Audio
$avvy Shines Hard On His New Mixtape “POOR”
Nashville-based but Riverside, California raised artist $avvy is back yet again with a new musical experience titled POOR, which follows his critically acclaimed debut project Boys Wear Pearls that enchanted listeners throughout Nashville and the mid-south, as well as many others who found the project online as it was the beneficiary of tremendous editorial support in his home city and beyond. His live shows proved to be especially potent, even throughout the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as Nashville venues still allowed select shows and his magnetic stage presence did nothing but bolster the reach of his debut. POOR is certainly a sonic maturation for $avvy and even as well-rounded as Boys Wear Pearls was, $avvy and his team managed to develop greatly in the past year and change, evolving and perfecitng a variety of sounds, truly offering something unique for everyone throughout these fifteen songs.
He opens the album with the slow-burning yet uplifting track “CALL” where he humbly pops his shit while offering numerous glimpses of his maturely nonchalant personality. He changes the vibe of the project completely with track three “DUMBLONDE” where he jumps on a more classically trappy instrumental and unloads his witty and calmly confrontational lyrics showing that while he might be known for his catchy melodies he can go bar for bar with any rapper around. The first feature of the project comes from fellow Nashvillian Neeko Crowe who has been growing his own impressive fanbase in his own right and is a great collaboration for $avvy. “GROWNMAN” is possibly the most ominous song we have got from $avvy yet and it is clear that he has grown in confidence and bravado, at least lyrically, from his debut. He drops off what might be my favorite verse from him yet while he shows off his subtle wit and bevy of flows.
“Ouch” returns to a more romantic place that Boys Wear Pearls lived which will dazzle another segment of his fanbase as equally as his dense lyricism on the tracks prior. “GO!” is a very unique song where $avvy expands his range in every way conceivable from the gruff opening hook to the lullaby-like bridge accentuated by his upbeat ad-libs. Track nine features Mike Floss who has been a frequent collaborator of $avvy’s since moving to Nashville and Floss personally can be credited with much of the modernization of Nashville’s rap scene in many ways and has been a great mentor to $avvy, helping him navigate what can be a confusing city with lots of barriers of entry surrounding the music scene. Track twelve “STUPID//DUMB” is honestly probably my favorite track on the project and sonically borrows from the pluggnb universe that is particularly having a moment now but $avvy demonstrates that he can handle the sound easily. Chuckthespittah joins $avvy on “TERIYAKI” where the pair drops dense bars over the sparse but thumping instrumental that gives each artist a solid background to talk their respective shit and $avvy introduces yet another flow that I hope to hear him build from more. $avvy and DK end the tape on the aptly titled “CLOSE THE CURTAINS ” that opens with a crowd changing his name before unloading on the ominous and brooding instrumental that the duo both take turns skating over.
$avvy is without a question the most compelling new artist coming from the Music City and his versatility and pen-game at the age of twenty-two are certainly something to be marveled at as well. His entire creative team Dadabase all contributed tremendously to the production and visual aspects of this album and truly it was a team effort from $avvy and his closest friends.
Platinum-selling recording artist Twin Hector releases the intoxicating and alluringly disruptive new music video for his single “Special”. Striking a perfect balance between decadent R&B soundscapes and addictive pop melodies, Twin Hector will push you over the edge with his sensual sonic daydream. Written about a divine union, “Special” is an all-enthralling love song about a deeply passionate connection.
Directed by Ben Tyler / Left Hand Films and Tai’Yon Hector himself, the visual for “Special” was inspired by R&B legend D’Angelo and captures Twin Hector in an intimate, black and bronzed aesthetic.Twin Hector takes his time, drenching you in a seductive wonderland of pulsating beats and heavenly vocals as he muses over his soulmate. “There ain’t nobody I’d choose over you.”
Watch Twin Hector’s video for “Special” for a sweltering, sultry experience that will leave your racing.
So nice, you can’t help but spin it twice. Michal Michal kept his foot on the gas with his latest love-torn offering, “KNOW ME BETTER,” on Dec. 1. Featuring JayD and production from SK THE PLUG, the new single, which is Michal’s second release this month, is yet another head-turning effort that demands more than a first listen. Layered with woozy 808s, fleeting vocals and unbridled personality, ”KNOW ME BETTER” is packed with a barrage of Michal’s raspy flairs – a distinct hallmark of his sound. Continuing to embody his youthful aura, Michal ultimately has his sights set on searching for “the one” with “KNOW ME BETTER,” as JayD’s mesmerizing hook expertly plays into the sample-clad cut. “After all these years that we’ve been together, I thought you would know me better,” it hypnotically drones, Stringing together strong performances all year, following the success of his previous track “DON’T BLAME THE KIDS” and Summer’s End, which is now his top track on Spotify and Apple Music, it’s better to know of Michal Michal before he takes off.
Check it out here!
Isaiah Rashad joins Windy City wordsmith Kembe X for his Hippie Sabotage produced cut “Rolling Stoned.” A thought-provoking masterpiece that cleverly disguises its depth with wordplay and ethereal Alternative Hip-Hop instrumentation, “Rolling Stoned” invites listeners to embark on a journey of hidden meanings and insights. Serving as yet another teaser to the Top Dawg Entertainment affiliate’s forthcoming ‘Sleep Paralysis’ project, it may initially appear as brash rap but the record unfurls into a profound exploration of personal growth, dreams, and self-discovery.
“When we made this song in September 2021 it felt like a reunion and an opportunity to show Hippie Sabotage, I’m not the same person who moved from Chicago to LA and crashed on their couch. It was a chance to demonstrate my newfound confidence in my creative abilities and a willingness to adopt a fresh approach to music. It’s not a reinvention of my artistry, but a shedding of old skin and a dreamy exploration of a new version of myself, deeply connected to my psychedelic discoveries,” shares the Chicago native in a press statement when asked about his “Pole Vaulting” follow-up.
Known for his work with artists such as REASON, Guapdad4000, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, Kembe X stands as a beacon of innovation in a musical landscape often mired in conformity. His music, with over 10M+ UGC views on TikTok and 5M+ views on YouTube, has ignited a cultural wave, resonating across platforms. Accumulating a staggering 30M+ Spotify streams, Kembe X’s tracks encapsulate the essence of his artistry.
Beyond mere numbers, Kembe X’s compositions, from the introspective depths of “Voices” and “Cozy Forever” to the bluesy contemplation of “Body Language” and “Anyway,” paint a poignant picture of battling depression, touching hearts and minds. His magnetic stage presence has left an indelible mark, from headlining the Hippie Sabotage Tour in 2016 to sharing the stage in the ScHoolboy Q CrasHtalk Tour in 2019, not to mention legendary performances at Rolling Loud Miami from 2014 to 2017 and Rolling Loud Los Angeles 2017, solidifying his status as a festival favorite.
Stream Kembe X’s “Rolling Stoned” on your DSP of choice via BMR / The Orchard and watch his live performance recap of “Pole Vaulting” at Red Rocks.
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