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:

 

 

 

NYC-based 3-G Ciphernautz is a trio made up of musician/producers Jay Bianchi, Ben Gramm, and Lawence L*A*W Worrell. The trio blends modern soul, progressive jazz, and alternative hip-hop. Their latest release, “Always Shine,” is an uplifting piece that reminds us to live up to our full potential. Da Queen has her vision set in stone as she declares what she would do “If I had the Bag”. Over a punchy anthemic backdrop, she breaks down how she would invest and grow herself and her community once she secures the bag. Prolific Polish producer Padre Tóxico collaborates with UK emcee Mike Wells on the insightful track “Full Plate.” The track finds Wells reflecting on life experiences and how hope can make a difference. Vito Dinero delivers an uplifting anthem, “Made A Way (Ola Ay),” that would fit your motivational playlist. Bolstered by triumphant horns and punchy drums, the artist talks about his losses and how they reshaped him into what he is now. Never the one to wallow in his sorrow, he found a way out of the darkness to shine bright. Multi-lingual UK-based rapper Bandoman teams up with BackBone for “Salam Alaikum,” an edgy street banger that highlights both MCs in their element. Armed with fast-paced flows and vivid lyricism, the duo take us deep into their world. Indie rapper Akete is making moves at “80MPH”. Backed by a lofi/soul backdorp provided by Hajino, Akete delivers a blend of street edgy and witty bars. The track is a single from his project What U Won’t.

Jxlz‘s new release, “Life Goes On,” is a solid blend of R&B/soul textures and hip-hop aesthetics. The track is a profound and heartfelt look at his life’s progression and the many obstacles he faces. From naysayers, fairweather friends, self-doubts, to moments of clarity where he finds his true purpose. NYC-based rapper/songwriter D.O.C the practitioner, gives fans an insightful look into the meaning of purpose in his new single “purposely”. Here, he addresses the key questions we often ask ourselves when facing obstacles. The track is a self-assessment of sorts, with the rapper sharing his 2 cents over a vocal-sample-driven backdrop underpinned by punchy drums.

 

This new cut, “Scarecrow,” from Kenny Barz finds him reflecting on his struggles and journey through the ranks. Over a moody backdrop, the rapper shows grit and intention as he finds his true purpose in this thing called life. UK singer/songwriter Finn Askew drops his new single “Distance,” produced by Ezra Skys, which comes ahead of his upcoming mixtape arriving in April. “Distance” blends modern R&B and soul with an edgy element, underpinned by sublime melodic runs and heartfelt lyrics about emotional turmoil. Producer flapslaps and rapper Naithemosthigh join forces on the new single “Myself Again”. The track samples retro soul vocals with nostalgic textures and a crunchy drum. Here, the rapper takes us on a journey of self-discovery. Vancouver, B.C.-based multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Matt Storm returns to the forefront with “MTV Unplugged,” an acoustic guitar-driven piece that dives into melancholy and self-actualization. Inspired by 90s soft rock and modern alternative elements, Storm delivers a soul-stirring performance underpinned by profound songwriting that everyone can relate to.

 

Emerging rapper/songwriter Roman Toyi looks at how “B/OND(s)” form and deform over time. Backed by solemn piano progressions and rousing live drums, Toyi takes us through the ups and downs of friendships, love and brotherhood. We head to the Dominican Republic with the assistance of emcees ATOMO, Mc Maicol and  El Tombo. The trio teamed up for “Desde Cero,” a profound piece that talks about their struggles and how they built their fortunes from the bottom up. The title translates to “From Scratch” in Spanish. Indie rapper Tsar Tsar! drops some gems in his new release “The Tap”. The track is built over a jazz-hop soundscape featuring airy horns, soft keys and mellow drums. Zim enters this week’s playlist with “All Good,” an uplifting track about enjoying the peaceful moments and taking it one day at a time. The production is solemn and reflective, and Zim’s vivid songwriting takes the cake as he pours his emotions on wax without sugarcoating them.

Rising rapper/songwriter Markie J props himself as “One Of The Greatest” and proceeds to back up the claim on his latest release. Over a horn-driven anthemic backdrop, the emcee talks about his mission statement and plans for the future with intention and lucidity. Using a mix of cadences ranging from laidback to double time, Markie J sets the pace as he steps into the line of fire to claim his glory. UK emcee Drew Montel‘s new single “Wake Up” talks about the point of realization when one has to make life-changing decisions. Armed with a fast-paced cadence and vivid songwriting, Montel details his growth with reflective bars that show a young man taking charge of his life and making the best out of it. “Self Care” is an insightful track from rapper/producer Cril, who shares his thoughts on finding inner peace. The self-produced track has a retro jazz/boombap vibe and an overall solemn feel, which works perfectly with Cril’s thoughtfully crafted bars about what self-care truly means to him. Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Wanders delivers this feel-good anthem titled “What the Weekend’s For.” The track is a blend of contemporary pop/soft rock and a tinge of Reggae and finds the singer showing us how to let loose for the weekend after a long week on the grind.

Los Angeles, California-based rapper Scott D enters our playlist with “Black Hole Paradise,” a reflective piece that weaves thoughts around modern politics, religion, and introspection.  Armed with a unique vocal tone and a knack for painting graphic pictures, Scott D takes us deep into his world. Jxlz drops another track, “Villains Go to Heaven,” on the playlist. The track is a thought-provoking jam about the nuances of life. Over a rousing synth-driven backdrop, the rapper shows us why life is not all black and white, and the grey areas are what make it different.

“NATT” by rapper/music producer Zehbrah is an insightful look into the mind of an overthinker. The title is Mnemonics, meaning Nervous All The Time, and dwells on Zehbrah’s constant struggles with dealing with anxiety but still having the energy to push through. “Rock a Beat (til I’m in a Coffin)” is a New Zealand /UK hip hop/rap team-up between Mista Ed and Jay-T. Backed by laidback but bouncy boombap drums, scenic strings and layered textures, the emcee delivers heartfelt verses that dwell on his life’s journey and growth.

French emcee  Viktor Harter‘s newest release, “Dropping Bombs,” is a retro-tinged homage to 90s hip-hop and the impact it had on his musical taste. He keeps the tradition going by using a hard-hitting backdrop comprising ominous strings, angelic vocal chops and a crunchy boombap drum to help bring his storytelling to life.

Chicago, IL-based rapper Blac Kami takes us to “The Corner” in this graphic and insightful track featuring T.E.E.  Bolstered by the moody piano-driven production by B0nds, Blac Kami paints a gripping tale of life-changing decisions and colourful characters who try to redefine their purpose in life. Indianapolis, Indiana, rapper Mike the $eventh helps close this week’s playlist with “Arrogant,” a bravado-laden track that highlights the rapper’s motivations and go-getter mentality. The production has a sullen vibe that evokes reflection, but Mike the $eventh uses it as an impetus to share his thoughts freely as he points out the detractors who try to derail his trajectory by reminding them who the boss is.