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.
Otis Mensah and the intern usher in the end of winter with their 2024 release ‘The Colour of Sunshine’, a soothing blend of alt-rap and jazzy lo-fi beats. Otis Mensah, known for exploring the intersections of poetry and experimental music, delivers mellow bars that float effortlessly over the intern’s jazzy compositions. The track reflects on the sun’s rising and setting, symbolizing the end of winter and the return of warmth. Otis Mensah, a musician and performer, draws influence from the rhythmic freedom of jazz, infusing aesthetic language with themes of identity and race. The intern, a beat-making artist, skillfully incorporates jazz and hip-hop influences into his productions, creating a rhythmic and melodic tapestry.
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Australian artist Lemon Larry’s single ‘Meditate’ offers a reflective journey, merging the sounds of New York City’s golden era and Aussie hip-hop of the 90s and 00s. The beat, reminiscent of classic hip-hop, features a Stage Band arrangement with elements like flute, funk synth bass, and electric guitar. The lyrics serve as a reminder to meditate, creating a balance between nostalgic beats and a contemporary message. The scratched samples in the beginning and end add a touch of authenticity to the track, inviting listeners to connect with the artist’s personal and musical influences.
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‘Writer’s Block’ is a piano-driven anthem that encapsulates the creative struggle, offering encouragement and optimism from duo J Cru. The airy yet lyrically compelling track reflects the duo’s journey and acts as a beacon of hope for dreamers and artists facing the challenge of overcoming creative obstacles. J Cru, comprising J Geezy and J Smitty, weaves intricate lyrical webs and sonic stories, channeling their deep love for hip-hop, ambition, and comedic flair into their music. With a successful 2022, including the release of the acclaimed GLONKY LP, the duo is poised for an exciting 2024, eager to share their evolving sound with the world.
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‘Senses’ is the latest single from Los Angeles rapper Garrett Zoukis, presenting a smooth and upbeat rap experience. The song delves into the impact of the five human senses—taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing—on recalling memories of a past love. Garrett explores the struggle of trying to forget someone when every sensory experience brings them back to mind. The track captures the realization that, despite lingering feelings and memories, change is inevitable. With insightful lyrics and a melodic backdrop, ‘Senses’ reflects on the profound connection between sensory stimuli and the emotional echoes of a past relationship, making it a compelling addition to Garrett Zoukis’s repertoire.
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‘Angel Dust’ by ZENtheRapper is a conscious alternative hip-hop track that combines poetic, melodic rap with a search for meaning, growth, and change. ZEN, known as the Spittin Mystic and Pen Magician, presents a style characterized by mystical, airy boombap, exploring meditations on the infinite. The lyrics are filled with wordplay that reveals hidden meanings, inviting listeners to uncover and rediscover the depth of the verses. Featuring Mouspad, the track’s enchanting instrumental and uplifting enlightenment focus contribute to the overall mystical and magical atmosphere. With echoes of Mac Miller, Earl Sweatshirt, and Meechy Darko, ‘Angel Dust’ offers a fantasy adventure in the realm of BoomBap Hip-Hop.
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Hailing from Brighton, Dom Champ is a rapper and spoken word artist who has shared ‘This Cycle’, a beautiful and melancholic track. With intricate lyrics and clean, simple production, the song provides a perfect introduction to the artist’s message and style. Released in January, the track aligns with its wintery sounds and thematic elements, yet it concludes with a cathartic uplift, showcasing the duality often found in Dom’s work. The song’s depth invites listeners to connect and offers longevity, making it suitable for repeated plays. ‘This Cycle’ stands as a testament to Dom Champ’s ability to craft emotionally resonant and captivating pieces within the rap and spoken word genres.
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Rising rapper and storyteller Foggieraw embarks on a new chapter with his latest single ‘Destiny’, released through Mercury Records/Republic Records. The track showcases the rapper’s vibrancy and versatility, delivered with confidence and a vintage black-and-white visualizer. The funky beats and head-nodding 808s set the tempo as Foggieraw exclaims, “I’m on a crash course headed to destiny,” promising legendary status. In 2023, the artist made waves with the two-pack, The Foggie Pound 3, featuring the hit single ‘Psalm 62’. With millions of streams and high-profile co-signs, including Swizz Beatz, Foggieraw continues to captivate audiences, preparing for more releases in 2024.
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Werdperfect (aka Matthew Leeb) brings his unique perspective to the forefront with the single ‘Disco Ball’. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Werdperfect’s musical journey began in his teenage years, opening for underground hip-hop acts and shaping his craft. Settling in Los Angeles, he continued to produce music that echoes the golden era of hip-hop, featuring raw lyrical rap over meticulously arranged samples and drums, crafted with an MPC 2000xl. ‘Disco Ball’ reflects Werdperfect’s commitment to the nostalgic sound of his predecessors, drawing inspiration from his upbringing surrounded by the musical influences of his classic rock guitarist father and music-loving hippie mother.
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PURPLE MELON 