts right to the chase and comes to terms with his conclusion. Sometimes, the truth feels better than the bliss. But, you’ll never know unless you test it out. This project feels very blue. Honestly, closer to indigo. The bluesy and fuzzy production is comforting while filling space in the mind of Aidan Ochre. Ochre is encouraging listeners to just go for it because moments of uncertainty could provide growth and healing. 

This project feels very blue. Honestly, closer to indigo. The bluesy and fuzzy production is comforting while filling space in the mind of Aidan Ochre. Ochre is encouraging listeners to just go for it because moments of uncertainty could provide growth and healing.