New Music

Vienna I – “These Habits”

January 28, 2026

UK rapper, singer and songwriter Vienna I doesn’t know a sound she can’t handle. Her latest track, “These Habits” floats from more conventional rap into the signature U.K. drill, with elements of some house with its groove. Vienna’s charisma pulses through the vocals of the track, with the grit of her personality perfectly contrasting the gleam of this sharply-produced track. Lyrically, “These Habits” Vienna puts herself on a pedestal, and she’s short for time with anyone who isn’t interested in her success. Give it a listen and toss it into your drill/workout/late night playlists. If you’re feeling Vienna, check her out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our 2026 Underground Rappers playlist a spin and find your next favorite artist.

Porch Coffin – “Family Portrait”

January 22, 2026

“Family Portrait” is Orlando based Porch Coffin‘s newest single off of their Dogs Bite EP. Far from being a happy go lucky track, it’s a slice of indie rock pie with a post punk crust, topped with some hints of Midwest emo sensibilities.   The band (a four piece, from what I gathered from their IG) paints a dreary picture but does it exceedingly well. This is mostly a guitar-forward affair with a small amount of reverb that gives an otherworldly effect, (like, “alien in your own skin what is going on around here” and not literally a different world).   You can hear “Family Portrait” below from Bandcamp, as well as Spotify. The rest of the EP is well worth a listen and a late 2025 album that may have gotten lost around that weird gap between Thanksgiving and New Years that feels like it just ended.   DOGS[...]

Synthetic Friend – “Renovations”

January 22, 2026

Natives of Winnipeg, Synthetic Friend is here in the new year with a new track off of a new EP. “Renovations” is the second track off of Catching the Outlines, and it’s one of our favorites this year!   Five piece bands can fall into weird overproduced messes with everyone doing something okay but not well. Here though, everyone brings something to the table and nothing ever sounds unnecessary. The build up to the guitar solo in the middle of the song is done perfectly and I have no notes. Emma Stevens gives us quiet and loud with the vocals, never missing a beat.   You can hear “Renovations” below on Soundcloud as well as Apple Music and Spotify. You should listen to the rest of the EP but if you only listen to one other track, I can’t recommend “Baby, You’re My Microwave” enough. It’s whimsical and hilarious and[...]

Wild Spelks – “305”

January 22, 2026

The word “pop” gets a bad rap sometimes and I hope you, dear reader, do not fall into this camp because you’re missing out on some fabulous music. That, or, one sneaks in a “pop-punk” or “dream pop” sublabel. Pop do be pop and it be poppin’. Japandroids, Saves The Day, Jimmy Eat World? The list goes on and, coincidentally, all happen to be in the same vibe-space as Wild Spelks (hopefully you didn’t forget about them, I’m getting there).   “305” is the latest from Wild Spelks, cleverly using the song title to reference what the band calls the “perfect pop-song runtime” (and we can’t disagree with them). The track itself is a masterclass of the genre, with all instruments getting their moment. Mainly driven by the guitar, the drums hold their own throughout. It’s the right type of upbeat that’s not blah or toxically positive.   You can[...]

Broke Royals – “The Weather”

January 20, 2026

Broke Royals hail from Washington, DC and have toured the US heavily for many a year. They’re still pumping out quality tunes – case in point, new single “The Weather.” Taking an obviously ’80s influenced approach, “The Weather” plays with pretty synth tones and chorus-laden guitars, evoking the era of excess without ever truly embodying it. In fact, the subtleness of this song was a conscientious choice – opting for confidence with a tinge of unease underneath.   “The Weather” is available now – check it out below via YouTube or on Spotify.    

Matt Hylom – “Roller Skates”

January 18, 2026

Charlotte hip hop artist Matt Hylom embraces smooth grooves on his latest track, “Roller Skates.” Hylom has a refined, silky delivery that serves his lyricism perfectly on this track. Roller skating serves as a lyrical motif for him, referencing not only the skates themselves, but the carefree, loose act. He calls for the audience (and himself) to bring elements of it to their lifestyle. The track’s groove is as smooth as a clean lap around the town’s rink. Neo-soul radiates from the production, with a carefree opulence generated by the rich piano lines heard throughout the track. Listen to more smoothness from Matt on Spotify, and while you’re there check out our 2026 Rap playlist.

Ailbhe Reddy – “That Girl”

January 17, 2026

Ailbhe Reddy is ready to KISS BIG. That’s the name of her new album, anchored by her stunning new single, “That Girl.” Ailbhe’s style is lush and ethereal, anchored by a virtuosic drumbeat, but layered thick with electric pianos, gauzy synth pads, and of course Ailbhe’s lilting vocals. It’s accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Greg Purcell that perfectly compliments the airy goodness found within. Here’s a bit more from Ailbhe about what exactly inspired “That Girl:”   “This is one of the record’s emotional anchors. A study in how love shifts shape over time – how we start seeing each other less tenderly, and forget what we once adored.”   “That Girl” is available via YouTube (below), or, on Spotify.    

Lateral – “Phenomenal Realization”

January 17, 2026

Lateral wants you to know they are scrongly… And if you’re a regular reader of our blog, you already know scrongly is kind of our thing. “Phenomenal Realization” is one of those songs that pays homage to the Midwest emo of old (think ’90s or ’00s) while still sounding fresh and fun. Expect lots of guitar energy and emotive vocals to power this banger forth. Here’s a bit more about the deeper meaning behind the song from the band themselves:   “Phenomenal Realization’s lyrics are written about the feeling of leaving a pot boiling on the back burner and the water spilling over, which was a metaphor for my life at the time. I felt like I had all these irons in the fire and i walked away and forgot about them and the water was spilling all over my life.”   Check out “Phenomenal Realization” on YouTube (below) or[...]

Meccathemanhimself – “Wild West”

January 16, 2026

Yeehaw! Veteran rapper Meccathemanhimself pairs his penchant for descriptive rhyming with his idolatry for a good ole Country Western theme with his latest track, “Wild West.” “Wild West” features a whimsical looping beat, perfectly countering Mecca’s unbidden and gruff delivery. Mecca’s talking all things horses, looting, and outlaws in a highly entertaining track that pairs rhymes like “Magnificent Seven” and Smith and Wesson. The Will Smith banger also gets referenced too, in case you were worried. If you’re into “Wild West,” be sure to check out Mecca on Spotify. While you’re there, you should check out our Underground Rap 2026 playlist, featuring Mecca and more from talented artists throughout the scene.

Vocab Slick – “Get Home”

January 16, 2026

Northern California rapper Vocab Slick knows the risks that come from a hustler’s mindset. His latest track, “Get Home” discusses the back against the wall mentality that allowed him to “find stability in instability” as he did whatever needed to be done to find shelter at the end of each day. “Get Home’s” beat feels gothic, with a sense of impending doom in its darkness — but not enough to make Slick uncomfortable in its shadows. Graveyards vocal samples are paired with legendary rap snippets to build a memorable hook. Slick’s verses are a streetside report of his cyphers, cases, and devious dealings, adding more authentic air to that track. If you’re feeling “Get Home,” check out more from Vocab Slick on Spotify. You’ll also catch him on our New and Emerging Rap playlist, updated every week.

Lex Leosis – “innerthoughts”

January 9, 2026

Sometimes the banality of everyday life kicks off your sense of existential threats. What macro factors lead me to my everyday day-to-day? Toronto artist Lex Leosis explores this state of mind in her latest track, “innerthoughts.” Leosis’s emotional delivery is matched with somber piano and drained trumpet, as she ties lines like “I don’t like what I used to,” and “can’t decide if my life is mine” to late stage capitalism, business-influenced dopamine rushes, and a terrifying new normal that we’re just forced to power through. “ICE kidnaps people in broad day, and we still have to clock in on Monday?”Leosis reminds you that other peoplr are seeing and dealing with this shit too. Wgether it can be a call to action or just a collective journal entry is yet to be determined. “innerthoughts” kicks off Leosis’s 2025 EP love adjacent.  Give it a listen below:

Jezuz Martinez – “December to Remember”

January 9, 2026

Florida rap duo Jezuz Martinez (Jezuz Borgia and Mike Martinez) form a perfect union with their partnership. Jezuz’s lyrics flow into deep dark crevasses of conspiracy and abstractness, whereas Martinez’s rock steady flows ground the duo’s output. “December to Remember” is an emblematic representation of their output. Its dusty production would would find a home among the East Coast crate diggers of the 90s, and both emcees show off flows that would make midwestern Rhymesayers proud. Martinez took the lead on production here, and his strummy sample find feels just a little bit downhome, a nice nod to their Florida roots. Each rapper’s flow is super distinct, with Borgia’s capacious ideas parred down by Martinez’s pragmatic flows. Take a listen below and see which side of the yin and yang you vibe with more.

O.G. Soul + Honey-B-Sweet – “Can’t Tell Me None!”

January 8, 2026

Hip hop producer O.G. Soul has a talent for building beats that blend seamlessly in with his collaborators. His latest chameleon effort, “Can’t Tell Me None!” is a percussion and piano-forward beat to pair with featured lyricist Honey-B-Sweet. Soul’s banging keys and crispy symbols match the coldness of Sweet’s streetwise lyrics. She offers a bit of venom to counter her saccharine moniker, discussing her narcotics involvement with an appropriate snarl. “Can’t Tell Me None!’s” production is rounded out with an eerie female vocal sample, adding a bit more texture to a surgical instrumental. Give it a listen on Spotify and check out both Soul and Sweet’s output while you’re there.

DV8 – “Ice Cream Float”

December 26, 2025

Jacksonville-based rapper DV8 brings a veteran mindset to his hip hop output. His latest track, “Ice Cream Float” are the wise words of an artist who sees a woman who he adores and admires with her “brains, beauty, and character.” In his reflections, DV8 also acknowledges his faults and how they can drive her away. His sage musings find the balance between his love for her and the steps he takes to keep her close. “Ice Cream Float” is anchored by soulful love song sample, elevating the temperature of the track. “RIP Randy Savage, Fuck Hulk Hogan” is a great little line for us wrestling heads over at BuffaBLOG HQ, too. Give the track a listen below, check out DV8 on Spotify, and give this track a spin on our Best of Hip Hop 2025 playlist.

Modyst + Saï T – “Gaslight”

December 26, 2025

Oakland emcee Modyst links up with crunchy hip hop producer Saï T to discuss a cycle of abuse with their latest track “Gaslight.” Saï T’s beat is a light and airy loop that gets grounded with crispy drums and Modyst’s stark vocal delivery. He tells a tale of a gaslighting partner who’s fiery contradictions eventually spread to him. When you look closely at the smoke, you see both sides are fanning the flames now. “You made a choice to be so wicked…it’s a gaslighting competition.” “Gaslight” kicks off Modyst’s 2025 EP Isolation. If you’re into storytelling in your hip hop, give this project a listen. Check out more from Modyst and T on Spotify. You’ll also find this track on our Best of 2025 rap playlist – save it before we refresh it for the new year.