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Dr. Ooo – MAIL MAN

Dr. Ooo has been a purveyor of wordplay in the Buffalo hip hop scene for minute. Drew Hartman’s rap project has been going strong since before Soundcloud was an era. For over a decade, he’s been combining his Rhymesayer-flavored poetic delivery with some of the tastiest boom bap beats and samples this side of the Pharcyde. Our Album of the Week is Ooo’s latest full-length, MAIL MAN, where the delivery thankfully is packed with dope beats and heady lines instead of Spectrum bills.   Mail Man’s kicks off the rapping on “Stranger Things” – a lyrical tour-de-force packed with tight flows, metaphors, and double entendres. Production-wise, we’re in a transported back to that comfortable boom bap place with delicate trumpets that allow Ooo’s wordplay to be the star of the show. “Been a hot shot since we was playing hopscotch / I was sipping Big Gulp and shawty brought me Pop[...]

redesign larussell

Showrocka + Larussell + D Breezy – “Resign”

People say “Remember when” is the lowest form of conversation. Those people are no fun. Showrocka, LaRussell and D Breezy reminisce on the good ole days  on “Resign” – a cheery, celebratory hip hop single from the trio. “Resign” is feel good hip hop at its finest, with a ubiquitous and timeless flavor to it. Choppy vocal samples and arpeggios create a lane for Showrocka and LaRussell to talk about sipping good and counting money while fondly remembering about yesterday’s problems. Production has a feel that would be equally at home in the late 90s Gang Starr album or in the late 00s on a DatPiff Curren$y download – it’s easy on the ears and friendly to the headbob. The emcees represent both coasts well in their output – take a look at a Showrocka, LaRussell and D Breezy on Spotify.

Nicki Knightz – “Step With Me” ft. JoeJas

East London’s Nicki Knightz is in the crib with your lady on her effortlessly cool single, “Step With Me.” Shedding the pink balaclava, but flexing her signature husky delivery, Knightz kicks off this track with a swagger-filled opening verse that reiterates how well taken care of your girl is when she’s in the care of Knightz. Nicki rides a retro boom bap beat that perfectly accompanies the 90s alternative rap vibes given off with her style and aethsestic. The track features an assist from fellow Londoner JoeJas, who takes adds a bit of a sing-a-long element to the song’s hook. The Knighthood Society rapper has plenty more visuals and tracks in her back catalogue – take a deeper look on Spotify. 

Kbean + Dyedhairsuicide – “Sarah”

Enjoy a mash of genres and sounds on Kbean and Dyedhairsuicide’s cloud rap banger “Sarah.” This track subverts expectations – taking a post-punk, new wave Cure-style guitar jangle, adding in some Trapaholics-style DJ shoutouts, and turning it into an emo rap track that perfectly encapsulates the DIY recording sensibilities of the genre. Both New York City artists max out the autotune to discuss their relationship issues, drug use and more interpersonal trauma. But don’t get too caught up in the emotions – there’s a “Dyedhairsuicide just fucked my girl raw” mixtape call just around the corner to make you spit out your drink. Kbean and Dyedhairsuicide have the zeitgeist cloud/emo rap sound down on their Spotify pages. Take a look and discover more.

hip hop artist negative shawdy

Negative Shawdy – “2Up”

The spirit of 90s Miami Bass is alive and well on alternative hip hop artist Negative Shawdy’s latest single, “2Up.” With a backbone of drum-heavy production, Shawdy crafts an “I don’t give a fuck” anthem ready for your clubbing playlist. Her vocals bounce from rapping to singing to hyper-pop influenced yips – you’ll feel the substance-fueled wide eyes and sweat dripping down your chest with every hit of the snare. Shawdy inhabits the same lanes as this female led alternative hip-hop/pop movements spearheaded by artists like Pink Pantheress. Explore more of her sound on Spotify.

hip hop artist amp melo

Amp Melo – “Flight Path”

Elevate with Santa Cruz emcee Amp Melo on his latest jazzy grindset single “Flight Path.” The bluesy artist leverages a sharp pen pulling in mathematics, basketball and more references as he discusses the continued work it takes to find success in his day to day. This track is for fans artists like Blue & Exile and Logic – Melo boasts a silky smooth delivery on his rhymes and features jazzy, funky work from production duo Chubby Wallets. “Flight Path” comes of Amp’s latest project with Chubby Wallets, Off the Bench – a hip hop project heavy on the bball references for the hoop heads out there.  Check out the project in full and more in the Amp Melo catalog on Spotify. 

Teefa – “Confess”

Chicago emcee Teefa channels Lauryn Hill and the Fugees both in lyrics and production on her latest single “Confess.” Sampling some elements of the “Ready or Not,” beat, and most notably Lauryn Hill’s lyric “I must confess, my destiny’s manifest,” Teefa discusses the journey and pressures to be the best version of one’s self. Growth, motivation and drive are lyrical themes in a lot of Teefa’s projects as she works to bring excellence to her day-to-day. With a tight flow and sharp lyrics, Teefa delivers a smooth, inspiring single that will be at home on your conscious rap and alternative hip hop playlists. Take a deeper dive into Teefa’s previous releases ahead of her debut project, “The Making.”

Melo Griffith & seantommy – “READY YET”

Toronto-based artists Melo Griffith and seantommy join forces for a short and sweet track with elements of hip house and traditional rap on “READY YET.” Rapper/singer Melo carefully navigates a tight 1:33 runtime, taking advantage of every second to flex his quick flow, tight songwriting, and catchy interplay with the groovy beat. seantommy on production delivers a thumping, drum heavy, club ready beat that gets the head bobbing and feet moving. Melo’s mic E-N-E-R-G-Y and seantommy’s beat switchups ensure both artists get to shine equally on a really tight track that will fit in nicely with your higher energy party playlists. Both Melo Griffith and seantommy have a variety of sounds in their back catalog – take a look at their Spotify to learn more about these exciting artists up North.

Genra – “Insecure”

You know that feeling when you see a particularly tough picture of yourself? “Is that what I really look like – this is what people see?” That will put a hole in your soul. Bay Area rapper Genra digs into this how crippling this experience can be on his latest single “Insecure.” Genra runs through the checklist of things he’s done instead of rapping: got a new job, paid his taxes, trips to Costco, watching UFC – anything besides releasing music. The hiatus isn’t out of laziness. Genra admits his procrastinations come from self-doubt after he caught an unflattering glimpse of himself, tying the track title into the hook. It’s a highly relatable track from the alternative hip hop artist. In Genra’s hands, this idea is a catchy off-my-chest track featuring an evolving, sparkling, keyboard loop for a beat. You can find more from Genra on Spotify – check out[...]

Bolt Seminar and DJ MATCH – “BRAVE”

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.

money sign sheed

Money $ign $heed – “In Your City”

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.

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

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”

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[...]

FC the MC – “This Way”

Connecticut’s FC is a boom bap understudy with a sound in the wave of contemporary NYC rap. His single “This Way” is a pledge to imperfection, evident with the opening line “Most my life lessons I regret cause I’m quite reckless.” FC shakes off his youthful demeanor with a polished sound that captures your ears as you nod along with a head-bobbing beat.  “This Way” features a sharply rapped hook, and sounds extra crisp with the baritone voice of FC. His lyricism focuses on overcoming self-doubt and progressing, while still holding true to himself. Give it a listen below.

Sammus – “Song About Sex”

Ithaca’s Sammus hits a nerve with her single “Songs About Sex.” The fiery track speaks to sexual experiences (both good and bad) from a women’s perspective. The femcee talks about great sex with shitty people, poignantly expressed in the line “I can’t judge girl, I’ve been there I’ve done that, I’ve cum dumb hard so I run back.” She also details the all-too-real threat of assault, rounding the bases of a track ripe with emotion. The song’s beat flips an elevator music sample and brings it into the 2010s. I could explain this track front and back but Sammus’ words do it more justice on the chorus; “This is a song about sex in which I do not condemn women for the realities in which they are living. We should not be forgetting, we should be forward living, you should be for what we can’t afford to keep on forgetting.”[...]