Word Around the Sound is… AJ Suede and Wolftone are out here making music like the rent’s due, because, well, it is. From the depths of the tundra comes their latest collaboration, Permafrost Discoveries, a 10-track album that’s simultaneously cold as ice and hot like fire. Seemingly, the project is centered around exploration and innovation. By melting away the sounds of the past, they’re able to build upon their foundations while trekking across new territories.
Suede has developed a signature flow for himself, which is on full display throughout the project. However, the highlights are the moments when his effortless delivery plays off of the rhythms in the beat. The way he switches up his cadence on tracks like “Limited Edition” and “No Loss” perked my ears up like it was my first time listening to him.
Meanwhile, Wolftone’s production is shrouded in darkness that is offset by moments of bright melodies that glow like fresh snowfall in the middle of the night. He goes to unexpected places from one song to the next, blending classical, edgy, and innovative elements to create a sound that is uniquely his. The harmony between their artistry and their boundary pushing approach makes for one of my favorite AJ Suede releases as of late.
AJ Suede & Wolftone – Permafrost Discoveries
Blake Anthony – Planet Bazaar
Blake Anthony and Goldenbeets hit us with the boom, boom, boom with the release of their collaborative EP, Planet Bazaar. Like he was playing a game, Blake weaves his bars together in a meticulous manner to unlock the potential within Goldenbeets production. He hits all of the achievements completing his mission to the fullest with help from a few friends along the way.
In a post on Instagram, Goldenbeets spoke on the project saying it was “born from a shared love of space and science fiction and the need for escapism. We live on a bazaar planet where everything is for sale.” And with this project, they are selling you the concept of independent thought paired with an expansive imagination and some catchy rhythm and rhymes.
J’von & Grady – Red Suit EP
J’von and Grady go together like peanut butter and jelly. They approach music at the same frequency, so when they collaborate, the result is truly harmonious. For his latest fit check, J’von swapped color schemes– this time for the boisterous Red Suit EP. As he finds his way through Grady’s soulful production, J’von scatters densely layered bars full of nutritious and savory substance along his path, only to be sweetened in the end by his sugar-glazed tone of voice.
Nobi – “Paralyzed”
Nobi is gearing up to release his sophomore album IBAST, which is slated to drop on August 24, 2024. Recently, he released the first single and music video off of the project; titled “Paralyzed,” the song marks a pivotal moment in Nobi’s journey as an artist, solidifying his diverse range and immense talent through an audible departure from his normal sound. While he still incorporates his usual meticulously crafted bars, we see Nobi throw in some poetic melodies with a rock and roll edge.
Saturday, August 24: Nobi will be celebrating the release of his album IBAST with a show at the Clock-Out Lounge featuring The Force, LIVt, Lakan and The Good Foot band with AbJo. Doors are at 9pm for those over 21, and tickets start at $20.
Tammam – “Stuck in a Jam”
This new joint from Tammam, “Stuck in a Jam” came on and distracted me from what I was doing at the time. “Which one of y’all wanna fuck with me? I bet a million mother fuckers ain’t touchin me. I’m the man with a plan but I’m stuck in a jam. I bet a million on myself, you n* can’t understand.” His confidence radiates in his delivery as he gives us a complete 180 from his previous R&B focused release. The bigger picture of what and who he wants to be as an artist is starting to take shape, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what comes out next from Tammam.
Rick Reams – “Just Ice”
Poetic Justice is now in session with the release of Rick Reams’ latest single, “Just Ice.” With a sound that nods to hip-hop in the early 90s, Rick goes on about some of the same struggles that Black folks faced almost 30 years ago. “As we search for justice, it’s just us. Respect is just ice. The legal system is our chance and no dice.” On the surface the beat keeps things lighthearted, but once you dig into Rick’s bars, you really start to feel the weight of his rhymes.
Lewie – “Don’t Get Too Excited”
Please don’t get too excited, but Lewie recently dropped not just one, but two singles back-to-back. Both joints tap into his romantic side with “Netflix & Chill: Season 4” primed and ready for binge listening. Then, when you switch over to “Don’t Get Too Excited” you get catchy melodies that will have you running it back to the start of the track before you even finish the song.
D Crews – “Gold Watches”
Let me put you on to the man who always puts on for the Pacific Northwest music scene, my man D Crews made his musical debut with the release of his song “GOLD WATCHES.” The shimmering single captures the warmth of the sunset on a river blue sky through the minimalistic bass line that anchors the production. Meanwhile, his falsetto evokes the fleeting nature of the moment, with the song finishing just as quickly as it began. However, the savory harmonies layered throughout make every moment memorable, making it easy to replay the song again and again, day after day.
Porsche – “Centaur”
With a chill swing to the beat, Porsche draws you in like she was a siren and takes you on a wild ride throughout her latest single “Centaur.” She captures that mystical feeling of finding somebody that you vibe with effortlessly and the floaty, uneasy doubt that follows because things seem too good to be true. “Are you real or am I love drunk? Maybe. Unreal like a centaur, baby.” Porsche’s lyrics drape delicately over Winks’ airy production making for a sweet and sensual, romantic soundscape.
Milc – “World’s Strongest Man”
It takes a feat of strength to string together the rhymes that Milc is spitting in his latest single “World’s Strongest Man.” He linked up with Portland’s Sxlxmxn for the production that sets a soothing tone for Milc to come in and wreck shop with his lyrics. His one-liners pack a hefty punch and even made me shoot tea out my nose because I wasn’t prepared for the bars he put together on this one.
