Word Around the Sound is… BlkSknn is begging the world to STOP SMOKING REGGIE. His latest EP emphasizes the importance of high-quality herb with five different phenotypes of songs that showcase the nuances of his artistry. Throughout the project you can hear elements taken from early on in his career but polished with a more mature tone showcasing how far he’s come.
For this EP, OldMilk brought his stank-face inducing beats to each track. BlkSknn is able to effortlessly ride across each instrumental, rolling over every bump and dodging the cracks to create a harmonious listening experience that still keeps your ears active and intrigued. Not only does he craft intelligent literary verses, but every song features a catchy chorus that allows the tracks to stand in its own spotlight, as well as creating a collectively, incredibly memorable project.
BlkSknn – STOP SMOKING REGGIE
Blake Anthony & Don Grey – “Fine”
Advocating for men’s mental health, Blake Anthony linked up with Don Grey for their latest single, “Fine.” Jana Marie joins them on the hook and Sam Parker laid down some sick guitar to round out the production by Aminé and Mehdi of JUNO. The beautiful track not only carries a hopeful tone that lifts the spirits but pairs it with striking visuals shot and edited by Blake himself with help from frequent partner in rhyme, Wffls.
Now, go listen to this song, then tell your homie you love them and always appreciate to hear how they truly are feeling because nobody should have to face their hardships alone. It’s 2024 and we’re breaking those shitty outdated societal standards that dictate what masculinity means. EXPRESSING YOUR FEELINGS IS COOL AND TOTALLY OKAY FOR ANYBODY TO DO.
Friday, July 5th: Blake Anthony has partnered with some of Seattle’s most celebrated hip-hop, R&B & spoken word artists are coming together at the Rabbit Box Theater in downtown Seattle to raise funds for Palestinians in Gaza who urgently need our help. Tickets start at a $20 donation prior to the show or $25 at the door. If you can’t attend, you can still donate for the cause. For more information check out the event page.
Jaywop – Emocean
On Jaywop’s most recent EP, Emocean, we see a softer side to his lyricism. Often focusing on love and relationships, Jaywop gives us an insightful look into his life and how his past experiences affect the way he moves through the world today. The more laid-back project feels cool and breezy like the wind off of the water. There’s a grittiness that feels like the sand between your toes but a flow that washes over everything and smooths it all out in the end.
Laureli – “Warm Me Up”
Laureli’s latest single “Warm Me Up” is a toasty little bop primed for the summertime. With sultry vocals and a bouncy melody, Laureli paints the picture of those situationships that burn hotter than the sun but fizzle out faster than the flavor on a stick of gum. Her growth as an artist and songwriter, in particular, is evident on this one and I’m stoked it’s finally out and I’m able to add it to my playlist.
OG Mambo – “Sativa Session”
When the sun comes out and summer starts to creep up on the Pacific Northwest, the smell of blooming flowers can be found throughout the city mixed with the sweet smell of cannabis as Seattleites try to catch a buzz in the sunshine. OG Mambo channeled that spirit with his latest project, Sativa Session.
The entire project is full of high-energy tracks that are perfect to set the mood while you’re getting ready, running errands, or on your way to the function. Mambo always infuses his joints with a little bit of Seattle flavor making plenty of references to the city that raised him. The circle is deep with features from the likes of Curren$y, D. Mikey, Ellis Prescott, Mafi D, and more talented artists who each bring their own strain of rhymes to the session.
Sam Lachow & Golden BSP – “Gypsy Rose”
At this point in 2024, it’s obvious that Sam is on his Lachowder flow with a variety of playful singles having been released so far this year. His latest song “Gypsy Rose” sees Sam Lachow saunter across the beat he produced with a second verse by Golden BSP who strolls along with a similar flow and equally witty rhymes. The music video directed by Shitshow plays into the comedic track with the two taking their amusing bars from the studio to the streets.
Keys Open Doors – “Brick”
Keys Open Doors is showcasing his production skills in his latest track “Brick.” Focusing on persevering through the struggles of life, the song carries a brighter, more lightweight tone that contrasts with the impactful nature of the lyrics. The poetic single was written, produced, mixed and mastered by Keys himself and uploaded solely to his Bandcamp for the time being.
Milc – “Steelhead”
Milc is serving up some “Steelhead” with his latest single. The beat on this one is so fresh you can hear it gasping for air as it flops over the verses. On top of that, his bars are so sharp and precise, it’s like you’re watching him filet the fish right in front of you. Then you have 1000gramkeloe who comes in at the end to season the track perfectly with a blend of spices that ties the entire song together.
Lewie – “Hundred Questions
Lewie has the biggest heart, and he seems to wear it, not necessarily on his sleeve, but tucked right underneath. His latest single, “Hundred Questions” explores all the things you might ask yourself or your partner when trying to make things work in an unhealthy relationship. You can watch his performance of the track as part of his Color Convos series of videos out now on YouTube.
OK Tiger – “Tightrope”
OK Tiger is a relatively new collective of talented artists who banded together to explore new sounds together. Their latest single, “Tightrope,” is a floaty, atmospheric record that, on the surface, soothes the soul and calms the mind. The power in the production builds throughout the song and can fill a room the way the drums and piano start to crash against the lyrics.
However, the best way to listen to “Tightrope,” in my opinion, is with headphones on while you lounge on the shoreline of really any body of water. It’s a moment for you to take a deep breath and feel yourself in your body, relishing in the present moment knowing that life is a delicate balance.
