Sneakerbox Chock - "Nah Never" Music Video

 

After a performance at the last BET Music Matters event and just before his upcoming performance at the SOHO Apple Store, Sneakerbox Chock keeps the momentum going with a new music video. Shot in Camden, NJ the video is for Traxx Trigga produced "Nah Never." This is the first track to drop since the debut of his new site www.WhoIsChock.com.

I had a chance to meet up with Chock a few weeks ago in Philly and he promised to bring out all the stops this summer. "Nah Never" is just the tip of the iceberg. If you're in the NYC area, definitely drop by for his performance at the Apple Store on June 22nd. Details on his website under Events. Sneakerbox Chock and his band Soundwayve are something serious!

In the meantime, get into this music video. Competition is on alert. Chock said he ain't losin'...

DA the Future - "So Clear" Music Video

DA the Future is one of my favorite indie artists working. I'm always hyped up when I get a notice that he dropped some new material. Clearly a rappers rapper, he keeps a great balance of street and book smarts apparent in his lyrics. He easily couples hard lyrics and aggressive delivery with the easy melodic piano line and strings.

The Long Island native hasn't dropped a track yet that didn't have me stopping to really take in the lyrics. "So Clear" is no exception. DA the Future is a serious writer and a prime example of expressing Hip-Hop as fine art. Everybody can't do what he does. Many artists talk about their connection to music but it's often just side talk. You can hear and feel it in the music that he SEES it first. These aren't just random strings of nonsense thrown together because they rhyme.

Check out the music video for "So Clear" and keep an eye and ear out for DA...

Bueller Da Don - "Gettin' Mine"

One of the things I most respect about Bueller Da Don's music is his work ethic. He's always trying to push his sound, try new things and make legitimate hit songs. That's the difference between pros and joes; understanding the work. I first heard this joint back in February but he put it on the back burner until it got a proper mix and master.

The track is here now and it sounds like radio. Buell switches up his delivery a little bit to compliment the "Trap" sound that producer Klint Beastwood hooked up yet still keeps his cadence. "Gettin' Mine" is par for the course as far as these types of songs go but the head nod is undeniable.

I think this joint is on the upcoming 'Cruise 2 Fame II' project but don't quote me on that. Check the stream and download below... It's DCG or nothing, babe!

F.Y.I. - "Clap Clap"

What do you get when you take an uptempo party song that lyrically warns of all the dangers involved in the party scene? You get F.Y.I.'s "Clap Clap." While this may sound counterproductive, it actually makes for intriguing work.

F.Y.I. is super nice with the pen. Really showcasing the poetry involved in writing raps, he puts together 3 verses that really play well over the driving "four to the floor" Afro-Cuban rhythm. He touches on street violence, sex and drugs and cleverly works them into a rapid fire delivery. It's so stylized that it's easy to miss the lyrics just listening to the flow. When you do tune in though, the content is strong.

This is a really creative and daring track. I mess wit' it heavy. Free stream and download below...

S.K. - "I Just Came to Ball"

Do you remember when Stephen Curry took relative unknown Davidson to the Midwest Regional Final against powerhouse, and subsequent tournament champions, Kansas? He single handedly busted millions of tournament pick 'em brackets, including mine.

Stephen Curry is still killing 'em quietly. I mean, it's no secret that he's one of the best guards playing in the NBA today but he still doesn't have the top billing that a LeBron James or Kobe Bryant or even Chris Paul has. None of the fanfare matters however. Steph Curry comes to ball. Every. Single. Night.

Like Steph Curry, (S.K.'s example, not mine.) S.K. just came to ball in the Rap game. The noise may be here or there for this artist or that one but S.K. is a silent assassin in his own right. Sent in late yesterday for his Thursday Takeover series, "I Just Came to Ball" is another savage attack from the Philly native MC.  


He has bars for days, the voice of a Spartan and an incredible ear for beats. This joint is certified Hip-Hop! Get some...

Brandon Rossi & Villa - "Friends & Foes"

These guys are sounding like the blueprint for cool. A truly original sound, creative lyricism and genuine camaraderie make for one of the most interesting independent duos in the game right now. Brandon Rossi and Villa are puttin' on for the ATL!

"Friends and Foes" is super fly. "Plair" as Villa would say. I've been covering these two for quite some time and this track really jumps out at me. Reason being, this is the first time I've heard Brandon's production devoid of his signature big pads full of reverb and/or super heavy 808 drums. This cut is perfectly quiet. Balanced and strong on groove.

As is par for the course, Villa talks super slick through the verse. I mean, only he could use crustaceans so effortlessly in a rhyme. Brandon Rossi gets his propers too. He swagged all over this with flow after flow. This is easily one of the best joints they've dropped ever.

I mess with this hardbody. Dig in y'all...

Exclusive: Aviant Redz - "Boudit Ambitions"

This track was difficult to listen to. Then I remembered that, often times, the most beautiful art expresses some of the ugliest truths. "Boudit Ambitions" is a dark tale of a girl who is sexually promiscuous for the sake of financial gain. While the approach is explicit, it's fitting and timely. While objectifying women is nothing new, it is further perpetuated in this age of reality TV. Many young women are objectifying themselves to meet the TVs standard of celebrity and sexy.

What made the track so difficult to digest was the fact that South Floridian artist Aviant Redz is just 16 years old. This is the cold reality that our young people live in today. So while the content is shocking, Aviant's awareness is impressive. He has strong ability and vision.

I first told you to look out for him back in February. Now I'm telling you that this young man is a true artist. I hope he has the right team around him to get him to the next level.

Check the stream below and remember where you heard it first...

Skyzoo - "Range Rover Rhythm" Music Video

Brooklyn wunderkind Skyzoo hit us with another music video from his 'A Dream Deferred' album yesterday via MTV. You can always expect stellar work from Skyzoo and this is no exception lyrically and sonically. Jahlil Beats (Holla at me!) handles the production and Sky gives his standard (but not standard) never ending cadence.

The video was all too literal for my tastes but the visual is clean and the song is dope. "Range Rover Rhythm" is as complex and intricate as the best of any Skyzoo song so you can easily ignore the visual and zone out to the sound.

Check it out for yourself and if you haven't heard 'A Dream Deferred' something is wrong with you.  

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Marck Jai - "Let's Get It"

Let me start off by saying this: Please explain to me why this artist doesn't have at least a single deal off of this song. Somebody. Anybody.

Apparently, the track is finally getting proper promo and I'll take it late over never in this case. Newcomer Marck Jai has a legitimate hit record on his hands with "Let's Get It." The song is a tribute to Michael Jackson and will truly shock you. In 99.9% of cases, you just don't touch Michael Jackson. Especially as a rapper. However, Marck Jai has done something truly special with this track.

The song marries a medley of Michael Jackson hits with the trap sound. I would never expect this to work but this track is flat out incredible! Marck and producer Jai Bake display amazing songwriting skills and creativity. This is a really big record that should be getting support from coast to coast.

Hit the play button and prepare to be amazed...

Exclusive: Bugatti Biggz - "Big Talk" Music Video

Harlem's best kept secret is stepping out from the shadows and looking to put a mark on the NY Hip-Hop scene. We first brought you the stellar release "Insanity." Now we have the music video for "Big Talk." 

Bugatti Biggz is something else. The sound, the aggressiveness, the beats... we haven't heard anything like this in a long time in NY. He sounds like New York and New York only! No crossover, trap, southern drawl or Cali swag here. Just the concrete and cold sound of Uptown.

This track knocks for real and Bugatti Biggz is a problem. Check the video out and keep your eyes and ears open for this guy.

Alpha Male Society - "A on the Fitted" feat. Thee Tom Hardy

A+ for this posse cut from Alpha Male Society featuring Thee Tom Hardy. This record really takes me back to my teenage years listening to late night radio freestyles."A on the Fitted" is quintessential Hip-Hop. Beats and rhymes. No excess.

The crew consists of 3 members; Diablo Archer, H2OKZ and Mallz. Each members verse is handled well but H2OKZ's staccato flow stood out most for me. Overall, "A on the Fitted" just feels right. The crew does North Carolina proud.

Stream and free download down bottom and look for 'Background Check 2' on May 20th.  

Loud Music Tour NYC - Photo Recap

Check out this brief photo recap of the NYC stop of the Loud Music Tour. Far and away one of the best independent artists showcases I've ever been to. The roster was jam packed with quality talent (signed and unsigned) and each artist brought their own brand of energy and music to the Santos Party House stage.

Big up to VIII for the invite. Make sure you look out for the Loud Music Tour in one of 4 cities; NYC, Philly, Atlanta and DC.

Click images to enlarge.

Bones HR brought his Philly flavor up north.

Daniel Van Gogh turned up with his band! 

Dom O. Briggs hanging out backstage. 

K-Prime coolin' out before his set. 

Smoove came through supporting Bones HR and repping Regular Living. 

Tiago Magro is the livest DJ of all time. 

Trippz Michaud gave us ratchet and romantic all in the same set. 

Anesha shut the entire room up when she started to sing "Broke." 

Tess showing us how Hip Rock n' B is done.

Zoo Beeze put together a high energy set with his band.

Hippie Sabotage - "Riding Solo" Instrumental Music Video

The west coast production duo (sometimes trio) known as Hippie Sabotage has consistently kept it fresh and original. Not only with their sound, but also with their promotion. Not content to just throw their work out there to sit in a pool of unknowns waiting for something to happen, they've taken a much more creative approach.

In addition to releasing now 4 instrumental albums, they have a signature visual element that accompanies their work. The latest showcase of their artistic vision is "Riding Solo" a very well done music video starring model Giza Lagarce. The production is top notch as usual. Heavy 808 drums and 303 snares drive the groove behind an eerie screwed Njomza sample. The joint knocks so crazy... it's ridiculous.

Hit that play button...

Exclusive: Fev - "Bad Man's World" Music Video

The industry doesn't want you to hear Fev. It's too dangerous. If ever y'all stop diddy boppin' and twerkin', you might actually have a thought. You might have a thought that turns into action. That action might be rebellion. The "powers that be" can't have that so they keep the content focused on telling you that you're a minority in every sense of the word.

Fev has made it his personal mission to give you thoughts. He has his own brand of propaganda delivered as beats and rhymes instead of cleverly designed posters and quotes. His latest propaganda is the music video for "Bad Man's World" which he co-directs with Porter Vision. The thought here is, "What is good in a bad man's world?"

The Eastside Harlem MC's aggressive and staccato flow is perfect for dishing out the raw lyricism he has mastered over the last 4 years. "Bad Man's World" is a fantastic concept that plays beautifully in rhyme and in video form. The High Enterprise representative Red Inf sets the tone in the opening scene and his brief commentary throughout does a great job of carrying the narrative forward.

I love what Fev is up to and I'm super excited for y'all to see this joint! So hop to it....

Moronika - "Make It Ash" Ep. 1 (The Coddett Project) Music Video

This is a departure from what you normally see here on the site, but change is good. If I decide to bring you something here you KNOW it's good.

Breaking on the webseries scene is newcomer Kerry Coddett with her sketch comedy collection that will tackle pranks, parodies and more. The show is appropriately called The Coddett Project. There are currently 2 episode 1s available on the site but, obviously, I'll be sticking to the music based joints.

The first up is Moronika and her "Make It Ash" music video. The fictional character, which may or may not be loosely based on a real life female rapper, has so much money to burn that she doesn't make it rain on heads... she makes it ASH! Even her dress is made out of money. Ballllllliiiiiin'!

Have fun with this joint! It's a great start to start your Wednesday. Look for new episodes every Tuesday!

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KasFlow - "Frozen Food Section" feat. M. Wise Music Video

Newcomer KasFlow first caught my attention with his music video for "Run 'Em Up" a few weeks ago. I don't remember where I saw it but I do remember it. I also remember "Mosquitos." Both joints show a clearly defined young artist with a style and delivery that is almost 20 years old but brand new again.

Kas' latest release "Frozen Food Section" continues the trend of  90s inspired, jazz sample laced, smooth flow tracks. While it all sounds laid back and easy, it's actually well thought out and intricate rhyming. KasFlow's ability is advanced and his ear is in another time and place. It's really dope to see an artist truly enjoying the music he's creating. Nothing is just for show. Every lyric is spit with conviction and the energy is transcendent.

"Frozen Food Section" is strong material. Check the video below and zone out...

Shane Eli - "Die Alone" Music Video

This will without a doubt be the best 4 minutes of your Monday. Meet Shane Eli. Cali based MC, producer, and songwriter among other things. While the other things are important to his backstory, for now, just sit with this new track and music video "Die Alone."

"Die Alone" is a truly standout work. The songwriting is fantastic, the groove is perfect, Jason Caesar is spot on on the hook and the video treatment and execution... flawless. Shane Eli is a shocker and I'm mad that I'm just learning about his music.

Embryo put together a gripping cinematic experience for the song that tells the story of a chance million dollar windfall, deception and murder. The track is pulled from the upcoming release 'Enough Love' which as of right now has no street date. (In the meantime check out previous releases here.)

You will LOVE this joint...

Klaviar - "HealingPain" Music Video

In the midst of all of the chaos that has ensued since the bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon, there have been deaths, tears, pain and so many unanswered questions. It is times like these when art and music can sort of make some sense of the madness and help heal some of the pain.

Songwriter and director Klaviar is the first to touch on the subject publicly with this beautiful music video for the aptly titled "HealingPain." Clearly crafted before the Boston tragedy, Klaviar tastefully carries the theme of healing over and leaves a strong visual imprinted on viewers' minds that has you rethink the entire lyric.

Though not entirely new to my radar, I was unaware that Klaviar is a songwriter. He first popped up as director for Madison's "As the World Turns" music video. Now, he's flexing both skills (at the same damn time) and doing so with skill. This is a really strong work on both fronts and I'm really impressed. Fans of The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, etc. will really find something to latch onto.

You already know...


Klaviar - HealingPain (Official Music Video) from King Klaviar on Vimeo.

KaliRaps - "Can I Live"

"Can I Live" is the first single from the mixtape "Who I Am" which hit the web just over a day ago. Obviously repping California, KaliRaps talks to his listeners about his personal truth as seen and experienced in his lifetime. He briefly touches on some socio-economic issues but primarily harps on his abilities being better than the rest.

KaliRaps is a talented MC. His style is easy to digest but I'm sitting here going through his catalog and it's clear that he has genuine range and lyrical skill. While "Who I Am" may be a bit dated in places it doesn't take much away from the project as a whole. This mixtape is pretty much a short history lesson on KaliRaps' career. Fans new and old alike should be looking forward to the upcoming debut album 'Mr. Misunderstood.'

Check the stream and free download below...

Tone M - "Insecurities"

I first met Tone M probably a year ago. As he is a bit of an introvert, we didn't talk much but he reached out to me later with a project of his called 'Konshu's Odyssey.' It was a respectable project but a bit too cryptic in it's presentation.

Some time later, we met again at a recording session in Brooklyn. After the session, Tone played the "Insecurities" instrumental on his laptop and spit the verses live for me. I was thoroughly impressed. It was a complete 180 from what I had heard from him before. He had stopped rapping at people and started rapping to them. I made a point to let him know to send me the track when it was ready.

Well, here it is! Tone M hit the nail on the head with "Insecurities" and demands that he be respected as a bona fide MC. The lo-fi Jazz sample is the perfect soundscape to his laid back flow and puts the listener in a dream space. This joint feels good in the bones.

Check the stream and download below and be on the lookout for Tone M in the future.