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 2 here:
Duhon returns to our site with “FRAMEZ,” an insightful track that explores growth and clarity in a world where distractions exist. “Streets Lights” finds West Coast producer/rapper Dios Negasi connecting with Dyverse and Skrillz Dior over a spine-tingling backdrop. The track is taken from Negasi’s recent LP, Black Violin 2. Next up, Hunna Band$ flexes his lyrical proficiency in new single “Standing On Ceilings.” He recruits producer Quiz, who laces him with a mid-tempo, bouncy backdrop that fits the bill. The track is the title track of Hunna Band$’s forthcoming LP. Crock Taylor and Marc Andre take us into the smoky backrooms where “Chinese Deals” are made. The vocal-laden production is hypnotic and smooth while the emcees trade bars with vivid storytelling skills. j1mmy questions a failing relationship in his new track “Is This Love?” Bolstered by a solemn piano-driven backdrop, the rapper details the ups and downs of his flaws while balancing a fledgling relationship. Grimm One and Sledge team up for “Cumin Through (Remix),” an upbeat 90s-influenced track with a mantra-like hook and expressive raps over a smooth soundscape. “Rain Before Sunshine” is a collaborative track crafted by rapper/producer duo L.O.U. and Big O. The track talks about the daily struggles that everyday people have to go through and also delivers a reminder for everyone to never stop chasing their true purpose. The track features Fashawn, Kria McKenzie, Dray Taylor, Frannie El and Decksterror, and it’s the second single from the upcoming collaborative album with Big O, The Mystery of Mr. Y.N.M.A.S.
Penn Davis recently put out his new album, The Day the Sun Went Out, and leads the charge with the lead single “Sun Dial”, which finds him teaming up with Westside Boogie. The mellow guitar-driven track dives into matters of the heart and the power of unconditional love and support from one’s significant other.
Moguido returns to the forefront with their acoustic album, Forever Again, an album crafted with a live band, and in the interim, they share the single “Breathe,” which features Simone Don on the hook and Kitano Solano Hernandez on keys. The track finds the artist pouring out his frustrations on wax as he looks back at days when things went wrong, but instead of throwing tantrums, one just has to take a step back, breathe and relax.
Netherlands-based artist PAX the humanoid shares his views on survival in his new single “Comfort.” The genre-bending track has elements of dark pop, R&B with experimenatl aesthetics that fit PAX’s off-beat melodic style and storytelling approach. Here, he reflects on his somewhat tumultuous childhood as an isolated kid with epilepsy, his experience being bullied, and finding his true strength from within.
Canadian alternative hip-hop artist D-NiAL delivers this insightful piece entitled “Masquerade.” Bolstered by a dark, moody soundscape, the artist discusses the inner demons and the superficial masks we use to camouflage pain.
Rising rapper Lynx Lugga introduces us to “PERFECT WORLD” in this reflective track that presents a what-if scenario of a perfect society. Over a soulful vocal and piano-laden beat, Lynx paints a perfect picture of an ideal world where everyone is united, war doesn’t exist, and the American dream is real and attainable, but at the end of it all, reality prevails.
Merton, South London-based rapper/songwriter/producer Anwar Noire steps into the forefront with “That’s Just Us,” a mid-tempo cut where he flexes on the opposition while reflecting on his growth.
Brady Johnston connects with West Coast OG Fashawn, for “On the Boulevard,” an insightful cut that offers introspective and reflective thoughts. Meanwhile, Pozy One breaks through the ceiling with the hard-hitting “Shum Fiyah Kid,” a track that finds him delivering an anthemic performance over a thumping boombap backdrop. Ro-Thoro looks for “Final Score,” a lyric-dense track about the never-ending struggles and the arduous path to success.
Gran Larson and Lyric Bae team up for “Fresh,” a bouncy track that finds the emcees embodying their roots while detailing the pros and cons of staying true to the game. Jay Zayat stepped into the spot with “3ks Finest,” a piano-laden street banger underpinned by raw, gritty street raps. Danish rapper/producer Wohran connects with Reuben Vincent for “IDK IDK,” a reflective track about being true to oneself. Emerging Toronto-based rapper Crooks enters our playlist with “Suh It Guh,” an offbeat experimental track that highlights his vivid storytelling and baritone vocals. The track is taken from Crooks’ 4-track EP entitled The Principle of Least Interest.
Mighty Theodore team up with Lee Scott for “Patti Astor Will Have Her Revenge On The South Bronx,” a storytelling concept track built on cinematic soundscapes comprising keys, warm pads and soulful vocal samples. French emcee Tissan talks about modern life on his new single “Chute libre.” The track’s title means Free fall in English and has a trippy and ethereal soundscape with soft drums underpinned by smooth flows and insightful bars
Coyote Reverie (singer/songwriter Meadow Eliz and producer/emcee Stresselbee) reminds us to “Keep Living Your Life.” Their latest release is an uplifting piece that highlights the ups and downs of life and the need to live while we are still here. The track has a warm folk/soul-infused sound mixed with contemporary elements, and the lyrics are profound and relatable.
James Gardin runs up the amount in “Bag it up,” an upbeat, bouncy jam that finds the rapper in his element as he makes moves to secure the bag at all costs. This is the perfect anthem for hustlers and go-getters making moves to stay above the poverty line.
Singapore-based producer Kiyan Foroughi connects with veteran emcee Substantial for “The Destination,” a heartfelt single that highlights self-realization and growth. The track is taken from Foroughi’s debut concept album ‘inner light. OUTER SPACE. Tacer breaks the “California Speed Limit” in this energetic display of flows and lyrical dexterity.
Hull-born producer Ryder recently put out his sophomore EP RYDERHOOD 2, and now follows it with another single, “My Lady” featuring East London-born singer Dré Six. The track is a fusion of styles ranging from experimental pop/R&B with afrofusion sounds, and finds Dré Six pouring praises on that special someone who complements his life.
NY jazz singer/songwriter Peter Cincotti teams up with acclaimed rapper/producer IAMSU for this adulation-filled single “GOLDEN.” The soundscape is upbeat and anthemic and is underpinned by heartfelt lyrics dedicated to the attributes of a loved one who brings light into their lives.
