Baiyu - 'Hunter'

Primal. That is how I'd sum up this 3rd effort from Chinese born Soul singer Baiyu.

'Hunter' is a large departure from the wildly successful 'Fan Fair.' It's far more ambitious and incredibly bold. On this release, you really experience Baiyu pushing herself and the envelope from the album's open to its almost too brief close. Producer KQuick handles a large chunk of the album's production and he and Baiyu did a phenomenal job of keeping the main theme tied in across the whole project. Listeners truly get the feeling of being barefoot and sexy in the jungle.

'Fan Fair' was Baiyu's "testing the waters" release, 'Hunter' is the "I've arrived" release. The clear concept, stellar production and strong features all contribute to the brilliant flow of the album. I was all in from the opening 8 bars but "Make Believe" featuring American Idol season six contestant Paul Kim was my instant repeat track. While her duet with Boss star Rotimi is doing insane numbers around the web, "Make Believe" is the stronger offering in my book. There's a heft to it and striking melody/harmony component that is unmatched on the project. The rest of the album is a great blend of up and down tempo tracks.

The only gripe I had with the album was with some of the mixes. The sonic balance was off at times. A minor thing on an album good in a major way. Baiyu truly nailed the performances and writing for 'Hunter.' You already know this is Rox Fontaine approved or else you wouldn't be reading this.

Free stream and download link below and a brief recap of her album release party down bottom. Enjoy!

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Baiyu's album release party was held at Custo Barcelona in SOHO. The store was packed from wall to wall with tastemakers from all corners of the entertainment industry and I was fortunate enough to be on the scene taking in the sights and sounds. The event was hosted by Power 105.1 late night hostess Cherry Martinez and DJ Boof of The Wendy Williams Show. Sponsors included Vitamin Water, Ty Ku and Sprayground among a host of others. Check out these select photos from the night....

Baiyu making her entrance.

Par-City and Baiyu

Baiyu blows a kiss to ThisIs50's Jack Thriller.

DJ Boof and Baiyu give a B-Boy stance.

Spag-Lo (c.) and friends.

 Kelly Harper

Cherry Martinez and Baiyu

Glamo

J.F. Brooks - "Lord Knows" Beat Violation Music Video

BiGCiTYBiGCiTY front man JF Brooks is gearing up for a concert event featured here on RoxFontaine.com at Nightingale Lounge in NYC. To get fans fired up for the event, he releases this new "beat violation" and accompanying music video set to Drake's "Lord Knows" instrumental.

If I had to make this one of twitter's six word stories it would be: This $#!7 is off the chains!

Skilled, witty and aggressive. The winning formula for a true MC. JF Brooks is all of that and then some. Somewhere in Brooklyn, a rooftop was left burning after this. Listen below and definitely get into the show details if you're in the NYC area. Again, the flyer is posted on the right. ---->

Sneakerbox Chock - "Work" Audio

Screwface World Music representative Sneakerbox Chock dropped this off in my inbox earlier today. Special delivery for you Hip-Hop fiends!  I spoke to Sneakerbox Chock just last weekend and I didn't hear anything about his new track. Definitely a pleasant surprise.

"Work" is produced by E. Jones of legendary producer 9th Wonder's Soul Council production team. I love the instrumentation on this one and the drums knock real proper like. Chock walks us through his rise from incarceration to celebration. Presented in his trademark energetic and deliberate style, you sense the hunger in his verses like a Meek Mill or even Screwface World Music labelmate Bueller Da Don.

Another dope release from south Jersey. I approve. "Work" is tight work. Stream and free download down bottom.

YC the Cynic - "Rude Boy Jamaican" Audio

FINALLY! Some new music from one of my favorite indie artists. The Bronx spitter has been working on a new project titled 'Good Morning, Midnight.' This highly anticipated release follows up the crowd pleaser 'Fall FWD.'

YC the Cynic's signature syncopated flow over "loungy" beats is still as soupy as ever and who doesn't love comfort food? This guy is dope as all hell and his delivery and story telling on this are superb. "Rude Boy Jamaican" lets me know that the album will be a nice evolution from previous works without losing his core.

YC the Cynic will be performing tomorrow night, in Betsy Head Park, Brooklyn with Sean Price, Smoke DZA, Masta Ace, Smif N Wessun and others. If you're in the Brooklyn area between 6pm and 9pm definitely go check YC the Cynic out. Stream and download of "Rude Boy Jamaican" below. Enjoy!

Neak - "Can't Stop" (I Don't Quit) Audio

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.