It’s time to spin the records of our hip-hop and rap recommendations. These songs are at the cutting-edge of the genre from some of the globe’s best underground acts, so pay attention kids, you’re about to learn something.
Coi Leray’s ‘Players’ has taken the music world by storm, entering the Billboard Hot 100 and gaining over 39 million streams, thanks in part to popular remixes and relentless promotion on social media. DJ Saige’s remix, which layers Leray’s vocals atop Busta Rhymes’ ‘Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See’, has earned 400k video creates and 8000 million views on TikTok. Leray’s confident and charismatic delivery, paired with a sample of ‘The Messag’ by Grandmaster Flash & Furious Five, has garnered critical acclaim and a top spot on numerous popular playlists and charts. With ‘Players’, Leray proves that “girls is players too.”
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Fox Spirit’s new single ‘Snow Moon Flower’ tells a poignant story of the retrospective view of the atomic bomb dropped on Japan from a Japanese American perspective. The song delves into the timeline that led to the event and how Japanese Americans were treated in internment camps in the US. The lyrics are thought-provoking, questioning the justification of such an inhumane act, while acknowledging the complex historical context surrounding it. Fox Spirit’s emotive delivery and introspective lyrics convey the mood and feelings of his generation, while drawing influence from iconic figures like Nas and Kendrick Lamar. ‘Snow Moon Flower’ is a powerful and timely reminder of the need for empathy and understanding in a world torn apart by conflict and injustice.
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New England rapper Jay Gudda showcases his unique style in his latest track ‘Green Onions’, rapping over the classic 1962 original by Booker T & The MGs. The track is full of energy and rhythm, leaving listeners wanting more. Despite being a relatively new artist, Gudda has already worked with industry pioneers such as Pastor Troy and shared stages with well-known names like Cam’Ron and Jim Jones. Jay Gudda’s unconventional approach to music creation includes releasing work without any teasers or trailers, adding to his enigmatic image. With his talent and unique style, Jay Gudda is definitely an artist to watch out for.
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Angelyse Mariah is a talented singer/songwriter from New Jersey who moved to New York to pursue her music career after high school. She has been performing since she was a child and has even trained as a dancer in various styles such as ballet, modern, and hip hop. Her music is diverse, ranging from her first single ‘Hurting Yourself’, which she recorded entirely on the voice memos app on her iPhone, to her more recent releases like ‘Corny Texts’. This latest single showcases her edgy personality and features a hip hop trap sound, with Angelyse also showing off her bilingual skills by singing in Spanish. With her unique sound and strong work ethic, she is definitely an artist to keep an eye on in the coming years.
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Krept & Konan have brought together an impressive lineup of artists for the remix of their latest single ‘Dat Way’, resulting in a high-energy and diverse track. With each artist delivering their own unique verse, the remix showcases a variety of styles from the UK, US and Jamaica. The inclusion of Beenie Man on a Drill track is a standout moment, and French Montana’s appearance adds an international flair. The accompanying music video, filmed across London and New York, features all 12 artists and provides a mirror reflection of the original video. Overall, the ‘Dat Way’ remix is a powerful collaboration that showcases the versatility of the featured artists.
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J(X)’s ‘Brand New’ sets the tone for his upcoming EP, Dirt on the Pavement, with a mellow yet groovy beat that perfectly complements his introspective lyrics. Featuring Omega Nova on vocals, the track showcases J(X)’s production skills and his ability to blend different genres seamlessly. As he reflects on his personal journey, J(X) invites the listener into his world with an honesty and vulnerability that is rare in today’s music scene. With its catchy hook and laid-back vibe, ‘Brand New’ is the perfect introduction to J(X)’s unique style and leaves the listener wanting more.
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LAV.ISH’s ‘Rent Free’ is a smooth and melodic journey, and the third track is to be unveiled from their upcoming album, Another Good Day. The Los Angeles-based group’s attention to detail and coexistence with imperfection is evident in their in-house production, with producers Lucas and Brandon crafting a slick and polished sound. Meanwhile, vocalists Carl and Nim deliver captivating performances that effortlessly glide over the beats. The group’s mission to make listeners feel something is achieved through their ability to create a vibe that is both relaxing and uplifting. With mastering from Grammy award-winning engineer Mike Bozzi, LAV.ISH’s ‘Rent Free’ is a must-listen for fans of laid-back R&B and hip-hop.
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PURPLE MELON 