Latest Posts

Bolt Seminar and DJ MATCH – “BRAVE”

October 15, 2024

Bolt Seminar vocalist Dell Wells teams up DJ MATCH for “BRAVE” – a track where Wells takes us around the world in 141 seconds. Starting in Te Waiponamu in Māori, Wells ventures down familiar roads like Route 66 and into the barren lands of Uzbekistan in an empowering track that reminds you that new travels and discoveries are always worth it. Wells delivery is high energy, charming, and without fear as he tries out flows and bellows out the hook with with his whole chest. Production from DJ Match is a throwback boombap beat, with some 90s vibe instrumental samples and tasteful turntables. Bolt Seminar is a Brooklyn-based, four-piece hip hop art project that includes scratching, visuals and graphic design in their list of roles. Follow Bolt Seminar on Spotify and take a look through some of the past artwork from members John Sarastro and Ephemerel.

Phat Kat – “Still Bubblin'(14KT & Tall Black Guy Remix)”

October 14, 2024

Soul sample specializers 14KT and Tall Black Guy reimagine Detroit rapper/hip hop historian Phat Kat’s 2023 track “Still Bubblin'” for a spacey boom bap remix. Over soulful, ethereal production that could fit in on the Space Jam soundtrack, Kat talks about mature men problems, like exchange rates and checking mail, and cutting out friends. Kat’s bars have the same sharpness that made him a difference maker in the 90s Detroit scene. 14KT & Tall Black Guy reframe Kat’s slick rhymes with especially soulful vocal chops and floating Steve Miller Band-esque keys. You may recognize Kat’s work from his collaborations with other midwest legends, most notably J.Dilla, Slum Village and Black Milk. Listen to this track and more boom bap from Phat Kat on Spotify – and check out soulful chops from 14KT and Tall Black Guy while you’re there.

money sign sheed

Money $ign $heed – “In Your City”

October 13, 2024

Rapping wasn’t Money Sign Sheed’s first profession. The Virginia rapper tells tales from the trap with a matter of fact delivery on his latest single, “In Your City.” Over a hazy, spacey, twinkly beat $heed reflects on his prior professions – reminding us that he does not need rap to make money. $heed’s shared the stage with Buffalo-bred tastemakers Griselda – and you’ll find common ground in their brutal honesty and authentic depictions of their life outside of the booth. Check out $heed’s Spotify page for more of his recent gangsta rap/boom bap releases.

Izzy Spears – “HEY THERE ft. Jack Powers”

October 11, 2024

Izzy Spears performs live from a BDSM Hell chamber in his latest single “HEY THERE.” The LA-by-way-of-Atlanta alternative artist brings a dark, frenetic, red-blooded energy to this highlight track from his latest EP BLOOD, SWEAT, AND DAMNATION. The genre bender chooses a post-punk guitar groove and a demonic delivery to whisper aggressive nothings in an intense growl – straight into your ear and your loins. It’ll have you feeling nervous and horny and curious what else he’s got in the chamber for the rest of this EP. Check it out on Spotify and for more audio damnation:

phat panda say what you want

Phat Panda, Quick cp, SamWyze & Nano2Hype`Say What U Want…”

October 8, 2024

Detroit producer Phat Panda transports you to a 1993 Queens corner and brings 3 talented emcees with distinct styles with him on his latest cypher-styled single “Say What You Want..” On top of Panda’s subtle horns and tasteful chops, Nano2Hype serves as the host for this track, introducing Quick.cp first. Quick’s deep molasses flow hammers the track’s theme, “Say what you want, pay what you owe” as he emphasizes the hustle and the importance of putting in the work – in the same spirit of hip hop legends who forged their own path through relentless grind. Phat Panda continues shouting out his hip hop forefathers, namedropping Tribe and the Beasties before SamWyze switches up the flow, stretching words and punchlines in the manner of a Rhymesayers emcee as he tests the listener’s critical thinking with some impressive wordplay. The trio brings distinct styles and personalities, serving the spirit of a[...]

Clifton Neal & Don.Hundred – “Can’t Lose”

October 4, 2024

A soul sample in the hands of a good beatmaker carries its spirit to a new audience in a new lens. In “Can’t Lose,” the latest single from collaborators Clifton Neal & Don.Hundred, D.C. beatmaker Clifton puts his faith in the simple beauty of the sample, and Don puts his pen to his faith. Clifton’s production is subdued out of the gate, letting that divine vocal sample bring emotion and gravity to the track. Don introduces Clifton’s horns as he confesses to past struggles, growth, and the role his faith has had in. Throughout the track, Clifton continues introducing other chops and sections, continuing to rework the essence of the sample. As Clifton explores the sample, Don explores something higher – and it’s the perfect confluence for a track that feels soulful from start to finish. Listen to all 5 tracks on the “Don off the Cliff” collaborative project from[...]

Irish hip hop group Game Set.

Game Set – “Party’s Over”

September 25, 2024

Two dudes just got into a fight and everything’s weird now – fun’s done, party’s over. Who’s at fault doesn’t even matter, it’s a tale as old as time. But in the hands of Irish newcomers, GAME SET, it’s a compelling hip hop tale equal parts Beastie Boys and Jamiroquai. “Party’s Over’s” baseline teases some Dexys Midnight Runners but quickly transitions into a bumping backbone while production evolves with funky disco guitar tones, DJ scratches and an aggressive lyrical duel over this dumb fight that killed the vibe. But alas – the party doesn’t stop, it just moves. “One monkey don’t stop the show.” GAME SET comes to us by way of Ireland, with their hip hop scene steadily growing a foothold in mainstream circles. Get in early by giving them a follow on Spotify, where you’ll hear a couple more singles that show off their multitude of influences in[...]

Short Moscato Lets Production Hands Shine on New Beat Tape

March 6, 2020

The grind doesn’t stop with Buffalo hip hop artist Short Moscato; The rapper, producer and frequent collaborator is back with a new project in Slow Drifting Home that focuses on his skills behind the boards and ear for dreamy sounds. A member of 14 Trapdoors, Moscato is a scene mainstay relentless with his releases. His latest drop in his prolific output is a 10-track instrumental project with a familiar ambient feel. Album opener “Reincarnation” is build around Kid Cudi’s moans from Kids See Ghost’s “Reborn,” accentuated with some head nodding bass drum. Moscato again flips a recognizable loop of Grimes’ iconic “Genesis” with a mesmerizing boom boom clap. Other highlights include the cinematic ambient soundscape of “redhead gurl” and the bright keys of aptly titled “weed beat.” Take a listen below and see another side of the scene leader.

Tonight: Telefon Tel Aviv

February 26, 2020

A powerhouse of the 2000s underground electronic movement makes its way into the Nickel City tonight for the first time. Telefon Tel Aviv helped drive the IDM and glitch scene for the first half of the aughts; experimenting with electronic music customs and influencing bedroom producers for years to come. Following the tragic death of Charles Cooper in 2009, Joshua Eustis abandoned the name while working on projects elsewhere, touring with likes of Nine Inch Nails and Puscifier.  Eustis recently returned to the Telefon Tel Aviv name while working on new material, bringing us 2019’s Dreams Are Not Enough. Hauschildt and Icky Reels join Eustis on the stage. The Rec Room show kicks off at 8pm – $25 cover.

Cee Gee Produces Western NY Hip Hop Collaboration Album

February 4, 2020

Buffalo hip hop producer Cee Gee (Columbus Green) connects with a who’s who of rhymesayers from 716 and beyond for his latest release, album Classical Gifted. The noted cratedigger dug deep into his bag for creative samples and molded it all into sonic undertones ranging from elegant to gritty depending on each track’s vision, creating a uniquely Western NY experience. Classical Gifted succeeds in being a traditional NY hip hop album, with menacing beats built for cyphers and freestyles. Packed with references to Western NY elements including Spectrum news, garbage plates, the Great Lakes and more, Cee Gee’s constructed a showcase of what hip hop can sound like in our region. His production rides the influence of sample-flipping legends like Madlib and Havoc of Mobb Deep, Gee’s beats are understated at times but steadfast in their deliberation. Cee Gee‘s production project is aided by ‘stories,’ the vocal contributions headlined by some of[...]

Tonight: 14 Trapdoors

January 23, 2020

It’s Hip Hop Night at Nietzsche’s  and Buffalo’s whose who of hip hop heads are taking the stage in droves. The new trap boom bap trio 14 Trapdoors, made up of scene mainstays WZA, Short Moscato and Bendyface, are set to perform among a loaded group of city friends contemporaries. Each member’s been making waves throughout the years through their solo projects and collaborative efforts, with biting lyrics and creative song construction remaining themes that crossed through their work. Others appearing from the crew include rapper Dripstarr, Nightmall, CHANGO4, Skate Cobain, Vaporwave, WAY2WAVYBABY, and video authority Be_Daylight. Doors open up at 8pm – $5 to get in said doors. Check out the video for “Pocket Protector” by 14 Trapdoors below. Guest appearance from Nick Cage post-National Treasure 3 announcement was a big get.

Tonight: Why Not

January 11, 2020

Thrash, garage rock, indie alternative, math rock – I’m not here to put Minnesota’s Why Not in any sort of box. The band rides into Sugar City tonight in the midst of loaded January tour 18 high octane shows in like 22 days.  Song to song, measure to measure, the trio are filled with unpredictable sonic surprises. Buffalo gets tonight’s edition of the band’s thrashing guitar riffs and breakneck percussion, highlighted in songs “Pink Hat” and “Ready for the World.” The off-beat Minnesota groovesters are joined on the card by catchy local garage rockers Adjacent Jason, along with must-see Phriendly Phoes and the dynamic Wolf of Waltzer. It’s $8 to get in the door at Sugar City tonight, and doors open at 6pm for all the ages you can think of. Check out Why Not’s latest video for “No Suggestions Here” below:

denzelworldpeace Releases New Single “Body Pillow”

December 20, 2019

Buffalo beat maker Denzel World Peace joins the lo-fi hip hop ranks with their latest release, “Body Pillow.” The mellow, soft snare-driven track is the centerpiece for Denzel’s latest release, Body Pillow EP. Denzel’s production transports you to the high seas, as seagulls caw and waves rush before settling into “chill beats you can study to” vibes. “Body Pillow” gets a siren-like vocal assist from Leeks, serenading in the upper register while  Denzel perfects the isolating full-body aesthetic down below. Slot this track right into your relaxing, lo-fi playlist. Give the track a listen here: Body Pillow EP by denzelworldpeace

Tonight: Mikaela Davis and Southern Star

December 12, 2019

Rochester-based songstress and premier harpist visits Babeville’s 9th Ward tonight for an evening of poppy, singer/songwriter star power. With her backing band Southern Star, Mikaela Davis‘ shine has risen over the past several years (prior to that was viral YouTube harp covers), in large part due to her 2018 debut album Delivery. Featuring Davis’ signature harp-playing integrated into dazzling and varied production, album highlights include the swelling head-nodder “Delivery” and the empowering harmonies of “In My Groove.” Davis’ lyrical themes are stream-of-conscience, lifted from a sharp-tongued diary. Most recently from her discog is”Take 54,” the opening track to 2019’s Tribute to Nillson, Vol. 2, a compilation of big names covering the work of early indie catalyst Harry Nillson. Davis has hinted on her social channels that 2020 may bring her follow-up album, so we’ll see if the mystifying harpist holds any surprises on the tracklist. The show kicks off at 8pm with doors at 7pm, $15 to get in that door. Get[...]

HC Kush – “Motivation”

December 11, 2019

HC Kush is a preacher of authenticity. The Buffalo rapper doesn’t mince words on his latest single “Motivation.” He’s a straight shooter, and the targets can hit anywhere from social media goons to prospective partners.. The trapper paints vivid pictures of the lifestyle and invites you onto the corner of Rodney and Filmore for the music video. Each lyric cuts, and the talented emcee HC Kush remains calm and cool with his delivery. Tune in below: