Word Around the Sound is… The dude abided and gave birth to the duo of Lil Lebowsxi. Consisting of seasoned vets Pearl Nelson and Sir Thomas Gray, these two are back in the circuit ready to serve us a big ol’ platter of some dope shit.
Their debut single “Sheryl Swoopes” pays tribute to the legendary baller with a skillful showcase of their respective talents. A short, yet poignant story is told about sneaking and freaking until you end up having to pay child support. Then you have the production behind the tale that features these killer deep low-pitch strings by Lori Goldston that I’m absolutely obsessed with because they offset the bright melodies in the forefront perfectly. Overall, a stellar first impression of their new endeavor as a duo.
Lil Lebowsxi & Lori Goldston “Sheryl Swoopes”
Zyah Belle & Rexx Life Raj “You Got It”
Portland’s Zyah Belle is insanely talented. She’s got a beautiful voice, strong pen game, and has a brilliant ear for music; from creating her own to DJing, it seems that good, high-quality music just flows out of her. In her latest single, “You Got It,” Zyah linked up with Rexx Life Raj for an inspirational track that reminds you that even if it doesn’t look like it, in your soul and your bones you got it.
All Star Opera & Jesse Desean “On Mine”
Slowly, but surely, it seems like All Star Opera is wandering out of their studio hibernation season. Little birdies have told me that they have produced over 100 songs and ideas over the past couple of years as they went through a pivotal moment of growth as a band. Their latest single, “On Mine” features Jesse Desean of the soulful hip-hop band SUS for a floaty motivational track that encourages to push forward and keep going.
Khris P “Never Go 2 Las Vegas”
Cooler than a cucumber dipped in dill, Khris P admits that he has never been to Vegas and doesn’t think he’ll ever go. In his latest single “Never Go 2 Las Vegas” the beat rattles like dice shaking at the craps table as Khris P walks along throwing his rhymes left and right like a paperboy. Chances are he’ll perform this at his upcoming show at Madame Lou’s on Thursday March 14; if you’re over 21, cop your tickets for $18.
Gifted Gab “Jazmine Cashmere”
Gifted Gab tapped into her sex drive for her latest single, “Jazmine Cashmere.” The hard-hitting track sees Gab fire off bar after bar of impressive and raunchy rhymes. If you didn’t already know before hearing this track, she an all-star bitch who has been popping since GigaPets and the constant witty wordplay throughout the song reinforces that.
Jaymyloni “NEVER EVEN”
Jaymyloni is a name that keeps popping up into my feed and into my conversations with folks. I now understand why, because even with only a few singles released they’ve already made it clear that they’re serious about their music. Their latest release “NEVER EVEN,” highlights Jaymyloni’s raw, unapologetic approach alongside a flow that stays firmly in the pocket. So much so, in fact, that Capitol Hill Block Party hollered at them to perform this year!
Webb Wavvy & D. Mikey “Old Me”
It’s looking like Webb Wavvy has big plans for 2024 as he delivers his second single of the year titled “Old Me.” This time he linked up with D. Mikey to make a track that is simultaneously in your face but also held back at the same time.
Crissy P “Neo”
Crissy P hit a bouncy freshwater flow in his most recent release “Neo.” His lyrics trickle across the beat at a steady pace from start to finish and leave you feeling satiated by the end. Between his last release, “Another 24,” and this current drop, Crissy P is off to a great start for the year and hopefully he’s not letting off the gas anytime soon.
Jaywop “Pick Pocket Badge”
Jaywop dropped a new track titled “Pick Pocket Badge” that gives us a catchy hook and a cocky, yet playful delivery. Along with this release, we also got the announcement that Jaywop will be performing at this year’s Capitol Hill Block Party. Hopefully this release is just the beginning of what we could see from him this year.
Shabazz Palaces & Lavarr the Starr “Take Me To Your Leader”
Shabazz Palaces always hits, but as of late, they have really been on a roll. Their latest single, “Take Me To Your Leader” is a gleaming song of shimmering light that reflects in every direction spinning you into a frenzy until the spirit of the rhythm takes over and you’re left in a disco ball trance, only to eventually wake up on the mothership in another galaxy with no recollection of what just happened.
