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Xavier Isme – Next
Did you hear about it? A previously featured artist by the name of Xavier Isme has returned, with the creative new track Next. The song has been unveiled as the first of new collaborations between Xavier Isme and the producer The Produce Isle. While music like his reflective song Monotone caught my ear, these lyrics showcase confidence and growth, delivering a fetching hook and verses you would think were composed by any of our favorite veteran MCs. This fresh approach inspired and rekindled my appreciation for the younger artists who are intent to make their own space in the evolving Hip Hop realm. It is apparent to myself that Xavier…
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Fresh Produce – We Are Fresh Produce
Fresh Produce are an exciting new hip-hop duo who awed me through their debut We Are Fresh Produce. They say they came together around Christmas 2014, deciding to collaborate officially after a few ciphers. Listening to the full-length debut which resulted, it is evident that whatever occurred was destined. Their wonderful collaboration expresses perspectives which are commonly shared between many of those in black communities especially, but not only, and women. The song More Like You, for example, tells the story of a girl who grew up wishing she had features like her best friend, who was fairer skinned and the supposed preferred hour-glass body type. Some of my other…
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The Underachievers – Chasing Faith x Rain Dance x Allusions Visual
In preparation for their new album, Evermore: The Art of Duality, The Underachievers released a desert/Vegas themed visual. The cinematic trip of a music video features three songs from the album, including Chasing Faith, Rain Dance, and Allusions. It might remind of a certain Johnny Depp film, Fear And Loathing. Issa Gold regularly reiterates that his intention with music is to speak to those who break the mold and might feel like outsiders and/or depressed and unite the generation. He’s stated, via twitter, that he only raps because it’s the greatest platform to spread his message. Chasing Faith, in particular, grabs attention with those themes and happens to be my…
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OSHUN – Asase Yaa (+Download)
Half-way through this project, I noted that the aura of Asase Yaa reminds of the ever relevant The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. While sonically, Oshun is within their own fresh realm, I feel that this project speaks directly to the present youth culture in a way that the aforementioned did, at its time of creation. It also reflects the ongoing change of consciousness and awareness of culture (specifically bblack) in America. Oshun delves beautifully deeper into the complexities of Afro culture, religion, and African identity in America. This thoughtful project also explores emotions from the feminine perspective, as well as promoting self-discovery, healing, unity, and growth of spirit. Of course,…
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Lion Babe – Jungle Lady Visual
After two teasing years, the first official Lion Babe EP has arrived, and it delivers a refreshing helping of new school funk music. The only disappointing thing about this project is that it leaves you wanting more. I think this very special duo picked a fitting time of the year to officially introduce themselves to the world, with all of the other amazing music that is being released lately, from D’Angelo’s Black Messiah to J.Cole’s recent release. The self-titled project includes the future classic (I feel), Treat Me Like Fire, as well as other favorites I have featured previously, Jump Hi featuring Childish Gambino and Intro. With the five track…
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Duos
Sonnymoon, Lion Babe, Etta Bond & Raf Riley, and inc. dropped some interesting visuals to accompany their songs last year. There are a few singer/producer combinations popping up out there, but I’m looking forward to hearing new things from these four this year. I’m especially anticipating an official release from Lion Babe, as they’ve only revealed a single junglesque groove thus far. I’ve been a fan of Sonnymoon since I first came upon Golden Age years ago and listened to it every morning while on transit. I’ve decided since then that almost anything by Sonnymoon is the the best music to listen to while traveling, whether on a train, or…
