The signature soul fueled sound of Chicago Rap is unmistakeable. It just has a certain "Ism" as GLC would put it. In the way of the major names in Rap from Chicago before him, Neak puts together his own take on pimpin' on wax.
With "A.M.N.R." Neak brings a little Trill to Chi City. The flow is laid back and he mixes up the cadence a ton to keep it interesting. I dig the production and visual on this one. No attachment to any project for this track so it's just a little joint to keep y'all going until 'Paura/Amore' releases.
Check out the video below and free stream and download afterwards.
You're a rapper. The show is over. You go backstage. Groupies await. It just got real.
That's the premise of the "Choose Wisely" from Chicago triple threat Slot-A featuring Sincerely Yours. The song is an "all-in-good-fun" lyrical romp over a bounding synth bass line that promises to have you chuckle a few times at the imagery associated with the story telling. "Choose Wisely" is loosely based on the super popular Old Spice commercials featuring Isaiah Mustafa.
Look out for two projects from Slot-A in the very near future. 'Have You Seen My Stapler' with Mike Schpitz on December 18th and his solo effort, 'The Transition' in January 2013. In the meantime, check out this free stream and download after the jiggidy jump.
'Out the Vault' is Rashid Hadee's collection of scrapped material from various projects spanning 4 years of work. I can assure you that there is nothing that says throwaway about this project though. The "all-in-one" record machine has a great collection of previously unheard work that plays from start to finish with ease.
After reading the press release, I expected to hear a bunch of dated material that wouldn't really strike any particular cord for anyone that isn't a die-hard Rashid Hadee fan. To the contrary, it's a timeless group of fantastic lyricism and soulful sample based production that carries the listener away on a cloud of emotion.
Rashid does a great job of doing the Windy City tradition proud and 'Out the Vault' stands up well, even as a "fan project." Definitely check out the stream and download below.
Chicago MC Toussaint Sam has a lot to prove by default. The legacy of Chicago's top rappers is rich so if you want to make a name for yourself in the Chi, and you're not Chief Keef, then you have to have legitimate skills on the microphone.
Toussaint Sam is showing that he has something different to offer with "Not Me." The psychedelic and/or psychotic trip through Sam's imagination is fun if not slightly disturbing. Nah, I'm kidding. It's just fun. Seriously. No death or destruction. Good plain ol' mic skill and creativity.
I'm looking forward to hearing more from this artist. Get into the stream below.
There's something to be said about the way Chi town rappers hold on to the classic soul sound of Hip-Hop. Break beats and cleverly reworked samples run through all sorts of filters is a winning formula for what we've come to love about the sound of Chicago. Following in the footsteps of Common, Rhymefest, Kanye and Lupe, Neak is carving his own lane on the independent scene.
This previously unreleased track was recorded during the "Love Greater // The Prequel" sessions. The story is of Neak's drive and resilience as an upcoming MC. Nothing new there but the production is clean and Neak delivers a great performance as usual. Check the stream and download below.
Be inspired. Inspiration is everywhere. We just have to be aware and available to receive it.
Today, my inspiration comes from Neak's "Big Dreamer" music video. Everything about this is fantastic! The music, message and visual are warm and encouraging. Director Domi V absolutely killed it with the video effects and Neak delivers a fine performance as is standard for him. "Big Dreamer" is just a very polished product.
Neak's new album 'Love Greater: The Prequel' drops today via Earmilk, DJ Booth and Prefix Mag. That's pretty damn epic.
Chicago work on deck for y'all from a new name for me. KidKing has a b-a-n-g-e-r with this C-Sick produced track. The first thing that stood out to me about this artist is something that a LOT of upcoming rappers don't understand: Conviction. KidKing's energy is infectious and his hunger is apparent. That's what it's about.
I found this total package to be exceptional. I was bouncing in my seat and damn near made myself dizzy nodding my head so hard. I can't wait to hear this track in the car. I'm gonna shake something loose for sure.
The internet was flooded a few weeks ago with news that Chicago's Mikkey Halsted had teamed up with legendary producers Traxster and No I.D. for his forthcoming 'The Force' album. You can expect that project to be sick as far as production goes, but will Mikkey Halsted be the breakout artist the two producers expect him to be? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, we have the first full leak from the album called "Money Making Mikkey." This one was handled by Traxster and it KNOCKS something stupid! As expected, Mikkey laid bars on this joint like Pawngo did to Wes Welker. 900 lbs. heavy.
I'm definitely looking forward to the full project. Of course, stay tuned to RoxFontaine.com as more develops. Check the audio below...
Ok, I admit it. I'm entirely smitten with Tia London. Talent, drive and ambition; dopeness on a stick. Just released is the 3rd video single from her critically acclaimed "Love Junkie" EP titled "All That I Dreamed Of." This is Tia's love song to herself and her journey to/through stardom. Ups, downs, achievements, disappointments, pluses and minuses - Tia is all in.
The video is in black and white but this is quite the vivid dream. Super fly all around. Dig in....
Let me switch gears on you for a second here. I'm not sure how to talk about this track without ruining the surprise, so I'm going to keep this as brief and nondescript as possible. "Feet" is not standard Hip-Hop fare. That doesn't really mean anything though. There's a ton of music out there that is labeled Hip-Hop and is not standard and still sucks emphatically. This song does not suck though. Not even close. It's decidedly dope actually. Well, you knew that anyway since I'm telling you about it.
Mathien is a band from Chicago, Neak is an MC from Chicago and this is their second collaborative effort. Mathien front man, Chris Mathien, serves up a hook and verse to juxtapose the traditional rap styling of Neak and it works extremely well. Neak is due to release a solo project in the near future via DJBooth, Earmilk and Prefix Mag. "Feet" will not be featured on the album, titled 'Love Greater // The Prequel.'
The subject of the song is the difference between talkin' about it and bein' about it. We (those of us who would rather be about it) all know that we often have to tune out the never ending yap fests from those who are always saying, "I'm doing this that and the 3rd." yet have nothing little to show for it other than another yap fest about what it is. I rock with this theme in theory and in practice.
Check the audio for yourself and get familiar with the work. I dig it 360. Free stream and download below. Of course, stay tuned to RoxFontaine.com for more great independent music. Trust that I'll let my feet do the talking!
What a pleasant surprise Malynda Hale is! When I opened the e-mail that contained Malynda's info, I had no idea what a treat I was in for. This So-Cal born singer has a mighty bright future ahead of her. After the first track I heard I thought, "She's dope. Different." After the second song I was talking to her manager. Sooo.... expect to see an interview with Ms. Hale late March.
For instant gratification's sake, check out "Borrowed Time" from her upcoming full-length release 'The Train Ride Home.' On this mid-tempo Pop tune the singer tells a story of a girl who's feeling like she's only a second best replacement for an ex-girlfriend. It's fantastic songwriting by Lena Leon and Shawn Lopes and a great vocal performance from Malynda.
Check the stream below and definitely keep this artist in your mental Rolodex. We'll get into the detail of who she is in March. Stay tuned....
Correction: "Borrowed Time" is a demo song and will NOT be featured on the album.
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