Word Around the Sound is… Perry Porter is back in town to celebrate the release of his latest album, Chariot, a collaboration with producer BALOOGZ. Initially, they released the single “Ecstasy” as a live performance two years ago with the official music video coming out earlier this year. Although, in the spring of 2022, they released the music video for the track “Life of the Party” featuring Blake Anthony as the first single off the album.
Those two singles were just a snippet of what was to come from this album. If you watched Perry’s Tempo session at ALMA studios, which was released summer of 2022, then you also got to preview a little bit more of this stellar album before it dropped. Now, putting everything together, each song on Chariot outdoes itself, with Playboy Perry seducing each beat with his smooth rhymes.
As far as those beats go, give me ALL those instrumentals. There are so many layers to each song but it’s never chaotic. Sonically, it just feels dynamic and full; BALOOGZ really did the damn thing on this project and is easily in the running for my favorite producer of the year.
Perry Porter & BALOOGZ album, Chariot
There are so many highlights within this album; the back-to-back pairing of “Dreamflower” with Jarv Dee to the funky “Skating Rink” featuring Stas THEE Boss, as well as the seamless transition from “Munny (Badu Box)” to “Reflection Pool” featuring the lovely LIVt. The track that follows, “Pens & Pistols” literally stopped me in my tracks. “With a pistol or a pencil, keep that lead in reach.” Both Bruce Leroy and CDubb are featured on the track and both of them bring just as hard of a verse as Perry spits.
Songs like “Bridge” and “Red Bottom Blues” are the kind of songs I listen to with my eyes closed and let myself naturally groove however my body wants to. The transition from that into “Wow!” featuring KHRIS P and Bear Bro is just as surprising as that interjection is. An album should never lose steam towards the end, rather it should gracefully float off into the sunset. Perry Porter does exactly that with the title track “Chariot” carrying him off into the distance.
Bottom line is this is an obvious addition to any passionate music lover’s collection with plenty of tracks ready to be added to your summertime playlist. On Sunday, May 21, Perry Porter and BALOOGZ will be celebrating the release of Chariot with a party at Nectar Lounge.
Charles Zaid Waitin’ A Lifetime EP
Charles Zaid celebrated his birthday this year with the release of his EP, Waitin’ A Lifetime. Within the project, Charles captures the tranquility of the morning sun and the strength of the mid-afternoon breeze. Simultaneously, he captures the emotions of a sunset and I always end up crying by the time I listen to “BLOODLINE” at the end of the EP.
Charles effortlessly mixes passionate R&B vocals and catchy pop sensibilities with a sprinkle of bilingual flavor to round out his unique sound. Tackling the journey of coming out, Waitin’ A Lifetime seems like a cathartic release for the young artist as he commits to this next chapter in life in which he pursues his dreams while truly embracing himself and who he is to the fullest. I’m really excited to watch Charles Zaid grow in the years to come, but it’s obvious to me that he’s a star in the making.
Nobi “Slide On” featuring Shayhan
Within the first few shots of Nobi’s new music video, I was entranced. His partnership with videographer James Gerde has unlocked this next phase in his artistry which Nobi has dubbed the “Noir Ninja” era. In his latest video, “Slide On,” Nobi plays three distinct characters, changing his vocal tone, inflections and deliveries with each role. Longtime friend, collaborator and producer, Shayhan, lends his dreamy voice to the hook that helps this video “Slide On” to the second half. Nobi doesn’t waste a single bar on the entire track delivering some of his heaviest bars right at the end.
“You see the evolution, how they consciously and constantly con the constitution. They got bodies in the streets, bodies under nooses, and I don’t want to be another body living useless.”
Catch Nobi performing on the final night of the 2023 Seattle World Tour at Clock-Out Lounge in Beacon Hill.
Wynne “Jaw Morant” Music Video
I’ve been following Portland-based Wynne for a while now, and there was never a doubt in my mind that she would do big things. Since the start of the year, Wynne has shown that winning will never go out of style as her and business partner, Itay Lerner, announced the start of their record label/agency 101 with the release of her song “Catalyst II”. Following that up, she partnered with Genius to release the first single off of her next project, titled “Jaw Morant.”
Even before the music video, shot by Portland’s own Riley Brown, premiered on WorldStarHipHop, snippets of the video had been going viral on social media, racking up millions of views. Sex sells above all else, that’s just an unfortunate trend in business, and Wynne is leaning into that here. However, what’s unique about her approach is that, as much as you want to focus on what her body is doing, her lyrics, delivery styles and choice beat selection will completely distract you from that. This makes for the perfect cold cut combo that will leave you feeling extra satisfied.
Blake Anthony “Must Be God”
In the last Word Around the Sound article, I mentioned that Blake Anthony would be coming out with a new EP soon while discussing the first single, “Give It Up.” Although the project isn’t here quite yet, he did release the video for “Blue Rose,” then followed that up by releasing the title track with an accompanying music video as well. His brother, Ashley Quarterman, also shot this video with Blake directing and editing it. The music video for “Must Be God” is moreso a home movie with collected footage from Blake’s past performances and daily life. The smooth jazzy beats produced by Wffls always make the perfect backdrop for Blake to float on with his witty, lighthearted, yet deeply personal lyrics.
Blake Anthony will be performing on night four of the 2023 Seattle World Tour at Cafe Racer. Meanwhile, Wffls will be performing with the ensemble, Animal Face, at The Sunset Tavern on night one of the Seattle World Tour.
Laureli “Don’t Talk 2 Me”
Let’s talk about another star in the making on this list, dripping with confidence, Laureli has dropped her latest single, “Don’t Talk 2 Me.” In the hook she says, “So, don’t talk to me. You should know that I don’t leave the house for free.” Baby girl needs to be paid, okay, and I’m talking stacks, for real, because her brand of West Coast pop music is stupid catchy, hella empowering and undeniably cool.
KHRIS P “IM ON FIRE”
Thankfully KHRIS P is a fireman because he is quite literally on fire with his latest release. The track, “IM ON FIRE” is jarring right from the jump. Just like an unexpected house fire, his bars spread across the beat at a rapid pace. Stop, drop and roll on over to your preferred streaming platform to listen to KHRIS P’s latest track “IM ON FIRE.”
JuJu Twist Chaotic Serenity
A real one in the Seattle scene, JuJu Twist has always been holding it down for the community and the culture. His latest album, Chaotic Serenity showcases the best sides of his music alongside features from a lot of his longtime collaborators. He has an album release party coming up at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard with a whole bunch of his friends coming along for the celebration.
Upcoming Shows Around the Sound
Saturday, May 13: Join KEXP for Beyond the Beat featuring Kassa Overall, Talaya., and King ZAAE at the Music Heals Stage and the Northwest Rooms Courtyard. The event is all ages and will go from 2-7pm with DJs Mike Ramos and Vitamin D spinning throughout the day.
Wednesday, May 17: JuJu Twist Chaotic Serenity album release party at the Sunset Tavern with Webb Wavvy, D. Mikey, Edibles, Corbin Louis, sounds by QINTHECUT and art by Paul. Tickets are $12, doors will open up at 7:30pm and the show is 21+.
Friday, May 19: Begonia and Archie will be performing at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard. Doors will open at 8:30pm and tickets are $12 for those 21 and up.
Sunday, May 21: Perry Porter and BALOOGZ will celebrate the release of their album, Chariot, at Nectar Lounge. Jarv Dee will be joining them as a special guest for the musical and visual experience. Doors open at 8pm for those over the age of 21, and tickets start at $12.
