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

If you like this article, check out our previous entries HERE

 

Listen to the playlist on Spotify  1 here:

This week’s playlist starts with “O.C.D.” from emerging rapper Rasta Jay, who steps to the podium on a grand note. Against a bouncy backdorp with ethereal textures and soft guitar licks, the emcee details his exploits and how he moves toward his goal. Next is UK rapper/songwriter MI4 SKY, who comes through with an anthemic track “Third Degree (MI4 SKY Cover),” that explores the powerful blend of beauty and brains over a hard-hitting UK drill backdrop. Far from just a boastful claim, the track is about confidence, self-belief and making progress even when the odds are against you. Ireland-based rapper Flexx Carter dives into the ups and downs of a relationship in his newest release, “YOU’RE THE ONE.” The track has a futuristic R&B/pop-infused sound with electronic blips, moody textures, and a solid drum groove, underpinned by heartfelt lyrics that explore toxicity and emotional turmoil within a relationship that should have been decommissioned. Hard-working emcee/songwriter James Gardin returns with another exciting piece titled “Do It Like Me.” Once again, Gardin employs a progressive genre-bending backdrop ripe with retro funk vibes with a modern R&B/hip-hop infused style that fits perfectly with his aspirational themes and feel-good raps. Showrocka and frequent collaborator MICKEY FACTZ return with “Miss Metaphor,” a concept track that personifies the literary device and finds both emcees displaying their verbal dexterity with ease. The track fuses soulful jazz vibes with retro boombap grooves underpinned by vivid lyricism and storytelling.

 

NY-based rapper Rashaann enters our playlist with “Paranormal” featuring singer Angie N. The track has a contemporary R&B/pop feel and highlights the rapper’s expressive flows and vivid storytelling. Here, he takes us on an unusual journey into blossoming romance, heartbreak and the strange things that can derail the oft-blissful situation. We head back to the UK with the masked rapper Dide, who sets the playlist ablaze with “Onsight.” The energetic track is about standing on business and living up to one’s potential, and it finds the emcee in his element as he flows with a machine-gun cadence, ripe with insightful lines that capture his current trajectory as an artist. German producer  Joznez connects with Black Prez for “I Get It Done,” a hard-hitting, anthemic track with aspirational themes. Against the dark and cinematic backdrop, the emcee reminds us of his go-getter mentality and how he makes moves regardless of the hurdles and opposition. This is the perfect track, built for doers, closers and hustlers. Emerging rapper skyve’s “Hard Part’s Over” is a confidence-boosting, somewhat reflective track that focuses on self-assessment and the power of taking stock of one’s progress. He also reminds us not to lose motivation and keep on grinding. Washington, D.C.-based producer S3oulC1ty remixes  Jak Analogue‘s “This,” and it’s perfect for this week’s playlist. The track explores first encounters that reshape one’s mind, creating lasting memories. The remix has a soulful vibe with punchy drums that blend perfectly with Jak Analogue’s vivid storytelling and commanding flow. “FEAR NOTHING” by emerging rapper Joe 410 is a retelling of his upbringing and events that opened his eyes. From his experiences on the streets, losing loved ones, to paying his dues while locked up and being back home and paving the way to legit success. “Empress Love” is an uplifting tune from Jahmi Roc and DZL featuring Empress Truth. The track is built on a roots reggae backdrop with solid drum grooves, sublime guitar riffs and horns with lush pads and finds the singers celebrating the strength of femininity, motherhood and the women whose presence makes the house a home.

“Lone Star Styles” is a collaborative posse cut featuring DFW artists Anetix, Grades of Absolute Truth, and Jackrabbit James. The result is a verbal scorcher filled with no-holds-barred lyricism over a dark, menacing beat with a Fat Joe vocal sample in the hook. Emerging rapper Rasta Jay is a breath of “Fresh Air” on his new single. The soulful piece explores self-belief, growth and the process of finding his true purpose. Next, we got the prolific emcee ActivateBPM, who effortlessly lays out the opposition in ” The Anthem” with fellow emcee QM. The self-describing track is bolstered by an energetic backdrop underpinned by raw, unfiltered bars from the duo. SlimYungMan and Coberzz join forces on “NOT THE SAME!,” an offbeat cinematic track with bravado and no-holds-barred. We got another cut from aneTix titled “BenaMinit,” and this time the rapper opts for a dark trap soundscape, which fits the message he sends out to the opposition. Pablo 978 flows close to the sun on his latest release, “Icarus,” but unlike the mythological character, he is cautious and moves with dexterity and purpose. Backed by a menacing backdrop, the emcee once again delivers hard-hitting bars filled with vivid imagery and off-kilter lyricism.

 

Terry Borderline, The Chosen People and CLRWTR bring insight and an uplifting message for all the “CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.” This socially conscious track blends positive and motivational lyrics and themes that focus on children’s care on a global scale. Next is “Deeply Forward,” a soulful posse cut that brings together 15 artists under Mass Spiritz, a nonprofit dedicated to giving affordable access to studio time and performances via music incubation programs. Over a solemn and soulful backdrop, Terry Borderline connects with Julian Mendoza, Nivea Sanai, Kasia Lavon, D’estany, Vid the Visionary and Yah Yah The Wordstress, who all add their musical input.

L.A.-based emcee Tedsson (by way of Tampa, FL) talks about the dissolution of friendship in his latest release, “The Double Text.” Armed with his laidback flow and conversational storytelling style, Tedsson takes us through a friendship timeline and how love can turn sour over time. Next is Loui$ Automatic, who jumps on KRS-One‘s “A Friend” and shares his perspective on what true friendship and brotherhood should be, followed by Los Angeles-based music collective wst cmplx, who bring an experimental soul/jazz sound with the song “ENDURANCE.” The track’s layered arrangement is bolstered by ethereal textures and angelic melodic runs that rise to a crescendo as the song progresses. Jerré recently released his new album, Working Hands, but in the interim, he shares the final single, “Wavy.” The track is a feel-good and relaxing piece that focuses on self-appraisal and lyrical dexterity.  “i&i” is a collaboration from Antrue, Blu and Confidence. The track blends classic boombap with 90s reggae vibes and finds the emcees in their element as they deliver insightful and profound bars in their respective languages. The track is backed by a scratched chorus from DJ Chill-Ill, which is steeped in self-belief and aspirations. We close things out with Wohran’s “No Idea,” a reflective track about breaking out of a slump stretch. Over groovy drums and lush cinematic textures, the emcee details the feelings of aimlessness and how it clouds one’s mind from achieving goals.