Word Around the Sound is… we are already off to a great start coming into the new year with some fresh music from Tamil American rapper, Vozhi. His song “Elevation” got all of his people vibing with him, taking us all to new heights in 2024. The bilingual rapper flows in and out of English and Tamil as he focuses on reflecting on his journey so far, and how confident he is in himself today. Throughout the song he highlights the importance of self-care in the physical and mental sense, as well as the importance of your community around you and how that support can be the fuel to elevate your own successes.
Vozhi – “Elevation”
Mafi D – Ski
Mafi D just released an icy new album titled Ski just in time for snow to touch down on the Seattle streets. We highlighted the single “Get That Feeling” in our PNW Rising series but I wanted to shine a spotlight on the full album to back it up.
What I appreciate about Mafi’s album Ski is the variety of vibes he gave us while maintaining a cohesive tracklist. Some tracks get deep about real life problems, while others are warm and romantic, then you have the nostalgic bangers like “Up It, Crush It” that takes us back with the insane beat that Dr. Dre cooked up for Mary J. Blige’s “Family Affair.” He takes you on a ride from the beginning to end and that’s really one of the most important things an album can do for you, and Mafi D succeeds with Ski.
Sam Lachow – “i might”
Sam Lachow is having fun again! It’s refreshing to hear the playful bars come back out again. His latest single, “i might,” takes us back to the sound of his Huckleberry days with clever references and quirky beats that knock harder than the police. However, what’s evident now is his growth. You can hear it through the refined layering throughout his production alongside Antwon Vinson, as well as in his lyrics where he’s always kept it real and talked about parts of his life and “i might” is no different with mentions here and there of his journey to get to where he is at right now.
Blossom – “Vacancy”
Portland’s own Blossom has released a serene new track called “Vacancy.” Her calming vocals only seem casual if you don’t know how hard it is to hold a melody and maintain that kind of poetic tone while sounding as if it’s effortless. That’s what I’ve always loved about Blossom’s music is that it seems to spill out of her mouth effortlessly and yet there’s seemingly so much intention behind every run and every instrumental choice within the production. You can tell she pours her soul into it and that’s exactly what you’re hearing throughout this track.
Progress Supreme – “Pound da Pavement”
Another motivational single to start the year off, we have “Pound da Pavement” by Progress Supreme. This track has that pep talk in the mirror type vibe as he discusses the highs and lows on the journey to growth. In the end, reminding you to keep going. The raw sound of the record matches the message with Progress Supreme utilizing the pocket of the beat to really emphasize what he’s saying throughout the track.
Sarey Savy, Ke’Ante – “Lonely” Music Video (Dir. Quinton Peters)
This song has been tattooed on my brain since the first time I ran it back. Both Sarey Savy and Ke’Ante made their track “Lonely” an unforgettable one and paired it with a cute little music video directed by Quinton Peters to tell the story. The bright and flowy indie pop track tackles the topic of loneliness which can be at the forefront of people’s minds when the PNW is in the big gray depressing slump of wintertime.
UMI – “wherever u r” w/ V of BTS
Since her album, Forest In the City, came out, UMI has been all over the world spreading her joyous glow everywhere she goes. But in her latest single, “wherever u r,” she encapsulates the feeling within a relationship where you take a piece of someone with you in your heart everywhere you go so that your partner ends up being with you “wherever u r.” Lush melodies soothe the soul as UMI’s sweet vocals inspire a warm romance which is only further deepened with the featured verse from V of BTS.
New Track City – “T.A.G”
The Federal Way boys came out to play a little game called “T.A.G” with the release of New Track City’s first single of the year. This tag team match has Bem and Chi.Stone doubling down on the bars to deliver another track packed full of insight into the life of the New Track City boys.
Upcoming Shows Around the Sound
Friday, January 12: Fluencie and Anna Thompson will be performing at Barboza with doors opening at 7pm with tickets starting at $10 for those over the age of 21.
Friday, January 19: Da Qween will be headlining at Barboza on Friday, January 19 with Rap Ghost and Thats Nokay joining the lineup. Tickets are $12 in advance with prices going to $15 on the day of the show with doors opening at 7pm for those 21 and over.
Thursday, January 25: The Bad News Experience takes over Chop Suey with performances by Emanuel Brown, Ke’Ante, Sarey Savy, and MOZAIA. Doors open at 7pm with tickets starting at $15 for those 21 and up.
Friday, January 26: Animal Face and BrandonLee Cierley will be at Royal Room with tickets starting at $15 and doors opening at 7pm. The show is all ages until 10pm.
Saturday, January 27: Perry Porter is playling Barboza with Larry Roze and Lexscope. Doors will open at 7pm for those 21 and up with tickets starting at $12.
Saturday, January 27: LIVt is celebrating her latest EP, I Just Want My Bitches To Fly with a show at Neumos featuring LAZĀ, Yonny, and Saint Deon. Tickets start at $15 with doors opening at 8pm for those 21 and over.
