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:
NY emcee Lucy Be sends an unapologetic message to the current president of the USA in her new single,” Ay Yo Fuck Donald Trump and the GOP”. The title is self-explanatory and calls on everyone to stand up and take back the country from the fascists. Emerging rapper Sha’Ki steps to the forefront with “Like That,” an anthemic piece that highlights his expressive flow and energetic demeanour over a hard-hitting soundscape. Singer/songwriter Faith Sahrish enters our playlist with “CRYING FOR YOU (Remastered),” a heartfelt piece about heartbreak and a faltering relationship. Over a cinematic soundscape featuring lush guitar licks and moody textures, Sahrish reflects on a time when she was in love and the good moments she shared.
C.Shreve the Professor steps in to represent North Carolina once more in his new release “Keep It Phre$h”. Over a mellow and pounchy soundscape comprising summer-tinged textures and a punchy drum groove, the rapper recruits Frank THE Phre$h for a tandem of dope rhymes. Grizzy Hendrix enters his element with “God Flow,” a hard-hitting track that showcases the emcee’s lyrical display. He uses a downtempo production with sparse guitar licks and bass-heavy drums for his verbal assault.
Illinois singer/songwriter Taquirah caught our ears with “Feel,” a smooth, bouncy soulful piece that is underpinned by her expressive vocal runs and heartfelt songwriting that focuses on her true emotions. The words from a “Calculated Hustler” weigh a ton, and rapper 7 Da Don exemplifies the go-getter mentality on his song. Over a hard-hitting backdrop featuring epic string arrangements, the rapper shows us how he makes his move playing chess while the others play checkers. Kenny Barz showcases unfiltered lyricism in “Always.” The single has a soulful soundscape with a recurring vocal motif and soft drum grooves. Barz steps into the forefront with a no-nonsense flow and vivid lyricism. DJ Jay Mob recruits Ruste Juxx and Craig G to present the raw, uncut “Real Hip Hop”. The track strips down to the bare minimum with a crunchy drum break, scenic sample chops underpinned by hard-nosed rapping. Ruste Juxx leads the charge with his gruff vocals and street-edged rhymes, followed by Craig G’s smooth flow and stylish wordplay and inner rhyme schemes. “Remember Back In Da Dayz” is a classic posse cut brought to us by Nec Nymbl and Memphis Reigns, who recruit Es, Shark the SOB and DJ K-Flip. The result is a trip down memory lane to when real hip-hop dominated the airwaves. From dope production to elite rhyme game, the track features it all while paying homage to the foundations of rap culture. Vic Da Baron celebrates “Victory” in this upbeat and bouncy track. Over a vocal sample-driven soundscape, the rapper embodies the spirit of a man with his sights set on goals.
Northern Virginia-raised, DMV-based rapper Mic Que reflects on how music and a focused mind helped “Save My Soul.” The Gospel-tinged track features layered vocal samples, soulful vibes, and a punchy drum groove, underpinned by insightful storytelling about a young man who found his true calling in life. Canadian emcee Reflectionz executes a “Flame Throw” in his latest release. The emcee steps into the fray with a commanding flow and hard-hitting lyrics that center around being bold and fighting fire for fire to overcome the odds. Frqnce-based singer/songwriter Ellen Birath steps into our playlist with “Fire at me,” a playful retro jazz tune that explores the dynamics of a new mom and her child. The production has a warm, relaxing feel that adds spunk to the expressive vocal performance and light-hearted lyrics, comparing the child’s antics to those of a little dragon who needs the right attention at all times. Conceptually, this is quite engaging and ingeniously executed by Birath, who effortlessly carries the track with her sublime vocal style.
Singer/songwriter Slowe returns to our playlist with “Temporary (You’ll Be Gone),” an hypnotic tune that explores love in its truest form. backed by a trippy soundscape featuring Afrocentric drum grooves, future-soul textures and progressive chords underpinned by her siren-like vocal runs. Slowe takes audiences on a life-changing journey through love
Emerging rapper COLO shares his thoughts on the rigmarole of the “9to5″ lifestyle and dreams deferred. Against a summer-tinged backdrop, underpinned by sublime melodic vocals and soulful textures, the rapper paints an uplifting picture of life, reminding everyone with a dream to never give up and keep pushing through.
Emerging Sudanese-Canadian singer/songwriter Samar (pronounced “summer”) enters our playlist with their latest release, “On The Radio”. The track is a stripped-down acoustic guitar-driven ballad that explores success, growth and the arduous journey of chasing one’s dreams. Armed with her punchy vocal tone and sultry, melodic inflections, Samar talks about her vulnerabilities and strengths as she continues to push through the white noise, trying to derail her from reaching her dreams.
D. Edge steps into the forefront with “TVLK THVT TVLK,” a definite braggadocio-laden jam that highlights the rapper’s style and love for the art and his city roots. Backed by the ominous and scenic production by theycallmeParker, the rapper delivers an intense performance underpinned by unapologetic bars with detailed lyricism and a cool, calm demeanour. Mark Saunders shares his frustrations with life in this heartfelt track, “SCAPEGOATS.” The track has a solemn piano-driven backdrop with soft drums and finds the emcee connecting with fellow emcees Ja’king the Divine and Javi Darko, and each brings their A-game to the forefront.
King James III drops off “Tone Deaf,” a feel-good track from his new album, Safe House. The track has a summer vibe and is punctuated by the rapper’s vivid storytelling as he moves through life with his head on a swivel and his mind on a mission.
