Word Around the Sound is… Oblé Reed dropped his debut album LINDENAVE! This truly is the year where Oblé makes his name known in the scene and establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with. After one listen, you won’t be able to deny his talent; he has a strong presence, intelligent and catchy lyrics with the look and demeanor of a star in the making.
He performed at the Belltown Yacht Club on the second night of the Seattle World Tour and his energy was through the roof. His album, LINDENAVE! pays respect to and showcases the area he grew up in, giving us insight into who Oblé really is at his core. The whole album was meticulously planned out with the track listing flowing like a story. He even planned out the visual content with Nash Pearson that accompanies the album, giving his listeners a short film to watch while listening.
LINDENAVE! (Full Project Experience)
There aren’t actually any standout tracks, rather the entire album is a standout with no skips to be found. However, there are definitely distinct vibes to be felt that may resonate better with some people or at certain moments in time. For instance, there is the infectious run of “TWOTWOTWO.” to “BLACKKIDS.” then to “BF//GF.”, as well as the hard-hitting combo of “HOMETOWN HERO.” and “WESTON.” Then, if you’re looking for introspective vibes you could pop on “MP3.”, “SK[I]NCARE.” or “SKYISFALLING.” He even gave us some songs to listen to while cruising around the city at 2am; “WHERETHEMONEYGROWS.” and “DANCEPARTY.” are perfect late night, under the streetlights type vibes.
To celebrate the release of his album, Oblé Reed is throwing a show at Madame Lou’s on Tuesday, June 27. The incredible lineup will include Perry Porter, Nathan Nzanga, and Oranj Goodman. Cop your tickets now and support this young artist and his brilliant album LINDENAVE!
Kassa Overall – Animals
The first time I listened to Kassa Overall’s new album Animals, the record had just come in the mail, and it was a beautiful, breezy and warm spring day in Seattle. I dropped the needle and all of a sudden, I was floating in a space that I’m assuming is the inner workings of Kassa’s brain. The freeform experimental nature of the whole album feels like a fever dream that you don’t want to wake up from. It kind of feels like a Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! sketch. Not only does Kassa Overall rhyme over his soulful blend of jazz and hip-hop beats, but he also got features from Danny Brown, Lil B, Shabazz Palaces, Theo Crocker and many more talented artists.
LAZĀ – Thanks for Your Concern
LAZĀ is a prolific artist who has shown over the years that no matter what, she’s gonna make poppin’ music. Her latest offering is a 4-song EP titled Thanks For Your Concern. Here, she’s leaning heavily into the melodic rap stylings and a chill, laid back approach. She recorded a live version, shot and directed by her brother Ellis Prescott, for the track, “Jimmy Fallon,” which appears at the end of the project.
Ellis Prescott “Out the Loop” UNPLUGGED performance
Keeping on the TownENT topic, Ellis Prescott also dropped a live performance as part of their UNPLUGGED series of videos. The song “Out the Loop” follows his signature style of slightly auto-tuned R&B crooning. What I love about the video is that you can tell they were actually out in the city, as evident by the bicyclists who rode right through the shot.
LROC Juug SZN music video
Earlier this year, LROC released his album Juug God Larry. Now, he’s released a music video for one of the tracks off the project, “Juug SZN.” Through this video, LROC is letting us know that he is the rapper who’s exactly what he raps about in person. Take a peek into the Juug God’s life with his latest music video.
Porter Ray “Neve Campbell”
I’m always here for new Porter Ray and with this new joint, he out here talking about that “Neve Campbell” shit. His last single was more ostentatious compared to this one. However, the flow with which he spits is immaculate on this one. Porter knows how to channel the elements through his rhymes and this song gives me glistening water waving in a cool breeze.
The Unusuals “My Name” ft. Tiffany Wilson & Theory Hazit
Ninjaface and Xperience are back with another track as The Unusuals, this time featuring Tiffany Wilson and Theory Hazit. The track, “My Name” is dark and dramatic with a beat that is full of haunting strings. Tiffany’s soulful vocals added in the mix make for a dynamic sound that is classic hip-hop to its core.
Karma Rivera “Miss Pressure”
Karma Rivera is a relatively new name for me. The Portland-based artist blends elements of hip-hop, pop, and house music to create an infectious groove. Her newest single “Miss Pressure” is a high energy diddy bop that got her feeling like she’s Puffy. She has that “IT” factor about her, and I’m truly so excited to see her perform this year at Capitol Hill Block Party!
Seattle World Tour Recap
The third annual Seattle World Tour has come to an end; it spanned five nights, at five different venues within five different neighborhoods with five different diverse lineups. We successfully raised $12,500 for the WA State Musician Relief Fund which will allow the SWT to give out 25 $500 grants to artists in need.
Upcoming Shows Around the Sound
Friday, June 16: Beverly Crusher will be celebrating the release of their latest record, Waste of Waves, at Lo-Fi. This will be the last time live music is performed at the Lo-Fi! It’s going to be a special event with GLENN, Greg Cypher, Forest Ray, Birthday Girl, and LaMala Noche. Tickets are only available at the door and they open at 8pm.
Wednesday, June 21: Reposado will be celebrating the release of their highly anticipated album at the Mountaineering Club. Doors are at 7pm with music starting at 9pm. It is a donation-based event, with the suggested donation starting at $20.
