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:

“Rose City GOATS” is a posse cut that bridges three generations of Portland hip hop luminaries on a single record. Bolstered by an anthemic backdrop provided by TOPE, we have indie rapper Mikey Vegaz, NBA superstar Dame D.O.L.L.A and the Portland hip-hop pioneer Cool Nutz representing the city to the fullest with raw, unfiltered bars inviting listeners to witness the greatness of Portland. Ugandan producer/artist Madjin Bea revamps Blxst‘s “Chosen” with Okello. The track has the standard punchy modern R&B drums and sultry melodic runs that stay catchy from start to finish. Modha and Wakai collaborate on “Bullet,” a reflective piece exploring mental health and daily pressures. The production blends modern neo-soul with a hip-hop aesthetic and highlights deep storytelling that is relatable and touching all at once. Grizzy Hendrix is in his element as he shares his “Blessings”. The new track employs thick bass-laden drill soundscapes and finds Hendrix basking in the small mercies and cutting out the negative energies that try to bring him down.

Emerging hip-hop artist WarDawg Moss enters this week’s playlist with “Dawg Shit,” a hard-hitting street banger specifically made for the go-getters. The production features a double-time drum groove, dark cinematic textures, and edgy bravado bars. Germany-based DRIPBABY C unveils new single “HEARTLESS,” a profound and reflective piece that details the daily pressures of being looked up to. Over a solemn piano-laden backdrop, the rapper talks about the tall expectations that come with being in a position and the mental strain it puts on him. Green Enkd Society‘s Grand Wizzard MC and Jay Will return with “F THEM IF THEY DON’T F WITH US”. taken from the newest release, INFAMOUS WIZZARDY 2. Produced by Conductor Williams, “F THEM IF THEY DON’T F WITH US” is an unapologetic and hard-hitting track that sums up the duo’s stance on fraternity and the us-versus-them concept. Los Bingas bring “Nothing But The Heat” in their latest release. The upbeat jam features lush guitar kicks, cinematic textures, and strings with punchy drums. The rappers trade bars highlighting each other’s attributes, while paying homage to 90s hip-hop sounds. Emerging emcee 3XRaw enters the playlist with his new single “Focus,” a reflective piece that explores what true love is. Over a laidback downtempo backdorp featuring hypnotic vocal samples and moody pads, the emcee shares his experience in a tumultuous relationship.

We are afforded that classic 9s R&B touch with singer Rickia, who unveils her new single “EX.” Armed with her sultry vocal runs and rich tone, she takes us on an emotional journey about the ups and downs of love. Vocab Slick returns to the site with “Minding My Business,” a hard-hitting, lyric-dense piece that showcases rich storytelling and expressive flows over a cinematic soundscape. Markie J’s “REASONS” blends raw bravado rap with insightful elements. Over a moody soundscape, the rapper talks about taking charge of his life and chasing his goals with laser focus. CYNiKAL explores the concept of revealed truths in this thought-provoking piece titled “GNOSiS.” Bolstered by a laid-back, somewhat moody backdrop, the rapper shares his thoughts on the idea through personal experiences and vivid storytelling.

“FAMISHED” is a hard-hitting street banger spearheaded by Ryan Mills, who brings together Lord Goat (Gortex of Non Phixion), Codenine from New England super group Tragic Allies, producer 1st Official and Dj Slipwax. Over 1st Official’s cinematic production, Lord Goat and Codenine trade bars and break the rules while DJ Slipwax closes it with a well-executed scratched hook. Veteran producer Jah Freedom connects with emcee Charles Herron for “My Hoodie,” a mid-tempo, anthemic track in which Herron pays homage to his roots and the foundation of his being. “Cold Flowz” is a collaborative track that pairs emcees Dazer Daze and Odessa Kane together over a dark, scenic production. The result is a showcase of uncut and unadulterated lyricism threaded by a vocal sample-driven hook comprising classic lines from Defari and Capone (of C-N-N fame)

Emerging rapper Sam Dapper shows us what true living is on “HOLD ON.” The track features an R&B-infused soundscape with thick, punchy, bass-driven drums, and finds Dapper in his element as he reflects on his goals, mission statements, and accomplishments.

William X Nietzche stands on business in his latest release “Fight No Moor,” a resounding, thought-provoking, anti-war/anti-establishment anthem that explores mental slavery, systemic racism and the ever-expanding American military industrial complex. Over a thumping war-cry of a backdrop, Nietzche runs through historical moments to back up his stance, from the late great Muhammad Ali’s anti-draft stance, the displacement and destruction of indigenous people and deep anti-black policies that have reshaped people of colour for centuries.  “Fight No Moor” is more than just an anti-war record; it is a rallying cry for truth. London-based, Waterford, Ireland-born singer/songwriter Carrie Baxter shares single “Patience” on this week’s playlist. The track is a reggae/soul-infused piece that highlights her rich vocal tone and musical versatility, as she channels the emotional punch and raw energy of both genres. Here, Baxter explores self-confidence and the power of self-assessment through heartfelt, relatable songwriting. The track is taken from her new LP, Seven.

Canadian rapper/songwriter/percussionist 09XXI‘s “Grief” is a deep dive into layered family relationships. Over a soulful and warm backdrop, the artist converses with different members of his family and highlights the respective impact they had on him through love, hate, emotional trauma and his journey to self-healing in a world where black boys have no voice.

Canadian producer Rad Brown teams up with veteran Detroit emcee Guilty Simpson for “War Outside,” a hard-hitting single from the duo’s forthcoming collaborative EP, Higher Level. The track has a moody and spine-tingling vibe featuring ominous strings, dark keys underpinned by punchy drum grooves, while Guilty Simpson drops vivid bars in a cold, deadpan delivery. He leads audiences into the dark crevices and corners where names are made, and lives are slain.