Latest Posts

Elle Belle – “Figure 8”

June 11, 2025

Christopher Papas fronts Elle Belle and their latest single is “Figure 8,” the second track off of the single sharing the same name. The first, incidentally, was reviewed by the incomparable Nick Sessanna here. It’s a study in simplicity written on a train to Timbuktu (sarcasm), and a primer to “Figure 8” that, taken together, showcases Papas’ range as a musician. Funnily enough, I felt like the intro to “Figure 8” felt more like a train getting started as it spirits the protagonist away from the station (to or from Kyoto?!).   Speaking to the track (and partially dashing my theory of a train theme) Papas had this to say: “‘Figure 8’ is a sweet love song despite the brooding melody and dark chords. I don’t know if there is a place where we could love each other forever, but if there is, let’s go there.”   You can hear[...]

Hot Head – “Electric Chemistry”

June 11, 2025

NYC based Hot Head released their latest (but not first, that honor goes to “Intro“) track “Electric Chemistry.” Out June 6th, it contrasts mightily with the subdued “Intro” and serves the perfect pop-punk kick off to the summer you needed. More power chords than you can shake a sparkler at and showcasing the foursome’s range with solo and melodic lyric play.   Speaking to the track, the band said the track drew inspiration from ” …the static energy formed when you come into contact with another person of an opposite charge.” You can definitely feel that energy throughout and, I can assure, you won’t be disappointed unless you don’t like your punk upbeat and happy.   You can hear “Electric Chemistry” over on Soundcloud or the big green circle with stripes, Spotify. Be sure to listen to “Intro” first to get the full effect, trust me! Or don’t, down with[...]

Thought Provokah – “The Tale of Two Freemans”

June 10, 2025

NYC-area rapper Thought Provokah’s latest output is grounded in afro-futurism and a reconnection to ancestral roots. His new single, “The Tale of Two Freemans” discusses opposing views and experiences among black Americans. Provokah’s kept cultural and societal issues in his focus for much of his musical career, often calling upon influences from generations predating hip hop. Provokah comments on the Kanye Wests and Uncle Ruckus’s and Herschel Walkers of the world who’s values appear at odds with the culture they’ve been a part of. Beat-wise, “Freemans” is grounded with a strong boom bap backbone complimented by pounding piano. Listen to more from Thought Provokah on Spotify, where you can find the full project Elysena project that “Freemans” appears on. If you’re digging his sound check out other exciting new artists on our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist.

Mati – “truthful improv”

June 8, 2025

Minneapolis rapper/singer Mati shows off his melodic might on his latest single “truthful improv.” My favorite part of this track is how the beat drops after Mati begins – his vocals and the grooving guitar line are steadily symbiotic. Mati’s delivery gets breathier and more produced on the track’s chorus and adds another element to his performance. The Ethiopian-born artist has stayed busy in 2025 – “improv” marks his second single of the year and comes with a tight B-Side titled “plz dnt interrupt my swag.” Fans of JID who like creative vocals and heartfelt lyrics are gonna dig of this one. Check out the visuals for “truthful improv” on YouTube. If you’re into more from Mati, check out his profile on Spotify and listen to artists like him on our Underground Hip Hop playlist, updated every single mother trucking week.

nikmoody and Blvff – “glass ceilings”

June 7, 2025

Long Island hip hop artists nikmoody and Blvff are putting an underrepresented area of NY hip hop on the map. Their latest collaboration, “glass ceilings” grows out from the roots of a tasty soul sample. Blvff and nik muse on accountability, growth, and self-advocacy with lines like “If I can’t save me, then who can save me?” and “A caged bird can open a bird, but can it stay free?” The artists pair up for really nice harmonies on this track’s chorus, elevating a well-written, thoughtful track into a sonic itch scratcher. Between the production, vocal varieties, and lines and lines of depth, “glass ceilings” is a great addition to your hip hop playlists. If you’re digging “glass ceilings,” check out more from nikmoody and Blvff on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist, updated every single mother trucking week, baby.

yetep – Hate It When It’s You (feat. Trella)

June 6, 2025

yetep might “Hate It When It’s You” (and Trella too), but I don’t think they’re talking about you (sorry). That doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy this pupil-dilating EDM laced jam. I could try and tell you how perfect the vocals hit with the drum machine and effects yetep pushes out… But this is just a great mid-set song that really brings a crowd back in on a Saturday night, or, the type that’s a great jumping off point for the beginning of a set.   You can hear the (very helpful) lyric track below on YouTube. It’s also available on Spotify and probably a couple other places (there are like eighty different streaming apps now).          

Marina Fleming – “The Band”

June 6, 2025

Hot off her newest album Groupies in the Age of Consent, Marina Fleming brings us her latest single “The Band.” With “The Band,” Fleming has crafted a slow burn track that vacillates between pop and, dare I say, some folk influence? Listen. She tells a damn story and it’s sad, but it’s not quite country, ergo, folk. *mic drop* Oh and another thing! You can’t tell me lo-fi guitar and a tambourine aren’t at least folk-adjacent. Give it a whirl and let us know what you think!   You can hear “The Band” below from YouTube or check it out on Spotify. The rest of the album, Groupies in the Age of Consent, is available now, so be sure to catch the rest of that too.        

Gatto Black – “You Can’t Make Me Dance”

June 6, 2025

By now you probably know that Gatto Black doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to their highly emotive songwriting – project mastermind Sal Mastrocola confronts the realities of growing up queer AND Catholic on his latest single, “You Can’t Make Me Dance.” Insanely fast drumming, urgent chord progressions, and gritty vocals power this one forward with unmatched energy – perfect for skateboarding or just the simple act of feeling not-so-alone in your self-loathing. Aside from the skate punk, emo, and post-hardcore glory we’ve come to know and love from GB, “You Can’t Make Me Dance” takes aim at the formative traumas that pop up while you’re reconciling your burgeoning identity in an otherwise inhospitable environment. Mastrocola puts it better than we ever could below:   “When I was 14, my religion teacher told me I was going to hell for being bisexual… Years later it came out that he[...]

NickyCortez115 – “Nicky Not Real”

June 4, 2025

I thought I was listening to the soundtrack to a pre-1950s family-friendly movie until NickCortez115 snapped me back to reality. The one and only Texas heartbreaker transitions from the intro of his latest single “Nicky Not Real” with a declaration that establishes exactly who we’re dealing with – “Nicky Not Real but your girl think I am.” This track’s beat drops poignantly alongside Nicky’s words – highlighted by swirling orchestral samples calling back to that Hollywood intro. Dipset gets a callout on the chorus, and the smooth aura Nicky displays in his rhymes and flows keeps that callout pertinent. Nicky’s hook is an immediate earworm, the concept of the track is a ton of fun, and the beat knocks. Add this one to your pregame playlists and check out more from Nicky on Spotify and our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

NappyHigh + ScienZe + Blu – “MMHMM”

June 4, 2025

L.A. artist NappyHigh touches all parts of the rap game with his output. The Producer, DJ, Singer and Rapper’s partnered with Brooklyn emcee ScienZe for a new project, and their latest single “MMHMM” boasts a tight feature from underground hip hop legend Blu. “MMHMM’s” highlighted by ScienZe’s relentless delivery, a grimy Wu Tang-style beat from Nappy, and head-spinning wordplay from one of the best to ever do it. “It’s Blu.” This one’s distinctly for the hip hop heads looking for depth in their rap. The duo’s new project Praises also features tracks with Benny the Butcher and Mick Jenkins, among other talented artists. If you’re digging this, check out similar artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Girl Time – “crack in the screen”

June 3, 2025

“crack in the screen” is the latest track from brother/sister duo Girl Time… And just like any heart-wrencher, it’s about a break up. It keeps a chill drum machine beat interspersed with appropriately mournful low-fi guitar riffs. Like a lot of Girl Times tracks, they keep it simple but goddamn if it isn’t almost flawlessly done each time (see also, their track “Something.”)   You can hear it below from YouTube or over on Spotify. I suggest this as a great wind-down track or a contemplative walk. Though you don’t necessarily have to have gone through a break up, it certainly hits different if you have. With this being their second single of the year, lets hope we don’t have to wait too much longer for another!  

The Electorate – “Don’t Go Out”

June 3, 2025

“Don’t Go Out” are the sage words of The Electorate, especially if you’re anxious and/or anti-social. It’s also their latest single from their new album By Design (May 30).   Based out of Sydney, this trio has crafted a rhythmic, guitar-heavy piece that feels scattered and all over the place. However, like the reveal at the end of an M. Night Shyamalan film, you see how wonderfully it all fits together (Bruce Willis conspicuously absent). This leans into the band’s punkier side of indie pop and feels like a strong finish leading up to the last track on the album.   You can hear it below from Bandcamp or over on Spotify/Apple Music. The rest of the album is a fun listen too, as it really showcases the range of the band.   Don’t Go Out by The Electorate

Far Caspian – “An Outstretched Hand / Rain From Here To Kerry”

June 3, 2025

Far Caspian has become a buffaBLOG regular (see here, and here, and here, and here). By now, you know we appreciate the Irish musician for his expansive take on the genre of indie rock. “An Outstretched Hand / Rain From Here To Kerry” is his latest, and a wonderful addition to his oeuvre – a 5+ minute offering led by a spindly guitar riff that’s both chiming and gripping in nature. Inspired by both a long-night drive and the feeling of wanting to spend all your time consumed with a fresh, new love, “AOH/RFHTK” encapsulates those heartstring-pulling feelings with simmering energies and blood-churning crescendos.   Follow the forbidden YouTube embed (below) to see the video for “An Outstretched Hand / Rain From Here To Kerry,” or, swing by Spotify.  

Tonite – “Breathe”

June 1, 2025

Australian rapper Tonite headlines a growing scene of conscious hip hop performers down under. The rising artist’s latest track “Breathe” discusses the communal energies that guide the human experience. Whether it’s a Frank Sinatra song, the noise of the news, or beautiful silence, Tonite considers how we interact with these forces around us. They’ll live and breathe, but it’s our choice how to interact with them. “Breathe’s” production counters lush with whimsey, as strings from an early Disney movie prance on top of medley of horns, bells and featured artist Wild Gloriosa’s sultry coos. If you’re digging this track from Tonite, check him out on Spotify and discover more exciting new artists on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist, updated every week.

KID NATIVE and Loose Tee – “SMOKE NICE”

May 30, 2025

Smoke them if you’ve got them, my dudes ✌️. “SMOKE NICE,” the latest stoner anthem from rappers KID NATIVE and Loose Tee is sure to fit right in with your 420 friendly playlists and elevate your elevated state. Loose Tee is vivid in his smoked-out lyricism, evoking a sight many of us are familiar with on his first verse with the line “Windows down, smoke roll out of them.” KID NATIVE takes the stick on the second verse and leans into the floatiness of the production – matching his flow with the relaxed but deliberate beat. This after an early Curren$y track is the ideal soundtrack for your next light up. Be sure to follow the KID NATIVE YouTube page and follow him and Loose Tee on Spotify. If you’re into discovering more underground rap artists, check out our Spotify playlist, updated every week.