New Music

Jorge. – “Dumpling”

March 7, 2025

U.K. rapper Jorge. blends a soulful rapping delivery with delicate R+B instrumentals and affections for his latest track “Dumpling.” Spinning the narrative of a young kid trying to feel out a more experienced woman, “Dumpling” shows off Jorge’s innate storytelling abilities. Jorge’s vocals are sometimes strained, at other times powerfully backed by more punctuated voices. It’s a great fusion of traditional hip hop storytelling and an R+B/rap fusion – ripe for additions to your more chill, lovey playlists alongside acts like Anderson.Paak, Miguel and Jhené Aiko. Check out more from Jorge. on Spotify and tune into him and other exciting new artists on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Kylie Rothfield – “Temporary”

March 6, 2025

Imagine receiving accolades from Faith Hill AND Alicia Keys. Unless your name is Kylie Rothfield and you’re reading this (if so, hi!), then… Our guess is you probably haven’t. “Temporary” is her latest track and it’s a well crafted pop song about a relationship that doesn’t seem to have much staying power (ouch). How did I come to this conclusion? Exhibit A: “You can’t afford to take me out/get high so we can mess around/you’ll probably still let me down” (double ouch).   Rothfield’s vocals do most of the heavy lifting but are accompanied by clean guitars that sound so pleasant and dreamy. The juxtaposition with the subject matter adds a lot, but I hope no one ever sings about me like that. Though I suppose I wouldn’t mind if it sounded as good as this track.   You can hear  “Temporary” below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify. Send[...]

Rasha Jay – “SAY”

March 6, 2025

Cards on the table, when I get these songs sent to me I would say that the majority of the time I’ve never heard of the artist. My “liked” list has grown exponentially and it seems as though that has happened again with Rasha Jay‘s track “SAY.” She comes out swinging (vocally) and never really lets up with her impressive pipes. With more vocal-forward offerings, sometimes the instrumentals can go by the wayside, but that is positively not the case here; there’s a nice guitar (or synth, difficult to tell) that repeats throughout alongside a bass that has the *perfect* tone.   A self described “wild child” haling from small town Maryland, her musical style is all over the place – from this rockier/bluesy track to something a little more soulful, as well as R&B (but always LOUD). Indie rock fans looking to branch out a bit but still stay[...]

Avery Friedman – “Photo Booth”

March 6, 2025

“Photo Booth” is the latest from New York, NY musician Avery Friedman. It has a phuzzy beginning that comes back around for a couple passes, while keeping a playful, upbeat tone. There’s a smidgen of keys that combine with Friedman’s vocals for a wholly satisfying track start to finish. It has an almost bedroom-pop vibe that I can get on board with, as would anyone who enjoys Phoebe Bridgers or Adrianne Lenker’s catalogues. Speaking to the track, Avery Friedman had this to say:   “I wrote this song after a vibrant night out with my friends last winter – a night memorialized by many chaotic photo booth strips… This night out in particular felt like an encapsulation of spin-the-bottle-type ‘second adolescence’ that many queer people experience when coming into themselves after their adolescent years pass.”   You can hear it below from SoundCloud, as well as Spotify if that’s more[...]

ZENtheRapper – “Copernicus”

March 4, 2025

Mystical and ever-conscious ZENtheRapper keeps it true to his name on his latest single “Copernicus.” The track draws its name from the early astronomer that identified the sun as the center of the solar system, rather than the Earth. You may have known this – I needed a refresher. Anyhow – ZEN incorporates Copernicus’ learnings into his bars, discussing his place in the big picture. “Copernicus” features classic boom bap drums and a tasty piano lick – a solid foundation for ZEN to melt your brain on. ZEN’s flow might be in the shadow of his transcendental subject matter, but the frenetic pace and energy with which he delivers his Googleable lyrics should also be highlighted. Give the track a listen below, and check out ZEN on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Soot Sprite – All My Friends Are Depressed

March 4, 2025

Music can and has been used for a multitude of reasons since we started keeping track, and probably before that too (so I’m told); good, bad, ugly, funny, sad, noble, and a zillion other words to pad my word count. Calling attention to the mental health crisis falls into the “noble” category, which English band Soot Sprite does with their latest single “All My Friends Are Depressed.”   You can’t deny the buildup and fervor Elise Cook et al bring to the track, especially in the first minute. Guitars and bass feature heavily while Cook’s vocals bring some stability to the chaos. Indie shoegaze comes in many shapes and flavors, but fans of acts like Wolf Alice and Alvvays would find a lot to enjoy here.   You can hear “All My Friends Are Depressed” below from Soundcloud. I would also recommend the music video on YouTube if you’re into[...]

Softer – “Beachball”

March 1, 2025

Self-described “melancholic dreamo band from LA” Softer brings us several things: their latest single “Beachball” and questions I didn’t know I’d have to answer… What is “dreamo?” What is LA? Who am I? 1. It’s a dream pop/emo/shoegaze combo. 2. It’s Los Angeles or Louisiana (probably the former). 3. I don’t know.   Layers of guitar echo and sizzle with the upbeat tempo vocals, panting a dandy of a picture that could happen in either Los Angeles or Louisiana, as I’m pretty sure beachball happens in both places. I was initially confused because the 2025 single shares a name of a track off the band’s 2023 album Lo-Fi Bedroom Favorites. This sounds like a redux or reimaging? Similar but different. Check ’em both out and see which one you like more! After that, check out this previous writeup about a Softer song we dug from late last year.   You[...]

Karter AKA – “Waterclock Eyes”

March 1, 2025

I think we all have a huge chance to do something huge here. As per the blurb/intro on the Spotify page of Karter AKA:   “i am being held against my will in a secret chamber beneath the LA River and the only way to get me out is to listen to my songs thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands of times.”   “Waterclock Eyes” is the latest track released in furtherance of this goal.   With a background as a fish biologist, his two professions have some crossover. Title of the track? “Waterclock Eyes.” The upcoming album? PRETTY FOSSILS. Other track? “Friend of the River.” You get the idea. “Waterclock Eyes” is a scrumptiously-strummed folksy tinged track that worms its way into your ear and doesn’t go away. Kind of like a sandier Kurt Vile, I suppose? (I still have “Pretty Pimpin” stuck in my head from 2015).   Speaking[...]

TAL THE1 ft. Brother Ali, Freeway, Stalley & Dee-1 – “Criminal”

February 28, 2025

NYC rapper TAL THE1 recruits some of the finest rhymers of the century for his latest single, “Criminal.” “Criminal” breathes life into its title. Each artist spins stories of society’s ability to put labels on different races and demographics, and speaks to their own experiences. TAL’s vocals are heavenly, Ali’s poetic, Dee’s authentic, Freeway’s prophetic, and Stalley’s impassioned. It’s a great day to be a hip hop head hearing these dudes with their distinct styles and sounds come together with a vision in mind for the track. We’re at the part of the blog where I’d usually recommend similar artists, but you probably know them. Take a listen and check out their recent work to get caught up. Take a deep dive into TAL’s Spotify profile and while you’re there toss some Ali, Freeway, Stalley and Dee-1 into the queue.

Cadence Weapon + Dan Only – “Ungirthed” (Purity Ring Cover)

February 28, 2025

Electro-rap stalwart Cadence Weapon kicks off 2025 with another electrifying single, covering Purity Ring‘s “Ungirthed.” An internet fave since the mid 2000s, Cadence burst onto the scene with Breaking Kayfabe and has been making notable music since then – even turning out 2 LPs in 2024. “Ungirthed” showcases Cadence’s lyrical prowess and his ear for electronica, creating a single that feels equally at home with his early work of the late 2000s and in 2025. And probably in 2035. Joining Cadence on the track is noted Torontonian producer Dan Only. Only rebuilds “Ungirthed” with glitchiness and catchy blips, and will challenge your equilibrium with the panning in its bottom half. Fit this song into your rap and electronic playlists. Check out “Ungirthed” on Spotify and catch more from Cadence and Dan on their profiles.

Hate Mail – “when i’m home”

February 27, 2025

Describing themselves as “slutty music for sad girls” (move over Taylor Swift), Hate Mail brings us their latest track “when i’m home.” With such an introduction, whether or not you are a sad girl is irrelevant because when the music is this good – we’re all sad girls. Well-put-together guitar pairs nicely with lyricist Whitney War’s endearing vox. Nothing feels too out of place and the drums do a decent amount of heavy lifting as well. Speaking to the track, the band had this to say:   “when i’m home” is a representation of us; straightforward, honest, fucked up and relatable. it’s about escapism and relying on outside sources of dopamine/serotonin to feed our delusion rather than facing our issues head on.”   You can hear “when i’m home” below from YouTube. I heard what I thought was a little nod to Matchbox Twenty at the end of the track.[...]

Hidden Youth – “Vignette”

February 27, 2025

Leeds (that’s in England) based emo punk rock band Hidden Youth comes outta NOWHERE with this picture perfect track, “Vignette.” Vocals vacillate from in-your-face to reserved at the drop of a hat. Not necessarily in the mean way, but you can tell the vocalist means business. I got echoes of simpler times – think Taking Back Sunday (what with the responsorial vox) – filled with pop punk power chords that they refine in their own way to help create a fresh sound rooted in the early 2000’s.   The track clocks in at a healthy 3:49 and the entire thing is a journey that’s at times nostalgic, but quite obviously looking forward to what’s next.   You can hear “Vignette” below from Soundcloud as well as over on Spotify. Follow Be sure to pop a follow on your preferred music streaming as well as their (as of 2/26) recently minted[...]

Cerdarious – “Flooded”

February 24, 2025

Compton’s Cerdarious is a gifted rapper with a knack for storytelling. His latest effort, “Flooded” juxtaposes delicate acoustic guitars with the magnetic, pronounced vocal deliveries of the rapper. The track is a pledge of support to his loved ones, wishing them riches and success in every facet of their life – flooding them with it. Calling upon memories of his grandmother’s cooking, early days of writing raps, and returning home after success, Cerdarious breathes authenticity into each of his lines. Fans of Phonte and Blu will find comfort in Cerdarious’ penmanship – as will anyone who prioritizes old school lyricism. Listen to more from the SoCal emcee on Spotify, and check him and others out on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

HuntersCrxssing – “Arrival”

February 23, 2025

Emerging cloud rap artist HuntersCrxssing has to have dabbled in some dark arts to be able to conjure up a single like “Arrival.” The latest effort from the rapper, and his first on Spotify, features otherworldy glitches, disembodies voices and Transylvanian organs. In spite of its creepier elements, “Arrival” also boasts an instantly repeatable hook (“Money all day, money money all day”), approachable lyrics, and an accessible bounce to it that allows you to headbob while imagining you’re slinking into a secret dungeon. Fans of Lil Ugly Mane,  Antwon and $uicideboy$ will find comfort in HunterCrxssing’s gothic vibe. Follow HuntersCrxssing on Spotify to get updates on his subsequent releases, and check out him and other rising artists on our underground hip hop playlist. 

Kalan – “Vibe with Me”

February 22, 2025

Up and coming Toronto rapper KALAN’s got an ear for Tyler, the Creator-style production and an eye for vaporwave. Originally a touring hip hop dancer, Kalan transitioned into the rap game and the 19-year-old is crushing it through accessible tracks with big instrumentals and vocals that can fit any beat or energy. “Vibe with Me” has the fuzziness of a Tyler or Pharrell beat, and Kalan rides with bouncy, sing-song delivery that creates a playful energy to match the song’s title. Throw it on your high energy playlists alongside guys like Tyler, Pharrell, Logic and more versatile artists. KALAN’S got a popping YouTube channel – check it out and get a flavor for his aesthetics. You can catch “Vibe with Me” and more releases from the Canadian artist on Spotify. Check out Kalan and more up and coming artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.