Word Around the Sound is… Jaymyloni is kicking down the door with the release of their unapologetically bold debut EP Unisex Opera.
In the “Unisex Confessionals,” a visual dialogue inspired by Grace Jones, Jaymyloni explains what Unisex Opera is all about. “My mom played both roles, so why can’t I? We all carry both sex’s traits. Of course I’m masculine, of course I’m feminine. I feel both– unisex. I’m a man… but the baddest bitch you’ve seen, truly. So, that’s Unisex. Opera, a dramatic piece of work; this is a unique, dramatic piece of work.”
From the start, Jaymyloni gives us hard hitting bars over grimy, electronic, industrialized beats. Their confidence never waivers as they deliver self-assured lyrics that showcase the beauty in androgyny, the strength of femininity and the tenderness of masculinity.
Jaymyloni – “Supreme” Music Video
Highlights for me include the catchy “BMH,” as well as the unforgiving “SUPREME,” and the comparatively subdued “47 PLANES,” which features an alluring verse from Twelveoclock. Overall, from top to bottom, Unisex Opera is all gas, no brakes, with banger after banger and not a skip in sight.
Saturday, July 20: Jaymyloni will be celebrating the release of the Unisex Opera EP with a queerful performance at this year’s Capitol Hill Block Party.
Jaymyloni – Unisex Opera
Saint Deon – Apollo [Flame Child Edition]
Saint Deon has been working on his album Apollo for three years and has finally released it to the world. The project is a work dedicated to his youth, the facade he’s worn through the years, and a question of “how was I able to conquer my fears as a child, but I run from everything now?”
Quickly after its release, Saint Deon followed it up with an even more introspective, extended version titled APOLLO: FLAME CHILD EDITION that features more R&B, autotuned vocals, and a heavier focus on house inspired tracks. You can hear the refinement in the songs that reflects the duration of time spent on the project; the growth artistically, as well as personally is palpable throughout. The combination of the two projects provides us with a comprehensive view as to who he is as an artist and foreshadows what’s to come with his next project Pink Versace Flame Child.
SWANKS – SKIP TO MY LOOT
It may be warm and sunny out, but SWANKS has some of the coldest flows to cool you down with this summer. Recently, he released his album SKIP TO MY LOOT which showcases his raspy, smoked out deliveries alongside some truly beautiful production that acts as a platform for his lyrics to take the spotlight on. Even though the nuances of the beat live in the background, the drums punch you in the face and emphasize each bar.
For me, there are a few highlights on the album like the high-octane opening track “SLAP CITY” and its cutthroat follow up “SHAKE UP,” “GLITCHIN” featuring Mafi D, the sensual “MHMM,” and the cooled out, jazzy closing track “TEMPTED”. To be fair, though, there really are no skips on this project and the tracklist plays through seamlessly from start to finish.
Nacho Picasso & Televangel – “Portuguese Island”
I had been listening to Nacho Picasso’s latest single “Portuguese Island” on repeat for at least 15 minutes and I didn’t even realize it because I got lost in the vibe. The song looped seamlessly, allowing my brain to fixate on different moments throughout and relish in the reawakening of Nacho’s reign in the rap game. At the same time, the beat produced by Televangel is hypnotizing and sends you into a helpless state where the music is your sole focus.
This is the second single he has dropped since he announced his first album in five years titled Jesse’s Revenge, which is slated to release Friday, July 12.
Blake Anthony, Goldenbeets, SWANKS & Bvmmer – “Nebula Flux”
Blake Anthony left the Earth a while ago on a mission to become the dopest rapper in the galaxy. For his most recent galactic journey, Goldenbeets, SWANKS and Bvmmer hopped in his spaceship to produce their new track “Nebula Flux”. Both Blake and SWANKS smash through the beat like a meteor shower while Bvmmer’s vocals float in the zero-gravity environment created by Goldenbeets.
LAZĀ – “For the Week”
LAZĀ is keeping it SWV in her latest single “For the Week”. As soft and smooth as the sunrise, she rhymes over an effervescent beat, exploring the lust and frustrations of a long distance situationship asking, “who gonna love you like me?” She gives reason after reason why LAZĀ is the right choice, sliding across the beat with every bar she delivers. In the end she admits, “need to see a dentist, I got fillings (feelings),” and for her sake, I hope she gets those fixed. However, if it means more banging tracks like this… I’m not saying I’d encourage an unhealthy lifestyle but, well, you know where I’m going with this.
Milc – “Bobby Hill”
Now, that boy Milc just ain’t right, I tell you h’what. As per usual, Milc’s new single “Bobby Hill” takes witty pop culture references and drizzles bars drenched in Portland and Pacific Northwest culture to create an effortlessly unique sound that sets him apart from the rest. His laissez-faire flows pack more of a deliberate punch than his carefree personality would make you believe as he schools MCs with his scholarly deliveries.
Exzac Change – “Never Sway”
Exzac Change is always super smooth with his rhymes, and his latest track, “Never Sway,” continues to reinforce that narrative. His “I just finished smoking a joint” level of mental freedom translates to an authentic expression of appreciation for his life as he discusses showing love on the day to day. With an easy, breezy beat and sentiments that are “sweet as an Almond Roca,” you end up with a soothing listening experience perfect for a sunny day in the Pacific Northwest.
HeZza FeZza – “Life’s Mystery”
HeZza FeZza recently released a beautiful music video for her song “Life’s Mystery” from her 2022 album Nomadic Nebula. The ethereal song showcases the range in her vocals as well as her visual creativity, with the music video playing out more like an arthouse film featuring mysterious visuals that emphasize the poetic nature of the song.
