Top submissions EP5 July 2026
Sample track from SpotifyListen to the full playlist on Spotify →
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:
South Cali-based rapper/producer Anterluz connects with THEFOODLORD on their new single “FOREVER AIN’T OVER.” The track is a soulful piece featuring a melodic vocal sample without drums and underpinned by unfiltered raps from THEFOODLORD, who gives us a glimpse into his life.
KnowGood enters our playlist for the first time with “Dwelling Place.” The experimental/soul track highlights rich and dynamic vocal runs against a sparse atmospheric backdrop. The lyrics are heartfelt and explore an emotional tug of war between two individuals trying to find their footing in this thing called love.
SHOTCALLER BB is an AI-generated artist whose storytelling and reflective style caught our attention. Their latest release “BURTON”. Against a solemn piano-driven soundscape with punchy drums, the emcee takes us on a journey filled with life-changing events.
Rapper/singer/songwriter Yale Gulley delivers the new single “HERE.” Armed with a unique and expressive flow that blends emotive raps with sultry melodies, she take slistener son a spiritual journey that culminates in growth, self-awareness, and a purposeful life.
“laser beams” by scm sound is an off-kilter piece that strays from the usual. The production has a dream-like vibe with brooding elements. On the other hand, the raps are profound and reflective on many levels. From personal loss, soul searching and lack of direction, scm sound runs through the phases that reshaped his life on wax.
Brighton,UK rapper/songwriter Gavin writes words as a literal moniker, but more importantly, his spoken-word lyrical style caught our attention. Their latest release, “Moment of Escape,” is a profound look at how self-doubt and negative thoughts can impact one’s reality. Against a brooding and sparse backdrop, the emcee touches on the battle raging within one’s internal system and external forces. Ranging from shame, guilt and the interconnection with one’s immediate environment, the lyrics dive deep into the causation, correlation and effects. The verses are well-crafted and conveyed in a spoken-word-style delivery, while the chorus is a soul-stirring siren- like performance that draws listeners deep into the song.
Canadian multi-genre artist Mira Ore leads us into their stomping grounds in the song “City Lights.” The track has a modern contemporary sound with dark elements and hip-hop aesthetics, while the artists blend English and Canadian French into their performance. The raps are expressive and energetic, while the melodic parts are soothing and fluid.
“Not the Man” by Canadian artist Tyler Tokarz is a brilliant look at the never-ending chase that artists are locked in. Armed with a unique and expressive melody-laden cadence, Tokarz blends subtle vocal runs with profound lyricism over a cinematic backdrop. The track explores insecurities that artists face and the slow process of living up to one’s potential, finding one’s true purpose and coming out of the doldrums unscathed.
TEF CHOZEN FEW connects with Ransom & Keen Streetz on his new single “I Swear.” Backed by the soulful production of legendary producer the heatmakerz!, the emcees deliver a masterclass in lyricism.
Emerging singer/songwriter TJ Jones caught our ears with their latest release “FLOWERS GALORE.” The lyrics are sentimental and reflect on the power of nostalgia using the attributes of flowers. From a pleasing scent, the ability to beautify an environment, and its tokenism of love. TJ Jones takes us on a soul-searching journey filled with joy and bliss.
Mic G takes on the mantle of a “Young Achilles” in this anthemic single. Against. a punchy melodic vocal sample-driven backdrop, the rapper delivers fiery raps as he flexes on the haters.
Canadian rapper S1n shares his thoughts on the ongoing student protests in India in his new song “I Hope This Offends Them.” The track’s brooding feel and use of actual audio clips from the protest add urgency to the situation, and we find S1n detailing the inner workings of the systemic failure that led to this. He doesn’t mince his words as he delivers a scathing critique of the government of the day and their underhanded tactics to suppress the masses.
Korean producer Fredi Casso teams up with the legendary rapper/songwriter Declaime for “Soul Flyin’,” a futuristic funk/hip-hop track that hits the mark. Against a layered backdrop featuring pulsating bass synths, cinematic pads and a solid drum groove, Declaime delivers his usual off-kilter flow underpinned by stream of consciousness with a touch of surrealism.
“Thoughts in the Dome” is the latest track from LA-based emcee/songwriter Metaphysical. Once again, he takes us on a profound journey that leaves one with clarity after the long haul. From inner battles, external forces and never-ending challenges, Metaphysical urges us with the following encouraging lines “Even though it hurts, just don’t take no naps-/Nose down keep on grind in your daily habitat/Thoughts in the Dome makes you release yourself/Thought, word, action kept the same is WEALTH“
LANDEN enters our playlist with this heartfelt and nostalgia-inducing piece titled “Be together.” The self-produced track samples a soothing female vocal, soft guitar licks, and crunchy drum breaks, with LANDEN at the forefront. He uses a subtle radio effect which ramps up the nostalgic element, but the songwriting itself is the icing on the cake. Dealing with loss, heartbreak and the cost of love, he takes listeners through the eyes of a lady who is dealing with her own troubles in a relationship.
Marcus Porter goes on a quest to become the “King Of Pirates” in his new single. The One Piece-inspired track finds him taking stock of his journey as a young artist climbing the ranks and aspiring to be the best at what he does. Against a vocal sample-driven backdrop with energetic and punchy drums, Porter carries the mantle of a young Luffy with heart and determination.
Italian rap artist Eclipsy1.0 swings into our playlist with “Salvagente,” which means life preserver/life jacket in Italian. The track has retro boombap elements with a modern cinematic twist and finds the rapper delivering his bars with a melodic touch. The result is an aspirational piece that is engaging and unique all at once.
Brooklyn-based independent alternative band Honey VHS is a 4-member ensemble led by singer-songwriter Cameron Roberts and guitarist Luca Moneti Schliemann, Bassist Jasper Grigsby-Schulte and guitarist Joe Bailey. Their latest release, “Blue Eyes, Sunshine,” is a brilliant alternative soul/contemporary pop-infused track that highlights Roberts’ sultry vocal runs against layered and progressive instrumentation. The result is a blissful, summer-tinged track that evokes emotional relief.
Edmonton-based hip-hop artist Lion Luciano returns with “Thankful, ” an inspirational track that explores the never-ending struggles of life. Against a brooding and solemn production, Luciano looks at his life and the many characters who helped make life easier to deal with. He is joined by Ben E Brix, who adds his own perspective to the cut.
https://open.spotify.com/track/0KSjotH8M4E536PwdVBEkK
https://open.spotify.com/track/56ZEHVvLECbAi6HDqGDtTm
