The weekly Top Submissions aims to showcase a selected crop of acts that cross our paths. From the best tracks/videos from far and wide, we gather the upper echelon of artists you can find and give them a platform to be further recognized for their works. So, sit back and tune in, and don’t forget to show them some love by following them on all social media platforms
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Listen to the playlist on Spotify 1 here:
Memphis-raised emcee Trees Tarantino unveils his new release “LEAN•WILDER” featuring Mick Jenkins and PreauXX. The track, produced by fellow Memphis native Burnie Amsterdam, features a downtempo groove and ominous textures, underpinned by off-kilter rap verses. The track is lifted from the album TRENCH•VANILLA. CH4RGN and Skarlow highlight the ongoing struggles in the new single “Scriptures.” Bolstered by a sparse backdrop featuring moody synths and punchy drums, the rappers reflect on their tumultuous past and respective growth. Rapper Kid Presentable!!! enters this week’s playlist with “Writers Never Die,” a heartfelt tribute to the art and the power of the artist who paints eternal pictures for the world. Ciscotheproducer produces the track. Emerging rapper D Bo raises the ante to “Cloud 9” in his new single. Backed by an ethereal soundscape, the emcee embodies the spirit of a go-getter ready to achieve his goals. France-based emcee Viktor Harter makes his entry on our playlist with “40’s,” a laidback track underpinned by bravado bars. Metaphysical‘s latest release, “GTLS ( Getting Treated Like Shit )” is a playful take on his life experience. From being overlooked, dissed and pushed aside, the emcee takes it in stride and continues to live his life to the fullest.
“Yin:Yang” is a lofi/hiphop track by producer Southpaw, who teams up with rapper/songwriter Era 51. The track explores the dichotomies of being human and highlights Era 51’s strengths and weaknesses that make them whole. Spanish producer/songwriter Álvaro Rubio drops this sublime future R&B track, “Human Nature.” The self-produced track has layered textures underpinned by his unique vocal style and heartfelt songwriting. The track is taken from his psychedelic R&B album: Corazón Perdido. Colorado Springs-based duo Just Know (j1mmy & $peshul K) share new single “Before I Go,” which explores their tumultuous lives and the journey to redemption. Emerging rapper Illadel debuts with “4 The Love,” featuring Kagiso, in which the emcee flexes their verbal muscles with edgy storytelling over a moody, ominous backdrop. Trippz Michaud delivers a genre-bending track, “No Box,” detailing the rapper’s rise through the craziness of life. From self-doubt, detractors, to life hurdles, he has seen it all and is ready to go the extra mile to find his life’s purpose.
Showrocka and MICKEY FACTZ get back to verbal jousting in “Fear of God Joggers 2”. Backed by a bass-heavy bouncy groove and mystic flute-like instrument with moody textures, the duo trade bars underpinned by splendour, exotic spots and the evidence of living their best lives. “95 DRILL” is a hard-hitting street militant cut led by underground emcee Lord Mase, who recruits NikoBlacc and SHAAF THE SHAMAN. The result is an unapologetic lyrical display over military drum shuffles and jazzy textures underpinned by double-time flows and vivid storytelling. The chorus features a US military marching cadence, reinforcing the song’s theme. Myer Clarity and Fresh Kils deliver the new single “End of Days” from their forthcoming collaborative album, OCDC. The track’s dark jazz keys with punchy boom-bap drums evoke a sombre feel, while Myer Clarity and Roshin trade stories of the slow decline of the modern world as we know it. The track also has excellent scratches from DJ Versatile.
Singer-songwriter Taquirah shares her song “Grateful (Tiny Desk Audition),” which features veteran producer Daru Jones and rapper-instrumentalist Brixco. The modern soul/hip-hop infused track explores the delicate topic of mental health, suicide and depression from a positive angle. From going through the worst times to finding inner strength to overcome the worst trauma, Taquirah pays homage to everyone who has overcome it. UK emcee SkipZ drops this hard-hitting banger, “Lurking,” on our playlist. The modern UK drill jam features throbbing basslines and ethereal textures underpinned by fast-paced raps that explore the grittiness of the streets.
UK singer/songwriter Slowe returns with new single “Sundown” featuring Alamay. Together, they deliver a soul-stirring piece that explores growth, self-healing, and awareness. The production has a warm, summery vibe, underpinned by Slowe’s sublime melodic runs and Alamay’s uplifting harmonies. Canadian rapper/songwriter Lion Luciano reflects on contemporary injustices in the conceptual track “Fires in California.” Backed by an upbeat groove and somewhat moody textures, Lion Luciano delivers a thought-provoking piece that centers on indoctrination, waywardness and immoral practices that have taken mankind astray from the light.
Berlin-based producer Krisengebeat connects with legendary West Coast emcee/music producer Declaime for his new single “Get Down.” Over a soulful SP1200 backdrop, Declaime delivers a masterclass in emceeing, taking it back to the roots with a call-and-response hook and a stylish flow, with vivid lyrics that keep audiences locked in.
Brooklyn emcee IssueHigh connects with DYG unfazed and Calgory on “Roll ‘Em,” a mid-tempo jam that highlights unfiltered lyricism and a dynamic cadence to match the punchy soundscape. The beat samples a classic track that hip-hop heads would instantly recognize, but the icing on the cake is how it is flipped into a modern trap banger that both older and newer fans can appreciate.
