Word Around the Sound is… J’von switched up the color scheme of his fit for the next installment in his heroic journey as an artist, following up his last release with the latest edition, the Green Suit EP. This time, J’von linked up with Thelonious Martin for a dazzling, yet fleeting, release that runs through in just 12 minutes. The production swirls around the rhymes like paint on a canvas. It almost takes the forefront, however, J’von’s lyrical sword is so sharp it cuts through the noise to delicately peek out from the top of the beat.
J’von – Green Suit EP
AFFILI8D – 88 Days In EP
Representing the 509, the AFFILI8D crew has dropped a new EP titled 88 Days In. Consisting of Topp, Jang the Goon, Zaeshaun Haze, Bapeface, TheBoyBeerus, and NorthWestKid, the collective brings a very in-your-face energy that asserts itself in your eardrums. If you like modern melodies stylized with autotune and mixed with a bit of a punk rock attitude, you should get initiated into the AFFILI8D crew.
Aleques James – The Aleques James EP
Aleques James had previewed his self-titled EP with the lead single, “So Smoove.” I was hooked instantly and was on the edge of my seat in anticipation to hear what his EP would sound like as a whole. Now, he’s released The Aleques James EP and I’m even more hyped than I was! His smooth, breathy flow carries throughout the project while the beats take on different vibes for each song. Overall, it’s a very chill, laid-back project that I’m happy to add into my rotation.
T.$poon – $poon and Friends
This week’s musical recipe calls for a delicious blend of Oregon’s finest; take a T.$poon from northeast Portland and sprinkle in some flavors from all over the area and you get the latest compilation album T.$poon and Friends. Featuring artists like Wynne, Lewie, Milc, 2000Baby, Fr3do, JussMelly, and so many more, the album gives us many different approaches that encapsulates the sound from the greater Portland area. Guaranteed, anybody can find a song to vibe out to on this album.
Yonny – “Rich In Melanin”
I’m a big, BIG, fan of the young upcoming artist Yonny. He has released nothing but bangers in his short career, so far, and his latest track, “Rich in Melanin” is no different. As an ode to his complexion, Yonny discusses the beauty of being Black while repeating affirmations about his skin tone. Evan George produced a gorgeous backdrop for Yonny to rhyme over, elevating the track to a level of sophistication far beyond their respective ages.
Lil Lebowsxi – “Petey Wheatstraw”
It’s obvious to me now that Lil Lebowsxi made a deal with the devil to take their music to atmospheric heights. Their latest single “Petey Wheatstraw” is an instant classic that will roundhouse kick you in the face and break your whole jaw on first listen. The casual bounce of the beat keeps your brain boppin’ along while the catchy hook ties the whole thing together like the Dude’s rug that tied that whole room together.
TeZATalks – “Good Grrl”
As TeZATalks prepares to release her highly anticipated debut album Black Girl American Horror Story, she’s giving us snippets from the project, the latest being her song “Good Grrl.” The alt-pop track showcases yet another sound in TeZA’s arsenal, layering her vocals in a way that emphasizing that she’s a good girl with a bad as fuck attitude. The quality of her music levels up with every release; the structure and lyrics of the song, the production from Benn Suede, and the mixdown by Poison Jams come together seamlessly for a truly stellar single.
Josiah French – “Calls”
There’s a natural beauty that lies within simplicity. Josiah French exudes this in his latest single “Calls” which seems to spill effortlessly out of him like the way the truth does when one’s lubed up with liquid courage. This tender track really showcases the soulfulness and emotive qualities of Josiah’s voice. For a song with sure heart-heavy subject matter, it has a very soothing quality, tonally, that I absolutely love.
Don Grey – “Everybody Go”
The messages Don Grey relays through his rhymes are so important for folks to hear. His latest single was recorded back in April of 2020, yet the message still rings loud and clear to this day. In “Everybody Go” Don tackles the impact and weight of life’s trials and tribulations. He shares lessons he’s learned and hard truths he’s had to swallow. The music video for the song embraces the disorienting chaos with a point-of-view style loop where Don is lost and continuously wandering within the corridors of a labyrinth-like building. Check out the video and if you’re a real one, go cop the track off of his Bandcamp.
Taylar Elizza Beth & WD4D – “So Chic”
To celebrate her recent birthday, Taylar Elizza Beth dropped her latest collaboration with producer WD4D titled “So Chic.” This self-liberating track puts Taylar’s feminine and sexual energy on a powerful pedestal for her benefit while commenting on the ways that society puts down and dismisses women’s sexuality. The duo hit the road recently, as well, for their Undercover Lovergirl tour which will wrap up on April 6, in Eugene, OR. If you’ve never seen them live before, I HIGHLY recommend copping a ticket anytime you see them on a bill!
4ust Collective – “Potluck”
Welcome to the 4ust, the new collective of highly talented cats featuring Webb Wavvy, D. Mikey, Tyler Soze, Qreepz, and Tré Ross. Their debut single, “Potluck” just dropped and it’ll have you puff, puff, passing, hitting the gas and rolling with these guys cause it’s just too cold. Fueled by cannabis, this collective is easily about to be some of the heavy hitters on the scene.
All Star Opera – “Rainfall”
All Star Opera has been working on themselves and things are falling into place now with the release of their latest single, “Rainfall.” This time Gyasi, aka Flow Carter, takes a more melodic approach to his part while Oz maintains his signature smoked-out delivery. The multi-layered instrumental backing the track is just as intriguing to dig through as the lyrics are. From the percussion to the synths to the chunky bass line every other little detail is finely crafted, and all come together for a catchy little bop for those drizzly spring days in Seattle.
