These aren’t the usual lo-fi ambient backing tracks we stumble upon, this album hits with sincere and unignorable impact, in everything from the production to the bars, the tone of voice, the passion, and – most importantly – the vulnerability and sharp, smart framing of the lyrics.
Conscious Rap
Dreamy lo-fi vibes and colourful progressions back up the boldly poetic, sharp bars and ideas of Tha Koala. The alternative hip hop roots of his sound ring loud throughout a multitude of original projects – not least of all the 2021 single-track debut album The Garden.
Old-school vocals that are faultlessly rhythmic, the end of each phrase echoed for that nostalgic depth and a sense of unity to further the song’s driving force – Empire City is timeless by nature, and boldly original in its conscious framing of ideas and the development of the story.
Hugely cinematic production sets a quickly intriguing vibe – Pastor Weed branches back to his Hip Hop roots, with the sharp bars and haunting, unforgettable hook of the mighty FORGOTTEN.
Something to listen to at volume, largely for its blissful fusion of intricate detail and soulful expression. An ambient, ethereal journey, blending spiritual warmth and trip hop across an evocative realm of lyrical guidance and meandering sounds. Isaac Garza’s music is a dream and a pleasure to stumble into, and Revolt marks a sublime introduction for those new to his work.
Impressively mysterious production meets boldly conscious rap bars and a smooth, whispered RnB hook. kasperisreal carves out a completely original lane, with the likes of his provocative and dreamy to intriguing single wake up/4:33am.
Retro animated artwork introduces the clean-cut raps and conscious bars of In The Nation, as well as a few contemporary flickers of expression and intonation. Things get mildly theatrical, the two vocal styles contrasting and engaging with equal parts entertainment and conceptual intelligence. The flow varies too, holding attention well, alongside this impressively full rise-and-fall production of heavy bass, bold synths, and trap rhythms.
As ever, art and music remain the pure and punk-rock reaction to injustice, and in many ways, this single and video captures a crucial moment and unignorable lesson from our history.
Poignant lyrics and piercing sound-design carefully intertwines delicacy and depth – St.Serpentis carves out a gritty and contemplative new lane, with the fascinating and consuming single Razorblade Laced Lullaby.
Introducing a compelling fusion of genres, an explosive collaboration between the unique spiritual consciousness of rapper Souleye, and the fiercely intense new metal weight of We Are PIGS – Ghost Town is a fast-paced and fascinating original track, that manages to feel both nostalgic and unrivalled in originality.
xidontlie and Luey unite in the darkness and realism of the bars, the sound design already injecting a series of traits unmistakable in the current industry, and the result is a fascinatingly poignant, fearless and authentic look at the concept of Survivors Guilt.
Smooth and classic production blends subtle Jazz and Old School Hip Hop, as California rapper and artist Phylosophy delivers the poetic and heartfelt reflections and defiant lyrical prowess of Good Vibes.