Word Around the Sound is…I’ve been a longtime follower of Chima The Stubborn– from Nu Era to Remember Face to today, his artistry continues to be enticing to my ears. I feel that as the years have gone by, he’s dived deeper into his experimental self and has developed a really dynamic sound that is entirely unique to his artistry. Finally, we get to experience his individual sound through his new solo project titled heaven examiners and high-tech space scanners.
As the title suggests, the project is full of digitized galactic soundscapes that can be disorienting in a dark discotheque kind of way. All you have to do is ride the wave of the beat and allow Chima to guide you through as you dance your way to the light at the end of the album. Poetic flows and intelligent lyrics will float along with you throughout sparking deep thoughts if you can focus your attention on his voice without getting lost in the ambiance of his psychedelic sci-fi fantasy world. This is a truly remarkable album from start to finish and a testament to the time and energy that Chima has poured into developing his artistry over the years.
Chima the Stubborn – heaven examiners and high-tech space scanners
J’von – Blue Suit EP
With creativity in excess, J’von is known for crafting a whole entire other world through his art. His latest release, the Blue Suit EP shows us another area of his universe. Utilizing his signature sound, J’von explores different flows, melodies, and approaches to song structure while tapping his real life for lyrical inspiration.
Of course, J’von included another edition to his “Beanie” series of songs, this time with “Black Beanie” which is one of my favorites on the project alongside “Home” and the closing track “plastic wild // freedom.” Overall, though, every song on the Blue Suit EP is banging in its own right with no skips in sight. The quick project plays through like a cool breeze and leaves you feeling as if you just completed the latest chapter in the J’von storyline.
Nobi & Topp – “TWO FOUR FREESTYLE”
Neither Nobi nor Topp need ice around their necks to know that they’re cold. We’ve seen these two collaborate with each other many times and their latest release, “TWO FOUR FREESTYLE,” is one of their best yet. I would say that they’re dope, but they already know that. So, I’m just going to say, y’all should really run this track back and show it to your friends so that they can run it back and show it to their friends and the cycle never ends and the world gets to hear the magic that Nobi and Topp make together. I promise you won’t regret it.
Josiah French – “Look At Us”
The young and talented Josiah French has released his latest single “Look At Us” which he wrote, produced, mixed and mastered himself entirely from his bedroom. Along with the track, he gave us a video breaking down how he made the song, showing us the depth of layers throughout the production as well as the meaning behind the lyrics. The passionate crooner discusses the feeling of knowing a relationship isn’t working out and ending it with an understanding of how you can be better and take those lessons into your future relationships. This cat is mos d-e-f-initely one to get to know and follow to see how his future as an artist unfolds.
Rell Be Free – “Killing Us Softly”
Rell Be Free is synonymous with authenticity. He’s not afraid to discuss the serious topics and speak out about what he believes in and that’s something I’ve always admired about him, as well as his musical prowess. His latest single, “Killing Us Softly” is all of that summed up into one single. Backed by an incredible yet unsettling production from Noah Coinflip, the track lands softly in your ears but carries a heavy message that will weigh on your heart and soul long after the song is finished playing.
Lovely Colours – “Ghost”
Indie alt-pop-rockers Lovely Colours are gearing up to release their debut album, Dancing With A Ghost, and appropriately the lead single from the project is titled “Ghost.” Bringing me back sonically to an era of rebellious freedom for myself, the catchy track has a chorus that makes me want to lean out of a window and shout at the top of my lungs.
“Get a little lost with me, I’m dancing with the ghost of what I used to be.” Those first lyrics really set the tone of the song that grapples with the feelings of being in a period of growth and coming to terms with the passing of time and the changes that come with that. The charismatic vocals from lead singer Devin Damitio mix with a timeless instrumentation to make for an infectious song that begs to be played over and over again.
AJ Suede – “Hallow Fame”
AJ Suede is always blending reality with his own psychedelic universe and the two collide brilliantly in his latest single “Hallow Fame.” The disjointed beat by itself forces your brain to think differently. However, the gentle way the production sways paired with AJ’s casual bouncy flows almost makes for a lullaby effect that can soothe the soul and create an air of calm around you. On the other hand, when you watch the visuals that tranquility turns to an erratic exploration of hallucinatory projections of AJ rapping throughout the city.
Jarv Dee x Bad Colours x Gifted Gab – “Watch This”
Jarv Dee is back with another Bad Colours collab and for their latest single they grabbed the one and only Gifted Gab. The new song is an upbeat house inspired track that channels the braggadocious energy that’ll make you say, “Watch This.” The quick pace staccato rhymes from Jarv and Gab reinforce that energy showcasing the talent that they both have to back it up.
Travis Thompson – “So Good”
Travis Thompson has been teasing the release of a new album and gave us a single taste with the release of “So Good” produced by Nima Skeemz. Trav has shown us that he’s the kind of artist that you can grow older with. Not only does he improve his sound with every release, but he also opens up his most vulnerable self and reassures his listeners that they aren’t’ the only ones struggling to navigate the little nuances of life. He has always kept it real in his music and “So Good” is a relatable reflection of where Travis is in his life at the moment.
Shabazz Palaces – “Myths of the Occult”
Fresh off of the release of a mini-album, Shabazz Palaces have recently dropped a couple of singles “Myths of the Occult” and “Angela” which are set to appear on their follow-up mini-album Exotic Birds of Prey, which is set to release on March 29, 2024. Where Robed in Rareness was floatier and more effervescent Exotic… is shaping up to be more electric and funkier while still having the overall hypnotizing spell that Shabazz usually exudes.
Beginning at the end of April, Shabazz Palaces will set out on a European and UK tour in support of their mini-album release run.
