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 2 here:
Drew Drake – “Journey”.
Multi-faceted artist Drew Drake and J.Bu$h take time to reflect on the “Journey.” The track deals with finding one’s sense of purpose and the ups and downs that come with life struggles.
C Stone-Léon, Luke French & Ghostboyrj – “Combo Plate”.
C Stone-Léon, Luke French and Ghostboyrj serve us a “Combo Plate,” a hard-hitting track that is ripe with raw unfiltered lyricism from all parties. The track is lifted from TOKYO, SAYONARA! a 12-track project from Toronto’s GhostboyRJ (GHO$TOWN Records) and Halifax-based duo C Stone-Léon & Luke French (known collectively as Tango N Cash, under DIRECTOR).
celinee, Rootz Massiah, Crooks – “X Academy”.
“X Academy” is a single from GHO$TOWN RECORD$ 20-track compilation GTR Presents: Loop Pack From the Family, For the People. The track brings together celinee, Rootz Massiah, and Crooks who trade off-kilter bars over a plucky lofi/experimental soundscape. The compilation spotlight the collective’s roster and close collaborators. With production from Ghostboyrj, Celinee, Heartbeatz, Jake, and more.
Daybi – “Thunder” (feat. Paul Cargnello)
Montreal-based rapper/songwriter Daybi makes the “Thunder” roll in their newest single. The bass-heavy track is a blend of alternative hiphop with club ready aesthetics and is underpinned by Daybi’s booming vocals and off kilter lyricism alongside a melodic hook from Paul Cargnello and Backxwash. The song is taken from the project Still of Stars
Leo G – “Savior”.
UK spoekn word artist Leo G enters our playlist with “Savior,” a reflective and heartfelt track that shows appreciation for god,life and relationships. Backed by a dark and somewhat cinematic soundscape, Leo G dives into the topic with lyrical precision as he dissects the intersections between the aforementioned three elements.
Fee the Evolutionist x Ruby Shabazz – “Just Call”
Nashua-based artists Fee the Evolutionist and Ruby Shabazz join forces for this new single “Just Call.” The track blends R&B and rap in a unique fashion that sees both artist trading melodies and bars in unison as they pay homage and show appreciation to those who supported them in their musical endeavours.
J-Graze – “Have a Good Time”
J-Graze reminds us to “Have a Good Time” in his latest single. The jazz/hiphop infused track has the classic boombap punch ala Dj Premier and sees the rapper delivering uplifting raps laced with vivid storytelling and wordplay that underscore his love for hiphop.
Voli Contra x Easy McCoy – “What’s Next”.
Los Angeles-based alternative rapper/producer Voli Contra and Easy McCoy drop this anthemic tune titled “What’s Next” on this week’s playlist. The hard-hitting jam comprises punchy drum grooves, triumphant horns and synths with a call and response type hook that would make listeners jump up for joy.
MESSIAH OF MADNESS x Solomon Childs – “Talk To Um”
Pittsburgh based producer/emcee Tone Fultz aka MESSIAH OF MADNESS and Solomon Childs (of Theodore Unit) team up for “Talk To Um,” a hard-hitting lyrical warning shot for perpetrators and wannabe gangstas. The beat has a dark and ominous feel that is perfect for the emcees’ no-holds-barred lyrics. Taken from his forthcoming LP, Bare Knuckle Boom Bap.
HiJinks x Vice Souletric x Skyzoo – “Aura All Over”.
HiJinks and United Grind member, Vice Souletric connects with Skyzoo on the new single “Aura All Over.” The track produced by S3oulC1ty has a laidback groove and soul/jazz vibe that evokes nostalgia and urgency. On the microphone, the emcees bring thaie A-game and share their thoughts on the current state of affairs.
Famous Flossy x RBX x DAYTONE 500 x DJ PRO LBC – “You Mad”.
“You Mad” is a money making anthem brought to us by Famous Flossy, RBX , DAYTONE 500 and DJ PRO LBC. The West Coast summer jam is about the go-getters who have to live with haters but still have to do what they have to do o survive.
Blak-Ram x Rakim – “Heartbreak”.
Rapper/social activist Blak-Ram unveils his new single “Heartbreak” featuring the legendary Rakim. The reflective tune is ripe with heartfelt lyrics about loss, heartbreak and the power of resilience in this crazy times. The producton is solemn and moody and the emcees deliver insightful bars.
Ari Selva – “Hai Visto?”
Italian rapper Ari Selva enters out playlist with his newest track “Hai Visto?,” a raw lyrical display from the emcee taken from his Diari Selvaggi Vol. 3 album.
Zyaire Rosier – “Alive”
Emerging rapper Zyaire Rosier enters our playlist with new single “Alive,” a heartfelt look at modern life. The jazz/soul soundscape employed lends it strengths to Rosier’s insightful lyrics about life followed by singer’s Danielle Mckay‘s soothing melodic runs.
Michael Lamar – “No More Lies”.
Michael Lamar blends modern R&B vibes with hiphop in his new release “No More Lies.” The trakc is about self improvement and growth and is punctuated by a well-crafted soundscape na dhte rapper’s smooth flow and a reflective hook to close the deal.
JJackpot – “Ace’s High” (feat. Snotty)
South Bronx emcee JJackpot and fellow emcee Snotty connect with “Ace’s High.” The lyric-dense track is a no-holds-barred track that is ripe with heavy hard-hitting bars.
Jacoténe – “Leave Me (Please Don’t Leave Me)”.
Melbourne-born and London-based artist JACOTÉNE enters our playlist with “Leave Me (Please Don’t Leave Me).” The track is a blend of modern R&B/soul/pop with Gospel elements and its a showcase of her wide vocal range, insightful songwriting and comanding performance style. The track deals with bittersweet moments and the emotional pain that comes with saying goodbye.
Control Source Code – “20 grams of hatred”
Control Source Code breaks the mold with “20 grams of hatred,” a raw and edgy lyrical track with rock elements. The lyrics are off-kilter and edgy from start to finish.
ActivateBPM x QM – “Stress”
Santa Cruz, CA.-based rapper/producer ActivateBPM and QM team up for “Stress.” The track explores the concept of stress in the modern sense, from internal battles to life struggles, the emcees deliever a consicous piece that is perfect for the playlist.
Mighty Joseph x Vast Aire x Karniege – “Legend” (prod. by Madlib)
Mighty Joseph is a duo consisting of Vast Aire and Karniege deliver a lyrical onslaught on the new single “Legend.” The track produced by Madlib sees the two emcee trade bars with raw fiery intent over the dark menacing soundscape presented in front of them. The track is a part of the duo’s sole album Empire State released back in 2008. The album was not available on the digital stores for a while and Below System Records has revived the Hip-Hop gem of the mid-aughts today. “Empire State” was released during the tail-end of the last great non-commercial Hip-Hop period.
Stream the song on all DSPs + vinyl here.
Jacob Green – “Times have changed”
Talented musician Jacob Green caught our ears with “Times have changed,” a reflective lofi/soul/hip-hop infused track that showcases his expresive melodic style and insightful songwriting.
ITZTHEDEAN – “Cold world”
ITZTHEDEAN looks at the current state of affairs in “Cold world.” As the title suggests, it dives into how heartless the world can be and the internal struggle people go through while trying to stay afloat.
SUMiT x Method Man x Termanology – “Ammunition”
“Ammunition” is a hard-hitting lyrial display from SUMiT , Method Man and Termanology . Backed by Statik Selektah‘s anthemic horn-driven production, the emcees proceed to wreak havoc and trade bars filled with infinite ammo.
Carbonara Collective x XXJULÍA – “Day Drunk”
Carbonara Collective and XXJULÍA deliver this modern R&B/soul/dance infused jam titled “Day Drunk” on the playlist. The track has a sublime and soulful vibe with a punchy groovy drum groove underpinned by lush melodic runs, cathcy hooks underpinned by heartfelt lyrics about pushing through the never ending grind of life with autopilot on. It’s definitely something everyone can relate to.
Charles Herron x JRSwiftz – “WLVS”.
Charles Herron and JRSwiftz team up for the hard-hitting track “WLVS,” a raw lyrical display from emcees who are cut from a different cloth. Backed by punchy drums, ominous sample chops and no-holds-barred lyricism, the result is a classic East Coast underground jam that lovers of hardcore rap would love.
SV x Alyssa Jane – “On My Mind”.
The genre-beding duo SV and Alyssa Jane return with “On My Mind,” a smooh soulful piece about the undeniable magnetic pull of this thing called love. The production has a solemn and blissful vibe while Alyssa jane’s soft vocals cut through the mix with a siren-like energy. The result is a heartfelt piece for lovers.
LIJE – “S.M.P.F.”
Milwaukee born rapper LIJE goes bar for bar with “S.M.P.F.” and he flows with no-holds-barred energy. Over a classic drum break and moody textures, the emcee blends bravado with a touch of introspection.
Sleep Sinatra x Nolan the Ninja – “Fei Long”.
Sleep Sinatra and Detroit emcee Nolan the Ninja for “Fei Long,” a masterclass in lyricism from emcees who share their thoughts on self preservation and the never ending life struggles. The title is a tribute to the Street Fighter 2 characer of the same name and shows how these two emcees embody the fighting spirit a sthey weave through this thing called life.