Latest Posts

Freddy Printz – “Father Figures Freestyle”

March 25, 2025

Ottawa emcee Freddy Printz crosses off all the checkboxes of a tight freestyle on his newest track “Father Figures Freestyle.” Let’s get into it: First off, Freddy wastes no time. 1:48 minutes of no filler, no chorus needed, just bars. Secondly the bars are tight too. Freddy floats through one liners while effortlessly teasing his skills with the pen – “I was just one of them ones. Couldn’t be bothered – Freddy just followed the funds.” And like all good freestyles, the beat is one we wanna hear again. “Father Figures Freestyle” prominently features a sax effort that might fit in just as well on a deep house track. If you’ve got a playlist for freestyles and rap tracks with short runtimes, toss this in the mix. Check out Freddy on our Underground Hip Hop playlist and listen to more from him on Spotify and Soundcloud.

ProleteR & Napoleon Da Legend – “First Love”

March 23, 2025

French beatmaker ProleteR joins forces with buzzy DC emcee Napoleon Da Legend to write a love letter to hip hop on their newest track “First Love.” Napoleon snatches the mic and transports us here – both with his golden era-influenced rapping delivery and his vivid lyrics. “First Love” sounds like a journal entry to an adolescent crush but evolves into capturing the emotions and opportunities Da Legend associates with hip hop, which “turned this introvert into a virtuoso.” ProleteR cooks up a classic 90s boom bap beat with some soul samples chopped in, teasing his specialty electro-swing production style. Napoleon also has French roots – rapping in English on “First Love” but known for his bilingual lyrics on other tracks. “First Love” appears on ProleteR’s newest project Temperamental Cats – an LP that puts his full production chops on display, and one that released just last week. Listen to more[...]

Drew Drake – “Holy”

March 22, 2025

Multi-hyphenate artist Drew Drake uses a chipmunk soul sample to hit a higher power with some hard question on his latest track “Holy.” The actor, poet and hip hop artist’s new effort questions the intersection of his faith and life’s hardships. An Alvin-pitched chorus beckons for something “Holy” throughout the production, as Drew references calls, letters and prayers to God that have gone unanswered. The “lost solider” ponders where their relationship currently is, what it ever was, and calls himself a “seed that didn’t grow.” Drew also takes on hook duties with a vulnerable singing delivery, layered carefully with more voices trying to unwrap their relationship with holiness. Check out more from Drew on YouTube and check out more exciting new artists on our Spotify playlist. 

Goat Farm – “Down the Spine”

March 21, 2025

We recently stumbled upon Rochester-based quartet Goat Farm in our inbox and couldn’t believe they hadn’t been on our radar until now. The “alternative metal” act sure makes a ton of noise with their guitar-forward, shoegaze-adjacent sound. They are hot off releasing their debut, three-song offering, Nature Takes Its Course – but our first introduction to this unit was actually the b-side to said EP, “Down the Spine.”   After a trippy, phaser-laden intro, bassist/vocalist Mimi Snyder launches in with a vocal presence that ranges from lilting, to pained, to ferocious (see the screaming around the 4:30 mark). Guitarists Sage Alice and Molly Mink conjure a maelstrom of guitar noise, often layered thick with swirling effects or heady fuzz – while drummer Stephen Coleman keeps the song pounding with hammering intensities. Shoegazers will love the quiet/loud dynamics found throughout this six+ minute journey, while metalheads and/or punks will appreciate the[...]

Moon Age – “Time is Running Out”

March 20, 2025

Clear some space and pump this one up because it’s groovy baby. “Time is Running Out” is the chillest vibe I’ve felt in awhile because, I’ll tell you what: I do know a chill vibe when I hear it. UK based duo Moon Age are clearly products of the 80’s or really really really love working that [metaphorical] thang. Bass licks marinating in pools of synth with the softest, slickest vocals you could ever hope to find could have easily found their way to the GTA: Vice City soundtrack.   You can hear “Time is Running Out” below from Soundcloud, or over on Spotify. Their first single “Lie to Me” is equally groovetacular and well worth the listen on the aforementioned music sites. I’m not saying you should throw these on your sexytimes playlist, but you’d be a fool if you did not.   Moon Age · Moon Age –[...]

Rico 56 – You Run The World

March 20, 2025

“You Run The World” is the newest from EDM artist Rico 56. Other than having an objectively cool sounding name, Rico 56 does a fabulous job with the buildup and atmosphere in this heady melodic house track. On top of this, Rico does the musical equivalent of “keeping the water at steady simmer” through the entirety of this electronic maelstrom. He does this while ALSO having turntables and all of the buttons and dials and faders – this borderline upsets me, as I have no idea how [good] DJs make it look and sound so easy (crank that bass up tho).   You can hear “You Run the World” below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify. There’s plenty more where this came from too – you can listen to the past four years of songs in either place as well. I guarantee a lot of this will tickle your fancy,[...]

Jefferson Pitcher – Cartpushers

March 20, 2025

Recovering Bay Area punk Jefferson Pitcher clearly knows how to rock the fuck out and probably has forgotten more stuff about guitar than I’ll ever know about anything. “Cartpushers” is his latest single in an impressive catalogue that has something for everyone; come here for the aforementioned moody goth adjacent “Cartpushers” but also for the 15 minute avant-garde “A Man Speaking, Small Broken Things Underfoot.”   “Cartpushers” is a guitar track through and through that holds an astounding amount of depth and cacophony, with a dark undertone. It never felt spiraling, but clearly, JP is someone who has looked into the void and saw themselves looking back. Pitcher’s vocals are steady and appropriately haunted sounding, just the type of track to listen to at the tail end of the cold months.   You can hear “Cartpushers” on YouTube (embedded below), from Apple Music, or over on Spotify. Keep your eye[...]

Baker Island – What Did Your Last Savant Die Of?

March 20, 2025

British fivesome Baker Island, based out of Newcastle, brings us this twee-filled single that begs the question, “What Did Your Last Savant Die Of?” While I don’t think this is ever answered, it does certainly roll of the tongue nicely, depending on which word you put the emphasis on; “What Did YOUR Last Savant Die Of?” “What DID Your Last Savant Die Of?” (etc.).   I’m absolutely here for the synth throughout the track and guitars that never ramble, but certainly come close to meandering. Everything blends together in what could have easily been a cacophony of noise but instead turns into a beautiful euphony that makes things feel just a bit sweeter.   You can hear the track below from the band’s Soundcloud or over on Spotify if you’re fancy like that. I started watching Six Feet Under the other day and this track proved to be a nice palate[...]

$later 281 – “RUNNIN UP”

March 17, 2025

Worldwide trapper $later 281 shows off tight street rhymes and an eye for aesthetic on his latest track “RUNNIN UP.” The single’s eerie piano sets the stage for $later’s gangster talk, reminding the listeners that he’s a part-time rapper who’s got “bosses in my corners, I put boxes on the porches.” It’s not all flexing though – $later shows off the other side of the trapping too, reflexively transitioning from complimenting his partner’s cooking to admitting to serving up his auntie. Trapping’s in his blood, but some of $later’s lines suggest there’s more of a story to explore there. “RUNNIN UP’s” video turns a junkyard into something a bit more artsy and sinister – check it out below. Listen to more from $later 281 on Spotify – and check out some more authentic new rappers on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist.

IMNOTARAPPER. – “Cash Flow”

March 14, 2025

The Bronx’s IMNOTARAPPER. has masterfully built her image, but on her latest single “Cash Flow” she takes us behind the scenes into the work she’s put in. Behind IMNOTARAPPER.’s gruff and confident delivery, there’s vulnerability. This track peels back the curtains, revealing a subtext to her rhymes. When she references her vices: “I might hit the plug when I get depressed When she talks about her grills: “That’s just a facade, I’m going through hell and back,” When her grind gets lost: “I work hard, I just make shit look fun.” “Cash Flow” is a title you might see on a thousand rappers’ projects, but in the hands of IMNOTARAPPER it’s an honest look into one rapper’s pursuit of greatness in the craft while balancing real world thoughts and feelings.  The beat has a bit of a Dr. Dre feel to it too, and it bangs. Listen to more from[...]

Silver Proof – Polarity / Sixth Sense

March 14, 2025

Newly-minted trio Silver Proof released a split single today – Polarity / Sixth Sense encapsulates the group’s penchant for big sugary melodies and emo-punk energies. Guitarist/singer Bryan Williams; bassist Evan Tol; and frequent buffaBLOG protagonist, drummer Rafi Bloomberg specialize in honest and heartfelt songwriting, sure to catch the ears of fans of The Story So Far, Teenage Wrist, or Knuckle Puck.   “Polarity” takes aim at the inevitability of chronic illness. The band’s frustration is evident – pairing thick and angry guitar layers with Williams’ throat-shredding screams and rock-solid root notes from Tol. “Sixth Sense” is more of an introspective jam, highlighting Bloomberg’s nimble drumming with an impeccable snare roll-heavy beat. The chorus on “Sixth Sense” is one of the best moments on this split EP – bringing to mind Boxcar Racer-era Tom Delonge (but maybe if Mark Hoppus was still involved)… The band still finds a way to explode with energy[...]

Housewife – “Matilda”

March 13, 2025

Brighid Fry (she/they) is the brains behind Canadian based indie pop (and buffaBLOG frequent – see here and here) act Housewife. “Matilda” is the latest track fresh off the Girl Of The Hour EP and it’s well worth a listen. Falling somewhere into the bedroom pop or alt-pop genre, you’ll have a good time here if you enjoy acts like Clairo or Men I Trust.   The song itself has an interesting backstory worth getting emotionally invested in – see below:   “Matilda was inspired by my bike getting stolen a couple years ago. I was an avid cyclist for years and really loved that bike (and had nicknamed it Matilda). I remember a while after it got stolen, I was out on a day that was perfect biking weather and just getting hit with how much I miss cycling. Obviously, the song isn’t just about a bike, but also[...]

Django Duyns – “Leather Skin”

March 13, 2025

“Leather Skin” is the latest track from Amsterdam artist Django Duyns. I’ll be completely honest, I didn’t know that this sound had a name of “pop noir,” but evidently “pop noir” is a sound I didn’t even know had a name *shrug emoji*. If you listened and thought this sounded vaguely reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys; you aren’t alone. Delightfully subdued guitars underpin the entirety of track along with Duyns’ sultry vocals. The rest of the three track single is also well worth you time, as you’ll certainly feel an evolution of the pop noir sound, and not just another rehash.   You can hear “Leather Skin” below from YouTube or over on Spotify. I didn’t see this on Soundcloud or Bandcamp, but could be found over on Deezer. Keep your ears out for Django Duyns’ debut album, as that is coming down the pipeline and will be available soon.  

Stimulus – “swiTCH”

March 12, 2025

Brooklyn-born, Berlin-based Stimulus blends house and hip hop on his buzzy new single “swiTCH.” The DJ/rapper’s been making waves throughout the city, first discovered by Mark Ronson and then featured on Sway in the Morning. Combining “Brookyln raps and Berlin beats,” “swiTCH” juxtaposes Stim’s laid back, spoken word delivery with an enchanting house beat and some fuzzy indie synths. You can throw this on your house mix as well as study beats – Stim’s got range. Lyrically, he challenges the technocrats; questioning the influence of algorithms and social media on our opinions and encouraging living in the physical world. “swiTCH” even features a delightful horn section down the home stretch – elevating an already-catchy track into something more dynamic. Listen to more from Stimulus on Spotify and check out more exciting new artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Sorce Manifesto – “strange waters”

March 10, 2025

Take a dive into the obscura underworld of Sorce Manifesto on his latest track “strange waters.” The up and coming rapper stays heavy on the lyricism, interplaying with the beat and “jumping off the meter” as he works between the song title, his origins, and more with line after line of headiness. Beat-wise, we’ve got an Adult Swim/DOOM/Madlib-influenced piece; heavy on a sampled guitar line with cartoonish voices popping in and out seemingly at their own devices. “strange waters” get a feature from TaeeFye, who juxtaposes the track’s buttery beat with gruffer vocals. Together, the rappers cover the bases of a tight underground hip hop track: Crate digger production, heady wordplay, and authentic grittiness. Go for a dip. Check out Sorce Manifesto on Spotify and more exciting hip hop artists on our Underground playlist.